A Beautifly Day

Friday was a beautiful day. Weather was in the mid 70's with a very slight breeze. Kaydee was snoozing out back. I could hear the birds chipping. So, I thought why not put Roxy and Burp out back too. They like talking to the other birds. And they sure have a lot to say to each other. They have been in the same cage for months. Easier to clean one cage.

So, I put the birds out back on the patio table. They weren't sure of things at first but soon began their daily chatting about bird stuff. K had to pay a visit but then went back to sleep in one of her nap spots.

Today is another beautiful day. Perfect for a baseball game. We will leave about noon to head over to the ball field. Just taking it easy this morning.

Have a wonderful weekend!

A little excitement for a Wednesday morning

If you have not been to our house, I should tell you we live on a quiet street. It's a long street, but we are towards the end of the culdesac. Our street is a single loaded street, no houses across the street from us. There is a hill across the street, with the neighbors back yards, but they don't see right down to our houses. Behind us is the "Wilderness Glenn" which runs along Los Alisos. Basically, there is a lot of trees and vegetation, a walking path and a stream. A lot of wild life too, coyotes, raccoons, skunks, possums, rats, and tons of birds, including hawks and the occasional owl.
So, back to the story: Wednesday morning, Tom took the kids to school. I heard our neighbors dog barking. I could see Zuko through the fence barking at his back fence. He is a mild mannered dog and doesn't bark a lot so I knew something was up. I went over to check it out and what do you know, a big raccoon was right behind the fence in the bushes. I walked up to the fence and the raccoon moved a little away. Zuko was not letting up so I decided to bring him to our house.
We get back to our house and Z runs out back to check things out. Kaydee is excited and thinks it is a play date. But, Z bolts to the fence and who is there, yep, that raccoon is behind our fence now. So, of course both Z and K are going crazy barking at that raccoon. Ahh! I ran to find some rocks to throw at it to try to get it to go away. Got back to the fence and could not see it, but the dogs were still barking so knew it must be in the bushes. Tossed the rocks into the bushes anyways hoping to scare the thing away if it was still there. Guess it was gone but the dogs still did not want to calm down.
Took Z home as he kept whining at the front door. Luckily the raccoon didn't go back to his yard.
Haven't seen our raccoon buddy since, so maybe he decided our yards are not good for a little food foraging. Let's just hope no more skunks decide to come over for a visit. Don't need a skunky smelly dog again.
Thanks for reading all the way through :).

Padres v. Angels

Padres do it again, 16 - 6 against the Angels. These boys keep getting better and better each game and are really thinking ahead and playing like a team. There were a lot of great plays by each team. Greg almost had a double play by himself. There was a runner on 2nd and 1st. Batter hit it towards 2nd base. Greg was playing 2nd, snatched up the ball, tagged the runner going from 2nd to 3rd, and almost made it back to 2nd to get the runner out. Wow! It was so close.
Grandma and Grandpa Murphy were at the game too. Greg loves it when there are more people there to cheer him on. Thank you for coming by, I know it was getting cold out there. :)
Next game is Saturday 1:00 against the Dodgers. Will we have a home run this game? Let's see. There are several hitters on our team who are getting close to the fence.

Christian Alphabet Poem

I got this an an email and wanted to share :)

The Christian Alphabet Poem

A lthough things are not perfect
B ecause of trial or pain
C ontinue in thanksgiving
D o not begin to blame
E ven when the times are hard
F ierce winds are bound to blow
G od is forever able
H old on to what you know
I magine life without His love
J oy would cease to be
K eep thanking Him for all the things
L ove imparts to thee
M ove out of "Camp Complaining"
N o weapon that is known
O n earth can yield the power
P raise can do alone
R edeem the time at hand
S tart every day with worship
T o "thank" is a command
U ntil we see Him coming
V ictorious in the sky
W e'll run the race with gratitude
X alting God most high
Y es, there will be good times and yes some will be bad, but...
Z ion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!

"Too blessed to be stressed!" The shortest distance between a problem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor. The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything.

