Gavin's Basketball

We signed Gavin up for basketball this year through the YMCA. I also signed up as his coach. Coaching 1st graders in basketball has been an interesting experience. Thankfully I had a set of parents step up to be assistant coaches to help me out a bit. It's actually been a huge help since one of them was a coach last year.

One thing I'm embarrassed to admit is that I forgot about our first game until the last minute. We rushed to get there, but were still 15 minutes late. I'm one of the most punctual people I know, so it just wrecked me inside to let people down like that. Luckily the assistant coach had everything under control when I got there.

We spend the last 10 minutes of each practice doing "circle time", which is basically sitting down with the kids and teaching them about things like honesty, respectfulness, responsibility, etc. For the practice after our first game I decided to use my poor example of responsibility as a lesson for the kids. I apologized to the kids (and their parents) and explained how we all have a responsibility to our team to be there for each other.

Gavin seems to really be enjoying it an he's already improved a bit and understands the game more than he did three weeks ago. It's fun to watch him and be involved more than I have in the past.

A Glimpse Into Our Morning

What...

The kids went out for a typical jump on the trampoline while I tidied up the kitchen. I loaded a few breakfast dishes into the dishwasher and looked out the window, (Gasp). And, of course, there were roofers redoing the neighbor's roof. Do you think Gavin already knew he was going to be in trouble for stripping down? Gavin and Aubri were sent to their room with trampoline privileges taken away for a few days. The worst part is, a few days later, they were all jumping again and Micah was buck naked. The neighbors roof was still being worked on. Zac's comment when I told him, "Why are you surprised? All of our kids have always enjoyed their nakedness." Although I did sneak a quick picture of the incident, it is quite embarassing, especially here in suburbia. If we were in the country, I probably would have had a more laid back response, but it's just not acceptable when houses are so close together.

Pizza Picnic at the Park

We had some incredible weather the first few weeks of November. It was in the 70s so the kids and I took advantage of it and went to a new park. We had absolutely no groceries in the house so we grabbed a cheap pizza on the way. We just soaked in the Vitamin D provided by the great sunlight, laughed, chased one another around, and swung "spider style" on the swings. And yes, that's Gavin in the baby swing. Aubriella 's laughing kept encouraging ridiculous behavior. Thankfully, I think he was out of the swing before other people arrived.

33

Zachariah turned 33 on Nov. 6th. We didn't do a whole lot but the kids and I made cards and prepared his favorite meal, stir fry and egg rolls. We also made banana cream pie from scratch. I have to say, it turned out pretty delish, it's a keeper for future birthdays. But then again, what's not going to beat boxed banana flavored pudding? We enjoyed a nice dinner with some music. And then, being the guy he is, he had offered for us to watch a friend's child that night so they could attend a marriage seminar. It was a very low key birthday but nice. He did remind me that last year he got a weekend away to write music. I couldn't guarantee a weekend but a few full days this upcoming week that he has off of school. I think he is already filling them up with ski trips planned with some buddies from school and a worship seminar at a local church connected with the International House of Prayer. Thanks to all the family members for your cards and gifts. Zac was able to purchase the few things he couldn't get used easily, a helmet that fits and goo goo goggles (sorry, I have been reading too much Dr. Suess lately).