tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20509723420424953402024-02-07T18:29:29.555-05:00The Sasser SagaRené Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231781564711845961noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050972342042495340.post-47014555912704772742010-04-01T23:35:00.003-04:002010-04-02T10:40:34.552-04:00April Fools 2010<div><div><div>Last year Bryant and I pulled a joke on Ann Bennett and made "fish sticks and peas" for dinner. AB hates fish, and the prank worked fabulously! She pitched a fit about the fish, and she was convinced the cookies really were fish -- never mind I've never once made her fish sticks! Bryant thought it was hilarious, but AB was not so amused. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455547295477229810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWJqZVnfRhY2l18k4Dr1H5Ke_PZXc4Bi4rHY2cT1zM7BK5OmjlG6N3sk0mrpf3zmJKAbn1PP0ljEaULDPKjDXfRD-WNI42fANALLumLc6F0Ki_XlAtyflD7tbbs3IcdOCj9DEAB2lSm8E/s320/Spring+09+014.jpg" /><br />THIS year, Ann Bennett wanted to play a prank on Bryant, and she wanted to make sure it was with a food he hates. She decided we should trick him with chicken pot pie, which for some reason he does not like. So, we made a fake chicken pot pie today. We baked a pie shell, and I baked the top shell flat on a cookie sheet. For the filling, we used white chocolate pudding with bananas chopped up as chicken and chopped and shaped starburst jellybeans (green, orange, yellow) as peas, carrots and corn. We put the top shell on, and it really looked like a pot pie.<br /><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455549305968671634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTFfveiCjv8xcjElN052xlj2bPnxy0eTvuxSgyWhUDOxtdxGv5v60XcFh-W3C2bX5OiQX-bqTJXolK4oIlLJgyZtz_VpgGWz3-nGExBC8DrU-0cKiUaeGSxUKpwblLsquajxuM2POTYbc/s320/Spring+10+031.jpg" /></div><br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455549705395527650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0KywuN6XtH0X-WFC9Z0OtwAuhxztkFp3zEgEStRe_bhhoVhXx6DFjqoEAJ7_XJTAVNVmaYr6hVVWHQp1VV6NA0XTvHiraFLL_f3-o4a7rbL0KdH0CsbC1r38_e6zfTPiYB-VPfk4uqMw/s320/Spring+10+030.jpg" /></div><div><br />We went to pick up Bryant from basketball, and AB (oh so subtley) asks, "did you leave the pot pie out?" To which Bryant instantly responds, "We're having chicken pot pie again? We just had it. I don't like pot pie." Well, AB could not hold it together and starts smirking. Bryant at first just gets mad and says he's going to laugh at her next time with have tilapia (as if he doesn't already do this!). About that time, we get home, and he realizes it might be a joke. But, he just wasn't sure. He walked in the house and smelled the baked shell, and he kept going back and forth - it's a joke, we're really having pot pie, no we're not. AB got the reaction she wanted, and B was a pretty good sport about it. He of course is spinning it that he knew we weren't really having pot pie, but we had him for a while.<br /><br />I am not very good at these kinds of things, so this might be the extent of my April Fools' jokes on my kids. But, I highly recommend it at this age. It's fun. The kids understand it, and I think they appreciate it. I hope you had a great day. I have a picture of our pie, and I'll try to add it tomorrow.</div></div></div>René Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231781564711845961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050972342042495340.post-90954952439067285012010-03-05T10:25:00.009-05:002010-03-05T10:56:44.504-05:00Dr. Suess Character Day<div> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445172617840174098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4lra_Y8YgN2EsXLvBjv2n8pujpTT5E0iCW0PIi40dXUmgsjMXvjOlEAG5vjX-q_rX6xfC-4gcac4wNp1iX4-KMw9oqHjei9r-AGvkHVlfjAX2NFVUkz4aFr8Pr9EO1pg4c6vle8FS5U/s320/Winter+10+064.jpg" />This week was Read Across America week at the kids' school. Today they dressed as a Dr. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Suess</span> character, and there was a school wide parade. They gave out books yesterday. They have had guest readers all week. I don't know if the teachers loved the chaos, but it was really nice for the children in our school to have a school-wide FUN event. Thank you to those who coordinated this week's activities. <div><div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445174155383554898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN_FN1qL85mfqi7KeHYEtYtJuf9UzHkw19nl0Yiu3ZX5y-Y7K1tgQePmKqsZNiOdxuVJOUiTiKbSQyzBkLpfW7iNnotWOk1XZPmFON3sl7wMSEzPyHkmRyxeKGhwqbd21c8bCwpQcraRw/s320/Winter+10+069.jpg" />Bryant was most excited about this event because it meant he did not have to wear a uniform! He is Butch, the boy who sits behind Daisy Head <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Maizy</span> and sees the daisy growing out of her head. After seeing the mass of Thing 1s or Thing 2s in the 5<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> grade, I'm guessing he's going to come home wishing he had made that choice, but at least he was out of uniform.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445174802234581938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTMOv8-_MhEzr_N4rjxPjS2YfQlIsbZt76nvyA8VQaayBlohdMqnIqqi8Fv6YyrGlnr1SVwQ-4taoGklOC2C4sq6KcU-zJOsputbazh_NEj2PDuepIY5qwun523qfD-oI51IIN6MKOZs/s320/Winter+10+066.jpg" />In case you don't recognize her, this is Cindy Lou Who. Ann Bennett willingly got up 15 minutes early and stayed focused all morning to have her hair done like this. For once, the time I've spent at Sweet and Sassy and that place in Myrtle Beach that I can't remember paid off. I was able to figure out how to do that thing on the top of her head. I have to say, I was quite proud of myself. I can't wait to see if it stays together all day!<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445175429070026066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCcu9DwwLjiUzpN2APk2RYl6Lik7_PzkRAHhydRRTVSYYFy4jk3nP8l7pxSouyHwErizLWAZ2xgaOSjeaWqgL0jaEY8W62a5dEWztAA7kRfnvTHid8rujmFml02_5HKolVuLd2bqDkiqU/s320/Winter+10+070.jpg" /> <div></div>Look, here is Cindy Lou Who in school. Doesn't she look excited to be practicing her math facts?<br /><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445177864541281506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkVhnfy0eZCCUFxyDIhOSpYWc28TNL_PJzTSMufuyXTejlT5jjJ_PNGtSE_cZTHQ4Q6TtqYZdWMkHcIRUfIEuw1L6ta5kwLCRu1hyphenhyphen-aNt5bB34bNDST9IPDNi97U3iOkYL-X90SbZ2KZ4/s320/Winter+10+077.jpg" /></div><div></div><div>This is Ann Bennett's class (a 1st/2<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">nd</span> combo) dressed and waiting for the parade. They made sure everyone had something. In the back row, there is Mr. Black (from Hop on Pop), Thing 1, Fox with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sox</span> (I think that's it), Cindy Lou Who, Thing 1 and Thing 2, and the rest of the gang. I don't have a picture of the Bryant's class. They went right to their block 1 and started working, so I did not want to interrupt. </div><div> </div><div>Finally, this last picture looks the most like a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Suess</span> character to me. Her expression just made Carey laugh out loud. I hope it brings you a chuckle as well. Now go read a Dr. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Suess</span> book to a child. <br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445175081701862738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejzlSxs8Y3S8eh-R3uFluET_MN-NCqfF7ysnLK5OkEaFEU0pRl6sFotZE3cmo_B8RMknQI0Me0AnrTqNuafW0O0RfObYAcwEub1qtEIYePBwvBmz9Hj0T0rfFabijwtohyphenhyphenu9VXWYVJX4/s320/Winter+10+065.jpg" /><br /></div></div></div></div>René Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231781564711845961noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050972342042495340.post-58507782425733739542009-11-09T12:21:00.001-05:002009-11-09T12:23:42.547-05:00Daddy Dollars<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAtLG36-XCU5hImzwqHqhM4iqAC-aQvhxFZcbJwGC9EdFc_3t6fi283zM5YB495w9_c4pOCy1q0J37E6RpXM_zEE-B-d4BRVHp-bXmApLkPseuphLmUoSJBoEnep2TA14O-1UN2pzmiB4/s1600-h/Daddy+dollar1.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 190px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402155657795045378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAtLG36-XCU5hImzwqHqhM4iqAC-aQvhxFZcbJwGC9EdFc_3t6fi283zM5YB495w9_c4pOCy1q0J37E6RpXM_zEE-B-d4BRVHp-bXmApLkPseuphLmUoSJBoEnep2TA14O-1UN2pzmiB4/s320/Daddy+dollar1.bmp" /></a><br /><div>We are going to try a new system in our house. The kids are going to earn Daddy Dollars to spend in the Mommy Market for various things around the house. I had to share the dollar I created. I love this picture of Carey. It is the face that always makes me smile. It's his I'm happy and sharing that happiness with the world face. I hope it motivates the kids!</div>René Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231781564711845961noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050972342042495340.post-35138615058384279612009-11-06T08:43:00.015-05:002009-11-06T09:38:26.779-05:00Happy Halloween!<p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400987373779535250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Eo6u2ypcWUfHxzefjjHF91Xc2WJMPL-kuv249WJPAvmzrqmT1UKFYi9mxp1HVApuQdgIznp6NNF1qBT900GAPJGZ1ECZikJZin8iCrKZZ2QHdgNiuqGeHCai9lqcpJNeojvBQ9YmKTs/s320/Fall+09+057.jpg" />First off, it's been a little crazy around here the past couple of weeks, so we never made it to the pumpkin patch to get a pumpkin. But, I win the bad Halloween Mommy Award because I didn't even get one at the grocery store. So, on Halloween, AB was about to have a fit to carve our pumpkin, which of course meant we had to find a pumpkin. I wasn't really worried though. I was sure there would be a few at the grocery store, but you know what? There was not one anywhere! Nana and Pop were already planning to come over before we headed out for Trick-or-Treating, and Mandy is always festive and prepared. So, we called them, and Nana saved me! She had a pumpkin, and they brought it to carve with us.</p><p align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400987746267782530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKWEG612yfOM9k2cwsBdF3abSq24M65YrjciglMS3TlAKuhRYRPg6qRdeEuierplA67HTWEw9L4vMTEMBW-DxfrVM6G5td6N3Bvfd7LOQXCGOhz-kPiVL24Qm2FNe7TYUhNAk7kItys70/s320/Fall+09+022.jpg" /> It takes a lot of people to clean out a pumpkin.