Rollin with the Rivers

World Series - Orange Beach, AL

2011-10-02T13:55:00.000-07:00

We had a baseball filled summer again. We played in several tournaments and this year we were the winners of most of them! I couldn't be happier for the decision to let Tyler play for the Spring Hill Shock!! It was a Cinderella season that was filled with magic! We loved absolutely every minute of it and can't wait until next season!

To end the season we went down to Orange Beach, AL to play in the SYSA Global World Series. It was an experience like no other!

We got to play some really good teams and got to show them how this team from a small town in Tennessee plays ball. Several coaches from higher level teams complimented our boys and said they were one of the best AA teams they have ever played!

Part of the World Series experience is pin trading. We were told what to expect but it didn't compare to the actual experience of it! It was so neat to be trading pins with other teams, put them on our towel and then have that to keep as a souvenir of our wonderful season. The only bad thing was it was HOT! It was the hottest day of the entire week and the boys remembered that the most! They all ended up with a towel full of pins and memories to last a lifetime.

The best part of going to play in the world series was that we got to hang out with some really good friends. It was Tyler's first time at the beach and we had to tear him away to go play baseball! We had the best time just sitting, relaxing and watching the kids play. It was a perfect end to a perfect season.

Organinzing Utility Tote

2011-10-02T09:13:00.001-07:00

Organize in style…with plenty of pockets! This hot-selling item helps make your life easier! I’ve heard my Customers say they use it for everything from storing their cleaning supplies to taking it to the gym (pockets are great for bottled water, an MP3 player, easy access to your gym pass and keys) or even taking it to the office as a multi-functional purse. This month, for every $31 you spend, you can purchase this versatile, handy tote for only $7 – that’s a dollar a pocket! It’s also a savings of $18 off the regular price! So start shopping…and stock up! Choose your favorite prints and give me a call or e-mail me with your order.

Large Utility Tote

2011-10-02T08:54:00.000-07:00

We all love our Large Utility Tote...it fits the bill for pretty much anything! Storing fall sweaters? Check. Organizing your bathroom towels for guests? Check. Keeping it in the back of your car for blankets, umbrellas and everything you need for the road? Check. Not to mention, this is the time of year for fall sports, and you know you’re hauling a lot of gear to soccer or football practice!

This tote is normally a good deal at only $30…but this month when you host a $500 party or more (so easy to do!) it’s only $5! At that price, it’s the perfect gift item – or maybe you’ll want one for yourself! I love our fall colors, too. So be sure to call me to host a party and I’ll help you get this great tote at a great price!

Contact me today to set up your October party!

What?!?! $2.31!!

2011-05-01T16:38:00.000-07:00

Don't miss out on this one! The mini zipper pouch is yours for only $2.31 for every $31.00 you spend this month! You can get as many as you want - NO LIMIT!

E-mail me or just go online and shop at www.mythirtyone.com/lorinda31

It's only $9!!!

2011-04-18T17:47:00.000-07:00

Don't wait on this deal! This all in one organizing utility tote is good for so many different things! Spend $31 and you can get this bag for only $9!! It is the most versatile bag - diaper bag, bathroom organizer, cd/video holder, cleaning supplies, Bible bag, gift bag, teacher gift, and so much more!!!

check out all the patterns on my website - www.mythirtyone.com/lorinda31

Champions!!!

2011-04-08T06:57:00.000-07:00

So this season has started better than we ever could have expected. We have a group of boys that absolutely loves the game of baseball! What is really nice is how these boys have just gelled so quickly and are very supportive of each other. I really give the credit to the coaches for this! They are always making sure that each and every player gives and gets the encouragement they need. There is NEVER a time when I hear them being anything but encouraging......what a change from last year!

So far we have played in three tournaments and have placed in each one. This last tournament we finised as the Champions and I know Tyler has waited a very long time for this. He was floating on air for days! He loves the game again and for a while I didn't think he would ever step out on the field.

Shock!!!

2011-03-23T17:51:00.000-07:00

Already started out great! We are so excited to be part of an amazing team of players, coaches and parents!

Dr. Seuss Day

2011-03-03T10:33:00.000-08:00

This week is Read across America week with Dr. Seuss. Our school always does this week up in a big way by inviting special readers for each class. This year was no exception! Tyler was able to invite his Papa to come and read "Happy Birthday to You" by Dr. Seuss - it also happened to be ON Dr. Seuss' birthday! Papa was such a hit that one of his classmates commented that "he had never seen a Grandpa with so much energy!"

It's days like this that make me cherish the memories that Tyler is making with his Papa. He loves him with all that he is and each day is a gift.

Thank you Papa for taking the time to go and make a one little boy very happy....we love you!

Pre-Season with the Shock

2011-02-10T07:40:00.000-08:00

New Business

2011-02-07T18:47:00.000-08:00

Look what I'm doing! I am so excited about this new business!

I have had a friend selling this for some time and I fell in love with the products. They are so great they basically sell themselves! Of course it does involve getting in front of people and talking so not so sure that part is going to work out so well - especially after tonight. I had my first show and lets just say it can only get better! Luckily they were close friends and were very supportive.

So if you need some organizing, a new purse or some cute cards give me a call!

www.mythirtyone.com/lorinda31

Change is good

2010-08-29T16:42:00.000-07:00

If you have been reading this blog for long you know that Tyler's sport is baseball. He picked up a bat and ball when he was 3 and seemed to have a natural gift to play. We nurtured that gift and eventually felt that going to play for a more competitive team would be to his benefit. It was great at first - the competition, the traveling from town to town, the excitement of winning, making new friends.

Then it happened.

His coach just seemed to forget he was on the team. He saw the bench a lot more than he saw the field. His passion for the game slowly faded. He hated going to practice and hated going to games even more. He felt like a failure.

This for any parent just won't do.

So we made a change.

Change was scary. Change was unfamiliar. Change was right in front of us.

We found a local team that is based out of our own town and called the coach.

He told him to come down and he would take a look at him.

So one night we did.

There were several boys trying out and the coach said he didn't have any spots open right now but he would take a look at all of them and consider them for his spring team next year.

Out of all the boys that tried out Tyler was the only one he said he wanted - not just for next year but for RIGHT NOW!!!

He did that good.

So now he plays for the

Spring Hill Shock

and he LOVES it!

He is hitting again.....

Pitching again.....

allowed to steal again.......

playing positions he never played again........

Change is what we prayed for.....

Thank you Lord for answering that prayer.

Memorial Day 2010

2010-05-31T16:18:00.000-07:00

Getting together with family is always a good time....today we went over to little sisters to swim and enjoy some great food.

Tyler has been waiting for today to come because he couldn't wait to jump in!!

I finally got him to take those orange goggles off....I think this is the first picture of him swimming without them!

Charlie just chillaxin.....
This picture makes Tyler look 9 to me.
I haven't seen him as 9 until this picture....my baby is growing up.

Our private chef did a great job on some burgers, hot dogs and corn on the cob!

Thanks Corey!!!

The funny part about today was the weather. It had been a little overcast all morning but looking at the radar it seemed we would be ok to continue our cookout outside. As soon as the food was ready the rain began to fall. It wasn't a heavy rain so we decided to just huddle up and all eat under the umbrella. Right after we all finished eating - the rain stopped.

One way for a family to get closer!!!!

Tournament Baseball

2010-05-31T16:09:00.000-07:00

Tyler got a chance to play first base.....he loved it and did well!!!

Being an infielder for a tournament team is very stressful!

Tyler looking to steal.....

Pitching is definitely his thing.....he LOVES it and is good at it.

He is one of the top on the team and has gotten them out of more than one jam.

Tyler has been playing in several tournaments over the last few months. Honestly it is not going as well as we had hoped. We don't have a stellar record and it is frustrating to watch the games sometimes. I know the boys are trying their best but for one reason or another they just haven't been able to bring it all together yet. Hopefully soon it will all come together and they will get a few more wins under their belts.

Pennsylvania or bust......

2010-05-21T19:22:00.000-07:00

We got to take a long needed break from baseball, school and work and headed out to my sister's house in Pennsylvania. My nephew was playing a part in the high school musical and we wanted to see it. He has done this for several years but for one reason or another we couldn't make it. This year I was determined to see him because he was playing Henry in Finean's Rainbow. I am so glad we made it because it was amazing!! Randy did a great job as Henry and didn't even mind all the makeup to get him into character!
It took a lot of hard work and we were so proud of him!
Great job Randy!!!

Right down the road there is a small amusement park.......but it's big enough for the kids to have some fun.

Anyone who knows Tyler knows he takes after his dad in the fear of heights area. The older, bigger cousins were going on this drop fast and leave your stomach at the top ride so he was going to brave it too......that will be the last time you see him in this seat.

This one he loved.....I think they rode it 4 times.

It is about all the roller coaster fun he can stand.

This was the even higher version of the first leave your stomach at the top. Tyler learned from his first mistake of going on the other one so he sat this one out. The cousins tried it and this is probably the last time you will see Jared (on the far right) sitting in this seat.

The srambler scrambled them good!

Tyler chose to ride with Randy on the bumper cars....not sure why he didn't want one of his own?

At least it is a safe way to get some aggression out!

Now this ride was the biggest mistake Tyler made all day. It's the big boat that sways from side to side really, really high. Remember my statement earlier about the fear of heights thing? Umm yeah - usually if he sees what a ride does he will decide if it is something he can or will do. He didn't see what this one did and before I could warn him it was moving. He rode the ride with his head down and about peed his pants.

After this he was a lot more aware of what a ride did before he just jumped on!!

Poor thing!

Didn't spoil his appetite for an ice cream cone to top off a great day at the park with the cousins.

The Suesical Musical

2010-05-21T19:19:00.001-07:00

Every year at school they perform some sort of musical. This year it was the Suesical Musical and it was awesome! Tyler isn't one to do the motions so when he made this one and only move I snapped the shot! He has been singing these songs around the house for months so it was nice to see it all come together.

Great job 3rd graders!

Mothers Day

2010-05-21T19:13:00.000-07:00

Guess where I spent my mothers day?

Yup - watching my favorite boy play my favorite game and making it to the Championship game!

Happy mothers day to me!

Nine is Fine...

2010-05-21T18:53:00.000-07:00

Tyler had a great birthday.....and so did we because all he wanted was....

a yoyo

and Diary of a Wimpy Kid the movie book.

Easiest requests to date!

I usually opt for parties away from the house but this year since his gift requests were so simple we decided to make the party just as simple.

We had the party at the house and had a great time.

He was allowed to have one friend spend the night and he chose his buddy Logan. They are on the same baseball team and have really bonded over the last few months. They didn't get to do the whole stay up late thing because they had to get up early for church then off to a baseball game but they had fun all the same.

I can't believe we have a 9 year old.

Tyler you are truly a blessing that I cannot put into words. You amaze me with your generous heart and you frustrate me with your obsessiveness. I love every part of who you are and what you will become. I am so proud to be your mother and I love you more than you will ever know.

