Team Mama Idea: DIY Candy Leis for Senior Night!

Another Senior Night is in the books for No. 1! We celebrated our Senior basketball players last week during the final home game of the season. I can't believe how fast time is going.

I wasn't Team Mama for a change so not only did I get a chance to relax, but I was totally surprised as well!

There was this cute balloon display, which also served as the perfect photo backdrop.

Each Senior had a banner.

Our Team Mama made special programs which included photos and bios of each of our Seniors. The team managers each got a beautiful bouquet, us Mamas got roses (in our school colors, of course!), and our boys got leis!!!

In Hawaii, leis are given for many celebratory events, especially graduations and birthdays. To honor our Seniors on Senior Night, our Team Mama made them candy leis!

I absolutely loved them! So unique and special. And guess what? She was sweet enough to give me the instructions to share with you all! So if you're interested in making a candy lei (or several!) for your next celebratory event, keep on reading.

What you'll need:

• fun-sized candies 
• cellophane
• curling ribbon
• scissors 
• tape

What you do:

1. Roll out your cellophane (about 7 inches wide) and lay out the fun-sized candy bars on top to see how long you'd like to make the lei. (She used approximately 10 candies). Be sure to leave enough space between candy bars to tie the ribbon.
2. Cut the cellophane to size and fold it over the candy bars, enclosing the candy into the cellophane. 
3. Tape ends of cellophane, creating a tube.
4. Cut 10 pieces of curling ribbon (approximately 10 inches long) and begin tying the ribbons between each candy bar. Leave a 2 inch space at the beginning and end of each cellophane tube.
5. To close the lei, tuck the 2 inch cellophane end into the other and tie a ribbon to close it.
6. Curl the ribbons between each candy using scissors.

After the game our boys had pizza and cupcakes.

 

Hard to believe that No. 1's basketball career is coming to an end. Seems like just yesterday he was shooting the ball into No. 2's baby swing... bittersweet, for sure! 

We'll miss you Class of  '22!!!

*** Special thanks to our Team Mama, Kristin S. for her help with this post! Also to Paolo Films for the 5th pic.

Team Mama Idea: Oreo Cookie Basketballs

Coach Hubby is coaching No. 3's basketball team this Winter. We don't have the tallest or most talented team, but this group of 10 year olds has been playing their hearts out week after week. So much so that Saturday's game was for a spot in next week's championship game!


We got off to a slow start putting us behind by 16 points early on. Our boys continued to push through though and got it within 5 points with just under a minute to go in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, we committed a foul (we were in the bonus) and missed all of our shots. Ugh! Such a heartbreaker.


To brighten sweeten up the rest of their day, I made these fun Oreo cookie basketballs.

Seriously, how fun are they?! They were easy, quick, and yummy. Right up my alley! They'd be perfect for birthdays, end of season parties, March Madness, or even post-game snacks.


Want to make them yourself? Then just keep on reading!


All you need:

• Oreos (I used double stuffed but regular would work too. As would golden Oreos!)
• Orange candy melts
• Black cookie icing (it will set, making the cookies stackable)

That's it. Literally only three ingredients!


All you do:

• Melt candies according to directions on packaging (you should end up with a smooth, lump free consistency).

• Dip your Oreos, one by one, in the candy melts and place them on a wax paper lined cookie sheet. Be sure to completely cover both sides.

• Place the cookie sheet in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes, until the candy melts set/harden.
• Once the cookies are completely set, begin drawing on the lines using the black icing. Start with a straight line down the center, followed by two curved lines on each side, and finally a horizontal one across the middle.

• Place the cookies back in the fridge for about 25 minutes to allow the lines to set.
• Remove the cookies. ENJOY! (Store cookies in a Ziploc bag. They should last for a couple of weeks. But let's be honest, when do cookies ever last that long?!)

That's it! Easy, peasy, huh?

For more fun, basketball themed treat ideas be sure to click HERE!

7 Things I Learned In My First Season as a High School Basketball Mom

No. 1's first season of high school basketball has come and gone. SO bittersweet! The team finished 12-3, earning them the best record in the conference. Way to go, Spartans!

