#17 Things that Lift Me Up + an update on life

Micah and Noah are playing T-Ball!

So the thing that has lifted my spirits the most lately has been T-ball practice with Micah and Noah. Richard and I signed the boys up for the YMCA T-ball Tykes league. It really isn't a league since they do not play any games against other teams. Instead, they are learning the basics - how to throw, hit, catch, run. If you ever need a really good pick me up...I highly suggest going to watch a group of 3 and 4 year olds attempt to learn a sport. Even more amusing are the coaches trying to teach them and the gaggle of parents who are cheering loudly and making a fool of themselves! I was right there among them - watching with pride as my boys studied from one of the great Shorter College baseball players.

The "class" is 45 minutes long and begins with each of the Shorter College guys taking two kids each and showing them how to throw the ball. I waited for the college dude to be shocked by the sheer raw talent my children had. I was humbled.... Noah especially was not on his "A" game as he limp wristedly (is that a word) throwed the ball back to the coach. Micah surprised me by actually enjoying himself and not being scared away by the ball. Next, the coach took them into the batting cage and let them hit off the tee. I think they hit the tee more than they hit the ball, but hey, who cares...They were having a blast! Finally, the coach soft pitched a few balls to them - a few seconds after the ball hit the ground the bat was swung. That technique is definitely going to take practice in hand/eye coordination. The boys and girls then huddled around their coach and were told "Good practice. Your team name is the 'Night Hawks'. See you next Monday". We shuffled off to get a t-shirt that was 3 sizes too big and were on our way. We did it! We survived our first extra-curricular sporting event!

I was quite amazed at how much fun I had. Honestly, I have been secretly dreading (maybe dreading is too harsh) the days where my life becomes defined by the extra curricular activities schedule of my children. But, this first practice gave me a glimpse of my future as a band booster, soccer mom...whatever God's Will may be...and I have to admit....I liked it!

Now for the update....

I apologize that it has been so long since I blogged. I do appreciate my dear sister requesting a blog as it made me smile to know at least one person reads this! I would have posted pictures of Micah and Noah with the T-ball blog but...alas, everything in our home seems to breaking - one of these things being my camera. My friend Deanna took pictures at the practice so as soon as she emails me a copy or I get my camera fixed I will post some pictures of my all-stars.

In addition to the camera we have been reduced to one vehicle as the Rodeo has decided to retire. Just as we pay the darn thing off....such is life. Over the weekend, two of our dining room chairs have broken in two - I don't know if that is a sign from God that Richard and David need to lose weight or that we need to go shopping for a new dining room suite. We have been extremely blessed by this dining room table and chairs that were a gift from our relative Margaret. I am sure Margaret would be aghast to know the torture the boys have placed upon these poor dining room chairs. We may need to donate the survivors to a more peaceful, well-mannered family. Lastly, our computer has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and we are continuously baffled by its outbursts.

Thankfully all these posessions are just that...earthly things. Although I am broken in many ways, I am constantly reminded by God that He has the power to restore, heal, mend, reconcile and provide growth.

I am being challenged in my work these days to stay positive and encouraging. It is discouraging many days but I am determined to trudge forth. If nothing else, I have been given a new title to go on my resume. We are now staffing cases of children who have been in custody for a long time and are stuck in a forum called "Permanency Roundtables". In these roundtables, I have been given the role as the "Subject Matter Expert". I have always wanted to be an expert in something....I guess "subject matter" works for me. I would appreciate prayers for sanity during the next few months as we prepare for our federal review. We have been given the daunting task of achieving a 95% on the review....or else....

Micah continues to provide me with opportunities to grow as a parent as we try to mold him into a productive citizen in the community. I continue to pray he will not end up in an orange jumpsuit, answering to the juvenile court judge like so many other deliquents I see on a daily basis. I pray that I do not become the clueless parent sitting next to that orange jumpsuit.

The other highlights of life at the moment are: Running the Berry 5K with Richard and Elena; reading a few good books - "The Middle Place" by Kelly Corrigan and "I Know This Much Is True" by Wally Lamb (if anyone has other good read - I would love suggestions to add to my reading list; Micah torturing the babysitter after only a few short hours; my husband entering the "Joy of Statistics" class; looking forward to celebrating with my sister Tammy on her upcoming nuptials - working like crazy to fit into my bridesmaid dress; and worrying about my dad who is preparing to have a pacemaker installed tomorrow morning (after a month or more of arguments between doctor and the stupid insurance company). I guess that is all for now....isn't that enough???? ;)

I hope all is well with everyone who reads this. I love you all.