Edgewood 8th Grade Band

Taylor decided to forgo being in the choir and join the band as a percussionist!! She took a few lessons over the summer, and has done an AMAZING job fitting right in with the others that have been playing for years!! I was very proud as she got the solo snare spot on this song!! Love that girl! And of course she rushed off right afterward to make it to soccer in time!!

Crazy Hungry Ducks

After our first bit of snow fell, my parents suggested we take a loaf of bread down to the ducks at the pond. I had no idea they hadn't been fed in weeks!! OMGoodness!! It was hilarious. Toby took off screaming, and the other two couldn't get away from them! Such fun!

Tay at Christmas Program

Frustration of a 21st Century Sports Parent

This weekend ends the fall seasons for the kids sports! Taylor had her last regional soccer game, Toby had his last parks and rec soccer games and Drew had his last football game! Taylor also got to cheer her last football game at the Varsity game this weekend! Tomorrow night she will play her last travel game for the season as well! What a busy fall we have had!!

You know, I love every minute of watching my kids play. I enjoy watching them grow with each game. I enjoy seeing a light come on when they make a play that they have missed many times before. I enjoy the smile on their face when they are enjoying being a part of a team! I LOVE watching them win, and I even find joy when the loose! I just LOVE WATCHING THEM PLAY!!

So what is the frustration you may ask? The coaches and the parents!! UGH!! Taylor is 13 and we have been sitting at sporting events since she was 3 years old, so with 10 years behind us, I think I have a right to vent a little. Why is it parents these days care more about the games than the kids. Does anyone else see anything wrong with this? Now, I know I get excited at games, but I hope that I am an example to my kids! I love to cheer them on, I even enjoy cheering for the other team when they do something great! "Great save goalie!" Yeah, I wish it went in, but hey, that was an awesome save! Or "great block O Line", Do I wish we had stopped them, heck yes, but you can't stop them when the blocks are there! These kids are KIDS!!! Why do parents and coaches have to be so negative? And sadly, most of these kids will all be on the same team in the near future! Why can't we encourage them all? Instead we hold grudges against them, and when they hit Jr. High, it becomes hard to form a team!

It nearly makes me cry sometimes to hear how these parents yell at their kids (and some of them how they yell at kids that aren't even theirs!) And Grandparents? What? At a football game recently, a grandmother was yelling about how our team only used one player? And how unfair it was! HUH? We have 11 players on the field, and while that one is very good, he can't do it alone! He can't snap the ball to himself. He can't block for himself! Please just be quiet! And you want to yell at the refs? Really? These are 9 and 10 year old boys learning a game of football. I won't even call it playing, because they have a LOT TO LEARN!

And what about coaches? I have a confession to make! My son tried out for football this fall and we were lead to believe he was going to be "picked" by a certain team. We don't know what happened at the draft, but he wasn't picked by that team. He was picked by the team that was going to be coached by two gentleman I swore I would never let my child play for. The things I had heard (and some things I had seen with my own eyes) lead me to believe that Drew playing for them would not be a good thing. I even prayed about it "Lord, any team but THAT team!" But as always, God had something to teach us! When we got the call from one of the coaches, I was very disappointed. Nate said to me, I'm going to coach with them, so let's give it a try! So we did, reluctantly! I could never have been more wrong! These guys that I had tagged as monsters were very good to my boy! Nate was there, he saw everything, and while there were times they got on the boys, they were also very encouraging!! Drew had the best season! He learned so much, his passion for the game increased and they succeeded!

We were told that these guys coached dirty... but we never saw it! I had a parent from another team ask which team Drew played on. When I told her she said "oh, our coach said your coaches teach your players to play dirty!" WHAT? Why would a coach say that to the parents? Nate was at every practice and every game, we never saw that! Some coaches just love to create drama!

Drew played in the championship game tonight, and they lost! It was tough after an undefeated season! But the game they played on the field I couldn't have been prouder! The refs seemed a little one sided! There were some horrible calls! The players for the other team played rough (Drew has fingernail scratches down his arms, and he doesn't carry the ball!) but our boys played well, played fair and played by the rules! So proud!

But being a sports parent these days is tough! Parents of 8 year olds are already talking about scholarships! They don't care how it happens, they just want their kids to be #1. Sad, sad, sad!! Let's let kids be kids! Let them play a game! Let them learn what it means to be a team! Let them get some exercise! Let them learn what it means to win, and more importantly, what it means to lose sometimes! It happens in life. We win some, we lose some! Kids aren't learning that these days. They only learn they either win, or they were cheated out of a win.

I know I have a long road ahead of me! I just hope I can continue to be supportive and encouraging not only to my kids, but all the kids on the field (or court), because some of these kids may not see it from anyone else!

Track Season

Doesn't matter what my kids are doing, I think I'm their biggest fan :) Here are a few photos of Taylor running the 200. She is doing track this spring, as well as soccer. Drew and Toby are playing baseball. Spring is a tough season, that's for sure. I think we had 50 mile an hour winds at the soccer fields Sunday, rain and storms Saturday, and today for the track meet was pretty nice. A little chilly, but I'll take it!

