Galatians 6:9 - Let us not become weary in doing good.......

Galatians 6:9 - Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

The last month has been completely focused on soccer since IVZ's big signing day.  The girls have met twice a day, every day for a week with running and conditioning in the mornings, practices in the evenings, weekly skills sessions and countless rain checks on dates with friends.  All in preparation for this weekend and the goal of successfully entering 

Lake Highlands Girls Classic League Division 1.

Today we finished with a 1-1-1 record for the weekend.  It was not enough and so we play again next week.  As I watched the girls come towards the parents with tears in the their eyes, I wondered where I would find the words to ease my child's disappointment when I too was feeling the same.  

Sometimes being the parent stinks because you want to feel down too but as we walked off the field, I told her it was okay to be sad, disappointed, mad even but there is a lesson to be learned and something to take away from every experience.  God has a plan and a reason for everything.  We need to have faith and know that for everything there is a reason.  I'm not sure if she nodded in agreement to get me to stop talking or not but it was important that she & I both hear that.

I haven't been running much and I've been using soccer as the excuse but if I'm really honest its because deep down I'm still disappointed in myself.  I understand the hard work the girls have put in, how they visualized winning and celebrating only to come up short.  

Isn't it funny how you start off trying to teach and end up being taught.  We can learn a lot from our kids.  IVZ will get another shot at her goal and if I know her and the team, they will come back stronger!  I hope to, too!

Wish us luck! 

Today's road ended on the soccer pitch!

I haven't posted in awhile but its not from lack of things going on but because of what has been....

My running has taken a backseat recently to a very big event "I" has been preparing for.  Today was her day and I want to make sure I capture all that has transpired leading up to it.  My girl has been playing soccer since she was 4 (she's 10) and it seems like a lifetime ago since that first game that she refused to even get on the field.  When I think back, I laugh because I was convinced this was going to a VERY short lived hobby.  Her coach at the time told her she could be a butterfly if she would get out there....and sure enough he picked her up and she flapped her "butterfly wings" out onto the center of the field!  We haven't gotten her off the pitch since.

First Team
 "Grasshoppers"

Let me tell you something I think I have told you before, I AM NOT COMPETITIVE!  Or at least I wasn't at her age.  I played one season of indoor soccer and didn't like it because my socks kept falling down!  As my dad would say, I just didn't have that "killer" instinct, but somehow, "I" does!  And I love to watch her do her thing!

Found her groove

When we decided to move her into a more competitive environment we really didn't know anything about this sport or what it meant to "play competitively".  We learned a lot that first year.  I saw her lose her love for the game and feared she wouldn't get it back.  Fever United was not our first stop but it would be our last.  She found a home and quickly gel'd with the team and the coaches.  Finding that love again!

One of her first seasons with Fever United

Teammates working together!

Teammates spending time between games!

I'll be the first to admit, Texas sports are insane!  It is crazy to me to have my 10 year old sign a contract and commit herself to a team for a year.  What?!  But that's exactly what she did, without hesitation.  Tonight she signed on the dotted line and committed to Fever United 05G Penn!  Her team has come so far and worked so hard!  I'm proud of each one of them!  At this age, to watch a group of girls support, encourage and love one another like they do is amazing.

Signing her first contract!

Signing Day - Fever United 05G Penn!

So proud of our girl!

As the world watches the Women's World Cup, you have to see similarities in the US team and young teams across the country.  They all love this game, play as a team, depend on one another and win or lose stand as one!  "I" has found this in her team & I can't wait to watch what is next for all of them.

My goal may have been pushed back a year but the Fever girls continue to inspire me.  Their hardwork, perseverance and determination show me that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.  I may be taking the summer off but I wouldn't want to be any other place than on the sideline cheering our team on and watching them do what they do, to achieve the next goal......qualify to play in the Lake Highlands Girls Classic League.

Wish them luck!