When this little fella started playing baseball.... I remember sunshine and high temps!!
I do believe I see some sweat!
Well.... when you get to be a BIG BOY..... Baseball season begins mid- February. For those of you that live in NC...... you know it isn't warm, sunshiny days. Not lately anyway.
My Bub in the catcher's gear.
Ready for action
There have already been 4 games and the highest the temperatures have been for a game is 42!! At the game above it was 39 when the game was over. Nothing like looking like an eskimo to watch your son play ball!! Bundled up from head to toe with a blanket..... Now the next night B was bundled up, long johns & all. And he was fortunate enough for a friend to loan him his little heater.
Yesterday's practice was cancelled due to the forecast of a wintry mix.....
which turned out to be over 2 inches of snow this morning!!
I took these pictures on the way into work. It is beautiful, but does it look anything like baseball season to you???
Just last weekend it was in the 60s and beautiful sunshine!! This ole' chic is ready for SPRING to come stay awhile...not just for a visit!!! It will be here again tomorrow, really..... 67 is the high! :)
If you have more than one child, you realize when they are just a bundle in your arms how different they can be. It is amazing the differences in my children.
Our girls have always been very studious, and they worked (& still working) very hard in school. Never really had to push them to get their work done. They knew what they had to do, and they did it. Very smart, you know what they say about book smart? :)
Now Bub, well he is also very smart, but he is the athletic/social type. He tends to put things off til the last minute, and sometimes he does just enough to get by. When he puts his mind to it, he gets it done, and makes good grades. Since grades make a huge difference in High School, we have to push a little more, and sometimes I worry, so I bug him because, he rarely has homework which is a little odd to me. He says he does it at school. And sometimes I accept that and hope for the best! He knows what is expected and obviously he does work hard.
On Sunday, he was inducted into the National Honor Society!!! Proof that he has been working hard and doing what he is supposed to be doing!! It is an honer to be a candidate for NHS! Just having good grades, doesn't get you chosen. You must also meet the criteria of leadership, service and character! What a great honor to be inducted into this group of fine students!!! As parents, we know that he is a good kid, but we also know that the world can get in the way of a lot of things. You raise your children and you pray that God will lead and guide them and sometimes, some get lost a long the way. This makes us very proud that its just not us as biased parents but, that his qualities are recognized by teachers and faculty members as well.
He may not think this a big deal, but we are extremely proud of him and his accomplishments!
Purposely turned his head.... I drive him crazy with the camera!
Awwww he smiled for me! :)
This pretty girl is a 2nd cousin! Can you see the resemblance? She is always beside him because of names being in alphabetical order! B & her Dad were cut-ups in school. They tricked a teacher into believing one was the other!
A great groups of boys fine young men! They have grown up together!! I can't believe that they are all driving!!! :( yesterday they were only 9!
Bub,
We want you to know that we are extremely proud of you and your accomplishments! Continue to work hard, as you see it pays off. You are a great example to your friends, and your classmates. Choose to be a leader and not a follower. Do what you know is right at all times. Even when you think no one is looking. Keep your eyes on the Lord and He will direct your path. We thank God for you and what He is doing in your life!
Don't know about you but, I am ready for the weekend. This week has seemed to drag on. Although, time does fly by too quickly, I am ready for this week to be over. This week we have had more rain, and more cold. It just makes me feel blah! I know some of you may think I am a whiner, because 43 degrees isn't the slightest bit cold to some of you. And I know that all this whining doesn't sound like JOY! But, I am ready for some SUNSHINE and some warm Spring days. And the fact that BASEBALL SEASON is in full swing for this awesome teenager......
cold + baseball game = big coats, gloves, blankets. Which equals too cold for baseball!!! Today's forecast is mostly cloudy and the high is 48. By the time the game is over it will be dark and colder. Brrr!! Go ahead, call me a whiner....cause I am! HA!!
Thinking about Bub and baseball. This time last year he had broken his thumb during the first game. And was out for about half the season. While it was tough on him, it was a great learning experience for him.
