Gearing Up For GAME DAY!!!

I have a mission every year when the football season rolls around. I am on the hunt to discover new treasures for game day. 

Here are some of my current faves so you can show some real team spirit in the stands this season:

1. The Fly Fox Apparel. I am just loving their game day tees. Great quality and each design has its own unique statement. One of my absolute favorites in the collection reads.....”My Game Face Includes Lipstick”🙋🏼‍♀️🏈💄👄

https://www.theflyfoxapparel.com

2. Sweet and Sublime. I stumbled upon this amazing Facebook page through my work on the AFCWA (American Football Coaches Wives Association) Board of Directors. They have the most amazing tees that are of the highest quality.....and that’s not even the best part......she’ll even customize it for you. T-shirt style, team colors, names, monogram....now I’d say that’s a touchdown🙋🏼‍♀️🏈

https://m.facebook.com/groups/501020953579200

3. Recycled tees. I found this adorable company last month called Loveworn. It’s upcycled clothing from recycled tees. She takes your t-shirts and can turn them into a custom bag, scarf, tee, skirt, or dress for you or your little football fan👚♻️👗🏈

http://www.loveworn.net

4. Haute Threads. Speaking of recycling.....this online boutique will take your favorite game day t-shirt and recycle it into a cute dress or romper. She’ll work with you on fabric to fit your own personal style. Super cute while giving you a one of a kind look on game day👚♻️💃🏼🏈

http://www.etsy.com/shop/HauteThreadsBoutique

5. Tote the Pigskin. I found these bags a couple seasons ago, and they will still be in the my starting lineup this season. Being a “boy mom” I now have one for almost every sport my sons play, but of course, the football bags are my favorite. You can find them on Etsy at the Ball Park Leather. Or, if you love a good monogram like I do, the shop Kaitlyn G Kreations (Also on Etsy) will customize them for you👜🏈.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/564417949/brown-football-cotton-canvas-tote-bag

https://www.etsy.com/listing/555405106/green-football-canvas-tote-mom-sports

https://www.etsy.com/listing/603661002/monogrammed-football-tote-bag-football

6. Tailgate in style. The Kickasserole dish is perfect for tailgating, making any appetizer a crowd pleaser. You can have it customized with your favorite team from a number of shops on Etsy. A game day wine glass is also my favorite way to celebrate a big win. Just don’t forget to put your glass on your astro-turf football coaster when you are doling out fist bumps and high fives. You can find these coasters from The Tattooed Butterfly shop on Etsy.🍻🌭🏈🍷👊🏼🙌🏼

https://www.etsy.com/listing/160224799/gameday-kickasserole-pyrex-3-quart

https://www.etsy.com/listing/181773099

https://www.etsy.com/listing/239793174

7. Coach’s Leather. I found another great little shop on Etsy that was started up by a football coach and his wife. They have adorable keychains, wallets, and business card holders, all made out of recycled game used footballs. They are an ideal gift for you or your favorite coach. Use the promo code BEAUTYBABESANDBALL and you’ll get free shipping on any order.....SCORE!!!!!♻️🏈

https://www.etsy.com/shop/CoachsLeather

8. Queen of the Tailgate. Now this is a website that has the girly football fan at heart. You don’t need to be from the south to look cute on gameday ladies. From their “Sideline Sweetheart” to their “Killer Kickoff” dress, this online boutique is a one stop shop for game day dresses. They carry a variety of colors to celebrate your team in style, as well as “state” tanks and accessories that coordinate with your winning game day look🏈👗.

https://tailgatequeen.com

9. Hobby Lobby anyone?!?!?! Some of you may already be aware of this little gem, but for those of you that don’t....Hobby Lobby has an aisle they put out every Summer packed full of fabulous football items for the fall. From tailgating supplies to football pumpkins....it’s basically a coach’s wife’s dream. There are always a few new pieces each year, so you can add to your collection every season🏈🛒.

https://www.hobbylobby.com

10. Have an Accessory Game Plan. My husband loved the football dress socks I recently bought him to accent a suit. The online shop the Sock Drawer has a selection of football designs for Men and boys. Just don’t forget about the little ladies in your life with these cute football head wraps from Knots from Nix. An etsy shop that carries top knots which can be customized from preemies to adults sizes too. They say Cinderella is proof that a new pair of shoes can change your life.....if that’s the case....these low top football shoes I found are sure to bring some luck to you this season. The online website Sports Locker HQ carries them in both Men’s/Women’s sizes in just about every team color.💙💚💛🧡❤️💜🖤

https://sockdrawer.com

https://www.sportslockerhq.com 

http://Etsy.com/shop/KnotsfromNix

A Shoutout to the Coach’s Wife

A shoutout to the coach’s wife....
Who makes the game of football her life.

