🎅🏻Eck's-mas Traditions🎄

This is my favorite time of year. My kiddos are now 14, 11, 5, and 15 months, and we have created some Xmas or "Eck's-mas" traditions through the years. Here are some of my favorites:

1. Bake with your kids. Every year we make at least 3-4 different types of Christmas cookies, but the cutout frosted sugar cookies are still always their favorite. Let them have a bunch to frost and decorate however they want. Just wait to clean your kitchen until after it's all said and done.....Sprinkles and frosting are everywhere.....but oh how they enjoy it!

2. Christmas cards. I always get a few extra for their scrapbooks. The last few years I even started framing them to use as part of our decorations at Xmas time. I only wish I would have started that years ago.

3. Christmas movies. We have a growing Christmas movie collection. We love being cozy watching them and then putting them away till next Eck's-mas so we can enjoy them again.

4. Give. Every year we find a child in need, who is typically asking for something that we take for granted. I believe it's important to teach kids the importance of giving. It also helps remind them that we have a lot to be thankful for.

5. Christmas Jammie's. This is a big one for me because I like all my photos at Xmas to be festive.....everyone coordinated with the holiday spirit! I love seeing pictures from Christmas past, with the kiddos opening gifts in their Xmas Jammie's.

6. The Elf on the shelf. A HUGE commitment for the family, but that little guy brings so much Christmas Spirit into our house. Each morning from December 1-24th there is excitement to find him.....and sometime he brings special goodies straight from the North Pole. Every year he has brought a new ornament for each child....something they will always have to remember their Christmas as a child. Our elf reminds everyone to be good and to believe.

7. BELIEVE. At the Eck home: if you Believe, you will receive. You will hear this frequently this time of year. When you have a wide range of ages in a household you must believe.

8. Play. We have typically lived around snow. Although I hate being cold, you forget about that when you get out and take your kids outside to go sledding, ice skating, or to build a snowman. I have the best memories taking my sons sledding in MN and MT. We still share funny stories, remembering and laughing about the good times.

9. Decorate. My whole house gets decorated for Xmas. It's a lot of work! 20 storage tubs to be exact!  We always get one big real tree, and two smaller artificial ones. I love my house fully decorated so it's almost magical and full of Christmas spirit for my family.

10. Santa Picture. I had one taken every year since my first son was born. Crying or not, I get the picture and frame it to put up in the house every year at Xmas. They are some of my favorite decorations. So many memories looking at the man in the red suit and seeing my growing family and their love of him and Christmas.

Happy Holidays to you all. A wonderful time of year for love and happiness. Enjoy your traditions year after year. Feel free to leave a comment below and add a special tradition you may have. I'd love to hear them❤️🎄💚🎅🏻🙏🏼. 

the end......

As I lay in bed unable to sleep.....I have a hard time coming to terms with our season being over.

You can easily get spoiled with the excitement of still playing football in December. Like a kid at Xmas you just keep wanting more.

It was tough losing in the quarter finals of the playoffs. Seeing our senior players hug their families with a tear in their eye knowing they had put their pads on for the last time....having just lost to the team we had beaten in our rivalry game early that year......that all their hard work preparing for the game by our coaches and players just wasn't enough. 

To be completely honest, I was also selfishly upset, knowing my husband would have to go on the road recruiting immediately next week.....the season's over. Time to prepare for the future seasons. I have to become, once again, a single parent taking care of our four children....while he is away finding future Jackrabbits.

It's never fun to lose, and even the best of coaches and players do. We've been a part of many staffs, and I have always really enjoyed seeing loyal fans and rivalry between schools. It has always been a fun experience for me.

Having said that, I don't think it's EVER ok to cheer when opposing team's players are hurt, or to shout for coaches to be fired, to bad mouth the other teams fans on some of the worst levels, or to celebrate with your team after you tried to hurt the other team's player worse when they were already down.

