It's simply been wet and dreary lately. And for the second day in a row, Lance didn't fall asleep during nap time. But he DID fall asleep during the chess tournament that Miles organized for his scout activity. I was busily arranging boys around chess boards when I looked over to see Lance, sitting straight up, mouth wide open, sound asleep at 4:30 in the afternoon.
Weeks before Christmas, Greg sequestered himself to the back of the garage every evening so that he could build the chess board of all chess boards. It is the most beautiful game board imaginable, with alternating dark and light wood creating the squares. Greg sanded and edged and lacquered that thing to perfection. At three feet by three feet, the extra-large chess pieces we found on clearance in the summer fit perfectly. I love seeing it all set up. I love seeing the pride in Greg's eyes as he sees the fruits of his labor. I love seeing everyone gathered around it, strategizing the next move. We've been chess obsessed around here lately.
So when it came time for Miles to plan a scout activity for one of his requirements, we naturally thought of chess. Miles spent a few hours typing up the instructions for all of the players, and we put together a tournament bracket to hang on the wall. Miles practically flew in the door after piano lessons to start his activity. I was so proud of him. He read his instructions, which were so well thought out and humorous too, and started everyone playing the game. We assigned each person in our family to monitor the different games so that we could assist if anyone got confused on the rules (most of the boys needed a little help and some had no previous chess experience). Even Owen, at five years old, was completely able to monitor a game. When I walked near him, Owen whispered into my ear some of the moves that he thought the boys could make. It was hard for him not to point out opportunities to the boys!
Owen is one good chess player. The other day, as a chess game between Austin and Owen ended, Owen burst into angry tears. I gathered him up and tried to calm down his fury at losing before he landed his fists on Austin's back. After we talked for a while, I thought to ask him if he had ever won a chess game. He flopped back, throwing his arms into the air, and wailed, "NOOOooooo!" That surprised me. He had played over and over since Christmas! I suddenly understood something--of all the boys, Owen will probably become the best chess player of the bunch. It takes a lot of determination (and a lot of angry fury) to lose a game and then try again, over and over and over again. So, I assigned Julia to play Owen next. And it sounded like pure glee when I heard Owen's little voice shout, "Check Mate!" Thank you, Julia, for your superb peace-making qualities.
Since then, Greg has challenged Owen a few times. Even though Greg refuses to go easy on the big boys, and consequently wins every time, I watched as Owen finally beat him. We then showed Owen a bit about good sportsmanship as Greg shook his hand and said, "good game." At least Owen knows what it feels like to win and lose.
Well, I'd better wrap this up. As if on cue, Owen just walked over and asked me to play him in a game of chess. Last time I played him, I honestly lost. The other kids were a bit incredulous. I defended myself by explaining that I hadn't been concentrating very hard, which was true! Sounds like we are in for a rematch.
Oh, and by the way, Miles made it to the championship round of his tournament. We ran out of time to see how it would play out, but his smile said it all. Because it was a winning one for sure.
What a happy day.
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