The Royal Blog

Winnah!!

Hooray! Z's team went 4-0 in the tournament!  They outscored their opponents approximately 28-ZERO!!  Z scored two goals (only one counted, but still!)!!    Yesterday was cold and drizzly and the girls & I had to miss Z's 3rd game due to E1's meet, but today was a GREAT day for soccer and I am thrilled that Z's hard work was rewarded today!  The boys were SOOO cute - marching to the trophy building, waving their Crew banner and chanting Ole Ole Ole! The keeper made them get into a champion's circle and sing We Are The Champions.  Off-key, but also super cute!!

Two more photos

Bay Village Tournament

Had to delete a ton of photos, but I found a few I liked:

U12 Fall Season Game 2

Last night? 6-3 win!!

Tonight?  10-1 or 8-0 win (depending on who you ask - either way, it's a W!)

Paintball!

Z had a BLAST today! 

Courtesy of B

 

I didn't think I'd be able to go to Z's game last night so B took the camera!

4-2 Win!!

 

 

1-0 win!!

 

Tournament Champions

 

J's dad was nice enough to send me some photos of the team, and Z getting his trophy!

3-1 Win!

Saturday's game:

This week, so far.

Monday - back into the swing of things, hurray!  I wish the kids went to a year round school where the longest break was one week.  That's about all I can handle.

Tuesday - We skipped dance because of the freezing rain.  I don't think the roads were that bad but I didn't want to find out.

I thought Z was getting his palate expander (and that we had to pay the down payment).  All they did was take an impression of his teeth (again) to make the expander. It won't be ready for three weeks or so. E1 watched because she'll be having the same thing done later this year or, more likely, this time next year. E2 & I hung out in the play area.

 

Then we went to Z's indoor soccer game.  They lost (to a really good team) but overall had a great season.

 

The CyberShot is, well, about shot.  Doesn't record videos, and now the photos are blurry on the left (horizontal pics) or bottom (vertical pics).  Two and half weeks until the dRebel is supposed to be ready.  I'm wondering how much the repair bill is going to cost.

Wednesday - E2 started bawling during soccer.  They were kicking and heading balloons and she claims she was upset because her balloon touched the floor. 

Winter Training started back up for Z.

E1 made several of my brain cells implode.

Thursday - E2 started to get clingy when it was time for gymnastics class and started in with the "I can'ts".  I said "Don't you dare. We have already talked about this." and she went out and did fine.  My prediction? No matter how much B would prefer she pursued soccer and I would prefer she pursued cheerleading, E2 will stick to gymnastics and be a phenom on bars.

The best thing about this week?  The number of times I have heard "I have to/want to/need to go potty".  E2 is still going in her diapers once in awhile, but she is doing a fabulous job using the potty.  So glad I didn't push it; it really is a lot easier when they are truly ready. 

Cheers & Jeers

Cheers to: E2, for getting out of the tubby today and pooping in the potty again!

Cheers to: E2, for being so good at dance!  Her teacher said that things are really starting to click with the class, that she is very excited, and that E2 is a "good girl".

Jeers to: Me, CVS, The Dispatch.  And maybe the City of Columbus.  So we wanted a copy of the paper today in case there were photos of last night's Crew airport welcome.  I bought USA Today accidentally (just grabbed the top paper without looking at it), got back in line (and waited forever behind someone that picked today to fill out the paperwork to get a CVS card and had a gift card that didn't want to work) and then the clerk wouldn't let me just switch the papers - had to take the 75 cents off my debit card and then ring up the 50 cent Dispatch. She could have made an easy 25 cents for CVS! Pure profit!! :P  So then the stupid Dispatch barely mentioned the Crew and had no photos of last night. Jerks.  There better be a good turnout for the Crew at the Statehouse tonight or I'm going to be ticked at the whole city. Well, not ticked, just disappointed. Which is much worse. Okay, I retract some of my Dispatch ire. B pointed out the photo and article in the Metro section.  Not as good as the front page but whatever. 

And a big fat jeer to the imbecile parents at our school.  Yes, it's time for that gripe again.  Morning drop off rules: Pull up as far as you can * Stay in your car * If you are going into the school, drop your child off and THEN go park and walk in by yourself.  Afternoon drop off rules: Pull up as far as you can * stay in your car.   I don't know if these morons are stupid or just think they and their precious child are special but the whole damn process would go so much faster if people could follow the damn rules! Gah.  Love the teaches and staff - think the parents are dipwads.  There are other reasons besides the drop-off and pick-up issues but that's what I'm torked off about today.

