This weekend (12/19/14)

Sorry that I've been so lax about updating here.  Things are completely insane at our house these days.  But I have great news!  Nathan is playing two HOME hockey games this weekend!  He has a game Saturday at 5:50 pm and one Sunday at 10:00 am, both at Center Ice.  He is really excited to be asked to play with the other team.  It's super cheap entertainment, so hope to see you there!

No soccer, but Bren had his first meting last night for HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER.  Nope, not possible that my sweet child, who was just born last week, is going to be in high school in a few months.

schedule change

This is largely a placeholder post to let everyone know that Nate's hockey schedule had been modified.  All of the games I posted before are now "maybes." He might still be playing insome of thise games if the team isshort pkayers but they had so many kids interestedin playing that they createda whole new team so that the boys could haveas much playing time as possible.  A good problem to have, I think!  The new team comes with a whole new schedule, of course.   I have to get it from Mike before I can post it here.

Also the game that I had Brendan playing tonight was actually this past Friday.  I apologize for the miscommunication, but I was working from an incorrect calendar.  I'll update the rest  as soon as I have a chance.

Winter sports schedules

Things are starting to get into full swing around here, and I've already missed the first couple of weeks of activities!  I wanted to make sure everyone had enough notice to make it to any/all of the games they want to see, since there are now TWO busy little athletes in our house.

All of Brendan's games will be at the SportDome in North Canton.  If you need directions, please let me know.  Most of Natey's games will be at Center Ice, but some will be other places, and will be noted as such.

Friday, November 14 - 9:00 pm - Brendan soccer vs. Eagle Select

Saturday, November 15 - 8:10 am- Nathan hockey vs. Kent at the KSU Ice Arena

Friday, November 21 - 8:00 pm - Brendan soccer vs. FC Fusion

Sunday, November 23 - 8:10 am - Nathan hockey vs. Rocky River Pirates at Hamilton Ice Arena (21018 Hilliard Blvd, Rocky River, OH 44116).

Friday, November 28 - 6:00 pm - Brendan soccer vs. Strikers White

Sunday, November 30 - 4:45 pm - Nathan hockey vs. North Olmstead at North Olmstead Recreation Center (26000 Lorain Rd, North Olmsted, OH 44070)

Friday, December 5 - CAHA Monsters Night.  I don't know exactly what all this entails just yet.  Maybe the kids skating out on the ice with the team?  We'll be there, and I know we can buy extra tickets through the club at a discounted rate, if anyone is interested in joining us.

Sunday, December 7 - 10:10 am - Nathan hockey vs. Winterhurst Warriors

Sunday, December 14 - 8:00 pm - Brendan soccer vs. CAK Blue

Saturday, December 20 - 5:50 pm - Nathan hockey vs. Strongsville Mustangs

Sunday, December 21 - 10:10 am - Nathan hockey vs. Mentor

Sunday, December 28 - 2:00 pm - Brendan soccer vs. Strikers

Friday, January 2 - 7:00 pm - Brendan soccer vs. Strikers Blue

Sunday, January 4 - 12:00 pm - Nathan hockey vs. Winterhurst Warriors at Lakewood Serpentini (14740 Lakewood Hts Blvd, Lakewood, OH 44107)

Friday, January 9 - 8:00 pm - Brendan soccer vs. CAK White

Sunday, January 11 - 9:00 am - Nathan hockey vs. Kent

Sunday, January 11 - 2:00 pm - Brendan soccer vs. Diamond Select

Sunday, January 25 - 12:15 pm - Nathan hockey vs. Mentor at Mentor Civic Ice Arena (8600 Munson Road, Mentor, OH 44060)

Sunday, February 1 - 3:40 pm - Nathan hockey vs. North Olmstead

Sunday, February 8 - 9:00 am - Nathan hockey vs. Rocky River Pirates

Now.  Please keep in mind that the hockey schedule is pretty much set for the entire season.  There might be some minor changes (we're new to all of this, so I don't know how firm the schedules are), and I will do my best to keep you up to date.  On the other hand, this only includes the first winter session for soccer.  The Winter II games for late January through March will probably be released sometime in early January-ish?  Who knows.

