First soccer game...

It was an ordeal to remember! Peyton's team, the blue team, the "Tater Tots" were playing the red "Flame". Okay, the names should tell you right away...the Tater Tots were about to be BURNED! Peyton's team is comprised of 6 players, 3 girls and 3 boys, none of whom have EVER played soccer before. The red team, also comprised of 6 players, has three boys who have played together before. NOT GOOD!

It was obvious after the first 5 minutes of play that the red team was on the ball and the blue team was chasing behind, trying to keep up. Still, Peyton kept in good spirits. She ran and kept up, but wasn't too sure about getting in the swarm of children to try and steal the ball. At halftime, she said, "I just can't get the ball away from that red team!" We told her to do her best and kick the ball when it came close and have fun. Nick gave her some tips on getting in the game, and she went back in to help her team.

Near the end of the game, it was obvious she was beginning to get frustrated. She would snap her fingers and say, "Awwwwww, man!" when the other team would score. (By the way, they don't keep score, but if they had it would have been about 13 to 2, red leading.) Peyton was yelling at us from the field, "I can't get the ball!" Still, she stayed on the field and ran her hardest.

Now for the tear-jerker...On the very last play of the game, I look out on the field to see Peyton running after the ball as fast as she can with a look of concentration and determination, but with tears rolling down her cheeks! It took all I had not to burst into tears myself. Here she was, trying as hard as she could, knowing she couldn't get the ball but refusing to give up. It broke my heart into a million pieces and made me so proud at the same time. While other kids had cried and given up because it was hot or they were tired or for one of a million other excuses kids always give, she wasn't giving up.

The game ended and they all gave high-fives. Peyton ran to me with a look of confusion. I could see all the different emotions on her face. I grabbed her up and as soon as she looked into my eyes, she fell apart. Mid-bawl she says, "Mommy, I was just trying so hard to get that ball and I couldn't get it from that red team. I just couldn't get it!" After she had a good cry, she was fine. My mom started getting Peyton to kick the ball and all was well. She got a kick out of the fact that Gigi couldn't kick the ball as good as she could! We told her we were proud of her and Nick told her he'd get her a soccer ball so they could practice at home.

In the end, she seemed okay with everything. She said she had fun, and that's what's important. We play again Thursday night. It will be interesting to see what happens and if her opinion changes now that she knows what she's in for! I just pray that she gets out there and enjoys herself...we will save the competition for later!