Well, Ryan has just finished up his baseball camp for this season.  This year, he was fortunate enough to attend the Doug Flynn camp at a local privately owned sports complex.  Doug brought in some friends to help him...former MLB pitcher, Scott Sanderson; Lexington Legends Freddy Ortiz.  There were some other MLB stars that dropped in but I was unable to get photos since I wasn't there.  Ryan enjoyed the experience, even got his baseball cards autographed.  He came home each day exhausted....today he even got a shower as soon as he walked in the door.  Of course, he finished up the day by playing with his friends in the neighborhood...going from bike riding, to roller blading to playing chase.  He's lucky to have been able to participate in the camp and I certainly hope he carries some of what he learned from these guys onto the field when he begins to play again soon.

 

THANKS TO ALL THOSE PROFESSIONALS WHO TOOK TIME OUT TO COACH THESE BOYS and TO THE OTHERS WHO ORGANIZED IT!!!

WOW!  Can you believe it's JULY already??  I can't.  Seems this year has flown by.  Tomorrow is a special day for American's and I hope everyone tries to spend it with family and celebrate the FREEDOM you have... SAFELY.  As for me and my family, we will be enjoying a WONDERFUL annual event sponsored by a rather large employer here in town and end the evening with fireworks.  I'm sure I'll get photos.

 

To begin July off, on Monday, our family finished up our letterboxing, sponsored by our local library.  Letterboxing is a really neat thing to do as a family, along the same lines as geocaching, which we ALSO get into, but easier.  Our letterboxing adventures took us to a variety of historical locations around town, like Camp Nelson, High Bridge Park, Wilmore Park, a.k.a. Icthus Grounds and even a few public parks like Lake Mingo and Riney B (named after the old railroad).  We ended our letterboxing journey at Valley View Ferry...one of the OLDEST ferries still running.  Ran by the state of Kentucky and very beautiful grounds.  We sat on the hiltop at the historical flood markers watching the ferry and wild life.  We thought about taking the ferry into neighboring Richmond; but the line to get across was long and we had to get our letterboxing back to the library for the prize drawing.

 

Our geocaching took us to most of those same locations; but on a much harder hunt for hidden treasure/trinkets.  All in all, our family spent weekend into Monday, reading our GPS's, documenting our finds and taking pictures of interesting points we traveled.  Most of our journey was done on Monday while folks worked and we enjoyed a day together.

 

Check out the photo albums... and I hope you get out with your family and enjoy the historical places that surround you!!

....so I was told in college.  I thought long and hard about that saying when the professor told me....and you know what, HE IS RIGHT!! <God rest his soul>.  ANYWAY......  things have changed for the Simpson household.  Lemme see....

 

I FINALLY quit my job at Michaels.... why?  Well, it was turning into a FULL TIME job that wasn't paying me to even show up.  The cost of gas alone was killing me.  Furthermore, since the manager that hired me is on maternity leave (and probably NOT returning), the interrum managers had a problem with me bringing the kids.  They didn't appear happy when I showed up with them in tow.  Retail is NOT a career for me.  It was making me a VERY BITTER old woman and I honestly believe that patch of gray in the front of my head....was the job!!  I also realized that since I spent allll day creating at work I was NEVER in a mood to spend time in MY OWN creating corner....the wonderful craft room my DH and I had made for me was collecting dust.  I knew it was time to go. 

 

SO...WHAT NEXT YOU ASK?

 

Well, I've talked it over with DH and if I can get a job in the school system back in my educated field...it would be ideal.  We live about 10 minutes from all of the schools here in the county so the gas to/from won't kill us.  Heck..it takes 7 minutes to get out of our neighborhood!!  I've had two interviews...the first job was a 365 day job...I am looking to work like a teacher does...when kids are in school and off summers....so, the second interview I had this week was JUST THAT.  I hope I get it...it's entry level but the pay is DOUBLE what I was making at Michaels and benefits of course.  I won't know until Friday...uggh!!  I hope it works out.  The lady, that will be my supervisor, and I hit it off...turns out she has relatives living in Easley and has spent some vacation time in/around Seneca...she thought it was nice to meet someone from there and we shared some thoughts about how pretty the lakes are.  We did most of the talking while waiting on the Principal and Asst. Principal to get their act together....so maybe she'll influence the decision and I'll have the job.  PRAYER is all I ask for now!!

 

DH is getting back into the swing of his Guard duties.  He flew a mission on Monday....was gone all day....got home around 7 that night.  Outside of that..he's working and coming home. 

 

Kids...they are fine.  We've been participating in the "Summer Reading Program" at our local library.  They have managed to read a TON of books in the last 20+/- days.  Besides reading...they've been enjoying their new friends in the neighborhood... riding bikes, playing baseball, hide-n-go seek, whatever....until dark.  It's not unusual for us to be rounding them up at 9:30 each night.  The other day, their Uncle, Aunt and cousins, that lives closer to the front of the subdivision, drove by on their Mule...asked if they'd like to go riding with them and they were having too much fun with friends to go...usually they hop on and go.  I'm glad they enjoy being home.  I do too. 

 

When we think back at all the changes our family has made since August 2005...it's amazing.  We survived my DH deployment to Iraq, his return, moving twice in the past year and job changes.  All in all... NOTHING IS CONSTANT BUT CHANGE.  We were nervous about the moving...afraid the kids would "suffer"...but it feels good to look out in the yard or in the court and see my DS playing with boys his own age and getting along.  They actually come looking for him...and that makes all of it worth while.

