Bases Loaded with One on Deck

It's a Love/Hate Thing

It's probably no secret to most of you, but I really don't care much for Wisconsin. 

I'm not a big fan of brats,and aside from pizza or nachos, I don't really put cheese on anything. I also happen to be allergic to snow, but even if I weren't, I have a strong belief that no one should have to live in a climate where on occasion it gets cold enough for your eyeballs to freeze. 

But yesterday, my distaste for all things Wisconsin changed just a bit when I had to take Matthew early to his game so he could warm up.

 I sat relaxing in the bleachers on the verge of July, reading a book with none of my other kids around.  It was sunny, not quite 70, and just when you were starting to worry that you might get too warm, the few white puffy clouds that were floating across the sky, would come and block the sun's rays and a gentle breeze would trickle through the ballpark.  Then, just went you started to worry you might start to feel a bit cold, the sun would break through the clouds, and it's rays would ever so lightly kiss your face again, and it was then, at a Little League field in Burlington, Wisconsin that this Southern girl at heart got a savory little slice of some Mid-western heaven.

Seven Quick Takes

--1--

Well the big news of the week: Matthew made the All-star team.  We found out on Monday.  We were all very excited, and spent the evening rejoicing in his accomplishment.  Tuesday turned to panic as I spent the day turning the house upside down looking for his birth certificate.  I was sure we would not have left that in Georgia.  I called Kent and he was sure he had it when he signed Matthew up at the beginning of the season. Michael confirmed this fact by informing me, "Dad, definitely had Matthew's birth certificate that day; he gave it to me to hold."  

I warily replied, "He gave it to you to hold????" 

"Yes."

Texas.gov....$8 extra for expedited shipping....praying it will be here before the start of the first tournament, which is on the 12th of July.  Feel free to pray along!!!!!!

--2--

When Wednesday came around, another sort of panic set in.  We've done the all-star thing before, takes up a lot of time.  Not quite sure how I'm going to make everything we've got going on work. I dusted off my copy of "A Mother's Rule of Life" and checked out Fly Lady at the library, and promptly added them to the very top of the stack of 20 or so other books I have sitting on my nightstand. I was hoping the information from those books would magically seep into my brain as I sleep each night and transform me into organized, on the ball type of mother, but that doesn't seem to be happening, so I just might have to take them to Matthew's practices this weekend and actually read them.  Eight hours should give me plenty of time to gather some sort of useful information from all those pages!  Better leave the electronic Yatzee game at home so I don't get distracted!

--3--

Our garden seems to be growing stuff.  Not really sure what we'll have to eat from it in the coming months. If I were a betting woman I'd pick corn and whatever this stuff is:

 

--4--

We've had a lot of storms this past week.  The first big one came through last Friday, and we've been without phone service ever since.  The only time our phone rings now is when another storm comes through, and there's a flash of lighting.  Not quite sure why this happens, but is sure is a lot of fun at 4 in the morning!  (insert eye roll here, please!)

--5--

It's been interesting to watch the boys grow and see where their artistic interests lie.  Matthew certainly seems to have some natural talent when it comes to drawing, and my goal next year is to help him hone that skill.  Michael on the other hand seems to enjoy photography. He's taken many pictures, but this week he actually gave a title to one, and at 6 o'clock in the morning one would certainly have to agree with Michael's "Cup of Perfection"

 

--6--

I've heard that one of the signs of a true artist is that they inspire others.  Michael must certainly fit into this category, since his first masterpiece inspired me to create one of my own. I call it "A Homeschooling Mother's Cup of Perfection"

 

--7--

My niece, Bailee, comes in on Tuesday for 2 weeks.  The boys are so excited, and remind me of their excitement several time each day.  So, in case you were wondering, I have just been informed that there are 4 days, 3 hours, and 26 seconds until she arrives.  

 

Hope you all have a great weekend!  And since I actually posted this in the AM hours on Friday, there's still plenty of time to play along with Seven Quick Takes at Jen's Conversion Diary.  

Up Close and Personal

This past weekend was a very good time to be a male in the Duncan household! Friday, Kent managed to secure some tickets to the Texas Ranger's game at Miller Park.  Their assigned seats were very good, second row behind the Brewer's dugout.  

 

Kent was hungry, so after getting the boys settled in their seats he and James headed off to the concession stand for some hot dogs, waffle fries, and sodas.  There he ran into a co-worker.  She handles all the room bookings for the visiting baseball teams, and kindly invited Kent and the boys to come sit over by them, since the row in front was open.  I think it's safe to say these seats were just a tad bit better!

Hello!

 

Will the real Michael Young please stand up?

  

And just to the left you have.......

 

Saturday was spent at the air show in downtown Milwaukee on the shore of Lake Michigan.  Unfortunately, due to weather the actual show was canceled, but the boys still had a good time eating, drinking, and visiting booths.

 

Michael completely understands the seriousness of the Navy!

 

The other boys, didn't get the memo! 

 

 
 

Sunday it was back to the Ranger's game.  Texas took the series 2 games to 1, and all was good in Matthew's world!