"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but its the Lord's purpose that prevails". Proverbs 19:21
He clung to that verse, and even today, he knows that God has a purpose and a plan for his life. Makes my heart smile to know that he has God's word in his heart. I look at this man child and wonder what happened to the funny, rough and tumble little boy that was our families entertainment?? Now, he is a sophomore in high school and days are fleeting. He will be 16 next month!! YIKES!! Two years from now he will be three months from graduating. :( I am tearing up just thinking about it!!
He was 8 or 9 in this picture.
Freshman Year
Thank you Lord for your many blessings! Thank you for the rain, I know we need it, but I could really do without the mud, lol! Thank you for the opportunity to raise this man child that sometimes wears me out. But, he is a great reminder of how I must wear you out as well. Thank you for the JOY you have given me in the gifts of my children. Give me grace and mercy that I may extend to my children as they grow up. Keep your hand of protection on my children. May they cling to your word, and may they desire to focus on you and the plans you have for them. Help me to clothe myself with kindness, compassion, humility, gentleness and patience!
I know I haven't posted in over a week. I have good intentions, and sometimes even have something in mind that I am going to post "when I get a minute"! Unfortunately, minutes are rare at the present. I don't know about you, but the start of a new school year wears me out, the new schedule, homework, who needs to be where & when, band practice, football games, etc. Anyway, I am not completely out of the blog world. I visit several blogs pretty much every day, and sometimes I try to at least let you know I have been there, especially when I have been led there by the Lord. Sometimes what you write is "just for me"! I love this community of blogging and I appreciate those that take the time to share what is on their hearts. I will just run down a few RANDOM things that's going on in my world.
1. Football Friday nights! Yes, I am worn out by Friday, but when we get the chance to see Bub doing something he loves!! It makes all that drumming noise worth it. We are gearing up for competition season, more pictures to come (if I don't forget my camera!!!)
Rockin' out with some blue hair!!
"CHEESE" Just so you will know... he is a NUT! This nut doesn't fall far from the "Daddy tree" !
2. I can't believe I am going to admit to this.... just because some people feel the need to keep me accountable... YIKES!!! But I will also admit, it is super dee duper HARD!! I think it may kill me!!
Our family has started a Couch to 5k program. If you don't know what that is... it is a program to get you off the couch and running a 5k. (now my goal isn't to run a 5k - its to just make it to the next week) I tell my children all the time...not to be negative, that they can do anything they set their minds to. But, I don't think my mind is set on running a 5k one day. WHEW it's tough. Yes, all of us. Me, my hubby, Am, Sis, Bub & Kea began this about 4 weeks ago. Yesterday was day 1 of week 4. Can I just say, I didn't do very well AT ALL. Am said, "You did finish, you just had to walk some of the run time. You aren't sitting on the couch are you?" No, but I wished I was. Seriously thinking I need to repeat week 3. There is no rules saying I can't. Just sayin'!! One plus to our workout last night, I actually got out of bed without moaning & groaning. If you think, I could never do that. Think again. I have NEVER liked to run. My theory with running has been, only if someone were chasing me, and then I would probably stop and say, "What is it that you want?" Cause it may just be easier to just hand over my empty purse!!! I will say the part I really love about it, is that our family is doing it together, we push each other, and we encourage (most of the time - Bub is hard core!! Of course he is the one IN SHAPE) Unlike me, I am just a shape! Lol!! Even Kea said, I love that our family is getting healthy together. After hearing that, I can't quit can I??
3. One reason that #3 is so HARD, I just had my 8th Anniversary of my 39th Birthday. I AM OLD I TELL YA!!!! I cannot believe I just told my age to blogland. Its better than the alternative, I suppose.
My sweet husband took me to lunch, I went shopping and to lunch with Sis and my sweet Momma Saturday, then we went out to eat that night. (Friday, remember is football games) and of course our family 'thing" to do is go eat Mexican, so they can put that sombrero on your head, serenade you in Spanish, and of course dot your nose with cool whip. Don't understand it, but ok! Keaton loved it, Sis & Bub both took pix with their phones. Thank GOODNESS they haven't thought to post them anywhere. SO - darn, no pix for my blog. HA! We went to visit my Dad on Sunday and enjoyed time with them. All in all it was a great birthday weekend. Maybe its not so bad when you get to celebrate for 3 days!!!