Just like with any brand new experience, I learned quite a bit along the way and thought I'd share it with you all today.

1. It's a big time commitment. Between practices and games, high school basketball is a six day a week sport- every single day except for Sunday. The days are long but the season is short. I'm missing it already!
2. Games are early. Well, Freshman and JV games are. In our area, the Freshman play at 4:15pm and JV plays at 5:30pm which can make it tough for parents to get to each and every game. Luckily for me, I leave work at 3:15pm and didn't miss a game. You may want to keep this in mind if you have a rising Freshman!
3. Cash is a must. As with all high school sporting events, you must pay to watch. Games in our area cost $6 for adults and $5 for students (cash only!), children under 5 and senior citizens are the only ones who get in for free. And of course if you give in and visit the ever so tempting concession stand, you'll need cash for that too. Mmmmm, Chick-fil-A sandwiches!
4. No participation rule. Yep, you read correctly. Coach does not have to put your player in if he does not want to. If your athlete is one of the last ones off the bench, tell them to not take it personally. Only 5 players from their team can be on the court at a single time. Be supportive and tell them to keep working. Hard work really does pay off! (Click HERE to read my post about what to say to your child after each and every game).
5. Volunteers. High school basketball depends heavily on parent volunteers. Each of our home games required 5 volunteers; 2 to help with ticket sales and 3 to help run the concession stand (click HERE for my tips on running a successful concession stand plus a list of the 10 best sellers!). Multiply that number times three home games (Freshman, JV, and Varsity) for a total of 15 volunteers needed per game day. It takes a village!
6. Student Section. You know the group of student fans that sit together to cheer on the home team and cheer against the visiting team. They are awesome if you are playing at home, but beware, they can be brutally frustrating if you are away! If your child is going to play high school ball or ball at any higher level for that matter, they're going to need to have thick skin (as are you!)... especially when they're shooting their free throws at away games!
7. Basketball is family! Many of the Freshman players and their families will stay and watch both the JV/Varsity games and vice versa, even if that means being at the gym for five hours. Hello, bleacher butt! We cheer for each and every player on the team. We help give each others kids rides to and from practice. We buy extra hot dogs at the concession stand for our hungry Sports Mama bffs. We're all in this together!

I hope you all have had, or are still having, a fun basketball season!


#BALLISLIFE




*** Like this post? Click HERE to read 7 things I learned in my first two weeks as a high school football mama!

10 Signs You're Probably a Basketball Mom

After football and soccer comes BASKETBALL! No. 1 will be playing for his high school team and both No. 2 and No. 3 will be playing rec ball through our local youth club. I can't wait! It was 33 degrees during yesterday's soccer game... 33 degrees. No, thank you!

Here are TEN telltale signs that you're probably a basketball mama too...

1. You never leave home without your stadium seat, that just so happens to be in your team colors. Ain't nobody got time for bleacher butt!
2. 99.9% of your Instagram posts end with #ballislife.
3. You have more water bottles lying around in your car than you do people in your family to actually drink from them. So that's where they all went!
4. You know your way to all of the gyms within a 50 mile radius of your house. Who needs Waze? Get yourself a basketball mom instead!
5. Summer tourneys are your family vacations. How else would you be able to squeeze in a four day trip to the beach without missing a single game or practice?!
6. Your non-basketball mom friends look at you like you're crazy when you tell them you're charged an entry fee to watch your own child play!
7. You can't wait for your baller's annual checkup with their pediatrician to find out just how much (fingers crossed!) they've grown. Is he 6'5 yet, doctor??
8. Your charm bracelet collection has been taken over by those brightly colored, admission wristbands. Pink, purple, orange, green. Name it, you've got it!
9. You know so much about sneakers that people think you work for Foot Locker; When they come out, how much they cost, what NBA players are wearing them.
10. You also know that a good pair of slides are just as essential as their sneakers, even if they are only worn on the way to and from games!

Good luck this season, Mamas!




