Burnerblog

Today was the day that Brendon and I went around the house hanging things. We hung a shelf in the master bathroom, hung a gun rack in his closet, and hung his belt display rack (finally) just outside his bedroom door (a gift from Elaine a few years back). Then, we went out front and washed Sherry’s car and then waxed it. She hasn’t had it washed in probably a year or so, and last week’s wash was the first time the dirt had been “agitated” in a long time. This week, we washed it but it still looked dirty. It turns out the paint was in the early stages of oxidization. Brendon and I set to the car with wax applicators and Mother’s Carnauba California Gold Wax, and about an hour later, the car was shining as if it were brand new. Many small scratches became invisible while the rest of the car regained it’s new-car look. It’s quite spectacular! Now we will need to detail the inside of the car next weekend, but at least the outside looks great and we’ll only have to do an easy wash since it’s waxed.

We then went out for dinner after watching Dallas lose to the Giants (and who thought San Diego would win today?!?!) after which we came home and just chillaxed for a while.

Brendon’s team won their game tonight, bringing their season record to 4 wins and 2 losses. Tonight, they won in the last few minutes of what really was a nail-biter of a game. Brendon had a few great tackles, one of which was an important tackle he made solo. He had some tremendous kicks and some really great blocks to allow the running backs to get through “the hole” he made for them. All in all, it was a day for me to be, once again, proud of my son.

I also watched him break up a minor scuffle between two smaller players during one of his short breaks on the sideline. He didn’t make a big deal out of it, and didn’t preach to them. He just pushed them apart from each other with his strong arms and stood between them. He looked each of them in the face for a moment and then turned to face the game.  I was impressed by his calm and careful use of his strength and position to break up the argument. The smaller boys obviously respect him (or his size) because they immediately stopped bickering and got the message. I was so proud of him. Brendon is sort of an enforcer, and the only time he has gotten in trouble this year was for sticking up for another smaller kid being picked on in the locker room. The coach made Bren and the other boy do lunges after practice as punishment, but Brendon even offered his hand to the kid he fought (while protecting the smaller one) and asked him if the fight was over. The kid said yes, and Brendon reports that there have been no further problems with the bully being mean to Brendon or picking on the smaller kid.

His grades were really good, and his attitude is great. He loves playing football, and he’s made lots of friends this year, something he’s struggled with in the past. It’s so heartwarming watching this amazing young man grow and prosper. Seeing him pick up the spirits of his teammates, or watching him pump them up during the game does my heart good. He was so much of an introvert before this school year/football season. Now, he’s a new Brendon, but with the same good heart inside.

Since Brendon’s game was rained out last night, the team played tonight. I was asked to announce for the game (which I did), so I had a great seat for the game. It was a good game up until the end when Brendon’s team failed to make their way down to the end zone on their last drive. Then, the other team scored a touchdown, and it was all over. There was only one interception thrown, but otherwise, it was a really well-played game. The other team was playing a bit dirty, hitting with helmets (Brendon received one of these hits that winded him), but in the end, it was their star player’s speed that won the game for them. They had a one-man team player who was able to run away from everyone almost every time he got the ball. The game didn’t have referees; since yesterday was the scheduled 7th grade game, the referees were all officiating the 8th grade game, leaving the coaches to do the officiating. It was kind of odd and made the game last a lot longer, but I don’t see the outcome being any different had the referees been there.

Brendon was a little sad after the game saying the other team was very unsportsmanlike in the post-game hand-shakes, and worse, some of the members of his own team laughed at those who played the entire game, saying mean things to them. Brendon didn’t mind the other team as much as he minded his own disloyal teammates. He said he was going to take care of them tomorrow, meaning he’s certainly going to mention it to them and let them know it’s not appreciated. I am proud of Brendon for sticking up for what he believes is right, and team loyalty is paramount to any sports team that wants to win.

He played very well, though, and made some amazing plays and he kicked the ball incredibly well. We’re proud of our Brendon.

I was in the press box videotaping the game (ok, Gelli did the videotaping and I did a lot of coughing, weezing, and blew my nose a lot) so these were from quite a ways up and away from the action, but all things considered, they’re decent pics. Had I been closer to the action, I could have gotten better photos, but I’ll talk to the coaches about getting game pics at the next few games. I’ll offer CD’s to team parents at cost after the games.

Anyway, this first picture is of Brendon (#7 stuffing a kid that kept holding him. He threw him to the ground and then went away to tackle someone else. Brendon said that the kid didn’t hold him after that.

Brendon and his “buddy” coming off the field after a succession of plays. Brendon is on the starting lineup for offense and defense, and the coaches were giving the two defenders a break during some less crucial plays. Brendon was very happy for the water break.

Taken from a great distance through glass, this isn’t the best picture, but could have been a great one had I been closer. This was during half-time when the score was 14-0. The boys were fired up and excited, and they carried that excitement through to the second half, scoring another touchdown and allowing only one touchdown (Brendon wasn’t on the play when that happened).

Brendon is #78 and blocking a defender from getting to the ball carrier. Brendon did a great job of stopping all defenders and getting through when he was on defense.

All in all, it was a great time. I really enjoyed watching the game, and seeing Brendon so happy on the field and off warmed my heart. After the game, he was very humble about his actions in it, and he was very understated in his achievements. That’s Brendon: he’s never one to “toot his own horn” so to speak. He does what needs to be done, gives it his best, and then just gives a friendly smile. I love that little guy.

My son’s football team won their first game of the season today with a score of 20-6. Brendon was in each of the three plays that their team scored on (he was actually in almost all plays), playing offense, defense, and even some special team! He did really well, and even got a crucial tackle at the beginning of the game.

We’re proud of our little big man. He’s not only doing well on the field, but getting great grades, too. He wants to make sure he can keep playing, so he’s getting the good grades. It’s nice to see it all come together. Photos later (I’m still feeling really sick, so I’m not in the mood to do photo posting).

Today was Brendon’s first Jr. High School scrimmage in football. He had a lot of fun, got to play starting offense and defense, and it looks like the coaches are looking at him as a possible starting center. Brendon really enjoys it, and seems to be really getting along well with his friends.

I took this picture of him while he was walking back from getting some water after he was in a number of plays. It looks like he’s the only person on the field, which is kind of neat. I did some post-processing, but for the most part there is very little done to this photo.

It was nice to see how well he was doing, and how comfortable he feels being on the team this year. The first year was tough for him, and last year was where he learned so much and was trying to find himself as a player. This year, he seems to have found himself, and  he appears to be comfortable with being a leader on the team. He’s often showing other kids where to stand, how to get ready, etc. He’s been asked to help other kids after football practice with their stance, conditioning, etc. He likes that he’s looked to for help, and it’s helped him grow so much as a little man. His grades in school are up (way up!), and his social life seems to be greatly improved over last year as well. It’s heart-warming to see as a parent, and I beam when I watch him interact with his friends, coaches, etc.

Last year, he didn’t want to play football at the beginning of the year. His first year was very tough, and there were lots of difficulties with his first team (mostly his having to get used to being a football player). We told him that we really wanted him to keep trying, and that if after three weeks he didn’t like it, we’d let him quit. Well, he never did quit. He ended up loving it, and even lamenting the end of the season once it was over. He has been waiting for this season to start all summer, and we’re so glad for him that it’s finally here. He is so happy… and so are we.