T-Ball Subway Art

Our T-Ball season ended as the month of June came to a close.  What a season...what a team!  The addition of three four year olds to my team (ahem, one being one of my own and another being my nephew) proved to be challenging, entertaining, and did I mention challenging?  With two games left in our season we made huge strides with minimum fits, real plays, and numerous cracks of the bat!  As both a Mom and a Coach I could not have been prouder of my team! 

Last season I presented my team with trophies at the end of the season.  This year I opted to change up our end of the season awards by presenting our players with medals and personalized subway art!  Check it out...

I would like to go on record as saying I am bringing the cuteness factor to Oak Harbor Little League;)  I printed each piece as an 8x10 and thought it would be a great manner for each of my players to remember our wonderful season!  Way to go Little Sluggers!

Superbowl Saturday 2010

On Saturday, the Lake Erie Flag Football League played 11 games in under 8 hours.  Awesome, right?!  Superbowl Saturday was downright cold. Our morning began at 9am with Parker's pre-game practice and my nephew's first game of the day.  Parker's first game followed at 10am.  Both Parker's team and Ashton's team won their first round of games.  Go 49'ers!  Go Vikings!  Enter round two of games...

Going into halftime of the second game, Parker's team was down 14-0.  They made quite the comeback in the second half, scoring 27 points!  Sadly, we lost 28-27 to the Titans.  One darn stinkin' point!  Ironically, we beat the Titans by one lone point earlier in the season. 

Parker, his teammates, and coaches following their second game...

you had a great season boys (and Tiff!!!).

The Titans went on to play the Vikings (my nephew's team) for the 1st-3rd grade division Superbowl title.  The boys played their hearts out with it being a great (and close) game.  In the end, the Vikings won! 

Ashton and his mama, Leslie!  The Vikings had an undefeated season!  WooHoo!

Parker and Ashton were both sad to see the season come to an end.  Frankly, so am I.  Though we started off rocky, I quickly grew to love both practices and games.  Parker is more than eager to play again this Spring.  It would be awesome for Parker and Ashton to be on the same team!  Fingers crossed...

Are You Ready For Some Football?

As of last Saturday, Parker's football team is 5-1.  They have one game remaining before BIG Superbowl Saturday on the 30th.  Parker is pretty stoked as the games that day are played at the Junior High Football Field versus the High School's practice field.

At the beginning of the season I found myself having major doubts about flag football.  They keep score.  There is a winner.  There is a loser.  Players are not given equal playing time.  This is very unlike our experience with both T-Ball and Soccer at the beginning level.  Thankfully, the kiddos do get a snack at the conclusion of each game.  Face it...that is HUGE in youth sports!

When Parker asked to play football I was caught off guard.  He has never watched a lick of football on TV in his life (and still hasn't)...dirt bikes is where it's at with him!  Parker (for lack of a better word) was pretty clueless as to the rules, regulations, and even the basics of the game.  As I watched his practice, I found very little instruction or teaching of fundamentals happening.  As a first year player (clearly the only or one of few on his team) he needed some help. I was frustrated!    Parker spent a fair amount of the beginning games sitting on the sidelines.  Honestly, I found myself saying we would finish the season and that was it.  I was done!  Shame on me!  Parker was not throwing in the towel.  He was happy and having fun!  Thank goodness, I never voiced my thoughts to him. 

With each practice and game, Parker has acquired more skills and knowledge.  He is getting more playing time with each game.  I have realized his coach needed to warm up to Parker and Parker to him.  While learning fundamentals is awesome, I have witnessed Parker come into his own by simply watching his teammates play and playing the game himself.  Who was I to judge the right or wrong way to coach?!  Thank you Parker and Coach J for proving this mama wrong!

Parker headed out the door to play...go get, 'em!

Primarily, Parker has been playing offense...snapping the ball.

The offensive team in their huddle.  You may be able to tell the coach is looking at Parker...from the sidelines I could tell something big was coming and was holding my breath. 

Oh, it was something alright!  They handed the ball off to Parker. For the first time!  The play called for him to run the ball; however, he got excited (or nervous) and threw it.  The coach laughed...I laughed.  I wish Eric had been there to witness it!

Setting up for the fake and playing a decoy...the play worked a few times and got them a TD!  Go 49'ers!

Parker, I am so proud of you and your team! 

Two 'Lil Apple Runners...One With A Rocky Start

A few weeks ago, Parker came sprinting out of school waving a paper in his hand.  "I want to run in the Kids One Mile race at the Apple Festival, Mom," he shouted in my direction.  Man, I wish I could bottle the enthusiasm that flowed through his body at that moment.  It was pretty awesome!  I let him know I would happily register him for the race and wished him luck.

We began our walk home from school and I knew a request from Garrett was in the immediate future.  Garrett questioned if he, too, could run in the parade.  I let him know it was not a parade, but rather a one mile "race".  "I want to do it," Garrett replied.  One mile run.  Garrett.  He is four.  Honestly, I was not sure if the rules would allow him to enter.  There are three separate categories for the Apple Run...8 and under Kids One Mile, 9-13 Kids One Mile, and the 5k.  Was there an age minimum for the Kids 8 and under?  Hmmmm...Mommy would look into it.