</p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400988273403374530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikh4hZ8M1NlVJbTrq9-hCAChMYYKPKvN2CknhIu4tFAaF9xKXhvYWcAbQYL1tsf1fbmmyLyTcUWl8txxvYOuaL7SfdS0KtyeZHQKBUBnE3_MoLjoGOewJHSGtDUmHD7U2NyEdLzsYJ21s/s320/Fall+09+024.jpg" /></p><div><div><div><p>I know there are all kind of cool carving kits, and we even have an inexpensive one. But, Pop is old school when it comes to pumpkin carving. Give him a giant knife and a little girl with a plan, and he can conquer the pumpkin!</p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400989285308597650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFpcMrstil4c00NmabZ7afZdb7QNRtIZdUbfzyxUh9MOFvbl92hOU9pncfN3E9kjuEg46xLcni8lrvnaaynexszsvyUxv3F2F_RrwB1FekxfAeAy_8coGOiB97YU0yLCh4P1ye44raBw/s320/Fall+09+026.jpg" /> Next, I had to get pictures of the kids in costume, just in case I didn't get a chance later. Bryant very wisely requested a picture by himself. I'm glad he did. It turned out much better than any of the pics of them together. Plus, he is not sure if he is going to trick-or-treat again. If this is the last one, I'm glad I have a pic. You might be thinking this picture looks a little familiar. If so, you're right. Bryant wore this same thing last year. I might not get a pumpkin, but I've had enough costume issues to know to be prepared. So, early in October I started asking him what he wanted to be. He said, he'd just wear one of his jerseys or something. He never changed his mind, and he was perfectly happy in this. Plus, we didn't spend 2 cents on it! I think he likes it because he can play football at the party/dinner before heading out.</p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400990036875411554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-Xn7a2zx8pi24G9_9QXj5FdWqwUwkonsPTqmFg5o4HK0WTwssXnS3N_iq5CX0C5nNpXKgaWY4S5UTzHMTX3E2JvRjlP_QAFeW0uNkc-5DLtLQ1p74Y2fYzj2SUPoNUgsN2ub0xmi8Qc/s320/Fall+09+039.jpg" /></p></div><div>Ann Bennett on the other hand, looked through every magazine that came our way. She decided she liked a "car hop" outfit. However, I thought it was entirely too short, so I made one. She picked out the materials, oh and Kristine -- who made the amazing costume AB wore last year -- made the hat for her. I've been amazed at the number of people who don't know what a car hop is! We never found the saddle oxfords she wanted, but when it came down to it, she was happy without them. I was happy not to have spent the money on shoes for one night!</div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400990513617106642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZTZQyjirS070_wuaupVT6xqBnErrKkvh1A-ITQL6p365GYFKdFvWgA-yDRlCPJV2waeZ_73oTHjCTurs87xbp0vlEz9QwqUJ3neUpXv7tUg5Z6HkHz6_MjKgvyPHty1kGLG7dzVTirI/s320/Fall+09+040.jpg" /></div>For the past few years, we have gone to some friends' neighborhood and done Halloween together. We did this again this year. It starts with a party/dinner in the park. Ann Bennett was a little freaked out to see Anne Cathryn as this scary creature. It was a little better when <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">blond</span> headed AC lost her black wig. You can see <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">AB's</span> somewhat confused/apprehensive look on her face!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400992281595563650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizjEPRC1mfr2PML0TaUIqYGnf3k4qNBR9JXSwWxZxzfgfB-sunq17E3pb0y7vO-AyjZuiSQzOG8clwe9OYXlkQNy-nqy7EdM9cWy0oYAcgq20M98ky8wBzyhTlLT7H65Aw30fXZ7eFboE/s320/Fall+09+048.jpg" /> I found it kind of funny that both Bryant and Mac's costumes were the same this year as last. Well, Mac adapted his. He had a new hat, and a different blanket I think. But, he was still a Carolina fan. Mac says he's going to be this for the rest of his life, so if B does dress up next year, I think he should be an obnoxious State fan! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400993356677240914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuUjDr8c_tPWOK3IbZRlDvQBgfCXH9p3puTk9_LjQUu1ff8Qb5c4ycxVLH3aZ9sxPq9kTgIhyUALb6-xRtw_UXf1CuFDC8xrDCdPaXfQF-EZz4HSDVABy6XsWArAPN7cALDSNBcsVPL0/s320/Fall+09+046.jpg" /></div><br /><div>I think Frances' costume was a little more comfortable for AB, and I know all the girls were happy to be together. </div><p></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400994536058256050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaJew23wqSIX7d5CAPL9O5bjQLCiez2rmSUtOsoXCKib_8CRB90X4pl-fp6ZOe43tTA9HfWajunQW_vg3UodF4ev-Ha__Y0A0FOW6F497-e_yc91zT9DKJ6rjHzFbif5XYKLHiX3kIDHE/s320/Fall+09+050.jpg" /> <div>Not the best picture of AB, but she's with Lily - a friend from church. We lost her by the time we were trick-or-treating, but they had fun together before hand!</div></div><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400996115000619922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitQjaUhUdxRVFDMCJbY07HzHmyJOT38hAAYS4McLK2dkOgbGdH1MLrVDhA8mvWgAmr3F0qnpUcIQ7uatIcC8-qZaDrbxle5d99nS3K7H32HQZlTRNY-zsOJhgWdgnAHCbajtPIQ7aa48c/s320/Fall+09+053.jpg" /></div><div></div><div>Last, heading out to get some treats. Griffith, Frances and AB. Somehow I missed getting a picture of AC and Mac's brother, Dean -- aka Michael Jackson. I also don't have any more pictures of the boys at the party because they were too busy chasing the girls and throwing the football to stand still for me. </div><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400996997236068658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhL1FegQHKzva2913tQKuDSHSuLSrFJVVtDAZyDOnFwvrzpi4010YNNI3OGxiDCPVVuD-YFjdiMIjYSqo531_MlZKFLBIpcYmWCUhlXix-s0h6sgKU_8aHy1AVz2rrZMAFpYz2y6HXBUI/s320/Fall+09+055.jpg" />René Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231781564711845961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050972342042495340.post-57111205988534309092009-11-06T08:34:00.004-05:002009-11-06T08:43:06.973-05:00Fall Fun?<div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400984466378693874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFLs5aBW7EW7RPF2fR34BVSw6_OyEnkzjcdO-IqkxUx1oHtH4MkXucX17abhMuX9c-AgtfEzR6Pbh8VWqQ3yu3rlt-rPgNQHzzwUCku8hT9lu4FOwXqq9ohtYUY0ZP1TqvAQzWVgjfcE4/s320/Fall+09+017.jpg" /> A couple of weeks ago I was determined to get at least our front yard raked. For some reason, Ann Bennett thinks this is a fun job, and I certainly enjoy the help. Unfortunately, her passion does not last as long as the job, but hey, she's 7.<br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400984846759073138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNwDB7rEFsYY4Sm9Zk0JcU5lu_EAmCcW6uflQtrBsTW_g2_Y1QVewvLhNuuPazP9gTwudtK4prT_m32es4ytISFBN83Ot-4Si4p3q71r9ra_8iX7NtD41OB0KHSz0EVziGgAJonmmQ6dU/s320/Fall+09+033.jpg" /></div></div><div>Bryant on the other hand, does not think this is a fun job at all! He was my not so willing participant, but I appreciated his help as well! </div><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400985292464889714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMc5fmEpa2hwiWDxxnGPo2IqMpHUyS230pXKAGu4h2qBdm5Z2rEVPnuCuHKDerQ8cPGqQZ8gMZsxzjMTy8QQxN7eHOXddmVUbfkJEu20dgN38CV1VvrgBQbXl1vxzk9tSHOzh5DyX0te4/s320/Fall+09+034.jpg" /><br /><div></div><div>I could have done without his pre-adolescent drama, but at least he helped pick up the leaves and dead grass -- killed by the guys who we PAY to fertilize and kill weeds, but that's another story! I spared you the picture the kids took of me raking. Let's just say it wasn't pretty!</div></div></div>René Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231781564711845961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050972342042495340.post-39278283442063051082009-10-05T21:35:00.003-04:002009-10-05T22:38:13.246-04:00Far From Home<div><div>I have not felt so far from home since Mom's accident. At that point, I felt I was far from home no matter where I was. When I was here, home felt like GA. When I was there, home felt like NC. I essentially moved to NC in 1989! I went home for summers for a couple of years, and I was in school the first 3 years. Those years don't REALLY count, but still, I moved HERE in 1992. It was so hard to be away from home, and many times I wonder why in the world I stuck it out! In retrospect, I realize I could have found another job in GA. It might not have been the exact same thing, but really. Certainly wonderful things happened because I moved here. I would not be the woman I am today if I hadn't, and I would not have the honor of living this life I live. But, sometimes I just miss "home." And I wonder if this will ever BE home. </div><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 294px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389307310409373730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLFNX-XGbSoSMhPpqvNPfi9zFH1yO2YswH-ZVKhVtcloBv8URp9QnDjTv2ztZUfsnWcy5kI6Yvs8BTwvKdDoq54Tl8rcnUZHFjHd31-rF-hT3Bw9tlVeMaf3a6_KwHsqir9gzfvygOqZc/s320/Baby+shower.jpg" /></div></div><div><br />My dear friend Katrina lost her father last night. And, every nerve in my body wants to be with her. I want to cook something, take it the family, hold her hand, go to the visitation, go to the funeral, hug her mom, hug her sisters and brothers. She is such a good friend, and Doc was such an amazing man. I did not always agree with him, but what parent does a child always understand? One thing I always understood about him, even as a teenager, was his love. He loved in such a big way! His big hugs, his big laughs, his big talks, his big discipline -- they all were models of a loving father, so in a way a picture of God for me. For some reason the thing that is sticking out right now is when Linda, Katrina and I were sophmores, I think, we wanted to take a bus from Marietta to St. Petersburg to visit our friend Patricia who had recently moved. We were all good girls, and Linda and I managed to convince our parents it was OK. Katrina tried, I tried, I even think my mom tried to talk to Doc, but he was having nothing of it. He did not trust what others might do to us. At the time, it felt like an excuse to me and that he didnt' trust us, but he was the boss and Katrina stayed home. Linda and I got on a bus to FL. When I think about that trip, I understand his fears and persistence. That was the first time I ever saw the mentally ill. At the time I didn't know it, but I clearly remember a person talking to door knobs. We made it there and back safely -- except for a sunburn that will probably one day soon turn into skin cancer, but at this point in my life, I think Doc was right. Boy, would he like to hear that! He liked to be right and have others know it. But, at the same time, he was so down to earth. He was a dentist in Cobb county, but he basically managed to live and raise his family on a "farm" - at least by Cobb county standards. Only at Kat's house did I get close enough