Baseball Ready

Jake's coaches are wonderful. They expect a lot out of those boys, and are proud papas when they do well. They are fun and supportive, even when some of the boys forget what it is they are supposed to be doing out on that field.

Coach: "All Rockhounds are baseball ready ... except one."

Followed by a pointed look at Shortstop Jake, who was studying the clouds with his hands behind his back. Shortstop Jake didn't notice the problem until a ball flew right past him. Oops.

That's okay, buddy. Your cute face makes up for it. And your coaches think you're pretty great, too. They told me so.

A Good Day

This afternoon I took a big long nap. It was very nice, and very necessary. Probably because yesterday was so great. Ever noticed how the best days are usually the most tiring?

Granny and Poppy came to watch some baseball games. This is not Granny. Or Poppy. This is the dog. I brought a nice blanket to put down for the grandparents' comfort, and the dog was very grateful.

I haven't written a ton about this baseball season, but suffice it to say it's been a good one. Both boys have done very well, and improved all of their baseball skills considerably. At yesterday's game, Jake had an RBI and made a spectacular out at first! He also took a ball to the ribs while playing catcher, but got back out there after only a few minutes. Phew! Glad he's tougher than his mama!

Cam played his last tee-ball game ever and, not to be outdone by his brother, he too made an impressive out at first. He also scored several runs, but is always more impressed by the outs he makes because in tee-ball we don't keep score. He can't wait for next year. After the game he ate a slice of pizza the size of his head, got a trophy, ate several slices of watermelon, got a game ball, ate a cookie, and got squirted in the face by Poppy.

In the evening, after Granny and Poppy went home, we had a buzz-cut extravaganza. Dan and I thought it was lots of fun. The boys thought it was the end of the world. And the neighbors - I'm sure - thought of calling social services.

Defender

The other day Camden was involved in a little confrontation at school. Apparently, it went like this:

Bratty Little Girl, sticking her face right up to Cam's: "You think my mom's not pretty."

Cam: "Why are you in my face?"

BLG: "I don't think your mom's pretty."

Camden assures me he never said anything about BLG's mom. He also assures me he does think I'm pretty. And that he told her so.

Thanks for defending my honor, sweet little boy.

Memorial Day

On this (unofficial) first day of Summer,

enjoy your picnics

and barbecues.

Enjoy your day at the pool

or the park.

(I know we will!)

But remember to take a moment

to think about what this day is

really about.

And to thank -

if only in your heart -

those who have given

their lives

for your freedom.

And those

who are still willing to.

Working Up an Appetite

Last night, Jake ate one and a half hamburgers. And a big ol' slice of watermelon. And a pile of pasta salad. His daddy and I just watched. We've never seen him do anything like that before. We decided that we should have shipped him off to the Army a long time ago. It seems a good battle can build up a healthy appetite. Especially when one single-handedly kills a Yankee.

We spent the day leading up to Jake's spectacular dinner learning about the Civil War at Ferry Farm (George Washington's boyhood home) and Kenmore (his sister's house). And we had a blast. There were games to be played, laundry to be scrubbed, and limbs to be amputated (not really - we just saw the tools).

And of course there was a battle. Our brave boys showed no hesitation when asked to join the Army of Northern Virginia. After only a few short minutes of drill, they were marching off amid shouts of "Let's go kill some Yankees!" And even though some new recruits ran off crying with the first shots, and even though their general went down, our boys fought valiantly to the end.

I don't know what makes me prouder. My sons' brave service or the dinner they ate that night.

Wait. Silly question.

Definitely the dinner.

Counting

Camden is always so proud and excited to show us his schoolwork when he brings it home each week. We're always pretty excited, as well. Mostly because we never know exactly what we might see!

You might be interested to know that this particular paper earned him a great big smiley face. I'm so glad he's got an understanding teacher :)

Nothing Personal

Camden has a few friends who play ball on different teams. It's always fun to meet up with a buddy on the field. And a hug at second can give you the extra oomph you need to make it home.

But no amount of friendship will stop this little man from making that out at first. Sorry, buddy. Cam still loves you, I promise.

From the Couch

So, I've been a little out of the loop for a while. Remember when I posted about having surgery? Well, I decided that was so fun and exciting that I just had to do it again. That's right, two weeks later I was back in for another one. My house may never be clean again, but I've made good buddies with the nurses at Stafford Hospital!

While I've been on the couch, my boys have been carrying on with their lives. As in, playing baseball. And you know what? They're really good! (This coming from their totally objective, non-biased mom, of course!)

On the Sidelines

Jake's baseball games are two hours long. Add a half-hour pre-game warm up, and we're at the field for quite a while. And although we love every minute of it, and support that little slugger with everything we've got, we also have to find a way to pass the time on the sidelines. We can get pretty creative...

The Clip-On

Last night I was all set to write a really sappy post. See, I had surgery a week ago, and I have felt so loved and blessed as I've been recovering. Friends have brought meals for my family and have called to check on me daily. My boys have been so gentle and so good. (Proof that it really is possible!) And that wonderful man I married... Well, he's taken such good care of me. He's taken over all of my "mom duties" on top of his "dad duties" and work. He's catered to my every whim (he makes some yummy milkshakes!) and, thanks to him, this is the first time I have ever gone through an entire cycle of antibiotics without missing a dose! He really is that good.