This week (10/20/14-10/26/14) (edited, please check for new times)

Buckle up, folks, because it's going to be a crazy one!  Okay, so here's the general schedule of events [this is largely just my attempt to prepare for the week and get everything straight in my head.  Don't feel like you're obligated to attend any or all of this nonsense :) ]

Monday, October 20:
6:30 p.m. - Nate's monthly Pack meeting and chili cookoff.  Natey's den made some cheeseburger chili that they are hoping will be a big hit.  [Update: They came in second place! ]

Tuesday, October 21:
6:00 pm - Brendan soccer
7:00 pm - Brendan scout meeting
7:10 pm - Nathan hockey

Wednesday, October 22:
6:00 pm - Brendan soccer
6:00 pm - Nathan hockey

Thursday, October 23:
5:45 pm - Brendan soccer

Friday, October 24:
Nothing?  I don't know.  That doesn't seem possible, but who knows.

Saturday, October 25:
Brendan - Lodi tournament.  Games at 8:00 am and 11:45 am.  I still don't have field assignments.
Julie - 4-7pm - Sarah's baby shower

Sunday, October 26:
Brendan - Lodi tournament, day two.  Guaranteed game at 10:30 am.  Final (good chance we'll be playing) at 2:15 pm.  No field assignments yet.
Nathan - Trick or treat 3-5pm.

Fall Tournament Schedule

The big end-of-season Lodi tournament is coming up!  This one is huge and ridiculous.  There are usually something like 300 teams competing over the course of the weekend, so parking and getting to and from the fields are even more of a pain than usual. Leave lots of extra time for arrival and parking, if you plan to attend.  Plus, it's usually 20 degrees and slushing sideways.  Hopefully this year the weather will cooperate.  It's actually been a surprisingly mild fall so far, so there's still a chance!

 

On Saturday (10/25) we'll be playing two games:

 

8:00 AM vs. Croatia Cleve - Field ?

11:45 AM vs. Excalibur - Field ?

 

On Sunday (10/26), we will be playing at least one game:

 

10:30 AM vs. SVA - Field ?

 

The final will be Sunday afternoon:

 

2:15 PM Bracket A vs. Bracket B - Field ?

 

For the first time in a long time, there is a very real chance that we will be playing in that game!  Last weekend the boys finished their regular season play with two big wins (5-1 and 7-1, including a beautiful goal by Brendan off of a header in the second game), for a final record of 5-2-0!!!  This season we already beat both Croatia and SVA once during the regular season, so if the boys can replicate that and hold their own against Excalibur (who we've never played before), then they can probably secure themselves a place in the final!

 

Also, as you notice, I don't have field assignments just yet.  Even if I did, if I recall correctly, they temporarily re-number the fields for this tournament, so it wouldn't mean anything to you until you get there to the complex.  I'll provide updates as information becomes more available.

This Weekend (10/10/14)

This weekend's games are on field 22 at 9am and 15 at 12pm.  See you there!

This weekend (10/4)

Saturday:

Two games at Lodi.  9 am - field 16 and 12 pm - field 22. 

Sunday:

Nate has hockey at 6pm at center ice.

And some other general shenanigans in between. 

Our little shining star.

Please mark your calendars for Saturday, November 8, 2014.  Brendan's troop will be hosting its annual Thanksgiving in the Woods.  As part of the weekend events, the Troop will be holding a Court of Honor to recognize the accomplishments of the boys.  Brendan has just earned his Star rank, and will be one of the Scouts recognized at the event.  We're so very proud of him. 

The event is quite a lot of fun.  The boys cook a traditional Thanksgiving dinner and we get to socialize and enjoy the fruits of their labors in a cozy cabin.  There is a small fee to attend, so we will need a firm headcount no later than October 8, please!

Amended Fall Soccer Schedule

The team has tinkered with its schedule a bit, so instead of trying to update the old post, I'm making a brand new one, with the caveat that this one is also subject to change at management's discretion :)


Saturday, September 2, 2014 - 9:00 am - vs. Soccer Vision - Field 15

Saturday, October 4, 2014 (double header)  - 9:00 am - vs. Internationals West - Field TBA

                                                                       - 12:00 pm - vs. Erie Admirals - Field TBA

Saturday, October 11, 2014 (double header) - 9:00 am - vs. NEO - Field TBA

                                                                       - 12:00 pm - vs.  Liberty - Field TBA

Sat/Sun October 25/26 - Season Finale Tournament - Exact Schedule/field numbers TBA. although I can tell you that the tournament itself will be at Lodi.  And will be wet.  And possibly snowing.

So, that's it (for now).  Just four more Saturdays of fall soccer in Brendan's club soccer career!  This time next year he will (hopefully) be playing for the Jackson High School team.

