"The Rock"

Keller tried out for a select baseball team a few weeks ago and is now a proud member of the Dallas Texans. The team has been practicing twice a week and boy is it hot! Going from city league to a select team is something I don't think I was prepared for...it's no joke. They take it very seriously and the kids are expected to as well. It is a very structured and disciplined environment so it's the best thing for Keller but I'm not going to lie; it took a couple practices for me to get used to the fact that my 5 year old might have to run poles or do push ups if he wasn't doing what he was supposed to be doing. The mom in me kept saying, "but he's only 5, he doesn't know." I certainly didn't want my poor babies feelings to be hurt or for him to feel like I did when my drill team instructor made me do high kicks up and down the gym floor b/c I couldn't get on my prop the right way. See, it scarred me for life. Okay, maybe I just went a little overboard but you get the idea. Fortunately, for Keller's sake{and maybe mine}, he has the most patient, kind and encouraging coaches who work so hard to make it a fun and rewarding experience for the boys. They are truly AWESOME and not only are they teaching the fundamentals of the game but also what it takes to be a winner on and off the field. Leadership, respect and responsibility-that's what makes me proud! It's been a great experience so far and we are completely blown away by the progress seen in such a short amount of time.

This past week, at practice, Keller was given "the rock".

It's a big rock that has the team logo on one side and "TEAM OVER ME" on the other side. The coaches select one player who truly stands out at practice and games by listening, working hard, being a team player and giving 110% the entire time. The listening is sometimes hard for Keller but Monday, he was determined to take home the rock...and he did! He was so excited when the coach called his name...and so were we. Then I realized I forgot my camera so I was mad at myself...never again will that happen. We had to stop by Papa and Grammar's house on the way home so he could show it off to them. He had a hard time returning the rock on Thursday but assured us he was going to get it again at one of his games.

I have no doubt that he will and you can bet I'll have my camera there to capture it. Way to go #19! That's something to smile slide about!