Soccer!!

Finally - a post NOT related to the adoption!

Saturday mornings in the Fall are filled with soccer games these days! Following the inevitable last-minute rush to find the shinguards and socks, we faithfully pile chairs and a cooler and zoom out to the local soccer fields. It's great entertainment, actually! Friends who have preschoolers too young to play even join us to watch the 4 and 5 year olds attempt to get the ball down the field and into the goal (a shout out to Dee and Bee!). Deft coordination is not on most of the youngster's skill list, but they get an "A" for effort in my book!

Unlike the older kids (I'm not looking forward to the serious competitiveness ahead!) they are simply learning team participation and basic soccer techniques. There's no mean-spirited shouting or criticizing from the parents; it is meant to be a positive learning experience for the kids. But what is amazing to me is how quickly they improve in their abilities! This is Austin's second year, and he's much more likely to get in the middle of the fray and make his own attempt to get the ball. He has scored a few points, pulled off some great turn-arounds, and made lots of assists. Last year I'm not sure he kicked the ball more than twice! And some of the kids are really good!

Shawn is one of the Assistant Coaches, so it has been a fun family experience for us all. And I am officially a "Soccer Mom"!! Sure, there are those that snicker at the title, but I really love it! And I am proud of us for focusing on our family rather than wallow in despair about not having Kai home. Some days are easier than others, but we are so blessed, and I'm glad we consciously recognize the blessings we do have. God IS good!!!

Go Blue!!!