A Day of Positives

Forty-one years today my brother died in our home.  It was such a horrible experience that I try not to think about it.  Therefore, it was really nice that my Aunt Vicky sent my Mom flowers to honor his memory.  As our family has always gotten my Mom something on Bunk's birthday in October, I was thankful that she had something beautiful to brighten her home on such a sad memory day.

Because of the date I thought that today would be the perfect one to follow Brett's lead and focus on the positives of today instead:

1)  Cam had the perfect outfit for crayon day in band (top color must match bottom color) and the opening weekend of IU football!! As Mr. Willems told Cam when I dropped him off at Bethany, “Who could have a bad day dressed like that!!”

2)  Meg had a migraine in the night and had to go in late this morning.  It sounds like a negative, but in reality it was a positive as we got to talk for quite awhile before she headed out.

3)  I am down three more pounds in my losing weight quest and am well below my October goal.

4)  Doug got out of work early and neither Cam or Meg had practice.  Thus, we were able to leave for Bloomington before 4:30.

5)  We had a fantastic dinner at Lenny's with Cal, Brett, Meg and Cam.

Two Awesome Games

Tonight both Meg and Cam had soccer games.  Thankfully, they both were at home.  We set up our chairs in-between the two and caught all of the action easily.  Even though Lakeland was late, I was glad that we arrived early.  Cam needed Ibuprofen for his thigh.  I had the medication, but unfortunately, I did not bring him anything to eat.  I just assumed he'd have the team snack after school and he thought I'd have something.  Mom had pretzels, but I wasn't sure how easy that would be to eat.  Problem solved at the concession stand, however.  A hot dog bun did the trick and Cam was back on the field quickly.

Cam's game started first and he played very well.  I wasn't sure how his leg would hold up, but he was in the entire game and only sat out with five minutes left in the second half.  He held his position at defense well and had quite a few saves.  The game was close for the first thirty minutes, but in the end Bethany had more shots on goal converting on three.  Cam was pleased with the shutout as he felt the defense played a lot better than Monday night.

Meg's team also came out on top tonight winning 6-0 over Whitko.  Meg was fantastic tonight at forward, scoring the team's first goal and earning two assists as well.  She was aggressive to the ball and passed very well.  She now has seven goals total this season almost doubling her high from last year.  After the game we found out that both coaches cancelled practice for tomorrow.  We were happy for the break as we would then be able to leave for Bloomington earlier than originally planned.  I really enjoy watching Cam and Meg play soccer, but it will be nice to have some family time this weekend.

Migraines

This week has been terrible for my head.  I started with a migraine on Sunday morning after church and have not completely shaken it since then.  Monday night was by far the worst.  Once we got home from Cam's game I had to head to bed.  I assumed that the heat and bright sunlight triggered it.  I have had migraines since I was nineteen years old, so I have gotten used to the pain.  Normally, I could take Ibuprofen and it would slow down the progression, but lately both that and Tylenol haven't helped much.  As much as I hate the pain, the loss of vision bothers me the most.  Thankfully, the high humidity left this afternoon, so I did feel better.  Hoping it stays that way for awhile.  There's not much worse than a migraine that puts one to bed.

Career High

Tonight the Bethany girls played at West Noble winning easily 5-0.  Meg had a fantastic game scoring two goals, the first of which was completely awesome.  She not only trapped a pass from her teammate, but she got around her defender and scored with her left foot.  We were impressed.  I missed the second half as I had to leave to pick up Cameron at the middle school girls' volleyball at Bethany.  I had just walked into the gym Doug called to report that she had scored again.  We were both thrilled for her as that put her tied as the leading scorer on Bethany's team and set a career high six goals for her in one season.  She said that her new goal will be ten for this year.

As proud as we were of Meg there were many frustrations to go along with the game.  As well as Meg played she was in the least of time among the starters.  That seems to be the norm this season which has been disappointing for her.  Meg and Doug had some great conversations about it on the way home from the game and have a plan for the future.  Ultimately, I don't know why Meg plays less than other starters.  It could be that her coach doesn't recognize her talent; he could also want to promote other players, or maybe he just doesn't gel with Meg.  As I cannot control any of these issues and I do not want to become upset or anxious at the games, I have decided that in the end it will be best for me to bring a book.  That way I can watch her and her group of friends when she is on the field and catch up on my reading when she is not.  I have already made a list of books that I want to finish this fall. 

