Chicky’s team traveled to Tennessee to play two games.
Thankfully, the coach’s wife, Teresa, took photos. I thought I would share a few with you…
Chicky continues to be having a wonderful time. It looks like all of the girls are!!
Filed under: soccer | Tagged: soccer, Southeastern University | Leave a comment »
When last you heard of Chicky, she was giving Your’s Truly a wave goodbye as she walked into the unknown world of college life.
That was four weeks ago.
I am fortunate in that Chicky’s coach’s wife is a maniac where it comes to picture-taking. In fact, she reminds me a lot of myself…the self-professed mom of the group.
I am so thankful for this.
She uploads pictures to a team’s website on a regular basis.
So, I’ve become a picture-stalker, watching that URL for any updates.
One of the first things that Chicky did with her team was to travel to North Carolina for a team retreat. The coaches took away the girs’ cell phones, and they spent the entire time participating in team-bonding exercises. They had devotions, went tubing, played Capture the Flag, and practiced soccer. With that many girls together, I’m 100% positive that there were a lot of giggles along the way.
When they returned, they played a couple of friendlies (games against other teams that don’t count against the win/loss record).
One thing that impressed me immediately was how the teams prayed together after the game…
During the couple of weeks before classes started, the team had three-a-days (practices three times a day).
This is one of those times I thank my lucky stars I was uncoordinated as a child. I could have never handled getting all sweaty three times 24 hours!!
The girls received their team uniforms and posed for pictures…
Of course, they are girls and – well – they had to act a little silly too…
Now, although you don’t know which girl is Chicky, it is clear to see that every single girl is sporting a smile. That means that my Chicky is in there…having a GREAT time.
When Chicky changed her mind about Rollins, I had a very hard time. You probably remember that.
Now, though, I have accepted the change wholeheartedly.
How could I not when I see pictures of the girls praying together…laughing together. Someone even took the picture of the back of a Southeastern shirt…
Who can argue with a message like that?
I know that Chicky is where she is supposed to be. In fact, I do not even worry about her because of the support system she has in the other girls.
Sometimes, a picture can speak a thousand words…
Chicky has been a busy girl – forging strong relationships that will last a lifetime.
Filed under: soccer | Tagged: childrearing, college, parenting, soccer, Southeastern University | 2 Comments »
Unless you’ve had your head buried in the sand, you already know that the last couple of weeks have been all about World Cup (soccer, that is).
I did not grow up playing soccer. In fact, I don’t remember ever watching a game when I was growing up. It was a game that was played in other countries.
I thought soccer was boring.
Until I became the mom of a soccer player…a very good soccer player.
And then I understood.
I know I am an American, where football is king; however, it is my belief that FUTBOL is the top dog of sports.
How can you not get excited when you are primed by the following trailer…
That was the prelude to the US Men’s World Cup team’s entry to the tournament of all tournaments.
Did you notice the way those guys moved the ball down the field…criss-crossing it between their legs? Did you notice all of the hard work they put in during practices? I got chills when I watched it as I’ve seen Chicky practice drills like that for years.
Such athleticism.
Such gracefulness.
Because I am not working this summer, I have been able to watch almost all of the games (thank you DVR).
I watched as the American team won in stoppage time to top its group and go forth into the Round of 16.
So exciting!!!
Of course, today’s game was a heartbreaker, which is soccer for you. One moment you’re up, and the next, you’re down.
I know from experience.
You might remember that I watched Chicky’s high school team make it to the state Final Four.
Her travel team also made it to the State Cup Final Four. That’s the state playoffs for travel teams. She’s been there three times, if memory serves me correctly, and never come home with the BIG trophy (although she’s always been a winner in my book).
Such high’s and low’s.
I’m proud to say that I am a soccer fan…not because I’m a soccer mom, but because I truly love the game…the beautiful game.
Here’s a video my friend, Mary, posted on her blog a few days ago. It’s too good not to repost.
The song is “Represent” by Weezer (whoever that is, I have no clue).
Though the men lost today’s game, they truly “represented” as they maintained their composure and showed incredible character in the face of great challenges.
Filed under: soccer | Tagged: soccer, USA, world cup | 2 Comments »
We’ve all heard the saying…”Time flies when you’re having fun.”