to a cow to understand just how big they were! And, oh, could he sing with a sparkle in his eye, heart and voice. He loved music and loved sharing it. He passed on that love to his family, and I have been lucky enough to recieve the gift of that music. Karen played for us on many BSU trips in college. Kristy played the violin/fiddle when I didn't even know about the instrument. The two brightest and most recent memories of this music occurred when Mom was in the hospital. The first was when Kat came to to visit at Windy Hill and sang hymns with Mom. It was beautiful. Mom sang along with Kat's beautiful, loving, gentle voice, and I will never forget it. It was a miraculous gift and picture that Mom was in that body somewhere. Then, the Easter Mom was at Kennestone, they were looking for someone to come lead a group on the rehab floor in song. I called Katrina, and she and Doc came and sang. It was the last time I saw him, and he was singing and ministering with his daughter at the very hospital where he took his last breath in this life. I love that man and the legacy he leaves behind. I can't imagine how his children and Kathy must be feeling. What a joy it is to know that he is in heaven rejoicing, singing and not worrying about his health, but oh the hole he left behind! </div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 218px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389306592892756418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPdKD_dKeQvcDJTEKUKOM_kwm8lNSUq3-6QCzDoDiLFTF5zdsSZZIQ2C6wK1JrHB9ehpxnO_DJIzAjEVhqAUsBbfjPHVU_bOfasLxXOD5k-RkVfy16OevLUEDXQEqniTY2BBSZyA_f6w/s320/Kat,+Pat+and+me.jpg" /><br /><br />Remembering this man and knowing my friend is hurting, makes me feel very far from home! I want to be there to celebrate his life, but I really do not know if I am going to be able to make it happen or not. My heart hurts to think about missing it, but my head just can't see a way. Anyway, I'm feeling very far from home and wondering if THIS will ever be home. I know it is home for my children, and it is where I will live my life. If we moved, I'd miss this life and all the friends we have. When I am logical, I can't really imagine living back in GA, but then this homesickness comes along. I guess that is why you should just never leave home. That is what I'm telling my children -- go off to school, go travel, but come home to have children and live your life!</div>René Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231781564711845961noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050972342042495340.post-30520443837144749402009-09-21T17:19:00.006-04:002009-09-21T17:51:22.174-04:00How Did He Get Old Enough for This?<div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384038164715212482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVfDtlX7lx40DnXPAMa_QUJ5vaHUQ3beWEpLnqyan-pg6iaheZIfSXiulUCHlivOSlckgXH3ZseYvbJqpP3vSDICofArtqWOZ25J5AEtsyHBMS5nzuJB_URJyvGhyXDle-VrK9nH9_Eo/s320/Fall+09+015.jpg" /> Yesterday was the first day of Junior Cotillion for Bryant and many of his friends from school. He actually missed baseball practice for this. Doesn't he look handsome? It was the first time he's worn a coat and tie, escorted and seated a lady, danced with a girl. It was also the first time I tied a tie. (Carey still went to practice since he's the coach, but we figured it out! You really can find anything on google.) ANYWAY, I did not do cotillion as a child, but my cousins did. I guess it might be something you do in smaller towns. As it turned out, I was asked to chaperone this week, and I am really glad I was there. We both learned a lot. In this first class, Bryant learned:<br /><br /><div>* He should offer a lady his right arm to escort her. He is responsible for choosing where they are going to sit. But, she went ahead and told the boys that even though they are officially in charge, it is nice and polite to ask the lady where she would like to sit. So, really, the lady decides. I thought that was probably a good lesson to go ahead and learn when you are 10! </div><br /><div>* He learned to button his coat when standing, unbutton when seated. </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384038652120707906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPXO9NmUq2JiO7ygplUetv9C2pu6xk9BE3N-wchDKxPBHW2XU6UQKLYvtTfF-RuEMOFdver7DsnAJCWx3EAV83L9fRN98iJ4UsORFKimzfMsPOL1qx6G7FvC7m8bkdvHq0w4EVX_5wMnc/s320/Fall+09+011.jpg" /><br /><div>* He learned to place his nametag on his right side.</div><br /><div>* He learned the electric slide, the fox trot and the shag. </div><div></div><div> </div><div>This is just a list of a few of the things he learned. I was so impressed with how well everyone behaved, and I was super impressed with how clearly the teacher taught the children. I'm glad I was there to learn the fox trot! There were basically two schools represented in this session of cotillion, and many of the moms from the other school stayed and watched. I would never have thought that was an option, and Bryant did not want me to stay anyway. We talked ahead of time about what I should not do to embarass him, and he told me not to get mad at him and not to take pictures. I told him the only thing I would be upset with him was if he was mean or rude or in some way made a girl feel bad when he was told to dance with her. He did a pretty good job with this. I only saw him cringe or roll his eyes once. We've already talked about how this can be very hurtful. I held true to my promise and did not take pics, but another mom there snapped a few for me. If I get them I just might post them as well. </div><div> </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384040838846733042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPC1InF6pHpd0nVoVMxev8uVqbs8yiPoUpYGY6HKbzGTU_LMCwyR2Eh6EDPqXuX2y_cna__AfYgCDBr7xfZCqdffTMTeYOKGyzI-k09KzgNK7FD0Ri7344uEbYh6LgyTcoKIJVT42kbsM/s320/Fall+09+013.jpg" /> <div></div><div>Anyway, now I can dance with my son. It isn't fancy, but we can do it. How in the world did he get old enough for this? As you can see by this last picture, he's not quite sure what he thinks about this just yet.</div></div>René Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231781564711845961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050972342042495340.post-70625992656386844312009-09-05T15:19:00.002-04:002009-09-05T15:26:34.674-04:00The Boys Let Me DownThursday night Bryant and Carey went to Raleigh to see NC State play <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">USC</span>. It was opening night. ESPN was there. They were all excited. And, it was even better because they were able to take friends with them. Hunter and Bryant have been playing baseball together for a long time now, and they are on the Braves together. So, over the years we have spent a lot of time with this family. They are also BIG State fans. They even found a ticket for Hunter's little brother Nick to go -- his first State game. So, off the five of them go Thursday. I sent my camera with them. Bryant is kind of obsessed with cameras, phones, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">ipods</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">itouches</span>, or all things <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">techy</span> right now. I was not relying on Carey at all to take any pics, but I thought for sure Bryant would come through for me. Nope. Not one picture. When they go off to State together in 8 years, I'm still going to mad at them for not taking any pictures! To add insult to injury, State lost the game, and the boys swear it was the worst officiated college football game they've ever seen -- in their entire 10 years of life.René Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231781564711845961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050972342042495340.post-30798349644714349852009-09-01T11:41:00.003-04:002009-09-01T11:50:07.677-04:00Good-bye, sigh<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeY6uRF93BwuabqawjojY0aOm8KkOVWYGGYCMcpfYp_g8zfHtQBKmW1QjTaGmkPF3eq5qmm1DHOOwKKc8NTExihKm6QuJnUg3W4CO2DSRlf3EigRQfGoSXvOyiYmcVwGh2UCpLODbEJAs/s1600-h/Fall+09+008.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376525306128091170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeY6uRF93BwuabqawjojY0aOm8KkOVWYGGYCMcpfYp_g8zfHtQBKmW1QjTaGmkPF3eq5qmm1DHOOwKKc8NTExihKm6QuJnUg3W4CO2DSRlf3EigRQfGoSXvOyiYmcVwGh2UCpLODbEJAs/s320/Fall+09+008.jpg" /></a><br /><div><div>This weekend we had to say good bye to a wonderful family. The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Robinsons</span> are moving to NY, and we are sad to see them go. Ann Bennett and Lydia started kindergarten together and became fast friends. Lydia's dad coached AB in soccer, and Lydia's big sister, Caroline is a rising 5<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> grader like Bryant. Lydia and AB have really had fun together, and we are going to miss her. It's hard to say good-bye to a friend when you are only 7. We know they'll be back, and I'm hoping this will make AB want to write. But, it is just not ever the same as having a friend in town with you. Best wishes to the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Robinsons</span>. You will be greatly missed!</div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376525002655735170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-AvJAIBd5fNevQXPOwsxkK4v-kUYX9cPpctnGSUr7h3WzFq5u_NGe_K0P1DQZIUg56XtQWdftcIKbXK_TWylbXdYCeNNiaxoMGkmRGzbFYxhmZ3t9ICpfp1idn1V-xwe2wXTQroJC-Eg/s320/Fall+09+007.jpg" /></div></div><br />These are the only pictures I have of the going away party we helped throw last Friday night. First Baptist has a fabulous room for youth at their activity center, and since we were rained out of the pool, the party was in the Cove. The kids danced, played video games, ran around and acted silly, played a little basketball, ate dinner, played ping-pong, pool <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">and the</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">wii</span>. They had a great time and did not want to stop for photos. It was a really fun night. I hope Lydia and Caroline enjoyed it.René Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231781564711845961noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050972342042495340.post-69362529598406802402009-08-25T23:18:00.006-04:002009-08-31T23:41:30.795-04:00First Day of School<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376333633903657170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigyYI0XvX4XGvMlV7oaZJEDZlb35aonLwH9YT5qAjGYfLC5zYMBMUiUuG2g1qLmRbhefi_F3VB_tikpeYHsdQujjMFK-WVZ7K9Aq2-38t6Uf_HeoU2djY4kkTZbAr4tg8D-9JBO2DIPLA/s320/Fall+09+005.jpg" /><br /><div>The first day of school for 2009-2010. For some reason I never get good pictures of the first day. I don't know if it's because it is so humid in August here, or if it is because we are trying to do this and get to school on time. But, these are the best I could do.