Firecrackers Explode and Win Championship!!

Sage's indoor soccer team had an excellent season, earning a second seed in the tournament with a 6-1-1 record. It had been exciting, but nothing compared to what happened on Saturday. As the second seed, the Sudbury Firecrackers started off with a match against the seventh seed, Acton-Boxboro Jedi. The force was not with the smaller Jedi team as Sage's team rolled to a 3-1 win in a game that was not as close as the score indicated. Sage played some goal and assisted on two of the scores. After waiting 30 minutes, Sage next played a energetic 6th seed in the Concord Patriots. The Patriots had just upset the other Sudbury team (3rd seed), 2-1 in a wild game. Their goalie was incredible, but the Firecrackers managed to get a lone goal and escape with a 1-0 victory. There was no rest for the Firecrackers before the championship game with the Stowe Red Hawks. Stowe had steam rolled the league, posting an 8-0 record. Earlier in the year they had dealt the Firecrackers their only loss in a 8-4 drubbing. Stowe mauled their first two opponents 7-0 and 5-1 and they did get a 30 minute rest before the game started. Our girls were tired, but excited. Stowe came out strong and confused our defense into scoring on our own goal. Not a good way to start. Another quick goal upped their lead to 2-0. Time was getting low when Sage's best friend Amelia finally got Sudbury on the board. Her shot arched over the goalie, but dropped under the crossbar and into the net. It was as pretty a rainbow as you will ever see. Stowe keep pressing on offense, but our goalie denied them again and again with beautiful saves. With time now approaching 4 minutes, Sage decided to move herself into a striker position. It paid off as she was able to collect a loose ball dribble by a defender moving right across the top of the goal box. She fired towards the left corner of the goal just as she collided with a Stowe defender. The collision sent her tumbling, but it did not matter as the ball found the corner! Sage never saw the ball go in and had to be told by one of her teammates that she had scored. Now 2-2 and under 4 minutes to play, we had a new game. Sage continue to play striker and got a second opportunity with the ball with one minute to go. This time she beat two Stowe players and fired for the right corner from ten yards out. The ball whistled past the goalie and Sudbury had their first lead. By this time, the parent's section was going a bit crazy. The bleachers were shaking and it was getting loud. Coach then dropped Sage back to play defense. One last run by Stowe ended when Sage took the ball away and blasted into the other end. Time ran out and the celebration ensued. The girls ran screaming and piled into each other. Tears streamed from both sides, but for obviously different reason. The players were presented with huge trophies and declared champions! Sage is still glowing from the day. She has decided that she really likes winning.

Sage Winter Recital

Yet another important date for your calendars...

Sage will be in her Gigi's Winter Recital on Friday January 9th.  Rumored start time is 7 PM (To be confirmed).  The event will be at the West Falmouth Library on the Cape.  Sage is singing two songs for the first time.  One will be 'Thank you for the Music' and the other is called 'In my Dream'.  If you cannot make the event, please request a private performance the next time you see Sage.  

I will try and video the two songs as well for future Sage Rayne Days entertainment.

The Great Escape

Exciting times in Sudbury on Friday morning.  Rayne's nanny accidentally locked her into her car.  Car was running with the heat on, but there was no way to unlock the doors.  911 called...  three police cars including the sergeant and engine 6...  all on site within 5 minutes.  Police saved Rayne, while the fire fighters were ready to support if needed.  I think they had the jaws of life warming up. Rumor was an ambulance was on stand-by.  Seriously, a great response by our local teams! 

Christmas Tree Harvest 2008

On a day with snowflakes in the air, we headed out to cut down our Christmas tree...  only to find that our Sterling Evergreen Tree Farm was sold out.  Considering we were going a full weekend before we did last year, this was a big surprise.  Fortunately, Grampy had GPS.  With Sage as his navigator, we crawled through many central Mass town to get to Northboro.  (side note, we drove through Clinton, which was obviously named for the former president.  I do believe it must represent the more difficult years of his presidency).  

We arrived at David and Jan's tree farm and started searching for the perfect tree.  We combed over several groves before setting our eyes on a sweet white spruce.  Sage crawled under the tree and starting sawing away.  She needed a little help, but the tree quickly fell.  We hauled it back to the car and then went for cookies and hot coco.

