rainy days get me down

I hate rainy days.  If it rains on a week day, that means indoor recess, which is the worst kind of torture humanly imaginable.  If it rains on a weekend, that means soccer is canceled. 

Rain also blocks out the sun and I think the sun makes things just seem happier.

Rain is also usually cold.  It gets you wet.  It makes the internet freak out.  It just is the worst!

I know I like green grass and pretty flowers and since it's a drought here in California, I havent been watering, so my yard was doomed until the rain started, but I still dislike rain. 

Rain, rain go away. 

I think I'd be happier today if the Sharks would have won and if I didn't put two players on the bench of my fantasy team....then they SCORED, I get no points if they are on the bench....so I'm unhappy!

decision

ah man....I'm worried I steered Bradley to make the wrong sport decision!!!!  He had a really great basketball season....but in High School, basketball and soccer are at the same time, so he can't play both.  During these months before high school basketball or soccer, it is important that he play as much basketball or soccer that he can.  He cant play both.  So, he has to pick!  The one that he picks will be the one he tries out for in high school.

He was invited a few weeks ago to try out for an AAU (traveling, select team) basketball team.  He went to the tryouts and was actually one of the best players there.  But as soon as it was over and we got into the car, he said, "I am going to play soccer."  His reasons were....too expensive, practice in Paradise, and games on Sundays. 

We started checking into the soccer thing.  Found out that it doesn't start until April because some of last years teams are still in State Cup contention (not Bradley's team).  So Bradley and a few of last year's teammates started to train with a younger team, just to get in shape and have fun.  We found out through parent gossip that a big percentage of Bradley's old team will be playing in other leagues.  Also, the younger team lost most of their top players, too...so the league will combine the two teams if not enough players come out to tryouts.  They have a good coach, but adding a bunch of 6th and 7th graders to the team, while still having to play against opponents with 8th and 9th graders, will not produce many wins, I don't think. 

Bradley's main goal in playing soccer this summer is to get good enough to play high school soccer.  We need to find the best team for him to play on to achieve this goal.

There is another soccer league in town.  They did not have an u14 team last year because they only had 10 players.  The top players combined with the u16 team, but that coach lost his coaching license (somehow?????) and that team folded, too.  They want to have a team this year with their u 13 kids who have moved up, thus, combining just like the other league!!!  But they say that they are gaining some of Bradley's old teammates, the 10 that couldn't play, and others and plan to have an u 15 or u16 team for all the kids who want to play.  (They say 32 have signed up for try outs).  

Hmmmmm...so, I think what Bradley should do is try out for both, then pick the best situation.  But with all the things I'm hearing about soccer.....I'm really starting to doubt the basketball decision.....they have a game this weekend and I KNOW Bradley would LOVE to be playing!!!! 

pro sport fans

The Sharks won last night.....Twitter and comments on online articles by Sharks fans were all positive, like "the Sharks are AWESOME, love them".....the Penguins lost last night, their fans were, "fire the coach, need new leadership, our team has no heart"....the teams have basically the same record....why do fans freak out after one loss????  The Penguins loss came against a team fighting for a playoff spot, playing in front of a new goalie, and needing a win.....the Pens have injuries, the Pens are practically already in the playoffs, and a 3-2 loss is really nothing to panic about.  I know that a few games ago Sidney Crosby skated off the ice injured, even went for x rays...people saying he looks like he is dogging it and doesn't care....hey, he really just might be hurt, you should be saying that he has a lot of heart for playing through injury!  Malkin is now injured.  They are professionals.  They love the game.  They have pride.  NO ONE wants to win more than they do.  They aren't trying to lose.  Fans, yes you are paying their salary by buying tickets....but shut up, you really do not have more interest in winning a Stanley Cup than they do!

last few weeks



I just noticed that I haven't blogged since 3/16....I also haven't written to William in about that long.  (I usually write to him once a week, sometimes more.)  So, I'm going to blog what has been going on here, then print it out and send it to William as his letter for the week (therefore killing two birds with one stone).  (And I'm in a good mood right now, it's the intermission of the Sharks game and they are winning and my favorite Shark scored earlier!) 

