What an exciting weekend of baseball! The Rattlers played in their first tournament of the season this past weekend, after playing 2 league games the previous week, both at 8:00 and winning both! We didn't want history to repeat itself--you see in tournaments, the Rattlers have not usually done well. They come out scared and fall apart.
This weekend was different. Friday night they won 15-0 in 3 innings. Saturday afternoon they won 6-2. Very late Saturday night, we found out the Rattlers were the #1 seed in the tournament and had a bye their first game on Sunday, not playing until 3:00. The Rattlers would be playing a 13U Elite team playing up. For 13 year olds, they were HUGE. I think the Rattlers only had 2 errors but they just couldn't get their hits to the outfield. 3 innings we left 2+ players on the field not scoring. Since we were home team, we batted last. Our last bats had the score at 4-0. Kole was first up to bat (yes, my stomach was flipping out), but he had a solid hit and was on base. Everyone after him made solid hits. The winning run was on base with one out. Kole's best buddy Jordan was up to bat. He CONNECTED and the winning run scored. Rattlers won 5-4! Our boys, coaches, and parents went CRAZY! It was amazing. The other team was in shell-shock.
So, the team packed up their gear, grabbed some quick food, and headed to the next field to play the semi-finals. The semi-final game was expected to begin at 5:00 but didn't actually start until after 5:30. The Rattlers had 2 great innings, but then just plain tuckered out. They ran out of pitching arms from all the ball they'd played. They made some mental errors also. Rattlers lost 10-4 and once again would not make it to the championship game.
As the boys were packing up their gear, I was nervous what the "post-game" speech would be. I just couldn't read Kev. I soon discovered, there was no need to be nervous. He gave the most amazing non-win speech I'd ever heard. He was soooo positive with them and expressed how proud he was of each of them and their hard work. He said the Rattlers now shared something in common with Duke and Kansas, a #1 seed not making it to the championship.
Yes, it's defintely been March Madness but what a great ride! 1 league game this week and then the Rattlers play in a tournament this upcoming weekend in Brenham. Hoping for a chance to play in the championship game then. BRING IT ON!!!
Monday, March 28, 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Sorry About Your Loss
After Max died, our entire family had lots of people share with us that they were sorry about our loss. Extended family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and our church community expressed their sympathy. But the pizza guy???
Last night, I didn't get out of work until 4:30, so there was no way I was going to get home and get a meal prepared by 4:45 for Ky to eat before leaving for work. So, Ky decided to eat something quick and then she'd eat a "real meal" after her swim lessons. Kev decided he'd just run up to Pizza Inn and order 2 pizzas, that would give Kole something to eat before his baseball game and Ky something she could eat when she got home. When he walked in, the owner said, "Sorry about the loss of your mom." To say the least, Kev was shocked that the pizza guy knew! Apparently the Aragon track coach had been in the week before spring break to order some pizzas for a track meet and the owner inquired where Kev had been as he hadn't seen him in a while. Hence, "Sorry about your loss."
Last night, I didn't get out of work until 4:30, so there was no way I was going to get home and get a meal prepared by 4:45 for Ky to eat before leaving for work. So, Ky decided to eat something quick and then she'd eat a "real meal" after her swim lessons. Kev decided he'd just run up to Pizza Inn and order 2 pizzas, that would give Kole something to eat before his baseball game and Ky something she could eat when she got home. When he walked in, the owner said, "Sorry about the loss of your mom." To say the least, Kev was shocked that the pizza guy knew! Apparently the Aragon track coach had been in the week before spring break to order some pizzas for a track meet and the owner inquired where Kev had been as he hadn't seen him in a while. Hence, "Sorry about your loss."
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Got Groceries?
So, when I realized what our family schedule was like this week (see previous post), I discovered I wouldn't be able to try any new recipes out (groan from the family), but I really didn't know what else I'd make either. The only night I'd have a chance at a meal was TH, but Ky has to be gone by 5:00 to work, so that won't happen either since I don't get home until 4:30. When I asked Kev for suggestions he said, "Just go with deli sandwiches."
