One win under their belts....

Look at her - doesn't she look soooo tough!??


Today's game was AWESOME! The girls won, 13-2. LegoQueen hit a single that stretched into a double, was given 3rd base on an illegal pitch, and came home on a single.
Her second at bat (in the same inning) resulted in the third out.

BUT MY BABY ACTUALLY HIT THE BALL TWICE!!!!!!

Our pitcher pitched a no -hitter, so there were no fielding plays for anyone. LQ stood in right field and adjusted her hat to pass the time.

Tomorrow's game is set for 8am. Yikes.

Remember, some kids have no tact.....

I don't know, maybe its just me, but I wouldn't allow my children to attempt to debate an adult's personal life choices with them. I would hope that I am raising children more respectful than that.

We were at the park this afternoon, chatting with some friends, and the issue os schooling came up, as well as the fact that my kids don't get 3 months off for summer, we school all year round.
One of LQ's teammates said "That sucks" and when I told her that schooling for 2-3hours a day was WAY better than spending 6-7 hours doing it, her reply was "Yeah, but homeschoolers have no friends."

Really? Because I am pretty sure the kids at the pool party LQ attended were her friends.
And I also think that the kids she was at the park Thursday with were also her friends.
Its also just a hunch, but what about playdates during the week? They look like friends to me!

I'm so glad that LQ wasn't around - she was off playing with *gasp* a FRIEND!!!! Actually, it was the older brother of the girl I was talking to. LQ adores him - he's a boy and he plays rough and tough with her. DUH - just like her regular friends do!

I decided not to launch into my anti-school, pro-homeschooling speech....I realize that some people are not worth attempting to explain things to, and this child was one of them. Also, I am an adult, and will not argue with a child about MY life choices.

However, I did tuck her comments away and made a mental note to keep an eye on that girl when she interacts with my daughter. I know LQ will defend her schooling, but I don't think that type of conversation is necessary.

Anyway - VENT OVER....on to something new.

I'm looking forward to tomorrow's game. My ILs decided not to come. I'm not mad. Its their loss. FIL said they would call tomorrow to see if there are going to be anymore games that they might be able to make it to. I told him I wouldn't know tomorrow - it would be best to try Monday or Tuesday.

I am off to bed - I've been going since 7:00 am this morning, and between housework, filling 300 water balloons, pool party, picking up last minute unifrm stuff, and dealing with a rude LQ teamamte, I am pooped. :)

Long Day, Short Blog...

Need I say more???

We were at Park all day, which was really nice and relaxing. Not a very big group, and there were no major problems with kids getting hurt or arguing with each other. We came home to change and unpack/repack the car, then headed off to softball practice.
The board members were busy trying to prep everything to start this weekend's tournament. There are two going on at the same time - Majors and Minors. Since I am no longer working it due to my daughter being on the team, they tried to find me a different spot to help out in.

Scorekeeper? Nope - don't know how to do it very well, ask me next year when I have had some practice

Snack Bar? Sorry, not with 3 kids running around

Umpire? Not certified.

Pitch Counter? Sure! I know how to count, just as long as I don't have to go over 100.

I'm kidding, lol.

Anyhow, I watched the practice, becoming irritated more and more. LQ did VERY well though - she didn't miss many balls and she hustled out on the field. She was getting confused with the base running, part of it is her fault, but I also blame the base coach for failing to instruct properly. I wish Hongo would be a base coach, he is SO good at that kind of stuff.

After practice was over, the manager asked Hongo if LQ could stay after and pitch. Hongo said no, he wanted to go home and eat since he hadn't been home all day. I wasn't there, but I assume the manager didn't argue (which he's kind of known to do)
He probably would have tried to press me to stay, but I am pretty sure I would have said no too.
For us, it boils down to what is best for our kids. I don't like them eating dinner late at night. It gives them all digestion problems. So I try to feed them a small snack if I know they are going to be out late, and then a light dinner after we get home. Or we eat dinner first, then a light snack after a game. Tonight I had already planned on snack, then dinner. If she had stayed, dinner would not have been until 8:30. Right now its 10:30 and they are still all awake. They need to go to sleep!

Tomorrow is another full day for us. We have practice again at 10:00am and it will be a "fun" practice, complete with pizza, drinks, and water balloons. Then we come home and change, run our errands, then go to a pool party. Then we come home, change again, have dinner, then I am taking LQ to go see part of a tournament game. She can't stay TOOO late, because then she has to go home and get ready for bed. Her tournament game starts at 10:30am. The ILS are coming to watch, so we'll probably have lunch with them too.

