"Hello, Rock Star! Welcome to Disney 365!"
Last night was a big night in our little girlie's life! Along with the 8 girls from her soccer team, she was treated to hair, make-up and dinner on the town (Disney Downtown) compliments of AYSO and Disney.
Recap:
In November she entered a Cars 2 Sportmanship essay contest sponsored by AYSO and Disney. In one hundred words or less she had to write what sportsmanship meant to her.
Here's her essay:
Sportsmanship
By Ari
In soccer there’s always going to be a winner and a loser but good sportsmanship helps every player have a great time. This year our team used dance to bring other teams together. We did a dance called the “Cupid Shuffle.” After games, we’d ask the other team over and dance together. It was a great time to celebrate and have fun! While dancing we forgot who won or lost and just enjoyed the moment laughing. While walking off the field the girls always left smiling. That’s what having good sportsmanship is all about.
Showing posts with label sports. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sports. Show all posts
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Friday, December 02, 2011
A Winner in the Family!
A few weeks ago, my girlie's soccer team mom mentioned AYSO Soccer was teaming up with Disney for a team spirit contest. She asked if anyone on the team would be interested in writing a 100 word or less essay showcasing how our team demonstrated team spirit and sportsmanship. Our girlie jumped at the opportunity and was so excited to write the essay.
The deadline for submission was November 18th. The winner would be announced December 2nd.
This morning my girl came bouncing downstairs with her hands covering her face with excitement. She said, "Mom, today's the BIG day!"
What big day? December 2nd? I had forgotten about the contest.
She hadn't.
She remembers everything!
I didn't want to tell her the odds of her winning was probably pretty slim. I sure hope I'm not a pessimist, but really, what are the odds?
Tonight as I was waiting for her to finish gymnastics, I received this email.
Hello Kimberly! My name is __ from the AYSO National Office. Thanks so much for entering the AYSO/Disney-Pixar Cars 2 Team Sportsmanship Contest. We’re so excited to inform you that your wonderful submission has won you and team _____ (U-10) the Cars 2 Team Party! Congratulations! Please contact me on Monday so we can follow up with you on the details of your prize. Great job and again, congratulations!I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!! I'm so proud of our girlie!
She's optimistic! She's full of HOPE! She's a WINNER!
According to the submission form the winning team will receive:
Very exciting news at our house tonight! Look like a celebration is in order.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Time for Celebration Ocean View Little League World Champions
Despite the sad news of the last couple weeks, we've also been riding a wave of excitement and celebration. Isn't it interesting how life is like that. In our saddest moments, we also experience many moments of joy, laughter and exuberance.
As many of you know sports are a huge part of our daily life. Our kids play sports year-round and since moving to Southern California they've fallen in love with baseball. Perhaps it's because they can play daily in the sunshine, but more likely, it's because we are blessed with an outstanding Little League program that is second to none.
Our local Little League All-Star team has spent the summer systematically advancing through district, state, regional, and national baseball tournaments all culminating in an electrifying win over Japan today in the Little League World Series. They are the first team from Orange County to ever win the Little League World Series.
We've gathered with friends watching games over the summer, celebrating each win and today they accomplished something most little league players will only dream of: winning the World Series.
Here are a few photos of the road to the Little League World Series and the Big Wins in Williamsport.
Here's a video clip of some of the festivities.
http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/video/?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=6190884
Often, when going through tough seasons, God blesses us with events that bring us joy. Today was a day filled with Joy!
Congratulations Ocean View Little League! Well Done!
Celebrating with Ocean View/ West Baseball sugar cookies. Recipe to follow.
 |
| Oops! Someone better alert San Bernadino to use spell check in sign making. |
As many of you know sports are a huge part of our daily life. Our kids play sports year-round and since moving to Southern California they've fallen in love with baseball. Perhaps it's because they can play daily in the sunshine, but more likely, it's because we are blessed with an outstanding Little League program that is second to none.
Our local Little League All-Star team has spent the summer systematically advancing through district, state, regional, and national baseball tournaments all culminating in an electrifying win over Japan today in the Little League World Series. They are the first team from Orange County to ever win the Little League World Series.
We've gathered with friends watching games over the summer, celebrating each win and today they accomplished something most little league players will only dream of: winning the World Series.
