Today and coming attractions

November is the month that everyone starts thinking about what they are thankful for and I am no exception. But I am not going to turn this into a month long thankful post. This month there will be all kinds of things going on here at The Dance. One of them is going to be a give-away, just in time to help you get a jump on your Christmas Shopping. (Go here for a sneak peek at samples.) Maybe some Thanksgiving stories or recipes or decor, or just musings on my part. So get ready to join in the dancing and merry making with me.

But today is going to be a thankful post.

I am thankful that this

With all of its cold and snow and freezing temperatures, carrying of blankets and chairs and umbrellas and gloves and various other attendant paraphernalia has turned into this




with bleachers and furnaces for the comfort of the spectators. No stupid off-sides rule that I could never understand until the second to last outside game and how does anyone every see that anyway??? No out of bounds, shorter halves and faster pace and so much more fun to watch and Brandi says so much more fun to play.

And when the game is over, I am so, so , so thankful for this


for Brandi's uniform and UnderArmour because sometimes? I have to roll down the windows to stand the ride home.

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Indeed.

A day in the life

Saturday at my house :

I went here

To get these

Then I put about 6 loads of these

and these

into these There was some of this

A lot of this

This, in the wind and rain and FREEZING COLD

But I was warmer than Brandi, who came and got one of the pairs of gloves I was wearing.

Then Brandi went with the soccer team to a Halloween party and I raced across town to this

They took 1st place as well as Best Visual Caption award.

And it was still Freezing but the rain had stopped.

I tried to post a great visual video at the very bottom of this post from another competition but blogger won't upload it. I'll keep trying and post it later

Then I picked up Brandi, went home and did 4 more loads of laundry and went to bed about 2 a.m. this morning.

There was none of this

Which is what I REALLY, REALLY wanted to do

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Indeed.

Neighbors and stuff

Ok, still don't like my neighbors but I am saying a prayer of thanks that there was a downpour all night so no one's dog was out to bark giving me a chance to calm down.

Plan for today- make brownies, or cookies or something to take over to them. Write a note saying what I was trying to say when they attacked me yesterday. Include my phone number in the note asking them to please call me anytime, day or night, if my dogs are annoying them and I will go and make sure it is my dogs and deal with it.

They don't realize that my part of the street sits in a bowl and everything echos making it sound like it is coming from behind my house. And since the church was put it and the houses across from the church and behind the church on the hill it has gotten worse. The dog that lives on the street that is on the other side of the church barks and the sound is funneled through the parking lot between the hill and the church and bounces off of both the neighbor's house and mine.

Any way. Brandi got to play in the soccer game again yesterday. We lost 2-1. But they are getting better. It is kinda hard for her to go from best player on the team, playing almost the entire game to worst player and sitting out most of the game. But she is getting better and that is the real goal. And she is working hard.

I still am having a hard time understanding the calls the ref makes. There are so many little rules about where each player can be when the ball is here and it is different when the ball is there... And I still don't see how you know who is playing what when they are all out there and the action is so fast.

I found this this morning. I will be watching all the tutorials. Maybe when I am finished I will be able to understand a bit more and actually look somewhat intelligent at the next game on Thursday?

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Indeed.

Have you ever?

Have you ever had a bad day when you just want to be mad? When you just want to justify why you are right and the other person is wrong? But you have to be the grown up? Even when it is your feelings that were hurt? By someone that forgets that moms are people and have feelings?

Ya, that was me last night and today. I hate the days after I cry myself to sleep, especially when it is because one (or more) of my kids have done something or said something to me that was mean and uncaring and I don't answer because if I did I would be mean and immature. And then when you get up and you get a letter from one of them and it lists all the ways you are a bad parent? Ouch.

It makes you glad that the child decides to walk to school instead of riding with you and that he has marching band after so you don't have to drive him home. And that you have to take your daughter to soccer practice and aren't home when he gets home so that you still don't have to talk to him, because you aren't done being mad.

And then when you do get home, and he has done most of the chores (that the letter said were unfair and that you were treating him like a slave) and even cleaned up a cat surprise left by a cat that wasn't even supposed to be in the house to start with, but was in the house with no one to let it out, and then he is nice and asks what else he can do to help you. Then you are done being mad and you are able to talk about what was and wasn't said and apologies are made and there is a reconcilliation and all is well again.

