I love my kids. Every one of them. My five year-old girl, my three year-old boy, my one year-old girl, and my 21 teenage boys. Every one of them.
Lance’s football team has been such a blessing to our family here in Tiny Town. These are a close-knit group of Godly, public-school taught young men. Yes, I said Godly and public school in the same sentence. And I meant it.
I would trust these guys to care for my children (although I’ve been warned that any babysitting duties would not include changing diapers), and it’s a good thing because my kids love “the boys.” “Football boys coming today, Mom?” is a frequent question at our house. We feed a group of them on Saturday mornings during football season (the ones dedicated enough to get up at 6 AM on a Saturday, and close enough to town to do so), so they have a comfy place to hang out and watch game film together, and not a week goes by that my kids aren’t climbing all over those stinky, tired players.
These boys of “mine,” several of them gave up work and free time for nearly a week a couple of summers ago… to pull three layers of shingles off of our ailing roof in 105 degree heat. They saved us thousands of dollars and countless hours of time. A few of their dads even joined the fun.
Lance has forwarded several emails this year telling of the positive press his team has received. Reporters and game officials have taken the time to contact him and our school principal and superintendent. Yes, they are having a good year win-wise, but the positive press has been about their outstanding sportsmanship on and off the field. Other coaches, other teams enjoy playing against us. That, my friends, is why my husband coaches. To build character in young people.
There are teenagers who deserve every bit of the bad rap they receive, but these young men… they are such great kids! I sit here shedding tears of pride as I type this, and clearly I’m not really their mom. But a word to the wise: there are parents in this world raising incredible kids who are a blessing not only to their own family but to their community as well.
Go visit Laura for more Gratituesday, and be sure to tell her Happy Website-Aversary!
The Lazy Organizer has lots to Talk About this week!
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My favorite part of the pictures is the pink princess blanket over the anonymous teen boy! :>)
My husband coached football for 10 years before he went into administration (he’s now retired.) Now my son coaches high school football. I echo your sentiments – I’ve fed them, loved on them, listened to them cry and hugged their sweaty, muddy bodies. Kids respond to love and their characters are molded by those men who give their time and their hearts to lead them on the path that God has planned for them. blessings, marlene
That’s great sounds like they’re great kids!
I agree about teens today. I’m a teacher, mom of five, and have loved all my boys buddies they brought home. Most of them are super kids who face tough challenges with little guidance. Praying for them and loving them seems like a small thing to do but it can make a big difference! Blessings to you and your family,
I come from a coaching family too. And we now live in a small town-my husband works at the high school and sporting events are a MUST all week long every week! I love it! And I can’t imagine ever wanting to live in a big city again-it’s just so nice knowing everyone and being a part of things like that. I’m so glad you’re husband is making such an impact on these kids. There are a lot of coaches out there who don’t realize how much of an impact they have.
From my small town to yours!
Ashley
What a wonderful blessing for your family and for these boys!
there is a little bit of football in my gratitude this week too
Have a great week!
Steph
What a blessing to hear about these boys! They definitely sound like they will grow up to be wonderful young men.
How wonderful! I agree with you that teens today often are judged wrongly. I know a number of teens from our church that are simply wonderful human beings!
I really like your house.:) What year was it built? I would love to own an older home, I think they have so much character.:)
Joyce
That’s something I love about Matt coaching too. Getting to know the kids on the team…mentoring them…being a positive part of their lives. I’m glad you shared this today. Sounds like these kids have great parents…and you and Lance are giving them another set of great role models.
They sound like wonderful young men. What a blessing.
That is so awesome Amy. What a great influence Lance must be on all of those boys, and they in turn on your children. What a perfect cycle of blessings!
My husband loves to coach too, though it is very time consuming. I hope people realize that coaches do not coach for the money, but for the kids.
I have a question on the roof though. We are planning on replacing our roof ourself next summer. Do you have any tips? My dad is going to help and hopefully my brother too, so it won’t just be my husband. he is doing research and reading the books, but any been there done that advice? Thanks!