Basketball Season

Basketball season has begun.

The excitement is brewing around here. We even put a basketball hoop in the living room. The kids practice constantly. Jersey #5 will shoot baskets for hours....and he isn't even on a team.

The older 3 kids are playing this season.

Jersey #1 and Jersey #2 are on the same team, which is very convenient for me. Now that Jersey #3 is in kindergarten, he can sign up for Upward Sports too. He is on a separate team...and a separate age division, actually....than his sisters.

It turns out that Jersey #3 is actually quite good at basketball. He can swoosh the ball into the net most of the time. I asked him if he liked basketball. He answered,

"It's Ok. But, I miss football."

I find this piece of information to be perplexing, considering how he had such a hard time remembering which direction to run for a touchdown during the flag football season.

Jersey #2 is determined to make a basket this season. She did not make any baskets last season, and that bugged her. (She refuses to accept that maybe her weakened cardiac health was the problem). Much to her dismay, the 2nd-3rd graders play with a taller basket too. During practice this past week, she managed to get the ball up to the rim, so I am pretty confident she will meet her goal here soon.

I love Upward Sports, in general. But, I am extra-thrilled by the way that they give my children uniforms that match my blog. This season, my Jersey #1 is actually wearing Jersey #1...

The uniform colors are a bit of an eyesore. I've been told that the colors are chosen by which NBA team wins some event in the previous year....or some such formula. That system is fine with me. But, I am a bit shocked to learn that those blinding colors belong to a professional basketball team as well. Yowza!


Upon seeing the wild uniforms for the first time, I immediately thought of Jersey #2 who loves to dress in bright, mismatched colored clothes. This uniform is certainly her style. I thought I was being funny when I asked her how was she ever going to coordinate socks and hair ties with the orange and purple uniform.

Without hesitation, she answered, "blue and yellow."

Upward Basketball

The Upward Basketball season has come to an end. It has been a fun winter sport. The end-of-season events filled our past week and week-end.

Jersey #1's team had an end-of-season pizza party. The coach delighted his team by painting his head green.

There was also an end-of-season ceremony to attend. The program our children participate in is a ministry of a local church. Since their sanctuary is not large enough to hold all of the participants and their families, they held 2 separate-but-identical ceremonies....one for the girls and one for the boys. Since Jersey #2 is playing on a co-ed team, her team was invited to the boys celebration. That meant that our family got to attend both award ceremonies.

The ceremonies were 2 hours long. Each. There was only a 1 hour break in between. That made for a long day! Plus, Jersey #2's team held their end-of-season pizza party in the fellowship hall of the church immediately after the ceremony. We spent over 6 hours at that church that day. It was a fun, full, and tiring day.

In addition to recognizing the teams, coaches, referees, and coordinators, there was an inspirational guest speaker, prize give-aways, and some messy games. At one point, some of the coaches tossed prizes of Upward gear into the air, in the direction of the kids.

Jersey #3 happened to catch a prize. He was thrilled to open it and find a basketball jersey just for him. It is a jersey from last year, but he is excited that he finally has a jersey of his own.

Jersey #3 is not the only one anxiously waiting to be old enough to play sports. Jersey #4 was standing on the pew following all the motions of the cheerleaders during their performance. She was adorable. Many parents commented to me afterward, that I have a future cheerleader on my hands. Jersey #5 was drawn to the registration table for the upcoming flag football season. He managed to look cute enough (and demanding enough) that one of the event coordinators let him hold the mini football he was so attracted to. She explained that this was the way to capture their interest when they are young. I didn't have the heart to tell her that Jersey #3 has been asking to play football since he was 3, and we have to still hold him off another year until he is kindergarten age. So, I wasn't really wanting Jersey #5 to start a football obsession this young. He has a long way to go before he is old enough to play.

Jersey #2 and Jersey #1 were both thrilled with the end-of-season gifts given to each of the players. Last year, they received a really nice lunch bag with the Upward logo on it. This year, they received Upward backpacks. The colors match this year's uniform colors.

