Here we go again...

…in two directions!

Hint…Are you ready for some football?

As another school year approaches, equipment was picked up and soon a practice schedule will be stuck to the refrigerator. One change this year though, there will be two schedules. Olivia is going to be cheering this year. She’ll still enjoy hanging out with friends during her brothers’ games and while I work the concession stand for the second game and then, she’ll be cheering for the third game. I have some long days ahead of me but I am happy that she has decided to cheer. You should try a sport before stating that you don’t like it. We’re not sure how this will work and what schedule we’ll be on but we do know it’ll be hectic. It’ll be enjoyable. It’ll be frustrating. I can hope the communication is better than last year. Last year we were newbies to the sporting life. Rather, newbies as parents of young athletes. We were not familiar with the other schools, the playing fields and their locations. How can you expect us to get to the destination on time when no addresses are given out, just this: drive 6 miles on route xx, turn left at the old barn, go 3 miles, then after…the field will be on the right. Seriously? Now having one year behind us, I am hoping we won’t be running “around the block” this year. Frustrating. Fundraisers – did that too! However, very disappointed to learn that the orders were not placed when we were told, thus a 3-week late delivery to those individuals that were nice enough to support our teams. Don’t hold it for anyone. Deadlines have a purpose. And can we have all parents support the teams? Not just sit in the stands. We donated baked goods and I worked in concessions. Volunteer before or after your child plays. There is a lot to do – but (breathe) I have gotten way off my train of thought. Sometimes when you say, or type, thoughts, you feel so much better. Whew – glad I got that out of my system.

It’s going to be a good year despite the negative issues we experienced last year. The positives cast all those onto the sidelines. The coaches were good to the kids, encouraging and supportive. We had a great time supporting the kids and the kids had fun. We met new families and friendships were started. It was fun and I for one, am looking forward to another “crazy, fun-filled, busy, which-way and where are we going” fall. Some of the boys on last years’ team will move up to the older team, new players will join. Who knows what this year holds for Elliott and his teammates. But you can be sure of one thing, they’ll be ready to rumble! After all, they are Mighty, Mighty Panthers!

And for Olivia, this will be a new and exciting activity for her. I’m not sure what to expect. I know it will teach her time-management skills. She’ll get more exercise and experience team work. I want her to have fun and enjoy the season. I’ll find out soon what her season will be like as I’ll attend a parent meeting tonight. Meanwhile, Elliott will be at his first practice.

So today I stock the refrigerator up, make some meals to put in the freezer and get ready for his first practice. I have goals to work on – meal goals. I want to have a menu written up and posted on the refrigerator next to the schedules. I plan to use the crockpot more this fall so we have healthy, ready-to-eat meals once John and the kids get home since they arrive earlier than I do. I’m being optimistic – we’ll manage this much better this year. So much easier to say than do. I have picky kids to feed. I don’t have a problem fixing steak fajitas in the crockpot that they can put in a wrap and eat. Elliott likes egg wraps. Olivia doesn’t. Scalloped potatoes and ham. Olivia loves this dish. Elliott doesn’t like the ham mixed with the potatoes. Pulled pork – hit for all. Meatball subs. That might work. This might be the season that their tastes change. Meaning expand perhaps I’ll be able to say, “good-bye finicky eaters!” Aw…wishful, wishful thinking. But we will have quick and healthy meals. Not necessarily grab-n-go and I’m thinking I will boycott the local pizza house. We ate too much pizza last fall. Yuk!

I’ll pack the car with blankets, chairs, umbrellas, and other items that were needed last year either at practice or games.

I’ll have to dig out my Panther t-shirt. Get knitting that red scarf with a black pawprint on it.

I’ll need to practice my cookie decorating skills. More sugar cookie jerseys this year? Just frosted football cookies or the whole set – football, jersey and helmet? Plus, I’ll have to look for a mega-phone cutter and try to make pom-poms. That’ll be a project to work on.

I do know that we’ll be cheering loudly (well, I will be loud) for number 25. Elliott chose a new number this year!