It started already (blaming the dog).....

My son’s first blame on the dog came last night. We get home from school and work and Dan starts on his homework and I head upstairs to get changed and whatnot. I go downstairs to start dinner and Dan heads upstairs to use the bathroom. He yells downstairs that Mya knocked the roll of toilet paper in the toilet. We leave the TP a little higher up next to the toilet so Mya doesn’t get it and chew it up. Anyway, I start laughing and asked Dan how it happened. He tells me she sort of jumped up and the TP tumbled in (oh and Mya has been with me the whole time). Now, if I haven’t just use the bathroom right before, I could’ve fell for the story but I asked him if plans on blaming things on Mya from now on and that I know she didn’t do it. He finally confessed but I had to give him an “A” for creativity. He was warned to not it again too. That was funny.

Ahhh....Sunday

I get myself up a little earlier (again; I can’t wait to sleep in a little again someday) to take the dog out, get myself together so I can get three boys up, fed and ready for 9 o’clock mass. I was up for the challenge. Everything went well; boys were good to go. As they ate, I laid down the rules: “If anyone talks, moves, whispers, etc. during church, I will take you guys home”. They seemed to understand. In church, they did really really well. I was happy that they behaved liked they should. After church in the car, I told them they did fabulous and I had one more trip and that was food shopping. If they behaved, I’d get them gum or tic tacs afterwards and I’m a very fast shopper so it won’t be long. Again, they did fabulous and we were in and out. So, threaten for church and bribe for food shopping – not bad! They even unloaded the packages for me.

They continued playing until lunch and one kid went home and I fed the last two and then he went home. Dan’s soccer game was cancelled due to rain which was fine but we had already gotten to the field – bummer. So, we go home and I make dinner for the week and lunches for the next day. I’m getting ready for the Eagles!!!

Eagles lose! Don’t know why I just posted that but what a big disappointment. Oh, I guess I should add that Temple didn’t have a great game either; they lost 7-3. I hope they win a few more games. They need to.

My Saturday Mishap...

My goal of Saturday was to get the winter clothes down from the attic. Dan and Ryan both had games and by the time the morning rolled around, I was just tired. Dan’s soccer game was great. Again, Dan played so incredible in goal. He stopped a lot of shots and they won 5 (or 4)-0. As we were leaving that game, I just had no desire to go to the Linc and watch Temple. I knew I should’ve but I was just tired of running. I think I travelled to more day and overnight trips since summer than I ever have before. I know during the week, I HAVE to travel to pick up Dan and get him places but I didn’t have to go to the Linc so I made the decision to stay home and get my winter clothes out. Of course, half way through the day, I wish I had gone. Oh well, the wives trip is next weekend – again another overnighter – so I’ll see the next game. I’ve also been more friendly with another wife recently and that’s a good thing. So, that was my upset for the day. On the bright side, I got my winter clothes out so I’m ready for Dan’s nightly practices.

So, Dan decides to invite a friend over which is fine; another friend calls asks if Dan can come over and sleep over; well, this kid ends up coming over as well. So now there are three boys in the house and they play and they end up sleeping over. It actually wasn’t that bad and they all behaved.

Good Day Friday!

I go to pick up Dan and I see the case – this is so exciting! He is just bubbling with excitement to tell me about the sax lessons. He tells me the rules. Lol. Then as we get to Nonna’s, he opens up the case and shows us all the saxophone parts and I ask him what he needs to practice first. He needs to put the reed together first with the top of the instrument and then blow to make this ahem..sound. To give you an idea of the kind of sound that comes out of this….Mya goes CRAZY when she hears it.

Another aspect of why I love Friday nights hockey!! He had his first hockey game. He volunteered for goalie and he was incredible. The game ended 5-4 so it was a fun exciting game!!!

Today is The Day!

Dan is so unbelievably excited for his first saxophone lesson today! I love that he’s expanding his horizons. I thought for sure he’d pick the flute or something. I am excited to hear all about it!! Not sure if my ears are ready yet or not.

The rain didn’t come fast enough last night..we ended up still having soccer practice. When I picked up Dan, we got home, he started dinner and I got his dinner ready. I looked at his homework, he ate, I cleaned up and we were all out the door. I dropped Dan off and went to my mom’s with the dog to give her some running time. For a lab, she doesn’t really like to play fetch too much. She loses interest after a bit and she does get tired quickly. I guess I have a more low-key dog (could of fooled us!). After playing catch, I left her at my mom’s and went to Dan’s practice for a bit. Man, it is getting cold. I really need to bring out my winter clothes. I keep trying to every night but it just hasn’t happened yet. So, I chit chat with the other dads (of course all the moms were smart and stayed inside). I ended up getting sucked into volunteering as being on a board representing the soccer team for a November tournament. Why do I always do that! There are two other parents in on this too so that’s good. I hope I’m exempt from doing the snack stand anyway. I’ll stand outside in the cold to watch my son play sports but not to work the snack stand…brrr!

