So this past weekend the coach and I finished off the last free weekend by spending a nice relaxing weekend with the family at home. Monday officially kicked off this year's football season. Wow! It feels like we just wrapped up spring ball a couple weeks ago. The list of honey-dos will now have to wait until after January.
This time of year coaches' wives become the handy man, mechanic, lawn guy, and chef. It is early mornings and late nights. Each year, I learn dos and don'ts to make the next year easier. Although each year can always have that one doozie you don't expect.
Last year, we kicked off our season with a 3 month old. This year our little guy will be 15 months, very mobile and busy. With a toddler, we will not be changing up the normal routine too much. I have already gained some ideas from other coaches' wives on how to keep a toddler occupied during the games. Perhaps, the best option is to hire a babysitter. This way I can relax and enjoy the game. Yep-Done! I already have the babysitter on speed dial, and signed up for the 1st night home game! That pretty much sums up the out look for this season. With a little planning, and just enough of the "expect the unexpected" attitude, I believe it should be an exciting season!
Here are a couple things I have done in the past, and a few I am looking to try for this season.
Family nights - Having any extra time is a huge plus, especially with the little one. Typically, our coach is out the door before the baby is awake, and he returns after the baby's asleep for the night. One way to score some extra time is to plan a family night at least once a week. This is great to share with all the coaches and their families. The wives can coordinate the meal. Then assign each one to bring a dish. It is best to keep it simple like salad, chili, chips, and dessert. There is no better way to come together, support each other, and show team unity through-out.
Hitting Practice- This one goes back to any extra time with our coach is BIG. I like to hit up the last hour of practice. Our campus is absolutely GORGEOUS during the fall. So I like to break out the jogging stroller for an awesome run or nice stroll on the killer hills on campus. I time it just right, so that practice is wrapping up just as we finish up. We get several minutes to say hi to the players, and catch up with daddy.
Ladies Night- I love this one. It has always been a favorite for me. Cooking can typically be less frequent during the season. Calling up the fellow coaches' wives for dinner on the super long nights is a great way to enjoy some company, build friendships, and wear the kiddos out. You can use the food approach the same as the family night by assigning dishes to make it easy for everyone. Each lady can take turn hosting ladies night - don't for get the wine! Note: Feel free to add a fun fall craft to this too for the kids like craving pumpkins.
Staying Fit - This is important for several reasons. Once the season gets started, it can be very stressful. Especially if it has been a rocky start. There can be a lot of stress on the coach, which can easily spill over into the home. (This is our livelihood, so wins and losses can mean everything). One way to decrease the stress is to remember to stay active and fit during this time. Go to the gym, find a bootcamp, grab a DVD, or better yet find a yoga studio and practice a lot of ujjayi breathing ;) Whatever it takes - along with every superstition in the book.
Crock-pot and Freezer Meals- I am all about keeping it as simple as possible during the season. Throw a liner on the crock pot, put a bag of frozen boneless skinless chicken (whatever meat you like) with any veggies and/or other goodies. (There are TONS of healthy recipes online or on Pinterest. ) Set the crock pot on high or low depending on how long you are out. Then when you get home - dinner is DONE! Leftovers, great! Throw it in the freezer, and have it again in a couple of weeks.
What is your busy season? How do you stay on top of it?
Shannon
This time of year coaches' wives become the handy man, mechanic, lawn guy, and chef. It is early mornings and late nights. Each year, I learn dos and don'ts to make the next year easier. Although each year can always have that one doozie you don't expect.
Last year, we kicked off our season with a 3 month old. This year our little guy will be 15 months, very mobile and busy. With a toddler, we will not be changing up the normal routine too much. I have already gained some ideas from other coaches' wives on how to keep a toddler occupied during the games. Perhaps, the best option is to hire a babysitter. This way I can relax and enjoy the game. Yep-Done! I already have the babysitter on speed dial, and signed up for the 1st night home game! That pretty much sums up the out look for this season. With a little planning, and just enough of the "expect the unexpected" attitude, I believe it should be an exciting season!
Here are a couple things I have done in the past, and a few I am looking to try for this season.
Family nights - Having any extra time is a huge plus, especially with the little one. Typically, our coach is out the door before the baby is awake, and he returns after the baby's asleep for the night. One way to score some extra time is to plan a family night at least once a week. This is great to share with all the coaches and their families. The wives can coordinate the meal. Then assign each one to bring a dish. It is best to keep it simple like salad, chili, chips, and dessert. There is no better way to come together, support each other, and show team unity through-out.
Hitting Practice- This one goes back to any extra time with our coach is BIG. I like to hit up the last hour of practice. Our campus is absolutely GORGEOUS during the fall. So I like to break out the jogging stroller for an awesome run or nice stroll on the killer hills on campus. I time it just right, so that practice is wrapping up just as we finish up. We get several minutes to say hi to the players, and catch up with daddy.
Ladies Night- I love this one. It has always been a favorite for me. Cooking can typically be less frequent during the season. Calling up the fellow coaches' wives for dinner on the super long nights is a great way to enjoy some company, build friendships, and wear the kiddos out. You can use the food approach the same as the family night by assigning dishes to make it easy for everyone. Each lady can take turn hosting ladies night - don't for get the wine! Note: Feel free to add a fun fall craft to this too for the kids like craving pumpkins.
Staying Fit - This is important for several reasons. Once the season gets started, it can be very stressful. Especially if it has been a rocky start. There can be a lot of stress on the coach, which can easily spill over into the home. (This is our livelihood, so wins and losses can mean everything). One way to decrease the stress is to remember to stay active and fit during this time. Go to the gym, find a bootcamp, grab a DVD, or better yet find a yoga studio and practice a lot of ujjayi breathing ;) Whatever it takes - along with every superstition in the book.
Crock-pot and Freezer Meals- I am all about keeping it as simple as possible during the season. Throw a liner on the crock pot, put a bag of frozen boneless skinless chicken (whatever meat you like) with any veggies and/or other goodies. (There are TONS of healthy recipes online or on Pinterest. ) Set the crock pot on high or low depending on how long you are out. Then when you get home - dinner is DONE! Leftovers, great! Throw it in the freezer, and have it again in a couple of weeks.
What is your busy season? How do you stay on top of it?
Shannon