Happy Almost New Year

No big plans, parties, or otherwise for me and coach this year. Claire will be at her father's house. Bummer. 

I will probably go to practice with coach from 5-7. That's about it.

What can I say, I lead an exciting life. 

Cheers to all of you. Happy New Year! What are your plans?

Happy Birthday to ME!

35 Today! I'm feeling a little better about it. You can't stop time so you might as well embrace it! Besides, I just try to remember that Jennifer Aniston is 40 and looks great (with the help of personal trainers, chefs etc.), so 35 doesn't seem so bad.

Besides, as I've grown up, having my birthday two days after Christmas has always been a great excuse to go to the after Christmas sales. Let's go SHOPPING! 

Well...Santa is over for another year

It comes and goes so quickly. I'm sorry I haven't posted in a while. I have felt like a Disney cast member the last week, trying to make sure the MAGIC happens! I apparently was successful. 

Claire got a My Twinn doll as her big gift. She really likes it. Also, the two Barbies from the Diamond Castle movie. You put their hands together and they each sing a part of the same song. Hokey, but she liked that too. Only one thing didn't work. It was an EyeClops magnifying toy. You plug it into your T.V. and it magnifies up to 400 times the original size, or not. We tried it in all of our T.V.'s and nothing. Even changed the batteries, nothing. Oh well, It wouldn't be Christmas without one return. I am wondering if this will be the last year she believes. I suspect we're getting close to having the charade be over. She's starting to ask questions. 

Claire: Mom how did you know I was getting a My Twinn doll so that you could make a matching sweatshirt?

Me: Um, Santa e-mailed me. He said the elves were extra busy this year and asked if I could make a few extra things for you and the doll. (fingers crossed she buys this)

Claire: Um...okay. (insert my sigh of relief)

Coach got a Shiatsu massager for his back. I guess it was a hit because he used it most of yesterday. He also got P90x plus (workout videos). We did the first series and now I'm bored, so I'll probably use them too. I've really been slacking in the working out department, but am planning on re-dedicating myself after the holidays are over, with about a million + other people!

Well, tomorrow I turn 35! Yowza! Not really ready for that one. Early thirties sounds WAY better than mid-thirties. But who am I kidding, age is just really a number. I just hate the stigma that goes along with the BIGGER number. I really don't feel that much different. Okay a little more out of shape than in previous months, but nothing a little working out can't take care of. We'll see how I feel tomorrow.

TEAM Update: We lost our last game before break. We led the whole game then lost by five in the final two minutes. Loosing players to ineligibility and injury really affects the whole team. The loss was a heartbreaker. You hate to go into break on a down note.

Yummy!

So...this is what Claire is bringing to her school party tomorrow. Reindeer cookies! Cute and yummy (also super easy-my speed!)

Holiday preparations are underway. I finally feel like I have a handle on things. We're supposed to go shopping this weekend with the assistant coach and his wife, barring we don't get the MEGA snowstorm that's predicted for Thursday night. Actually, I won't be shopping...just looking. Coach, on the other hand, doesn't have one gift bought. Meaning my gifts. Actually, he does pretty good. I asked him not to spend a lot this year. I gave extra to Toys for Tots and the Humaine Society. I always like giving more than recieving this time of year. But, I have to admit, I wouldn't mind a little something in my stocking this year. After all my husband lives in a gym nine months out of the year. And you all know how I feel about the bleachers! Did I mention he has 27+ games?

Hope your holiday is in full swing!

TEAM Update: They're away tonight in Ohio. That means a late night for coach and also me. I have a hard time sleeping until he gets home. Especially because the weather continues to be a little threatening. Ugh. Fingers crossed for a WIN! They're playing nationally ranked team. Need the confidence boost. Need it bad.

We're BACK!

What a trip. Oy! It was a fiasco pretty much start to finish. I'm glad to be home. As I type this I am sick in bed. Well, not super sick (cold) but I'm still staying in bed. I have to recuperate. That's my story. 