Back to the land of the living

It's been three months since I last posted!  Man, has it flown by!  This summer was totally action-packed!  We (collectively) went to boy scout camp, horse camp, bible school, day camp, paintball camp, cub scout camp at the church, soccer camp (anyone noticing a theme?), fireworks three days in a row, boating, Cabella's, Sluggers & Putters, Dave & Buster's, the Columbus Zoo, a Columbus Crew game, two soccer tournaments, the Cleveland Orchestra at Blossom, Cedar Point, and finally, back to school.   Whew.  I'm sort of tired just typing that.

Two of us had surgery; one of us is no longer wearing a cone of shame and has been given a clean bill of health. 

It was great, but I'm ready for pumpkins and bright red leaves (according to my Grandfather's detailed observations, they should peak somewhere around October 12), and apple cider.  We got a Oriental Trading catalogue in the mail the other day that was full of Christmas stuff and I could barely contain my glee!

So, you know what's coming next, right?  The soccer schedule!  You know you love it.  Here 'tis:

Saturday, September 13 @ 9:00 a.m. vs. Ambassadors - Lodi - Field TBA

Saturday, September 20 @12:00 p.m. vs. Croatia Cleveland - Lodi - Field TBA

Saturday, October 4 @ 9:00 am vs. Internationals West - Lodi - Field TBA

Saturday, October 11 - (two games)  vs. NEO @ 9:00 am and Liberty @ 12:00 pm - Lodi - Fields TBA

Saturday, October 18 - Tournament.  I spoke with Mike and I don't think this date is correct.  I'll update when I know something more.  Actual game schedule TBA.

Wear boots, bring an umbrella, chair, and a blanket, etc.  You all know the drill :)

Also during this time, Nathan has a standing hockey lesson on Wednesdays at 5:30 pm, and Brendan practices Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday at 6:30 pm.  Feel free to drop by and observe if you have nothing more exciting going on!  I have to say, watching Little Gretzky is quite the treat.

This weekend (6/6)

Brendan's last* two soccer games:

Saturday, June 7 - 12:00 p.m. - Brendan soccer vs. Cleveland United

                            - 3:00 p.m. - Brendan soccer vs. Galaxy FC
That's it, I guess?  Probably some running around, getting ready for both boys' upcoming summer camps.  Maybe boating if I'm lucky.  Realistically, I suspect our boat motor is going to have to be rebuilt.  Again.  It'll likely spend a lovely boating season sitting in the parking lot at Portage Lakes Marine.

* Caveat:  There is a possibility of one more game taking place on Saturday, 6/14.  It's a make-up game from one that was cancelled earlier in the season.  The other team hasn't confirmed yet.

Road Trippin'

Last weekend, Mike and Nate went camping with the Cub Scouts.  They played games, went fishing, did archery, BB guns, and slingshots, got to see Air Bear (the Akron Children's Hospital emergency helicopter), chatted with the boomerang guy, and had a couple of campfires and treats.  He even silk-screened his own t-shirt!  It's adorable.

While they were busy, Brenny and I went on a road trip to the Ohio Caverns.  After his soccer game, we stopped at the gas station for drinks and snacks, and hit the road.  We had so much fun!

Brendan, standing in front of the "Crystal King,"

 one of the largest stalactites in the world

Sorry for the crappy cell phone pictures.  It wasn't a very camera-friendly place.  Brendan is still exasperatedly gloating that he was smarter than me and convinced me to change out of my flip flops into sneakers.  Who's the adult in this relationship, again?

Box Top Club

Nathan ended the year with 298 box tops, earning a total of $29.80 for his school!  Thank you to everyone who collected and sent them.  He got to go to a special popsicle party, with extra recess, during the last week of school for being a member of the "Box Top Club."  We really appreciate it. 

Keep saving them - we're already starting our collection for next year!

Summer 2014 Schedule

My Mom asked me to share the boys' summer schedule, so here 'tis:




Saturday, June 7 - Brendan's last two soccer games of the season.


- 12:00 p.m. - Brendan soccer vs. Cleveland United


- 3:00 p.m. - Brendan soccer vs. Galaxy FC


Field assignments for both TBA.




Wednesdays, through July 2, 2014:  Nathan's hockey lessons.




