Embrace Life

pmm | caden the volleyball player

In a land where it is not allowed, Caden was never a very good hockey player. He was not much of a skater and would slide into other players to stop. He quickly earned a reputation as a "thug". Ha!

For good or for bad, he does have a competitive spirit! For a long time his passion far exceeded his ability. Over the years he tried his hand at many sports. He plays rugby and squash at school and enjoys it. At football he was a remarkably good player, so good he scared the bejeepers out of his mother and, for fear of the inevitable concussion, he was pulled out. During the summer he plays baseball and has really grown into the sport and is excited about this upcoming season.

Nothing quite captured his imagination as much as volleyball has, but it wasn't easy. At the start he was reluctant to play. His sister Claire has always played and was captain of her varsity team at school. Talk about intimidating! Since it is a sport not introduced until later he had no real exposure to the game, then he got cut from the grade 7 team. He took it hard and wanted to do everything he could to improve. He spent all of last winter at Pakmen learning all he could, as quickly as he could, about volleyball.

All things considered, for Caden, volleyball is the perfect sport. Communication and consistent team play is critical, every position is key, you can smash that ball as hard as you want and there was very little fear of concussion or much more than a bruised muscle or scraped knee. In a community where many kids are put on the fast-track to elite athleticism early - really early - like the minute they can walk skates are put on their feet. There is not much room for "late bloomers" in sport. It is really unfortunate. And then there is volleyball.

Caden made it onto the school team this year. He also made it onto the town U14 team. A nice lesson that hard work and patience can be rewarded.

The last weekend of March, Caden and his Oakville Thunder team were in the Provincial Tournament held in Waterloo at RIM Park. They all played hard. There were good games and bad games and everything in between. Everyone learned a lot!

The season is now over. I can't wait for the next to start!

Over the summer there will be plenty more lessons, camps and leagues. After all, playing is a lot of fun, playing with skill is even better!

pmm | claire is fierce

Last week was full around here. It was also very Claire-centric with her leaving class dinner, graduation and formal one day after the other.

On top of it all, she got through everything with a broken thumb and a smile.

The picture above was taken after she had been hit by a pitch at her game last Tuesday. Right after it happened, she was in a lot of pain but told her coach that she was tough and could handle it. She stayed in and ended up walking to 1st base. She then stole to 2nd base. At that point she realized there was something seriously wrong.

The poor thing took off her glove and her thumb was a bloody mess.

She came off the field and one of the mums took over - thanks Kathie - since I just couldn't handle it. Quickly Claire got wrapped up and I took her to our local hospital, after a quick stop home to pick up her medical card.

We took over the emergency waiting room: me, Claire, her cousin Taylor (who had only just arrived in town), her friend Michelle, her coach and his daughter. Claire was so embarrassed by all of the attention, a lot of people were worried about her - and showed up to support her.

I won't go into the gory details, but it was not pretty. Five hours and five stitches later, we were home, with pain killers and antibiotics, by 3AM.

In all that time, I don't think she was upset by anything other than the fact she is out of baseball for at least six weeks. Then it dawned on her that she was going to attend her leaving class dinner, graduation and formal! Melt down? Not my girl. She figured she'd bedazzle the bandage and not miss a minute.

The word "trooper" has been used in most of the notes we've received.

Yes, my girl is fierce. And she rocked the bandage at all of her events. At least at prom she had a broad back to hide it behind!

anticipation | baseball & softball season

Claire loves all things baseball and though she manages to suffer thorough the school softball season, she's excited to head back to Little League and play her preferred sport again this summer. Even after some hitting lessons at Field House Athletics, she has decided against trying out for the "Big League" Whitecaps Team with her friends. With her busy schedule she was afraid she could not commit - and she's probably right. There'll still be lots of "spare time" spent at one diamond or another volunteering at tournaments and events throughout the season - she really enjoys announcing, expecially the t-ball games.

Caden is going back to baseball, too. He's content to play house league and has little ambition or desire to play any more than his regular weekly practice, game and a few exhibition games. He's happy to have new cleats and a "magic" new bat that helps him hit to the fences! My boy is getting huge! I know he'll have fun over the summer expecially when he gets that bat working. He has played in an "evaluation game" and the season opened over the weekend with picture day and a win!

Chloé is always up to try new things and joined the local softball league - so anxious she had me sign her up during early registration in January. She's still interested and I'm happy for her to pick up a sport she can play her whole life :) There have been a couple of practices and she has enjoyed meeting the girls on her team. I am happy she'll be able to walk out our front door and across the street for a vast number of her games and practices. Even the extra hitting practices are held steps away from our home.Keep it simple ... I think she's going to love her summer!

Cole has opted out. At the end of last season he was willing to play baseball again, but as spring drew near he had second thoughts. Instead of a refund, we've elected to donate the registration fee to another player who might not otherwise have a chance to play - certainly one who wants to play more than mine! He won't be free completely since he'll be joining me on the sideline cheering on one sibling or another.

As for me, I have purchased a new lawn chair and cooler. I plan on being far better prepared this year than last - with mitts, blankets, sunscreen, icepacks, umbrellas and water in the truck at all times! I'm looking forward to cheering loudly and stay open to enjoy all of the experiences that present themselves.

Play Ball!

real right now | never say never

After a concussion sustained in hockey made worse by another concussion last rugby season combined with the chronic bursitis in his shoulder, I never thought Cole would ever play any contact sport ever again. A good reminder to never say never!

I forgot to take into account passion.

He loves rugby. Truly loves it.

Well, he still has the ball. It was quickly passed off and a try scored.

As much as I flinch when there are a number of other-coloured jerseys surrounding him, I know he is playing something he loves. And he's good at it. He doesn't want to play for the Crusaders Club. Or Ontario. Or Canada. He's happy to focus on his position as 8-Man for his school team.

Life is good - and never dull :)

BONUS

I couldn't say yes to one and not to the other:

Caden is the "back-up everything" for his Middle School rugby team. There are a huge number of boys so not a spot for everyone. During this game he was the back-up 8-Man and scored the final try of the game.

I'm just settling in to get a good tan this spring :)

things we do | volleyball

Claire was a co-captain of the Varsity Volleyball Team at school last term. It is a sport she loves and I'm sure she'll find a way to continue to play in coming years - intermural at university, beach during the summers, technique classes with Pakmen.

There were only three returning players this season and the expectations were that it was a "building" team. All that being said, I think they did remarkably well and I enjoyed a number of very close and exciting games. Claire had dreams of OFSAA for her graduating year but it wasn't to be. She will have to settle for earning her school "colours" for her efforts. Some life lessons are harder than others.

Next term? Softball.

pmm | caden is on the swim team

When the coach of the Middle School swim team approached me at a school event about Caden swimming for the team, I was surprised. Caden? Swim?

I was immediately brought back* to his time in intensive care at Sick Kids, then his recovery time at Bloorview and what I wanted most to do was hyperventalate at the absurdity of the idea. Instead, I simply asked him if he wanted to join the school swim team. He did.

It's about him, not me, so he joined.

It took me until the very last meet of the year to go and watch. Our school has a very small deck and it's hard to take photos. Well, that's the excuse I use :) Caden asked me to attend the last meet of the season at the Etobicoke Olympium. How could I say no?

Caden was entered in three events: 50M Free, 50M Backstroke and 200M Free Medley. I made it out to the pool mid-morning and managed to see him in the 50M Backstroke. I love that every time I ask him how he did in a meet he claims "great, best time yet". He gets it. At this point, the game is not to win the heat but to always beat your personal best. In his 50M Backstroke race he beat his personal best by over 8 seconds. Yay! He came in 43rd place - out of 50 participants

My boy continues to be very angry with me that I have made him stop playing football. He's not pleased he had to give up rugby, either. (It turns out he really didn't like playing hockey, so he was happy mama made him stop. As it turns out, skates hurt - among other things.) We are trying to find a suitable alternative.

That alternative just might be swimming. He likes it way more than hockey and a bit more than rugby. He has even agreed to attend "Performance Swim Camp" this summer in order to get better. Caden's mother is a big believer that if you don't do something well you don't grasp the "fun" in an activity. The better you are at anything the more fun you will have. I encourage Caden's improvement no matter what the activity happens to be.

To be completely honest, I'm just over the moon that we can even experience these arguments and joys and lessons - bring it. I'm so proud of him!

* * * * *

* In 2002, just before Caden turned 3 he almost drown in our pool. His father called me at an event and I rushed to our local hospital to watch the medical staff try to shove a breathing tube down his throat. For an hour. I was then transported, via police car, to Sick Kids hospital in Toronto where Caden remained in a coma, in urgent care, for a week then onto another floor - it's a blur. Upon his discharge, he and I then spent a month, every day, at Bloorview where he went for therapy: occupational, psychological and physical. It was the most traumatic experience of his life. And mine.

