On a Roll

Today’s state league game was another win! We rolled across Chattanooga with a score of 7-0. 

Keagan’s offensive play up top led to a corner kick and the first goal of the game. He was also awarded an assist to the assist for the last goal of the game.

Walking Horses

The extended family and I attended the Walking Horse Championships’ opening night. I’ve never seen such a disparity in the haves and have nots in one place! You had the good ole boys, the city executives, the stable boys, the horse trainers, and the horse owners - all in the arena cheering for their favorites. The two week competition brings people from all over the US to middle Tennessee. 

The horses were beautiful! 

I had no idea what any of the words the announcer used might mean, but I looked good in my cowboy boots. 

The Man in the Parking Lot

Keagan had the biggest cheering section at Wednesday’s game. The grandparents, Vikki, and Caro were in the stands cheering for #32. We came away with the big win, 4-1, but it was a real messy game, and quite honestly, after Sunday’s game, it was a disappointment. I’m hoping this weekend’s game is more fun to watch. 

After the game, I saw my mom walking across the dark parking lot with a man. I asked, “Who is the man walking with Mom?” 

It was Keagan. Keagan was the “man.” 

And in a matter of seconds, the last 18 years flashed in front of my eyes. 

Another ⚽️Win

Saturday’s state league game earned us our first win. We beat the team from Memphis 5-1. Keagan had a great game playing right back. He left the game with a bloodied lip, but thankfully, his knees are just fine. 

We got back home late Saturday night, and then we were up before the sun on Sunday morning. Keagan doesn’t mind; his birthday can only be celebrated with the inclusion of soccer. We came home with a huge victory against a very good team from Charlotte. The next game is Wednesday!

Happy 18th!

Today my baby boy turns 18! If you are lucky enough to be a part of his inner circle, you know this kid has a true heart for others - especially those with special needs. He is serving as a peer mentor this year working with students with disabilities. He befriends the friendless and truly has a heart of gold. 

He is also one of the funniest people I know. I accidentally bought candles that sparkle and relight. I put 18 of those bad boys on his cake and when he tried to blow them out, sparks flew and the candles continued to burn. We could not get those things out and sparks were flying across the cake, into my face, and across the kitchen. Keagan says, “Opa, use your expertise with electricity to help me out.”

He loves fruit smoothies, carbs. all things coconut, fresh pineapple juice, and jalapeño chips. I made him a three tiered tray filled with all of his favorites. 

Today the extended family was here to help him celebrate. Wes cooked ribs, we had cake, and we celebrated all of the unique pieces that make Keagan so special and so loved.

Happy birthday, Sweet Boy! I can’t wait to see where this next year takes you!

New Season, New Club, New Team

My favorite season is here! Travel soccer season! Sadly, after 15 years of soccer played in various states throughout the Southeast, we have reached our very last travel season. This weekend was our first weekend of friendlies to prepare the team for state league play. 

My favorite player is wearing the random #32. 

I won’t mince words. This weekend was rough; our coach has his work cut out for him. 

Year Two

We moved Evan into his room today. We learned many lessons from last year’s move. Namely, he doesn’t need it and he won’t use it, so today we were in the room and out of the room in an hour. 

He’s living in the AGR house this year. I could detect smells / odors upon entering the building, but my brain can still not identify them. So it didn’t smell bad or good - to me anyway. Wes could smell it and he decided sitting outside in near 100 degree temps was better than sitting in the semi- air conditioned dorm. What I could clearly detect was a dirty room. I tried to sweep the floor with a broom that had probably been in that house for twenty years. It didn’t push one thing out of that room. I tried to convince Evan to clean the air vents with the vacuum that the neighbor was using, but I’m almost certain that won’t happen. So I plugged in that air purifier and turned it to high. And I really wanted to mop the floor, but I wasn’t sure how old or dirty the water was in the bucket sitting in the hallway. So I left him living in filth. 

And he was so happy to be there - happier than being in his clean room at home with dependable AC, clean floors, a private bath, and purified air. 

He has more than a week before classes begin, but I’m certain he will find ways to fill his time. Like hanging out with Smokey. 

Last First Day

Today was Keagan’s LAST first day; he’s never been this happy to go back to school. He’s a SENIOR! (Seniors wear all black, hence, the choice in first day clothes.) However, he told me, “Don’t worry. I’ll be hating it again by Friday.” He’s taking two college classes this year and serving as a peer mentor for special needs kids. 

I look at his first day of kinder pics and remember crying after I put him on the bus in Georgia with his “soldier hair.”

There were no tears today - not because of Keagan starting his senior year anyway. I may have cried knowing I had to wear this shirt on my first day. 

I came home and Wes said, “Did you wear that all day?” Then Evan said, “What’s up with the fit?” Ummmmm. I am an elementary school teacher, People. 

I’m praying for a Covid free year, two healthy knees, four points on the math section of the ACT, an athletic scholarship, and a year of wonderful memories!