Abby Kicks It!

Today was the day for which Abby has been anxiously waiting. I know that she thought it would never come. Today was her first soccer practice. She couldn't wait to put on her gear and head out to meet her teammates. She wanted to know about her first game and her team color and find out who else was on her team.

Practice began at 5:30 today. It made things a bit hectic, because both Ron and I were late getting out of the office. But we had a plan (albeit a last minute plan) - he'd get the kids, I'd stop by Little Caesar's and get a pizza and we'd meet at the house and get everyone ready to go.

When we arrived at the practice field the team was already gathering. Abby's coach was waiting to greet each player and hand their parents another form to fill out. Abby was very excited to see a familiar face from her class - Abby Morgan - HOORAY! A friend is on our team.

The coach called the players into a huddle. A few minutes later Abby came running across the field screaming "Mommy we got to pick our numbers and I chose #2!" Her team color is black and they dubbed themselves the "black knights."

Her first practice went well. She had fun. Josh came along, too. For the first time he got to sit along the sidelines and cheer for his sister. He did great.

I know Abby had a good time. And she is very excited about playing soccer. So excited that as soon as we got home, she and Josh went out into the backyard so Josh could help her practice dribbling. Her first game is on Saturday. We'll have the camera and post some pictures. Stay tuned!

Another Visit from the Tooth Fairy

Abby has lost another tooth. I was actually relieved when I picked she and Josh up today from afterschool and she gleefully annouced "Mommy, I got a tooth necklace today at school!" She lost one of her top middle teeth. It's been very loose for many days. In fact, I was trying to get her to wiggle it enough last weekend for it to fall out. I was afraid that she'd accidently swallow it if it came out while she was eating. It was not to be and just as well. I've never seen a kid so excited to have a necklace made out of dental floss with a big plastic molar on it. =) She's holding it in the picture to the left.

She was so excited about the Tooth Fairy's visit tonight that she dressed up as the Tooth Fairy while I was making dinner. It was very cute. Just like anytime Abby plays dress up, she expected me to believe she was the Tooth Fairy while she was in costume. It was very cute.

It won't be long until the Tooth Fairy visits again. The other top middle tooth is also loose. Just think, if she looses it in the next couple weeks, she'll get to have her fall school picture made without her top front teeth. That would be so cute.

Fall Soccer "Kicks" Off

Both kids are playing fall soccer this year. Josh is playing for a boys only U-10 league (under 10). He is playing for the hunter green team. They've dubbed themselves the Vipers. His coach is Scott Robertson and he is awesome with the kids. In U-10 the players actually start learning to play the positions. Josh really likes that.

Josh's team is participating in a pre-season tournament this weekend. We started with a game versus the red team tonight. Josh played both right and left defense as well as right and left offense. He did well in all positions, but especially did well at the defensive positions. In U-10 they officially keep score. His team won their game tonight 2-0. They will play again tomorrow and Sunday.

Abby's coach has called, but the U-8 league doesn't begin play until 9/12. I expect that she will begin practice next week. She can't wait. I hope she has a great time. Especially since this is the first time she has really shown interest, rather insistence, that she participate in an organized activity. Stay tuned for more information on the seasons as they continue.

School days!

School started in our county on Wednesday (happy birthday Mommy - you don't have to pay for full time daycare anymore!). The kids were both excited about their teachers and both were pleased with the friends that were also in their classes.

Abby is now in first grade and her teacher is Mrs. Albertson. She's a younger teacher and seems very organized. I've heard that she runs a tight classroom. But she seems to be very creative. I think that Abby will really love her. Abby was so excited when I picked her up after her first day. She couldn't wait to tell me that her teacher sent homework home for me not her. I had to fill out all the beginning of the year paperwork. Abby was more excited today when get got to bring home her hardback reader for the first time. No more paper books. HOORAY!

Josh is in third grade now. His teacher is Mrs. Debalski. He was really hoping that he got her because she is super nice. Ron and I were also hoping he got her because she has experience working with Josh and seems to know how to keep him focused on his work and how to redirect him when he starts to wonder off course. He was excited when I picked him up on the first day because they had done a science lab in class where they were putting bugs in tubes with magnifying tops so they could study their body structures. He was excited today to tell me that because he is now in third grade he got to have 2 hot dogs instead of 1 at lunch. Ahhh...the simple pleasures of life are the best!