Other stuff:


Week 1 (June 2-7):  Both kids with Papa
Week 2 (June 8-14):  Nathan - Bible School; Brendan - fun school [There is an outside chance that he'll be at a youth leadership training event for Scouts this week.  He's currently waitlisted.]
Week 3 (June 15-21): Both kids at fun school
Week 4 (June 22-28):  Brendan - scout camp; Nathan - fun school
Week 5 (June 29- July 5): Brendan - fun school; Nathan - Horse camp! [He'll actually only be there 6/29-7/2.  It's a shortened week for beginners]
Week 6 (July 6-12): Both kids at day camp.
Week 7 (July 13-19): Both kids at day camp.
Week 8 (July 20-26): Brendan - Paintball camp!; Nathan - day camp
Week 9 (July 27 - August 2): Brendan - soccer camp; Nathan - day camp
Week 10 (August 3-9): Both kids at day camp
Week 11 (August 10-16): Both kids at day camp


August 18 - Back to school!


There you have it.  Eleven short weeks and it's back to the same old homework grind.  Sorry the descriptions above are a little vague.  This is still a public page and it feels weird giving a roadmap to their whereabouts when we won't be with them.

This week (5/18/14)

Sunday, May 18 - Nathan's family birthday party


Monday, May 19 - 6:30 p.m. Nathan Lacrosse practice - field behind JMMS.


Tuesday, May 20 - Nathan and George's birthdays :)


Wednesday, May 21 - 6:00 p.m. - Brendan soccer vs. CSA Impact - Lodi


Saturday, May 24 - 4:00 p.m. - Nathan has a game against Hoover!  Teeny, tiny rivalry!  As far as I know, it is at Hoover stadium.  If that changes, I'll update.

This weekend (5/9/14) . . . and beyond!

Nathan has a lacrosse game Saturday at 10:15 am.  It will be held at the stadium behind the middle school.  Should last about an hour.

Brendan is spending Saturday down at boy scout camp working on a service project.  There will be no ice skating show because we did not register Nate.

I know it is not part of the weekend, but just as a reminder, Brendan's spring choir concert is Monday evening.  Please let us know if you'll attend so we can get enough seats for everyone.  It is likely to be his last concert for a long while, perhaps forever, as he has decided not to sign up for music next year.

Brendan will be leaving early Thursday morning for a school trip and won't be back until late Saturday night.  Next weekend a certain bug is having two birthday parties :)

This weekend (5/2/14)

The usual shenanigans, plus some.

I'm camping with some friends but will be making guest appearances at various sporting events.

Brendan has a tournament in Hudson.  First game at 9:15 vs. CAK (formerly Jackson select - all his old teammates ), and one at 11:1530 vs.  Rockers FC.   Sunday he has one game at 8:00 am.  All games are at NC Soccer club 5661 Stow Rd. Hudson, OH .

Nathan has his first lacrosse game Saturday at 11:15 on the girls behind the middle school.  It should last about an hour.  No, I don't know why this is purple.  I loathe smart phones.

I think that's all.

Upcoming Events - Spring 2014

You guys!  There is so much stuff going on in the near future!  Here's a list:


Saturday, April 19, 2014 -  10:30 a.m. - Brendan soccer vs. Cleveland Galaxy  [CANCELLED!!! ].


Sunday, April 20, 2014 - Easter dinner.  Our house: 3pm.


Thursday, April 24, 2014 - 6:30 p.m. - Nathan's cub scout crossover - getting his wolf badge!  At the church.


Saturday, April 26, 2014 - 1:30 p.m. - Brendan soccer vs. Cleveland Select.  We need some help with this one because Nate has a trip to Wright Patterson for cub scouts the same day, and we'll be gone all day.  We get to tour Air Force One!!


Saturday, May 3, 2014 - time????? - Nathan lacrosse game - field behind JMMS


Saturday, May 3 - Sunday, May 4, 2014 - Hudson Spring Kickoff Soccer Tournament.  Game Schedule TBA. 


Friday, May 9, 2014 - 7:00 p.m. - A "Gleeful Celebration" skating exhibition - Nathan [We have not officially committed to this event yet, so confirm with us closer to the date]


Saturday, May 10, 2014 - time ????? - Nathan lacrosse game - field behind JMMS
- 6:00 p.m. - Nathan: A "Gleeful Celebration" skating exhibition [We have not officially committed to this event yet, so confirm with us closer to the date]. 
- All day - Good turn day - Brendan Seven Ranges Camp Cleanup.


Monday, May 12, 2014 - 6:30 p.m. - Brendan's Spring Choir Concert. Reserve your seats now :)


Saturday, May 17, 2014 - 12:00 p.m. - Brendan soccer vs. Cleveland Cobras
                                        - 3:00 p.m. - Brendan soccer vs. Liberty FC
                                        - ?????? - Nathan lacrosse game - field behind JMMS
                                        Lord help us, that's also the day Brendan is getting back from his DC trip. 


