Raptor Wrap-up

Carter's first season of tackle football officially drew to a close tonight with a Rapids Raptors banquet and awards ceremony.

Each participant received a medallion with their name and football number engraved on the back. Carter (and many others) also received a neat trophy/award for perfect attendance (every single practice and game). They look really nice.

As part of the banquet, they also had a surprise guest speaker, Blaze Winters, an ex-NFL football player turned motivational speaker. Back in the '80s and '90s, he played for the Packers, Colts and Chargers.

Even if the 5th- and 6th-graders didn't know who he was, I think they were impressed that he used to play pro football. He had a good message to them about believing in themselves even if they aren't the biggest or the fastest. And told parents how he learned his life lessons (team work, self confidence, responsibility, etc) on the football field.

We thought for sure Carter (Mr. Undecided about next year) would be all pumped up about playing again after meeting this guy. But he still isn't sure. Oh well, there's plenty of time for that campaign. In the meantime, we have many good memories from his first season and, perhaps, that learning thing even started already.

Indian Summer

They call autumn days like these Indian Summer. After a stretch of chilly or cloudy or rainy days, we suddenly get sunny skies and 70-some degrees. I love it!

Yesterday, since Carter didn't have school, I took the day off, too. Naturally, we had to go golfing one last time -- just in case the mild streak doesn't last too long. We had a good time. There is one major challenge, though, with golfing at this time of year. With all the leaves, pine needles, etc., that have fallen to the ground, it is nearly impossible to find your ball if it veers off the fairway. Carter lost 5 of his but we did find 2 in the course of our game so he's not out much.

He had some good shots but now it will likely be nearly 6 months before he picks up a club again so it will be like starting over (for me, too). We'll take that challenge!

Today was even more beautiful -- about 75 and sunny. Carter had his last football game against Medford. We won 32-8. Yay! I was so glad to end the season on a win. His team needed that. Carter needed that, too. Maybe now he'll be more inclined to do Raptors again next year. He should be one of the big kids then, right? (I'll have to post some pictures when I get to a different computer. There's a unique one of a big kid Carter was up against today.)

After football we came home and enjoyed the sunshine. Well I did anyway. I sat on the deck and read while Daddy raked and Carter mowed. There just wasn't enough yard work to go around (yeah right).

I wanted to take one more walk after supper but even though it seemed like summer, it was still dark at 6:30. That part I don't like because I feel like it should be almost bedtime now and it's only 7:30!

Tomorrow's forecast calls for another warm day. Temps are supposed to be mid-70s or higher again. Guess I'll keep those lawn chairs out for just a bit longer!

Nail Biter

Before today, I thought getting skunked in a football game was the worst way to lose. Now I realize that coming from behind, then blowing the lead is a much more painful way to earn a loss.

The Rapids Raptors took a roadtrip to Auburndale today, playing under clear skies with the temperature hovering nicely around 60 degrees. Nice day for a good football game.

The Auburndale team was the first to score and, early on, it looked like they could run away with it. At one point the score was 22-8. We got inspired and ended up coming back again and again. With just 3 minutes left in the game, we'd actually captured the lead -- 24-22.

The kids were pumped on the field. The parents were pumped in the stands. We were so proud of our boys! So amazed with the comeback. But it wasn't over yet. We know from watching any sport with a clock that 3 minutes is a long time. Anything can happen.

And it did. Auburndale scored again and we ended up getting the ball back with a minute 12 seconds left. We tried some tricky plays but just couldn't score. We lost 30-24. Tough, tough loss.

What I hope is that our guys realize they can score and do well when they work together and when they want it. They were bummed, yes, but I think Carter's over it. His main concern is that when his team wins, the Vikings win. When his team loses, the Vikings lose. Yep, his record is 1-4 and Vikings are sitting at 1-3. We'll see Monday night how much "power" Carter's Raptors have!

Raptors Win!

Carter's football team hadn't scored since the first quarter of the first game two weeks ago. Until today. Under sunny skies and with a crowd of Carter Austin fans (brothers, grandma, aunt, uncle, cousin), they beat the mighty Stratford Tigers 21-13!

Here are a few photo highlights from the day...


Starter Carter: Due to the injury of one of the players last week, Carter got a lot of playing time this week. He played on the end a lot on both offense and defense so at least I could get some pictures.

