July 32nd ...

That is my preferred way of stating the date. I just can't go into August yet, okay? Work with me here.

Just wanted to pop in and add a couple of pix from last night's game.




------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And Wednesday night I was granted a reprieve from the baseball game and I drove up to the Twin Cities to pick up an old Army pal. We'll call her "M."

M was the big sister I never had -- she taught me to be confident in myself, to demand the best from the men I dated because I deserved nothing less, to be strong in myself so that I could choose to be vulnerable when I wanted to. Good lessons, all.

She also nursed me through many a breakup, letting me lie on her couch in a terrycloth bathrobe for weeks on end.

Thanks, M. It was great to see you. We're still pretty cute, aren't we? LOL

Another season ends ....

and what an ending it was! Evan pitched an inning (his first ever) on Tuesday. Tonight he pitched again and did a great job, retrieving the ball and throwing it to first base twice for 2 outs.

He played first base, too, and was really on and paying attention. Turns out the game is more fun when your kid is having a great day. LOL

At any rate, the season has ended and I am most grateful.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In other news, Rob did some plumbing last week and it turned out the pipes he replaced were not the main problem -- it was the faucet. So he replaced the faucet last night and I finally got to put the bathroom back together. I've had all my cleaning supplies out on the counter for over a week.

And last for tonight, I had a request from one of my genealogy websites for some information. I knew it was in a specific book and decided to empty the closet of its boxes to find the elusive tome.

Now I have a living room piled high with boxes and a scrap room filled so that there's no walking space -- and no book. Honestly, I can't figure out where I put it.

But as long as it's out there, I am starting on the organization of the closet and its items. I am hoping to be done by November 1. Yikes.

We're done

The game this morning was hard fought. The 2 teams kept inching the score up, a point or two per inning each. Going into our final at-bat (we were the home team), the score was 10 to 13 in the other team's favor.

Garrett got walked, made it to 2nd on another guy's single, and headed home thanks to a nice hit from another teammate. But it wasn't enough. Final score: 11 to 13.

I was only half disappointed.

We are at home for a while now. Rob ran to Menard's for some plumbing supplies (we have a leaky bathroom sink), and we are hoping to impose on the friends with the pool for a couple hours this afternoon.

That was a long weekend -- and now we're down to just 4 games left for this baseball season. Man, am I ready.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And here's the frame on the bathroom mirror. LOVE it.

Seriously?

We won tonight. The boys did amazingly well. Guess none of them are morning people. LOL

So we play tomorrow at 10. I thought that was it, but I was wrong -- if we win at 10 we play at 12:30. Yep, a back-to-back double header. That is a lot of playing for 11 year olds in one day.

However, Garrett got a great hit today and slid into second in a very dramatic play, so he is feeling terrific.

Will keep you posted. And can I just say, FIVE games in three days? *Sigh*

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And in other news, I got the nail holes filled in the mirror before we left for the game, so I can paint over them tonight or tomorrow and the project will be done. Yay me.

(I also got the screw holes filled in my rubber stamp shelf, but we won't talk about how long it has taken me to complete that small task. LOL)

Day 6

The 8 am game was a bust. They stopped it early because the league has a rule ending any game once the difference between the scores is 10 or higher. Yeah, it was that bad. Twelve to 1. The boys were understandably disappointed but the coaches were justifiably frustrated -- they just weren't "on" today. Careless mistakes, not paying attention, and the worst one (which in my opinion the coaches encouraged somewhat this year) -- acting cocky. Rob told me one kid got tagged out because as he was running to 1st the other team missed a catch and had to retrieve the ball. He started walking. Apparently he was shocked when the ball arrived at first before he did.

Evan, Spence and I took care of Pippa's walk and the paper route this morning before meeting up with Rob at the game, then we all headed off to a lovely sail in Lake City with Chris on the Chinook. It looked like there was plenty of interest in the sailing and I hope they raise lots of $$. Last year's total, according to the local paper, was about $10,000. Not bad for a couple of days of sailing.

Now we're home, working on some cleaning and straightening up inside and out. Garrett's next game is at 6, and if the win that one we play once more, tomorrow at 10. If they lose today, they are done.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For those of you who remember the drama of Uncle Henry from last summer and fall, I will be making a trip next weekend to take pictures of his grave for my grandma. The headstone we ordered from the VA arrived and has been set and I want to make sure all is well before winter sets in.