And you are glad you didn't say what you had been wanting to say all day, which would have been mostly lies anyway, but said what was really in your heart and was truth and love.

In other news, the soccer coach said that even though Brandi is 3 months behind, she is willing to take Brandi onto the team. We had our option of not paying the fees, Brandi going to practice and attending the games, but never suiting up and never playing- just learning and growing as a player. Or we can pay the fees, she'll practice and attend games, suit up but probably sit on the bench for the first part of the season. But the coach said that if we take that option she can guarantee that Brandi will play because she has so much raw talent. Or we can do neither of those, try and find someone to play with this fall and winter and try out in the spring. If we take option 1 or 2, she is pretty much guaranteed a spot next year, but if we take option 3, it is a chance.

We choose option 2 because if she really is as good as the coaches have been telling me after just playing playground ball, then who am I to stop her from developing it. If all she lacks is a coach to train her, then I would be a fool to not take advantage of that training, now wouldn't I?

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Indeed.

Coming late to the game

Brandi has two games left for the rec center soccer league. One on Thursday, a makeup game for one that was rained out, and one next week. Because she has enjoyed soccer and playing she wanted to continue after these last two games. I had no idea where she would be able to do that. I asked her coaches and they didn't know. So I asked David, figuring he might be able to at least point me in the right direction.

Apparently if you want to play soccer in the fall, you have to try out in the spring. I would say, "Who knew?" right here, but there are plenty of people that knew. And they tried out. In the spring. When you are supposed to try out. As a soccer mom I am really clueless about all this stuff.

But Dave was nice enough to point me in the right direction anyway with a soccer club that is close to our house. And then he even gave me the name of someone to call. And this someone called the coach of the soccer club and asked her if Brandi could still try out. The coach said yes.

So this evening Brandi and I headed over to the team's practice. We knew going in that she might not do more than have a really good practice with this team and then spend the winter practicing and then try out again in the spring, you know, when you are supposed to.

We met Noelle, chatted a bit and she put Brandi right to work. I think Brandi worked harder and more in that hour and a half than she has all summer with the rec league. Including games. After an hour of drills, the girls divided into two teams and played a game. I could tell Brandi was getting tired. But she kept at it.

Noelle asked if Brandi could come back because she has potential. I think potential is good. Right?

Driving home, Brandi told me that she wasn't sure she liked it. I think it is because she worked so hard. She never got subbed out during the game, she doesn't know any of the girls, the coaches worked her hard, she is not used to that. We talked about how the coaches needed to see how she plays in all the positions and the only way to do that was to play her in all the positions.

Their next practice is Thursday at 5. Same day and time as her makeup game. Noelle and I agreed that her first obligation is to her current team so she will go to Saturday's practice.

We may be coming late to the game this time, but I think we are on our way to turning me into a soccer mom.

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Indeed.

Happy day

Long story short, Brandi's soccer coach called for a practice on Friday evening. And it was a great practice. He taught them where they should be standing on the field, how to pass to each other, what position plays where and what they do in that position, he went over rules of the game, they ran, they did drills, they passed the ball, the played. And he talked to them about the fact that they have as much right to the ball as the other team and taught them to stop being so nice. If someone falls, just keep playing. If the ball comes to you, don't stop it and then stand there asking for permission to kick it.

Today, they played great. Like a team. They owned that ball. They were all over it. And it was great. They were playing so well that I got out my camera and turned it to the video option to take a bit of video of them playing so well.

Lucky that I did when I did- I got video of the one goal they made today!! And it was the only goal of the game!!!

I would show it to you, but I can't get it to upload. I'll keep trying though.

After yesterday's practice, I understand soccer a whole lot more. I think the girls do to. And that's a good thing.

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Indeed.

Good news moment

Today's game went better. When we got there, the first thing Brandi said was, "Our assistant coach is here. I like him, he's cool."



He started the girls out kicking the ball to each other. Then he divided them up according to what he was going to have them play. The coach took some of the girls- the defenders and the goalie, and the assistant took the rest of them. He would throw a ball to them and had them kick it back to him, but he gave them directions on where he wanted the ball to go or how he wanted them to control it. When the ball didn't go where they intended, he stopped, showed them what they did wrong and how to do it right. All in a nice, encouraging way. This coach I like.



