Soccer Party at Chuck E. Cheese

Lucky kids. Cavett's end of the season soccer party was at Chuck E. Cheese, a pure treat. It was a first for Kendrick and I think he was a bit overwhelmed. Cavett got a trophy and all had fun.

Soccer Sub

While we were in Shreveport, Anna Grace's soccer team needed a little help. (Players 32 and 33)They were down several players, so Cavett graciously stepped in. It was so fun to watch the two of them together play. Afterwards we celebrated Candace's birthday at Strawn's.

Just Plain Busy

My blogging has really fallen off and I am sorry. I haven't even read most of my friends' blogs. I am having a hard time getting to a computer since I dont have good access to my laptop anymore. Really, I am only keeping up with it now because it is our family jounal and will be made into a Blurb scrapbook each year. But, the main reason I haven't been able to keep up is this pool. We are doing so much on our own, which means that Stephen is spending a lot of time outside working. And, it has been raining, so it is a nasty mud pit out there, so I am inside with the kids. Still no house cleaner, so I am busy trying to keep up with that as well. The only reason I blog now is that the kids are in school, my shower is taken and bible study is done. On to the fun stuff...

Now really, today was so busy that I failed to notice that they had re-scheduled Cavett's soccer game. I checked the calendar before Cavett and I headed out. Stephen was working on the built-up flower bed and Kendrick was down for a nap. We got there and looked around and didn't see his team. I called Stephen to double check and I had missed an email that moved the game up by 3 hours. We missed it and I felt like a horrible mother! It was the first thing I had missed on accident. Cavett was only slightly disappointed. After the initial saddness, he said, "can I go play on the playground instead?" How could I deny him? It ended fine and he was on top of the world.

Finally, the First Soccer Game

Cavett's first soccer game was supposed to be the 12th. It rained. Then it was to be the 19th, but so much rain closed the fields. Finally, last night at 7:15, he had his game and he did me proud! (He's number 8.) He made the first goal, but the most important thing to me was that he had fun without any temper tantums, crying or loosing his cool. Mission accomplished! He even earned two smiley faces for his Cheerful Chart (after 15 smiles he gets to go to the movies and have popcorn.) Hopefully, this patttern will continue--the smiles, not the rain...

Cavett's First Soccer Game

Tonight was Cavett's first ever professional soccer game--FC Dallas. He and Stephen went as a "boy's only night" and I think they really had fun. Cavett had a jumbo hot dog and was asking for more. Evidently, he also had Sprite which gave him a sugar "high," and as a result I received this pic.

We gave Cavett the decision of which sport he could play this fall. He could only choose one--soccer or baseball (T-ball) and he chose soccer. We asked him several times, "Are you sure?" Same answer, every time. He begins practice the last week of August and the first game is Sept. 12. He should have a leg up against his other team mates in that he has played an entire year. Age 4 is the starting age in Allen.

Soccer

This morning was Cavett's second soccer game of the season. So far, I haven't really been able to be there and watch a game or practice due to little brother and Dad has been there instead. But this morning, Dad was working. After checking the weather the previous day, I decided to call a babysitter to keep Kendrick while I was with Cavett at the game.


It was picture day and it was cold and windy--very cold and very windy. We got there around 8:15. By 9:00 the picture taking was done and we hung out inside the school until his 9:45 game. Luckily there was a craft show going on so at least we were entertained. He charmed several of the vendors with his made up song about trying to find a booth with hot chocolate. Really, someone would have made a ton of money, but only coffee to be found and he wanted none of that.

He played a good game and made one goal. The only injury--a cleat to the forehead. He shed a few tears and has a bruise, but otherwise he's fine. We enjoyed cuddling up in the blanket for most of the game. The best part was half time snack. He received an apple and ate it! Never before had he ever eaten an apple from the core. He now loves them he said! Yeah--another take along fruit he'll eat!

