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Soccer and Minivan Mom Wars

Filed Under: Kids Posts, Married Life Tagged With: , , ,

Soccer and Minivan moms, both things I swore when I was younger sans husband and kids that I would never be. Now, don’t get me wrong, I am not knocking either in this post, but I grew up a city girl, where public transportation and walking was a hit, as well as playing outside in the neighborhood streets versus joining organized teams. Ok and I am also a bit of a klutz and a girly girl, too for good measure. And by the way, one of my very dear blogging friends is the actual Minivan Momma and love her to death for this and so many more reasons.


However, after I met Kevin and we got engaged, he would joke that when we had kids he would buy me a minivan. He did it to get a rise out of me and loved (still loves) teasing me. In my twenties, I loved sports cars and even dreamed of owning a brand new Mustang. But that never did happen. I actually started to like SUVs more and more, but minivans were so not my thing. Plus, I was too young or hip for that in my eyes.

My Jeep Liberty--My Love!!
My Jeep Liberty–My Love!!

Now, flash forward to the here and now, where I drop Emma off at pre-school and the parking lot is mini-van heaven. Again, not knocking them, but love my Jeep Liberty and still not my idea of the car of my dreams. We only have two kids and thankfully, they and all their stuff fits just fine in the back of my Jeep. And at 35 years old, I am not giving my complete youth up just yet!!

As for soccer, I had eluded it thus far. Kevin played as a kid and even into his high school years (as his friend so eloquently puts it graced the bench rather nicely!). That said, he has also always talked up how he wants his girls to play the sport. To me, I don’t mind them playing in the nice weather, but damned if I want to sit outside watching them play in cold temperatures (anything below 55 degrees) or rain. God help me, but I so don’t find that one appealing just one bit.

When he came up with the idea of dance for Emma to her out of her shy little shell last year, I gave in, because I thought it wouldn’t be terrible to try it. When she actually liked it, I went along for the ride and then of course Lily followed up the rear this year.

My Two Dancing Princesses!!
My Two Dancing Princesses!!

You all already know how much I loathe and detest my crazy dance filled Saturday mornings (not once I get the there of course, but the getting everyone ready and out the door). Seriously that part is what gives a new meaning to anxiety attacks, but at least it is indoors once we indeed get there!!

But anyway, I digress. So the other night, Kevin comes home from work and casually mentions that coming off the parkway he saw a sign for the local peanuts soccer. He said he was going to e-mail to get more information. My first thought, “Oh crap!!” Seriously, the klutz and the girly still do live inside of me and were having fits thinking about this.

Well, lo and behold, the coach gets back to him saying that both girls can sign up and play on the same team (16 months apart allows them to do a lot together including playing on the same soccer team). Also, gave us a coupon code to save $10 for each kid. Now, he is all for this. I have to think quick. I go to the computer and find that it is on Sundays (8 of them to be exact) at 11:30 am.

First thought now is that it isn’t bad enough that Saturday is a complete cluster “f” trying to get them ready and out the door, but now he wants to take my Sunday away, too!! Don’t get me wrong, I would do anything for my kids and have, but come on lord just give me a break!!

Very casually, I pull up my calendar, I see that if Memorial Day Weekend is an off weekend, then that brings the final Sunday to the Sunday of the dance rehearsal, which will be roughly at the same time. So, I gently mention this to Kevin. He grumbles, but tells me to grab his phone to e-mail the coach back asking for a tentative schedule to see what days they do play. Which buys me a bit more time to hope registration fills up.

When the coach does get back to him, he tells him the team has off both Memorial Day and Mother’s Day Weekend, too. So, now the new math and calendar brings the last soccer game date to the same Sunday of their dance recital. The soccer game would be 11:30 am and their recital would be 6 pm that night.

More quick thinking I say that this would be like playing Russian Roulette with their demeanors at the dance recital that night. I mean by 6 pm on a normal night if they haven’t napped and have been busy all day, one or both is in rare form and closing in on meltdown mode. Quite frankly, I would be taking bets as to which one would have to be carried off the stage kicking and screaming first!!

This Soccer Mom Is So Not Me!!

Of course, he isn’t happy at this. He huffs and puffs away on that one. I go to check and now to see about registration just in case and guess what? The 11:30 time is now closed out and only one kid not both can be registered. When I fill him in on this latest news. He can only concede and looks like I escaped soccer for another year. Even though he isn’t happy, looks like I won this round.

But lord knows, I am going to loss this battle eventually, because when asked my kids say they do want to play and eventually they, as well as Kevin will win out. But I will say this, I will not go down without a fight!!