*** Click HERE for my basketball mama survival tips and HERE to see what I carry in my basketball mama bag!

Team Mama Idea: DIY Basketball Gift Bags for Coaches

Sunday was the last game of the season for No. 1 and his AAU team. SO bittersweet! In their first year together, the team finished 30-15, winning 3 tournament Championships, and making it to several more. I couldn't be prouder of each boy on the team as well as their amazing coaches!


I volunteered to coordinate coaches gifts, which we presented to them at our team dinner last Friday. They have been so dedicated, positive, and supportive all season long. Not one of the coaches had a child on the team. In fact, two of the coaches have children in college, and the other coach just finished his senior year in high school!


I began by sending out an email asking for donations to all of the parents on the team. As always, I didn't specify a specific amount. I've found that leaving the amount up to them works best.


I ordered each coach a personalized mini basketball from this Etsy shop.

All of the players signed them, making the balls even more special! I used the leftover money to purchase gift cards.


I couldn't find any gift bags that fit the occasion, so I made my own. A quick trip to my local craft store, and I had everything I needed!

Large sized gift bags, tissue paper, and ribbon... in basketball print and our team colors, of course!

I found the basketball image on Pinterest and simply printed them out.

I then glued one cutout on each bag and wrote the coaches names underneath.

And this was the final result. I love how they came out. And so did the coaches!

Until next season.


GO CAVS!!!






*** Check out this awesome "gift bag" idea shared by Sports Mama, Cristal E. via our Facebook Group. Be sure to join today for more great #sportsmom ideas and tips!

Sports Mama Tip: How To Survive An AAU Basketball Tournament

AAU season is back in full swing! Which means the tournaments and travel are too. It's not uncommon for us to leave our house at 9am and not return until 9pm that evening, only to be back on the road again before 9am the following morning. #TRUESTORY!


This is my fifth season as an AAU Mama and I've learned a lot along the way. Today I'm sharing my tips for surviving those long days at the court aka tourneys. You're welcome!

• Location, location, location. Be sure to plug the address into your favorite gps app at least a couple of days prior to the tourney. Find out how far it is and how long it will take you to get there- don't forget to factor in traffic! I also like to do to a little research as to what will be around me (i.e. restaurants, Starbucks- Mama needs her caffeine!, gas stations, etc.).
• Pack ALL bags the night before. This includes your player's backpack as well as your Sports Mama bag. Nothing is worse than driving all the way across town and having to find an athletic store because your kid forgot his sneakers. I've said it before and will say it again (and again!), it's better to be over prepared than under prepared. Besides, you'll get to sleep in a few extra minutes this way!
• Pack food. Your player will need to eat, you will need to eat. Sure you can order lunch from the concession stand if you'd like, but packing food allows you to control both the quality of the ingredients as well as your budget! Don't forget about snacks! Many times teams will go out and eat together, which is why researching the area ahead of time is always a good idea.
• Bring seating. You never know what the gym you are playing in will be like. Will there be bleachers, will there not be bleachers? My folding chair is always in the car, just in case. And if there are bleachers, bringing a stadium seat or a sport cushion is best. Ain't nobody got time for bleacher butt!
• Bring cash. And by cash, I mean real cash. Most tournaments charge spectators (yep, even us Mamas) an entry fee. If they offer both a daily and weekend pass, and you plan on being there both days, I suggest going with the weekend pass. They'll usually save you a couple of dollars. The cash can also be used at the ever so tempting concession stand... mmmm, French fries!
• Bring sibling entertainment. If this pertains to you, of course. I'm not even going to lie, I don't always bring No. 2 and No. 3 to the tourneys. For one, they usually have their own sports going on. For two, it's a long day. And quite frankly, it can get expensive. Quick! But when they do go, I try to make sure they have something to stay occupied (i.e. electronics of some sort). Anybody else's kids on a Fortnite kick at the moment? *insert overly exaggerated eye roll* Click HERE for more sibling entertainment tips! 
• Get to know your fellow sports parents. You're going to be spending A LOT of time with them. Find some that share similar interests with you. And chances are you'll need carpool help at least once during the season. It's always great to actually know the person you're sending your kid with, amIright?
• Keep calm and cheer loud! AAU basketball can get pretty competitive. You're going to win some games and you're going to lose some... that's the nature of the game. You'll probably even come across a parent (or two!) who thinks their 14 year old's D1 collegiate scholarship is being handed out that same day. Just take a few deep breaths and remember the real reason you're there; for your child's love of the game. Not for anyone else.

