Soccer Banquet

Drew's soccer banquet was held on Monday, November 17th at Chick-fil-a. Coach Chris and Miss Deanne had planned this wonderful banquet to congratulate our boys on a fantastic season! The team enjoyed chicken nugget kids meals, cupcakes, ice cream, and of course, playing on the playground. The families enjoyed dinner, and watching their special players receive their medallions and trophies.

Drew and his friends enjoy their chicken nuggets. Please notice the hats on their heads - I thought Drew's was an envelope and was looking for something inside! Only me...

Drew receives his medallion and trophy from Coach Chris and his son, Coleman.

Congratulations boys on a terrific season! We are so proud of each of you!!

Happy Birthday Brooke, Goodbye Soccer...

Saturday, November 8, it was freezing cold here, and I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off. Drew had 2 soccer games (end of the season tournament) and between the two of those Mikayla was excited about going to her friend Brooke's birthday party! What does a mama do? Be the tough one that she is, of course, and take care of it all!

Drew's first game was at 10:15, but the coach wanted him there at 9:15 so they could get some practice time in before the game. So Mikayla, Drew, and I headed out the door about 9 and sat in the cold for an hour while our boys kicked the ball around some. Drew also began complaining of a tummy ache about the time we arrived. We began moving over to the field where the game would be played about 10:00. We were playing one of the best (if not the best) teams in the league so when we scored first I went bananas! That was the only time we scored in the game (I believe) though, and the other team walked away with a big victory. The game ended at 11:15 which gave us just enough time to grab some lunch before Mikayla and I were to meet Amy and Jadyn at 12:15 so we could get to Brooke's party by 1:00.

We ended up not meeting Amy, Jadyn, and Trevyr until 12:30 and then headed to Shenandoah Farms where the party was being held. It was a neat horse farm that I had never been to. We arrived about five minutes after 1 and they had just begun the horse rides. I was able to watch as Mikayla rode a horse for the first time in her life - she has ridden many ponies, but this was a huge horse that the handler was walking around a HUGE pasture. I wish I had taken my camera, but my friends Nanda and Tracie had theirs and they got some pictures of Mikayla for me. I will try and add those when they email them. I needed to leave about 1:20 in order to make it back to the soccer fields in time for Drew's second game of the day (and last for the season) that started at 2. Amy, Nanda, Tracie, and Carol insisted that I leave Mikayla if she wanted to stay and that they would take care of her and bring her home. All of these ladies are wonderful friends of mine and I trust them completely, so when Mikayla said she wanted to stay, I hugged and kissed her goodbye and told her I would see her after the party.

I arrived back at the soccer fields just before the game started. This second game was an awesome game between two pretty evenly matched teams. We, again scored the first goal, and when they scored their first we answered with a second one. They ended up tying the game and then scoring two more goals on us to win the game 4 - 2. It was a fun, exciting game - a terrific end to a great season!!

Drew and I came home after his game to wait for Mikayla. He wasn't real happy when he found out she got to go to a horse farm and ride horses. I told him we would go back one day so he could have a chance to ride! Amy called not long after we got home to say that they were on the way. When they arrived, Jadyn and Mikayla and Drew and Trevyr played for awhile while Amy and I talked. It was so much fun having our friends over at our house. Neither Trevyr nor Jadyn wanted to leave, so I assured them that they could come over any time they would like!

A fun, busy Saturday for all. Now, that soccer is over, it is on to basketball!

"Socctoberfest"

On Sunday, October 26, Drew, Mikayla, and I headed to our local park to participate in AYSO's "Socctoberfest". Even though this is Drew's second year playing soccer, this is the first time we have participated in "Socctoberfest". It was a very well organized event, and I'm glad we participated! The children could wear their soccer uniforms or they could wear their costumes. Drew wanted to wear his costume, and because of this, of course Mikayla wanted to wear hers. All I can say is I'm glad they have gotten so much use out of their costumes this year!!

Mikayla waits for the "Parade of Teams" to start!

Drew walks in the "Parade of Teams" with his coach Christ, and teammates Zachary, Micah, Connor, and Harrison! When the parade was over, Drew told me he was embarrassed while walking- I reminded him that with his mask on most people didn't even know who he was!

