Character - Our Focus!

Every day, I love homeschooling our kids.  Every day I love being home with them!  And today I'm going to be short and sweet.  I do not always feel like I get enough done.  I don't feel like we get enough homeschooling done, or laundry.. or dishes.  Basically any version of housework.

But despite the downfalls of having 8 to 9 people in the house all day every day.. the thing that I can say.. is.. no matter how much of the homework doesn't get done or how high the laundry piles up...

One thing we haven't lost focus on is character.  That's the one thing I want to get out of homeschooling.  And it's not the schooling.  It's character.

I want our kids to be valuable, worthwhile members of society with a well adjusted family that loves the Lord, that loves their family, that understands the value of human life.  Good character.

Maybe in October??

In general, I'm really tired of doctors apts.  I haven't ever had a period of time in the life of our family where we've had so many.  I think from Aug. 29th to Sept 29th we had 17 apts of one sort or another scheduled!

On top of what's going on with me, Jaden's been seeing a urologist and a specialty eye doctor (today they changed Jaden's urology medication.. again.)  Jed's been getting warts removed.  Josiah's been seeing a physical therapist basically because of growing pains (it's helping tons though).  With as many as we've had, it's amazing that we are all really quite healthy.

The stuff we're dealing with is really managing issues that really have needed to be taken care of.  My mole, I probably could have taken off a year ago.  Jaden's been having issues on & off for years... Jed's had this issue with warts for quite some time.. We've taken Josiah in for knee pain probably once a year for three years.  (He really does complain less about his knee since he began PT.)

A couple of days ago, Jevonna finally got what all of us have had go through us (cough, congestion etc.) for the last few weeks.  Well, when we went in this afternoon to pick up ointment for my leg, we looked for an over the counter decongestant so that she might sleep tonight (she has had us up almost all night for a couple of nights...)  Apparently they've quit selling most over the counter medications for children under 4 - we found out after we talked to the pharmacist @ why there wasn't anything on the shelf that would help her.

Well, all those over the counter meds were available for our older kids... that's kinda crazy!  I guess now they say many of those things aren't safe for under 4 anymore & you have to go to the doctor to get something... So, tonight Rod took dear little Jevonna into the doctor.  Four doctor visits in one day.  I think that's a record.  (Not counting when you take four kids in for each of them to have a dentist apt on one day... that happens twice a year!)

Now, if my leg would just heal normally, we'll be back to regular stuff - like eye apts, dentist apts and OB apts.  That would be great!  Maybe in October??

Faith is a decision. A Daily one for me.

Just over two weeks has passed since my excision.  That was quite the interesting experience.  If I ever have to do it again... I'll take my Zune.  Hearing snip snip snip - and knowing they weren't cutting paper was almost more than I could handle... although I couldn't feel a darn thing!

So as of Monday - I've been off crutches.  My incision is still draining.  It's a bit odd to walk.. but I suppose that will be normal again here soon.  Not in too much pain, occasionally it stings.  It stings less now that they've taken the stitches out.  Thank the Lord...

Monday, when I had my stitches removed I grabbed one of the pamphlets on skin cancer.  Rod and I have talked quite a bit about - when will there be a day when I look at my skin, see something odd - and realize it's okay... just have it looked at.  No need to freak out.  I'm hoping that that day will come sooner than later.  In October I have my first "3 month" checkup where they will check my skin.  I'll do this every three months for a year.  Then every 6 months for a year.  Then yearly.  They'll make notes etc. about any moles that are questionable and watch them.  Remove anything questionable occasionally too.

At the moment - when I see something... I have to decide that I won't be fearful - if that makes sense... I have to decide that God's bigger than this too.  Well, I read through the skin cancer pamphlet - because I really do need to know what I'm looking at, ya know?  And of course I saw something on a different kind of skin cancer and it reminded me of this wart type thing that I have on my other leg.  Well, I sort of had a bad moment.  Faith is a decision.  A daily one for me.

Today, Jed went in to get some warts frozen again.  He's been going in off & on for a few months.  He goes to the same Dermatology office as I do.  I love them there.  If I could give them 10 gold stars (out of 5) I would.  I've never felt so cared for at a doctors office.  I don't feel like a patient, I feel like a person - with feelings.  Anyway, Rod said I should go in today with them to have Jed's warts frozen... and that he was sure that Corrine would look at my wart - esp. if we explain all that's been going on.

Well, she came in and before she began talking to Jed... she saw the bandage on my leg and began asking me questions.. how long since my stitches came out... how long has it been draining like that... etc.  Then she told her assistant (if it was ok with me) that she wanted to look at my incision.  I was really relieved.  I didn't like the look of how it had been draining... so I thought it was a great idea.  They swabbed it to see if it's infected, and I might need to take meds.. but I'll know in a few days.  In the mean time, they want me to put medicine on it daily.

Then I asked if she could take a minute and look at my other leg, that I had a wart or something that I was concerned about.  She asked if my incision was due to melanoma in it & I said yes, and that I know I will have a three month check up here soon.. but until I do - I'm not sure what I'm looking at when I look at my skin.  Every time I see something odd... I have to fight the fear.  She told me that if I ever had questions about any mole that I was welcome to call for an apt.  That esp. those of us who've just been diagnosed with Melanoma.. that often times we need to be reassured and that that's okay.  It felt so good to hear her say that.  It's okay for me to be concerned and to want to talk to someone.  She did look at the wart on my leg & another on my foot & she said that they are fine... and that they aren't warts but they freeze off just like warts.. (I can't remember their name.)  Phew.  Glad I didn't wait weeks to hear that!!!

Then on the way out, I saw my regular doctor in the hall.  She was wanting to know if all was ok with my incision & I explained that we were really there for Jed, but that Corrine had seen me & I told her what Corrine had done today.  She was glad that I had come in and that it was looked at.  It just really felt great to day to go in and see friendly faces & get reassured.  It was as if the Lord knew that I was the one that really needed to be seen today... Thanks God!

My Health Issues... Short Version

(written as a note to my Friday School Friends Group)

Hi everyone!  I posted a few posts on my blog about what's been going on recently with me.  I'll give you the short version :D

August 3rd I had a mole removed on my right leg, near my knee.  It was a birthmark type mole that I've had since childhood.  It seemed to have changed so I went and had the dermatologist look at it & they removed it.  On the 5th I found out that it had early melanoma.  Which means skin cancer.  A few days later, I found a walnut sized "mass" in my neck.  Put two & two together... I was a bit nervous about what was going on with me.

Since then, I've had many doctors apts, three ultrasounds, a needle biopsy of the mass and the area around the mole excised (took more skin) all in August.  It was quite the month!  The doctors supposed that the skin cancer on my leg & the lump on my neck would probably not be related because.. in theory, if the melanoma had gone anywhere.. it should have gone to the lymph nodes in my groin, not my neck.  That sort of made me feel better.. 