4. On Sunday, while at my Dad's I was soooo lucky!!! Another birthday present!! While I was there, my brother in Costa Rica called!!! It is rainy season there, and the whole time we were on the phone it sounded like a monsoon!!
He sounded great! They are doing well, adjusting to a different way of life. They walk pretty much everywhere, (no vehicle there) an remember its raining there. Charity has blogged some since they have been there. I love that she is sharing even the little things. Check out The Venezuelan Voice to see how life is for them. Scroll back to September 5th to see what has happened since they left the states. Please pray for them!!
“Right now, I have nothing to give.
Nothing. Nada. I’m tired and don’t feel good and honestly, I want a
break from everything. It’s not that I want to leave my family, trade
them in, or get new ones. I WANT to be with them. I just want a break
from hard hearts, discipline, correction. I want their hearts changed
and I can’t do it myself. Sometimes, the knowledge of this makes me feel
hopeless and helpless.” (from www.themobsociety)
You will want to check this out. Even if you don't have a boy, this book can be an encouragement to you. I have the original ebook (print form) and most of it struck me as if someone had been following me around for a few years. I have my days where I just feel like I am spinning around, not headed anywhere..... and if you have ever felt this way. You will want to get this book!!
www.hopeforthewearymom.com
6. It's FALL ya'll!! I love Fall and everything that comes with it. Even the busyness of the season. The cooler temps, the beauty that God displays is a sight to behold!! I pray that each of you can find something in your day to show you God's power, and His amazing LOVE!!
Fall 2010 - Road trip!!
Table Rock in the Linville Gorge area in NC -(borrowed from online image)
Remember to worship the Lord, for He IS WORTHY!! He is OUR Creator KING!!
WOW! It's unbelievable that you started your second year of high school today! It seems like just last week you were toddling around following Dad everywhere he went. And just yesterday, it seems as if I walked you in on your very first day of Kindergarten. As you drove to the school this morning, I looked over at you and I saw that sweet little boy and in an instant you were 15 and you were driving yourself to school. Then I realized, that today was the last time I would take you to school on your first day. Most likely, anyways, you will be driving next year. Then I saw a confident, young man, with a heart of gold walk up that sidewalk towards the school. I know you don't want to hear this, (but you probably know) that tears started flowing and my heart swelled with pride over the young man you are growing to be. Your faith is strong and you know that God has a plan for you and you stand your ground in what you believe. That to me is amazing. Oh, how I wish I could have been as strong as you when I was your age.
Last night, we gave you this scripture and before I could even write this you already had the same image on your phone. Commit it to memory, and into your heart. We were not kidding when we were talking about his schemes. satan cannot have you, YOU BELONG TO CHRIST, but he will come after you in ways to cause you to stumble.
Put it on every day, because the times you least expect it. He will strike.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12
Belt of TRUTH
God: the Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit
"I am theWay, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6)
Breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS
The holy and perfect righteousness of Jesus in those who are "born again" and filled with His Spirit
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled." (Matt. 5:6) Sandals ofPEACE
Inner peace and readiness
"For He Himself is our peace..." (Eph. 2:14-15) Shield ofFAITH
Living by faith
"I am crucified with Christ:...and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God...." (Gal. 2:20) Helmet ofSALVATION
Salvation through Christ today and forever"Nor is there salvation in any other..."(Acts 4:12)
The victorious Sword of the spirit: GOD'S WORD
God's Word countering spiritual deception and accusations"...the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory...." (John 1:14)
As we have told you before we are very proud of you. Work hard, do the right thing,and remember that God is with you everywhere you go. No matter where you step, He steps with you. Stand for right in all you do. And may every thing you do, do for the Glory of God!
We love you!!!
Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for your precious gift to us. Lord, as he begins another year of school, we want to pray that he will put on your armor each and every day. That with the armor, and you before him, that he can face whatever the enemy puts in his way. Lord, please protect him from this world. Do not allow satan to rob him of his joy, his witness or his love for you. Please put those that love you in his path, may he be a light in a dark place. We thank you Lord for loving him. Please lead guide and direct his path.
In hopes to get the past few months of pictures off my camera, I now present BASEBALL!! Both boys played and we juggled schedules to make the best of their seasons. With a rough beginning for Bub, with breaking his thumb he went on to make the best of a tough season. With a one week break, Legion ball began and we are in the final week of those games. I love watching my kids in everything they do, but I will have to say, I am ready for a break, a short one, but at least what is coming up has to do with intentionally serving the Lord. More on that as the events take place.