David

2010-05-21T18:16:00.000-07:00

I am not going to put any pictures on here but I will tell the story.

Charlie and I had been praying about opening up just a little on our criteria for getting another child. We said if we don't step out in faith then we never will know what we are missing. Faith isn't sticking your neck out for something you know will happen it's sticking your neck out and waiting to see what God has in store. So that is just what we did.

It was Friday afternoon at 3:30 and I got a call from the placement agency. An 18 month old boy that had been in custody for 2 months needed to be placed into a foster home. He had been taken from his mother for reasons I won't go into here and placed in a foster home originally. Grandma stepped in and tried to care for him but it just didn't work so he was needing a new home - so they called us. After a lot of questions back and forth we agreed to take him in. Knowing his background I knew in my heart that it was just temporary. Everyone kept telling me that I was just protecting myself but it was a feeling I just couldn't shake.

David rocked our world. Our schedule changed, our routine changed, our lives changed. Charlie and I were in baby heaven but Tyler was struggling - a lot. He slowly started to spend less time with us, he really hated it when David cried, he was a mess. This was not a change I was expecting. Tyler was the one reason we were being so picky about what child we took in. Tyler wasn't adjusting to the changes well at all.

I had to do something but I just didn't know what. Then just as quickly as he arrived David was gone. Moved to another home. My gut feeling about it not being forever was right and it was OK. I was sad and relieved all at the same time. I know that he would eventually be reunited with his mother and that is where every child should be.

So we made another decision - the Rivers 3 it will be. We are not going to pursue adoption. We are done with it. We are happy with our stage of life and now can't imagine it with more than just Tyler.

We are finally at peace.......thanks to David.

Easter

2010-05-21T18:06:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter!!!

We had a great Easter as usual. Tyler got his goodies and the Easter bunny brought him his new Mario Brothers game that he was just dying to have. He literally played it non stop....literally. I had to ban it so he would do something else. It's nice to know you gave them something they love but geesh!

This is what I got for his Easter photo shoot. I tried to get other shots but not one of them came out....not one. So this is our 2010 Easter picture.....great isn't it?

With all the extra goodies and egg hunting and new games we still take time to focus on what Easter truly means. It isn't about all of that stuff - it's about the One who gave His life for us because of a love so great that we can't even imagine it. I know He has risen and one day I will bow at His feet and worship Him - what a glorious day that will be!

Franklin Thunder

2010-05-21T17:22:00.000-07:00

Baseball...

It is our lives right now. We are playing on the same travel team we did last summer and this year we are truly traveling......we even get to go 4 hours away to play in the State Tournament in June. I am so nervous!!!!

This is our first season in kid pitch and we weren't sure how Tyler would do. He wanted to pitch so bad that he surprised everyone - even the coaches. He works and practices so hard whenever he can and he has risen to the top on the team when it comes to pitching. It is his thing for sure.....It makes me so nervous I could just hurl everytime he gets up there. But luckily for him all he needs is some bubblegum and he is good to go - thank goodness!

So far we have played in several tournaments. In some we have done just terribly and then in others we have done pretty well. So far we have two AA Runner Up plaques on our wall and that aint to shabby for the first few games of this new level of baseball.

2010-01-31T10:39:00.000-08:00

The weatherman called for a winter storm.

They canceled schools across the state.

They said go get your essentials at the grocery store.

They said it's gonna be a big one.

Did I listen?

Were they right?

Yes

So here we sit in our food deprived house living on mac and cheese and sandwiches for the weekend because I didn't go grocery shopping when I should have.

But to my defense they said these exact same words two weeks ago and they didn't get it right then so I thought they weren't going to get it right now.

Lesson learned - sometimes the weatherman does know what he is talking about.

To Tyler's delight we got snow and ice. The snow made it pretty around here and the ice made the sledding fantastic! We discovered a new hill thanks to a neighbor and we wore it out. I even was dared to go down it and to prove I could, I did. The unfortunate part was that the sled hit a piece of ice that then hit my back which in turn made me FLY off of the sled and roll down the hill head over feet. The boys all got a good laugh and I got a war wound.

Tyler couldn't wait to get outside and have a snowball fight. He didn't have the patience to actually pack the snowball so he had more of a snow fight.

Our first hill we found - it was ok but not all that the second hill was. I didn't take my camera to the second hill but I sure wish I had! Video camera would have been even better!We had a friend over for the fun and they attempted to go down together. You would think that they would get tired of ending up like this but no - that is what made it so fun.

Boys.

So as of Sunday afternoon we are still stuck in the house. Tyler probably won't have school tomorrow but we will have work so we will have to brave the icy streets for the first time. It isn't us I am afraid of - it's all of the crazy people in TN that just don't have a clue how to drive in it.

Tradition

2009-12-23T19:37:00.000-08:00

Tonight we did something we do every year.....visit the Opryland Hotel.

It is awesome!!!

We got there just in time for the water show.

It is just like when the fireworks show is done to music on the fourth of July - only this is the Christmas story with Christmas music done to a water display.

Again - Awesome!!!

The water was so high in the air we had to lean back to see it!

How would you like to have that Christmas tree in your living room!!!

Tyler would.....hee hee

This is the closest we will get to a white Christmas here in Tennessee.....it will just have to do.

"For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord"

Luke 2:11

Is He enough?

2009-12-15T16:35:00.000-08:00

I have always wondered why God would place the desire in my heart so strong to have children and then not let me have them naturally. Anyone else struggle with something like that?

I am just realizing that the desire to have children has been stronger than my desire for a relationship with Him. That is where I have been going wrong. God wants us to have the desires of our hearts but not at the expense of loving Him. What good is it for Him to spoil us? We see with our own eyes what it does to our children - they become ungrateful, selfish, self centered little terrors. Why would I think that just because I want children that He would just give them to me? Selfishness. I have turned into that spoiled, selfish brat that I tried not to raise myself!

My last post was a bit of venting but really it was just me throwing a tantrum. I was reminded last night by my dear friend that it is NOT in my timing but His. We do not know what His plans are for us but He isn't surprised by any of it.

I have been feeling the doors closing all around us about this adoption. I just felt like we were pushing something through that we wanted and not really taking the time to see what He wanted. I have all but given up hope of adding to our family. Some days I am ok and then others it just brings me to tears. I know it won't happen again like it did the first time - that was a miracle. I just know that there are so many children right here in this country that need homes. They need mommies and daddies that wont hurt them. They need love.

Today we got another call from the social worker. This time it was for a potential placement. Right now I am just praying that the right family be found for this little boy. It may not end up being us and that is ok as long as he gets a forever family - soon. Everyday that passes is another that he is an orphan and that breaks my heart more than anything. So if you are reading this just stop and pray right now that this little boy will get his forever family soon.

Right now I am working on making God enough because I know without Him nothing is possible.

Mad and Confused!

2009-11-18T13:37:00.000-08:00

I'm Mad.

I got that call today from the social worker. Just to let us know that we need to be less restrictive on what we are willing to do.

Excuse me? You want me to be less restrictive?

I already said that I don't expect a baby,
I already said that gender doesn't matter,
I already said that race is not an issue.

But I am still too picky?

HELLO! It's like we are standing with our arms open wide and no body is paying attention!

We decided that we have to protect our family so we are refusing to take emergency placements. These are children that have just been taken out of their homes. The only reason is because we have an 8 year old that we HAVE to protect. We don't know what issues these children have and we are not willing to risk bringing something into our home that will harm our one and only child. For this we are being too picky? I don't think so - for this we are being good parents! Just what the foster system says they need. Right?

Keep praying for us. We are feeling very defeated right now and just don't see any positive things happening for this adoption process. We are going to stick to our guns and not give in to pressures that will potentially harm our family. We feel like we are doing the right thing but we don't want to miss the chance for more children.

Silence

2009-11-14T17:42:00.000-08:00

I have nothing to report about our adoption other than I have left three messages this week with our social worker and have yet to hear back from him. I am really trying not to be discouraged. Really. Trying. Hard. Some days you just want some news you know? Any sort of news. The silence is what I don't like.

Over the last few weeks I have been doing Beth Moore's "A Heart Like His" Bible study. In this I have learned that just because He calls us to do something doesn't mean He is going to make the path smooth. He may make a few bumps along the way. The silence is my bump.

During this time of silence some good news from my friend came. They have decided to adopt too! They are going to be adopting internationally and need a little help. I have posted a button to the right that will link you to their blog where you can read about how they came to the decision to adopt. You can also see some Christmas Card designs that she has created for you to purchase. Go check it out!

I am praying that my silence isn't going to last much longer. The holiday's are coming and I was really hoping that we would have a house full of children this year. I have to be a better listener!

halloween 2009

2009-11-07T14:58:00.000-08:00

I know they are late but here are our pictures from this year!

I am not a big fan of the skeleton - however it isn't Spiderman so I caved.

The blood I could do without but apparently it is what makes this costume so cool.

Boys.

We had to take the mask off so we didn't scare our sweet little cousin Tinkerbell.....

who insisted on holding hands with Tyler all the way to our destination.

So cute!

We went around to our local church's that had different events - this one was a trunk or treat with different games.

They were trying to find a needle in a haystack - this took a while!

We had a great time going out trick or treating then we went back home and attempted to start a bonfire with wet wood. Wet wood don't burn. So instead we went inside and watched football - some college team was playing - can't remember who - something about orange?

Anyway - it was a great time with family!

Once in a lifetime....

2009-10-13T06:49:00.000-07:00

We had a very rare treat at our Thunder practice this week.

Mike Smithson

He is a former major league baseball pitcher and he came to give the team some instruction on how to throw a ball correctly.

He played with the Rangers, Twins and Red Sox back in the 80's.

He is now the athletic director for one of our surrounding counties.

It. Was. Awesome.

He went over the basics - because sometimes you just need to go back to these every once in a while. He showed them the best way to hold the ball to make it go straight.

He watched as they played long toss.....

Then he did individual instruction for each player.

It's all about the mechanics.

Tyler has great mechanics - Mike said so.

Tyler's only problem is his release. He doesn't always release in the same spot so his balls are not always strikes.

What did Mike say about this?

"With mechanics like that why are you throwing strikes? Throw me a strike right now."

And he did. Not once, not twice but three in a row.

Hopefully we can carry that onto the field in our next game.

Now I think this was the moment that Charlie had been waiting for ever since he knew Mike was coming.....just to meet him.

He turned into that little boy all over again. The one holding the baseball card waiting for an autograph. It was funny to see Charlie so enamoured with a baseball player!

Had to get my actual 8 year old in a picture too!

Mike brought something with him that they may never get to hold again.....his world series ring that he won while playing for the Twins. It was huge! I am not sure Tyler even realized what he has on his finger right there - but it could probably pay for our house.

Then every little boys dream - an autographed baseball card!

A great practice with a great player....

Crown

2009-10-07T17:28:00.000-07:00

Today marked a day in the history of dental bliss for Tyler.