Drew participating in the "scariest costume" contest.
My dad surprised us by showing up after we had been there about an hour. Drew and Mikayla sure were happy to see their Poppi! Mikayla even wore Poppi's hat for awhile so she did the only natural thing - she let him wear hers!

AYSO had vendors there and also inflatables. A local martial arts school came to put on a demonstration for the players and families. There was even a soccer game between the coaches and the referees from this season! Drew and Mikayla wanted to play on the equipment at the park more than anything. They especially loved Poppi pushing them on the swings!! Drew played in the last regular game of the season this past Saturday, and the game ended in a tie. He does, however, have the chance to play in a soccer tournament this coming weekend. We can't wait to watch the outcome of that!!

Another Soccer Game

Drew gets ready to play goalie in the first quarter. Drew kicks the ball off the line - this has gotten to be one of his favorite parts of the game!

Two weeks ago, I did not have my camera with me at the soccer game, but it was probably best. We played the hardest team in the league (in my opinion), and we lost. Our guys still played incredible well together, though and we are so proud. Last week, we played a team that is similar to ours. In fact, the last time we played this team the game ended in a tie. Last week, however, they beat us by one point. Drew was goalie for 2 quarters, and I was nervous the whole time. But he loves it so who am I to keep him from doing something he loves. Especially right now, while it is only "playing goalie". This was a GREAT soccer game, played by two pretty equal teams. We had several opportunities to score and tie the game, but goals were missed by what must have been centimeters (from where I was it looked like we scored twice). Those are fun games to watch, I just wished the score had been different at the end. Again, though, we were proud by how well our guys played. It was funny to hear the assistant coach of the other team yell "YES" when the ref blew the whistle to signal the end of the game. Everyone there was holding their breaths. We have another game tomorrow, and Drew (and mama) can't wait!

Another Soccer Game!

My dad is hobbling around right now with a hurt back. Before Drew's soccer game last Saturday, he decided that he would show Drew how to stay back in the goal when he plays goalie. While he and Drew were playing, all of his teammates joined them and Drew said "try to make it past my Poppi, he is good". So, daddy had about 6 little boys kicking balls to him and he was blocking them. When he straightened his back to walk to his chair he knew something was wrong.

Look at my daddy go! Drew had so much fun playing soccer with Poppi!

During the game, Drew and his teammates played awesome! We were playing the number one team in the league and we beat them 9 - 0. Drew scored three goals in this game - one on a free kick. Connor also scored a goal during this game, and Israel almost did! One of the parents on the other team asked the ref if there was a time when he could ask the other team not to score. The ref reminded her that these were 6, 7, and 8 year olds, and he couldn't very well do that! We were all excited for our guys, and we can't wait to see how well they play this week. They are really starting to work together and I can't get over how much they have all learned this season!

The other team is taking a corner kick and our guys (red) are guarding the goal. I loved Drew's intensity here!!

Drew takes the free kick - he scored one of his goals here!

Drew played goalie during the third quarter. I was so worried, but he did awesome. He even blocked a hard kicked ball and ended up with a strawberry above his knee. He never got upset (he rubbed it a little - okay a good bit), but mom was a little worried! The crowd was cheering for him, so he wasn't about to show any pain! That's my little athlete!!

Whew!

Have you ever felt like you were running in quick sand? I'm feeling that way about every week now. Every time I start feeling that I'm caught up and can relax, something else comes my way. Please don't get me wrong - I'm not complaining! I am very blessed - I have a fantastic husband, two beautiful, healthy children, a terrific family, and a wonderful job. I have to remember new school years are always like this, and things will settle soon (I hope!).

With other responsibilities comes less time for "fun stuff" and this blog (oh how I love it), counts as "fun stuff". Thus, the reason I have fallen behind with my posting!

Drew will have another soccer game tomorrow and I have yet to post about the previous two...

At his game two weeks ago, his team won 6-1 and Drew scored two goals. One of his goals he scored on a kick-off from mid-field! We couldn't believe it - I think everybody was a little shocked, even Drew!

I love this picture - Drew looks so intense!This is the kick-off where Drew scored a goal. The ball went from here into the goal!!Drew throws the ball in to his teammates.

