T-Ball Clinic

I was so nervous about this T-ball clinic, it was ridiculous.... until Becky helped me figure out what my problem was. I don't like diong things that I don't know about. I didn't have anyone to tell me how it was going to work, how it was going to be, and what was involved. I had no experience and it made me feel vulnerable. How dumb is that?? It's T-BALL!?!?!

The kids were ready 45 minutes before we had to leave and they were so excited. I was still anxious but not as much as I was earlier in the day. I couldn't wait to see how Kade would do with having to wait and listen to someone else. We reviewed several times that it's up to "the coach" as to when he hits, throws, etc.. He happily agreed.

I was pleased to see how he handled everything, and also (selfishly) pleased to witness another complete breakdown from a little boy there. Screaming, kicking, hitting his parents because they removed him from the situation, etc.. I thought for sure that would be me - and I'm sure one day it will be me; but you know what? The other parents weren't even looking at the scene that was unfolding. hmmmm.

Posing in his baseball uniform....

He had to show me the back of his shirt too (o:

Jackie's "baseball" uniform - he turned around for a back shot like Kade too but I left that one out (o:

We thought the group would be bigger.. it was about 22 kids in the end - this is their stretching

Doing "arm rolls" Jack was happy with this part........

He started to get a little bored by now......

By the time they placed the kids in different positions... like Kyla on 3rd ( which is where Jack started ) Kyla had to throw it to 1st base, and it didn't go very far. I heard her tell the girl that was helping: "I don't throw so good" so they worked with her for a couple of minutes, all the while she was talking her ear off about how her cousin plays baseball and she watches him, etc.. etc..

He changed his mind - and we exited the field (o:

Then Camy showed up to watch the fun and keep Jack company!

This is Kade about ready to run the bases ... he LOVED this part!

This is blurry, but him on 2nd base - yelling out: "#2 base" Everyone giggled and the "coach called him silly - so he got a little quieter with 3rd, said "#3base" again, got called silly again, then was even quieter for home plate. He wanted to stop after that. He started out so strong and so proud too when he got to 1st base.

After some running around with Camy, we talked him into coming back to his ½ of the group because it was time for them to hit. He couldn't wait for that part... see the ball in the top left corner? YAY! I was worried because he doesn't hit off of a tee very well, he does better with pitches.

Kyla is such a girl! LOL - she hit the ball though. She absolutely loved it!!! She didn't want to leave. I can't wait for soccer to start in August - I can tell she's going to be so into it.

I'm such a horrible mommy and forgot snacks and drinks for the kids, and all Jack kept saying over and over, was: "mom, I want some apple juice, I'm thirsty." Auntie Becky saved the day with having some juice from their dinner in the car...... Jack hesitated at first, then when he found out he could "have it" he was happy to take it. Thanks Camy!

Go COWBOYS!

We had a fun evening of playing with Sydney, Aiden & Gavin and the boys dressing up in their daddy's t-shirts.... LOL - they make the kids look TINY!

Thank goodness for the visitors too let me tell you.... my life consists of the continual back and forth of love and hate between my kids. They go from hitting and "copying" and bothering to crying because the other one is hurt and not leaving the house until the other's come along. Seriously - right now they try to upset each other by copying each other, or making a face the other one doesn't like, or standing too close to the other.......... it DRIVES ME CRAZY! Then though this will happen: Jack wont be able to sleep so he'll call out for Kyla.... Kyla got hurt yesterday and was crying, next thing I know Jack starts crying - why might you ask was he crying? "because Kyla got hurt." Or Kade will give Jack his motorcycle "until you can find yours ok?"

OMG - have I mentioned lately how much I need football season to start and be done with this baseball stuff??

We have a free t-ball clinic that we are going to tonight with the city of Lakewood. I have such anxiety over it ( of course ) cause I don't know how it's going to be or what it's going to consist of. Cross your fingers that my kids like it and it's worth going to for 8 Wednesday's in a row (o:











(o:

Happy Father's Day!

All 3 dads in my life had to work yesterday..... TJ and my dad are helping my Uncle Dennis with 12 hour shifts of security for a car show, and Robert works 7 days a week these days - so we made due with the little time we had. TJ had the day shift so we missed him all together, but I took the kids out to see Robert at his work in the morning and my dad & mom came over for dinner later in the day.

The kids love going to see Daddy at his work - and every time we go, he puts together a "craft" folder complete with colored paper, a new pen, and new labels with their names on them in various colors.

TJ - I am such a proud big sister these days. You are quite the dad to those wonderful boys of yours! I know it's hard having two but so rewarding! Serina and you provide so much love to Aiden and Gavin, it makes me so happy to see the 4 of you together at your home, and in your element.

Dad - Thank you. Thank you for being you and for being such a great papa to my babies.

Robert - we miss you when you work so much , but we are so proud of you for working so much. It's hard on all of us for different reasons, but I am so impressed with what you have accomplished there. The recognition you get and the amazing things you've been able to do in that department is so exciting to hear about.

Your wonderful children think so much of you and live for the moments of you pulling up after work or the errands that they go on with you. I love glancing over at you when you don't know it and your admiring something they are doing or saying. I can see the pride in your eyes... it's pretty spectacular isn't it?! You've helped do that! Hopefully next year you wont have to be working and we can do something really big! I love you! xoxo

Just thought a picture of the motorcycle was fitting (o:

A picture of ALL of the many cards the kids made!

