Ben's Football Game

Yes, our lives are revolving around all things football right now. Ben had a game today. They played the league's best team today and the score was a little disappointing, but we did have some really great stops and sacks. I think Ben is starting to get into a groove. It is hard because at practice he doesn't want to go all out against his teammates, but then he is at the disadvantage in a game. We told him to tell the coach he was going all out all the time and then he would have to do his hardest! Dewey told him that he would pay him a dollar for every tackle he made. He has some really good movement to push the offense inside (as he is defensive end), but only one actual tackle. He slowed them down a few times. It was a blast. I have to say, I love football! It is very exciting to watch. I will admit that I was very nervous for him to start, but I am loving it!!! Ben also gets to play punter. I think he likes it.

 

This is where Ben got his tackle!!!

Ephraim Lost His First Tooth

I thought kids didn't start loosing teeth until they started 1st grade. A week into kindergarten and he came home with a really lose tooth. That night we went to Willard's flag football game and he was running around and being wild. I had told him that he would probably lose his tooth, and then he'd really LOSE it in the grass. Thankfully, he didn't lose it there! After school on Wednesday he was playing with it and it popped right out! He was so happy because he finally got to put something under his pillow for the toothfairy!

Willard Flag Football

Ben 10 No Longer

Happy Birthday Ben! 

Ben is an amazing kid. He is witty. He is funny. He is smart. He loves to play games. He loves to talk. He loves to tease his siblings. He loves to play sports. He told me recently he wanted to be a professional football player when he grows up. He loves to hang out with his dad, even when it means work. When I asked him what he'd want to do if he could have a night with just me he said he'd like to go disc golfing.

It is hard for the mom to see my son grow up. I keep comparing him to the small child that he was. I see in his face the baby I used to cradle and snuggle. I think about his first steps and his first words and all the memories we have made. It makes me sad because I want to keep him there, untouched by the world, encompassed by sweet innocence. At the same time, I want to see what kind of man he will become. I want to know if he will be a great man like his dad. I want to watch each new achievement and each mistake and each new memory. I want to help him grow to be the son that our Heavenly Father wants him to be.

I think of him still as a baby, but know that I have to let him become someone strong, someone with his own testimony and his own view of the world. I want him to see me for who I really am and then see the world for what it truly is, not what it wants us to think. I want him to be honest, kind, thoughtful, helpful, true, chaste, honorable, and trustworthy. I want him to get to know his Savior and become the person our Savior wants him to be.

Ben is 11. It is a new year, another year older and hopefully wiser. 
A new year for challenges and adventures. I love you kid! Happy Birthday.