Our week

Another week has come and gone! I worked every day and we had five ball games, a ball practice, a karate lesson, and a late night work session for my husband. In spite of that, we actually got to have a nice family dinner on Tuesday as that evening was completely clear on our calendar. JC and JR played their games in the rain today, and both lost. HT had a rough morning, and he and I left after JR's game was finished. Right now my wonderful husband is upstairs taking a nap, and all of the kids are completely lounging around watching TV. I don't mind today. First of all, it's raining, secondly everyone is exhausted, thirdly, they've had lot's time outdoors running around, and fourthly (is that a word?) I don't even allow them to turn the TV on very often, let alone spend an entire day in front of it. Tomorrow is the First Communion of JC's best friend (the daughter of some of our dear friends) and we get to partake in the celebration afterward. Another full week of work for me, but I suspect this could basically be the end. After all, there are only 17 days left!

Mother's Day

Today the sun was out and it was a beautiful day...just as Mother's Day should be! We spent the day at my parent's house along with my sister, both grandmothers and an aunt. I'm so blessed to have all of these wonderful women in my life. They've all taught me so many things over the course of my life, and I'm so glad my daughter, especially, gets to know all of them. Happy Mother's Day to all!

Opening Day

Yesterday, for the first time in years, our little league's opening day games and parade were held on schedule. It was a very long day, but we all had fun. Since so many of our friends agree to coach during the season, I was in charge of photographing many many different players throughout the parade, and then we had a full day of games. Immediately following the opening ceremonies, JC played a scrimmage against the parents of her team. We then went to a ragball game coached by our best friends, and because of dual coaching roles I had to step in and assist with coaching duties. Unfortunately, JR and HT played their games at the same time, and neither had a terribly successful day. JR's team lost by eight runs and he struck out several times, and HT's team also lost. He also struck out twice, and his devotion to the sport just isn't quite there right now. After those games, we attended a double header of another friend's games and then headed home to prepare for our "opening day party". It was very nice to have a mostly rain free day (we still needed the umbrellas briefly during the boys' games) and it's nice to have the season underway!

You'll never guess...

In a stunning new development, it's another rainy day here! I didn't get a chance to post yesterday, which was the first beautifully sunny day, in, well, I don't remember anymore how long it's been! I also worked all day yesterday, and we had two ball practices and two scout meetings as well. Sadly, dinner was a bowl of cereal when ever a person could squeeze it in. On the upside, I did manage to make sure that everyone DID squeeze in a bowl of cereal and no one went hungry!

I'm a little concerned about the next two weeks. I am scheduled to work. Every. Day. I don't think I would be so overwhelmed about it if it wasn't this time of year where all of our evenings are packed to the brim with ball games and end of year activities. Don't misunderstand, I know that there are millions of families who deal with this all the time...this is the only way they've functioned for years. However, one of my strengths is acknowledging my weaknesses, and stress management is definitely a weakness of mine. I want to enjoy time, not just wish it to be over so I can relax. Definitely something I have to work on. I did explain to the kids this morning that I'll be working the next two weeks and that we ALL have to make some extra efforts to keep things running smoothly around here.

My goal today is to get the next two weeks off to a good start with a clean house...so I guess I better get off the computer and get to it!

More of the same

It's raining today. I really don't mind rain, but this is really getting to be a little bit ridiculous. Last night it finally rained at the "right" time and ball practices were canceled. We all had dinner together as a family, and I love that! I love having the kids tell me about their days, and it's so cute when they start to quiz my husband and I about ours. We also played a game, and had time to read not one, but TWO chapters in our book. It really felt wonderful!

JR had an orthodontist appointment yesterday. I had to smile to myself because as we were leaving he commented to me, "I can't believe it's time to go again. It feels like I was just there. Time is flying by!" Oh, he has no idea! There are so many indications of how he's growing up and I'm so proud of him. He is also now using rubber bands for his teeth which is new for him. He's very excited about it, but also commented this morning that his teeth and jaw were hurting. Yep, that's what happens!

Officially underway

Ball season has officially begun in the house. JC had her first game last evening. It was pretty miserable as far as the weather, but we let the boys stay in the van and play their DS. It was fun to watch JC bat. She has such an incredibly small strike zone and was able to get two walks! The way things are done in this league is that everyone gets to bat but not necessarily play the field the entire game. JC played outfield the second half of the game. The girls brought home a 15-6 victory and she had a great time. Next weekend will be the parade and the boys will begin their seasons on Saturday as well. Of course, they are calling for rain, but what else is new?

Rain, rain, and more rain.

I had mentioned at the beginning of last week that it was supposed to rain all week. Of course I assumed that would mean that we were going to be "ball practice free" all week. How foolish I am! Two of the nights my child's team was the only team out there practicing, but they were indeed out there. We still had our ball commitments every evening. I was a little astounded (and a little annoyed) but I recognize that coaches are getting desperate at this point. Today JC is supposed to have her first game and JR is supposed to have practice this afternoon. I say "supposed" because of course it is going to rain again today (and tomorrow, and Tuesday)! So I guess we'll just see what the day and week bring.

I worked four out of the five days last week, and we are still attempting to adjust to life with both of us working. At least I wasn't trying to pack for a weekend away this time, but yesterday was spent running around doing an entire list of errands that I'd been putting off weeks. We spent literally the entire day accomplishing things, and we also saved a lot of gas by doing it in one day so I guess it all works out in the end. I'm not scheduled at all this week, and I'm so cautiously optimistic that I can find my house again!

Oh, and dad is continuing to rest and improve slightly at home. He still sounds so weak when I talk to him, but mom says that part of that is the timing of when I talk to him. We had hoped to get up there this weekend, but schedules got kind of flipped around, and Mom says that he isn't really up to it anyway, but we are hoping to get up next weekend!