GO Tigers!

Chase had his first "AA" Baseball Tournament this past weekend in Nevada. It was a really fun weekend for the boys and the parents. The first couple of games were a little rough but we finished really strong on Sunday. We almost beat one of the top teams in "AA" Baseball for the State of Missouri with a final score of 8 to 6. This team actually won the whole tournament. Here are a few pictures of the weekend:

Chase & his Dad flipping the coin to start the ballgame.

Chase pitching.

Everyone always says that Chase's arms were really long --- I think this picture proves it!

Batter Up!

Chase ready at 3rd Base.

Chase and his buddy Matthew making claim on their beds at the Bunk House.

This is where all the ball players and our three wonderful coaches stayed Saturday night while the rest of the parents enjoyed a nice quiet evening in our hotel rooms. I know that I enjoyed a great girls night out with Sherry since both of our husbands happen to be coaches. The boys all had a great time and can't wait for another tournament in Nevada to do it all over again. However, I don't think that the coaches share the same sentiment. Something tells me, or should I say three somethings told me, it was a good thing that Sherry and I took advantage of the weekend while it lasted because they will not be doing that again this summer!

All in all it was a great weekend. I always love to watch Chase play baseball!!

Happy Birthday, Garrett!

Eight years old! I really don't know where all the time has gone with this guy. Garrett is one of the most kind and compassionate kids that I have ever met. He always thinks of himself last, unless you try to put him in and uncomfortable shirt or pair of socks and believe you me he knows which ones they are as soon as you pull them out of his drawer. (This must be something he inherited from his Aunt Meme, my Mom has shared similar childhood stories of her.) Garrett always has a hug and kiss for me and he still holds my hand when we walk into his school together. Everyday with Garrett is an adventure. He is such a risk taker and rarely does life bring a challenge to Garrett that he does not give it everything he's got. I can't really tell you anything that he has ever been too afraid to try. He brings so much joy and laughter into our family. I am so excited about all of the adventures that he still has ahead of him and I feel truly blessed to be right beside him through them all. Happy Birthday, Garrett! Mommy loves you so much!!

Happy Birthday, Chase!

Twelve years ago today was one of the four most exciting days of my life. I became a Mom and got to hold my baby after 9 months of anxiously waiting. I cannot believe how fast these 12 years have gone by. Every year with Chase continues to bring excitement and fun and I know that the next years of his life will bring more excitement and a lot more fun times. I am so proud of him and I can't wait to see all the ways he will completely amaze me this next year. I love you Chase, and I want to wish you a very Happy Birthday!

"1st" Baseball Practice

Ethan finally had his 1st Baseball Practice. I say finally because he has been anxiously waiting for his opportunity ever since his brother's started about 8 weeks ago. He put together his practice apparel and was quite proud of his accomplishment. After all don't you think he looks like a "real" baseball player, too? He is so funny! Once we got to practice he was so excited to take the field and warm up, which he did without hesitation. When practice started Ethan gave it his best. He looked so little out there with all of his other teammates (most of which are 6 and Ethan is only 4). I think after a few more practices he will get more comfortable and really enjoy it. I am so proud of my little guy and I can't wait to see this little superstar take the field!

One of My Worst Fears Realized

I am extremely queasy when it comes to my boys getting hurt. My immediate response almost every time without fail is to turn my back to them and say, "I can't look! CHRIS WHERE ARE YOU?" Chris has always asked me what I would do if something happened to one of the boys when he is out of town and I have always just prayed that I would never have to find out. Well Friday morning I found out. Garrett had been at a sleep over at his cousin, Caden's house and while playing basketball he managed to hit his head on a table and cut his left eye open. Thankfully I am blessed to have family so close by! Tonya came over and took care Chase and Ethan, while Tammy and I took Garrett to urgent care where we were met by my Mom. Garrett was so nervous and scared; not to mention totally mad at me for making him go. Once again Dr. Jess was working and came to the rescue. He took excellent care of Garrett and was able to glue his eye instead of stitches. When he told Garrett this great news you could visibly see him begin to calm down. His eye is healing up and I learned that I can do it --- when I have to!

Our "16th" Anniversary!