Ocho Cinco: On defense, Carter was up against "Ocho Cinco," he said. Number 85, who was a head taller than him. He played tough and was giving the hits as much as he was taking. On one particular play, Stratford was passing to Ocho, who would have a clear shot at the end zone from the 20-yard line. The only thing between him and the ball was little Carter Austin. Carter certainly wasn't going to be able to jump to get the ball so he tackled Ocho. Before he got the ball. Yes, it was pass interference, but he saved the score. So that made it more acceptable. (No false starts this week!)

The Competition: Technically we are considered a "city team" compared to the other small towns we play. Carter heard Daddy refer to those kids as "homegrown farm kids," and he's pretty sure when he sees most of the opponents standing a foot taller than him, that there must be something in the water anyway.

Victory: There comes a time when winning is important. Today was the time. Our boys needed a win to know they could do it. To know they are just as tough as the big guys they've been up against. To remember that this still is fun! It was good timing. It will carry them this week, that's for sure. I told Carter, "This means the Vikings will win, too! They were 0-2 and you were 0-2. You gotta keep winning!"

We'll see what the rest of the season brings. We have just two goals: Keep a smile on his face and keep him out of ER.

Soaked to the Soul

Not sure if Hurricane Ike was stronger than they predicted or if it was just coincidence rains hit my sister in Texas and us in Wisconsin Rapids -- all stinkin' day!

Carter had football this afternoon. The Rapids Raptor "gray team" took another loss, this time to the tough team from Medford. A shutout -- 18-0.

Honestly, it reminded me of a Vikings game. Always driving down to the Red Zone and failing to capitalize with a score -- either turning it over on downs or the dreaded interception. Just like us fans cursing from the couch on Sundays, it was very frustrating for the kids today.

Carter ended up having quite a bit of playing time today, mainly because one of the offensive starters got injured (nothing serious as far as we can tell). So #28, known for his blistering blocking, was thrown into some unfamiliar territory. The result: he had two of our false-start penalties. On one, the other team jumped offsides so the penalties were offset. The other, unfortunately came on a 4th down play with 2 yards to go so they were forced to pass on 4th and a bunch. The pass was intercepted. Certainly not his fault directly, but he was a bit down about it.

He did say the coach said there were a lot of things the whole team should have been doing better all along so we wouldn't have had to be in that position. I'm glad he's saying that. Some people only see the one big play, not the big picture. How every little thing adds up to the sought-after W or the unfortunate L.

I'm guilty of that, too. Not so much in sports but in life. Something goes wrong and I think the world's against me and my life is being orchestrated by the Tidy Bowl Man. Then I take a step back, see the big picture and realize I am blessed so many times over, I have no reason or right to complain. Think about that the next time you think "it sucks to be me."

Even today, standing and playing in the rain for two hours. Think of how much fun we were having in our rain compared to those devastated and possibly homeless because of that other rain.

Put away that super-sized golf umbrella and smile.

Just Plugging Along

Cold Front: Since I suffered through the deluge of rain the other night, hubby took Carter to football practice -- the last one before the Rapids Raptors take to the field on Saturday. I am happy for the chance to be home one night, especially a chilly one like this! It's only in the 50s! So while they are away, I have sneaked the furnace on to warm up the house. (Yes, sneaked. I am the wimp around here.) You know me. My electric mattress pad never left the bed this summer (not that I had it on all the time, but enough).

Heart to Heart: Jim's dad is still in the hospital after his quadruple bypass. I guess he's recovering OK. They've had a few things to address but say they are "common" in recovery, so we certainly hope they are! Not sure when he's coming home but we do appreciate the continued good thoughts and prayers.

Can you Hear me Now? One of Carter's requirements in his new independent "home alone for a few hours" stage is that he call to check in. In the morning he is supposed to call at 7:45. Today there were two messages at my desk before I even got there. "Just checking in. Call me." Tonight he called when he got home and said proudly, "I got in the house on the first try!" (Had a few key issues on Tuesday.) I called him when we were en route home and reminded him to get his football gear on. Then he called me right back but I missed the call and was calling him back while he was leaving a voice mail and so on. When I finally heard the voicemail, it said he forgot to tell me some sad news but then it cut out. So I panicked and called home again and finally connected. The sad news? Daunte Culpepper (former Viking quarterback) retired today. Hubby says: "That's why cell phones are stupid!"

Countdown: Three weeks from tonight is the season premiere of Grey's Anatomy! I just remembered I missed the first part of the season finale in May. I wonder if I can get that watched before the boys get home. I won't even need a blanket this time!

Riding the Busy Bus

You'd think the neighborhood kids were anxious to get back to school the way they ran to get on the bus. Actually, they were just trying to get away from the camera-toting scrapbooking moms at the bus stop!