Let's Play Ball

She got her way. She's playing "real" ball, with the boys.

This past weekend found us in Brampton for a tournament. It was cold, it was rainy and it was oh so windy. Nothing could remove the smile from her face.

She hit:

She pitched:

She distracted:

She smiled.

A lot.

And there is a lot to smile about! She's on not just one but two teams and the boys treat her well. She's earned their respect as a player and it has been a wonderful experience - for both the boys and the girl.

Life is good.

Play ball!

Sweet Words

What are some of the sweetest words a mama can hear from her boy?

"Bring your camera and take pictures of me, please?"

My older three run from the camera, but Caden loves having his photo taken, especially when he's doing what he loves. Since I can't take photos of his playing on the Wii the next best thing is hockey! I got myself a lovely new lens for my birthday last month and it's only been tested a couple of times. THIS was a perfect opportunity! Low light, fast action, quite a test:

Caden's Predator team tied the game against the Blues team, 3-3. I took photos, chatted with mums, took more photos, cheered when they scored, and then looked around for guidance when penalties were called and ejections were made. It was a pretty interesting game. It was also a good test of the lens, and the photographer.

Still thawing out ...

Well, I am.

Yesterday afternoon was spent on the wet and windy rugby field where I was witness to plenty of this:

And smiles when it was all over, with a win.

Love seeing my boy happy and confident.

It was so worth standing around, taking 600+ photos, to see Cole emerge as a hard-playing, hard-working, leader by example. The only warmth found in the day was watching the whole team interact with each other, and with the classmates who chose to sit in the rain and cold to support them. Tremendous group of kids.

We made a quick trip home to have him warm up in a hot shower, send some of the mud down the drain, then left to take him to rugby practice up at the Crusader's Park. After which he came back home, caked in more mud, and took another shower.

Still with a smile on his face.

A New Era | Rugby

It's cold, damp and early. Not a good combination for my boy! He is very excited to start his new persuit: rugby. I don't know that he's too crazy about the idea that he'll not just be battling the other team, but more often than not, he'll also be battling Mother Nature.

It's good for him.

Builds character.

Not everything can be in a controlled environment like a gym or hockey rink.

Lucky for us, he's easily distracted. In this case, by a new pair of cleats:

Bright, eh? They may not make him a superstar, but he'll feel like one!

Cue eye-roll ... mine

otherwise known as why do I even try to get a photo of my kids - together?

A few weekends ago, in between the divide and conquer that is our life, we had all four of our kids in one place at one time! This does not happen often and I wanted to capture it. Even though we were indoors with no natural light and really putrid colours, it was worth an effort, right?

Do you think my kids cooperated?

And with that, our minute and a half window of photo opportunity is done.

Sigh.

At least I got a "keeper" sort of, and a series of photos that really lets you know the personalities of each of my kids: Claire is happy to, with accompanying eye roll, humour her mother and pose nicely; Cole is all about the party and the pick on his brother; Chloe is torn between behaving and enjoying a good laugh; Caden fulfills his role as little stinker brother very well.

The keeper, with adjustments:

Even better:

I'm thankful that I have four children who will humour their mother and pose for a photo, as difficult as it is, in a dull and busy hockey rink when there is so much going on to distract them. They delight in tormenting each other, but usually with good humour and a sense of fun. They are really lovely little people. I'm thankful to be their mama.

. . . . .

I'm also thankful for Ali Edwards and her ideas. On her blog, she has an "occasional series" of Thankful Thoughts. Not only that, but each time she posts a Thankful Thought it will include a free numbered overlay download. BONUS: Included in her first post is a rounded-corner photo mask.

. . . . .

Life is good. Especially if you have a sense of humour and photo editing software!

Time to Represent

Every day my kids are given the opportunity to represent themselves and our family. I'm happy (and relieved) to say that they do that well, almost all the time.

Occasionally they have earned the right, through academics and sport, to represent their school, our town and our province.

Rarely will they ever have the opportunity to represent their country.

This weekend marks one of those rare occasions.

Cole and his hockey team are representing Canada at the Nations Cup being held in Stratford, Ontario (about a 90 minute drive West), with five other Canadian teams. They will be facing six teams representing the United States. In hockey terms, and life terms, this is a big deal.

This may never happen again.

So excuse my absense. I have hockey to cheer. And photograph.

But I will leave you with a little video which, if you don't watch hockey, will either explain why my boy (and, indeed, whole family) love it so much, or leave you simply shaking your head:

Rest assured, all evidence of Cole's concussion has cleared and we babied him for an extra week just to be sure. He's back on the ice and I'm thankful - he was going stir crazy and driving us all to distraction! If you are curious about how things are going, head on over to the sidebar and click In the Rinks >>> and follow the links. Otherwise, I'm sure to update upon our return ;)

Go Rangers! Go Canada!

the simple things | 08

between games

caden played in his second tournament of the season this weekend. the frank sabatino memorial tournament is one which is held here in oakville - 8 of our oakville "red" level teams take on 8 teams from other centres. instead of spending all of our time at the rink, caden elected to come home between games on the first day - he refueled and relaxed playing on his nintendo ds. discovered in his "loot" bag was a hockey stick hat. he hasn't taken it off all weekend. funny kid!

(sadly, his hound dog team lost to the vikings 4-1 in the semi final game. go dogs!)

Hound Dog Happiness

Caden plays hockey too.

I know it's hard to believe with all of the focus on Cole and his activities. It is representative, proportionately, on the time spent with each boy persuing his interest in the sport. Caden's team routine is a bit less intense but no less meaningful. They practice on Wednesday evenings, they play on Saturday mornings and there is the occasional extra ice on Monday and Off Ice training in a local gym on the occasional Tuesday.

The Atom Hound Dogs are also signed up for three tournaments this season. They just participated in their first and they won!

THAT is a happy group of 10 year old boys! And a happy foursome of older boys, too :)

It was such a fun weekend we almost didn't want to come home.

The best part of the weekend away:

Lee getting to know the parents, what a lovely group
Chloe the water slide and taking care of the little kids
Caden playing hockey, winning the tournament and the morning breakfast buffet

Caden continues to wear his championship medal and will likely sleep with it. As for the rest of us? A few days rest and then we're off to Cole's tournament in another direction!

Toronto Red Wing Tournament

Today?

I'm ...

I'm heading about an hour and a bit away from home to North Toronto - Chesswood Arena - to enjoy the next couple of days watching our boys play in their first tournament of the season.

Click on over to the "In The Rinks" button over there >>> to the right. The link has been added so you can see how the '97 Rangers fare.

For me? I just know I'm in the car, with a child watered and fed, to pick up another child watered and fed to be at the rink for 8AM. At the end of two games - sometime around 5:30PM I'll head home with both boys. The process will start again on Saturday, and, depending on the outcome of four games, again on Sunday.

Louis will, unfortunately, miss the fun. This time.

He will enjoy some fun of his own: conducting the Atom Draft! And many more MOHA House League obligations.

Things have been a bit silly here the last couple of weeks. Louis has volunteering in his blood. His dad, Guy, is an uber-volunteer with dedication to service and community in his blood. A bit ago, our Minor Oaks Hockey Association had a bit of a crisis, the VP of House League resigned. A team of dedicated volunteers stepped in and are wading through the many issues and participants and parents in an effort to start the season for an association of more than 3,000 kids, really closer to 4,000. Louis has taken this crisis to heart. Endless hours have been spent trying to get things on track. The former VP has been very helpful and things are, for the most part, are running smoothly.

Smooth takes a lot of time.

A lot of dedicated focus and energy.

Without volunteers like my husband, and the other dedicated voluteers, there is a real chance that 3 to 4 THOUSAND kids in town would be playing something ... just not organized hockey.

For that he will miss three days of a hockey tournament.

A small price to pay for all those kids. It still stinks.

Thank goodness for BlackBerry Messenger!

SOOC Saturday: Feels Official

SOOC or otherwise, this is by no means the best photo I've ever taken (I chalk it up to sleep in my eyes, and Claire absconding with my 50mm lens) but it may be the most meaningful. I made Cole take off his new 97AAA warm-up jacket in order to eat - and not chance a spill on it. He received the coveted jacket earlier this week and slept with it on the first night. This is the next morning, eating his Vector cereal, getting ready to head back out to the rink. 

This morning he leaves for a week of training camp at Olympia Sports Camp with his new teammates. He's anxious to go, especially since they found out it is "cheerleading camp" week, too. Oh, the stories he'll have upon his return!

What is your favourite SOOC (Straight Out Of Camera) shot today? You can join in: here! 