So, practice ends, we go pick up Mya and head for home. Not bad, on the road home by 8. Dan gets his shower, puts his stuff away and reads his required reading. I really need to keep asking him his spelling words and keep on the multiplication. Oh, in the car today, we listen to a multiplication rap tape. Dan doesn’t hate it – thank goodness and we all rap along. This definitely helps him pick it up quicker!

Ryan makes it home, gosh, around 8:30. I feel like I lose track of time as the night goes on. He helps me with Dan and I get lunches done and dinner for Ryan and I in the nick of time for Grey!!! Great episode. I finally head to bed at 11. Not bad of a night’s sleep. Mya barked once during the night this time but I love the fact that Ryan gets up with her. That helps me a ton!

Just a thought on the economy: It is extremely scary right now!

The Start of PREP

Well, another year and the start of 4th grade religion education classes. My son was thrilled. Lol.

His teacher seemed very nice and I’m just happy this year that we don’t have to deal with any sacraments. I love them and all but just a lot of work. Dan did tell me though he might want to join the children’s choir. That’s cool.

Dan is just still so excited about his saxophone lessons. He still talks about it. Well, the day arrives tomorrow so I’ll let you know how the weekend practice goes. Hopefully he only learns 1-3 notes. Or maybe just putting the instrument together. Who knows!

Our Night Off

Dan and I look forward to these nights because they are rare and we love to not have to run anywhere. It didn’t start out too good at first though when Dan missed the bus for the second time this year. He truly is my procrastinator. As I taking him to school to drop him off, he loves telling me how it wasn’t his fault. Nothing is ever his fault too.

I pick him up after school – he says school was good and is still excited for sax lessons on Friday. I was pretty impressed of how excited he still is and I hope it sticks. He does homework, I cook dinner, we eat, I clean-up and check his homework. We then venture outside (beautiful night) to go for a walk and head over to a neighbor’s house. My neighbor lives in the next development behind us and she’s also got a black lab, Chelsea. I love going over there to let the dogs play and get energy out. Mya can be overpowering sometimes though. Chelsea just loves to lick you to death and Mya gets too hardcore bite playing. I think that scares Chelsea.

So, Dan gets on his bike, picks up some friends and we head over. I meet another one of her neighbors who is super sweet as well. I was informed that her ex was coming over to hang out with the kids. Ok, sounds good. Dan plays for awhile, I chit-chat and before we know it, it’s 7:30 and dark now. We are also going to try and plan a girls night out for dinner and drinks soon. Urgh, how I hate winter and it seems to be approaching fast. I have to get my winter clothes out soon.

Dan, Mya and I get home safe and sound. Dan reads for 15 minutes as I make lunches. Ryan ventures home around 9:30ish and we watch some TV and we go to bed. Oh and House was brand new last night. I used to love House but I wasn’t too into it last night.

I’ve also been fixated to Ebay. I’ve won quite a few things for Christmas already so I’m very excited about that. I also have been eyeing something that I so very much want but I can't get yet. Hopefully in a few months!

Pretty exciting night, huh? I love these nights though. I always have much to do but at least I can be a little more relaxed getting things done instead of rushing around.

Another Monday

I am unsuccessful in getting up early to workout as I have a pounding headache and have to lay back down for 45 minutes. I started working out again and was doing great but then I think I ran too much becuase I have knee pain so I've stopped really - my plan is start with the yoga ball.

So, Dan is on his way to school and I'm on my way to work. After work and I pick up Dan from school, we go through homework. I get a call from Ryan letting me know he's out early - music to my ears! He comes home before we have to leave for practice and Ryan opted to stay home and exercise the dog so she's tired for class tonight. I head out the door to take Dan to soccer. I like going there - it's a good gab fest with some friends.

I have some conversations with a mom whose son goes to another school. She tells me what he is learning and I just can't understand why my son's school is so far behind in things! It's very frustrating.

