TACKLE Athletic Scholarships

I was one of those mothers that groomed my child for a college athletic scholarship. The years of mapping out that goal can cause unnecessary aggravation and stress between child and parents.

My 1st child, a son, was a standout athlete. He could play any sport well. I thought he was a perfect student for a scholarship. His senior year in high school he was the starting quarterback in football, won the highest honors as offensive player of the year and the Iron Eagle Award. His dad even helped coach the team.

He was accepted in 4 colleges without an offer for one penny in scholarship money. When I think of all of the money spent on sport's camps and travel teams, we could have had a well funded college savings account.

Now that my 5th and 7th child are making their mark on a lacrosse field, I understand the importance of playing a sport is to have fun and learn responsibility and team work.

My son burned out on sports when it was time for college. Now, he happily jogs and goes to the gym.

Parents should relax and enjoy watching their kids in school, inexpensive church and league sport teams. Be proud if they sit on the bench or hold the record for high jump. Sock away the camp and travel team expense into a college savings account.

Believe it or not, the best scholarship odds are in girl's golf and only 1.6% of high school girl golfer's land the money for college. The worst odds are wrestling at .3%. More details on athletic scholarship odds are at this website: www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/6844161.html

TACKLE Air Force BMT Graduation

Her last plea was to give her cat named "Figgy" extra love while she was away from home. Five more days and the #3 daughter will do us proud! This is the child who challenged every rule and always argued her point of view in our household.

She is graduating from Air Force Basic Military Training (BMT) at Lackland Air Force, TX on Friday, April 1, 2011. She left from the recruiter's office almost 9 weeks ago. There was not a dry eye in the parking lot. We knew she would finish, but only heard stories about what she would experience.

My son has been in the Air Force for 9 years. He clued us in on the challenges that she would endure. She toured his base and took almost a year to make a decision for her future.

The only contact with her in the last few weeks have been occasional phone calls and heartfelt letters. The communication ranged from nervous to energetic to proud.

The countdown begins...We fly to Texas this week and are anxious to chronicle our experience as "Proud Parents in the US Air Force". The big dilemma is how to smuggle Figgy to Texas to give her a victory purr!

The website listed below provided helpful information on the military:

http://usmilitary.about.com/

TACKLE a Marathon

Running 26.2 miles is beyond my imagination. However, my husband thrives on a challenge. Years ago, he started walking for exercise. Later he added jogging, 5K's, 10K's and now marathons to his schedule. When the marathon was on the calender, I thought he had lost his mind.

He trained and read about nutrition, goo packs, cramping and even barefoot running. He sucked the family into the race fever. However, a 5K is our running limit. I am the official "bag lady" for the marathons. I hold his clothes, phone, directions and running packet during his long races. Our daughters and even their friends have traveled with us to many races. The sponsors usually have family activities and food available for the spectators as well.

Today he finished his 2nd marathon in 5 months. As soon as he crossed the finish line, he vowed to never do another one. However, I know once the muscles feel better and the stats are posted online, he will enter another one.

Check out this site for healthy family activities.

http://www.active.com/

TACKLE Men

http://www.mydaily.com/2011/03/13/manning-up-kay-hymowitz-men-boys-pre-adults/

Interesting article. Some of the young women in my household have agreed with the concept of this book.

TACKLE Kids Growing Up

It was thirty years ago when I was eight months pregnant and only 21 years old. My water broke in the wee morning hours. The previous day the OBGYN said that the baby was in the breech or feet first position. This position could cause possible strangulation if the chord descended before the baby. My immediate reaction was to lay flat and call my mom, who knows everything. She said to call the doctor.

I was rushed to the hospital. It was a grueling 8 hour labor with women lined up in the hall to deliver. The baby flipped and was now in the head first position. The baby was delivered with forceps, a big no no in today's birthing suites. My boy was a healthy 6lbs 11oz and would have been a giant if he was born at full term!

 He is my only boy. He is the perfect son, a 6"2' outstanding athlete and sharp as a tack. He has a charming personality with eyes that will melt your heart. He is a brave American who joined the Air Force nine years ago. He has earned tons of medals and ribbons but is modest and genuine. He married a wonderful woman and together, they gave me my first grandchild, a son. Tomorrow my hero turns 30 years old. Happy Birthday, Son!

Thisisit

After fifty years of ups and downs and learning and living, it only makes sense to start writing about those experiences.  Life, especially parenting. doesn't come with an official handbook. You get a license to drive, own a business and even practice a profession, but zip to have children.

Googling, reading, shrinks and experiences are all great ways to compile your own handbook to TACKLE your life. My handbook looks like a bulky Bible. I had been married too young, had 4 children and lost a baby, opened a few businesses, survived a divorce and am now remarried to a saint.

He has 3 daughters and I have 3 daughters. My son, married with a son of his own, is in the Air Force and has been to war and back many times. He prefers war to living with 6 sisters. Pray for my brave husband who is assisting me in tackling life in the raising of 6 productive women who will not be a burden to society.