Wednesday, May 21, 2014 - 6:00 p.m. - Brendan soccer vs. CSA Impact


Saturday, May 24, 2014 - time ????? - Nathan lacrosse game - field behind JMMS


Tuesday, May 27, 2014 - time ???? - Nathan lacrosse game


Thursday, May 29, 2014 - Last day of school for both boys! 


Saturday, June 7, 2014 - 12:00 p.m. - Brendan soccer vs. Cleveland United


I think we have officially lost our minds.

Reminder - Nathan's Choir Concert

is this Tuesday evening!  Please give us a head count if you're planning to attend so we can save enough seats for everyone.

Northern Ohio Cup Tournament

Saturday and Sunday, April 12 & 13, 2014 - Northern Ohio Cup Soccer Tournament - Lodi, Ohio (Brendan).


I added it to the list of upcoming events below, but I wanted to bring it to everyone's attention.  It'll be snowing.  Or freezing rain.  Or maybe both.  This is not the most fun tournament we play every year, but it's mandatory.  Well, for Brendan it is.  The rest of you can stay at home with hot chocolate if you so choose :)

Top O' the Box!

Just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has sent Nathan box tops for his school!  So far he's turned in 130 of them, which is apparently enough to get him into the "Box Top Club."  Sounds very swanky.

They're still collecting them through the end of the year, so keep an eye out for them :)

I set dinner on fire again

the other night.  Pasta, again.  I honestly don't know how it happened.  I put the pasta in the boiling water.  While I was waiting for the part in the pot to soften up enough to smush the rest of the noodles in, the noodles hanging over the edge of the pot caught fire and started shooting flames up about 1-2 feet into the air.

I'm going to start carrying some noodles in my pocket when we go on hiking trips.  That crap is way more flammable than I ever thought possible!

In other news, how long until we can get some decent fresh fruit again?  I've been craving non-sawdust watermelon now for weeks.  It's going to be a looooooooong winter.

Upcoming Events (Updated)

In case you didn't see it, earlier I posted the Winter II soccer schedule.  In addition to that, we have several other things you'll want to put on your calendar:

Saturday, January 25, 2014 - Pinewood Derby @ the church.  9am-12pm.  Itty bitties go last, if I recall correctly, so Nate's car will probably run around 10-ish?  Bring cash!  This year one of the Dads has decreed that there shall be delicious treats at the snack stand.  :)

Friday, February 14, 2014 - No school.  Any volunteers?  What's a more romantic way to spend Valentine's Day than babysitting your grandchildren?

Tuesday, March 4, 2014 - Nathan's Spring Choir Concert - 7:00 pm @ the high school.  Please give me a headcount so I know how many seats to save.

March 24- 28, 2014 - Spring Break.  Who wants to rescue the children from the sad, sad woe that is Fun Club?
Saturday and Sunday, April 12 & 13, 2014 - Northern Ohio Cup Soccer Tournament - Lodi, Ohio (Brendan).
Monday, May 12, 2014 - Brendan's Spring Choir Concert.  Uh, Happy Birthday, Mom?

That gets us nearly to the end of the school year.  I'll fill in as necessary.

Winter II Soccer Schedule

Session 2 is also going to be at the Dome!   Wooooohooooooo!  No more driving to Lodi at 6:15 a.m.!  This mama is thrilled.  All this comes with the usual caveats, subject to change, yadda yadda.  

Friday, January 24 - 9:00 p.m. vs. Strikers  14 [gulp.  I hope I can stay up that late.]

Friday, January 31 - 7:00 p.m. vs. Strikers 13

Sunday, February 2 - 2:00 p.m. vs Perry United

Friday, February 14 - 6:00 p.m. vs. Eagle Select [Valentine's Day on cold metal bleachers.  How romantic.]

Friday, February 21 - 6:00 p.m. vs. NCYS

Friday, February 28 - 8:00 p.m. vs. Wizard Hogs

Friday, March 7 - 6:00 p.m. vs. Stark Fusion

Sunday, March 9 - 2:00 p.m. vs. Canton United 14

Saturday/Sunday March 15/16 - CSU Tournament.  More details to follow.

Friday, March 21 - 7:00 p.m. vs. First Friends

Friday, March 28 - 9:00 p.m. vs. Strikers 14 

It's a nice variety.  Last season, because of schedule changes and conflicts, we ended up playing against a lot of the same teams twice, and other Canton United teams a bunch.  This one looks better.  For now.  As I said, it'll probably change four times before the season is over.