Tonight was Matthew and Thomas's first basketball game.
Bryon signed up to be Matthew's coach in November on one condition...that Thomas could also play. I had strong objections to Thomas playing with kids who were 2 years older than him, but Bryon said he was tired of Thomas always being on the sidelines while Buddy got to play. He is as tall as some of the kids on the team and judging the athletic ability of many of the kids in the league, Bryon thought it would be fine.
My objection was that I never want Thomas to feel inferior to Matthew. Of course Matthew is more coordinated than Thomas right now--he has a two year head start! I just thought it would be better for Thomas to wait and play with kids his own age. Bryon persisted and won the battle. When I saw how passionately he felt about it, how could I say no?
Over the past few weeks, the Black Ninjas have been practicing. The first practice, Thomas could barely dribble the ball. Bryon had to help him score. You know what? He was so proud of himself!
"I am Thomanator the Dominator!", he would shout.
He loves to scream, "Daddy helped me score two times!"
It never occurs to him that he is any less of an athlete than anyone on the team. All the boys on the team love him and Matthew protects him. When Thomas talks about what a good job he is doing, Matthew rolls his eyes and quietly whispers to me, "You know he is the worstest player on the team, don't you?"
My fears subsided a bit, but I was concerned today. Both boys eagerly anticipated the game. My parents came as well as Matthew's teacher and her husband. If you ever want a little comic relief, try and find a basketball game played by 5 and 6 year olds. What a treat! So hilarious.
Matthew started the game and did great. He ended up scoring twice and had several assists. He looked so handsome to me running around with his hair messed up and playing so well. I can't believe how big he is getting!
During the second quarter, Thomas came in. He knew what to do and ran to the boy he was supposed to cover. He kept his arms up and stuck by him like glue! He did a wonderful job at defense and I was so proud of him! All my fears were relieved when I saw how much fun he was having and knowing that he was also proud of himself.
In the end, the Black Ninjas won 28-14. We celebrated at our local favorite hamburger place. It should be a fun season!
Had a thought.
16 hours ago
6 comments:
Sounds like a great experience for both of your sweet boys! I would have been hesitant too. I think it is in the Mom gene. They are both such handsome boys and you should be so proud of them and the job you and Bryon are doing.
Thanks for the encouraging post on my blog. Campbell's temp is a little lower today so I am hoping it is just a virus.
Sounds like Thomas is a natural!
One of my girls never did get it in basketball after two seasons of following her team back and forth, back and forth with her arms up the whole time. :)
What a fun game! I am sure that is a huge relief :) I am so glad that everything worked out for both boys.
I just read your comment over at Jenni's blog. Can't believe you were in chorus with Jere and Emily. We went to Hillcrest with their families. I remember seeing them in the Wizard of Oz at AHS. Great girls!
Oh my goodness, Amy! I played piano with Jere' from the time I was in junior high until we moved away when I was 16.
My sophomore year in high school, I went to Hillcrest with them (my family went to University). I loved them so much.
I have two boys too! Now 14 and 10. I AM their best cheerleader. My 14 year old scored a touchdown last football season and he says that the first thing he heard once he could hear over his heart beating in his ears was his mom shouting "GO JOHN DAVID!". Enjoy their sports. I'm resigned that for the next at least 7 years I'm either going to be setting on a bleacher or a golf cart! This is a fun time in our lives isn't it!?
I'm enjoying your blog. That black and white picture of your boys is beautiful!
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