I'm on my 10th load of muddy laundry . . .
Here is my lamment . . .
RAIN!
RAIN!
GO AWAY!
GO TO NEW MEXICO OR CALIFORNIA OR ARIZONA
AND STAY!
SEVERAL DAYS!!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Who Could It Be?
I laid in bed last night with post ideas running through my brain. Probably because I ate so much food last night that I couldn't sleep! My sweet cowboy took me to dinner last night for our 18th wedding anniversary! We went to a new place in Wichita called Hanger One - by the airport - with a view of the runways up in the "smoker's lounge." The food and service was excellent. It was quiet dining with a huge selection of wines all displayed in a large glass room, flat screen tv's showed different airplane footage from fighter jet action to airliner shots. The music was turned down low so people could actually hear each other visit. It was a welcome change to the loud "roadhouse" style that we seem to have alot of in Wichita.
Went and got some ice cream, did a little shopping, and came home. It was a very relaxing and enjoyable night. We were married six years before we had kids and we both decided that if we could do anything over, we would have traveled more in that six year period. Taken more vacations to places we've really wanted to see.
Kansas has just been pounded with storms the last five days. Thunder, lightning, tons of rain, tornado warnings and sitings. We have flood warnings out - the Arkansas River has crested in many different locations near us. We have thick clay mud, standing water, and grass that decided to grow with each inch of rain!
If you are not familiar with spring in Tornado Alley - after living in Kansas all my life there are some patterns to follow - typically, tornados start brewing between 3:00 in the afternoon and 7:00pm in the evening OR 3:00am to 7:00am. Needless to say, I was up several times each night checking the radar. Living in the country poses additional risks as you don't have the local law enforcement cruising your street to inform you of danger. So, I tend to be more aware of the sky and watch the radar a little bit more.
Now . . . I got an interesting piece of mail yesterday. Came to me with nice handwriting, post marked from Santa Anna, California. Had a nice article in it about gardening from USA Today. Had a post-it note that said, "Paula, You've got to read this!" It was signed "J". For the love of chocolate and money, I do not know who J is. Is it a blog friend? It is someone who would have access to my complete mailing address. Know that I like to garden, however, am having a hard time this spring, and would also know that I am a little concerned about our current economic state, which the article was somewhat about. If you are reading this, and you are the kind person who sent me the article, please let me know.
That's a quick update from the Broken Y. Baseball and Jr. Rodeo/NBHA this weekend. Still have not found my camera. Guess I may need to go shopping. All is well here.
May you be richly blessed this week! If you've never experienced the salvation offered through Jesus. Shoot me an email. You don't want to miss it!
Blessings~
P.
PS - Iowa is NOT the heartland.
Went and got some ice cream, did a little shopping, and came home. It was a very relaxing and enjoyable night. We were married six years before we had kids and we both decided that if we could do anything over, we would have traveled more in that six year period. Taken more vacations to places we've really wanted to see.
Kansas has just been pounded with storms the last five days. Thunder, lightning, tons of rain, tornado warnings and sitings. We have flood warnings out - the Arkansas River has crested in many different locations near us. We have thick clay mud, standing water, and grass that decided to grow with each inch of rain!
If you are not familiar with spring in Tornado Alley - after living in Kansas all my life there are some patterns to follow - typically, tornados start brewing between 3:00 in the afternoon and 7:00pm in the evening OR 3:00am to 7:00am. Needless to say, I was up several times each night checking the radar. Living in the country poses additional risks as you don't have the local law enforcement cruising your street to inform you of danger. So, I tend to be more aware of the sky and watch the radar a little bit more.
Now . . . I got an interesting piece of mail yesterday. Came to me with nice handwriting, post marked from Santa Anna, California. Had a nice article in it about gardening from USA Today. Had a post-it note that said, "Paula, You've got to read this!" It was signed "J". For the love of chocolate and money, I do not know who J is. Is it a blog friend? It is someone who would have access to my complete mailing address. Know that I like to garden, however, am having a hard time this spring, and would also know that I am a little concerned about our current economic state, which the article was somewhat about. If you are reading this, and you are the kind person who sent me the article, please let me know.
That's a quick update from the Broken Y. Baseball and Jr. Rodeo/NBHA this weekend. Still have not found my camera. Guess I may need to go shopping. All is well here.
May you be richly blessed this week! If you've never experienced the salvation offered through Jesus. Shoot me an email. You don't want to miss it!