Soccer Wrap Up and the Grocery Store

Last night we had our soccer party at a local pizza joint. Started out fine, but it ended in pure craziness. It didn't really matter though, because it was all about the kids and Cavett came home with a trophy. He really enjoyed this season and I think we have several more in our future. Thanks Coaches Steve and Alex!

This morning Kendrick and I went to the grocery store while Cavett was at school. I got one of the carts that looks like a car hoping that it would hold his attention. Unfortunately, I was wrong. 2/3rds the way through he was saying "All done! All done!" and wanted down. It was a fairly unpopulated store today, so I let him run. He wanted to push and pull the cart. Pretty cute with our new squeaky shoes. Sorry I didn't get any video. People look at you funny when you video and photograph in a grocery store.

The Weekend Review

It was unbelievably busy.

Thursday evening we met some friends out to see their location for their nuptials in May.

Friday, I went to the Sugar Plum Market with Brenda and my neighbor, Debbie. For lunch, Brenda, Isabela and I met up with my boys for a lingering lunch. Unfortunatly, we were not hoping for a long lunch. Oh, well. During nap I made a pecan pie for Saturday's dinner. That evening we took the kids to Parent's Night Out at church so that we could research some Christmas presents and catch dinner at our favorite sushi restaurant.

Saturday, I woke up way before dawn to give my first professional development presentation for 3 hours. It did go fairly well and I am super glad it is over and I get get back to having a bit of free time working on the projects of my own choosing--blogging, cake making, scrapbooking and writing another new Blurb book! It's amazing. I just can't quit. I'm addicted to Blurb. I mixed up Cavett's soccer ball cake during nap time. That evening we headed to Brenda's for a Thanksgiving spread of the best pork chops I have ever had. Thanks for cooking Sammy.

This morning, I led my 6th graders in singing for the 8:30 service. We did skip out on the 11:00 service. Had lunch at a Mexican restaurant and spent the rest of the time before choir rehearsal icing the soccer ball cake for Cavett's final soccer team party on Tuesday.

I'm physically exhausted, but it may be because there was no time for excersicing. I'm looking forward to getting back to a regular week. Stephen is off fixing a neighbor's computer. I guess there is no more procrastinating. I better get busy catching up on the laundry now.

Soccer Practice

Soccer is going well for Cavett. I would say that he is making 50-75% of the goals the team makes. He is fairly aggresive on the field and has gotten over the fact that you fall down and get dirty. He really looks forward to the games and practices.

Kendrick on the other hand has a difficult time. Some days he is good in the stroller the entire time. Other times, like today, nothing about the stroller or snacks will satisfy him. Today he found his shadow. He found it interesting to wave his arms and watch how it changed. At one point, he tried to pick it up. He also enjoyed riding on Dad's shoulders.

The Weekend Review

I just can't seem to keep up on the weekends with posting, so here is the Sunday night review.

Once Dad was home Friday night we headed to Chick-Fil-A for an early dinner. Cavett then had a soccer clinic at the neighborhood across the interstate. Cavett had a good time and learned a few new moves, but I think Kendrick enjoyed it more running around the huge open field.

Saturday morning was soccer game and then playing at the park. The afternoon was relaxed and I played around with what Stephen had taught me about Photoshop the night previous. That evening we headed to Anna and Mark's house for some homemade pizza. Brenda thought it a good idea to have an early Halloween "party" for the kids and she made a yummy pumpkin trifle and read a few "spooky" stories to them. Cavett has decided to be an "army man" complete with a marshmallow shooting gun.

Sunday morning was the usual church ritual and afternoon naps. Kendrick is dropping his morning naps lately, so the afternoon nap has become longer. It's just tough to get him to wait until we get home from where ever we are or until Cavett goes down. Speaking of which Cavett maybe dropping his nap anyway.

This evening we strolled to "the brown park." The weather was absolutely delightful. While we were there the ice cream truck came singing by. Cavett didn't ask for any, but did give us quite a dance. Unfortunately, we didn't get the best part recorded. For dinner it was sandwiches all around. Kendrick had his first PB & J!!!! This is HUGE!!!! He has a new food with some protien and it's an "on-the-go" type! I am pumped about this. Notice pb all over face and j on shirt.