I talked to one of my assistant coaches, and he has almost enough players to get a men's softball team together. We just need like 2 more guys, so I'll be on the phone again tomorrow trying to drum some up.

Goodnight!

Oh man....what a long day....

This morning I checked my email (after sleeping in because I thought I had enough time to) and saw that Park Day had been moved up an hour to 11 am. Well, I KNOW that it doesn't matter what time we get there, we're going to be there for hours, but I happen to LOVE Park Day so much that I feel the more park the better!

So I made all the kids get up and hurry to do their chores, I passed on cardio exercise to shave 1/2 hour off, and instead of loading the crockpot - I opted for a box meal instead.

Ahhhhhhhh.....I love Park.

We stayed longer than we should have, and had barely enough time to hit the grocery store, come home, change, make dinner, repack the car and head off to LegoQueen's softball practice.

To sit for another 2 1/2 hours. I didn't bring proper shoes, so Hongo and I couldn't even play catch.

Watching those girls today shows me that LegoQueen has a LONG way to go and improve. But at the same time *I* know how far she has come already, and so while it looks like I am proud of a not-so-talented child, I am actually proud of a child who has worked hard all season long to improve. I see the other parents sigh when she does something wrong. I thought it would bother me a lot, but I realize its not, actually.

Because all I ask of her is to try hard and do her best, and that is exactly what she does.

Hongo was playing catch with DramQueen and he said "She's going to be better than LQ." And she probably will be - no doubt. She is naturally coordinated, whereas LQ is not. LQ can trip and fall while she is walking. But her clumsiness is endearing, she reminds me a a certain person I know who grew too much too fast and was never graceful as a child....or as an adult. *wink* It doesn't mean she can never be great at softball, it just means she has to work a little harder to meet her goals.

Tomorrow I will take her out and buy her some batting gloves. Then we'll go to the park and work on her hitting and her pitching, trying to bridge the gap as much as possible.

She IS playing in the tournament in our town, I just don't have a definite day of when it will start. I drew up a training plan for 1 week, but hopefully she'll get an extra week if the tournament gets pushed back.

We made it to the regular dr today.

First off, I just want to say I love our dr and he can never retire because he is just super awesome with a killer sense of humor. He was telling us that for Fathers' Day he took all his grandkids to Disneyland and what kind of backasswards present was that?? He treated THEM! Where was his grand day to be taken care of like women get on Mothers' Day? He also had the nerve to say "homie" when talking about the guy that does CT scans at the local clinic. He's an older white dude - his nurse told him he had no business using the word "homie". I think his exact words to the patient were "Go down and see my homie at Millenium. He'll hook you up." *snort*n

What a riot. He also told Hongo that he needs to stay off the WebMD and think positive.

As for what is wrong with Hongo - the dr thinks that he has sleep apnea. That concurs with the fact that I have been telling Hongo for MONTHS that he stops breathing in the middle of the night sometimes and there have been nights where I lie awake and listen to make sure he's not dying on me.
After looking in his mouth, the dr said there is excess tissue there and it is a wonder that Hongo can even breathe at night at all - there is very little space for air to travel through. Due to Hongo's perpetual state of nasal congestion, breathing through his mouth is his only option.

So......

Hongo has to go away and sleep somewhere all hooked up to machines. Depending on how severe it is, it could be treated simply by getting a new bed or sleep position, some kind of sleep machine, or surgery to remove the excess tissue.
I am worried about the two latter options, so I've been trying to get as much info about them as possible.

Hongo was sent for bloodwork, and we should receive our info about where he is going to go sleep sometime this week.

I just wanted to say thanks for the thoughts and concern that everyone gave. It means alot , and I know our family has used up a lot of good thoughts and prayers this year.

Still trying to get a list of things to do while the kids are gone. I will probably finish up some home repairs and painting. Maybe a little gardening....
I finally got my stove sparkly clean - I used some stuff that is similar to Comet in texture, but without the abrasiveness (is that a word?) It works GREAT! No streaks (a HUGE thing for me) and NO RESIDUE! I am going to send some to my mother in law because she has the hardest time keeping her glass top stove clean. And my MIL is really anal about her kitchen - I know this will give her one less thing to stress about.

On another positive note, I think I am down another pant size. The numebr on the scale hasn't budged, but I took a pair of shorts straight out of the dryer, and they were loose already. I didn't have to stretch them out. Yay! That is enough to get me motivated to exercise more often.

Fun day!

IMG_0237
Originally uploaded by momto3pumpkins

What a day!

