We have a Pitcher, Not a Belly Itcher!

Hey Y'all! Tonight was such an exciting night for us at the baseball diamond. The coach decided at the last minute to give Adam a chance at the pitcher's mound and he was absolutely FANTASTIC!!! Of course he threw some a little high or off. And of course he walked a few players. The bases were loaded, from the players he walked. There were two outs already and wouldn't you know that he struck out the batter for the third and last out of the game. It was so wonderful to see his face light up every time the referee said out! Adam told us that when he did throw the pitch a little off the ref was back there giving him encouraging words. There were even a couple of times that he psyched out the runners so they wouldn't try to steal the base. He also did a phenomenal job at running up to home plate when the catcher missed the ball. This kept the runners from trying to come into home. So even though he walked them, he didn't once give them a chance to score a run. Equally amusing to watch was Todd pacing around on pins and needles verbally expressing his anxiety. His face was also beaming when it was done. And, he got the game ball for doing such a great job! Way to go Adam!! (The photos and video are from Todd's phone but I think they still show how awesome he was.)

Popsicles and Pacies

Every morning, without fail, since summer brought popsicles, that is all Molly will ask for. "What would you like for breakfast, Molly?" "MMMM...popsicle." For lunch, popsicle. For snack, popsicle. For dinner, popsicle. I buy the sugar free kind so I don't make a big deal out of it. It's just a juice. This morning as Clarissa was picking out a cereal Molly was standing beside her. So I asked if she wanted to have some cereal too. "No thank you, I have popsicle and pacie." For sure life is great when you have those two essentials.

Piano Lessons

PAUSE THE PLAYLIST ON THE LEFT

As a way to save time and money I decided another attempt at teaching the kids how to play the piano. It was impossible when Adam was younger but now that he's older he seems to do alright. Clarissa is just easier to work with. Molly is anxious to begin but I'm just not ready to go there yet.

Time for Homework

I came downstairs and found these images. Adam was even helping Clarissa when she got stuck on the directions for her homework. I was so delighted. After Molly did her "homework" she told me that it was time for her to practice her piano.

What Am I Thinking!!

Make a Smilebox postcard

Of course I've been the Mom now for 9 years. But now it seems more like a job needed for a superhero. One that I'm definitely not. My voice has been at unnatural volumes for most of this morning alone. My goal is to make it through our various activities while maintaining a loving home. (If you could only hear me snickering right now.) Anyhow, things sort of snowballed on me. I've been working on the fitness instruction since the beginning of the year and it is just now materializing. I now teach one step class every Friday morning. I've also been called in as a substitute a couple of times. I really like it. It also gives me discounts at the YMCA. It took the cost for me off the family membership fee. We also get a 20% discount off of Molly's preschool program. Molly is able to go into the childwatch room during the class so it's free babysitting! So how cool is that? The class is a bit late in the morning so she and I will go to the pool for awhile so it becomes fun time too. Then I was called into the Bishop's office and asked to be the Cub Master for our ward. I have one year of cub scouting experience so I'm a little nervous. Our first meeting went really well. I made it a pack meeting so the whole family came and had fun. This week I'm extremely nervous because we don't have leaders for the individual dens yet. So I may be planning classes for all three gruops. (There are people who are going to help me though if that's the case.) Then, I was planning to do a little something with Molly one day a week with our Joy School lessons when I was asked to participate with some of my friends here in town. So every Monday is Joy School day. It starts tomorrow : / But here's the funniest role of all: Soccer coach! I've never played soccer ever in my life. First all the parents received an email saying that our team didn't have a coach. I replied saying that I've never played and don't know how to play but I'm a parent that can be put to work when I'm there. That somehow translated into Head Coach. Next thing I know I'm reading emails that sounds like coaches talking back and forth. I ignore it until I receive an email from another parent that says he's the other asst. coach. So I call the director and ask if I was listed as the coach. And well, here I am coaching Clarissa's soccer team. (Youtube really is a marvelous thing. I learned how to dribble a soccer ball, how to throw it in, how to stop a ball and the director did give me a very successful game to play during practices. Thank you Youtube!)

Clarissa is a Seal

Clarissa started asking last spring that she wanted to play soccer. I don't really see her as a team sport player so I would say okay and didn't really think much about it. However, all summer long she reminded me that she wanted to play soccer. The YMCA does have a program that doesn't cost very much at all and I figured do it now in the fall before Spring Baseball starts up and sure, we'll give it try. She had a great time at the practice. It was in the evening and it was cool outside. The first game was a different situation. It was the middle of the day, hot and bright and she just doesn't like to get hot. She would keep messing with her shin guards so I had to sit her out. She wanted to go off and play in the nearby wooded area instead of play in the game. I did put her back in during the last 6 minutes and she actually does show some promise. She understands which direction to run. She doesn't use her hands. And she has good kicking technique. (Thank you youtube!) I don't know if this is something she'll want to continue but for now it is fun to watch her learn.

Fall Ball Begins

Adam starts a new season of baseball. We are fortunate to live in an area where you can play baseball all year round. He moved up a level in the league putting him back at the beginning again. This is why we signed him up to play now. Come Spring Season and the competition is tough, he'll need an edge up. He has expressed an interested in being a pitcher so Todd has been working with him. He won't pitch for awhile so until then he has been playing second base and centerfield. The coach said he wanted to put him there because he is one of the most alert players on the team. (But he may have just said that just to placate me.) The nice thing is that Adam enjoys the game so much that he doesn't seem to mind where he is. He just wants to play and be a part of a team. We're not quite sure where he became so interested in baseball but it has become a family experience as we all learn the rules and techniques to the game. (Yes, you guessed it, youtube again!)

First Day of School

 

It was time for another year of school. Adam began the fourth grade, sniff...sniff...sniff. I'm not allowed to take his picture in the hallway anymore but I was able to get one of him outside the school. He is very excited to be a part of his class. He loves his teachers. There are two that he travels back and forth from. He thinks his home room teacher, Ms. Peeples, is hilarious. He has the class job of librarian and takes it very seriously. (It's cleaning up the books in her classroom and making sure they are in the appropriate baskets.) I'm happy that out of the two learning blocks he is one in the advanced group. It will do well to keep him challenged. Clarissa began the first grade, sob...sob. She was nervous but handled herself really well. It wasn't until she had to walk down the hallway that she decided she didn't want to go. Just one more practice round and then she was fine. Mind you, this was the little girl that would come home on yellow, blue, and red last year, only enjoying one green day a week if she was lucky. This year she has come home on green EVERY SINGLE DAY! We are so grateful that we finally have a teacher that will NOT 1) punish her for forgetting something, 2) punish her for her personality, 3)punish her for needing guidance and direction in her life. This year we have been blessed, absolutely blessed with a wonderful, kind, loving, forgiving, merciful, understanding, tolerant, patient, and talented teacher. She has a behavior plan that should be modeled by all. I still feel completely disgusted that this kindergarten teacher is still teaching. Clarissa's behavior at home has improved so much. She is happier, more confident, and more excited to try new things. She enjoys reading with me and loves to sit and do her homework. This is an answer to our prayers. And then there is Molly. She was ready to get back to school too. I kept her in the same program as last year and I'm so glad I did. She went right back into the program. She remembered all of the songs, she remembered all of the procedures and was happy to help her new friends along. And the best part, her little friend from church is in the same class. She loves her time at the YMCA and I love how wonderful they are at taking good care of her. Overall, it has been a good start of a new school year!

Clarissa's Birthday Party

It is hard to believe that Clarissa is six years old already. I planned a big day of surprises for her. (Because she kept asking me all summer long to give her a surprise party.) So when she woke up we got ready for several surprises. #1- We picked up Cami for a playdate. #2- We ate lunch at another favorite of hers: Wendy's. #3-We went to the RiverBanks zoo. There we went to her favorite places: the aquarium and reptile house and the gardens. We tried to do the scavenger hunt but we were running out of time. There were more surprises. #4- The Smiths came over for cake and ice cream. She didn't know she was going to have a cake. It was a Hannah Montana theme, just like she asked for. It was a wonderful day and she really enjoyed being with her friends.

