Random Ramblings

Lily finished her first season as a JV volleyball player. She really maintained a great attitude throughout the season. Proud of her.

We are eager to see what the next phase of high school will be like now that volleyball is over. Lily's involved with the student council and that keeps her busy.

Shelly did some cheering at one of the high schools on Friday night. They got into some rain but she said it was so much fun. She even mentioned looking up at the lights while it was raining and said how pretty the rain was in the lights. She's got such a good outlook on life. So many kids would see a chilly rainy night as a complete bummer, but not this girl.

I'm looking forward to some cooler temperatures. Hoping they'll head our way soon.

We enjoyed our favorite Starbucks drinks today since the weather was chilly and damp.

John and I went to see Gone Girl for our anniversary. Wow, that movie was amazing, disturbing, and complicated. It may not have been the best anniversary movie---not exactly a romantic comedy!







We celebrated 16 years of marriage on Friday. I am lucky to have such a funny and loving husband. He's a terrific father in addition to being a great hubby. 

More Volleyball

On average, Lily plays in three volleyball games a week. We are nearing the end of the regular season games and it has been nice to see her on the court more. 

I'm proud of how well she handled the start of her freshmen year of high school, honors classes, JV volleyball team member, and freshmen student council representative. All of that combined has meant late nights and weekends spent getting ahead for the next week's classes. 

Warming up---hit in motion

UNC Volleyball

On Saturday the girls and I went to Chapel Hill to see UNC play West Virginia in women's volleyball. It was such a fun and impromptu trip and the girls and I loved seeing the game.

The teams ready to play

Girls enjoying the game!

Entertainment at half time

After the game---beautiful evening!

Happy spectators

A little video of some of the great volleyball action between these two teams:

#15

Lily played a great game of volleyball the other night and we were fortunate to have my dad there to cheer her on. I think he was her lucky charm!!!

Changes

Lily on the court about to hit the ball. 

She is playing in a new position this year and that has been challenging at times. She played in the setter position over the last two years and did a great job there. So, she's adapting to the changes, but that has meant less play time for her. And, that girl has the best attitude about it. She never gets down about it and she always supports the other players. She holds her head up high and keeps on going. 

I know her attitude about it all will serve her well in the years to come. I'm proud of her!!!

First High School Game

Lily had her first high school volleyball game on Monday. The team played well and won the match in two games. Way to go, Cougars!

She's on the court (with a new number---#2)

Players and friends who came to watch

On the move!

2, 3, 4

Tay Tay and Lily

End of the Season

Shelly and I did some calculations and figured out that since January of this year we have seen Lily play in over 80 volleyball games!!!! Amazing. 

Lily's JO and school volleyball  season have now all come to an end. I am beyond proud of Lily's dedication to this sport. She has improved so much since she got back on the court in January. In her final game, she had a serving streak that earned her team 7 points!!!  This is the same girl who really hoped that she didn't have to serve in any of the early games she played.



Lily's school team worked well together and avoided the drama. Proud of all of these girls for working hard and playing their best. A great season filled with fun!!!!!!

That smile, at her final game, says it all!!!

A Volleyball Lesson

Lily's team played last Tuesday and they won, but the win wasn't pretty. The coach put them through a pretty tough practice on Wednesday (rightfully so). And, on Thursday they lost to a team they beat previously in the season. It was a close match with 5 games and the final game's score was 15-11. It was disappointing for all involved. Although the team lost, Lily played her best game ever. 

Lily had been suffering from allergies during the week---stuffy nose, sore throat, and headaches. So, she wasn't feeling well and wasn't too excited about the prospect of practice on Friday. She knew it would probably be another hard workout. 

On Friday, I checked her out early to go to the May Day performance at Shelly's school to see her dance. But, I did this with the understanding that I would take her back to her school for practice. I knew she wasn't feeling great and  she wasn't looking forward to practice, but I also knew it was the right thing to do. I think she may have even thought that I might cave and allow her to skip the practice. But, they have their toughest opponent to face for their last game on Monday and that practice was important.

After the program we headed back to the middle school. It was a very quiet ride and I kept telling myself---Stay Strong, Karol! It's hard to make your kids do the things they don't want to do, but as the mom, I knew I had to stay strong and stick to my guns. 

I dropped her off and told her, "I love you. Have a great practice. And, I know you're not happy with me, but I accept that". Isn't that the bottom line of parenting? We teach our children how to face the difficult stuff and we know that they won't always be happy about it. And, that's okay. It's okay to accept that they aren't always thrilled with our decisions.

But, the even bigger lesson in this story is that after she got home from practice, she was laughing and talking and she even slightly admitted that she had done the right thing. And doing the right thing feels good.

Poster for their last home game made by her "little sister"

Skills

Big news here---Shelly has finally mastered the riding of her bike solo! Yes, she's a bit older than others with this skill, but guess what??? I don't care. I'm just so glad she has the hang out of it now. So proud!!! Here she is showing off her bike riding ability:

And in Lily's sporting world, here she is playing their most recent volleyball game. She has really perfected that serve and is doing so well. Proud of this one, too!!!

Volleyball Palooza!

An all volleyball post for today!!! 

Lily had her last JO volleyball tournament for the season on Saturday in Raleigh.  She had such a good experience on the team this year. It really helped her improve her skills and build her confidence. So proud of her for overcoming a previously not-so great situation and getting back out there!!!

JO team preparing for play

Perfecting that serve

On Wednesday Lily’s school volleyball team had their first game. She’s a starter this season and that puts a smile on all of our faces. This is such great group of girls and we are all eager to watch them play!

Team Huddle

Happy volleyball player

Ready for action

Enjoying the game

Post game huddle