Wow, it has been 16 years since I said, "I do!", to my wonderful husband. I can't even imagine what my life would be like without Chris. We have shared so many wonderful moments together. He has truly been my best friend since my sophomore year in high school. He is the first person I want to talk to when I get good news, and when I get bad news he can still to this day wrap his arms around me and make me feel like everything will be OK. We have definitely had our share of tough times too, but I really believe our marriage is stronger because of them. I am so thankful to have such a godly man as my spouse. He is the spiritual leader of our family and we can all see Christ shining through Chris' life. I can't wait to see what the next 50 years will hold for us. I do know that whatever comes our way I am glad to go through it with this man by my side!

WEEK 3 UPDATE: Coach to 5k

Well, it is the end of week 3 and I am extremely frustrated. If this weather doesn't start cooperating I am going to scream!! Chris was out of town for this week and I only had certain windows of opportunity to run that I would not have any children with me. One of the reasons that I was so excited about this program was that I did not need to join a gym to do it. Well silly me didn't stop and think that the weather could be one of my biggest obstacles. So I am calling an official "do- over" for week 3 and I am going to try again. I will keep you posted!

My Easter Blessing

Well another Easter has come and gone. I truly love Easter and what it represents. I am so thankful to serve such a loving Savior. This year while I was singing in the cantata at church we came to a part where our pastor led the congregation in communion. My oldest son had been sitting with my Dad during the service until this portion of the service when my Dad assisted with administering the elements. I was looking at him from up in the choir wishing that I could be beside him during this special part of the service when I was truly blessed by what I saw. My son was partaking of communion like such a young man. I began to cry and thank the Lord not only for the relationship that I have with Him, but for the relationship that He has with my son. As a parent I can honestly say that it is my hearts greatest desire for my boys to grow up serving the Lord and following His direction in their lives. Sunday it was like I got to peak into the window of my son's soul and I was thrilled with what I saw.

"Play Ball!"

Well on April 3rd & 4th we kicked off our baseball season officially with 7 ballgames! Chase and Garrett both played in the Tune-Up Tournament at Cooper Sports Complex in Springfield.

Garrett's kicked the weekend off with two games on Friday night and his team WON both games! Then on Saturday he played two more games and they won one and lost one. They finished the tournament in 2nd place!! Garrett is the catcher on his team as you can see. He made a play at home plate and got the runner out and then in the same game he made a throw to second base and got a runner out. You could see him smiling from ear to ear even underneath his catcher's mask. He really does and amazing job.

Chase played all of his games on Saturday and his team did a really good job. Chase played mainly at 3rd base but he also played some short stop and pitched a couple of innings. They finished the tournament 1 and 2 and if we could play two of the games over again I really think we would have won. We will just chalk our errors up to beginning jitters. Chase did a great job in the field and at bat. Including a really amazing play at 3rd base where he quite literally made a rolling dive to catch the ball.

Even Ethan joined in on the fun. Could this be a glimpse into his future? Hang in there Ethan your team will start playing soon.

All in all it looks like we have a great baseball season ahead of us and I can't wait!

WEEK 2 UPDATE: Coach to 5k

Well, I said I would give a weekly update on my progress. I am already mid way through my second week of this program, but I waited until today to blog about it. I haven't exactly had the best attitude about it this week, however I have stayed true to my commitment and have already completed 2 of the 3 days. It is a great feeling when I am done but I can't exactly say that I look forward to it. I will keep pressing on and let you know how week 3 goes.

"When I Grow Up"

Last night Garrett performed in a 2nd grade musical at his school titled "When I Grow Up". The music teacher asked that he come dressed up like what he wants to be when he grows up. Garrett dressed up as a football player. I really wasn't too surprised by this considering that all my kids are aspiring to be professional athletes. His Grammy couldn't get over how much he looked like his Dad up there singing his little heart out! While I was having fun watching this program, I began to realize that with as fast as the days become weeks, and the weeks become months, and the months become years; he will become this grown up he sang about all too quickly. I need to be his encourager and his biggest supporter. I want to make sure that all my boys know that they can be whatever they want to be if they will work hard and always do their best. The sky really is the limit and I never want them to stop dreaming!!