You really don't know the other team's story. Some players lost family members this year. Some battled through painful injuries for hopes to keep the season going longer. Some kids in the stands are children of coaches who believe in their fathers 100%, and don't need to hear anything different about them. Just remember those football players on the other team are also someone's son and deserve respect. 

You can still be a loyal fan and be classy. I've seen it at Florida State, Iowa, Colorado, Wisconsin, etc. I am all for loyal fans.....but there are some lines that shouldn't be crossed. What do we teach kids when we cheer when a player is injured??? Children are our future...it's awful.

Having said all that....I'm so proud to be a Jackrabbit, because through some trials and tribulations, we found a way to keep winning, and play until December 10th. We beat our big rivals during the regular season, and took home the Dakota marker to our new stadium. We won the Missouri Valley Football Conference and made it farther than we ever had in school history. 

After witnessing all that I saw Saturday. I am 100% proud to be a Jackrabbit. We know how to win games but keep our composure staying true and classy. That's Jackrabbit football💛🐰💙🏈

Big congrats to all our players.....and much love and thanks to all our seniors. Proud of our football family💙🐰💛🏈🙏🏼.

A Coaches Wife Should be. . . .

I'll never forget the moment I heard another coaches wife utter these words out loud "a coaches wives should be......." Realllllly?!?!?? None of us were given a manual when we married into this lifestyle! I've actually met some of the most amazing women in this profession......each very unique in their own way. We all have different stories......from moving, raising kids, the winning seasons, and the not so easy losing seasons. While there is no set mold we fit into......each coaches' wife does what works for them and their family.....I do believe there are 5 characteristics all great coaches' wives have in common:

1. She is Tough. We can juggle a lot on our own. Jobs, homes, family, moving, fixing, packing, and the unpacking on our own. Our husbands aren't the only busy ones in the season people.....coaches' wives keep it all together so our husbands can try to come up with a winning game plan week after week. 

2. Loyal. A coach's wife remains close and loyal to other coaches' wives. When one loses their job, they are right there to reach out and let them know they care. We all know it happens to the best of them. When my husband's team plays against a team where I know a wife, it's nice to meet up, but it's best to meet before the game. Someone has to win, and someone has to lose..... that's just how the game goes.....but when winning is so important to your livelihood, emotions can run high. I have a coach's wife I know who lost to our team this year. Within an hour of the game, she messaged me congratulating me on our Win. Now that's class. A coach's wife is always loyal to her husband's team as well......it comes before all others. Sure we might look at other scores and enjoy watching our alma mater, or our hometown team play on tv.....but our heart belongs to wherever football has taken us. 

3. Extremely Independent. Our husbands work ridiculously long hours, so being needy is not a good recipe for the wife of a coach. Coaches' wives aren't waiting around, looking like a lost puppy.....we hold our own. We know how to keep busy and have many interests outside of being married to this football life. 

4. She is Supportive and helpful. Who's your doctor? Where do you get your hair done? I need a ride,  my car's getting fixed. At every place my husband has coached, I've always been able to count on other coaches' wives when I needed help or advice. Any great coach's wife will be there for you.....just don't forget to be there right back. Give and take is what a good one does.....there is no "i" in team as they say. 

5. Loving. A coach's wife is her husband's biggest fan. There will always be fans, boosters, parents, media, etc. who question and complain about your husband's life work after a tough loss. That is a time where a coach's wife's unconditional love and support is more important than ever. Our husbands know that we love them regardless of their win/loss record or 3rd down play calls!

At each school we have been at, I've met wonderful women.....each with their own story..... but almost every one has embraced these qualities. Thank you to all the great ones....I've learned a lot from some of the best.......even that you always stand up on third down (thanks Julie H.). You are loving, loyal, supportive, helpful, independent, and some of the toughest women I know. 

Best wishes the rest of your season❤️🏈🙏🏼. GO JACKS💛🐰🏈💙🙏🏼!!!!