Back from OELC

I have to say the week Cole was up at OELC (Ontario Educational Leadership Centre) it was strange around here. It was just so quiet. And tidy. He left on Sunday morning and Louis collected him the following Saturday. By Tuesday, each of the remaining three kids mentioned how much they missed him. I was so happy to hear them. I missed him too!

This was the scene upon his return on Saturday:

And he unpacked his bag to find the poster that hung in his cabin was a bit wet, but he loves it. I had him pose with it while it dried:

Nice neon t-shirt, eh? Makes him look VERY tanned. Well, maybe that's because he is very tanned.

The poster says:

Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. - Gandhi

RISK

To laugh is to risk appearing the fool
To weep is the risk appearing sentimental
To reach out for another is to risk involvement
To expose feeling is to risk exposing your true self

To place your ideas, your dreams before the crowd, is to risk their loss
To love is to risk not being loved in return
To live is to risk dying
To hope is to risk despair
To try is to risk failure

But risks must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing
The person who risks nothing, has nothing, and is nothing

I find it interesting that of all the motivational and inspirational posters and quotes on the walls of the cabin, this is the one Cole requested of his Teacher Facilitator. It really lets me know exactly where his head is right now, in this moment. I think I'm going to like this boy-man who has returned to us!

Like his sister before him, Cole was selected to attend OELC by his school, specifically his Physical Education teacher, to attend Intermediate Athletics. Judging from his Facebook page, he made a ton of friends while he was up there. He is filled with stories and experiences. After a few of them, I've had to tell him there are some stories and jokes his mama just doesn't need to hear. Teenage bathroom humour is beyond my patience threshold! Though I do like that he was chosen to give the final day speech - and he did, by winging it :)

Once we got his laundry started he handed me the bit I was excited about. The report package:

Cole's evaluation form included a section for his own goal setting and a section for evaluation by the professionals at the camp. (The Teacher Facilitator is a real honest to goodness teacher who donates part of their summer to guide youngsters in areas of communication, initiative, organization, group work and goal setting.) On Cole's teacher evaluation the only area he needs to improve is no surprise to me: organization. Though it says he got a 3 out of 4, I know he was ineffective in that particular area, judging from his room and the number of times he leaves things at home he needs for school and activities! Certainly an area to improve. But he knows it and is starting to have a sense of humour about it. Last year he even gave me a study about how kids with high IQ tend to be "forgetful". In turn I showed him how to use a calendar and write a list ;)

The most interesting part of this exercise was the Goal Identification he wrote on his arrival at camp:

Skill: Initiative
Goal: Don't be afraid of being wrong or failing
Strategy: Just go for it. Don't be afraid. Let loose and be myself

and the follow-up Goal Reflection he wrote upon his departure from camp:

Achievement: Yes, I achieved my goal
Obstacles: Getting past that mental block that held me back from past opportunities
Next Steps: Continue expanding my social horizons

Mama comment: social horizons? What in the world does that mean? Never mind. He's 13, I don't think I want to know :) The part I love though is that there is an accountability factor. Cole had to be aware and not just go through the motions and have fun. It is the ultimate experience of LEARN THROUGH PLAY. My preferred method for my kids to learn.

The final word from the Teacher Facilitator was that: Cole should take more initiative from the perspective of self-direction. Cole is encouraged to become the chair person of the intra-mural committee for next year and has been told to approach the principal the first week of school and communicate this challenge. He is to take charge and see it through.

OELC really does a wonderful job. All aspects of learning are incorporated into an entire weeks worth of activities. The kids eat, drink, play and sleep the principles we most want them to learn in order to be current and future leaders. Some of the activities over the week included:

Trust Activities
Yoga
Ultimate Frisbee
CIRA Games
Sportsball
Cunkin
Tchoukball
And more!

This was the first time Cole went to overnight camp without a sibling! I was nervous, he was excited. If Claire's experience is anything to go by, Cole has just made long-standing friendships with those he met at camp and solidified relationships with those friends he knew before attending - and there were a ton of them! If you ever have an opportunity to send your child to such a wonderful place, or even OELC itself, do so! It is a life changing experience. 

For him. And me.

It's a whole new sport adventure

Claire has been playing with a bat since she was little. I think she joined her first softball team when she was four. Last year her baseball team won the OBAs - you don't get any better than that! After a decade of bat and ball it was time for a change.

I'm pretty sure Louis and I were both hoping for golf. I know I was.

Alas, our girl had other plans:

RUGBY!

She loves it. I think I'll love it too when I get used to the game, know the rules and learn to relax when

she is winded or worse!

It's a lot to get used to ... going from a non-contact sport to this is a lot to get used to ... for all of us!

 

"No" issues

I don't know if my boy has some kind of time-making machine hidden in his bedroom, or has some need to push the envelope at some sorry attempt at self-sabotage, or some serial inability to say "no" or the ridiculous belief he is an only child regardless of overwhelming evidence to the contrary; but, I'm exhausted and I'm just his chauffeur and calendar keeper!

The photos of Cole's activities are from THIS week.

Middle School Music Night was a hilight because my boy sung a solo and was quite nervous about it. But in his very "oh-so-Cole" way, confident as well. Not only that but he managed to earn himself the Musicianship Award for his year in vocal. Huh?

Cole is a linebacker and is really enjoying his inaugural football season. His first game with the Titan team is on Sunday at St. Michael's College in Toronto. He has been practicing with the team and studying plays at home since early-April. He loves the idea of playing a "collision" sport. Nice change for him; shuddering experience for his mother. (He is on the left - gray t-shirt hanging)

Spring hockey is another new experience. I think he's thrilled, nervous, curious, and determined, all rolled into one large boy on skates. Last week his team went 1-2-1 which was not the best of showings, but it is all part of the learning curve. He has nothing to do but improve. The best part of that? He knows it, and welcomes the challenge.

 

Rugby has been a complete revelation. Cole LOVES it. Louis and I don't have a clue about the game other than the very basics. We know what we need to know: our boy loves it and he's good at it. Yesterday he and his Appleby Blue Dogs beat the Ridley team to win the championship. The first championship in YEARS which just made the victory that much sweeter.

Oh, and I forgot, one more activity: PLAY! Cole has a lead role in the Middle School production of High School Musical, only because (clearly) he didn't have enough to do with the sports commitments. I'd post a photo but his own personal Mamarazzi is banned from rehearsal!

On top of it all (yes, there is more) my baby is expected to get good marks. I mean, really good marks. In the case of all my children it is my firm belief that they meet the expectations you hold for them: so mine are high. Very high. Academically. The rest? Play what you want. HAVE FUN. We've had seasons of baseball, lacrosse, hockey, soccer, gymnastics, jiu jitsu, hockey, fencing, swimming, dragon boat, and more. It's all about the fun and the life lessons lessons.

(Shhh. I have to admit how incredibly proud I am of Cole. He is learning lessons in sport, in drama and at home that he can't learn in a classroom. Collaborative efforts are what make the world go 'round and he is learning such tangible things in some creative and unconventional ways.)

Now, I recognize that May is particularly INSANE for the number of activities, commitments, finishes and starts, please know that I don't go, and my children don't go, 12-months-straight of this insane nonsense, but there are more than a few days of NUTSO!

Though, choosing FIVE activities this term has been a little excessive.

Cole has learned well: go big or go home. I hope that spirit lives within him forever. I also hope he learns CONTEXT. I don't know that we can manage this schedule, again. Ever. Please?

But boy, has it ever been fun!

Once.

Whatever will I take pictures of now?

My Best Shot Monday: Coaching

DISCLAIMER: Rink shots are hard. The Plexiglas is marred and dirty. The lighting stinks!

Cole attended his first elite hockey tournament, ever, over the weekend. The speed and intensity of each game was not intimidating; it was invigorating. I think he was sad to see the end of each game; he loved every minute of it.

As his mum, the part I loved was watching him come off each shift and have a coach speak to him. His performance was constantly analyzed and critiqued and COMMUNICATED. A completely foreign concept and welcome change. Cole absorbed all of the information and you could see his steady improvement during all five games from Friday through Sunday. 

Heartfelt thanks to each coach for ... coaching:

I was positively giddy with delight the first few times it happened. Then I realized this is a normal part of the game.

An all new game.

My Best Shot Monday: Near Miss

I thought it was funny that Cole looked directly at the camera after this near miss. He was going full tilt at his rugby game and almost squished one of the smaller members of his team. If nothing else, Cole is aware of what is going on around him and aware of his size. He really doesn't want to hurt anyone, even if it would be inadvertent. The look makes me laugh :)

Leading up to the near miss:

 

So, that day, Daniel did not become a pancake! Whoot :)

Team-Up Thursday: Sport

This week, I chose the theme Sport since both of Shirley's kids, and half of mine, are active in some way shape or form. Shirley has an avid baseball player (which made me miss that this is the very first year in 10 that I have no one playing any form of bat-and-ball) and my Cole is playing his first season of football.