It doesn't seem like I've been busy, but I also know that I haven't really had any free time, so I must just be busy with boring or typical stuff.

soccer camp, with his grown friends and
cute campers who had a crush on him

bowling

I did take the kids bowling one day during Spring Break, but besides that, we didn't really do any fun activities.  That's good, though, because fun activities usually cost money....which we don't have any right now because April is house taxes, house insurance, and our renter just moved out....so, no extra fun money for spring break adventures.  Bradley was sad that his two best friends went snowboarding and he was left back in Chico, but that worked out ok because he got to work at a youth soccer camp all week.  He didn't get paid, but he was fed lunch all week, made lots of friends, and will get to go to the Amusement Park (forgot it's name) in Sacramento next month with all the other youth volunteers.  He also started soccer training.  The trainer is a great coach and Bradley said that he thinks that he got better already after only just two practices.  Today's training session was rained out.  Tryouts for Butte United (the club he played for last year) are this Thursday and next.  Tryouts for Chico Cal are Saturday and the next Saturday after that.  He's going to try out for both and then pick the best fit.  Butte United is the top club in this town and plays more games against harder competition, so that would be better for getting him ready for high school soccer, but Chico Cal is cheaper and more likely to win a lot of games.  Butte is getting new uniforms this season, so either way, we'll have to buy a new uniform...he wants to be #7 again.  (Everyone seems to want #7 always it seems!)

Andrew has been playing a computer game called Mine Craft a lot.  He watched YouTube videos of other people playing it, too. 

I've had board meetings for soccer, camp meetings for camp, school meetings because Bradley will be in high school next year, and Young Women's meetings because my new calling at church is working with the teenage girls. 
I am still coaching Andrew's team.  We have two more games, then the season is over.  In the past, I've held only one practice a week....but I think that's lazy coaching.  NO ONE is going to get in shape or improve only once a week.  And if I were playing, I'd want to play every day.  We are practicing twice a week, so we have time to play fun games....like soccer cricket and KILL.  I think the kids are really enjoying this season and I actually am too.  When I coached the 2 years ago, it was HORRIBLE....I thought I'd NEVER coach again, but I'm glad I did, this team is a joy.  Nice kids, nice parents, and even some talent.  Andrew is enjoying it too.  I think he likes having me as the coach.  He's not the typical "coach's kid", so that' good too.  It looked like we were going to go undefeated this season, but on the first Saturday of spring break we were missing our top 4 players.....we lost 7-0, a blow out.  It was the first hot day of spring, no subs, and they got clobbered.  The players who were missing were-  a player who scored 3 goals in the 1st game, 4 in the second, 3 in the third, and 5 this week.  Yeah, we needed him.  The next one who was missing was our best (by far) defender.  No one can hardly get past him.  And our other 14 year old (we have three 14 year olds and they were all gone that day) was sick.  The other player who was missing is a small guy who is FAST, has ALL THE MOVES, and who works really well with the top goal scorer.  We missed all 4 of them.  Without them, yeah, it was bad!!!

Chico 1st ward basketball

Jr High, city league, and church basketball seasons for both kids are over.  Bradley thought about playing AAU traveling basketball, but they practice in PARADISE (30 minutes away), practice on Sundays (we have church), and it costs $650....so he decided to play soccer again.  Neither team had an end of the season party....so that was kind of disappointing!  Bradley is supposed to turn in his uniform tomorrow, but I don't really want to.  We paid for the uniforms.  We paid for last year's uniforms, too, and didn't get to keep them and they were brand new, but they got new ones again this year....so where are all the old uniforms going???  If they are just in a closet somewhere, I'd rather keep it....well, at least the shorts, I doubt he will ever wear the top again. 