 

WELL..I'm off.  Today looks overcast...so I might focus on the garage today, all the toys/sports equipment is spread out everywhere...

 

TTUL

Thanks for Reading

CraftyCass

Well, the kids are out of school and sporting events are coming to a screaching halt.  Camps are starting soon and when Fall arrives; Soccer will be in full swing.  We'll also be juggling baseball in the Fall...since my boy is moving up a league; he has to play in the Fall.

 

So..while we've finally had some down time...we've actually gotten to enjoy being in our NEW home.  The kids are tearing up the court riding bikes, playing basketball, skating (on Heely's) or just playing and finding new fields to play in.  Recently, we couldn't hear a kid one from the court so my DH went looking for them...found them chasing a rabbit into the nearby farm.  It was funny, yet scary...sudden silence of nearly 8 kids worries any parent.  They just got caught up in getting that rabbit.

 

I usually sit on the porch, read a book or mess with my new camera.  I'm still trying to learn all the features of my Nikon SLR camera and trust me...reading a manual is boring...so I just pull it out and experiement.  Heck...it's not like I'm wasting film!!  I shot some photos of the kids using my FISH-EYE lens attached to the 18-55mm lens.  They were interesting!!  I also got some action shots of DD riding her bike.  Of course, the kids are so use to a camera in their faces...asking them to pose is NO BIGGIE to them.  I got a REALLY great close up of them and they actually look like they care for eachother. (Check the MESSIN' AROUND photo album)

 

Well, today is Wednesday, June 20th.  Tonight is the SUDDEN DEATH tournament game for our boys...after a near win on Sunday (Father's Day); it would be WONDERFUL if they could pull an upset and take out the #2 team in the league.  It's weird....the boys are 2nd from bottom and they draw the #2 from top team for tournament....a team that A) is managed by the league President, B) is stacked with kids who are on and have been on the ALL*STARS, and of course, C) has beaten our boys three times...does not sound like a true matchup for tournament if you ask me.  Heck...after watching the CWS (college world series) elimination games...I'm even more convinced these teams are unevenly matched.

 

NO MATTER WHAT.... I wish 'em luck and have been praying hard for them to pull off a win.  I hope that the few boys that usually come with bad attitudes show up and want to kick butt....we need them to believe in winning or at least show they tried.

 

-Cass

Funny how I forgot to mention THIS game...

 

On Thursday, June 14...the Reds hosted the Cubs in a regular season game.  First time the two teams had met on the field...well, they met once but the Cub got one hit and had runner on base and game was called due to weather.  ANYWAY!!! 

 

A team that was known to be aggressive baserunners...as was most of the teams so long as they could get on base.  The #1 problem most of the teams have in this league is pitching...kids just cannot seem to pitch.  In our case, we don't have that many pitchers on the team.  We have two that are good enough for starting pitcher...and a few others that could be relief pitchers that MIGHT throw a lucky strike or two depending on the homeplate umpire and the strike zone.  Ryan is one of those relief pitchers (RP).  ANYWAY.....as soon as they were given a base...they took off for second.  It was horrible watching that happen to the boys and no matter how much they tried to hustle back to the mound with the ball..it never worked.  Ryan was catcher.  Our homeplate umpire was one that we'd had before that was QUICK to yell at the crowd if we shouted out any disagreement in his calls.  YES...these umpires today are HORRIBLE..they are all thin skinned.  Because of all the IDIOTS parents out there that like to get into fist fights and what not during kids' games...our umpires have been given the "POWER" to throw any spectator or coach out of the game or out of the park ENTIRELY if they don't like our outbursts!!  Needless to say...we still disagree....and they yell.  Tonight was NO EXCEPTION!  The best..and most talked about was...the umpire yelled INFIELD FLY as our short stop was attempting to make a play on a ball that was falling just behind him in the grass.  We were immediately confused but we'd take that call...the boys had NO idea what the ump was saying and continued to play the game while the ump yelled "TIME" walked towards third base all the while runners were running by him... Ryan got the ball...stood flat footed on the plate and made a BEAUTIFUL tag on a runner sliding into home who missed it by about 6" ...he was about 6" outside the plate towards our side...the ump had his back to the plate and as our parents starting YELLING about it...the other coach was saying he was safe...then...when the ump realized he made a premature judgement on the "infield fly" he gave them the three runs that came in!!!  YES!!!  NO..Ryan didn't get credit for the out!!  Ryan was FURIOUS!!  Later, the ump wouldn't get out of his way on a wild pitch..Ryan was hunting for a ball that hit the umps foot and took a jet like path to the fence and lodged under it...Ryan screamed "TIME" and in come a run before he could get the ball and return to make the play.  Ryan lost it at that point...he jerked his helmet on....and under it I could tell he was crying.  His left arm got stiff as he clinched his fist in anger...then he plopped down into position and when the ball got to him he threw it with steam back to the pitcher.  He later settled down and managed to take down one or two at homeplate.  Later...on a walk, our pitcher was on the mound...ball in hand and before anyone knew it..the runner was advancing to second.  He'd actually gotten almost 1/2 way when the pitcher took the mound...I blurted out... "he wasn't 1/2 way...pitcher was on mound"..the ump turned towards me and yelled, "that rule does not apply"... WHAT!?!?!?      GIVE ME A FREAKING BREAK!!! The runner got TWO bases on a walk!!!  The umpire LET it happen!!!  Then...to our surprise...right in the middle of our pitching to a batter....game was called due to the 2 hour 15 minute rule that THIS particular umpire had gotten enforced....because he refused to umpire another 3 hour game for the small pay he receives (so that is what we were told!!).  Of course...the parents were like, "what!!! in the middle of pitching...you call game!!".... and I and another dad were talking about that idiotic call as the umpire walked by...he heard us and immediately looked at me and said, "you need to learn the rules of baseball"... I took a step back...looked around the shoulder of who I was talking to and said, "are you talking to ME??!"... then he approached me...yelling that "he had the power to throw me out for the rest of the season...blah blah blah blah!!" I held my hand up and said, "I wasn't even talking to you...the game is over and you ain't got no reason to be in my face".  I wish I had said, "I know the rules....at least I know what an infield fly is!!"..   He continued and I said, "you just need to move on...I WAS not talking to you!!"