Well, for the AuburnChick household, ten years flew by quicker than a bag of M&M’s in the Mr.’s hands.
What leads me down this road of reminiscing?
Chicky’s last bid for a State Cup title.
Chicky’s team came in 3rd. That final game has eluded her once again, but it is okay…a little bittersweet, but o-kay.
Ten years ago, Chicky started playing travel soccer. She had already played two years in the recreational league before getting invited to try out for the local select team.
Oh the nerves, as we waited, in the rain, for the coach to post the list of those who had made it.
We went out to dinner after, celebrating her accomplishment.
Thus began the journey.
I remember the first summer as incredibly hot and humid. Chicky’s coach insisted on mid-day practices. We were miserable. I can’t believe Chicky stuck it out.
Come fall, we were glad for the coach’s wisdom, because our girls were in better shape than any other team. We enjoyed watching our eight year olds run circles around what would become our nemesis teams, practicing some of the new skills they had just learned.
Back in the early years, we did not travel far. Our games rarely took us more than 45 minutes away from home.
As Chicky’s skills improved, the Mr. and I grew more knowledgeable about youth soccer. He was voted to become the Club’s President, while I served as Team Mom. However, we moved to north Florida before his reign began, and we started all over again with a new club.
We had scouted out teams and purposefully selected her new one based on its record. Chicky was a nervous wreck when she tried out. The team’s practices were as fast as her former team’s best games.
She made the team but had to earn her starting position.
This is when the heavy traveling began.
Our second tournament was in Washington, D.C. Not only did we buy a new washer and dryer that month, but we also paid for airfare for the entire family. It was then that I began my part-time job.
Chicky’s team did not win the tournament, but she showed her stuff and earned the spot she wanted.
Rooster had also been playing soccer, so the kids kept us busy with their team schedules.
When you live in north Florida, you have to travel a lot to play good teams, so traveling is what we did.
Chicky changed teams after about three years when the local team broke up. You’ve just gotta love soccer politics.
Thank goodness for it, though, because Chicky’s new team was a fabulous assortment of players with an amazing coach. We drove Chicky two and a half hours each way for practices two or three afternoons a week. She would leave straight from school, and we wouldn’t return until 10:30 or 11pm at night.
Chicky learned the meaning of true dedication.
After Chicky got hurt in 9th grade, she took half a season off. In the meantime, things changed again, and she joined a new team on the other side of the state.
Practices were held on weekends with games on opposite weekends. What a crazy life! After a year and a half, Chicky changed teams, returning to her former team. However, that’s when she discovered just how competitive she really is, and she returned to her other team…this time for good.
Over the years, we have experienced quite a few things.
We stayed in dumpy motels and really nice hotels. We’ve seen every kind of breakfast buffet known to man, free and otherwise.
We can tell you every restaurant across north Florida, and the bathrooms in between.
Chicky played in more tournaments than I can count.
My favorite was the trip to San Diego, although most of what I did between games was write papers and study. It also happens to be the tournament during which I started writing this blog.
I enjoyed the Las Vegas trip we made after San Diego. I had just finished college and splurged at two fabulous yarn stores I found in town.
My least-favorite games were held in Georgia in the middle of the winter. One of the parents took a picture of me all wrapped up. This was the time before Mr. Heater.
Some of my favorite memories will be those of Chicky and her best friend, with whom we carpooled to practices with. Chicky tends to be a quiet girl until she gets to know a person. But then look out. She becomes Ms. Personality. Her best friend is a true ham in the sense of the word. Put the two girls together, and there is non-stop laughter.
I found it fitting that we ate dinner with Best Friend and her dad after the game on Saturday.
As I sit here and reflect, I give thanks to God for the friendships we made over the years. On Saturday, it was a love-fest at the hotel and the soccer fields as we ran into former teammates and their families. I know that we will continue to keep up with them during the next four years as most of the girls will play soccer in college.
Still, things will be different.
No more getting lost and calling Mr. B. for help navigating. No more checking into the hotel where the staff truly knew our names because we were there two or three weekends a month. The early Saturday morning wake-up calls will, for the most part, be a thing of the past (thank goodness). And all the dinners out…my credit card might yet recover!