Here are a few photos of the road to the Little League World Series and the Big Wins in Williamsport.
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| Our cute President! |
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| Mr. Personality |
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| Northern California v. Southern California |
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| This one was from the local newspaper |
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| The Winners! |
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| Representing West! |
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| Bound for Williamsport |
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| Throwing a T-shirt in the give-away. |
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| Great commercial. |
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| The packed, HOT hang-out. |
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| Proud parents of Christian Catano. |
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| Packed House! |
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| So cute! |
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| Mayor Carchio and my friend. |
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| Television crews...they were ALL here! ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX |
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| Hagen Danner's familiy |
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| Coach Pratto and Nick Pratto |
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| Did I mention, PACKED HOUSE! |
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| More camera crews |
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| World Champions! So proud of these boys! |
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| The crowd started shouting, "USA, USA, USA!" Love this town. |
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| News interview with Danner family. |
http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/video/?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=6190884
Often, when going through tough seasons, God blesses us with events that bring us joy. Today was a day filled with Joy!
Congratulations Ocean View Little League! Well Done!
Celebrating with Ocean View/ West Baseball sugar cookies. Recipe to follow.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Celebrating My All-Stars
I'm a self-described Wallflower. Webster defines a wallflower as:
Friends and family would vehemently say "wallflower" doesn't describe me. I have often teasingly said, "I wish I was an introvert. I want to be less predictable." I think in some ways I do have a slightly introverted side. I do really like being alone. I get VERY nervous in large social gatherings, especially when I don't know many people. I'm horridly afraid of failure. I'm a perfectionist and if it's not perfect, it's crushing. This could be the first born side of me. But reality is, in a Myers Briggs-Kevin Leman world I'm a first-born ESFP {wallflower}.
Growing up I wanted to get picked for "the team," but often didn't. What I lacked in athleticism as a child, I think I'm making up for as an adult. I've learned, it's worth trying, even if there is failure. At least I tried, and if it's fun, I'm all about it! Maybe that's why I'm so crazy about running and CrossFit. I'm testing and pushing myself harder than ever before. My only competition is me. Can I do better than I did last week? or even yesterday? I thought this yesterday when the workout consisted of a mile run, 2000 meter row, 100 burpees, 100 box jumps and another mile run. I was sweating like I've never sweat before! It was tough, but it felt great! It was an accomplishment and it was fun.
Unlike their mother, our kids are naturally athletic! I think they get it from their dad. They excel at most sports and the best part is they love it! It's not an area we push them into, they just beg for more and more sports. Last year I asked our middle son what he would like to change about his homeschool experience. He thought a minute and then replied, "I'd like to do MORE sports!" I wasn't expecting that, but it's what they love.
They've just completed a fun-filled season of baseball. All the kids' teams did very well. I couldn't be more proud. They gave it their best.
Today the Little League All-Star Teams were announced. Our boys didn't make the all-star teams. Granted, one of them is injured with a broken collar bone. In addition, we live in highly competitive area where little leaguers have private hitting and pitching lessons from former baseball pros. They swing $300 bats, and drag around $200 bags. They've been playing most of their young lives. I think playing with a high quality of players raises the bar so our kids will strive to play up to a higher level, but it also makes selection tough.
This spring, I sat in the stands proudly cheering for our oldest son as he single-handedly completed a double play. He was playing 3rd base. A runner was on 2nd. The batter hit the ball. Our son dove for it, tagged the runner coming from second and then shot the ball over to the first baseman and got the batter out. Amazing kid! And I proudly watched as game after game he was called up to the mound to pitch relieving another pitcher. Often when he was called, bases were loaded and he'd shut out the 5th and 6th innings. He did not cower under pressure. We will also remember the time he hit the ball out of the park, scoring a home run! He was part of a great team that supported one another and was given opportunites to grow as a baseball player.
Our middle son also had a great season. His Little League team made it to the Tournament of Champions. They had a great winning streak. Our little sweetheart had some awesome plays at 3rd! The most exciting was the triple play his team made! That is a true rarity in little league baseball! He spent most of the season as catcher and at 3rd base. He did a fantastic job at both. We will also remember some super throws to the infield when he was playing outfield. He has a terrific arm.
