playing ball

This year Carter was my only ball player.

It was his first year off the tee and onto the pitching machine.

He started off great, hitting the ball every first or second pitch! I was amazed.

He hit a bit of a slump half way through the season and when he got his first "game ball" was so excited but then a little confused and said "I wonder what I did to get it?"

His coach explained that he is the most positive member on the team. Cheers and congratulates everyone and just happy to be out there. A lot goes into a good team.

Love the coach.

The last two games Carter started connecting again and earned himself another game ball.

He loves it and is determined to play again next year.

I love watching him play. He is such a happy laid back kid.

His last game he drank an entire huge Power Aid and was out in right field (the Dewsnup place of honor!) last inning doing a spirited potty dance. Everyone was dying laughing. I was almost in tears and praying he would hold on. Not literally, but when he stopped moving and 'held on' my heart sank. Nevertheless he didn't lose it and when the last guy struck out he took off running for the trees! frew.

My ball player.

Thanks Coach Clay for a great season!

make believe, or not

There is a dispute in the land

about who is truly the queen,

rightful ruler, one who must be obeyed,

wearer of the crown of 'my way'!

It's mine.

Although created and decorated by the one with the will

to overthrow and disrupt the true order of things.
It belongs to me.

See? Mine.

(Though not always the prettiest thing in the land. Not such a flattering photo

when afore mentioned usurper has the camera and is directing your poses.

The ruler doth look tired.)

Uhhh...dost thou not behold that the crown truly sets upon MY head?

What?! Wait. No sucheth thing my dear.
Only one queen reigns here and I am that appointed ruler!

Well, I thinketh you will find, upon deeper reflection,

that it is I who rules this kingdom.

But don't worry. Here is your 'love heart'.

uh. thank you?

first ever piano recital

They've been working hard to memorize their songs. We hadn't been able to find a teacher who had recitals until this year so they didn't really know what to expect. When we walked into this big beautiful church with stained glass windows, a shiny black grand piano front and center, and pews full of people they blanched and turned around to go back to the car. We talked it through for a few moments and they finally walked in and we sat down. They were crazy nervous. I think Nash was more than the other two. But they did it and I am proud of them. I've got some great kids. sigh. love them.

Madeline

Nash

Carter

may

I can't believe how much in on my calendar this month. I feel a little crazy.

BUT

I won the no sugar treat challenge with my sister, Cally. She ate a cupcake. Now she has to make me a blouse and I don't have to paint her house. She put the blouse "on the list". I bet she would have thought twice about the cupcake if I told her she had to put the blouse at the TOP of her list and not make or continue any projects until the blouse was done. I'm excited though. She is amazing with her fabric / sewing machine / buttons / ruffles / ect.

AND

we have a bird nest in our entry way. Ahhh, nature.

BUT

given the nature of nature, we also have POOP!!!

AND
Nothing says "Welcome! Wont you come in and sit for a spell?"
than poop all over your front step!

BUT
Luckily, I think the babies have hatched and flown away so I can get up there, knock it down and clean the poop. This is one reason we don't have pets.
POOP!

found!

Yipee!!!

I found my watch and my ring in the pocket of my capris!

I think I remember putting them on once this spring...

I kept thinking this spring I wouldn't be wearing capris because Tim Gunn (TV fashion guy) said on his show to get rid of your capris because they just aren't flattering. So I wasn't going to even wear them anymore. But I saw them there in my drawer and thought it may be a little chilly at the hair cut place so instead of wearing jeans and being hot or shorts and being cold, I'll just break the "rule" (opinion is probably more accurate) and wear the capris. I heard jingling in the pocket and thought I scored some quarters but it was my long lost beloved adornments.

Found.

So yea! I am befuddled but grateful.
I'd even kind of stopped praying to find them a couple days ago.

Oh me of little faith.

Now, maybe someone will catch a fish from Lee Creek and open it up and find Brian's wedding band. I should tell my Dad to get to fishing.

lost sea adventure

The adventure begins!
Sweetwater, TN

They went on a boat with a glass window in the bottom so they could see the cave fish! They look a little nervous, eh?

This is the earliest date found in the caves.

The end of the exploring. You can tell they had fun.

Most of those clothes went right in the trash!

That red dirt is nearly impossible to get out.

Ready for bed.

They put down a tarp and set out their sleeping bags

and slept right there in the cavern!

Kudos.

LOST

I am going crazy! I lost my wedding ring and my watch! I've been searching for it for 2 weeks now! I am at a loss. I know they are together somewhere because I usually take them off at the same time and put my ring inside the safety circle of my watch. I can't even remember the last time I was wearing them because for the week before I realized they were missing I would go to put them on and they wouldn't be in the spot I looked so I assumed they were in one of the other two spots I ever put them! But I was in a rush so I'd just leave the house thinking they were in the other spot. Until I had the time to look in all three spots and realized they were not in any of them!
Brian and I have checked EVERYWHERE (except for where they really are, I guess). I was sure they would show up somewhere but now I am getting worried they are gone for good.
Brian lost his wedding band this summer in the creek in Beazer. So now we are both ring-less.

It Stinks.

Waaaaa.