And, Drew playing goalie. He loves to play goalie and it tears my nerves up. Almost to the point that I can't watch! Here it looks like he's adding up the score instead of watching for the ball. Hence why mom is scared to watch!

At last weeks' game I forgot my camera. It was also silent Saturday where the parents and coaches could not talk/cheer/yell. You could clap and that is all - do you know how hard this is for me? Drew was goalie two of the quarters in that game and he did not score any goals. Our team also lost the game 4-3. We are anxious to see how our little guys do tomorrow - Drew can't wait! Go RED (we don't have a team name...)!!

Drew's 2nd Soccer Game

Drew played another soccer game last Saturday, September 13 (I am one week behind - look for this week's game coming soon). We were scheduled to bring snacks to this game and it started at 1:00. I was worried about our children playing in the heat of the day, so I slathered sunscreen on both Drew and Mikayla and we headed to the fields. Craig wasn't far behind us with the cooler for the snacks and drinks. We were playing the number one team in the league, and Drew's friend Josh was on the other team. Drew and Josh were on the same soccer team last year and they were also in the same class at school. It was a hard fought game with our guys scoring 2 goals right away. Then the other team came back and scored 3 goals so they were up by one. Then, Drew scores a goal to tie the game! I was so proud of Drew and all of our boys for playing hard in this game. They could have given up, but neither team did. They kept playing hard. Drew only scored one goal the whole season last year (that might have something to do with him always wanting to play goalie), but this year he has already scored 2 goals, one in each game we have played!

This is what Mikayla likes to do when Drew is sitting out. Everyone on the team takes a break during one quarter of play. Drew (and all the other guys) needs this break! Mikayla makes sure Poppi gets his exercise!

Drew hustles most of the time to get in there and get the ball. Sometimes Craig wishes he would play a little more aggressive.

Drew (as goalie) kicks the ball - this has some special name, but because I still don't know a whole lot about soccer I'm not sure if it is called a "goal kick" or something else...
Drew gets a hard kick in on kick-off! I think he has the form to be a big time kicker someday - what do you think?
The guys take a break during half-time and enjoy some snacks.
Mikayla and Poppi run some more!

This was such a great game, and it was a nail biter to the end! With AYSO, rank is based on a point system. You get so many points for a win, so many for a tie, none for a loss, but your team also gets points if your coach or another parent volunteers as a ref. I was happy with a tie because our team was able to get some points! Go Drew - keep playing hard! We are still trying to come up with a name for our team...

Drew's First Soccer Game

Last Saturday, Drew had his first soccer game of the year! He was so excited he could hardly wait! His team had gotten their whole uniforms (we are red/white this year), and you can see the shorts and socks below. Unfortunately, they mixed up our shirts and they were all the wrong sizes. These are temperary shirts until ours come in hopefully this week. It didn't bother Drew or the other guys in the least, as they were just so excited to finally be playing a game. We have been practicing since the beginning of August. Drew gets ready to kick-off!My beautiful girl watches her brother play! Drew lines up to kick-off in the second half.
All the boys played very well. Drew scored the first goal for his team!! Our team ended up losing the game 5 - 2, but our boys had so much fun playing and they played hard. We were so proud of how well our boys played together as a team. Both Drew and Zachary scored points for our team! We were cheering like crazy during the whole game!

Drew has another game today, and we can't wait to see how this one goes!

Soccer Banquet

Last Monday night we attended Drew's soccer banquet at Pizza Inn. Jennie, and Mimi joined Craig, Drew, Mikayla, and I and the rest of Drew's team for supper and awards.

Drew sits at the table with all the boys from his team. They had so much fun that night!

I love this face Mikayla is making - I caught her with food in her mouth.

Drew receives his trophy from Coach Chris, Coach Matt, and Chris' son.

It was a fun night, where the boys could be silly and enjoy spending time with each other off of the soccer field (we reserved the banquet room). There were smiles all around!!

Playoff Games...