Pink Piano

Rayne has been rocking out with her new piano. She will sit and play music for up to five minutes at a time. Most of the songs are unique, so singing along is kind of difficult.

Sage's New Room

Sage has a brand new room thanks to the fabulous artistry of T and Jess. They transformed Sage's yellow room to a green and white room with circular chalk boards. The chalk boards are made from venetian plaster and are very smooth. Sage has been busy trying to write something on each of the 31 circles. It took T and Jess 12 hours to complete all the dots. Sleepovers at Sage's are the new rage. Book your reservation soon!

Indoor Soccer and Futsal Update

Sage's indoor soccer and futsal teams are heading to the playoffs.  The indoor soccer team completed the regular season in second place with a 6-1-1 record.  Sage scored her first three goal hat trick in the second to last game.  She has a streak of scoring at least one goal in the past five games.  Hopefully that streak will continue into the tournament on Saturday. There are 8 teams playing a single elimination playoff.  If all goes right, Sage's team will play 3 games on Saturday afternoon.  Each game will be 30 minutes.  Good luck to the Firecrackers!

Sage's futsal team is also heading to the playoffs on Tuesday.  The Thistle are seeded first and will start the round robin tournament with 3 points.  They play each of the other two teams and then the two teams with the most points will play in the championship.  Last Tuesday, Sage's team swept the other two teams 7-1 and 18-2.  There is a pretty good chance that the Thistle will be celebrating Tuesday night.

Stars Clinch Championship!

The Stars left no doubt as to who was the best team in the division on Saturday. In their last game of the year, the team won a hard fought 1-0 victory against Canton. Needing just a tie for the championship, they took care of business with a 1-0 victory. The first half was a defensive struggle. Sage played left defense and supported her goalie well. Canton played an aggressive match with both teams losing players to injury. In the second half coach move Sage up to wing to try and ignite the offense. It worked as she assisted on the game winner with only 10 minutes left in the half. The team celebrated with a huge pig pile on the assistant coach. Next up is the trophy presentation and a team party at the head coach's house. Rumor is he throws really really good parties. This ends of the outdoor season. In three seasons of Bays travel teams, Sage has two championships and a co-championship. Guess they do just make the girls a little better in Sudbury.

Futsal

Sage has started playing Futsal after school on Monday. She is playing is the famous SSFL (Sudbury Soccer Futsal League) and has a sweet shirt to prove it. What is Futsal? Cross a basketball court with the rules of soccer and you have it. The ball is heavier and barely bounces. The game requires good football and does not value power and speed (Sage's strengths) as much as outdoor soccer. Sage's Thistle team has won their first three games, so she likes the sport... anybody noticing the relation between winning and enjoyment? We won't even go into the indoor soccer game against the really small third graders... needless to say, we didn't 'enjoy' that one.

Stars Survive Hallloween Hang Over

Halloween on a Friday night... dangerous times for fourth graders. The Stars needed one win to clinch the league championship. They were playing the worst team in the league. A team that the Stars thumped 5-0 a mere four weeks ago. Never has candy and trick or treating been such a great equalizer...

The Belmont Stars nearly pulled off the upset. Sudbury had to rally back late in the second half for the 1-1 tie. Both teams played in slow motion as the late night partying clearly showed. Sage played goalie in the first half. She made several excellent stops including one where the opposing player had blown through the defence and had only Sage to beat. Second half required Sage to run as she played center middie. Opportunities were limited as Belmont stuffed their goal box with three defenders.

This leaves the final game against a gritty Canton team as a must win or tie. The fall outdoor season ends at Haskel Field in Sudbury next Saturday at 10:30.

Not to worry soccer fans... Sage's indoor Fall season has started. She is playing in Acton for the Sudbury Firecrackers.

Halloween Trick or Treating

Sage and Rayne haunted the 'hood on Halloween. Pictures of Sage as the Wolf are coming. Sage and her friend Amelia dressed as Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf. Sage was so scary that Rayne did not know what to do when Sage wore the mask.

Pumpkin Hellos from Rayne

Mouli and Geetha's Big Backyard

The family ventured to the woods of Andover to experience the new Ramani house... and what an experience it was! The beautiful house near Haggetts' Pond is all new construction and sits on beautiful property. Mouli will be spending most of his summer weekends mowing the par three in the backyard (Full 9 iron). Hopefully, Geetha lets him buy a nice tractor. The girls are wearing the latest Bombay fashions. Clearly they are international best dress models!