Don't Forget

Don't forget

Last Sunday morning, I was glowing.....drinking my coffee after another great win by South Dakota State the night before. It feels great knowing we are now 4-0 in our conference. 

Even though I am happy, I don't forget what it's like to have a season with 2 or 3 wins. It's really tough when Saturday after Saturday you are disappointed for the team having little to show for all their hard work......especially knowing the hours my husband and other coaches put in that whole week. I remember early in my marriage taking those seasons personally.

Don't forget that even the best of coaches lose games. Every week....half of the teams in the country lose. Some of the toughest games for me to handle have always been the ones you lose by just a few points....let's face it.....there is no moral victory for keeping it close......You either win or you lose. 

So as the season is more than halfway over in college football.......don't forget there are some football families out there worried they might get let go at the end of the season.......Thinking they may have to move again.......Worried about the possibility of having to sell a house.......Wondering where they would be moving to and they how they are going to pay for it......Concerned for their children possibly having to change schools and meet a whole new set of friends. That very football family may know they will be out of a job over the holidays.....and money will be tight. 

I won't forget because I've been there.....feeling all those things. It's easy for someone having a good season to say everything happens for a reason......because sometimes when there are uncertainties it can be really hard to believe that. I've moved 9 times in 14 years of marriage.....and not all by choice. So I am here to tell you.....everything does happen for a reason. We have had our salary fluctuate up and down, we've bought homes and then been forced to rent, had moves that cost us more money than I'd like to admit, and bounced around in different divisions just to stay in the profession. I don't forget that we have also been blessed with four beautiful boys in four different states we've lived in. I don't forget that after being let go after a head coaching change we went on to places where we had great success......one time even going to a national championship game.

So this post is to all the wives out there who are having one of those tough seasons. I am not going to forget all those wives that messaged me, called, or found some way to let me know they were thinking of me when I was going through those times. I will not forget, and do the same as they did for me. Coaches wives go through a lot and even though we may be having a great seasons.....it's sometimes bittersweet.....because another coaching family we know might very well be looking for a job at the end of this season.

Prayers to all the football families having tough seasons. Don't forget.....

🏈It's Tailgating Time🌭

It's Tailgating Time.....

Who doesn't love the idea of getting to the game early for some fun, with tasty food and refreshing drinks! As a Wisconsin native....I was raised on the tradition of tailgating.......believe me, this girl knows how to tailgate. My husband has coached for 10 college football programs....and I have found that at some schools tailgating has been a bigger part of the Gameday experience than at others. I love where he coaches now, at South Dakota State, because there is an amazing tailgating scene. Here are some great recipes and new ideas to help you win big at your tailgate this season:

THE DRINKS:

As much as everyone loves to have beer when they tailgate,  I hate the idea of feeling bloated and full. Why not Sangria? I have been making it for years and I still get asked for this simple easy recipe. 

Sangria:

1 bottle of a sweeter red wine

1 cup of sugar

4 sliced oranges

2 sliced lemons

Sprite or 7 up (I prefer using diet to cut down a little on calories😉🍷.)

Put fruit, sugar, and wine in pitcher. Let sit overnight. Add your Sprite when ready to drink.

Another one of my faves is a Bloody Mary bar......I mean we all need to get our vegetables in for the day right?!?!😉. Garnishes like olives hand-stuffed with blue cheese or garlic, pepper jack cheese cubes, pepperoni, and pickles are the perfect touch. I like to use Absolut Peppar Vodka with a Zing Zang Bloody Mary mix--it has just the right amount of spice.

Mimosas anyone?? I like to freeze champagne in ice cube trays and have them in a Tupperware in my cooler at the tailgate. Bring orange juice and you have an easy Mimosa🍊💃🏼🍾.

Don't forget juice boxes, bottled waters, and sodas. I know it's sad.....but champagne is not for everyone.....plus we can't forget about the babes (kiddos)👶🏼👦🏼👦🏻👦🏼.