He had to get his first crown.

To say he was obsessed about this day would be an understatement. Tyler likes to know everything. He doesn't like surprises, he isn't comfortable with the unknown and he really hates needles.

As much as I could explain to him about what was going to happen I did. He just wanted to fall asleep for the whole thing and he hoped the "silly juice" would do that for him. He tried - oh did he try to fall asleep.

In the waiting room.

When all of his attempts of yawning, laying down and closing his eyes didn't work he finally gave in to the aspect of being awake for the procedure. I explained again how he would not feel anything. The dentist had a special gel that he puts on your gums that makes it completely numb.

"I won't feel it even if I am awake?"

"No"

"Oooooooo - OK, I am going to go play video games now."

You could have heard my exhausted sigh a mile away.

One thing I hated most about today is the terrible mood this "silly juice" put him in. He was not MY Tyler at. all. The good thing - if he EVER tries any sort of illegal substance - I will know - his bad attitude will be evidence enough for me!

Glad it is over and now he has a shiny new silver cap to show for all of his pain and suffering.

Fall Baseball

2009-10-03T13:42:00.000-07:00

Since the end of our summer tournaments, we as a team decided to play less competitive recreational baseball for the fall season. This decision was a hard one. After being so competitive and playing "real" baseball it was hard to go back to the mentality of "it's just for fun". Fall Recreational Baseball is to learn the fundamentals. Our head coach decided that we as a team needed to learn some of the fundamentals of the next level of baseball - kid pitch. None of our kids have ever pitched or been pitched to by another kid so we did have some learning to do. Still - being with kids that are just there to have fun is really hard for a mom like me who wants to WIN!

Tyler is getting lots of needed experience catching and dong a great job as usual.

This was him daring someone to steal home.

getting a wild pitch - that happens a lot.
Bunting is a fairly new thing for our kids too. We were allowed to bunt over the summer but never quite had the situation where we needed to. Now we can practice it during a live game because after all - we are just having fun right?Stealing home is so exciting. Both of them are looking to the ump for the call......SAFE!
Oh yes that is my boy!

Now the tough part - pitching. He has the basic steps down but in the heat of the game and when your team is down 8-0 and all of the pressure is on YOUR shoulders - not a good combo. He tried so hard but just kept pitching the ball high. He did strike one player out but that wasn't good enough for him. If he doesn't strike them all out in a row he feels like he did terribly. He holds a high standard for himself.

We ended up losing this game - no surprise there - but we are learning some basic fundamentals without the competitive pressures.

The call

2009-09-21T16:24:00.000-07:00

We finally got the call we have been waiting for.....Home Study is approved! Only 5 months longer than we expected that to take but oh well. Not much you can do about it so why get upset. I have to say that I have been at peace through this entire process.

Whenever people ask me how it is going they always say "you must be so anxious"
But you know - I am not.
I am just at peace.
I know that God has a perfect plan for how this is all going to happen. He already knows the time and place that I will come to know my new children. He is preparing their hearts for us and our hearts for them. I pray for that every day. I just want them to know that we love them no matter what they have been through.

Now this isn't to say that I don't get excited about the possibility of having a little girl. One that I can buy dresses for and put ribbons in her hair. One that will just melt my heart when I look into her eyes. Or another boy full of life. One that loves to play hard and get dirty. One that will become a best brother for Tyler.
I get very excited for these things. But then I have to remember - it isn't up to me. I have no say in any of it. It has all been laid out for me and I am just walking the life that God planned. I sure wish I had listened to His call a lot sooner. Who knows how many kids we would have!

Thanks to everyone who has been praying for us through this - keep it up - we are not done yet.

Labor Free Weekend

2009-09-10T18:56:00.000-07:00

We haven't been to the Zoo in a while so we decided to go visit our local wild animals over the long holiday weekend.

They have some new ones running wild!

Tyler always enjoys the areas where you get to be hands on with the animals......Daddy however is just looking for the hand sanitizer.

He was so excited to catch a little tiny leaf....why? No idea.

The last time we were at the zoo this exhibit was under construction....now we get to touch a real alligator skull! Cool!

Always a favorite....becoming part of the Meerkat world.

To end our day we went to the play area. After completely wearing himself out with all of the slides, climbing, crawling and running he had to cool off with the sprinkler.

Perfect.

Gotta love a day enjoying all of God's creations.

The Fair

2009-08-15T06:18:00.000-07:00

Last night we attended our local fair. We are never quite sure if these sorts of events are really worth the money to get in because Tyler was gun shy of going on any rides. He didn't like things that spun or went high or were fast. That is pretty much any ride at the fair.

Well once again he surprised us......

He rode this ride at least 7 times if not more....we got our money's worth from the bob cars alone.

This was the only ride he would get on last year and he loved it again this year.

The flying was a new experience for him and at first he was not quite sure about it...his face was in panic mode until just about the end of the ride. Then the smile of approval. He just has to know what it does then he is ok.

Daddy's favorite part of any fair is the animals so we forced Tyler to take a break from his daredevil riding to enjoy some of God's creatures. This camel was definitely the bully of the group. He was able to run around the outer circle with all of the other little goats and lama's and baby calf's. He never said excuse me and he would trample over anyone to get to the carrots...he loved carrots.

Over all a great time was had by all....until next year.

Budding Artist

2009-08-12T12:17:00.000-07:00

Tyler's latest masterpiece

Responsible

2009-08-07T18:08:00.000-07:00

Responsible: adjective; answerable or accountable as for something within ones power, control, or management.

This word definitely does not describe Tyler.

I don't know what it is but he just can't quite grasp the true meaning of it.

Here is just a glimpse of what I deal with....

Takes Daddy's silver dollar for show and tell at school and loses it.

Gets a brand new hat for his baseball team and leaves it at the Chinese restaurant.

Leaves his Bible at church week after week.

Owns two belts and NEVER knows where they are when it is time to get ready for school.

Has three jackets so that at some point we can at least find one of them.

Leaves his PSP in his grandparents car and they can't find it for a year.

This is just a short list of the things he does to drive me crazy.

This isn't good because school started this week and he has a responsibility chart that comes home every day. Great.

Fourth day of school - already got a mark - NRH (not returning homework)

HHMMMM?

I distinctly remember asking him everyday if he had any homework and every day I got "nope".

Then the chart comes home. He suddenly remembers. Definitions - that was his homework. So I added one word - responsible.

Catch up!

2009-08-03T15:35:00.001-07:00

Our summer is officially over with the start of school. Here is our official first day picture.

I hope to get a lot more time this year in his actual classroom as a volunteer. Last years teacher didn't really like parents in the classroom so my hopes and dreams of seeing him through 2nd grade as a room mom where quickly demolished. So my first question to the teacher this year was not about anything other than when do I get to come and help? Luckily she doesn't have the same phobia of moms in classrooms as last years teacher so I hope to be doing a lot of classroom help. Careful what I wish for I know. So anyway how was the very first full day of 3rd grade - "OK". That is all we get these days for just about any question. He likes his new school, his new teacher and his new friends. All is good in the school world. Except they told him his shirt was the wrong shade of green - the list called for shamrock green - you show me your version of it and I show you mine. He is wearing this shirt - I bought it. Nuf said.

So with the beginning of school we look back on our summer. What did we do? Well......

We played baseball. Lots of baseball.

We formed the team the Franklin Thunder an 8U tournament team. We learned a lot this summer. Not just about baseball but about commitment, effort and earning your right to play. Some of these lessons were very hard to learn but they will never be forgotten - I promise. The team did well during each tournament - always ended up in the top 3 seeds but for some reason we could never pull it out for the big game when we needed to. We did walk away with one 2nd place that really meant something. We are the 2009 Cal Ripken 8U State Runner Ups. We almost got to go to Florida to play in the Regionals.....maybe next year~

We also learned that Tyler can swim.....

Not just swim but jump off of a diving board and come back up swim.

I can't even do that. I tried once when I was about his age. My parents enrolled me in swimming lessons at the local YMCA. I went for one day. The instructor threw some diving toys into the pool and said go under and get them. I said no. He said it again and I again said no. He then put his hand on the top of my head and pushed me under. I never went back and to this day I am afraid of water. Thanks YMCA swim instructor.

Charlie and I didn't know he could do this until AFTER he did it. I know - what kind of parents let their child jump off of a diving board that aren't 100% sure he will resurface? US that's who. Charlie was ready to jump in and save him if need be - fully clothed mind you. But that was just not necessary because my boy knows how to swim.

We vacationed.......

We took one very short mini vacation this summer to a local lake. It was the most relaxing time we have had in a very long time. There was no T.V., no internet, no nothin and we just soaked it all in. This trip came about because Papa had promised Tyler a fishing trip earlier in the summer. The day they were to go we got scheduled to play in a tournament so we had to cancel. That really was a bummer for both Tyler and Papa. So Papa did some research and some digging and found that you could rent cabins at a nearby lake. So he did. It was originally going to be just Mimi, Papa and Tyler on a weekend fishing trip but it soon turned into a family getaway. We played games, ate, fished, ate, walked, ate, talked, ate, swam, ate, then ate some more. I think in the entire 3 days there we had two full meals. The rest was pure snackin - and it was good! It really made us spend some much needed quality time together and away from the hustle and bustle of everything else. We promised Tyler some more times like this and now every Friday night is game night. It really did our family good.

To end the summer we went to Vacation Bible School. As a child this was my favorite part of church. Every summer we would go and have so much fun learning God's word. I am so happy that my son loves it just as much as I do. He had baseball practice two of the 5 nights and he made daddy promise to bring him to church as soon as he could so he wouldn't have to miss it all. He is already shaping up into a man of God. I can't wait to see what his future holds.

I also started a clothes closet to help those families that are having hard times. I have had donations pouring in and that in itself is amazing. I didn't think I would have so much just given to me. I am so blessed to be used as a part of Sharing Life Ministries in this way. I can't wait to see how many families this will bless!

So that is our summer of 2009.

It went by way to fast but we have a lot of memories to hold onto from it.

Can you help?

2009-07-06T16:32:00.001-07:00

I don't know how many people actually read this thing but if you are one of them please see if you can help!

My Dad started a counseling ministry a few months ago. Their grand opening was a few weeks ago and when I was there I listened to some of the staff talk about who they are ministering to. It is mostly single mothers, people struggling financially or just families down on their luck. I immediately thought "how can I help?" I am not so good at the counseling thing - I barely speak now to people I don't know for crying out loud. My heart still cried out so I just asked if they ever thought of doing a clothes closet where these families could go and get some desperately needed items for free. They all thought it would be a great addition to their ministry so here I go........I NEED DONATIONS!!! I have kept most of Tyler's clothing over the years just waiting to see if more children would come along. Even though I know there will be more in our near future I am going to donate these bags and bags of clothes to this cause. I know that there is a family out there that will need them more now than I will. They are not doing anyone any good just sitting in my attic. So in between work, baseball, family, church and life I will be organizing this new found mission of mine. I love to give back and I can't wait to be the hands and feet of Jesus to these families! Won't you join me?

