Elite Player Development 2013

This year, Lucas was invited to tryout for the Elite Player Development program with Washington Youth Soccer. What is it? It is essentially a state team for Washington put together from clubs across the state. You can't just show up for tryouts, you have to be identified by a certified coach in the state and then invited to try out. The boys get to wear the Sounders uniform and eventually move into the Sounders Academy if they keep making the team.

 

We had no idea this type of program existed until we got the email that Lucas had been recommended and then invited. So we packed him up down to Starfire (where the Sounders practice) and in 26 degree weather he had his first tryout.

We watched as he put in everything he had out there on the field. Yes, there were kids that had way more skill and footwork. But what Lucas had was hard word and determination! I am convinced it will take him so far.

He's now down to the final 35 before the next and last cut. It will be a long wait and a lot of nerves. But he has come so far already. They know his name and his face and his playing style now. He has made us so proud and he is having a blast. His club's coaching director is thrilled with his progress and he is representing our club amazingly!

 GO LUCAS!

Fall is in Full Swing

Fall must be here! Back to school, soccer and the pumpkin patch. It has always been a very busy time as we rush from school to the soccer fields, as I fall into my volunteer work at the school.


The kids are growing up so fast. 2nd and 3rd Grade. I am so proud of both of them: they were both elected by their classes for ASB: Associated Student Body. They will help plan the monthly service projects and spirit days at the school, as well as help the special needs kids in their classrooms.

We hit the pumpkin patch last weekend and came home with 85 lbs of pumpkins. Of course Ellie picked a gigantic one!






Soccer is going great! Coaching Ellie's team has been a lot of fun. The growth in the girls has been fantastic to watch! I love that all her friends are on the team and they just love each other. Tia and I worked our magic on their team shirts. They used to be a deep maroon color and look what we did! We are the cutest team on the field!


This year I am heading up Social Services at the school. This means running all the food drives, the toy drive, mitten trees etc. In years past, the school has worked a lot with Hope Link and most of our drives go to benefit them. This year, I have a broader vision for our community outreach projects. I want to reach out to our school community, our local community and our global community. My plan is to cover all 3 with service projects this year. In a school of 900 students, these projects are a lot of co-ordination and my budget is $65 :) So it will be a lot of time but I can't think of a better position for me to really sink my teeth into.

I'm also room parent for Ellie, helping with writing in Ellie's class, Art Docent for Lucas' class, working in the Student Store and running the Sunshine Club at the school (meeting needs of families going through a tough time). I really do love being a presence at the school for the kids, my own and many others.

Baseball (or any sport!) Snack Idea

If you are anything like me, you want to make snack for the kid's sports that aren't just a pack of Goldfish crackers or a granola bar. I like to make something a little creative that the kids will like, with a bit of team spirit thrown in.

I made these for Lucas' baseball team on my snack day last week. I had everything on hand except the M&Ms so it was easy and cost efficient.


The bag toppers were super easy. I just made them the same width as the top of the bags (Wilton treat bags, 4" across), printed the logo and "Go D-Backs" on the BOTTOM part of the tag and stapled closed.

This shows you that you can take an ordinary snack and turn into something cute and fun.

Soccer 2010

It has been a really busy and fun 8 weeks in our house! Both kids
started soccer this year and I had no idea how much we all would love
it.

We have been putting it off for a year because we were not
ready to "give up our weekends". Little did we know how much it would
enhance our weekends! Both kids had terrific teams and it was amazing to
see how putting them into a team environment really fostered their
friendships.

I was assistant coaching Ellie's team and that was a
lot of fun. It truly can be a lot of work at times too. There is a lot
of organizing behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly. Ellie's
team ended their season yesterday with 7 wins and one loss. These girls
were such a fun group. Lucas has one more game and I believe they will
probably be close to a split season (half wins and half losses). Lucas
really excelled from the get go and Ellie came into her own over the
season. She turned into a fierce defender! Her self confidence on the field blossomed.
Lucas was a goal scoring guy. I saw his loyalty to his team come shining through.

Here are some photos of the season: