Catching Up

Although I haven't blogged lately, we definitely haven't stopped living here - quite the contrary actually! I have lots to share and I don't know where to start! So, I think I will do a "review style" post for my memory and to keep any readers I have apprised of our goings ons.

The first graduation attended was that of my mom's private kindergarten class. All of her

grandkids (and daughters) came to join in on the picnic at a local park. I was so proud of my mom and the ministry she created 26 years ago...a private preschool at her church. She added the kindergarten 2 years ago when she retired from public ed. It was a blessing to watch all the little kids in the program singing, "He's got the whole world in His hands..."
In the picture above, she has all my girls in her hands (if not physically, definitely emotionally)

Then Daphne graduated from preschool herself!

Even as her mom, it's a toss up of who's cuter - Daphne or her teacher Mrs. Thompson!

Daphne and a great pal/classmate/carpoolee.

Some girlfriends out for a morning hike and reflective time.

Not the best picture of me, but a great memory made that day!

This is my friend, Candi - - how could I resist this picture, and then sharing!

Pink is her "signature" color:)

Side Note - I know a few Candi's now....and they all have red hair.

First ever block party - a rockin success!

How adorable and special is this picture for the albums??!!!!

If I was writing more about this activity, I would press you to do the same

in your neighborhoods. It's an endangered pasttime...but we found that it was enjoyable,

appreciated, and really valuable.

Softball is my favorite thing about life right now. Can you

by Maisie's dirt smeared face, that I'm not the only one enjoying it???!!!

I love that we all are PLAYING outside.

A better picture of our girl - she really doesn't have buck teeth - yet, anyway!

Today I caught a ball that was crushed out to the outfield and right into my glove.

Since it may never happen again, I decided to do a little victory dance.

I couldn't help myself and everyone seemed to enjoy it too:)

A New Endeavor

This year when Mike said he had been asked to play softball on our church's summer coed team, I had a choice to make. Either I stay at home with the kids, like the whole rest of my week, OR I join in on the fun. The latter seemed the best idea...but definitely involved (and still involves some fear). You see, I have never played, except for pe and in the backyard at my Grandparent's house with my brother and boy cousins...and that was with a wiffle ball and fat bat. But, tonight we had our first game. I hit the ball on the first pitch each of the three times I got up to bat. The first pitch I made it to first, and then someone else got me all the way to home. There was some major cheering happening by my fellow players and mostly inside my beating heart! The other times I got OUT, but at least I made contact, eh?!

I was SO nervous, but I think this is going to be fun! The girls have really been enjoying their time playing with all the kids during practice and even during the game today!

It's definitely better than being at home, while everyone else is out having a "ball"! (sorry, had to say it!) Even if I am not super star softball player - it's a lesson in bravery and go-for-it-ness!

Look at our fancy uniforms - I even have a #!

Talking about that fear...I hurt my finger really bad at my first practice -

I was warming up with the coach, of all people...and I this finger got totally smashed.

If I had been practicing with Mike, I would have hit the ground in pain, but I just shook it off and whined later at home!

It's almost back to normal now. Just my first sports battle wound!

Just Ruby

Don't we all know if Ruby had been our first child, there would be a lot more pictures of just Ruby. But she's a lucky girl with two sisters who adore her and share in most of her pictures. Still, I have to remember to capture her alone - as she grows up right before our loving eyes.

This was Daphne's dress, then Maisie's dress, and now Ruby's. It's one of the

rare "hand me downs" that I still adore! (cute on all girls, it will go in Maisie's special box - see her 2 year old b-day post and you will know why!)

Always smiling little girl...mommy is now deciding between cutting your bangs again or letting them grow...
You inherited some of my curls, at least for now!
Age: 17 months
A new top from good ole Target...although I am making you wear

so many worn out play clothes, all girls need something brand new every once in awhile!