Carter said his first day of fifth grade was fun. He learned at least two things today. One: There are more girls than boys in his class (poor guy). Two: The key doesn't always fit in our front door the way it should! Other than that, it was a pretty non-eventful day as far as school was concerned.

After school, we went to football practice, which will only be two days a week now that school is in session. Since this was another day with temps hovering around 90, we thought this would be a two-Gatorade practice for sure. But then a funny thing happened (funny if you're a kid), the winds blew in some dark clouds and it poured and poured and poured. And the kids, now cool, of course, kept on practicing.

The wimpy adults were trying to stand out of the rain next to a building, but the rain was blowing sideways at us. All we could do was laugh! It never did lightning so they technically could have kept practicing, but finally decided it might be too dangerous if the boys started slipping and sliding. No sense in getting injured at practice. Good thing Carter's stuff has two days to dry out!

While Carter and I were having all the fun at the "waterpark," hubby was up at the hospital visiting his dad. Turns out he didn't have a triple bypass. He had a quadruple one. I guess while they were in there, they decided to do the fourth one. Yikes. He did OK, though, and they had him sitting up 5 hours later. We'll be curious tomorrow to learn how long they will keep him. I sure hope it's not like the "drive-thru" maternity wards these days!

Right now, Jim is in Stevens Point doing a fantasy football draft. He'll get home late. I'll get up early to get to my back-crackin' doctor by 7 and he'll be heading to Milwaukee for a Brewers game about that time. (Did I mention this week is busy?)

Carter will be getting up on his own and getting himself next door by 8 a.m. He's got a list of morning "tasks" written on a brand new, hot pink wipe board on the fridge. I bet he'll be just fine. It's Mommy who will have a harder time with this independence thing! Looks like we'll all be growing up this school year!

Scrimmage Snapshots

Football teams from five cities visited Wisconsin Rapids today for the Rapids Raptors football scrimmage. There were nine fields and 19 teams so the format followed was that Carter's team for example, would scrimmage with a team for about 20 minutes, then rotate to another field and face another opponent for 20 minutes, and so on. Since there was an odd number of teams, each team would get a "bye" somewhere in there to rest.

Here are few snapshots of the day's action:

This photo makes Carter seem deceivingly big. It's just the camera angle folks. His uniform, in fact, is what was too big. He did end up exchanging his large pants for a pair of mediums. Which was good, because he claimed his pants were "distracting."


Carter split his time between playing noseguard and tightend. Here he is a "decoy" tightend. The ball was routed on the other side but decoys are important, too. (Plus moms like that they don't get hit as often.)

Carter talks strategy with his coach on the sideline. You can see the coach is focused on what's happening on the field. That's good. This was probably shot when Carter was telling him his game pants are too big.

See little Carter Austin lined up opposite their center (guy with the ball). You can see we were up against some larger teams. The good news for Carter is that by the end of the day, he had his game on. As he explained it (since I was working in the concessions stand and missed it), he grabbed the center and threw him down. Got to the running back and he and a teammate tackled him! He was very excited about that play. And we were pleased he ended the day on a high note -- not to mention only a handful of new bruises and no injuries!

Learning Curve

You often hear people comment, "I learn something new every day." Not sure where that phrase initiated or if, indeed, it is a truth for everyone. Nonetheless, here are a few things I have "learned" in recent days.

Better Suited: Carter and I caught a little bit of the platform diving competition on the Olympics last night. I said, "Isn't it amazing they are jumping from three stories high and traveling at 35 mph when they hit the water?" Carter responds, "I don't get how their suit stays on. Mine always starts to fall off."

No Pain, No Gain: Did you know moms can get football injuries, too? Sometime before the scrimmage this Saturday, we have to get Carter's name sewn on his jersey. When I say we, I mean me, the undomestic goddess. Now it sounds simple enough, but there's a trick to it. I have to make it secure enough so it won't get ripped off in a tough tackle, but loose enough it can be removed easily at the end of the season. Not to mention it should be centered and straight. It took me two hours -- and multiple stab wounds to my fingers -- to complete. I know now that I am not cut out for the pain associated with football. At least Carter's tough!

A Rose is Still a Rose: What's in a name? Carter has mentioned on a few occasions this summer that he would like to go to Kidz Camp early because his favorite counselor, Sam, would be working. Part of the camp program this summer has included earning "Kidz Bucks" to use for "buying" special privileges such as playing Guitar Hero. Last week, Carter "bought" some one-on-one time with Sam and they went to Shivers. This week, Mommy learned Sam's full name is Samantha.

