SOCCER MOM!

Okay, here goes. My name is Toni and I'm a soccer mom ("Hiiiii, Toni!"). Yes, I drive a minivan. No, I most certainly will not cut you off on the road to get 'em to the field on time (unless you do this annoying little thing called driving under the speed limit). You won't find a Starbucks clutched in my hand and I don't ask my kids to put on their game face and win at all cost (though "that" league is also available in my town).

Yes, the first day of Sonshine soccer has arrived. This year we have not two but three kids on the field. What's the big deal? Are you kidding? Have you tried to watch multiple games at the same time with yet another child in tow? I have and let me tell you, I look like a weathered ol' seahag by the time it's over. Last year it was Olivia on one field, full-o-'tude . It wasn't uncommon for her to yell to me in a frustrated tone she ran down the field, "We're not gonna win this game, Mom!" I would give her the "chill, sister" look, then dash over to another field to watch Reece (keeping one eye fixed on Cierah in her mini lawn chair over at the first field). Reece liked the game but could just as easily find joy in sitting with "his girl" (a cute blonde teammate) on their soccer balls looking for ants in the grass. They reminded me of The Story of Ferdinand (the bull who was happy to just watch the flowers grow).

This time I have three kids out there and baby Brandon to manage as well. What a funny baby he is too. He laughed like crazy for the better part of ten minutes this evening over two words; "So sweet!" Every time I said, "So sweet!" to him, he literally cracked up with one of those robust baby giggles. Everyone who could hear him was laughing. The kids' a hoot, I tell you. But anyway.....Carl works on game days so it should be complete chaos a good time; four kids up, fed, dressed and strapped into car seats by 8:30am. Three balls? Check. Three freshly laundered soccer shirts? Check. Three pairs of shin guards accounted for? Check. Three water bottles? Check. A diaper bag, 5 light jackets, a double stroller, a bottle bag, a purse and a cell phone, oh and a lawn chair.........no problem. Oh wait, the camera. Ah, now I'm ready for a relaxing morning on the field. As if.

Reece and Cierah's coaches are the most awesome young gals. They're very animated in their appearance. "C" has her hair dyed that reaaally bold red and she puts it in two big pigtails. The team's color is lime green so it exaggerates her red hair to an almost glowing tone. She had crazy green and black striped knee socks on too. Okay, so I don't have this particular vision in mind for my daughter's wardrobe when she's older but I have to tell you, the kids adore "C" and she keeps their attention. Then there's "K." Her hair is dyed jet black, she has black "handmade" capri jeans on (I'm being reserved; they looked like they were cut off with a meat cleaver, lol) and black high top Converse tennis shoes. She too is w-o-n-d-e-r-f-u-l with the kids. She's lively and funny and full of energy. And they completely adore her and she, them. Just picture a couple of Audio Adrenaline or Reliant K fans and you've got "K" and "C". My littles are going to have a very fun season.