Baseball Day 5

Monday - Spencer had a game.
Tuesday - Evan had a game, Garrett had a makeup game for a rainout.
Wednesday - Spencer had a game.
Thursday - Evan had a game, Garrett had a practice, which we didn't attend.
Friday - Garrett had his first game of the tournament. We were seeded #3. One of our pitchers walked a bunch of guys in an early inning (the 3rd, I think) and they ended up scoring a lot. A home run and a triple with the bases loaded in the 4th got us back in the game. In the 5th (and normally last) inning, we were tied at 7-7. We started the 6th inning and our pitcher was perfect -- 3 up, 3 down. We were 4 or 5 batters in with a runner on 2nd when a kid got a base hit and the coaches told the guy on 2nd to step on it, so he scored the winning run. Quite a dramatic victory, but the boys really pulled together and played well.

So we're done with 5 games, with at least 2 (maybe 3) more this weekend, and another 4 during the week. So I'm not quite halfway there yet, but so far so good.

The week has been busy, too, because Evan has been subbing on a paper route all week. One more day to go and he will collect his money Tuesday. I've been very proud of him -- he hasn't needed reminding at all and today when I helped him with the route because time was short, he had the whole thing memorized. We did it in record time. LOL Now if I can just get him to channel that memory into things like picking up his room.

And tomorrow, in the midst of the games, we are going to Lake City to sail. I am SO looking forward to it.

Weekend

Got the fence done (yay Rob!). Got some flowers in. I had neglected the pots out front because of the cool weather and my general laziness. Turns out the annuals are way cheap after the 4th of July, but you can't get "Fuchsia Blue Eyes" anymore because apparently everyone else loves it too. Next year....

Small confession: my friend Marchee will be in the Twin Cities at the end of July and may make it down here (she hasn't been here since 2002) and Teresa may be coming in August. She's never been here. I know neither of them cares what my house looks like but I want it spruced up a bit. I guess no matter what, the motivation to get things done is good.

This week:

- an afternoon at the pool with friends
- bookmobile
- grocery shopping
- maybe a nail appointment
- a park playdate with other friends (we hope)
- making some garden stepping stones
- a little sprucing up of the garden (weeding and adding newspaper and grass clippings to keep weeds down)
- painting some rocks with puffy paint to use as garden markers for next year (since I was too lazy to put in a garden this year)
- making some Watermelon Rind Pickles
- perhaps a craft project with some mini canvases to put up in the surf bedroom
- nail appointment for Pippa
- maybe even haircuts for the boys
- and, of course, a healthy dose of baseball

Forgot to mention ... last Monday baseball was canceled. We were at home enjoying the Black Crappie (that's pronounced CROP-ee LOL) Rob caught in Lake Itasca. Delicious. After dinner, we were all just hanging out (the weather was gorgeous after the rain had moved out) and the doorbell rang.

It was my friend Kristine, who moved to the East Coast with her husband and 3 boys last summer. We are simpatico -- we understand each other in so many ways, and moms with 3 boys have to stick together. I hadn't heard much from her in a while and it was SO amazing to just have her show up on my doorstep. If we'd been at baseball I would have missed her, as she flew home the next morning.

So thank you for stopping by, my friend. Don't be a stranger, okay? And hug those gorgeous boys of yours for me. We miss you all.

Friday

First day of summer. I slept in until 8:15 and we got a few things done so we're ready to camp.

Rob got the kids to baseball last night and left me at home (I did laundry and dishes, then sat to read a book). Their room is picked up and I didn't have to be the enforcer. This was a gift. I am really in no shape to do much of anything -- I am so tired. I think it's just me in a virtual collapse after pushing myself too hard the last few weeks. I don't do well if I don't have time to get stuff done at home. Home has been suffering, and so have I. It feels good to be getting back on track.

We leave tomorrow with our 3 boys and 3 extras -- a friend for each. The forecast is for rain tomorrow evening. Please think of us, as our camper is cozy but highly inappropriate for 6 energetic boys in a rainstorm. Yikes.

Have neglected to mention all of my recent reading -- I LOVED The Time Traveler's Wife and Water for Elephants. In fact, the ending of Water is possibly the best, most satisfying, not sickeningly sweet ending I have read, EVER. I am now in the middle of one called Edward Trencom's Nose. Interesting, but good enough to keep me coming back in the small spaces I have to read right now. Oh, and Living Biblically. That A.J. Jacobs. He is a funny guy. And yet, this book has a very serious side, discussing the meaning and intent of Bible verses. A remarkable perspective and a good read for almost anyone. (Even a heathen.)