Clarissa's Birthday Dinner

It was the day before her birthday but we wanted to surprise her. We took her to her favorite restaurant: Red Robin. We made sure the staff came out singing Happy Birthday to her and they gave her a tasty ice cream treat. Afterward, we took the kids to the local pet store. Clarissa had asked for a small pet that she could hold and play with. We researched it over the summer and decided that the gerbil would be the best option. They are suppose to socialize better with people. But since we have a kitty living with us I didn't think it would be a wise idea to have gerbils running around. I brought out the baby play pen where they can sit and hold the gerbils without fear of it escaping their hands and running into Gaby's mouth. Clarissa's gerbil is the brown one and she named him Terrence after one of the fairies from Tinkerbell. Adam's gerbil is the gray one and is named Blaster from the G-Force movie. We would have bought a third for Molly but the store only had two. She doesn't seem to mind sharing. They are a lot of fun but I usually get annoyed with all the chewing. They've destroyed so many of their toys because they won't stop chewing. But cute to watch nonetheless.

13 July 2009

The Start of Vacation

It was the big day! The kids and I had been anxious to get to Ohio to see everyone. We didn't start the 8 hour drive as soon as I had planned but we were still able to get there mid-afternoon where Madeline was waiting for us. It didn't take long for her and Molly to connect. We were so happy to make it to our destination. Let the fun begin!!

14 July 2009

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

The Columbus Zoo

The whole clan decided to meet at the zoo today. There was Dad and me with the three kids, Dustin and Carolyn with Madeline, Aunt Mary, Amber, and Isaac with Helena, Rebekah, and Alonnah. It wasn't always easy to connect but it was still a lot of fun. Of course one of the favorites was the giant playground. It was a wonderful way to spend time together.

15 July 2009

Slow Day

Not a lot was planned for today. I should have really taken advantage of it because it was only going to get busier as the days continue. Most of the family spent time at Grandma's house making repairs and reorganizing. I knew I couldn't have Molly around because her helping hands might just lose a finger so I thought I would take the kids into town to just hang out anywhere. I wasn't sure where yet. We didn't even make it down the block when Adam and Clarissa started fighting horribly so I turn the corner and told Adam to go help the guys. He really enjoyed learning how-to projects from Papa, Uncle Dan, Uncle Jim, and Dustin. It's too bad he can't spend more time around them so he can start making repairs around our house : ) The girls and I went school supply shopping and then to the pet store to see all the animals there. The only photos from this trip are the self portraits Clarissa took while sitting in the van. Too cute, huh?

16 July 2009

Ice Age

Most everyone was still working on Grandma's house. I thought it might be fun to take the kids to the movies while we waited for the work to be finished. The price of a movie is absolutely unbeatable in Zanesville! Only problem is that Ice Age was the only possible movie to go see. I thought the first one was amusing but this one was not as entertaining. The kids loved it though so my opinion doesn't seem as important.

17 July 2009

Yeah Abby!

Today we spent the entire day at Abby's house and we had a blast. Well, the kids had a blast. I was too tired. They went downstairs and played restaurant and I read my book. (Being served delicious food of course.) They watched a movie and I fell asleep. They played dance recital and I read my book. (Still watching routines of course.) They prepared to open up a new store and I fell asleep while trying to help Molly nap. (She fell asleep too.) Before we knew, Kim was calling to let us know she was on her way home. We had a cookout at Grandma's new house. We all had a wonderful time.

18 July 2009

Family Picnic

This was most definitely one of our favorite days. We gathered for a delicious picnic. The kids played on the playground and then later hit the tennis courts. Clarissa enjoyed looking around for the small budding strawberry plants with Cousin Renee. (Clarissa was so delighted to tell her that they share the same name. Clarissa Renee for those who don't know her middle name.) The day ended with joyful tears as we looked through photographs of family picnics from previous years. We longed to have Papa near us again and marveled at how big the kids have all grown. Despite the very chilly day we were very much warmed by having family nearby.

