Summer Days

Summer feels like it has finally arrived!  The days are much warmer (the nights are still pretty cool, cool enough for a light jacket) . . .  And lately we have been relishing in sleeping in, and just hanging out!  It's been nice; but today, rather this morning I had to wake up early to start up some sort of routine again.

This is the third week of summer for Nicholas and it feels like we are just finally getting to enjoy the easy-going tone of the days.  The first two weeks of summer were still spent very routined because of post season baseball.  And now . . . after a few days of no baseball we are re-entering another round of post season baseall.  Nicholas made the All-Star team for the 2011 season!  We are so excited and so proud of him!  Once again we are back to the fields :0)  We love it, it's fun and we're excited for the days and weeks to come!

Nicholas has been hanging out with friends during the afternoons and it's been nice!  Enjoying time with friends swimming and playing street wiffle ball means less time playing video games!  Noah has been hanging with his brother and skipping naps, it's all good!  This morning we're going to the movies; our local theater shows PG and G rated movies from previous months for $1.  So we're headed there today!  And then later this evening we'll be headed to baseball practice :0). 

2011 Washington Nationals TVALL Division Champs!

Coach lucas talking with the team.  A great coach and team that Nicholas will always have in his book of "great memories!"

Summer Days . . . Love that Nicholas' friends don't mind that Noah "rolls" with the them :0).

Always Dream Big

Do you remember, as a young child, what you used to dream about being or becoming when you "grew up?"  Do you remember what it felt like when that dream felt so attainable and within reach? 

Jay and I talked about this at dinner lastnight.  Our greatest wish, for our boys, is that they never lose that feeling inside them.  The feeling of passion to do something wonderful and great in their life.  Children always dream big . . . And then something happens; the reality of life and its challenges quickly filter out those big dreams.  I hope, with all my heart, that Nicholas and Noah go through life believing in their dreams; knowing that they will be the only ones that stand in the way of making them come true. 

With that . . . I just want to share some of my favorite pictures of Noah's last Tball game.  He is truly our "Lil Slugger!"

Leading in the Little League Pledge

Getting Pumped . . .  :0)

Our Lil' Slugger

On first base . . . Look how serious he is! 

Sliding into home plate!

Alligator hands!  Just like Nicholas taught him :0)

The Perfect Day

Yesterday was the perfect day.  It was perfect for all the ordinary reasons and something inside me was calm enough and in the moment enough to stop and really, really appreciate my very blessed life.

There was no particular moment that made it perfect . . . Rather it was the little moments throughout the day that tugged at my heart.  Reminding me that it really is the little things that matter.

It was the sweet tasting oranges we bought at the farmers market yesterday morning . . .

It was the sparkle in Noah's eye and the sound of his giggle when I gave him a chocolate mint after his lunch . . .

It was having Nicholas call me to ask if he could play with his friends in the neighborhood . . .

It was the quiet time I got to spend with Jay in the afternoon . . .

It was seeing the baseball fields busy as teams prepared for the upcoming tournament . . .

It was being in a carpool . . .

It was hearing Noah's laughter and excitement from our backyard as he and Jay filled balloons up with water . . .

It was the sight of pure bliss on Noah's face as he sat with his teammates during his team party . . .

It was the honest joy and pride in his eyes as Noah held his very first trophy in his hands . . .

It was the sight of the water balloon fight between Noah's tball team and the parents.  There was so much laughter and joy - it was a perfect celebration!

It was sitting by our firepit with Jay as we grilled dinner for our family . . .

As I got ready for bed I smiled and felt so blessed.  I never dreamed of an extravagent life, but I have always dreamed of being a wife and mother . . . Having my days filled with the sound of my children's laughter and my husband at my side.  That was yesterday . . . It was just perfect.

Noah enjoying his teammates!

Receiving his trophy.  His squeal with delight was the best!!!

Pre-water balloon fight . . . Siblings joined too.  What a great time for everyone!

Noah and Jay battling!  :0)

Noah getting his coach!  And look at Jay in the background, he had no mercy on the lil' guys :0)

Is it really summer . . .

Today is the last day of May!  Oh my word!  Time sure has flown by.  This past Friday was Nicholas' last day of school.  It really didn't feel like the last day of school, it felt like just another Friday . . . This is the first time his school district has ended school this early; usually he's in school until the second week of June.  He's happy to be home and be done with school a couple weeks earlier :0).