When her husband starts working with his new team.....
His wife handles movers, boxes, and everything in between.

She cheers her heart out throughout the season.....
She’ll bake for her boys in uniform without a reason.

She’s the one standing up on third down...
Always supporting her husband after a tough loss makes him frown.

The coach’s wife is at each and every game....
She knows all her husband’s players by number and name

She’s in the stands and holding together the home everyday.....
While he’s at the office figuring out all the right plays.

While her husband is off recruiting and traveling the land.....
She’s the glue keeping it all together, just as they’ve planned.

Through all the wins, the losses, the ups, and the downs of this life.....
One of the strongest women out there is the the coach’s wife.

by Kimberly Eck

REAL Thoughts From a Mom While Potty Training:

So we are starting potty training. Anyone who doesn’t have a toddler right now is probably thinking.....”that’s great!!!”.....but, I’d be lying if I told you I was thrilled at this news.  Let’s be real....Moms currently living in their bathroom potty training probably have some of these thoughts......

1. Do I have to? Am I the only lazy Mama that has literally dreaded this day? The pure mess of it all makes me think diapers are so much easier.

2. I just want to leave the house!!!! No seriously.....If you want to know what potty training is like.....I have gone to the potty with my son ten times so far today......it’s not lunch time yet. Good luck leaving leaving the house.

3.  Is that water😳?!?!? When you start questioning if you are stepping in pee or water you know you’re smack dab in the middle of potty training.💦😳🚽

4.  Is Bribing my child wrong? Things like potty candy, stickers, and potty charts become an  everyday negotiation to get them on the potty.  It can be pure desperation.🍭🍦🙏🏼

5.  Why now!!!! My husband, who spends most of his time away from the home as a college football coach, is very excited about potty training right now (of course). I on the other hand am questioning....”Cant this wait till after the football season?”📆🚽🏈

6.  I should seriously consider putting a chair in the bathroom🤔.  The last two days, I have spent more time in our bathroom, than I have in any other room in the house.

7.  Do you have to go potty? Trust me...those 6 words will make up at least 85% of your thoughts and words between 7 am to 8 pm.

8.  Again?!?!? You realize your toddler has outsmarted you by starting to control his pee so he can get more potty candy and stickers.

9. Laundry...laundry.....and more laundry. The second most popular room in your house during potty training....the laundry room. Invest in plenty of underwear for them, and you may want to consider “less is better” when it comes to clothing....when there is an accident, everything gets wet.

10.  “Booty call.” It’s giving the phrase a whole new meaning! It’s a daily announcement from your toddler letting you know it’s time to wipe his bottom👦🏼🚽🤦🏼‍♀️.

Good luck potty training to all my toddler mamas.....after the day is through....pour yourself a glass of wine!!! You’ll need it🚽🙋🏼‍♀️🍷😂

The Sixteen things 16 years of being married to football has taught me:

My husband and I are celebrating our 16th wedding anniversary today on June 1st. Through the ups and the downs.......the wins, and the losses......This is what I’ve learned being married to the game.

1. Marriage is never going to be 50/50. You have to sometimes give more than the other spouse in times of need. Any coach’s wife learns that REAL fast! During their husband’s season it can feel a lot like 10/90.

2. Don't listen to the critics. We've had people (even those close to us) doubt if our relationship could ever work. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed proving them wrong....on and off the field.

3. Listen. Pure and simple. It’s not my job to be the coach and tell him what I think he did wrong after a tough loss. It’s my job as his wife to be there for him..... to listen and support him.

4. The grass....or turf...isn't always greener on the other side. Water and take care of your own grass.....and you won't need to look for anything more. 

5. Date.....a lot. We have 4 kids and we date more now then we did with only 2. It's a break from chaos and time to enjoy each other. Even if that “date” ends up being somehow related to football....take it. I’ve learned to appreciate any and all time together. Coaches wives have to find the silver lining

6. You’ll cry. You’ll fight. Just don’t forget to laugh....sometimes it will even be at each other.

7. You’ll Grow. We’ve learned from our ups, downs, and in betweens. With every win, tough loss, hectic move, or transition....we learn and we grow.

8. Celebrate. Sometimes I joke with my husband that my birth wasn’t planned to accommodate football (my birthday always falls during winter recruiting.) His falls right in the middle of fall camp. I’ve learned in this crazy life it doesn’t matter when you celebrate as long as you get to.

9. Don’t compare. They say comparison is the thief of joy. Not everyone’s football journey is yours.....not everyone’s marriage looks the same.....or is what it seems.