Blessings~
P.
PS - Iowa is NOT the heartland.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Stavros Flatley
We are typically not a TV watching family. We are too busy and quite frankly, we prefer our kids dive into a good book, or get outside! However, we do jump on YouTube as a family and watch Britain's Got Talent every once in a while.
I have fallen completely in love with this Father/Son act! Talk about a couple of Dudes completely comfortable in their skin!
I wanted to upload the video but YouTube won't let me so, copy the link below and put it in your browser! You will not be disappointed!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gHvATmUsSg
Blessings~
P.
I have fallen completely in love with this Father/Son act! Talk about a couple of Dudes completely comfortable in their skin!
I wanted to upload the video but YouTube won't let me so, copy the link below and put it in your browser! You will not be disappointed!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gHvATmUsSg
Blessings~
P.
Friday, April 17, 2009
I Run To You - Lady Antebellum
I love a good country song, especially when I can change the words just a little to make a good PRAISE song. Enjoy!
I run from hate
I run from prejudice
I run from pessimists
But I run too late
I run my life
Or is it running me
Run from my past
I run too fast
Or too slow it seems
When lies become the truth
That’s when I run to you
Chorus
This world keeps spinning faster
Into a new disaster so I run to you
I run to you (Jesus)
And when it all starts coming undone
Jesus you’re the only one I run to
I run to you
We run on fumes
Your life and mine
Like the sands of time
Slippin’ right on through
And YOUR love’s the only truth
That’s why I run to you
Remember if you are going to run anywhere, run straight into the arms of Jesus. No better place to be to find comfort, strength, truth, love, and friendship.
Blessings~
P.
I run from hate
I run from prejudice
I run from pessimists
But I run too late
I run my life
Or is it running me
Run from my past
I run too fast
Or too slow it seems
When lies become the truth
That’s when I run to you
Chorus
This world keeps spinning faster
Into a new disaster so I run to you
I run to you (Jesus)
And when it all starts coming undone
Jesus you’re the only one I run to
I run to you
We run on fumes
Your life and mine
Like the sands of time
Slippin’ right on through
And YOUR love’s the only truth
That’s why I run to you
Remember if you are going to run anywhere, run straight into the arms of Jesus. No better place to be to find comfort, strength, truth, love, and friendship.
Blessings~
P.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
HE IS RISEN!
John 1 gives the account of the empty tomb. May you remember this as the reason to celebrate today!
Blessings~
P.
Blessings~
P.
Monday, April 6, 2009
LOUD and PROUD continued . . .
I've always been a chic-flic girl. Never really liked suspense movies, over-time games, clutch situations. These things cause me to be nauseous, get a headache, chew my nails, and cover my eyes. Yes . . . I'm a wienie when it comes to pressure!
Game two was against the Shockers at 4:00pm. The wind was blowing like nobodies business and it was a touch on the COLD side!
Fortunately, Bo had already put the night before behind him and was focused on this game. It seemed, though, that Bo was the only one who had put it behind him. There were coaches in the stands from the other teams, people all along the outside walls just watching to see if this game was going to be another blow out from the team that won their world series last year.
Sometimes, the pressure to meet others expectations is overwhelming and a little frightening.
Our pitching was off until we got our leftie in, John Short. He could not allow any runs if we wanted to win the game. He held off the batters until our Coaches called for an off-speed pitch, which means it is considerably slower then the pitches he had been throwing. And sure enough . . . the batter knocked the tar out of that ball and over the right field fence it went! We were now down six runs.
We were up to bat - scored three runs, putting us down three. The bases were loaded. Bo is up to bat. Now in this tournament there is a 4 run rule per inning. We've already scored three. The only way you can get more runs in an inning is off a home run. The ONLY way the Storm can win this game is if Bo hits a home run.
I paced at the fence, then I sat in the stands. I covered my eyes, took a peak, covered my ears, covered my eyes again and then got up and paced some more. I just keep thinking that if my son hit a home run . . . he'd be a hero. If he didn't . . . what would people think?
It is so hard to live up to other peoples expectations!
One of Bo's friends from his first baseball team was pitching. The coach came out to talk to Jeriah and basically told him to throw balls. His first pitch was a little high but not bad, Bo should have taken it but didn't. I don't honestly think he thought they would throw bad pitches.
