Throwback Thursday...Football Then and Now

It seems like just yesterday that Evan started playing football-he started playing flag football back in 2010:

He was so proud and excited to be the quarterback for his team! We didn't win very many games, but he had so much fun!

2011 Season (4th Grade):

He was picked to be the QB again, and we had a different coach this year. A girl was his center- she shocked all the boys with how fast she was! We got more wins this year, and it was so much fun to watch his face light up when they got a win!

2012 flag football season (5th grade):

This was the best season! They had the same coach as the year before, and most of the same teammates. They knew their plays and ran them well-and had an undefeated season, culminating in a championship trophy at the end!

2013 (last year, 6th Grade) First year of tackle football:

Last year was a rough year. After coming off of a flag football team that won every game, it was hard (for him and me both) to come to a new team, and to learn a new way to play football. He has told me many times that tackle is nothing like flag football. It hurts. And it scares me to watch him play. It scares me to sign the concussion or death waver that we have to sign each year. It gives me chills just to think about it! But. He's learning. He's learning to be a part of a team, even if you're not the star. He's learning how to do his part in a different place or position. He's learning to be braver and tougher. And I guess I am (trying) learning to let go. A little bit.
His team didn't win any games last year, but they got so close by the end of the year!

2014 tackle football (7th Grade-this year):

I didn't know if he would want to play again this year after last year being such a tough year on him and his team, but he did. And I am so proud of that! He is on the JV squad this year, and they don't keep score on the JV games. But he got to play in the varsity game last week, and that made me proud too. Even if I do cringe, wince, and shrivel inside when someone breaks a leg or gets hit too hard in the helmet, hurts their arm or hand. Maybe this will make me tougher too?

If you're here for scrapbook inspiration, I have more of that in the works! But, I love taking a moment here and there to reflect on my life and share little tidbits of it with you.

Throwback Thursday...An End to Elementary School

It seems just yesterday that these girls were starting Pre-school, and so excited that they slept in their clothes the night before (shoes and all!) their first day.
Natalie:

Cecilia:

(Just look at the tiny Dora beds-they loved Dora the Explorer!)
 I had a lump in my throat as they waved goodbye to me then, but I must admit I was a bit excited that I would have a bit of time to myself, and to actually be able to keep the house clean for a few hours. The lump in my throat and tears in my eyes are swelling now, as I realize that this will be a year of lasts for me, as my babies are growing into young ladies, and this will be their last year of elementary school.



I have seen such a change in them, even since last year. Last year was all about comfort in clothing-t-shirts, jeans, and jackets. This year, they are starting to develop a bit of a style, wanting to match their shoes to their shirts or clothing, hair chalk for fun, colorful streaks... and Cecilia (on the left) told me yesterday that she wants to grow her hair out long. I love the young ladies they are becoming, smart, and beautiful, but I do miss those babies, too! Ah well. Time marches on. Time to embrace the change and try to shrug off the nostalgia, as my mommy heart breaks just a little.