I was going to write about all that stuff and share just how loved I have felt through all of this and how I am so blessed to have such wonderful family and friends.

But...

Then Camden started screaming and stumbled his way down the stairs. Naked. With a clip-on tie clipped onto his penis. I got it off (that took some doing, poor kid) and we sat on the couch icing his boy parts for a good part of the evening.

So that's why I never wrote my sappy post.

P.S. On the bright side, I'm thinking that boy is going to be a little more careful where he clips things from here on out. And maybe he'll start wearing clothes. Maybe.

Opening Day

It's baseball season again.

And this year, I get to take pictures.

I got a good man.

You may not know this,

but a long time ago

in a former life,

I used to be a ballerina.

But now,

in my current life,

I am a wife.

And sometimes,

my wonderful husband takes me

to see the ballet.

I love my current life.

Bad Boy

Camden is constantly asking to listen to the Beastie Boys. He absolutely loves them. I have to admit, I enjoy it too. Dan, on the other hand, is not a huge fan.

So the other night, as Camden got down to "Girls" and "Brass Monkey," Dan asked why he liked this music so much.

Camden's answer, in his sweet-as-can-be voice, with his sweet-as-can-be smile... "Because I'm a bad boy."

Sometimes, I get a little nervous about the teenage years.

Home

"Start by making your own home a place where happiness and love abound, through your love for each member of your family and for your neighbor. Try to put in the hearts of your children a love for home. Make them long to be with their families. So much sin could be avoided if our people really love their homes."

-Mother Theresa

Yesterday, my boys went back to school after the best Spring Break ever. No, we didn't go on a big fancy vacation. In fact, we didn't go anywhere. Not even to the store. I mean it, we didn't go anywhere. It was wonderful. A full week with nowhere to be but home. Together. It was wonderful.

A Little Miscommunication

Our new bird feeder is squirrel-proof.

Unfortunately, no one told the squirrel.

92 degrees

Was it really just a month ago that we were buried under over two feet of snow?

Why yes, yes it was.

Three Things

One

My boys just had a mid-day bath because their feet (and legs, and hands, and arms... and Camden's head) looked like this. We are really enjoying Spring Break.

Two

Despite our best efforts (Granny and I placed some extremely well hidden eggs in that forsythia bush), those kiddos found all the Easter eggs this year. I think they're getting too smart for us.

Three

Just a quick shout-out to the undisputed winners of Egg 2010. John and Maria won with this incredible, bare-hands catch by Maria. That egg went all the way over the house before it came hurtling down at her. Oh, and that egg? Turns out it was raw. Oops.

P.S.

Don't be fooled by Camden's pouty face. Easter really was a fun and happy day. Even for Camden.

I guess I should have made that four things.

Happy Easter!

We hope your Easter was every bit as happy as ours.

Deja Vue

Easter 2008

Easter 2009

As I'm boiling eggs to prepare for Easter, I can't help but think back to Easters past. And I can't help but secretly hope for a repeat of the last two years.

That darn forsythia.

Gets them every time!

The Perfect Date

Dan and I try to keep the romance alive. (It's not hard when your hubby's as cute as mine, I have to say!) So Saturday we went on a date. Best date ever. It's true.

After loading the boys' Easter baskets with candy from the neighborhood party, we left them with Granny and Poppy and headed out for a day on the town. Notice I said "day." We don't do nights. Just ask my brother about New Years 2009. Like I said, we don't do nights.

First stop was the piddle pot (that's the bathroom, in case you were wondering) at the Mosque. Not a real mosque. Not sure why they call it a mosque. But it's a pretty building. With a very tiny bathroom. So we waited in line for a very long time. I got to watch a beautiful college girl eat her dandruff. Good times.

The long line at the piddler was definitely worth it. I would not have wanted to leave during the main event.

We saw "Wicked!" And let me just tell you, it was wonderful. I will never watch "The Wizard of Oz" the same way again. That's all I have to say. Wouldn't want to ruin it for anybody who doesn't know the story - like me a week ago.

After the show - did I mention is was wonderful? - instead of sitting in the car for 45 minutes just trying to get out of the parking garage, Dan and I decided to take a walk. Though kind of chilly, the sun was shining and we were kid free. Nice!

But it wasn't long before our growling tummies needed to be filled. A quick swing by the garage proved that we would be going nowhere anytime in the next decade, so off we went on foot to find food. And find food we did.

Oh it was yummy. Italian. And I'm not talking Olive Garden or Bertucci's Italian (both of which I love). I'm talking Italy Italian. As in, everybody in the place was speaking Italian. And cooking Italian. And winking-at-me Italian.

And, I am convinced...

we ate with the Mafia.

Doubt me if you wish, but I know it's true.

Now that's my idea of the perfect date.

And don't you worry. We were home before bedtime. (See, told you it was a perfect date!)