MVP

Carson received the Game Ball for hitting a double in his game last night. He thinks he can get a triple in the championship game!

Just a few cell phone pics for your enjoyment

The boys first baseball practices:

 Carter's 2nd Birthday

 Doing a little homework:

 Go Predator's!  We had such AWESOME seats!

"Take a picture of my eye, Mama"

 "Now, I'm going to jump, so you have to take a picture of my feet in the air."

 My tired, thirsty third child...

 Rebekah's first birthday...

 Invasion of kids in yellow who think they know how to play cornhole...

Getting Ready for the Boys of Summer

We spent a fun day at the Bowling Green Ballpark. The Hot Rods held their "open house." We exchanged my ticket vouchers from Valentine's Day in for our opening night tickets.

We enjoyed free hotdogs and lemonade....

 I finally got my picture with Rosco....

 The boys hung out with Axel....

We sat in the Hot Rods dugout.....

Went to the locker room....

Posed for a family photo....

And played in the outfield.....

What a great spring winter day!

The Boys of Summer

Baseball.

It is probably my favorite sport of all.

One of my favorite things to do....

Watch my boys play.....

Colin baseball from Natasha Grimes on Vimeo.

 BEWARE: There is some jarring of the video at the end because Carson said he saw a spider and I HATE SPIDERS!

Yes, I know Carter isn't technically playing baseball, but he still loves the game too!

And yes, I know Jacob isn't my personal child, but I still like watching him play.

Not Me, Monday #2

“Not Me! Monday” is the brainchild of MckMama where we can pretend that some crazy things did not happen the past week. I always enjoy reading what did not happen to others, so I hope you enjoy reading what did not happen to me


This past week I did not clean out the litter box just to find a piece of yellow ribbon sticking out of the cat poop.  My cat would never eat anything other than his Purina. 

Furthermore, my 4 year old did not decide to retire from T-Ball after 2 practices. Can you count it as two when we just showed up for the last one?  Anyway. My children always finish what they start.

After quitting retiring from t-ball, my son and I did not make our way to the park for a nailbiting Pee Wee baseball game where Colin was playing.  This mom was not on the edge of her seat when we started the fifth inning with a score of 12 - 13.  I most certainly did not hop up off the bleachers to watch the final play of the game when the Cubs won.  I would never get that excited over a Pee Wee game.

On Saturday, my husband suggested we drive over to Fort Campbell so he could pick up some things for his AT training next week. This would allow us some good family time together as well.  This was supposed to have been a "three hour tour" but did not turn in to a 6 hour ordeal. Our car battery (the original) did not die in the parking lot of the US Calvalry store. We did not wait for his parents to come help us out.  If we did, they would not have been at a birthday party in Bowling Green. You do the math! I most certainly did not say a word or not look at my husband for the first 30 minutes or so.I would have laughed it off.  Our oldest child would not have been bored and hungry, our middle child would not have said, "So, how's it going?" and our youngest would not have slept through the whole thing, only waking at Advanced Auto Parts for a diaper change and bottle.

After church on Sunday, Carter and I did not take a four hour nap, waking up in enough time to see we would be missing the evening service.  I would never sleep away an afternoon, not knowing what my husband and other kids were doing.

Now, for our top headlines

SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST
Please pray for Robert. He is a youth at our church and has been my student worker for two years.  Robert has a tumor on his face (the jaw area) and will be going to have tests run soon.  This isn't the first time. He had surgery for this several years ago.  Robert is a good kid and we think a lot of him.  Please pray for his healing.


In sports.....It is here....

Baseball season.

HOLY COW! CUBS WIN!

Colin had his first game last night. Whew! Things were SO TENSE! The score was Cardinals 12, Cubs 13!  CUBS WIN! CUBS WIN! CUBS WIN! (any Harry Caray fans out there?) It was a real nail biter! Colin started out playing on first base and ended playing second. We had a new player (one team got split up due to so many quitting). Coach Jeff tried him on first and he did a good job (evidently that is his usual spot).  The Cubs hit the ball well. We've got two girls on the team and they did an awesome job. They've improved so much since last year. Colin had some good hits as well.  Coach Jeff and I were really proud of him.

I am not in the dugout this year. We have a great team of parents and almost all the dads are in the dugout or hanging around there. The moms are in the crowd cheering on the team.

Carson's team is was is was (not sure yet) the Marlins.  I think he quit last night.  My dad and I took him to practice, but he wouldn't even get out on the field.  His first game is supposed to be tomorrow, but it looks like he won't be on the roster. Carson is just totally not into playing.  He is not as mature as Colin.  Yeah, I know he is only four, but Colin knew he wanted to play and he wanted to get out on the field and do what he was supposed to when he played t-ball. Carson on the other hand has no interest. He has crazy energy, but right now, sports don't interest him.  He wasn't too into soccer last year, so I kind of expected this.  Basically, we just overpaid for a Marlin's shirt and cap, but I can handle that. 

In other news.........

