Spring Ball

Baseball season is fully underway, and with both kids playing this spring, our schedules are overly packed. We've had a game or practice 6 days out of 7 for the last 3 weeks! Sometimes, the kids have games on the same day, which means Dad takes Little Man and I take The Girl. Plus, The Mr. is a Coach this year so he really needs to be at every game even if Little Man isn't playing that day.


It's difficult for me to get photos of Little Man since I often do the scorebook. So I'm going to have to take a game off here and there so I can get some more pictures of him in action.

This is The Girl's first year playing on a team. Because they offer a girls softball league here, they wouldn't let her play baseball. She was not happy. And the coaches are having a hard time retraining her! She doesn't throw like a girl :)

And she loves to slide! Here I caught her stealing home. Which she does quite often. She's also managed to get pretty banged up while doing it. That's my Girl :)

Little Man's 13th Birthday

The Big 13! I can't believe it. The day started off with a light breakfast. We then went to a movie, and CiCi's for lunch. While at lunch, Little Man opened some gifts.

After lunch we did a little shopping, got some DQ and then headed to the Silver Hawks game. We had a birthday message put on the board. I think they should give us a refund since they misspelled his name :( During the 7th inning stretch Little Man got to play a relay game. He wasn't too thrilled with how it went down. But you can't tell from the grin on his face!

Later that weekend we had a little family party and I made the obligatory baseball themed cake. I think this makes 4 years in a row?

Next year he says I just have to make a baseball stadium just like they did on Ace of Cakes! I think I'd best start planning now...

It's Almost Time...

Today we went out to the RV to pull out Little Man's baseball gear. I told him to make sure he grabbed his cleats as well, but he said he outgrew those a long time ago. And since in past years we've gone through 2 pairs of cleats each season, I don't doubt him!

This Thursday we go to the Little League meeting to sign up. As soon as they form the teams they'll begin practicing. Now that there are indoor training facilities available here, they can get a jump on spring and do a lot of drills and batting/pitching training before the season gets underway. And it's a good thing, because...

Baseball is our favorite season of the year!

2010 Top 10

In celebration of the last year, here are my Top 10 photos of 2010. Making my "2010 Favorites" file was so fun. The last year has seen a lot of changes for our family. So many good memories here! I'm excited to see what 2011 brings!

This photo is fun because you can see us in the reflection in the left lens of Mickey's sunglasses.


Our home away from home: Winter Garden Little League fields


Little Man at baseball camp, knocking out some batting practice


The Girl's new hair cut, with some fun color :)


Little Man in his All-Star uniform


Friday morning coffee dates


Making the trek north to Michigan


Enjoying the fall colors


The first big snow storm of the year


Playing with Christmas lights

Buy me some peanuts!

Family day this week was an evening treat. We scored front row, home plate tickets to the South Bend Silverhawks game last night!



What a great view of the game. The only, and I do mean only, drawback to the seats was the view along the 3rd base line was blocked by the visitors dugout. But you could stand up and watch the play in left field if you really needed to see what was going on back there! The best part was the foot rest :) We had a lot of fun and snacked on $1 hot dogs and sodas.



Little Man was totally into the game until the hecklers started getting obnoxious. I tried to calm him down but he was completely distracted from the game the last 2 innings. He and The Girl were so unused to the rudeness toward the visiting team that I think it may have ruined the experience for them. I hope not. I'd really like to get season tickets next year.

Round Up Time! June 2010

1. What books/magazines did I read this month?
Two books: The Queen's Handmaiden, Around the World in 80 Days. Magazines: Creating Keepsakes, Scrapbooks Etc, Relevant.

2. What movies/TV shows/plays/ect did I watch this month?
The Red Baron, Season 1 of Merlin, Iron Man, Season 1 of Bones, one episode of season 2 of The Tudors, and the pilot for LOST.

3. What fun things did I do with my family/friends this month?
Went to watch the Majors team in playoffs, went to lunch with the Cressman family afterwards. We spent 5 days at the end of the month volunteering at the Little League fields during the 9-10 yr. old tournaments. It was a lot of hard work, a lot of fun, and very tiring :) Mid-month Uncle Todd and Max came to Orlando for a convention. We were able to squeeze in an afternoon of pizza and mini-golf.

Chad and J also had the experience of a lifetime a couple weeks ago when they were invited to go deep sea fishing with some of our baseball friends. They had some amazing fish tales to tell when they got back that night!