19 July 2009

Hospitals and Ice Cream

My dear friend Melissa and I had made plans to get together our first weekend in Ohio. However, she ended up being admitted to the hospital for what couldn't be explained for many days later. (Nothing to fear now because the mystery was solved and she's been helped properly.) Anyhow, I spent a few hours this afternoon visiting with Melissa at the hospital. It was so hard when I had to leave. I could tell she was in pain and could really use some good company to keep her mind off of it. But, my kids were away with my sister and my Mom and I needed to get back to them. They took them to Graeter's Ice Cream shop where there was a National Ice Cream Day celebration. I had visions of them running around uncontrollably and being completely unmanageable. There's a big difference between going out in public with my three kids and her one daughter. I'm sure my mom and sister were not used to being outnumbered. Not that I didn't think they could handle but it can rip away any fun from any event when it happens; even an ice cream celebration. I was completely relieved when I showed up three hours later and saw that every one was happy and learned they were getting along nicely and very obedient. Good job kids! (Kim took a lot of great photos. I can add them to the blog as soon as I get them.) Before the evening ended we met up with Uncle Robbie for dinner. It was another fun day!

20 July 2009

Glo in the Dark Putt

It's truly the coolest thing any child could ever see. With bright flourescent colors glowing under the black lights attracted the kids like moths to light. Dad and Paulette were not only dragged along with us but it was a cash only facility and I "conveniently" don't carry cash on me so they had to pay too : ) One might think it's a part of my plan. It was a lot of fun. Afterwards the kids played at the nearby play area and Paulette shared a frosty with them. It was a very relaxing day. One that was much needed after having spent the first few days running around. Little did we know that we were about to start sprinting.

21 July 2009

McConnelsville

A trip to Ohio wouldn't be complete without a trip to McConnelsville. We must see both Grandma Krotkiewicz and Great Grandma Hazel. I was warning Linda about Molly's hurricane like behavior but she ended up being the best mannered child. We had lunch at the famous Blue Bell. A must see diner there in the heart of the town. Afterwards, we visited with Great Grandma. It was such a treat to see her. Molly was so warm and open with her. It was a wonderful visit.

23 July 2009

Our Trip to Watertown

We were really bummed that the Koblers couldn't make it to Myrtle Beach this past spring and just couldn't bear the thought of not seeing them this year. Being in Ohio was really only half way there so we took the time to drive out there and it was so worth it. We left on the 22nd and met with them for dinner. After the initial shock of how much the kids have grown, we made our plans and I took my little family to the Ft. Drum Inn. The next day we first met up with my great friend Melinda. It was so much fun meeting with her and going to lunch. The kids were less than well behaved but after going to her house to run around for awhile with her boys they were fine again. By that time Kim was home from work and we went straight to her house. The kids went right back into hangout mode as if we have never moved away. I loved it! They had planned a perfect birthday party for Nick that night. (His birthday is actually in August but he wanted to have a party while Adam was in town, isn't that great?!) We went to an indoor play place where they played laser tag, video games, and jumped around. Then we went back to his house for more play. It was a lot of fun staying up way too late just to hang out. In fact, we were able to surprise Steve and Marty, the other neighbors while visiting. The kids loved seeing Sammie the big, wonderful dog again. It was also at this time I learned that there are fireflies in New York. I realized that while living there I had always got the kids to bed around 8pm so we were never out late enough to see them flying around. It was one of Clarissa's pastimes.

24 July 2009

More Fun in Watertown

I was so thrilled when we were able to get in touch with the Silvas. This was a family we shared playgroup time with and have been honored to know them. We arranged to meet at the YMCA for their open gymnastics time. The only problem is that they gave Karin the wrong information about who could actually play during that time. Children under 5 weren't suppose to be there. But no worries, I gave the director my sob story about driving all the way that we had just to come back and play and visit. He remembered us, because Adam had played soccer, basketball, and track and field with them. And the gymnastics director remembered us because Clarissa had taken classes with her; so fun was had for all. I love the Y! After lunch at the mall, (it was necessary to visit the ball structure located there, we surprised some families by dropping by. I forgot to take a picture of our visit with the Delasandros. That is a bit disappointing because it is here that Adam and Spencer, still managing to get into trouble together, were playing this throwing game with a shoe. It was just minutes after I told them that someone would get hurt that Adam comes to me with a bleeding mouth. The shoe had knocked his tooth out. (It was one that was suppose to come out anyhow so it was a good thing.) While visiting with Gina we learned that the Fletchers had moved back. So exciting because Jessica participated in Joy School with me. So we surprised them too. I almost forgot to take pictures but was able to sneak some in right before we left, saying goodbye to the bunnies.