I received a phone call on Sunday, from one of the Upward coordinators at the location where my kids play. A man in her Sunday school class was friends with Jersey #2's assistant coach, and added her name to their prayer list. He knew she would be having open-heart surgery in May. He did not remember her name. The Upward coordinator was so moved, she called the assistant coach to find out who the player was, then called me. She asked that I keep her informed of Jersey #2's progress, and offered her church as an extended family to help us with prayers, and even meals, or whatever we needed. I promised her I would be in touch with the surgery details as soon as I receive them, and I thanked her for her prayers. It really means a lot to us that so many folks are lifting up Jersey #2 in prayer to God. I am very impressed that this children's sports ministry of this local church, reaches out to the players and their families like this. It speaks volumes about the love of Christ in their hearts.

Food & Finances Friday--Cupcakes

There are two areas in my life where I am attempting to really "mature," as much and as quickly as I can--Food and Finances. I have been on such a slow path in these two areas, as I have been slow to grow in the past. I decided to turn them into a weekly theme and share the details...hoping to help myself with personal accountability...

I have reached a new level....I am the Mom who makes home-made cupcakes!

I crack myself up about this, because I used to buy all of my goods for every potluck and every snack day, in the not-so-distant past. I used to buy all of our birthday cakes too. I would explain this away by joking that my cooking skills were not safe for the public to consume.

As I have been cooking our meals at home, and baking with the kids, I am finding that I can whip up a treat in the kitchen, faster and cheaper than I can buy it at the store.

So, when it was time to bring cupcakes for Jersey #1's end-of-season party for basketball, I made them at home. She helped me frost a few. We bought little basketballs to place into the frosting on top. They were really cute.

When we arrived to the party destination, I learned that another Mom had also brought cupcakes. She had found those little plastic rings that I had been looking for. She found them because the store had them, and she bought the cupcakes at the store. I admired her cupcakes, and she admired mine.

I was highly entertained by the response that the other Moms gave as well. They all admired my cupcakes. The little basketballs on top were cute. But, the thing that got the most response was that they were home-made. One Mom grabbed one of my cupcakes to save for dessert, even before her pizza arrived. She said she didn't want to miss out.

I see now that home-made cupcakes are a rarity to busy families. No one has time to stay home and bake anymore, it seems. After hearing a couple Moms speak of it so fondly, my eyes were opened to the blessing that it really was. It was not the taste, flavor, or look of the cupcakes that meant so much. (Actually, I thought the store cupcakes were perfectly shaped and more moist.) It was that they were made at home. Many of us had memories of baking cupcakes at home with our Moms, in preparation for a school party or a birthday, during our childhood.

My daughter has the memory of baking at home with me, making basketball cupcakes for her team party. That was a bigger treat than I had planned.

Tag

Life is absolutely crazy right now.

It is as if my husband and I are involved in this giant game of tag. We have so many activities going on, that we are to the point of tagging each other when it is time to shift the responsibility.

The Referee was on travel of his job for 5 days last week. It was only suppose to be 4 days, but snowy weather canceled many air travel schedules, and he was stranded an extra day. I held down the home-front. I am not meant to be a single parent. I require more sleep than that. My husband arrived home late in the evening on Friday. We managed to eat dinner and put the kids to bed, before we both dropped into bed ourselves, from sheer exhaustion.

We were up early Saturday morning. That was the day of the last basketball games of this season. We were signed up to bring snacks for Jersey #2's team, so I was up early to pack snack goody bags, pack the diaper bag, set out clothes for the kids, and write out checks for the bills. We loaded the family up in the van and headed out early, so we could stop off at the bank and pay the mortgage.

The Referee was the referee for Jersey #2's game, as well as the 3 games that followed, that day. He literally ran up and down a basketball court for 4 hours! I got to watch half of Jersey #2's game before I had to load up the remaining 4 children and shuttle Jersey #1 to her game. I dropped her off in the care of her coach, and drove back to the first gym to pick up Jersey #2. I arrived just in time for the team Mom to announce plans for an end-of-season party, and her desire to collect money for the coach's gift. I ran out to the van to grab some cash out of my wallet for the gift, and ran back into the gym. I checked in with The Referee, and let him know I was taking Jersey #2 with me, and was now responsible for all of our children.

Tag....I'm it!

I drove over to the gym where Jersey #1 was playing her final game. I arrived at half-time. Since I am the team Mom for her team, I then helped the coach give out awards, and reminded the team (and their parents) about the end-of-season party I had planned. I gathered all 5 of my kids and headed out to the van.

While the Referee was busy being the referee for 2 more games, I took the kids with me to Jiffy Lube to get the oil changed in the van. They were quick and they had popcorn for the kids to snack on while we waited.

