Cole is playing soccer for the rec league here in Wichita Falls. We went to a practice or two and Cole was complaining how boring it was. He didn't want to go anymore. His Coach also coaches a 10 year group for his older son, and invited Cole to join them for practice. I sent a couple emails off to the Greater Wichita Falls Soccer Association President and Vice President. Here's how it all played out:
Mr. Whaley and Mr. Hood,
Hello! My name is Jennifer McDaniel and I have a son playing for GWFSA. We just moved to the area and I have a question about the rules and regulations of this league. It concerns "playing up" on an older team level and the issues surrounding it. My son is currently playing in his age bracket and we will continue to do so for the remainder of this season. I'm wondering what we need to do for him to move up for next spring? He already is developmentally ready. Do we need a coach recommendation or skills placement test?
Any and all helpful information would be appreciated! Thank you for your time,
Jennifer McDaniel
469=583-7837
Jennifer,
Playing up one year, age-wise, is typically an "event-free" process for you.
For the Spring season, you will need to register your son at the new player/transfer registration dates. They will be held around the last two Saturdays of January, at the GWFSA Main Building.
You will be able to request up to 3 possible teams for your son, but there will not be any team placement guarantees.
Any other questions, let us know.
Thanks,
Mark Hood
Thank you for the quick response. I do have a follow up question. How many years/levels can one move up? Is there only a one year move up allowance? I just want to make sure we have all the information needed before we make a decision for the spring registration. We are looking forward to a great season! Thanks again,
Jennifer McDaniel
Jennifer,
Unless a child is an incredibly gifted national-level player, one year up is plenty.
On the boys side especially, two physical years is a huge obstacle to overcome. From a safety/liability standpoint, we are pretty set against a two year jump.
Thanks,
Mark
Sent from my iPhone
Incredibly gifted national-level player! It does run in the blood!! I never even mentioned he was already practicing 3-4 years up! That's my boy.
Cole did get to scrimmage with the older kids. I was so nervous! They towered over my baby on the field. The only thing slowing Cole down was the dynamics in which they older kids understood the rules (like off sides) and positions better. Too big of a jump to play, but he did so well! I guess we'll see how this plays out next Spring!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
I'm BACK!
It's been a big break in the blogging world for me, but I would like to think that I'm going to pick it right back up again. The boys are getting cuter, crazier, and funnier. If I don't start writing it down, I'll forget.... because I forgot everything important. It's a gift.
So we left Korea and lived with my parents for a month, bought a house, got Keith home, and then the unpacking began. Hands down, the most difficult move done to date. Moving is ranked pretty high up on the "stress list", but typically, the Air Force makes it easy if you use the services of moving companies. Not so much this time around. We had: a DITY move, a small shipment from Korea, a large shipment from Korea, and the largest shipment from storage in Idaho. It honestly was 4 moves in one.
Where did we get all this junk? Nothing was where I needed it, when I needed it, or even clean. In fact, I think I have 2 boxes hidden in the house still yet to unpack. Not all the pictures are hung, and I ran out of steam long long ago.
So, instead of finishing the job, I'll just sit and write. Cole started first grade at Fowler Elementary School. He got "THE" teacher to get, and I really like her. He's doing great. He is honestly the easiest child. He just does what's expected and usually without any problems. Cole picks things up quickly and easily, he makes friends and seems to enjoy life all the way around. He's a great big brother to Brad and sometimes he says he loves his mom. I think I'm going to keep him. He's the star player on The Green Dragons (if you ask me!), and expected to play up a year or two next season. More on that to follow!
Being the (non)expert parent I am, I might have struck a deal a little bigger than I wanted. I mean, I honestly didn't think we would get to this point. This is why I don't gamble. Ever. I hate to lose money, and then I just hate to lose. I told Cole that if he read a book a day till his birthday, I would buy him a dirt bike. I know. I've lost the last marble in my head. The dang kid is ruthless about reading. He's improved so much, but October is right around the corner and I don't see him "forgetting". Dang. How does he know about the adrenalin a little motorcycle can bring?? Well, let me introduce you to our new neighbors!
I call him "Fun Brian" and his wife Alyssa. They are great-great-great, and one of my favorite features about the new house. Brain is a fun guy. He's smart and funny, kind and generous. His charm sucks you in and the next thing you know your child is on his dirt bike. That's about how the story goes.