Romans 11:36Everything comes from Him; Everything happens through Him;Everything end up in Him.Always glory! Always Praise Yes. Yes. Yes. [ the message]

Padres V. Yankees

8:00am game time on a Saturday morning means being at the field at 7:15 am. We were up about 6:20, watched a little of the bass fishing tournament on TV and then came to our senses, had breakfast and got ready for the game. We were at the field about 7:20.

Padres won 16-3! A lot of great fielding and hitting by everyone this game. Greg had a few doubles.

Evelyn and Sara (Ian's sister) keeping warm

Evelyn enjoying her seeds.

Padres v. Rangers

This was the make up game for the game that was rained out on Tuesday. We played on Friday in perfect baseball weather. Padres lost 6-7 and were tied 6-6 going into the last inning. But I have to say, each team played a great game and these teams are very equally matched. The Rangers coaches were Greg's coaches from last year and there are 5 returning players from last years team. It was fun to play against players we already know.

Greg played just about every position. He got a hit each time at bat. And I was even able to get a lot of pictures.(A little out of order, but this is how the pictures uploaded to the post)

Coaches pow-wow

After game huddle

Score!
Second base
Second base
In the dugout
Smack!!

I beat Chicken Invaders!!

Yep, I sure did. I got all those chickens, the UCO's (unidentified chicken objects) and best of all, scrambled that big egg yoke! We got hooked on this game, thanks to our neighbors Traci and Harrison. So, I relented and bought the game for the kids. Well, Diva Mom, that's me, rocks! I was the first one in this house to beat it, went through all the galaxies and the solar system. I tried and tried to crack that last big egg and kept getting hit by the lasers. Well, I did it. My heart was pounding so hard but I was doing my best to keep calm and breath and ignore the pain in my wrist for those quick mouse movements.
This actually happened last week. I am just now getting around to posting it. Guess I wanted to bask in the glory! So, now I start the game all over. Go Diva Mom, it's your birthday! Yea, did I say I rock!
Ok, well, it really isn't my birthday, not till next month. But my kids are always saying "Go mom, its your birthday", yadda-yadda. Just trying to be a cool mom :)

Real Simple Daily Thoughts

So I thought that rather than posting my favorite thought daily, I would post several at a time. I have been saving up. So, here you go, lots of daily thoughts thanks to Real Simple:

Eliminate physical clutter. More importantly, eliminate spiritual clutter.
— D.H. Mondfleur

I always prefer to believe the best of everybody, it saves so much trouble.
— Rudyard Kipling ( one of my favorites)

It is wise to direct your anger towards problems - not people; to focus your energies on answers - not excuses.
— William Arthur Ward

Dreams are illustrations...from the book your soul is writing about you.
— Marsha Norman

A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it.
— George Moore

As you grow older, you'll find the only things you regret are the things you didn't do.
— Zachary Scott

Forgive all who have offended you, not for them, but for yourself.
— Harriet Nelson

Finally a Friday

Made it through another week and it's Friday. :)
Greg has a make up game tonight against the Rangers. Then a game Saturday morning at 8:00 am against the Yankees. If anyone wants to go, we would love to see you! Why not start out your weekend bright and early with a baseball game! Evelyn has a Girl Scout outing Sunday afternoon. And that's it! Only baseball and Girl Scouts.
Don't have much more to say. So have a safe and fun weekend everyone.