So summer is here . . . Oh what to do?  We really have no plans at this point.  Well, besides baseball.  Today is Nicholas' last season game, before his team goes into the Tournament of Champions.  Noah has one more game this Saturday.  So we're still in basball mode.  It's safe to say that it doesn't really feel like summer just yet. 

Our plans for summer vacation are all up in the air.  We don't have anything set in stone just yet, but we'd sure like to get in our annual camping trip and Wild Rivers trip; not to mention a few trips to the beach!  Nicholas has some friends that moved into the neighborhood and his summer days are filling up with bike rides, street wiffle ball, and hanging out at eachother's houses.  Oh to be young and filled with frivolous play :0) 

Well for Memorial Day weekend Nicholas' travel team played in a tournament here in town.  His team lost all 3 games, but it was their first tournament . . . It was an experience for the kids and it's only a matter of time; they just need a few more tournaments together under their belt.  They'll do great; I just know they will.

Today . . . it's, kinda, the official first day of summer.  The sun is out, and my days aren't really that much different then all the others.  I have bathrooms to clean, laundry to finish, and meals to cook!  However, I have a few projects around here that I'd like to get done . . . Projects that involve paint! 

Happy 1st Day of Summer!

Baseball videos

The boys' baseball season is winding down.  They each have 3 games left and I can't believe how fast this season has flown by.  But, Nicholas' team, with one more win, will be playing in the tournament of champions!  So really the season isn't quite over yet.

This is also Nicholas' last week of school.  I'm looking forward to the summer days ahead!  The days of no routines, beach day, pool days and the smell of bbq!  I can't wait.

I wanted to share 2 videos of the boys over the weekend.  Both at the baseball fields . . . Enjoy!

Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies

The May-Grey that's been going on here has been awful.  Noah and I decided to bake some chocolate chip cookies the other day.  I love baking with him; I love the smile and happiness on his face when he gets to help mama out.  Sure it gets messy . . . But I'm so over keeping everything all clean and tidy.  Right now it's all about hanging with my lil' guy having some yummy fun in the kitchen.

I've been using this chocolate chip cookie recipe for years now!  I like to try different ones, but I always come back to this particular recipe.  It never disappoints.  It's loaded with chocolate chips, it's fluffy, and it's sweet enough to put a smile on anyones face.  I wish I could say that I created this recipe all on my own . . . It's from a cookie recipe book that was given to me years and years ago . . . When Nicholas was still a sweet-smelling toddler :0)  I have since renamed this cookie recipe as Auntie Mis' Chocolate Chip Cookies.  Every time I make these cookies I think of my 3 handsome nephews, Vincent Jr., SJ, and KJ.  They never fail to tell me or show me, by the grins on their faces, how much they love and appreciate the sweet treats I bring along with me to our family gatherings.  That is the beauty of homemade chocolate chip cookies . . .

Auntie Mis' Chocolate Chip Cookies
2 1/2 cups of flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
2 sticks of butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. real vanilla extract
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Mix butter and sugar together until completely blended.  Add eggs and vanilla extract.  Add dry ingredients a little at a time.  Mix well.  Add chocolate chips and mix.  Bake for 20 minutes in a 300 degree oven. 

* I have found that these cookies bake well if they have been refrigerated overnight.  Hope you enjoy this cookie recipe!

Of course I had to include a few pictures . . . Of the cookies and my assistant!

Fluffy and Loaded with Chocolate Chips :0)

A perfect after school snack. 

Assistant Chef . . . Or taste tester.  Wherever he's needed :0)

Delicious!

39 and 39

Last week Noah went for his 4 year old annual physical.  I'm happy to say he continues to be a healthy growing boy!  He is, however, a little on the shorter size . . . But we try not to say this aloud; he feels completely self-conscious of this.  It has, I know, so much to do with hearing how tall Nicholas is.  And Noah practically worships the ground his brother walks on. 

So . . . Noah is 39 inches tall and 39 lbs. in weight.  During his examination he was given 4 shots and watched all 4 times as the nurse shot him 2 times in each leg.  He is our brave boy!!!  He didn't cry at all!

A few things about Noah at 4 years old . . .