I am excited for Chicky as she embarks on the next phase of her soccer career, and I wish our friends the best in the years to come.
I am sure the next ten years will fly by as quickly as the previous ones did!
Filed under: soccer | Tagged: children, soccer | 1 Comment »
Chicky has a teammate on her travel team who is on the U.S. U17 Women’s National Team.
Yeah. She’s a good player.
The U.S. National Team traveled to Costa Rica for World Cup Qualifiers. Its first game was against the Haitian U17 National Team.
This team had recently lived through the horrendous earthquake that cost thousands of people their lives.
Tonight, ESPN aired a segment about the Haitian team. I implore you to watch the video (click on the picture to view it from ESPN’s site).
It is one of the most poignant videos I have seen in a long time.
I am so proud of the U.S. girls for their maturity and sensitivity toward the plight of the other team’s players.
They showed that soccer is not just a game but a bridge that links hearts together.
I doubt that anyone will forget the experience.
Filed under: soccer | Tagged: Haitian U17 National Team, soccer, US U17 National Team, world cup | Leave a comment »
Did you miss me?
Any time I haven’t blogged for a couple of days in a row, you can be assured that I’m soccering.
After having a lovely couple of weekends off, we hit the road for a busy soccer weekend.
Chicky made herself comfortable, as we spent about ten hours, total, in the car this weekend…
We dropped Rooster off mid-way. He had plans to spend the weekend at Super Sis’s house. Music Man (my nephew) recently turned 16, and he had requested the presence of his cousin at his shindig. We were happy to oblige.
Friday night and Saturday morning, Chicky had the honor of playing in the Girls’ All Star soccer game. This is an invitation-only event, so we were doubly excited. She saw several travel teammates, so it was like one big reunion.
Guy Friend arrived during her first game, and he hitched a ride back north with us. He is on Spring Break this week.
Chicky’s team won both games, winning the overall competition (yay!).
We then drove a few hours north so that Chicky could practice with her travel team. Spring season is upon them, and the girls are trying to get ready for State Cup…THE main event for select soccer.
Chicky played in a second game on Saturday and had a three-hour practice this morning. Needless to say, her legs are shot.
While in Big Town, USA, we ate at one of our favorite Mexican restaurants…
Spinach Artichoke Tostados and wine in a plastic glass (a first)…YUM!
We then headed for home, picking up Rooster along the way.
We barely had room for his gear…the car was loaded down!
We actually arrived home earlier than anticipated, so I had time to run by Publix to take advantage of a weekend-only sale on cereal…
I got all eight boxes for $3.92, saving over $12!!! I wound up getting each box for $.49…a savings of 88%!!
Yeah, Baby!!
While I was at the store, I took my receipts from last week back, along with coupons I did not have with me at the time I shopped, and recouped over $6, which I used to buy the above cereal. Thank goodness stores are very understanding when dealing with brain-dead moms like myself!!
Tomorrow, I begin a two-week subbing assignment for the teacher I subbed for before Christmas. I’ll have some of the same students as before. This should be interesting as they are seniors and not very accepting of my strict classroom rules.
Filed under: Saving Money, soccer | Tagged: all star game, couponing, grocery shopping, Saving Money, soccer | 1 Comment »
Well, I’ve had a week to recover from the excitement brought on by Chicky’s high school soccer team’s success.
Last week, I had finished a four-week subbing assignment. This week’s slate was, for the most part, empty.
I spent the few few days of the week in a stupor. I went grocery shopping. When I opened the back of the car, this is what I saw…
An empty trunk.
It looks strange. Mr. Heater has been put away, has have the soccer chairs that are almost like permanent appendages of my body.
On Wednesday, I returned to the dentist. I had a long-overdue cleaning to endure. My dental hygienist was pleasantly surprised to discover that she wouldn’t have to pull out the ice picks to remove the plaque from my teeth. I think my last visit cured me of my fear of the dentist. Seems strange, eh, given that I walked out of there with a huge hole in my mouth! My gum is healing well, and I even scheduled my next cleaning appointment. As I checked my calendar, I was a little sad as I realized that Chicky will be settled in at Rollins by then.