Wow, it is getting late

Well, I thought I should post this before I got to bed. In my last post I mentioned how we had some free time tonight and was wondering how I was going to use it. So, here is what I did: I did clean out my car and put some laundry in but before that I did a little web surfing (he he!). After dinner Tom had to go back to work to get some paint to take to a local customer. He was there earlier but they needed more. So, while the kids were getting in their pj's I pondered how to spend the rest of my evening. The kids got on the phone with Daniella and her sister and hopped on Club Penguin and were happy and content for a long time. I decided I needed to do my hair, so whipped out the hair dye and went to work. Set the timer for 35 minutes for the die to process and then the fun began (well, not really fun....) I got lunches made for school, made sure back packs were ready for school and we had clean uniforms, folded a load of towels, picked up the house, went through a stack of stuff on my desk and put it all away, put away most of my scrap stuff from Friday. Then I rinsed my hair, conditioned it and hopped in the shower. Got my jammies on and had the kids say good night to Daniella and turn off club penguin. The kids had a before bed snack while I finished putting completed pages in my scrap books. Tucked the kids into bed, read a few minutes and then remembered I had to finish the girl scout cookie order (uh oh). Got all the final reports completed and printed. Now I just need to find that darn deposit receipt so I can turn in the paper work. But I also did some more desk organizing. I started web surfing again and ended up on the fiskateer website reading the message board. I can spend so much time there! For the link, check out my Naomi's Notables and the link is there. This is my blog with my craft projects. The link is just below the clock on the right side of this blog. Or www.naomisnotables.blogspot.com
It's now a little after 10 and I am calling it quits. The rest can wait until tomorrow. I will also continue my search for the deposit receipt. Hope it is still in the car, or in the kitchen. At least tomorrow morning, I don't have to clean off my desk before I can start working.
So good night everyone, sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite ( my parents would tell me that when I was little ~ have you ever seen a bed bug? Not me). I am off to bed to read until I fall asleep and hopefully it will be soon. I am tired.

Rained out game

No game tonight. Rain. Not a lot but just enough to make the field wet and the ball slippery. They boys that were there had a very short practice while the coaches decided to call the game. Greg was so upset as were the other boys. He was really looking forward to playing the Rangers today. (it's his coaches from last year). He was in a crazy mood when I picked him up from school. I was hoping it would carry on to the game.

Coaches decided to have a make up game Friday. Not supposed to rain on Friday. Practice Wednesday if no rain, game Friday at 5 then again Saturday at 8 am.

So, homework is done, dinner in the oven (at 5:05 pm) and what's a girl to do. hmmmm. Maybe I will try to finish my book, clean my desk, do laundry, put away my scrap stuff from Friday, clean out my car????? Well, maybe a little of each. But I do know that after dinner it is jammie time and I am going to bed early and try to finish reading my book.

Well, now it is raining even harder. Glad I am not out in it. hehe. But I do love the rain.

Have a great night everyone and as usual, thanks for checking in :)

Padre Pictures

Here are some pictures from Tuesday nights' game agaist the A's. Forgot to put them in the post.

Go Padres!
Baseball ready at 3rd.
Going for the fence!
Score!

Padres update, Saturday March 17

Today the Padres had their first taste of defeat from the Cardinals. All the buzz was that the Cardinals were a tough team to beat. We still get to play them 2 more times and the scores don't count in the first part of the season anyways.

The Padres still played a good game and they kept their heads up through the entire game. Our hitters were still hitting and our fielding was good. but we just couldn't do it. Next time!!

Greg played left center and third base. Coach wanted him to get the balls hit to the outfield. Yes, he did.

I didn't get any pictures during the game as I was scorekeeper and Evelyn was busy walking Toby around the field. Roger and Miles came to the game and brought Toby (the dog). I know Greg loved having more fans in his cheering section.

Tuesday's game is against the Rangers. Let's get them this time Padres!!



After the game pep talk. Coach Travis and Robby, Ian, Greg, Garrettt (I think) and Christian. (They boys look different without their hats on)

Padres do it again!

Another great game last night and we had 9 players. Padres won and had a huge lead. I won't post the score. No home runs but all the boys were hitting better than ever. Justin and Joey were smacking the ball to the outfield, Christian hit a double left handed. Greg had a few doubles and the rest singles. Garrett hit one of the other teams coaches (no injuries). The team has really got it together. I got some good pix but will post them later on.
Next game is Saturday 10:30 against the Cardinals. I hear we are up against a tough team. Well, my bet is on the Padres.
Next Tuesday, we play the Rangers and I also hear they are a tough team. Greg's coach from last year is the Rangers coach and they have several returning players from last year. Well, again, my vote is on the Padres. We are a tough team. Like coach Robbie says, the only team that can beat the Padres is the Padres.
Evelyn is still sick, day 3. Her temp has come down and the cough is getting better. She managed to get some school work done this morning.
Enjoy your day :) Think blue (Padres)

Updates

Just to make it easier, I put the baseball schedule on the side of my blog. Now it won't be hidden in with the other posts. Also the standings are on the side.
Remember, if you come to a night game, it does get cold! Saturday games that are during the middle of the day, take note, it can be hard to find parking. If you have a lake pass, you can park at the lake.
that's it. Have a great day.

