Thanksgiving Eve

Nothing says Thanksgiving like family, food, and fun. Since being in command, Wes has pulled duty on the big holidays, so his soldiers get the day with their families. For the third year in a row, my family has celebrated the holiday with us in Tennessee. I host, they drive, and all ten of us enjoy a week of togetherness. 

Today these two began Thanksgiving Eve playing a game of football with Wes’s unit. They were happy to come home with the win. 

(I’m thankful I only have to live with that ‘stach for one more week.)

These four went to the trampoline park. The unnamed adult was asking to use the tens machine after an hour of “fun.” Two other unnamed adults were smart enough to realize 40-somethings don’t need to press their luck jumping on trampolines. 

After lunch, naps, and dessert,

the entire family had a traditional dinner of Five Guys burgers and then played an Excape Game. 

We didn’t escape, but it was more fun than this picture indicates. We were probably only a minute away from winning - as usual. I’m beginning to think  this is the standard line told to all losing teams just to make sure you return again!

We would have enjoyed walking through the local Christmas light display after the game, but you can see how we are bundled for an indoor activity. These Texans were not prepared to attempt an evening stroll in 40 degree temps. A drive by sneak peek of the lights was all we could muster. 

The pies are baked. The fall themed crafts are done. The turkey is brining. Tomorrow we feast!

Purple Skies. Family. Friends.

A loss. A win. A tie. All three mark an end to the fall soccer season for Keagan. While soccer may not have been the highlight of this weekend’s tournament in Memphis, these were the more memorable events.

The sky at dusk. I stopped watching soccer long enough to see this. I tried to send subliminal messages to Keagan to get him to move down field and get this in the background, but it just didn’t work. I’ll keep working on this.

The family. They drove five hours to watch some pitiful soccer, but we got to watch college football, eat a couple of meals, and oohhh and aaahhh over how much Keagan has grown since September. He loved it!

Friendship. These kids attend eight different middle schools and live in five different towns, but they are all really good friends. 

Until next spring.

State Champions

We defeated the reigning champions in overtime today  by the score of 2-1 to be the new U-16 D1 Tennessee State Champions.

This is what five months of training, four nights a week, and a good coach will get you! Evan and I have sacrificed so much for this to happen, and it’s so worth it! I don’t know that I’ve seen him any happier. I can’t wait to play SRPL this summer!

State Bound

With an ever impressive defensive game playing the best team we have played all year, we won the semi-state game today with a score of 1-0. Evan had the game of his life. So good the opposing team changed their game plan at half, and the ball didn’t come to his side at all in 42 minutes of play. Until he did this. 

In the last 30 seconds of the game, Evan went up to block a shot. The ball deflected off of Evan’s head and landed in the far corner, inches from the line.  Our goalie grabbed it and the striker’s leg and fell to the ground. The opposing team’s defender was cheering certain the ball had crossed the line, not realizing our goalie had it safely tucked in his arms while cradled in the fetal position. Our sidelines went wild with celebration. It was a spectacular save! Finally, after 43 minutes of play, we heard the three whistles signifying our win!

The headband. The tongue. The leg muscles. All signature trademarks of Evan on the pitch. 

Tomorrow we play for the state championship!

Let’s Go NFC 02 Gold!

Happy Birthday

This kid is amazing! He was at school at 6:30 to put up a few shots before school started, he had a 90 min basketball practice after school, drove an hour for two hours of soccer training, and then was up until 1100 studying for an algebra test. I’m so proud to call him mine! Happy 15th birthday, Evan! May this be a wonderful year!

We celebrated with some of his favorites: Cajun food and pumpkin cheesecake. When he blew out the candles, I made my own wishes for him. 1) Win state in soccer on Sunday; 2) have an injury free basketball season; 3) survive this year in algebra! 

Not So Happy Halloween

Halloween used to be one of the most exciting days in our house. The boys spent weeks pouring over magazines selecting their must-have costume. Many years the boys couldn't decide on just one, so they got two costumes - one to wear to Fall Festival and one to wear trick-or-treating. It didn't matter because they often wore the costumes for weeks and even years after Halloween.

But then they grow up, and you spend Halloween night at the kitchen table doing math homework. This is the first time in 15 years that I haven't watched as one of the boys went out the door prepared for the hunt of candy. It is a terrible reality of their growing up.

Ballin’

I never look forward to basketball season. Ever. The courts are indoors, the fans are annoying, and let’s face it, basketball is not soccer. It never fails, though. At first tip-off I’m on the edge of my seat cheering like I’ve been waiting for this for months. 

Keagan did not disappoint tonight. He was the starting PG and took command of the courts from the get-go.  With a thrilling last minute in the Jamboree that included a tech, a steal,  and a missed shot, I had to leave the edge of my seat and stand up! What an ending to a great game! The boys won 19-18! 

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I Can’t.Wait.For.this year’s season!