Time Flies....

So I did not realize how long it had been since the last post. Not much has happened in the past week, and yet it has been crazy busy.
Softball games are just about every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, so that has been time-consuming. We are playing SO much better than last year. Won our game Monday night due to a forfeit, but hey, a win's a win. :) We scrimmaged the other team and had some good practice time. I have been in a bit of a slump since the first game, but the game last night seemed to be a good omen for the future. Just concentrating and getting my glove down really seem to help. Although everybody on the team is super supportive, one guy has really been encouraging and helpful with pointers. It makes a huge difference to know that somebody has faith in me. Anyway, doubleheader tomorrow (Thursday) night, and any and all fans are encouraged to come cheer us on!

Piano and guitar lessons continue to go well. Had two new students begin this evening, which was exciting. Both were girls I had taught at Grace, which makes it easier to get going. Loving the guitar lessons, even though it is a bit of a stretch for me. It's good to get out of my comfort zone and make myself learn new things. It's way too easy to get stuck in a pattern and never try new things or think outside the box. But sometimes after the leap, I wonder why I did not go for it sooner. Other times, though..... :) At any rate, lessons are encouraging to see how students are progressing. Plus, the extra income helps out.

The boys enjoyed seeing "Granny O" (my Mom) last weekend and hanging out with her some. They are so funny about their garden, which is next door at Grandmom's house. They have almost daily updates as to what is ready to pick and what all they have eaten out of it - tomatoes, beans, and okra. Drew has also developed a fascination with exterminating Georgia Thumpers. He's quite bloodthirsty with it. Both of the boys have an obsession with Indiana Jones at the moment, too, so they are constantly pretending to wield bullwhips and rescue people. Funniest thing is, they have only seen commercials and toys for him. If I can figure out how, want to post a clip of them dancing. That is something that the three of us enjoy doing, and it is priceless. Have not done much swimming lately, but hope to soon.

Last Saturday evening, we went down to Steve's parents for a birthday shindig for Rachel and Nick. Mom fixed an awesome meal, and we ate and talked and hung out. It was so nice to be able to see the family and spend a little bit of time catching up with them, especially with Rachel's surgery on Monday. The boys were great, just rather talkative. Nothing unusual, though.

Tonight, after piano lessons, I went by the bowling alley to see some of my students who were there for a youth activity. It's funny how much I miss talking to them and seeing them. Got to talk to a few of them, but would really like to be able to get together and spend more time with them. One of the girls and I got in a conversation about preparing and looking toward the future. She has dreams and high hopes for a music career. So many people simply tell kids, you can't do that, it's too hard, etc. But you know, I've kinda reached the conclusion that is why a lot of people are unhappy. They get comfortable and never dare to dream or to reach for the stars. The daily grind starts wearing on them, and life becomes stale. I think that we should plan wisely for the future, but yet give ourselves room to reach some of those goals that may seem kind of out there. We should strive for excellence, no matter what we do. Think of how different life would be if there were not people who attempted "the impossible" and then achieved it. It's time for some good people to stand up and make a positive impact on the world. Or for those people to just do something that may be a personal victory. Whatever the case may be, never give up on your dreams, but don't lose sight of reality at the same time.

Right now, one of my big dreams is the trip to Veracruz for language school this summer. It's looking more and more like a possibility, but still would like to find some extra ways to make some money. We have come up with a few ideas, but I would like to have a bigger cushion than we are currently seeing. Got some stuff to sell on Craigslist/newspaper and would like to play piano for weddings/parties, but those are limited opportunities. If anyone has ideas, pleas pass them on. :)

Well, have rambled long enough. Until next time.

Summer is here!

It is like an oven outside the past couple of days. Add to that the gnats, and it is officially summertime in SW Georgia!

We started up softball games last night. This should be a great season for the Port City Life Savers. We have improved a whole lot from last season and played really well last night after settling down. I actually hit well in a game which was a pleasant surprise. Seems like batting practice goes stellar and then I choke in games. But last night, hit leadoff (yikes) and went 3 for 4. Whoohoo! :) We have so much fun and there are great people on the team. It's nice to be with people who don't get attitudes when a play is missed. We truly play to have fun and to do our best. Wins are not real common, but that does not bother me, which is weird. Guess when you are around the right people, just being there is what matters. The rest is just icing on the cake.

Summer also equals swimsuit season. That is a truly terrifying thought for most women, myself included. Makes me wish I had not been slack about eating right and exercising here lately, but thankfully have not been too bad. Have started dieting and lost 3 pounds this week. Still a ways to go before the swimsuit looks really good, but have not gotten harpooned yet. :) Steve is working on dieting too, and lost a whopping 6.5 pounds this week. We went to an aerobics class tonight at the Y. The instructor, who is lovingly nicknamed Hitler, kicked our hineys. Thankfully, I thought it started at 6:15, and it actually started at 6. That extra 15 minutes might have done us in. It was a lot of fun and intense. It's nice to be able to exercise together. It helps both of us to keep on going.

Drew has been maturing so quickly the past year. What a blessing to watch him grow up. I had to take him with me to piano lessons today, and he sat still and quiet in the corner while I taught. He was so incredibly good. Ben is so much more easier to discipline and has a more approachable attitude. People are drawn to him. Drew is harder to deal with a lot of times, but can be so much fun and interesting to talk with. It's funny how two kids with the same parents and mostly similar raising can be so different. Each of them is special and unique and my world would just not be the same without them.

Anyway, not much else happening. Still trying to see if the Mexico trip could actually happen this year. I really want to, but it's going to cost a lot of dinero. :) What would be really awesome is to go and scope it all out, and then take a small group down there for a one week language camp during Christmas or Spring break. We shall see. Well, the bed is calling. Hope everyone is well. Will try to post something again in a day or two.

Pool Adventures and iThirst

On Wednesday, we went to our friends' house to go swim for the first time this year. This is usually a bit nerve-wracking, since Ben is a daredevil and wants to jump in without any floaties and Drew is scared of water that is over his head. Wednesday, however, Drew for the first time EVER jumped off the diving board and did not require an adult holding his hand the entire time. I have never been prouder of him. He took a huge step in conquering his fears and just going for it. He was so much fun to watch. Ben continued in his daredevil ways. :) They cannonballed and splashed and had a blast. Everyone for the first time was able to enjoy the evening at the pool. One giant leap for our family!

Tonight, Steve and I got to go to iThirst, which was a rally of sorts, with Christian music and a salvation presentation. In addition to the great music, the movie clips and drama were very thought-provoking. Makes you stop and think about how you are living and how many people are searching for something to fill the void in their lives. Even knowing Jesus, I struggle with things constantly. I cannot begin to imagine how someone with no hope can cope with the obstacles in life. Also, the iThirst team is taking a trip to Honduras to share the message and music. That would be such a thrill - music, Spanish, and sharing the message of Jesus. Could not get much better! :)

Well, that's today's two cents. Looking forward to a relaxing, great weekend with the family. :)

So for the inaugural post, just wanted to share a little about today. The boys and I went to the park and fed the emus. Got some great pictures of them. It's amazing how fast they grow up. They are so much fun to be around, although they can wear me out in no time. We played Letter Bingo and snuggled some too. Those are some of the sweetest times.

This evening I had softball practice, which was tiring, but productive. It's amazing how cathartic it can be to smack the snot out of the ball.... :) Looks like I will be playing first base. Makes me a little nervous, but excited at the same time. We'll see how it goes as the season progresses.

Looking forward to doing the blog thing. Hopefully it will be a great way to stay in touch with friends and family.

Anyway, that was about it. Nothing too momentous, just another full day.