a lot of catching up

I realized there is a lot of blah blah blah on here lately and not very many pix of the kids. So, get ready. I'm updating with pictures. And hopefully videos. I got a new video camera a few weeks ago. Just in time for Evelyn's horse show and to video some of Greg's games.

Here is Evelyn and the Hot Trotters performing to Picture to Burn by Taylor Swift (who else??!!) They had a great routine that the girls planned themselves. This show was an equestrian drill team and all about riding horses to music. It was a lot of fun. Evelyn is on Jesse, the dark horse, and Evelyn is wearing a white helmet. This was such a fun event and I hope Nicole plans more of these. Evelyn is signing up for the next series of shows.

Hot Trotters

Next up we have baseball. So far the Boltz are 4 - 2. We have had some great games. Greg is hitting, again, and hitting very good. He has had an inside the park home run! He is mostly playing 1st and lets nothing get past him and has caught many foul balls. You should see the huge abrasion on his elbow which was aggravated with a slide at 2nd. Greg has pitched several innings and also plays out field. But his main position is 1st.


Pitching under the lights. We have a lot of later games so get to play under the lights.

First base. It was dark and I was using my telephoto and the pictures came out blurry.

Greg at bat.

Catching a foul ball.

Now, let's see if the videos will upload to here. Nope waited all day and it never loaded al the way. I'll have to try again.

Ok, back to things.

Soccer under the lights

Wednesday night Greg's team got to play soccer under the lights. The game was scheduled for 6:45. It was the semi finals play off game. The game before ours went to over time 3 times. The first were 2 5 minute periods. Then a 5 minute period with no goalies. That's when the green team scored to beat the blue team. Turns out one of Greg's baseball buddies was on the green team and he is the one who socred. Another good baseball buddy was on the blue team. Wish we could have played against them during the season.


So, our game started late. It was already cold. What a match this game was. Everyone played their absolute best. Unfortunately the other team out played us and the Gunners experienced their first loss with the final score 3 - 4. We did have a great season, a super great season, had the best ever coach and best ever group of boys and parents. It's sad that our season is now over.


But this only means some time to rest before All Stars starts up. I'm not sure when that is. We had a call from the All Star coach the other night. Of course Greg wants to play. Called him back and left a message. Now waiting to see when the practice starts. And, there is also the Plus team tryouts in December. Just keeps on going.

We will see our team on Saturday for the final party. I know it will be an awesome party too.

WAY

TO

GO

GUNNERS!!!

4.2 hilly miles

That's what I did this morning. I ran the entire way, even up the big hills!

I am taking a running boot camp called EZ8. I was searching for work out boot camps and found this one. Julie is taking it with me. We are having fun too! We meet at different locations in MV and RSM and run. Sometimes we do conditioning drills and the majority of the time we run, even trail runs which are a lot of fun. The shortest run would be lake MV which is 3.1 miles.

We meet M-W-F at 5:30 am which means I am up before 5 am to drag myself out of bed and get dressed. Normally each morning I have to talk myself out of bed and keep wanting to hit the snooze button over and over. But at least I am up, had a good work out and ready to go for the day. yep, I am tired in the evenings and am usually in bed around 9:30. But the good thing is that I am getting lots of sleep. It's hard to get up early and run when you have not had very much sleep.

Today we did the Melinda run. If any of you live around here, then you know the Melinda hill from Olympiad to Santa Margarita Pkwy. We start at Flo Jo park and run UP the hill. It is a climb up that hill too. Then it's a downhill stretch only to go up another hill. And if you head through the neighborhood, even more up hills. Another up hill on Alicia and then from there its pretty much all down hill to the park. I like that part!

One of my goals doing this running camp was to run the lake, that is Lake MV. I have done it before and can still do it but have to walk up those hills. Well, now I can say that I can run the lake without walking any part of it!