THE FOOD:

I think it's always best to go with a proven winner on Gameday. And don't forget---it must be able to handle being out in the warm sun--especially during the early fall games. One of my favorite tailgating delights are cream cheese and salami roll ups. I got the recipe from a dear friend who is also a coach's wife (Oh how I miss tailgating with you Lindsay😉🏈🍻.)!

Salami Roll Ups:

Salami 

Cream cheese

Pickles or olives 

Spread cream cheese on salami. Place a pickle spear on top of the layer of cream cheese. Roll up and leave as is or cut into cute little slices. When using an olive roll the salami and use a toothpick to hold the olive on top.

Another great idea. Place Veggie dip at the bottom of clear plastic drink cups adding different vegetables in cup. Quick, easy, and a great on the go food to bring to your tailgate.

Also never leave out the kiddos. I make sugar cookies cutout in the shape of football jerseys every year. Frosted with our team colors of course---with the jersey numbers of some of our best players (Shoutout to 19 and 86.....and of course the O-Line!! 😉)

Another kid favorite (who am I kidding---adults love it too) is to melt Hershey's Hugs on top of a hard mini-pretzels in the oven, then adding team colored m&m's on top (you can order them on www.nutsinbulk.com, amazon, or other websites.) I've even found football shaped pretzels at Walmart....it's all about the details💛🏈💙.

THE DETAILS:

Since I mentioned it.....bring out your football crockpots, dishes, and I am all about this plastic wine tumbler that I so am ordering ASAP (who says you can't show some class--when they don't allow glass😉)

Also don't forget plates and napkins in team colors.....or mix and match football plates with napkins in team colors. Bring bean bags (cornhole) or a football for the kiddos to throw around. Plus it's always fun to make friends with those tailgating around you......I've heard Jackrabbits are some of the best 😉💙🏈🐰.

For other great recipes and ideas feel free to follow my Pinterest board "Tailgating Time" under Kimberly Eck. Best of luck to you all this week. Hope you win the game this week and at your tailgate💛🐰💙🏈🍷🍽

RHOCF (The REAL Housewives Of College Football)

RHOCF (The REAL Housewives of College Football.) 

I am going to be 100% real.....being a College Football Coach's wife isn't all that glamorous. Not at all actually. I mean sure, getting free tickets to football games is great, but if you lose......you have a grumpy coach coming home with you after the game☹️👎🏼. Football wives completely understand why losses are so hard for them (they're just as tough on us too). We know the hours coaches put in day in and day out, because we are putting in the same hours off the field. While our husbands are away coming up with the next big game plan.....we are handling everything else on the home front. The season gets long after weeks of very little time together with our husbands on most days (if any at all). 

While the coaches at the Power 5 level make a great living, many college football coaches don't make the big bucks and a family needs a second source of income to get by.  I started a new job this week nannying for another family. During the day I watch a 3 year-old, a two year-old, and a 6 month old, in addition to my own 1 year old. It's a great way to make money while your children are young, balancing family with this football life. It has not been easy to have a career outside of the home being moved around as much as our football family has.......9 times in 14 years to be exact. Only a couple of our moves have been fully paid for......FYI.....it's not at all cheap moving from Virgina to Illinois. Balancing a job (whatever it is) and running a household almost entirely by yourself can be a real grind........but coaches' wives are still the glue that holds the family together. Sometimes it can be a lot of weight on ones shoulders. Nannying has allowed me to work while still being there to support my children. From help with homework, transportation to activities, to being a cheerleader for them in sports, working inside the home has offered my children stability despite the moving around and their Dad's time away due to football. 

There are other ways to make/save money as a coaches' wife. I have had a number of garage sales before we have moved. Sometimes I knew certain furniture wouldn't fit into our new place, but mostly.....who needs to keep your old school's gear when your loyalty is to a new team right?!?!  Moves have also ended up being our "vacations." We visited Mount Rushmore on our move to Montana two summers ago. When life hands a coach's wife lemons.....she makes lemonade.....we are just tough like that.