battery was dead...but I got one photo,
this was our "Secret play". 
Everyone was supposed to line up on the line for the kick off,
but as you can see,
only 4 did....and the greatest kicker on our team was
supposed to blast the ball up the field,
well, he tried, but he hit a teammate in the back...hard! 
secret play=fail

The Sharks just won....Pavelski got a hat trick.  It's his third of the season and before this season he had never had a hat trick.  The Sharks have locked up a playoff spot, now they have to keep winning to get a higher seed and home ice advantage!!!  And, more importantly, they have to stop getting HURT!!!!  Yesterday Logan Couture blocked a shot and got a hole in his leg all the way to the bone and today Adam Burish got hit in the hand blocking a shot and one of his fingers was left dangling there.  The Penguins have a lot of injuries, too, I'm kinda worried about them!!! 

I'm still doing yard duty at the elem school and still love it....except on rainy days with indoor recess. 

I have a few tv shows I like to watch......Nashville (SO dramatic, a soap opera really), Parenthood (why do they make such poor choices), Hart of Dixie (but it hasn't been on for a while), I also try to watch Amazing Race (because my friend Michelle really likes it, so if I watch it we can talk about it), Revenge (without the kids (or Scott)), and I think I'm caught up on Survivor.  I know that sounds like a lot, but I usually just watch Sharks games at night when they are on and these tv shows I just watch on my computer during my morning break between shifts. 

My favorite soccer team the Earthquakes look really good this year, but they are battling lots of injuries.  I dropped Wondolowski from my fantasy team, but I think he's going to score this week, he's just too expensive to keep and they have a bye next week....so maybe I'll pick him back up later!!!  Wondo's brother follows me on Twitter!!! 

neighbor asked us to fix the fence,
 Scott teaching Andrew how to work

Scott has been working A LOT lately.  He's also reading a book on my dad's old Kindle!  It's called Insurgent, it's the next in the series of Diversion.  He's going to want the 3rd book in the series pretty soon.  I need to go to the library tomorrow anyway.  Andrew had a book in his backpack that I'm pretty sure is overdue...but I never got an e mail notification, so I hope it isn't!!!!  (over due fee is .25 cents a day)

I've been having a lot of headaches lately....they do go away with Ibuprofen...but I don't want to take that every day....I just want the headaches to not start.  I think I need to get more exercise, hopefully that will help!!!  I've been trying to eat really well, too.

We ate corned beef on St Patrick's Day for William's birthday.  William likes corned beef.  It was a good one, too bad he wasn't here! 

Our yard is starting to look like spring!

The irises that I transplanted haven't bloomed, but a few that didn't get dug up, did, hope the others will too, but if not this year, next year they will look fabulous!!!

jungle rainstorm

We just enjoyed the sights and sounds of a major downpour along with hail and lightning.  You cant really tell from this photo but the rain was COMING DOWN in buckets!  Our satellite even went out during the Sharks game.  And a few minutes after it started (I thought the neighbor was just moving their garbage can when the first thunder struck), it ended and the clouds went away and all we could hear was silence.

Soccer

It's spring break around here and that means people leave town....well, 4 of my players were gone on Saturday.  It was the first hot day of the year.  I have a bunch of out of shape kids.  The four missing were my top 4 players.  Yeah, we lost.  7-0.  Andrew played well, though!  He got very frustrated, but I kept telling him to keep trying and he did. 

This is Andrew trying to get the ball from one of his school friends. 

He took our goal kicks today!

He was wrongly called for offside on this one!  UGH!!!! 

We will get them next time!!!  For sure!!!

BAD LUCK Shopping

I have had a week of bad luck in people over charging me or messing up on my purchases. 

1.) our water bill doubled.  So we call the water company, thinking that maybe the rates have gone up.  No, they tell us, our usage has doubled.  Well, they are WRONG, we haven't watered our lawn because it has been raining.  We take the same amounts of showers, do the same amount of laundry, and wash the same amount of dishes.  Must be a leaky something or other or problem somewhere....