I've met so many nice gals who do EZ8. For some it's their first time, like me, but many are long time repeat offenders. There are those who run for leisure (if you call it that) and that would be me and there are those who train for marathons and half marathons and triathlons. I just like to run. And I am listening to my orthopedic surgeon and keeping my runs short. 5K and 10K max are what he prefers. Its easier on the bones. I do agree!

After my run, I walk the dog as she is anxiously waiting my return. Tom says sometimes she just lays by the front door waiting for me. I shower, eat breakfast and am good to go and it's maybe 7:30. I even try getting up early on my running off days to get in my own early morning run.

I really want to start running 5K's again and now feel I am able to do them again. Yea! I also can't wait for next June as I want to do the Mud Run in Pendalton.

Well, off and running (ha ha) as usual. Greg is still sick and now he has a terrible cough and sore throat. No baseball camp for him today. He did go 3 out of 5 days which is fine. Evelyn is at her last day horse camp. She wants to sign up for another show series so need to see if we can get her in. She was telling me last night how much she loves riding horses and how good she feels when she is riding and just around horses. Oh I wish we had a ranch so we could have horses!

North won!!

We WON tonight! 7 - 4 against Tierras Creek! What a great game. Greg had 2 super catches at center field. One good stop at center field. One great catch at right field. And another time it was hit high to right, Greg got the sun in his eyes and missed the catch, but he was quick to recover and save the runner from getting to 2nd. He also played left field and had 2 at bats. Walked and was barely thrown out at first. In All Stars, you can sub batters.

Before the game, the head score keeper announced that he would like a few older kids to help out - one to announce the game and one to work the score board. The kid who was going to keep score for North, tossed down the score book and ran to the booth. I turned to Evy and asked if she wanted to help. Yep, she sure did. She got to announce the game! She did a great job. When her brother was up, she announced....."now batting, number 13, Greg Smurphy" oh boy!!! Not everyone caught that one. But those of us who know the nick names, caught on.

I got to keep score. This was an entirely new experience for me. I figured out how to keep track of the subs and different way of pitch counts. I think I did pretty good. I just kept referring to the score notes from the last game.

Practice Thursday.

Game Friday at 5 pm. Be there , or be............. wherever. But think positive thoughts for North. I think we play Ladera Ranch. Have to double check the schedule.

Go NORTH!!!!

Mid Week Update

Whew! Quite a lot going on. Let's see, Saturday, we were pretty much at the ball field all day. Watched the Rangers beat the Yankees in the championship game. At closing ceremonies, got the All Star hats and trophies as well as the Dodgers 2nd place trophy. Cool! Pictures will be posted later. Then back to the field at 3:30 for the 5:00 game. Sorry to say NMVLL All Stars lost to Viejo. But a good game. Greg played center field and first. Caught a fly ball to center field and had great plays at 1st. I don't ever remember Greg playing center field. But he did great. As one parent and I were discussing, pretty much every player on this team can play any position.

Busy week with practice Monday and Tuesday. Game tonight at 5:00. Dashing home from school to eat, change and then dash back to the field hopefully by 3:30.

School is out on Friday. Whoo-Hoo! The kids have a week of rest. Evelyn goes to horse camp for a few days. Looking forward to not having to go to school, homework, etc.....

The rest of the week depends on how we do in the game tonight. Wish us luck!! Thanks.

My friend Julie has the blah blah blog. Love it. It's a private blog at the moment so can not post her link, yet. I love her blog posts. This one really hit me. It's about a 16 year old who is sailing around the world with his goal to be the youngest to sail solo around the world. Here is a link to his blog. This is going to be one to follow. I'm also posting the link on my sidebar so you can check on his progress.

Enjoy the rest of the week. Stay cool out there folks. Remember to drink lots of water.

Dodger update

Well, to make a long story very short. Dodgers are out of the play offs. The game Saturday did not go very well. While we had some amazing plays and played hard the entire game, the Angels had amazing plays and played harder the entire game. It just was not meant to be.

