Confidence

It's amazing what a little confidence will do for someone. B made his first goals in a soccer game last weekend. The first goal was a tap into the goal. He really just happened to be at the right place at the right time. But, it was still a goal and his confidence started building. Then later in the game he was able to make a strong kick to the goal. I think he was a little shocked. I really wish I had had my camera with me because the expression on his face was priceless. He surprised himself. Then his confidence soared. He took the ball from one of the opposing team, turned it around and made another goal. It's like a switch suddenly turned on for him. He could do it!

Not to be out done, C also made three goals in his soccer game. He played great and really kept his head in the game. And again, the confidence was boosted which led to better playing, and for him, the ability to keep focused on the game. He was especially excited because Grandpa Jerry and Great-Grandad were watching his game. They made it from Colorado just in time to see him play. What a fun day!

More Bugs

I have this bad habit of leaving our back slider door wide open all the time. In fact, it's open right now. Anyway, we have lots of creepy crawly visitors because of it. Here's our latest find. A praying mantis on our kitchen chair. The kids thought it was soooo cool!

Our Amazing Day Last Friday!

We had the opportunity to go to Galloping Grace Youth Ranch on Friday. It was such a wonderful experience for the kids and I. I was so amazed at how the kids pitched in and helped scoop poop without complaining, and how much they enjoyed the horses! I was especially amazed at how quickly my middle guy took to the horses.

We have been going through a really rough spell over the last couple of months with C. I think the transition to "kindergartner" is proving a tough one for him. Even though we homeschool, a lot of things have been changing. He's in a new class at church. We've been going to a new church with some homeschool friends and he really liked the 4 year old class. So, when the time came to switch, he had a hard time. For about 3 weeks, we dealt with BIG feelings about the new class. He started asking to stay at home instead of go with us to some activities that normally weren't a problem. We have had a couple of big temper tantrums recently. I was really struggling. So much so, that I even asked the pediatrician at his well check a couple of weeks ago if we were maybe dealing with something more than personality. Thankfully, we both agreed that this was just a tough time for him - my introverted, physical, has-a-hard-time-with-verbal-communication kid.

That is why Friday was so amazing. My little guy that struggles with new people and is fearful of most new situations was one of the first ones on a horse. He has never talked about liking horses or cowboys before. We really hadn't read any books or watched any shows about riding horses. This was all new to him. An incredible volunteer, Nancy, took him under her wing and had him helping to saddle up a horse. She helped him lead the horse to the arena. She treated him with so much respect and kindness. By the end of our time there, the wonderful folks at Galloping Grace even had him riding a bit by himself. As my husband said on the phone, "Our C? Really? He rode a horse?"

C is hooked. Right away he asked if he could have a cowboy hat like Mr. Max. On the phone this weekend he told his Aunt Judy (a horse lover) that he was going to be a cowboy for Halloween and Christmas. (I didn't know you were supposed to dress up for Christmas ;) ) He said he wants a "horse-riding" birthday party. (It's not until next year.) He dug a pair of old cowboy boots out of the closet that Aunt Judy had given B a long time ago. He said that when he grows up, he wants to ride horses in a race. I have never seen him this excited about anything before.



B and A did really great too. B (since I know you'll read this ;) ) was so incredibly patient. He waited for his turn to ride without complaining. And A got right up on that horse like she'd done it before. She is so proud of how she balanced on the horse. What an amazing time! I'm so proud of all my kids!

Ewwww Spiders

We have this awesome spider web between two bushes in our front yard. The boys saw the spider out tonight and ran to get me so that I could take a picture. I hate to admit that I know nothing about spiders. I have no idea what kind of spider this is, but it sure is cool.

ETA: We found out from a very informative and friendly docent at the Butterfly Exhibit that our spider is an Orb Weaver. Sometimes it's called a cat-faced spider or a pumpkin spider. Seems especially appropriate this time of year!

Time for Soccer!

Here's how we spent our Saturday morning. Both boys are playing soccer this year. It's the first time either of them have played team sports. They did great! I guess that means I'm officially a soccer mom?!?! Not sure how I feel about that. lol It sounds so suburban, but I guess that's what I am too. lol

C's team in the pic above are an under 6 team and they are "The Green Hulks." B plays on an under 8 team called "The Red Flames." Both of their teams won today - not that that matters. ;-)