Drew plays goalie for our team - he played in this position the majority of both games on Saturday! He loves it!!! It makes me just a little nervous...
This is where you could normally find Poppi and Mikayla during the games (well during quarter breaks anyway). They were chasing each other in the open grassy area beside the field. It was pretty cute - my dad would "tackle" Mikayla and then Mikayla would chase him and "tackle" him. I tried to get a picture of Mikayla "tackling" Poppi, but he was pretty quick to get up...
I LOVE this picture. It shows how close the teammates were. Drew and a teammate share a chair during a quarter they were resting!

Drew's soccer team had 2 games last Saturday as part of the playoff tournament for AYSO. I was super excited about this as Drew missed his last soccer game of the regular season the week before. His games were scheduled for 10:00 and 3:00 last Saturday and if they won those two games there was a chance they would have played on Sunday for the championship game. As it turned out, they won the 10:00 game (beating a team that had previously beaten them), and lost the 3:00 game (to a team they beat previously in the season). They didn't play in the championship game, but our boys had fun and that's what it's all about anyway, right?

Soccer Update

Mikayla was invited to her friend Jadyn's birthday party on Saturday (see above post) so we were to miss Drew's last soccer game (or so I thought) for this year. Mikayla and I leave for Jadyn's party with specific instructions for Craig and Drew about the game (time, uniform, etc.). The problem?? Craig is not able to find one of Drew's socks when it is time for the game. His solution?? Drew doesn't have to go...

My sister calls me to see if I might can help them locate this sock over the phone, but I didn't hear my phone ring. When I talked to Craig and he informed me that he and Drew did not go, I was not happy. The good news...we found out today that Drew actually has at least 2 more games - playoff games, both to be played this Saturday. If they win both of those games, they have a game on Sunday. So we have solved the mystery of the missing sock, and everything is on go for Saturday!! Mikayla and I should be able to attend - don't worry I'll have pictures...

Soccer Games 6 & 7

Drew looks professional as he gets ready to kick the ball to start the game.

Poppi, Mikayla, and Jennie get ready to cheer Drew and his team on.
Drew loves playing goalie, and he plays this position most of the time. Here some of his teammates help him guard the goal as the other team throws the ball in.
Drew is serious about playing goalie. These pictures were all from Drew's game on October 13th. He didn't sit out a quarter during this whole game because one of our players wasn't there. Two of the four quarters he played goalie!This picture is from Drew's game yesterday. He played 3 quarters of this game, and all three quarters he played goalie. I'm very proud of the job he does as goalie, but it sure makes me nervous as his mom. I still don't know all I'd like to know about soccer, but my feeling is there is a lot of pressure on you as goalie. Drew's team is really good about helping him out, and keeping the ball on the opposite side of the field. Playing goalie doesn't seem to make Drew nervous at all - he LOVES it!!

Drew's last game is scheduled for next Saturday and I am not looking forward to it being over. Drew's not either - of course then we move right into basketball...

Soccer Game 5

Drew had his fifth soccer game on Saturday. While playing during the first quarter, Drew was really favoring his arm. So much so, that I thought (even asked) that he might need to sit out the rest of the game. He was determined to play, and kept telling me his arm was okay. He played all but one quarter on Saturday and as the game went on, his arm didn't seem to be bothering him as much. They played a tough team, and lost the game by one goal. There record is 2-3 with all three losses by only one goal. In this game, as in the others, they have tried really hard to come back in the fourth quarter! We are so proud of these little boys for the effort they put forth!

I was so proud of Drew when, during the second quarter, he was playing goalie and he cheered Jose on every time he kicked the ball to the other side of the field. It was great to hear him demonstrate good sportsmanship that we talk about all the time!

4th Soccer Game

Saturday was a busy day for us. Drew had a soccer game and then Mikayla was scheduled to dance with her dance company at a local Harvest Fest. We were excited to see how they both would do. These two sure keep us busy, but we enjoy every minute of it - especially watching their faces as they do what they love! Drew loves playing goalie, and has started in that position at 3 of the last four games. He does a pretty good job and has only allowed one goal scored against him! Here he is getting ready to start the game.
Drew kicks a ball into play - he got the ball across the line at half field!
In the other two quarters (he sat our second quarter) that Drew played in, he played forward. He enjoys this part as well, as he gets to run and try to score! We all enjoy cheering him on!