This week, the excision was done.  The pathology came back clear.  They got all of the melanoma on my leg.  So now just for healing there.  I will be on crutches for my leg for the next 10 days.  Back on my feet for Friday School (not registration).  

For my neck, I got the biopsy results back Thursday.. and they found no malignant cells in the mass.  So, they are confident that it is not cancerous.  They do now believe though that it is a lymph node.  The surgeon wants to see me back after the baby is born.. and he supposes that they will probably recommend to have the lymph node/mass removed.

It's been a very emotional month for me & Rod.  For a week or so, I was pretty scared that I did have cancer in my lymph nodes.  After getting over the shock... I spent a lot of time dealing with fear, fear of loss, fear of the unknown.  I told a few friends and really felt covered in prayer.  I got to the point where I just had to let it lay in the Lords hands, went through the process and waited for the results. 

I'd have to say that at the moment, I'm feeling glad that I'm pregnant.. because if I weren't I know I wouldn't have gone in and had the mole looked at.  This baby very well may have saved my life.  It's also made me take a good look at my life & I realize that the Lord has really blessed me and I need to start thinking like it :D

Thanks to those of you who've brought us meals or are planning to!  It's been a blessing.  Rod & I are realizing that we are both just tired physically & emotionally from all my goings on... and so Thank You!!!  And thanks to Teresa Sommers for putting it together!!  We're looking forward to see you all later in the month!

Zindra

My First Stitches Ever! Good Final Results!

I was a bit nervous for the Monday excision... it went fine.  I love my dermatologist & everyone in their office. Good natured, happy, smiling people.  You can just tell they love people.  Not a number in their office!  They numbed me up... and the worst of it was I could hear the scissors snipping... yuck!  Sewn up and all and didn't feel a darn thing!  I didn't watch.  Neither did Rod!  After the stitches were in I took a peek.  There were 9 internal stitches and 16 exterior.  25 stitches total!  (My first stitches ever!)  They put on the long lasting good sticking bandages.  I get to leave it alone & they will change the bandage on Friday for me!  Then stitches come out in 2 weeks.

That night - well, it started well.  All I can say is that the lidacaine (sp?) took a long time to wear off.  So, in the middle of the night... it started to seriously ache.  I took tylenol like they suggested.  The following morning, I was just in tears.  Frustrated.  Upset.  So I asked Rod if he could call the office and find out if they could give me some pain meds.  They did.. and I was much better.  Slept the most of that day and into the evening, now that I could finally sleep!

The next day the dermatologists office called and Rod found out that the pathology had already come back!  Praise the Lord for overnight labs, huh?  Woohoo!  The pathology came back clear.  No melanoma found in any of the excised skin.  Phew.  They got it the first time :D  I think I would have actually celebrated, if I would have felt well enough to.  I just went back to sleep & Rod went to a Friday School board meeting :D

Thursday - the day to see the surgeon about my needle biopsy results came quickly.  Normally, I may have just called for the results.  I was so worn out that I wasn't ready to get the results!  So we just waited for Thursday to come.  Wednesday afternoon the surgeons office called and they wanted me in in the morning vs. the afternoon.  Yay!  That means I wasn't going to have to wait the whole day!!!  I still didn't sleep well Wed. night though... I've been waiting weeks for the results on my neck.. and I was to find out in the morning.  I was just antsy (not afraid) .. just wanting to know finally, ya know?

On Thurs. morning, we got to the doctors office early so that we could find me a wheelchair.  We've learned over this last week that while I can use crutches, I am not proficient with them by any means.  I dislike  them immensly.. and can't wait to get rid of them.  Ya.  So, Rod went and found me a wheelchair.  I was relieved.  We only waited in the office for a minute or two between the medical assistant and the surgeon coming in.  He came in with "Good News"  I was taken back.  I don't know... I expected to have to wait even longer I guess to hear the results~!  He said that the report came back with "no malignant cells".  He was very happy with this report, and so were we!  I've waited weeks to hear that!  What a relief!

He said that if I weren't pregnant, that they may have done another larger biopsy (instead of the needle biopsy)  or arranged to have it taken out altogether.  At this point, they want me to wait until baby is born... then I am to go in and see if it's gotten bigger or smaller.. and then they'll decide whether or not to remove it.  So I'll see him again in Dec. or Jan.

Wow, I just felt so blessed.  Waited all month for these results!  And both came back fine!  Which means that   I get to have my baby in December like it should be!  Full-term!  What a relief!  Now, to take a deep breath.  Sit back and realize how good it was to find the melanoma in my leg before it got serious.  Praise God that I'm pregnant!  (I doubt I would have gone in to have my mole looked at if I weren't pregnant!  This baby may have saved my life!)

Now to take the time to heal and give myself time to heal... physically and emotionally.  Interestingly enough, despite the fact that "all is well" this last month changed my life forever!  I don't think that I will ever look at my life the same again.  My day to day life is a blessing, despite the "stuff" that goes on or the fact that Rod's unemployed and we haven't been able to do things that we used to do because of finances.  I also look at things like Cancer in a whole different light.  I have a lot more empathy for people who've been diagnosed with any type of cancer... understanding what they go through, the run around, the apts, the fear it induces... Yah, my life has been changed forever!

Getting my bandage changed on Friday went fine.  The incision looks great.  Stitches come out in 10 days!  Then I'm supposed to be able to walk again!  Yay!  I love my legs and the ability to walk!  If I could get myself to take a picture of it - I'd show it to you... (not).

More of my story, continued...

So back to the story... As I said before, August 10th, my birthday, I had the ultrasound on my lump on my neck.  At this point, no one was "too" concerned about what was going on in my leg anymore... all the concern had shifted to what was going on in my neck.  My leg, the pathology was early melanoma... and contained within just that area according to the pathology.

Since my biopsy apt. was in the morning, we called the general doctor next day for the results.  One thing I've learned throughout all of my apts. from this last month - is that you can call for your results.  I wouldn't have ever done so in the past.. just waited until my next apt to hear the results.  The results were... no it's not a lymph node.  Yes, it's a solid mass.  No it's probably not cancerous, but you'll need a biopsy to tell.  The least invasive way for a biopsy is a needle biopsy.  We'll get one scheduled for you.

My general doctor said that they would get back to us about an apt with a surgeon for the needle biopsy.  We called later that afternoon... they didn't have an apt for us.  We called the next day, no apt yet.  They said they would call us back.. they never did.  (Still haven't to this day actually.  I think I'm going to change my general doctor.)  Called my midwife.. let her know that we hadn't gotten an apt & then she started calling around.  Finally got ahold of someone who could get something scheduled.  They got me an apt for the Aug 23rd to see a surgeon at the Medical Center.  So, I'd have to wait two weeks to talk to a surgeon.  Feeling the run around!