Speaking of charm, Brad.... oh my Brad. He is difficult, whiny, demanding, requires much work, love, and patience and I'm totally under his spell. He's so dang cute. Just when I think I couldn't love him more, he does something off the wall that wraps me tighter around that little finger. His future wife might not like me so much with all the conforming we do for him, but I can't help it. He's slowly adapting to a new town/life/routine. As expected. His dr. here wants him tested for all kinds of things, but I still don't think that will give us an instruction book to Brad. We're still waiting on all the referrals and still debating on carrying through with it. He does need to start speech. This only makes me sad when I think of not hearing "lauder, zee zee, or bisquito" He's started a pre-K program with a church and gymnastic classes. We're still testing the waters - I'm sure those will be posts all their own.
Well, it's the middle of the day and my husband just got home! I'm off to head to the store with him before I pick up the boys from school. Life in Wichita Falls is good. Very good.
So we left Korea and lived with my parents for a month, bought a house, got Keith home, and then the unpacking began. Hands down, the most difficult move done to date. Moving is ranked pretty high up on the "stress list", but typically, the Air Force makes it easy if you use the services of moving companies. Not so much this time around. We had: a DITY move, a small shipment from Korea, a large shipment from Korea, and the largest shipment from storage in Idaho. It honestly was 4 moves in one.
Where did we get all this junk? Nothing was where I needed it, when I needed it, or even clean. In fact, I think I have 2 boxes hidden in the house still yet to unpack. Not all the pictures are hung, and I ran out of steam long long ago.
So, instead of finishing the job, I'll just sit and write. Cole started first grade at Fowler Elementary School. He got "THE" teacher to get, and I really like her. He's doing great. He is honestly the easiest child. He just does what's expected and usually without any problems. Cole picks things up quickly and easily, he makes friends and seems to enjoy life all the way around. He's a great big brother to Brad and sometimes he says he loves his mom. I think I'm going to keep him. He's the star player on The Green Dragons (if you ask me!), and expected to play up a year or two next season. More on that to follow!
Being the (non)expert parent I am, I might have struck a deal a little bigger than I wanted. I mean, I honestly didn't think we would get to this point. This is why I don't gamble. Ever. I hate to lose money, and then I just hate to lose. I told Cole that if he read a book a day till his birthday, I would buy him a dirt bike. I know. I've lost the last marble in my head. The dang kid is ruthless about reading. He's improved so much, but October is right around the corner and I don't see him "forgetting". Dang. How does he know about the adrenalin a little motorcycle can bring?? Well, let me introduce you to our new neighbors!
I call him "Fun Brian" and his wife Alyssa. They are great-great-great, and one of my favorite features about the new house. Brain is a fun guy. He's smart and funny, kind and generous. His charm sucks you in and the next thing you know your child is on his dirt bike. That's about how the story goes.
Speaking of charm, Brad.... oh my Brad. He is difficult, whiny, demanding, requires much work, love, and patience and I'm totally under his spell. He's so dang cute. Just when I think I couldn't love him more, he does something off the wall that wraps me tighter around that little finger. His future wife might not like me so much with all the conforming we do for him, but I can't help it. He's slowly adapting to a new town/life/routine. As expected. His dr. here wants him tested for all kinds of things, but I still don't think that will give us an instruction book to Brad. We're still waiting on all the referrals and still debating on carrying through with it. He does need to start speech. This only makes me sad when I think of not hearing "lauder, zee zee, or bisquito" He's started a pre-K program with a church and gymnastic classes. We're still testing the waters - I'm sure those will be posts all their own.
Well, it's the middle of the day and my husband just got home! I'm off to head to the store with him before I pick up the boys from school. Life in Wichita Falls is good. Very good.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
HAHAHAHAHA
I just noticed on my Best Western Post that I said:
No Bathrooms available for PUBIC use! (instead of public... but you all knew that)
Now that's funny. I need Kaitlyn to tell me if that's called a double entendre or at least get me close to the spelling of it. See, I kinda paid attention in school.
Today I got a free car wash. And I completed my first sewing project since the second grade! It only took me 3 hours or so. I think I may have even cussed at the machine in front of my parents.