Soccer Game Number 3

Saturday morning we had to be at the fields early because Drew's team had pictures before their game. We were all tired because we stayed out later than usual at the football game Friday night. It was very hard for Drew and Mikayla to get up and get going Saturday. I am so upset at myself that I forgot my camera this week. Drew's team played against Trey's team. You may remember Trey from the posts from our beach trip this summer. Trey is Craig's step-sister's son. All I could think was that Nana sure would love to see pictures of two of her grandsons on the field. Sorry Nana!! The game was awesome. Drew's team scored the first goal of the game, but then Trey's team went up by 3 goals during the second quarter (Drew sat this quarter out). Then in the 3rd and 4th quarters Drew's team got back into the game and were only down by one goal. They couldn't get another goal scored by the time the ref blew the final whistles, but they sure played hard trying to. Most of the boys had taken shots and had only missed by inches (Drew included). By the way I was sweating at the end of the game, you might have thought I was playing. Didn't think you could get so tired just from cheering...

Drew was upset on the way home that his team had lost, but when I asked if he had fun, he responded "YES". I reminded him that having fun was most important. He is so competitive that sometimes he forgets...

It was a great game, and Tracy (Trey's dad) even commented after the game that we had a "strong little kicker" on our hands. That made me smile...

2nd Soccer Game

Drew had his second soccer game on Saturday. His team played very well, but lost to another great team 3 - 2. Because there are 7 players on Drew's team, one player has to sit out 2 quarters one game this season. I volunteered to make the schedule for this, and this was Drew's game to sit out twice. He was not happy about this, but seemed to understand that everyone would have a turn and this was his.

Drew was captain for this game so he was on the field for the "coin toss".

Drew had control of the ball a few times during this game, but didn't score a goal. I was pleasantly surprised that he didn't let this bother him! We are so proud of his effort.

Drew really wanted to play goalie again during this game. He seemed to have a hard time understanding that everyone wanted to play goalie, but not everyone had a turn yet. I think he understands now that once everyone has a turn, he will get another chance. Next game - this Saturday. I am now a fan of soccer, and find myself looking forward to his games with much anticipation!!

First Soccer Game!

The team huddle before the game.

Today was Drew's first soccer game. His game was scheduled to start at 12:00, but the 11:00 game ran over, so we didn't officially start until 12:20. Here we are at the soccer fields with the midday sun shining directly on us. I immediately regretted my forgetfulness as I didn't apply sunscreen to either of the kids. It's so hard to tell when they are getting sunburned because they are like me, and their skin reddens when they get hot. Lucky for us games only last 1 hour so it wasn't like we were out there all day. Another parent on our team remembered she had an umbrella in her car, and she graciously let us use it to shade Mikayla (and Drew during breaks). We were so thankful for that kind gesture, and I'm happy to report that neither are sunburned. I wish I could say the same for me - my scalp is red (where my hair parts), and also my right arm (my left one must have been under the umbrella?). It's not bad though, and I'll be fine! Just glad my angels aren't burned!!! Note to self: On game days, not only do we need lots of water and blankets to sit on (which we had today), but also sunscreen and a big umbrella!! We have learned so much about this game already...

During the first quarter, Drew played goalie. He didn't get much action though, as our kids kept the ball at the other end of the field for the most part!

The next quarter Drew played forward (I think this is correct, I still am not too sure of the positions). He loves playing goalie, but he also loves to run after the ball! It's great that all the kids get a chance to play goalie!!

Drew sat out the third quarter - because we have 7 players two sit out each quarter. I love this, too, because it gives the kids a chance to rest during the game!

Drew was back in the game for the fourth quarter, and SCORED the last goal of the game!! GO DREW!! We were ecstatic - this is Drew's first year playing, so we thought it might take him awhile to get the rules of the game. Poppi, Jennie, daddy, mommy, and Mikayla were there to cheer him on. His face after he scored was priceless. He turned from the goal to me and said (with two thumbs up) "I got it in!!" Drew's team won their first game 3 - 0. We were so proud of the teamwork that these boys displayed!! Gooo Tiger Sharks!!

Both teams played well! It was an awesome game to watch. Did I say I didn't like watching soccer?? It's different with your child on the field!!