Category: Photography

Soccer Coach

During Saturday’s game, I discovered a little boy from another field trying to play with our team.  His shirt was the same as ours and he had no idea he was on the wrong field.  My team never noticed he was not on our team.

I started list all the reasons why everyone needs to to coach a 5 year old/kindergarten soccer team.

  • IMG_8443_shareGames are stopped by the referee to tie someone’s shoe.
  • Players leave the field during the game to run and hug their parents.
  • Players chose to do cartwheels instead of chasing the ball.
  • If the ball gets kicked out of bounds and ends up in the field next to your game, the whole game will change fields and attempt a goal while another game is playing simultaneously on that field.IMG_8442_share
  • Instead of spreading out and passing as they learn in practice, the children all gather around the ball and play “bumble bee ball.”
  • When two players are told to scoot back some, they both scoot to the opposite side of the field, competing who can go further.
  • When a player kicks a ball, they are as likely to jump up and down excitedly that they kicked the ball, as they are to try to get it to the goal.IMG_8430_share
  • The players will ask at least 10 times during the game, “Is it okay to steal the ball?”  After being told to only steal from the other team, they proceed to steal from their team members.
  • Soccer is a full contact sport.  Full body contact with the ground is required at least once during each game.
  • Tantrums ensue when someone drinks “my” drink.  Of course, players must run and get sympathy from parents.
  • Players think the goal is to play keep away from everyone else.
  • Sharing the ball with team members is taboo because “it is fun to make a goal”.IMG_8428_share
  • If all else fails, a player must fall to the ground and use his legs to trap the ball, because the goal is not to share.
  • Players must tell coach each time someone steps on their toes or kicks their shin guards.
  • Seated bench warmers are not allowed.  Players sit on the ground, no matter how cold or wet it is.
  • IMG_7277In the course of a stumble, players must exaggerate the fall to the ground to demonstrate the sacrifice the player makes for the team and gain sympathy from parents.
  • When players get bored, they beg for a chance to sit on the bench and be cheerleaders.
  • Smiles or funny faces while kicking the ball is mandatory.
  • Before making a goal, a player must dribble the ball to the goal,  stop completely, do a little jig of excitement as they aim, then watch as the ball is stolen.
  • When games are over, players ask if there are extra snacks to share with their mommas.

There are many more reasons to be coach.  These are just some examples that happened during this Saturday’s game.  Unfortunately, we did not video tape this game as proof.

Meet Jonathan Miller!

I would love to introduce my niece’s little boy, Jonathan Miller.  He was born 28 April, 2016, at 12:46 pm.  He was 7 lbs 10 oz and 20 1/2 inches long.  Esther is doing well.

Congratulations Esther and Alan.  Jonathan is adorable and we look forward to helping you spoil him.

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Babysitting

The kids babysat the neighbor’s alpacas this last week.  Usually, they love the job and spend extra time over there enjoying “their” pets.

On Sunday, the kids went over and discovered Megan’s favorite alpaca caught between two fences.  They released her and quickly learned that Sing could not stand.  They tried calling the neighbors, but they were not available.  So they called the vet. The vet said to watch her and call back the next morning.

Reading before bed
Reading before bed

Megan mentioned to Audrey that she wanted to sleep in the barn with Sing and take care of her all night.  Then she told Andrea she wished Sing could come sleep in her bed.

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Today, Mr. Beer took Sing to the vets just to double check how she was doing. She was very well behaved.  She needs to stay off her leg and get therapy to help it heal faster.  She can’t play out in the yard for awhile either.  But, she is fine and the kids are happy to help her during recovery.

And, even though Megan did not really get to sleep all night with Sing, she enjoyed the snuggle time and pretending that she did.

Sad Sack

“Sad Sack”

Meet one of the saddest looking dogs that I know. Even after a fun day playing in the sun, he has not learned to smile!

This is Thor, our newest adopted family member!

We had been discussing getting a pet for awhile. Megan kept asking sweetly for a puppy. We enjoy fish, but they don’t seem to do well for us. Cats are okay, as long as they are the neighbor’s extremely friendly barn cats.  The kids have adopted the neighbor’s alpacas too. But that is not the same as a pet friend who lives with us.

About three weeks ago, we heard about a dog who’s owner was moving to a smaller house and could not bring his 5 year old English mastiff with him. Allan decided to go visit the dog. He seemed like a nice dog, obedient and got to know Allan quickly.  Then I went to visit and thought he was BIG and SLOBBERY.Thor3

We talked about it.  We decided to take the kids without letting them know why we were looking.  Then Megan saw a video with big dogs.  She started talking more about how she wanted a dog. A big dog, like a horse!

The kids really liked Thor. It did not take long for him to warm up to Mark though Megan complained he was not big enough. I still thought he was BIG and SLOBBERY.

Thor and MeganWe prayed more for wisdom. Thor came to live with us five days after Allan first met him. And our house has changed.

Thor seems to be a great dog.  He rarely barks, and when he does, we pay attention.  After some one throws the kong for him to chase, Thor will happily come inside and rest by someone. He obeys everyone, except Megan. I don’t think he understands her language.

Mark and ThorThor is learning that he belongs.  He claimed Mark and, though stairs are hard for him, he chose to sleep downstairs in Mark’s room.  He sits on the porch watching the kids do school work or play.  When we had a storm, he came into our room–he is not allowed– and, just like one of my sick kids, wanted me to comfort him. Then he slept on the floor until the storm passed. He makes the rounds every night to be sure everyone is tucked in before he curls up by Mark’s bed.

I still think he is BIG and SLOBBERY.  But I like him.

Soccer

Upwards 2011
Megan helping coach 2011
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Megan’s first game 2016

After years of being the team mascot and cheer leader, this morning was Megan’s first soccer game! I am her coach and Audrey the assistant coach.

I was not sure how well the team would do, they are easily distracted at practice and do not seem to know how to play. I was asked more than once today if they were allowed to steal the ball. However, they did an excellent job listening to me during the game on things they had not learned yet, love to run fast, and are not afraid of the ball. They played hard and won, 4:1.  Most importantly, every time I asked if they were having fun, they would yell, “yes!” Megan said, ” I like it! I am looking forward to next week!”

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IMG_7194Adrian played his first game of the season today also. They did a great job, winning 5:2. He has improved a lot over the last few years.  Adrian even made a goal today!

This afternoon, we went to Andrea’s game.  It was a rough game and they worked hard for the one point they made.  They ended up winning, 1:0.

P.S  Didn’t Allan do a great job with Megan’s photos?Andrea

Windflower

I am not sure what this flower is, the girls picked it along with a white one at a neighbor’s house. I did some research, and I think it might be a Grecian Windflower (Anemone blanda).

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It has been fun looking for spring flowers and discovering new ones that we have not noticed before.