Dr Naismith, You're the MAN!

Waaaayyy back in 1891 at the local YMCA, Dr James Naismith had to keep his gym class occupied during December's bad weather, so he stuck a peach basketball on the wall and led his boys to throw a ball in it - thus basketball was born in the tiny town of Springfield MA.  Dr. Naismith is to my boys like the Pope is to the Catholics.  He's the man.  He is at the basic tenets of their hoop faith.  They have a passion for the all things b-ball.

My boys don't just enjoy playing the game and watching the game and keeping up with their idols from the game, they study the game.  They know the stats and the standings and the history of teams, both NBA and college.  They know about various players and their histories and their awards and their accomplishments. They study strategies and various plays. They both plan to be NBA stars so they can take care of their mother in the manner she would like to become accustomed to.

I love that they love it.

Since we moved to Utah, they have found basketball to be an activity they could find common ground and a kinship within the community of other basketball lovers. They found a place to grab some of the old ways of being part of a team - something they were passionate about in our former home.

Right after our move, they tried out for the 8th grade boys basketball team at their new school.  After three days of try outs, the aspiring player list was whittled down to the current nine players representing their school.  Thankfully, both my boys are part of that nine.  Key word is BOTH. 

When you have multiples and they are younger, there is no problem in placing them on the same teams because you are paying for them to play and the money talks.  My boys have always played on the same soccer teams (all three kids when they we little), same little league teams, and same basketball teams, starting with the 7-9 league and then the 10-13 league. Otherwise it is a logistical nightmare.  I know you moms of similar age children KNOW what I am talking about. You may not have a choice when the ages vary.  But when you can make life easier, you do, unless you are just plain crazy. But when the boys tried out for the team I began to think what IF one makes it and one doesn't. (although boys I know you read this so please know Mom knew both of you would make the team)

I cannot even imagine the horror nor do I want to.

In addition to the school team, they are playing on another team as well, an AAU league.  For the two different teams, our schedule is this: Monday practice, Tuesday practice, Wednesday game, Thursday game, Friday practice and then another practice other team, and Saturday morning practice and Saturday evening a game.  WHEW - I need a schematic to keep up. Or maybe a flow chart.  At the very least a detailed calendar.

But because it is their passion, and they love it, and we love them, we do it.  Mike on the other hand, is playing vicariously through his boys.  He eats it up.  It is his thing and one of their connections.

I have to admit, I don't know a lot about basketball.  But I am learning.  When the whistles blows I usually have to ask Mike why.  I know about traveling and double dribble and fouls, but don't get screens and setting a pick and over the back. I even know what a triple double is. But for all I don't know, I do know the thrill I get when I see my boys on the court at the same time and see one of them pass the ball to the other - and then he makes a shot and they high five each other.  I love seeing cooperation.  Same with baseball and one is the pitcher one is the catcher.  I love it. 
When Mike and I were dating and I was in college, we used to go to a lot of the basketball games there.  It was a small school and he had graduated from there also, a few years before me.  I had little interest in basketball, but I loved being with him.  We'd sit there, me with my popcorn and coke, talking to my friends, and him with his rapt attention to the game. And his yelling.  Mike likes to yell at the refs because they all make such bad calls. And to his credit, he does know the game inside and out.
"Which game are you watching!"
"Give him a suitcase for that travel!"
"Last time I witnessed a robbery, they had a gun!"
"Call it both ways!"
and the all famous ... "Get your tongue out of your whistle ref!"

Some things never change. Love you honey.

The interesting thing is my boys are having to reinvent themselves.  Before, they were big fish in a small pond.  Now the pond is way bigger and the competition is more intense and they are not so big.  But they have a perseverance fueled by that passion and are growing.  It's a learning experience and they are rising to the challenge.  Like I've heard time and time with multiples, it doesn't always get easier, it just gets different.  Instead of juggling bottles and diaper changes and play group, I juggle different props now.

Add into the mix my daughter's current theater rehearsals and yes, it's busy.

"Boy, you have your hands full!"

How original. Yes, I do - and my heart is full as well. Praise God.