Is it in the Genes?

Andrew began playing Upward basketball three years ago and has loved playing ever since. Alora joined him this year as a fellow basketball player. Its funny how they both love basketball. Alora and Andrew both have tried soccer, Alora has tried gymnastics but they both keep coming back to basketball. We have never promoted basketball as the sport of all sports, in fact, based on home viewing, I would say our sport of choice is either football or auto racing (Nascar) but neither of them wants to be a Nascar driver. We have never even told them about the glory days. They only know Mommy and Daddy both used to play basketball. I have never even shown them my State Championship ring! (I have no idea why) They have no clue that Mommy ate, slept and breathed basketball from the eighth grade on through her first two college years. They do not evey know that I went to college on basketball scholarship. They have no idea that despite Daddy's size during his junior high years, he was quite the jumper! And they certainly do not know that many a night during high school their mommy and daddy played alot of one-on-one. Falling in love while I kicked their daddy's butt at some b'ball. Okay, I can' t really remember if I ever officially beat him at a game of one-on-one but I could definitely beat him at some "horse"! (at least, on a good night!) What I am saying is that this basketball thing for Andrew and Alora is totally them! So, is it hereditary? Is there some gene we passed down to them that is the Basketball-loving gene? I don't know but it's so fun to stand on the side lines and support my little up-and-coming basketball players.

Andrew' s team lost their first game, 34-20, but Andrew looked good! He played with alot of heart and was really getting after the ball. He is an excellent defensive player. He received a blue star, for "Best Effort"! Way to go! I can still remember the first year he played as a six year old. He began in a full-fledged run and zoomed from one end of the court to the other. After a few up and downs, he stopped and fixed his gaze on the lights, the concession stand, the scoreboard, the crowd. He was absolutely overwhelmed. When the game was over, I asked him how did he like it and he replied with a question, that was the cutest thing ever, "Did you smell the concession stand? It smelled awesome!" My little basketball player! He may be the shortest little basketball player out there but he is showing some spunk! (Like father, like son)
Alora has been anticipating basketball season for quite some time now! She loves competitive sports. She began to think about her first game and get nervous about Wednesday, knowing the game was coming Saturday. But when Saturday rolled around, she was up, dressed and ready to go. She also, is the shortest one out there, but that did not stop her. She dribbled, and made great passes. (like mother, like daughter) If she truly does follow in my footsteps, she'll never take a shot! (Just ask my dad. Oh the times I would hear him bellowing, "SHOOT THE BALL!") The first thing she asked after the game was: "Did we win? They weren't keeping score! How many points did we score?" That's my girl! Competitive as all get out. They do not keep score for her age group in Upward so, of course, her team won! Actually, I think they did, it was really close!

Joey is coaching her team this year and, I have to say, it so fun watching him coach! If he weren't a pastor, I would definitely say, "Be a coach." He does a great job!
So where am I in all this? Right where I want to be: on the sidelines filming and cheering on my troop! I love the role as supportive wife and mother. I used to love the lime-light but now I just like being on the sides--it is so fun and nerve-racking and I wouldn't trade it. Go Fam!!!