Anyway, my son had fun and did great at practice. We run from there to pick up Ryan and Mya and head to dog school. There is another black lab that goes there - same age and all - and I like it when they play at the end of class. Last night's lesson was having your dog sit when you stopped walking. Mya did pretty well. We also practiced having our dogs sit when we call "come" and when they get to you, they are supposed to sit. Again, something I've been practicing with Mya so she did pretty good. I'm starting to like going to these classes though. They are informative. Nothing beats the Dog Whisperer though. :)

So, What is it Like?

I guess I should go into description of exactly what my life is like.

Being a (Sports) Mom:
It's thrilling! Our son, Danial is 9. He is involved in sports on so many levels. This includes: Soccer, roller hockey, soccer, baseball and soccer. Everything else is in between: bike riding, tennis, swimming, etc. He loves to play. He's good too. This can get hectic at times but it's well worth it. Plus, I only have one child now so it makes life a little easier. As of now, we have soccer practice on Mondays, then take Mya to class; home by 9:15. Tuesday nights are our off night! Wednesday night is PREP class, Thursday nights is soccer practice, Friday night is hockey and Sat. and Sun. are soccer games (CYO and League). We'll add basketball to the mix in a few months. My bump in the road right now is always figuring out times to exercise Mya. It's tough but we manage.

Dan also is great in school. He does get all his homework done before practices. He also just scored Advanced in math in the PSSA testing he took in 3rd grade. Nice!!

In between running Dan around, I manage most times to keep the house clean, pay the bills, run the errands, food shop and whatever else needs to get done. On most months, I am a one man team. (explained below). How ironic...there is no "I" in team. That saying is embedded in our family! I should say, I get help from Ryan when he can and I also get help from my parents. So, in a way, we're still a team but with the bumps of course - who doesn't have 'em?

Being a Football Coach's Wife:
This is truly hard to describe. When I met Ryan, he was an elementary gym teacher. After doing that for a year, he proceeds to tell me he wants to get back into coaching football. He just was happiest on the field. I just thought that was so exciting. He does, however, explain to me how rough it will be with him never around and I told him that I’m pretty strong and can handle it. Little did I know! :)

So, Ryan starts at Gettysburg for a year, goes to Villanova for two years and is now currently at Temple. It’s been incredibly rough adjusting to this life. Coaches cannot take off unless it’s really really important, don’t take sick days, don’t go to events (even weddings) during football season especially. Only sometimes during the year can they attend events if time allows (we still have recruiting, spring bowl and camps to get through). He (they) work non-stop. They will sleep overnight at the office, come home at 1, 2 or 3 am and just to be back at work at 6. I know, I feel bad that it’s hard but he really enjoys it – I guess you have to.

On the flip side, I am by myself most of the time. It took a LOOONG time to get to where I am now of accepting him not really being around. It has made me incredibly strong and independent. It can only get better. I am finally enjoying the “thrill” of games. Dan’s games this season are at 9 which makes it perfect for me to then go to the Linc and watch Temple! Very exciting.

Anyway, I’ve also noticed after getting through the first year of a new place, it gets easier. He is around more now (Monday nights he comes home early which is perfect for my crazy Mondays).

We get lots of perks as well. Dan and I have travelled to a few stadiums. We experienced Army and PSU (could reach out and touch Joe Pa!!!) this year – loved it!! I get to go to Miami, OH for the wives trip. We also get some gear associated with the school.

Ryan is around when he can be and is here for us. Dan is in heaven! He loves going to practices and talking to the players all the time. The players even ask how he is which is really neat.

Ryan and I got married July of 2007. We definitely had a rough first year. It has slowly gotten better and of course, a lot has to do with not seeing each other. Something we have to get used to.

Oh my perks is that Ryan is a very easy going guy and since he’s rarely home, I basically call the shots! I don’t really ask him things as to what he prefers or anything. I could probably pick our house out without his approval. He trusts me and he tells me as long as I’m happy. I ask him things sometimes but I like that perk as well. :)

In addition

In addition to our family, we have a black lab, Mya. We got her in February and she is already 9 months! They grow fast. However, I am excited for the day she calms down - they say 3? She's a good dog but she has her moments. We love her to death though! She is already an Eagles fan for sure.

Entering the blogging world...

Well, here it is. I've finally entered the blogging world. I used to consider myself on top of things in the technology world but find myself learning these things a step behind others nowadays. I guess I better start catching up a little quicker to stay ahead of my so fast ever growing 9 year old son!

Let's see...this is about my life as a mom with a son active in 5 sports and I am also a football coach's wife. It's a very interesting life......