Over all it was a good weekend and we are ready for a short work week. Stephen has Friday off, so we will head to S'port to see family and for some Revel-ing!!!!

Sorry it's sideways.

Our Hurrication

This week has been full. Full of good friends, good food, good drinks, good times, good laughter, good discussions and fun games. I don't even know where to begin.

Our kitchen has been at the center of the "Core". Isabela even helped me bake some Congo Bars. Here's what we've eaten:

Chicken and Mushroom Soup with Rice

Spaghetti

Guatamalan Black Beans, Plantains, and Chicken

Pork Tenderloin

Gumbo

Hamburgers

Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Tamales

Everyday we tried to excersise to keep all those calories burned, but it didn't happen this weekend. We walked alot around the neighborhood having picnic lunches and did some P90X. Plyometrics is tomorrow morning. We have all (the girls and Stephen) vowed to get up at 6:30 and do it together. Friday we even braved the mall with 3 kids.

Thursday evening we played Apples to Apples--a "Core" appropriate game (apple core). We had some interesting words that have been repeated throughout the weekend--flying monkeys, profound zucchini, grass skirts. Play the game and you'll see.

Friday was poker, but I think we only lasted for 10 hands when we then ended up discussing politics. Basically, it was 5 against 1, trying to convince Brenda why she needed to vote for McCain. As you see in the picture, it got a little heated and you had to have the "can" to talk.

Saturday morning, after a Chick-Fil-A biscuit breakfast, the entire group showed up for Cavett's first soccer game. He did well, but I just don't think he was prepared for the pushing and shoving by the other team. I would say he cried about 75% of the time he was on the field, even while he was running after the ball. I will have to say the other team was quite aggressive and their coach was even more. Hopefully, next week will be better.

That evening, we had 2 other neighborhood couples over for burgers and ended up in the pool. It was great fun, but I ended up with a major ear issue. I have water in my left ear that I can't get out. It feels like I have a pillow over that ear and yes, I have tried pouring alcohol in it.

Today we are recovering, everybody checked in on their houses. Still no power and the Falcone's found a spot on their roof that is leaking. All the boys will go to work tomorrow and Cavett will return to school. Life is slowly but surely returning back to normal. But, we are still glad we have our housemates.

Soccer Video

Here are a few highlights. The kid at the end in the yellow shirt is actually not on his team. He's an older brother of another teammate. FYI-He's kicking left footed.

Cavett's First Soccer Practice

We bought the cleats, the shin guards, the shorts, and the socks. After nap we put it all on, had a banana for energy and headed to our first soccer practice at an elementary school near by. Luckily, Dad got off in time to meet us there. There are 6 other kids on the team and Cavett was previously friends with 4 of them. It was a comfortable situation.

After the initial "Don't touch the ball with your hands and kick it in the goal," the first "game" was without balls. Each kid got a flag and tried to chase each other to rip the flags off. Then they did the same, but went for a specific color. From there, they began using the balls. The coach set up a circle with himself in the center. The kids were to try and kick the ball to hit him. The coach was great and gave some funny reactions each time he was hit.

Now, this entire time, Cavett is having a blast! He was giggling uncontrollably which is quite contagious. He stopped for an occasional water break but he never sat down and quit even when others were. He only complained once and that was to say that "my underware is sticking to me!" I'll just say we were all sweating! By this time we are realizing he really is pretty good at this. One Mom even commented, "How long have you been practicing?" Truthfully, we haven't. We've occasionally kicked the ball around the yard this summerand talked about how you don't use your hands, but that is about it.

There were a few other games and then at the end they started on one side and raced to see who could get the ball to the goal first. Cavett was either first or second either time. Mason is going to give him a run for his money! He had a great time and really enjoyed himself. He even prayed for his new soccer friends.

Stay tuned for the video version.