Put me in coach, I am ready to play!

I could have written about this in my other post, but I thought this news was so exciting that it deserved its own post!

I have been pushing so hard for Alex to get on a baseball team. The problem is...Ripon does not have a league for 4/5 year olds! He has to wait one more summer until he is old enough. 6! Can you believe that???
Well, I couldn't wait another summer----so, I found a league in Oshkosh he can join! I even got a friend of mine...a lady from church who's husband owns a business to sponsor the team. They have a daughter the same age as Alex and she's going to be on the team too.

I actually got enough people so we can have basically and all Ripon team. Lots of Alex's classmates were eager to join this great co-ed team!

I am so pumped for him!

Plus, a huge bonus...Steve is going to be the coach! I know he's not the most outgoing person, but with a tad bit of convincing, he agreed! I really didn't have to push-I told him a bunch of parents usually help out at these things anyway!

I know you will be looking down on us with a smile! Thanks for helping me do this too! I know you will be proud.

I'll miss you in the stands physically, but I know you will be there!

Busy Week

Hi Dad
I had an eventful week and thought of you a lot.

1. Ken's Dad passed away on Tuesday-Steve and I went to the wake on Thursday-kind of weird being the first funeral since yours...
Obviously, still sad and uncomfortable...Mom was very sad too-which made it even harder. Plus, I couldn't help to think about losing my Dad.

2. I worked a lot this week-I love teaching kids. I love being a sub-teaching without all the hassle! No lesson plans, teacher/staff drama, no contract, no crabby parents-can't beat it!

3. I went to my first wine tasting-very fun! Learned a lot about wine and had fun with lots of my Mommy friends too. I know you weren't a wine drinker....but I had to laugh about learning the techniques of tasting wine.

4. Took the boys to an open gym at the gymnastics center in Oshkosh-which they loved! I know you would have enjoyed watching the boys jump, tumble, and run around. Even Alex, with all his energy...fell asleep on the way back to Ripon-I had to wake him in the school parking lot for preschool in the afternoon!

5. And last, but not least-all the March Madness...kind of following this, but not really...mainly just thinking of you.

6. One of your old players from the Chaps-found me on faceboook! We chatted about you, and that was nice. I love when people tell me such great stories, and the impact you had on their lives!

Busy week, with lots to do, but still everyday, I think of you!

Thinking of you a lot today...

Dad,
Thinking of you a lot today...lots of March Madness hoops going on....wonder who you would have picked for your pool?????
I bowled really great tonight too....20 pins over my average! Thanks for the help :)

We did lots of yardwork today-getting the place ready for spring...the kids played outside all afternoon.

Guess what??? Collin's been hitting the ball a lot-of a tee of course...and He's another lefty! At least that is what we think!
Alex is doing great with hitting when we pitch to him! The neighbors really get a kick out of watching him hit. It's just sad that he can't play until he turns 6! One more summer! BLAH!
Oh well, soccer will do for now...even though-you aren't to fond of that sport!

Steve lost 2o pounds-you would be proud of him-He's mainly just cutting calories!

One more thing...Sam's not feeling well...and probably should see a doctor, but you know Sam....he has your stubbornness...so-help him make the right decision here, Please!

We all love and miss you more than you will ever know!

Update on my family

Hi
It's been a little while since I have blogged, but I have been busy around here....
Here's our update.
Much to my Dad's dismay-he always thought animals were too much work...and he's right, I know, but...

• My oldest just had kindergarten screening last week!

• We have decided to get a puppy-so we are spending lots of time planning, and prepping. He hasn't arrived yet, but will be here around Easter. Shhhhhhhhhhhhhh-the boys don't know about it yet.

• We have been busily potty training our almost 2 year old (his birthday is 3.13.)-Fun times! I feel quite accomplished as a Mom when I do these things.

• I have been working a lot-I love substitute teaching...it's almost like being a teacher without the hassle.
• I have been having lots of playdates at my house with "friends" and other Mom's-it's entertaining for the boys-We are seriously getting "cabin fever" around here. In fact, Alex has been practing his baseball in the snow-and on Saturdays he heads to an indoor batting cage with Steve. I know my Dad would really appreciate this!
• I have also been planning my 2 year old's birthday party-I can't help but to think about what my Dad would say this year as we are having his party at a local hotel with a pool! I love to entertain, just not to cook, and entertain in my humble home-a not so large ranch style house!

That's about it for us...busy month.

On a side note-those of you who don't have facebook-I would encourge you to join....

On of my Dad's classmates-recently connected with me on there, and it has been nice communicating via email-sharing memories and thoughts-and this week I received a very touching CD from on of his classmates.

I cannot thank him enough for this gift of songs his choir sang;very spiritual and beautiful..something, I know my Dad would appreciate as much as I did!

Thanks so much!

6 MONTHS AGO

It's been 6 months ago today my Dad passed away.
I saw him take his last breath, but sometimes it still doesn't seem real.

Each day I remember him, think of him, and cry for him.

Thank you Mom and Dad

Just back from my bowling league with Steve. Dad never thought bowling was considered a "real" sport.
I am sure he would get a kick out of knowing that I was in a league. I started the league after he passed away.

Just thinking of him again tonight.
Wondering why he had to leave so soon? Wishing I could call him and chat.

It's hard to believe it will soon be 6 months since he has passed away.

Sometimes, it seems like time has flown by. Other times, not so much! Good days and bad days, that's the way the ball rolls!

Those of you who read this...do me a favor...
Kiss you dad and mom if you can. Tell them how much they mean to you. I always thought they knew how I felt. Don't just "think" that...tell them.

My parents brought me into the world...
They raised me and made me who I am today...
They comforted me in my times of need...
They helped me with whatever I needed help with...
AND sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much more...
My computer is running low on batteries, otherwise I could go on and on...

Thank you for all of those things and more.

GRRRRRRRRRR! I wish I could call you!

I am having a bad day today.
Dad, I would love to call you up and tell you all about it, but I can't. I know you would love to hear my complaining, and would probably tell me...
It's all what you make of it. I am probably making a mountain out of a mole hill, but in any case, I would love to call you.
Mom's at work-so I can't really call here there...but I still might.

Dad, I miss you.

Mom, I miss you too-can't wait for your visit this weekend. It has been way too long!