2.) bought Dax a shirt online.  Had it sent to him.  THEY sent it to San Antonio CALIFORNIA....there is no such place.....LAME.....call them, they say, "Oh, you must have filled it out wrong."  NO!!!

3.) that shirt I ordered Dax....a MENS 2012 MLS All Star game commemorative t shirt.  Totally cool.  With the MLS logo on the front and the players names on the back.  What was sent to Dax....a WOMENS, one sided, different logo All Star game t shirt!!!!

4.)  buy Bradley some nice, not the $5.00 Wal Mart brand type, ear bud head phones.....at Radio Shack.....(don't shop there)......the checker convinces me to buy the extended warranty, promising replacement for them if ANYTHING happens, tells me the info is all in the computer if I ever need an exchange I WILL NOT need a receipt....well, they no longer work, take them back....there is no record in their computer of me ever purchasing the extended warranty. 

5.)  go shopping in a huge hurry to a BUSY Wal Mart.....long ling....checker chatting it up.....get home, check my receipt.....he rang me up double for a bunch of the stuff.  LAME!!!!

SOOOOOOOOOOO-----

1.)  Water company is coming out Monday to check things out.
2.) Waited on hold for 20 minutes, then 2 disconnections, with the t shirt place to get the address thing straightened out.
3.) Waited 20 minutes, finally hanging up, cuz I had to go take Andrew to scouts, about the wrong shirt, so still not solved. 
4.) Radio Shack's manager will be in sometime after Saturday, so E mails, phone calls, online chats with Radio Shack (don't shop there) headquarters....and they will have someone get back to me in 3-4 days.
5.)  Drive ALL THE WAY BACK TO Wal Mart.....they have me fill out a form, they will check their video surveillance and get back to me in a week. 

I want my water bill lowered, Dax to have a MENS shirt, new ear buds, and my money back from Wal Mart (It adds up to over $20.00). 

Camp/Hike

Andrew did NOT want to go....but I packed his pack for him and bough him some goodies,  and brought him over to the church to meet the troop....he would rather sit on the couch, but I'm sure once he gets there he will have a great time. 

 Bradley didn't go because he has his doctor's appointment. 

Andrew has a new pack to use.  Hope this one works better, fits better, and doesn't hurt him.  Hope, also, that he doesn't get poison oak again!

Mole

We don't have a family doctor or pediatrician.  We just go to Prompt Care or Immediate Care when we need medical attention.  But, with the new Obama medical stuff, we are required to go to Chico's Indian Health Clinic if we want medical help.   Well, I did want medical help....Bradley has a mole that has been bothering us for a while.  It is raised, darker than it used to be, oddly shaped, and it itches.  All not really concerning on their own, but with all of those oddities, I figured we better get it looked at by a professional.  My anesthesiologist friend goes running/biking each morning with her dermatologist friend.  My friend said that her friend would look at it, but when I called her office, they said that they don't take our insurance, we said, "that's ok, we'll just pay cash."  But we were told, "now that you told us that you have insurance, we are not allowed to accept your cash." Lame Obama rules, I guess. 

So, we settled on having the Indian doctor take a look at it. 
Bradley's friend came with us.  They put the masks on in the waiting room.  No, they weren't sick, they just didn't want to become sick.  Silly kids!!!

It's a children's clinic....the table was definitely sized for a child. 