He always seems to know when I am taking pix... he makes sure his back is to me!
In Action!
Kea does not have the drive and the heart for sports as Bub does, but he loves the social, getting to do something aspect of playing. He does very well and their little team had lots of first time players but at the end of the season they came together and beat a tough team in the final game of the season. You would have thought they won the championship the way us parents were acting.... its all good. RIGHT!!?? I am the Momma and I am going to cheer for my kids!!! So don't judge, if you don't cheer ecstatically, I know you want too. You just think you have an image to uphold. I on the other hand do not. lol!! Even though Bub would prefer that I sit prim, proper with my mouth shut..... (too bad, its just not in me!) So in being that MOM, I will post lots of pix!!!
Cute!!
GO KEA!!!!
SAFE!!
Finally makes it Home!! (all season he would get upset because he would get on base (a good thing) but would never make it home....bless him!!
WAY TO GO PIRATES!!
Thank you Lord for the talents and the abilities of my boys!!
Bub has been beating on drums since he was 2!! THIRTEEN YEARS!! It's no wonder I am crazy, huh?? Little did we know all that beating was a good thing. When he was 11 he went to take some lessons and we found out he was a natural. Wow, and all that beating wasn't for nothing.....
Spring Concert 2012
Love this boy!
The following is from the year end PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE. All I can say is awesome....wonderful... great... fun... silly.... balloons... blacklight....all around great entertainment.
GO BUB!!!!
Oh yeah, I don't think I ever posted about their band trip to Florida in April. The band won GRAND CHAMPIONS and this great percussion group won 1st place!!! Awesome job!!
Yes they even made music with balloons!! FUN!!
We had lots of fun....check out Kea in the next video!
What an awesome beautiful fun day!!! A friend of ours asked if we would like to go ride the Virginia Creeper on Good Friday. At first I thought...uh riding a bike for hours??? I had heard a little about it before and after checking out the website I definitely thought it would be a great day to get away, even though I was a little concerned about being on a bike for 17 miles~YIKES~ !!! Our whole family (except for M, he had to work, next time M!!!) even Baby C enjoyed the day!! Warning... this post is full of pix!!!
Our Family... minus Bub he took off we will catch him later!!
Baby C... ready to "ride bike!"
Kea is feeling a little puny..... (not for long) and his big sisters
Beautiful weather...thank you LORD!!
All smiles now!!
All of us, well except Bub, he was way ahead of us with his friend & the oldest of the group! Shhh!! Don't tell her I said that!!! Never mind, I am sure you are reading this...... I have to hand it to you....you hung right with those teen boys!! Good job!!!
This pix is courtesy of http://www.raisingfutureesthers.com/
Pop!!
Me & Kea!
I'll get you, my pretty, and your little dog, too! Bahaaa!! B picked on D ALL day!! pix courtesy of www.raisingfutureesthers.com
Oh there's Bub (on right) & his friend...Can you tell Bub is not into having his picture made??
The rest of our "Crew"!! Love them!!!
Lunch time! They have been friends since she was just a baby!
She saw Mr B taking the pix....lol!! I love this ...so cute!
And they are OFF!!!
More of God's Creation!
Getting very sleepy....night night!!
Her Dad is keeping an EYE on that boy!...lol!!
Look R, its the little train you flew past!!
Waiting for us at our destination! So proud of these girls!! They were awesome!!
Really proud of this little guy, too!! WAY TO GO KEA!!! YOU RODE 17 MILES!!
B whoo hooing as we near the finish!! He's is sooo funny!!
Look who we finally caught up to.... at the Bike Shop!
Nothing like a nap after a 17 mile bike ride!
Warned you there would be lots of pictures!! There are more where these came from, but I was afraid blogger wouldn't let me post!!
Thanks D for asking us!! We had a great time! Enjoyed the fun, family, friends and the fellowship! Ready to go again....well, maybe not just yet....let my tailbone rest!!
By the way, who invented the bicycle seat anyways??? I am thinking we need to re-invent it!!!
