They always keep me guessing

This week, we had a lot of stuff to do.  We had ballgames, broken down vehicles, tire issues, meetings, city council and I don’t even know what else we tackled.  When things get crazy, we like to add in one more thing, because who doesn’t want a challenge?  Which is why, when Jim’s coworker offered me a job at her liquor store, I said sure!   Because why not?   I started with training.  I don’t think it will be that bad, their system is straightforward and their inventory is something I am familiar with.  Plus it is only one night per week and some occasional fill-ins.  

I finished training in time to drive Saige over to Harveyville to her game.  This game started out ok, but got a little bit rough.   Jim was getting upset because the umpire wasn’t exactly following rules. He is a rules and safety kind of guy.  If you know Jim at all, you know he spends his life following the rules and protocol, and paying attention to safety, and he expects everyone else to as well. The batters were batting at the front of the box, and stepping out of the front side when they batted.  They should have been out, but they weren’t calling it.  This meant that when they hit the ball, they were at least a foot closer to the pitcher than they should have been, and Saige was the pitcher.  They also hit our catcher when they threw a bat. It wasn’t called.  They also brought in a pitcher who was throwing cannons.  She would have been amazing, if she was accurate, but she was hitting our girls.  The combination of things proved too much for Jim, who then started asking questions.  He was not disrespectful, but umpires never like being talked to.  She gave him a warning and then went on to tell the coach if Jim talked again, she would throw our coach out!   I’ve not seen that before.  

Saige did an amazing job pitching.  She also did good at bat - taking a hard pitch in the knee and another in the ankle.  But she got on and scored, although not in a manner we would prefer. 

Sadly, Jim’s concern over them being closer to the pitcher was warranted.  Saige threw a pitch, the girl smacked it right back to her.  Saige put her glove up, but didn’t have much time!   The ball hit the top of her glove, bounced off and smacked her in the face.  I am thankful she got her hand up there to slow the ball down, as it could have broke her nose.  As it is, she has a pretty nasty amount of swelling, stitch marks on her nose, and a nice shiner!  We have been watching it spread.  She is one tough cookie - she took a few minutes, and then went back in and finished pitching the rest of the game - including extra innings!   She also got the win for them!   I hope we won’t have to play them again this year!  Or if we do, that we get an umpire who is as concerned with safety as Jim is!  

Evie had a T-ball game.  She played the whole game, then ran out to give me a hug and thanked me for coming.  Then asked if I brought money for the concession stand!   Good thing I took that 4th job?!?!?   I love that little gremlin.  I’d give her money any day!  

This weekend is a 3 day weekend.  We are putting the focus on relaxing a little bit.  I was thankful that the car was something that we were able to fix ourselves.  Preston was instrumental in getting it running better than before it broke down.  Preston also spent a bunch of his day off mowing and working on the yard, helping the weekend have less to do  Jim and  Andrew have planned out several fishing excursions - you know - because it’s Father’s Day!   I am not sure where they went or how long they will be gone, but if Jim is gone, we can watch HGTV without anyone asking why the game isn’t  on!   I feel like if I go to the ballpark 4 nights a week, we can relax and watch anything else!   

I always look forward to summer.  I like the weather, I like floating, I love hanging out with the kids and a little bit of a less rigorous schedule.  I always tend to forget how much running, how much car time, and how many more groceries we will need!   I will count my blessings, soak in the sunshine, and do the best we can.  

More summer activities

This girl cracks me up.  Every day she spends some time coloring and practicing writing her letters.  Oh, and making her feet look like chicken feet! 

We enjoyed Cameron’s visit.  He helped us with a lot of stuff, including repairs on the deck from the accidental tree dropping from last fall.  I think Preston enjoyed having someone to force into carrying tools.  

I am glad they won’t be gone long before they will be back to visit again!  It is hard having them so far away.  

Softball.  And a little more softball. Saige has had several games.  They have had some success, and some examples of where they could use improvement.  Harper hasn’t had many games, and her next game was cancelled. She doesn’t seem too worried about it.  

Picked up a barn cat.  The girls named her Clem.  We are all wondering if she is a litter mate to the cat we found in Mallory’s window well this weekend (who we have named Marjory and who has taken up residence in the basement).   They are about the same size, look similar, and have identical yowling meows!   Both cats have been advertised on city Facebook pages, with no claims of ownership.  

We had a little bit better luck with our rabbit project this time around!   Not the best outcome, but at least we ended up with a few making it.   I love this little guy!  (Or possibly girl).  It isn’t correctly marked for a show rabbit, but it is perhaps the cutest little bunny I’ve ever seen!  

I love summer!  So much fun! 

About dang time

Five plus years ago, we went to visit Colin when he was attending KSU.   When we got to his house, he introduced us to the cutest, sweetest blonde girl.  She was shy, quiet and I could tell Colin was pretty smitten with her.  I loved Spencer instantly.  Since that day, we have watched this sweet girl be subjected to thousands of Colin type adventures.  You know - the ones where he randomly decides to book them all tickets to jump out of planes, where he flies to Denver to get his passport one day before they are leaving for Mexico, and flies back just in time to jump on the plane for a vacation. The times he tells her he is going to be gone helping his brother for “about an hour” and ends up gone for 5-6 hours instead, all the while leaving her with your crazy mother. The oh guess what? I decided to be in a demolition derby today. Or I bought a car at the auto auction today!   She occasionally rolls her eyes, but she is always right there beside him.  This other side thing is that I have seen my son be totally impressed and proud of this girl. She has graduated from college, found a great job, helped him buy a house, made the house into a home, and so much more.  

For a few years now we have been asking Colin if he was going to marry her.  He would smile and say “someday.”   He also, at one point told me he had some goals first.  I watched as he checked them all off.  And finally, today, he asked Spencer to be his wife.  Luckily, she said yes!   We are absolutely thrilled.  Making her one of our own was done years ago, but I am happy that Colin finally gave her a ring and made it official!   

I  am also happy that Cameron and Lauren were able to be here for the surprise engagement party!  Of course, these 2 girls are some of the most patient, amazing girls ever - especially when these 2 boys are together.  They are big old goofballs. 

We were happy to have everyone together, except Quincy who had to work.  Harper was there, but refused to join in the photography.  Spencer’s parents and friends were so kind to allow us to crash their home and their photography session!   

We are so happy and excited for Colin and Spencer!   We love you both and cannot wait to see what the future holds for you!   

Saturday in the (ball) park

 

We started off the day trying to get some lawn work done.  We also had a lot of debris in the pool which got blown in from some storms overnight.  I must have been tired, I never heard a thing!   We had to stop a little short of being done, because Evie had a very important game today. Her team was taking on the T-ball team from Overbrook, and she had to face her cousin Cyler!  

Always fun to have a chance to see everyone play at the same place/time!  Cyler looks so much like Joshua at that age it is ridiculous!   Of course, I’m pretty sure Evie’s team won!   Ok. Just kidding.  Everyone got snacks - everyone wins at t-ball!  

We ran a few errands, did a little more lawn work, and then headed right back to Carbondale for Saige’s game this evening!   She played well, and they ended up winning by 1!   She played a little 2nd base, right field, had a couple great at bats, and finished the night up at pitcher where she closed up the game for the win.  It was a fun day of balling.