We say it looks like Hawaii....but the doc....he has a dirtier mind....he said he couldn't state what it reminded him of---

The doctor said it's a wart, not a mole.  He removed it with liquid nitrogen! 

busy times

Basketball is over and I truly miss it.  Wow, really, I never knew how much I enjoy watching basketball.  It's a very exciting sport.  I know I spent lots of time watching the Kings back a few years ago when they had likable players.  I even watched some this season, but honestly haven't watched a game since they cut Jimmer! They seem to be winning more games, every now and then, but the players on the Kings aren't very likable. Many people would say professional sports are the most exciting....but these people are probably the ones who dont have kids or who dont have kids who play sports.  I LOVE watching my kids play basketball.  Especially when they play (are in the game) and especially when they are having fun.  For Bradley, fun is scoring baskets and shutting the other team down on defense.  I dont know their final season win-loss record, but I'd probably guess that they lost more than they won....but Bradley did well, so the season was a success.  For Andrew, his team was just pitiful, most games Andrew came home angry, but he never wanted to quit...he always tried his best, he always worked hard at practice to get better, and he will play again someday.

I am NOT one of those moms who love having an empty calendar.  I like to stay busy.  I like when the kids are off the couch.  I like to be on the go.  I love having their games to watch.

Right now the only season going on is Andrew's soccer season.  I am the coach, so it's more work, but I am actually really enjoying the kids and this season.

Next week is spring break.  My BEST player told me on Saturday that he wont be at the next game.  It concerned me a bit, since he scored 3 goals in the first game, 4 in the second, and 3 in the third.  But our 2nd best player just showed how awesome he is in the last game, so I just figured we'd still score some goals and just play a strong defensive game.  His dad e mailed me that they will not be at the game.  Then today my 3rd best player, my center defender...told me he is not going to be there  EITHER.  I thought, "we are going to lose"....but the players actually said out loud, "We are going to lose".  I can just hope the other team has a lot of people leaving town for spring break!!!!!  I dont have many more tricks up my sleeve!!!

The weather has been sunny and 70 degrees.  Beautiful!  Bradley has been skateboarding after school a lot.  The boys still have scout activities, but they both say they now hate scouts and are both refusing to go on the campout this weekend.  Bradley has a doctors appointment for a mole shaped like Hawaii on his chest and Andrew's excuse is his 12:15 soccer game on Saturday....I really want them to like scouts....but I am not going to force them to go......THIS TIME!!!!

All the introduction meetings for high school are starting, girls camp meetings just beginning, I dont see my schedule freeing up till summer.....but I still miss BASKETBALL!!!!!!!!!!

Fun Night

I guess I'm not that sociable....I have decided that I know a lot of people....but I dont have that many "friends".  As I get older, I am just starting to realize what a "friend" really is.....just starting.....

I have a few.  I used to want more....but, nah, the friends I have are great and family is way more important.

By having a non sociable life, there is less hurt and less time wasted....but also, more time to myself.  Like tonight!!!  I got off of work, did my errands, then watched the Penguins game (they won, Sidney Crosby scored), made dinner, then the Earthquakes game (they tied, but played well), then the Sharks game (they won, the whole team rocked).  That is HOURS of time "wasted"...but I seriously enjoyed all of it.

Co workers are not "friends"....church people are not "friends"......neighbors are not "friends".....kids friend's moms are not "friends"...... they are people who we are stuck with in life, but just because I know them, doesnt mean they are my "friends"......learning that has been hard, but now that I know, I am going to not waste my time on them.

(Two different topics tied into one post, I know, and I'm not saying that the Sharks, Quakes, or Penguins are my "friends", just that they do bring me more happiness than most people I know!)

Spring is springing

oh, shoot...I'm on the computer that doesnt have any sort of way to photo edit or I would have cropped the junk yard background out of this photo!!!!  But I wanted to share the irises I planted last year...they are growing, but haven't bloomed yet.  I hope they blossom this year!!!!  But there was one plant that I didnt dig up on the other side of the fence that has already bloomed, so I'm thinking these may take a year to be beautiful. 

Here's the other side of the fence flower (that the chickens may or may not have trampled already)-

And, two years ago, William went to the plant store and picked out and bought a bunch of flowers.  They have come back each year!  I've been surprised each time!!!

