Sunday, October 19, 2008

Guess I'm a Soccer Mom & Wife!


Ryanna's first ever soccer game was yesterday afternoon. Don't ask me why they scheduled a game for 2 in the afternoon since it was 96 degrees. And, don't ask me why they would assign any team to wear black jerseys in the Arizona heat.

Being that I'm the parent that stays home, it has been left to me to buy all of the necessary gear for this soccer endeavor and being that I never played soccer, I was a bit clueless. It involves such things as shin guards, really, really long socks, a size 3 ball and soccer cleats. I guess it also involves some athletic shorts, but I didn't get around to buying those before the baby came and I haven't felt much like shopping for that stuff with three kids. That should explain Ryanna's stretch pants ensemble. Though I think her dad was embarrassed by it, I thought it made it quite easy to spot her in the pack and trust me, there is always a pack when this age plays.

I didn't know what to expect for this game. Ryanna has not been that interested in sports period. I signed her up for soccer for her to have the experience. She's only been to two practices (should've been three, but I forgot in the madness of watching BYU get demolished by TCU on Thursday). Not to mention that Ryanna is pretty mild mannered by nature and sports really require a bit of a pushy and competitive edge.

Well, to my delight, she was awesome!! She was really good at getting to the ball and kicking it in the right direction. This sounds funny, but at this level that is quite a big deal. One boy showed up for the last quarter, got on the field, got possession of the ball and tore down the field and scored in about 10 seconds. Too bad he scored against his own team! Most of the other kids took breaks from the action, but Ryanna played the entire game without being pulled. She loved it. She was disappointed that she didn't score a goal, but I was totally impressed with her efforts.

I also had to laugh when the coach decided to name the team at halftime. Are you ready for this? Her suggestion and the team pick--The Black Panthers! Boy oh boy. Is she going to be attending practices or rallies after this? And to top off the funniness, the boy that was the very best player on the other team was named Cain. Cain--who does that to their child--an atheist?
Owen would've played too if we would've let him. During halftime he took his own soccer ball out to one of the goals and practiced shooting. It was pretty cute.

Eli slept through the entire event--big surprise. He has to sleep because it takes a lot of effort to stay awake all night.

After Ryanna's game, we went to Derek's indoor soccer game (they won). I guess I'm the only one in the family that doesn't play besides Eli and he can't even hold his own head up yet. Oh well, someone needs to be the driver and biggest fan.

16 comments:

Life in the circus said...

We tried a soccer clinic last year with Auralee. It was a total bomb. She hated it and it was very poorly organized, if at all. I hope she ends up loving some kind of sport though, its good to be active. Good luck :)

Devin said...

That's so funny, I thinks she is going to start a new fashion.
That's way too hot.

Ruth Petersen said...

Thanks for the update. Your entry was so funny. I got a real good laugh. I have every thing Ryanna would need. When you come at Christmas we can stock you up. Will Owen start next year? He,s such a ball prodigy he could play on Ryannas team soon. Did you get any video?

rachel said...

CUTE!! Girl Power!I missed the memo on the long socks so Hunter's "armor" as he calls his shin guards were showing. I have never played soccer either guess we learn as we go eh:)

Lauren and Trevor said...

Way to go Ryanna! She has definitely got the genes to be a soccer star. Maybe the stretch pants were good luck. Sports is all about superstitions you know. I'd recommend she continue to wear the same outfit, and don't ever wash the pants either or the good luck could wear off. Furthermore, when the college scouts start coming around any unique flair will be to her advantage. We can't wait to hear about Owen's debut into the organized sports arena. Thats so great that Arizona has leagues for younger kids.

Sabina said...

I'm impressed that you're already getting out and about with your crew. Go Ryanna! I love little kid soccer. There is a big difference between how Landen played and how Tali plays, but they are both fun. I love the stretch pants. That's kind of how Breck looks at every game! I can't imagine how she could survive in stretch pants if it was really that hot! Thanks for sharing. Hope Eli's doing better nursing.

DKAZ said...

It's never too late Audrey! Sounds like you are doing a great job...even if Eli is bored enough to sleep through the whole thing-HA!
Love that Ryanna is kickin' it-literally.

Erica said...

How fun! Ryanna looks adorable. I need to get Ryder in soccer. When its warm. 9 months from now. Bleh

Chanda said...

I look at your blog sometimes. I am one of those horrible blog stockers who look but rarely leave a comment. I am trying to do better with this. Congrats on your newest little guy. I love his name. I wanted to name my first Eli, but I was only one vote. I actually love all the interesting things you think of to blog about.

MK said...

Welcome to the world of soccer and organized sports in general. Here we are 6 kids and 10 years later, and that is just the kids!! Don't get me started with Robert!

I'm glad Ryanna had a great time. Maybe her and Bryce can get together and "practice" sometime.

Jessica Martiele said...

Congrats to your little one...and your husband. The best part of this whole entry though (and I'm still laughing) is the part about Eli sleeping through the whole thing to make sure he's able to be up all night. Fabulous. Good luck with the sleep training!!!

Minharos said...

Now here's something we can relate to: daughter playing soccer in long pants much to dad's embarrassment. We don't have any good soccer shorts so Macey typically picks out her black velvet jogging suit pants. Levy about dies every week. He says "that's not soccer. soccer is shorts!" Oh well, she enjoys it and kicks the ball much more this year than last (last year she could often be seen stopping in the middle of the field to stretch her back or do full on yoga poses.)

Atticus is our real soccer athlete too. He's at least as good as half the kids on her team. Only two years until he can play.

Good luck, This week when we're freezing at practice I'll think of you guys sweating to death :)

steve said...

Thats great to hear that Ryanna is not only a good athlete but fashionable while doing it. The question though, is her Mom the crazed "soccer mom fan" that spends the whole time yelling!! ;-)

Lacey said...

Love the pants! But wasn't she hot???

Kim Skinner said...

love those stretch pants. now that's a fashion statement!

Heather said...

Yea for Ryanna and the "Black Panters." That is too much! I'm glad she did well and enjoyed herself :)