Franklin Thunder 8U TN State Runner Up

2009-07-05T16:25:00.000-07:00

We did it!

We made it to the TN State Championship game today!

We are the official 8U Cal Ripken TN State Runner Ups!

Tyler played catcher and right center in the games.....He didn't get as much playing time as he would have liked but when the coach called on him he did his thing.

Proud coach and player!

Waiting for the trophy ceremony to begin....

They played hard over the last few days to get here today. We defeated the reigning District Champions in a game yesterday 17 -10 that required two rain delays. We beat the 3rd best team in the district today in extra innings 10 - 9.
We were tired and hot but we definately earned our place out there. The final score for the championship game was 18 - 2. We really gave it all we had after just ending an extra inning game in the heat of TN.
Go Thunder!

Who Knew?

2009-07-04T20:44:00.000-07:00

Our children do things that amaze us every day right?

Well ours did something tonight that more than amazed us - we are in shock.

Tyler can swim!

No lessons required.

Not only can he swim he can do this!

In the deep end!

Charlie was ready and poised to jump in if he didn't resurface but sure enough he did!

We looked at each other and said - He can swim?!? I am sure the other parents were thinking "Isn't that something you should know before you let him dive off the diving board?" But Tyler would never do something like that unless he was sure he could do it.

He is not a risk taker - especially if the risk is embarrassment.

We had a team party after our game for the boys to sort of bond together.

They had a lot to celebrate - they single handedly eliminated the district champions from the state tournament 17 - 10.

Thunder in the house........BOOM!

District Tournament

2009-06-29T15:49:00.000-07:00

My boys before the big game!

This is probably my favorite picture ever.....he is serious about hitting that ball.

And he did.....

It was an interesting weekend at the ball fields. We played in our district tournament and ended up with a 2 and 2 record. We needed a 3 and 1 record to move on the the semifinals. Just barely missed it. Our last game was our best but unfortunately we didn't score as many as the other team did. It was only a 6 to 4 game - both teams defenses were ON. We were very proud of our boys and how far they have come in just the few weeks we have been playing as the Thunder. I really have to give it up to Coach Mike - he got them fired UP! He lost his voice in the process but it was well worth it to see them all just so excited about being able to play baseball. Our state tournament is this weekend and we need to be ready.
Practice, practice, practice!

Was that Thunder?

2009-06-21T18:37:00.000-07:00

I knew going into this tournament team that it would be a whole new world of baseball.

What I didn't expect was that other teams would use tactics to win that in my book are cheating.

The one thing that I just can't stand is chatter. I don't see the point in it and if you can't win a game without trying to intimidate or trick someone - then go home.

Our first team that we played this weekend used this technique. It worked on a few of our players because they had never run into it before. They were very upset and couldn't concentrate on what they were to do. Luckily our head coach thinks the same way I do about this chatter method and told them to ignore it and that it is classless. Amen.

They ended up beating us by quite a bit that first game but not because they cheated - because we were just not quite meshed as a team yet.

The next day we played again and we did much better. We made good throws, good catches and our hitting was great. We won the game and went into the last day with our heads held high and our confidence built up.

Then the last day came - we ended up the 2nd seed in our bracket and if we played our cards right we could actually finish in the top two! We were playing another team in the same situation as we were - just formed and hadn't played together in a tournament. We felt pretty confident we could get another victory. We thought we were ready and hit the field but somewhere between Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning we forgot how to play baseball. I don't know if it was the schedule, if they were just tired or if they just had enough baseball for one weekend but we played horribly. If there was a mistake to be made we made it. My heart broke for them because they had worked so hard and it was all going down hill so fast. It was just heart wrenching to watch. I know that they will get better as the season progresses. The potential on this team is just amazing. There are 12 boys with 12 different strengths that when they all finally figure it out they will be unstoppable!

Tyler personally struggled with the hitting part of the game this weekend. He has never been in a slump like this one before and we just don't have any clue how to help him get out of it. He struck out more this weekend then he did the entire season last year. On the positive side - when he did hit the ball he got doubles, triples and even one home run. Just gotta keep focusing on those positives and pray this slump ends soon - for all of our sanity!Coach letting him know that he had a good hit.

We have a long way to go but I hear the Thunder coming!

All Star

2009-06-06T06:19:00.000-07:00

Last night was the all star game. I don't know who was more excited about it - Tyler or Daddy?

There were 4 all star teams put together so they each got to play 2 games. It was really good to watch games where everyone is at or close to the same skill level. There were some amazing plays, catches and hits that we don't get to see very much during regular season. We lost our first game but won the second. All in all it was a fun night of baseball.

Tyler got to play different positions during the games - right center, short stop, right field, second base and first base.

In the second game Daddy got to pitch - He was very happy about this.

Made the play.

Slugger....

Great job this season Tyler - we are very proud of you!

Franklin Thunder

2009-06-03T14:54:00.001-07:00

Charlie has been wanting to put together a baseball team that goes around and plays in tournaments in our area. There has always been one local team and Tyler tried out for it once but didn't make it. Later we found out the tryouts were only held for show and the coach had no intention of bringing anyone extra on the team. He already knew who he wanted but the commissioner made him hold open tryouts. It was a lesson for Tyler and looking back on it he really wasn't ready. This season has been amazing for Tyler. He has come leaps and bounds in his overall knowledge and skill level of baseball.

Last night the tryouts for Charlie's dream team happened. He isn't the head coach and is partnering with 3 other coaches for this venture. Tyler went and performed as well as he could. He hit, caught and fielded with the best of them. At the end of the practice he found out he made the team. He genuinely tried out with all of his heart because he wanted to make this team. He called me on their way home to tell me and I could hear it in his sweet little voice. "Mommy I made it!" He was so proud of what he accomplished. What he doesn't know and we decided not to tell him was that last night was just for show for him. He didn't have to try out with the rest of them but daddy thought he should just so he could have the experience. Not knowing made him try harder and see the results of his efforts.

I am so excited to watch this team travel around and play in local tournaments. It will give our family something extra to do but it will be well worth it in the long run. They have only a few weeks to practice and mesh as a team before we head out to our first tournament.

I am optimistic because they are calling themselves the Franklin Thunder.

I hear lots of kids are afraid of thunder.

Joy and pain

2009-05-30T19:26:00.001-07:00

Our last regular season game was today. We were playing the best team in the league and honestly just didn't want to get skunked. Our team has won the last two games and we just wanted to hold our own today. To everyone's surprise we not only held our own - we won! I don't know who was more in shock - their coach or ours! It was a sweet victory.

Throughout the game however Tyler didn't seem himself. In the fifth inning he asked for a drink. I had put a Gatorade in his bag before the game but he had not seen it. He had gone almost the entire game without anything to drink in 85 degree weather. Everyone noticed he was sluggish and we all just chopped it up to simple dehydration. If only it were that easy. Tonight he informed me that he could hear a pumping sound in his ear. It started during his game and it got louder and louder as the game progressed which is why he looked so pathetic. So tomorrow morning we will head to the doctor and I am sure we will hear the same words we always do - He has an ear infection. The joys of non draining ears.

He did it!

2009-05-18T18:54:00.000-07:00

Tyler accomplished his goal tonight!

He hit one out of the park - dead center field - 40 feet over the fence!

Hallelujah!

He was so excited but he didn't forget to say thank you to the One who made it possible.

I couldn't help but think that Grandaddy used his connections in heaven tonight. The other day at Granddaddy's funeral Tyler brought a ball. He wrote a note on that ball and placed it in his Great Granddaddy's hands. I couldn't help but think that Granddaddy's way of saying "I love you too" was to go right to the source and say "he deserves it".

Thanks for putting in a good word for him Grandaddy - he will never forget it.

Laid To Rest

2009-05-16T17:20:00.000-07:00

Grandaddy was put to rest next to the love of his life Friday at 2pm.

I was OK until this soldier started playing TAPS. There is just something about that song. Every note is an like an emotion played perfectly. We love him and will miss him dearly but we all know that he is no longer suffering in a man suit. He is with his Jesus.

Thank you all for the prayers and support you showed my family through this time.

Patience

2009-05-08T14:07:00.000-07:00

Tyler's little Cousin came to watch him play.....it didn't matter who was up to bat all the crowd heard was "GO TYWERRRRRR"!

So cute.
He really had to stretch for this play.....

Overall Tyler had a fantastic game - one of his best all around I would say but it was all clouded by one thing.

Tyler has had one goal this year - hit it out of the ballpark. He has come close on many different occasions but has not had one go over the fence. It hits the fence, it bounces off the fence and it falls in front of the fence. If you know Tyler at.all. he is obsessive. He won't let something go until he conquers it or understands it 100%. This getting it over the fence thing has become his obsession.

Last night the Lord spoke to Tyler through someone else. His teammate that he has been playing with for a year and a half -he hit it out of the park. This did not set well with Tyler at first. He was sad, frustrated, angry, jealous and just mad. I could tell that he was all these things just by the look on his face but it opened up a door for discussion. We explained that he needed to be happy for his friend, excited, thrilled that he could accomplish a thing that very few at his age have done. He needed to show that friend the same respect and congratulations that he would expect to be shown when/if he were to do the same thing. He said OK with his head but I don't think his heart was quite there yet.

This morning on the way to school he said that when I prayed I needed to close my eyes (a few games ago he asked me to pray every time he got up to bat). I said you know what Tyler - I could pray standing on my head but that doesn't mean that God is going to answer that prayer the way you want it when you want it. He already knows the plans for you and He already knows when/IF you are going to hit it out. When He is ready He will make it happen. But he also tests us - like last night. When your friend hit it out was your first reaction joy or was it anger? So stop and think - who do you want to glorify? Yourself or God? God is not going to allow anything to be glorified more than Himself and if you are trying to accomplish this for your own personal glory you might as well stop. God was watching your reaction last night and if your heart isn't right then He won't bless it with what you want.

Quiet

As he got out of the car he turned and said - can God hear what I am thinking?

Yes He can.

Oh, OK.

I pray that this lesson is learned because it breaks a mothers heart to see the tears well up when your child wants something so bad and just can't do it.

I am also praying for patience - for all of us.

All About My Dad

2009-05-04T18:16:00.000-07:00

Tyler had his first assignment that would be graded with a letter grade. He had instructions to interview anyone he wanted and then write their biography. His first choice was Babe Ruth but when we told him the person actually had to be alive to answer the questions he chose Daddy.

Here is what he wrote:

This story is all about my dad. my dad's birthday is February 21. My Dad loves to play baseball. His favorite thing about his job is to process claims. He also likes to make money. He does not like to drive because he gets stuck in traffic. He loves to watch the Boston Red Sox and he likes to go to Boston. On the weekends my Dad always loves to hang out with me. My Dad's favorite show is Lost and his favorite food is Chinese. He always wants me to know that he loves me.