10. Everyone has a love language. I read this book written by Gary Chapman a few years ago called The 5 Love Languages. We all have a language and I believe it's important to know yours and your spouses. 

11. You learn to love the not so easy to love parts of your spouse. You know all those things that annoyed you or you hated about  an old boyfriend.....for some reason when you really love someone they just don't bother you as much.

12. Communicate. There is a reason lack of communication is one of the leading causes for divorce. We talk about any big/little decisions together. Coaching jobs, money, camps, etcetera.

13. Protect. I've got his back and I need him to have mine. We are a team. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again....there’s no “i” in team right?!?!

14. Things are not always what they seem. No marriage is perfect....not one. There is a lot of work involved in staying together. We are still working on us.....every single day.

15. Be supportive. I am his biggest fan in the stands and he's my extra set of hands at home.....well.....when he can be👰🏼🏈👍🏼

16.Love and keep the faith. I’ve learned through the years of this crazy profession to not take the transitions personally. Love each other and keep the faith that God has a bigger plan for you.

Talk DERBY to ME.......

On the first Saturday of May, I will be attending my 6th Kentucky Derby at the Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky. They say it’s the most exciting two minutes in sports.....I say it’s everything leading up to the race that makes it an event you don’t want to miss.

I’ll be honest.....growing up in Madison, WI, I did not know much about the Kentucky Derby, and I had never even heard of the Kentucky Oaks (The Friday before the Derby when 3 year old Fillies run the featured race). I wasn’t quite ready for my first trip to the Derby back in 2008, when I bought a single, simple black hat from Macy’s to wear for both the Oaks and Derby day.

Since my “rookie” year in 2008......I’ve stepped up my game big time! This year I have planned and perfected for months so that I have just the right dress with the most fabulous custom-made hat to go with it. And one hat just isn’t enough for two straight days of racing.....😉Thank you Dee’s you never disappoint. 

So whether you are headed off to your first Derby this year, or it is just on your Bucket List for now....here’s what to expect during Derby.

“Hats Off”

You will not believe the Facinators and Hats you’ll witness in just two days in Louisville. I mean when or where do you get a better opportunity to go all out with a show stopping hat, exquisitely decorated with netting, flowers, and/or feathers. Many of the men choose to go with a very dapper look wearing an old school straw boater hat or fedora as well.

“Dress like a lady...or gentleman”

There’s usually some exceptions in the “infield” (the grassy area inside the oval track frequented by college students), but the majority of those in attendance take pride in showing off their “Sunday best.” Women are in classic spring dresses, and men are dressed in nice shirts and seersucker jackets. Coming dressed to the nines is the correct Derby attire.

“It’s all in the details”

Colorful neckties and bow ties are standard amongst men, and I personally favor when they are impeccably paired with a matching pocket square. Having just the right accessories can complete your look. Personally, I tend to stay away from big earrings while wearing a hat and to quote Jackie Kennedy “Pearls are always appropriate.” Don’t forget to looked polished with a mani and pedi. The right shade of lipstick, and amazing lashes will only enhance your eyes with your hat.

“Shoe Game Strong”

The Horses aren’t the only ones who have to have on the right shoes. This has been challenging over the years because it’s a long day on your feet. In my opinion, a heel is an absolute must, but have a pair of your favorite Tory Burch flats or flip flops stashed in your purse to throw on at the end of the day.....your feet will thank you.

“In the Bag”

I prefer bringing a straw or fabric handbag/clutch to finish off a spring inspired look. I always bring my Tory Burch tote to throw in my clutch, flats, and any little necessity a lady needs to look her best for a day at the races. You can always leave that at your seats.

“When in Rome”

....or at Churchill Downs 😉..... It’s always acceptable to toast the post time of the first race with a mimosa or bloody Mary. The front runner for cocktails to have at the races, however, will always be a Mint Julep or a Lilly. There is an old Kentucky proverb that says “keep your friends close & your bourbon closer.”

“All bets are NOT off”

When betting on the races it’s essential to know whether you want your horse to Win, Place, or Show (ie. finish 1st, 2nd, or 3rd). Selecting the winning horse of the Kentucky Derby definitely adds to the fun. When it comes to picking winners, I like picking horses based on their name, but friends of mine swear by picking them by the color of their silks or by their coat color.

To quote the American author Irvin S. Cobb “Until you go to the Kentucky Derby with your own eyes, behold the Derby, you ain’t never been nowhere and you ain’t ever seen nothing.” So if you are not counting down the days to Derby weekend like I am.....well then I guess as any good southern woman would say.....”Bless your heart.” 🐎👒👗👠🥃

We’re Not Moving????