Good luck this season, Basketball Mamas!

FIVE March Madness Snack Ideas!

If anyone is looking for Coach Hubby between now and April the 2nd, don't worry, he isn't missing! He's sitting (sometimes jumping up and down!) on our couch, in front of the TV watching March Madness. I'm sure many of you Sports Mamas can relate, am I right?!


Today I'm sharing FIVE easy, basketball themed snack ideas (with links to the instructions) to make your March Madness a little sweeter!

1. Basketball Cupcakes

2. Basketball Brownies

3. Basketball Fruit & Donut Kabobs

4. Basketball Cuties

5. Basketball Sports Drinks

Who are you picking to go all the way?


Our family is going with UVA. Go 'Hoos!

Team Mama Idea: Basketball Post-Game Snacks (NEW!)

Basketball season is in full swing! No. 1 has two practices, one day of training, and two games a week while both No. 2 and No. 3 each have one practice and one game a week. In other words, if I'm not at home, I can be found at the court 99.99% of the time.


Tomorrow happens to be my turn at snack mama for No. 2's team. Here's what I'll be taking:

Each player will get a Gatorade, a clementine, and a pack of Goldfish crackers.


See the theme I'm going for here?? I'll give you a hint, it starts with an 'O' and ends with 'range'!


I found these cute, free printable drink wraps on Pinterest! They fit the smaller sized Gatorades perfectly! All I had to do was peel off the original wrapper and tape the new ones on. That's it!

I also drew lines on the clementines with a black sharpie.

How cute are these "little basketballs"?!


Finally, I placed everything into clear cellophane treat bags. They make passing them out SO much easier!

As always, I was also sure to pack some extras for siblings.


I love the way they turned out! I hope the team does too!


Go Marshmallows!!! (Yes, that is the name No. 2's team decided on. *insert overly exaggerated eye roll* lol.)






*** Want even more post-game snack ideas? I got you, mama! Click HERE and HERE for some of my past ideas!

Team Mama Idea: Easy Basketball Brownies

No. 1's travel basketball team will be meeting at his Head Coach's house instead of the gym for practice tonight. The coaching staff decided to hold an evening of team bonding instead of regular practice to help them prepare for tomorrow's early morning game.


They'll be having pizza, playing games, and watching the movie Glory Road. The team has hit a bit of a rocky road these last couple of weeks, so the hope is that the extra bonding time will get them back on track.


Here's where the brownies come in...


If you're a regular to my blog, you know that I just love finding any reason to make goodies for my boys' teams! So it should come as no surprise that I volunteered to send my guys with waters, sodas, and BROWNIES. But these aren't your regular brownies, they're basketball brownies!

And here's how easy they are to make yourself!



All you need:

• Your favorite boxed brownie mix (I used two boxes to make sure I had enough for the team AND the 3 coaches).
• Circle shaped cookie cutter
• Orange colored cookie icing

Here's all you do:

1. Bake the brownies according to the directions on the box.
2. Once the brownies are completely cooled, use the cookie cutter to cut them into circle shapes.
3. Draw the lines on with the orange icing. I drew a line down the middle first, followed by a curved line on each side of that, and finally a horizontal line across.

That's it!

The great thing about cookie icing is that it dries super quick and once it does, the brownies are completely stackable which makes transport a breeze!


Hopefully the extra team bonding + the brownies will = a WIN tomorrow morning!


GO SYC!!!




*** Coach Hubby sent me these pictures. I think it's pretty safe to say team bonding night was a success! Oh, and they ate ALL of the brownies. #winning

*** Click HERE for my football brownies! ***

Not All Sports Mamas Are Created Equal

Not all sports mamas are created equal.