Here's hoping that the enthusiasm that they have now lasts for awhile!

A package from China

We made lifelong friends when we hosted our group from China in April. Since our group stayed for 2 weeks and we had a lot of evening activities planned, the whole family was involved. Joshua was adopted by Mr. Deng (he asked to be his Ganba - godfather) and Abby was adopted by our facilitator/translator Sufei (she asked to be her Ganma - godmother). Sufei has stayed in touch and I have heard from several of our guests since they've returned home. Sufei and her son just returned from their summer visit to China. Last Saturday we received a package.

The kids were so excited when they opened the box and discovered that Sufei had sent traditional chinese clothes for them. Abby had to wear her new dress to church on Sunday. And Josh was excited about his new clothes, too. It was a wonderful experience for our family while they were here and it continues to be a wonderful experience even now.

Cat Eyes

Ever since Josh got glasses last fall, Abby has insisted that she also needed them. I've always put her off by offering some reason why we should wait to get her eyes examined. But when the kids went with us a few weeks ago to pick up Ron's new glasses, her determination could not be pushed off any longer. When her friend Kendra got her new glasses, that was the last straw. So I called and made the appointment.

Abby was so excited on Friday morning when we pilled in the car to go to the eye doctor's office. She was sure that she'd come home with a new pair of glasses all her own. Thank goodness she is too young to understand how to sand bag the test - she came through with flying colors. And a few chuckles for the doctor. When he put the thing in front of her face to test her vision (Rx) Abby immediately stuck her finger into the hole that he'd covered with the black plastic to see why she could not see. After he finished laughing and cleaning the lense, they started again - this time with instructions for her not to put her finger in the hole.

When it was all said and done, not only does Abby see as well as any other six year old, but actually better with 20/15 vision in both eyes. I guess she really does have the eyes of the cat - she's always said that she does.

Wild West Adventures

It's been along time since I last posted a blog. I am sorry...the month of July has been a blurr. A busy yet wonderful month filled with lots of travels and activities. It is hard for me to believe that July has come and gone. I'll try to catch you up on the life and times of the West Virginia Weists in this blog.


You've already read about our camping adventure to Deep Creek Lake and about the newest member of our family - our puppy Maddie. On July 13 we headed to Pittsburgh for an overnight stay. We were up long before the sun on the 14th - checking out of our hotel and on an airport shuttle by 4am. By 5:30am we were on a plane headed to Atlanta, Georgia. And then on another airplane headed to SeaTac. Although it was hard to get up so early, it certainly was nice to arrive in Seattle before lunchtime! Our visit to Washington State was too short - we were only there for a week - but it was filled with fun times with family. Beside the typical activities such as back yard baseball and our trip to Burfoot and the Puget Sound to search for baby crabs, we also spent time visiting with family. Once again we headed down to Great Wolf Lodge. In additional to Grandmeister and Grandma Julie, we were also joined by Chris, Alyson and baby Layla. Uncle Grant and Aunt Callie also stopped by - Grant, Chris and Grandmeister went with Josh on his first few run on the Howling Tornado. Abby wasn't quite tall enough to ride the Tornado but she was tall enough for all the rest and she rode them all many times. The kids had a great time in the water park and also playing Magi. I am happy to report that both Josh and Abby achieve the rank of Master Magi during our trip. Next year I guess they'll have to spend their time slaying the dragon and on other such adventures.

While in Washington, we also got to visit with Jim, Beth and their girls: Elli, Hannah and Lilly. The kids love playing with their cousins. We also took a trip north of Seattle to visit with Thomas, Cathrina, Landon and Parker. (Josh especially likes spending time with Landon since he is the only other boy!) Grandpa Tom and Grandma Nancy joined in the fun there. Our trip home was uneventful. Once again we had a layover in Atlanta. It was good to be home after 13 1/2 hours of traveling.

