Kid pitch...

Ethan is playing kid pitch this season.  It is very interesting and exciting to watch!
Ethan has gotten so much better throughout the season.  He has some great coaches working with him this year.
He played his best game yet on Tuesday.  And, of course, I missed getting pictures of him pitching.  His last time pitching was very rough (for us and him) and he had a hard inning.  He was so upset with himself and he wasn't sure if he wanted to try it again.  I am so proud of him for getting back out there and pitching one of the best innings of the game. 

 His hitting has been an issue this year and in my opinion it is because he can't see the ball.  He is not interested in wearing sports glasses (cuz there not cool Mom!).  Some how, we will have to convince him otherwise by next season.  Sorry son, it looks like you might have Mama's eyes. 

As per a previous post, Izzy is a great little cheerleader for her brothers and their teammates.  She keeps the crowd alive by waving and talking their ears off.  She has found some admirers amongst the parents and she makes sure to give them a little extra attention at each game.  Of course, she never complains about receiving the extra attention as well.

The only issue we have been having with Ethan's baseball games/practices this season are the times.  Some of the start times are 7pm which means they end at 9pm.  This cuts into Izzy's bedtime and I wish mine- but I am not that lucky to get to bed that early.  Plus, she gets worn out from all the cheering and by the end of the game.

This might explain why Sister sleeps so hard...

Hair sticking up, mouth wide open and in her play clothes from that day (that would be because I was too lazy to change her into PJs and wishing I was in bed).

Gotta love her!!

Opening day

Saturday was the official start of our baseball season and games.  Practice has been happening for a few weeks now but Saturday was the kickoff.  The past few years, we have spent the entire day at the ball park and we are all burnt and worn out (well... at least I am).  So this year, I purposely didn't buy lunches with every intention of not staying all day but that didn't happen.  So Ryan had to run out and grab lunch for us.  It was cheaper but poor planning.
We arrived at 8am for the parade (I realized at the end that I was probably the only Team Mom that didn't walk in the parade- Oops!) and left after Aiden's game at around 3:45 .  We were in a hurry to get to the parade so we left all the bags and stroller in the car.  After a few trips to the car (parked far away from the park) to get bags and stroller we realized this again was not smart.  Mommy and Daddy's brain were not quite working that early in the morning. 
After spending all day at the fields, we all ended up with weird sunburns because it was overcast and I wasn't thinking.  When will I learn?!?  Even Izzy's cheeks got too much sun.

Yep... bad Mommy!

Ethan is in kid pitch so this is a learning experience. 

Izzy is the official cheerleader.  She does great and just goes with the flow.  Being a part of this family means Sister gets dragged everywhere.

This is Aiden's first year in machine pitch.  So far, he is having a little trouble with his timing but hopefully he will figure it out soon.  He is our lefty so we have some high expectations for him with baseball.  No pressure or anything Aiden!

Oh, and did you catch on that I am Team Mom for Ethan's team.  Yep... just add it to my list. 

The Seaside 1/2

Last Sunday, I ran/jogged/walked in my first 1/2 marathon.  Stephanie and I signed up in October fully expecting to be completely prepared to run and be in shape by March.  Well... sometimes life just doesn't slow down.

I was unprepared and nervous but I am so glad I did it.  There was no way I was willing to back out.  The last thing my son Ethan said to me was "Mommy, just don't quit".  It was now not just about me.  I had to prove to myself and to my kids that I could do this. 

I was able to run a lot more than I thought I would be able to.  I got some great pointers from some women that have run 1/2 marathons before and that really helped me out. 

I ran with a smile majority of the way.  I was so proud of myself.  I was doing it and I swear I heard the Rocky theme playing in the background a few times during the race.  It was like with each step, I gained a little bit more confidence.  I have been so down on myself lately because sometimes life just sucks but this is what I needed. 

Yeah, I scarfed that BBQ down within 2 minutes of sitting down.

It helped too that there were some of the best encourager's on the side of the road.  One lady looked at me as I ran past her and yelled "your daughter is so proud of you!"  She is??? I was a sappy mess.  She didn't know I needed to hear that just at that time.  Then, the next mile, I would get a text from Ryan and the kids saying how proud they were of me. 

Around mile 9-10, every muscle in my lower body began to hurt.  When I would try to run, my knees cried out and I knew I couldn't push my body much more.  I began walking and slowly, people began passing me up.  Once I saw the finish line, I knew I had to cross it running and I did- slowly.  I was sent a picture of me crossing the finish line and it isn't pretty so I will spare you.  These pictures are actually going to be placed on my mirror and possibly my fridge as motivation.  I haven't had a full body picture taken of me in years and now I know why.  It is time to work on me!

Today, I received the final time and believe me... it is quite laughable.  I didn't have high expectations for this race because like I said- I didn't prepare my body.  My main goals were to just finish and not be the last person to finish.  Both of those goals, I met.  So I am stoked! 

It is Thursday and I am finally able to get up and walk around without moaning.  I hurt from my toes to my abs.  Every muscle cried out in pain after this run.  But now... I am motivated to start preparing for my next race!

The boys...

Ethan and his baseball team mates went to Dairy Queen after practice last night. Coaches treat!! They have 2 more games (Friday and Saturday) and then we are done for the season. Plus... Mommy is off the hook as Team Mom. I have done my time and I gladly give up my responsibilities. Ethan had a great Coach this year and has learned a lot. I can see a lot of improvement this year. So... we will have the summer off and then we will start back up with soccer in the fall. This year Aiden will be playing so it will be a bit more hectic getting both boys to practices and games.

Aiden wanted me to throw in his scary teeth picture... so enjoy!!

Baseball...This is our life at the moment

Starting out as pitcher's helper

Now trying out first base.

Getting pumped!

His Daddy as Asst. Coach.

Catcher = great entertainment!

Ethan was the catcher for the first time at Tuesday's game. I don't think he moved at all during the entire inning.  The balls would bounce off of his gear and he never even flinched.  Priceless!!

Baseball season has begun!

Baseball Season has begun and we seem to be busier than ever. Ethan has moved up to Coach pitch and he now has two games each week and practices will begin again soon. His Coach is a great and Ethan is learning so much. Saturday was opening day and we started very early with the ceremony and then all of the fun festivities. That afternoon he had his first game and they all did really well. That was my first time as the "Official Team Mom". Honestly, I thought I might be the first Mom to walk just after one game. My duties had begun weeks prior and included: running around to everyone's home to drop/pick up items, team shirts, banners and paying for things up front and then begging the parents to pay me back. Needless to say, I have been worn out.

Last night Ethan had his second game. The dugout ran much smoother which made my job easier. Ethan hit an in field home run and after about 10 minutes, he finally made it to home base. I am blaming his slowness on his broken leg when he was three. Poor thing, his upper body is moving but the little legs don't seem to go anywhere. He also had his first try as catcher. This was a funny sight. I don't think he moved much and the balls kept hitting him, so we got a good laugh.
He is having a great time so far and absolutely loves baseball. We will keep you posted on the rest of the season.

Ethan on Opening Day