First basketball practice

Speaking of basketball, kats, we went to our youngest grandson's basketball tournament yesterday at his school. He's a 7th grader and schools from all over came in. They each had 3 games and the two top winners then played for the trophy. His team won their first game impressively. Then, the lost the 2nd game only by 5 points and lost the 3rd by only 2 points. If the referees for the 2nd and 3rd games had been like the first ones, these kids would have won all 3. But we have seen referees before favor other teams rather than being impartial. My daughter warned me on the 3rd game how one of the referees would be because she had seen his 'work' on her oldest son's basketball team when he was in high school. And, sure enough, he was true to form. But the games were good anyway. Our grandson is the best rebounder! I never saw such fighting for the ball as he was doing yesterday. He drew 5 fouls in the last game, setting him out 2 minutes before it was over. But, to him, it was worth it! I think one of their problems yesterday was their 'last minute' coach. Their regular coach they've had all year had some major problems and had to resign from coaching. His wife had been diagnosed with an incurable disease, and he's going to have to have more time with her, so he had to give up coaching. So they put another coach in that doesn't know the boys and had NO idea what position they played. He was even subbing two completely different positions with each other - my grandson and his friend. The friend had never played the rebound position and was beside himself what he was supposed to be doing. Finally, in the last game, the coach let the first string play with the exception of one guy and they almost pulled it off again.

You are a very smart mo to keep your kids involved in sports and events that keep them active. Group sports teach the kids so much. I have to tell you that your sacrifice, and with that many kids it is a sacrifice, is a wonderful example love and commitment. I know so many who would not and do not do as you do. I went crazy for my boys and live in girls and it sure is rewarding to see how they turned out, and the way they treat me. Tell your kids Good Luck!

You have your hands full their. We told our kids that they each can only have one activity. It is just to expensive for us even if they are free. We made this rule way before the price of gas got so high. We just can not afford to be driving them all over the place.

Pretty expensive raising children and providing their needs nowadays huh?