If you are enjoying these assignments and want to see more, head on over to the Team-Up Thursday Flickr Gallery and check out oodles of diptych examples. If you want to join in, you can visit Melody or Megan and let them know you want in on the fun!

Cole is SAM

Do you remember my entry regarding Cole starting football?

Well, it turns out he is a SAM linebacker. You know, the one who eats small children for breakfast.

Cole is LOVING every minute of the sport. They've only had practice, so far, and he is so looking forward to playing in a game. He really enjoys the whole discipline and hard work of it all. The coaches are firm but fair and are anxious to teach. Good thing, because Cole is eager to learn. The most fun Cole had was when the head coach got up in front of the group and explained that "football is not a contact sport; it is a collision sport", boy was he ever pumped after that little talk!

For the most part Louis has been taking Cole to his practices at Appleby and Loyola, our schedule has been so busy it just makes sense. They really like the new Loyola field. I'm hoping to get out and take some photos, of course. It is going to be an interesting challenge, but I figure if I keep to what I know about sport - follow the ball - my photos should turn out pretty well.

In this case, I followed Cole, who was after the kid with the ball:

Got him!

Between football after school and rugby at school, Cole has been pretty banged up an bruised, not to mention the hockey and power skating, but you can't deny the smile on his face. Or the bruises and scabs on his elbows and knees. I'm kind of relieved when he's at play rehearsal, at least I know he's not in any physical danger!

Ah, sport.

Gotta love it.

All Cole, all the time ...

Well, not really, but of all my four children, Cole is the most active in a photograph-friendly way. This is how he makes his way onto the blog so often! I will somehow manage to get Claire, Chloe and Caden equally represented, but right now?

It's about Cole.

It's about rugby.

Yesterday was the first game of the season. Appleby vs Trinity College School. The final score was 47-0. In that score, Cole contributed 7 points (a try) and many incredible tackles for which I have no clue the proper term!

See him, there? #8? Trying to take down a tree-trunk? Yep, that's my boy.

He's still trying!

And trying some more ...

Got him! Do you see the hand? In the middle of the shot? It's attached to my son. Under the tree trunk!

Yep, he's still under him.

Yes, boys, please, move away. Let's see what's underneath. A pancake?

Hello?

Oh, good, there he is!

Oh my!

I don't know if this is really a sport. It seems more like a battle!

Mind you, at some point during the game Cole did manage to tackle a kid and not only dislocate his shoulder, but he broke his arm. Well, he didn't break his arm, the kid landed awkwardly and the arm broke.

I don't know if I can take much more of this, and this was the first game!

I don't know if I want him to take much more!

By 8PM the bruises were clearly visible and he has a bit of a black eye. Battle wounds. He had a nice long soak and took himself off to bed. So much for his science homework! Kind of glad I didn't toss him on the ice as he was supposed to do, that would have been plain mean. 

When asked if he enjoys rugby, his response: "LOVE it!". My response? Save me!

Between rugby and it's equipment-heavy cousin, football, I could spend a lot of time with bandages, gauze and polysporin this summer!

My Best Shot Monday: Dirt

The girls have been *hmm* absent from my photographs lately ... they seem to be nowhere to be found when I have my camera in hand! Must remedy that for next week :)

Cole was just back from his crack-of-dawn rugby practice on Saturday and he was coated in dirt. The light was coming in at such an angle it really highlighted the strength in his legs. Of course, I had to take a shot!

What is your best shot this Monday? Do you have a photo to showcase? Be sure to join in My Best Shot Monday, go here for details :)

Today is also the 12th of the month which means I'll be posting my 12of12 by the end of the day today. I hope to get a few shots of the girls. Wish me luck!

Quick Album Project

One of the families on Cole's Ranger hockey team this past season are moving away. The dad was one of the coaches and his son, a fellow defenceman who ended the year brilliantly, learning and improving a ton over the season. All of the players did.

We are unable to attend the big "going away" bash for them Saturday night.

What were we to do? A gift was in order, but a bottle of wine didn't seem enough for all of the hours and hours of together over the course of the last 10 months! So, I did what I know how to do:

I made an album!

Lucky for me, as team photographer, I had oodles of shots from which to choose, but because I don't have permission to post their photos, I'll just outline what I put together.

A simple, 24-page 4x6 album. The perfect quick project.

I'm typing this all out with specifics because I plan to do a couple of more albums similar in format for some special friends - and maybe it can give you some structure for your album!

Cover Page: Photo of Subject, in this case, pee wee hockey player :)
Page 1-2: Team Photo (top) Team Roster (bottom)
Page 3-4: Off Ice Conditioning Photos
Page 5-6: Social Events (in this case summer party and garage sale)
Page 7-8: Season in Review (tournaments, regular season and playdowns with all stats)
Page 9-10: Team Photos with trophies
Page 11-12: Team Photos with trophies
Page 13-14: Lined Card (top): My memories of this season with the Oakville Rangers for player with a photo of player bottom
Page 15-16: Lined Card (bottom): My memories of this season ... for coach with a photo of coach on top
Page 17-18: Lined Card (top): My memories ... for mum with a photo of mum below
Page 19-20: Photos of player
Page 21-22: Photos of player (top) A few game details (bottom)
Back Page: Note to family from us!

A few notes on the project:

In the case of this album I used a Creative Memories PicFolio. The sleeves are a big bigger than your 4x6 photos, so each had to be mounted on a 4.5x6.5 piece of cardstock. All stats and information was typed onto 4x6 Bazzill white cardstock and also mounted to create consistency.

Total supplies used:

• 1 album
• 1 sheet Bazzill white cardstock
• 8 sheets Bazzill red cardstock (4.5x6.5 is a brutal size!)
• Thickers for title
• 24 Photos (all extras tucked behind mounted photos)

The beauty of this kind of album is that, due to it's construct, there is not enough space for a lot of embellishments. I really prefer a streamlined and clean album and this kind just forces you not to stray too far from that idea.

What a sense of accomplishment when it was finally done. Not only that, but when I delivered it on Thursday, the look on Marilyn's face - and the tears in her eyes, let me know that it was the perfect gift. So much better than a bottle of wine!

ETA: Permission Granted (Thanks Marilyn & DiBenedetto men!!)

These photos were taken not to be posted, but to remind me of the album order and idea so they just happen to be shot in a very sunny window with tons of shadow, but you get the idea. If you're a visual person, like me, this kind of thing always helps!

Will, Sam or Mike?

Cole came back from his first football practice and announced that Coach has decided that he is a linebacker. Now, admittedly, I'm happy that Cole is playing football for two reasons: I love the game and I can practice action shots outside this Spring. Then I realized, I love the game more when it's other people's children being crunched!

I have been watching football for what seems like forever. It is a great game with plenty of great stories, really great stories. Great motivational quotes, I love Vince Lombardi, he's helping me raise my kids! I lived in Buffalo through the Marv Levy/Jim Kelly years of making it to the Super Bowl but never winning. Plenty of larger than life personalities and I've met some wonderful men who played the game (Bruce Smith, Dan Marino, Don Meredith) I've also met some crazies (Conrad Dobler, O.J. Simpson, Thurman Thomas) and every personality in between.

Most of my memories of football are of sitting with my dad watching college and NFL games while growing up. He is a huge sports fan and loved the game, the flash and personality of it all, as well as knowing every rule and how each game was played. It wasn't until I went to University that I got my first dose of Canadian football with all kinds of new rules, no marching bands, no cheerleaders, and freezing cold temperatures! It was there that I learned to love the Canadian game.

The differences are small, but significant. The Canadian field is bigger, some positions play a bit differently and there are three downs as opposed to the American four-down rule. If  you're interested, go here to read a pretty comprehensive comparison: Wiki.

Now, I love football, but I haven't watched anything but the Grey Cup or SuperBowl in years. So, as I do, I didn't want to rely on my vague recollection that in my youth, Dick Butkus and Lawrence Taylor were Linebackers and they were tough and mean. I've met Mr. Butkus and he is lovely, though I doubt he was on the field! I wanted to educate myself a bit and found this write-up online:

The Linebackers

Linebackers are a special breed. They like to torture small animals, drink blood and eat children for breakfast. Linebackers are often quite famous: Ray Nitschke, Dick Butkus, Lawrence Taylor, Mike Singletary, Ray Lewis. These guys are the "enforcers" of the defense. Their job is to make sure that nothing good happens for the offense in the middle of the field, and that the running back has trouble sleeping tonight due to his many bruises and pains.