Padres update

Padres are 3 for 3 after Saturday's game. The game was at 8 am which meant we were at the field at 7:15. Up bright and early. The game started off in the fog but cleared up towards the end of the first inning. Greg batted second and wouldn't you know it... Home run! Another inside the park home run. That put the Padres on the board 2-6 as the Red Sox scored 6 their first at bat. Greg played third base, left field and even an inning at 1st base. It took a bit for the boys to get moving in the outfield, but they pulled it together and won another game. Final score Red Sox 16, Padres 20.
Next game is Tuesday at 4:30 against the A's.

Evelyn and Tom were up early too and left about 6:45 for a day in Palm Springs. Their Adventure Princess Expedition took the tram up to the top of Mt. San Jacinto. They spent the day playing in what little snow there was, hiking and exploring in rock caves.

Stay tuned for Tuesday's update.
Hope everyone had a great weekend!!

Tuesday's game was another exciting game. Padres 16, Dodgers 7. Two of Greg's friends from his soccer team are on the Dodgers. No homerun, but got a hit every time. More great plays from third to first. Got that one down. All the boys are playing real well together for this early in the season. Next game is Saturday at 8:00 am against the Red Sox (anyone care to join me?). Red Sox were the TOC champs last year.

Warming up at 3rd base. Tanner is in the background

Leading the Pledge

Score!

Base hit!

Ghost Rider Photo

Ok, here is the photo from Ghost Rider. We had better ones but had already bought the first one. I guess after going on a ride 10 times in one day your body gets used to the jolts. My back is actually feeling pretty good.

So, enjoy your chuckle for today.

The story goes: You have just experienced an adventure of momentous proportions! You embarked upon a journey that led you to the most massive wooden roller coaster in the entire Western United States. The initial 108' drop brought you screaming into our frontier ghost town. While traveling over 4,530 feet of track, you withstood a maximum g-force of 3.14! You are among the few that have dared to make this incredible journey. Congratulations.....you survived!

I didn't take my camera for this trip so this is the only photo to capture the day.

Happy Tuesday.

Padres Schedule

Here is the game schedule. All games are at the Youth Athletic Park (Lake Fields) on Olympiad, across from Lake Mission Viejo. The Single A field is in the middle of the park. Look for the pitching machine. Padres are blue. Greg thanks you for your support.

Padres baseball schedule

Tues, march 6 4:30
Sat, march 10 8:00 am
Tues, March 13 ` 4:30
Sat, march 17 10:30
Tues, march 20 5:00
Sat, march 24 8:00 am
Wed, march 28 5:00
Sat, march 31 1:00
Wed, April 4 5:00
Sat, April 21 1:00
Mon, April 23 5:00
Sat, April 28 3:30
Thurs, may 3 5:00
Sat, May 5 8:00 am
Thurs, may 10 5:00
Thurs, may 17 5:00
Sat, may 19 3:30
Mon, may 21 5:00