We the last few weeks have been busy in a different way. The kids are back at day care. Ron and I are hard at work. We've been spending much of our time at home on our basement remodel. By this time next weekend we may have paint on the walls. The carpet should also be in by then. The kids can't wait - they'll have a fun space all their own when it's complete. (and I'll have reclaimed my upstairs as a toy free zone - or at least that is what I tell myself!)

I'll try to get back in the swing of things and post blogs more frequently. Before I know it, I'll be writing a blog about the kids' first day of school. Time sure does fly!

A Camping Adventure

Our kids love to go camping. Abby started asking when we could go camping in February. This weekend was our first camping trip of the summer. We packed the car up on Wednesday night and headed out Thursday after work. Our destination - Deep Creek State Park in Maryland. This was our first time to Deep Creek - and the weather was less than idea, but all in all we had a great time.

It was an easy trip - much shorter than we anticipated. We found the park without problems and after being reassigned to a new camp spot because we took our puppy and the original spot was in the no dog zone, we got settled in. Our spot was less than private - directly across from the bath house for our loop and intended to be paired with the spot of our less than quiet neighbors. 150 foot of rope, a large tarp, trees and rocks...a privacy screen was errected and things were much better.

The campground itself was very nice. All the roads were paved and were also one way - which made bike riding easier for the kids. The road directly in front of our site was also flat which made practicing riding without training wheels easier for Abby and her Daddy. Each site was equipped with a "bear box" which made securing our food and supplies much easier than it would have been if we had to drag them in and out of the car. And much more secure. No worries about bears breaking into the car for a snack.

We knew that the weather would be cooler in Deep Creek than it would be at home, but we were not really prepared for just how cold it was. The sun finally appeared to stay on Saturday and we all went down to the beach. The kids actually braved the water for awhile, but it was really COLD and they didn't stay in long. They did have fun playing on the beach in the sand though.

We tried to go to the fireworks on Saturday night. The park staff told us all about them when we checked in. The part they forgot to tell us was that parking to view the fireworks was along the road on the shoulders around the scenic overlook and that you needed to get there hours before to get a parking place. When we arrived, all the spaces were gone. We ended up down the road behind some trees. We did see some of the fireworks display...those that were shot very hight in the air. The kids were satisfied...and Abby really liked that she could see them but did not have to hear the loud booms from the cannons.

All in all - a very good trip. We walked around the campground with the map and marked the spots we'd like to try next time we go. Hopefully we'll make time to go on several other camping trips this summer.

Introducing the newest member of the family

We have a new pet - her name is Madison (Maddie) and she is a 7 month old chihuahua that we got from our neighbor. Our neighbors who are renters had to decide whether to pay a pet deposit or find a new home for their puppy. They decided to find her a new home and didn't have to look far. Once our kids found out that their was a puppy who would always stay little in need of a home they were quick to volunteer. Maddie is a sweet little doggy and she is already housebroken. She is mostly good with this kids and seems to get along just fine with Lacey and the cats. I am sure that we'll have many adventures together. Stay tuned.

Another Season Comes to a Close

Josh's baseball team held their end of the season picnic on June 25th at Mary Lou Retton Park. It was a great evening. Much like our season the focus was on having fun and being positive. Our team sponsor - EconoMart provided more pizzas than 12 growing kids and their families could ever possibly eat and cookie cakes that looked like baseballs. Each family brought a little something, too. The kids had a great time playing on the play ground and eating.



When it was time for the awards, our head coach Kevin Morris started by recognizing the coaches. They did a fantastic job all season long of helping our kids have fun and learn about baseball at the same time. And then, when he recognized the players, Kevin talked a little about their progress. He started with the 6 year olds - we had 4 of them - all were eligible to play another year of Tee ball but all stretched themselves by starting C Ball. They were all great little players. Morgan, the only girl on our team for the whole season, capped off her first year with a homerun in her last at bat.



Kevin took his time and praised each kid for their contribution to our team. He also totaled their season stats and wrote them on the bottom of each trophey. It was a great end to a great season. We have been really lucky to have good coaches every year. So far, Kevin has been the best. I hope that he will decide to coach B-ball next year and if he does, that he drafts Josh to his team.


