Worth the Wait

I made a deal with my kids. Years ago, I determined that the children in our house would have to wait to participate in Sports/Music/Dance, etc. I have always been a believer in less is more when it comes to overburdening/over-scheduling young children. (There will be plenty of overburdening activities when they are teenagers, trust me! Yikes!) 

My rule has been (and will continue to be) that once school activities start (which is 5th grade here) they can do whatever activities they want, and I will support them 100%. The system has worked-out beautifully so far. I have the children while they are small and precious -- with no extra activities -- and then they can go full-steam ahead when they are old enough to choose what they want to do. So far the waiting to play rule has had no adverse affects on the children -- they have certainly not been behind when it comes to sports and music. Actually, they tend to have so much pent-up eagerness to play, that they go into their activities with full energy and gusto! (That was all part of my plan…good things come to those who wait.) 

This year is Daniel's turn to begin activities. He is in 5th grade. He has chosen to play the trumpet, and basketball. He loves doing both. He really loves both! He especially loves blowing on his horn late in the evening. Do you know how loud a trumpet is in a small 2 bedroom house? He got a mute as a Christmas present. 

Daniel had his first basketball game ever -- it was his first time in organized sports of any kind. He loved it, and he did pretty darn good. The boys were all still trying to figure the game out, so it was pretty entertaining. Daniel did great with getting his hands on the ball. He was all over the ball, and into the game. (They do not keep score, and there were very few baskets made.) After the game, Sammi gave him a few pointers -- like maybe not stopping at the half court line, and taking the ball all the way to the basket. (Sammi played for 2 years, so she fancies herself a pro.) He actually thanked her for her advice, and said he will do it next time. They have a game tomorrow, so we'll see if he listens to his sister. The games get a lot more exciting when the kids start making baskets. 

It is always fun to watch the kiddos having a good time. I have a feeling there will be many more basketball games in the future! 

As grandma requested, here are some game pictures . . . 

 The cheer squad.

 Henry was mesmerized by the ball.

I love this picture. It is blurry, but it is like a foreshadowing of teenage Daniel -- A.K.A. Captain America. I sure love this kid. He is pretty awesome, and I am not just saying that cause I am his mother.   There is just something special about Dan the Man. Yep, he is a pretty cool guy.