There are three linebackers, each with a slightly different job. The middle linebacker,  is the quarterback of the defense. It's his job to make sure all the other defensive players are lined up correctly and know what scheme they're going to use on the next play to try to stymie the offence. The middle linebacker will also be responsible to see that the running back has no success running between the tackles. In the passing game, if the running back or full back comes into the middle of the field to be an outlet receiver, the middle linebacker's job is to disrupt the pass and make the back regret every coming into his territory. Middle linebackers rarely have all of their teeth. To a middle linebacker, this is a point of pride. The middle linebacker is often called "Mike," where M is for middle. A middle linebacker will typically weigh 245 to 255 pounds. He has to be a very good runner, as his responsibility on a running play is to be where ever the ball is, either making the tackle or helping. (Famous middle linebackers include Mike Singletary, Dan Morgan, Ray Lewis, Brian Urlacher, Dick Butkus, Jack Lambert, Zach Thomas, Tedy Bruschi, and Ray Nitschke.)

The strong side linebacker, is to help contain the running back on the strong side of the field. To do this, he must take on the tight end on nearly every play. The strong side linebacker is also responsible to see that the tight end never catches a pass, or if he happens to he winds up regretting it. The strong side linebacker will typically be about as big as the middle linebacker, about 245 to 255 pounds. The strong side linebacker is often called "Sam," where S is for strong side. (Famous strongside linebackers include Jack Ham, Shawne Merriman, Bill Romanowski, Willie McGinest, and LaVar Arrington.)

The weak side linebacker, is normally a bit lighter and faster than the other two linebackers. He does not wrestle with 265 pound tight ends, or 250 pound straight-ahead running backs like the Sam and Mike linebackers do. His job is to contain cut back running backs who come over to the weak side. He will also help out with coverage in the passing game. Frequently a running back or fullback will come out of the backfield as an outlet receiver. In this case, it will often be the weak side linebacker's responsibility to cover this guy and prevent a pass, or at least tackle the guy immediately. The weak side linebacker is often called "Will," where W is for weak side. (Famous weakside linebackers include Lawrence Taylor, Junior Seau, Takeo Spikes, Julian Peterson, Derrick Brooks, Lavar Arrington, DeMarcus Ware and Joey Porter.)

Holy smokes!

Torture small animals?

Drink blood?

Eat children for breakfast?

Ah well, I guess someone has to do it! Cole quite enjoyed his first practice and is looking forward to the next one. He's never played the game before and joined so he could spend some time with one of his buddies, so I'm pretty sure we'll be making a trip to Blockbuster to rent some football movies, or even old games, I'm sure we can find some on line! LT in his prime, maybe? He's already asking about how to go about sacking the quarterback. Hmm. Maybe this is a good sport for him!

Photo of Lawrence Taylor found here.

Wishcasting Wednesday: Break

What do you wish to take a break from?

Hockey games. Just a little break. The good news? My wish came true last night when Cole's Ranger team won the Tri-County Pee Wee AE Championship. We will still have plenty of time in the rink with practices and 3on3 games, but no high-pressure games for a while!

What is your wish? Each Wednesday morning, I eagerly anticipate the assignment from Jamie at Jamie Ridler Studios (though today I got distracted and headed over late today, like only minutes ago!) If you're looking for a bright spot in your day, head on over to check her out.

Success is in the journey

Grandma Moses, famous late bloomer :)

I am a great believer that I am meant to do great things.

I have no idea what that great thing might be.

I am a work in progress and enjoying every step of this journey. Perhaps I am simply meant to be a good mother, a writer, an artist, an advice giver, a photographer, a people observer, cheerleader. list maker.

There is an incredible pressure to be a success, early.

There are many examples in my little corner of the world. The one that springs immediately to mind is hockey.  As early as six years of age there is always a group of parents desperate to have their boys in the "rep" hockey system because their little guy is the best skater, best passer, best hockey-sense, best whatever. Push. Push. Push. With rare exception those boys are not in the rep system or sometimes, sadly, give up hockey all together by the time they are in their early teens. Not only can they as a player not keep up the pace but their parents lose their drive when they realize that their little Gretzky or Howe are not actually going to "the show".

Can you imagine being a hero at six years of age and a failure by sixteen?

Maybe there is a certain perspective to be gained by not reaching success before the ripe old age of 45. Wait, I have to ask the kids. Yup, it's been confirmed. I am old.

That doesn't mean that I have not had successes, indeed I have.

Who knows? Maybe the real success is in the journey?

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Go check out the 10 Things That Make Me Happy over at A Beautiful Ripple Effect. What 10 things make you happy? Post it and send me a link!

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Be sure to visit over at Feeling Scrappy and check out the goings-on. I'm going to play with Becky's photography challenge today. Have you joined our Facebook Group yet? See you over there!

Olympic Favourites

In our house you would think there was nothing going on in the world between February 12 and February 28, 2010. Of course, there was, but our television was always dialed into CTV, TSN or SportsNet for Olympic coverage. If news didn't break in to be covered, we were oblivious and will no doubt have to spend the next few weeks playing catch up.

(I didn't even seen my ladies on the View! Now that's dedication!)

My kids were enthralled with the events. I asked them what their favourite sports were and I was pleasantly surprised by their answers:

Claire is completely in love with the Half Pipe:

 

She was completely inspired by Sean White who went out and killed it by giving 110% in his final run when he had already won the competition. I am thrilled that she is inspired and more thrilled that he showed such character - and my kid recognized it.

Cole was really taken by the downhill ski events:

I am thrilled Cole is interested in sports other than hockey. Not that he didn't love the hockey, he did. But he was energized and engaged with the speed, the skill and determination of the ski athletes. As well as the long track speed skaters.

Chloe is just a wee thing and I am not surprised at the appeal of the Short Track Speed Skating:

Fast and furious, these athletes deke in and out on razor blades attached to their feet! Crazy. But fantastic to watch.

Caden was glued, positively glued to the the television whenever he had an opportunity to watch:

Ski-cross! It is fast and insane! Very much like moto-cross on snow, it is wild. I had never seen it before. Caden was completely captivated: moreso by the ski version than the snowboard. Interesting kid. Already asking me where he can find a ski-cross course somewhere close by. Give me strength!

They continue to chatter on about the entire Olympics (not just the gold medal hockey game - which was awesome). We are going through some kind of wild cold sport withdrawal! Now they're looking forward to watching the sledge hockey through the Paralympics next week.

Were you as captivated by the Olympics as we were? What was your favourite sport?

My Best Shot Monday: Back to Normal?

Canada won the Olympic Gold Medal in hockey last night: a heart-stopping triumph over Team USA in overtime! We've barely had a chance to catch our breath and Caden has already abandoned his patriotic Canada wear for his much loved Habs (Montreal Canadiens) touque and shirt. He quickly ate his breakfast this morning and his first question was, when is the next hockey game? I looked it up: Habs vs Bruins play Tuesday at 7PM. Guess what we're watching on Tuesday night? :)

Canadian Patriotism

No, that title is not an oxymoron. Most Canadians I know, by birth or by choice, are the most fiercely patriotic people I've ever met. Always compared to Americans, but we are not. Always defined by our natural resources, and hockey players, and comedians. We have a small but mighty population of talented, peaceful, resourceful people and we are generally reserved about touting it. Don't mistake our reserve for anything but what it is: confidence and quiet resolve.

Uncharacteristically, during the brilliant, positively BRILLIANT, opening ceremony of the Olympics last night, the main entertainment portion featured so much, including: fiddlers, tappers, whales, wheat, a lesbian singer, flying children, lit bears, aboriginal performers, snowboarders and a slam poem read by it's author. Honestly, how many nations would represent like that at a major event? There are many places to see fantastic images, for a small selection of incredible photos, head here.

Anyway, it was the poem that stuck with me. (I wasn't able to stay up late enough to see much after the parade of nations. I even missed the lighting ceremony - but managed to catch the highlights on the morning coverage.) Some on twitter and Facebook were shocked at the poem, but being a Canadian, I'm not. I knew exactly what he was saying. Giving voice to what is in the heart of every Canadian I have ever met.

