Soccer Mom

Guess who's the assistant coach for Anna's soccer team? Yup. I'm officially one of those.

So my friend Jane, the coach, who has gone to the coaching clinic and read up on things, printed her philosophy of coaching for all the parents. The first point is that the girls have fun.

Oh, yeah. There may not be mad soccer skills... but there will be fun!

School Days School Days

School starts Monday and although I was mostly done with preparations we spent yesterday on a last-minute stop at Kohl's for Anna's backpack (if you're reading this today, don't miss the $10 coupon) and then headed over to decorate Kate's locker before Anna's meet-the-teacher.

In my day we didn't so much decorate the lockers. Although last summer's reunion trip brought up long-forgotten details of the little quirky things we had in lockers -- apparently Eddie Kirchoff regularly swiped my sister Karen's Happy Meal Muppet Babies just for fun -- but the girls over at the middle school were actually wallpapering and accessorizing. I think it's the HGTV.

Anyway, I had no idea. Until we went to drop off Kate's supplies. One girl down the row had made a button tufted memo board that fit into the locker door. That sounded doable so we brought up a few supplies and made one out of the wrap-pack box (pre-ordered school supplies), scrapbooking paper, and some leftover ribbon from my friend Erin. It turned out cute and maybe cost $.75 total.

If I were a real blog I'd have a photo for you.

Okay, I'll go get the camera and see what I can do.



That's a shower caddy stuck on the back wall with suction cups. The pink wire shelf was a birthday gift that inspired the color palette. Note HGTV effect. The shelf came with a mirror (in the caddy) and a cup for pens and paper clips. Of course I had to add matching paper and ribbon to the cup, but you can't see that because it's on the left wall behind Kate's head.

So far there's only a copy of her class schedule on the board but she'll be adding a few photos on Monday -- since I figured how to download them from my camera again.

See, we're learning already.

Working On A Great Smile

We have chosen Kate's orthodontist, and not a day too soon!

Last night, on the heels of the first-ever orthodontic consult and accompanying sticker shock, concern over whether to be concerned about a treatment plan involving the extraction of four teeth, and the added unknown of a second consult looming on the horizon and a potential third in two weeks, I chewed my nails to the nub.

As we parked for the second consult, I first warned Katie that I was not going to make the decision based on how cool the waiting room was and then ushered her into Dr. Coates' fantasy red, white, and black Coke-Happy Days-diner-themed office. Kate was thrilled. I was cautious.

The friendly-looking blonde at the desk said, "This must be Kate" before I identified myself. Point.

No forms to fill out. Point.

Brief tour of office, splitting attention between prospective patient and cautious Mom. Point.

Orthodontist entered the room, unhurried, with a smile and acknowledgment of Kate's recent birthday. Point.

Katie's teeth, jaw, profile, examined personally not by x-ray. Treatment plan -- no extractions -- presented. Questions solicited and fully answered. Point point point!

Treatment begun. POINT!

Delighted Kate sent home with a soda and cotton candy. Rule for teeth brushing post-candy presented. Point saved.

Sizeable incentive to sign today, additional sizeable incentive if paid in full. Options discussed, flexibility and personal allowances made. Point point POINT!

Decision made. Third consult canceled.Smiles all around.

The nails will grow.