Have you ever thought of how hard it would be to do something that completely goes against everything you've been trained? Bo's coaches told him to swing at the bad pitches to keep the count alive in hopes that one of those pitches might actually be something Bo could hit over the wall. Jeriah's coaches told him to throw balls way high or outside. What is it these boys are told at a very early age? Don't swing at those pitches! Those are way too high or way too low or way too outside. Or throw strikes, those who throw strikes pitch. Jeriah was having a hard time throwing trash and Bo was having a real hard time swinging at it.
Dad asked him what he was thinking when ball four came across the plate . . . Bo said he just froze. It was a real bad pitch and he just froze. Couldn't bring himself to swing at such a bad pitch.
Bo learned that earthly glory only lasts for a moment and then it's pretty much back to business. Was Bo big-headed about his home run? No. So why didn't God allow him this opportunity to be a winner?
He wanted our praise.
Remember . . . We praise Him when we win, we praise Him when we lose.
All Glory and Honor to the King!
Blessings~
P.
Game two was against the Shockers at 4:00pm. The wind was blowing like nobodies business and it was a touch on the COLD side!
Fortunately, Bo had already put the night before behind him and was focused on this game. It seemed, though, that Bo was the only one who had put it behind him. There were coaches in the stands from the other teams, people all along the outside walls just watching to see if this game was going to be another blow out from the team that won their world series last year.
Sometimes, the pressure to meet others expectations is overwhelming and a little frightening.
Our pitching was off until we got our leftie in, John Short. He could not allow any runs if we wanted to win the game. He held off the batters until our Coaches called for an off-speed pitch, which means it is considerably slower then the pitches he had been throwing. And sure enough . . . the batter knocked the tar out of that ball and over the right field fence it went! We were now down six runs.
We were up to bat - scored three runs, putting us down three. The bases were loaded. Bo is up to bat. Now in this tournament there is a 4 run rule per inning. We've already scored three. The only way you can get more runs in an inning is off a home run. The ONLY way the Storm can win this game is if Bo hits a home run.
I paced at the fence, then I sat in the stands. I covered my eyes, took a peak, covered my ears, covered my eyes again and then got up and paced some more. I just keep thinking that if my son hit a home run . . . he'd be a hero. If he didn't . . . what would people think?
It is so hard to live up to other peoples expectations!
One of Bo's friends from his first baseball team was pitching. The coach came out to talk to Jeriah and basically told him to throw balls. His first pitch was a little high but not bad, Bo should have taken it but didn't. I don't honestly think he thought they would throw bad pitches.
Have you ever thought of how hard it would be to do something that completely goes against everything you've been trained? Bo's coaches told him to swing at the bad pitches to keep the count alive in hopes that one of those pitches might actually be something Bo could hit over the wall. Jeriah's coaches told him to throw balls way high or outside. What is it these boys are told at a very early age? Don't swing at those pitches! Those are way too high or way too low or way too outside. Or throw strikes, those who throw strikes pitch. Jeriah was having a hard time throwing trash and Bo was having a real hard time swinging at it.
Dad asked him what he was thinking when ball four came across the plate . . . Bo said he just froze. It was a real bad pitch and he just froze. Couldn't bring himself to swing at such a bad pitch.
Bo learned that earthly glory only lasts for a moment and then it's pretty much back to business. Was Bo big-headed about his home run? No. So why didn't God allow him this opportunity to be a winner?
He wanted our praise.
Remember . . . We praise Him when we win, we praise Him when we lose.
All Glory and Honor to the King!
Blessings~
P.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
LOUD and PROUD
Things just come natural to Bo. He is just one of those God-Given Naturals. He plays baseball on a competetive traveling team, teamropes with his dad, has musical talent on the drums, piano, and singing, but he doesn't want anyone to know he can sing right now. God has just really blessed him with natural ability. Sometimes he takes it for granted but most of the time, he really works and practices hard to become better at what he is doing.
We decided early on as parents that if our children showed an interest in something and they worked at it, then we would provide every opportunity available for them to excell.
When Bo played T-Ball we tried the YMCA. It was clear that we needed to move him on, since everytime he threw the ball to first, he hurt the first basemen. So we transfered to West Urban Baseball Association. This is the toughest, most talented league in Wichita. We got on a team that was full of kids that had talent but the coaching just wasn't there. Two years ago, we were able to try out for the Wichita Storm - Bo made the team that year and the coaching was fantastic.
Coach Garret Bergkamp - Knows his baseball and knows how to get the boys to the next level.