I breathed a sigh of relief upon discovering I could register both older boys for the run.  They were over the moon.  Pumped!  They told everyone about the race.  They trained.  The more excited they got...the more excited I got.  I only wish Eric was not working nights the weekend of the festival; therefore, sleeping during the day.  He missed Parker's great football game (more coming on that), the parade, and the race.  The boys missed him.  I missed him.  Family fun just is not the same when you are missing a key member. 

Parker and Garrett after we checked in at registration.  We had an "Oh No!" moment when we were informed that Parker was not pre-registered.  Ummm...yes, he was!  After looking through their registration forms the workers realized Parker's form was stuck to the back of Garrett's form.  Poor 'lil lad did not received his T-shirt on race day because of it.  Shucks!

Prior to leaving for the run the boys had been riding their bikes for no less than 3 hours.  I attempted to encourage them to sit down.  You know, reserve some energy for their BIG run.  The sitting did not last long. 

With no sitting going on I thought it would be a good idea for them to stretch.  This is what I got.  Seriously, boys!  I am unsure if there is a leaf or piece of paper on Garrett's bootie.  Goofballs!

A sampling of the Under 8 runners...Parker and Garrett are in the back row.  Parker has a huge smile on his face and is ready to GO!!!  Garrett is sizing up the competition.  Or something like that.  

...and they are off!  Seconds after this photo was taken one lone runner landed smack dab, face down into the pavement.  Any guesses who?

Yep, my Baby G.  Who knows how he ended up face first in the concrete.  Was he pushed?  Did he trip over his own two feet?  Did the older dude to his left dart out in front of him and therefore he stumbled?  As he fell to the ground I heard gasps....oh no's...poor little guy's.  The largest gasps came from myself, two brothers, and sister-in-law.  This was Garrett on the ground.  My spirited child.  For those of who know Garrett we wondered what in the world was coming next?  Would he blame Parker?  Would he yell something inappropriate?  Would he kick his feet and throw a monstrous fit? 

Quickly I rushed into the road, big 'ole camera and zoom lens around my neck, and scooped up all solid 50 pounds of Garrett off the ground.  I hugged him tight, did a once over on his face, and asked him if he was okay.  Yes, mama.   Do you still want to run?  No...'eh, yes! 

Before my eyes, I saw my Baby G pull himself together and take off again.  About 45 seconds behind the other runners.  Off he went...he and his poofy hair.  My heart swelled with pride and he stole many hearts in the crowd.

Here comes Parker...more than half way done.  I did not give my kiddos enough credit and thought I would get more photos of them running.  The plan was to walk briskly alongside them, but they were fast little boogers!  I anticipated a lot more walking from each of them!  Truth be told, neither of them walked for more than 30 seconds total.  They rock!

Here comes Garrett.  And his poof!  He had the BIGGEST smile on his face as he approached me.  As he ran past he questioned if he was in last place.  No, little buddy.  You are doing great!  Keep on running.  And he did!

Two tired little runners with beat red cheeks!  Boys, mama is so proud of you! 

As I approached the finish line the clock read 13 minutes (and something).  I would estimate Parker had to have had a time in the 9-10 minute range.  Garrett I would put right around 11 minutes.  I know nothing about time when related to little kids running, but I am impressed.  More importantly, they each finished what they started!  Both are eager to run in next year's Apple Run.  I believe I am going to ride my bike alongside of them to keep up.  Well, and get more action shots.

Wordless Wednesday...'Lil Apple Runners

(More to come about Parker and Garrett's One Mile Kids Run)

From The Sidelines...

While this one plays football...

...or this one plays soccer.

What are our bitties up to?

To the naked eye, Ryder looks like there is not a soul in the world
that cares about him. He is in a tree, with one shoe in his hand,
and Skittle stickiness all over his face!

Truth be told...he is having the time of his life!

As for Hudson...
...he has to sit in the stroller and watch the game from the sidelines.




For mere seconds.

Soon thereafter, a HOT game of pass the all too cute, blue eyed, chubby, 100% happy baby around follows...

(with Mammy)

(with Aunt Leslie and cousin, Breydan)

(with Great Grandma Mary)

Poor 'lil lad.

There is not a soul around that gives a lick about him, either.

U6 Soccer=Pure Entertainment

Our little soccer player had his first game of the season last week. Garrett and his fellow teammates (all ages 4-6) were PURE ENTERTAINMENT! This is such a fun age for organized sports. We have been really lucky with great (and age appropriate) coaches for both soccer and T-Ball. My first impression of flag football is less than ideal; however, I am hoping the season as a whole redeems itself.

Garrett appears to have some natural talent where sports are involved. However, he and his teammates definitely added a few fun twists to the game as well!

Our player, #9, warming up by dribbling before the game.

Sizing up the competition...or something like that;0

Garrett ready to play!