The consult came for my leg & went on Aug 16th.  Yes, they were going to remove 5mm of skin in that area.  Standard procedure.  The procedure was scheduled for Monday, August 29th.  He didn't think my leg & my neck were related.  (it should have gone to my groin, not my neck.)  Two weeks of healing - staying off my leg & I'll be as good as new.  No walking on my leg.  Shouldn't hurt too much.  Probably won't need pain meds.  Be prepared to take some time off.. so standing for long periods of time or walking.

The apt with the surgeon finally arrived.  He felt the lymph nodes around my neck & in my groin.  Nothing else is enlarged.  Hey said that people in general are lumpy and that it could be nothing major.  Best to check it out.  We thought that he was going to be doing the biopsy... and he said that day that he would rather have me have it done by a radiologist by ultrasound.  So, they would call me with that apt.  Waiting for someone to schedule another apt.  I thought I was going to die!  Why is it that they can't seem to get back to me about apts in a timely manner?  Seriously?  We call... no apt.  Finally they call the next day - and it's an apt for Friday.  I guess three days to wait for an apt isn't that bad.  Thank goodness it wasn't any longer.

The surgeon was going to be out of town that weekend, but I'd have the needle biopsy done friday August 26th & they would call me (once again) and get me an apt to meet with him about the results the week after.  The results apt got scheduled for the following Thurs. Sept 1st.

So, I was looking forward to.. biopsy friday, excision monday, follow up on biopsy thursday, bandage change for my excision on friday.  Yuck.  That's a lot of apts.  and after monday I'm not supposed to be walking!  I guess we'd have to find me a wheelchair...

Friday came for the biopsy.  It was more unpleasant than I thought it would be.  They did it by ultrasound.  Of course they had to wait for the radiologist to get there... so I sat prepped on a table for a good hour with Rod in the waiting room not knowing why a 10 minute procedure was turning into an hour & a half.  Poor guy.  Then when the actually went to do it they hit a nerve every time they put the needle in.. and a sharp pain went down my arm.  It took almost a week before that nerve was no longer agitated!  Next up... excision Monday!

Why Wait to Tell Everyone??

Well, the first part of my story is posted.  I wrote the What No One Wants part 1 & part 2 on August 12, 2011.  Didn't post them till now.  Why might you ask?  Well, for a few reasons... First people tend to really freak out when they hear that you have cancer.  (This is something I can attest to firsthand.)  They automatically assume the worst.  I've come to realize in the last month or so that the word "Fear" is truly a four letter word.  Now, I realize I haven't given you a true update on my situation yet... but read on.. in this post or a post or two from now you'll get the rest of the story.  Second, well, I just was having enough of a hard time emotionally of dealing with all of it... that I just didn't think that it would be wise to deal with everyone else's reactions - when I couldn't control my own.

What was going through my head?  Well, for the first week or so I thought I really did have cancer.  That the melanoma in my leg had gone to my lymph nodes.  Satan was all over me on that.  Struggling seriously with it.  I don't know if you've ever wondered how many more nights you'd have to sleep next to your husband or whether or not you'd have the opportunity to watch the baby that is unborn grow up or what would your kids do without a mom.  It's scary.  Just plain scary.  I cried.  a lot.  often.  The fear of the unknown is what I realized that I was seriously having a hard time with.

I was dealing with the thoughts of stuff like.. uh, if this is serious and they do want me to deliver this baby at the end of September... my Rod, is going to have a seriously preemie preemie on his hands in one hospital and a very sick wife on chemicals in another.  You know.. we have 5 other kids too.  Who wants to deal with that??

One more reason that I waited... and someone said this to me...  oh, everyone has had cancer... just deal with it.  Like it's no big deal.  I had someone tell me that people do it every day... like that somehow takes the sting or fear out of it.  I honestly can't imagine saying that to anyone who is in the midst of it.  And you know, when you tell someone something about yourself... you hope that you know how they will respond, right?  But that just isn't the case!  Didn't need others saying those kinds of things to me..

Oh, and not lastly.... my sister-in-law lost a nephew a few months ago to cancer.  I didn't realize until I began to go through this that he actually died of melanoma that went to the rest of his body.  I prayed for him and hoped for him and wished the best for him.  I was so excited when they got his trip together to take him to Disneyland as a last family trip.  I cried for him & his family.  It was just a little too close to home.  Gosh, he was only in his 20's.  Like I said, a little too close to home.

Now, if you're wondering why I didn't tell YOU.  Please don't take offense.  I just wasn't ready to tell..  trying to deal with my "stuff" and figure out where I stood before telling the world.  And if I ran into you & my kids were around, I didn't talk about it.  I still need to sit down and spill the beans to them.  They know some, but not all.  I didn't want them living in fear.  Wanted to wait until all the results would be back at the end of Aug/beginning of Sept. so that we would know what we were dealing with.  Didn't feel like giving them the fear of the unknown.

Something important that I realized over the last couple of weeks... appreciate the time that you do have... you really don't know how much time you have!  I also realized that it's interesting that the thought of knowing that I could die... well, that having that timeline was so scary.  But the truth is... none of us know when our time to die will be!  Yet, we live day in and day out... unappreciative of the people and things around us... the time that the good Lord has given us..  Why didn't I spend more time being thankful & appreciative of what I do have?  Oh, how that hit me hard.  It still brings tears to my eyes when I think about it.

The Thing That No One Wants... part 2

Back to the dreaded topic of skin cancer.  Wow, when people hear that word they freak.  How do you run from other peoples emotions?

Wednesday, I had the mole removed.

Friday, I found out it was early melanoma (contained).

Saturday, I find a lump on the right side of my neck.

Wow, what do you do when you find out that you have skin cancer... only to have it removed... and told that even though it's gone, and that it may never return.. that you will always be "labeled" as having skin cancer?

And then the very next night... Say 36 hours later... you find a lump on your neck.  Where does your brain go?  Well that's where mine went.  And how do you tell your husband that there's a lump on your neck after you just found out the very day before that you have something that ultimately could be fatal?

I didn't even bother to hide it.  I went to the bathroom.  Gave the darn thing a feel.  Came out and showed him.  We were leaving, so the kids were on their way to the car.. so we had a moment to ourselves.

We decided that after we were done with our evening, Rod would take me to the ER.  Because we didn't know who to call come Monday morning.. do you call the midwives?  do you call the dermatologist?  do I call the general doctor I haven't seen in over 3 years.. because I only have baby issues... none other?

Then I decided that I would call the midwives after hours number.  At least I could talk to them & they would know what was going on come Monday morning.  So that's where this started.

Funny thing, try going into the ER 21 weeks pregnant (yes, they stop miscarriages at this point) and it to NOT be about the baby.  I was asked umpteen questions everyone thinking I must be there for the baby.  They finally calmed down about it and ordered someone to come to a fetal heart rate check.. which of course was fine!