 

I truly think umpires (in our league) have been given TOOOOO much power!!  Heck..to top it off, none of them are even certified umpires...nor have they had background checks.  One of them, we know of, has been arrested already this season for terroristic threatening and Lord knows what else.  I hate that someone gave them the power when I bet half of them can't even control themselves in society.  Furthermore....if I could just "WALK AWAY" when I was ready to at the end of my "paying" shift....that would be so nice!! To cheat the boys of being able to finish what they started is totally unfair.  Seems our boys struggle for the first 1/2 of the game...then the games are called. What few times we've finished a game...they've turned on just after about 1/2....and while they might not win..they play hard!!!  Needless to say....if you are going to be an umpire.... have THICK SKIN!!!!  Give me a freaking break!!  Yelling at umpires is a tradition in baseball and football....the football umpires get the "REPLAY" to make things right... baseball does not have "REPLAY".... THANK GOD!!!!!  Really...there are some really wild calls out there and we'd be playing for 4 hours if there was "REPLAY" in baseball.

 

OK.. I'm off my soap box!!! I have no pictures for this game..it was dark and I didn't want to flash the camera and distract the boys....EVEN THOUGH the other coach was doing it...I didn't!!

 

Gooooooood night (for me it's 11:40...we have a game at noon on Sunday!!)

OK...today was definitely a UNIQUE day for the Cub(bies)....they first took the field at 12:30.  The Red Sox was hosting the Cubs in what was sure to be a good game for both teams.  Having played them before, we had confidence in the Cubs taking them.  Unfortunately, a series of HORRIBLE calls, umpires getting ugly and screaming at coaches for asking about calls (and YES they truly ASKED..they wanted to know if a ball that was hit rolling ON THE LINE down first base, hits the base and pops up and over is foul....)... BTW.. ump called it fair.  The Red Sox scored several runs on that call....we still feel it was foul.  The boys had no idea if there was a play...so coaches were asking.  Then, as the ump walked away from his rant with coaches...he pointed out to the stands and shouted to ALL of the parents saying he throw all of us out too if we said another word.  Mind you..the crowd wasn't in that fight.  The Red Sox maybe hit the ball twice...maybe three times...but no more than five...and managed to score 20 runs on walks and stolen bases...they were stealing when our pitcher was returning to the mound, they were getting walked to first and taking off before the pitcher could get set to steal second.  All mind games that prove my theory... baseball is about 90% mental and 10% physical.  Our pitchers were exhausted...they tried and they hung in there...but all in all, the boys were all moving in slow motion.  Even Ryan wasn't playing his best game.  Our best hitters were striking out but we did have a few surprise hitters who managed to hit and score a run...a complete shut out was NOT in the cards for the Red Sox today!!  Final score... 20 - 1 Red Sox

 

At 5:30, the Cubs were hosting the Reds...second game this week...this time Cubs were home team.  On the field were a few changes...our normal starting pitcher was behind the plate as catcher, Ryan was on third, our regular short stop/outfielder was pitching and another was in short stop.  The boys started off looking really good.  As if they had taken the few hours after the first game to refuel and find their game.  Ryan played AWESOME on third...stopping a few balls and firing them to home to prevent scoring runs.  He 'could have had' a double play had he noticed the runner coming towards him he could have tagged and still thrown, but later...he said he forgot the runner and was focusing on getting that run.  All in all, his first time at third was really good.  He was the key player in two outs at the top of the inning.  Later, he would return to catching...tired...and having had the score run up on them...they were losing their game faces.  Later, the third batter (usually pitcher) ripped one over the short stops head into left field..it rolled by the left fielder and not only did he score but so did the batter in front of him.  A two run in the park homerun!!!  Just the shot in the arm the Cubs needed.  Later, our weak hitters (the ones that usually strike out or get walked) managed to really turn on and one got a double on a hit right down the inside of the third baseline bouncing into the outfield!!  Next, one of our batters was hit with a wild pitch..while the coaches were checking him, the Reds' pitcher retreated to the dugout to cry over it...and when our runner was given his base...the Red's were screaming for a short stop (the short stop had taken pitching mound).  The pitcher returned and of course, Ryan was up to bat.  He didn't get a hit...he watched too many good pitches go by.  The game highlight was when the Reds had bases loaded, batter hit an infield fly...the outfield umpire somewhat yelled "INFIELD FLY - BATTER OUT" as the runners took off anyway...our first baseman attempted to make a play on the fly ball...was hit by the runner retreating to first..causing our player to miss the catch..the ball bounced and hit the runner.  Meanwhile, the two runners ahead of him had advanced home...of course, the coaches and umpires met over that call and it resulted in two outs...batter and runner for interference...  YES!! Cubs got a chance to bat and managed to end the game with 5 runs on the board... game was won by Reds... 15 - 5.