Garrett and a few teammates waiting for their time on the field. The league is GREAT about giving the players equal amounts of playing time, teaching them the fundamentals, and giving them the opportunity to play all positions.

Garrett recognized one of his classmates on the opposing team and let EVERYONE know it!

Doing his job as a defender...

To our delight he threw a few handstands into the game as well...good times!

However, in this photo it appears he knows what he is doing, right?!

Go Garrett, Go! Wait! Is he headed the right way down the field?

I am excited for the remainder of his games this season! These kiddos are a joy to watch!

Faircross 2010

The day I delivered Garrett (literally, while I laid on the operating table for my c-section), Eric suggested purchasing a dirt bike for Parker's upcoming birthday. Wonderful timing on my hubby's behalf, right? In all honesty, what sane mother buys a 2 year old a gas operated dirt bike? Very few. However, a mom about to give birth and under the influence of drugs happily agrees to said purchase. At least, I am guessing that was Eric's M O.

Parker was a rather happy birthday boy when his 2nd birthday rolled around (personally, I found myself wondering how do I top a dirt bike next year?!). For four years (give or take), he has spent endless hours going 'round and 'round our backyard (our in town neighbors have to love us). He and his bike have made their way through our fence on one occasion. A handful of times, he has explored more terrain at Grandpa Scott and Grandma Sheila's house. Recently, he and Garrett spent the day with Eric on a bona fide dirt bike track. Last Friday, though...well, was HUGE. Parker entered his first race at our county fair...The 2010 Ottawa County Faircross. Eric raced his pit bike as well. Together, the two of them were pretty darn giddy. I was a tad bit nervous; however, I found myself telling Parker to tear it up following his practice session. Along with Garrett and myself, Parker (therefore, Eric LOL) had quite the little cheering section. Thankfully, the storms held off long enough for each of them to get in their respective motos.

Heading out to practice

A sweaty little thing following practice

Seriously, how cute does he look?

Making his way around a turn

I LOVE this photo! That little guy on the hill? That's our dirt bike dude! This photo puts the size aspect into perspective. In addition, when you zoom in you can see the faces of the fans. So many are smiling at him, clapping for him, etc. Love it!

Proof Mommy exists...Parker and I following his race. Please excuse the hot mess I am...there was a decent breeze going, but it was H-O-T and humid.

One proud daddy...Eric and his mini me

Way to go, Buddy!

I am a bad wife as I got ZERO pictures of Eric racing. Garrett and I barely made it back to the stadium in time to watch Eric's race as there was fair food to be consumed and animal barns to tour. My camera had landed itself back in the truck following Parker's race and I had no time to retrieve before Eric's race. My apologies (again), honey! It was a good night of racing and both of my boys came away unharmed. As for Parker, he placed first in his class. True, he was the only rider in his class; however, he is none the wiser. Eric placed sixth. Or fourth. Who knows? According to the printed standings, he came in sixth. However, he received a fourth place plaque. Awesome! Garrett is happy to carry his daddy's award around and proudly proclaim "My daddy won!". God love him!

Hey There, Junior!

Last week, I found myself placing two orders for scrapbook supplies (addicted, I know). My order from TwoPeas arrived lightening quick and contained endless pieces from American Crafts Junior line. The colors are cheerful and I love the various patterned paper (especially the stripes...I *heart* stripes!). Yesterday, I sat down with this line and got to work on two layouts. Yes, the layouts are very similar; however, they are going into two different albums (in other words I was saving myself some time). The photos were in Parker and Garrett's Memory Mates... taken by the same photographer who snapped my picture back in my Sis Boom Bah days. The silly team photo she takes is always a favorite among the players!

Happy Friday!
Have a fantastic 4th of July weekend!!!

Go Blue Tigers, Go!

Saturday morning, Parker and Garrett had their final T-Ball game of the 2010 season. They were thrilled to have so many family members in attendance cheering them on! It has been amazing to see the team as a whole progress with each game. Parker (who had been "chopping" when at bat earlier in the season) had two great hits off coach pitch. Garrett (whose mind is usually wandering while playing in the outfield) had an awesome play as well.

We concluded the season with much fanfare. I made baseball cookies for the players and they were a hit. It was pretty cute to hear Parker and Garrett "bragging" about their mama making 'em. Each of the players were presented with a certificate by their coach. In addition, he purchased gift certificates to the local sportswear shop for all of the players. I thought that was a neat idea compared to the standard end of the season trophy. Of course, what T-Ball season would be complete without a trip to the local Mom and Pop Ice Cream Stand to celebrate?!

A few photos from their final game...

My dad pointed out Garrett runs like Charlie Brown. He is right;) God love him...he is so dang
spirited off and on the field. When he touches home base, a "WooHoo" escapes from his mouth
(complete with a fist pump into the air).

Parker, on the other hand, is more like a gazelle when he runs! Seriously, this kid has speed!

Garrett all ready for a grounder...

Parker on first...

Congratulations, Parker and Garrett!
It has been way too much fun watching you this season.
Go Blue Tigers!