"No" issues

I don't know if my boy has some kind of time-making machine hidden in his bedroom, or has some need to push the envelope at some sorry attempt at self-sabotage, or some serial inability to say "no" or the ridiculous belief he is an only child regardless of overwhelming evidence to the contrary; but, I'm exhausted and I'm just his chauffeur and calendar keeper!

The photos of Cole's activities are from THIS week.

Middle School Music Night was a hilight because my boy sung a solo and was quite nervous about it. But in his very "oh-so-Cole" way, confident as well. Not only that but he managed to earn himself the Musicianship Award for his year in vocal. Huh?

Cole is a linebacker and is really enjoying his inaugural football season. His first game with the Titan team is on Sunday at St. Michael's College in Toronto. He has been practicing with the team and studying plays at home since early-April. He loves the idea of playing a "collision" sport. Nice change for him; shuddering experience for his mother. (He is on the left - gray t-shirt hanging)

Spring hockey is another new experience. I think he's thrilled, nervous, curious, and determined, all rolled into one large boy on skates. Last week his team went 1-2-1 which was not the best of showings, but it is all part of the learning curve. He has nothing to do but improve. The best part of that? He knows it, and welcomes the challenge.

 

Rugby has been a complete revelation. Cole LOVES it. Louis and I don't have a clue about the game other than the very basics. We know what we need to know: our boy loves it and he's good at it. Yesterday he and his Appleby Blue Dogs beat the Ridley team to win the championship. The first championship in YEARS which just made the victory that much sweeter.

Oh, and I forgot, one more activity: PLAY! Cole has a lead role in the Middle School production of High School Musical, only because (clearly) he didn't have enough to do with the sports commitments. I'd post a photo but his own personal Mamarazzi is banned from rehearsal!

On top of it all (yes, there is more) my baby is expected to get good marks. I mean, really good marks. In the case of all my children it is my firm belief that they meet the expectations you hold for them: so mine are high. Very high. Academically. The rest? Play what you want. HAVE FUN. We've had seasons of baseball, lacrosse, hockey, soccer, gymnastics, jiu jitsu, hockey, fencing, swimming, dragon boat, and more. It's all about the fun and the life lessons lessons.

(Shhh. I have to admit how incredibly proud I am of Cole. He is learning lessons in sport, in drama and at home that he can't learn in a classroom. Collaborative efforts are what make the world go 'round and he is learning such tangible things in some creative and unconventional ways.)

Now, I recognize that May is particularly INSANE for the number of activities, commitments, finishes and starts, please know that I don't go, and my children don't go, 12-months-straight of this insane nonsense, but there are more than a few days of NUTSO!

Though, choosing FIVE activities this term has been a little excessive.

Cole has learned well: go big or go home. I hope that spirit lives within him forever. I also hope he learns CONTEXT. I don't know that we can manage this schedule, again. Ever. Please?

But boy, has it ever been fun!

Once.

Whatever will I take pictures of now?