That evening, I had to attend what will probably be one of my last high school soccer meetings. We met at one of the restaurants that had generously held a fundraiser for the team. A friend on the board surprised me when she bought my dinner. So sweet, that one (and a small answer to prayer as my checkbook is even more lean these days).
After the meeting ended, we stayed a bit longer…just the two of us. Each of us ordered a glass of our favorite wine and sat for about an hour while we caught up with the latest news. Our girls have played soccer together since Chicky was 11 years old. Her daughter has one more year of high school left. We’re going to miss each other next year.
Thursday was one of those days…
I have been staying up late to watch Olympic coverage. By Thursday, I was worn out. I saw the kids off to school, caught up on email and headed back to bed, where I stayed until Chicky arrived home for lunch…around 12:20!
Yeah, I was lazy. I didn’t feel guilty, though. Sometimes a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do.
Friday, I made up for the previous lazy day by meeting the principal of a Christian school in the hopes that she will hire me as a six-week substitute for a teacher at the school. I am excited at the prospect, but I’ve learned not to get my hopes up. I don’t want to be disappointed if it falls through.
After my appointment, I went to the high school to sub for the teacher I had just finished an assignment for. Her students were ecstatic to see me. I beamed as my “children” walked in the door. I felt like I had arrived home.
I know it had only been nine days since I’d seen them last, but oh the joy that filled my heart when I saw their smiling faces.
Being a sub can be tough…especially when you are desperate for your own class. I feel like a foster mom whose children are being pried from her arms to be returned to their birth mother.
It’s painful.
After I got off work, I returned home and resumed work on a slide show I’m creating for the soccer banquet next week. The most difficult part about this project is selecting the music to accompany the pictures.
Have you ever read the lyrics for workout/energetic music? Bad stuff, most of it. Certainly nothing I would allow my children to listen to!
Thanks to the help from some of my friends (and the Mr. who found the PERFECT song for a special section of the show), I think I’m set now. The slide show will need a bit more tweaking over the next few days, but it is close to being done.
In addition to all of the stuff I did this week, I also started a project for the Ravelympics. It’s going to remain a surprise. I’m pleased with my progress and hope to finish it in the next few days.
I’ve gotta say that being back in the saddle is interesting. Not having games to attend two or three nights a week is a strange feeling. It will be even weirder when the soccer banquet is over, and I don’t have the slide show to finish.
Whatever will I do with myself?
Filed under: Knitting, soccer | Tagged: Knitting, ravelympics, soccer | 2 Comments »
You may remember The Hat. Last winter, I talked a whole lot of people into modeling it for me.
At first, they laughed…
Until they put it on and discovered that ohhh laaaa laaaa…the hat was warm…
Well, this soccer season, I pulled out the hat again.
The hat traveled with me everywhere. I dared not put it away in fear that I would leave it behind and, thus, freeze my ears off.
The season began in October.
Chicky’s team began on a rough note, losing its first game to the team that had defeated it during last year’s Regional Semi-Finals.
The team had lost several seniors from the year before, so it was expected that adjustments were in the works.
The team went on to win all of its games during the next several weeks and prepped for a December tournament.
The results were as poor as the weather, with the team losing both of its games. Nobody could believe it. This was the team that had won the entire competition the year before.
We went home…spirits low.
However, the girls had other plans. They picked themselves up and worked hard, winning all of their remaining regular-season games.
Woo Hoo! The team went to Districts, where it had to beat a team it had previously played (and beaten) two times. This was a rough team, so we knew it would not be easy.
It was also Chicky’s birthday.
The weather was dismal (why didn’t Chicky play an indoor sport?). The girls worked hard and WON! They sang Happy Birthday to Chicky and jokingly told her they had gotten her the trophy for a gift. She was allowed to take it home for the weekend.
Such a sweet victory.
The work was only beginning. Regionals loomed on the horizon.
The first game was against a fairly physical team. I dreaded it, but I shouldn’t have. The girls won.
Next up was Regional Semi-Finals…against the team it had beaten for Districts. How could this happen…for the second year in a row? The media didn’t hesitate to remind viewers that it was a repeat scenario from last year. We hoped that the outcome would be different.
I was nearly physically sick the night before and day of the game. The team would play a very physical game, and I didn’t want anyone to get hurt.