Stars Avenge Early Season Loss to DS

Sage's soccer team came to play on Saturday and they delivered a statement game. With the championship on the line, our girls played their best game of the year. Some say that it was the popsicles at halftime that gave them the extra energy, but others believe that the girls just wanted to settle the score. Sage led the first half from the right wing position. In the second she commanded the entire field as the center middie. She gave a great effort. Sage set her friend Abbey up for a beautiful give and go goal that sealed the game. Sage was well supported at this game. Melba travelled all the way from England just to experience Sage playing her game. Aunt K also came out as did Claire, Dave, Auntie Lauri, Uncle Rick, and their two kids.

15 month doctor visit

On Friday, Kristin took Rayne to her 15 month visit with Dr. Zackin. Reports were good on all fronts. Dr. Zackin was very impressed by Rayne verbal abilities. He felt her social skills were good and was pleased to hear that Mom and Dad are not exhausted from endless tantrums. Rayne received 4 shots today, including a flu shot. Kristin says Rayne was brave, but not happy with all the poking. Rayne continues to grow like a future fashion model. Her 32.5" is 97th% percentile for height and 21lbs 9 ozs is 33rd% for weight. Rayne did fail one test in the office. Dr Zackin took her shoe off and threw it across the office. To pass, Rayne would have needed to go and get her shoe. Instead, she just continued to look at him with a puzzled expression of 'why did you throw my shoe?'. Evidently, she felt that since he threw it, he should go get it. At least we have something to work on for next time.

Halloween Pumpkin Picking

Sunday was pumpkin picking day! The family went to Fern Julian's Farm Stand with Dick and Wendy and found bountiful orange treasures. The farm also had white and sage green pumpkins this year. Sage was looking for a pumpkin touched by the ugly stick, while Rayne just wanted something to carry around. Wendy was best prepared for the picking as she was looking for the perfect painting pumpkins. In the end, we took two large carving pumpkins and four smaller ones. Pictures of the jack o' lanterns are coming soon.

Hard Fought Tie against Acton Boxboro

The Sudbury Stars battled this past Saturday to earn a 1-1 tie against the Acton Boxboro FC. It was under a beautiful blue, but cold sky. Fall is settling into New England. Sage led her team with strong wing play in the first half. She tied the game by scoring her fifth goal of the season. The play started by Sage drilling the ball from 15 feet out into an AB defender. The ball bounced off the girl back to Sage, where she drilled it for a second time at the defender. Remarkably, the ball bounced off the player again and back to Sage, where she kicked it for a third time. This time it screamed into the upper far corner of the net for the goal. The game was especially hard because the AB field had goals designed for younger kids who do not play with goalies. (not sure why this was the case, but it does explain why most games in AB are 0-0 ties) In the second half, Sage played defense. She challenged every run made by AB. Twice she had free kicks that she boomed down field. On the last rotation, Sage moved up to center and ran the field with wild abandon. The Stars could not get the game winning goal, but they maintained their position atop the division by earning the point for the tie. Next game is Saturday in Sudbury at 10:30. This game will be against Dover Sherborn. They are currently in second place, but they are the only team that beat the Stars this year. Good chance that the winner of this game will take the division crown.

Adventures in Long Island

The family explored Long Island over the holiday weekend. It was an entertaining visit with the Boisclair family in their home in Huntington. We got to experience both the north shore and the south shore over the three days. Fire Island is the south shore and it is still growing (sandbar) about 25 feet per year. It is a state park that has a huge beach. The weather was sweet, but not quite good enough for swimming. There was an excellent game of whiffle ball on the beach! Sage was adventurous enough to climb the Fire Island Lighthouse. It was 152 steps and 2 ladders to reach the top. She said the view was amazing. She could not see NYC, but could see much of the Island. The trip home was by land and sea. The ferry ride from Port Jefferson to Bridgeport CT was Rayne first ever! As you can see in the picture, she was very excited to be walking about the boat.

Stars Shoot to First Place

Sage's soccer team took care of two league opponents last week.  With solid victories over Canton and Newton, they are alone in first place after six games.  Sage had two strong games.  She scored again and now has 4 goals on the season.  No games were played over Columbus Day Weekend, but the Stars are back in action on Saturday as they travel to Acton Boxboro.  The team expects a defensive game as Acton Boxboro doesn't give up many goals.  Game is at 11:45 on Saturday.