We returned to the gym to watch the last half of the final game. The kids swarmed The Referee when the game was over. We loaded back up in the van and drove to Dollar Tree to let the kids spend their Valentine's dollars from their grandparents.

The Referee received a call that he was needed to drive a run for that shuttle side-job he has. He decided to eat and take a nap, so he would be rested for the late night driving. I had the kids help me straighten the house and complete some light cleaning, while The Referee napped. He hugged and kissed us good-bye and went to work. I fed the kids and got them ready for bed.

The Referee made it home Sunday morning with just enough time to shower and help me load up the kids in the van for church. I think we spent more time together sitting next to each other in the pew at Sunday school than we had been able to spend together all week! That time was cut short when The Referee worked the audio/visual booth during the morning church service. Just before he went up to the booth, he informed me that we could not doddle after church, because his side-job duties ran earlier than anticipated.

We returned home after church, whipped up a quick lunch, and The Referee was off to work again, with another shuttle run. Jersey #1 had a friend over for the afternoon, to get ready to spend the night at her house that evening. I took care of the kids and balanced the monthly budget.

The Referee returned home just before bedtime and helped me put the kids to bed. I had to set the alarm to wake me up early, because I had to report for jury duty first thing this morning!

Tag....He's it!

The Referee spent the day home with the kids, while I spend the day at the courthouse, serving on the grand jury. He was concerned about checking in at work, since he had been away all last week. On my lunch break, we ran over to his workplace, so he could make a brief appearance and check the status of a few things. He had driven me to the courthouse this morning, because I when I went to back out of the driveway in his car, the rear view mirror fell off into my hand and we did not have time to fix it just then. His chauffeuring me worked out great, because I could stay in the van with the kids while he ran into work for a few minutes.

When The Referee picked me up from court at the end of the day, the first thing he told me was that he has no idea how I ever manage to get anything else done while taking care of the kids all day! He never found the time to shower.

Court let out late, so we only had 2 hours before The Referee had to go drive for another shuttle run. We decided to race through 2 stores to complete our grocery shopping. We spoiled the kids with a candy at the end, because they were such troopers and behaved so well through it all. We returned home and unloaded the groceries. The Referee jumped into the shower while I put groceries away.

I corralled the younger kids into the bathtub while he changed the light bulb in the playroom. Then, he was off to work again, driving a shuttle run. I got the kids into their PJs and let them watch a Veggie Tales DVD while I ate a very late dinner.

The Referee will be home late tonight. He has to set an alarm to get himself up early tomorrow to return to his regular job. He has to work 10-hours a day for the next 4 days, to make up for the fact that he was home with the kids today, so I could report for jury duty.

I return to homeschooling, home-making, and childcare tomorrow. Plus, I am hosting Jersey #1's basketball team party. This whole week is filled with activities. I would say that things should mellow out by next Sunday, but we've been told that the shuttle business is booming right now, and the week is full. So, The Referee will probably be going strong next weekend too. So, as far as the home-front is concerned.....

Tag....I'm it!

High Aspirations

This is a child whose aspirations have no limits. I hope he stays this way throughout his entire life...

Basketball Prayers

I love being a bleacher Mom. I enjoy coaching too, but I really enjoy cheering on my kids while they play. During basketball season last winter, I met another Mom whose daughter played on the same team as my older girls. We had a blast chatting and cheering in the stands. There were times we became so excited and cheered so loudly that our daughters would stop in their tracks, on the court, and look at us like we had gone insane. It was fun!

This basketball season is a bit different. I still love to watch my kids play, and cheer them on. I am so impressed by how much they learn from season to season and game to game. The biggest difference this season is that Jersey #2 is struggling with the physical demands of such an aerobic activity. It is a challenge to the current status of her heart. When I am in the stands, cheering her on during her games, I find myself monitoring the color of her paleness. (I did not know pale came in so many shades before now). I worry about her getting hurt. I watch to make sure she is still smiling and having fun. I am constantly questioning if this is too much for her right now?

The struggle I am having with myself is about the decision to let her play basketball this season. I signed the girls up for the program before we learned that Jersey #2 needed heart surgery this year. I did not realize the degree of her declining health even at the time the season began. I do realize that aerobic sports is a challenge for her specific heart condition. I also realize that a 6-year old does not want to have to miss out on playing with her friends. I want to protect her health. I also want to protect her well-being.