We sure had an amazing season. Each one just gets better and better. Super, no make that Excellent coaches, excellent players and parents. Could not have asked for a better year. And this is the start of possibly a new team as well as we continue to play with the MV Sox.

They boys were upset after the game, as could be expected. G asked Greg to go swimming with him, which turned into a bbq and turned out to be a great evening. A very good diversion for Greg. He was very upset. The kids had a great time swimming while the parents had a great time chatting and grilling and we enjoyed a great dinner with great people. :)

All Star practice was this morning and Greg had an amazing practice. He won the 2-strike drill. Basically a hitting drill. And he was hitting great at practice, hustling and looking like he was having fun.

After practice Greg and a few other guys found Appleseed and his dad at the field practicing. Greg stayed to hit and field while I dashed to the grocery store so I could feed the family for the week.

We ended up getting summer passes for the Sierra Rec Center and Montonoso Rec Center. Dashed back home to get in swim suits and I took the kids swimming this evening before dinner. After dinner we made another dash to Golden Spoon for some frozen yoghurt before bed.

It was a weekend of dashing around, but if it was nothing else, it would not be a typical weekend. We have AS practice Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, possibly Friday with a full day on Saturday. Championship game which we will go to watch, closing ceremonies where the AS's also get their hats and introduced, then back to the field at 5 for the first All Star (AS) game. Whew.

I know it's very late, but I have tons of emails to answer and I must iron and fold clothes as I need clothes for the week. Finishing my book will just have to wait.

Hope y'all had an excellent weekend and have an excellent week ahead.

Oh, Oh, Oh, It's Friday....

....you know.... never believe it's not so. It's Friday, you know............

Whaz up for today? Well, kids are out of school at 12:15. I so have to remember to leave to get the kids.

Greg is going to his bestest buds after school. These guys could be twins but for the fact that they each have a different set of parents. They have their secret handshake which involves the chest slam, have this goofy run and just plain ol' have fun no matter where they are or what they are doing. This friendship developed in 2nd grade. They were on the same soccer team and out of coincidence, sat at the same table in class. This was quickly changed. But they are just inseparable ever since. Hope they can be on the same soccer team this year. But we don't get a say in that.

Evelyn and her bestest friend are coming here after school. Nicest, sweetest, fun girl. They both are. But first, we are going to lunch with another friend. This transpired last night and not part of the original plan, but plans are always subject to change. The girls will hang out doing girl hang out things. They can do this for days on end without bothering anyone. They are both way into the American Girl Dolls. So, my guess is that Evelyn's room (which she finally decided to clean after I threatened to lock her in until it was clean) will be transformed into a place for Samantha and Nelly and any others that may arrive with bff. Also perhaps a visit to our fave clothes shop on our fave on line mall, ebay. Can get great AG clothes there, and accessories.

Tonight, well just chillin and bbq'n.

Saturday is a game at 3:00 GO DODGERS!! Greg also wants to see the Rangers/Reds game at 9. I'll take him (along with my book) so he can see the game. Maybe we will all go. Then home to rest up prior to the big game at 3.

Sunday, 11 am is All Star practice. The first one. We met last night to get uniforms and discuss a few things. First game is June 14 at 5 pm. Hopefully we will get the game bracket early next week. I have pretty much put the month of June on hold. The last game will be June 25 (maybe). then it's on the Sox games. Whew! Like Appleseed Dad said, what are we going to do when baseball season is over? I know! Soccer season, riding lessons.

I was browsing through my stack-o-things for summer. Mission Viejo puts out these great to do catalogs. This one is all about events and activities. I think I solved my summer dilemma. I am almost certain we will get a summer membership to a rec center. there is swimming, tennis, basketball, a water slide/park (have not seen it) plus other activities and a drop off kids activities for the kids. I so want to sign up for kick boxing class. Have always wanted to do that. I want to head over there this weekend and check it all out. Looks like fun.

Have a save and fun weekend everyone :)

A nail biter - first play off game

What a game I tell ya. We went a full 7 innings! We won the coin toss so were home team tonight.


