Proud and Loud Volleyball Mom

Yesterday was volleyball day for my youngest son, Kaleb, who, as you have seen in recent posts, turned 12 just a few days ago. He is the youngest, and smallest, on the team but that doesn't stop him from giving it everything he's got and he is becoming a great little baller! My nephew, Hayden, who is nearly a year older, is also on the team AND yesterday was a boys and girls tournament so while Kaleb and Hayden were off court we switched to the other side of the gym and cheered for my niece Haley, who will be 15 in a few days, and her team. A triple whammy! 

The week of team try outs back in October is a week neither of us will soon forget. There were 5 practises as part of try outs and the names of those who made the team would be posted after the last practise. These 5 practises spanned almost 2 weeks and Kaleb was on pins and needles the whole time. 

Our schools junior volleyball team usually only consists of grades 7, 8 and 9 but because of a shortage of students trying out this year they opened it up to the grade 6 boys with the grades 7, 8, and 9 boys getting first pick. Kaleb was beyond excited and came home from every practise beat out and hopeful. 

Finally, try outs ended and the day before the results were to be posted Kaleb couldn't think of anything else. He could hardly even sleep! Myself and his father were just as anxious and nervous the next morning as we waited for him to come home at lunch time. Because of his age and size (Kaleb is a shorty and oh so cute) we weren't sure he would make the team and although we prayed he would, we did have a you'll-make-it-next-year and you-tried-your-best speech prepared just in case. 

I paced the floor for a good half an hour before Kaleb got home for lunch and was watching for him when he came through the door- smiling from ear to ear! He made it! He was beyond excited and I nearly cried with pride! He called his dad who was thrilled and relieved and the two couldn't wait to start practising together, which they did that afternoon. 

This season was a slow one for the team with only 3 tournaments because of several being cancelled because of bad weather. They had yet to win a medal until yesterday! 

They all played with a force I hadn't seen in them all year and my little boy played his absolute best as well, getting a few points for his team, some new moves, and a roll of about 12 consecutive serves! I was proud and along with a few other moms, very loud, cheering at the top of our lungs and blowing into noise makers with every point! 

Kaleb on the court

The boys team won silver, just 1 point away from gold, and played with e vengence until that very last point! The players, their coach, and us parents were so proud of them! 

Kaleb receiving his medal

Hayden receiving his medal 

The girls team won GOLD!!

Haley and her gold medal

It was a fantastic day all around! Kaleb was so proud of himself and his team, and has hardly taken his medal off since.

Kaleb sporting his new bling! 

So, this loud volleyball Mom and Aunt is super proud today of all 3 kids!

Until next time....

On the Sidelines

So, as I mentioned in my last post, I haven't been doing a lot of crafting since the holidays. Once the tree was taken down, the decorations all put away, and the excitement of Christmas morning long forgotten I slid into a slump, a bipolar "down phase" which I am just recently coming out of. I did, however, manage to pick up a itsy bitsy craft this week which is actually so small I am not sure it even constitutes as "crafting", but none the less, here it is- volleyball Mom keychains!

I purchased the charms and key rings and just put them together. Like I said, hardly constitutes as crafting but it was a small step in the right direction for me since I haven't crafting in so long. It was also a small money maker for me, which is very important since I am only able to work part time just yet.

But my main reason for making them was I wanted one for myself because I am a very proud volleyball Mom! My youngest son, Kaleb, plays on his school team and I am always eager to watch them play and cheer them on from the sidelines. I am the parent that's yelling and springing to my feet with every point and the one that is proud of each and every player on the team as if they were my own. There is nothing more rewarding as a parent to watch your child take part in something that they love and see how well adjusted and happy they are, and realize that somewhere along the line, you did something right.

                                                                 Until next time......