<br /><div></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376334289554856722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM94QpF_eALykWt6SI9Voia7l-xEFUeTFzMJOODFWaoIGfR_IqO3xrc7frq7KXzDqNl0QIPsRPlRs1GTv-B1Lq6zwPWq7coDWx2VUu_QQtohNN3TUrQePFUrx_Vzpc3SC47qIPUy-Jnjo/s320/Fall+09+001.jpg" /></div><br /><div>Bryant is 10 and is starting the 5<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> grade. He is at the same school where he started K. We tried to move to another school last year, but when we did not get a spot, I felt certain that God was leading us to stay put through 5<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> grade. If you asked him before school started what he was most excited about this year, he probably would have told you not having to tuck in his shirt this year. Last year the 5<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> graders did not have to follow that rule. Bryant is in a combo 4<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>/5<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> grade homeroom, but his academic instruction will take place with 5<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> graders. It's a complicated system that the principal concocted. I hope it works. </div><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376335444113924482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKAkUUG_svOmMs0Nb-Wbrvm1WIfGq7C_IbaYYBQ1BW9xBMBOFLX-kwdnGa9p7e5_mCEsmmy27uUdKBW-imreBTycXBSsCfh2YUNaCWhrwCwERNBoATJ9B6QLPc_lzLf6UVHrxPzHnojYg/s320/Fall+09+004.jpg" />Ann Bennett is 7 and is starting 2<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">nd</span> grade. For the first time in her life she is in a girl heavy class. She has a fabulous teacher/assistant combo. She is also in a 1st/2<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">nd</span> grade combo. (There are only 2 combos in the school and both of our kids are in them.) Her combo class is going to be great. They have taken a lot of independent workers (code for a higher ability group) in each grade and placed them together with few, if any, children with known behavior problems. I think she will have a really good year, and I'm happy for her!<br /><div></div><div></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376334770014817186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBy6E81UqiCgQZjPdowY2JiKMveMpw75Bok7BHuC9XhWvir48UY5DrRQXX3QdP1gOEo1poTAoQWU8Lr0TSgw0-2uFyAWQwGg7xtyJxUxSKhdPBuwbZPririXMQPmBVYybbuRTTPb5RINM/s320/Fall+09+003.jpg" /></div></div><br /><br /><p>Just to give you an example of what most of my pictures looked like, I thought I'd throw this one in to the mix. What's funny to me is this is how I wore my hair at her age, but I never fixed <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">AB's</span> hair like this. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Hers</span> has always gone to the side with a bow -- at least when I had it my way! But, she has decided that she likes it like this. I'll have to look for a pic of me with my hair just like this, but mine was not as fine as hers. In that way, her hair is more like Sandy's. </p><p>I wish that at the end of the day we were excited about the year, but with all honesty, we are feeling very shaky. The school is attempting to address behavior more aggressively this year (as they should), but it seems that in so doing a very negative environment has been created. Ann Bennett ended her day with a tantrum, and Bryant asked me to move him to another school or home school him. The only good thing about a bad first day is that day 2 has to be better! At least they were able to wear more color this year (any solid color shirt with a collar), and Ann Bennett can accessorize with belts, bows and jewelry. That always makes you feel better!</p>René Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231781564711845961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050972342042495340.post-10206497293544468412009-08-24T23:00:00.002-04:002009-08-25T00:51:45.804-04:00Last Day of Summer<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373754459802829218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1dGKx4ki_8OShJGcPJf8Ea3wYaIt5UP0McS0vPu4-VqMwRaD06SBMgThPu54srRqM708Vte0kNQWT382ZBi5EkPVmlwgh5x3flPmZmKTqOxhcAw0aS52axjwax235FvvaJ65FgHOb_Ac/s320/Summer+09+137.jpg" />EVERY year since my children started preschool I have been ready for school to start. When they were preschoolers, I loved their preschool so much, and they were so happy there that we were delighted when it started. Last summer you might have heard me say there was nothing like summer vacation to make you appreciate public school. But, this year, I am just not ready for summer to end. We have had such a good summer! We decided not to have Bryant considered for all stars this summer, and I think that was the BEST decision we have made in a long time. It slowed the pace of our summer, let us all get some much needed sleep and really set the start of our summer off right! But, today was the last day of summer vacation. Ann Bennett spent the morning with her very good friend who will be moving to NY next week. Bryant, AB and I went to the beach this afternoon with our friends the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Colemans</span> and the Bro<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">wnings</span>. I had my camera and never took it out! The beach was gorgeous. The waves were a little rough, but the boys are all big enough and strong enough swimmers that they can <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">boogy</span> board just fine. The girls played in the water and sand for a long time, and I even had a little time to sit and chat with my friends. It was a great afternoon. Bryant always likes to end the summer with putt-putt, so tonight the whole family went to play. It was a really nice way to end the summer. None of us are really ready for school to start. This age has its challenges, but it is mostly a lot of fun!<br /><div><div></div><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373754784567796402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwI5Swg64VpJiLk7lQu_bt2YLYgug6kSpGlh2JPaSbeP7HWDnDu7I5_xzF5-XZwQl_HvklkUHzh9aZIOMMDYQPBdBBZelBeGnUXleIVld8FD2_UGjdbFIpxNzbscnM3xc03FRyOxhj8Ok/s320/Summer+09+136.jpg" /></div><div align="center">Bryant and Carey in the basketball challenge -- Carey smoked him!</div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373755754418858258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHgHtnXaIHAMS0DqyUYdnz2LgoOl3O7oHwPM85zcYRmk9uCe3NiV82oNYEUrn2zY3nCLwHt-iZKNwkhvxKUvsQnHUHtH5ahy8jr2K2QKzMcxJO6ObeBoIzpv2NMyGEyB1KRGdd3E8Esfs/s320/Summer+09+141.jpg" /></div><div align="center">Bryant wearing <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">AB's</span> sunglasses and being silly. He's going to love me for posting this one!</div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373755178444486306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vpcLhfH2RKWOtX_1LV4nBnm18X7HqkX6G8Zgwy1vkT9EvQ6K1TCtpCzgR_GNtZhiwLX-NT6jd5L7R9RPhkVzEEYDJqbW9K2wBPWniNr5z_93E_nPn_kEonM5D523YD1M4QTVwV032aA/s320/Summer+09+139.jpg" /></div><div>As Carey says when he gives the score, Ann <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Bennett</span> is "having fun." But, she and I both made a hole in one on the first hole, so we each won a free game! The funny thing is that the very first time she ever played putt putt, the same thing happened on this very hole. After that, she took the max for every hole. She's making progress, but for now, she's having fun. And, with our free games, we can go practice some more. </div><div></div><div>So, that's how we spent our last day of summer. I really hope next year is as much fun as this year was! </div><div></div></div>René Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231781564711845961noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050972342042495340.post-19233985601951563962009-08-08T01:01:00.009-04:002009-08-08T01:28:07.330-04:00Girls Gone FAB<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367456203825704418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BPP4MXOiksAjhqS7Yf37K9RMn4iHLB2Y3NUubfKER6GHR3tiYNhsq2IOJIDysCnIZf8-yE8w8VWsHiCHT87vEvuvV9gaymNvx_rhRNmiC02f87T6oaNM0dzXTaZ7Dg-5i30pj0z4-Nw/s320/Summer+09+105.jpg" /><br /><div><div><div><div>From the time Ann Bennett was tiny, like maybe 2, she loved the princesses and dressing up. She especially loved "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Cindelella</span>." For a while she even went through a phase where she called herself "Ann Bennett <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Cindelella</span> princess." Even as a toddler she always had a purse. She loved (still does) shoes and accessories. Teaching toddlers and having a 2 yo <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">niece</span> reminds me of this stage -- as do all the blogs I read of younger girls. About a year and a half or maybe even 2 years ago she decided Cinderella couldn't be her favorite because she wears Carolina blue, and recently the princesses have become a bit uncool in her age group. But, she has struggled against this. Earlier this year she told me that she didn't like princesses any more, but she was on the verge of tears while saying this. We talked about how it seemed like she did like princesses but most of her friends didn't really like them. I told her it was OK to still like them even in her friends didn't. But, the period of all things princess and fancy seemed to be fading. Don't get me wrong, she still loves her shoes, accessories, nails, lip gloss and recently hair stuff, but the princesses seemed to be fading away.</div><div> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367456668175736098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymYr7B_OCtOMd8IY1_KASAQ3Ol2vaZz3AmUUfHUse42gnZQeZhoc4zeHv8SBRMn03XteqMu6tURq58K3YddPWrN7ZYZA5l2KVvbXP_M0xVostTErwjxOkBfA9AT6XycAcveemFvsRbw4/s320/Summer+09+108.jpg" /><br /> Anyway, this week, I saw the newest version of dressing up. It seems a little like a trendy, hip, slightly sassy princess version. Notice they also dressed up Allie. In this picture, they are wearing the very first set of princess dress up clothes Ann Bennett had. Somewhere in this house I have a picture of a preschool Bryant in these clothes. He'd kill me if I ever found it and posted it, but trust me it was funny. It also only happened once.