It looks like Jeffrey will be going to AT in a couple of weeks.  He is waiting for his orders and travel arrangements.  We are pretty clueless about all this.  He can't seem to get a straight answer about anything. You'd think it would all be pretty clear, but it isn't.  Kind of frustrating sometimes. I'm glad he will have the chance to be in Ft. Jackson before his training this summer.  He will have a heads up on things (hopefully).  The initial cost of all this blows my mind.  The list of stuff he must purchase out of pocket (uniforms included) is crazy.  We are afraid he will get all of this and then they will change over to the new uniform design shortly. 


In education....
Colin is on a field trip with his class today. They are headed to the National Corvette Museum.  He was pretty excited about it this morning when he left for school.  I'm sure they will have great time. 

We have NO PLANS for tonight! WUHU!  No baseball, no parties, no nothing.  We are hoping to get to Chaney's Dairy Barn and the park before the rain comes.

Preparations

We were eager to get out this weekend and shop for our new little one. One of the items we were wanting is pictured below.

It has been unbelievably difficult to find this. We thought we had scored when we found it at Babies R Us in Nashville. However, all they had was the display. Sue and I called stores (all the way to Evansville) and looked online in search of this. However, I have come to the conclusion that since we can't get our hands on it without ordering it from Amazon, we don't really need it.

We did have luck in purchasing a baby book. I love filling out the books for Colin and Carson. When I found this book at Barnes and Noble, I had to get it. Carson absolutely loves the Guess How Much I Love You book. I couldn't pass it up.

Tuesday is my shower at work and Saturday is my shower at church. I'm looking forward to "playing" with all the cool stuff we will be blessed with. After that, we will go buy other necessities that we didn't recieve as gifts. We are grateful to have so many wonderful friends and family member who are eager to help us out.

Today has been a day of relaxation. My left foot has been swollen for two days. This morning when I was getting ready for church, I realized that my black shoes wouldn't fit. I searched under the bed, but none of the black shoes would work. So I had to wear my comfy, stretchy brown shoes I wear to work daily. Jeffrey told me to just wear my houseshoes. I should try that at work tomorrow. Wonder what my principal would say? By husband's orders, I have been on the couch with feet elevated. The swelling hasn't gone down much. I guess it is just that time. While resting here, I have enjoyed watching the boys play Wii and being just plain silly. I'm waiting for Colin to smack the TV or his little brother with the Wii remote as he plays ping pong and sword fights. Its quite hilarious actually. I keep reminding him to scoot back.

Speaking of Colin, he finished up his Winter Super Saturdays class at WKU. He must have thanked me a dozen times for signing him up. In the fall, we will try a different type of class since he has taken two technology classes. Now it is time to get ready for baseball. He will play Pee Wee again this year (Go Cubs!) and Carson will play T-Ball. I was really hoping that Jeffrey or I could coach Carson's team, but that isn't going to be possible. I would love to coach soccer again for his team this fall, but not sure how that will go with a new baby! We will just wait and see. I'm glad that the boys get interested in all sorts of activities. I want them to be well rounded.

My next doctor's appointment is Wednesday. I am curious to find out how "things" are progressing. I do love being pregnant, but I'm so excited to be getting closer to meeting our new little one. I have been vivid dreams of what he looks like and getting to bring him home from the hospital. I think Colin and Carson are getting excited too. I'm cracking up at the fact that I'm still steadily gaining weight. Its got to be mostly baby and water retention. I have no real appetite. Usually I don't eat all my food. I drink a lot (water, juice, sweet peach tea). My favorite things to eat are eggs, toast, butterscotch or chocolate pudding, and salads.

I really appreciate everyone who is keeping up with this blog. I hope I am able to bless you in some way by whatever my thoughts are for the moment. That's the whole point anyway. Be sure to leave a comment to let me know that I'm keeping that promise. I like to see what you have to say.

If you haven't been to Angie Smith's blog, you have to read her post titled Ministry and Grocery Carts. I loved it! It makes me think of the opportunities we have to minister to people, but rarely take advantage of. My dear friend Glenda is really good at taking advantage of those opportunities (gas stations, check out line, gym). Right now, she has a guest in her home for two weeks who has never given any thought to life after death. I pray that she will be able to minister to him for the remainder of his time here. I would like to be more comfortable with taking advantage of the opportunities as well.

Busy Bees

What a week it has been!

The boys have participated in the Challenger Sports British Soccer Camp this week. Our coaches were great. They were enthusiatic and Colin and Carson had a blast.

Colin with Coach Rich and the rest of his team.

Colin getting a few pointers from Coach Gaffer.

Colin with Coach Rich and Coach Gaffer at his closing ceremony.

Carson during his First Kicks class.

Carson, Coach Rich, and Colin

Colin had his last baseball game Monday night. It was their second tournament game and they lost. His team came in 3rd place in their division. This morning was the championship game and awards ceremony.