Our team did okay. Won one lost one. They played better the second day. It was a mess none the less. We get there and they wouldn't let our book keeper sit at the scorers table. They messed up the time outs which cost us the game. Coach got into it with one of the refs about said situation after the game. What a mess. That was only day one. The guy that kept the official book said he never made a mistake in twenty five years! Although, the next game when we finally were allowed to have our book keeper at the scorers table, he made his first four mistakes. hmmmm... 

Did I mention it's good to be home? It is SOOOO good. This weekend we might go shopping with the assistant coach and his wife. Sounds like fun. I'm sure the coaches will be thrilled about being in a crowded mall around Christmas...but their wives will be happy. That's really what counts.

So. good. to. be. home. 

Up north bound

Well, I am feverishly packing. In the middle of packing I also did some research on CT scans for children. When are they necessary...when aren't they? Long story short, she's not having one yet and I found a new urologist. 

This won't be long, but I will keep you updated. I'm taking the laptop.

TEAM Update: Don't leave your future in the hands of 18 year olds! They are fickle. Or find ones with good study habits. Note to self - re-read this during recruiting!

So sorry...

I have been neglecting all of you! Things here have been a little crazy. Claire has been having UTI's like crazy. So, next week she has to go for a CT scan. She's less than thrilled. Su-per. Making life easy on the season single mom. She tells me it might not be scary for big people but for little people it's a different story. I get it. But must we start stressing a WEEK before? Oh brother.

Also, I am starting to pack for our away tourney this weekend. Not really looking forward to the four hour car ride. PLEASE...NO SNOW!! PLEASE! We're leaving late tomorrow. Claire is happy about being out of school on Friday. I am happy that she will probably sleep the whole way up. 

Most gifts are bought and wrapped, cards are out. Oh yeah...I forgot, another reason that I haven't posted was I realized my application for grad school at Michigan State is due December 24th not February 1st like I thought. So last week was a little stressful getting that done and finding people that might write me a decent letter of recommendation. Done. Yahoo!

In other team news, we lost out game on Saturday by six points. The J.V. team we played brought down players from varsity. Also, one of our best players is ineligible. That stinks. She hasn't been doing her work. Come on ladies...really? Go to CLASS!

Does December go by faster than other months?

Or is it just me? I am working on a grad school application right now. I thought it was due at the end of January...apparently not. It's due December 24th! What a stupid time to have an application due? Anyone with me on that one? I have a lot of my shopping done (whew), tree up, and I volunteered for PTA popcorn Friday tomorrow. Am I crazy? Pretty much, at least a little. 

Next week we have to go away for another Tournament. Let's just say heading toward NORTHERN Michigan. The last Tourney there we got stuck in a snowstorm. There we all are digging out vans with cardboard boxes. Oh what fun! No lie, I couldn't make this up. The drive took eight hours! It was supposed to take four. Claire, was so thrilled...not. As you can imagine, we weren't supposed to go this year. Apparently, the Athletic Director didn't get the we hate this stinking tournament memo. Alas, we go.

Also...I'm getting grumpy because my workout schedule has gone to CRAP. New Years resolution...yeppers. But, I'm gonna claim that everyone gets off schedule this time of year, right?

TEAM UPDATE: We won again last night. So we're 5-2. Not bad. I like being 1-0 in our conference. We're gonna need some luck next conference game. The team we play was ranked #2 in the Nation-pre season polls. We'll see.

Sigh...

Sorry I haven't posted in a few days. Nothing snappy...inspiring...or otherwise to say.

I....got....nothing.

Hopefully some good sleep will inspire me.

Team Update: Game tomorrow night. Our first Conference game of the season. Fingers crossed we'll win.

The aftermath

Well, one holiday down, one to go. I have to admit, I spent Black Friday decorating the tree. It was nice and relaxing after having a house full of people for Thanksgiving. We may do a little decorating today and go see Santa at the mall. Low key, I like it.

