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!!
The story of the Mills' Family. Nate and Carol have been married since 1997. Taylor was born in 1998, Drew was born in 2001 and Toby was born in 2005 and joined our family forever in 2007. Here is our journey, where God leads us, we will go. That is my prayer.
Showing posts with label soccer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label soccer. Show all posts
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Saturday, October 22, 2011
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!
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!
Saturday, November 27, 2010
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!
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!
Saturday, October 2, 2010
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!
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!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
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!
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!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
The Crew Game
We had a family first this past weekend! After our time at the Asian Festival, Nate remembered that there was a big Crew/Galaxy game being played and we decided to try and get some tickets. This is the first time that we have all experienced a major league event for the first time together. None of us had been to an MLS game. With Nate and his love for sports, this is nothing short of miraculous! We've been talking about it for a long time, with Taylor's love for soccer, just never made it happen! We had a WONDERFUL time and hope to be back soon! Great atmosphere, great game (unfortunately the Crew lost) and great memories made!
We kept checking to make sure Taylor was taking notes! I'm not sure she enjoyed our humor about it!
For halftime, they had skydivers, which I thought for sure were falling out of control and going to land on me and my babies. Taylor assured me, they had hundreds of jumps and were going to do just fine, and they did!
I think Drew enjoyed himself, though it is hard to tell from this photo!
A beautiful sunset over Crew Stadium!
The Crew has some new fans, and we hope to be back visiting soon!
God is Good!
We kept checking to make sure Taylor was taking notes! I'm not sure she enjoyed our humor about it!
For halftime, they had skydivers, which I thought for sure were falling out of control and going to land on me and my babies. Taylor assured me, they had hundreds of jumps and were going to do just fine, and they did!
I think Drew enjoyed himself, though it is hard to tell from this photo!
A beautiful sunset over Crew Stadium!
The Crew has some new fans, and we hope to be back visiting soon!God is Good!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Spring Time
Lots of time spent at the ball fields for the Mills family! Drew is doing great at Baseball. He enjoys playing catcher and is showing interest in pitching. Let's hope he has a little better control than his dad :)
He's also done a great job hitting and in this particular game went 4 for 4 with 6 RBI's!
And of course Taylor continues to work hard at soccer. Our regular season ended last weekend, but we have a tournament coming up we continue to practice for!
God is Good!
He's also done a great job hitting and in this particular game went 4 for 4 with 6 RBI's!
And of course Taylor continues to work hard at soccer. Our regular season ended last weekend, but we have a tournament coming up we continue to practice for!
God is Good!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Soccer
Our weekend was a busy one, but started off with Baseball practice and a soccer game. Here are some photos of our girl in action.
God is Good!
God is Good!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Soccer Begins
Time for Spring Soccer!! Another jam packed spring season, with games beginning this coming week! Looking forward to another season of great soccer and continued improvement for Taylor!
They had an inter league tournament to start off the season and the kids had a lot of fun. They also took a group photo. I had to zoom in to find Taylor...
Among all the players in the OSU Soccer Club!
God is Good!
They had an inter league tournament to start off the season and the kids had a lot of fun. They also took a group photo. I had to zoom in to find Taylor...
Among all the players in the OSU Soccer Club!
God is Good!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Bothwell Soccer Tournament
Final tournament of the fall season! The girls did wonderful! We made it for the final game, which they won 1-0 and I was so proud of how the girls played! Every one of them! The team we were playing was very tough physically, and our girls spent a large portion of the time on the ground! But they didn't give up, and they didn't give in to playing like the other team. They continued to play strong, fundamental soccer and it worked for them! It would have been so easy to start pushing back and tripping up the competitor, but they didn't, and no matter what the score shows, that alone makes them winners to me!
Way to go OSU U12 Red!!!
Way to go Taylor!!God is Good
Drew's last soccer game!
Drew had his final Smithie Soccer game this weekend! Once again, he says he's never going to play again. He says he wants to play Football! We went through this last year, so we'll see. The thing is, he's really good at soccer (and from a momma standpoint, it seems so much safer!!)
Here he is with his team "warming" up for the game. It was very cold! He is in the Steeler's hat, of course!
And a shot of Drew during the game. I think this is his "I'm cold, can we just get this over with" look!
And I'm guessing this is a true sign of the third child. Toby was very fussy, and I was alone, as Nate was with Taylor at her game in Canton. Finally he crawled up in his chair and asked me to cover him with the blanket like a tent. A few moments later, I peeked in on him, and he was fast asleep!
Another fun soccer season, got a little cold at the end, but fun none the less!!
God is Good!
Here he is with his team "warming" up for the game. It was very cold! He is in the Steeler's hat, of course!
And a shot of Drew during the game. I think this is his "I'm cold, can we just get this over with" look!
And I'm guessing this is a true sign of the third child. Toby was very fussy, and I was alone, as Nate was with Taylor at her game in Canton. Finally he crawled up in his chair and asked me to cover him with the blanket like a tent. A few moments later, I peeked in on him, and he was fast asleep!
Another fun soccer season, got a little cold at the end, but fun none the less!!God is Good!
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Soccer, Soccer, Soccer
Taylor is about half way through her fall soccer season and is improving with every game! I LOVE it!! They haven't won a game, but they have been looking good.
And she's getting a little more aggressive!! I never thought I'd be so excited about my daughter knocking someone to the ground, but any soccer mom understands I guess. I even cheered at this game when she knocked someone over, then had to apologize for my craziness. Those of you that know Taylor, know what I'm talking about. She doesn't have an aggressive bone in her body (unless she is with her brothers!)
And here's a photo of Drew at his game. We only have one photo, because moments after this one was taken, he ran off the field and lost his lunch and we quickly took him home! He is doing well and enjoying playing!
God is Good!
And she's getting a little more aggressive!! I never thought I'd be so excited about my daughter knocking someone to the ground, but any soccer mom understands I guess. I even cheered at this game when she knocked someone over, then had to apologize for my craziness. Those of you that know Taylor, know what I'm talking about. She doesn't have an aggressive bone in her body (unless she is with her brothers!)
And here's a photo of Drew at his game. We only have one photo, because moments after this one was taken, he ran off the field and lost his lunch and we quickly took him home! He is doing well and enjoying playing!
God is Good!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Newest Mills Soccer Star
Toby started Soccer this week. He has been looking forward to this for a long time! I'm sure watching your older brother and sister for so long has got to be a drag. Tuesday was his first practice and it didn't go over very well. Mommy couldn't be there, but Daddy said he had no desire to listen to Coach Chico, nor play an "organized" game of soccer. But today, I think he understood a little more of what was expected of him... and he got a nice nap this afternoon!
Regardless of the fact that he was heading away from the ball 75% of the time! I was very proud of him! We went to the Ice Cream Store afterward, which he was even more excited about... as was I since you got free ice cream for making a donation to Make A Wish!
God is Good!
Regardless of the fact that he was heading away from the ball 75% of the time! I was very proud of him! We went to the Ice Cream Store afterward, which he was even more excited about... as was I since you got free ice cream for making a donation to Make A Wish!
God is Good!
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