Thursday nights are often coaches' families favorite nights in the season. It's usually the only night of the week we can all eat dinner together as a family. After getting kids 3 kids off to school, watching four little ones all day, helping my kindergartner with some homework, cheering at my 8th grader's cross country meet, getting my 6th grader off to football practice, and managIng to find the time to cook.....I get to look forward to having an extra set of hands for that few hours after football practice. It's nice to get help reading/tucking kids into bed, cleaning up after dinner, and just a little bit of family time.

So after my husband was gone this past weekend recruiting (our bye-week.) I drove to another town with our kiddos to my son's football game and even managed to mow our lawn (while our baby napped.) To be 100% real.....I've probably used more tools in our house and mowed way more than my husband has since we moved to South Dakota....no...not a glamorous life. That's just what we coaches wives do in football....we keep our home together.....all the while our coaches try to figure out the next big play or player.🛠🏈💪🏻

And that's a REAL housewife of College football (RHOCF).....It's not an easy life.....through the moves, time apart, and sometimes living paycheck to paycheck.......But I love my family and this football life........I can't resist a big guy with a whistle 😉🏈👍🏼.

Born Into Football

Yesterday we celebrated the youngest of my four boys turning one. My husband was even able to sneak home for an hour in between his meetings to see Maverick eat his cake......it's the football season right?!?!?!

Maverick Montana Eck was born during the season last year on 9/5/15. It was a Saturday after the Bobcat's first (Thursday night) home game, with a bye-week the following week (what a good football baby👶🏼🏥🏈👍🏼).

I, unfortunately, had to have my first c-section. I remember just crying after I found out....I had already been pushing for over three hours. I cried more from thinking about the recovery than from the actual scar I would have. Those who are football wives know....there is no extra help from our husbands in the fall......"it's the season." You also can probably understand and relate to living far away from extended family, as we were at the time in Montana. Thankfully, my mom came out for the first few days after I came home from the hospital, but c-sections can take weeks to fully recover from.

My baby Maverick and I made it through it together....we had to.....it was "the season". I took my 10 year old son to football, helped him and the 12 year-old with homework (often while nursing), ran the 4 year-old to preschool, and tried my best to be a good mama with their everyday life👶🏼👦🏼👦🏻👦🏼🏃🏼.

I will say I also had the most amazing support from coaches wives and football friends. Bringing me dinner and checking in on us regularly to see how we were doing. Sometimes I truly wonder where I would I be without all of you ladies❤️🏈👩🏼👩🏻👩🏽👩🏾👩🏿.

Two weeks after He was born, Maverick, attended his first football game.....all geared up of course. What can I say......I start them young. All my boys were born into this game and I am going to make sure they love every single minute of it🏈😍👍🏼.

My first born, Quentin, went to a bowl game as an infant, and just two seasons ago my oldest three boys traveled with the team when we went to the D2 national championship game. We were at Minnesota State University, Mankato (the Mavericks!), and my 5 year old still to this day talks about how much he loved Kansas City💛👦🏼💜🏈. We didn't bring home the trophy, but we found out we brought home something better.....we were pregnant with our Maverick💛🏈👶🏼🏆💜.

I know there are many out there that  think it's better to time up babies during the off season......trust me, I've heard your opinions. Life happens people, and what a blessing that is. We coaches' wives are tough women and can handle a baby during the season or under any kind of circumstances. Plus we can't all have our babies in July right😉.

I just love my football baby. He's worth any scar and all the pain I dealt with then. For Maverick's second football season he will probably go to some close away games, and he will be at almost every home game (unless it's a night game....he's ornery if he doesn't get his sleep.....sorry....mama wants to watch the game😉👶🏼💙🐰💛🏈.)

God bless all the wives this season having babies. They make the best snugglers on those game days. Wins are great, and losses are hard, but those football babies help remind us what is truly important. I can't imagine this football life without my kids cheering by my side......GO JACKS💛🐰💙🏈!!!