What We Always Dreamed Of...
Our Saturday mornings have been a little hectic lately. But, it's what we always wanted. When we were dating and first married, we would dream of these days that would be filled with driving the little Fullers around town to ball games, piano lessons, dance class, cheerleading practice and the like. We knew there would countless hours of homework. And there already has been.
We have been blessed to have our two oldest play Upward basketball this year at a nearby church. This church tries hard to make this a memorable, enjoyable, learning experience for every participant and their family.
We have loved everything about Upward. The things they have learned have been fundamental to their future in these sports. If they would like to.
These photos will be only of Luke and his team because Anna Brooke's game was cancelled this past weekend. We had a little bit of snow!
Before each game the team meets together. When it is made up of six- and seven-year olds, I am not sure how much strategy is discussed during these pre-game meetings. But I do know that the boys may have a future as abstract artists.
They are each announced and run out a curtain that has smoke and lights and everything making them feel as if they are ready for the NBA. The children love that part. (It is VERY HARD to get a picture of this due to the lack of light and very fast movement.)
Then, there's the pre-game huddle. The referees say some things and then get started...
with PRAYER. This is the best part to me. Teacing these little ones that prayer is more important than winning. And, the one they pray to is worth everything.
Then the five players from each team line up facing the opponent that they will play against. In Upward, the children play man-to-man defense. They have little color bands on their jerseys so they can find the one they are supposed to guard.
Luke is one of the shortest children in his division. He is probably one of the fastest runners though. I think he is so cute!
The teams play 6 5-minute periods. In between periods they regroup, change out the color bands on their jerseys and get ready for the next period. Each child plays the same amount during the games. They ususally play one, sit out the next, etc.
Luke is very good at defending his opposing man. He always has his arms up trying to keep the other player from getting the ball.
He stayed with that boy the entire period of this game. He went wherever that player went. I thought he was very cute following that little boy around! (Notice the stars on his undershirt? More on that later.)
After the game, there is the line-up and good game hand claps for every player. Luke really likes this part.
After the game, each team goes into a room and has a snack. They also receive stars. These stars are to ironed onto the sleeve of the undershirt. This week Luke received the gray star for offense. He did very good keeping the other team away from the ball!
This is a great group of boys for him to play with. He likes every one of them!
And, this is Pastor Barry who makes it all happen. He is the Worship Pastor at Life, and Upward is his volunteer job. He loves sports and loves seeing each child taught the game and praised for their efforts. He is a little different, but that is what God uses to draw people to him so he can share Jesus!
We are so grateful for this opportunity for our little ones. They are having a blast!
THE END.
We have been blessed to have our two oldest play Upward basketball this year at a nearby church. This church tries hard to make this a memorable, enjoyable, learning experience for every participant and their family.
We have loved everything about Upward. The things they have learned have been fundamental to their future in these sports. If they would like to.
These photos will be only of Luke and his team because Anna Brooke's game was cancelled this past weekend. We had a little bit of snow!
Before each game the team meets together. When it is made up of six- and seven-year olds, I am not sure how much strategy is discussed during these pre-game meetings. But I do know that the boys may have a future as abstract artists.
They are each announced and run out a curtain that has smoke and lights and everything making them feel as if they are ready for the NBA. The children love that part. (It is VERY HARD to get a picture of this due to the lack of light and very fast movement.)
Then, there's the pre-game huddle. The referees say some things and then get started...
with PRAYER. This is the best part to me. Teacing these little ones that prayer is more important than winning. And, the one they pray to is worth everything.Then the five players from each team line up facing the opponent that they will play against. In Upward, the children play man-to-man defense. They have little color bands on their jerseys so they can find the one they are supposed to guard.Luke is one of the shortest children in his division. He is probably one of the fastest runners though. I think he is so cute!The teams play 6 5-minute periods. In between periods they regroup, change out the color bands on their jerseys and get ready for the next period. Each child plays the same amount during the games. They ususally play one, sit out the next, etc.Luke is very good at defending his opposing man. He always has his arms up trying to keep the other player from getting the ball.He stayed with that boy the entire period of this game. He went wherever that player went. I thought he was very cute following that little boy around! (Notice the stars on his undershirt? More on that later.)After the game, there is the line-up and good game hand claps for every player. Luke really likes this part.After the game, each team goes into a room and has a snack. They also receive stars. These stars are to ironed onto the sleeve of the undershirt. This week Luke received the gray star for offense. He did very good keeping the other team away from the ball!This is a great group of boys for him to play with. He likes every one of them!And, this is Pastor Barry who makes it all happen. He is the Worship Pastor at Life, and Upward is his volunteer job. He loves sports and loves seeing each child taught the game and praised for their efforts. He is a little different, but that is what God uses to draw people to him so he can share Jesus!We are so grateful for this opportunity for our little ones. They are having a blast!THE END.
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