The REST of October!!

Yeah, I'm really not doing too well updating lately. I've had a lot on my mind, but all things I probably shouldn't post on here :) But I thought I would at least get some photos up for the family that does keep an eye on this for updates!!

October...

Taylor finished up her soccer season.




Drew turned 9!! It's unbelievable!! His birthday fell on a Monday, and we had a busy weekend leading up to it! On Saturday Tay had 2 soccer games and Millsy had a football game, then Sunday he got to go to the Browns Steelers game in Pittsburgh with Aunt Katy (I'll post on that later) and Monday we had other plans as well, so we let him open his gifts Sunday night when he got home from the game! He had a few friends ove a few weeks later to finish off the celebration!
Here are some photos from the SUPERBOWL GAME!! His team went undefeated and won the Superbowl game pretty big. He got to be captain, so he was absolutely thrilled about that! Here he is with the other captains.
Getting his name announced before the game! Trying hard not to show that he's thoroughly enjoying every moment!!
Some great defense!!
The coaches that not only lead these guys through a great season, but became good friends through their time together! Hopefully many more years of coaching along side each other.
Millsy and Millsy Jr, celebrating the championship as only a Millsy could!! Kissing the trophy!!
And of course a little Moser family Halloween action! Some are getting a little too old to trick or treat, but according to Grandma Debbie, never too old to get into the photo! This year we had the pleasure of having ALL the grankids as Jer and Christina and Graham made the trek up from Columbus!! Isn't that little Superman just the cutest!!
Tag teaming crime fighters!! Trying to figure out who started the fire, or what else they may be able to throw into the fire... I'm not sure! :)
And of course, Officer Mills catching the Gangsta. Hopefully locking him up until his room is clean!

Off to a basketball game, but I'll try and get November up soon, as well as the Steelers game!

September

Another month has flown by!! Here are a few photos of our September.

Drew started Football. His team, along with the other WYFF teams, got to be a part of the Homecoming Parade! Dew had a lot of fun with his buddies!

Toby is playing soccer! He's been wanting to do it for months, so I finally was able to sign him up for a Coach Chico clinic. He's had his first week and he is loving it!

As usual, Taylor is still playing soccer. She is on the Wooster Edge team this season, but is working hard to get back on the OSU team next year.
Taylor had the opportunity to sing with the Middle School Ministries (MSM) worship band. She did very well, and hopes to do this more often!
And it wouldn't be September without the Wayne County Fair. We spent most of our time this year waiting in lines for rides. I guess that's what happens as the kids get older! They had a great time. They all three road the scrambler, and we couldn't see Toby, but we could hear him. We couldn't tell if he was screaming in fear or excitement. As it turns out it was EXCITEMENT!! He road this 3 times!



Now onto Fall!! What a beautiful time! More Football and Soccer, Drew's birthday and of course trick or treating. Sadly there will be no photos from the Secrest Arboretum this year, as the Tornado wiped it out! I'm sure we will find somewhere to take a nice fall hike!

God is Good!

First Day of School

I know this is over due for those family that check in. But here are our first day of school photos! Taylor and Drew both had their first day on Monday. Taylor is now at the Jr. High in 7th grade, and Drew is entering 3rd grade. We had them get dressed the night before for photos because Taylor leaves much earlier than the others. Toby doesn't start until next week, but we had him put his first day outfit on too. Why can't they all just start at the same time?

Preschooler

3rd Grader

7th Grader

God is Good

End of Summer Outing

It went too fast, it usually does! All of the sudden I realized I was running out of time, so I made plans to have an outing with the kids. We found a day that was free of other events (which is never easy) we packed some lunches and headed out the door for COSI! We have been there many times, but it never seems to get old. The kids just love it! Here are a few photos of our last summer break trip!
He is so darn adorable, even when he's being rotten!
Toby was so proud of himself. He pulled himself all the way tot he top!
Concentrating...
Building...
I think he was cooling off here. It was a pretty warm day and these "Pipe Organs" were blowing air and he kept putting his head over it :)
Their absolute favorite part...playing in the "Ocean"

Me and my boys :)

God is Good!

Taylor's OLO Performances!

This summer, Taylor was honored to accept a role with Ohio Light Opera. Due to Copyright issues, I can't get photos of her on the set, so here are a few photo's before Tuesday's performance of the youth cast warming up vocally with Karla. Karla has been one of Taylor's mentors since they worked together at OLO 4 years ago in Sound of Music! They keep in touch throughout the year and she has been such an encouragement to Taylor. She is also in Gypsy this summer!


A quick run through of their dance routine before they head backstage!
Of course mom made her pose for a photo with her hat before she took of! I'm so mean!
And as soon as she got back, I made her keep her HOT Uncle Sam costume on so I could get a shot of it as well! I wasn't able to get a photo of her Newsboy costume, since she only has it on for a few moments... actually, most of it is under this Uncle Sam costume!
It is already going by so fast, with 3 performances under her belt, she's about half way through! This year has been different in many ways, some good and some bad, but she is making the most of it! If you get a chance to attend, let us know! The kids aren't staying for the curtain call, but Taylor would love to know she has supporters in the audience!