I have to say this is a very accurate depiction of his Daddy!

Not again!

2009-05-01T19:35:00.000-07:00

Tyler has suffered from ear infections starting from a very young age. He has had so many that we had tubes put in his ears when he was 5. Things were great until they fell out. Then he suffered again so the doctor put in the jumbo size ear tubes the next year. These mega sized tubes were supposed to last 18 months. One fell out within 6 months and the other one is hanging on by a thread. Tonight while eating dinner he mentioned his ear hurt. That is not a good thing coming from Tyler. We quickly finished our dinner - packed his to go because it hurt to even chew - and headed to the walk in clinic. Friday night at a walk in clinic is not where you want to be. Not because it is jam packed full and you have to wait forever to be seen but because there is not another soul in the place and you still have to wait forever to be seen! What is up with that? After being seen by the doctor our diagnosis was confirmed - double ear infections. His ear doctor said that most children grow out of ear problems by the age of 6 or 7. Tyler is 8 so he needs to grow out of it already! I don't want to have to put another set of tubes in his ears. One thing we did learn today - they make chewable antibiotics! Thank you drug makers - my life just got easier.

Happy Birthday Tyler

2009-04-26T08:27:00.000-07:00

Turning eight has been GREAT for Tyler.

We spent the entire weekend doing what he loves best - baseball.

Saturday morning he had a game. His mind was already on the evenings plans so he said he couldn't "concentrate" like he should. He has been looking forward to his birthday for 3 months so that was understandable. He still performed well for not being able to concentrate - 3 doubles and several put outs. He made more errors than he normally does but that must have been when his mind wandered a little!

The team sang to him after the game and we all enjoyed some cupcakes

Later that day we went to our local AAA affiliate - The Nashville Sounds - for his birthday bash.

He was so excited to get all of his goodies!

A baseball

An authentic jersey
A cake

AND he got to throw out a ceremonial first pitch!
This is his dream - to pitch from a real mound.
He started on the rubber and almost made it to the catcher behind home plate.

The entire stadium sang happy birthday to the kids celebrating....pretty special!

It definitely gets a notch on the list of best birthday's EVER!

Happy birthday Tyler - we love you more than you can ever know!

Heart Stopping

2009-04-22T13:48:00.000-07:00

I always get a picture of my two boys - this one is perfect!

They are both so intent on the game it makes me giggle.

They say that baseball is the most dangerous sport to play. When you think about it it really does make sense. There are metal bats that the boys are swinging around with every ounce of their being. Then they hit this small, very hard ball that when hit hard enough is like a rocket coming right at you. Tyler has never really been in the line of fire until last night. He had just taken his position at 1st, looked around the field and BAM! The other teams batter hit on the first pitch and it went straight for Tyler's head. He ducked and put up his glove just in time for it to hit the tip then proceed to hit the bill of his cap before hitting him square on the forehead. This is when all parents hearts go to their stomachs. In true baseball fashion he finished the play then worried about his head! He was OK but he had quite the knot and a little headache. Didn't stop him though - he still got out in front of it and made the play the very next hit.

I happen to catch it all on my camera too!

He should be tired

2009-04-18T15:08:00.000-07:00

Three games in 4 days......you would think this would wear him out.

Where is he right now?

In the backyard playing catch.

We finally got our first win as a team last night. It really helped with all of their confidence. We were getting pretty frustrated because we were only losing by 1 run every game. We were so close to winning but we would always have that one bad inning that just let the other team get a lead on us and we just couldn't catch up. Charlie made some changes to the line up and it really helped. We didn't seem to have that gap in our defense and they really played well.

This is my favorite picture of the entire day. The intensity on his face just says it all.

This video needs a little explaining. At the end of last season one of Tyler's teammates hit a ball out of the park. Since then that has been Tyler's goal too. Out of the park is 150 feet and to me seems really far. Every game this year Tyler inches closer and closer to hitting it out himself and today was the closest he came. Since I have no other duties this year except to take pictures and videos I want to get some good ones....last year most of the videos started off good but then when I tried to look and see where the ball went I never moved the camera so I would always get Tyler taking off and then a great still shot of home plate and nothing else. So this year I am determined to keep the camera on Tyler - but I have no idea what is going on with the ball. This hit was no exception. He hit it and everyone went crazy, when I had him rounding 1st Charlie was jumping up and down and the only reason I could think of for that is that Tyler finally hit one out. I even heard a loud thump and I thought maybe he hit the score board. He didn't hit the score board but he did hit the fence sign - HARD. So hard that the outfielders didn't even have to move. They just stood there and the ball bounced back so hard it went to one of them and they threw it to second. This got our pitching coach and Tyler so excited that the pitcher started to pitch a little to fast and Tyler swung a little to late. He did get a hit the next time but nothing like this one. I know that by the end of the season I will get to post a video of him hitting one out of the ballpark.

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T09:55:00.000-07:00

I have gone to church my entire life. Sometimes you get a little knumb to what each holiday stands for and you go through the same traditions that you did as a child. So today we put on our Easter outfits and headed to church. We all know what today is - the day that Jesus rose from the dead and is now sitting at the right hand of the Father in Heaven waiting for us. I went there expecting to hear the same story told the same way - God was having no part of that.

A few weeks ago I started serving in a ministry called Stone Soup. This ministry is for the special gifted children at our church. The teacher of this class really knows his stuff and each week I am amazed at what I take away from it. He doesn't baby these people and treat them like they won't or can't understand. Today was no exception. He started from the beginning of the Easter story to tie it all together - all the way back to when Abraham had to sacrafice Issac to Jesus' ressurection. In one part inparticular God spoke to me. The teacher asked them who do you think hurt more - Jesus for taking on the physical pain or God for having to turn his back on Jesus so he could take on all of our sin? I had never really thought about it before but God suffered more - he had to not only send his son to die but then had to turn away from him while he did it. All of our sin was on Jesus and because God is so Holy he couldn't look on it. Wow. My entire life and I just got that today. That just showed me that each and every day is new and that I have so much more to learn!

After church we came home and did our traditions - I love them too!

Tyler got hooked up with some new Star Wars Legos

Then outside for an Easter Egg Hunt!

Next year he may not have so many eggs in the basket - hopefully he will have to share with a new brother or sister!

Since there was enough candy in the basket and I am not one to have it in the house I decided to fill the eggs with quartes, dimes and nickels.

He thought that was a great idea too.

Boys Night Out

2009-04-12T09:38:00.000-07:00

Last night was Boys Night Out!

Tyler and his best friend took their Dad's to a Sounds Baseball Game.

They had good seats, ate lots of food, and stayed out way too late.

A good time was had by all.

Notice all of the empty seats?

That is because they got there right when the gates opened.....at 4:30. The game, it started at 6. This is the part of going to games I do not enjoy so when they said they wanted a boys night I was all for it.

Since they got there so early they were chosen to participate in one of the in-between inning game fillers. In this one they had to spin around with their head on a guitar until the music stopped then run to the finish line.

Tyler already thought he would lose because running is not his strong gift.

His goal - beat the girl!

Sean won 4 tickets to a game for winning this race and as a compensation prize Tyler got a Sounds mini baseball bat (from daddy). They had fun and it really was a big deal to get to go on the actual field and do this.

Notice the irony in this picture?

These two are best friends - but look at their hats......see the two can come together in peace!

Tornado

2009-04-11T06:20:00.000-07:00

This tornado was in Spring Hill! Lucky for us on the other side of Spring Hill.

Yesterday was a very intense day for us here in TN. We are all OK but I can't say the same for the folks about 40 miles east - an pretty big tornado reeked havoc on lots of homes.

I had the day off so I was home with Tyler and a friend who was spending the day with him. They were quietly watching Star Wars 3 when the tornado alarm went off. They panicked!

Me - I am Mrs. Calm and don't freak out about much. I turned off the movie and of course the satellite was not working so I loaded up the lap top to see where the storms were and how bad. They were insisting we head to the basement so we did.

The basement is on my parents side of the house and Papa met us at the door.

The boys headed to the basement and I headed to watch the news to see what we were dealing with. There was no immediate danger so they came up and watched with me.

Tyler loves this type of weather and was fascinated by it.

After a while the really bad storm started to hit. The hail came, the tops of trees were swirling and the boys and I headed to the basement. Within 5 minutes it passed and things were tossed and turned in the backyard. Papa said it was one of the worst storms he had seen. He decided NOT to go to the basement - he is a closet storm chaser I think.

While we were down there Tyler's friend asks - "Are we gonna die?" I answered - "No." "Do you promise?" "Ummm - No." He said "What! You are supposed to tell me that you promise and it is gonna be OK!!!" I told him I don't make promises I can't keep! That took the stress out and they calmed down.

Then we watched the coverage from the devastation for the rest of the day.....

Good times on Good Friday.

And now we wait

2009-04-08T13:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday concluded our home study visits. All that is left is for our social worker to enter all of our information into the computer and get it approved. For him to look good this needs to happen ASAP. They have a deadline of 60 days from the end of your PATH class to complete your homestudy. We are just about there. Whatever motivation works I am all for it.

We feel like the process hasn't really been that long. There was a two week break between classes and visits so we have been moving right along. Others in our class haven't even had their first visit so I am feeling pretty accomplished.

Charlie and I are both excited and aprehensive over the pending new children. My friend who is also a foster parent has had a very eye opening experience happen to her over the last two weeks which made me realize I need to really pray. Pray that God sends just the right child to us. Pray that we see it when he does. Pray we are picky but not too picky. Pray that all of my uncertainties are answered clearly. That is all I have left to do. Everything I had the power to do is complete - the rest is up to Him.

So hopefully the call will come soon and we will have great news of more children.
I personally cannot wait.

That boy can play ball!

2009-04-04T18:51:00.000-07:00

Tyler can do it all this season....

Stop the ball...

Hit the ball....

Make the plays.....

He absolutely LOVES to play. The worst part about today was that he didn't get to play "up" like we thought he would. The coach that called him up got a little over prepared and called up too many players. Tyler was very bummed...he had been looking forward to that game all week - even more than his own.

Lesson learned by all - don't call until you are sure you need them - don't say yes unless you know who they are.

Regardless of that little set back Tyler really did well today again.

First time up - home run. Second time up - home run. Third time up - ground out at first.

Here is the second homerun that I just happen to catch on video....

Enjoy!

And he is only 7 years old.....

Play Ball!

2009-04-01T13:58:00.000-07:00

Last night started our new season of baseball! Have I mentioned before that I LOVE BASEBALL!!!! Especially when Tyler plays. I love watching him learn and grow each and every season.

This season started off the best ever for him personally. First hit - a homerun! Second hit - a triple! Third hit - a single! Fourth hit - would have been a double but the first baseman triped him. We don't like him. So all in all he had four hits and 5 RBI's. He was so proud and so were we!