I am on such unfamiliar territory, that I really wish there was a motherhood instruction manual I could refer to right now.

Normally, I pride myself on knowing my children better than anyone, and trusting my intuition about their needs and how to manage them. Lately, I just keep praying for some guidance, because I just don't know what to do about this. After the first game, when I realized that Jersey #2 was not able to keep up playing 2 periods in a row, I did talk to her coach. I requested that he only play her every other period, so that she has a rest period in between. She was getting too pale. She was losing her smile. She could not keep up. I assured him that I did not want to be a bother, so he could bench her more than play her if necessary to not disrupt his roster. Thankfully, he was an understanding father who was willing to follow my request to the letter.

I am trying so hard to protect her health without making a big drama out of her health. I don't want her to learn helplessness and become a perpetual victim. I want her to live the life of an active, happy child. Health & well-being. Aren't those two suppose to go together? Why am I struggling to choose one over the other?

The other night, I was finishing up dinner, and getting things ready for basketball practice. Jersey #2 caught me entirely by surprise when she asked if she could just stay home and rest. She explained that her body was tired, and she did not feel up for practice. I immediately answered yes, thankful that she is learning to listen to her body.

I also started to ponder if her health was deteriorating further than I realized.

A friend from church made a comment that really changed my focus. She reminded me that this was not something to cause me worry. This was an answer to prayer. I had been struggling with the physical versus psychological needs of my daughter, wanting to do all that was best for her.

Jersey #2 provided the answer I was seeking. She confirmed that yes, she needed a break from the physical demands of basketball. She removed my concerns about how that would make her feel, by choosing the option herself. It was her idea, not mine, so missing practice was not misconstrued as a punishment.

My basketball prayers were answered. What peace that brings to me!

There are only 5 more games left to this season. I told Jersey #2 that we would take it 1 game at a time, 1 practice at a time, and she can decide if she wants to play each one or not. She looked so surprised, and asked, "Really?" Yes. I reminded her to listen to her body and decide what she wants to do.

And then she smiled.

I love to see her smile.

The pressure is off for both of us. She can play as much or as little as she wants, and it is all Ok. We will make adjustments as we go along. I suppose that is how we learn to balance health and well-being.

Jersey #2

As I was scrolling through my file of basketball pictures, it just dawned on me that Jersey #2 is literally wearing Jersey #2 this season. How cute is that!

Basketball Season Has Begun

Winter is here. For The Home Team, that means that it is basketball season! The girls have been practicing for a few weeks already, and games began today. Attending basketball games is a fun activity for the whole family. I sat on the bleachers with the younger kids....cheering, chasing Jersey #5 off the court, and taking Jersey #4 to the potty, repeatedly! During Jersey #1's game this morning, The Referee was the referee. That was his first referee experience for a basketball game. He says it is quite a bit different than being the referee for soccer.

This year, the girls are not on the same team. Their ages place them in different brackets, and on different teams. Jersey #2 has the additional adjustment to playing on a co-ed team, as there were not enough girls signed up to form their own league. Thankfully, her coach is the father of a daughter on the team, so he seems pretty good about treating the girls as fairly as the boys. I admit we were a bit concerned about that at first.

Another difference about the coed team is that there are more players than usual (because there are plenty of boys signed up to play). Each player plays half a game (versus the 3/4 of a game the girls are used to playing due to smaller teams). This is a great blessing in disguise, because it means that Jersey #2 is ONLY playing half a game. I have been struggling with the choice to let her play, knowing her heart is weak. We had her signed up before we knew she would need surgery now. We don't want to remove her from her activities and treat her like she is being punished for having a heart condition. So, her only playing half a game at a time is a really good compromise. I am going to stretch that even further and ask her coach to sit her out every other period, so that she plays one, rests one. She played 2 periods in a row today and was way too pale for our liking during that second one. She lost her smile for a while too, and that is a bad sign. After a few minutes of sitting on the bench, her color and smile returned and she left the game loving basketball!

Jersey #1 has the same coach that both girls had last year. We are excited about that. He is a great coach, and has an absolute love for the game of basketball. His enthusiasm is contagious! Jersey #1 really enjoys playing basketball. With her height and chicken legs, it seem like a good fit for her! She was very excited to have her Daddy ref her game. Normally they don't have parents ref their own child's game, but they were low on volunteers and he was trained and willing. He did a great job, and got the best seat in the house to watch Jersey #1 play!