The Big K

And I don't mean K-Mart. Kindergarten! WOW! Can't believe it is here. For a while there I thought that I was more excited about it than Jacob. But last night I could tell that he was about to explode. This morning he was very impatient with the traffic, even wanted to know why the cars in front of us wouldn't just go ahead and turn so he could get to school. He lead us in the school, walking about 10 feet in front of us, turning around only to let us know that he could see his class room. He walked in the room like the big kindergartener that he is and sat down at his table and started going through his things.

Before we got out of the car I asked him what was going to be the funniest part of kindergarten and he said picking out my lunch and punching in my lunch number. We will see if that has changed this afternoon. Have a great day Jake!

Where would you put it?

During the summer months our church doesn't have a children's church program, which means that all of the little kiddies get to go to big church. Besides trying to keep them quietly entertained, I am also trying to get them involved in the whole big experience in some little ways they can hopefully understand. Like letting them put money in the collection plate and explaining to them that they are giving their money to God. I have been giving them each a dollar to hold on to and at the right time, put in the plate. Now Jacob would prefer that I give him coins over dollars any day, don't know why but for some reason he thinks the change is better. But coins would bring on a whole new set of problems, so I stick with the paper. Anyway, a couple of Sundays ago at the beginning of church I give Jacob and Madison their money. Jacob folds up his dollar and tucks it into his pocket. Madison, wanting to do exactly what her big brother does, takes her money and rolls it up in this half crooked fold and begins to search frantically for her pocket. When she doesn't find one, she does what any good southern young lady would do, she stuffs it in the front of her dress and then goes about her coloring. While I am doing the church snicker, I flash back to Sunday mornings as a kid with my grandmother when she would stuff her tithe in the front her dress, along with her house keys. Who knew you could put so much stuff up there with out it looking awkward? Guess Madison gets that from Mama Pearl.

May the Force Be With You

A couple of weekends ago, a friend of ours scored us some sweet tickets to the Barons game. We usually go to a couple games each year but this time was a little unusual. Michael told me earlier in the week that there was going to be some type of Star Wars thing going on that night at the stadium and all I could picture in my head was the time that we went to Atlanta and stayed in the same hotel as the Star Trek convention. Everyone was dressed up as their favorite character. It was a little odd to say the least. So I immediately think that folks will be dressed up as Yoda and Darth Vader. Well not everyone, just my sweet, Star Wars obsessed 5 year old. He wanted to wear the whole costume but it was five hundred degrees outside so I talked him into only wearing the mask and cape. He was a little Star struck (pun intended) when he saw the real DV. He wouldn't even get his picture made with him. I was able to get a picture of him and a Storm Trooper but only because the ST let Jacob see his gun.

It was a lot of fun. They did some really cool Star Wars themed things with the lineup on the jumbotron. DV even threw out the first pitch. We had a great time. Michael even caught a foul ball.

We are the Champions

So if I knew how to put music on this thing, that would be the song I'd be playing today. Cause that's what the Nationals are...State Champions! So, close your eyes and pretend Freddie Mercury is belting out those famous lyrics, my friends.

The game was in a word AWESOME! We came out of the gate and scored 6 runs and shut out Gardendale in the first inning. In the second, we put an additional 7 runs on the board and then there was no turning back. The final score was 25-10 in 5 innings. It was a great ending to a very happy birthday for me. Thanks to everyone who came out to lend their support and thanks to those who didn't show up because they had been banned from the park. I won't mention any names, but her initials are Tesney D. The only game we lost in the post season Tesney was in attendance so we barred her from any more games. Tes, I am sorry that you missed this, though.

My only regret from the tournament - not getting a picture of the redneck megaphone one of the opposing teams moms was using to cheer on her team. It was a what appeared to be the inside cardboard of a rather large roll of wrapping paper. It was about four foot long and had a crook on the end. She would cheer on her team and then turn around to the stands to lead them in an organized cheer all the while being very careful not to warp someone in the head. Obviously she was reliving some fantasy of being head cheerleader for her high school football team. It was a sight.

Maddie - The Preschooler

With all of the baseball that has been going on over the last month I almost forgot to document Madison's first day of preschool. Here's a picture of the big girl and her big brother getting ready to leave the house.

I knew she would love being there with other kids her age. I knew she would love playing and going on the play ground. I knew she would love playing dress-up and watching Holly, the parakeet. I wasn't expecting her to tell me that she wasn't ready to leave when I went to pick her up. Guess that's how you know they really enjoy it! She is having a blast.

I am not sure if this picture says "OK, enough with the camera already" or "This getting up early for preschool is rough" or "Hey, I am a monkey". Either way it made me laugh.

On a baseball note, we play for the 5 year old State Championship tonight. So excited, can't wait! Of course if it is anything like it was yesterday, I might need a room at Bryce! Wish us luck!

Northport Nationals

We had our first All Star Tournament this past weekend. Things didn't start out very good. But we came back and tied the game up in the bottom of the sixth inning. The next inning Walker County scored two runs to beat us 17-15. The Nationals played two games Saturday and won both games. Then Sunday we had to play Walker County twice in order to win the whole thing. Big Blue came out strong in the first game to win 25-11. And the second game of the doubleheader was even better. Something just clicked and we played like we have been playing ball together all year. The final score was 22-0 in four innings! There were double plays, fly balls caught, good base running and the bats were as hot as the weather. It was a great ending to a wonderful Father's Day. The guys (and girl) were so excited about getting their trophies and playing in the tent sprinklers. Here are the pictures from the tournament. Click on the album to get a better view and then click on the right if you want to download any of them.

Look what's on our front door

About a month ago a momma bird made her home in the flower arrangement on our front door. We have enjoyed watching the nest as these four ugly, naked, alien-like creatures have grown up to become full feathered, beautiful little birds. Now we can no longer use our front door for fear that we will have them learn to fly in our living room. It's a small price to pay to have my kids witness one of God's many miracles.