</div><div> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367457514956319522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7YjTBqIGQxdbA4PaQY0mnU_FZzC6PjmrPpmr8iCmuu-iZwTN__lx54uJqxu3pjE7lDvnifQvvyYcrtMdLFuKeduwNmIDlirgS9e8gg3Xxyj94J5G2zy1OpGf8qsAdlf94-fOda3U7uQ/s320/Summer+09+111.jpg" /><br /><div>It's funny how as Ann Bennett gets older her play seems more familiar to what I remember as a child. I never dressed up a dog, but our poor cat, Daisy, was tormented by the dress up clothes. Allie did NOT like the dress up! I don't have a great picture because she kept moving around trying to get this stuff off!</div><div> </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367459304436369714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjycThozLW_-LaNs7cW4W825a1mIFTk_p-Air5s4UeOhoAmKlr1IWKIGLQZnJhPPc6sIjdWGRzJabKyfbZ4arQiso6RPU5lWQbVyqwOOrL4hgW53WxOai-xH9E0yfl709d743MUZv6k2jY/s320/Summer06+002.jpg" /><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367458517004903298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyOJy8t6SfOQN-LSzOfZgx1mykNSKSA1P9oUGcYzS115mgGIb9c9jKtmEFPUxyb0-eGM_tix1t48fQ3Kry2eiboQMEBTPwy6KhWw-JJw67RZ7ytrT99X6v9wljNBDqkEVpwRJZrLDMx8U/s320/Summer06+006.jpg" /><br /><div>And just so you can see what the previous princesses looked like, here are a couple of pictures of Ann Bennett and Anne Catherine 3 years ago (obviously in the "cheese" stage). These are the oldest pictures on this computer. I'd have to work a lot harder, but I bet I could find one very much like this even earlier. Just so you don't have to do the math, the girls were 4 in these pics. (These two are "birthday buddies" as they say. Their birthdays are only a week apart.)</div></div></div></div></div>René Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231781564711845961noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050972342042495340.post-14432283200925874982009-08-05T23:10:00.002-04:002009-08-05T23:18:23.000-04:00Letters Home!I really didn't think I would get a letter home from camp Trinity, but my B surprised me. In my mailbox today was the following letter. <br /><br />Monday 1:37PM<br /><br />Dear Mom, and Dad<br /> I already miss you.<br />Today we played metec ball<br />for share shops and crazy softball<br />during free swim. Because everybody<br />had to take a swim test. It is rest period<br />right now. We also won the cleanest<br />cabin award.<br /> Love you all the way<br /> to the moon and back,<br /> Bryant<br /><br />While this might demonstrate just a wee bit why I think he needs some work on his writing skills, it sure makes me feel good to have a little love in writing from my son. Carey thinks he is pulling our leg on the cleanest cabin award, but I don't know. B has always been competitive. Perhaps if I institute a competition for the cleanest room I'd be more successful! For now, I'm just happy to have a letter.René Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231781564711845961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050972342042495340.post-32525579325970744842009-08-02T20:59:00.003-04:002009-08-02T21:01:50.101-04:00New Post BelowOK, someone has to tell me if it is possible to rearrange posts. I wanted the post about B going to camp to be the top post, so I posted the one about his nose first. But, apparently, since I started the one about camp first, it is listed as an older post. Is there any way to flip these? Either way, be sure to read the post about Gone Camping.René Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231781564711845961noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050972342042495340.post-82463323692088785562009-08-02T19:43:00.003-04:002009-08-02T20:57:47.289-04:00Gone CampingThis afternoon we drove Bryant to his first week of sleep away camp. He is at Camp Trinity, <a href="http://www.trinityctr.com/campt/">http://www.trinityctr.com/campt/</a>. (Someday I'm going to learn how you do that fancy thing where you can just click on the words and go to the link.) Anyway, it is an Episcopal affiliated camp that is about 2 hours from here. It is at the beach, and from what I hear it is an old fashioned camp. The kids play a lot. They swim and learn to sail some, but they have a lot of games and general silliness. We knew that one friend was signed up for this week, but after he was accepted, we found out that a slew of kids from here are going to be there this week. In his cabin are 3 kids who were in the toddler class with B at preschool. Bryant doesn't remember one of the guys because they have not hung out since preschool, but the other 2 guys are really good friends. And, there are 3 girls from his school there and another girl he knows as well. <br /><br />Anyway, we got him settled in his cabin -- made his bed, put his toiletries away, etc. It was time for us to leave, and I asked B if he wanted to walk us out. He said yes, and my wonderful, precious big guy gave me the best hug on that porch. He told me he was going to miss me, and he even admitted he was just the tiniest bit nervous. Fortunately, there are a bunch of kids he knows and families I know. I felt completely comfortable leaving him there. If I had not felt so certain, it would have been much harder to leave. I KNOW he is going to have a great time. I KNOW he will learn a lot about being away. I KNOW camp is where so many of us really begin our personal relationship with God. I just HOPE he brushes his teeth, changes his clothes and MOST of all I hope he doesn't mess up his nose again! Tonight's group activity is dodge ball. I have not heard from the camp yet, so I'm hoping this means his nose is OK. I am pretty sure evening activities are over and they are moving into the camp fire time. <br /><br />Long story short, my son is away for a week of camp, and I cannot wait to hear all about it and have him back home.René Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231781564711845961noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050972342042495340.post-84409904327262997522009-08-01T19:58:00.000-04:002009-08-03T09:34:24.831-04:00Broken But Not Beaten<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365523923211487730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcsxw2Z7ENoy4F7-S54RW2X5kGJsjwHtpXiet3alL1a4j71LyZEW20ycu3lV-Kqi9w66mk2bcvLYMBFhlZNjoBcnfy6bmRqIV5KpfjpYuFpHPverrM5kEFwjZ72TN6bePcEQbTMqBaxpU/s320/Summer+09+046.jpg" /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhtHWHiaDfHUDgfEoCBtaFaicHNoYjpyB1bdqMXHCubK61wgTOrEK9aiZdPyaYg3zZOaLZeT5xuuzeasKkgeA8-P_rHOrvNiYCGv3Jr1mUiAbo8QNK6bO0mXlwXwXH0usiWjoRjIOkOr0/s1600-h/Summer+09+070.jpg"></a></div><div>July 8th, Carey and Bryant went to the baseball park for some batting practice. Carey was throwing balls to B. B squared around to bunt and somehow missed the ball. Instead, the ball hit him in the face. They both knew instantly that the nose was broken. He dropped to his knees and said take me home. Carey was really flipped out, but the doctors didn't even want to see him immediately. That Friday, July 10, we went to see the ENT. She confirmed it was broken and that Bryant would need some surgery to repair it. The tricky part, as is always the case for the Sassers, is that we were leaving town on Sunday for a world series baseball tournament. It is really the biggest event of the travel ball team. Long story short, we decided to let B play in the tournament. His nose was already broken. If he got hit in the nose again, it would hurt, but they would just fix it when we do the surgery the following week. By waiting until we returned, it also meant one of Betsy's, our ENT, partners would have to do the surgery. We all decided that was OK. Bryant had to wear the face mask on his batting helmet, and he hated it, but he didn't have a choice. And, you know what? He had a great tournament. He made some great plays, slid into many bases head first, hit the ball and had a really good time with his team. </div><br /><div><div><div><div><div>The picture at the top of the post is right after he came home. He was diligent about keeping ice on his nose. If you look very carefully, you can see that on HIS right, the bone is sticking out a bit at the top. You can also see on his left that the swelling or something was pushing right up into his left eye. The left side of his nose was also indented? It felt and still feels like it was flattened a little. I'm writing most of this so I remember later. Sorry.<br /><br /></div><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365528254106933474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCcsNuBIU-XzE7GUewCKbwLtPsVtqJZEmGfk8jxGFoOrQ8Ju1CZjkPrbNedFA2dhgcdSCktg5LSnAIqS1llQzVsKccaApT1bPqWsDk48MOrU2z436uJ5E0AIXQGNFtYLSw2-nvAdy06U/s320/Summer+09+059.jpg" />Just so you can see the black eye and swelling. A lot of people asked him about it. </div><div><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365528773544848802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-6V85ppFhgW5lQTl2bHiqayzF1VrzHxfxF66QnqoXX9HoPmVf4wi0PG4JQPZdq43uRRB5QN9nk9PA7rMWnLOzEdwKg_RrG4lVAArKKmL7mJxsfR0Zq3NFcbmIfQ3F1J-Gp_HA43aOXJA/s320/Summer+09+070.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365529596567656338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9KaE34vjVITapK2PPZIY2N9V7HkDgfizfg7GzfyLAwK6Sn9HV_2Gll9cqQqmajFq0l_AUDMH46ZEQuFUsXDGHhzFCQFVb9FuZ0Cb1HLk1HM_gFjJxwcWedje1mX8geQI46l-Gklq0hs/s320/Summer+09+065.jpg" /></div>Mini golf in Myrtle Beach. This was a cool course. Some of the holes were in these huts. It also kept us a little drier than the group that played another course! Dylan, Hunter, Bryant and Duane. Every time we go to MB, Bryant wants to play putt putt, but we rarely have the chance. It was nice to be able to indulge this request!