Family blogs

I mentioned last time that my sister was my inspiration to do this blog, but I must admit, following other family and friend blogs has been a blast. I realized that this is such an easy way to keep in touch with everyone. I have been scolded by family and friends (not mentioning names) about not sending updates on the family or pictures. Well, now there are no excuses. This blog is the opportunity to keep everyone informed, it's just their responsibility to do some reading. Woo hoo, I love when the final responsibility falls on others :)

This past weekend was quite crazy. I had to work all day Saturday at an event sponsored by our hospital, so Brad go to be the taxi - FINALLY! Although, at times I feel like it can be more work on my end when he's responsible. Needless to say, I received several phone calls (after I'd already given instructions accordingly to all 3) about what color jersey to wear, should we take a snack with us, what times are Garrett's games, what's the field number and where are the directions (which Brad saw me print that morning and put up on our ledge). All worked out fine and everyone got to where they needed to go. Unfortunately, Garrett's team lost their first and only game of the regular season.

Sunday was almost as hectic, however, I was in charge of getting everyone to where they needed to go...so of course all went fine. I got up Sunday morning, made sure Maryna's jersey was clean, made sack lunches for all 4 of us (and of course everyone wants something different) and made sure everyone was ready for church but had the appropriate clothes for after as we were heading straight to Maryna's game. Right after church we drove an hour south for Maryna to play in the final regular season game which they won 2-0.
(Finally, here's picture of Maryna playing)

Both kids have a tournament in October and then the fall season will be done. It has been a little strange this season to not coach the high school team, but I have so enjoyed watching my kids play. The coach in me, however, sometimes shows its ugly head and I want to do the coaching from the parent's sidelines (refs don't really appreciate it I must say). I'm getting better.

Brad and I both played 2 games on Sunday (1 outdoor with 40 minute halves and no subs and 1 indoor which my team had no subs). Needless to say, I was exhausted once Sunday was over.

I got to stay home from work yesterday to comp my time from Saturday. However, I did have to go to the hospital for an hour to escort same players from the Indiana Fever (WNBA team). They were going to our pediatric unit to say hi to the kids and families. Here is a picture from that...so cute!

Well, that's all for now. Hope everyone is doing well.

Finally, the Clark family four blog

Ok, so my sister has inspired me to blog. I love reading her blog and receiving updates on the family and seeing how we are crazy busy and I forget to send email updates to everyone, this might just do the trick.

So, here are some quick updates on everyone.

GARRETT
Garrett turned 10 last Sunday, September 21st. Yes, I now have 2 children in double-digits. It was really kinda cute as we sat at Maryna's soccer game on Sunday and he kept saying, "Only xx minutes until I'm 10, mom." At 11:17 that morning, he looks at me and said, "Finally, I'm 10!" We celebrated with a birthday party on Saturday at XSite laser tag. Three hours of laser tag and arcade games...a boy's dream come true.

Garrett continues to do very well in school as far as grades. The one area he is struggling in is his ability to pay attention...shocking, I know :) Anyways, I told Garrett after we got his midterms that all his grades were good, but needed to work on doing what the teacher asks him to do and not worry so much about his friends. He's been given the challenge of raising his grade in that area by the end of the quarter.

His success in soccer continues. His team is quite good and it is fun to see him realizing the talent that is on his team. One our way to a game one day, he looked at me and said matter-of-factly, "Mom, we have good players all over our team. If they're not fast, that have good ball skills and those that don't have the best ball skills are really fast. How cool is that?" Anyways, his team is struggling to not run over everyone else. Last week his coach told them that had to shoot only wtih their non-dominant foot and played a man down (they still won 16-0).

MARYNA
Maryna turned 12 today. We also celebrated her birthday on Saturday. She had a spa party at our house in the afternoon. It was complete with manicures, pedicures, facials, back massages, food and presents. They finished off the party by playing Rock Band on our XBOX360 (Brad's idea).

Maryna is doing extremely well in school and continues to be in advanced classes for math, english and spelling. Midterms proved very successful with very few complaints (which I think Maryna was very happy that mom didn't have to discuss anything in detail).

Soccer is her passion right now. After an issue with her trainer last year, we decided to move Maryna to another team. Although this team is playing at a lower level, she seems to be handling it fine. She does get frustrated many times when she makes some beautiful passes and noone on her team can put the ball in the net. We tell her to continue to be positive and work hard and she does. Two weeks ago she scored 5 goals in 2 games. She is quite the little stud!



BRAD
Brad's job continues to get better. He has started meeting with many more clients and grow his client base. He has also set up a new "agency" and is the GA (meaning the general agent, or man in charge). He has the two guys he's working with refer to him as your majesty or your highness :) Quite funny I must say.


I was laughing the other day in thinking about Brad and soccer. When we were dating, Ben was playing for the high school team and Brad used to complain about how chaotic the sport was and didn't understand why people would want to play. Well, now Brad is playing on 3 teams (1 outdoor and 2 indoor) and is Maryna's assistant coach. Glad to see I could rub off on him a bit.



MELISSA
I continue to work at the hospital. I will have completed 7 years next month - boy, time flies. Since I am not coaching high school this year, I am the team manager for Maryna's team. I also play on an outdoor team and an indoor team to stay busy. I love seeing how my kids continue to excel in all their activities and am very thankful of the talents they have been given.



Love to all our family and friends. Please keep in touch.