Normally, I make a grocery list each weekend that consists of staples we've depleted and necessary ingredients for week's meals. Since I didn't have deli meat, I headed to HEB to get meat and other things to eat this week. I think I could've made it through the "20 items or less" check-out: oranges, bananas, mac n cheese, 3 deli meats and cheese, sausage, hot dogs, hamburger patties, muffins, chips, yogurt, popcorn chicken, and popcorn. Should be some interesting meals, huh? Family--eat school lunches this week, it's your only chance at a hot meal!
Any suggestions for quick (15 mins or less) meals? I'd love to make meals the night before, but I'm hardly home long enough each night to do that. From now, until the end of April we have baseball or water polo tournaments every weekend, so I can't cook ahead and freeze meals. Crock pot meals only work for so long. I think the next couple of months until school ends will be like this. Love a busy life, but also love real meals...
Normally, I make a grocery list each weekend that consists of staples we've depleted and necessary ingredients for week's meals. Since I didn't have deli meat, I headed to HEB to get meat and other things to eat this week. I think I could've made it through the "20 items or less" check-out: oranges, bananas, mac n cheese, 3 deli meats and cheese, sausage, hot dogs, hamburger patties, muffins, chips, yogurt, popcorn chicken, and popcorn. Should be some interesting meals, huh? Family--eat school lunches this week, it's your only chance at a hot meal!
Any suggestions for quick (15 mins or less) meals? I'd love to make meals the night before, but I'm hardly home long enough each night to do that. From now, until the end of April we have baseball or water polo tournaments every weekend, so I can't cook ahead and freeze meals. Crock pot meals only work for so long. I think the next couple of months until school ends will be like this. Love a busy life, but also love real meals...
Off and Running!
It's hard to believe spring break has come to an end. So much done! We worked in the yard, went shopping, went to the rodeo, read lots of books (2 out of the 5 books read in the Redemption series--so good!, went out to eat, senior pictures, had friends over for dinner, talked on the phone to friends, and just "chilled." VERY RELAXING!!! To me, it really felt like more of a vacation than what I get in the summer!
Yesterday and today, Kole's Eagles team played in a tournament. This was the first time they'd played together, so uncertain what to expect. Saturday morning was UGLY; however, after a good "fussin" the team pulled it together and played great the rest of the weekend. Loved watching Kole and 2nd base and catching. Really loved seeing his hitting "click"--all his hard work is paid off! Made it to the semi-finals and played strong. They'll be a good team!
This week will be crazy!
MON: Rattler practice 5-7
TU: Water polo at 5:00, Rattler game 8:00
WED: possible Eagle practice, I'm meeting with teachers after school
TH: Rattler game 8:00
FRI-SUN: Rattler baseball tournament
As you can see, spring break is over and we're off and running!
Yesterday and today, Kole's Eagles team played in a tournament. This was the first time they'd played together, so uncertain what to expect. Saturday morning was UGLY; however, after a good "fussin" the team pulled it together and played great the rest of the weekend. Loved watching Kole and 2nd base and catching. Really loved seeing his hitting "click"--all his hard work is paid off! Made it to the semi-finals and played strong. They'll be a good team!
This week will be crazy!
MON: Rattler practice 5-7
TU: Water polo at 5:00, Rattler game 8:00
WED: possible Eagle practice, I'm meeting with teachers after school
TH: Rattler game 8:00
FRI-SUN: Rattler baseball tournament
As you can see, spring break is over and we're off and running!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Funerals and Weddings
This past week, I realized the times I see family and family friends the most are at weddings and funerals. 2 very different family celebrations, in fact some might not call a funeral a celebration. Although I did feel there was celebrating at the visitation (great stories shared by so many of Max's friends), the funeral ceremony was harder--although hearing my 4 year old niece belt out "Amazing Grace" did lighten the mood for a moment! Once the burial was over and all the guests and family enjoyed a luncheon at the church, there were more stories shared that helped it feel like a celebration of a well-lived life!