Jacob and Colin

After the awards, we had were able to hang out with Rich and Gaffer while my cousin Julie's son Michael had his last T-ball game. We were able to get a picture of all the boys together. Rich and Gaffer leave for the Louisville camp tomorrow.

Gaffer, Michael, Austin, Colin, Carson, and Rich

Last night was the Simpson County Relay for Life event. We stayed until midnight. We were totally exhausted from our busy week. My team was recognized as a Bronze team because we raised over $2500. I appreciate everyone who supported us and the entire Relay event. What a good cause to donate to. I encourage everyone to get involved in Relay in some way.

I am very thankful to have the opportunity to do things with my children. We've had so many wonderful experiences. With Jeffrey having spent a month in Japan several years ago and the two years of soccer camp, the kids have been exposed to different cultures. Colin and Carson have made some new friends along the way. We thank God for all of the opportunities he has presented to us and the people we have met along the way.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

“Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 18:3

Baseball season is upon us. Really.

Coach Jeff, Dugout Mom Natasha, Cubs hind catcher #6 Colin.
Don't forget the coaches in the stands.

That's where I got caught up.

Yes, it is embarrassing and not very "Christian like." No, I didn't cuss or get kicked out of the park. It was worse.

I got convicted of my sin.

Let's start from the beginning.

As you know, we are a busy family. We encourage Colin to participate in different activities. We hope for him to make new friends, learn new skills, and just be an overall well rounded kid. We don't want him stuck in the house watching Sponge Bob Square Pants or playing XBox.

So, now we are into baseball.

Jeff is coaching and I'm in charge of getting the kids ready to bat, aka Dugout Mom. You know, the mean one who makes the kids stop swinging bats in a 4 X 10 enclosed area, no name calling, leave that bad play on the field because its over, and the game is not over yet so don't get so cocky mean ol' lady who doesn't really know where left and right field are (just that they are in the corners).

The kids are great. They are actually pretty good. I think they have even made a double play or two. Lots of in the park home runs. They really know how to get in the game. Coach Jeff (say it "Coach Jayeeff" as #6 calls him), has a pretty good batting line up with the players in good positions.

Like with any sport (kid league or professional) there are the sideline coaches. Last night I got a little caught up in the yelling coming from some parents on telling the kids where to stand on the field and all that. I told the kids that the coach was in the dugout and they should listen to him. Maybe I should have said that, maybe I shouldn't. After all, my job (which pays big bucks in smiles and high fives) is to keep the kids in line and make sure they don't kill each other with aluminum flying objects.

No, I didn't show myself or be ugly. The kids were looking at the dugout like they were trying to figure out what to do, so I told them listen to Coach Jeff (remember, 2 syllables, not 1) and not to the calls from the stands. I told the kids that, but did I? No. It frustrated me. I wanted to be ugly and say ugly things. I didn't, but I wanted to. It just burned inside of me. Sometimes thinking it is just as bad as doing it. My face was hot and red all the way home. How dumb! What good did it do to yell above the yelling from the sideline coaches to tell the kids to listen to Coach Jeff? What good did it do to allow that yelling from the stands to burn inside of me? It didn't do any good at all. How dumb!

After bringing the game home with me, I felt guilty, um, convicted of bringing myself down to a level I shouldn't have. I am there for those 10 kids. Like Coach Jeff said, to make sure they are safe and having a good time. After all, they are 6, 7, 8 , and 9 years old. They are kids. We are there for them. Regardless if we have our coach's application filled out or our spot in the bleachers. It is about the kids.

God has blessed me with a child who reminds me everyday that it doesn't matter if you win or lose, but it is about the experience, the moment. Thank you, Colin, for that reminder. Sometimes Mama needs to be brought down a notch. Colin asked last week when we headed home from a game, "Mama, who won?"

My response, "Colin, I love you!"

He smiled so big and asked again.

"You won, baby." I told him.

"Oh," was his reply.

Then, last night as we prayed at bedtime, Colin thanked God for allowing him to have his ballgame. No, he didn't thank God for his good hit and not getting out. He didn't thank God for the balls he went after. He thanked God for the opportunity to play. HOW HUMBLING.

Lord, thank you for Colin. Thank you for a child who makes a mother humble herself and check her attitude. Thank you for the faith of a child. Father, please instill in me the faith of a child. How precious. How humbling. How close to You that will bring me. Lord, thank you for the opportunity to be a part of the lives of these precious children. Help me to be a role model for them. Allow me to minister to them while they are playing to make them appreciative of the opportunity to play ball. As I think of that opportunity to play, Lord, I have to thank You for allowing us to live in a place where we have the freedom to enjoy our lives and not have to live in constant fear of our lives and safety. What a blessing that is, Father. I ask, Dear Lord, that You will help me to hold my tongue, that nothing would come from my mouth that would bring shame to You. Lord, thank You for the Holy Spirit that convicts me of my sin. As Your child, I want to please You in all that I do. I praise You for all that You ARE and all that You DO. Thank you, Dear Lord, for your Son Jesus that through Him I have everlasting life. In HIS NAME I pray. Amen.