Baseball

Now that the season has ended I figured it would be a great time to write about Seth's first baseball experience.  I, of course, would not have wanted to write about this earlier as it would have only been a partial story and cliffhangers are a little on the mean side.  Yeah, that's why I waited.

So Seth asked to try his hand with baseball this Spring and we were excited to let him do it! Having never played before, this was a completely new, somewhat difficult experience for him.  One thing we have noticed about Seth is that he likes to be the best at everything.  And, like his Momma, he wants to figure things out on his own, not be told how to do something.

Enter baseball.

Most of the kids on Seth's team had played t-ball or coach pitch in previous years.  They were familiar with the rules and with being at the plate to bat.  We were pleasantly surprised that Seth was very good about taking instruction - not only from his coaches, but also from his peers.  He worked hard and tried his very best.  He practiced at home and asked questions if there was something he didn't understand (because baseball, unlike soccer, has A LOT of rules!).

Seth got to play right field, left field, 3rd base and 2nd base throughout the season.  He did a wonderful job backing up players and being quick on his feet to run down hard-hit balls.  Over the course of the season he learned to be patient at the plate and watch for good balls to swing at.  While he was never able to get a hit in a game, he did get several walks, and we were all proud of him for that.

When asked, Seth told us that he would definitely like to play baseball again, and he is very excited that, even though the season is finished, his coaches are planning to get the kids together once a month or so to continue refining their skills.  We can't wait for next season!

Seth's first-ever at bat

Pictures

While Shannon and the girls were here we decided to have some pictures taken of the kids.  Our friend from church, Taryn (terra firma photography), met us at a park and she got some great shots!

I think this one is one of my favorites:

Why?  Because we asked that a re-creation be done of this picture from 3 years ago:

Love it!!

But, really, we have some cute kids.  :-) See:

A Weekend Project

For awhile now we have been toying with the idea of a new TV stand.  (And by 'awhile' I mean like 2 years.  Can't be too careful in the decision making process!)  Mike was thumbing through a Handyman magazine awhile back and a plan caught his eye.  We both liked the design and the article mentioned that it only took a weekend for the creator of the pattern to finish this project.  Perfect!

So, Mike set out to put his tools to good use and started on our new piece of furniture. 

And after a weekend, this is what was finished:

So, Mike kept working diligently and after a week and a half this is what it looked like: 

 Another week or so and he had the drawers in and ready to go (something he had to learn as he had not done drawers before!).  I should mention here that we did have to wait a few days for drawer hardware to arrive as the size we needed isn't carried at Home Depot or Lowes. 

 Next came all the staining and polyurethane-ing.  I didn't get any pictures of that process.  And, once you apply the final coat it is recommended that you wait a week before moving it inside.  So we did.

We are pretty sure this 'weekend project' took about a month, but last night we got it into the house and all set up.  Mike did an awesome job on this - what a beautiful piece of furniture we now have!!

A Reflection

Some days it is easy, this parenting thing.  The kids do exactly what they are told and don't grumble.  They even help without being asked.  They don't fight with each other; and they even do kind things for one another.  Ahhh.

Some days it is tough, this parenting thing.  The kids do exactly the opposite of what they are told and grumble and complain.  They don't help, even when asked.  They fight with each other endlessly and there is not even a kind thought towards the other sibling.  Ugh.

What a reflection my children are in my relationship with God.  Some days (hours, minutes, seconds...) I do exactly what I know God wants, I help others, I am kind and loving and I don't fight God's will.  Other days (hours, minutes, seconds...) I run in the opposite direction.  I fight Him at every turn and there are no kind thoughts in my head.

Just today, during lunch, we had quite the confrontation with one of the kids.  The problem stemmed from having to eat something that was not wanted (at a restaurant).  The bad attitude started as lunch was being ordered.  There was going to be no happiness about the food, no matter what.  It was asked that this child try something with an open mind - not assuming it would be yucky.  No such luck.  There were tears, there was anger and there was a trip out to the van for discussion, prayer and time for attitude adjustment. 

There were lots of difficult parenting moments in this time.  Wondering (praying) what words I could use to help convey the message that we are to be grateful in all circumstances.  Wondering if a lecture on how some kids, even kids in this child's school, don't have enough food to eat and don't get to go to a restaurant.  Wondering if I should mention that this child's stubbornness stems from a Mom with the same character flaw (sin nature). 

It is in these times of struggle with my children that I see most clearly how I tend to fight God.  They are a reflection of me.  Am I modeling gratefulness in all circumstances?  Am I letting go of my selfishness and stubbornness and allowing God to direct me towards new things and circumstances?  Am I doing it all without grumbling and crying and getting angry?  Ouch.