Today a coach called Charlie from the next level up and asked if Tyler could play "up" on Saturday. This is a real honor and only kids with a head for the game are asked to play. He is very excited about this and knows that not everyone gets this opportunity. I get nervous for him when he plays so Saturday I may just throw up.

I didn't get any pictures last night because it was just cold. I didn't have it in me to stand in the cold wind and snap pictures. Saturday will be a different story......twice!

What's lost has been found

2009-03-27T18:02:00.000-07:00

Tyler lost his PSP a year ago. He was out riding with Papa doing errands one Friday and when he went into a store he left it on the seat of the car. Papa didn't lock the car so we all thought it had been stolen. We searched the car high and low, top to bottom with no luck. So we took it as a lesson learned. We sold all of his games and accessories that went with it and let him purchase the much cheaper DS with his money.

Tonight Mimi lost her candy bar. She really, really needed that candy bar.

So she searched her car high and low and found this......

Hallelujah

Her candy bar - it was in her purse.

Art

2009-03-25T16:48:00.000-07:00

Last night was the big art show for Tyler.

We walked in and the room was packed with beautiful things created by the surrounding schools students. His teacher came and was just gushing over her students and their art. She is so energetic and fun that the students can't help but catch her enthusiasm for art.

Thanks Mr. Lamb - We love you!

Everyone had to pose with the picture

First Mommy

Then Daddy

Mimi and Papa came out to see the little artist and his masterpiece - they never miss anything their precious boy does.

A close up of "Geometric Shapes"

Peace

2009-03-08T10:38:00.000-07:00

I have been in turmoil the last few weeks. I have been dealing with several different family issues and my biggest problem was I was trying to fix other people. Problem is - I can't fix anyone. It hit me this morning when I was at church and the words came up on the screen "You are God alone". A peace came over me like I have not felt in a long time. I don't have to fix anything because long before I even knew these issues were coming - God did. He knows exactly how they are all going to play out and I have nothing to do except trust Him. I have felt so far away from God these last few weeks and that is all on me - when I get frustrated I stop praying, stop reading - just stop. Satan creeps in and lets me think all kinds of negative things and I let him. Until today. I know that my God is bigger than lies. Bigger than egos. Bigger than finances. He is just bigger and He is mine. I know the issues are not gone but I feel so much more prepared to deal with them now. Thank you Lord for showing me that today.

It's over!

2009-03-07T17:01:00.000-08:00

What a week.

It has been one of those never ending weeks that just completely wore. me. out.

I am glad it is over and ready for next week. Our first home study visit is Wednesday and I didn't even clean yet......if you know me I am freaking out on the inside but just too darn tired on the outside to do it. Tuesday night will be a whirlwind night - I have already warned Charlie.

I am sure I have lots of bloggy stories but for the life of me none of them seem very interesting right now.

Proud, Proud, Proud

2009-02-27T18:23:00.000-08:00

Maury County Elementart Art Exhibit 2009

Congratulations!

Your child was selected to represent

Spring Hill Elementary in the:

Maury County Annual Elementary

School Art Exhibit

at Pryor Gallery on the campus of

Columbia State Community College.

Their art will be shown

March 2, 2009 - March 30, 2009

The Exhibit's open house is

March 24, 2009

from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.

This came home today......He loves art so this is just what he needs to affirm his desire to draw.

We are so proud - if you are free come out and see his masterpiece!

BFF

2009-02-27T17:10:00.001-08:00

You know your real friends when you can post a pic like this and know she will love it!
Create your own FACEinHOLE

Lordy, Lordy

2009-02-21T10:56:00.000-08:00

Look who's 40!

Happy Birthday Charlie!!!

Happy Birthday!

2009-02-14T10:10:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to my little sister!

I remember the day she was born - it was Valentines Day and we were at school.

I knew my mom had gone in to the hospital to have her and that is all I could think of.

FINALLY my dad came to pick me up from school to let us know our baby sister had arrived.

She was born with the thickest head of black hair - that is really what I remember the most.

I didn't know babies could have so much hair!

She became my little playmate instantly and it was hard to separate us.

I am so proud of the wife and mother that she has become today and want to wish her a very Happy Birthday!

I love you sis!

Spelling

2009-02-08T08:28:00.001-08:00

Tyler is in second grade. In first grade they had spelling tests weekly. When he entered the second grade we were informed that they no longer would be focusing on spelling because the literacy coach (and some sort of research) show that it isn't pertinant to second grade and under.

Excuse me - he doesn't need to now how to spell?

You will not find a spelling bee happening anywhere in our school.

Enough parents freaked out about this that Tyler's teacher decided that she would implement her own spelling work - it would not count as a factor in passing second grade - but she would do it. She puts the weekly words on the board and assigns 5 and then they get to pick 5. Tyler always picks hard words.

This week he chose meteorologist.

This is his goal in life - to be one - so I guess knowing how to spell it would be a great start.

He did it! He got it right and another 100 on his test! He has gotten a 100 the past 5 weeks so we are on a roll and he doesn't want to break it so this week was stressful with this BIG word. He was so proud he had to show everyone.

This morning we went to church. His Sunday school teacher greets him and his first comment - I can spell meterologist - m-e-t-e-o-r-o-l-o-g-i-s-t.

Chick - A bad word?

2009-01-30T14:14:00.001-08:00

Since the introduction of face book into my life I have neglected this blog.....but today Tyler gave me some blog worthy material.

Every morning while getting ready for work I listen to the radio. It is a Christian Contemporary station and "safe for the whole family" - in their words. I feel like anything on there is OK and I really don't have to worry about language, inappropriate topics, etc...

This morning Tyler was in the bathroom getting ready and when I came in to check on him he was just standing there listening to the song that was playing. If you are up on your Contemporary Christian it was Toby Mac's latest "Lose my Soul". He looks up at me and says:

"Mommy - there is a bad word in that song."

"What word"

"Chick"

"Chick isn't a bad word"

"ABOUT A GIRL!!!"

"OK -What does it say?"

"I'm gonna be a husband that saves the chick!"

(The real lyrics - I'm gonna be a husband that stays legit)

I could not convince him what the real lyrics were.

I feel good that we have raised our son to respect women!

Speechless

2009-01-21T19:42:00.000-08:00

One of our new years resolutions was to do a family devotional every day. We have been good about doing it and it stirs up interesting conversations like this one.....

Tonight's topic: "An Easy Load"

It was about letting God take your heavy burdens and worries.
The first question - "have you ever been given a job that was too hard for you?"

Tyler immediately says an enthusiastic "YES!".
M: Really? What was it.
T: Feeding the dog! I have to walk all the way out there and scoop his food, walk back to the kitchen and pour it in his dish then walk all the way back to the bag and put the cup away.
Just for the record - "all the way out there" means the next room.

That just left me speechless.

Wanna Wii?

2009-01-19T15:48:00.000-08:00

My friend is having a raffle!!!!

Go here

Click on the picture of Danny to the left and that will take you where you can buy a ticket for $25.....for a Wii!!!

Danny has been to Nicaragua the past two years and it is heavy on his heart to go again - let's help send him!

Go!

Wow....

2009-01-18T18:27:00.000-08:00

Tyler loves to draw....he will sit for hours and do it. Today he whipped out this.

I didn't know what he was doing at first....he did it during church.

When he finished and held it up for me to see - I was shocked.

Spiderman's eye

by Tyler Rivers

Age: 7

2 hours later....

2009-01-13T16:58:00.000-08:00

Whenever I get any sort of sickness you can bet that Tyler will get it too. Since I had strep throat a week or so ago it was only time for Tyler to start complaining about his throat. He woke up yesterday morning and complained about it hurting - however he had just been given a new game to play so I wasn't really convinced that it was his sore throat that was his reason for wanting to stay home from school. I made the decision to send him and when I got home from work he sounded terrible and his throat hurt even more. I had a meeting at school so that left Charlie to take him to the walk in clinic. He walked into a waiting room full and ended up waiting for 2 hours to see the doctor.

The doctor comes in and does his usual testing - then asks him to open his mouth so he can do the swab test for strep. Tyler hates this test.

Tyler refused to open his mouth.
Flat. out. refused.
Charlie couldn't get him to open it.
The doctor couldn't get him to open it.
Let me just say that if momma had been in that room - mouth would have opened.

So we have no idea if he has strep throat but the doctor said he was swollen and had a slight fever so we got the antibiotic.

We also let him know that if he EVER pulls a stunt like that again - he may need to go live with new parents.

London isn't so bad

2009-01-06T18:23:00.000-08:00

My Grandaddy has his good days and his bad days. Some days he knows who you are and some days he just can't quite figure it out.

Today was the latter.

When I went to see him he was just finishing his lunch, he had just pressed his button summoning someone to come take his tray away and I walked in. At first he thought I was just the lady coming in to take the tray away....after I came back in and sat down he just looked at me and said "well what do you want?" I knew at that point he didn't recognize me.
I told him who I was and he repeated it - but he didn't remember.
He asked who my mother was and I told him - still nothing.
He asked who my father was - still nothing.
He asked how many kids they had and I said 4 - a glimmer of hope shined through because he immediately said - "Yeah there is Allen - I know Allen, then there is Beth who lives in PA and then there is Rachel and she lives in NC then there is London. So which one are you?

London - my new name

The funny thing is - any other girl that goes in to visit him - They are called Lorinda.
He knows me - he just didn't remember that today.

2009

2009-01-05T19:13:00.000-08:00

It's really here.

It already has not started out so great.

Strep - already.

Way to start the new year!

I don't make resolutions but this year if I made one it would be to get more exercises. I actually started that tonight. For the first time. EVER.

I have walked before but that doesn't really count.

I now have this...

It's biggest selling point - I get to sit down while I do it. I am not much into standing while I exercise.

It hurts.

My feet also don't reach the floor when I sit down on it so while they do exercises that require that you have your feet touching the floor - I just watch them....

I am easing into it - my body may go into shock if I go to fast!

I will let you know how I progress....

Christmas!

2008-12-26T17:46:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve we made our first real gingerbread house......

(Thanks to Aunt Rachel who brought the kit with the pre-connected house!)

Tyler really concentrated on making the tree - and did a great job!

And opened our traditional Christmas Eve gift - the pj's!

Tyler knows what it will be every year and now he doesn't even ask or argue with me.

He knows it just has to be done.

For that he got to make whatever funny face he wanted in the picture....

Tyler could barely sleep Christmas Eve....He was the most excited he has ever been. I don't know if he really was or if he was acting for our sake..hmmmm?

Anywhooo

He still got one gift he didn't even ask for but has wanted for a very long time.

I just haven't given in until now.

The following rules apply when wearing these:

1. Never to church on Sunday Morning

2. Never to school

He hasn't got it down yet. His first attempt wound him up in the splits. The second attempt wound him up on one knee - he tried to play it off and made a peace sign and yelled "YEAH!!!"

There has not been a third attempt yet. He is letting them rest.

Mimi B sent his most prized gift of all - sweet green.