4. What gifts did I give/receive?
Father's Day was low key - just a card and an afternoon together. I sent out several birthday and anniversary cards this month.

5. What special or unusual purchases did I make this month?
I went thrifting: purple dress, galoshes, camera bag. I also treated myself to the new Skillet CD.

6. What illnesses or health concerns did I have this month?
We're all doing pretty well. J smashed his left index finger in a door. He will definitely be losing the nail. Hopefully it's not too sore next week for his All Star tournaments! He also hasn't had that growth spurt yet. I know it's coming, though. He started complaining about his knee hurting...

7. What were my accomplishments?
Marathon training is in full swing! The kids are almost finished with all their school work for the year.

8. What were my disappointments?
Due to the week of tournaments, my training schedule is off. I missed the last week because we were out so late (and bone weary) that I just could not get up in the mornings to walk.

9. How did I do on my goals?
Posting to my blog everyday has been a challenge, between the virus on my computer and waiting to borrow one of the kids' computers, and the crazy schedules we've been keeping, blogging has taken a back seat. I still have the marathon in my sights and I'm still working on my various photography projects.

10. Anything else noteworthy? Yes! On June 15, 2010 J got the call he's be working towards for 2 1/2 years: The All Stars call! J made the All Stars team this year. Way to go buddy! We're so proud of you :)

Round Up Time! - May 2010

It's that time again. Another month has flown right on by. Here's the scoop:

1. What books/magazines did I read this month?

I read two fiction books: A Murderous Glaze and Hugh and Bess. It took quite some time to get through the first one, but I flew through the second book. Historical books are so much easier for me to enjoy! As far as non-fiction goes, I've read bits and pieces of Homesteading as well as numerous mexican cookbooks and craft/knitting books. The usual suspects when it comes to magazines, but I did get a new one this month: Creative Knitting. I don't know if I'm going to keep this one. It didn't seem to have too many projects I'd like to undertake.

2. What TV shows/movies/plays did I watch this month?
The usual, though most of my shows have ended and are only running sporadic reruns. I did get the discs from season one of Eureka. That was funny and I plan on watching the rest of the seasons. Movies: Independence Day, Julie and Julia, The Sum of All Fears, Avatar, Blindside, Karate Kid 2, Honey I Blew up the Kid, Sweet Home Alabama, Daybreakers, Sherlock Holmes, Up, Star Trek; the Voyage Home, A League of their Own. I guess we've watched a lot of movies lately since our TV shows are finished.

3. What fun things did I do with my family/friends this month?
Our friends from Texas came to visit for a week and we stayed in the condo with them for a few days. We had fun walking around Downtown Disney and spent lots of time together at the pool! Chad and I have gone on a date almost every Friday morning this month. During vacation week we actually got to play a round of disc golf. J went with us because it had been such a long time since we'd played.

"Monkey see, Monkey do"

4. What gifts did I give/receive this month?
J went to a birthday party this month and he gave his friend (what else?) a baseball bat/ball set... made by Nerf! The ball has this patch on it that helps you make it curve. They had so much fun. And now J wants one for himself :) J and I both received a certificate from J's baseball coach at the end of the season. J for completing his first year in Majors and me for being the scorebook keeper.

5. What special or unusual purchases did I make this month?
I bought myself a cheap pair of tennis shoes. And K immediately tried to steal them...again. She won't give back my purple shoes, so I'm guarding these new ones very carefully!

6. What illnesses/health concerns did I have this month?
None, really. I'm a little concerned with J's diet lately. He seems to be putting on some weight despite being very active. I hope that means a growth spurt is on the way.

7. What were my accomplishments this month?
I finally got the artwork for my online craft store finished. I signed up for a store on shophandmade.org and I made three sets of napkin rings. I have a few more items to finish before I'll post anything though. I want to have a few more options for potential customers to look through.


8. What were my disappointments this month?
I didn't walk much this month and I can feel the difference. I am determined to knuckle down and get back on it though. The offical training schedule starts in a couple weeks! eek!

9. How did I do on my goals this month?
It's 50/50. I didn't walk much, but I got a lot done on the crafting front. I didn't take any photo challenges, but I've been close to getting my pictures every day. I didn't blog every single day, but I did blog most days.

10. Anything else noteworthy for the month?
Chad's work has been on again off again. We're still trying to make plans to move back up north soon. The kids have made a lot of friends this last year (we have too) and that is making things difficult.

All Good Things...

Vacation has come to a close. Our friends headed home to Texas this morning. Safe travels, friends!

