Day 10 - A game, a medal, and a symphony.

After a late night struggle with the to do list, I had to make some adjustments to the plans today.  The to do list is always a growing and never fully complete list year around.  I have come to terms with that and make do.  But this time of year, the to do list takes on a life of its own.  Like the Hulk when he is angry or a magwai that was fed after midnight.  Most of the time and most days, I take it in stride.  But there are times when the mass of things to do begins to weigh down on me and I get overwhelmed.  Those are the times that I just have to let some things go and beg the grace of those who I have cancelled on or let down.  Fortunately, as I have grown older, I have learned to surround myself with people who are love despite the imperfections type of people.  Sometimes you just have to take a big breath and focus on only those things that need to be done today.  It also didn't hurt that my awesome hubby picked up and straightened the whole house and one of my favorite peeps that I cancelled on brought us some homemade mac and cheese for dinner.  How do I rate?  Pretty darn good.  It is not lost on me how incredibly lucky I am to be cared for by fantastic people.

Basketball was still center stage today but this time it was Lil b's turn first.  His league is fun to watch and even makes us giggle from time to time.  Lil b is a kiddo that loves sports and they come more easily to him than the older two.  He just has a ball out there.    Here are a few pictures from his day on the court.

Stealing the pass.

My favorite thing that I want to remember as I am sure it will disappear before too long.  When he is out on the court and something goes right, there is always a short run of skipping before he returns to running.

Taking the shot.

He has two expressions on the court - the grin from ear to ear (usually while skipping) or sticking his tongue out in concentration while he plays.  I suppose I should add the third - the one where he yells at his favorite teammates to pass to him when he is way back by half court and they are all down by the basket ready to shoot.  I appreciate that he understands the concept of passing out but perhaps he is over utilizing this strategy.

And another

  I secretly suspect he just likes taking it down to the basket for a shot and wants to start from back there.  Whatever it is, it is pretty funny and cute.

Here is what K likes to do during time outs and half time at basketball games.  Lots of kids get out there and play some basketball or shoot a few shots.  Not K, she just gets out there and runs.  Has no care in the world and runs very randomly.  Oh why can't we retain the confidence we had at four.  And the joyfulness.  She is so incredibly happy (unless she is hangry, of course) and carefree.

E's team had their last game of their tournament today and for the first time this season, they took first place.  They have had some tough losses over the last month and so they enjoyed this win.

The best part of the day was getting to have a special date with my second born.  My parents gifted us some tickets to the symphony Christmas program.  I had a conversation with my dad about who would be best to go.  E was an obvious choice due to age, maturity, and ability to sit still for long periods.  She has loved these types of events since she was very little.  Sadly, she couldn't go as she had her last game.  All three littles expressed an interest in going.  There was a bit of a scuffle last night between E and Big B which resulted in tears, bruised legs, bleeding mouths, and mostly bruised feelings.  It was ugly as we worked through it but at the end, I realized that B needed that time more than anyone today.  He is content to be off on his own a lot in his room or busy with friends that sometimes we forget that soft, big, mushy heart.  All the kiddos need more one on one time but I feel like it happens organically more often with the other three that it does with B.  I really knew he needed it when he dressed up some without complaint.  He typically fights dressing up.  But here he is ready to go with his big 'ol dog up on his bed (where the dog isn't allowed).

My only non-iphone photo today so it will be the submission.

The worry with B is that he is full of energy.  When I first spoke with my Dad about who might go, we both worried he would be bored, get antsy, and then the experience had the risk of turning out to be a negative one.  Today was a lesson in not underestimating my young man.  I still have so much to learn.  Sometimes it is easy to focus on the energy and forget that he is also my noticer, my one who comes alive with music, and the one who listens intently and for meaning.   When in St. Louis to watch my father preside for the last time in the Federal courthouse, of the four children, B sat as quietly as E and it was only B that knew what the case was about and he knew lots of details.  In fact, I told him today that I didn't give him enough credit for how great he is at these sorts of events and mentioned the St. Louis example.  I'll be darned if that kid still didn't know about the court case down to the nitty gritty details.  The kid LOVED this and declared that we needed to return again with the whole family.  He really wanted to go back for the evening Sunday show.

He assured me that his monkey wanted to see this show.  He is growing up and maturing quickly these days and I love these little throw backs to the little guy that happen from time to time. 

As he does, he noticed people playing certain instruments, had commentary about his favorite songs, singers, and dancers.  He was sad when it was over and didn't understand why the second act was so short.

Who doesn't love an intermission that includes ornament making and hot chocolate?

We are ready for the second act with our hot chocolate ready.  B was so excited that he was allowed to sip on this through the second act.

We called this "ice cream as big as your head".  We both got two scoops which was a mistake.  They were HUGE scoops.  We had our fill and threw the rest away.   It was a fantastic date.