 

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About Janine

Janine is a published author of the books, The Mother of All Meltdowns and Only Trollops Shave Above the Knee. She has been featured on The Huffington Post, Mamapedia, Today Parenting Team and SheKnows. She also runs her own graphic design company at J9 Designs.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. erintheirishmama says

    I was never ever going to buy a mini van. I too was a jeep girl. I had the commander. That monster jeep. I loved it but when I was pregnant with Sean I needed so etching a little bigger. The jeep looked big but it was a lot of wasted space and with two carseats my husband at 6'3" never would have fit. So we went the minivan route. I will admit it took some getting used too but I like the sliding doors ! You might just like it. Haha. Honestly I can't wait until I can get my Jep Wrangler Unlimited. As soon as they are both in boosters.

    Oh and I have two boys and I pray they play soccer. We spent $200 for Ben to play last year. I bought the shoes, the socks, the shorts, etc. he refused to play. After 3 weeks I stopped taking him. I was so excited but he would rather play in our backyard than do organized sports!!!!!

    • Janine Huldie says

      Oh Kevin and I so want the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, too. That is the ultimate and will admit the sliding doors on the minivan would be nice, but seriously can't do it. I think it is the city girl in me, because every time I think of it I cringe. As for soccer, I love watching the sport and even taught it in summer camp a few years back, but for some reason I just truly don't want to add another chore to my long, crazy weekend. Probably just being selfish and that is why I know I will cave and loss this battle sooner or later, lol. Thanks Erin!! 🙂

  2. Robin Rue says

    I am a baseball & karate mom, which I suppose is the same thing as soccer mom – but the mini van? Never. I know people get offended when I say that, but I'm sorry – I'm just not a mini van type of mom 🙂

    • Janine Huldie says

      Robin, you sound very similar to be, especially on the minivan. And I more have an aversion to the adding more craziness to my weekend versus the actual activity or sport!! I think it will boil down to whether they want to stay in dance or stop that to try soccer. Thanks 🙂

  3. Michelle Nahom says

    I wasn't going to buy a minivan either…but I have 3 and when the kids were young, having a minivan was such a help, because I always had extra kids with me! Now that my kids are older and I don't tend to have all of them and their friends at the same time, I'm ready for a change. 🙂 And of course my kids have been playing soccer since they were kindergarten age – it's a way of life for us now! 🙂

    • Janine Huldie says

      Michelle, I only have two kids, but do totally get with 3 or more, the minivan is more practical, but for me I just can't wrap my mind around it. I feel bad and hope no one thinks I a putting the down for owning one. But i is a personal choice and ca't see myself owning one with only 2 kids. As for the soccer, I am sure I will cave, but not sure if we can do both dance and soccer (just for my own sanity!!) Thanks 🙂

      • Michelle Nahom says

        It was definitely about the practicality! I'm not a huge fan either, and hopefully I am getting some new wheels soon. (We'll also have a new driver in the house this year…he'll be so excited to drive the minivan…NOT!) Kids will figure out what they're passionate about, whether its sports, or dance, art, or something else…and then we just need to support them. My daughter danced when she was young, and one day she just decided that she wanted to play soccer rather than dance, and that was it for dance. Both of my sons play too, but they also do other sports. Either way, weekends are gone. Hold on to them as long as you can!!

      • Janine Huldie says

        Thanks Michelle and seriously you are so right. I think whatever they decide to do will be fine by me. I just hope they can pick one, seeing as doing both would pretty much be the whole weekend right there. Yay for the news wheels for you, too. Hopefully soon 🙂 🙂

  4. Mary Catherine says

    I had to laugh, as I never ever wanted a minivan either. And, yet, what am I currently driving . . . yep, a minivan! A friend of mine has a bumper sticker that says "minivans happen", which is so true. Popping over from the Super Sunday Sync. I'm a new BlogLovin' follower. Hope you're having a great weekend.

    MC of Fun-A-Day!
    fun-a-day.com

    • Janine Huldie says

      Thanks Mary and love that bumper sticker. Too funny and at least I know that many that drive them wouldn't have normally picked them either. Like I said totally feel bad and not trying to knock them, just so not my thing. And totally following you on Bloglovin, too and just stopped by your blog (commented and pinned your latest!!).

  5. More Than Mommies says

    My daughter does dance – which she loves – and now Nate, my oldest son, will be starting coach pitch baseball very soon. I haven't dared to look at my schedule but I'm sure it will be filling up fast!

    I played soccer when I was young and HATED it. I actually avoid soccer as much as I can because not only did I not like playing it but I HATE watching it . . . soooooooo boring.