My family is headed into year 3 at South Dakota State, which matches the longest we have been at a school in our 16 years or marriage. Our 1st 3 year stint was actually my husband’s first full-time coaching job. Back in 2004, he was hired as the Offensive Line Coach at the University of Idaho. The 3 years in Moscow, Idaho, were eventful; we bought our very first home and welcomed our second baby boy into this football life. At the end of the 3rd year our head coach took another job, and like most incoming head coaches, his plans did not include retaining many of the assistants. This is often referred to as “cleaning house.” 

At the time, being new to this “coach’s wife life,” I was a complete mess finding out we hadn’t been retained. I took it personally, and worried that people didn’t think my husband was a good enough coach. There were many nights shedding tears in fear that we’d never get another coaching job again. I am pretty sure my husband questioned if I could handle the ups and downs of this lifestyle. On another level....it was also sad to have to sell our very first house and leave a town that was truly starting to feel like home to us.

I have grown to learn over the years, as a “seasoned” coach’s wife, that it all works out. After Idaho, my husband found another coaching job in a beautiful town in Minnesota, and we spent two wonderful years there.

Since that time, we have had 5 more football moves....sometimes only staying for one year at a school. In all honesty, it makes me truly thankful that next fall will be our third season at South Dakota State University. It is a lot better writing this blog post instead of calling and getting estimates from Mayflower or United. After moving for football 9 times in 16 years of marriage, I’ve been there, done that. 

Most coaches’ wives can relate to late November through February, when you never know what may happen job wise and Football Scoop is a constant buzz of firing and hiring. I know from experience that the hardest part of being a coaches’ wife is the unknown.

Around this time of year I always start to feel a little unsettled. I start to look at my husband like.....Are you sure we are not moving?  I mean.....shouldn’t I be cleaning out closets right now? When you move around as a coach’s wife, you learn to let things go.....I mean why pay to move it, if you don’t really need it. I presently have a stack of wardrobe boxes and dish packs in our garage. I learned a lesson, because every time I have gotten rid of boxes in the past, we ended up moving the next year. You could say I am a little superstitious I guess.

We have also learned through all the ups and downs that come with this profession, that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. There is often a price to pay for the “better job.” One of our last moves to Montana is a perfect example of that. We left a team that went to the D2 National Championship game for a chance to “move up” to D1-FCS. We were only there for one year and I just had my fourth baby boy when we were let go. Maverick Montana wasn’t able to enjoy Montana for very long.

So as I write this blog post today I am truly thankful and blessed to say this football family is staying Jackrabbits for another year. I am happy for my family to stay settled and plant deeper roots in the wonderful state of South Dakota, a place that truly has become home to us.

This blog post is also about all the coaches’ wives out there dealing with unknowns right now. Keep the faith....it will work out, and please know i’ve been there. I’ll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers daily.

#NoFilter

I regularly post an abundance of pics on Instagram. While they’re mostly of my children (what can I say they're my whole world), you will also find an occasional pic from a date night with my husband......probably before the football season starts (#coachswifeprobs). I love using Instagram as a virtual scrapbook to store my family’s memories. If this annoys you....please consider unfollowing me....that’s just me👦🏼👦🏼👦🏻👦🏼📱🤷🏼‍♀️.

While spending time on Instagram over the years I’ve noticed that the hashtag #nofilter has become quite popular (well over 200 million posts to be exact). Are people trying to prove to their friends (or followers) that they are so fabulous they don’t need a filter????? Why???? I’ll be the first to admit it....filters are my friend!!!! As a mama with 4 boys, I embrace a good filter. I don't always use them, but who doesn't like an occasional brightened up pic on a day when you have had little to no sleep (the mayfair filter is my personal fave). Let’s be 100% real....don’t we all need a little help sometimes?!?! Now if only those filters could “help” me with my “Mom bun.” 

My “Mom bun” is  the messy bun I am regularly sporting during the week because I am too busy caring for my tribe. If I happen see another mom wearing this messy bun...we’ll probably hit it off immediately. More than likely we just get each other and all that comes along with a busy family.

On a typical day of running kids to and from activities, being a jungle gym to my toddler, and refereeing the battles between my four boys.....my “Mom bun” just gets stuff done! 

So I think we need to start thinking of those messy buns as a crown ladies. A true queen who gives her whole self to help and love her people. Let’s be honest....she’s probably put aside perfectly blown out hair that day for someone small who needed her more.

This post is a shoutout to all the wonderful mamas out there. Use those filters as needed....don’t be ashamed of wearing your messy bun like a crown.....and remember how truly important you are to your kingdom.