Brad fell and scraped his leg then was crying like his leg was severed off. I told him it's not even bleeding (because that's how comforting I am sometimes when I'm really tired and he was doing something I told him to stop doing anyway) and he told me it WAS bleeding, it was DRY bleeding. Dry bleeding, that kid is cute sometimes.
I'm off to rest for another day of driving to WF and back. I have to get ready to register my kids for school. Ask me how much research I've done? None. But, got a free car wash and did a 30 minute sewing project in 3 hours. See, in Korea we had no choices. Here I have 100's in a little old town and I still didn't make a decision. I do know that I will be making a note of the exact location of stated Best Western for my strongly worded letter to headquarters.
No Bathrooms available for PUBIC use! (instead of public... but you all knew that)
Now that's funny. I need Kaitlyn to tell me if that's called a double entendre or at least get me close to the spelling of it. See, I kinda paid attention in school.
Today I got a free car wash. And I completed my first sewing project since the second grade! It only took me 3 hours or so. I think I may have even cussed at the machine in front of my parents.
Brad fell and scraped his leg then was crying like his leg was severed off. I told him it's not even bleeding (because that's how comforting I am sometimes when I'm really tired and he was doing something I told him to stop doing anyway) and he told me it WAS bleeding, it was DRY bleeding. Dry bleeding, that kid is cute sometimes.
I'm off to rest for another day of driving to WF and back. I have to get ready to register my kids for school. Ask me how much research I've done? None. But, got a free car wash and did a 30 minute sewing project in 3 hours. See, in Korea we had no choices. Here I have 100's in a little old town and I still didn't make a decision. I do know that I will be making a note of the exact location of stated Best Western for my strongly worded letter to headquarters.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Free Show at Best Western
To those lucky few who have driven the roads between WF and Dallas, you know how sparse a good bathroom can be to come across. Wouldn't you know that in the middle of nowhere Brad tells me he has to poop.
Amazingly, the next exit there was a Best Western. That's it! Not a house, another road, a gas station, a store... a random Best Western. Perfect. I pulled over and got the boys out. As I walked into the hotel I saw a sign "No Bathrooms available for pubic use" Great. The lady in the lobby quickly perked up. I politely asked her if my son could use the bathroom. She said NO. Making sure she knew it was for my 3 year old she told me sorry again, she couldn't help me. The next statement even shocked me a little bit, but I said it aloud "Come on boys, I guess you're just going to have to poop in the grass"
And that we did. Right outside the door on their grassy lawn, I let Cole pee on a rock and let Brad cop-a-squat. Free Show for All! I left the biodegradable hiney wipe in the grass and loaded them back in the van.
I get I'm crazy, no need to tell me, but what else was I suppose to do? Now the big delima.... do I never return there again or do I make it a point to pee in their grass every trip back? Do I write a letter to headquarters? Do I confess I actually let my child defecate in the yard area where the DOGS allowed in the hotel go poop? I'm sorry, but that's a crazy policy. Where's your common sense Best Western?
I might save this story till after my new neighbors know me good and well.... like you all do! You don't judge, right?
Amazingly, the next exit there was a Best Western. That's it! Not a house, another road, a gas station, a store... a random Best Western. Perfect. I pulled over and got the boys out. As I walked into the hotel I saw a sign "No Bathrooms available for pubic use" Great. The lady in the lobby quickly perked up. I politely asked her if my son could use the bathroom. She said NO. Making sure she knew it was for my 3 year old she told me sorry again, she couldn't help me. The next statement even shocked me a little bit, but I said it aloud "Come on boys, I guess you're just going to have to poop in the grass"
And that we did. Right outside the door on their grassy lawn, I let Cole pee on a rock and let Brad cop-a-squat. Free Show for All! I left the biodegradable hiney wipe in the grass and loaded them back in the van.
I get I'm crazy, no need to tell me, but what else was I suppose to do? Now the big delima.... do I never return there again or do I make it a point to pee in their grass every trip back? Do I write a letter to headquarters? Do I confess I actually let my child defecate in the yard area where the DOGS allowed in the hotel go poop? I'm sorry, but that's a crazy policy. Where's your common sense Best Western?
I might save this story till after my new neighbors know me good and well.... like you all do! You don't judge, right?