Monday

Why does the week have to start on Monday, why not Tuesday? Why can't every weekend be a long weekend? Why don't we get siestas (nap time) during the day like in other countries??? Why, why , why???
No I am not complaining. Don't like to complain. Just asking these questions to no one in particular.
Saturday was Greg's first game. Go Padres!! They did awesome. See the blog for all the highlights. Well, some of them. Next game is Tuesday against the Dodgers. For those of you wanting a schedule, I will make one and email it out. Sunday was picture day and the bbq. We saw so many friends there. Can't wait to see them during the season. :)
Sunday afternoon Evelyn was bored. So, she helped me pick up the house and put away a few loads of laundry. Then we went for a walk around Lake Mission Viejo with K. We walked and ran until Evy was tired, then walked again. We sat on a bench along Alicia Parkway that faces the lake and took a rest. It was the perfect afternoon for a nice long walk.
The kids didn't have school on Friday. Tom and I took the day off we all headed to Knott's Berry Farm. No crowds and we saw some friends from school too. We waited in line for our lunch longer than for any ride. Go figure! Evelyn rode Ghost Rider 10 times. I rode 7 of those times. We rode the Jaguar about that many times too. Towards the end of the day we could just stay on the rides and there were not any lines. I have a great picture of us all on Ghost Rider. As soon as I scan it, will put it on the blog. No laughing please! Each time we got off the ride, we would dash to see our pictures. Hilarious!
This week is another busy week. BB on Tues, Wed, Fri, and Sat. Adventure Princesses on Tuesday, Boy Scouts on Friday, and Adventure Princess outing on Saturday.
Have a good week everyone.

Opening Day : Padres 26, Angels 19

Opening day today! What a great game, Padres won 26 - 19. The Angels played a great game and made us work for each point. Greg played 3rd base and left field. He batted 3rd in the batting order and got a hit each time. Even got a home run his 3rd at bat!!!

I was keeping score so didn't get a chance to to take a lot of pictures. Evelyn and Tom were my back up photographers. Here's a shot of the home run hit and a play at 3rd.

Next game in Tuesday against the Dodgers.

Home Run swing
Heading to second
Heading to third
Home Run! (I was so excited I cut off Greg's head)
Got him out at 3rd.

Looking forward to the weekend, as usual!

I know it' only Thursday, but tomorrow is Friday!! Whoo Hoo! The kids don't have school, teacher in service or something like that. So we are headed to Knotts Berry Farm. The kids and I went in November and had a blast. We went on just about every ride and I even went up in that sky needle thing. (Don't like heights). Tom is taking the day off too so we will have a great Family Fun Friday. P.S. if you are thinking of going to Knott's, Baskin Robins has coupons.

Saturday is opening day against the Angels. Well, that is opening day for NMVLL, Greg's baseball league. He is on the Padres and they play the Angels. Greg has been practicing alot at 3rd base and left field. He has quite the arm and can get the ball from left field directly to the first baseman's glove. I think this year we will be seeing a few over the fence home runs from him. The game is at 1:00 (yea we can sleep in on Saturday!). Then picture day and the bbq on Sunday. Baseball season is starting to heat up. 2 games a week and 2 practices a week. I will do my best to post game photos and stats.

It was so nice to not have homework tonight. I will go through the back packs tomorrow just to make sure nothing slips by that I need to know about on Monday.

Well, that's about it for now. Looking forward to Survivor and CSI tonight. Don't think ER is on for awhile, but have to double check.

Have a great weekend and check back later this weekend for the latest Padres news!

Real Simple Daily Thoughts

I mentioned before how I love this magazine and enjoy getting the daily thoughts in my email. Here is one from the other day:

Kind words can be short and easy to speak but their echoes are truly endless.
— Mother Teresa

Happy Belated Birthday!

Last Saturday we got together to celebrate 3 birthdays: Mary (Tom's mom) Therese (Tom's sister) and Sam (our niece, Therese's daughter). Sam turned 13. Mary and Therese's birthdays are on the same day and Sam's is 3 days later.

So, get ready for a lot of pictures here.

Mary, Therese and Sam ~ The Birthday Girls

Sam and her new guitar

Make a Wish!

Greg, Grandma Mary and Aunt Therese
Aiden and Great Grandma Mary
Aiden and cousin Nicole
Aiden and Grandpa Rich
Sweet Sam

Aiden is Michelle and David's son. He is 4 months old now and quite the cutie pie.

Happy Birthday Mary, Therese and Sam. We enjoyed sharing in your birthday celebration.

~Naomi, Tom, Evelyn and Greg.