Taking it to the Hoop

Those of you who know me, know I have an aversion to sports.  God blessed me with a husband who doesn't watch sports on television.  For this I am truly thankful.  But, God also has a sense of humor and gave me two sons.  They love playing with balls and love sports.  Charles in particular.  Charles has a lot of energy so we've been looking for some athletic activities.  Until now, he's been too young.  This fall a parent from preschool who also attends our church told me about Fun Ball.  We signed up Charles, getting the last available spot in his age bracket. 

Now we're running to games and practices.  Thankfully, at the Pre-K/Kindergarten level it's not as demanding, with only one game and one practice each week.  I have to say, the league is great.  The focus is on teaching the boys to play.  Refs teach the kids as they make calls, and moving the players around to give everyone an opportunity to play.  And, they make all the calls they would in a game played by older kids.  I can't tell you how many times the game is stopped for double dribble and traveling!  Last night, though, they didn't award points one kid scored on the opposing team's basket. 

Charles' team now has two wins, and three losses.  Charles continues to improve with each game.  While he's afraid to catch a pass, he tries to grab and steal the ball at every opportunity.  One game he even had a foul...a "good foul" according to Russ.  Last night we had our final game before Christmas break. Charles' team won!  And, Charles scored a basket!  It was exciting and he had quite the cheering section with our family plus Grandpa, Grandma, and Aunt Christy!

These pictures aren't from last night's game, but one a few weeks ago.  Thanks to Christy for letting me borrow her camera and the telephoto lens.  My point and shoot just doesn't cut it!

 Warming up before the game.  He's got to think really hard about shooting, but he's got good form. 

Stealing the ball.  He's caused a lot of jump balls. 

So, we're enjoying watching Charles play. And learn. It's so exciting to see him improve.  Last night he wasn't goofing around when he was on the bench, he was watching the game and in typical Charles style jumping up and down!

It's funny how God is involved in the little things...like basketball.  I heard about the league from someone at church who I don't know well, but have gotten acquainted with because her daughter is in Charles' class at preschool.  We were sitting in Sunday school a few weeks ago and were talking with a gentleman we see but haven't talked with before.  He knows the man who started the league, their kids played basketball together and they were fed up with the Biddy craziness so the guy started the Fun Ball league.  We've also seen people we know at Charles' games.  My dad ran into a former colleague and I've seen quite a few Tabor Alums.  Even a single friend of mine, he's really into basketball, knew about the league. 

I'm not a soccer mom but a basketball mom.  And that's okay with me.  Of all the sports I like this one best.  And I like that my son likes it.  That makes it worth the money and the hassle.  But, all that said, you won't find me wearing the pin with Charles' picture on it.  Ever. 

Christms Reflections

This Christmas I've been a little more reflective.  I've been reading this book:

I bought it about five years ago at the Living Room Bookstore.  I'm embarrassed to admit that this is the first year I've read it (most) every day.  The stories are wonderful reflections on Christmas and the book is designed for family devotions with a verse for each day and an optional longer passage. 

On Day 10 I read the longer suggested passage of Matthew 2:1-15.  A friend of mine has been singing the praises of the Message so I used that version and came across this:

Herod, when he realized that the scholars had tricked him, flew into a rage.  He commanded the murder of every little boy two years old and under who lived in Bethlehem and its surrounding hills.

It hit me...Micah is two years old. If I'd been living in Bethlehem or the surrounding area I would've lost him by command of the government.  The government commanding the execution of children.  I can't imagine.  Then I let my mind wonder...my nephews are 15 months and two years old.  Russ and I both have cousins with two year old little boys.  Our dear friends have a boy that same age.  Micah's Sunday School class would be empty...only one or two little girls left.  YIKES! 

Here's Micah telling me he's two:

I'd miss this little guy.  He brightens my life and makes me laugh every day.  

So, hug your little guys today and thank God for sending His Son to save yours. 

An Introduction

I've been thinking about this blog for months.  I used to write another blog, to keep family and friends up-to-date on our lives.  They all joined Facebook and the blog was less critical to keep them informed about my family.  Plus, I couldn't write frequent posts with two kids to monitor and only a desktop computer in the basement.  It's the dawn of a new age...the age of the laptop and wireless Internet.  I've found true technological love !  Add an iPhone and I'm in seventh heaven, and finally a member of the 21st century.

I can hear you asking, "What is a Pink Menno Mom?"  I'd been thinking about clever ways to describe myself and this is what I came up with.  Let me break it down for you:

Pink:  I'm a girly girl.  Prissy.  I do NOT leave the house without makeup.  EVER.  I put it on when I'm home...alone.  I hate sports.  I do not like to sweat or get dirty.  But, God has a sense of humor.  He gave me two boys.  It sort of makes for a strange and comical life.  You'll hear all about it.

Menno:  It's short for Mennonite.  I grew up Mennonite.  Mennonite Brethren (MB) to be exact.  I attended a private MB college.  My parents, grandparents, and many past generations are born and bred MBs.  You could say I'm a pure-bred.  Some would say we're inbred.  We're not.  We know our heritage and our family trees and have a tight-knit community that keeps track of who's who and how they're related to us.  Another thing about Mennonites, at least the ones I know, is they are a frugal bunch.  We reuse sandwich bags and don't throw anything away.  I use coupons and love anything that's free.  Humor aside, I have a long legacy of faith.  This blog is a story of my faith journey.

And in case you're wondering, no, I don't drive a horse and buggy.  I, obviously, have electricity.  No, I'm not living on a farm (although there are many Mennonites in small, rural communities).  I do not wear a bonnet or sew my own clothes.  I wear dresses on occasion but mostly pants.  And, I must confess, I no longer attend an MB church. 

Mom:  I'm a mom. I have two sons. They're two weeks shy of two years apart.  They're a busy pair.  One's a climber.  The other's obsessed with the Wii.  I have a third "child."  She's a yellow lab named Lillie.  She, just like the human children is a bundle of energy.  

So that's the scoop for now.  I hope you all enjoy reading this as much as I enjoy writing it.  I often lay in bed and write posts in my head.  Maybe now I can conquer my insomnia!

PS:  I did some on-line searching AFTER I came up with the name for my blog.  Big mistake, I should have done it BEFORE.  But, why would I think another group was using the phrase Pink Menno?  They promote values I don't agree with.  Lifestyles I don't condone.  Please don't confuse me with that group of Pink Mennos.