Disservice
We didn't have any plans today and the boys had $10 burning holes in their pockets. I took them to the fancy little toy store at The Shops at Highland Village. It's a really neat store. Full of toys that you wouldn't find in regular box stores. Toys that spark the imagination and all set out to play. The place is a bit sensory overload and the boys loved it.
Now, this thought has crossed my mind before, but I think I was a little in shock this morning. They are so spoiled! All the cool toys other kids were playing with, my boys had. They wanted things and I found myself telling them over and over "you already have that.." It was honestly embarrassing.
What have we done? Is this a good thing? I'm torn between wanting to show the boys the world and being blessed to offer then so much, and then in disbelief that all of that could be GOOD for them.
Then we went to Barnes and Noble to pick up a book and while I was checking out, they were acting like monkeys. Brad had his shoes off, they were wrestling on the floor under the bargain books table, they were loud, they were screaming and playing chase..... HORRIBLE! They just got new toys and couldn't be still for 3 minutes while I was checking out. Connection? I'm leaning towards an astounding YES. I'm a horrible parent.
I guess there will be some serious downsizing when we get our household goods from Idaho. We survived with less in Korea. I guess I'm still processing the differences between the culture over there vs the culture over here. How easily we've slipped right back into it. The buying, the getting, the collecting, the spending... It was an eye opening morning.
Now, this thought has crossed my mind before, but I think I was a little in shock this morning. They are so spoiled! All the cool toys other kids were playing with, my boys had. They wanted things and I found myself telling them over and over "you already have that.." It was honestly embarrassing.
What have we done? Is this a good thing? I'm torn between wanting to show the boys the world and being blessed to offer then so much, and then in disbelief that all of that could be GOOD for them.
Then we went to Barnes and Noble to pick up a book and while I was checking out, they were acting like monkeys. Brad had his shoes off, they were wrestling on the floor under the bargain books table, they were loud, they were screaming and playing chase..... HORRIBLE! They just got new toys and couldn't be still for 3 minutes while I was checking out. Connection? I'm leaning towards an astounding YES. I'm a horrible parent.
I guess there will be some serious downsizing when we get our household goods from Idaho. We survived with less in Korea. I guess I'm still processing the differences between the culture over there vs the culture over here. How easily we've slipped right back into it. The buying, the getting, the collecting, the spending... It was an eye opening morning.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Life Lessons
Today we drove to WF and back. The DVD player is broken in Mike Victor. He's lucky that we've been without for so long. We've actually learned to TALK to each other during the drive. Crazy.
The conversation has been focused on Brad's birthday party. He's very excited. Well, he got a little too excited and started crying for presents RIGHT NOW! Cole and I kept trying to reason with him (hahaha) and then Cole started this little speech....
Brad, birthday's aren't about the presents, it's about spending time with your friends. Just like Christmas isn't about Santa, it's about Jesus's birthday. Easter isn't about candy, but Jesus. Mother's day isn't about giving
WAIT, this is where I had to interrupt... ;-)
he said, it's about loving your mother. Sweet, but it's also a little about giving.
So I tell him that I'm so impressed with these life lessons he's learned. It takes some people a really long time to know all that. That's when he replied "I'm just guessing." Good guess, son.
The conversation has been focused on Brad's birthday party. He's very excited. Well, he got a little too excited and started crying for presents RIGHT NOW! Cole and I kept trying to reason with him (hahaha) and then Cole started this little speech....
Brad, birthday's aren't about the presents, it's about spending time with your friends. Just like Christmas isn't about Santa, it's about Jesus's birthday. Easter isn't about candy, but Jesus. Mother's day isn't about giving
WAIT, this is where I had to interrupt... ;-)
he said, it's about loving your mother. Sweet, but it's also a little about giving.
So I tell him that I'm so impressed with these life lessons he's learned. It takes some people a really long time to know all that. That's when he replied "I'm just guessing." Good guess, son.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
MIA
No, Not Mia the choreographer (who by the way is coming back to SYTYCD - greatest move the show could make), but missing in action. That's where I've been.
You see, we were in Korea and then I blinked and now we're in Texas. Kinda a lot has happened.
*Grandpa and Bobbie came to visit and flew back home with us.
*Had to leave Daddy
*We said goodbye to great friends and Korea in general.