Oreo's are a Girl's Best Friend

Rayne has a new love of her life. She cannot get enough Oreos. After having her first one about a week ago, she has focused much of her days on having "more". She knows what cabinet they are in and will often go to it and try to open the door. Once she gets one of the treasured morsels, she and Laila will spend a good 5 minutes pulling it apart and licking it. Sometimes Laila gets the cookie... other times it goes into Ray's mouth whole. Always fun times when the daughter turns into cookie monster.

Stars Back to Winning Ways

Sage led her Sudbury Stars team to a wet victory on Saturday against Belmont. Sage was captain of the team for the day and set the tone early with her third goal of the season. It was a sweet run down the right side with two defenders on. After shaking one loose, she drilled the ball into the far upper corner of the goal. The Belmont goalie could only watch the shot zip over her head and into the net. In the second half, Sage played goalie. She refused to let Belmont on the score board and preserved the 5-0 victory. In fact, Sage only had to make one save in the second half. She did have to stand in the rain for the whole time though. Afterwards, Sage proclaimed "I love playing in the rain. Too bad it wasn't muddy."

The picture above shows Sage's starting squad.  On Sage's left is her friend Caroline, who is also in her fourth grade class.  One her right is her other best friend from the team, Adelle.  This is the first year playing with these girls.

The avid fan base for the Stars was missing some key supporters for this game. Fortunately, Grampy came and held an umbrella over the team bench. It was a key role in the win. Next week the Stars are back on the road playing the strong Canton team. Game is at 11:45.

Getting Medieval

Sage spent Sunday in Medieval Times at the King Richard's Faire in Caver MA. She celebrated the day by getting her face painted like a beautiful swan. This is expert face painting and is best left to the professionals. Such good times....

Stars Stunned

Sage's soccer team suffered their first loss of the season on Saturday. (This also ended Chris' undefeated career as a soccer coach.) Sage played hard and made several excellent runs at their goal. On one attack she broke with the ball at mid-field, faked the sole defender out of her shoes and fired on net only to have the goalie deflect it away. Overall, it was a day of missed chances for the team. The good news is we will get to play Dover Sherborn again in Sudbury at the end of the year. Thanks to Annie, Connie, Paula, Ethan, Elizabeth and Hayden for making the game. Sage continues to have the best (and loudest) cheering sections. Next contest is Saturday morning at 10:30 in Sudbury. In other soccer news, Sage has been moved up to the first team in the Soccer Academy. This is very impressive and well earned given her hard work.

Rayne Meets Pops

There are benefits to having your sister play on the first place soccer team. The Stars know how to celebrate a good victory. Watermelon Popsicles are just soooooo good. I cannot believe she ate the whole thing

Stars Shine Bright: Move to first place in the Division

Saturday brought a glorious day for playing soccer and Sage's Sudbury Stars brought their best. The team survived a sluggish start to beat the Acton Boxboro United 2-1. Sage started the game as mid-fielder and then swapped to right wing when she began to tire. Her squad scored first on a penalty kick. Sage then finished the first half by scoring on a loose ball in front of the net. She drilled the kick so hard, it almost went over the goal. The picture above shows the goal scoring celebration. Sage still has some of the best moves on the dance floor.

'

With the team ahead 2-0, Sage's coach moved her to defense. She played hard in the second half. One of her kicks went almost half the field on the fly. Acton pressured the Star's defense time and time again in the second half, but Sage held her ground and the team escaped with the 2-1 win.

'

The win moves them to first place in their division. They are now the only undefeated team and they have a goal differential of +7. Next week they are back on the road playing in Sherborn.

Sage had a huge fan club for this game. Wendy and Wally came in from PA. Joy, Justin and Hutch drove up from NJ. Even Beth, Tom and Jess were able to make it. Thanks to everyone who came and cheered the team to victory.

'

The entire game slide deck can be seen here

http://picasaweb.google.com/mcclure.christopher/Fall2008Game2#

'

Sudbury Stars Romp in Season Opening Win!

