this weekend was the last regular season for Rocket's basketball team- their last game in their home gym as 8th graders. Next year, they scatter to various high schools around the city. Thus begins the 'final' months as 8th graders.
This year, Rocket's team has a record of 8 wins and 2 losses. They are in second place in the league. The parents put together a celebration of the team on Sunday at the last game and the boys won the game in style. I asked my friend, Leigh, to take pictures for the team and she got some great shots of Rocket.
So, this is my boy- not so little any more, and looking more and more grown up. He has MUSCLES
Preparing to take a 3 point shot- he can make baskets from out here and makes them regularly!!!
This is Rocket- all action. I love it.
Going up for a layup- he made it.
Rushing back to defend the basket from the other team.
Defense wins games!
The team moves on to tournaments starting next weekend. I am hoping they do as well in the tournament as they have done all year.
Next week, Rocket also starts football conditioning- that is north American football, not soccer. He will have conditioning (weight lifting and running) for the next 4 months before they start football drills. With conditioning starting, he will not be playing Spring Soccer- there is no time in his schedule.
I think you all need some pictures of Pablo- cutie that he is. He is resting with me at lunch. He naps with his 'baby'- his toy.
Why are you taking my picture and disturbing my nap???
All bundled up from the cold.
In other news, Rocket and I have agreed on where he will go to high school. He has wanted to attend LaSalle for years and I have been dreading it since it costs quite a lot to attend there and I knew he would not get any scholarships (his grades are not good enough to get scholarships). Well, he was accepted and we reviewed the household budget and I can afford to send him to LaSalle- they are looking into getting some financial aid to help offset the cost.
He is a member of the class of 2023!!!!
He is so happy. Most of his closest friends from grade school are also going to attend LaSalle- all his buddies from scouts are going there- so he will have friends to start the year. Although, it is likely he wont be in any classes with his friends - that is the difference in high school- everyone can choose their own classes, so it is unlikely you would have classes with friends.
Rocket was also nominated for NYLT (New Youth Leader Training) with scouts- this means the scout leaders see leadership potential in him and want him to learn how to be a great leader. He will attend camp in June for a week to learn leadership skills. His scout master says this is the same leadership skills training that major companies like Proctor and Gamble send their managers too- so these are life long skills he will be taught. I am so excited for him as he was feeling like he might want to leave scouts. I am glad this came up and encouraged him, as he is once again excited about scouts.
the season of my life and Rocket's life of being a grade schooler is coming to an end. He has 3 weeks left in this marking period for school and then one more 10 week period, ending in May and he will be a high schooler. I am not sure I am ready for this change in our lives. I think about it and I have about 4 years until he heads off to college or the military. How is that possible? How is it I am looking at the end of being a full time mom (though I will always be momma)? How is it possible that so many years have passed by from when he came home as a 2 year old? How can I be looking at the end of him being with me every single day and needing me every single day?
In other news- last week we had the brutally cold temperatures (-25 F on Wednesday and Thursday) and this week it is 60 F and pouring rain. So much rain today that the back yard was flooding. there is still more rain to come tonight thru Friday morning. I think my backyard will be under water in the back part- close to the fence.
that's all for today.
Love and hugs,
Deb