*We slowly adapted to the time change
*Slowly adapted to the culture shock
*I had to relearn how to drive on the left side of the car.
*I'm slowly reclaiming my dogs and cat, little traitors
*We've visited friends and family and still have more catching up to do
*I've already had a spa day, thank you so much!
*We bought a house
*I bought a BAM (big a%& mirror) that I have no idea what to do with
*The boys have two pet snakes, don't get me started
*I realized that I am highly allergic to Texas and have spent more money in allergy medicine in the past week than I've collectively spent in YEARS!
*Cole left his car seat (over protective much?) and moved up to a booster
*We've eaten at almost all our favorite places, but we've been saving the peanut place for Daddy's return.
There's so much blogging material I think writers block shouldn't be an issue for a good year or so. The boys are saying and doing the cutest things so I figured I better get caught up before I forget!
We went to a fund raiser and they had kids sunglasses on sale. If you know anything about my father, you should know that he is the King of Bulk. I have never, and I mean never have seen him buy one of anything. Naturally, Papa Sir stocked up. This was great news to Brad bc it seems he has a great interest in eyewear lately. He wore swim goggles for a week straight (at home, outside, on the plane ride home..) Now he's set on shades. Cole asked, "Brad, why do you like glasses so much. What are you, Papa Sir or something?"
Today after the morning cartoons finished... I might have let them watch more cartoons than the average bear. See, they have a year of catching up to do. I don't think they remember short shows. They've survived on movies only during their time in Korea. So after the cartoons ended the movie Homeward Bound started. I did not know this. I have a very strict policy to never watch sad animal movies. The boys obviously got invested in the sad animal movie. Brad comes to me crying "The cat died on the movie, can you turn it happy?"
Tomorrow I am driving to Wichita Falls for the third time in two weeks. I shall now refer to Wichita Falls as WF from here on out. Going to do some house prep for the movers. Not that I know when they'll be here. That would be silly to expect the Air Force to send our stuff right away. But I'll check on the house and hire a lawn guy. It's so hard to be me.
You see, we were in Korea and then I blinked and now we're in Texas. Kinda a lot has happened.
*Grandpa and Bobbie came to visit and flew back home with us.
*Had to leave Daddy
*We said goodbye to great friends and Korea in general.
*We slowly adapted to the time change
*Slowly adapted to the culture shock
*I had to relearn how to drive on the left side of the car.
*I'm slowly reclaiming my dogs and cat, little traitors
*We've visited friends and family and still have more catching up to do
*I've already had a spa day, thank you so much!
*We bought a house
*I bought a BAM (big a%& mirror) that I have no idea what to do with
*The boys have two pet snakes, don't get me started
*I realized that I am highly allergic to Texas and have spent more money in allergy medicine in the past week than I've collectively spent in YEARS!
*Cole left his car seat (over protective much?) and moved up to a booster
*We've eaten at almost all our favorite places, but we've been saving the peanut place for Daddy's return.
There's so much blogging material I think writers block shouldn't be an issue for a good year or so. The boys are saying and doing the cutest things so I figured I better get caught up before I forget!
We went to a fund raiser and they had kids sunglasses on sale. If you know anything about my father, you should know that he is the King of Bulk. I have never, and I mean never have seen him buy one of anything. Naturally, Papa Sir stocked up. This was great news to Brad bc it seems he has a great interest in eyewear lately. He wore swim goggles for a week straight (at home, outside, on the plane ride home..) Now he's set on shades. Cole asked, "Brad, why do you like glasses so much. What are you, Papa Sir or something?"
Today after the morning cartoons finished... I might have let them watch more cartoons than the average bear. See, they have a year of catching up to do. I don't think they remember short shows. They've survived on movies only during their time in Korea. So after the cartoons ended the movie Homeward Bound started. I did not know this. I have a very strict policy to never watch sad animal movies. The boys obviously got invested in the sad animal movie. Brad comes to me crying "The cat died on the movie, can you turn it happy?"
Tomorrow I am driving to Wichita Falls for the third time in two weeks. I shall now refer to Wichita Falls as WF from here on out. Going to do some house prep for the movers. Not that I know when they'll be here. That would be silly to expect the Air Force to send our stuff right away. But I'll check on the house and hire a lawn guy. It's so hard to be me.
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