I Want to Be a Soccer Mom!?

Hooray! My top four guys got into the top 12! Who are my top four, you ask? Well, in no particular order:

1. David Cook
2. David Archuleta
3. Michael Johns
4. Jason Castro

After those four guys got in, I didn't really care who else made it. I was not surprised that Danny and Luke were voted off. And frankly, I'm relieved.

And hooray! My top girls got into the top 12, too! Who are they?

1. Brooke White

Okay, so I'm not really a fan of the girls. However, I would have much rather had Asiah'h make it than Amanda. I knew Kristy Lee would get in because she had the "country" vote. Glad Kady's gone.

---------------------------------------------------------------

I realized lately that I don't write about #1 very often. I think this is because she's at school, and the craziness in my life happens whilst she is away. But she is very much a part of our lives (obviously), and last month, we entered brand new territory. Somewhere we've never been before as parents. Yes, I am talking about the land of Little League Baseball.

Oh, sure, it sounds all great with their tales of fun games, good friends, and a competitive (but respectful) atmosphere. But then after the first rounds of sign-up fees are behind you, the fundraisers and "chip in for this!" and sign-ups and volunteer forms and crazy last-minute practices begin. Two hours here, two hours there --and oh! Opening Day! Spend money for food and games and make sure you're there on time for the parade and the pictures...go buy the uniform! Don't forget cleats! Then the games start, and you have to reschedule your entire life.

#1 was doing gymnastics once a week. She attended a one-hour a week class, and although it took a good 2 hours out of the afternoon (travel time), it was easy. She wasn't doing competitive gymnastics; just lessons. But Brandon and I knew that she probably didn't have a future in gymnastics, so we thought we'd have her try something else while she was young enough to enjoy the luxury of time. Time to try different things. She has an amazing arm and a good eye, so we thought "Little League!" Why not? Why not, indeed.

She hates going to practice now, but it's too late. She has to finish out the season. Okay, the month, since we're moving. But already I find myself stressed out over the whole thing. We're missing church activities for baseball; I'm missing Weight Watchers Meetings! I have to reschedule piano lessons! Yeah, okay, it's not that bad. It's not. In fact, I'm starting to sound a little whiny. I just don't think I was prepared for this level of commitment so soon. I mean, this is why I didn't sign my kids up for swim team last year. I can't handle the commitment, I guess. Who knew?

But I better get used to it. She's my oldest and do I think this type of thing is temporary?! Pshaw! I have three younger children! Who haven't hit their peak, yet! I'm realistic enough to know that the term "Soccer Mom" didn't just float out of thin air. I just wish the term had been realistic. If those who coined the phrase had been honest, they would have named it "My-kids-have-so-many-freaking-activities-and-I-wish-I-had-time-to-breathe-between-all-the-driving-and-scheduling-and-if-I-get-through-these-years-with-my-sanity-intact-then-it-will-be-miraculous!"

I like that term much, much better.

P.S. The hilariousness of this post will be appreciated much more if you, dear reader, were privy to the conversation I had last night with hubby. I explained that I didn't want to teach piano lessons anymore because I needed to focus my attention on the children and be able to drive them around to various activities. I'm feeling split on that decision now. Hoo-wee! What am I gonna do?