The ER doctor said that the cyst/lump/mass whatever it is is the size of a walnut.  He said to call my general doctor & get in as quick as I can.  Because I've just found out about the melanoma... of course it freaked everyone there out.  They really did nothing... He did tell me where to go from there though, so I can be thankful for that.  He said to call the dermatologist if I couldn't get in with my general doctor.

I was dreading Monday morning... how was I ever going to get in quickly to a regular doctor?  Then at 8:15am the phone rings.  One midwife had called the one working that Monday and told her my situation.  I had told her I had gone to the ER - and that the ER doc suggested an ultrasound & needle biopsy.  So she called my doctor and got me an apt. for that afternoon.  I couldn't have done that if I tried.  Apparently, the Lord is looking out for me!

The doctors apt went as thought... she felt it... said yes, there's a lump & ordered an ultrasound.  Got an ultrasound for two days later.  Two days came & I went in for it.  I saw the lump, the tech verified that indeed it is the size of a walnut.  The results should be back to my general doctor within three days.  Like I would wait three days to find out!

I do have to say.... that if I had not just found out about the skin cancer stuff.. that they would normally not do  *anything* they would just watch it for a month or two to see if it enlarges or shrinks.  There are plenty of reasons to have enlarged lymph nodes.. which is what they thought it was at this point.  What we are hoping for is that this has not gone to my lymph nodes.  If it does that means it could be throughout my entire lymph node system.. which is bad.

My general doctors office just happens to be next to the OB office.  So Rod & I stopped in to talk to the midwife.  We were able to talk to her.  We thanked her for getting us in and expiditing the process.  We thanked her for her obvious concern.  We talked to her about my concerns.  She let me know that in worse case scenario.. they would deliver the baby at 28 weeks to give me care.  Wow, that's 7 weeks away.  And as of today, 6 weeks.  

The next morning, Rod calls my general doctor to see if the results are in.  An hour later, someone from the office calls me and gives me the news... the news that it's not a lymph node.  It's a solid mass on the side of my neck.  It may or may not be cancerous.  Generally they aren't.  They want to do a needle biopsy.  I already had one scheduled for Aug 23 - she says she's going to see if she can move that up for me.  Yes, ma'am, please do!  So as far as waiting for the process to move along, that's where I be!

Let's just say that it's a good thing that my life is in the Lord's hands.  It's the best news EVER that HE says that we are not to worry or cast any cares about tomorrow.  I do have my moments, but overall, with my friends praying and me looking at my spiritual life... I have realized that the Lord is going to cover me, my husband, this new baby and my children no matter what comes along.  Trust in Him.  Really, though, whatever else of a choice do I have??  I take my peace or I would be tormented.  I'll take the peace He offers - thank you very much.

The Thing That No One Wants...

Wow, this has been a really tough month for Rod & I.  I'm not really sure about how to go about explaining what has been going on in our personal life... but it is what it is and to God be the Glory, right?

Well, it begins some time ago.  I have a birthmark type mole on my right leg.  It's been there for as long as I can possibly remember.  I don't remember not having it.  Quite a few months ago, I thought I had imagined that something with it had changed.  It took me a couple of months to acknowledge that yes, something had changed.

With Rod on unemployment, we have Basic Health coverage.  I imagine you aren't familiar with BH - but it's where you pay based upon your income... which seems to be a lot for how much he really gets on unemployment.  Issue here, there's a big deductible, copays and the like and I believe it's 80/20 coverage.  Which when you begin getting bills, really sucks.  We had coverage similar to this when Josiah was born & the bills were pretty crazy.  So needless to say, I didn't go to the dermatologist.  We simply couldn't afford the $1500 deductible.

Turn the clock forward a couple of months, I find myself pregnant with baby #6.  A month or so later, I realize that BH has now moved me over to the DSHS Maternity benefits... and that my dermatology would probably be covered.  Well, I hope it is!  If not, oh well!

I go into my Midwife one week and in talking, I show her my mole.  She refers me to the local dermatologist. A month or so later, I finally get in.  They of course, take off the mole or birthmark or whatever it is.

Two days later, I get a call from the dermatologist that took off the mole.  I imagine that you realize a direct call from a doctor about something like this is never really a good thing.  It's much better to receive a piece of paper in the mail.  She of course (I know b'c she called) that it is early melanoma.  They are confident that all of it has been taken off.  But it's standard procedure to go ahead and remove more skin in that general area.  Apt. set up to have a consult with a surgeon.  (It's an outpatient surgery.)  Apt. set for the surgery.

Rod actually had gotten a call from her a bit earlier.  She said she couldn't yet talk to him.. because my privacy paperwork had not been scanned yet into the medical records... so she couldn't verify that it was okay to give him my personal info.  She was going to be out of town this coming week - so she really had to talk to me directly, asap.  I wanted to wring the neck of whoever decided to put medical records into the computer in the first place... that stupid sheet is right there in my records, ya know!!??

Wow, that was enough for one day.  I sat, I cried.  I tried to absorb the fact that I have now had "skin cancer" and that for the rest of my life, doctors will look over every mole I've got over every part of my body.  It seemed so crazy... on every medical record from here on out - it's going to say that I have at least at one point in time had melanoma.  My kids are going to be putting that on their medical records for the rest of their lives.

And then, on a side note, I think... well, at least I should have taken a darn picture of it for my blog! I guess I've gotta look for some humor somewhere!

All Stars Game 5 - SSLL vs. South Whidbey, Rubber match

(Josiah Nelson, photo by Rod Nelson, 7/15/11)

Since the boys lost last night, and both teams have lost in the tournament once... they were up to play South Whidbey again.

SW scored 2 in the first or second inning and SSLL just didn't ever recover.  Our pitchers pitched well, but theirs pitched better.  I was proud of Josiah - he's such a consistent player.  He hit EVERY time he was up at bat the entire tournament.  He got on base every time but the last (it was an out..).  A couple were fielders choice.. but he hit the ball!!!  In the Sedro game, Josiah made the winning hit.  In this game, he made the game ending hit.  He was up - and the ball beat him to first base - that was the third out - and the game was over!  Talk about being on both ends of the spectrum!!

(Josiah & teammates, by Rod Nelson, 7/15/11)

They didn't win this one either.. which is a real bummer because of all of the obvious talent that is on the team.  They were pretty evenly matched though... They lost 2-0.  Which means we won't be going to state in Vancouver, WA next week.  Which is bittersweet.  I really, really wanted Josiah to have the "going to state" experience.  He really wanted to go!  If only wishing were enough!  But we hadn't heard if Rod's unemployment was going to get extended (until today) ... and even with unemployment - we really couldn't have afforded to go.  I mean, we would have made it work - but we really couldn't afford it.

A couple of neat things that I will take away from this tournament... I got to see South Whidbey get their banner - which said something to the effect of District 11 champions.  That was pretty neat.  None of the previous All Stars teams that Josiah has ever been on has ever gotten this far.  So I hadn't ever witnessed it.