As I stood in the stands for the Star Spangled Banner, I shed a few tears. This could, quite possibly, be Chicky’s last high school game. It was a bittersweet moment.
The girls stepped up, though, and beat its opponent soundly, sweet redemption from the year before.
We celebrated like nobody’s business.
On to Regional Finals, where the team we were playing was said to be tres excellent. A couple of Chicky’s travel teammates were on the other team, so we knew the game would be tough. We were fortunate, though, to be playing at home.
When the other team arrived, I saw one of the moms, who told me that the other teammate would not be there that night.
Whew! I breathed a small sigh of relief, but I still held my breath.
Strangely, I was calm. I can only attribute it to God.
The stands were full; our school’s student body attended in full force.
It felt like a regular football game. Kids were dressed in school spirited attire. Students had made homemade signs and decorated t-shirts.
When we scored our first goal, the cheer was loud. The second goal, a header off a corner kick, led to even louder cheers.
And then we scored our third goal.
My mouth dropped open, and I covered it with my hand…shocked.
With every goal, the crowd cheered louder.
Five goals later, the other team still had not answered back.
I turned off my camera to conserve my battery.
That’s when I heard people hollering Chicky’s name. Coach had moved her from her defensive position to forward.
How had I missed this?
And she had the ball, passed from a teammate, and she was dribbling down the field.
The goalie came out, and Chicky went around her, shooting and scoring!!!!
The crowd went wild. I stood in shock and joy.
My baby had scored, and I had missed getting it on camera (a teammate’s father got it on video though).
A few minutes later, the game ended.
We had won…6-0.
Nobody expected this…completely anyhow.
We were now going to Final Four…almost unheard of in our part of the state, and a record for our high school.
That was on a Friday night.
The soccer booster club scrambled and called an emergency meeting the next morning.
We determined that we would need $4,000 to cover the cost of a chartered bus, lodging, and meals for the trip.
Oy!
It seemed insurmountable. I was confident, though, that we could reach our goal. I had just witnessed 23 ninth graders raise almost $300 in spare change in five days. They were my inspiration, and God had used them to show me that He will provide.
The others looked doubtful, but my enthusiasm caught on.
We quickly made plans, each person taking on one or two tasks.
What happened over the course of the next four days is, quite simply, a miracle.
We blitzed the media and canvassed businesses, asking for donations. We had three fundraisers, two at restaurants and one at the school (wear your favorite shirt for $1). I arranged for a couple of players to be on one of the local morning news shows and drove them there at the wee hour of 6am. God had provided a cancellation that enabled us to have this airtime. The producer said it was “weird.” I told him “it was God.”
By Monday, we had determined that the first estimate was too low. We needed about $4,700. Almost $1,000 more than originally stated.
Still, I was confident.
By Wednesday, we had enough money to cover the trip. I was not altogether surprised because I had known all along that God would provide.
The outpouring from the community, despite the economic conditions, had enabled us to pay the bills. The girls were going to Tampa debt-free.
We had a huge send-off party with the school’s drum line (in which Rooster is a part) escorting the team around the school playing a beat along the way. Parents followed, slapping high fives to the students.
And then they were off…parents following behind in their own vehicles.
The weather was expected to be bad. I prayed, but God chose to allow the rain to arrive. All high school Final Four games (1A-6A) were being played at the University of Tampa…
The girls played hard against a formidable opponent.
The rain came down…hard and fast…
The score remained tied at 0-0 through regulation time.
Ugh.
Overtime.
It only took a couple of minutes before the other team scored.
Game over.
I did not expect it, and I think the girls were surprised as well.
Chicky was very upset. She wanted this…had come so close two years in a row.
Fortunately, Guy Friend had skipped his college classes that day to attend the game, and his presence cheered her up.
Everyone went back to the hotel. We would be staying the night and leaving early the next morning.
I sat in the car a few minutes, tears flowing. I felt a mixture of gratitude, sadness, and relief, along with a touch of disbelief that Chicky had just played her last high school game.
As I sit here reflecting on the last couple of weeks, I cannot help but be amazed at the way my community came together. One rival school had a message of good luck on its marquee… UNHEARD of for cross-town schools. We received a substantial donation from another rival school’s graduating class. Businesses donated chunks of money, and restaurants donated gift cards (thanks, Beef O’ Brady’s) and proceeds from “share nights.”