Some never miss a single practice; while others only attend games.


Some run up and down the sidelines ringing their cowbells and cheering at the top of their lungs; while others silently grin from ear to ear in their seats.


Some are decked out from head to toe in their athlete's team colors; while for others a simple t-shirt may do.


Some volunteer to be team mom; while others prefer to volunteer as needed.


Some know each and every rule of the game; while some still have to ask "what does 3 seconds mean again?".


Some are front and center for each and every game (rain, snow, or shine); while others prefer to watch from the comfort of their cars.


Some are quick to let it be known if they feel that the ref made a bad call; some just sigh and keep it moving.


Some like to sit and chat among the other mamas, while some enjoy keeping to themselves and catching up on their favorite book.


Some like to plan the end of season party; while others feel more comfortable helping with clean up.


Some have been sports mamas for over ten years; and some are in their rookie season.


You see, not all sports mamas are created equal.


And I'm here to tell you that it's ok. One type of sports mama is not better than another.


Each one is perfect for their own athlete.


So next time you begin to compare yourself to one of your fellow sports mamas, remember that you are exactly who your athlete needs.


You are present, you are positive, you are proud, you are perfect!

*** Join the Confessions of a Sports Mama Facebook group and connect with an awesome group of sports mamas just like yourself!

Sports Mama Tip: Five 2018 Sports Mom New Year's Resolutions

Resolution (noun): a firm decision to do or not to do something.


At the beginning of each and every new year, most of us make a New Year's resolution. Sometimes it's to lose weight, eat healthier, spend less money. And according to one commonly cited statistic, only 8% of us keep them. I've probably been a part of the other 92% more often than not. But this year, I am aiming to be with the minority.


Today I'm sharing with you 5 sports mama resolutions that I not only think we can all benefit from, but more importantly that I think we can all actually keep!

1. Be present. I don't just mean physically showing up to practices and games. I mean paying more attention. Putting your book or smart phone away and catching as much of the action as you can. Being able to remember a specific play if your child brings it up later.
2. Be positive. Be positive about how they played individually, how they played as a team, how the coach coached, and how the officials officiated. Be positive whether they win or lose. Our job is to be their number one fan, not their number one critic.
3. Be supportive. Help out whenever and wherever you can. Get them to games on time, organize post-game snacks, work the clock, volunteer to carpool, fill in if the coach will be absent. All these little things greatly contribute to the overall success (or lack thereof!) of the team.
4. Be understanding. Understand that they won't always have a great game. Understand that they won't always win. Understand that they won't always play the position you'd like them to play. Understand that they are the athlete, not you.
5. Be their mom. Not their coach. Not the referee. Not their harshest critic. Be the one to pick them up when they're down. Be the first one to congratulate them after each and every game. Be the one they see smiling from ear to ear whenever they look up into the stands. Be the one they can always count on for encouragement. Be the one that loves them more than anyone else on the field or court!

Cheers to another great year, mamas!




What are some of your sports mama resolutions? Share them in the comment section below or in the Confessions of a Sports Mama Facebook Group!

Sports Mama Tip: How To Deal With a Losing Season

"It's not if you win or lose, it's how you play the game". We've all heard it a thousand times before. And to a certain extent, it's true. Especially in youth sports. But let's face it, no one is having fun when you're constantly losing (especially if you're losing badly!); not the players, nor the parents.


My boys have each had at least one losing season. When No. 1 was in the 5th grade, his travel basketball team lost all 11 of their games. That same year, No. 2's 4th grade basketball team lost of all their games. And most recently, No. 3's Fall soccer team lost each and every one of their games. It was not easy. And it was definitely not fun, but they stuck with it.


Just yesterday a family member mentioned that their son was going to quit his basketball team after they lost their first game 57-12 last Saturday. I bit my tongue and we moved on to the next subject.


I don't know about you, but that would definitely NOT be allowed in our house! There is no I in team. Win or lose, they are committed for the entire season.


So, what can you do to keep your player motivated and committed during a challenging season?

