To be good at anything, you need to practice.
It takes time. Dedication. Commitment.
It is a hard lesson to teach. A lesson that both of our children have difficulty wrapping their brain around. They want to be GREAT at whatever their particular interest may be – football, baking, drawing, running – right away. The first time they try an activity they want to ace it. Then they get upset because they cannot reach their expectations. They put too much pressure on themselves. They get discouraged quickly. Too quickly. Patiently, we have to explain to them that their father, myself and any other person, cannot do something perfect on the first try. Just give it your best shot each and every time and you’ll reach your potential. Just give it the best you have.
Since they are living the lesson now, I think they are starting to understand that practice does make one better. They improve a little each time at practice. Our Little Big Guy has football practice three times each week for 2 hours. That is a long practice for a 7 ½ year old. And at first, he wasn’t sure about committing to the sport. He wanted to play. He did not want to play. A few weeks back, we asked him to go to practice one more time and then he could tell us whether he wanted to quit or continue. We are proud to say, he is not a quitter. I think the team concept unnerved him a little. He was afraid he would not be good enough. We told him you are playing to have fun, to learn the game and be a good sport. It’s not about winning but how you play the game. It’s all about effort and still having fun. With each practice, he has become more confident. He knows what to do and what is expected of him. He listens and executes. He loves it and comes home pumped and excited. It’s hard to get the guys to stop talking and demonstrating. Practice nights make it a late night for our son. He falls into bed asleep!
Monday night, he floated into the house. His sister and I failed to notice. Yes, we heard them come home – talking loudly and dropping equipment to the floor. Then he loudly asked us, “Did you notice my jersey?” With that, you bet we did. Number 43 . What a sharp jersey too! I had the camera out so I asked if I could take a picture. This is what I got...
After snapping one, he wanted to get his football. Only two more practices before his first, FIRST, game this Sunday. We’ll be supporting the whole team and cheering #43 on.
Go Panthers go!
While the guys were at practice, our daughter was practicing herself. She was in the kitchen. Baking. She wanted to bake all by herself. So while I washed dishes, she dirtied dishes. It was a great night in the kitchen. She went to work and did not ask many questions. I watched her from sink side; trying not to hover. She did not like my way of filling the cupcake forms, but it worked. She wants a scoop like the scoop the bakers use on Food Network Cupcake Wars. That show is currently her favorite! Once the cupcakes were put in the oven, we mixed up the frosting together. She now knows my secret to homemade frosting. No secret, but because I pulled out a recipe instead of mixing ingredients up until they tasted right...she knows! She added green food coloring, filled the frosting bag and set to work. I left her to practice her technique as I took Ruddie out to play.
She did a fantastic job! The 24 cupcakes look marvelous. She'll be treating our daycare family to some tomorrow. I am not surprised but more importantly, she was pleased with the finished results. Makes me happy!
Some of her decorated cupcakes. Great job, don't you think?
Looks like she is pleased.
The night ended with each of us eating a deliciously decorated cupcake!
Here's to practice. I look forward to the next time she wants to practice...so are her brother and father.
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