God is Good!

Taylor's final VBS!!

This was Taylor's final VBS! In a way it was sad, but mostly, I'm just excited about what is ahead for her. Here is a video of her final VBS performance!!



And though I tried to upload Drew's it was giving me problems. For his sake, I will keep trying and hopefully get it up again soon.

Toby was able to sing two songs. While they are very redundent, it is fun to watch the kids!



This one cracked me up, how the teacher kept pulling him up and pushing him down!! Too funny!



God is Good!

What we do for our girl!

Well, Taylor has really ruled the house this past weekend! She was at Beyond camp last week, which she LOVED! I however, am wondering what happened to the little girl I sent off! I know she was behind on sleep, but boy was she grumpy when I had to pick her up early. She had practice for Ohio Light Opera Friday afternoon, so I had to pick her up from camp a day early. She wanted me to take her back after she was done with rehearsal and I said no, so I was the meanest mom ever!! Which I'm okay with :)

Then Beginning Saturday morning it was a mad dash of running Taylor around. She had OLO Rehearsal, to Avon Lake for a Soccer game, then rush back for another OLO rehearsal with a few graduation parties in between! Sunday morning, we were up early, heading to Avon Lake for a game, rush back to Wooster for a costume fitting (which they cancelled and didn't tell us) and back to Avon Lake for the Championship game, and back to Wooster for Dress Rehearsal!! It was literally head spinning, but we made it! Below is a photo of Taylor with her tournament trophy, before I grabbed her by the arm and we ran for the van! They got 2nd place, which is a HUGE accomplishment. The girls worked hard, but I believe they coulda had 1st place! It was a great game!
So VBS starts up next week and my amazing Sister-in-Law (I do love her) has talked me into teaching. I SWORE I would never do that again. If you've been to our VBS, you understand it is a HUGE undertaking. I am always more than willing to volunteer as a helper, or craft person, but teaching is way too much! Luckily I'm paired with some amazing people and they understand my crazy schedule and have been a huge help! Taylor has her opening performance on Tuesday afternoon. I can not wait to see her in this performance. I'm sure she'll do an amazing job! I hope to get some pictures!

So we have another busy week ahead, but at least it will all be in Wooster!

God is Good!

Last Day of School

Well, nine months ago, I dressed up my youngens, stuck them on a bus and told them to get an edumacation! I DIDN'T tell them to grow up while they were gone, but they up and did that anyway!! Here is our photo from the first day of school, August 2009, Taylor heading off to her final year of Elementary school, Drew a big 2nd grader and Toby off to Preschool! Don't they look so excited!
And as is tradition in the Mills' house, I made them (the older 2 at least) drag out the same clothes and take a last day of school photo. This year, they humored us and did as they were asked, then quickly ran back into the house to get clothes on that fit! At least that was the case for Taylor! Drew just wanted to have something to complain about! But I think you can see from the photos, they have grown WAY TOO MUCH!
And for Taylor's final day of 6th grade, they participated in the traditional "clap out" led by the 6th grade teachers. I only shed a few tears...
but Taylor was ALL SMILES! She's ready to move on! (and by the way, she's holding her Young Citizenship award she was presented with for the quarter!)
These two are getting to be very close, and it is so much fun to watch. Toby really admires his big brother, and Drew is learning to take the time to include his little brother in his mischeif!
And a final shot of Taylor getting off the bus! She wanted to ride the bus home for the last time! Next year, mom will be picking her up after school! Looking forward to that time we will have together!!
Another year gone by, if only they would stay little!

God is Good!

Awards and Parties!

The final days are just for partying, right? Movies, games, parties, awards... just plain fun! I had the chance to take the day off and celebrate with the kids for one of their final days of school. Drew's class party was almost over, but he and his buddies did a little photo shoot for me! This one is my favorite! Taylor and Drew said this was going to be their first album cover, cause these guys are going to be famous rockers one day! They sure look the part, don't they?

Taylor had a great year with Mrs. Kubb. Like any pre-teen girl, it was full of ups and downs, but she appreciated having Mrs. Kubb to talk to about things!

Yeah, so trying to get a shot of all Fiftysome kids being serious is never going to happen, so I just snapped away and this is the best one I got! We have our own commentary at the Mills' house about what is going on in this photo... what do you think is going through these kids minds? We certainly had a good laugh about it!
I was in charge of the games for the party, so I went straight to Minute to Win It! WOW! If you are ever looking for some good clean fun to have with 12-18 year olds, check it out! Here they are playing Chocolate Unicorn, trying to stack 5 cookie son their head. It was great... and messy!
We also had their awards ceremony. The 6th graders get to sit on the stage and be individually recognized. It is a nice program, and it was an honor to see my girl up there this year!
Taylor receiving her Pennant and marker so all the students can sign it!
Waiting with one of her best buds Anneliese as the remaining classmates are called up!

There'll be a few more photos coming of the final day! But this day was filled with lots of fun and celebration!

God is Good!