Some of the students at school threw five-dollar bills in the girls’ buckets as they collected for t-shirt day. These kids were still in dress code, wearing school approved t-shirts and polos. They wanted to contribute to the cause.
Although it’s sad that the team did not make it to the final game, I sit here full of joy and thankfulness. What an honor to have witnessed 21 girls come together. What a privilege to work with a fantastic group of parents…a group that stepped up when the need arose. Nobody complained (except about the horrible bus driver). Everyone pitched in, helping sort the laundry and tote the players around when the bus driver refused.
I love this sport. I love these kids. I love these parents. I am thankful for the support of students..many of whom had parents drive them down to Tampa or rode the church bus (thank you N and T for arranging this) to cheer on the girls. The administration pulled out all stops to make this a special experience for all involved.
Stinky shin guards, chili, and portable heaters are the things that helped us bond (along with our girls); memories will keep the ties intact. We will never be able to hear each others’ names without smiling and remembering how sweet the journey was.
Through it all, God was glorified. He is amazing, and I will always give credit to the One who made it happen.
Meanwhile, the hat is going into retirement. I’m sure, like Michael Jordan and Brett Favre, it will “un-retire” to make a visit at a few high school games next year (I can’t totally cut the umbilical cord).
Until then, I plan on catching a few Zzzzzz’s…at least for the next few days…to catch up on some much-needed rest. This was an exhilarating, exhausting week. God provided the fuel that kept me going. Now, I trust He’ll provide the rest that’s needed by all, Chicky, teammates, and parents included.
Filed under: soccer | Tagged: fhsaa, final four, high school, soccer, sports | 1 Comment »
Today was busy.
Still, I made sure I carved out time to visit my local Panera, which opened YESTERDAY!!! Many thanks to the student who told me! I ran out during my Planning/lunch and grabbed Black Bean Soup, bread (I could only eat the soft innards), and fresh lemonade! YUM!
Later, Chicky’s team was playing in the Regional Quarterfinals. I took my knitting along, not really expecting to actually knit. My bag is like a security blanket. It goes everywhere with me. But, lo and behold, I did actually knit two rows of my newest project (the Super-Secret Project will be revealed in a few days, I promise)…
Chicky’s team won! Yay!
I managed to keep my mouth shut for most of the game. Yay!
Wonder what I’ll be doing tomorrow…
Filed under: Knitting, soccer, This-n-That | Tagged: Knitting, Panera, soccer | 2 Comments »
Seems like it was only yesterday when Chicky was dressing out for the first time in her high school soccer uniform.
The colors were completely different from the uniform she had worn at her middle school the previous two years.
I remember the first time she wore the new colors. It was an exhibition game with the members of the JV and Varsity teams being mixed up into two different teams. They scrimmaged each other for a little fun.
Chicky had made the Varsity team as a freshman. She was nervous. Especially because she would be playing with older girls, whose talents she had admired in years past.
She came off of the field hard on herself, but we assured her that she had made a good first showing.
That is typical of Chicky, though. She’s very critical of herself. She doesn’t like making mistakes on the field.
Chicky continued to make an impression that first season and the others that followed.
Although she was not a captain her first three years on the squad, she led the team by example…through her hard work, competitive nature, and determination to constantly get better.
This year, her peers recognized her leadership skills by voting her as captain. I realize it’s only a title, but it really means a lot to her. It validates her efforts these last few years.
During halftime of last night’s game, we recognized the seniors on the team…giving each player her time in the spotlight. Parents of the players greeted them after they had walked past the other players on the team…high and low-fiving them as they moved down the line. An announcer (a dad on the team) used a microphone to announce each girl’s college plans.
Each girl received a bag of goodies and a collection of roses and carnations…one rose for each year playing soccer at the school, and one carnation for senior on this year’s squad.
Sigh.
Four years.
It can seem like such a long time but how quickly it flies by.
Another milestone in Chicky’s life. It’s one I’ll tuck away with the others.
Filed under: children, soccer | Tagged: high school, senior night, seniors, soccer | 2 Comments »
AuburnChick's Adventures 