"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.
Thursday, October 26, 2017
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:
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:
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!
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:
- 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!
- 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!
- 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!
- 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!
- 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!
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!):
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!
Wednesday, October 4, 2017
Team Mama Idea: Throw a Team Tailgate!
Peanut butter and jelly. Chocolate chip cookies and milk. Banana splits and cherries. FOOTBALL AND FOOD! Some things just belong together!
Coach Hubby and I host team tailgates following the last practice before every home game. We like to do these to encourage team bonding, for both players and parents alike! It also rewards them for a job well done during the week. Not to mention it eliminates the always dreaded question, "what's for dinner?". Ugh. Seriously. Why must they want dinner every single day? *insert overly exaggerated eye roll*
Here are my tips for throwing an awesome tailgate:
Coach Hubby and I host team tailgates following the last practice before every home game. We like to do these to encourage team bonding, for both players and parents alike! It also rewards them for a job well done during the week. Not to mention it eliminates the always dreaded question, "what's for dinner?". Ugh. Seriously. Why must they want dinner every single day? *insert overly exaggerated eye roll*
Here are my tips for throwing an awesome tailgate:
- Plan ahead. This is probably my biggest tip. Don't wait until the day before. That's a sure way to end up running around like a chicken with your head cut off! About a week before, begin to plan out the menu for the tailgate, the location, check the weather, etc.
- Have a well rounded (kid friendly!) meal. I always begin planning the menu with the "main course" in mind. Some of my favorites are (crockpot) hot dogs, chili, tacos, pizza, and pulled bbq sandwiches. To accompany the main dish, I make sure we have fruit, chips, dessert, and drinks.
- Ask for volunteers. This is a must! You don't want all of the work (and cost!) to fall on you. I will usually bring the main dish and depend on volunteers to bring the rest. The absolute easiest way I've found to be sure that your volunteers don't all bring the same thing is by using SignUp Genius. Don't forget to add condiments, plates, and napkins to your list of needed items! Your volunteers will be sent a reminder email a couple of days before.
- Allow others to help you. I contemplated grouping this tip with the previous one, but decided that it belongs on it's own. The type of help I'm referring to here is physical help; set up, pick up (i.e. pizzas), food serving, clean up. There is no I in team. It takes a village!
- Get everyone involved. I am always sure that we have enough food for the players, coaches, little siblings, AND their parents. You don't want everyone else sitting around watching them eat.
- Remember the little things. Trash bag(s), plastic gloves for serving, hand sanitizer, folding table, serving spoons. You know, the things that are easily forgotten.
- Have fun! Kick back, relax, and enjoy the moment. Listen to the team tell funny stories, watch the little siblings chase one another around the field, share a mama drink with one of your football besties.
This is football. Football is family!
I hope you find these tips helpful and even use some of them when throwing your next tailgate. GO TEAM!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)





