SparkDad

On Saturday we attended our first all day soccer tournament with the Shadow Creek Soccer Apollo Academy.

We had never been to an tournament before so we did not know what to expect. We packed chairs, canopies, snacks, games,blankets, warm clothes, cold weather clothes and water. It seems like a lot of gear but when you are playing seven games in a day you have to be prepared! The tournament was a lot of fun and not as bad as I had imagined.  There were some very competitive teams there.

Our team is very new. This is the first time that they have played together and it showed. We spent most of our time defending our goal and did not score a goal in seven games. Poor Stickman was upset because he was scored on 3 times in one game. Some of the kids on the other teams were making moves that you see in pro games! The teams were however very nice. There were no parents making fools of themselves or getting crazy mad. It was a very friendly tournament.

The keeper jersey that Stickman has on above was provided by his coach. Stickman loves to play keeper, so we may have to find him a good priced keeper jersey to call his own.  I found some nice ones at Soccer Garage. You can see the site here and get Free Shipping on Soccer Gear.

Overall the tournament was a lot of fun. We got some great photos and even Pork Chop managed to have some fun in the fall leaves!

- Spark Dad

Last Sunday, Mama and I headed out to the Texan’s game. Now, you must know that I have never been to a Texan’s game where they actually won. In fact most of the time when I go they get their butt’s handed to them. So from what I can tell I am bad "juju” for the Texan’s. All of you Texan’s fans can send me $10 per week to not attend the games and insure a win. : )

So in support of my “juju” theory, the Texan’s lost 34-10.

Even though they lost, it was still a lot of fun. Mama and I went to church and then headed to the game. We stopped and grabbed some beverages for the cooler on the way so that we could enjoy a cool drink.  We drove up in the Silverado and got a great parking spot but unfortunately all of the tailgaters were in a different lot!

We worked on video of the truck for a little bit and then headed into the game. We got to our seats at the end of the 1st quarter and it was 14-0. Not good : (

If you look closely at the right side of this picture you can see why they lost! Fumbles, no offensive line, failure to show up and bad “juju”.

Lets hope that this week the Texan’s fair better. I am NOT going to the game, so they should win. See the video that Mama and I made here.

In other news, Pork Chop’s team tied their game last Saturday. It might as well have been a loss. They were ahead two touchdowns at the half and simply gave up, like the Texan’s, in the last half.  During the game one of the opponent’s boys broke his leg! His femur of all things. Which has Mama and I scared. We have decided not to let him play next year because of the risk of injury and most importantly head injuries. Any thoughts on young kids playing tackle football?

Stickman played soccer game on Saturday and he was phenomenal! He scored two goals and is having great fun! Some of the other parents tell me that he is “fun” to watch! I love to see him having so much fun!

Stickman’s team, the Tigers, were winning 6-0 at the half. His coach set them down and told them that the other team was trying very hard and that with this lead is was a good time to practice passing. He did not tell them to quit or to lose, but to be good sportsmen. I respect his coach more and more every day.

More soon!

- Spark Dad

Spring is a wonderful time if you are a baseball fan. Especially if you are a little league player, parent or coach.

Most little leagues organizations are beginning to organize, take applications and get coaches lined up for the big season ahead.

As I was thinking about coaching again this year I was offered the opportunity to write an article about and promote Radar Sports.

Radar Sports has some great products for everyone from professionals to little league fathers who want to see just how fast their kid can pitch.

The radar gun that I like is a a very affordable $176.95. Not only do they carry the entry level guns from Tracer but you can move up to higher end guns from Stalker.

All of Radar Sports systems come with free UPS shipping in the continental United States and all items are always in stock.

They are not only specialized in baseball however, carrying radar equipment for every sport including soccer, hockey, golf, softball, tennis and remote control cars. These radar guns make a great gift for coaches and parents in any sport!

In addition to sports radar equipment, they carry radar equipment for police and traffic applications. I could imagine using the radar to catch the crazy teenager at the end of our cul-de-sac speeding down our street. His father would love to see the speeds I can imagine I could clock him at!

So all of you reading this post that know me personally, be sure to mark a radar gun from Radar Sports on your list of gift ideas for me : )

Friday night has traditionally at our house been a night for family and friends and this Friday is no different. We are having a family night tonight. Relaxing and watching a little television.

Skeeter and Pork Chop are drawing together being quiet and Mama is passed out in our room. She worked about 40 hours since Thursday, so she deserves some sleep.

As most of you know I took a part time consulting job with one of my good friends and am working from home on projects for him.

Right now I am designing a piece of software for them. I am using a very cool program called GUI Design Studio.  I am not a programmer for sure, but I can use this software to prototype the user interfaces, make notes on what we want the screens and buttons to do. I have to get the designs that I drew in my notebook into a digital format to present to the programmers by Tuesday.

This weekend is jammed up with all sorts of events. We have a Cub Scout event tomorrow and bowling tomorrow evening. Then on Sunday Skeeter and Pork Chop BOTH play baseball.

I have a feeling that this weekend will be over in a blink of an eye!

I hope that all of you guys have a great weekend!

What a wonderful Saturday! I woke at 6:30 a.m. and mowed the yard, which the neighbors were not particularly appreciative of! Then at 8 a.m. Mama had a great breakfast ready and we were off to the races! Look at this crazy schedule!

9 am – 10:30am Pork Chop soccer game

11 am – 1 pm  Skeeter Select Baseball practice

4 pm – ? Swimming with Grandma Ada and Grandpa Joe

7 pm – Possible birthday party…

Saturdays go so quick!

I am now however working on home work for my online class : (

So this post it short and sweet!

C YA