We had a lot of fun hanging out together. It was a very relaxing vacation. Only one deviation for baseball practice and then the last 2 games last night and tonight.

We spent plenty of time water logged

Did some monkeying around

Had some Lego fun!

And generally goofed off

It's been a great week. And now it's the weekend! :)

Project 365: Week 18

Sunday, April 25, 2010  Yummy Gingerbread Dark Chocolate Chip Muffins!

Monday, April 26, 2010 Game time!

Tuesday, April 27, 2010  K now likes to take pics of her shoes, too!

Wednesday, April 28, 2010  J taking a little break after school.

Thursday, April 29, 2010  Working on editing photos and making collages for Week in the Life

Friday, April 30, 2010  Game time!

Saturday, May 1, 2010  I read this book cover to cover and typed up every recipe! I love it! I love it so much I even blogged about it :)

Busy Busy Day

Every Saturday is a baseball day. It starts with watching a game or two in the morning, followed by practice in the afternoon and doing the concession stand inventory into the evening. It really does make for a very long day. Add to that the excessive heat and humidity we're already feeling here in sunny FL and it makes it pretty miserable too.

Only a couple weeks of the regular season remain. If J's team can hold onto the number one spot they'll go on to the district tournaments. J also has a chance of making All-Stars this year. So baseball may not be coming to an end just yet. And it's only going to get hotter...

Little Man's Baseball Cake Pops

Thank you, Bakerella!

The extra large baseball will be featured tomorrow on the official birthday cake!

And now, we're off to the ball park!

Take me out to the....

again...??? But it's Saturday!!! (said in a whiney voice)

Yes, we have a ballgame at 9:00 this lovely Saturday morning. It's a make-up game from the beginning of the season - a rain out. The boys are so used to playing evenings that a morning game will surely throw them off their game. It should make for an interesting scorebook.

I'll update later with the stats. :)

Happy Saturday!

Baseball vs. Reds

Despite missing practices all week and Thursday night's game, J was a starter for Friday night's game. Rather than the usual 2nd base or Center field, Coach decided to try him on 3rd base. J played a lot of 3rd base last fall so the position wasn't new to him. He was definitely ready for some action...it just never happened.

J had 2 at bats tonight. The first one he was walked and the second he struck out. He prefers striking out to walking anyday...but it's best to get a hit!

I managed a quick shot as he ran by me after scoring. When I have to juggle the scorebook and the camera, somethings gonna give...too bad it was the pictures...I need to train a replacement soon - or hire a photographer. It was a pretty good game. The Diamondbacks won 10-0. So another shut out on the books. Go Diamondbacks!

Project 365: Week 11

WEEK #11

Sunday, March 7, 2010  Chad and I went to Sam's Club to get all the supplies for the concession stand. While we were there, we picked up the new grill. I got to put it together :)

Monday, March 8, 2010  Tonight was J's first baseball game. I didn't get any pictures :(  by the time he was up to bat it was dark and I didn't want to use the flash. But with the time change, I should be able to get some pictures next week, I hope :)  So after the game I was still a bit keyed up, so I pulled out my new yarn, found my pattern and picked up my needles and started a new knitting project! This one's for me :)

Tuesday, March 9, 2010  I either hurt my arm from putting together the grill, or hurt it knitting...which is more likely?  So no knitting today :(  I pulled out my new notebooks and started sorting all my crafting ideas from all my knitting patterns and put my recipes in a separate folder. I've been meaning to do this for a while. Now I have a place to put all those neat ideas I run across from time to time!

Wednesday, March 10, 2010  We spent the afternoon at the baseball fields again today. While Chad and I were working in the concession stand, he took the kids out to field #2 and had them set the fire hose on it. They had a lot of fun lugging that hose around.

Thursday, March 11, 2010  Today the kids and I went to the YMCA. March is free for non-members to try out so what better way to see if the Y is a good fit for us! I used the treadmill and the kids jumped from activity to activity. They had a lot of fun.

Friday, March 12, 2010  Rain, rain go away, come again some other day. No baseball for us tonight :(

We did go to see Alice in Wonderland since we couldn't play outside :)

Saturday, March 13, 2010  Chad did not work in the concession stand today. Don't let the apron fool you. He showed up just in time to watch us finish cleaning. He did do a little bit - like cleaning the fryers and doing inventory. It was me that spent the entire day in the concession stand! 7:30 am to 6pm. That's a long day.