And, Scott just put some unused bee boxes in our front yard and they've attracted a bunch of bees.  I was out near there picking weeds, but was afraid of the bees, so I guess Scott can finish the weeding!!!

post it note attack

We went to a pancake breakfast at the school this morning.....and when we came out, someone had left Scott a bunch of sticky notes.....I forgot what they all said, but they were funny/nice/cute.  Andrew took a sideways cell phone picture!

When we walked out, I said, "Andrew, do you think someone is asking you to prom?"  And he said, "It they are, they are about 6 years too early."

(William or Melanee or someone got asked to prom by sticky notes posted in the shape of the word PROM on their car once.)

Undefeated

I want to title this post "Undefeated" cuz I'm a little worried about next week!!!!  Our best player will be gone....but last time we played the green team (our next week opponent), Andrew slept through the game...so maybe with Andrew, maybe, we can play well enough.....I hope

Andrew had a good game today.  He was ready to go and in a good mood.  I really love my team....all the kids are respectful, nice, fun, and try hard.  It's easy to coach kids like these kids.  I'm very lucky!!!!

Last time we played the red team we tied.  The game was pretty lopsided....but the final score was 4-4....this time, for a while the score was 2-2....I was starting to worry....but, shouldn't have....the final score was 7-2!  My team DOMINATED.  The other coach was one of those coaches who yell out instructions the whole entire game.  It's fun to beat those really intense guys.  He kept saying, "You're killing me" when his players messed up...that really bugged me.  They weren't killing him, that's ridiculous.  That's putting too much pressure on them.  They also feel bad enough when they make mistakes, they don't need the coach complaining about the mistakes.  I don't really like coaching, in general, but I am glad I'm coaching right now, so that Andrew gets to be on MY team, not that kind of team!

This is the beginning of the run that Andrew went on to lead up to his goal.  He took it up the sideline, the guy attempted to stop him by TRIPPING HIM....

 You can tell that Andrew kept his balance and kept on going---

Then he got past this last defender---

His shot was powerful and well placed! 

Then I subbed him out!  He was happy!!!!  He didn't even mind coming out!!!!!

I coached Melanee for most of her young soccer career....she surely remembers in the lopsided games, I always take out the goal scorer!  Haha!  I want them to score and I'm happy....it's not a "punishment".....but time to let someone else score.  Our next scorer after Andrew was our typical goalie!!!  He misses badly most shots, but scored a goal today and was thrilled!!!!  Even though it was goal #7 for us, we were all happy for him! 

Basketball is Over!

Today was the final day of Andrew's 6th grade basketball season!  

I really enjoy watching my kids play basketball.  I LOVE it, in fact.  But the best describing word for this season has been "frustrating".  Andrew can do everything the coach asks.  He knows the plays.  He knows how to defend.  He knows how to do a lay up.  I am not saying he is great.  I'm not saying he's even good....I just know that on a better team, with better teammates, Andrew could have done SO much better!  

Andrew did have a WONDERFUL coach.  Andrew did learn A LOT.  Andrew did improve.  I can see Andrew playing Junior High basketball....maybe not the A team....maybe not a starter....but he has some basketball talent and on a good team, he could do well!!!!  (and have fun).

He got to do the tip off again...this was the first one he lost all season...the kid was taller, the toss was off a little, and Andrew jumped too late.  

None of my photos are close up or even in focus.....sorry!!!

The coach always took his time outs at the right time, always had a play to draw up, always a constructive criticism, a pat on the back....he never stopped coaching, never gave up on trying to teach the kids REAL basketball.  At one point, I thought in my mind, if the top 5 kids went out there and played play ground style, every man for himself, unorganized basketball....they might be able to win.....but they never did that, they stuck with the plan, they ran the plays, they played fair and all had smiles on their faces knowing they played their best, knowing they learned something, and knowing the scoreboard wasn't the only thing that determined if it was a good game or not!

Good friends, good teammates, good memories......0-11 record really means nothing in the long run!!!