Soccer Success Story

I believe in bribing...if, and when absolutely necessary.  I don't believe in bribing for things that kids are happily doing any way.  I am also a respecter of persons and have learned that each of our kids are different.  Mr. Micah loves playing soccer.  He has loved being on Phil's teams and has really taken off this year in his abilities.  It has been really fun to watch.  Benjamin...well, not so much.  We struggled in the fall even getting him to go to the game, let alone put in some real effort out there. And the complaining...oy vey!  We wanted him to finish what he started, so as spring soccer season approached, we had to have a plan of action.  Together, we decided on a prize, that if Benjamin worked hard all season, without complaining, he could earn.  Practices, games, whatever, he had to have the best attitude ever and play his very best.  And it worked!!  I didn't hear one complaint about a practice or game from that kid.  He played very hard and even actually enjoyed the season.  Worth $20? You bet!!  Best spent money of the season.  Thanks for working so hard Ben!!

#7

His coach was very patient with these boys and they all finished the season happy, and eating donuts!

Micah (#3) was very fun to watch in action.  Towards the end of the season he was scoring quite often and had really gotten a sense of the game.  Love watching these boys work so hard.  Phil has loved coaching these boys. 

Congratulations Blue Yoshi's on a great season!

6th Grade Graduation

Well, it's that time of year when I play catch up a bit.  Summer has been busier than the school year so far it seems!  But I did want to document the last month of our life so we'll start at the beginning.  Jacob has become our first elementary school graduate!!  It was an interesting year for Jacob.  His teacher was new to our school and I think still figuring out how to teach the older kids.  She had a lot of great ideas, but putting them all into action didn't always work.  Jacob started the year hanging out with some kids that were a bit more rowdy.  By the end of the year, I think Jacob had figured out that that's not really the direction he wanted to go. We talked a lot about things, but he really had to decide for himself what kind of kids he wanted to hang out with, and I'm proud of his decisions.  So though it was a bit up and down, I think Jacob came out of sixth grade stronger than he started and learned a few things about himself, that will hopefully carry him through Jr. High.  JR. HIGH???  How can I be this old?  They called their names so quickly without even pausing, so here's the lousy pictures from graduation!!

 We started the summer partying!!  We rented a room at the local yogurt place for all you can eat frozen yogurt and movies!  It was a lot of fun for the boys and their friends.  Let summer begin!!

 

can you spot the difrentses?

I can't get enough of Micah's drawings.  He is so cute!

hard earned dirt

Struck 10 out. Caught 1 fly ball.  Hit 2 doubles.  Walked 2 times (amazing for a kid who wants to hit the ball and not watch it go by!) Scored 5 runs (lots of stolen bases).  2 wins.  Yeah, I guess Jacob earned that dirt in his shoes, socks and pants.

As my good friend says, Saturday was one of those paydays as parents.  Love watching that kid play!