Friday, May 16, 2014

T-ball and Parenting the Almost-Five-Year-Old

Lily started playing t-ball in the middle of March. I think she really enjoys the games, however she doesn't really enjoy the practices very much. I think there is more opportunity to misbehave (throwing dirt, picking grass, stomping on bugs, putting her glove on her head, throwing her hat, playing with her friend instead of listening to coach, you name it, she's done it) than there is at games, and we end of having a "little talk" after every single practice and after some games as well.


 Despite my frustrations with having to have a "little talk" with her after almost every practice and game I know she is learning lifelong lessons in self control, teamwork, persistence, and commitment. All of which will serve her well when she starts kindergarten in the fall.

 Her team finally won a game last weekend and she was so stoked. I think she finally got to see the effects of all the hard work and practice the team had put in so far. I hope it made an impression on her.
These kids are adorable. The league is affiliated with the Archdiocese and very Catholic. Rosaries for everyone!
 We only have a few weeks left. Her last games are the first weekend in June. After that we have the whole summer ahead of us! 

Even with the smallest uniform available it is a little big on her. My girl is tiny!
I'm a little nervous about summer and a little excited. Lily is going through an interesting developmental period right now. She is learning a lot about obedience and self control, lets put it that way. I've been a parent long enough now (five years, oh my goodness) that I know this is a phase that will pass, and overall she is an EXCELLENT kid, and I really can't complain...but quite honestly I am not looking forward to a whole summer of her current behavior pattern. On the other hand I know this is just the first summer vacation of many. And I only have her for 13 more years. I'm resolved to make the most of it and just enjoy her as much as possible. I'm sure this summer will involve a lot of personal growth for the both of us.

She is so tiny that the helmet doesn't fit her and she has to hold on to it when she runs. This is exactly as hilarious to watch as it sounds.
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"So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God."
1 Corinthians 10:31

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Happy Easter 2014

We had a wonderful Easter this year. One of my favorite things about this Easter was that Joe received the sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist at the Easter vigil after going to over six months of RCIA classes. Unfortunately I have zero pictures of it since I was the only one there with him and since we were sitting at the very front I didn't want to be snapping cell phone pictures during mass. Anyway. We are all sacramentalized in our family now, and that feels good.

About a week before Easter Joe's Dad Jack took some pictures of the kids in the bluebonnets. That is one Texas spring tradition that I love, and the bluebonnets were really gorgeous this year.




Love this one of Lily with her Grammy

Daniel was less than thrilled with the bluebonnet expedition. I'm not sure why. My best guess is allergies...

The day of Easter we were able to relax in the morning since we'd been to church the night before for the Easter Vigil. We went to my Mom's for Easter lunch and we had a great time visiting with my grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins. The kids were absolutely overloaded with sugar and had a blast hunting for Easter eggs. My mom and Jeff did a great job hosting the Easter festivities as usual!






We have so enjoyed having our children living close to most of their grandparents and extended family. Of course my brother Ryan and my Dad are missed every day, but I am grateful for the family that we do have close. My dad is planning to visit this year for Daniel's birthday party and Father's Day, which we are very much looking forward to!

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So, as you may have noticed, it has been a year since I updated this blog. After a lot of thought, I have decided to gradually stop updating about the kids on Facebook and eventually make this blog members only. What that means is that you will have to be an approved subscriber of this blog to view it. I will probably be completed with this process by the end of the summer, so you have lots of time to make a blogger account and become a subscriber. I will also be removing most pictures of the kids from Facebook, so if you have any favorites, save them now! It has been on my heart lately to be more private about my children's lives on the internet. I want to strke a balance between updating family and friends and letting people I barely know (or don't know at all) have an insight into our family life. Please understand if you are not eventually asked to be a subscribing member of the blog. If I know you in person the chances are overwhelming that you will be. :-)

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"Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ Behold, I have told you.” 
Matthew 28:5-7