The Sudbury Stars U10 team started their season off with a thorough thumping of the Newton Rockets 6-0. The game was played as Tropical Storm Hanna approached. The rain held off, but the tropical humidity was everywhere.

Sage played brilliantly on defense in the first half. Her unit did not allow a shot on goal until close to the end. She was responsible for all goal kicks because the coach wanted her strong leg driving the ball. She also had to deliver corner kicks and then run back to her position.

In the second half, Sage controlled the flow as she was the mid-fielder in a 2-1-2 alignment. This required her to run and run and run. So much so that she was wiped by the end of the game. Sage assisted on two goals and scored her first of the season. It was a great way to start the fall league.

Kristin's pictures from the game are being featured on the Sudbury Soccer Website at http://www.sudburysoccer.org/galleries/2008_fall/week1_u10/17.htm

First Day of Fourth Grade

Summer ended in Sudbury and a new school year has begun. The year officially began at 6 AM, as Sage could not sleep anymore due to her excitement. Sage is off to the fourth grade. It is a mix of old and new. The old being Sage has many friends in her class as well as the same teacher from the third grade. The new is some fabulous back to school outfits and crocs as well as new green backpack (green is the new purple). Sage will have her own desk this year. No more will she be working at a table. She will also be walking to school this year. The trek on the first day included both her sisters and Laila. In a separate story, Laila was looking so good on the first day that a local news photographer just had to have a picture of her. The photo ran on the first page of the local paper.

Sudbury Stars Schedule Annouced

Our favorite U10 Soccer Team has announced their Fall Schedule. Hope to see all the fans at the game.

9/7 10:30 AM @ Newton Rockets
9/13 10:30 AM Home vs Acton Boxboro Wildcats
9/20 11:45 AM @ Dover Sherborn Tigers
9/27 10:30 AM Home vs Belmont Stars
10/4 11:45 AM @ Canton Fury
Rescheduled:  Home vs Newton Rockets
10/18 11:45 AM @ Acton Boxboro Wildcats
10/25 10:30 AM Home vs Dover Sherborn Tigers
11/1 10:30 AM @ Belmont Stars
11/8 10:30 AM Home vs Canton Fury

Going Mobile

Rayne is in motion. After 393 days, Rayne has taken to walking. She managed her first steps tonight going between Mom and Dad. Her record is eight steps. Check out this sweet video.

Deer Camp 2008

The whole family trekked to the deep woods of Pennsylvania for a week at Deer Camp. It was Sage's third trip and Rayne's first out to Dick's Hunting Cabin. The week was wonderful as mother nature provided excellent weather, flora and fauna. Highlights of the week include tubing down the river, deal or no deal night and crazy tie-dyed tee shirts. Poor Laila was not invited this year. She stayed with the Boo and had a marvelous time. The entire trip is displayed at http://picasaweb.google.com/mcclure.christopher/DeerCamp2008 .

Rayne's First Birthday Bash

Chocolate cake is a must have for any first birthday celebration. Rayne fully enjoyed her triple balloon-cupcake treat. Notice that the hat didn't even last for the second bite. The party was a huge success with friends and family coming in from all over the world for the event. Many thanks to all that helped throw the bash.

More pics at http://picasaweb.google.com/mcclure.christopher/RayneSFirstBirthdayParty

One Year Doctor Visit

Rayne saw Dr Zackin for her one year check-up this morning. He was very impressed with Rayne both physically and socially. Rayne checked in at 19.8 lbs and 31.5 inches long. These continue to put her on a path to modeling as her height is >95% and weight is 25th percentile. Her head circumference is 18.5 inches, which is also >95%. Rayne had excellent hemoglobin levels and shows no sign of having ingested lead (good). Dr Zackin expects Rayne to be walking within the next 10 days. She put on quite a show at the office as she went across the chairs holding on with only one hand. We are done with formula and Rayne is now cleared for eggs, fish and peanut butter. Next appointment is 15 months.

Life is a Highway

NASCAR? Indy? Formula One Racing? Tough to say where Sage will make her next appearance after flying around the Onset Go Cart Track. Sage is a natural behind the wheel. The rumor is that her years of training on the lawn tractor has sharpened her motorsport skills. She held off her Dad as her Batmobile hugged the inside curves of the track. The only piece she needs to work on is how to stop. Once the time was up, she crashed into two cars in the pit lane. So much for the no bumping rule!