Welcome Home 2008 MLS CHAMPIONS: THE COLUMBUS CREW

 

Z with the kick ass sign I made:

   

The kids with Mayor Coleman!:

The kids with Ricardo Pierre-Louis:

 

With Frankie Hejduk (Crew Captain and US National Defender):

 

With Alejandro Moreno (Venezuelan International Striker):

 

With Robbie Rogers (US National Team Midfielder and 2008 Olympian and E1's self-proclaimed Team Boyfriend!):

 

With Eddie Gaven (US U23 International Midfielder):

 

With Pat Noonan:

  

With Chad Marshall (MLS DEFENDER OF THE YEAR):

   

With The Cup:

 

With Andy Iro (Crew 2008 Number 1 Draft Pick):

 

With Steven Lenhart:

One is the loneliest number

Z's weekend wasn't quite as happy or successful as E1's.  In this weekend's tournament they went 1-1-1. :(

A 2-2 tie. Hrmph.

We (#3) played the #2 team today and tied 2-2.  Mainly because the other team played dirty, and we had the world's WORST ref who didn't call them on ANY of it. He completely sucked.  The bad news is we have to play this team AGAIN in next weekend's tournament.  The good news is we won't have THAT awful ref.

A 5-0 Win!!

I thought B had the camera, he thought I had the camera.  So, no photos. 

Z's team is now 7-2!

A 1-0 loss :(

We cannot beat that stupid club. Grrrr.

A 4-3 Win!!

A few seconds of #15!

I am really tired of the political phone calls.

E2 (How does she do it?  Comes out of the bath with a dirty face?  I even scrubbed with a wipe before we left the house.) had a lot of fun at gymnastics today and soccer yesterday.

While were sitting there chatting, R & J's mom got a call from the school.  While playing football at recess, J bonked his head on a goal post. The not-so-funny thing is that last week he broke a finger playing football, and the week before that he hurt his wrist playing football.  He's the goalie for Z's team, fyi.

This morning, Z could not find the two note cards he needed to practice his book report, and left for school very distraught.  Sigh. 

Yay! I feel better.

Dear Crew Juniors Players & Parents,

Given the recent news that our ownership group, Hunt Sports Group, has been approached by a group of investors to purchase a minority share of the Crew, I felt it was important to follow up on the statements below as they relate to our youth model. 

In this morning's Columbus Dispatch, HSG President John Wagner mentions our youth model as a key indicator that we have significant roots and a tremendous opportunity to continue toward our goal of building the finest player development system in MLS. Crew President & General Manager Mark McCullers reiterates that it's clearly one of the strengths of the organization and that its potential is very encouraging.

I wanted to share these perspectives with everyone in our Crew Juniors family to confirm the importance of what we're building together and to thank you for your belief and participation in our system.  I also hope that you'll embrace Mark's closing comments regarding continuing to build on the momentum that the entire organization has established this year.

Best regards,

Andrew Arthurs

Vice President Soccer Business Development

Executive Director Crew Juniors

Crew Fans,

The recent report that Hunt Sports Group has been approached by a group of investors to purchase a share of the Crew has led to a number of questions and speculation about the implications of this potential transaction. Hunt Sports Group President John Wagner issued the following statement regarding the situation:

"Hunt Sports Group has been approached by a group led by Jonathon Bloch and Mark Noorzai regarding a potential minority investment in the Columbus Crew Soccer Club. Although no agreement has been reached at this time, discussions are ongoing. Hunt Sports Group plans to continue as the Managing Investor-Operator of the club."

While I can't discuss details of the situation, comparing it to the recent investment by Oscar de la Hoya and others in the Houston Dynamo is a reasonable comparison. Consider the group led by Bloch and Noorzai to be an addition to the existing group of minority investors that has been with the Crew since Day One.  The processes and discussions related to this transaction are ongoing, they are not on any specific timetable and a deal may or may not be consummated.

I think there are three significant messages to deliver:

1.  The Crew is not moving to Las Vegas, regardless of whether this transaction takes place or not.  We have an established stadium, a recent significant investment in our concert business here, a successful and growing youth development program, plans and interest in developing a world class training complex and many other long term strategic plans to facilitate the continued growth and prosperity of the club in Columbus.