 

Sunday, YES, FATHER'S DAY...the boys are playing their last season game.  A makeup from last week rainout....vs the Yankees.  We've heard there's been some "smack talking" from the Yankees about the Cubs...apparently, they look at the Cubs as being "fat and slow"...they can't see that the Cubs are the shortest and thinnest stature team in the league.  We have a few 'big' boys...but all in all, mostly very skinny bean poles.

 

OH WELL...kids can be cruel and parents allow it.  I don't understand why the parents promote that kind of talk.  Well, that is all for today....

 

LET'S GO CUBS!!!!

Today, the Cubs took the field against the Giants for the LAST time.  Of course, the last meeting was VERY ugly and parents were ready to walk if we had to.  The Cubs struggled ... our pitching is not as strong as othe teams...and gave up about 6 runs in the first 2 innings.  Ryan made the first out, taking down a boy attempting to steal home.  He actually took down 2 runs coming in and assisted an out at third base.  The Giants only scored on stealing.  They had maybe 5 hits the entire game.  By the middle of the 4th inning; the Cubs had decreased the score gap to about 1/2 then the Giants got a triple that scored two to bring the game to a 10 run spread.  They were at risk of calling the game because of the point spread, but the Cubs were at bat and managed to score more runs and began closing in.  The Giants switched pitchers, they had switched 4 total the entire game.  Maybe 5...I lost count.  Ryan was awesome the plate and he got the first hit of the game which resulted in the first run of the game for the Cubs.  Ryan also managed to protect the plate and surprisingly he took down one of their bigger boys on an attempt to steal home....the umpire even said ...."all he had to do was touch the plate, but when he went after the boy all he could do was say, OH NO!!"  It was a very good play....and I was VERY VERY proud of him!!

 

OK...next game is next week.  We'll see how things go...but as of now, the poor Cubs are last in the league.  They have a great team of talented boys and they've not given up....they are fighters and I think that if there's any team that deserves an award for "Good Sportsmanship" it's the Cubs!!!

 

After a few days off, the Cubs took the field against the Nationals for a third meeting.  The crowd was not really into the game when it started and the Cubs didn't seem to be either.  By the end of the 2nd inning, the score was already in the double digits to 0 (( IN FAVOR OF THE NATIONALS )).  Our pitching was "KILLING" us....we just couldn't find the strike zone.  There were SEVERAL good infield hits that SHOULD have been easy outs, but the ball took a hop or  the glove closed too quickly....or our trade mark move.. "holding the ball"!!  Poor Cubs...it gets by the infield and the outfielders get the ball and don't want to let it go. 

 

Let me step out as a mom for a moment and just say....I think the Cubs are a great bunch of talented boys who got shorted of a really fair season. It's bound to happen...I know...but these teams our boys are facing are stacked with heavy hitters, great pitchers and fielders.  We have about 5 regular starters and I've seen VERY good potential with the rest of the team.  Our coaches have YET to really TEACH the boys anything.  They put in a kid to pitch tonight that has barely learned to play short stop!!!  They were down 16 - 0 and they put this kid in!!! OMG!!!  The next score was like 27 before they got a chance to bat again!  GIVE ME A BREAK!!!  While this kid was pitching the coaches were trying to instruct him on "HOW TO PITCH" from the dugout.  They NEVER ONCE called "TIME OUT" and approached the mound to talk to him or anything.  He was being screamed at to 'cover home' on a wild pitch.... they very rarely if even ONCE yelled at the starting pitcher to do that for the frist 16 runs and TRUST ME...our starting pitcher does NOT move unless he has to!  As a child... being put in when the score is 16 - 0 is extra pressure.  Sure, his first few pitches were great...he got a few good strikes over the plate...then it was DOWN HILL from there.  Walks were evetually runs...then they hit grand slams to clear the bases....it became an ugly game FAST!!!!  What was our coaches doing?  Socializing!  YES... worse than a bunch of gabbing women.  The only thing I wish for the boys is "TO LEARN".  We are beginning to feel this has been a wasted season for them all....they are making the same mistakes and getting killed with scores that show it!

 

OK... that is my soap box of the day.  We are SUPPOSE to have another game Friday at 6pm.  If we don't have rain!  We can only hope they get at least 1 run!!

 

G'night!!!!

Well, the game started at 12:30pm.  The matchup was Cubs vs Cardinals...again!  Cubs were at bat first and actually got on the scoreboard with 2 points.  Ryan took the mound in his first start of the season.  He was a basket of nerves.  He wanted to pitch more than the two innings promised.  He warmed up good...but, once the umpire was in place...the strike zone litterally got as big as the ball.  Ryan couldn't get a pitch across the plate that satisfied the umpires expectations.  He made several great plays but again, the umpire was just not ready to let the Cubs have a break.  Let me set it up..

 

ATTEMPT #1: Batter gets lucky and swings for a hit..it trails down the first base line and our first baseman attempts to play the ball.  Ryan saw his teammate struggling and ran to cover first base. He was standing on first when our baseman was ran over by the runner as he tossed the ball to Ryan.  The runner goes down about a foot away from the base...Ryan applies the tag...the umpire says, "PLAYER INTERFERENCE!!!"  OH THAT WAS HORRIBLE!!!!  Our baseman was playing the ball...the hit took him on the line...yet...he was called on interference!!!!!  Ryan knew better and he was visibly upset. 

