This ballet mom is venturing into a new world.
And, I’m loving it. Brennan enjoyed summer soccer and is already begging to play again in the fall. I’ll see him in the backyard practicing over and over and over.
Does it take our time? Absolutely. But, I’m willing to dedicate time so that Brennan can enjoy what he loves. It’s tricky because it’s a balance — family time and sports and ballet — but in the end I’m always grateful for giving of the time. I see the results. More confidence, increased athleticism, and seriously? joy.
There will come a day when I’m not nearly as busy and I know I’ll miss these days of finding cleats and soccer balls and putting the laundry in and pulling hair into buns. Instead of fighting the movement I have to sit and embrace it and not allow to be defined as busy. It’s just life. And we’re blessed to partake in so many wonderful opportunities.
Having children is a blessing. One that I’m determined to embrace. And for Brennan — and soon to be Caleb — it meant sitting on a camping chair with my hand on the bug spray and my eyes on him. Proud.
A disclaimer about soccer: I’ve actually been around soccer a great deal — my little sister went to college on a full soccer scholarship so I have memories of going to her games and bringing little Hannah and Chloe to games– but, it’s a new world for this household to have one of my own fully jump into the sport.
9 comments
We have two daughters in soccer which is two nights and Sat. mornings all summer. It is a lot and I don’t know what I’d do if the other two kids wanted to play. Thankfully we both really enjoy watching, so we often go as a family, and we also don’t mind going alone and having one on one time with the daughter that’s playing.
Thanks for the reminder that it’s not just business. It IS LIFE!
My children are not old enough to be in activities yet, but I so look forward to the day when I’m running around, watching them grow into themselves and find out who they are through sports, dance, ect. You are so blessed, and your children will remember you sitting on the sidelines cheering!
i’m excited about all the extra-curricular opportunities in the future – but i must say it overwhelms me. my first though is; how do you pay for it? and if there’s money for it, how do you find balance, like you asked? i’ll be anxious to hear how you juggle it all while balancing it out. keep me posted. : )
awesome soccer pics! he’s such a cutie.
My kids are all grown and those days are gone, but I do remember them fondly. We lived next door to the school where all the practices were held so the kids could just walk over there. I didn’t see the practices, but I never missed a game.
i LOVE soccer! you probably knew this, based on how much i tweet while the u.s. women’s team plays each of their world cup games. i played for nearly a decade and would have played longer, but i had a disappointing situation with my high school coach and so i stopped playing. i did play a couple intramural seasons in college though, and am considering doing so again this year. fantastic sport! i’m looking forward to hearing more of your thoughts on brennan playing in these next months.
I’m anxious to see your comments as well. My daughter will be in 1st grade this year, and is a once a week extracurricular activity too much? Plus homework, plus playtime? Plus being a kid?
I remember hearing/reading a mom say this verse applied: “This one thing I do..” meaning one activity per child. However she was quick to point out that with several children that could quickly become TOO much. This mom of six would agree ~
Soooo, when you figure it out, let me know! =)
Okay, more serious… sorta. Music is our “thing” moreso than sports. Although my two boys each played a parks/rec sport for a couple years. And did taekwondo for a few months another year. And we tried 4-H, but it was too much and too politically correct :p I knew my girls could learn to sew and bake without a 4-H judge to please. And then the calves got ringworm and couldn’t go to the fair…
I’m sure some families make it work better ~ and differently ~ You just have to keep reviewing where you are all spending your time… and how that fits into God’s priorities for your family.
Not sure I have any better advice than to pray and ask your hubby ~
So had to laugh when you said the time will come when you’re not as busy…when does that happen? You’ve got 7 kids…just imagine how many grands the Lord could bless you with! And they’ll have soccer and ballet and…and…and how can you not go to them? None of my grands are into anything like that yet and I’m STILL busier than I’ve ever been!
So hang on for the ride!
Know that you’re in my thoughts and prayers!
Isaiah 43:1-3a But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel…
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Our kids aren’t in any activities yet but may be starting this fall. We’re hoping to keep them to 1 activity each per season but honestly I have no clue how to balance all this! Off I go to read your other comments to see what others have suggested.
Happy Soccer mom days!