You needed to be nursed before we left for the soccer field. And then you fell asleep with ten minutes until we needed to leave. Big sissy also needed help with her hair. I was about to help her when I noticed this scene. The two of you. Our oldest and youngest. Often times I can feel overwhelmed with getting to where we need to be. Making sure I have everything for everyone. But in this moment I just paused. There's so much beauty in these days. I don't ever want to be too busy or too consumed to notice. To be grateful.
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soccer
Today, our oldest daughter took part in our regional ODP ( Olympic Development Program) training for soccer. We made the decision to go as a family . With it being almost a two hour drive, it would have been easier to have me stay behind with our baby and 6 and 9 year olds; but we decided to all go to support big sister. I'm so grateful we made this choice.
Our daughter had been nervous all week. Fearful of the unknown. On the drive there , she was especially anxious. As a family, we prayed with her. We encouraged her. She asked me to read her scripture to help calm her nerves.
She got there and she did great. She was surrounded by new people, new coaches and new expectations. It was over 90 degrees out and she didn't give up. I was so proud of the courage she showed. For relying on God to help her. To face the unknown head on. These small steps, I believe, build character for future big steps. I was so thankful her siblings were there to love her, to encourage her and to see her example.
When we got home, they asked to go down to the lake. I look at the four of them and am thankful for all that we are experiencing together. Truly, there is something wonderful to see love grow between your children. To see them raise up one another. To see them be a unit. And while, there are many moments in between that include fighting and competing, these moments remind me that love is at their core.
Fall soccer begins.
Today, you finished your first season of competitive travel soccer. We are so proud of the courage and strength you showed this season. I know at first you were so scared to try out for a boy's competitive team, but you did. It was so fun to watch you develop, to watch friendships form, and to see your team come together by the end of the season. Remember to always seek God first, He will give you the strength to face whatever circumstance He puts you in.
The life of soccer siblings.
This photo captures the life our children have grown to love during soccer season. Our team families have spent countless practices and matches together at soccer complexes around our state. The siblings, who are not playing soccer, have become the best of friends as they wait for practices or games to finish. The kids play on the field sidelines, play-park sets, or wherever they can find room to run. These team families have become like family to each of us. It is something special. I am so grateful that our younger children enjoy this time at the fields. They may never know if Big Sissy won or lost; but they have a great time while waiting and always ask when is the next game.
You were heading out to play with some of your friends when I saw you coming down the stairwell with your soccer ball in hand. This is you right now; always with your ball.
The time change means soccer practice is now under the lights. I wasn't sure how I would like you having soccer practice for the competitive team twice a week for two hours each night, but I have really learned to enjoy this time at the field. Not only do I love to watch you play; but it has been good for me to have time to just sit, to socialize, or to read while you practice. I've really learned to find value in the times we are just still. Time to build relationships or time to restore ourselves are both wonderful things.
Today was your first game of the season. You were so nervous on the drive to the game, you didn't talk much at all. I am so proud of the way you played. You are one of four girls on an all boy's competitive soccer team. You have overcome fear and really showed dedication to this sport. I love you and look forward to the season ahead.
All three of you are playing soccer this Fall, which means we are at the field a lot. I am so grateful for the wide open spaces for you to play when it is not your night to practice.
Opening day of soccer was a rainy one.
Life is about choices. We can chose to overcome fear, or we can chose to let fear stop us. Too often in life, I have chosen the later. I have chosen to stay comfortable and safe; but each day, I am challenged to live life differently. We all are.Last night you faced one of your own fears. You tried out for a local competitive soccer team. It wasn't your skill or ability that you questioned. No, you were nervous because all of the players on the team, with the exception of one, are boys. We talked a lot about fear in the days before her try out and ultimately you decided you were going to go. I was so proud as I watched you run and play as hard as you could. At the end of practice, you were asked to join the team. I knew you could do it, but you needed to know this as well.These words from Called Me Higher, by All Sons and Daughters, are such a great challenge to each of us. We are all called to go higher and deeper. Will we choose to leave “our comfortable” and be changed from the inside? I pray that my answer will be Yes.“I could just sit. I could just sit and wait for all your goodness. Hope to feel your presence. And I could just stay. I could just stay right where I am and hope to feel you. Hope to feel something again.
And I could hold on. I could hold on to who I am and never let You change me from the inside. And I could be safe. I could be safe here in Your arms and never leave home. Never let these walls down.
But you have called me higher. You have called me deeper.”
Today was the last day of soccer camp. I love seeing you all playing this year. It is going to be a fun fall.
Soccer season started this week with a camp. It was so fun to see you two take the field together for the first time this year. You both have watched your sisters from the sidelines since you were born. Now, at almost 4 and 5, it is your turn to play together. (And those shin guards are hard to get of)