Front row - Shaine, Peyton, Eli, Josh, John. Middle row - Sam, Dreavin, Morgan, Corey, Nathan, Joel. Back row - Coach Jeff, Coach Kevin, Coach Sean, Coach Pat, Coach John.

Firefly or Lightening Bug...that is the question!

There are many things that let you know that summer has arrived. The weather is warmer, the days are longer, and the kids are out of school. My favorite sign of summer's arrival is the return of the lightening bug (southern WV speak for Fireflies). The kids were out enjoying the longer days with some friends from our neighborhood. We'd been skating on the road and then the whole gang came to our house to jump on the trampoline and play on our swing set. As everyone was starting to head for home, we noticed them. Little lights that started in the grass and slowly started rising into the air. Josh and Abby were so excited. "Mommy, go get our bug catching jar...we want to catch fireflies!"

They had a great time. In a matter of minutes they had caught more that 30. The simple joys of summer. I remember many nights spent during my childhood in the back yard capturing lightening bugs. After the hunt was over, the fun of keeping the jar next to my bed and watching the lights until I drifted off to sleep. Josh and Abby opted last night to open the bug catching jar and watch the fireflies fly away. It's just as well. I am sure that we'll be out at dusk many a night catching lightening bugs!

From Generation to Generation, Amen

Growing up, I knew I had a lot of grandparents, but it wasn't until I was older that I realized just how unusual it was. I especially knew that I had a lot of grandparents on Christmas Eve, when we'd leave our house around 3pm just to make the rounds and see everyone. I didn't have a lot of grandparents because of blended families or anything like that. I had a lot of grandparents because there were many generations of my family still living. When I was born, there were 5 generations of women on my mother's side. I have included a picture of us. It includes my great-great Grandma Cobb, my great Grandma Geneva, my Grandma Jean, my Mother and I. Althought there were not 5 generations in every family line, there were 4 generations in each family line. You see, I had 1 great-great grandmother, 4 great grandmothers, one great grandfather and all four grandparents when I was born. I don't remember my great-great grandmother. I can't tell you how old I was when she died or anything about her, but I have a picture.

I can tell you a lot of things about all my great grandparents. I have memories about times spent with all of them. My grandma Violet (my dad's dad's mother) was a Avon saleswomen. I remember that one of the local newspapers featured a story about her around some anniversary of her service with Avon. She lived in a block house in a place called Kanawha Two Mile. I remember going with my grandparents to visit her. Her house was full of neat things - many of them Avon trinkets. She used to give us Avon ornaments every Christmas. Before she died, she moved in with my grandparents. Since they were my next door neighbors, we spent a lot of time there. I remember that before she died, she told stories about her life that we recorded on cassette tapes. I wonder what ever happened to those tapes. And I wonder more if anyone still has a way to play them. I don't remember the exact date that she died, but I do remember that it was spring. I remember that all the family gathered at my grandparents house after the funeral and playing in the back yard with some of the cousins.

My grandma Lessie (my mom's dad's mom) was a stong and independent lady. When I was little she lived in a trailer that was across the way from my grandparent's house on the Pritt family farm. I don't remember much about her house, but I do remember that it had a distinct smell because she heated it with oil heaters. Most of my memories of Grandma Lessie were of the time she spent in Hodges Nursing Home on the West End of Charleston. I went to visit her with my grandparents. I remember that she'd often ask me to sing songs for her. I remember the mural on the wall outside her room had birds on it. And I remember that the lady down the hall used to yell a lot. She died on Christmas Day and was buried in the family cemetary on the family farm.