(I had to hide this so he would stop carrying it around)

Mimi and Papa got him the other most prized gift - The beloved Darth Maul light saber.

To say he has been obsessed over this thing would be an understatement.

Popo was not left out - he loved his new toys too.

In 2.5 seconds he got that squeaker out of that toy.

We now use it to lure him in the house - it's really funny!

This year we let Tyler pick out gifts for us all by himself. We asked him questions on why he would chose the things he did, gave our opinion on said gift but ultimately let him decide if the gift was right.

Daddy got Spiderman for the Wii

Mommy got Monopoly for the Wii

Hmmmmmm....see a trend?

Deck the Halls

2008-12-18T19:24:00.000-08:00

Tyler had his recital tonight!

He played "Deck the Halls"

He was very nervous before it started....he does look flushed doesn't he?

He still played very well.
Thanks to Ms. Heather for all the time and lessons this year!

As soon as my computer decides to cooperate...
I will have some video of him actually playing the song.

Punishment to fit the crime

2008-12-18T19:14:00.000-08:00

Charlie was stopped a few weeks ago on our way home from class for speeding.

That in itself is funny because Charlie drives like an old man.

Today he had to go to court for this speeding ticket. It was his first in this city so he was hoping for traffic school and no fine. When he called to find out what he would have to do and where he would have to go they told him the speeding ticket was $170.00 and the court fees were $120.00.

Totally freaked out at the possibility of having to pay $290.00 today he went into the courtroom.

The judge called his name....Charlie went up.

The judge said "Since this is your first violation in my city I will cut you a deal. If you can turn around to the people sitting here in this courtroom and sing Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, I will let you go without paying any fines."

At first Charlie thought he was joking - he wasn't.

Charlie turned around - faced his captive audience and sung.

That was probably more punishment than those people were ready to endure.

When he called me to tell me what had happened - guess what was playing on the radio.

God sure is funny.

Did you know?

2008-12-15T16:12:00.000-08:00

From 1558 - 1829 Catholics were prohibited to practice their faith in public. So to teach young children they made up this song to help them remember....

A Partridge in a Pear Tree

1st Day: The partridge in a pear tree is Christ Jesus upon the Cross.

2nd Day: The "two turtle doves" refers to the Old and New Testaments.

3rd Day: The "three French hens" stand for faith, hope and love—the three gifts of the Spirit

4th Day: The "four calling birds" refers to the four evangelists who wrote the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke and John

5th Day: The "five golden rings" represents the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.

6th Day: The "six geese a-laying" is the six days of creation.

7th Day: The "seven swans a-swimming" refers to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord.

8th Day: The "eight maids a milking " reminded children of the eight beatitudes listed in the Sermon on the Mount.

9th Day: The "nine ladies dancing" were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.

10th Day:The "ten lords a-leaping" represents the Ten Commandments

11th Day:The "eleven pipers piping" refers to the eleven faithful apostles.

12th Day: The ‘twelve drummers drumming" were the twelve points of belief expressed in the Apostles’ Creed: belief in God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, that Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary, made man, crucified, died and arose on the third day, that he sits at the right hand of the father and will come again, the resurrection of the dead and life everlasting.

I just thought it was a song! Who knew?!?

Dear Santa

2008-12-13T18:17:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa,

This year I would like to have drawing pencils, a shading stone, a pencil sharpener, transformers and a darth maul light saber.

He was so nervous to talk to Santa - it was so cute.

He also confirmed that Santa IS a Red Sox fan.

Snow Day and Earrings...

2008-12-12T18:15:00.000-08:00

Well we had some snow again!!!!

Looking at my dog in the white snow made me realize he needs a bath.

I picked Tyler up from school the other day and this was in his ear.

This look really scares me if he tries to use it when he hits the teens!

(even though in this picture - he is really trying to look mean)

Approved?

2008-12-05T19:31:00.000-08:00

We have been attending the PATH (parents as tender healers) class on Thursday nights as part of our adoption process. We have taken this class before so it is all old hat to us - literally they are doing the exact same work as they did 7 years ago - however there is a new group of people so the conversations are different based on these peoples experiences and such.

Two weeks ago we discussed discipline.

As a resource parent you absolutely cannot under any circumstance spank.

Do you think this would be ok instead?

More than His portion

2008-12-05T05:19:00.001-08:00

"Come to Me all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest." Matthew 11:28

Whatever burden you have to carry, God will shoulder the better part of it. God will take the greater portion of your struggle on himself. He will bear the extra weight and move with you to resolution.

Imagine holding a glass of water and wondering how much it weighs. You don't know, but the longer you hold it, the more it seems to weigh. Hold it for a minute, and it's okay. But hold it for ten minutes, and your arm begins to ache. Hold it for an hour, and you might have to call an ambulance. But if you take the glass of water to a table and set it down, everything is okay again.

God will take your load on his back and give you rest.

I know I needed these words this morning - do you?

What a day!

2008-12-04T14:58:00.001-08:00

Today was one of those days when you just say - what is going to happen next! It started with getting to work and my boss NEEDING his sugar and creamer (he is a girl about his coffee - just ask him) so I make a list and go out - in the rain and cold - and get it.

A while later I decide I need to have a cup but the water reserve is empty I went to fill it.

I missed. My pants however - got those.

Let's just say it looked like I peed my pants and I had to go REALLY bad.
The boys in the office were no help - unless you want to be laughed at then they were very helpful.

I was soaked!

Luckily it was just water so I dabbed as much as I could off, borrowed a fan from another office and sat at my desk until I dried off.

Did I mention that it was already rainy and cold today?

Let's pray I don't get pneumonia......

Thanksgiving

2008-11-28T10:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

My sister and her two boys made these cute place cards a few years ago.....aren't they so cute! We pulled them back out yesterday for our dinner. Mimi had them all arranged according to where she wanted/thought people would want to sit. Tyler came in and rearranged all of it - he had to sit next to Papa. Cute.

Tyler was a lot bored being the only child at the feast.

Pray that next year he has a sibling.

This was a delicious bird thanks to Papa.

A broken foot can't even keep him out of the kitchen!

Seriously - I wish our families lived closer to each other. I hate that we can't spend every holiday together and that it takes such planning to make it happen. We used to make sure that we got together every year at least for one major holiday - that just hasn't happened lately and I really miss it.

Charlie wanted to start a new tradition for our Thanksgiving so last night we went to the movies.

Very cute movie - made Tyler realize how much a dog loves it's person.

He has a whole new outlook on his own dog now - who by the way has been renamed.

The ending sort of threw him off - when you see it you will understand - his head is still spinning trying to comprehend it....

Thankful

2008-11-26T16:44:00.000-08:00

I have to admit - I have been in a cooking slump. I have had no desire to cook at all and tomorrow is Thanksgiving people!

Last night I tried and tried to make my list. I would put things on it and then realize - oh if I buy that I have to cook it too - scratch, scratch. With my very short list in hand I went to the grocery today. I walked around, tried to dodge the bazillion people who waited until today to get their food too, and get in the cooking spirit.

Nothing.

I got home, unpacked the few things I actually did buy and started on the rolls that I promised my mother I would make. Thank you Lord for a bread machine - that's all I'm sayin.

Then I opened the cabinet that holds all of the cookbooks. Pulled one out. Opened it. Turned to the cookies. Oh peanut butter - haven't made those in a while. Pulled out all of the ingredients and went to makin some cookies. Never have I used honey in peanut butter cookies but it is good Ya'll! So with this small accomplishment I decided to take on some pumpkin bars. This is something I have never made and since I bought two gigantic cans of pumpkin I might as well make something. I Finished the bars and still have a half can of pumpkin - hmmmm. Pumpkin bread AND muffins.

I started all of this around 3 and I am just now sitting down at 7.

My feet hurt, I am covered in flour but tomorrow - my men will love me even more!

So I am thankful tonight that I could get in the cooking spirit even when I didn't think I could.

Daddy's boy

2008-11-18T15:37:00.000-08:00

Lately Tyler has been wanting to take bubble baths. Due to the lack of actual bubbles he has been using his shampoo to make the bubbles. This is all fine and good until we try to take a shower. Those left over bubbles make the porcelain tub like a sheet of ice and both daddy and I have almost ended up in the ER. When you are half awake getting into a shower that is that slick it makes for a dangerous combination. Due to that fact - I had to ban the shampoo bubble baths. He was begging for something "fun" to do while in the tub so after digging around in the linen closet I found a can of superman foam soap. Here use this! It's even better than bubbles! He did and had a great time making all sorts of creations with the foam, even a foam beard. He came out of the tub with the beard, walked around very proud of it then disappeared back into the bathroom - I thought to wash it off. He kept calling "Mommy come look!" I was busy cleaning out a cabinet so I kept putting him off. I finally stopped what I was doing and went to "look".

What did I find when entering the bathroom?

Tyler - shaving off that foam beard....with a real razor!

I was too horrified to think to take a picture but it was funny to see him using his daddy's razor to shave. I warned him (in between the giggles) what a dangerous thing it was but silently I was smiling that he wanted to be just like daddy.

Sharpie

2008-11-15T17:13:00.000-08:00

When your son comes to you with thick brown lines drawn under his eyes for "battle with the dog" and he has one of these in his hands. It is not a good day.

catching up...

2008-11-15T12:32:00.000-08:00

I have been out of the blogging loop these past two weeks.

My one reader is devastated I am sure.

What have we been doing?????? A whole lot of nothing really. Since baseball ended we have our Saturday's free and we have been home. It's so nice to just stay home somtimes. Today I started cleaning out the guest room....it is so fun to purge your house of things that are just taking up space. I have filled two garbage bags so far and I am not even close to being done. I love it!

Our classes are going very well. You would think that after 7 years of doing this that they would come up with some new material - nope. We watched the exact same movie that we did 7 years ago. We read the exact same story as we did 7 years ago. We did the exact same homework as we did 7 years ago. This is going to be a breeze! It is nice going and meeting new people and hearing why they want to adopt. The first night the social worker gave her usual speech about "if your here for a baby you might as well leave now because that never happens in the system" But we know it does and we just thanked God that he is bigger than statistics. We know that he has already chosen our child and is preparing them. We are not expecting a baby but we weren't expecting one last time either. We are leaving the details in God's hands.

Fall Fun

2008-11-01T18:19:00.000-07:00

Every year we go the farm and get the pumpkin

Then we carve it into whatever Tyler picks. We have a book that has different patterns in it and each year Tyler picks one. The bad part is, all the "easy" patterns - yeah we did those already. All that is left in the book are "moderate" and "hard".

Let me just say that moderate IS hard.

But we did it anyway

Daddy is always the cutter of the top and the goo scooper

Then Tyler squishes the goo

Then I carve the pattern

That's our ritual and we like it...

No that really isn't Billy Ray - but everyone thought so.

He did scare small children - it was funny.

We went to our church's Fall Festival this year. We didn't have this last year and at the time I thought it was devastating. I don't think that anymore.