2.  This transaction, should it take place, will not affect the current organization or our operation.  We will continue to operate in our current form working diligently to build a club that will make our fans proud and create new fans.

3.  The fact that there is interest in investing significant resources in the Columbus Crew is a positive sign that business leaders see the value in what's happening in Columbus, in the direction of the club and the potential return on their investment.

I've always believed that actions speak louder than words, so our actions will continue to demonstrate that we intend to build the Crew into a valued and influential community asset– in Columbus.  This year, we have seen that the actions of our fans have demonstrated that Columbus can get behind a winning team and deliver a tremendous, authentic soccer atmosphere in our stadium.  Let's allow our actions to continue to speak for themselves and build upon the substantial momentum that we have developed this year.  Our team and staff are focused on a strong push into the postseason.  We need you with us.

I am glad to speak with anyone directly regarding this or any other matter.

Regards,

Mark McCullers

President & General Manager

2-1 Win!!

A 6-4 WIN!!!!

A 7-0 Win!!

I didn't know Z's game was going to be televised!

3-1 Win!!!!!!!!!!!!

If I see the Potty Fairy, I'm tackling her and dragging her to our house.

All day (except when she was at preschool) I heard "I wanna wear my apple shirt and red pants and tenny boppers to soccer".  All. day.   Until it was time to go to soccer and then she was all "I have to wear my cleats! Everybody else will be wearing cleats!".

She had a blast at soccer.  During races, she is way more focused on WINNING! than on how they are supposed to run the race (i.e. backwards, sideway shuffle, etc).  She and S, the only other girl there, became fast friends today.  There was a lot more socializing during Sharks & Minnows then there was actual Sharking and Minnowing.  And several times, if one got hit and had to lie down, the other one would too. 

We then went to pick up the big kids and we were going to stay on the playground and play.  But SOMEBODY pooped in their diaper so we got back into the van, got the kids and came home. 

Goofballs.

                                    

                                                ©Sean P Duffy, Ohio Sports Images

So close.....

I thought this was a good omen:

But, a last minute (possibly offsides) goal meant a 4-3 loss.

Our Afternoon/Evening:

The girls had fun playing on the playground while Z's team warmed up:

And E1 worked on her kip:

Z team won 3-2! They were like molasses the first half and on fire the second.

Then the Crew game:

Z had a BLAST on the field at halftime:

And the Crew won 4-0!!

Tournament

Game #1: Z's team won 7-0!!  Hooray!!

Game #2: Z's team lost 2-1!! Boo!!  The good news: the one goal? was scored by Z.  B said the team looked pretty bad except for Z and Z played most (all?) of the game.

Game #3: Z's team won 2-1!! Hooray!!

Game #4: Z's team lost 4-1!! Boo!! 

Well, the consolation is that Z got a ton of playing time and looked great all weekend. 

Today

The dental appointments went very well.  My teeth are in good shape, E2 was SO well-behaved (it was her first visit) and they were even able to do a fluoride treatment on her, and the big kids have done a great job taking care of their teeth.   We do have to go back on Tuesday - E1 gets sealants, and Z & E1 are going to be evaluated for braces.  Two kids in braces at once - wouldn't that be special? NOT. 

E1 went to a bowling birthday party (best party ever!!) and is now at a pool birthday party.

Z was supposed to go to a birthday party for a former teammate.  We found out Thursday (grrr.) that he had a 6:00 game in Obetz (south of Columbus, the butt of many a morning radio show's jokes, and home of the Crew's training center).  We found out this morning (double grrr.) that things had changed, and Z now has a game at 4:30 and a game at 5:30.  Oh, and his team gets to tour the locker room at 3:45 (*eyeroll*).  So, no birthday fun for Z. 

Then they (Z, B & E2) get to go to a Crew game.

After I pick up E1 from the pool, we are heading downtown to see the Jonas Brothers.  Yay. 

I cannot wait until this day is over.   

Oh my aching tentacles.