THis morning we went to the park and the kids modeled in exchange for play time. You can view the photos at my flickr:

http://www.flickr.com/people/kim77/

We came home and did some clean up and baked Daddy his favorite cake (goodness knows he'll appreciate it tonight- he needs some comfort food right now, more on that later)

We have some exciting news to share with everyone. No, I am NOT pregnant, that is NOT exciting , that is SCARY, lol!!!!

Our news is that LegoQueen made the AllStar team for softball. We got the call Friday night and today was her first practice. I love the manager that she has, we are good friends and he is soooo patient yet firm with her. I told the other coach today that LQ is stoked to be there, and wants to absorb as much as possible. I was told that it is very evident that she is eager to learn, and she is already capturing the hearts of the coaching staff.

But the downside is that the practices are VERY long and frequent, and while i don't mind sitting at the park for hours, I am concerned about dinners for the week. I am limited on my cooking skills and I need to figure out some make ahead dinners that we can just reheat when we get home. I should be good for the next 2 days but after that....I don't know.
I am also hearing that our team will not play in the local tournament, so the team will have about a month to practice and get to know each other and work together.

Other than that, things are going really well.

We have also started planning our vacation out to Florida this year. We will be gone sometime in September for about a week. Woo Hoo! Can't wait!

I'm also in the planning stages for a garage sale. I've got a ton of stuff to sell that is just taking up space in the garage and in the shed. It is my goal to have more room in the shed by November.

And if you all can keep my Hongo in your thoughts for right now...he's been feeling pretty icky lately and he just told me about it today. Its enough to make him agree to see a dr ASAP, and if urgent care wasn't closed, we would be down there right now. We will probably go tomorrow night if I can't get him an appointment with our regular dr. I am looking positivly and feeling like its probably nothing serious, but you never want to take those kinds of chances with your health, you know?

Oh, and before I forget....
I made it through Father's Day. Fathers' Day 1995 was the day I found out I was pg with LegoQueen. We had been at a picnic with my family and i was cuddling my cousin's baby girl. My dad told everyone "Look at Kim - she's a natural mom." That night Hongo said that seeing me with the baby was pretty neat and that we should try for our own. I was surprised (Hongo was never really into having kids, but I wasn't gonna argue!) So we went to Wal-Mart and bought ovualtion kits and pg tests. I took one test and had to tell Hongo that the ovulation kit was unnecessary - we already had a baby made.
I called my dad the next day to tell him the good news, and to say that he had jinxed me, lol.

Gorgeous and HOT!!!

IMG_0026
Originally uploaded by momto3pumpkins

Today was pretty warm - we even turned on theA/C because Hongo was pretending like he was going to die of heat stroke. The kids keep asking to get the pool set up. I am trying to stretch it out for another week.In the meantime, we have continued out morning park visits to get some fresh air before the heat sets in.


I don't understand why Hairy Boy always has to smile like he is in pain. Doesn't he appear to be hurting? This was taken at one of the newer parks in our area. In about 10 years it will be covered in lucious shade, but for now, all the trees are really new and you have to crawl under a concrete bench if you want shade.....

Lego Queen wanted to try out modeling and acting this summer at the rec center. I told her that I wanted to take a break from activities, but that I would gladly play "model" with her anytime she wanted. She hates having her picture taken, what the heack does she think models DO???? This is her getting a sassy pose on next to our neighbor's fence. The neighbors all look at me weird for taking my kids pictures next to buildings and fences. Oh well.

Tomorrow is Park, and I am looking forward to some serious relaxation and good company.

Oh, and I have begun to "flickr" Once i figure out my address for my account, I'll post it and ya'll can check out my pics when you are bored.

Can't you see i'm eating??

IMG_0052a
Originally uploaded by momto3pumpkins

Today we went to the park again. Actually, we went to 2 parks. We were blissfully alone at the first park, until teenage girls started arriving in droves. They were climbing all over the park equipment and cussing up a storm. So we heading off to a little more secluded park, and enjoyed another hour alone at the park.

I snapped a few pictures at the park - I am thinking that I am going to give up trying to get to the park early enough to take advantage of the good light, and just make it my mission to find good light and use it the best way that I can.

After the park, we settled down for lessons and then lunch. Hongo called and said he was not going to be able to take off the days my ILs are taking the kids, so that just ruins our plans. I definitly don't want to be home alone all day for 2 1/2 days while he is at work....I am thinking of asking if I can tag alog with him at least one day. There is the outlet mall up there, and I could go shopping and then come back to meet him for lunch, and then when he gets off, we can go have dinner then come home. I can even knit while I am waiting for him....

I don't know. We are trying to work something out for this weekend, but that isn't looking too good either.

T-Ball is now over!