• He is super independent
• Almost always wakes up happy!
• Has THE BEST imagination EVER
• His favorite television shows are, Jake & The Neverland Pirates, Calliou, & Fireman Sam
• Does a great job writing his name
• Has excellent fine motor skills & hand-eye coordination.  He can cut out, pretty much any shape
• Love arts & crafts
• Loves to play sports . . . He is super-awesome at baseball :0)
• Loves his brother
• Has a bad temper
• Can ride a scooter just as good as a boy twice his age
• Wants to take his training wheels off his bike
• Is super friendly
• Has the most clever thoughts & things to say
• Has a niche for style (clothing) but still loves to "dress-up" in police, fire, military, & construction wear :0)

There is so much about Noah, at this age, that I want to remember.  The days just fly by and they grow so fast . . .

Getting his eyes checked . . . All Good There :0)



Being Mister Cool.  I wonder what he's thinking here . . .




Following the nurse to the examining room . . .




Dad showed up to his appointment and he was so happy!



A special treat from dad for being Super Brave while getting 4 shots!!!

Baseball and a Birthday Party

All I have, as far as recent pictures, are baseball pictures.  I love looking at them; but if I post more on my blog . . . to the non-baseball eye, they'll all look the same.  I suppose that's why I have refrained from putting up a new post.  Not much has been going on around here; well besides baseball. 

Well . . . and I am planning Noah's birthday party.  In between laundry and driving the kids to and from, I have been cutting out pirate hats, practicing baking cupcakes, and practicing making a pirate ship cake.  All, so far, have turned out well. 

Noah's super, duper excited about his party this Sunday.  My mom and Poly have been gracious enough to open their home up to having Noah's birthday bash at their house!  He'll be having a jumpy, games, and a pinata.  It's a dream come true for him! 

We debated for several weeks on what the birthday theme would be.  We went from Firefighter Party to Baseball Party, to All Sports Party, to Spider Man Party, to finally, a Pirate Party.  Noah actually wanted a Jake and the Neverland Pirate Party, but that television show is new, so there weren't any of those party supplies available.  We decided to go with a Pirate theme and after searching on the internet for something whimsical enough . . . I finally found something.  Although it's a Pirate theme, I still wanted it to be little boyish!  Here's what I found . . .

I love the colors . . . the baby blue, red, and hint of black.  So that's the color scheme.  And per Noah's request, we're having Hamburgers and Hotdogs.  I love it . . . pretty simple stuff.  Perfect because my main goal is to have all my focus and attention on Noah . . . Enjoying his day, his party, his time to turn the big 4!  :0)



6 P's

Pre Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance

It's no secret that our life is crazy,busy these days.  Every single day of the week we have something going on.  Mostly baseball related.  We are truly aware of where we need to be, what time we need to be there and what we need to bring.  And still it is crazy getting out the door - still we are frantic pulling out of our driveway, still we continue to arrive flustered beyond necessary. 

We need to stop this.  It's madness, pure madness! 

Over the weekend my uncle and aunt visited with us.  They actually came for Nicholas' game and afterwards came to our house to hang out.  It was then that we talked about the 7 P's that he encouraged in his home.  We decided to lose one P just because . . . :0) .  Jay and I really want to try to be more prepared as we embark on such a fun time in our boys' life.  This is just the beginning of having 2 boys in extracurricular activities . . . We need to be more successful in our system :0).

Another busy week ahead.  Here's to a smoother ride :0)

Nicholas at Game #2 of 2011 season.

Crazy - Busy!

It has been crazy busy!  My house is a mess, our microwave is still broken (broken since Christmas Eve), and I am always doing laundry.  It seems like that is the only time I am home . . . is when everyone needs clean clothes.

I'm not complaining at all.  This is usually our busiest time of year - baseball!  But now, it' all x2 because Noah is doing baseball.  Not to mention I'm on the Little League Board, and Jay is still busting his buns working so I can drive everyone around to where they need to be . . .Bless his heart!

Everyone is having fun . . . and I'm happy.  I'm just trying to keep up!  In the last week and a half we have eaten out more than I'd like to admit.  It makes me mad just to think about it . . . But with a broken microwave and constantly having to be somewhere I don't know how I'm supposed to feed my family - besides grabbing something to go.  It's time to pull out the crock-pot!!!

Okay, gotta run.  Another busy day!

After Noah's first TBALL game :0)