Second, I was really proud of how Josiah handled the loss.  I wish that I could learn how he does that.. take the bad with the good.  It's something that he gets from his dad.  His teammates were like... "Josiah, you're even happy when we lose??"  His response was something along the lines of, "There's no shame in a loss like that one!".  They played a good game.  And then, while getting everyone in the parking lot, a SW kid walked by - and Josiah said "Hey, congratulations!  And I hope you do even better in that tournament!"  What a great attitude.  I think I need to take notice for myself!!!

Fun Fact #5:  This was Josiah's third year as a pitcher!

See Gamechanger stats for game #5 HERE.
See Gamechanger stats for the tournament HERE.

All Stars - Game 4 - SSLL vs. South Whidbey

 Click HERE to see the article at goskagit.com.  (Picture of Colby the pitcher, Rylan & Josiah, the two that were batted in - for the games only 2 points.  7/14/11.  Photo is from goskagit.com article)

(Josiah Nelson, 7/14/11, by Rod Nelson.)
Tonight's game was South Skagit vs. South Whidbey.  I'm kinda bummed that they lost tonight's game 4-2.  It just seemed like for both sides, that the game never really got going.  Colby H., our pitcher did a good job of pitching - but the hitting just wasn't backing him up.  The teams though, did seem pretty evenly matched.

I've watched many All Stars games in the last four years.  I always wonder.. you know after they get a couple of wins under their belts.. do the boys get cocky?  overly confident?  Somehow tonight, like other similar occasions, they just seemed to have lost their edge.  I guess they needed a wake up call.

(Josiah & Rylan after getting batted in.  7/14/11.  By Rod Nelson.)
Colby B. got a great hit... he got a double - Josiah & Rylan scored.  That seemed to be the big play of the game.

Josiah came in for the last inning as the closing pitcher because Colby H. had hit his pitch count.  Josiah had three strike out's and then a kid hit one & was out at first.  I love those innings!  It just looks clean and feels great!

(Josiah Nelson, 7/14/11 by Rod Nelson.)  The Skagit Valley Herald finally showed up to a game we all noticed tonight.  I guess a couple of people complained to the herald, and tonight someone shows up with too big of a camera to be anything else!  For some reason, they don't seem to cover many LL games.. and I don't understand why.

(Josiah Nelson, 7/14/11 by Rod Nelson)
So where does it go from here?  Well, now that SSLL and S. Whidbey have both lost once... they play tomorrow to determine the actual winner.  Someone has to lose twice to be officially out of the tournament.  I'm hoping tomorrow that our pitchers pitch and our batters bring their bats to the game!

See the stats at gamechanger HERE.

I have a video of when Josiah & Rylan scored.. that I will get uploaded to post here soon!

Fun fact #4:  Josiah bats left & pitches right.

Game 3 - All Stars - South Skagit vs. Sedro Woolley

(Josiah Nelson, pitching in the 5th inning, July 12, 2011, photo by Rod Nelson.)
It just seemed like we were all a little nervous going into the game with Sedro.  We've seen them play and watched their practices.  They have good pitchers, good hitters and a great record.  And you know, when the game began, you could see it in the boys!  AGGGH - it was a rough few innings until the boys got their heads in the game.

The first inning they scored 2.  We'd score, they'd score.  Almost always leaving us behind by 2.  I've always said, you make or break a game in the first inning.  I wonder what the percentages are... it seems, at least with our boys' games, that whoever's ahead at the end of the first inning, wins the game.  Now, I know it's not always so, but it really seems like it!

The first few innings, the boys just didn't seem on.  They were making simple errors that were costing them...  You know how well they can play, it's disappointing to see them do less than their best.  We all know, that if they lose this game, that it's a much harder time coming back to win the championship game to go to state.  All the boys want to go to state.  Of course, it's in Vancouver, WA this year... and as a mom, I'm wondering - if they win... how are we ever going to afford to be able to go to state??  But the team mom in me, wants them to win, win, win!!!

(Josiah taking out the catcher at home plate.  He was called out.  What a shot though!! July 12, 2011, photo by Rod Nelson.)
They plug along until the 6th inning.  Score I think was 7 to 4.  We bat at the bottom of the 6th - we have to make 3 runs THIS inning or it's all over.  You know, something just seemed to come alive in the team when it came down to the wire.  The kids were on purpose, they were paying serious attention to the guidance of their coaches... Somehow, all of a sudden it was as if their hearts showed up at the game!

(July 12, 2011, by Rod Nelson)
Then, they really began to battle.  And it became a real nail biter!  We score one.  7 to 5.  I think this is when Josiah got to home plate and was called out.  We score again.  7 to 6.  Then something amazing happens... they get one more guy around the bases and tie up the score!  You've never seen parents behave in such an embarassing way in all their lives!  We were hooting and hollaring!!!  We came from behind and tied up the game!  Which means we get ANOTHER at bat!  Yah!

(July 12, 2011 by Rod Nelson)
Carsten pitches a great seventh inning.  Then, it's our turn to bat.  One guy gets on.  One strikes out.  One gets on.  Then I realize... that it's my little boys turn to bat!  Whoa, Josiah is all I can think - it's your moment to s.h.i.n.e!!!  He gets up to bat, and on his first swing - he hits a ground all the way out to the left field outfielder.  Two boys ahead of him run in to win the game.  We in the stands are louder than ever, surprised, excited... and jumping up and down in the stands.  I almost peed my pants!  Later, Josiah tells Rod & I - that Coach Hollands told him to swing on the first pitch (if it's a strike) no matter what - or Josiah was going to owe him 10 push ups!  Josiah said that was a big motivator (he hates push ups!)  Way to motivate him Coach!!!

(Photo of Josiah & Julia with Josiah's game ball, July 12, 2011, by Zindra Nelson.)

Game score 8-7, SSLL wins.
Game states via Gamechanger  HERE.

So, after watching three All Stars games, I have decided that I'm ready to make an announcement.  I officially believe that I prefer it when the boys win a clean cut game.  The nail biters full of adrenaline, stress, worry, hope and then finally victory... I'm just not sure my heart can take any more of those!  And I'm sticking to it!

(End of game, Josiah & Coach Shaun, July 12, 2011, by Rod Nelson)
I do have to say, that despite the teams lack of getting their heads into the game early... Josiah was just ON today.  The balls out to left field... he caught effortlessly.  He caught one in the first and second innings.  He pitched a fantastic 5th inning - which really seemed to give the guys some juice and helped change their attitudes.  He was hitting, it just seemed like everything Josiah touched was gold tonight!  He hit 2 RBIs.  He began pitching the 6th inning - and a ball almost hit him, he fell and twisted his ankle (not badly).  (They decided to pull him and put in another pitcher.  Which means that they can still use Josiah if needed on Thurs!)  Then, when the pressure was high, and it was his moment, he stepped up and hit that game winning ball!  As you can hear in the video below... Mom and Dad were PROUD!  You know, it's great when you see your kid do what you know that they have practiced and are capable to do.  That's MY BOY!

