Sunday we attended Mark's very first Rugby Tournament in Sycamore, IL. The Ospreys are a brand new team. And none of the players have played before. So, when Mark and his teammates came up against the other (more experienced) teams, there was no contest. But I'm so proud of them for doing their best and playing their hearts out! The only way to learn and improve is to get out there and play.

Luckily, this tournament did not count as a season game. So, with clean records, these boys are going to practice hard this week and be as ready as possible to take on their first official opponent. Go Ospreys!

(Here we see Reese and Rina trying to stay warm from the chilly wind. They were eating sandwiches and playing video games under those blankets. Too cute!)

Observing the Female Specimen

Our eldest son turned 14 this year. And, boy! This teenage phase is brand new territory for us as parents! 

He's rapidly growing in personality, worldview, and physical appearance. 

As a kid, he has always been a daddy's boy. Going to concerts, watching movies, playing video games, following sports, etc. His attention has always been riveted on his hero dad!

But, one of the changes I've noted lately is the way he seems to observe me! It's almost as if he's noticing me as a woman for the first time. I'm not just Mom anymore. I'm a woman. And I sometimes catch him watching me as if I'm a strange specimen. 

Part of growing up is understanding girls. Figuring out how to talk to them. How to relate to them. 

And in his observation, he has been asking me questions that he never considered before. Like, "Mom, why are you moody today?" Or, "why do you exercise so hard?" He humorously admitted that he now understands what it means when he sees me taking extra naps, wearing sweatpants and acting crabby for a few days each month. (Yes, that is how he described it! I almost spit my coffee out when he said it!) On the occasion when I go on an emotionally charged rant, he now simply shakes his head instead of taking it personally. He tells me I look nice when I've gotten dressed up for an event. He better understands when I need a date night to connect with Dad. He has even started offering to help me lift heavy things or warm the car for me when it's cold outside.

He is noticing me as a woman, rather than just Mom. And I think that must be part of growing up. 

I'm so grateful that he has a great Dad to observe as well! His dad treats his woman with care, thoughtfulness, and lots of humor. He works hard for his family and puts our needs before his own. I honestly can't think of a better example for my son to learn from.

As parents, we also make lots of mistakes! And to our dismay, the kids observe those too. But, that's real life. The value lies in how we handle those mistakes, right?

No doubt, this season will help our kid be a great spouse someday. Well...at least an understanding one.  Sweatpants and all...