We Are More
by Shane Koyczan

 When defining Canada
 you might list some statistics
 you might mention our tallest building
 or biggest lake
 you might shake a tree in the fall
 and call a red leaf Canada
 you might rattle off some celebrities
 might mention Buffy Sainte-Marie
 might even mention the fact that we've got a few
 Barenaked Ladies
 or that we made these crazy things
 like zippers
 electric cars
 and washing machines
 when defining Canada
 it seems the world's anthem has been
 " been there done that"
 and maybe that's where we used to be at
 it's true
 we've done and we've been
 we've seen
 all the great themes get swallowed up by the machine
 and turned into theme parks
 but when defining Canada
 don't forget to mention that we have set sparks
 we are not just fishing stories
 about the one that got away
 we do more than sit around and say "eh?"
 and yes
 we are the home of the Rocket and the Great One
 who inspired little number nines
 and little number ninety-nines
 but we're more than just hockey and fishing lines
 off of the rocky coast of the Maritimes
 and some say what defines us
 is something as simple as please and thank you
 and as for you're welcome
 well we say that too
 but we are more
 than genteel or civilized
 we are an idea in the process
 of being realized
 we are young
 we are cultures strung together
 then woven into a tapestry
 and the design
 is what makes us more
 than the sum total of our history
 we are an experiment going right for a change
 with influences that range from a to zed
 and yes we say zed instead of zee
 we are the colours of Chinatown and the coffee of Little Italy
 we dream so big that there are those
 who would call our ambition an industry
 because we are more than sticky maple syrup and clean snow
 we do more than grow wheat and brew beer
 we are vineyards of good year after good year
 we reforest what we clear
 because we believe in generations beyond our own
 knowing now that so many of us
 have grown past what used to be
 we can stand here today
 filled with all the hope people have
 when they say things like "someday"
 someday we'll be great
 someday we'll be this
 or that
 someday we'll be at a point
 when someday was yesterday
 and all of our aspirations will pay the way
 for those who on that day
 look towards tomorrow
 and still they say someday
 we will reach the goals we set
 and we will get interest on our inspiration
 because we are more than a nation of whale watchers and lumberjacks
 more than backpacks and hiking trails
 we are hammers and nails building bridges
 towards those who are willing to walk across
 we are the lost-and-found for all those who might find themselves at a loss
 we are not the see-through gloss or glamour
 of those who clamour for the failings of others
 we are fathers brothers sisters and mothers
 uncles and nephews aunts and nieces
 we are cousins
 we are found missing puzzle pieces
 we are families with room at the table for newcomers
 we are more than summers and winters
 more than on and off seasons
 we are the reasons people have for wanting to stay
 because we are more than what we say or do
 we live to get past what we go through
 and learn who we are
 we are students
 students who study the studiousness of studying
 so we know what as well as why
 we don't have all the answers
 but we try
 and the effort is what makes us more
 we don't all know what it is in life we're looking for
 so keep exploring
 go far and wide
 or go inside but go deep
 go deep
 as if James Cameron was filming a sequel to The Abyss
 and suddenly there was this location scout
 trying to figure some way out
 to get inside you
 because you've been through hell and high water
 and you went deep
 keep exploring
 because we are more
 than a laundry list of things to do and places to see
 we are more than hills to ski
 or countryside ponds to skate
 we are the abandoned hesitation of all those who can't wait
 we are first-rate greasy-spoon diners and healthy-living cafes
 a country that is all the ways you choose to live
 a land that can give you variety
 because we are choices
 we are millions upon millions of voices shouting
 " keep exploring... we are more"
 we are the surprise the world has in store for you
 it's true
 Canada is the "what" in "what's new?"
 so don't say "been there done that"
 unless you've sat on the sidewalk
 while chalk artists draw still lifes
 on the concrete of a kid in the street
 beatboxing to Neil Young for fun
 don't say you've been there done that
 unless you've been here doing it
 let this country be your first-aid kit
 for all the times you get sick of the same old same old
 let us be the story told to your friends
 and when that story ends
 leave chapters for the next time you'll come back
 next time pack for all the things
 you didn't pack for the first time
 but don't let your luggage define your travels
 each life unravels differently
 and experiences are what make up
 the colours of our tapestry
 we are the true north
 strong and free
 and what's more
 is that we didn't just say it
 we made it be.

My Best Shot Monday: Happy Boys

My heart is bursting with joy for these boys.

It has been a tough season with Caden's team dwelling in the bottom half of the rankings in his local league play. The Knights have a bunch of individually talented players and it has taken them since October to get it together and gel as a team. They have been improving bit by bit, each week through the season. The change is so lovely to watch. Their growth. Their enthusiasm.

Over this past weekend they participated in the 27th Annual Humber Valley Winter Tournament and won the championship vs. a very good team from Georgetown. For those who know hockey, this is a select tournament and our boys are a house league team. They did very well for themselves and are now the Minor Atom champions.

Sunday was also a bit of a test for me as a mum.

I let Cole head off to his first playoff game, in Orangeville (90 minutes away) with a teammate and that teammate's dad (thanks C and A!) so that Louis and I could be at Central Arena in Etobicoke to support Caden. It was so important for my little guy to know that his tournament was just as important as his brother's playoff game, probably more important.

It was a weird day. I know I'll continue to have weird days. I can't believe we've not run into a conflict like this before now. Now that they're all getting older and as much as I want them to have their independence, I want to be with them every step of the way.

I am so happy I was able to watch him. So overjoyed at his huge smile. He is so enthusiastic, and today, that is what made it such a joy to be there with him.

Do you have a photo to showcase? Be sure to join in My Best Shot Monday, go here for details :)

SOOC Saturday: Volleyball

I went over to watch Claire and the girls on her volleyball team play a series of games against BSS a few days ago. Claire has never really played volleyball in any organized fashion - except for one volleyball camp when she was about 8 or 9. She was so intimidated and afraid she would let the team down. Well, she's managed to work her way onto the first team. Not only is she enthusiastic and a great team player, she is a quick study and is really learning to enjoy the game.

Gotta love a girl who always gives 100% - even when, as a result, she lands on her butt :)

My Best Shot Monday: Champions

So exciting! Two victorious games on Thursday. Two victorious games on Friday. By lunchtime on Friday our team had 21 goals for and 3 goals against entering the Quarter Final which ended in a 13-0 victory. The boys enjoyed a semi-final victory on Saturday with a tough game and more reasonable score of 2-1 over the Huntsville Chargers (what a wonderful team and a great game).

All of those high-scoring, 3-pass third periods can work for or against any team. Fortunately teams were in the same situations with many blowouts met with a really tough team in the semi's. This journey set up the finals on Sunday.

What a nail-biter on Sunday. The Oakville Rangers PeeWee AE team won over the Whitby Wildcats with less than a second left in overtime. The final score: 2-1.

Wow, what a weekend! I know the boys are both physically and emotionally exhausted. The parents are wrung out. Hundreds of photos were taken and uploaded. Much gas was used on our repeated trips up and down the QEW. We wouldn't trade it for anything, except maybe some time for homework to be completed. Nah.

Enjoy your week!

SOOC Saturday: Early Mornings

Thursday brought with it snow and an abnormally early start to our day. I left with Cole for an 8:30AM game in St. Catharines - about an hour drive away. We had to be there an hour early as we are for all hockey games. We were out the door by 6:15AM. This is a photo of the holly bush outside our front door. The light came from the headlights of the truck.

Years ago, before any of my children played hockey, I was very disapproving of those who pulled their kids out of school for hockey tournaments. How could hockey be more important than education? Just another example of "never say never".

Now that I have my two boys in hockey, though I would much prefer them not miss school, if a tournament is scheduled on a Thursday and Friday, how do you let the team down by not participating? Especially once you leave the ranks of house league where things are far more equal and democratic, as it should be, and roles are less defined. Fortunately (though Cole is not that thrilled about it!), I have received all of his missed lessons from his teachers. I've even received a few e-mails asking about how his team is doing. I love that they're interested! Love technology even more :)

It was really hard to earn a spot in the International Silver Stick tournament, our boys played a few very strong local teams at the Regional event. The international had been a bit of an easy go, until this morning. Our Rangers ran into a very tough team from Huntsville, Alabama with a goalie who has either puck-repellent built into his gear, or something equally magical. He was incredible. I hated to see them lose, but someone had to win. I was happy that our Ranger boys prevailed the 2-1 nailbiter!

We head to the finals tomorrow. Another 8:30AM game.

Go Rangers!

One Month Anniversary :)

I have to thank you.

Everyone who has come to visit me here at Embrace Life in the last month.

This has been a very full four weeks! The end of one year, the start of another; end of one decade, the start of another; the end of two blogs, the start of one!

I'm a stat person and am thrilled that, according to Sitemeter, I've entertained:

I appreciate everyone who has left a comment, a bit of themselves to share with everyone! According to Typepad you've been (thankfully!) very chatty. You have left a ton of comments. A total of 215! And I have loved "talking" to you all. I'm big on feedback. I'd far rather hear what you have to say :)

One of the lovely women I met at Shimelle's blogging course last fall, posted a Wordle of her week. I thought I'd post one of my first month (because I can't figure out how to do just a week!), a word snapshot of what I've been blathering about the last month:

I laugh because my "one word" was almost enough. My big struggle word: is it enough, am I enough, have I had enough, I've had enough, my kids provide enough :)

I love writing and blogging. This has been a lot of fun. Thanks for joining me on this journey!