Coaches Rick Allerano and Troy Griggs - Rick knows baseball and knows boys. He's Mr. Positive Encouragement! Troy is a Texas Longhorns fan and knows pitching.
Last year, we played on a local team. Gas prices were just to outrageous for us to travel 70 miles for practices and games. However, Bo missed the Storm, the coaches, the team members, and it showed in his playing. So, we called them, tried out again, and are back with this team. I say "We" because when you play on a team like this, it is a FAMILY affair - money, travel, time.
Friday night was Bo's first tournament of the season called the Hard Ball Classic. If you are a West Urban team, this is a tournament you want to win.
We played our first game on Friday against the Wichita Hustlers. Bo bats third. His first at bat he took a ball, second pitch he swung big and missed. We call that the corkscrew strike because he literally swung so hard he spun around. The third pitch came in right in Bo's sweet spot - he likes pitches above the belly button and below the chest and this one was just what he wanted.
Slam! There she goes . . . . . . HOMERUN over the left field wall - 165 ft.
The Wichita Storm pitching really shut this team down. The team held them to 1 run.
Bo's second time at bat, was against a lefty. This is NOT GOOD! Bo doesn't hit well off of lefties.
First pitch was high and outside
Second pitch was a strike coming in at the knees . . . is this Bo's sweet spot?
Well . . . . . . . IT IS TODAY!!!!!
I knew that ball was gone before it even left the park! Wheeeeeeeeeewhoooooooooooooo!
I was on my feet and giving a good cowgirl holler before that ball even left!
I try to stay pretty chilled during my son's games.
UNLESS . . . its a homer or just a really great play! I don't hesitate to whoop and holler!
ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY FIVE FEET! Over the Center Field wall with room to spare! The ball went so high - every one just stood there for a minute or two it seemed and watched, except me . . . I knew it was gone and I started the celebration!
The Storm ended up winning 10 to 1. Good pitching and batting!
I make sure that those homerun balls end up on my shelf. I now have eight. Bo was pretty humble afterwards. One parent asked him, "Ricky, you gonna hit a home run tomorrow?" He said, "I'm just gonna swing my bat."
Stay tuned . . . Game number two has been played . . . I'll post tomorrow . . .
Remember - We praise God when we win, we praise Him when we lose.
All Glory and Honor to the King!
Blessings~
P. - a braggin' mama!
We decided early on as parents that if our children showed an interest in something and they worked at it, then we would provide every opportunity available for them to excell.
When Bo played T-Ball we tried the YMCA. It was clear that we needed to move him on, since everytime he threw the ball to first, he hurt the first basemen. So we transfered to West Urban Baseball Association. This is the toughest, most talented league in Wichita. We got on a team that was full of kids that had talent but the coaching just wasn't there. Two years ago, we were able to try out for the Wichita Storm - Bo made the team that year and the coaching was fantastic.
Coach Garret Bergkamp - Knows his baseball and knows how to get the boys to the next level.
Coaches Rick Allerano and Troy Griggs - Rick knows baseball and knows boys. He's Mr. Positive Encouragement! Troy is a Texas Longhorns fan and knows pitching.
Last year, we played on a local team. Gas prices were just to outrageous for us to travel 70 miles for practices and games. However, Bo missed the Storm, the coaches, the team members, and it showed in his playing. So, we called them, tried out again, and are back with this team. I say "We" because when you play on a team like this, it is a FAMILY affair - money, travel, time.
Friday night was Bo's first tournament of the season called the Hard Ball Classic. If you are a West Urban team, this is a tournament you want to win.
We played our first game on Friday against the Wichita Hustlers. Bo bats third. His first at bat he took a ball, second pitch he swung big and missed. We call that the corkscrew strike because he literally swung so hard he spun around. The third pitch came in right in Bo's sweet spot - he likes pitches above the belly button and below the chest and this one was just what he wanted.
Slam! There she goes . . . . . . HOMERUN over the left field wall - 165 ft.
The Wichita Storm pitching really shut this team down. The team held them to 1 run.
Bo's second time at bat, was against a lefty. This is NOT GOOD! Bo doesn't hit well off of lefties.
First pitch was high and outside
Second pitch was a strike coming in at the knees . . . is this Bo's sweet spot?
Well . . . . . . . IT IS TODAY!!!!!
I knew that ball was gone before it even left the park! Wheeeeeeeeeewhoooooooooooooo!
I was on my feet and giving a good cowgirl holler before that ball even left!