My Granny Mabel (my dad's mom's mom) is the one that I have the most memories of. She was a wonderful lady who knew just about everyone in Kanawha county (or at least her phone records would suggest she did - she loved to talk on the phone). She lived to the ripe old age of 101 and was young at heart until the day she died. I was closer to her than any of my other great grandmothers. I used to love it when she'd come to stay a few days with my grandmother (her youngest child) because I knew that there were always adventures in store. I remember being a very little child playing in the basement of my grandma's house while she and Granny Mabel strung and canned beans. I also remember learning to sing hymns - I truly believe that my Granny had memorized the alto part to every hymn ever written. And she knew the words to every verse. I remember that she would drape sheets over the kitchen table and climb under with me to play house or have a tea party. And when you consider that she was in her 70 and 80s when I was a child that makes it all the more special. She was able to start at the beginning of the year and in date order tell you the names and birthdays of all her children, grand children, great grand children and great-great grand children. And I don't know how the others felt, but she had a way of making me feel like the most special person in the world to her. The thing that always amazed me about Granny Mabel was her unwaivering faith in God. She outlived her husband, who died more decades before her, and 4 of her 7 children. And although she was sad about it, she never turned her back on God. She lived long enough that she got to see me get married and she was alive and well when Joshua entered the world. She died right before Thanksgiving in 2002 - while I was pregnant with Abigail. I have never been sicker in my life than I was the day of her funeral.

My final great grandmother (and my only great grandfather that I knew) was my mom's mom's parents. My great grandma's name was Geneva and she died today, June 23, 2009. I remember visiting her house which was just down the hill from ours and watching the interaction between her and my great Grandpa Howard. I remember the family gathering when my grandma's older sister Pasty would come in for visits from Texas. And the Blackshire family reunion was always a must attend event. It always included the horseshoe pitching contest and a series of games and relays for the kids. My cousin Lee and I use to practice the wheelbarrow race and the three leg race for weeks. And our practice often payed off. We loved to win. My grandpa had alzheimer's disease and when it was clear that Grandma Geneva needed help caring for him, they moved from their house on Tyler Mountain to a trailer on the Pritt farm and then into my grandparent's house. I watched as my great grandfather retreated to a time in the past and "forgot" who my grandmother was. I think it broke her heart. When he died they had been married for 60 years or so. That just doesn't happen anymore. A few weeks ago she suffered a stroke and never recovered. And today with her death it is the end of a generation in my family.

I take comfort in the fact that I still have all four of my grandparents with me. And that my children, like me, know them and have been blessed with a relationship that most never have. Growing up I never realized what a special gift the opportunity for that relationship really is. I am so very thankful to have had it. From generation to generation - Amen.

The end of a season

Josh's team played today in the quarter finals of our C-ball league tournament. We played Pearson Security - a team that we won against and lost to in the regular season. We knew that they would be tough, but after yesterday's come from behind win, I thought we might be able to pull it off.

We were the home team again. We took the field and showed a few jitters. We gave up 4 runs before recording 3 outs. We got up to bat and showed some power and put up 3 runs ourselves. Sadley that was most all of our offense for the day. And Pearson was just getting started. Our team kept their heads held high and showed good sportmanship throughout the entire game. We only played 4 innings and Josh only got to bat one time. He made good contact but was thrown out. He was on deck when the batter in front of him hit a pop up. The shortstop caught it and doubled up the runner who was too far off first base. The season ended with Josh on deck.

We have our end of the year picnic on Thursday. It should be a great time. We have outstanding coaches and great players. I know it will be a fun event. Now we can spend the rest of the summer having fun.

Drama at the ball park!

EconoMart played our first tournament game today. Seeding for the tournament was done by random draw because there had been several closely contested games and many parents and coaches were unhappy with umpiring decisions. Although we finished the season in 5th place, we were the first team drawn and therefore got a bye in the first round.

The tournament started last night. We played our first game today against R&E Electric. Our team was the home. We came out in the top of the 1st and played tough defense - 1, 2, 3 inning. We scored a run in the bottom of the first, but several of our big hitters started off slow. And then it started. One mental mistake and our team lost their heads. A couple of runs scored. We continued to struggle at the plate. And then more mental mistakes lead to more runs. Before we knew it it was 7 to 1.

Then the comeback began. Our hitters started hitting and it was 7 to 4. Then we again played tough defense. When we came up in the bottom of the 6th (the last inning of the game) we were down 3. Nathan lead off with a single. Then a single from Joel. Then one from Corey. Then one from Dreavin. Then one from Sam. Josh got up with no outs and the bases loaded. He hit a single and knocked in the tying run. Then our younger batters came up. All the parents were cheering like crazy as Shaine stepped into the box. "Just hit it!" we screamed. And he did. A little dribbler back to the pitcher and the winning run crossed the plate. Our dugout cleared. Everyone from the bases charged home. I looked up and saw Peyton jump into Josh's arms. They were estatic. Our first come from behind win of the season. They couldn't have picked a better day for it. Hopefully the emotion and intensity will spill over into tomorrow's game.