As for today? Today is crazy.

Claire is off to school to meet the bus for the volleyball tournament in Ajax (opposite side of Toronto) for 6AM. We expect her home some time after 8PM.

Then I'm off to pick up a Ranger team-mate then off to watch Cole and his hockey team participate in the International Silver Stick. To the uninitiated (that includes me) it is an elite tournament. There are kids coming in to play from California, Alabama, Virginia, Michigan, Indiana as well as all over Ontario. Thank goodness it's just down the road in St. Catharine's, a 45 minute drive away. Yesterday they started slow but managed to win both games. Cole played well. 'Player of the Game' in the first game vs. Port Perry and a solid performance in the second game vs. Strathroy. We play Mount Clemens (Michigan) this morning and hopefully make it into the quarter finals in the afternoon. If they win they play on Saturday, if not, we sleep! If they play win on Saturday, we advance to the finals. Eek!

I'd love to think how great our boys could be if they met this level of competition every game they play! It's been wonderful :) Such incredible talent and dedication from so many 1997 boys! The Port Perry defense? Amazing! Totally great. Strathroy started so strong, if they could keep that momentum they'd be unbeatable! It's been so nice to meet parents from all over. At this level we're pretty sure no one is heading on a first-class ticket to the NHL! So nice to talk to people interested in sport for the sake of sport, as a metaphor.

A metaphor for life :)

It's all about hockey, well, almost all the time

Growing up in a family with no brothers*, I never anticipated spending my time in a hockey rink. I went to the occasional Toronto Maple Leafs game, when I lived in Toronto. I went to the occasional Buffalo Sabres game, when I lived in Buffalo. I even dated the occasional hockey player (on rare occasion, in the '80s, there was a hockey player over 5'11"!) Never did I learn anything about the game. Offside? Huh? Hooking, checking, spearing, icing were all foreign terms; though, I did get tripping, that, thank goodness, was obvious! Oh, that was such a long time ago.

I certainly never anticipated raising hockey players. Why in the world would I want to get up at 4:30AM to make a 6AM practice? In a cold rink, no less? Why would my children? Multiple practices. Multiple games. Tons of laundry. Skate sharpening. Hockey tape, oh, the hockey tape!

You can't fight culture. We are Canadian. We live in a hockey town. Hockey has been a real adventure filled with plenty of good, plenty of bad, and a lot in between. A real insight into the human condition. I'm a people watcher, so this has been a tremendous experience to see a lot! Some days have been so heart-warming, it makes me cry; some is so outrageous, it makes me cry.

Cole started "late" at the ripe old age of six. He was "doomed" from the start and I was assured he'd never be good enough to play "rep" since the teams are chosen practically from infancy, or your social circle. He was determined to learn how to be a good hockey player. Why? Because it was something he could conquer, a tangible talent he could master. Master it? Not yet, but he's well on his way. Each season he has takes it to new heights of dedication. After all, he started hockey not to learn how to play hockey, but to see that with hard work, grit, determination and the right coaching, you can learn some skills; skills he'll need some day in a boardroom or courtroom or some other place which requires years of training, fortitude, drive and ambition.

We learned from "mistakes" made with Cole and started Caden "on time" and he participated in the Timbit program. Caden is an oversized, happy-go-lucky, joyful child. He plays hockey because his big brother does. Or, he did. Now he plays hockey because he loves it. Absolutely loves it. He plays with a great sense of fun and camaraderie. It provides him with is social fulfilment, he loves his teammates. He has a passion for the game. Though he has a different approach than that of his brother, he's determined to be the best player he can be. 

Both boys are a joy to watch and I'm so glad that those early days of dragging four children to Canlan Ice Sports for power skating classes, with hockey bags and strollers and diaper bags, turned out to be worth it. I still remember the crazy frustration of figuring out how the equipment worked and those old garters, how they tormented me!

The equipment has come a long way, as have we.

Earlier this week I was forwarded an article from ESPN. I've cut out the preamble, but to get an idea of our hockey life, it's 13 pretty accurate (to my experience) rules of hockey:

This is my gigantic preamble (to read the preamble, go here) to why you should one day sign up your young son or daughter to play youth hockey at a local rink near you. If nothing else, it gets them away from electronics and teaches them a small slice of humanity that they can take forward through life, a life with more heart and less battery power. The rink's cold robs electronics of their battery power and signal reception, anyway.

So, if you are a first-time hockey parent, or dream of one day spending more than $10,000 and sacrificing weekends for a decade of glamorous youth or "minor" hockey, here are 13 important things you need to know about the youth hockey universe -- and hockey in general -- to help speed up the assimilation process in joining the "Congregation of Independent Insane in the Membrane Hockey Community Union" or COIIITMHCU. If you move those letters around you eventually get Chicoutimi. A miracle from the star-filled heavens above. (I'm sure my fellow COIIITMHCU members will offer even more, and we can post next week.)

1. Under no circumstances will hockey practice ever be cancelled. Ever. Even on days when school is cancelled, practice is still on. A game may be cancelled due to inclement weather because of travel concerns for the visiting team, but it would have to rain razor blades and bocce balls to cancel hockey practice at your local rink. It's good karma to respect the game.

2. Hockey is an emotional game and your child has the attention span of a chipmunk on NyQuil. The hockey coach will yell a bit during practice; he might even yell at your precious little Sparky. As long as there is teaching involved and not humiliation, it will be good for your child to be taught the right way, with emphasis.

3. Hockey is a very, very, very, very difficult game to play. You are probably terrible at it. It takes high skill and lots of courage, so lay off your kid. Don't berate them. Be patient and encourage them to play. Some kids need more time to learn how to ride the bike, but, in the end, everyone rides a bike about the same way. Your kids are probably anywhere from age 4-8 when they first take up hockey. They will not get a call from Boston University coach Jack Parker or receive Christmas cards from the Colorado Avalanche's director of scouting. Don't berate them. Demand punctuality and unselfishness for practice and games. That's it. Passion is in someone, or it isn't. One can't implant passion in their child. My primary motive in letting my kids play hockey is exercise, physical fitness and the development of lower-body and core strength that will one day land them on a VH1 reality show that will pay off their student loans or my second mortgage.

4. Actually, I do demand two things from my 10-year-old Squirt, Jackson. Prior to every practice or game, as he turns down AC/DC's "Big Jack," gets out of the car and makes his way to the trunk to haul his hockey bag inside a cold, Connecticut rink, I say, "Jack, be the hardest, most creative and grittiest worker ... and be the one having the most fun." That might be four things, but you know what I mean.

5. Your kids should be dressing themselves and tying their own skates by their second year of Squirt. Jack is 67 pounds with 0 percent body fat and arms of linguini, and he can put on, take off and tie his own skates. If he can, anyone can. I don't go in the locker room anymore. Thank goodness; it stinks in there.

6. Do not fret over penalties not called during games and don't waste long-term heart power screaming at the referees. My observational research reveals the power-play percentage for every Mite hockey game ever played is .0000089 percent; for Squirts, .071 percent. I prefer referees to call zero penalties.

7. Yell like crazy during the game. Say whatever you want. Scream every kind of inane instruction you want to your kids. They can't hear you. In the car ride home, ask them if they had fun and gently promote creativity and competiveness, but only after you take them to Denny's for a Junior Grand Slam breakfast or 7-Eleven for a Slurpee. Having a warm breakfast after an early morning weekend game will become one of your most syrupy sweet memories.

8. Whenever possible, trade in your kids' ice skates and buy used skates, especially during those growing years and even if you can afford to buy new skates every six months. Your kids don't need $180 skates and a $100 stick no matter what your tax bracket is. They will not make them better players.

9. Missing practice (like we stated above) or games is akin to an Irish Catholic missing Mass in 1942. We take attendance at hockey games very seriously. Last week, the Islanders' Brendan Witt was hit by an SUV in Philadelphia. Witt got up off the pavement and walked to Starbucks for a coffee, and then later played against the Flyers that night. Let me repeat that: BRENDAN WITT WAS HIT BY AN SUV ... AND PLAYED THAT NIGHT! Re-read that sentence 56 times a night to your child when they have a case of the sniffles and want to stay home to watch an "iCarly" marathon. By, the way Philadelphia police cited Witt for two minutes in jail for obstruction. Witt will appeal.

10. Teach your kids not to celebrate too much after a goal if your team is winning or losing by a lot. And by all means, tell them celebrate with the team. After they score, tell them not to skate away from their teammates like soccer players. Find the person who passed you the puck and tell him or her, "Great pass." We have immediate group hugs in hockey following a short, instinctive reaction from the goal scorer. I am proud of my boy for a lot of things, but I am most proud at how excited he gets when a teammate scores a goal. He is Alex Ovechkin in this regard.

