My Name is Jackie, and I am a Soccer Mom

For some reason I was under the impression that a soccer mom was the mom who drives a minivan and carts a bunch of kids around to sporting events. I was informed that a soccer mom is in fact a mom who yells really loudly at their kid doing sports, trying to "improve" their game. Now, before you start making assumptions about my motives, let me just stand up for myself a little. It was the 4 year old who asked to play soccer instead of do dance, and it was also the 4 year old who brought up playing soccer this spring when I was planning on "letting it go." After each game in the fall she pouted that she didn't dribble the ball or score a goal. I tried to explain that she had to actually try to get the ball, that no one was going to just let her have it and just let her get a goal.

So, I tried keeping my mouth shut during the games, but it really just wasn't an option. With six players on each team, she was the only girl. She based her distance from the ball on how aggressive the boys were. At best, she would remain 5 feet behind the crew of boys circling the ball; at worst, about 20 feet. Once, she literally let the ball roll over her foot, watched the rest of the players run past her, then took off running as fast as she could 5 feet behind them. How can a mom not scream and jump up and down in that situation. Well, I just didn't have it in me! So, maybe I am a soccer mom.... This spring we had two improvements to the game:

1. Coach Daddy, and

2. Teammate Sarah

Thanks Team Tigers, for making this Soccer Mom proud! :) And did I mention the fan club?

BFF

If you read this title and immediately thought of the necklace you got when you were 10 that says BE FRI FOR, then you already understand the childhood friendship I had and still have. If you don't already know, I don't know where to begin. Well, for starters, it's a heart necklace and one girl wears the BE FRI FOR half and the other wears the half that says ST ENDS EVER....together it says BEST FRIENDS FOREVER. Besides that, well...it's an anchor that helped you survive childhood.

Last weekend, my inseparable childhood BFF came in town with her family---like a week and a half ago last weekend---yes, I'm running behind! Give me a break! I've been traveling and having visitors. Jeez! Well, she arrived on her birthday, April 8, which is one of the only birthdays I can store in my brain: my sister's, my mom's, my husband's, mine, my two daughters' and Laurie's. That's just how it is when you do EVERYTHING with someone from 4th grade through 12th grade. You go on family vacations together, you never miss a beat even if you've missed the last 4 months, you stay up all night chatting even when you know you have kids waking up bright and early the next morning---which they did! But, they were so cute together!! The four older ones had a slumber party in Elise's room, and, well, Evie was left out. But, not for long! That girl has never gotten as much attention as she did last weekend! She's still confused why someone isn't holding her all of the time! So, we didn't get any pics of the us, but here is a throw back to us:

  








Too cute, right?! :) But, I must point out that ALL 9 of us had a blast. The Daddies got along, the Mommies got along, and the kiddos got along. We were one big warm, fuzzy bowl of fun. Well, at least, after the coffee...

... and ice cream for the kids! 

Somehow it always shocks me how much these two have grown up. Boo, I expect to be 18 months. I guess because that's when I first got to know his fiery personality. He's so charming and makes you want to do anything for him. Now, D-Bird, I always think of her as 2. Since she is 7 now, I really need to get with the program! She's now a little mother hen to my baby, who as seen below is also a little bird!

We love, love, love this family like our own, and it was great to get to spend some quality time with them. Thanks for making the drive, guys!

Wherefore Art Thou Hillsider?

Would a rose by any other name smell just as sweet? I doubt it!Hillsider n. /hill-sī-dr/ resident of Arnicar in Hillside Apartments at Centre College during the 1997-1998 school year.

Obviously, it has come to mean so much more. Loud. Obnoxious. Annoying to those in vicinity. Six versions of the same stories told at the same time using whatever means necessary: cutting in, cutting off, more inflection, louder voices...These attributes only seem to intensify with age and separation.

The latest meeting of the Hillsiders was in Seattle last weekend. We travelled from Huntsville, Cincinnati, Louisville, Chicago and Durham to visit the last Hillsider to take the plunge into motherhood. Toneya:

Isn't she gorgeous?! Per tradition, we gathered at the Mother-To-Be's house, kicked the husband out and spent the weekend talking over each other and giving Toneya advice. Oh, and we also gave her a shower!

Of course, she liked my gift the best…it’s kind of embarrassing! The most amazing part of the whole shower was that Tonia’s Seattle friend actually stuck around afterward.

She did, however, bring along a sweet little buffer to help cope with our Hillside mania.

Besides the shower and the catching up, there’s really not much else to include. Well, except, look at this! On the left, a hard core Louisville fan and on the right, a Dukie! That might be all we need to say about the game…

Last, but not least, my sarcasm can stand between what I say and what I mean. I adore these amazing women. We truly embrace our differences. We talk about the curveballs life throws our way. We support each other from afar. And, of course, we have a blast!

Ten on Tuesday

1. I am in the Dallas airport.
2. I had an AMAZING trip to Seattle!
3. The Hillsiders once again kicked a husband out of his bed.
4. SOMEONE may have snored in the pregnant girl's face. Maybe.
5. Six strong-willed, opinionated girls can in fact remain close for decades, despite living in different cities. Well, at least 17 years.
6. I can't wait to see my babies!
7. Tie is 96 years old today.
8. My husband was bragged on this weekend for "allowing" two girls' trips back to back.
9. It may not have been me who bragged---but of course I agreed! :)
10. Well, maybe it was me. Why does everyone take his side?!