 

ATTEMPT #2:  Ryan pitches a wild pitch and with bases loaded, he ran in to cover home while catcher gets the ball. He's standing square on the plate as the ball is tossed to him, the runner is running in and Ryan applies the tag.  As the runner slides, he stops about half a foot shy of touching the outside corner of the plate.  Ryan had him OUT!!  Umpires view.. SAFE!!!

 

Ryan struggled and ended up walking several which resulted in his being pulled and placed on 1st base.  Initially, his head was low...then he looked up and got in the game.  He was excited when he got up to bat because he was using his wood bat he had bought with his own money.  Unfortunately, the strike zone was larger for the Cardinals and with one swing, he was out.  Next inning, the umpire notified our coach that he was going to open up the strike zone.  Our batters were up to bat and again, unabe to deliver hits or runs.

 

Later, Ryan was catching...wearing his new gear for the A/B honor roll.  A batter swung and foul tipped a ball, Ryan had the ball in his glove when the back swing of the batter resulted in hitting Ryan's mitt and knocked it off.  Batter was given the base for "PLAYER INTERFERENCE"... ugggh!!!!!  Ryan didn't know what happened...the batter was on base while the coaches checked on Ryan.... HOW did the batter KNOW he was going to get the base?  Did the ump make that decision BEFORE he checked on the player?  Our coach admitted he felt it was on the back swing...but he didn't argue.

 

I have but one thing to say...I cannot understand why an umpire is given POWER to make calls that are clearly calls that should require being seconded.  The field umpire was the father of the homeplate umpire...not likely we'd get a second guess from him!!

 

What I forgot to mention...the Cardinals pitcher at the beginning of the game was called on by the homeplate umpire for not keeping his foot on the pitching rubber.  He called a "TIME OUT"...approached the coaches and they met at the mound to discuss the pitchers stance.  LATER!!!  Their like 5th pitcher of the game, last game, was CLEARLY off the pitching rubber by at least 6"...VERY visible from the bleachers...Tom approached our coach and he said, "I know".  A few minutes later, he called time and told the umpire.  The umpire told him, "There's no rule against it, he can't do anything about it".  BULLSH**!!!  <sorry>  WHY did he stop the game first inning and warn the pitcher??  Of course, Tom found the rule in the book...it states that, "pitcher is to be warned and if he does not fix it, he's removed from the game".  NEEDLESS to say...the game was OVER due to the 10 run rule at the end of 4 innings.  Another rule that is only used when the umpire wants to.   That last run.. was a result of an error on a throw Ryan made to first in an attempt to pick off the runner; and of course, with bases loaded..runner at 3rd moved in for the 14th run.  Cubs lost again... 14 - 4....and if coaches had TRIED to fight for their rights a little it MIGHT have been less of point spread.  When the score was tied at 2 and 2...the game went downhill because of the plays the umpire called incorrectly.

 

OK...I'm done.  Next game is Tuesday...there's about 7 games left until tournament.  I wish the Cubs could just get a break...we have a team of boys with a great big heart and they cannot seem to get ahead.

 

.... g'night!!

Game time was 6pm.  The only game of the evening....Braves v Cubs... 2nd time this week...third time this season.  Could the Cubs take the Braves for the third time?  It looked hopeful in the first inning.  Even though the Braves scored a run, the Cubs were hitting good and running very good.  They too managed to score a few runs.  By the 3rd inning, the scoreboard read, 3 - 3 - 3....translated, 3 Cubs, 3rd Inning, 3 Braves...a reminder of what happened the last time these two met...it was this VERY same score and inning where the Braves coach was thrown out and the head umpire caused a delay to the game by calling the game and trying to force the Braves to forfeit.  Needless to say, it was resolved and resulted in a struggle for the boys to pull off the win.  NOW...would we make it beyond the 3rd inning again?

 

They did...but it was ugly!!  Ryan got up to bat his first time and was hit by a pitch in the side (just above the belt).  He took the walk with a few tears of pain...to eventually score.  They were alive now those Cubbies!!  Then...next inning, while Ryan was behind plate catching, he turned his body and was hit by a pitch in the right upper chest.  Proof to me that his catcher equipment was indeed in need of replacement...it didn't cover him well anymore.  I kept asking if he was okay, each time he would stand, he'd put his hand under the chest protector and rub it.  Finally, he had taken enough..he called time and as he took a few steps toward the coaches...he broke into tears.  His dad, myself and a teammates mom (nurse) all met him in the dugout.  The team mom (coach's wife) had already gotten him a bag of ice so we administered a few words of praise as we encouraged him to move it around and stay loose.  At first, he was unable to hod his arm above his head; but he got loose.  He was ready to go back in after 2 innings of rest.  His last at bat...he got two balls then BAM!!! He was hit AGAIN!!!!  This time, he jumped straight up to avoid a ball coming in low and it got him just below the knee....would have been the thigh if he'd stood there...but, it hurt and he went straight down!! EVERYONE was totally silent...I yelled, "you should give the boy two bases for that hit!" and the ump said, "I should give him ALL of 'em!!"  Needless to say...he only got to walk to first...well, hobble.  Then, they subbed him for a runner who eventually made it around to 3rd then the game was over.  Braves won...I forget the score...but at one time we were getting them...I think it was like 9 to 13 Braves.  Poor Ryan never got to swing the bat.  The umpire gave him a game ball and told him, "great job...you were a trooper!"  Shhhh...don't tell anyone...but I think that ump likes Ryan!!  He made a comment once to him that he needed him back there with him...that was cool!!  I told Ryan to get respect from an umpire is important...just like getting respect from the league President.