End of first inning was 1 - 1.


Fast forward to the 6th inning. Score was 3 - 1. We were behind. 2 outs. Runner on 1st and 2nd. Who was up? Oh, that would be Greg. He batted in the #2 position. My heart just stopped. I was so nervous. I have never seen Greg look so nervous in all his life. I didn't say a word to him. Didn't want to throw him off as he was really in this game. He sure has his game back! As do all the Dodgers.


First pitch, Greg swings. Strike. Super swing, as he was going for the fence. Throw in a few balls there. Swing, foul ball for strike 2. The entire time coach Scott is telling Greg to breathe, relax, breathe, relax and to imagine what it is like to hit the ball over the fence. And all the while, I am trying to breathe and relax too. I was keeping pitch count and kept peeking over my clip board, tapping my nails on the clip board. But I wanted to see what was going to happen.

Here's the pitch.....a swing by Murphy, aka Smurph, Murph, Smurphy, Greg-o, G, Bud...... and he connects with the ball and good hit to short, runner on 2nd runs with all his might not looking back and slides into home! Score for the Dodgers! Runner on first makes it to 3rd. Greg running to first, fumbled ball, so he dashes to 2nd without looking back. Run Smurph run!

And the crowd goes wild. There is jumping, yelling, happiness by all! And this was not the first time. Even the single A game stopped for a few moments to take it all in! See what you get next year guys :)

Tie score now 3 - 3. It's a blur after that. I have never seen Greg so nervous in all my life. After strike 2, he turns around, walks out of the batters box and blows out a big breath of air, and a little spittle with it. Everyone commented on how nervous Greg looked and that they have never seen him so nervous before. Whew, I was glad when that inning was over.

7th inning, Nationals scored 3 more, we scored 1 more. Final score was 6 - 4.

but, hey, that is fine. We play the Angels on Saturday, 3 pm. We've got to get a crowd down there, wearing Dodger Blue to cheer on the mighty Dodgers.

Greg played 3rd, 1st and even a short stint at 2nd. He also pitched an inning. Threw some darn good pitches too. I do say, Dodgers were so in the game today. Greg got his game mojo back. It's a good thing.

No practice tomorrow so 2 days to rest before the game Saturday. Can do some much needed sleepin' in on Saturday morn. I will make sure of that. Will rent some baseball movies, "The Natural" and "61" Greg 's coach told me about "61" Have never seen it but supposed to be good (and he's in the movie too) We saw "Field of Dreams" the other night (one of my favorite movies) and "The Rookie". And yes, Evelyn, I will look for a horse movie for you my cowgirl.

GO DODGERS!! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK GUYS!!

(All Star meeting Thursday. We get uniforms and practice schedules. Maybe game schedules too)

All Stars

So, our baseball days are no where near over.

GREG MADE ALL STARS!!!!

Tryouts were on Friday. I still was not feeling good, actually feeling worse than ever. Greg came home from school not feeling well either. But I still took Greg to All Star tryouts. It actually was nice to get outside in the fresh. I hung around for awhile until Tom got there and then headed home.

There was a scrimmage scheduled for Sunday morning for the players who were called back. We got a message on Saturday for Greg to be at the scrimmage on Sunday.

Scrimmage went ok. Greg pitched, played 1st, 3rd and left field. They had the boys playing all over as they wanted to see them in different positions.

So, later Sunday, I am changing to go running. I thought I heard the phone ring and heard the kids talking. They were playing webkinz. I asked "did the phone ring?" answer "yes"
Me: "well who was it?"
E: "it was for Greg"
M: "who was calling?"
G"coach Jones"
M "oh, what was he calling about?"
G"All stars"
M "and.........? what did he say?"
G "That I made All Stars"
M "Great! And did he say anything else?"
G "That he would either call or send an email about the practice schedule"
M "Ok Great! and what did you say?"
G "OK"

End of conversation. This was one tired kid. He stayed the night at G's house and was up late. Tom picked him up at 8 am Sunday morning for the scrimmage. He was tired and cranky and more interested in furnishing his webkinz house than talking to me at the moment.