One thing that Rod & I have always taught the boys... esp. with baseball.  We've really emphasized that it's important that they do their best - that that is what is really important.  How the team does in the end is a bonus.  As a mom, when all is said & done, it's not so much that we care about how the team does... I care about how you do.  How do you play.. Do you play with a good attitude?  Do you give it all you've got?  Do you play with all of your heart?  Are you letting the other guy get to you?  Did you make a difference?  In the end, in sports, this is what Rod & I want to emphasize with our kids.  It's not just did you win or lose it's how you play the game! At least in our family!

(Josiah's winning hit, July 12, 2011, by Rod Nelson.)  

Click HERE if you'd like to see Josiah's game winning hit.  I was taking a camera video when Josiah hit the winning ball.  It's a LOUSY video - but you see Josiah hit - and at the end, you see the boys SO excited - that I think it's worth the watch.  I had taken the video of him hitting, and then I thought I turned it off (I set it on the bleachers).  Well, when I picked it up - it was still recording, so I recorded the excited energy of the boys!  What a great moment.  (Video by Zindra Nelson)

(July 12, 2011 by Zindra Nelson)  

What a great night!  What a great moment!  That's a moment I will not forget in a long, long time!  Afterwards, we helped clean up and then met some teammates at Dairy Queen for a celebratory ice cream.  Which was a great time to decompress with the other moms & dads & boys from the team!!!

Fun fact #3.  Josiah has 4 gameballs from this season!  Three during the season and one from today's All Stars game!

Game 2 - All Stars - South Skagit vs. Anacortes

South Skagit 11-12s played Anacortes on Sunday, July 10, 2011.  (photo of SSLL & Anacortes, 11-12s, by Rod Nelson)

It was one of those cut & dried games... where you get ahead, you stay ahead and you didn't really feel like they would ever catch up.  The boys got on early, scored early and held it.

We ten run-d them in the 4th inning.  (You have to play 4 innings.  You're not allowed to get more than 10 runs ahead of the opposing team - unless you haven't played to 4 innings.)

(Photo of Josiah Nelson, July 10, 2011, by Rod Nelson.)
A highlight... Carsten, one of the boys hit a home run.  Over the fence.  There's nothing quite like a home run to lift the spirits of a team!  (or dampen the spirits of a team - if it wasn't yours!)

Today Josiah mostly played Left Field.  You know, when the kids are younger, all of the plays are in the infield.  It's sort of a bummer when you're an outfielder... even sort of an insult.  It means you're not a very good fielder... so they put you where the ball usually doesn't go.

In All Stars, it's not that way at all!  Because All Stars are playing, almost all of the boys are *great* hitters.  Which means there's plenty of pop flys and grounders to the outfield.  I've really been impressed in the last two games with all of the outfielders on Josiah's team.  If it weren't for them, the other team would win easily. Josiah caught a great pop fly in this game.  It's amazing with which the amount of ease he catches those pop flys.  It's like it's no biggie at all!!  What I've really learned this All Stars season, is that the outfielders can make or break the team!

Score was 10-0, SSLL wins.  Phew!  Two wins down!!!  Tuesday the 12th, they play Sedro Woolley.
Click HERE for the stats via the Gamechanger App.
Find South Skagit LL on Facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/southskagitlittleleague

(Photo of #44, Josiah Nelson, July 10, 2011, by Rod Nelson.)
Fun fact #2:  This is the sixth year that Josiah's played baseball.  4th year of All Stars.

Game 1 - All Stars Tournament - 11-12s

 
 (Photo:  SSLL All Stars, 11-12s, July 9, 2011, by Rod Nelson)

Josiah's All Stars team did a great job in their first tournament game!  They won 5-0.  You know, as a mom and spectator, I haven't decided if I prefer the games that are close and you win with all the excitement and adrenaline... or if I prefer the games that are cut & dry & it's pretty obvious who has the upper hand.

(SSLL, announcing the teams, 7/9/11, photo by Rod Nelson)

Today, South Skagit Little League definitely had the upper hand.  So much of the game is dependent upon the pitchers.  Our starter pitcher went 5 innings - which is fantastic pitch count-wise for a little league game.  They can only pitch 85 pitches in one game.  I think our lead pitcher didn't get to 85 - but he only has to take three days rest (vs. four if they pitch 85).

(Josiah Nelson, #44, 7/9/11, photo by Rod Nelson)

They played the Burlington team.  They went through 4 pitchers.  Only one of them really had much merit.  It makes you wonder how the rest of the tournament will go for them - because a pitcher can only pitch so much and then they have to rest for so long...

I was glad to see that they bring brought in umpires from the district.  Sometimes umps get a lot of grief - at least behind their backs for their calls and/or their strike zone.  It's really interesting to watch the strike zones... esp. when you have such a size difference in kids!  Josiah's strike zone is considerably different than some of his mates.

(Josiah Nelson, 7/9/11, photo by Rod Nelson)

It was great to see Josiah hit well today!  He hit & got on base each time :D
(In general, it can be frustrating when you get home and are doing the post game talk when you realize that the boys (Josiah/Jedediah) are frustrated with the fact that they struck out once or twice in a game...  but it is a great chance to talk about real life & how real life doesn't always go the way you want it to - even when you're trying your hardest!  I love teachable moments - very homeschool!)

(Josiah Nelson, Pitcher, 7/9/11, photo by Rod Nelson)

Josiah came in for the 6th inning as the closing pitcher.  I could totally see it in his nerves.  It's different coming in as a closing pitcher.. esp. when you are ahead in the game.  You just knew that Josiah knew that if he screwed up this one inning... that it could cost them the game.  Ending the game as a pitcher (and as the pitchers mom!) has a totally different feeling than if they start the game!

I have to say, it's pretty crazy watching this particular team play.  This is the first team Josiah's been on that has had this much talent.  They have 13 kids on the team... and they are all truly starters.  It's tough to see kids sit out knowing that they are normally starting & playing the entire game!  I think they truly do have a chance to go to state... though that's in Vancouver at the end of the month.

Fun Fact:  Josiah has worn #44 for the last three years in the All Stars Tournaments :D

They play again tomorrow - and then I think on Tuesday.  Their tournament goes through this coming Saturday.

My BRAIN

(left: photo of my home organization binder cover.  I scrapped it :D  Thought - if I want to use it long term, I might as well like it!!! 7/20/11 by Zindra Nelson)

Well, thanks to the FlyLady and the Large Family Logistics book, I've finally decided to put together a Control Journal, Household Notebook or Home Organization Book.. Everyone has a different name for them, but they are pretty much all the same...  What I think I'm going to call it... My Brain.  (Hmm, I wonder if I could make it into an acronym??)

