'12/13 Week 10 Day 4

The new spelling words Andrew has are a bit more complicated than the ones we have been working on. So, I am taking my time and going over them slowly. Yesterday, we took our first look at them and today we started first copying, then building, and finally writing them. I will try this again next time. It seems to be helping Andrew as much as the stop watch has been. 

In our science class, I have seen it is rather difficult to find videos on the European animals and birds. Well, there are the videos of all the animals, but they have been shot somewhere else, but the region we are covering. Still, whatever we have found, has been interesting. 

Saara started listening to a new 'fun' song. I bet, we will be treated to a full performance of "She'll Be Coming Round the Mountain" very soon. 

And one more thing - tonight Andrew went to his basket ball tryouts with the Upward Sports.

Seventh Game. June 2, 2012

 Andrew's last game. It was good. All of it has been good. He has a nice soccer ball as a trophy to practice at home now. Thank you, Upward Sports, it was a blessing.

Sixth Game. May 31, 2012

One can not expect too much of a cranky boy on a hot soccer field. Andrew was doing all right until his uniform got all muddy. Mud is fine, but - as I learned now - not on Andrew's 'precious' soccer shirt.:o) He got over it. Mainly, thanks to his coach who held him upside down over a mud puddle. All I heard was Andrew laughing.

It was hot and wet as the afternoon rainwater had not quite soaked into the ground yet. One more game after this. Kind of sad.

Fifth Game. May 19, 2012

 It was a good game. I am amazed at the 'teamwork' the Rattlers have. Their defense is awesome. Because of the shortage of players we had only one sit out a period and the rest endured the heat and the intensity of the game wonderfully. Good job. Andrew had a splendid attitude, quite a little sportsman, wanting and willing to play without stopping. He received a star for going over to a hurt opponent and asking if he was doing all right. Good job.

"Coach, I scored! Did you see that?"

Attack the coach!

Fifth Practice. May 17, 2012

 At today's soccer practice we had a snap of a visit from a turtle. Thankfully, it did not distract the players for long.

During their half-time devotional Andrew and others started learning about being humble. That is something that for Andrew comes with a lot of difficulty at times, especially when he is hungry, tired, hot, and sweaty. Sounds like a kid at a 5:30 soccer practice to me. A good place to learn humility no matter how challenging the situation is.

Fourth Game. May 5, 2012

 The temperatures are not the same any longer - it is getting hotter which makes both the practices and the games more challenging. I am thankful for the Bible verse Andrew has been learning "Let us keep on running the race marked out for us" Hebrews 12:1 It is always one thing to learn about determination and quite another to actually put it into practice. Andrew's coach is phenomenal - she knows how to keep the boys going till the last whistle. 

Today, there was a lot of cheering and high fives on Andrew's part. The Rattler's scored, but also learned to give some space for the other team to learn about co-operation and not smother them with a rather heavy offense.

On my part, I want Andrew to see that when he scores, it is not only him - it is a team effort.

Fourth Practice. May 3, 2012

The past week with its many events and inhumanly early mornings is finally catching up to us. This is Andrew before his soccer practice. He slept all the way to the fields. Thankfully, he realized all the fun he would be missing if he just slept through it. It was hot, but he and the others endured and finished the practice with flying colors.

Third Game. April 28, 2012

Andrew got to score again! It certainly lifted his spirits. More than that though, he enjoyed the game and even when he got 'injured' in the field he was ready to go back in as soon as he was allowed to.

I, on my part, loved the idea of supplying players for the opposite team. The Penguins were short of players so the Rattlers lent a helping hand and swapping each other out turned their reversible shirts around and joined the other team. That's sportsmanship for you.

I also loved the kids piling up on the the coach after the game was over. What a fun morning we had! 

Second Practice. April 19, 2012

Andrew is making friends and working on his temper and sportsmanship. He received a star for remembering his memory verse and a star for scoring at the game on Saturday. Keep it up, Andy!

First Game. April 14, 2012

First Practice. April 12, 2012

Andrew learning cool soccer moves, Bible verses, about sportsmanship and teamwork while making new friends.