John 1 gives the account of the empty tomb. May you remember this as the reason to celebrate today!
Blessings~
P.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
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
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Here Today, Gone Tomorrow
It started in Friday morning - sleet pellets hitting the windows with force from the Kansas wind.
At least an inch of ice coated everything before . . .
The power went out! Four years ago, we had a major ice storm that left us without power for 8 days! My K's were four months old! I learned to make macoroni and cheese in a pan on the top of my wood stove! Not this time, though! We powered up "Hank" and all was good!
My tiny, little redbud tree is feeling the weight of the ice.
Clothes lines are sagging . . .
Rowdy doesn't seem to mind the snow!
Creates more work for my Cowboy . . . we couldn't even get out the drive.
My potato rows are covered - good moisture, I just hope they survived . . .
Trees are drooping with broken limbs . . .all my fruit trees were budded out . . . only time will tell.
Sure does make a pretty picture though . . .
Stay tuned for pictures of the "Great Thaw" which should be complete by Monday afternoon! Only in Kansas!
Blessings~
P.
At least an inch of ice coated everything before . . .
The power went out! Four years ago, we had a major ice storm that left us without power for 8 days! My K's were four months old! I learned to make macoroni and cheese in a pan on the top of my wood stove! Not this time, though! We powered up "Hank" and all was good!
My tiny, little redbud tree is feeling the weight of the ice.
Clothes lines are sagging . . .
Rowdy doesn't seem to mind the snow!
Creates more work for my Cowboy . . . we couldn't even get out the drive.
My potato rows are covered - good moisture, I just hope they survived . . .
Trees are drooping with broken limbs . . .all my fruit trees were budded out . . . only time will tell.
Sure does make a pretty picture though . . .
Stay tuned for pictures of the "Great Thaw" which should be complete by Monday afternoon! Only in Kansas!
Blessings~
P.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Random Selections!
Okay - I was challenged a while back to pick like the fifth picture in the fifth folder, yada yada - instead - I've picked some favorites!
I've just delivered the twins by C-Section with major complications. I'm holding Klay, Kash is in NICU. I look terrible in this picture, completely worn out BUT - I see my Grandma Margaret, like she's looking right back at me. For that reason, I treasure this picture!
Didn't realize how tiny the K's were - then the big kids snuggled up next to them and WOW! But the amazing thing is . . . I didn't realize how little the big kids were!
Identical? One bouncy seat for two babies!
For a man who doesn't typically smile for my photos - would you look at his eyes - the mask is hiding it, but the eyes say it all! He's smiling as he shows off Baby A and Baby B!
I have a sweet friend who just lost her baby at 17 weeks. It has been very hard for her and my heart has been extremely sad for her. This event has had me in prayer quite a bit for my friend and sitting here at the computer, looking at my own babies. I'm 40 . . . I'm not ready to say I'm done . . . there is just something about a baby . . .
So . . . hope you enjoyed my trip down memory lane . . .
Snow predicted for Kansas. The wind is gusting out of the North and COLD! We're putting the hats and gloves back on!
You, my sweet bloggin' friends, have a great Friday - know that you are loved tremendously by the Heavenly Father - who wants to rain down His blessing upon you!
Seek and you shall find!
Blessings~
P.
I've just delivered the twins by C-Section with major complications. I'm holding Klay, Kash is in NICU. I look terrible in this picture, completely worn out BUT - I see my Grandma Margaret, like she's looking right back at me. For that reason, I treasure this picture!
Didn't realize how tiny the K's were - then the big kids snuggled up next to them and WOW! But the amazing thing is . . . I didn't realize how little the big kids were!
Identical? One bouncy seat for two babies!
For a man who doesn't typically smile for my photos - would you look at his eyes - the mask is hiding it, but the eyes say it all! He's smiling as he shows off Baby A and Baby B!
I have a sweet friend who just lost her baby at 17 weeks. It has been very hard for her and my heart has been extremely sad for her. This event has had me in prayer quite a bit for my friend and sitting here at the computer, looking at my own babies. I'm 40 . . . I'm not ready to say I'm done . . . there is just something about a baby . . .
So . . . hope you enjoyed my trip down memory lane . . .
Snow predicted for Kansas. The wind is gusting out of the North and COLD! We're putting the hats and gloves back on!
You, my sweet bloggin' friends, have a great Friday - know that you are loved tremendously by the Heavenly Father - who wants to rain down His blessing upon you!
Seek and you shall find!
Blessings~
P.
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