The Need to Brag

Today I am finding a great need to brag about my boys. Well one of them specifically, but as I am incredibly worried all of the time about being 'fair' I will try to keep it that way.
I am also going to try my first attempt at adding pictures to my post. We'll see how it goes.

Today was Saturday, basketball day (of course!). Sadly the lousy mother that I am... I didn't make it to Eric and Joshua's game, which also happened to be their last game of the season. I worked last night and didn't get to bed until about 2:30am. So when the alarm went off at 7:30 I couldn't make myself function. Sadly, without realizing it, I missed their last game. I hear though that although neither of them made a basket today...they were excellent at their defense and they played really well, helping their team to win the game. (Way to go guys!!!)

Chase's last game was last Saturday. With this one, we were totally delighted to watch him play. Pretty much this entire season, he has had a great time playing, but not so much the game of basketball. He would go out on the court and harass the boys he was supposed to guard. He would growl at them, and laugh at them, and jump at them until they were afraid to be around him anymore. Lets just say, for him basketball has been a 'social' game for him not so much a sport. But the last game, something clicked with him. He actually played. He got the ball, he dribbled the ball, and he actually shot the ball at the hoop. It was amazing. He actually played the game of basketball. (Way to go Chase!!!)

Ok. Here is my major gloat. Today Alex had his usual Jr. Jazz game. His team is ok. Not necessarily fabulous. They've won some and lost some, its fun to watch. All good. I've always been a little bit uncomfortable at his games because people tell me all the time how good he is. How impressed they are with him...yadda,yadda. Then, I worry that if he doesn't 'perform' then they will loose respect for him as a player (I know totally irrational thoughts, but sadly real to me. I'm VERY protective of my kids).
But today...as I watched him play. I was so proud of him. He puts up with a lot at his games. There are several Dads of other players that are constantly critiquing him through the game, and yell out suggestions during his play, to improve what he is doing. It would make me very nervous, and as his Mom I don't really appreciate it. I know that they are just trying to help him. But I feel like he doesn't need the added pressure.

Well today, despite one Dad who told Al that he would charge Alex $5 for every free throw he took without bending his knees (ya this is the kind of crap he gets). He was fabulous. His team won 31 to 27 and Alex made 15 of those points, 9 of which were free throws. He made 9 of 10 of those. He shared the ball, trying to help every boy on his team score a basket, and looked like a pro out there. I really was so proud.


Alex takes a Free Throw

Chase plays Basketball


Eric and Josh messing around on the bench