It was fun helping out at the gym yesterday; I know they really appreciated it and they bought everyone pizza!  All the trophies had been taken down and cleaned (we're talking hundred of trophies); our job was to put them next to the walls where they'll go back up (a ton are getting donated to Special Olympics who can re-use them).  Z then did some vacuuming and E1 cleaned some equipment.  They and the other kids managed to spend quite a bit of time however jumping on the trampoline.  Then three or four of us stood around telling one poor guy where to put the trophies. Fun!  I was fine until I helped fold up the big inflatable used for birthday parties - totally wrenched my knee.  Boo.

So no, I didn't go in this morning.  And I'm wondering how on earth I'll be able to run a 5k on Sunday.

We have one of "those" weekends coming up:

The kids and I all have dental appointments, three birthday parties, a soccer game, a Jonas Brothers concert and a Crew game.  All. on. Saturday.  Aye Carumba

Our Weekend

B dropped us off in Cincy and went on to Tennessee where he picked up E1 on Friday:

Friday, E2, Z & I hung out at the hotel and went to the water park a couple times.  Z hung out with his teammates at the pool and arcade; when E1 showed up she played too.

Saturday Z had two games (they won!):

Back to the hotel for more water park fun:

Back to the field for game #3, a loss:

Back to the hotel to check out, lunch at Cracker Barrel, and we had to get a picture of this:

(and if you're a Futurama fan, you'll understand why the next few minutes were spent laughing over "I'll get my shovel" "I'm three skulls short of a Mousketeer reunion" and "Now no one can ever say I don't have John Laroquette's spine")

Birthday girl was an unhappy crab apple for huge chunks of the weekend:

Time for game 4, a win!  The boys went 3-1 for the tournament; we were soooo happy!

Then we drove home and had cake for the birthday girl (we'll do presents another night; we - especially me and the bday girl - were wiped out):

This, That and The Other.

No Fast Track until Monday.  So this morning I went to the park and managed to get in two miles.  A huge accomplishment,considering I forgot my heart rate monitor & watch, my leggings kept slipping down, my stomach was growling, I felt like I had to pee, and there were six! other people walking/jogging.  The things I do for fitness. Hrmph.

B & Z had two extra tickets to last night's Crew game, so E1 and her friend G got to go with and then G spent the night.  She was a little sad and nervous but I think she did okay.

Z won't be #8 anymore.  A silly thing to be sad about, but he's had that # for two years and I liked saying "8 is great!".   The really odd thing is he & his friend J were both assigned the same number, so I don't know what's up with that. 

Today's to-do list:

• Z has soccer camp
• E1 has gymnastics practice
• schedule dental appointments
• schedule doctor appointments
• buy birthday presents (E1 has three parties this weekend. Three.)
• figure out a training schedule for my four miler and the big kids 5k (Z & E1 have decided they don't want to get up and jog on the days they have soccer/gymnastics. *eyeroll*)

Happy Campers

E1 got to ring the bell at camp last night for making her half on vault.  She also did a baby giant.

Yesterday, Z won a game of Power Finesse at camp - he beat 21 other players.

TFIG (Tooth Fairy is grounded)

Z had the second night of tryouts yesterday.  He doesn't think he did his best, but I'm pretty sure he'll at least make the 'b' squad.  We *should* find out Saturday. 

Z has a field trip today.  The morning will be spent at a park taking notes (they're doing a plant unit right now; yesterday's test (A+!) was 1/4 of his grade and today is another 1/4).  Then the 4th graders get to go to an ice cream "factory" to eat ice cream study the factors of production.

E1 was a little bummed out this morning.

Because the Tooth Fairy forgot to come!

I have it on good authority that the Tooth Fairy will be sending E1 some flowers to apologize. 

Two steps forward, ten yards back

Z's team lost 2-1 last night and Z was totally off his game.  Coach S pulled him off the field for a bit, but we don't know why and Z refuses to discuss it (B thought he took a ball to the chest and was hurt, I thought he was crying on the bench, but again, Z won't talk about it).  When things start to go wrong, he has trouble shaking it off and the mistakes just start to multiply.

Another Clue....

                   

Another Clue :)

A Clue :)

Yippee!

Z's team won last night, 5-1!  Two of those goals were Z's and he would have had a third goal but was offsides.  Yay!  The team is really looking good and their coach is super pleased with their progress.

E2 & I haven't made it to many games this spring because they've conflicted with E1's practices. (Hence the lack of photos) I did go last night.  E2 had SO much fun.  She played with another little girl, S, and had a great time running from the dads and being snuggled by the moms. 

