December Daily : Day Ten

Tonight we are celebrating Simon's first time attending soccer practice. They have this really cool program locally called Tops Soccer that pairs kids with physical/cognitive special needs (K - high school) with a bunch of super-soccer kids who teach them the basics.

Simon's two buddies did pretty darn good working with him for a first-time experience. They played chase, passed the ball, chased some more (which turned it into tag), and did some other drills (and then a little more chase to top it off). You can only imagine how cool it was to see all the kids working together, helping each other out, and cheering each other on.

And of course, it was not an event without a bit of parental intervention. The first time for anything is a lot to take in all at once for any kid. I know he loved the freedom to just run and run and run but some other behaviors cropped up as he was figuring out what was ok and not ok. There was some "picking-up-the-ball-and-throwing-it-at-other-kids (directly at other kids)" on the field so I ran a bit of interference:

and then he decided it was fun to run away from his new buddies and go behind the goals (again + again).

So next it was Chris' turn:

We love taking turns.

The practice was an hour and he was definitely getting tired by the end.

Overall, cool experience. Great physical outlet and safe place. Pretty sure he will want to go back again next week.

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42 thoughts

  1. Chantel Grismer says…
    12/10/2007

    Wow, it sounds like simon had an awesome time... I have really enjoyed seeing him grow and change into such a little man since starting to read your blog a year ago... High Five to Simon!!
    Chantel

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  2. Shelley says…
    12/10/2007

    ok - have to say how cool is that program! awesome for you all.. and second - love the true parenting abilities captured on film if only ALL parents would learn and know it's best to get right down to their level. you've got it captured. proof positive. we, too - take turns here.. it's a simple - "dada - this one's ALL you." hope simon enjoys going back next time! loving the album progress, BTW! take care!

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  3. alexandra says…
    12/10/2007

    So cool.
    Go Simon, go!!!

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  4. Denise says…
    12/10/2007

    What an awesome program to have! I am glad your son had a great time.

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  5. Denise Kashyap says…
    12/10/2007

    This sounds so cool, Ali! Got a lump in my throat (ok, a little teary eyed too) seeing the cool pics of Simon's first soccer experience with his new buddies.

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. susan skogseth says…
    12/10/2007

    As a soccer mom who spends more time at a soocer field than in my own bed, I say WOW where can I sigh up?! That is just amazing that they have these programs. I know my older daughter would love to do somthing like that. I truly love the sport and we have had many adventures because of it. I hope Simon loves it as much as my kids do, or at least have half of the fun!!
    Susan

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  7. Audrey says…
    12/10/2007

    what a great experience for all.

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  8. Crystal says…
    12/10/2007

    What a cool opportunity for Simon - and for the other kids to develop leadership skills and understanding! I love the pictures of you and Chris out there doing what every parent has to do sometimes :) This is another great page in your album!

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  9. christina says…
    12/10/2007

    so ali, can you explain a little more in detail how you put the album together ahead of time? is it mainly clear overlay pages that you then put your photos on?

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. Kim says…
    12/10/2007

    We have the tops program in our area too. It's a great opportunity not only for the kids that live with thier challanges but also for the other kids. Since pre-school my daughter has always had a huge heart for kids with special needs and this is one more program that she can work with and help those kids. Its very rewarding for her and a nice warm feeling for me as well!!!

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  11. Deb Long says…
    12/10/2007

    Just wanted to let you know I've been reading your new book and have found it incredibly inspiring. I suddenly have all sorts of ideas floating around in my mind - I think I'm going to try a few "what you did today" pages for my kids - I really like the ones you have done for Simon!
    Thanks, as always, for putting art within reach.
    Deb

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  12. sue says…
    12/10/2007

    What a wonderful program and wonderful kids to help teach the sport to others. Way to go Simon!
    Sue

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  13. Jan Connair says…
    12/11/2007

    Ali, I don't know how you come up with all of these great ways to get Simon involved! I hope my SIL has had a moment to check out your blog. She has two autistic boys, ages 10 and 4. I think it would be so encouraging for her to hear about Simon! He's a lucky little boy to have you and your dh on his team!

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  14. Amy says…
    12/11/2007

    I love that you both took pictures of your interventions. . .

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. Melanie says…
    12/11/2007

    I have to agree with Jan's comment above about how lucky Simon is! And WOW, what a program to have available! And he is soooo cute!!! He just IS!

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  16. Sara R. says…
    12/11/2007

    Ok. Seriously? You are such a cool mom!!! And your album justs gets better each day. So happy to see you are still sharing each day with us! Love to see those photos of Simon...he seems like such a fabulously fun little boy!

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Laura says…
    12/11/2007

    Gotta question regarding making personalized ornaments.
    I tried using rubon letters, but they will not transfer to the glass. Any suggestions?
    I then tried using glitter stickers, but they too will not stick to the glass.
    Help!!! =D

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. Jenny A. says…
    12/11/2007

    Pretty darn cool program Ali! Love the parent intervention pictures. You could see Simon smiling in one of them :-) Very sweet.

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. Roni says…
    12/11/2007

    How wonderful is that!! With only hearing horrible teenager stories, this was so refreshing and a reminder that there is so much good in the world and so much to be thankful for. Soccer is such a wonderful sport and for Simon to be able to participate leaves me with a smile on my face. Parents who have children without disabilites may not know the sense of pride you have just watching your child play a group sport. It is so wonderful to have Simon exposed to this regardless of how many times you run interference. You and Chris are awesome parents. Simon is as lucky to have you two as you both are to have him.
    Happy Day #10!

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  20. Mary Rogers says…
    12/11/2007

    so awesome for Simon (I just found myself saying "run simon run", lol - and I love that you and Chris take turns....you know I know that is so important...
    loving the journal Ali! thanks for sharing it with us!!!

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  21. Meg says…
    12/11/2007

    Oh. My. Goodness. Reminder to self: sign George up next year! What an amazing program! I love that you and Chris both were there to cheer (and guide) him on!

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. Maria says…
    12/11/2007

    While at first intrigued by your creative skills, I am now so inspired and uplifted with you as a person/wife/mom - Merry Christmas to you and your family, Ali! Enjoy every single minute :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. Judy B says…
    12/11/2007

    I want to read your blog to read about Simon, as much as I want to read about your creative endeavors. The love that you and Chris show him, and give to him in your parenting makes me feel warm and teary. God has truly given you two a purpose in life, and you have accepted the challenge wholeheartedly. Your outlook on life, too, has given me the courage to be free in my scrapbooking for the first time in my life, and that's saying a lot for an older retired person. Thank you. May God keep the blessings coming to you three. Merry Christmas!

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  24. Vanessa says…
    12/11/2007

    Looks like Simon had a "ball" out on the soccer field. That Tops Soccer program sounds fantastic. So cool. :-)
    Love, love the album!!! You are amazing!

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. Vanessa says…
    12/11/2007

    Looks like Simon had a "ball" out on the soccer field. That Tops Soccer program sounds fantastic. So cool. :-)
    Love, love the album!!! You are amazing!

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