Last night we also went to scout a couple of the teams we're playing this year. (See, no matter how hard I try, I can't get away from b-ball. Scouting over Thanksgiving holiday...now that's LOVE.) They were both playing in a tournament. Claire and I went through the Thanksgiving ads to pick out things she may want this year while Coach taped the games. I sure hope Santa has an additional job that pulls down some bucks! Actually, Santa is close to being done. Close but not finished. Let's just say that Mrs. Claus, much like (VERY much like) Mrs. Coach, is a smart woman. She always leaves room in the budget for the last minute...I need this or I might DIE gifts. Everything, apparently, is dramatic in the life of a six year old girl. Actually, from having been around the b-ball team, and being a girl, I would say that there is a little drama in every woman. So, Mr. Claus, there is this great perfume gift certificate at Sephora...it's really neat...you get to choose your own scent and everything...and if I don't get it...well...something DRAMATIC might just happen...  

Did you leave room in the budget...Santa?

Happy Thanksgiving...almost

Happy Thanksgiving...almost. I'm wishing you bellies full of potatoes, pumpkin pie, and yummy turkey. We are hosting Thanksgiving at our house this year. So that means a house full of 18 plus. (Eighteen plus during b-ball season, more proof that I am a ROCKSTAR!) Everybody brings something, so less cooking for me! Coach always deep fries a turkey. Honestly, some of the best bird ever! He does a great job and has never set the house on fire. One small lawn incident, but never the house.

Also, tomorrow we will be doing another holiday tradition...Jingle BINGO! We all bring white elephant gifts then play bingo to see who takes home the tacky prizes. It is a lot of fun. We used to play it at my Grandma's house. It's always good for a laugh.

Coach  may also do a little scouting over break. Trying to convince Claire that's a good idea, well that's going to take some doing...and maybe a trip to see Santa.

From my family to yours...Happy Thanksgiving. May you remember all the things that you are thankful for! I sure do.

Love my Coach

Well, our little sickie will be going to school tomorrow. However, I have some, um...girl issues going on today. I pretty much feel like crap. But I feel lucky today to be married to Coach. He made me French toast for breakfast. He is a WONDERFUL cook! He also helped clean the house and got me medicine. Love HIM! And ran out in the freezing cold weather to get stuff for Claire's lunch and the newspaper.

Lucky me.

Just a side note I did spend ALL day Saturday helping run a tournament for the B-ball team. Concessions all day. Do you think we're even? Maybe...almost.

A resident of Sickville reaches out

Here I am in Sickville with Claire, who by the way is s-l-o-w-l-y on the mends. Even though she's still not sleeping well at night...lucky us.

Anyway, out of boredom, I picked up a the latest copy of Coach's Men's Health magazine. They claim to have a gift guide that they practically guarantee the recipient won't want to return their gift. Check it out: www.menshealth.com/giftguide We'll see...we'll see.

The guys gifts I think were a little off, at least for us. I don't think Coach would use many of the gifts there. He's a simple guy who likes simple things. I have a pretty good idea for him already but I can't post it...yet. He'll read this you know.

The girls side however, there were a few things. I'll post them here. See post above.

Bare Escentuals, let's just say I'm addicted. Love their make-up. As a matter of fact, I know Coach is getting me a gift set for Christmas. Thanks Coach. Okay, okay, yes I bought it. But I'm claiming that the man is buzy. That's my story. I'm sticking to it.

Starbucks...coffee....always good. I don't live super close to a Starbucks, but we have a Bearclaw Coffee Co. Love it! Coffee, in my opinion, should be made one of the food groups. How does anyone survive without it? I'm drinking some right now! Yummy. See, there can be a little piece of happiness in every day. Even if it just comes in the form of coffee.

Team Update: There is a game tonight and I'm calling on reinforcements so that I can go. Nana (a.k.a. my mom) is coming over to watch Sickie Bean tonight. That's probably good. If I don't see the outside world soon I might just lose it. Is anybody still out there? I'm sure you are.

Sickie Update

My night consisted of listening to Claire cough and me and Coach trying everything to get her to stop coughing. No vaporizer, Vicks or cough remedy was working. We pulled out the whole bag of tricks...nothing. You name it, we probably tried it. Finally around 5:30 a.m. she stopped coughing. A small but wonderful miracle!

