flag football season

christopher played on the 6th grade flag football team.
so great to see all those kids who've been together since kindergarten out there together.

the days were busy with practice or a game every day after school.
i feel so blessed to be able to go to all the games and help drive the kids who need rides.

they had a tournament a couple saturdays ago.

all day long, and it got pretty darn hot in the afternoon.

but those boys just kept going, playing in that intense heat.

here they are at half-time during the hottest game.
all the parents were sitting under this tent watching the game,
while the boys played in the hot, hot sun.
we insisted they sit in the shade during half-time.
they didn't argue about it one bit.

christopher had this awesome catch during the first game.
i didn't even see it, the sun was in my eyes.
i just pressed the button, so happy with what i captured...

they ended up losing the semi-final game of the tournament by one point.
christopher had the last touchdown.
that game ended at 7:00 p.m., and they started the day at 10 a.m.
it was a full day of football and it sure was fun even if it was hot in the afternoon.

he's had a week off, and now he's trying out for the school basketball team.
this is sure a busy year for him, and he is really keeping up with it all.

this morning he had his bookbag, guitar, lunch, basketball bag...
i went to his locker with him to help him punch holes in some papers for his binder.
i was amazed at the amount of books, binders, pen cases that he had to carry to class.
he had things stacked practically up to his chin for his first couple classes.
they leave their book bags in their lockers and have to lug around what they need.
he's really done a great job keeping up with it all.

and as i watched him go in and out of his locker several times, i was so proud of him.
of his responsibility, manners, grades, commitment to all he does, and the person he is.
i have received so many compliments from teachers and staff lately on the kids.
it is really good to hear, and so good to know that our hard work as parents is paying off.

because, yes it is hard work.
but i would never use that phrase to describe having kids.
in, fact it really bothers me when parents say, 'it's a lot of work...having kids'.
i've had a few say this to me recently about having more,
or glad theirs are grown because it is "so much work".
i would never say this, it's just not what comes to mind when i think about my kids.

it's just part of the job.
and when, the kids fight, or whine, or have their little issues it really is hard work.
but, they are your kids and you love them so very much.
and you just don't think of it like that...that it is so much work...
at least, i don't.

but, when you are complimented on your children or when a teacher says,
'i just love your kids',  'your kids are so polite', or 'they are doing so well in school.'

or the crossing guard in the school parking lot says,
'christopher says 'hi' to me every time he walks by me, he is such a sweet kid'.
or when the pastor says 'your kids are really great and that is a testament to you'
or when you get an email from the coach complimenting your son (and you as parents)...
well, you know that all that hard work has been worth it and you have done your job.

and, no my kids are not perfect.
even if sometimes i want them to be.
and sometimes i need to remind myself that i should not expect them to be perfect...
because nobody is perfect...
i just expect a lot of them, and i expect a lot of me.
when children are challenged they will rise to the occasion...

they sure are wonderful kids, and i am sure proud of them.