Lesson learned--don't wait until a funeral or wedding to celebrate life with family and friends. Don't let the busyness of life stop you from sharing moments together with friends and family. For me, it's letting go of preparing a great meal and cleaning the house for company. Friends and family don't care about that--it's just about being together. Don' wait until the next funeral or wedding to see everyone--extend that invitation today!
Lesson learned--don't wait until a funeral or wedding to celebrate life with family and friends. Don't let the busyness of life stop you from sharing moments together with friends and family. For me, it's letting go of preparing a great meal and cleaning the house for company. Friends and family don't care about that--it's just about being together. Don' wait until the next funeral or wedding to see everyone--extend that invitation today!
I Used to LOVE Fridays
I think Fridays are the highlight of any working parent's week. However, the last 3 Fridays have been YUCK! They say things happen in 3s, so maybe we're done!
Friday, February 25: We get a call from Gene that Max is in the Waukon Hospital. Drs think it's probably an infection. The next day she is transferred to Iowa City Hospitals where the week-long hospital stay began. So glad Kev got up there to see her and see her small improvement.
Friday, March 4: Max is transferred to a private room. Gene was able to feed her lunch and she loved it! Pastor visited her and the family took part in communion. 5:00 Ron calls that she's been put back in ICU as some numbers (gas levels in blood) weren't what they liked to see. 7:15 Ron calls that Max had died. This by far was the toughest day I've ever experienced. Hearing Kevin yell into the phone, seeing him so upset and wanting to hug him but he wanted alone time, watching the pain in our children, and yet still trying to be strong and be the thinker of what needed to be done so we could take off.
Friday, March 11: We left at 3:00 AM to drive back to Houston. Kev drove the first leg south of DM and then I drove to Joplin. Kev wanted to drive again, so I crawl in the back with Ky. We get 90 miles from home and got caught in traffic. I never imagined 8:00 traffic towards Houston from Dallas. But there was construction and we went 10 miles in 2 hours--no exits in this stretch to take a detour. We were so close to home and yet so far away. We all just wanted to be home! Then we're on the tollway and we get ready to take our exit onto 290 and they have the exit ramp closed! SO NOT FUN!!! Should have been home by 9:30, but pulled in at 11:30ish instead.
Friday, March 18: Kylie plays in a water polo tournament. Watching her play a sport she so much loves should hopefully be what it takes to turn our Fridays around!
Friday, February 25: We get a call from Gene that Max is in the Waukon Hospital. Drs think it's probably an infection. The next day she is transferred to Iowa City Hospitals where the week-long hospital stay began. So glad Kev got up there to see her and see her small improvement.
Friday, March 4: Max is transferred to a private room. Gene was able to feed her lunch and she loved it! Pastor visited her and the family took part in communion. 5:00 Ron calls that she's been put back in ICU as some numbers (gas levels in blood) weren't what they liked to see. 7:15 Ron calls that Max had died. This by far was the toughest day I've ever experienced. Hearing Kevin yell into the phone, seeing him so upset and wanting to hug him but he wanted alone time, watching the pain in our children, and yet still trying to be strong and be the thinker of what needed to be done so we could take off.
Friday, March 11: We left at 3:00 AM to drive back to Houston. Kev drove the first leg south of DM and then I drove to Joplin. Kev wanted to drive again, so I crawl in the back with Ky. We get 90 miles from home and got caught in traffic. I never imagined 8:00 traffic towards Houston from Dallas. But there was construction and we went 10 miles in 2 hours--no exits in this stretch to take a detour. We were so close to home and yet so far away. We all just wanted to be home! Then we're on the tollway and we get ready to take our exit onto 290 and they have the exit ramp closed! SO NOT FUN!!! Should have been home by 9:30, but pulled in at 11:30ish instead.
Friday, March 18: Kylie plays in a water polo tournament. Watching her play a sport she so much loves should hopefully be what it takes to turn our Fridays around!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Pappa John
Quick funny story because I never want to forget this.
