The Diary of A Soccer Mom

A#2 decided she wanted to play soccer so I signed her up. This was the first day of practice and this is how we started our evening above. She is crying because she doesn't like how the shin guards feel on her legs. A#2's body is very sensitive. I don't know why. For example, she wouldn't wear sandals this summer that went between her toes and some shirts she won't wear because they "itch" her. And maybe really they do. So my pediatrician's advice was to get some lotion and put it on before she puts something that might bother her on her body and feet. So far it has worked until today. So what I finally ended up doing was loosening her shin guards and that made it better. Thank goodness cause Steven had class tonight and I was on my own tonight. Although I know he wanted to go so bad. Steven and his sister Tiffani played soccer for their high school and when they first started the soccer program at their school, Steven scored the first goal for the boys soccer team and Tiffani scored the first goal for the girls team. So maybe it's in the genes.
We got to practice and A#2 adjusted very well. The coach was very good and she even hit the ball in the goal twice. Good for her! What a pro! Doesn't she look like a natural?

This is my favorite shot. She is really enjoying herself and when we got in the car she was so proud of herself! Her first comment was, "Did you see me mom...Did you see me get the 2 balls in the goal?" I am so glad she is enjoying it. So I guess it's official. I am joining all you other soccer moms out there. I'll be standing on the sidelines cheering her on. And when they mention the "soccer mom" vote in this coming election I guess now I really will fall in that category. I'm so excited that she has found something she enjoys. I'll try to post pictures of A#2 at gymnastics next time so you can see her in action.

The Train

Ok..many of you have given me a hard time about the little train outside the zoo because of the photo above. Let me explain. You see one day we rode the train as a playgroup and this happened. A tree had given way and landed on the top of one of the cars. Luckily no one was hurt. The ride just ended a little sooner than it should have. Most of my friends will still ride the train with me even though this happened. I chalk it up to a freak accident. I have been on this train many a time from the time I was 3 years old and that was the first time anything like this had happened. However, not sure if my friend Kelly will ever ride it again.

So today we rode the train that I have ridden for 35 years. I can't believe it's still running. I am so glad I can take my kids now and ride the train. You see when I was little my grandmother pictured below took me every Tuesday to ride the train and then we would go to McDonalds which was my favorite restaurant at the time. Boy have my tastes come a long way! So now my grandmother takes all of us to ride the train.
Here is my grandmother, my cousin's little girl and the 2 A's ready for departure.
I took this picture because this is the first time I've seen a dog ride the train with us. He was very good and enjoyed the ride with his owner. I thought he looked kind of like our dog Indy, but he is actually a Belgium Malawa who is in the same family as the Belgium Tervurens. If you don't know what Indy looks like, I'll share some pictures of him later.
So all in all it was another fun ride! I can't tell you how many times I've ridden the train. I have lost count, but it is always so much fun!

Butterflys Everywhere!

After school started we had a little outing with 2 of A#1 and A#2's friends. We went to the butterfly exhibit and actually got to hold butterflies. We were actually surrounded by butterflies. Here is A#1 above holding a watermelon with a butterfly on it. She doesn't look so sure does she?

Here are 3 of them holding the sticks with the watermelon and the butterflies. Now they are feeling a little bit better about the whole thing.

And finally, I added this picture just because I thought it was a pretty good. Hee! Maybe I should take up photography.

Dancers

Thought you all could use a little laugh. I've seen lots of brides and grooms dance, but not like this! Enjoy! Watch below.

Back To The Grind

"Back to the grind!" as my mother used to say when we would start a new school year. That's exactly what we've been doing. This is why I haven't posted in a while. We are getting used to transitioning from kindergarten to first grade for A#1. I do remember first grade being hard, but not this hard. I think A#1 will be just fine once she gets the hang of it. We go to school only 3 days a week. The other 2 days I "teach" her.... which has been quite a challenge. The teacher gives me the work I'm supposed to work with her on the days we are off. Today we worked really hard off and on. I had to give her breaks because sitting there continuously is hard not only for her, but for me as well. We will survive though. And she is doing great! So I'm really proud of her.
And again this year I was told how different my two girls are. A#2's teacher was amazed. I was told she raised her hand answering questions the first week of school and even spelled apple for a friend in her class. A#2 is also very social so she had to be separated into another group. Oh boy! Here we go. Trouble. Ha! Just kidding. She's a pretty good kid..just might be a little talker this year.
Anyway, all in all it was a good first few weeks! I'll keep you posted on how it's going.

The First Day

So you are probably wondering if the school opened right? Or maybe the thought hasn't even crossed your mind. Well..we did open just in time. There are still a lot of things to do, but they are things that can be worked on while the kids aren't there or some of it can be done while they are in school. We do lack one big thing...the playground. No we do not have a playground yet, but there's lots of room to run and play. The playground will be installed September 27th. That's not too long to wait. Here is A#1 above posing for the camera. It's her first day of first grade. I can't believe I have a first grader.
And after some coaxing, I finally did get A#2 to be in the picture. Notice they are wearing the same thing. I did this on purpose cause these 2 dresses were the only dresses clean at the time being that I had not had time to do their laundry. The only way A#2 would wear the dress is if she could wear a bow in her hair. She informed me that morning she was not walking out the door looking just like her sister. Thanks to my husband, he came up with the bow idea and she was fine with the dress. She said at least there would be some difference.I didn't tell her that I was asked at school by one lady if they were twins. I get asked that all the time when they dress alike. A#2 looks thrilled in this picture. Doesn't she? She did not want to have her picture made and certainly not by herself.
Here is A#1 trying to get A#2 to smile for the camera.
And here is A#1's first grade teacher. Ashlyn already loves her. The last day of the week she gave Mrs. Gale a hug. I think it will be a good year. :)
And here is A#2 with her teachers...Mrs. Ford and Mrs. Ruby. A#1 had Mrs. Ford last year and Mrs. Ruby's oldest daughter was in A#1's class for a little while last year. They are going to be an awesome team! I'm looking forward to a great year. We are off to a good start so far.