T for Technical, not Tennis

I absolutely love passionate people.

 

Especially those that are passionate about me.  Or my kids.

 

This weekend little guy had a basketball tournament.  As we started our first game, I realized quickly we were going to be matched up pretty well.  Although we have only played a few games this season, we are playing up a grade level most of the time to get the competitive level we need to challenge our boys.  This actually gives little guy some work to do.  At 5'6" he is typically 2 to 3 inches taller than most of the boys his age so it's nice to see him eye to eye with another player.

 

Until the smack down starts.

 

5:00 minutes into the first game, it was apparent to me that Coop was going to have to fight to the end.  The boy he was guarding wasn't really bigger than him but definitely aggressive.  He threw elbows early and backed hard into Coop underneath the basket every trip down the court.  Coop had three fouls going into the second half... all against this kid.  And I lost count at how many times Coop landed on the floor from trips and shoves.

 

By the fourth foul, it was obvious Coop was pissed.  He was huffing around throwing his arms up.  It didn't take rocket science to figure out what was coming next.

 

The next whistle was for him.  Nope, not a foul.  A technical.  Yep, my 11 year old was given his first technical for "unsportsmanlike conduct".  My son.  Unsportsmanlike.  I can barely type it... seriously.  He wouldn't be hurtful or hateful to a fly. 

 

 

The ref said he saw Coop try to kick the other player.  I asked him straight out (in my MEAN ass mom voice) "did you try to kick that boy, Cooper?" 

 

"NO MOM!  I would NEVER kick someone!"

 

But here's the best part of the story:  said boy that my child was abusing?  His father was sitting behind my Dad and I in the bleachers.  And he was vocal.  VERY VOCAL.  About my "dirty player that finally got kicked out of the game".  Dirty.

 

Passion kicked in.  My Dad, usually the nicest, calmest, most patient man on the face of the planet, turned around to him.  Very politely, he said "Excuse me?" 

 

The next couple of minutes are a blur, but suffice it to say he proudly stood up for his grandson.  Even after the man continued to insult Coop. 

 

Other parents chimed in, too.  They saw what we saw.  I promise I'm not bragging on my kid - it just is what it is.  He's no bully... on the court or off.  I'd take his head off if I ever saw him display a second of that behavior!  It is my most despised behavior.  I have giant convictions about it.

 

I'm proud of my Dad.  I think he might have been a tad bit embarrassed but I sure wasn't.  He even apologized to me, concerned I was embarrassed.

 

Totally not necessary.  Ever.  I'm glad that he feels as protective about my little guy as I do.  It's so awesome to know others would stick up when necessary (and when others can't).

 

I love that passion.  It's the best!  Big thanks to Pooh for being the best Grandpa EVER!

 

Have a great Tuesday, friends!

 

 
Jen

 

 

 

And... BREAK!

Ah, Spring Break in Kansas City.  What fun can be had!  Little guy has had some time with his big brother, Granny and Pooh and at the end of the week, he gets two whole days with DAD!  They are both so excited, although I'm sure it has a lot to do with the endless amount of basketball to be watched those two days.

The principal of my little guy's school is so awesome.  Everyone loves her, kids and adults alike.  But every once in awhile, I think she's been in the educational system to long and forgets how to connect with us working families.

When she distributed our last note before Spring Break (1 week and 1 day, by the way... plus we get off again at Easter), she told us parents to "Enjoy our time off for rest and relaxation with our kids".  Hmmm, does she understand that not everyone in the world gets (or takes) off for Spring Break? 

Personally, I have never taken off Spring Break.  Sure, I get the fever like everyone else!  But have you ever tried to get into a restaurant during Spring Break?  Have you ever tried to board a plane during Spring Break?  It's NOT the easiest of all tasks with kids running around everywhere!

I had lunch with a good friend recently who sent her 13 year old son to New York City with a friend and his father for Spring Break.  In all fairness, the father does travel quite a bit to NYC to conduct business, so it's not as though he is a rookie in that area.  I asked her if she was worried about him traveling that distance and spending the week there.  Nope, it will be fine.  Ahhh!  I would just DIE.  It's not like Chicago or anything - NYC is an extremely busy place! 

Jokingly, I told her she better get ready... he's going to expect this treatment every Spring Break.  Her comment?  Yep, he already does.  At 13.  Oh my.

I'm thankful my little guy doesn't expect lavish trips to New York City for Spring Break.  He likes playing Modern Warfare with his brother.  He likes going on adventure hikes with his Granny and Pooh.  And he will LOVE watching basketball with his daddy.  Yep, he still calls him daddy.

As a sidenote - it is the most beautiful weather in Kansas City right now.  Today we are expecting it to hit 80 degrees, almost the all time record of 82.  In March!  The top is definitely coming off of sassy on the way home (get your minds out the gutter!)

Enjoy your day!
Jen