The other coach's wife, the one that sent me the lovely e-mail? When she got there she was giving me the look of death. Its a good thing looks don't kill... Then. then another mother arrived and asked for a schedule of practice times. "We aren't having pratices other than game days because with two games a week, when are you supposed to practice?" was her reply. (really? there were 7 days in a week last time I looked)



I didn't say anything. Then a father came and asked. Then one or two or six of the players. And a couple more parents. I said nothing. I didn't even look over there. I was suddenly engrossed in the jet flying across the sky, re-tying my shoe, moving my chair 1/8" over, checking my water bottle, whatever. There is another practice on Tuesday, the day before the next game.



The team before us finished late. I think they started late. It was hot. I was thinking about 98-100* but the assistant coach said it was 4000*. Before the game was over, I agreed with him. So did the girls.

Beginning of game.


Brandi played left mid-field this week.

When I asked, Matt said it is because she is in the middle of the field.

Makes sense.

I guess

This video is at almost 1/2 time

You can tell the girls are getting hot and tired

The coaches were really good about rotating the girls in and out so they could get water and stay hydrated

They played better today and twice they almost made a goal. You know, those groaner times because the ball doesn't go in?

And they stopped the other team from making a goal. Every time.

Except one.

Maybe next week.

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Indeed.

Random stuff

Brandi and I had appointments at Evans Hairstyling College this morning. Brandi for braids, me for a cut and style. I have gone to Evans off and on for almost 25 years now. I used to make my appointment for 30 minutes to close so that Mr. Evans would cut my hair while the student watched. And I always ask for an advanced student. I forgot to do that for today's appointments. We got beginner students that have just barely finished class work and this is their first couple of weeks on the floor with real people.

I showed my stylist a couple of pictures of what I wanted done. I could tell by the look on her face that she had no clue. She got close, though. But I am glad that they have an instructor come check before we leave. The instructor showed her how to razor my hair to take some of the bulk out. I have A LOT of hair and if you don't thin it, it won't do the cute style but just lay in a heavy, droopy mess- as it was doing until the instructor fixed it. But even she didn't get the bangs right. Oh well, in about 6-8 weeks it will need shaped up and I will remember to ask for an advanced student.

Brandi's braids are not what I asked for either. I wanted a bunch of tiny braids all over her head. What she got was some thicker braids all over her head. Most of the braids should actually be 3-4 braids. And they used no elastics- at the top or at the ends. And the ends were all frizzy. I had to ask them to put the cream on that stops that. They should have been using it on each and every braid. And then when they were done, they should have gone back and trimmed all the pieces of hair that were sticking out of the braid. But they didn't. I put elastics in the ends when we got home and I will trim the braids tomorrow after we wash them. I really can't fault them, though. They are beginning students, and around here when braiding is taught, it is taught on white women and about white women's hair. But black hair is just different. I should suggest that they have a guest black woman come and teach about braids and black hair. (and next time, ask for an advanced student)

Soccer. Remember the e-mail I sent the coach asking about practice times? I got this reply:

We also want the girls to learn how to play soccer and to have fun. I will pass your comments on to Bryan and Chris about additional practices. I haven't seen a schedule of practices, so I'll see if I can email one out to everyone.

Please remember that the coaches are volunteers. Bryan and Chris are the coaches because the PG Rec called and asked them to do it. They are doing their best. If you would like to help them coach, I'm sure they would appreciate the extra help.

At the first practice, they decided to have a 30 minute practice prior to each game due to the often twice a week game schedule. It will also keep the skills fresh in their minds for the game. If that is not enought for Brandy, encourage her to practice kicking, running, and dribbling the soccer ball at home.

Well, I require at least 20 minutes a day of kicking, running and dribbling as well as juggling, but I don't see how that is going to help her learn to play as a team. I sent back an e-mail saying that even though I don't know anything about soccer, I would be willing to rotate with other parents in supervising at least one 1 hour practice/week.

