My boys of fall

We embarked on a new adventure this fall...we entered into sports with the boys. John really wanted to play football and we decided that we should get him started this year with flag. Next year is tackle. We thought John might appreciate learning the basics while no one was actually hitting him. Since flag is for ages 5-7 we went ahead and signed Nathan as well. It would be really tough for him to sit on the sidelines knowing that he could be part of the action. Today was their first game and they are definitely hooked...well, at least John is for sure. Nathan enjoyed himself, but not to the level that John did.

Before the game


Nathan in the role of quarterback...taking the snap. They rotate the kids around to different positions during the game. The point at this stage is to learn football...not necessarily win the game. Although winning makes learning a little more fun.
John lined up to block (actually I think technically it is a tackle position, but it is flag football)....he is on the left end. This was his stance most of the game no matter what position he played. He has his hands on his knees and looks really intense. Typical John...John doesn't do anything and not look intense.

This is when they were introducing the players at the beginning of the game (I got the pictures out of order.)

These may be the only pictures you see throughout the football season. My parents were able to come to this game and took some good shots. I get too distracted by the game and forget to take pictures. I am definitely hooked and love it that my boys love playing. I've always been a sports fan so this gives me an outlet. I just need to remember that my voice is loud and carries...a long. way.

School 2011-2012

It was a very big week at the Horn household. All four kids are now officially in school. And everyone is riding the bus this year...another first. It was a great first week for my kindergartner, 2nd grader, 4th grader and 5th grader. We are gradually settling into a routine. Homework hasn't started yet, so I'm sure this week that will also get thrown into the mix. Nathan LOVED kindergarten...until Friday evening when he declared to me in tears that "I missed you so much Mommy." We shared some tears together and then were able to have an honest discussion about kindergarten and what really happened during the week. It can be scary, there are mean kids at school sometimes, and yes, I did pick up and take your brothers and sisters to school, but you get to ride the bus. And we serve an Almighty God who is there with you through all of it.

And my house is quiet. This week I was blessed to have my parents come for a visit. So this next week is when the deafening silence will hit. Right now I'm with one daycare child and I will add another one in a few weeks. I also have a few that are part-time. So I am very thankful for the distractions. It is a new stage of life. We successfully raised our kids through infancy, toddlerhood and preschool. Now come the BIG years and the really hard stuff. But now also comes the GOOD stuff...the fun conversations, the fun activities, the enjoyment of elementaryhood and tweenhood and eventually teenhood and college. I thank the Lord for His grace in parenting and pray that my trust in Him with my children will only continue to grow.