But very exciting. And yesterday Greg was more excited about the news and asked if I got an email about the practice schedule.

Our TOC (playoffs) start this week. Our game is Wednesday. Then Saturday. Closing ceremonies are June 14. And that is our last regular season game. Then I heard the All Stars have their first game that afternoon.

Also, the MV Sox tournament team are playing in 2 tournaments this summer. July. One in San Diego and the other in the Inland Empire. Not sure where that one is.

Looks like it will be a base ball summer.

Congrats Greg!!

A very memorable Memorial Day Weekend

This weekend was just awesome! And one we will all remember for a long time. Not only do we remember our soldiers who have fought to keep this great country of ours free. We also remember those who are currently fighting to keep our country free.

Our weekend actually started out Friday afternoon. I got the kids from school at 11:15. After some errands, Greg changed into his Sox uniform, got all ready for his game, and played 2K8 on the Wii.

Around 3:00 we headed out for Irvine. It's really not that far, but Greg was antsy to get there. The game was at 5:30. We played a team from Garden Grove. Our guys looked great in their uniforms and were so ready to play ball. Thankfully, the rain had let up and it was great baseball weather.

Most of the teams in this tournament were Pony League teams which has different rules than Little League. For instance, you can lead off the bases for stealing, you can steal home and on the 3rd strike, if the catcher drops the ball, you can run to first.

We were up first and scored a run the first inning. Well, this would be our only point this game and we lost 14 - 1. We were not used to runners leading off, stealing home or running to first on a 3rd strike. But our guys hung in there and played a great game. We were quickly initiated into the Pony League rules.

After the game, we went to dinner, home and went to bed fairly early. The plan was to leave at 8:30 on Saturday morning as we we had a 10:15 game.

We were ready to go and in the car at 8:30. Our neighbor Janet hitched a ride with us. She loves baseball and loves the kids and we love her too. She's great!!

Saturday, we played La Canada. While chatting before the game, we learned the boys were 10 and 11. Our team was mostly 9 with a few 8's and some 10's. But we are tough guys. La Canada was also a Pony team. We were more familiar with the rules and lost 10 - 8. A much better game.

It was back home to get ready for Sunday. Greg had lost one of his batting gloves, so we headed to Sports Chalet. Then to Target for snacks. We also looked at Wii games as I really do want Wii Fitness. Not there, but, is that what I think it is?? Guitar Hero for Wii? And an extra guitar? Oh my, why yes sir EE, it is! Had to snatch that up right away. I have been looking and never see it in stock. Score!! The kids had it opened, set up and were jamming to "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" by the time I unloaded the car and made a reservation for a batting cage. I had to drag Greg away to go to the batting cages. We sure are having fun with Guitar Hero. Now you can call me Diva Rock n' Roll Mom :)

Now, Saturday night, I told Greg and Evelyn to sleep in Sunday. Our game was not until 12:30 and Greg wanted to be there to watch the game before his. Well, I guess Greg mis understood what I said. He was up at 6:30 am! Bugger. I finally got up and took my time getting ready to go. The kids and I were out the door headed to the park, via Starbucks, at 9:30 am.

Wouldn't you know it, we got to the park and it was raining! Not hard but raining. We bought all 13 of the professional photos which were taken at the prior days game. The guy said they were up till 3 am developing all the pictures that were taken the prior day. Wow! We managed to get the Easy Up set up and over the bleachers where we happily shared it with some parents for the Irvine team that was playing before us. Very nice parents. :) It was good for Greg to see other Pony teams play.

Game time for our game against the Saddleback Slammers, another little league team from Lake Forest. Now this was our game and we won, 10 - 5!!! Way to go Sox!! Greg pitched one inning, threw 2 strike outs and threw one batter out at 1st. He pitched 11 pitches and did awesome. He also played 1st, 3rd and left field.