When I talked to the rec center, I was told that they would talk to the coach and see what they could do, but that he really didn't want to coach, but the other coach had to drop out so they begged this one to help out. Maybe I should go get that Coaching Soccer for Dummies book after all.
There is a game today at noon, so we will see how that goes. (I got the e-mail reminder at midnight)

I am doing a Power Point presentation on Wed. night about paranoid schizophrenia. My team is using clips from A Beautiful Mind to help us. We have 30 minutes. In putting together my part, I had 35 minutes of clips I wanted to use. I finally got it cut down to 6:32 minutes about 12:30 this morning. Now I just need to write a diagnosis and treatment plan on someone else and get it turned in. I guess I should find someone to interview, huh?

Sewing room is 1/2 way mucked out so all my sewing/craft stuff should be able to go back in there by Tuesday evening and then I can start on the food storage room. I better hurry if I want it done by the end of summer, because I got my letter from the school today saying first day of work is the 18th and band camp for the boys is all next week, so no help from them)

Next week is LDSBA, my favorite event of the year. I get to go check out all the new releases from publishers. Any publisher/author you want me to check in particular?

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Indeed.

From the sidelines

Ok, I may be just the mom on the sidelines, but, I'm pretty sure this isn't the right way to do it. Unless maybe it is.

Saturday started the first day of soccer league play. Brandi's first game was tonight. Last Monday I called the rec. center because we still had not heard from a coach about practice times, what team she was on, the where's and who's and all that jazz. They gave me a name and number of the coach. I called the coach. His response was the first bad sign.

"Um, ya. I guess I had better get on that, huh?"

Ok. Maybe he had something happen and is feeling a bit stressed and the summer got away from him and this week snuck up on him. It can happen. Right?

So first practice was Wed. night. I was at class, so her dad had to take her. She came home with a list of games and times (which I already had because I printed them off of the rec center website) and a list of which girl was in charge of bringing treats to which game. An important piece of information, because when you are 10, the treat is the best part.

I took Jake to get his cast on today. We got home at 5:30. Game starts at 6:30. Time to make a quick supper and head out. Good thing I stopped to check my e-mail because the girls were supposed to be there at 6 for their second practice!



Practice- 20 minutes of taking turns passing the ball back and forth to each other. Then the coach's wife asked him if he wanted the girls to kick the ball to him so he could decide what position they should play. Now, I am not the soccer expert here, far from it, but I would have assumed that he would have done that at the first practice? But then again, maybe not. Like I said, not an expert.

10 minutes later he told the girls to get a drink and head to the playing field. Brandi played forward. Matt told me it is called forward because she is close to the ball in the middle of the field when the game begins. When I asked what would qualify her to play that position he told me it was because she was one of the better players. Whitney had to ask, too. It was nice to have someone that understood the game as much as I do to sit with. (her explanation of soccer- Get the ball in the goal and stay in the white lines while you do it.)

Now I know they are only 10 and some of the girls have never played and it is supposed to be all fun and not about the winning, but shouldn't they be learning about the game and how to play together as a team? The team they were playing seemed to know what was going on. Our team? Not so much.

There was this one time, Brandi and another player were moving the ball down the field toward the goal. Brandi looked for someone to pass the ball to, down the field. The entire team was behind her. It was no suprise when the other team stole the ball. But on the upside, our team was in position to stop them from getting back down to their goal. I looked around for our coach to see why he was not directing the girls from the sideline. No where in sight. Not a clue where he was. The other girls' coach was right there giving direction, calling to them, watching, doing things that I have seen coaches do when I watch movies or pretend to watch games at the high school. You know, running around the sidelines, waving arms, yelling direction at players. That kind of thing. Our coach? Sitting under a tree in the shade.

We lost. 3-0.

Next practice? Saturday. 30 minutes before game time.

It's gonna be a long 6 weeks.

(PS, I know they are only 10, and it is all about the fun, and I am NOT one of those moms on the sidelines screaming and getting mad about the game- [and even if I was, I don't know enough about the game to] and I don't expect them to look like a well oiled pro team, but I would like the girls to win once in a while. Or score. Scoring would be nice)

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Indeed.

More Soccer

Playing Snakes in the Grass before practice

The point of this game is to make it, with your ball, from one side of the field to the other. Other members are snakes and do not have a ball and try to kick your ball out of bounds. If that happens, you then become a snake. They go back and forth until there are only snakes. No one could get Brandi out today and everyone was trying to get her out. But she made it. This time.

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Indeed.