One Tough Game

Tonight Cameron played at Concord.  We knew going in that it was going to be a tough game, but it ended up being even harder than we expected.  Within the first two minutes of starting Bethany was already down 2-0 and Concord didn't look as though they were going to let up.  It did get a little better as they only scored two more goals the rest of the half.  The second half, however, was just as challenging.  To make matters worse Concord played their starters until ten minutes were left in the game and the heat just wouldn't let up.  The parents in the stand were verbally upset with the Bruin players and made themselves heard.  That was disappointing as Concord was very good and our boys did the best they could with their skill level and age.  The coach was obviously upset as well as he sat on the bench for the majority of the second half and did nothing to evaluate Cam when he came off the field with an injury.

From the stands I thought that Cam was having problems with the heat and his asthma.  We found out later, however, that he had to sit out the last fourth of the game because of pulled a groin muscle.  I was proud of him for hanging in there for as long as he had.  It was definitely bothering him and made it difficult for him to run and especially kick.  On the way home we gave him something to drink and Ibuprofen.  Ice definitely helped as well as he could walk without a limp by the end of the night.  We asked him to see the trainer tomorrow after school as this was the second time that the leg has given him an issue.  Hopefully, it won't keep him out of Thursdays game.

A Typical Heinisch Family Sunday

Today was a typical Sunday in the Heinisch family.  It started at 9:30 mass with Cam as altar server, Meg participating in the readings and Doug ushering.  After mass I had several parishioners stop me to tell me how beautiful Meg looked and how much Cam had grown during the past year.  It was nice to know that others had noticed both of them.

Once we got home, Doug headed out to mow.  I helped Meg complete her requirements for IU's admissions department.  It has been a daunting process, but I feel that we have now finished everything they have asked of her.  Meg hung out with Liam afterward watching movies and going to dinner.  Cameron spent the afternoon golfing with Grandpa Cutes.  Maxwelton was closed due to the heavy rains that we have received the past two days.  They decided to try Black Squirrel.  Cam played the front nine well shooting in the low 40s.  He even saw Breece while he was there.  With everyone busy I had a chance to talk to Cal and Brett this afternoon.  They had a fantastic first week.  Both reported that this would be a busy semester, but they felt up to the task.

Tonight Doug grilled out and my parents joined us for dinner.  Afterward he started a bonfire while we played a few games of corn hole.  The highlight of the night was a rousing game of "Oh Hell!"  It was by far my favorite card game as a teenager, and it was fun to get it back out.  It was a close match, but in the end Doug was declared the winner (to a resounding round of boos!)

Soccer Commitments Are Dwindling

Doug ran Joey and Breece home this morning once the boys got up.  Cam had a lot of fun last night with them running through the woods, playing golf at Wawasee and a game of late night basketball.  Once they got back Doug, Meg and I got ready for soccer.  Doug had signed up to take tickets this afternoon so we had to be there early.  As we had already brought snack for Cam's team and put up the senior banners Doug realized that after today that our only commitment left for the season was senior night.  That was nice to hear.

The game was unlike the first three for Bethany.  Central Noble was a worthy opponent last year, but this year they only had eleven players and not much in the way of offense.  Bethany clobbered them 8-0.  The highlight for me was watching Meg score.  She screened the defender on a throw in, got the perfect pass from Emma and scored easily.  Jackie was out today with a sprained ankle.  Meg made sure to carry her across the field at the end of the game.  Thankfully, Kassy was available to carry her back.

After the game Doug and I headed to Fort Wayne.  He needed to buy jeans and I wanted to stop at Yankee Candle.  It had been several months since we ate at Chops Wine Bar so we made that the dinner place of choice tonight.  I really enjoyed going out.  It was nice to unwind after a week of soccer, school and work.  Next week will be busy as well with an activity every night.  Therefore, I am already looking forward to our annual trip to Bloomington and Garlic Fest.