Camp Mountaineer

Josh has spent the week at Cub Scout Day Camp at Camp Mountaineer. He's had a fantastic time with his friends and had earned some new badges and belt loops, too. During the week he learned to shoot a bb gun, to shoot a bow and arrow and to ride a horse. He got to swim, and row a canoe, water slide down a very steep hill and go fishing. Yesterday, all the cubs had a gigantic water battle. They've learned about native american dance and have learned new songs and cheers. Tonight each animal pack (Josh and his friends were Toucans) either led a song on did a skit. Josh's group's skit was the grand finale at camp fire.

It was a great experience. Next year he gets to go back to camp and actually stay overnight for 3 nights. It will be something to look forward to.

A Winning Weekend

Josh's ball team had a busy weekend. We had a game on Friday night, on Saturday and today. Josh got out of his batting slump on Friday night when he went 4 for 4. He continued his hot hitting yesterday and went 3 for 3. In fact, all the players hit well and his team won 14 to 4 over one of the team that still had only one loss. When we played them the first time (we play each team twice during the season) we lost by one run. It was a very close game. In yesterday's game we played good defense for the entire game.

Today's game was good, too. Josh went 2 for 3 with another inside the park homerun. He played the entire game at catcher. This game was a little more intense. We started out playing great defense and took a 7 - nothing lead. Then with some shaky defense we let them back into the game. A couple innings later it was 7 - 6. Then it was 12 - 6...then more shaky defense and it was 12 - 10. Josh lead off the top of the 6th. That at bat was his inside the park homer. His team scored 3 more runs that inning to go up16 - 10. We did allow a run to score in the bottom of the 6th but held them to win 16 to 11. Hopefully we'll continue our winning ways and win our final two games of the season. Then on to the tournament. I'll keep you posted.

BLING! Earrings for Abby

Some of you may know the drama surrounding Abby and pierced ears. Several times she has asked to have her ears pierced and then decides against it when she sits in the chair. A few months ago we actually did the paperwork and the lady at the jewerly counted "shot" the first one into Abby's right ear but the gun misfired and the earring didn't make it completely through her ear. After 30 minutes of trying to convince her to let them try again, we left the jewerly store with a new pair of earrings but no piercings for them to go through.

Thursday night was Abby's best friend Leah's birthday. So Abby went to Leah's house that night for a sleep over. When Leah's Mom brought Abby home on Friday morning, Leah told me that she was going to get her ears pierced on the way home. Abby looked at me and said "Mommy, I want to get my ears pierced, too." We didn't go on Friday. But for the rest of the day and several times on Saturday morning she asked again if she could get her ears pierced. So we called and found out the hours and confirmed that they would be able to do both ears at once. Abby, Mamaw Brenda and I loaded into the car and headed off to get it done. We found our way to the jewelry counter and Abby found a pair of pink flower studs that she liked. I signed the permission form, they marked her ears and loaded the guns. Abby found a nice stuffed puppy to hug and sat in the chair. Before she could change her mind, it was over. Her earrings look so cute. And she is so happy to have it done. She can't wait until Tuesday so she can see which earrings Leah chose and show her the ones she got.

A great night of Baseball

We started our long weekend of baseball with a game versus Victory of WV. This is one of the teams that has several of Josh's friends from school on it. One is his very best friend Josh Poe. Our team was short a few players tonight due to vacations, so Victory supplied us with one outfielder each inning we were in the field. Josh started the game in left field, but when our catcher got hurt in the first inning, he took over at that postion. He had an outstanding game for hitting. He went 4 for 4 with two singles, a double and a home run! Josh also got to play second base for an inning. He did really well and actually recorded an out at second.

It was a great game all around. We won 16 to 8. Hopefully we will continue our winning ways tomorrow. I'll keep you posted.