It's a nice thought, right?  To get all the important details of life down in one spot.  I've heard of doing this.. and thought about doing it so many times that it's crazy.  But lately, I just feel like there's too many things in life to keep track of... so I thought I would give it a try.

You know, "they" suggest that you add certain things - and mine has grown MUCH beyond that.  I have a 1" binder - and I think I'm going to have to upgrade :D

So far, this is what mine includes (or will include, once I get all the details inside of it!):
*My Daily Do's (my daily to do list)
*Routines (which I'm not close to having organized)
*Weekdays (Monday - Laundry day and what that entails)
*Chores (list of chores, room by room)
*Meal Planning (Dinner Schedule ie: Monday - Breakfast night.  Copies of past dinner menu plans.  Copies of meal planning forms.)
*Important Phone Numbers (I guess it's a good idea to have them written somewhere besides my cell..)
*Photo Storage (I've written down where the photo files are... which pictures are on which hard drive.  Whether they are uploaded to my offsite photo storage yet.  I have 100,000 pictures :D)
*Crafts & Hobbies (My craft to do list.  ie:  finish Jaden's baby quilt, wallpaper dollhouse)
*Lists & Forms (paper copies of forms that I like to use.)
*Birthdays & Gifts Planner sheets
*School Planning (what books etc. the kids did this year, what I want to buy for next year, etc.)
*IOU (ie: remember to send coach money for Josiah's special order baseball bat.)

I've made it simple.  Taken a piece of paper.. written "Meal Planning" on it with a fat tipped pen.  Slid it into a sheet protector.  Hole punch the items that go in behind it.  Simple.  Sweet.  Easy to change.

People are making them & selling them on Etsy.  Click HERE if you'd like to take a look!

Menu Planning: Zindra's Style

Menu planning is something that I love to hate.  It drives me crazy - but I love the results.  I've been doing menu planning off and on for years.  I don't know if I have found one particular style that I truly love... that's why I still find myself at odds with it when it comes time to do it.

It seems so neat and tidy on paper - but when you go to do it, you realize how boxed in you really are.  Do you feel like making Stuffed Grilled Jalepenos?  Sorry - you forgot to put it on the menu plan!  AGH!  Tonight you're having Salsa Chicken Casserole instead.  (not that it's bad - it's just not what you were craving...)

What I have figured out:
*Planning meals once a month frees up time on a day to day basis.
*It's worth it.
*You don't have to go exactly by the plan... you can switch meal nights around.
*Cross made meals off as you go.
*Plan for at least two weeks at a time.
*Take into account all activities that may be going on in the time period.
(All Stars baseball game nights - means easy early dinners or crock pot nights.)
*I only plan dinners.  (Breakfast is usually cereal, oatmeal, biscuits and gravy or an egg concoction.  Lunch is an easy to make by kids sandwiches, chicken nuggets, burritos and the like.)
*It's no harder to plan for 8 than it was for 5.
*Include a meal or two that you know you like to do occasionally... like Stuffed Grilled Jalepenos or Fondue.
*Include a pizza night or two - because you know you do them!

The idea of menu planning is lovely.  Pull a few recipes together, come up with a shopping list, shop and put it all in the pantry, pull it out when you cook it.  Where my hangup is - usually is getting it all on paper.  I know some of you read my last blog entry on planning of the days of the week. (Which by the way is going okay... got another apt today for a Wednesday... just can't win that one!)

I decided to try mimicking the days of the week idea with dinners.  They are all subject to trial and change but here goes:
Monday - Breakfast night.
Tuesday - nothing planned. (usually one night of the week we end up at a friends or grandparents.  Scheduling it in!)
Wednesday - Noodle night. (Spaghetti or the like)
Thursday - Casserole night
Friday - Fun Food night (homemade mini pizzas, hotdogs in a blanket, etc.)
Saturday - Crock pot night
Sunday - Soup night

So for this month, I came up with 4 breakfast dinners, 4 casserole dinners, 4 fun food dinners, etc.  That seemed simple enough.  This month, I didn't do it all on paper.  I used a trial at PlanToEat which is a web based program that lets you remember your recipes etc.  I've dug around all of the recipe/meal planning sites I can find... and tried them out.. none of them come close to the ease of use of PlanToEat.  (I just wish it wasn't a subscription - I'm so tired of everything being a subscription!  They also don't have smart phone apps :( )  I do have to say, I did find a free meal planner that has the same hopes, but it's just clunky (but it is free!) SayMMM.  (I imagine I'll give it a shot when my PlanToEat expires - but I don't have high hopes for it.)

I think after all is said & done the reason that the online planners are nice is because you can store your recipes there... and when you go to create a shopping list - it does the work for you.  Which is a huge time saver.  I don't revel at the thought of adding up 30 nights of recipe ingredients, do you??

How'd I get started?  I found a OAMC (Once a Month Cooking) book at the library.  The one pictured at the top of this post.  Loved the idea.  Then there are the online sites who will do the menus for you and give you a shopping list - but I wanted to use my own recipes.  I tried cooking for a couple of weeks at a time & found that I wasn't necessarily interested in cooking everything all at once - but I was interested in PLANNING it all at once.  Since then, I use some of the methods OAMC teaches - like doubling up recipes & putting the second in the freezer for later in the month.  That I realized just makes sense!

Simplifying isn't really that simple...

Recently, I got a copy of "Large Family Logistics" from the library.  I guess, thinking that we are going to be having 6 kids in the house.. that we are now technically a "large" family.

While it seems to be a good book, I'm not really sure what makes it more of a book geared any more towards larger families - than smaller sized ones...  It seems that all the info would have been helpful if I'd only had two or three kids.  It talks about planning your week - a home organization book (reminds me of flylady) - chores - routines - and quite a bit more.  (I was bummed it didn't have anything on meal planning...) It's not my favorite organization book, though, I would say that it is worth checking out...

One thing that really hit home with me again while reading it - that I have heard before was:
1.  Plan your days.  Gosh this seems like such a silly thing to do - but I thought I would give it a try.
Monday - Laundry day (uh, do laundry)
Tuesday - Kitchen day (bake, clean, etc.)
Wednesday - Office day (organize desk, pay bills, etc.)
Thursday - Town day (apts, shopping etc.)
etc.

I imagine that I'll be switching things up a bit.  But, today while at an OB apt, they asked me when I wanted my next apt (in 4 weeks).  I said, could it be on a Thursday?  Well, I gave it a good effort - but the only midwife available is the new one that I didn't really connect with - so I took a Tuesday - so that I could catch up with another midwife that I haven't yet seen this pregnancy.  I tried :D

Then, the ultrasound people called and gave me an apt for my 20 week ultrasound... for a Friday. Oh well.