Needless to say we were at the doctor's office this morning. The prognosis: Scarlet Fever! Su-per. She had this last year as well. I had my suspicions when she started developing a rash late yesterday. I was right. Scarlet fever is basically strep with a rash. I'm sure there is more to it but I'm not the doctor-y type. I hate hospitals, needles, gowns, and the sterile smell of offices. So I'm not exactly up on all the lingo. So, Sweet Bean and I will be sharing the house at least until Friday. We don't want to share all the nasty germies with the class. We could...but I'm not one of those moms. 

So, there won't be any super engaging blogs for the next couple of days, unless something mega exciting happens on Noggin. That's what we'll probably be watching.

I was supposed to go to coffee this morning with Mrs. Coach S. That would've been yummy. 

But nursing a sick Sweet Bean, also okay.  Get better soon baby girl, get better soon.

We're Sickies

Sorry I've been away for a few days. Sickness has found us. I wonder how sometimes with the amount of soap and hand sanitizer we go through daily. 

Actually, I just have a migraine. I get them when the weather changes sometimes. Yesterday it snowed, so that's a weather change, for sure. 

Claire, technically is the sickie. She's running a slight fever and complaining of a sore throat. She's home today. Hopefully she will be better tomorrow. If not, it's off to the doctor's office.

TEAM UPDATE: Saturday we broke 100 points! 107 to be exact. How exciting! We won, and it was a much needed  confidence boost. We had a team dinner (ordered Tuscany pasta from Pizza Hut, yummy). It was a hit and as always reaffirmed my belief, girls CAN EAT! At least our team can.

Why I REALLY have dogs...

These are the fuzz balls that call our house their home. The one on the bottom is Shadow, Shads for short. He is the one that loves getting in the cabinets and helping himself while we are gone. We usually try to put him in a bedroom when we leave to prevent this from happening. But, sometimes we forget. Once I came home from a basketball game greeted by Shadow sporting something that resembled a white Santa beard. I walked into the living room and found the floor covered in white. Let's just say that flour and dog spit don't exactly mix. They form something that resembles plaster. The steam cleaner got used that night...around 10 p.m. 

Su-per.

The dog in the top picture is "my dog." He was the one we adopted from the Humane Society last year (during basketball season...proof I am a tad crazy). Shads I inherited when I married Coach. Summit I begged for and Coach surprised me. He really is a great dog. He doesn't get in the cabinets...yet. Barbies and Claire's toys...that's a different story.

From these lovely mental pictures of our doggy antics I'm sure you can see why we love them...sometimes. But the REAL reason that I have them is because I'm a lilly.

I watch too much CSI, Cold Case Files, etc. Coach is away a lot during the season and I have an overactive imagination. REALLY overactive. I have seen the dogs bark at walkers, cats, deer, and occasionally a plastic bag or newspaper that wanders into the yard. Personally, I wouldn't mess with them. Most of the walkers in our sub cross to the other side of the street when they're out. Proof they actually can be a deterrent...right?

I also have them because dog hair goes with everything. At least I like to think so.

Team update: 2-2 with a game on Saturday. One of our better players blew her knee out yesterday during a scrimmage. Total bummer. We also lost the scrimmage by four. Saturday will be better, yes?

What???

Tonight while Coach was at practice, Claire and I put up her little Christmas tree in her room. Yes, I know that it is early. Yes, I know that it isn't even Thanksgiving, but cut me a break. We have all away games in December! Including a tournament...in the northern part of Michigan. Let's just say that last year we had to dig our vans out with boxes because there was a mega snowstorm...

I digress...anyway...Claire was decorating her tree...hanging angels, snowmen and the like...when she pauses and looks at me.

Claire: "Mom, do you think angels pierce their wings?"

HHHMMMMM.....What do I say...all the while getting a visual of an angel with mom tattooed on her arm and piercings all over her wings...

Me: "Babe, I don't think so."

Unless they are in biker heaven. But somehow, I don't think God wants his angels sporting the "goth" look all pierced up. 

I could be wrong, but I feel pretty confident about this one.

Only 2 seasons at our house...