The truth is I love baseball. Today, learning the boys didn't make the All-Star teams marks the end of the season for us. I think I'm grieving. In fact, this is strange to admit, but when I was oxy-cleaning and spray and washing the boys' baseball pants the other day I was overcome with sadness. Perhaps, I'm going to miss laundering the stains from sliding. It's one of the joys of motherhood.
Our boys are my All-Stars. I'll celebrate them. They're on the team! Our team!
As my husband was leaving this morning, we were all sitting in the living room with long faces. In his wisdom, he said, "We are about more than baseball." He knows all things happen for a reason. In all we do, we'll continue to give it our best and see what happens. We are about more than baseball.
I love this family!
a : a person who from shyness or unpopularity remains on the sidelines of a social activity (as a dance.
 |
| Looking like a Wallflower...maybe not |
Friends and family would vehemently say "wallflower" doesn't describe me. I have often teasingly said, "I wish I was an introvert. I want to be less predictable." I think in some ways I do have a slightly introverted side. I do really like being alone. I get VERY nervous in large social gatherings, especially when I don't know many people. I'm horridly afraid of failure. I'm a perfectionist and if it's not perfect, it's crushing. This could be the first born side of me. But reality is, in a Myers Briggs-Kevin Leman world I'm a first-born ESFP {wallflower}.
Growing up I wanted to get picked for "the team," but often didn't. What I lacked in athleticism as a child, I think I'm making up for as an adult. I've learned, it's worth trying, even if there is failure. At least I tried, and if it's fun, I'm all about it! Maybe that's why I'm so crazy about running and CrossFit. I'm testing and pushing myself harder than ever before. My only competition is me. Can I do better than I did last week? or even yesterday? I thought this yesterday when the workout consisted of a mile run, 2000 meter row, 100 burpees, 100 box jumps and another mile run. I was sweating like I've never sweat before! It was tough, but it felt great! It was an accomplishment and it was fun.
Unlike their mother, our kids are naturally athletic! I think they get it from their dad. They excel at most sports and the best part is they love it! It's not an area we push them into, they just beg for more and more sports. Last year I asked our middle son what he would like to change about his homeschool experience. He thought a minute and then replied, "I'd like to do MORE sports!" I wasn't expecting that, but it's what they love.
They've just completed a fun-filled season of baseball. All the kids' teams did very well. I couldn't be more proud. They gave it their best.
Today the Little League All-Star Teams were announced. Our boys didn't make the all-star teams. Granted, one of them is injured with a broken collar bone. In addition, we live in highly competitive area where little leaguers have private hitting and pitching lessons from former baseball pros. They swing $300 bats, and drag around $200 bags. They've been playing most of their young lives. I think playing with a high quality of players raises the bar so our kids will strive to play up to a higher level, but it also makes selection tough.
This spring, I sat in the stands proudly cheering for our oldest son as he single-handedly completed a double play. He was playing 3rd base. A runner was on 2nd. The batter hit the ball. Our son dove for it, tagged the runner coming from second and then shot the ball over to the first baseman and got the batter out. Amazing kid! And I proudly watched as game after game he was called up to the mound to pitch relieving another pitcher. Often when he was called, bases were loaded and he'd shut out the 5th and 6th innings. He did not cower under pressure. We will also remember the time he hit the ball out of the park, scoring a home run! He was part of a great team that supported one another and was given opportunites to grow as a baseball player.
 |
| The Home Run Ball |
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| Home Run Hitter |
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| Clutch Pitcher |
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| That's my sweetheart- full of joy! |
 |
| Reflective |
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| Catching- He loves it! |
The truth is I love baseball. Today, learning the boys didn't make the All-Star teams marks the end of the season for us. I think I'm grieving. In fact, this is strange to admit, but when I was oxy-cleaning and spray and washing the boys' baseball pants the other day I was overcome with sadness. Perhaps, I'm going to miss laundering the stains from sliding. It's one of the joys of motherhood.
Our boys are my All-Stars. I'll celebrate them. They're on the team! Our team!
As my husband was leaving this morning, we were all sitting in the living room with long faces. In his wisdom, he said, "We are about more than baseball." He knows all things happen for a reason. In all we do, we'll continue to give it our best and see what happens. We are about more than baseball.
I love this family!
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