Later, I called to get Josiah an apt for his knee.  They say it's just "growing pains", but because of some odd bone growth that Rod had as a teen - I really would like to have a knee doctor look at Josiah's knee (in case something hereditary is going on).  So I called to get a "referral" apt, and the receptionist asked which day - I said "Thursday" and voila! we have our first Thursday apt.  I guess third try is a charm?

What's the significance of this... training your brain that certain things happen on certain days of the week, to give your brain some scheduling peace.  I think the real point of the author though, is that our grandmas seemed to have more time - without all of our modern conveniences.  Getting back to doing things the way that they "used to be done" will help us get our stuff done in an organized peaceful manner.  Well, I guess I'll try it for a few months and see how it goes...

My Bloghop contribution :D

Hello -
I almost forgot to post my freebie bloghop contribution!!!  I was so focused on getting it all done, I almost forgot to post a link.  Phew!  The bloghop is now over, but I'll be leaving my freebie up for a little while longer.

Click HERE to go to my design blog & pick up my freebie...
Get it while it's hot!

My First Blog Hop Contribution :D

Many of you know that I love digital scrapbooking and have been doing some designing.  Part of that was due to an Art of Digital Design class that I took earlier this year...  Our class is doing a freebie blog hop - where you can download freebies that are made with our Kimono collaboration kit.


It starts at midnight Eastern time TONIGHT!  Come on over to my design blog... to get my freebie and join the hop (9pm Pacific!).  Zindra's Design Blog


Below are pix of the papers and the element that make up the Kimono kit....

Are you ready for a Japanese Kimono themed Blog Hop??  Tonight at midnight Eastern time, the Art of Digital Design blog hop goes live!  There will be freebie quick pages galore, all of them created using papers and elements from the Kimono Kit (see below!), which is for sale right now at Jessica Sprague's website. 

All of the proceeds of the sales will go to the Red Cross to benefit those who suffered due to the Japan earthquakes. You are able to purchase the kit at 25% off until Sunday, June 5th, midnight eastern, after which it will be sold at full price.  So go grab yourself some digi goodness, knowing that you are doing a good thing at the same time! Happy scrapping...see you there!

Be sure to come back here - to my blog to get the Quick Page that I made with this kit!

Swing Batter Batter Swing!

It seems that Baseball has been the highlight of my Spring this year!  Well, it seems that I can stay awake for nothing else!

Pregnancy - at least the first trimester - doesn't treat me very well.  Well, at least it seems that way.  It's been nice that Rod's been home, unemployed, because I haven't had to worry so much about what I'm getting done or not getting done.  But - it's interesting to see how much isn't getting done - because Mom's not the one doing it...

Jaden is playing his very first year of baseball.  He's on the Mudcats.  Well, I have to say, that I never wanted any of my kids to EVER play on the Mudcats!  The two years that Josiah played Minors - the Mudcats were our opponents - and they were the team that always had the kids stealing bases when they shouldn't and took advantage of everything... when it just wasn't called for at that level.  Last year, Josiah was put on that team and we had him switched off.  The coach came up to Rod one day and said something about it - but we didn't really explain.  Josiah's a good enough player that everyone would want him on their team... Rod just shrugged it off.

Back to Jaden.  We've finally got used to the fact that he's a Mudcat.  And he doesn't know why we had a problem with it in the first place.  (The Mudcat - I realized after all these years... is a CATFISH. UGH!)  Oh, he's got such a long way to go in the land of Baseball... but he's doing it so whole heartedly that it makes up for all of the skill!  I think he's somewhat behind physically because of his eye sight.  And right now he's eyepatching and wearing eyeglasses that skew his vision (in the name of making it better in the long run.) But he's having a bit of a hard time to say the least.

This last Wednesday was his last game.  In it, he his twice (woot woot) and didn't need the T.  He was first baseman, pitcher and outfielder.  Rod has him on film... playing with dirt in the outfield :D  Oh to be 8 again!
He can hit, throw and catch - just about as well as any kid on his team.  Way to enjoy your first year Jaden!!

Josiah & Jedediah are on the Pirates.  Let me say that I L.O.V.E. their team.  They've only won 4 or 5 games and then gotten a couple of more through the other team forfeiting.  But... they have the best coaches that a mom could ask for.  The first week or so - I had Rod go talk to Coach Justin about the language on the team... and he told him that if the kids' language didn't improve that we were pulling our boys... Well, needless to say, it was fixed pretty quickly.  Josiah & Logan are the team captains.  The tallest and the shortest kids on the team :D

Josiah pitched every other game this season.  I watched him his his first (over the fence) homerun ever.  Boy that boy is enthusiastic!  And there's nothing quite like the smack of a ball going over the fence!  I was also there the day that he pitched a 14K game.  (Struck out 14 kids out of 18 available outs.)  He got balls from both of those games.  He also played 3rd base.  Which he's really good at.  Just didn't seem like there were many plays at the base for him this season.  (One of the dads from the opposing team bought Josiah a king sized hot dog when he hit that awesome home run.  Should have gotten a picture!  Silly me!)

Josiah & Jedediah's coaches started something new... they got a Pirates flag... and brought it to each of the games.  I really appreciated it because I always knew what side of the field I was supposed to sit on :D  The kids enjoyed it because they ran it around the field when they won a game...  Good times.  (This picture is of the day where the Seahawks mascot came to visit...)

Jedediah started out the year as a really strong hitter.  Something happened along the way where he just wasn't as confident.  It seems that he's going through what Josiah went through for the last two years... everyone knows he can hit - but just can seem to get it off of a kid pitcher.  That's not to say that he didn't get on base and score .. he did.  Just not quite to what he would have like to have done.  He also played mostly outfield (older kids usually play the bases b'c they are better).  And boy did Jed save the team a few different times with his great catching of fly balls.  He really excelled at that this year.  (When I was a kid I wanted nothing to do with fly balls... to afraid of getting hit in the face!)

All in all, it was a really great season.  A bit short feeling with so many games canceled due to rain or overly wet fields.  There's something a bit odd about seeing a guy with a leaf blower out on the field trying to get it dried out enough to let the kids play!!!!

What do the rest of us do doing all of this?  Julia always is great at meeting the sisters of the boys who are playing - so she has lots of baseball friends that she goes & plays with.  Rod & I are usually sitting on the bleachers with Jevonna... oftentimes taking pictures or eating garlic fries (which set well with me for about 1/2 of the season.)  When Jaden was with us for the Pirates games, he was often off playing with Julia.  Or sitting next to Grandma, Granddad or Garrett.. or off to the snack shop to buy candy.  Josiah & Jedediah only got to go to a couple of games of Jadens because of scheduling conflicts.

So the season is now about wrapped up.  After the 15th Josiah will be trying out for the 11-12 All Star team - and it looks like Jedediah may try out for the 9-10 team.  Hopefully it'll be a bit warmer the week of games in July...