Well, Saturday was our last day of T-Ball. We played our game and then we had pizza and drinks along with our trphy ceremony.

So now I am officially free to pursue other activities and opportunities. I know there is a softball tournament coming up that I would love to work at, but I will have to see what is going to go on with that.

Lately we haven't been home very much- last week we were at the park every single day, enjoying the weather. I hope to continue that trend this week, I would just like to get out a little earlier before it gets hot in the day.

Also, my cousin had her baby last Wednesday, so congrats to her. I haven't been down to see the baby yet, but my uncle sent me a picture on my phone.

And guess what?? I finished my socks! They have toes and my weaving leaves something to be desired, and one is bigger than the other, but HEY - they are DONE. I finished them. LegoQueen bought herself some yarn and asked for me to make her a pair. So that is what I am working on now.

Tomorrow I have to visit the community center to drop off pictures and a trophyf rom my Tball team. Its that trouble family again - the kid stopped showing up about a month ago, and haven't heard from them. So I am going to take his stuff there and see if the city people can get them to him.

Whoa....its Monday.....

The kids were pretty tired from yesterday's events, so instead of plowing through lessons first thing int he morning, we opted to take a walk to the park. The girls took their scooters, and I pushed the Hairy (and HEAVY) One in the stroller.
Along the way we stopped to inspect the fire hydrant, landscaping, etc. It took us a while to reach the park. The girls played and just before we left I asked for some photography indulgance, and the above photo is my fav. Please excuse the giant "DO NOT COPY" on it, I've been having trouble with my "family" saving my photos and then posting them and saying my kids are relatives that they aren't. I don't have any brothers or sisters, my kids can't possibly be your neice or nephew or DUH your little sis.....

ANyway.

Yesterday I said goodbye to my girls softball team. I really tried hard to not be emotional - I almost lost it when I was giving my coaches their plaques. I know there are girls that I will still see on Sunday and during the summer, but most of them are moving on to other things. They all have a special place in my heart, they are my Angels and I look forward to seeing their faces next year on Opening Day.
That's not to say there isn't still drama going on, lol - but its going to be taken care of eventually.

No practice today, and so we just took it easy. I took the opportunity to catch up on a few things....my weeding in the front yard for one. I went over and caught up with my neighbor. I wasn't sure if I should mention anything about May 5th being the anniversary of his son's death - so i kept my mouth shut. I'm a month late anyway - tomorrow will be the 5th.
I called my mom to return the phone call she gave me on Mother's Day....um yes I am THAT behind! We chatted for about an hour. Again, the whole copying of my stuff and my family is going on. How hard is it to call me and say "kim, can you please make us a copy of _____?" or "I really like that photo of _____, can you send me a copy?"

Kim would gladly oblige if she was asked nicely.

*sigh* But alas, its always about them.

The big day....

Today is our end of season team party for LegoQueen's team.

The DVD slideshow is finished, the potatoes for the potato salad are cooking, and two kids are bouncing off the walls with excitement.
We still have other things to get through first - we have our normal chores, and I have a softball game this morning.

Yesterday I was late to my kids' t-ball game. UGH. I could have sworn it was at 11:30, but when we arrived on the field, the kids were already out there. The game started at 11, and it was the ONE day that I didn't arrive 30 minutes early.
I have decided that for their team party, it will be pizza in the park with a few games after next weeks game. One parent offered to have us at their house, but there is just to much drama for this team.

So softball is pretty much over....we aren't going to do any organized sports for the summer, excpet Hongo and I will continue on our softball team. That season goes into July, then there is a month off for August (which is great because we have two birthdays in August) and then we start back up in September.
That is - if there even is a team to start back up with. Today the manager is going to check and see who is coming back and who is not. We already know one couple isn't coming back, and though I hate to be a meanie, I am glad. The woman didn't treat me very nicely when I first started, and her husband is the one who bruised my finger one week and hit me in the face the next. My team mom also will probably not play either due to her work schedule.
Soooooo, Hongo and I have been thinking up how to get a men's team together in case this one falls through. There would be no way to get a co-ed one going. We have 3 definites, and then I know a couple of guys who would be interested in playing, and it snowalls from there. They know guys, etc.
And wouldn't you know it - I just got me some new cleats on Sat! I have already been offered spots on two other teams, so I just won't be playing with Hongo. I told him I would manage his team too, LOL!

The weather up here is gorgeous in the morning. I have to remember to slather on the sunscreen, though - the sun is going to be beating down all day and I will be out in it. I debated on whether to bring my swimsuit, but decided against it. I will be watching out for the kids in the pool, so its best that I am looking down on the water.