Tigers

Treyton's favorite sport is baseball.  Even though neither Bryce nor I was into it, the boy has it in his blood.  I know my grandpa was a terrific baseball player, and I remember Bryce telling me his was too.  So I guess it skipped a generation but the boy is pretty good.

 His team was the Tigers this year.

 Treyton had to learn positions this year.  At the beginning of the season he kept running to the ball no matter where it landed on the field.  Then he'd scoop it up and throw it to 1st base.  Some kids just stood there.  Even if it landed right in front of them.  I would've been one of those kids.

 By the end of the season he had the positioning down.  He liked playing short stop and the pitcher's position. 

We've observed that he's not big into contact sports (just like his mom and dad) but he loves being part of the action.

I think coaches of Little League should have a special place in heaven!  The coach, PJ, was amazingly patient, encouraging, and organized.  Best coach we've had yet!  They really learned things this year.  And recently, we saw PJ again at Treyton's school for kindergarten.  His son is in Treyton's class!

Someday I'm sure I'll be able to watch all of a practice or game.

But I had two little ladies to keep track of as well.  Ones with lots of spunk and energy.

So I showed them how to roll down the hill.

That kept them busy for almost a whole practice.

Then there was this amazing park near by.  Not close enough for them to be off by themselves, however much they tried.  A constant temptation.

 We passed it to and from each practice and game and, if time allowed, I'd let them play a little.

One thing I love about T-ball season is how it turns Bryce into a shameless sports hero.

This year he taught Treyton how to practice throwing at a pillow target.

It was pretty cute when Daisy dog went after the fly balls.

The season is over now but I know will be back again next year.  So until then....

Summertime

I love it.

 

Kids sitting in a messy house reading books.  The only thing that would be better is if they were sitting in a clean house reading books.

I am starting to lose have lost control over the house but with a little darlin' like this, I'm beginning to not care.

At least as much.

Because, as I keep trying to tell myself, in the big scheme of things, does it really matter how clean the toilets are, how much floor you can see in the kids' rooms, and how much clean laundry is put away?

Summer has come to an end now that school has started.  Back in MN it was unheard of to start before Labor Day.  But out here in Colorado, they start at the height of the dog days of summer.

We've had a pretty good summer despite my expanding belly and decreasing energy levels.

We filled up the kiddie pool a few times.  Galina enjoyed her "parasol".

Treyton enjoyed being a superhero that could shoot water.

Brielle just liked helping out.

And going with the flow with her usual happy disposition.

Let the games begin!

You've gotta have the sprinkler going as well as the pool.  And a shield to protect against getting wet.

How many hours did I spend running through sprinklers growing up?  I swear I was out there all day.  With a faded, stretched out bathing suit at the end of the summer to show for it.

Soaking wet on a hot summer day is pure bliss when you're a kid.

And a fluffy pink tutu type bathing suit to top it off.

Happy summer, y'all!

Book Review - We Shall See God

We Shall See God is a collection of writings and sermons from the esteemed theologian, Charles Spurgeon.  The author, Randy Alcorn, has taken great care to translate those writings into modern English without disrupting the original meaning of the text/sermon.  Randy Alcorn then goes on to expound on Spurgeon’s thoughts with his own insights, research, applications, and inspirational ideas.

This book is absolutely fabulous!  I’ve never read Spurgeon before and found his fresh and honest thoughts on death, life, the afterlife, and heaven to be truly comforting and, dare I say, exciting.  Many of my preconceptions about heaven were changed.  And I’ve been a Christian all my life!  After reading this book I no longer feel as apprehensive about the transition from this present life to eternal life.  Alcorn did an excellent job piggy-backing on Spurgeon’s thoughts yet creating his own distinct insights.  I would consider Alcorn an expert on the subject of Heaven as is evident in his research and multiple writings on the subject.  Because of that, he was able to take the extensive sermons and writings of Spurgeon, categorize them, and organize them into small “chapters”, and make the theology easy to read and understand.  I definitely recommend this book.

I was given this book to review from Tyndale Publishing.  The opinions are all my own.  I was not paid to do this review.

Treyton's Last Day of Pre-K

Treyton had a program for his last day of pre-K.

 They started it out how they start out their class, with the pledge.

 I love hearing little ones say "indivisible".

 Then they sang songs like this one, "Shake a Friend's Hand".

 They recited poems.

 Each kid was asked what they liked best about the year.

 My boy said reading books!  The teacher in me leaped for joy!!!!  Now if I could only get him to be excited to try to read at home.  We've got to practice, kid, don't you know?!?!

 Knowing him, he'll really start to read when he's ready.  And it includes something about science.

 The last song they did was a tear jerker.  It was something about never forgetting you, loving you forever.  These kids are all off to kindergarten next year going their different ways.  I don't think I'll ever get over the sadness of the end of the school year.

 Here are his AMAZING teachers.  On the left is Miss Kendra, the assistant teacher.  The lady on the right is Miss Debi.  She is so enthusiastic about kids' learning it makes me feel humbled to be in her presence.  She's very good at what she does, needless to say.

 And the class photo.

 With their silly faces.

 Just me and my boy!

Galina's Last Day of Preschool

On the last day of Galina's preschool, the kids put on a program for us.

 They said the pledge, recited poems, and sang songs

 And recited more poems.

 And sang more songs.

Brielle and Treyton were able to watch her as well.

And give each other zurbits.

 Here's Miss Galina getting her certificate with the lead teacher, Miss Yuma.

 Then to the assistant Miss Nan for a super summertime send-off package.

 This woman, Miss Yuma, was so patient and kind.  She was just what Galina needed as she joined the class half way through the year due to our move.

And Miss Nan did a great job loving on Galina too.

 Me and my babes, see how they grow!?!