I try to stay pretty chilled during my son's games.
UNLESS . . . its a homer or just a really great play! I don't hesitate to whoop and holler!
ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY FIVE FEET! Over the Center Field wall with room to spare! The ball went so high - every one just stood there for a minute or two it seemed and watched, except me . . . I knew it was gone and I started the celebration!
The Storm ended up winning 10 to 1. Good pitching and batting!
I make sure that those homerun balls end up on my shelf. I now have eight. Bo was pretty humble afterwards. One parent asked him, "Ricky, you gonna hit a home run tomorrow?" He said, "I'm just gonna swing my bat."
Stay tuned . . . Game number two has been played . . . I'll post tomorrow . . .
Remember - We praise God when we win, we praise Him when we lose.
All Glory and Honor to the King!
Blessings~
P. - a braggin' mama!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Let me tell ya . . .
Okay - I'm still working with an old camcorder that you can't put on to the computer so I'm gonna give you play-by-play. Sometimes your kids do things that just make you drop your jaw. I'll never forget Bo's first homerun and I'll definetely never forget this . . .
My Cowgirl, Bailey, has been working real hard on her barrel racing. She got Charmeyne James and Sharon Camarillo books on barrel racing - has read both books - highlighted in both books - rode her horse everyday - even in 40 degree weather - has listened to what Mama and Daddy say - and went out last night and made a crazy fast run!
We like to say that barrel racing is just a controlled accident waitin' to happen. To give your horse the momentum he needs to turn that first barrel, you really need to be coming in the arena full speed. That has been a little intimidating to Bailey, until last night.
We record all her runs and then come home and evaluate them. Look at what was done really well and the areas to work on that will shave off time. We did that last week and she really saw that she could make up time if she came in a whole lot faster.
We got home last night, watched this run several times, and honestly, I don't think there is much she needs to do. It was a perfect run . . . maybe give Mighty some encouragement on the way home with her over-under, but man . . .
I've shared the 4D format - this arena runs 1/2 second off fastest times. Bailey didn't win money, but she shaved 1 1/2 seconds off her last time, and finished just out of the money in the 2D! Yes, you read it right, 2D! Remember how we felt like we'd won the National Finals when she ran and placed in the 4D?! Yeah - She is soooo smokin'! Some of the "fast-time" barrel racers came up to me and said, "Wow - She really put together a good run!"
So . . . I cried. I know . . . I cry alot . . . I might be menopausal . . . I don't know, but doggone, when you see your girl do so well after such hard work . . .
What is next for my girl . . . well . . . she has big dreams . . . I'll keep you posted!
Please, Remember, All of us at the Broken Y . . . praise God when we win, we praise God when we lose.
All Glory and Honor to the King!
Blessing~
P. - the braggin' mama!
My Cowgirl, Bailey, has been working real hard on her barrel racing. She got Charmeyne James and Sharon Camarillo books on barrel racing - has read both books - highlighted in both books - rode her horse everyday - even in 40 degree weather - has listened to what Mama and Daddy say - and went out last night and made a crazy fast run!
We like to say that barrel racing is just a controlled accident waitin' to happen. To give your horse the momentum he needs to turn that first barrel, you really need to be coming in the arena full speed. That has been a little intimidating to Bailey, until last night.
We record all her runs and then come home and evaluate them. Look at what was done really well and the areas to work on that will shave off time. We did that last week and she really saw that she could make up time if she came in a whole lot faster.
We got home last night, watched this run several times, and honestly, I don't think there is much she needs to do. It was a perfect run . . . maybe give Mighty some encouragement on the way home with her over-under, but man . . .
I've shared the 4D format - this arena runs 1/2 second off fastest times. Bailey didn't win money, but she shaved 1 1/2 seconds off her last time, and finished just out of the money in the 2D! Yes, you read it right, 2D! Remember how we felt like we'd won the National Finals when she ran and placed in the 4D?! Yeah - She is soooo smokin'! Some of the "fast-time" barrel racers came up to me and said, "Wow - She really put together a good run!"
So . . . I cried. I know . . . I cry alot . . . I might be menopausal . . . I don't know, but doggone, when you see your girl do so well after such hard work . . .
What is next for my girl . . . well . . . she has big dreams . . . I'll keep you posted!
Please, Remember, All of us at the Broken Y . . . praise God when we win, we praise God when we lose.
All Glory and Honor to the King!
Blessing~
P. - the braggin' mama!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
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