The end of today's story?  Said child made it back into the restaurant and ate the meal.  At first it was with quite the sullen attitude.  Then there was a discovery that if 2 foods were combined they were delicious.  We are pretty sure it just needed to be done "my way" in order to be accepted (and save-face).  This is not exactly the heart-changing attitude we were hoping for, but it did make for a peaceful rest of the meal - and a clean plate. 

The good news is that we aren't finished molding and shaping our child(ren) and working to teach them to have a grateful heart.  The even better news is that neither is God.  For both of these things, I am truly grateful.

Spring Break in Pictures (and a couple of words)

The kids weren't too excited to learn that their dessert on April 1st was Brown E's!

We wore this poor little cutie out while she was here!

Aubrey made a new friend while the big kids were shopping.  She loved this mannequin!

Easter Egg Hunt!

Dying eggs with shaving cream and food coloring

Uncle Mike enjoys a lazy morning with Aubrey, Belle and "Sheety"

We LOVED spending time with Aunt Shannon, Gabriella and Aubrey over break (and Grammy, too)!  So much fun stuffed into so little time! 

Letter for the future

When I was in 4th or 5th grade I remember thinking, "I will never do THAT when I am a parent!"  Now I can't tell you what that was as my grown-up self just doesn't remember.  It might have been to not ground my children or never to ask them to clean their rooms or something of the sort.  It might have been something that would actually be helpful as a parent now.  I sure do wish that I had written it down - for posterity's sake if nothing else. 

I was recently talking with friends about the things we hope to remember when we are grandparents.   So, I have decided to write down some of the things discussed for future reference.  To begin, for the dear grandparents reading this blog entry, please know that this is not meant as a criticism to you.  I'm sure most of these reminders are things my friends mentioned, not me.  :-)  I love you and am so very glad that you love and enjoy our kids!  This is simply a funny little way to leave a reminder to myself for the future.  I will be old(ish).  Based upon current detail-retention abilities, I will most likely be forgetful.  Please bear with me (both now and then!).

Dear future Grandma Jen,

It has probably been awhile since you had little kids around the house.  There are some very important things I would like to remind you of when it comes to loving little ones (and their parents).  Because you are old(ish) you probably don't remember these things.  Mom Jen to the rescue!

First of all, it is hard to hear other people's children cry.  Painfully hard.  Remember to respect the wishes of your children and their spouses when it comes to bedtimes and routines.  Sometimes kids need to cry it out.

Next up, respect naps and bedtimes.  Yes, you are probably having fun with the grand kids but it will not be fun for long if they don't get the sleep they NEED.  I know you love to take naps - and even if they say they don't, the kids do too, so let them.  Now, getting off schedule for a day or two isn't such a big deal to you, but remember that it might mean days of difficulty for your own children in getting the Grands back into a routine.  Perhaps this is not an issue as some parents are more laid-back than others.  Just keep it in mind and be thoughtful and kind in your schedule-keeping.

This next part is VERY IMPORTANT, especially for young kids.  Meal times are crucial!  While it is easy for adults, teens and even older kids, to adjust eating schedules, it is NOT easy nor advisable to hold off meals for little ones.  This will result in melt-downs...both from the grand kids and from their parents.  ;-)  If lunch is normally around 11:30, feeding the kids at 12 might be okay.  Feeding them at 1:30 will be very not okay.  If you have invited your child and his/her family over for a meal and have specified a time you are planning to eat, please stick to that time as much as possible.  This will make everyone happy.

Please remember that things change.  Perhaps the way you did things (or think you did things) is not the advisable way anymore.  It is okay to give advice in a loving manner but it is not okay to insist that things be done your way.  I know you.  You are stubborn and really like to be right.  Quit it.

One important thing to remember is that parenting is hard.  Being with little kids day in and day out is exhausting.  Do not discount what your own children are going through as they walk through parenthood.  If you are able, help out by keeping the grand kids and giving your kids a break.  There is nothing better as a parent than free babysitting!

In closing, I would like to remind you to just enjoy being with your grand kids.  Be patient, kind, loving and spoil them with attention.  You don't need to plan lots of stuff to do - just come alongside and join in what they are doing.  Build a tower.  Draw a butterfly.  Read them a book.  Watch that cartoon or video game (even though you would rather be doing anything else).  The best way to love your own child and in-law is to truly enjoy being with their kids.

Now, go give those grand kids a great big hug (and maybe a little piece of candy)!   

Love,
Jen from the past