Friday, March 07, 2008

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.

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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?

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think it's a decent final 12, too. Although I wasn't too keen on Amanda, maybe she'll keep things interesting for a little while.

And speaking of soccer moms...
While I want my kids to have the opportunity to be involved in a variety of activities where they can discover talents and build self-confidence, there's something to be said for down time. Although my kids like their activities, they are always excited for our nothing days--no gymnastics, no piano lessons, no scouts, nowhere to be--woo-hoo!

Kelly said...

Man I hear you on the soccer mom. Living it! One instrument and one sport sounded quite reasonable to me. But then multiply it by # of children in the family and Scouts/Mutual, now my #1 is in Jr. High and there is band and clubs and NOOOOO!

What do you do? Just keep driving, just keep driving...

malinda said...

I know what you mean. Abby was so funny a couple months ago she said "Mom I just have too much going on right now. I have school, soccer, gymnastics, and dance. I don't have time for friends. I want to quite dance." So I gladly let her. Sad thing is she still is gone during dance, because I still have to take Sydnee. Oh well. Less is more right?

Susan M said...

I only did one year of little league, and it was t-ball. Way too much time involved. Hours each week.

Stephen said...

I had one kid do part of one season.

I ended up sponsoring the team though.

All in all, it let me learn a lot about what my kid really wanted vs. what she thought she wanted.

Cristy said...

"Just Breathe!" name that movie!

Hillary said...

Good luck being a soccer mom! Sounds very busy!

Cheryl said...

"Ever After" :)

Anonymous said...

Love Ever After!

Cheryl said...

Me, too!

And props to Kelly for reminding me of my favorite blue fish... :)

Anonymous said...

I long for the old days, when kids just played their own games. Why can't they just keep us out of it?

My son has informed me that he wants to play soccer this year. I was really hoping none of my children would ever have an interest in sports because I HATE having to be someplace all the time, not to mention being responsible for a uniform and wrangling other children whilst said child performs said sport, blah blah blah. I'm so lazy. So very, very lazy.

Not to mention the fact that despite all their begging and pleading to sign them up for swim classes, they still complain about having to go twice a week. Bah!

See, you're not whining. THIS is whining!

Jocelyn said...

Everyone's commenting on the soccer mom stuff, but since I'm not there yet, I'll stick with what I know...American Idol!!!! I felt EXACTLY the same way on the top 12. After my 4 guys (exact same) and 1 girl (again, exact same!) got through, I didn't care about anyone else.

David H. gives me the heeby jeebys.

I am bugged about all the hype over this being the MOST TALENTED YEAR EVER!!!!!, yet I can't recall a top 12 in years past that had 5 contestants I could actually envision having a career post-Idol and 7 other decent singers. It is somewhat better than years past.

Thanks for always posting about AI! It's good to have a place to always spew my opinions! Stanton gets a little tired of it!!!! :)