School's out for Summer

The school year officially ended on Friday. The kids both did very well on their report cards and both were promoted to the next grade. Josh was able to earn all A's and S's with the exception of handwriting. And his low B in handwritting improved to a B+ once they started learning cursive. Abby earned check marks in all areas except that she never learned to tie her shoes. Her Kindergarten teacher didn't push this at all. I guess sooner or later she'll have to learn that skill.

The kids started back to Sunbeam on Monday - the daycare center that they attended from birth through pre-K. They were both excited to see their Sunbeam friends. The change of pace is good for them. Sunbeam offers a good summer program for the school aged children who return. They always go on trips - Josh was excited to tell me that Wednesdays are skating days. And they do structured activities throughout the summer. An example is that the children will be talking walks daily and logging their miles with the goal of walking to Charleston by summer's end (that's 132 miles each way). Throw in the special themed activities, like trips to local radio and tv stations to learn about broadcasting, trips to the local senior centers to sing and interact with older folkes, and trips to local parks, they'll be back to school before they have time to get bored. And hopefully before they forget all they learned this year.

An injury and a game ball

Josh had a baseball game tonight. And for the 5th game in a row he played catcher. When he was dressing for the game he mentioned that he would like to have a day off just like big league catchers. But when his team took the field for their warm up drills, he was wearing the mask and behind the plate.

His skills get better every game he plays. He has learned more about which way to turn his glove to catch the ball. But even skilled catchers take a beating behind the plate. Each game Josh has taken a ball to some part of his body. In yesterday's game he got hit in the gut and it knocked the wind out of him. Tonight he made in through the entire game without being checked on. And then it it happened. And I am not even really sure how it happened. All I know is that somehow Josh got hit in the arm with a baseball hard enough that he had to come out of the game. He has a nice baseball sized bruise complete with the marking of the seams on the inside of his left elbow. After one batter in the dugout getting a thorough once over by the coaches, he put on his mask and went back to the field.

The coaches were so impressed with his resolve that they awarded him the game ball. They told the team that it took great courage to go back out there and get behind the plate after being hurt. They said "Josh was tough as nails."

We have another game tomorrow night. I'll be interested to see if Josh puts on the mask again tomorrow or if he asks for a day off in the outfield. I'll also be interest to see how his arm looks in the morning. Stay tuned...

Tigers Bounce...so do we!

Yesterday we did it...we went to the store and bought a trampoline for Abby with the money she had received for her birthday. She's been asking everyday if "this is the day we are going to buy my trampoline?" We also bought the safety enclosure that goes with it, too. Since we got home very late and had no idea how long it would take to put the thing together we decided to wait until today to build it.

We opened the trampoline box first and read the instructions. It mentioned that if using with the enclosure that you should follow the instructions in its box. We built the trampoline rather quickly. And then when we opened the enclosure box we realized we were going to have to undo our quick work. The bottom of the enclosure had little button holes in it through which the metal attachments of the jumping surface had to slide through. Instead of taking the whole thing down we decided to unhook them in section and attach the enclosure.

The biggest bummer was that because we had to redo much of our work, the kids did not get much jumping time today because Josh had a ballgame this evening. We told them not to worry - they have all summer to bounce! I have a feeling they are going to be bouncing a lot.

Catch This!

Josh started at catcher again today. This is the fourth game in a row that he has played that position. He has really improved his skills. Instead of trapping the ball, he is actually catching it now. And he is beginning to understand how to field the position once the ball is in play. Today someone overthrew the pitcher and Josh fielded the ball and was alert enough to know that he had to get back to plate to try to tag out a runner coming home. He didn't make it in time, but it was a good effort.

He had a better game offensively, too. He's been in a bit of a slump, but today he went 1 for 2 with a double. He made good contact with the ball and drove it back up the middle instead of up the first base line as he has been doing.

We lost the game today. Final score was 15 to 9. We'll have another chance tomorrow night. Wish us luck!