I think it was Sunday while they were in the hospital, Kev was walking around. He came to the end of a hall that was by the psychiatric wing. However, there was also a sign that said, "Pappa John" with an arrow. His brother ended up finding him, and Kev had this excited look on his face. "Ron, look, we can go eat pizza. They have a Papa John's." Ron just looked at him and informed him that Pappa John was the name of a wing named after someone, no pizza!
Apparently Kev was "razzed" about that for some time, as both brothers know how much he loves pizza!
I think it was Sunday while they were in the hospital, Kev was walking around. He came to the end of a hall that was by the psychiatric wing. However, there was also a sign that said, "Pappa John" with an arrow. His brother ended up finding him, and Kev had this excited look on his face. "Ron, look, we can go eat pizza. They have a Papa John's." Ron just looked at him and informed him that Pappa John was the name of a wing named after someone, no pizza!
Apparently Kev was "razzed" about that for some time, as both brothers know how much he loves pizza!
It's a God Thing
Since Friday, I feel like I have witnessed God in our lives more than ever. He has been walking alongside this unexpected journey, and at times I didn't understand why. The answer simply is--it's a God thing.
Friday night we could've gone to a cantina to enjoy some margaritas and the beautiful weather, but we chose to stay home instead. I think it was God's way of protecting us from the phone call Kev would receive.
Saturday when Max was transferred to Iowa City, I learned that the DRs felt Iowa City was a better location for her than LaCrosse. But I also wonder, was it God putting her that much closer in location for all the boys to get to her sooner?
I knew God was working to get Kev moved up to the #1 slot on the standby list, yet when he didn't get on the earlier flight, I was confused--why didn't someone NOT show up? I think it was God asking Kevin to be patient, something he was going to need the next few days!
The sermon on Sunday was about conquering fears. God at work again! Although just after the sermon I felt my phone vibrate in my purse, later to learn it was Kev texting me to text him when we got out of church because he couldn't talk. I tried to conquer the text fear, but it didn't work. I think I needed some more processing time with the sermon.
Sunday afternoon I was sad, but I wasn't scared anymore. Processing time with the sermon helped, but I could feel the power of prayer. I could feel myself surrounded by arms hugging our family, and yet there wasn't one physical hug. Facebook has "social network" associated with it, I think it's more like "prayer network." I was ready to accept God's plan.
After we got home from picking Kev up at the airport, we all sat in the living room and heard stories, sad stories and some that made us all laugh. It was something we all needed! But it was through that family time, we learned of even a bigger "God Thing." When Kevin woke up Monday morning (1/2 way through the critical 24 hours) he said a "he couldn't explain it" passed over him and he knew his mom was going to pull through. It's a God Thing!
Friday night we could've gone to a cantina to enjoy some margaritas and the beautiful weather, but we chose to stay home instead. I think it was God's way of protecting us from the phone call Kev would receive.
Saturday when Max was transferred to Iowa City, I learned that the DRs felt Iowa City was a better location for her than LaCrosse. But I also wonder, was it God putting her that much closer in location for all the boys to get to her sooner?
I knew God was working to get Kev moved up to the #1 slot on the standby list, yet when he didn't get on the earlier flight, I was confused--why didn't someone NOT show up? I think it was God asking Kevin to be patient, something he was going to need the next few days!
The sermon on Sunday was about conquering fears. God at work again! Although just after the sermon I felt my phone vibrate in my purse, later to learn it was Kev texting me to text him when we got out of church because he couldn't talk. I tried to conquer the text fear, but it didn't work. I think I needed some more processing time with the sermon.
Sunday afternoon I was sad, but I wasn't scared anymore. Processing time with the sermon helped, but I could feel the power of prayer. I could feel myself surrounded by arms hugging our family, and yet there wasn't one physical hug. Facebook has "social network" associated with it, I think it's more like "prayer network." I was ready to accept God's plan.
After we got home from picking Kev up at the airport, we all sat in the living room and heard stories, sad stories and some that made us all laugh. It was something we all needed! But it was through that family time, we learned of even a bigger "God Thing." When Kevin woke up Monday morning (1/2 way through the critical 24 hours) he said a "he couldn't explain it" passed over him and he knew his mom was going to pull through. It's a God Thing!
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