Thursday, October 26, 2017

Why My Children Play Youth Sports

"Why do I spend more time in my car driving my boys to and from practice every week than I do at home?"


"Why do I spend six hours out of my Saturday at the football and soccer field?"


"Why do I spend the amount of money I do to keep my boys involved in sports all year long?"


"Why do I invest the energy, time, and money into being a sports mom?"


I can't tell you how many times I've been asked these questions over the years; sometimes by those closest to me.


It's not that I'm looking for a ticket to early retirement (although let's be real, that'd be sweet!). It has nothing to do with that at all.








I do it because it teaches them to be less selfish.


I do it because it teaches them to be a team player.


I do it because it teaches them that hard work does pay off.


I do it because it teaches them dedication.


I do it because it teaches them commitment.


I do it because it teaches them how to balance their time between academics and extra curricular activities.


I do it because it teaches them to have respect for authority.


I do it because it teaches them discipline.


I do it because it teaches them how to deal with defeat.


I do it because of the joy they experience when they win.


I do it because it gets them away from electronics.


I do it because it keeps them off of the streets.


I do it because of the long lasting friendships they make.


I do it because of the health benefits they receive from being physically active.


I do it because it builds confidence.


I do it because it builds character.


I do it because it builds self-esteem.


I do it because it builds social skills.




You see, the answer is really quite simple.


I don't do it for me. No, not at all.


I do it all for them.





Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Fall Sports: A Look Through My Camera Lens

Fall is a busy time for us. The lax days of Summer come to an end, a new school year begins, and all three of the boys are once again involved in sports. Both No. 1 and No. 2 are playing football (on different teams!) and No. 3 is playing soccer. And mama, well she resumes her role as resident photographer.




Here is a small peak into our Fall through the eyes of my camera:



























Though there is no way that I can stop my boys from growing up, I am ever so grateful that I CAN pause these precious moments with the simple click of a button.










Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Sports Mama Tip: 5 Ways to Volunteer That Don't Require a Ton of Time

An interesting topic came up yesterday on my never ending football mama group chat. We got onto the discussion of volunteers, specifically how it seems to always be the same people volunteering for everything; sports, school, etc.


After sending several eye roll gifs back and forth (true story!), our group chat moved in a different direction. One of my favorite mamas said, "I think people want to help but don't know how or are afraid to step on toes. I remember my first season I was worried about stepping on Mindy and Vanessa's toes-but I was being silly.". And you know what? I completely understood her. In fact, I replied telling her that I'm kind of at that place with No. 2's team. Now his team mama is just as sweet as she can be, and has never given me a reason to feel that way, but I still do.


That chat was the inspiration for this post. I know there are probably so many others who feel the same way; so many others who want to volunteer but may not have the time to coach or be team mama; or so many others who want to volunteer, but quite simply just don't know how.


If you fit into those one of those categories, this post is just for you.


Here are 5 great ways to volunteer that do not require too much time:








  1. Be the snack patrol. You can volunteer to organize post-game snacks and drinks for the team. Whether you send out an electronic sign-up sheet or do it the good ol' fashion way, your team mama will appreciate you... and so will those hungry and thirsty little (and maybe, not-so-little!) players!
  2. Work the concession stand. This is a way to volunteer to help not only your child's team, but the entire club as a whole. Pick a date that works for you, donate a few hours, and flip those burgers mama!
  3. Head up coaches gifts. This is a FANTASTIC way to help! Especially when your team mama is the coach's wife. It can feel a little awkward for some to ask for money to spend on their husband. Click HERE for some of my favorite end of season gift ideas!
  4. Be the team photographer. This is a great idea for those that already love being behind the camera. Volunteer to take game pictures and then post them to your team's share site. Click HERE for some of my photography tips!
  5. Work the chains (or the equivalent in your sport). Our football club requires 3 volunteers (aged 16 and over) to work the chains at all home games. The game cannot and will not begin without them. The best part is that you literally get to stand on the sidelines. There is not a better seat in the house!


Like I've said a million times before, youth sports definitely take a village!


I hope you found this post helpful. Please feel free to share any other volunteer ideas you may have in the comment section below.








Happy volunteering!


Monday, October 16, 2017

Weekend Snapshots: Day in the Life 10/14/17

Happy Monday, mamas! I've been wanting to do a post like this for some time now. I finally got around to documenting (most of) my day this past Saturday.


Ready? Here we go!


My alarm went of at 6:15am... on a Saturday. That's only 30 minutes later than my weekday alarm. Yawn...




Once I got myself together, I woke Coach Hubby and No. 3 up. No. 3 was not too happy about having to wake up so early "to play sports". Ha!


I grabbed my sports mama bag (filled with post-game snacks and drinks!) and we headed to the field.





This is what I look like at 8am soccer games... sleepy and sans makeup.




His team didn't win, but he scored a goal, so all was good in the his world!


Chic-fil-A's drive-thru was our next stop. I ordered a bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit meal with a sweet tea. My family finds it SO funny that I order bacon at Chic-fil-A. They just don't know what they're missing!!


After breakfast, Coach Hubby and I were able to sneak in a quick nap.


Then it was time to head to his and No. 1's football game.





We won 20-8, and my boy scored 2 touchdowns!




That's three straight wins for their team. Our touchdown jar total came to $80 this week! We're on track to having a great end of season party!


After the game, we had about 15 minutes to get No. 2 to his game, some 25 minutes away. Our seatbelts were buckled!!


His team mama was taking photos, so I was actually able to sit and ring my cowbell on the bleachers for a change.




Pose for a selfie with Coach Hubby.




And cheer alongside the rest of the parents.





And boy, did we have a lot to cheer about!




We won 25-0! You know what that means for practice on Tuesday... DONUTS!!!


With game three of the day wrapped up, it was time for dinner. We tried a new taqueria in town, and it didn't disappoint.





I got a chorizo taco and a carne asada sope. There was something for everyone (which doesn't happen very often with my super picky first-born child aka No. 1!). I see many trips back in our future!


After dinner, we headed home. The boys played PS4, Coach Hubby made us a couple of drinks, and he watched game film, of course!




Because it just wouldn't be a Saturday in our home, if he didn't.


I snuggled with Ginger girl for a bit, and then called it a day.




And apparently, she did too.




I hope you all enjoyed this little peak into my Saturday.


Have a great week!

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Team Mama Idea: 6 Personalized Coaches Gift Ideas!

"A good coach can change a game, a great coach can change a life"- John Wooden.


Being married to a youth sports coach, I know first-hand just how much work and effort (all volunteer!) goes into the job. They spend countless hours (both on the field and off) dedicating their time and knowledge to our young children. For this reason, I am always sure to reward my boys' coaches with a little something at the end of the season as a token of our appreciation.


Here are some of my favorite gift ideas (with links to where you can get them yourself!):




































I hope you found these gift ideas helpful. Let me know your favorite coaches gift ideas in the comment section below!



Sports Mama Update: Here's what we gave No. 1's Freshman basketball coach. The poster collage was made by a student. He loved it!!






*** Have an amazing Team Mama that you'd like to thank as well? Click HERE for ideas!