11. There is no such thing as running up the score in hockey. This is understood at every level. It's very difficult to score goals and unexplainably exhilarating when one does. Now, if we get to 14-1, we may want to take our foot off the gas a tad.

12. Unless their femur is broken in 16 places, Mites or Squirts should not lie on the ice after a fall on the ice or against the boards. Attempt to get up as quickly as one can and slowly skate to the bench.

13. Do not offer cash for goals. This has no upside. Passion and love and drive cannot be taught or bought. I do believe a certain measure of toughness and grit can be slowly encouraged and eventually taught. Encourage your kid to block shots and to battle hard in the corners. It will serve them well in life.

Enjoy the rink. Keep it fun, keep it in perspective and enjoy the madness. In this digital world of electronics, you may find hockey to be the most human endeavor you partake in. Cell phones run on batteries. Hockey players run on blood. Blood is warmer. Welcome.

He's right, there is madness. Utter madness. Cole just played in his Silver Stick tournament in Alliston last week and we saw some of the worst of hockey. Really, the worst of hockey parents. Parent. One mother-of-goalie for another team was rabid. Completely rabid. Screaming at the top of her lungs for her son to slash our boys - in the head. Seriously? Then the nut-job continued her rant after the game by going after our coach in the parking lot. She certainly brought new meaning to "sore loser". It could have been a good game. The other team has talent as our team does. They were let loose to win at all costs, all sense of discipline, grit and determination was given way to the worst elements of this sport.

We meet that team again.

Tonight.

Here's hoping we can just keep it fun!

*I'm old, in my day girls did not play organized hockey.

Christmas: Gifts for the Team

For Cole's hockey team, I am the "official" photographer. I think that simply translates to me being the mum with the biggest camera obsession. I have hundreds of photos of the boys on his team this year and decided to use this wealth of imagery and turn a select few into their Christmas gifts.

This project became more of an undertaking when I decided that a simple photo wasn't enough. I wanted quotes which reflected each player embedded into the photo (so yes, I learned Photoshop; the text tool, anyway). One of the coaches, thank goodness, agreed to choose the appropriate quote to match the personality of each boy. I know each boy on a superficial level: I can recognize them with or without their helmet on. The coach knows each boy, their real character in the change room, on the ice, before and after games. 

I chose some action photos for some kids, and mixed them up with some off-ice shots. One of the mums really wanted a nice recent photo of her son and requested a non-action shot. So it didn't stand out (kids notice these things), I made sure a few of the boys received similar shots as their gift. Maybe at the end of the year I can make up something which will flip the off-ice, on-ice representation. I wouldn't things to be considered unfair or not equal. 

Hockey quotes are hard to find. Well, hard to find when you don't want reference to blood or fighting! This is what ended up on each photo:

LD: You've got to chase your dreams.

AC: Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him. ~Jesse Jackson

CO: It's not how big you are, it's how big you play.

CD: Winning is about heart, not just legs, it's got to be in the right place. ~Lance Armstrong

CE: Losers quit when they're tired. Winners quit when they've won.

MB: Sports to not build character. They reveal it. ~John Wooden

JM: The only way around is through. ~Sigmund Freud

LC: Act as though it were impossible to fail.

AA: He's the magic man; he's got magic hands. ~Heart, 1976

RB: Cooperation is spelled with two letters: WE.

MF: When we have the puck, they can't score. ~Paul Coffey

RF: I figure practice puts your brains in your muscles.

BW: The breakfast of champions is not cereal, it's the opposition. ~Nick Seitz

NJ: A puck is a hard rubber disc that hockey players strike when they can't hit one another. ~Jimmy Cannon

TL: You've got to go to the net if you want to score. ~Tom McVie

JD: Champions keep playing until they get it right. 

AS: It is a rough road that leads to the heights of greatness. ~Seneca

I got them all assembled and I'm pretty much pleased with how they turned out. I still have a bit to learn on Photoshop! The best part ... having "elf" help putting them together.

I decided on simple tags (found here: write.click.scrapbook by the lovely Rebecca Cooper) and ribbon in lieu of wrapping (and mess).

And here's the final product, simple, displayable, giveable:

 

What do you think? Nice, eh?

The hockey party is being held at one of the player homes at the same time as we have our family Christmas so Cole has to miss the festivities. He's a bit upset, but what can you do? This time of year things get a bit out of hand and you get pulled in every direction. 

At any rate, there is my quick(ish) gift idea if you need to make something for a team of budding athletes, dance troupe, choir, or any group where you are on a limited (read: almost non-existent) budget. Perfect.

My Best Shot Monday: Team Photo Out-take

What a great bunch of kids! Cole's hockey team is at that on-the-cusp-almost-teenage stage of life. They are almost exactly the same as a group of four year old boys with more size, strength, noise and smell. Nothing makes a teenage boy laugh harder than watching the goofy antics of another teenage boy. I love how they horse around and get along so well - especially when I'm not the photographer! 

Don't you get that feel from this photo? Love this shot. Love it, love it.

Do you have a photo to showcase? Be sure to join in My Best Shot Monday, go here for details :)

Welcome!

Welcome from Lemons2Lemonade.

Welcome from theLINARstudio.

After much thought, and much input from you, my lovely readers and friendly bloggers, I've decided to combine both of my blogs and create just one space for me and my life: creative life and every day life. A place for me to embrace all of it, and share it with you.

Welcome to Embrace Life: the good, the bad, the creative!

This is a new space where I hope you pour yourself a cup of whatever makes you happy, sit down for a bit, and enjoy bits and pieces of my life, which will include:

• the books I'm reading
• how we celebrate our every day
• embracing my imperfection
• family and the adventure of raising four children
• food & drink
• creations from the studio
• gratitude
• home decor ideas
  
• things that inspire me
• domestic success and challenges
• music
• serendipity
• my e-course obsession
• people we know
• photography
• places we go
• sports, hopefully not just hockey
• and some writing, who knows, it might be good

Who knew a simple $15US e-course over at shimelle.com would turn into a whole new chapter in my blogging life? It was becoming cumbersome to write two different blogs on two different platforms and I really started to have difficulty deciding what things went where. My creative life is such an integral part of me, I wanted to share my stuff. Having identical posts on two blogs became ridiculous.

I appreciate all of the e-mails I've received from those who have supported this change and responded to my request for input. I was brought to tears, a couple of times, by your kind words and encouragement.

Let me assure you that my "regular" postings will continue as often as I can manage, and for as long as they continue to be interesting! Those include:

• Sunday: For Today
• Monday: My Best Shot Monday
• Wednesday: Wellness Wednesday and/or Wishcasting
• Thursday: *8 Things
• Friday: TGIF
• Saturday: SOOC Saturday
• Monthly: 12 of 12
• Monthly: Lessons

I'm hoping to participate in and share a few other ideas, challenges and opportunities: Creative Therapy, One Little Word (even now, in it's defunct state as of late-October, it is still overflowing with inspiration), Ella Publishing, Co., JessicaSprague.com, write.click.scrapbook., Creative Scrappers and who knows what else is out there to embrace? Oh yeah, on top of all that creative challenge, there is LIFE. Raising four active kids is always a challenge with many ups and downs. I'm thrilled to be in a huge community of those who, with me, experience the joys and struggles of raising teens and pre-teens with integrity and humour. 

So here we are.

The main request from your lovely e-mails was that I maintain the look and feel of Lemons2Lemonade. I believe I have visually, and the content should continue given that I'm bringing it all here! The other big issue raised was in regards to comments. I agreed; but, selfishly, I chose the Typepad format as it is the easiest way for me to respond to comments. I felt that the give-and-take relationship was missing from L2L and I like being able to "talk" to you!

No doubt over the next couple of weeks I'll be fiddling further with formats and such, and feel free to leave me comments if something is not working, or you'd like to see something you like. There are still things to be done, and a blog is never a static project (part of the fun ... and frustration).

This has been such an intense few days of design, decisions and occasional bouts of digi-despair. I never thought I'd ever get to this point of done. I have to say a huge thank you to my new cyber friend Sharyn for her insight and support, Jill for her incredible knowledge, as well as a few others with their hints and tricks, freely shared on blogs and message boards.  The other big thank you goes out to my children for without their need for clean clothes and rumbling stomachs, I'd never have left the computer screen. Well, except for attending over a half dozen hockey games, that got me up and dressed :)

Thanks for your support! I'm looking forward to a lot of fun :)

(For those of you who need your hand held, like me, you can go to your Google Reader and "add a subscription" so you don't miss a post. Or, if you don't use Google Reader, just bookmark the new blog. Don't use the "subscribe" button ... I still haven't figured out feedburner! Be sure to remember where I am, and come back, often!)