But no time to celebrate as we had to jam over to another park for a 3:00 game against Newport Beach. These guys seemed to be a lot older than our team and we lost 10 - 4. It took us a few innings to get into the game.

Off for a team pizza party where we stayed until about 8:00 pm. But it was fun, chatting with parents and getting to know other parents while the boys and the siblings had a great time playing together. This was a great make up of boys and an awesome team. I sure hope we have a chance to play together in another tournament. This team is mostly boys we play against and some in other divisions. There were 4 guys from our team, 3 Greg had played on teams with before and the rest ones he only know from playing against. Our next Dodger game will be fun to watch as 4 of these guys have experienced another style of baseball.

Monday, Evelyn and I blew off the Memorial 5K run and opted to sleep in. Ahhh, 9 am wake up time. Wonderful!! Evelyn and I went out shopping for some much needed shorts for her. We also enjoyed lunch at Cinnamon Productions, where we had breakfast rather than lunch. Back home to start making lollipops for Wednesday nights Taste of America at school. Troy (from Greg's team) came over to play for awhile, while grandma took Evelyn to riding lessons and I spent the afternoon and evening making 140 lollipops. Oh vey, what mess I made too. But they turned out pretty darn good. Evelyn did her share of mixing and wrapping up the pops too.

At the moment, my camera and computer are having communication problems again. But I did manage to download all 139 photos I took at Friday's game. I took most of the pictures from behind the fence in right field, using my super telephoto spy lense. As it started getting dark, some of the pictures are dark as I did not edit any of them yet. Enjoy some highlights.

MV Sox warming up.
Pre game chat time.
Huddled in the dug out getting ready to play.

Greg reaching on first. I can't remember what the play was.
ok, this is the type of lead off we were dealing with. This guy is running to 2nd and the ball has probably just left the pitchers hand. Greg is at first signaling that the runner is running. Maybe the pitcher is throwing to 2nd and Greg is waiting for the ball to be thrown back to him.
Greg at bat. He batted 9th. It's getting dark now so not a super great picture.
Greg in left field running toward the ball.
Throwing in a fowl ball.
Just some random phots. This is Greg's ball bag hanging in the dugout.
Can you guess what's in this picture? It's yellow, plastic and bumpy. It goes on top of a chain link fence. It's the top of the fence I was leaning on and over to get pictures. Probably taken between innings.
This is the fence I was leaning on and over and that the yellow thingy in the picture above sits on so I wouldn't scratch myself on the fence. Well, actually, more likely to protect any ball player who reaches over the fence from getting scratched, stuck or whatever by the fence.
Yep, I guess the grass is greener on the other side of the fence.
No butts about it, it was a great weekend. Sorry Greg, I had to put this one in here.

Memorial Weekend

What crazy weather we have here. It started raining yesterday and is raining again today.

Greg is playing is in a tournament this weekend in Irvine. Click here to check it out. He's way too excited. Since the first game is tonight, I told Greg I would get him early from school. Also, that way we are not rushing to get out of here after school.

The team is the MV Sox, made up of other boys from the league where he plays.

If you want to check out the schedule, they are in Mustang Flight 2. But here is the link to go directly there for schedules.

We play Friday at 5:30, Saturday 10:15, Sunday 12:30 and possibly more depending on how we do. Whoo-Hoo! And sounds like we play rain or shine.

I've got a lot of packing up to do: chairs, umbrella, easy up, cooler, drinks, snacks, ball gear........oh my. Good thing I am getting the kids early from school so they can help me out. Also have to get some errands done too. Now, I can't find my check book. Have searched everywhere. But I am going to the bank to see if maybe I left it there or someone turned it in. If you have seen it, please let me know. Maybe it's hiding with my i-pod and that darn phone.

Ok, time is ticking away. I have the mother of all headaches too. Gotta get in the shower and get myself dressed. It's already 8:30. Maybe the shower will help me out. I did take K on an early morning walk. It was so crisp out, I loved it! But didn't help the headache go away. Maybe I need a chai latte. Have not had one all week! Good girl I am. :)

Have a fun and safe Memorial weekend. If you are in the area and want to see some ball games, click on the links for the schedule or give a call.