</div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365530457851582402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuog_8vq_ttdfo8i5oVKVkI3-D7znMtbKchFgL2RsnYgTv38luPaLOaBG37xkOlFk3m0XO7DDOcs4wfZ-7YR2JwpRXWipN9Bqp7xfqqynYAHt40wDhOkICTvqaqU2s7dVydbvB9Wy3Aj8/s320/Summer+09+082.jpg" /></div><div>Back home after surgery, with the "cast." He did really well with the surgery and anesthesia. He was really itching and not happy that he could not scratch his nose, but that was about all. The anesthesiologist gave him a benadryl, and the nurse warned that with the anesthesia and the adult dosage of benadryl that he would be very sleepy all day. He wasn't. He did not even take a nap until very late afternoon. </div><div></div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365531943075795986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTGAWmC2PsfA_z3is7srg1TTSo9dPUerpeK8BphklaYs3ILynnFSk0UV5LaEdE-xNcYA_7RQCj-q3iNWiIWkfUQe6Vgo-NxQ6A_ldFooqqeVlAS6inoUEhhPDX0L7_MlKlz3mVrBEhOeo/s320/Summer+09+100.jpg" />Finally, just so you know he's back to normal, this is what I found on my camera after driving to GA. Apparently B was entertaining himself with taking pics on my camera. This one made me smile. Surgery to make sure his nose is fixed so he can contort his nose like this! </div></div></div></div></div></div></div>René Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231781564711845961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050972342042495340.post-55447196755683841422009-07-05T10:12:00.004-04:002009-07-05T10:34:40.484-04:00Happy 4th!We certainly had a memorable 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span>. We have spent the weekend at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ocracoke</span> (an island on the outer banks where Glenn and Mandy have a house). You have to take a ferry to get here. From our direction you ride a 2 hour 15 minute ferry. From the north end the ferry is about 40 minutes, I think. Anyway, right at 9:00am, there was a huge explosion that shook the house. I thought it sounded like some strange kind of thunder that just kept rumbling. Carey thought it sounded like something blew up in here and water was then rushing through/pouring through the house. We looked out the porch and (in addition to the gazillion other people we saw rushing out to look, including a man in his boxers which had Bryant in stitches) saw what looked like a huge white mushroom cloud. As it began to fade, darker clouds of smoke were seen. If you have not heard, the fireworks truck blew up. They were just beginning to unload the fireworks and set them up for the celebration that night. As they opened the back door to the truck, it blew up. It threw one person to the water. One person died quickly, and 4 were taken to the burn unit in Chapel Hill, I think. Two more have since died, and the remaining 2 are in critical condition. They immediately turned the ferry around and sent them back -- they were very close to landing. I can't imaging how frustrating it must have been to see the island and then be turned around. They did not allow anyone to come over on that ferry all day. The northern ferry was closed for much of the day to allow emergency vehicles on and off. It took quite a while for the helicopters to get here for the injured people, but fortunately there was some medical support on the island. It was very tragic. <br /><br />Today, we are thankful that more people were not injured in the accident. This was only the 3rd year fireworks have been planned on this island. I'm guessing that might be because they must drive those things over on a ferry. Can you imagine being on the ferry with a loaded truck of fireworks? I don't know if they will ever do it again. I'm praying that the others injured will heal quickly and with minimal pain. Having been in the burn unit at Chapel Hill, I know it is a very scary, hard place to be. These people were all from Rock Hill, SC, so I hope their families are able to come be with them. Every time I see fireworks from now on, I will probably remember this firework show that did not happen and just how dangerous a business fireworks can be.René Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231781564711845961noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050972342042495340.post-38965601968844119862009-06-30T23:23:00.007-04:002009-06-30T23:35:40.689-04:00The JOY of Coaching Your Son<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi289-JYAWPM16q_D0RLEQ-Dr1W-A_qtD5_ZEENQ8-8rYkWvcvkpVtYSMg7ldEHa2rc69htywGe4w0P6c34YPcZ2yeOIk1kgum0pqiohyWsP-4Jrvzod2tYfzXCZb5mOPsr4_k7fW7cvAQ/s1600-h/7941.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353330005589168498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi289-JYAWPM16q_D0RLEQ-Dr1W-A_qtD5_ZEENQ8-8rYkWvcvkpVtYSMg7ldEHa2rc69htywGe4w0P6c34YPcZ2yeOIk1kgum0pqiohyWsP-4Jrvzod2tYfzXCZb5mOPsr4_k7fW7cvAQ/s320/7941.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><div>OK, it is not always easy to coach your son. It is frustrating when your son will not listen to you. You feel like he might need someone <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">else's</span> instruction. You worry about whether you are being blind to your child's difficulties or playing daddy ball. Sometimes you don't even recognize their strengths in an effort to be fair. It's hard to be coach and dad. But, Carey would not have traded the experience for anything. How long do you have this chance? And, then there are the rare opportunities you get to experience the joy of sharing a big victory with your son. I love these pictures of Carey giving B his trophy because he seems so happy, and he is so obvious with his love. No one else got a hug! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353328835899180546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirSSk0MZ_S7EeonwsG5Q-BrdISNXSEYB0tAZ46w198GDvX5z8rkmZKHNvk2ViIzZseWxhpGdy8WjXl9WSV3u4YhfvSpa7T9k36LawkA6FTjIDtWcRH4GD0NGv7I1ZmN_bTejPji8O8Dpk/s320/7893.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353328952826160322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJzIXpiY4Q2IusKvbng2VelCDWSiowaoD0_PK7Sec82xtQyi5LI0QCM5f2Wd1G9XwTU5yaFsL8_iq47VZ5UIWQbDKfZ-NxgwuuWmLJPOM17Cwc5VfFonVxLnnsRF3RkFKFKCm_FYNPMc/s320/7894.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353329079762244242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBDcuLoRRwKknXgGz-MnoR9P5d5dQW5fkyeYwPnPVRLoZfJciCM0iE9IslpKhUySeE0-B2pOY_EMAeGpdbOdPbxUmTUn1Jjj43CxAq5YqzqP3THeJUyoNOdX-qizuLUi5YVFD4ewdriE/s320/7895.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div><br /><p> </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353329199003692514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20Kq9SfAqyjUzCc6axan_FFmYAXp3Fungd1pR_uW9DBjTxlBanHJ94vW1SiHm46vXytD2Fl6t60gHdPeh622J84J1YQFMormuXbJ9Z7HqyrHRrAvAm-qsq2pcIXQtY7GMcU7yw-O0DIw/s320/7931.JPG" border="0" /></p><p> </p>René Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231781564711845961noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050972342042495340.post-33243779188320767832009-06-30T22:33:00.011-04:002009-06-30T23:22:46.313-04:00Hoisting the Cup!<div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><div><br /></div><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtcSBuPsT9pHJSiGFGBbCr_vPN49iQuyP4embyRAMVcvWhHGgusUlXmT15uf5ZgV8uxNfRh40QGv7P_t-B0QRFMZyD7YNX450mfRZWzPWl4yKIp5L4jnlnQrCB0ovMwHpRtQSFxD0VcOU/s1600-h/Certificate2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353315492263002130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtcSBuPsT9pHJSiGFGBbCr_vPN49iQuyP4embyRAMVcvWhHGgusUlXmT15uf5ZgV8uxNfRh40QGv7P_t-B0QRFMZyD7YNX450mfRZWzPWl4yKIp5L4jnlnQrCB0ovMwHpRtQSFxD0VcOU/s320/Certificate2.JPG" border="0" /></a>The summer of 2007 Carey finished his 4th year coaching Cal Ripkin baseball (2 years of tee ball and 2 years of machine pitch). He was an assistant coach on the All Star team the first year of machine pitch, and he was the head guy the summer of '07. We won the District III All-Star tournament and did well at states, but we only did OK at our local park. After All-Stars, Carey was determined he would not be coaching Bryant any more. He told everyone who asked and even some who didn't. He felt like he had coached all he could. Well, it is now 2 years later, and he's coached 2 full years (4 seasons) more.<br /><br /><div></div><div align="left">At the start of this year, Sasser Appraisals was one of the teams to beat. We lost (or maybe tied) our very first game to an expansion team. It was not a pretty picture. But, we finished our season 9-3-1. Oh the stories I could tell. It's amazing the politics and craziness that accompany kids' sports! Anyway, our park has an end of the year tournament for all levels except tee-ball. (Although the first year Bryant played even tee ball had a tourney - it was crazy!) All of the games in our division, the Minors, were exciting games. Our second game was against the team that finished just ahead of us and had beaten us in the last regular season game. Man were we off that night! But, we beat them in an exciting game to make it to the Championship game. Our biggest competition and the winners of the regular season did not make it to the championships! That was a big upset. </div><br /><div align="left">Anyway, I'm sure you can tell where this is going. The Sasser Appraisal boys played their hearts out and won the tournament. It was very exciting! There were so many people there that night. It was the last week of school, and people turned out to watch. It made me very nervous. But, the boys won, and I'm not sure who was more excited - Carey, Coach Brian (who coached the team for 2 years even though he did not have a child on the team), the parents or the boys. But, here's the story in pictures.</div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353319366590837954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWu72ODPWlaWqtDKDN1mi6UicOwspcxDsILRdokb72k3cAWD8hCSuzD20gdNGN6BYoBEYhfa1IIdwSGp5UjMcf79bT2XMpilmd6gqqNT5LJB2_9QydzsIjlMxl4WMnnO52C2NhPBnlCeE/s320/7850.JPG" border="0" /></div></div><br /><br /></div><div align="center">Coach Brian huddling the infield up in the last inning (we were visitors), so we needed one last out to win. Who knows what he said!<br /><br /></div><p align="center"></p><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353320163751593842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjadU_FnZa2HDoZ5hIeBUhigQLhvZChNUxRZ8BVlwv6s3zZCBwJpvL9szua1sPw0gmXa3LN6hyDlTFDgcKs0gPHuwLPKmad3FHBWdIjpOEMvqIOtRvTrfV0Ual8waEFPI3i8REJrQwz1lc/s320/Michael5.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="center">Just after he struck out the batter for the final out. Have you seen a more joyous expression? I love how the others are running in to celebrate with him.<br /><br /></div><p align="center"></p><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353320315858799474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 211px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvCzybm4MgjsUrNgpmonmyn6FoZsaZZQos0eyQ3Gz4pbJWqjvKcHMGM5JpZYN7qgSUdBx257MVb69cuewg5mmDZOlbc5EL4TwMnFE0bwSlkrMol9ojb15bJnZG50xP1af-BXGR6invXE/s320/Winners.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="center">The mob scene after the win.<br /><br /></div><p align="center"></p><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353321952462791874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjsDBhkl3X_MrOa9vpJIrzauvWY0v932tS-493SFqWZEz1TgkZ568E24v4avsaK4-QaTK6CM_yyBdXhB37GePKsSAvsrX2RN8vlLLa2jSEjDoUdjVEI1sz_VE6dHE6lgy6pduhNasung/s320/7890.