just another day in paradise: The Boys

Every now and then you look up and say, "Wow, things are going pretty well." In my experience those moments are to be savored, and written down. So here goes. It has been a busy, great spring.

We'll start with Micah. After frantically trying to finish before his birthday, he earned his bear badge! I think he did a great job finishing strong.

Micah continues to shine on the soccer field. He had a great season. Phil was his coach once again and Micah was a great force on offense and defense. He is really fun to watch.

As he finished the season, we had a little discussion with Micah. When we first decided to have him test for his new school, we were all pretty apprehensive about the whole thing. We tested him, then waited for the results, not knowing what we would do if he got in! Well, two years later, we can say it has been a wonderful decision and a great place for Micah. He has had some great teachers, made awesome friends, been stretched and is very happy to be where he is! He totally agreed.

Well, we were setting him up. We have been wanting him to try out for a competition soccer team for a few years, but it has been hard for him to think about not being on his dad's team, with his friends where he is comfortable. As tryouts approached, he agreed to give it a shot. What a stressful process! Because of a change in age requirements this year, many of the current competitive teams had to be rearranged. The result was that many kids were trying out for multiple teams in multiple clubs and it was crazy. I felt like we were snorkeling! We have been up on the surface with rec soccer and we just dipped our heads underwater and realized how much is going on that we had no clue about!!

Well, Micah did a great job at tryouts...but I was frustrated!! How could my kid get noticed with all these other kids, many of whom the coaches were already familiar with, in a tiny space and all wanting to prove they were the best! It was hard on me to watch. He tried out for a couple of teams and we waited...and waited...I had kind of decided that we'd just play rec again. Phil came rushing in our room on Sunday morning and said, "Micah got an offer!!" (Can you believe the language?) This coach was very complimentary of Micah,

"Jennie & Micah,

I’m very excited to extend an offer to Micah to join our competitive team this coming season. I was very impressed with Micah and with how hard he worked at tryouts, and especially his aggressiveness and his great defensive skills on the field. We have an awesome team and I would love for him to join it. I have attached the official offer letter with our team details. "

He was noticed!! I was so excited. It reminded me of our Heavenly Father's love for us. There are so many people in the world, all with strengths and weaknesses and needs. Sometimes we feel like we aren't noticed or watched over, but this was a gentle reminder to me that He knows me. He knows Micah. He knows each of us and our strengths and weaknesses and wants to help us and see us learn and grow. A tender mercy.

So, he'll be working hard this summer and fall on the soccer field and we're excited for the new experience. He did awesome in school this year and just had a great year. He also continues to be our comic relief, and we sure love him!

Ben has also been working hard. After making, but deciding the school play wasn't for him, he switched to track. He really enjoyed the workouts, but as one of the newer participants was worried about the meets. I was so proud of him! During the mile run he was towards the end of the pack. I sat and watched him push his way past the competition on the last lap. He was so determined and really pushed himself. As a runner and proud mom, it brought tears to my eyes!! It was awesome and inspiring to see!!

Benjamin was also chosen to participate in the school Jazz Band. Now they normally don't let 7th graders into the band, so this invitation was quite an honor! I'm very proud of the way he has worked on his trumpet this year. It is also rewarding to see his love of music.

The last time these two will play in the same concert for the Junior High! They did great.

Ben also received the best possible report card he can get. All A's and H's all year long. Way to go Ben!!

Jacob rocked his ninth grade year. Not only did he take his first AP Test (AP Geography), but he qualified for and competed in the South End Track meet the same day, a goal he has had since he started track 3 years ago. He competed in Hurdles, long jump and high jump. Apparently we have a jumper! He worked extremely hard at practices and we're very pleased with his efforts.

(It's hard to get great shots while trying to watch, but these prove I was there!)

He has also played soccer this year and done a great job. A new challenge this spring was reffing soccer! I think it really opened Jacob's eyes and he has told me since then to stop yelling at the ref! It was a stressful job, but he did 11 games and earned some great money in the process.

He can now be found at his summer job, creating delectable shaved ice in the Rec Center Parking lot. Stop and say hi and enjoy some deliciousness!! I'm really grateful for these opportunities for Jacob. He's growing up and doing a good job of it.

We enjoyed Freshman honors night and congratulate Jacob on maintaining a 4.0 all year. Only 3 more years to go like that!!

So far summer is off to a great start. We had our traditional grand tour of the cemeteries for Memorial Day, complete with a stop for Fat Boys at the park. (The ice cream sandwiches, I'm not saying my boys are fat!)