Memorial Weekend Tournament

Greg is playing in a baseball tournament over Memorial Weekend. The team is the MV Sox and made up of players from North Mission Viejo Little League. Coach Rob and Coach Scott are the Sox coaches. There are players from A, AA, AAA and majors.

This is the first tournament Greg has played in that is not with NMVLL. He's pretty excited.

Check on this link for the tournament website. And this link for the schedule. Only the first 2 games are scheduled. The team in under Mustangs Flight 2.

Let's go Sox!!

Summing up the weekend

Saturday night Greg and I were just exhausted. After watching Alvin and the Chipmunks, we crashed. Greg wanted me to sleep in his room with him, so I agreed to. The mattress was so comfy and I could barely keep my eyes open to read. I was out shortly after Greg was snoring. Now this was about 9 pm and I didn't wake up until I heard the dog barking at 6:30. I let her in and crawled into my bed where I slept until 7:30. Ahh, so nice to sleep.

Sunday we were out the door at 8:45 for practice. It was already hot. I ran around the lake. Well, had to walk too because it was just so darn hot. But made it around in great time. Then kicked back in the shade to watch the rest of the tournament team practice. BTW, the team is the MV Sox. Pretty cool. We've already got the schedule for the first 2 games of the tournament.

After practice we headed home for showers and then off to church. Tom and Evelyn were already home. boy did they have a fun weekend. Miniature golf, hiking, swimming, games, fun girl time. Evelyn wanted to do the zip line, got up there and got hooked up but then decided against it. From what I hear it was about 90' high and pretty long. But you were hooked up in a harness.

I made it out on a few more errands. Made peanut butter balls with the kids. (oh they are yummy!), played jump rope on the trampoline with the kids, tried on my new clothes and we were all in bed early again. This heat just got to me.

Here are some photos of Saturday's game.

Kyle and Shane lead the pledge with the Angels.
Before the game, the teams always say the Little League Pledge. It's a great way to start the game.
Greg bats second. While Appleseed is warming up, Greg gets on the ball bucket and watches.
Here he is with coach Jim. Talking strategy? Telling jokes? More than likely checking out the pitcher.
Appleseed at bat.
Greg at bat. Gets a walk.
Starting to steal to second. He did.
Greg at 3rd. Waiting for the ball to tag the runner out. Out!!
Another play at 3rd.
Mid game huddle in the dugout.
Oops camera wasn't quite ready. But I got a shot of Greg's legs touching home for a point.
Greg pitching.
Wind up.
Getting ready for the delivery.


Whoo-Hoo. Dodger victory. Go Dodgers!
Kyle's mom brought hot dogs for the snack. Quite the set up! Thank you ;)

Enjoying hot dogs and popsicles after the game.

Checking in and feeling somewhat accomplished

It's Thursday, and more then half way though the week. I'm feeling somewhat accomplished this week.It's been another busy week but getting things done. Feeling accomplished. It's a good thing.

What happened this past week.......

Saturday Dodgers played the Rangers. Rangers were undefeated until after our game. Yep, we beat the Rangers. Going into the 6th inning it was 3 - 1. Rangers had 2 outs, one man on base, and oops, over the fence HR, to tie the game. Dodgers were home team and had last ups. Starting at the top of the line up. Greg hit to center field for a single. Few more batters, and Greg had stolen to 2nd. The Rangers decided to walk one of our batters. Pitch dinged off the catchers glove, Greg stole to 3rd, pitcher chucked the ball to 3rd and it was over thrown, so Greg booked it on home, slid into home before the throw got there for a score! This put the score at 4 - 3 Dodgers and we won the game!! Oh my! You should have heard the roar out there. What a game. Greg got the well deserved game ball. He did have a great game!
After game talk with Coach Scott.
Coach Rob passing out the pins.
Coach Rob getting game ball to Greg.
Go Dodgers!
Game ball Dodgers v. Rangers. Yeah Greg!