I sure hope Claire grows up knowing that four seasons really do exist: fall, winter (yuck), spring and summer. But at our house there are really only two seasons: "In" season and "Out Of" season. Right now we are "in" season. It will last until February or March. "Out of" season is so brief if you blink too long you might just miss it. This year "out of" season was roughly one week, one heavenly week, at Disney. 

Not only are we "in" season right now...the holidays are coming. I'm sure you've noticed. Yes, I do have some gifts bought and yes, even wrapped, but I'm usually further ahead by now. I know, I know, it's the same time every year...be prepared.

I am, mostly. I'f I'm too on top of things I might get ran out of the family by my sister-in-laws and in-laws. They already know that I'm a type A overachiever. So, I do happen to sew some of my daughter's clothes, Yes, I did make little graveyard cookies for the Halloween party out of frosted graham crackers, regular graham crackers and frosting that everyone happened to ooh and aaah over. (I'll try to post a picture of the turkeys I plan on making for the Thanksgiving party) So by everyone else's standards, I'm above and beyond...but for me...I'm a little behind this year.

Just don't let the word get out!

Mrs. Coach S is quite clearly a ROCKSTAR!!

Just so you know...if you do something totally amazing in my book, you are a ROCKSTAR! Coach really gets sick of me saying that I am a ROCKSTAR, pretty much every day. But hey, I'm good, damn good. So I AM A ROCKSTAR, especially when I manage to fit a workout into every day (or most every day) plus, I am a coach's wife therefore automatically a ROCKSTAR by default. Even when I decide to let the laundry pile up while sitting on my butt and doing nothing about it, still a ROCKSTAR.

More about why Mrs. Coach S is a ROCKSTAR (yes you have to yell it, duh)...

I love friends...especially the ones who buy you nice surprises and send them home with the Coach! Let me just state that I have endured three-count them THREE-basketball seasons without so much as a thin foam cushion for my heiney. You'd think I'd have enough...natural padding...(I have more than I would like to admit and am not the size 0 my sister is...lucky B)...but one can NEVER have too much padding. Bleacher Butt=not a pretty thing!! So after my yearly rant about bleacher butt, and the millionth hint about getting a bleacher seat for Christmas to anyone that cares to listen (i.e. nobody)...I GOT ONE LAST NIGHT!!!

I don't think a new car could be this exciting! A BAZILLION Thanks to Mrs. Coach S...you really saved my ass, quite literally!

Darn tootin' I'll be the one in the stands on Saturday with the killer seat rest, arm rests and EVERYTHING.

I AM A ROCKSTAR...So is Mrs. Coach S.

P.S. I forgot to give an update on our player with the shoulder injury...she's cleared! NO break...so game on for her Saturday.

Unhappy...

This face is very similar to the one Claire had when she got home yesterday. Why?? The answer starts with Coach helping me pack her lunch, snack, backpack for school. 

Coach also took time off his "real" job to help rake leaves (more on that in a sec.) and decided to pick up Claire from school for a surprise. That made her uber-happy. 

This, however,  is the face she had when she pulled me aside when we got home. Here's how the conversation went:

Claire: Did dad pack my lunch today? (insert face photo here)

Me: Yeah, Why?

Claire: Well, next time could you remind him that my lunchbox hooks to the OUTSIDE of my backpack? Oh yeah...and he didn't pack a snack, Mom,...no snack....

Let's not overwhelm the man, Bean. He DID take time off work to help with the leaves, and pack you lunch, do you expect perfection??

Don't answer that.

More on the leaves...

We live next to a woods, which leads to us having...well, um... a mega leaf problem in the fall. We're talking so many that you can't see the ground. I love fall, but why does it have to happen durning b-ball season? My mom (love you) came over and we raked the ENTIRE backyard once already. 

I mentioned the leaf situation to coach yesterday morning, perhaps while he was packing above stated lunch (maybe I distracted him), and he said, "Leaves, haven't thought much about them..."

WHAT?? I said: "hmmm...really??"

Apparently he did some more thinking between then and lunch because he came home to help me rake! Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!

Also a side note...dog poop blends in with brown leaves REALLY well...EEEWWW!