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="center">Hoisting the team trophy -- as Carey says.<br /><br /></div><p align="center"></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353322500991257602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhIIQXXlF-VO8hfvH01WQoGDg8cPSqAPTCjaeR9xCfZq5shDV4u2JY4fTKqjm0T7IzS6n6h8quhGGs94Lf6bL2CeDgVSNIW24bdAOwwUqOQmq94iraeE-zZsxcTGndmkIqm1jgUg78Um0/s320/Summer+09+005.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">Waiting for their individual trophies. At this point, you only get trophies if you win the regular season or the tournament, so these actually mean something.<br /><br /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353322961063094642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5WREfm8FXoe_3LRa00WXarXaDWj1d6aZ8tcjK2v4_ZxDV_g6v789CqcuUv58_NTutJ-oBeu_Ng_8Sv5oXNupd4-jalFk8-UTbIpNuH6TAyA1xPNU_MggLJdi6nvwBQGm5D90vrq01Mc/s320/7938.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center">Alright, here's what we're going to do. One more huddle and let's make sure everyone can hear us. </p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353323136247250850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh14U7vKJLj_PYpB5FwoP6AlXIBmtz8EZ_w7_hCLvkZrFZdPCKIsFdvEirf0Zmb6IJ5VI25VcwOOrc6GWWdI9mE0YRkF-itvWAUe9QIcaP6VkBEcrfULRIwFNQbzyU8fdRfrv6k5aa6f_c/s320/7939.JPG" border="0" />1, 2, 3, "Sassquatch" (For some reason that's what they always called it up with.)</p><p align="left">And that ends the 2009 Minor League season. We'll see what happens in the Majors next year! If you want to see a video of the joy, here's a link to another Mom's video. It is NOT me yelling beside her. I was yelling, but I just wasn't right beside her. </p><p align="center"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcSSJPqO5HY">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcSSJPqO5HY</a></p>René Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231781564711845961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050972342042495340.post-6805017088748795432009-06-11T13:59:00.005-04:002009-06-11T14:15:06.881-04:00Wax Museum<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTcugG0os1cXBlUQqO-d-pWbSG_Vgnk28tMAjSiE5YZZuV41xlw7QiK1WuZ5x_lPJ6EDHJ-SkoArIoK2RRiycXpXoIPigcv0WOwLpLzRDKhLo3EI5xSNv4gEFzBBaJT5eGxbhoLEycifI/s1600-h/Spring+09+181.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346132171050337554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTcugG0os1cXBlUQqO-d-pWbSG_Vgnk28tMAjSiE5YZZuV41xlw7QiK1WuZ5x_lPJ6EDHJ-SkoArIoK2RRiycXpXoIPigcv0WOwLpLzRDKhLo3EI5xSNv4gEFzBBaJT5eGxbhoLEycifI/s320/Spring+09+181.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>In the 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> grade at our school, the kids all dress up as a famous North Carolinian and have a "wax museum" for the other children and any interested parents to come see and read about. As you can see and probably predict, Bryant chose a famous baseball player from Wilmington. His name is Trot Nixon, and he spent most of his professional career with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Redsox</span>. It is really neat because Carey's dad coached Trot in football in high school, and he actually went to our elementary school for a year. I wish they had required a longer report because this is something Bryant might have had enough interest in to actually research and write a nice report about, but at least what he wrote was grammatically correct. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346132518425763298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6DIH5wa97KRL_T4IPBQaDq0UeD7BXUj0IhIJsD3yow00sEmpyX5LmO5_jVG02WT9EvFjocjABN2d1WkzSQs1hyX9oVaaLfF4KwAzhNV98RFs12ENO8_Y_UTTcBLZHfH8MCrRLO3TAvAY/s320/Spring+09+178.jpg" border="0" /></div></div><br />That is Enos Slaughter (aka Christian), Andy Griffith (aka Van) and Sugar Ray Leonard (aka John) in front of Trot. They line up all around the school and have to stand still for about an hour. Of course, B was not able to accomplish THAT feat, but he looked good!<br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346133706697789314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaK1barU14Y7v3AJjYXaupFuhX7AniVWBXjegj2SIi_DwfJSBRyERz84lTKCh35oAB_4TfGrY06Ysi9LGzFTaKwbWE5A_flPTDmc7KACWI-G6L3zD98A38SSoymkCq3qxwCtvl2Rzjk_4/s320/Spring+09+184.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>This is Mary Elizabeth <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Winstead</span> (aka Maddie) with B/Trot. It's nice to have famous friends. </p><p>I've heard other people complain about all the dress up requirements in elementary school, but I think this is the only time Bryant has had to do this. Once in 5 years so far is not bad. The kids all enjoyed it, and I think they learned a lot about who is from NC -- as did I since I did not grow up here. Besides, what else are they going to do the day before the last day of school? It is much better than a movie! </p>René Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231781564711845961noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050972342042495340.post-68567810935722071832009-06-08T15:10:00.002-04:002009-06-08T15:14:28.978-04:00Not Very PC<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kWFleiBAe4q31C68z6CsmQ2xNnF1dvfdsqc4aiK5ymlB7ipzUAOuv9nLVRdnJXB15KNc5vT7sxD8le1WS0Jzi1h1ffZlzbAeqm1uGrHGHFbRb32ZB8O5Ha-A3PWjjvNaBmFfXucylvg/s1600-h/scarf.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345036487531220226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 67px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 100px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kWFleiBAe4q31C68z6CsmQ2xNnF1dvfdsqc4aiK5ymlB7ipzUAOuv9nLVRdnJXB15KNc5vT7sxD8le1WS0Jzi1h1ffZlzbAeqm1uGrHGHFbRb32ZB8O5Ha-A3PWjjvNaBmFfXucylvg/s320/scarf.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>While driving around today, we saw a lady wearing what I think is called a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">hijab</span>. I tried to find a picture just to make sure everyone knew what I was talking about. This one seems a little more trendy than some, but you get the idea. Anyway, this started a conversation with my kids about why people wear these. I stumbled through an explanation of modesty. Ann Bennett said she thought it was to keep the bugs out of your mouth. I am still chuckling about this. I guess maybe we need to do some cultural education. </div>René Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231781564711845961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050972342042495340.post-30091118474695848632009-06-06T17:12:00.010-04:002009-06-06T17:46:27.475-04:00NEVER Thought I'd See This<div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLz7tnFkZw8VjLmcB6ke5kj_WJKghhd9xoH5AyeCe1VEqe17b5u53joNCm8EHnjs_nsXw88nDgIgEx5Prw7yqQzViwO7mZyjsglTCTGlS95k_keTR9gZlT6w-xWChPw8A9Ztv98J-Qd3A/s1600-h/Spring+09+175.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344325843754545858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLz7tnFkZw8VjLmcB6ke5kj_WJKghhd9xoH5AyeCe1VEqe17b5u53joNCm8EHnjs_nsXw88nDgIgEx5Prw7yqQzViwO7mZyjsglTCTGlS95k_keTR9gZlT6w-xWChPw8A9Ztv98J-Qd3A/s320/Spring+09+175.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Having 10 and 7 year old children means I hear a lot of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">arguing</span> and complaining about each other. I'm never fair. They are both mean, and by golly, one of them looked at the other one! They talk over each other. I spend a lot of time dealing with this issue, trying to remain calm and teach how to behave toward each other. MANY times I fail and lose it with their <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">arguments</span>. Add to this that they have few interests in common. I mean, TV is the great equalizer, and they will play games together (board or the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">wii</span>) on occasion. But for the most part, B wishes he had an older brother - or at least a younger brother. AB loves to go to Bryant's baseball games, but it is because it is her social scene. Her girls are there, and she almost never watches a game. She will tell you she'd like a sister too (especially after visiting her friend with 3 older sisters), but I think she'd keep Bryant too. I keep telling Bryant in particular that he's going to be glad he has a sister when we are all older, but he's not really buying it. </div><br /><div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344326218550266850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xM36SpCBXTR3pHGOSSHxKaiiksUhqDNdklqtfJVIYAXhh86pfZ1xjqTaLRjClBpiqyAunqkIBUb7pZnHCUGicosC35om7LwCnpVlL-LrHJKK3aGGvY1NVzFdVqBtY2NrL9C-IbvCH1Q/s320/Spring+09+176.jpg" border="0" /> <div>So, imagine my surprise when this morning as I was pruning the overgrown <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">box woods</span> in our front yard, I hear Ann Bennett volunteer to throw balls to Bryant to hit! He took her up on it, and you know what? They played together that way for probably an hour. </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344326711901670146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwR4Svt5wtX5lfH3Zdc7_7g9KC-tpZVwVLp3V4IRSMTv6-x4KNrdKT_21tdjUKqCN2mGO8n2ZATOj5J783ZIv-bD8vmoQzTqEkDfwV2WOneNVB9NyWC9d5jEKkOYnLkwsUJW92i8UZbHk/s320/Spring+09+164.jpg" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div>As you can see by the previous 2 pictures, AB still has a bit to learn about soft toss. He's catching the first ball. The second one he swung at even though it was way too high. I think he was afraid it was all he was going to get, and on occasion he remembers what his preschool teacher taught him (you get what you get and you don't pitch a fit). </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344327730412013106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7EtVgrTv8I_mzd_uxOAbzH1bCWvWmyUfS58h0tNqgPGunHIR50wsMTNgbTywv8c81-rFmRDHZyKgWB0oBfAGioeVw5vTf55RXGhdb1dfOmGaMgYufk3R_jMfZ1C9ZQ127OBY5HamlTTU/s320/Spring+09+166.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><p>But eventually, she threw him some good ones. He "jacked" it all over the place. He encouraged her, and she VERY patiently kept feeding him balls. They even went to pick up the bucket full of balls together without complaining. I'm telling you it was a miracle. I went to get Carey to serve as a witness to the miracle <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">occurring</span> in our front yard. It was Carey who wondered whether it was wise to have Bryant hitting real baseballs in the front yard. (B broke his first window around 5, I think, hitting golf balls at grandpa's house.) I knew our windows would be replaced even if broken by a ball, and I think my neighbor has a similar agreement. Either way, I decided the bliss of seeing them play together was worth the cost of a broken window if necessary. Fortunately, we have some trees in the front that blocked the damage; although, one hit the power lines. That was a bit unsettling. </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344328830430115794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieiHhLm5k8J5xwJ42rdN59JxgeTjdkob16roDTLZi0saKizZ9feolUtfkg5NYuKgsI7xzvBRWNTsqcGiKzZSgkOEupPh3Q3r46Pj-2q6WpuodNcbMWXw84SbxkhSZkO6oeYc4ojjh4wGQ/s320/Spring+09+173.