Thoughts from a Soccer Mom

After we signed Blake up for soccer several months ago we received an email sent out to all the parents that coaches were needed.  I asked Brad and he was like, "Why not?  I'm sure it won't be too big of a commitment and would be fun."  Well turns out it was actually a really big commitment.  But Brad was right, it was also REALLY fun.  Brad got so much out of the coaching and in turn I believe Blake really did too.  I love Brad for so many many reasons, but one of the things I love most about Brad is his patience.  I probably love that so much because I have NONE.  Even the other parents of kids on the team have commented on how much they admire his patience.  Brad is so amazing with this group of rambunctious four and five year old boys.  He is fun and patient and kind.  He is also athletic so is teaching these young ones a thing or two about soccer all while having fun and playing games at practice.  Its been really great to see.  We figured we'd be done with the commitment for awhile after our last game on Saturday, but the parents were like we want to keep the team together with YOU (Brad) coaching for the spring and in the mean time we want to play in the tournament in two weeks and we want to play in an indoor league in the winter with YOU coaching.  While Brad was not really expecting to keep up with the time and energy it takes for him to coach the team, what a huge compliment it is to Brad that these parents want him to continue on.  And after thinking about it he knew he'd miss the "job" if he said no, so here we are, a soccer family, at least through the end of spring.  Here is Brad giving the team a pep talk during half time last game.

And while I'm so proud of my hubs, I'm also so proud of Blake.  Blake loooooves soccer.  Tuesday nights, practice nights, and Saturdays, game days, are his two favorite days.  He wakes up on Tuesdays, "Mom, its Tuesday!  Soccer practice!!"  Same thing on Saturdays.  During games, Blake is so focused.  A lot of the kids tend to lose focus at this age and want to play around more than being in to the game, but not Blake.  He is determined out there on the field.  He makes sure he gets back on defense and does everything in his power to prevent a goal.  And any chance he gets the ball away from the other team, he is off towards his goal and does everything in his power to score.  I am pretty sure he is the leading scorer on our team.  He is plain and simply an athletic child, but more than anything, I really love how much he just tries out there.  Win or lose doesn't matter to me (although it does to him!) but the fact he tries so hard, makes my heart burst.  One of my favorite parts of the games (and I think the other parents' as well) is whenever Blake scores, he does a celebration dance.  Its awesome.  Here he is after one of his goals last game.

And while Brady is SO ready to get out on the field as well, he has been able to practice with the team every week, which is so cool, he is so patient during the games sitting on the sidelines.  When I had to miss several weeks of games because I felt too bad to attend, Brady even got to sit on the bench during the games with the team.  A lot of the moms commented to me they were amazed at how patient he is.  That's my easy going Bray Bray.  Last Saturday was CRAZY hot out on the field.  The sun was just so intense.  For a November day we were not expecting to be boiling like that.  Brady sought refuge in the shade made behind my chair.  He laid in the grass playing with my phone.  Love him.

Our first "official" soccer season was such a success and I really am looking forward to it continuing over the next few seasons.  I know Blake is making lasting memories of this time with his dad too, and oh, how that warms my heart.