 

Well...I know I'm late writing this blog...we had some hardware issues here one day and Friday....once dear hubby got home and I watched a few innings of the MLB Cubs vs Braves...we went shopping.  Ryan got his new catchers equipment...he went with red...he wanted blue but the helmet looked purple and he wasn't that thrilled about wearing a purple helmet.  OH..I had a job interivew Friday too!!  I didn't get the job...but THANKS to those folks (coach wife and father-in-law) that made calls to help make the interview happen.  I think I was qualified..but being out of the computer industry a few years hurts.  Besides that...it was a full time year around job that I wasn't really hoping for.  I was worried all day after the interview how I'd save the kids' summer if I was working 8 - 5.  The good Lord worked that out for me....but, I'm being considered for a job within one of two schools...that WILL be off in summer and work during school hours...SO..let's hope for the best!!!!

 

TODAY....we have a 12:30 game.  Ryan is starting pitcher!!  YES!!!!  He's not feeling sore from the hits he took and he's ready to play!! He practiced in the yard a bit pitching and after fitting his new equipment..he's going to be pumped.  f course, the new equipment was larger and we had to find a bigger bag too.  He took some of his birthday money and bought him a wooden bat with Jeter's name on it...so he's going to be ON TOP of the world today.  He'll walk onto the field with new equipment, bag and a big smile!!  He says he wants to pitch more then the 2 innings coach expects.  So I told him, he has to deliver for the team then.  The Cardinals are the opponents and they tend to beat the Cubbies up...let's just hope for the best!!!!

 

OK.. off to start the day.  I've been up since 6:30...showered, washed hair, unloaded/loaded dishwasher...game time is 4 hours and 20 minutes away!!

Well, school is out!!!  May 31st was our last day here...we had snow days to make up.  The last day of school was eventful, as they always are.  It started out pretty normal; but at 9:45am I had to go get the kiddos and take them on a tour....of their NEW school.  See, since we bought this house they are in another elementary school district.  Now, I had asked their principal to permit them to stay where they were being as they had made so many changes in the last few years; but he wouldn't hear of it.  He got rather upset that the kids teachers were recommending that they NOT move.  He said, "It upsets me that they (the teachers) would say that, they are not guidance counslers, that is why we have guidance counslers".  THAT floored me!  I knew that this man was not to be reasoned with....no wonder he's called "Hitler".    Well, I had done my best.  I had a few other things up my sleeve and after talking to the principal at the new school; she too was upset he would move a 5th grader!  BUT, as I told her, I had told the kids that we have to find a positive in the move and run with it...so the kids and I talked through the positives and after they got to tour the school, meet their future teachers and classmates...they BOTH told the principal they wanted to go to the new school.

 

I, however, continued with my tricks up my sleeve.  I had applied for a job within the school system; thus permitting me to put them where I want to.  The kids are well aware of that and actually told me NOT to move them back to the old school....so that is good!!!

 

OK.. so the tour was over... they went back to their school and Ryan delivered  the bad news to his 4th grade teacher...she was so upset.  She's such a sweetheart and I think Ryan was one that reached her 'special' spot in her heart.  She hugged him a few times and later told me she'd jut fail him and keep him there.  Speaking of failing.... my boy made the A/B honor roll!!! YES!!!!   I was there to be surprised with the news too!  I happened to be working in the lab for his teacher when Ryan popped in to ask me to attend his "Celebration of Success" assembly...so I did.  He didn't know he was going to be recognized....and his teacher didn't tell me either.  She later told me she was glad I was able to be there.  Of course, I was there without my camera!!!  Oh well, he brought me his certificate and after a few hugs and my fighting tears of joy, I asked him "so, what do you think you deserve for that?"  he looked at me with that look of 100% confidence and said, "NEW CATCHERS EQUIPMENT!!"   God love him!  He had been trying to 'earn' that new equipment for about a month.  I guess his dad and I would have to do it now.

 

Anyway...the last day was OVER at 2:45...actually later, I noticed the principal was late in making end of the day announcements...that happens when you don't have bells in a school ... have you ever heard of that!??!  The kids and I returned home to cool down and relax before his game....

 

... READ ABOUT THE GAME NEXT BLOG!!

WHEW!!!  What a game!! It started at 5:30.  Coach informed me he was going to be catching the whole game to make sure he had plenty of water.  We only had one extra player.  Two teammates have quit on the boys thus far....our lineup is dwindling.

 

I cannot rehash the entire game...because it got UGLY during the 3rd inning.  The boys played hard...and suddenly, an infield fly caused such chaos that I didn't even understand what was going on until after the fact.  Basically; what I DO know happened was...our pitcher was on the rubber with the ball and their runner attempted to take 2nd base.  Our coach yelled; the ump sent the runner back the other teams coach said something (supposedly to the first base coach)...the ump took it to be directed towards him and he told the teams "one more outburst and he'll throw the coaches out"... the crowd went silent...then the other teams coach began walking into the field..running his mouth the entire time..the ump told him he had 5 seconds to go back or he was thrown out.  The coach didn't listen...then the ump said, "GAME!"  It was tied 3 to 3 in the 3rd inning.  The Braves were batting.  By this time; the boys had all taken seats in the field and on bases..just waiting to see what happened.  Finally....the umpire returned to the field...the game resumed but the Braves coach was escorted off the field by a board member of the league.  We later saw him sitting on the bleachers coaching....but needless to say, the runner DIDN'T get that base he attempted to steal.