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>Anyway, Ann Bennett even decided to try to hit. When she asked Bryant to throw to her, he agreed without a fight! He reminded her how to swing and gently tossed balls to her. I did not hear even ONE comment about her lack of technique. He cheered for her when balls were hit well. Miracle, I'm telling you! Did you hear the angels where you are? </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344329469879264386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX6Nx6t3FJcEmbykWFfVlpGwCQlVV7x-Wa70xWyp_4J-vbUL1jGsxbIJEgtW1gwZtug7gx2IKvoZWxPMALLzdgi09DlMS8QO1yFdN7_1hnb7uiM8QVpNElE5ihH_iOqDQnRKDMzQagbXE/s320/Spring+09+172.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>My smiling, agreeable 10 year old. Proof that he's in there. (He not only played with his sister, he let me document it.) I might need this picture over the next "104 days of summer vacation." (Anyone out there recognize that song?)</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344329186043826722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qlaF5uIEiZIIbRll-4wbxYwF0z42f1v8NiFnSzfPlyNSiOgbA7d-2cnaW2Zc68vuRq_eQitM9qpYLJND8xA9HwYBKcU8kcL1jms6KAZg49zykQ9iErbYcbCaRznMuQMJmPsk2cR4j9o/s320/Spring+09+171.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>Last, did you notice Ann Bennett's choice of clothing for this activity? Pink helmet and tee-ball bat, Hannah Montana shirt (from her Halloween costume), jean skirt and 2 inch wedge sandals. Priceless! But, her daddy and brother taught her well -- her eyes are on the ball!</p><p>Here's hoping for a summer full of pictures just like these!</p>René Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231781564711845961noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050972342042495340.post-10341721902728508952009-05-23T18:14:00.011-04:002009-05-23T18:40:22.352-04:00Daughters<div><br /><div><div><div><div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykafYsdRSTSeFV1Q615E-bcbwMQp8dstnjHN2WoMkn7FKAZLh90Gu2Nr1K8pc5GDLbzCdAr99Pam7mhGclnJXeaEofKuRYgQOnDYgHTVOLXQdAjjXnx4z-kc_85Qhjli50b-zwH4pV5w/s1600-h/Spring+09+162.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339147338402365394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykafYsdRSTSeFV1Q615E-bcbwMQp8dstnjHN2WoMkn7FKAZLh90Gu2Nr1K8pc5GDLbzCdAr99Pam7mhGclnJXeaEofKuRYgQOnDYgHTVOLXQdAjjXnx4z-kc_85Qhjli50b-zwH4pV5w/s320/Spring+09+162.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div>Some days having a daughter just takes my breath away. Today is one of those days. We went to a birthday party at a spa for girls. Ann Bennett had her hair done and a mini mani and mini pedi. I'm sure there could be lots of commentary on spa services for young girls, but I'll leave that for others. For us, it is fun. She is such a girly girl and always has been. I've had the nature/nurture argument many times! But, boy is this girl a GIRL, and I love her to pieces - pop star hair, princess necklace, hearts on her fingers and toes, animal lover and all! </div><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339148491530502674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSLqF7ggcG0X87uKmGucngcb4GMUfOYGMDqGnNAyF73LO9G5jvH5gkUFTKwHkpB8ODtTb99S-ZkV1DzgtJApRUjkz1YyQx1SYcoa22HvdB6yblnvkJ5T8jIAEetwc5_FliI9Q1JScy38U/s320/Spring+09+154.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>This is actually the second time we've been to a place similar to this, and I am always amazed with what they can do to hair! And, AB has that baby fine hair! </div><br /><div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339151343317205554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicnjanrAWD57JZYCv26iO5yaZ1eLlV5RVCb6WvqrVV-Sc0pjsAXGcSWR2IBt3ZLI_qbfKwNBytpeFY8WEB9xNJPJWs3nHuCeL27WCjX2hpxbyyMSCN4yEGiSYdhPtRCJZyivRCOucu3Vg/s320/Summer+08+114.jpg" border="0" />This picture is from the last time we went to a place like this. That's her friend Courtney, another younger sister from Bryant's travel baseball team.<br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339148864127673442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGPBdjG4Vso5zWPve32aNxaAwkvgrMVwArYFupTqh8MB2OuEMywpDN_SugHm2Nen3lEOy9ofhHlXqECNIm4Th7NrzSF3Jzcu1x_WZZYyKXH-3HKKcc34TEUrIdIpc6mTbDWH8hTSDyQu8/s320/Spring+09+158.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>This is officially Bryant's cat, Sammy. She was named after Sammy Sosa - a Cubs player whose questionable use of drugs was not known at the time! </div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339152154180826450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7aAk0ZKJddL8J98y3EMo-CqtFeI01XUZkfiukcrgP4AKQlNPf1-2F-Y85afSorb4WOre91vFZFGonUVKU-XzTVpvJLSprWzE0oNAL9ZR0mlpJsszB9jjMaqUKk6DpNLxyi_UqMOibqpo/s320/Spring+09+150.jpg" border="0" /> <div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339151774806534242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjlERYxQikrZ7dCWszYGBVN9sPQE3pNTri3qzNgR44cyO2ruuD3wwZAjaONP5RjFGHxKSA88_EONRjB8DSm_UAVovBLaHMkHY1MiuGnAO_IwY-VNDdaAQY83xPwg6bDOiIM8HBTRJTBk/s320/Spring+09+156.jpg" border="0" /> Sammy has a love/hate relationship with AB. She knows AB is most likely to do this to her.<br /><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339149575159184274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-3OPc3gHFrCfytVkcEXu5mcWTI495N9Puu3OGUG6DKwsU69mB6JzCa2QR1hwnj3J5hsMlzxiQ5Fgqm1hzfffMGKmW5bOd1EklR9fc-9CWjaMYJtOdQWJunBxVuCWOepbZymaj9SC13Q0/s320/Spring+09+163.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>But at the end of the day, Sammy loves AB as much as AB loves her -- I think. </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>René Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231781564711845961noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050972342042495340.post-19396482460351482832009-05-23T11:55:00.002-04:002009-05-23T12:06:27.758-04:00Theology Questions of the WeekHere are a couple of the questions I have been asked by my 10 and 7 year olds in the past week. <br /><br />1. Why did Jesus descend into hell? (As in the Apostles' Creed) I think the question was really if Jesus, who was perfect, went to hell, what chance do I have to escape the same fate. I explained that Jesus was not sent to an eternal hell and conquered Satan even in death, but it got me thinking about the theology of this statement. <br /><br />2. I don't get how God said "Let there be light," and there just was light. I don't get that. I explained that no one understands the science of this, and this is where faith comes in. I explained that some people who don't believe God created the world think that it all happend in some kind of big bang. We talked about how this didn't make a lot of sense either. Faith is believing even when things aren't easily understood. <br /><br />3. Ann Bennett is really working on controlling her thoughts. She has been struggling with passing judgements about people she sees at school -- so and so is fat, he's not very smart, her hair is ugly, etc. We have talked about how Jesus asks us to take our thoughts captive and work on thinking about people as He sees them. Every day she gets in the car and says she is still working on it. One day in the past 2 weeks, she was so excited because she had a "good" day - meaning she didn't have any of these thoughts. I've explained it takes a lot of practice and prayer to do this, but I've had a hard time actually telling her this is probably something she'll be working on her whole life! That might not be very motivating. <br /><br />So, those are a few of the theological conversations we've been having recently in our house. Who knew I needed to have my theology straight for conversations with my elementary school aged children! It's amazing how much we learn from our kids.René Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231781564711845961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050972342042495340.post-72561530904806465832009-05-21T10:35:00.002-04:002009-05-21T10:52:52.885-04:00Working OutCarey and I met at a gym. He worked there (and worked out there), and I worked out for a couple hours a day at the time. I didn't know anybody in town except for the people I worked with, and they all had families. Anyway, about a lifetime ago, I worked out a lot - WE worked out a lot. Then, most of my friends at the gym moved or had children. Carey quit working at the gym and started appraising, and we had children. Our time in the gym essentially dwindled down to none. For the past 2 years, our membership has even been frozen. <br /><br />But, then I found out about this contest where 6 people were going to win 8 weeks of personal training 4-5 times a week. I applied, but I was not selected. But, they gave everyone who applied a temporary membership to the gym, a class just for those of us not chosen on Saturday mornings and a special rate for personal training. So, I'm at least working out for now. <br /><br />I've been to the Saturday classes the past 2 weeks, and they are really good. But, you can recover in a week! I was kind of thinking, I could do the Biggest Loser (except for the weighing in wearing a bra and bike shorts!). I've done everything she asked. Yes, it hurts, but I've done it. This week personal training started. We went Tuesday and did part of a spin class, followed by a a bazillion plié squats, then ran up and down the 4 sets of steps throughout the gym. Let me just say I could barely walk yesterday. Then, I went back today, and she made me run (to be fair, it was only a couple of short intervals, but still), squat some more, and do those dadgum stairs -- among other things! I'm developing a better understanding for the people on the Biggest Loser. When Jillian is yelling at them to run and let go, I've always thought I'd never be able to do it. Now, I know I'd fall off -- never mind throwing up! At least my trainer is more reasonable than that. I guess I kind of deserve this after taking such bad care of my body for so many years! Baby steps. Baby steps!René Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231781564711845961noreply@blogger.com1