MIA...again

I know that I have a husband, I did actually talk to him today. Practice is now at a more reasonable time 5-7 p.m. instead of 8-10 p.m. (utter craziness!). However as I type this it is 9 p.m. and still no Coach. I know 'tis the season...basketball season. I liked the 8-10 better, at least he'd come home out of sheer exhaustion!

Yes, I did my civic duty and voted today. The Bean (Claire) said she would vote for McCain if she could. When I asked her why she said, "Because he looks honest and like he would do a good job."

Oh honey, he's a politician...that's his job. She has a lot to learn...but I guess she has time, being only 6 and all. She did like seeing a few of the states turn color before she went to bed...who will win? Too early to tell.

Sunday's Train wreck

We're back, and not so much better than ever. I don't want to look like the bitter coach's wife because we lost, but I have to say that the ref's SUCKED! Sorry if any of you are refs but this just had to be said. One of our assistant coaches refs for the WNBA and even she said they stunk up the place. 

Not only that, our team got locked out of the locker room at half time and the scorers table was a bunch of softball players who weren't paying attention. They fouled out one of our girls who only had four fouls and let another one play with five. Partially our fault because we didn't have anyone at the table, why...I dunno. But it was a train wreck in every sense of the word.

To top it all off, one of their players yanked our guard down and then jumped on her. This morning we're still waiting to hear if her collar bone was broken.

Can I just mention it was the home team that beat us by four, then gave members of their team the MVP award?

Suspicious....hmmmm....you tell me....

I'm relaxing today with the Bean, she's home from school today because the teachers have inservice.

Coach reminds me this morning....it's only one game...true but it still stinkaroos.

Yes, a Garmin can be wrong

On Halloween, the coaches, b-ball girls, wives, and our children all jiffed up on sugar, loaded into two 15 passenger vans (yes, we ride in style), and headed for Cleveland. We arrived, sort of, around 2 a.m. We were close , I did see the sign for Cleveland, but the Garmin actually took us to some subdivision on a dead end road. Um...I KNOW this isn't the hotel. Love technology! I actually was tempted to knock on the closest door and announce, we're here! But decided against it despite my tired bloodshot eyes. That and not wanting to get a gun pulled on the team because some homeowner didn't like the idea of house guest in the middle of the night.

We finally arrive, after re-calibrating the stupid GPS system and our heads hit the pillow at 2:30 a.m. 8:OO arrived WAAAYYY too early, especially when my sleep was disrupted by having our lovely daughter's feet jabbed under my rib part of the night. I know...don't let your kids sleep with you, but at 2:30 in the morning after being in a van for four hours with a bunch of teenage girls and children geeked up on sugar, logic goes out the window.

Finally we get to the game. I was a little nervous (as usual) and excited because after getting our butts waxed in last weeks scrimmage with a couple local colleges, the coaches dreamed up an idea for "team motivation." They decided to find stuff that would piss the girls off and give it to them right before the game. We gave one girl a cheerleading uniform because she's, let's just say, not a fan. We dug up articles from teams they hated in the past. Now I know this is probably a little unorthodox, but damned if it didn't work. We came out to a 12-0 lead and never looked back. It also helped that coach's parents came down and created their own form of student section. DEEEFENSE....DEEEEEFENSE... no lie they were yelling it. They would do a chant for the girls as they got in the game. At one point, they even tried to start the wave. I could not make this up, pinkie swear! I kept stats, like always. It keeps me from yelling and ranting. Never a good look for a coach's wife, at least not this one. I still yell, just not as much as I used to. I try not to yell at the refs anymore, I save that for the "cheering" section.

We've got another game tomorrow...fingers crossed and all other superstitions that apply...lets bring home another win. And if my Sweet Bean, Claire, gets her way, a trophy.

Happy Halloween...

Well, this is the first Halloween in three years that the Coach gets to come trick or treating.  But, before you say a thing, think of me as I spend the next FOUR hours after trick or treating headed to Cleveland for a B-Ball tournament! Luckily this year there isn't a game on Halloween. One year our daughter collected her treats then we went straight to the gym, game night. Never a dull moment. I had intended for my first post to be some awe inspiring and thought provoking piece, but I am a coach's wife and there is packing to be done!