 

Ryan made his signature move...he got an out at 3rd.  On a wild pitch...he recovered...took a few steps towards 3rd...fired it to the baseman and the tag was made!!! OUT!!!  Lead runner was taken out!!  Later, we were in a bit of a snafu...our pitcher was wearing down.  He'd gone 4 and half innings.  They pulled one of our 9 year olds up to pitch.  Parents were a bit upset because of the history of this pitcher was NOT good and his performance as a teammate as a whole was NOT up to par enough to give him the honor of pitching.  However, we were just the mom's and dad's not the coaches...the coaches made it clear that we were to be ignored.  Unfortunately, it was a rough inning and this pitcher managed to get the score closer than we had wanted it...the score had been 13 to 7 Cubs favor...by the end of the inning; it was more like 13 to 11. 

 

Top of the 6th inning...we didn't manage to get any runs bottom of the 5th...we had to hold 'em.  Our 9yr old pitcher returned to the mound.  He walked in two...it was time to pull him.  He was NOT happy and as he returned to his place in outfield...he threw equipment in anger.  Parents were upset that he was allowed to get away with the unsportsmanship....but we had no subs.  Ryan was called in from catching to pitch!!!     This was NOT an ideal situation for him.  He'd only pitched one game before for one total inning.  It was another situation where he had to come in and clean up the mess.  Fortunately, we had a strong 1st baseman and catcher.  He pitched as best as he could...I think he got a total of 2 strikeouts.  He managed to walk a few too.  Then...a GREAT play...the batter swung and made contact but it didn't go far...it was rolling towards 1st.  Runners were going.  One was coming home...the batter passed Ryan as he tossed the ball to first base.. OUT!!!  Then the first baseman fired it home to hold the runner at 2nd.  FINALLY!!  Two down.  Ryan pitched and it went wild.  Ryan was in to cover home...catcher got to his feet and RUSHED in to tag the runner before he got home!!! Final out...but the score had tied at 13.  The Cubs just needed ONE run to win the game.  After a strike out, a walk and a GREAT hit by the new catcher for a triple...we got a batter up that had hit to the fence before.  He had 2 strikes...he swung..it went... and our runner at 3rd scored... GAME OVER!!!!  Cubs won!!!  Cubs won their second game!!!  FINALLY!!!!  Once again, Ryan got to return to the mound after catching for nearly the entire game.

 

(see photos in gallery of Ryan pitching)

 

Today....we are not only celebrating Memorial Day with the traditional cookout with the family; we are also going to be BACK at the ballpark!  Yesterday, the league attended the Lexington Legends game...we had a great attendance!!  THANK YOU JCYB FOR THE OPPORTUNITY!!  It was heartwarming seeing adults and kids from ALL teams in uniform playing and socializing without pressure of performing to WIN.  Goes yet again to show that kids should be our example....they know how to play hard and not hold grudges...they don't take their problems ON or OFF the field...they leave 'em!!!

 

The Legends game was HOT!!!!  Needless to say; group seats are WAAAY out behind the 3rd base dugout..but we DID get recognized for being the LOUDEST section!!!  The game lasted from about 2 - 5; we returned home and crashed until the sun went down.  Then, I finished up painting a magazine rack for the craft room and the kids tossed the baseball around. A very relaxing day...

 

Well...time to get back to some craft room construction...or destruction or instruction...depending on the project!!

Well, today has turned out to be a great day for baseball.  At 10am the boys took the field for yet another game.  They are hoping for a win...they are trying so hard.  It was their first time facing the Cardinals.

 

After 3 hours of play...the Cardinals walked away with the win... Cardinals 11 Cubs 9. 

 

They played a great game!  They didn't win according to the score...but they won!!  They made great throws, held them from scoring a LOT of runs and our starting pitcher got 10 of the 13 strike outs in the game!!!  Ryan was quick witted and he called time out to talk to his team at just the right moments.  All in all....they deserved the win even if the score didn't reflect it.

 

Later, I overheard our coach saying that he was given a compliment by another coach (I assume) in the league..said that the Cubs ARE the most improved team he'd seen.  I agree 100000% percent.  They have struggled but they are hanging in there.  THEY ARE WINNERS!!!

 

Afterwards....the coaches treated the boys to Dairy Queen!  What a wonderful staff of coaches!!  They boys shook off the loss and ate ice cream and talked about everything BUT baseball.  Parents were reliving the game and talking about the next one.  I know it's the boys that play, but in all honesty, the parents ARE the driving force behind the game.  Kids are kids...they lose focus and move on...so we have to be the glue that holds them together.  Our team has some GREAT parents who merely want our boys to be treated with a little respect.  Any team that plays them in the future should respect them for stepping out onto the field....they ARE winners!!!

 

I'd like to take this moment to say....parents of little league players....remember, while sitting in the stands your child and his teammates ARE watching you!  Be a good example.  We had this one parent on the Cardinals saying, "THERE IT IS" as the ball came in and made our boys swing at some HORRIBLE pitches!!!  THEY ARE JUST KIDS!!!!  They are nervous and when they are in the batting position, locked and loaded for the pitch...it takes a milisecond for them to react and when you yell like that...they listen!  They are not sure if that is their parent, coach or a teammate yelling.  We noticed the other team doing it and since our poor team gets called on EVERYTHING, we checked with the league about rules...there's no RULE against it.  But geezzz..have some common descency and act like you belong in society.... STOP IT!!!!  Trust me...they didn't like it being done to them...YES...we did it right back.  Now, two wrongs don't make a right...but someone has to take up for the boys.

I just love AMERICA!!!  I love baseball!!  They are great together.  Last night was even greater.  We got to treat the family, the kids mostly, to their FIRST Major League Baseball game.  We've watched a many MLB games on TV and kids just don't get that those are REAL people like you and me. 