Evan's soccer pizza party is tonight and his last game is tomorrow. Will be back next week, but since Spencer's first baseball game is Monday and we descend Tuesday into Garrett-goes-one-way and Evan-goes-the-other for baseball every Tuesday and Thursday, I'm not sure when I'll be coming up for air.

Have a good weekend, and stay safe, everybody.

My favorite deadly sin

Rob and the boys are at the Twins Home Opener against the California Angels. Garrett is basking in the glow of Torii Hunter, who started his career with the Twins the weekend Garrett was born and who now plays for the Angels.

They are eating junk food, and with any luck, are now in possession of new Twins baseball caps that were being given out at the game.

I am at home, and this is what I've accomplished so far:


That WAS chicken strips & fries from McMurphy's Sports Cafe. YUM. And a Dr. Pepper and some candy I will likely tuck into after I take the dog for her walk.

The kids' room is clean (expect more "clean" blogging soon -- I know you can't wait) and the laundry is slowly moving through. Tomorrow I'll be sorting through clothes, although it will be harder to put away the winter things since it is freaking SNOWING here right now.

Spring break. Humbug.

Weekend

We had fun at the Twins game. And they actually won. That was cool. It was my first pro game since I started actually learning something about the game. It is not as boring as it used to be because I understand more now, but I still read half of a novel while we were there.

I am still working on the genealogy paperwork to bring along to Ohio. I have a ton of scanning to do since the new program I'm using allows you to attach photos to individual records. I may do it on one of those little pro machines and have a CD made. The quality is a lot better than my scanner (which was a Mother's Day gift in 1999. Back then it rocked. Today, not so much.).

Okay, I am tired. More later this week, I promise!

Championship game

We were ahead most of the game. In the 5th inning the other team had the bases loaded when the batter connected perfectly with the ball. He ran, the first baseman ran and dove to catch the ball as it was thrown to him -- and they collided. Our first baseman got hit in the head (I think by the other guy's knee). To his credit, Jason (who was holding back tears) got up, grabbed the ball and threw it home before giving in to the pain. What a kid.

Of course, that let 2 runs go in and tied it up. In the past, our team has fallen apart after plays like that. This time was no different -- they just couldn't seem to pull it together after that.

Final score = 7 to 9.

Garrett seemed okay -- not too disappointed. So glad we had the conversation about being proud to play in the championship game and that we had emphasized the learning and fun aspects of the game all season. A couple of the kids were (understandably) visibly disappointed. Close to tears. It was a tough loss after a weekend where everything just seemed to go their way. The coaches gave a good pep talk at the end and I think everybody felt a little better.

It was a great game, a good season, and Garrett is ready to sign up for next year already.

Me? Well, Evan has games Monday and Wednesday nights and we are going to a Honkers game Thursday, so I will be ready for a break from America's pastime.

Whooda thunk it?

Go figure. Garrett's team won both of their games today. He is one happy and tired kid. They played great today -- real teamwork, real hard work. Fun to watch.

And tomorrow they play at 6 pm for the Championship.

Go team!

If you want to come out for all or part of the game, call me for field details.

Weekend!

My dad is still here. Garrett had the first game in his baseball tournament tonight and they won 14-8 so he plays tomorrow at 2.

We are going to try to get to a car show in Lake City first thing in the morning.

Only 2 1/2 hours until the last Potter book is released. I haven't written much about that series here, but I am a huge fan. Not sure if I can wait to read it out loud with Rob (as we have done with all the other books). The suspense is killing me.

Dad brought the Porta-Potti and those dishes down for me, so I got those in the camper tonight, along with the cast iron cookware my grandma sent. Awesome stuff. I had to buy lard today so I could season the pans. I have never bought lard in my life. I was kinda grossed out by the whole idea.

The weather has been marvelous, we made a morning run to Quarry Hill Nature Center today, we scored a pre-made dinner and dessert from my friend Stacy for tonight (her freezer got left open and a bunch of stuff thawed out) and I can make a crock-pot pot roast for dinner tomorrow. I really like Presto Cuisine for those days when you're in a pinch.

Okay, I am off to grab a beverage and relax ... if anybody wants links to anything above leave me a comment and I'll get to it Monday.

Later, peeps.

In the home stretch

Rob will arrive home in an hour or so. We are all looking forward to it.I took the kids bowling this afternoon -- a local place has a kids' club where you can have one free game per day all summer long. They gave me a free game today, too, so it was 10 bucks for shoe rentals. Can't beat that.

Plans for the big Father's Day weekend include more camping -- this time the whole family, with Rob's brother and his family. They have a 5th wheel, we have a 2 room tent, but it will be fun.

And I am bringing the rhubarb margaritas!

