Luke and I went to the soccer fields yesterday with Mom, Dad, Chris, and Charelle. We had a blast. It brought back so many memories from my childhood. There were Saturdays when we would spend all day at the field. We weren't normal like other families that just brought lawn chairs....we had a tent, yes a tent you didn't read it wrong, referee bags, soccer balls, lawn chairs, an ice chest, and maybe even a few stinkin' T-shirts...this will come into play later in my story.
We got started in soccer because Chris has a heart condition. He has aortic valve stenosis...which means a valve doesn't close correctly on his heart. It makes a clicking sound when you listen to his chest. Soccer was the only sport the Dr. wanted him to play. You don't run all the time and there isn't a fear of getting hit in the chest with a small ball like other sports. He started when he was around 5 years old and I wasn't far behind. For a long while I played on an all boys team and loved it. We went to tournaments all over the state. We ran around the hotels, stayed up late, and had a blast with our friends.
Dad eventually became the CASA (Central Arkansas Soccer Director) and Mom was Secretary. They became tournament directors over numerous tournaments. That means they had the job of taking people to the car when they became too outrageous at a game. That happened a few times! I even ran a venue at the age of 13. There was a man supposed to help me, but all he did was pick up trash. So it was all in the family....Dad was the director, Mom the secretary, Chris the player, and what did I do...SELL T-shirts. I hate T-shirts to this day. I will not under any circumstance sell another T-shirt. My favorite thing to do was count the referee money for tournaments....one time Mr. Randy Rowland and I were counting the money and realized the windows to the hotel were wide open. There was a Rider truck outside....which he made the remark, "You got a receipt for that fertilizer!!"
Well now that you know some very unwanted information, I'll get back to Upward. This is a wonderful program. Dad once again is refereeing and Chris is coaching and reffing too! We all gathered as a family to show our support. What I didn't realize was that I know a lot of these children from the preschool. It was wonderful. And can I just say I love my camera!?!
On the last field during a game....Luke had me notice a red mound in the middle of the field. At half time, he went over to put his foot on top of it. I thought they were fire ants, but they weren't. It was a gofer hill. He was pushing the dirt upwards....too funny. I even caught a few pictures!
It was a very fun day. I am now sunburned on my neck, toes, and arms. I feel like I should have a Nikon logo on my neck from my camera strap. Oh well that's what I get for being the President of Pale Kids of America...and being dumb yesterday and wearing no sunscreen! I'll never be able to tan! Oh well. Thanks for reading this LONG blog!