Sitting at her daddy's desk at work -

Jackie at daddy's work

Daddy's little princess!!

LOL - she was posing, but I missed the pose (o:

I caught them off guard, these are their favorite shirts though... they would wear them daily if they could.

Happy Father's day!!!

My daddy, and "Papa Jack"

Must be better!

I don't know what is keeping me from blogging ( ok, I do know, it's called facebook ) because I love it so much - but I have to get back into it again.

I also haven't been taking pictures, and I don't know why. I used to take pictures every day just to catch normal moments, and I'm so sad, I feel like I've missed a ton of those over the last few weeks.

I vow to get better... I mean this is my journal, my book, that will help me remember life as it passes so quickly!

Also - Jack is nearly potty trained!!! YAY!! He's going on 3 nights of waking up dry, and although we have some accidents during the day, the mainly occur when I drop the ball on reminding him (o:

I calculated it, we have spent about $5000 on diapers and wipes through out the last 5 years that we have had diapers in our house. OUCH. I am so glad that is coming to an end!!! It does though remind me of how my baby is not a baby yet again. You know what though, he still has babies breath. I swear! I hope it never ever goes away.

" I think I can do this "

A couple of nights ago Kyla decided she was going to read a book by herself. She also told me that I didn't have to lay with her and when Jack came in to her room and asked me to come lay with him - Kyla says: "It's ok mom, I don't mind."
I double checked that she meant what she said - and she reconfirmed it for me in a matter of fact tone. She even added:
" And tomorrow night, I don't even want you to sit on my bed for a minute. I'm ok now to go to sleep all by myself. "

"GREAT!" I said... I secretly knew it wouldn't ring true when the time came, but boy did it sound good right then!

Well, she read a couple of lines of her Dora book ( the kind with a few pictures for the harder type of words that are nouns to help the story move along ) before she came in and said: "what's this word?" about 3 times.

At this point, I had already reminded her that I told her she could "read" her book then she had to turn out the light. One last time she came in to ask with "ing" was at the end of the word that she knew was. I told her and she walked to my door and proclaimed:

" I CAN do this mom, I just know I can. "

I got a big smile on my face and agreed whole-heartedly - " I know you can too Kyla!"

with that she twirled out the door and closed it behind her....

Oh... one last thing - she likes to text her daddy from my phone and she got his phone and wanted to text my phone back. Robert doesn't have a full keyboard type of phone and he told her that it doesn't work the same. She said: "It's ok, I'll figure it out." Wouldn't you know it - she did. The first time she tried it. He didn't even have to tell her to push the button a certain number of times to get to the right letter. Seriously? How does she do that?

I'm so proud I can barely stand it!!!!!!!!!!!

Dear Kade

I just went back to read what I wrote about you last year with the intention of trying not to repeat anything. Many of the things I wrote still ring very true though!

My love and addiction to you have not faltered at all, but rather grown in strength.

You still have the softest, most wonderful skin on earth, but you aren't stingy with the kisses anymore - you give them out willingly and often.
You still hate bread, but you do now eat bbq sauce and mushrooms in your spaghetti and on your pizza!
Your still quite dramatic and exceptionally impulsive, but are starting to feel much more remorse and understanding now.
When you love, you love BIG. ( I wonder where you get that from? (o: )
You are a great baseball player, and a wonderful teacher and brother to Jack ( when you are in the mood )
Watching your good interactions with Kyla and Jack bring me a happiness that can not be duplicated.

My favorite moments are when you ask if just "me and you" can have some hot tea and a snack and talk about our day. You will never know the joy that brings me. I hope that you'll continue to want to do that with me as you get older.

The pride you have for being "four now" is overwhelmingly apparent and brings me just as much pride. You have the best little voice ever, and my favorite word you say is "ok?" but it has to be at the end of a question. Your voice gets a little higher and the word is said in such a cute and convincing manner that makes it nearly impossible to say no.

I can see the progression you are making in your impulses, and your understanding for why you need to be taken away from certain situations. You seem to feel regret and even want to discuss what has happened, so I'm hopeful for what the future holds for you.

Your opportunities are limitless. You can accomplish every goal you set out to have if you can find your focus, your niche in life. I hope you will always remember that you can talk to me about anything and we'll be able to work through everything together. You will NEVER be alone.

I've been keeping track and nearly EVERY single day you tell me all of the following:
" you are beautiful mommy."
" I love your hair mommy."
" I just love you so much mommy."
" I miss you when you are at work mommy."

I live for those moments, and you never let me down.

My dear, charming, gorgeous, special little addiction, and oldest boy of mine, I love you more than all of the baseball's in all of the baseball games on all of the baseball fields in the world.

Mr. Beard has turned 4.

I have tried to start writing this a few times already today and the tears just wont stop flowing, so I'm just going to post a bunch of pictures from the wonderful breakfast birthday party we had on Saturday. I hope that I'll be able to compose my self and my thoughts to my newly turned 4 year old boy Kade.

Thank you to everyone that came on Saturday - the boys had a fantastic time!! We love you all so much!!