There's lots to learn out there, folks. Lots to learn.

Crunch Time

Standing on the sidelines during football practice tonight, I saw a coach walking by with a kid holding a cloth up to his nose. It was slowly turning red as blood seeped into the fabric.

Being the squeamish type, I turned away, but not before coming to the realization that injuries are a very real part of football. And the probability of said injuries is likely pretty high. This was confirmed later when I saw a kid with his right cleat off, walking gingerly off the field with the aid of another player.

Since my son is the runt of the litter on his team, I am guessing we need to be prepared that he is going to get run over. That it is going to hurt. And that it could cause an injury.

So far, especially since he was warned "there is no whining in football," he has not complained about aches and pains. Merely pointed out the other day, "I have 19 bruises."

Tonight on the way to practice, I asked him what his favorite part about football is so far. He said he wasn't sure. I said, "OK, then is there anything you don't like?" Nope, he said, "I like it all."

That's wonderful! I hope he has the same response after his scrimmage Saturday. I guess if I videotape his games, I can still squeeze my eyes shut when I hear that "crunch!"

Needle in a Haystack

Watching our kids practice for Rapids Raptor football is a lot tougher than you'd think. The toughest part? Finding our kids!

Last week, when it first started, it was "helmets only" practice. So you figure you can find your son based on what he was wearing that day. Who knew there were so many shades of gray and white T-shirts and black shorts out there? By the end of the week, I figured I'd fool the system and put Carter in red shorts. Other moms must have had the same idea because there was an abundance of red shorts that night -- along with the indistinguishable gray and white T-shirts, naturally.

This week, they are practicing in full pads. Most of the families purchased the maroon practice jersey, too, so we have the same challenge.

Do you see what I mean? I actually know Carter is the one on the far left, but only because I had to pay attention that his white T-shirt was hanging below the practice jersey!

The other fun this week is that the coach is trying the players out in different positions to see what best suits their skills. Since Carter is a newbie this year, they are still trying to find that perfect spot.

I have been surprised to see him blocking but that seems to be where they are leaning. He was very excited during a scrimmage-type setup tonight that he got in on some tackles -- and even got to the QB once.

I just sat there on the sidelines, wincing every time I'd hear the "crunch" of another tackle. We just got our game schedule tonight. Seven games! I have a feeling this isn't going to get any easier for us moms who don't want our babies growing up and getting hurt. But then again, it's not about me, is it?

Maybe the toughest part about practice isn't finding our son like a needle in a haystack. It's finding him and being willing to let him go.

Silver Lining

There are two facts that have been reinforced so far during these Olympic games. One is that I am too old to be staying up so late watching live coverage. Two -- and more importantly -- is that I am not only proud, but thankful, to be an American. Living in the Land of the Free.

Last night while watching the women's gymnastic finals, I was satisfied the U.S. women took home the silver. Based on their performance, they probably wouldn't argue they deserved better. The Chinese, however, would have accepted nothing less than another team Gold. Now I know why.

I learned a thing or two about China's program last night. For the women at least, the gymnasts are chosen for the program just out of daycare. The gymnastics program and quest for the Gold becomes their life. I mean literally. They have limited contact with family. They become a "ward of the state," so to speak.

Is a Gold medal that important it is obtained at the expense of family? At the expense of childhood?

I've heard of -- and seen -- pushy POAs (parents of athletes). Yes, it takes time and dedication to succeed at a sport, well, anything really. But I'd hate to be the parent of a child who was so goal-focused, they woke up one day and realized they're 18 and missed being a kid. (It's bad enough I wake up most days and wonder where my 30s went!)

As our first "real" football season gets under way, I'll be curious to see if I learn something valuable from the other parents. Or if my darn competitive instincts take over and I become one of those POAs. Let's hope we all remember that this is for the kids, not us, and just like with the Olympics, it's not a life-or-death situation where he must succeed.

This is America. Where we have the freedom of choices. And even have the freedom to fail.

Practice makes (picture) perfect

I have this goal that while Carter is conditioning this week, I am doing the same -- walking laps on the school grounds for at least an hour. I did that last night but also managed to get a few shots of practice drills.


This gives you an idea of how many kids are going out for the Rapids Raptors program. Hubby estimates about 150 or so. They will be drafted and assigned teams at the end of this week based on their practice performance. How in the world do they keep track of all that?