50-50

Tuesday's game was a 4-1 loss.   After the game, Z quickly pointed out "I wasn't on the field when they (opponent) scored!"

Tonight's game was a 4-0 win!  And Z scored a goal! 

Hat Trick

Not only did Z's team win 8-3 last night, but Z scored THREE times last night, had an assist and made a great save!!  Rock on Z!!

I'm taking credit. Before the game he asked "If we win, do I get a gold point?"  I said "No way, winning the game is a team effort.  To get a gold point, you'd have to make a great save.."  "Or score a goal?" he interrupted.   "Yep."

So we went to Max & Erma's to celebrate.  Then we all overslept this morning and my weight this morning was not pretty.  The end.

Sock it to me

Z's team won last night, 2-1!    They lost to that opponent twice last fall, so a win is a good sign.

Coach S told me this morning that Z needs to get a sparring partner or someone to fight with, and joked that he's around too many girls (E's 1&2).  Z is just too polite, too hesitant, and his overthinking is badly affecting his game.   Coach S said "he should be the best player out there".   I'm thinking we need to set up weekly one-on-ones for Z or take him to a sports psychologist.   He loves soccer and wants to be good at it, and I think he'd be happier if he could play for the 'A' squad. 

Game Three

A 4 - 0 win!!

Game Two

A 2 - 0 loss. :(   

B said Z looked pretty good and that they *should* have won both games.

Sigh.  Looks like another long season.

eta:  Z got a "Man of the Match" patch for this game!  We've never heard of it before - I guess it's kinda like being picked as MVP by the opponent's coach?    Anyhow, I'm happy for Z - hopefully this will give him a little shot of confidence.

Game One

4-4 tie; Z had two assists!

This & That

(this is my second time typing this post. stupid internet explorer.)

Irresistible Apple™  by Bath & Body Works does NOT smell like "Voluptuous sun-kissed red apples with whispers of blond wood and soft musk. Enticing. Bold. Undeniably sexy." What it DOES smell like is strawberries, wax, and Vicks Formula 44D.  In other words, very very resistible.

The toddler thinks Burger King's chicken tenders are "dewishous" except when they're "berry hot!".   So I took a bite out of one.  SPLUH!  How Z & E2 can prefer them to Wendy's chicken nuggets is beyond me.

Z very sincerely thanked me for cleaning his room yesterday.  Score one for Mommy!   And, the sweatshirt I forced him to take to soccer (they lost 3-0) did a good job of keeping him warm when it was windy.  Score two for Mommy!  But when it wasn't windy the sweatshirt didn't help with the cold.  At. all.  Well, score one & a half for Mommy.

E1 is rocking her gymnastics practices and should have a good showing at State, the last meet of the season. 

We are probably going to have to go in and talk to the principal this week or next.  There seems to be a pervasive, disregarded bullying problem at the school and Mama Bear is not happy. 

I am on book two of The Darkest Age series, The Book of the Sword. [Unfortunately, while I was looking for a link to post, I read a blurb about book three that gave away the ending to book two.  Grrr.  AND, that's when internet explorer freaked out and shut down.  Double Grrr.]  Anyway, it's an okay series.  Very formulaic.  Magic? check.  Monster? check.  Quest? check.

Terrible, Horrible, No-Good, Very Bad Day

E1:

Meet #1:

Bars: 7.3

Beam: 6.8

Floor:  5.6

Vault: 8.75

Total: 28.45

Meet #2:

Vault: 9.1

Bars: 8.05

Beam: 8.55

Floor: 6.55

Total: 32.55

Meet #3:

• Beam: 8.05 (which is actually pretty good considering she fell mid-routine)
• Floor: 5.6 (a disaster of epic proportions. she quit mid-way, crying, and the coach shoved her back out on the floor)
• Vault: 8.55
• Bars: 7.8
• Total: 30.00

Her placement (out of I don't know how many 7-and-under year olds*):

• Beam: 6th
• Floor: 9th
• Vault: 7th
• Bars: 4th
• All-around: 9th

Z had the joy of OUTDOOR winter conditioning; it is 38 degrees and pouring rain.  They cut practice short by a half-hour; thank God because poor Z was miserably cold. 

E2 napped, cried, and was a crabapple. 

*possibly 31!!!!