After the game we went to the hospital as baby Sophia and crew were headed home. Everyone was so ready to be home.


Nathan, Jake, Chrissy and Sophia
Greg and Evelyn and Sophia
She loves to wiggle around and move her tiny legs and hands.
I love baby feet
and baby hands
This sign speaks for itself!
A gathering of cousins, and Tom
Everyone headed out the door. Quite the group we had too.
Family


Sophis really didn't like her car seat.
Lot's of stuff to bring home.
Yep, I guess 3 car seats do fit in the back of the truck.

I spent a good amount of time finishing up Greg's room too. He is happy, as am I. I love the way it turned out too. Now it's time to figure out Evelyn's room. No pictures of the new furniture here as the pictures are on my other memory card and still need to be downloaded.

The sports wall. We, I, put up bamboo fencing along the walls before the furniture was in.
Bulletin board by the desk, and fire helmet from Grandpa Dale
Trophy and stuff book case. There is now a shelf above this, but it was put up after I got the pictures.
Pictures and memorabilia.

Sunday. Mom's Day. After church we went to Eric and Chrissy's for an easy breakfast. Hung out for awhile ohhing and ahhing over Sophia. From there we went to Peppino's on the lake for lunch with the Murphy's. Quite the crowd we had. Good eats, as usual. Greg had practice for his tournament team in the afternoon and Evelyn and I chilled out at home.
Kaydee brought me my Mother's Day card. Evelyn taped my card to K's collar.
Sophia with Grandma Deni and Grandpa Ed (Chrissy's parents)
Sophia checking it out

Sophia and big brother, Jake. A proud big brother. Nathan won't hold still for a photo.
Evelyn (finally!!) getting to hold Sophia.

Monday, we played the Yankees. Although it was a great game, Greg threw 4 or 5 stirke outs, but we didn't win. But that's ok, another great game and great defense by the Dodgers. We are either tied for 2nd with the Yankees or in a good 3rd. This is a good spot to be in going in to the play offs.

Tuesday I had lunch with Michele, Julia and Peyton. It was a great afternoon and a good time to be with friends.

The rest of the week has been kind of quiet. No practice. Have had time at home to get some things done around the house. Accomplishing things. Getting work stuff done too. It's a good thing. I feel like things have been piling up around here and I don't like that. No, I'm not a neat freak, but I like my house to be kept neat and picked up and things to be put away (hear that Evy and Gerg)

The rest of the week.....

Today we are bringing dinner to Eric and Chrissy and hang out there for awhile.

Friday I have a doctor's appointment with the surgeon tomorrow for my final hand check up. Well, I think it's final. That's what I have been told, but things keep changing. I am done with physical therapy but keep doing my exercises daily. I still have a lot of hard scar tissue that I massage. I sure miss that ultrasound machine.

Friday, Evelyn and Tom head to Adventure Mountain for another Adventure Princess weekend. Greg has a game Saturday morning, then tournament practice Sunday. He's been antsy to have Garrett over again. The boys can have some good boy play time without an older sister hanging around. Not like she bugs them anyways, but they (really Greg) pester her.

Me, maybe catch up on some recorded shows and watch some movies and do a few more busy things around the house. Oh, it just never ends. Maybe spend some time in the garden with my hands in the dirt.

Now, if I could just remember where I left that darn phone. I called Chrissy last night and was talking to her out front. Chatted with Janet, took K on a walk up and down the block while the kids were riding bikes, then chatted more with Janet and Babak and Tom, went inside so the kids could get ready for bed and long forgot the phone. Now I have been searhing. I can't hear it beeping when I push the locate button on the charger. Oh yikes, what am I gonna do. Better send out the search party when the kids get home. Speaking of kids, yikes, gotta watch the clock as I have to pick up today.

Happy Thursday and have a super weekend!