Off to make quick BLTs before baseball commences at 5.

Yep, the glamorous life. I've got it. Jealous, aren't you? LOL

A day in the life

10 a.m. Evan to the school admin building for a GATE test he missed during the year.

10:30 a.m. everyone to a park to meet Spencer's preschool class

11:30 a.m. home to dust the living room, unload and reload the dishwasher, get the boys' baseball uniforms into the washer, 27-fling-boogie the car, try to get through the massive pile of mail and random paper that has swallowed the counters in my kitchen. Remove unnecessary accessories from top of computer desk. Dust desk. Leave accessories all over desk.

12:10 p.m. discover that Shout does not work as advertised on the grass stains Garrett makes on baseball pants. Put clothes (stains and all) into dryer. Put baseball shirts into wash with other dark laundry. Get recycling sorted for pickup tomorrow. Call Garrett's friend's mom to find out if he can swim and is he allowed to go to the pool with us this afternoon. Yes. Yay.

1:30 p.m. Start rice in steamer for dinner. Gather swim stuff; kids change into suits and load stuff in car. Call Mom to find out if a sewing class offered locally is advertising the item she mentioned she wanted on recent visit. It is. Call sewing center to register for class. Panic after discovering said class is set for a Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. Decide to worry about child care later.

1:45 p.m. Leave to pick up Garrett's friend.

2:00 p.m. Arrive at pool with 4 little boys. Insist they all stay together as they go through the boys' locker room. Rush through to poolside to discover one of boys. Alone. Ummmm? Buddy system? Hel-LOoooo. Wait through lifeguard's hourly break which lasts approximately 5 minutes but seems like a lifetime. Sit in sun, cook, and watch children while trying to read Newsweek. Count heads obsessively. Wonder why it is always one of YOUR kids that is not visible. Thank your lucky stars it is one of your kids, not the extra. Shudder in horror at having to tell parents, "Sorry, I lost him." Count heads again. Move to shade because holy man it is hot out. Count heads again. Read trashy Newsweek article about trashy Princess Diana book coming out. Count heads again. Think about going to bookstore to buy trashy book the day it is released. Feel slightly ashamed, then shrug and decide to go with it and slough off the shame. Count heads again.

3:00 p.m. Get everyone rounded up and out of pool. Wait approximately an eternity while everyone puts on their shoes. Wonder how on earth it can take that long to put on shoes that don't lace up. Run into old friend from book group. Think, why do I always run into people I haven't seen in years when I am sunburned and my hair is crazy and .... oh forget it. Who cares anyway? Get kids into van. Argue with kid about sitiing in front seat. No. I said no. Because it is a 3 minute drive home and you have already argued with me for at least that long. Argh. Drive home. Hit a red at the ONE stoplight between pool and home; sit and wait, thinking, I could be home .... now. Or now. Or now. Light turns green. Go.

3:10 p.m. Arrive home. New entertainment center from a friend is sitting outside house. Wonder how on earth I can move that inside. Get kids into house. Garrett and friend descend to basement to play the Wii. Run down and put baseball shirts into dryer. Remove baseball pants from dryer. Sort another load of darks and put in washer. Sit down at computer to gear up for the remainder of the day.

Still to come ...

*feeding four boys dinner (thank goodness for Orange Chicken from Trader Joe's yum.)
*getting Evan to baseball at 5.
*getting Garrett and friend to baseball at another field, also at 5.
*putting accessories back on top of desk
*taking a shower to remove the layers of sweat that have accumulated
*moving entertainment center down to family room
*more laundry
*get kids home from baseball, bathed and in bed
*play on the Wii. Goal: to reach level 15 on ToeJam & Earl.
*collapse into bed, thankful that there is only 1 more night alone before reinforcements arrive.

Ahhh, the drama of the stay-at-home mom. Notice how very little I am actually home. LOL

Baseball

My friend Nicole called last night -- she and her husband Matt had 4 tix to the Giants/Rockies baseball game in SF tonite and can't use them.

So off the whole clan will go, to SBC Park. Have I mentioned I hate baseball? But the kids are WAY excited and I have my camera ready. I feel a scrapbook page coming on. LOL

Also, I have begun working on a super cool secret project. Secret because the recipient of said project (I think) peeks into my little corner of the world periodically. SO I can't reveal it yet. But it is very cool -- and it has required the use of tools. A tin snips, a Dremel tool, a rivet gun. Ooooh -- I am turning into Debbie the Tool Time girl! (Okay, maybe not so much the Playboy bunny aspect of Debbie, but....)

TTFN