Next year we are going to go back to hitting the streets and doing the door to door thing like we all know and love.

We may even throw a party - who knows.

This was Tyler's favorite game of the night....and he didn't even get candy at the end.

Southern Slang

2008-10-27T15:23:00.000-07:00

When I was 12 my parents moved the family from Texas to Maine. We were in culture shock to say the least. I was a very shy little girl and the last thing I wanted was more attention for the way I talked. My teacher would call on me for EVERYTHING just to hear me talk. I guess I had the southern drawl thing going on pretty thick back then. I didn't like the attention so I consciously made an attempt to lose the southern way of talking. Now that I live here I wish I had kept it. Now I can't use all those southern terms without feeling self conscious. The one I don't use and feel the weirdest about is Y'all. I want to use it, I even practice using it - but I never do. The next best thing is for my son to use it - and this weekend he used it for the first time. I was so proud. He was outside playing with 2 friends (you have to be addressing more than 2 people to correctly use it) and he said, and I quote "Y'all come over here and hit that ball". Tears welled up and I was filled with hope. Hope that someday our house will be filled with southern slang.

It's over...

2008-10-25T18:41:00.000-07:00

Big Red - Champions!

We went undefeated for the entire season!

I can't even believe it but we did.

Our final game was against the team we tied 12 to 12.

Guess what the score was today?

12 to 12

Can you believe that?

It was a very exciting game for everyone....Tyler did very well on defense today.

He scooped this ball up and dove to second for an out...the very next play was identical to it but he just missed the guy.

In the last inning he caught a pop fly at short stop then caught a guy running for a double play!

His first one ever all by himself!

He was very proud and so were we.

Every season needs to end with cupcakes

and trophy's!

Daddy actually got all choked up during his "speech" on Tyler.

It was very touching and Tyler can tell his daddy loves him.

Number ONE!

His biggest fan......Uncle Allen!

(Mimi and Papa too but they were not available for a picture)

I am going to miss this team very much but I am very excited to take a break from sports for the next few months.

What will fill our Saturday's?

Stay tuned....

Family Fun!

2008-10-18T18:14:00.000-07:00

We have been so busy lately that we decided that since we didn't have ANY planned sporting, church or other activities planned we would have a family fun weekend.

Friday night started with going to the local Tarjay and picking a movie none of us have seen.

Tyler chose Speed Racer

We had a "camp in" in our living room

We made a huge tent out of sheets and chairs, gathered up every single pillow in the entire house and snuggled up tight to watch our movie.

We even made smores in our living room using our "camp fire candle"

It works and they were yummy!

Our plan was to sleep on the floor in the living room, Daddy made it until the end of the movie and then moved to the couch (wimp)

I actually was so tired I did fall asleep there in our tent with Tyler, then about an hour later I was awoken to the dog chewing very loudly on his bone. I chose to move to the bed and Tyler soon followed.

It was still fun!

Saturday morning we woke up and headed out on our annual trip to:

Tyler got to pick his pumpkin right off of the vine again this year.....
Daddy and I wanted big ones so we got one from the big yellow tent...
We always go on the hayride through the farm. This year the driver stopped where the cows were and threw them a pumpkin to eat. This cow came over very close to were we were. I didn't zoom at all, she really was that close! The driver of our tour was awesome. He stopped and explained how the farm works, who lives there, how they built the original house, why the kitchen was not in the house, what things were called, etc...During one of these stops we were outside the house and he was explaining how they built it, how they got water, how they bathed, etc. During this stop Tyler realized that people actually lived in the house. It was like a light just went on, he looked at me with fear (like we were gonna get caught or something) and said - mommy we have to go! People live here and they may think we are spying on them!

Even the lady next to us cracked up laughing.

They actually had corn high enough to call it a corn maze this year. At the end of it we got to go on a nature trail. We had never done that before and I think Tyler liked it the best!
It has been a great two days.

Church tomorrow and back to school on Monday!

Help!

2008-10-15T14:04:00.000-07:00

My friend is also going through the adoption process. She has been waiting for a year and today she got the call! She is about to get a boy (3) and a girl (5)! It is the absolutely most perfect fit for their family! God is so good!

They need a little help. Going through the state you never know when you will get a call much less the age of the children. They are not going to have anything except the clothing on their backs. If you have anything that this family could use to help these children feel more at home please leave me a comment and let me know. I am so excited for them and they are going to love on these children so much!

Pray for the adjustment to go smoothly as they are scared and unsure of what is happening. Pray. Pray. Pray!

Conversation with Tyler

2008-10-12T10:28:00.000-07:00

As I was getting a movie ready for him to watch he starts whistling a tune.

T: Mommy what was I whistling?

M: The wedding song.

T: Yup

M: You thinking about getting married?

T: Actually, "a girl" and I made each other a promise. When we get old we are going to find each other and then we will kiss.

M: Really?

T: Yup

M: So you will wait until you are old to do this?

T: Yeah, you have to be old to kiss.

Praise Jesus!!! One less thing I need to worry about right now!!

Baseball and Corn

2008-10-11T12:56:00.000-07:00

Another Saturday, Another game.

This one was the best one all season.

We played a great team so we got to show off some skills that we have learned this year.

Our team really came together and played some great baseball!

We did win again - 8-2

Down the road from our house is the Rippavila Plantation. Every year they have a huge corn maze and for the first time since living here we decided to check it out.

This years theme was the solar system.

They give you a map at the begining and you go through the maze and locate each planet, constellation or fact about the solar system.

Tyler just had this in school about two weeks ago so it was great to see him tell us about each planet.

He knew the most about Earth. He went on and on about how it turns slowly and how half of it is covered up so we can have night time and how far away it is from the Sun.

Then I asked him - can Earth sustain life?

Little more lessons on the planet Earth may be needed - or just a vocabulary lesson on what sustain means.

Catch ya later....

Have you ever....

2008-10-09T16:16:00.000-07:00

Gone into the men's room in a rush to get a 2 year old to the potty before he pees his pants?

I now can add that to my list of things I have accomplished.

Last night during our weekly dinner with friends the 2 year old says "poppy, poppy". So since his mother was trying to eat and his daddy just sat there I snatched him up and ran toward the bathroom. I don't think I even looked at the doors. I walked into the bathroom in my rush of trying to get the little one on the potty so he could have success......walking past the two urinals on the wall should have been my first clue that I entered the wrong room.....but nope I just kept going to the one stall. (Men's rooms really only have one stall!)
I put the little guy on the potty but we were too late, his diaper was already wet and he wanted down. Bummer.

Then I hear my son and his friend come in laughing and say "Mommy, did you know you were in the boys bathroom?"

What

Now it all makes sense. The two urinals - Those are not for Mommy's to let their boys go potty while they go into the one stall.
The waiter - who kept looking at me very funny as I went into the boys bathroom but said NOTHING!

I was just very thankful that when I went in to this men's restroom - it was empty.

Sacrifice

2008-10-05T11:04:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the last day to sign up for basketball. We were well prepared to sign Tyler up and went in with that purpose. Basketball is just something Tyler does to keep busy in the winter months. He enjoys it but is not passionate about it like he is baseball. When we went in to sign him up someone jokingly said - "I had to take out a loan to sign my son up!" We just thought he was being funny - then we saw the poster with the prices.....7yrs and up $90.00. This is a joke right - I mean seriously $90 - for what? They get a t-shirt. We provide the ball and shorts and shoes. What on earth could cost $90? Charlie and I just looked at each other knowing that we didn't want pay that. So we asked Tyler.
How much do you like playing basketball?
I like it.
We know you like it but do you love to play?
No, I just like it.
That was it - our decision was made and we left - without signing him up.
In the car we offered up more of an explanation for him beyond the $90 fee. We have been talking about adoption with Tyler quite a bit but had not told him yet of our starting process with the 10 weeks of classes that we are now required to take. We explained it to him- with church, baseball, school and us having to take this new class we were not even sure we could get him to practices for basketball.
His expression just lit up and his response was - "That's OK - I don't need to play basketball because if I had practice then you couldn't go to your class. You need to go to your class to get my brother."
He doesn't even realize how selfless that was.....he just knows that somewhere out there is his brother/sister and he needs them to get home to us - fast.

The Home Run

2008-10-04T12:54:00.000-07:00

We won.......again!

Our team is the best team in our league. I heard "it ain't braggin if it's true!"

Every single kid on our team LOVES the game of baseball and it really shows when they get out there to play. All of the parents are so proud of what they have accomplished this season....and it isn't over yet!

Tyler had an in the park home run, a base clearing triple, a single and one strike out today.

Not bad for a days work.

I finally decided at the end of the game to get up and try to get some pictures....

I happened to get the home run!

The hit...

Running to third... I can tell by the look that he is looking at the third base coach and I am sure praying that he sends him on home.
And he does...
Victory!
Go Big Red!

Happy Anniversary!

2008-10-02T17:04:00.000-07:00

On mothers day 1991 Charlie popped the question....

On October 3, 1992 I answered it.
Happy 16th Charlie!

Here we go!

2008-10-02T15:17:00.000-07:00

This post has been a long time in the making.

We are going to adopt again! We got the call today to start the process.

It took a while to see how we were supposed to do this. We almost went with an agency. We had all of the paper work filled out and ready to mail. It kept sitting on the table and I would say - oh tomorrow I need to mail that! I just never mailed it in. Then we heard about a group that met at church once a month for adoption support. The second meeting we went to I invited my friend - she needed to hear what this lady from the state had to say. She was going to foster to adopt through the department of childrens services- but not me....I didn't need to hear any of it because I already had my paper work filled out. Then Charlie kept asking questions and I kept thinking - wow he really is inquisitive. Good for him. I sure hope "my friend" is listening to these questions - it's probably stuff she will need to know. But not me.

Then God started showing me what He wanted. He showed it through Charlie - again. Charlie heard what the lady from the state said and he listened - unlike me. He said it felt just like it did when we adopted Tyler. So the only thing I had left to do was pray. I didn't hear an answer right away and really thought we were supposed to go through this agency that I had chosen. I tried to make it so - but I realized that isn't the plan.

We are going to adopt through the department of children's services - again. The social worker that called said she remembered us and our case, even though she was not our social worker at the time. She said "you were blessed." Oh she really has no idea how blessed! I know it won't be as easy as it was the first time. From start to finish it was 7 months and in adoption world that is amazing. What I do know is that with God in control of it - I will be given the perfect child/children and our family will be complete.

Nararator

2008-10-01T18:17:00.001-07:00

Tyler's weekly assignment of writing sentences usually involves me defining the word he needs to write about.
Last weeks words involved writing stories.

He asked me what narrator meant. I told him it was the person telling the story.

Easy enough. His sentence: The narrator tells a story.

Great - not rocket science but a complete sentence. Can't argue with that.

The next day was my day to pick him up from school. He hops in the car and the first thing out of his mouth is - Mommy, God's a narrator.

He definitely understood what a narrator is.