Listen to them. If they feel like talking, of course. Be a shoulder to lean on. A good listening, non-judgmental confidant. We all know that talking and expressing our feelings is one of the best forms of therapy.


Be their mom, not their coach. Leave the stat chat on the field. There is no need to press the issue. Instead focus on how proud you are of them for doing their best and finishing each game strong. Tell them about a time you faced adversity.


Praise them for what they did well. It's not all about scoring the most goals or baskets. Did they keep their composure? Did they show great sportsmanship? Did they play the entire game because the team was short players? Did they cheer their teammates on? All of these are attributes of a great athlete.


Give them real life examples. Tell them about how Michael Jordan was cut from his high school team yet went on to be the most known basketball player in history. Tell them how there have been a total of 11 NFL teams to go completely winless in a season. Children look up to famous people. Let them know they too have had tough seasons.


Shift their focus elsewhere. Sometimes you just need to forget it even happened, especially after a big loss. Take them out for a post-game lunch date, grab some fro-yo, or go for a walk to the park. Whatever it takes to get their thoughts elsewhere.


As Coach Hubby tells his teams "everyone knows how to win, but not everyone knows how to lose." These tough seasons without a doubt build character. If they won every single game, all the time, there would be absolutely nothing to gain; nothing to build on. Losing builds character. It makes them work harder. It teaches them to overcome adversity. It makes them appreciate victories, both small and large. In other words, it gives them life skills.


So while losing is not the ideal season, it should not be seen as a wasted season either. Every practice and game is a lesson learned, regardless of the score.

Sports Mama Tip: Gift Ideas For Your Team Mom!

Team mamas are special. They are the team secretary, team cheerleader, team organizer, team party planner, team nurse, team counselor, team chauffeur, team photographer, amongst so many other things. In the words of my sweet friend Mindy, she is "the lady on the field that loves those boys just as much as their own mom".


Despite being all of these things, a fellow football mama brought to my attention recently that there aren't many resources out there with ideas for gifts for team moms. She asked me if I'd write a post with some, so here we go!

• Personalized apparel. Team mamas are full of team spirit, so you just can't go wrong with giving her something that she can wear proudly in the stands. Add a little bling if you can; because bleachers and bling, it's a sports mama thing!
• Meal prep service. I received a certificate for one of these a few seasons ago, and let me tell you- it came in handy! Your team mama spends more time at practices and games than she does at home, she'll take all the help she can get when it comes to cooking. Winner, winner, chicken (or whatever else she feels like eating!) dinner!
• Sports (spectating) gear. Because after all, that's what she does best. A cowbell, touchdown jar , stadium blanket, monopod; basically anything she can use on the sidelines is sure to have her smiling from ear to ear!
• Gift card. I don't think you can ever go wrong with this one. If you aren't exactly sure where to get her one to, a Visa is always your safest bet. This way she can buy herself whatever her little heart desires.
• Thank you card. This is hands down the gift that touches my heart the most. Your team mama doesn't do all that she does for the recognition. She does it because she loves it. A few kind words go a long way!
• Trophy! I've never received one, but I came across this one on Pinterest and thought it was the cutest thing EVER!!!

What gifts have you given your favorite team mamas? Let me know in the comment section below!






*** 11/6/18 No. 1's Freshman football team surprised me with this football signed by the entire team. I absolutely LOVE it!!! I'm sure your team mama would too!

And how cool is this?!?

Heather S., one of the awesomely creative Sports Mamas in our Facebook Group made it for her team mama!

AAU National Championship: A Look Through My Camera Lens

Four days and eight games later, and No. 1 and his basketball team are the AAU National Championship Classic Bracket runners-up!!! I couldn't be prouder of this group of boys. They started out rocky during pool play, but came back strong and ready for bracket play...where it really mattered!


Here is a little peek of the tournament through the eyes of my camera:

And every now and then I'll put down my real camera and take iPhone selfies...

especially when I'm sporting a new, blingy shirt! Isn't it CUTE, mamas?

"Some people want it to happen. Some wish it would happen. Others make it happen."-  Michael Jordan.

WAY TO GO, STARS!!!