Carter (on the right) learns he may face some mighty big 6th-graders this season!


Carter does the Raptor shuffle ... I think he learned that move from me.


On your mark, get set, go! What? Where's Carter? You mean he's not the only one wearing a white T-shirt and black shorts? Now, you know why I took so few photos. He was hard to spot!

No Pain, No Gain

This morning, as the 10-year-old rolled out of bed with a few moans and groans, I'm pretty sure he grasped the meaning of the word "conditioning." Honestly, it could have been worse, says the mother from the sidelines...

Last evening was Carter's first practice with the Rapids Raptors. He was quite nervous on the way, not knowing what to expect. When we got to the school, hubby had me stay in the car. We didn't want Carter to be embarrassed if I was the only mom there. But sitting in the car, I saw lots of moms walking their sons to the field -- and not coming back.

Our plan was to run a few errands and then sneak back to the practice so Carter couldn't see us. It is a known fact that boys often become drama queens about perceived injuries, etc., when their mommies are around. As it turned out, there are hundreds of parents who are oblivious to this -- or just choose to ignore it. When we got back to the practice, I kid you not, there were about 200 parents there on the sidelines. When they had a water break, Carter bolted to his Gatorade, drank it and ran out to the field, unaware we were there. I was OK with that -- especially when the one coach yelled, "Alright, kiss your mommies and get back on the field!"

As far as the practice itself went, the kids (enough for 5 5th-6th grade teams, I think) rotated by groups to do different drills -- passing, running, rolling, handoffs, etc. I call it "conditioning in disguise." Although it didn't seem like much, Carter was sweating a lot (which, he was happy to realize, made it easier to get the tight helmet off).

This morning he was aching in his back, his legs and his mouth (where the mouth guard caused a blister). I said each day it will feel a little better .... until next week when he actually gets hit!

He's still pretty excited about it. There are quite a few kids he knows from school and baseball so he should end up on a team with somebody he knows. The next three nights are sort of like tryouts, where all the coaches will be observing and making notes before the "draft" at the end of the week. ... And parents like us will continue to spy from the sidelines.

Weekend Outtakes

Sometimes when I blog, it's a rush job and I forget to mention details I intended to include .. or things happen that just don't warrant their own post (usually that just means I don't have time to get on the computer, type and post). So as they say in the film business, here are few outtakes from the weekend that didn't make the original cut...

Zip Your Lips: While I was riding on the Zipper at the Scandy Corn Fest, I apparently was doing more than screaming. At one point, after quite a few consecutive flips, we were finally sitting upright when my friend's 10-year-old daughter says, "Robyn, can I swear, too? Just don't tell my mom." I said, "Oh, was I swearing? Whoops. Let's just scream instead."

Car Show: After I had already blogged (of course), hubby says we shouldn't make a big deal over getting a "new" vehicle. I had to laugh when, just a few hours later when we were giving his parents a ride to the races, Jim is pointing out various features to his dad. "Look what this button does! Check out this!'" It was cute.

Training Camp: Guess who reports to training camp today? Oh, I guess besides that Favre guy. Carter starts football practice tonight. To prepare, Daddy helped him get his mouth guard set and ran him through some drills yesterday. This week is only conditioning, but after tonight's practice in the nearly 90-degree heat, I don't think we'll say it's "only conditioning." I don't know who's more nervous -- me or Carter. Will report tonight or tomorrow on how that goes!

Ready to Rumble?

After years of playing Madden Football on his video-game system, Carter is ready for the real thing. The real rough-and-tough world of tackle football.

Wearing his purple Adrian Peterson "Rookie of the Year" t-shirt, Carter was fitted for his new gear last night and is now an official member of the Rapids Raptors football team. His number? 28, of course! Though I think it will be awhile before he earns the nickname "All Day Austin." (If you don't follow the Vikes, or NFL football in general, I realize this is over your head. Sorry.)

Carter was most nervous about his doctor's physical -- after hearing horror stories from other boys. But his went fine. Apparently it wasn't as thorough as he/we expected. That explained the smile of relief on his face when it was over!

So now it's down to 12 days until the first practice. That conditioning plan fell by the wayside immediately but I think he's a bit more determined to resume it now that he sees his helmet, jersey and pads laying in the corner of his room.

This is going to be interesting. I'm guessing this will be my biggest test (to date, that is) as a mother to remain calm, cool and collected. Not think about those big 6th-graders running over my little 5th-grader! Yup. I think I can feel the butterflies already!