Brayden's on top of the world

What is a boy to do...

The last week of school every recital, performance, party, gathering, and field trip for all of our kids was SHOVED into one week...actually most of it was shoved into 2 days. Sun up to way past sun down we were scattering all over town to get our kids to this place or that.

Brayden's baseball team made it to the playoffs...in fact, they made it to the championship game, but lost, in -part due to really poor umping...I mean pathetic. But that's okay, it means baseball is over...and so this family has one less commitment; therefore, this mommie rejoices.

Brayden always dreamed of playing the violin--ever since he was about four & old enough to care... He finally fished his wish September 2007 with a great program put on by the San Marcos Youth Orchestra. Really it's a family of musicians that wanted to expose the youth of San Marcos to violin and cello for free. They have given of their time and talents every Friday eve from 4 until 6 in this wildly popular program. Brayden has loved it and it helps that he was named 'first chair' and was also able to play a solo at the concert as well as received the award for the most improved. It's been impressive to me that he has stuck to it, really enjoyed it, has excelled and wants to continue.

Musical talent runs in my family, but I didn't develop my abilities the way I wish I would have. A couple of my brothers are self-taught musicians and composers, and Brayden's great grandfather was a renowned violinist and saxophonist who even played with Lawrence Welk...impressive, I know.

So the eve of June 7th Bray was faced with a decision. His Diamondbacks team made it to the Championship and he's irreplaceable at first base. He's also a relief pitcher. Both the championship game and the concert were on the same night...overlapping in time. But the problem...his coach never communicated to the boys how valuable they were or gave positive reinforcement in any way, shape or form. We suspect the coach's son spent many-a-night in hide-out busted from his poor game performance. He was nothing short of abusive to the players and it really affected Brayden. So he chose to make his violin concert his priority. Shocker for those that know his love of sports, but very telling in the contrast of treatment between his violin teachers and his baseball coach.

He ended up being able to perform with his orchestra and do his solo, then leave 1/2 way through the concert to make it to the game...what a champ...didn't let anyone down!

And then on to 'promotion.' Brayden is officially out of elementary school and onto sixth grade. I truly can't believe it. Can't we freeze time? I vividly remember my first day of sixth grade and that period of time in middle school...much of what happened during those three years shaped who I am today. And now our firstborn is heading out of innocence and into unchartered McLaughlin waters. And can I say that Bray got straight A's his last trimester?! He was awarded the highest Presidential academic achievement...outstanding academic excellence, because he has been on honor roll with a 3.8 or above the whole year. And this, having balanced school with sports, violin, and scouts all year. We're truly proud of you, Bray, and HONORED to call you our son.

We've always joked about wanting to clone Brayden...we're still hoping the 'bar' he's set as the oldest will rub-off on the rest of the gang....please, oh, please.