A world of Fun

Tonight was Abby's party with her friends. She choose a Hannah Montana theme and wanted to have her party at Valley Worlds of Fun. For those of you not familiar with Valley Worlds of Fun, its like a cross between Chuck E. Cheese and a small amusement park. We always struggle a bit with when to have Abby's party for her friends because her birthday is so close to Memorial Day and people are focused on other things. Add in sports schedules, and its even more challenging. We tried something different this time - a Friday night party. And based on our attendance, Abby is either incredibly popular at school or Friday nights are a great time for a party. We had 16 kids!

We went all out with the Hannah Montana theme. Abby's cake, pictured above was actually made of 24 cupcakes. It turned out GREAT and was very easy to serve. I think we'll be doing cupcake cakes from now on. Abby dressed up in her best Hannah Montana outfit, complete with her HM boots. (Thank goodness it was a cool night because they are her snow boots) And she also had me use the pink and purple hair paint into her hair. Add in her cool HM sunglasses and she was a secret superstar!

Everyone had a great time. And because it was Friday night, there were not as many parties you typically see on Saturday. Our kids largely had the run of the place. It was wonderful. Abby came away with quite a haul. For which she was very happy. And everyone had a great time. Thus ends our week long celebration of Abby's 6th birthday. Happy birthday, Abby! We love you and are so proud of you. You certainly are our little superstar!!

Adventures in Backpacking (and Driving)

Ron finally made it home this morning around 10am. It was a long journey. By all accounts it was a fantastic trip. He had the opportunity to visit some really beautiful places along the way. Most of the sights were in Utah. They started in Arches National Park after driving for two days straight. I am sure it was wonderful to get out an stretch their legs on hikes, especially given the breath taking beauty of the place. From Arches they traveled to Capitol Reef, then to the Grand Staircase at Escalante, to Bryce Canyon and ended their stay in Utah at Zion National Park. He and many of the people on the trip opted to sleep out in the open each night. The views were amazing. Of course, without any light pollution, he said you could see everything - including the bands of the Milky Way. They saw countless shooting stars, too. Wonder what he wished for?

The trip ended up with them visiting the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and an Indian Reservation. Then it started all over again...the marathon drive home. They hit the road at 5am local time on Tuesday, May 26. Ron was insistent that he was going to make it home for some part (even if it was a small one) of Abby's birthday. But as the hours rolled by and the states came slowly it became clear that it was not to be. Text message home chronicle the pace. 5/26 "In New Mexico - FINALLY. Traveling I-40 home". 5/27 - "Garmin says 22 more hours. See you soon." 5/28 @ 12:45am - In Louisville. Back on the road in a minute. Good night." 5/28 @ 4:21am " You're right about the accidents. We just got into WV and sat on I-64 for 90 minutes. Two vehicles collided and rolled." 5/28 @ 6:20am - "Flatwoods." Phone call at 7:30am - "I'm at GoMart in town, we still have to unpack the vans. I'll see you soon."

The kids were very disappointed that they didn't get to see Daddy before they headed off to school. It's been a long 10 days for them. I am sure that he'll get the biggest hugs ever when he greets them off the school bus this afternoon. We are all glad to have him home safe and sound.

Myspace No More

Since everyone is now on Facebook, I am almost never on Myspace. And I get the impression that you guys aren't on there so much either. I have been using blogspot for a blog that I write for work and thought maybe it would be easier for me to use this format to blog about happenings with the family.

Today has been a good and bad day. It's Abby's 6th birthday. Except for a minor conflict over wardrobe this morning (I put shorts on under her dress as required by her school and she didn't appreciate it) we've had a wonderful day. By luck of the draw, we had snack duty today at school, so she even got to pick her favorite snack - goldfish and cheese sticks - to share with her friends at school. The celebration continued as she opened more birthday gifts. And we spent some time at McDonalds today, too.

The bad part is that Ron is not going to make it home today. I have suspected this would be the case since I first saw the travel schedule for the trip, but he's held out hope that he would somehow get back. He told me today that he was really depressed that he had to tell Abby happy birthday by phone.

We will continue the celebration on Friday night when we have her party at Valley Worlds of Fun with her friends. She is very excited about the party. And is also excited to get her trampoline this weekend. It must be nice to have your birthday be observed as a birth week!