    Oh, and the minivan thing – I'm pretty sure I'm destined to drive one until all of my kids can drive themselves. Even then I will still need one to get everyone where we are going. Guess that's what happens when you have 4 kiddos. Honestly, though, it's grown on me. I don't mind nearly as much as I thought I would. 🙂

    Janene

    • Janine Huldie says

      Thanks Janene and I do love the dance just having them each in Saturday morning classes (2 hours every Saturday) is a lot and then soccer being on Sunday, too is just a lot especially when they are only 2 and 3 years old. That said I don't hate soccer, but I guess when you add it onto our already busy,crazy weekend just so not a fan right now. And if I had 3 or 4 kinds, I could totally understand the need for the minivan (not that I'd like it), but I would most likely have to conform, lol!! Thanks seriously!! 🙂

  6. Lanaya @ Raising Rea says

    Keep fighting!! I am not a minivan mom either ~ I drive a GMC Acadia and I LOVE it ~ as for sports, I never played soccer – I was a volleyball/basketball and occasionally softball girl. I am so hoping that Reagan is all about volleyball and not soccer so we will see …

    Thank you for linking to Raising Imperfection.
    Please come back Friday to see if you were featured. 🙂

    ¤´¨)
    ¸.•*´
    (¸¤ Lanaya | xoxo http://www.raising-reagan.com

    • Janine Huldie says

      Lol, somehow I knew this about you, but then again you and I already have a ton in common so this is just one more to add to the pile!! My pleasure to stop by and seriously thanks for doing the linkup as always!! 🙂 xoxo!!

  7. Leslie says

    Woo Hoo! I am so glad you won this round. I never played soccer but I find it so flipping boring and it is outside. Ick. I don't drive a minivan, I drive and SUV and love it!

    Thank you for linking up to Raising Imperfection!
    Make sure to check back on Friday to see if you were featured.
    Leslie

    • Janine Huldie says

      Leslie, I knew I loved you, but now I love you even more if that was possible. I am so with you on Soccer being outdoors (especially in the rain!) and happy to hear it isn't just me driving more of an SUV than minivan. Thanks again for hosting, as always!! 🙂

  8. Rose A says

    SUV mama here…much more stylish and youthful than a minivan. 😉 LOL at the post… once the kids join soccer (if they do) there's going to be group events and you may volunteer to drive. If you volunteer to drive (said in the 'If you give a mouse a cookie' tone) you may begin to think about the extra seats you'd have in a mini van… hahahaha, kidding!! Great post. 🙂

  9. Bill says

    Thank God my son had no desire to play sports, and I had no desire to force him. LOL I was saved it all…as for minivans, just shoot me if I ever own one. 🙂

  10. Sara says

    Ha I refuse to get a mini van. My sister has one and they are very comfortable and nice but it's just a mental thing for me. Having a boy I know that I am destined to attend all different sporting events but want to enjoy my free weekends while I still can.

  11. Kristi Campbell says

    I have a VW Tiguan and I love it. Never getting a minivan! Of course, I only have one kid…so…a minivan would be overkill. And I love having my 3-year old in soccer. But, it's indoors. Maybe look for that. 🙂

  14. Emily says

    I know I shouldn't admit this publicly but I did drive a minivan at one time and I gotta say, I both loved it and hated it. With three young kids, that sliding door and all that interior room, it's great for both short and long trips. However, it was terrible in the snow and of course I felt like the biggest mom-geek driving it. Once my boys got bigger, (and with one who is over 6 feet tall, it's like driving around with 3 adults and 2 kids) we went back to an SUV. I now drive a Sequoia, which is HUGE, and yet I LOVE LOVE LOVE it! I'd never go back to a van now….hang on to that Jeep!! 🙂

    • Janine Huldie says

      Emily the sliding doors would be a plus for me, but the rest not so much. The Sequoia sounds awesome and if I needed more room would go in that direction before I ever looked towards the minivan for sure!! 🙂

  18. Mod Mom Beyond Indie says

    Were we separated at birth or something? I have a Jeep and my husband's name is Kevin. haha My boys both played soccer, but my little guy…last season he just sort of schmoozed with the other players, totally oblivious to the fact that there was a game in progress. So i think we're done. 😉

  19. Christy Joy says

    This is so funny! My kids are almost 2 and 4 so I know these anxiety attacks are right around the corner for me! Good luck dodging this bullet Janine:-) and thanks for linking up!

  21. gigigirl says

    Sounds like you will be having a busy time down the road…..maybe the girls will decide they like one more than the other and that will be that….soccer vs dance. Good luck! But at least you've got this round taken care of. Look forward to the dance recital again this year. xxoo

    • Janine Huldie says

      Thanks Aunt Gloria and I am just happy I did get this round dealt with. But do very much agree that I hope they will decide one or the other hopefully in the end. And both girls are truly excited for the dance recital and happy you will be there again!! xoxo 🙂

    • Janine Huldie says

      Thanks Tiffani and I will most likely be caving to this in the future, because they do want to try and I feel bad not letting them, but this truly wasn't going to work around dance right now, but will need to rethink this in the future. Thanks and I also was so happy to get to know you a bit from Raising Imperfection this past weekend!! 🙂

  25. April says

    I hate soccer days for completely different reasons! I'm uber competitive and my son is NOT. I can't stand watching him not play hard… and I certainly don't like sitting in the cold!

  26. The Sadder But Wiser says

    My husband is a football coach. He used to swear up and down that soccer was the root of all evil. I thought I'd gotten out of all soccer. However, as the kids have gotten older, he's changed his tune. He has decided that soccer is ok. Dangit! 😉

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