 

We drove North for 2 +/- hours to the "Great American Ballpark" to see the Reds host the Pirates.  The game got off to a GREAT start...tied EARLY in the game 2 - 2.  Ryan was dressed in his black and yellow among the sea of red...but he was just happy to be there.  He read the batter's stats when they were up, he recognized names he'd only seen on TV and he was very eager to get a fly ball.  When the guys broke bats...he was out of his seat with excitement.  The game was going into extra innings, I knew that early on...I asked if he was ready to leave and he said, "No way mom!".  When the Reds started losing....we had to explain to our children WHY folks were leaving.  I simply told them, "we call people like that fair weather fans...they only stick around when they are winning". 

 

Now, I'm not a fan of one team over another.  I follow players.  I can't recite how many teams a player has been on, but when I hear of a player I have liked, I watch them.  Eventually, I realize that they have changed teams...so what?  I truly cannot pick a team.  I know some folks are die hard fans of a team...but when you get ugly and yell out profanity, and throw you glove around...it's time for you to re-evaluate WHY you chose to follow the team.  We had this guy sitting in front of us with a Pete Rose jersey on.  He started screaming at the pitcher..saying, 'You su**!  You ain't worth the money they pay you!"  He got up, threw his glove to the ground and continued with profanity.  Finally, he had to bend down get his glove and he left.  Personally, bending down to get the glove is work for me...why the heck would I cause myself more work?  A GROWN MAN...give me a break!!!  OH..and the crowd was just as crazy.  As a whole...the first Pirate homerun was caught and thrown back...I know that is how you show your support for a team...but geezzz...find a fan of that team...there's dozens of kids just dying to get that ball....only to be run over by some huge 300lb man who is only going to throw it back!!!  Don't reach for it!!!

 

OK...anyway... the game was FUN!! The kids were stuffed with pea nuts, cotton candy, pizza and drinks.  The 11 inning game ended with Pirates 10 Reds 4.  Ryan was VERY happy!  We sat for a firework show then made it back to our home by 1am.  It was all in all a great family night out!!!  GOD I LOVE AMERICA!!!!!

Well, the Cubs tried really hard again...

 

It was the 2nd time the Cubs had faced the Nationals.  They started off really well, Ryan was lead off hitter.  He was walked...then he stole second.  A few minutes later, he stole 3rd.  Eventually, Ryan made it home and after the third out; it was down hill for the Cubs.  They were unable to get out of the pitching slump.  The pitchers struggled to get strikes and after three pitchers, the game ended at the end of 2 hours of play...the score was something like 19 - 4... I think.

 

Oh well, Cubbies.....try really hard again on Saturday.  They looked great on the field...they were moving and covering well, but still a very green team.

 

-TTUL CASS

Oooops!! Did you realize that Sunday was "Mother's Day"?  I did...of course.  Kaitlyn was up firs (as usual).  I had left the kids and their dad watching a movie and hit the bed early the night before with an AWFUL headache and itchy watery eyes, stuffy nose...you get the picture.  Having spent nearly 5 hours at the ballpark (3 hours was for ONE baseball game!); I was beat.  I didn't even clean the kitchen. 

 

Speaking of ballpark...Kaitlyn won her first game!!! She was goalie for 1/2 the game then just as her bother's game was getting started; she scored a goal!!!  I was so proud of her.  Ryan's team didn't do so well.  They are the #7 team in the league that was facing the #1 team in the league....it took two hours to play the first inning and the score was like 30 - 1 before it was over.  Then, they were back on the field AGAIN to get another beating.  The other team scored 5 more runs and FINALLY the boys got to bat again.  In the 3rd inning they managed to score 6 more runs to help make it not so bad.  Of course, the game was over....but they fought hard!!!  Ryan caught for the entire first inning (the 2 hour long inning) then he played short stop until the end.......  anyway...

 

On Mother's day, around 8:30am, here comes my little girl.  She approached the door and peeked in to see if I was awake.  She saw me look at her and came bouncing in with a big smile on her face, "Happy Mothers Day, Mom".  She held out a very cute card she mae and a pin.  She explained to me how she kept it hidden in her nightstand and how a teacher gave them the pins to give.  She was all cute, dressed for Sunday school with Granny and smiling with sunburnt red cheeks.  I couldn't help but forget my head, that still ached, and wrap my arms around her.

 

I finally forced myself to climb from bed, took a quick shower and saw them off to Sunday school.  My DH was deep in reading on the internet and I plopped down beside him.  We talked about the plans for the day.  I had to be at work around 2...depending on when my new assistant would make it in.  We talked about his research....he was looking at digital SLR cameras.  I had been wanting one for a while; but with the new house, furniture, car repairs and working, I really didn't see spending the money. He insisted that I was going to get one; he just wanted to research it and get me one that would be what I wanted (and needed).  I have a nice Sony camera that uses mini CDs; but here lately, I've noticed the quality of the photos are horrible.  The CDs have been formatted so many times that images no longer look as good.  I cannot find anymore CDs that won't kill me in shipping.  This day and age, I knew he was right, I needed a better one that took memory card media that has been proven to not break down like CDs.  I take a LOT of photos and being a scrapbooker; I have to have SOMETHING to take pictures so I can scrap them!!!  But, I didn't see spending nearly $600+/- when there were so many more things I could use that money on.  Heck...we have 1/2 the hobby room to go.

 

We contiued our day, visiting his mom/dad along with two of his three brothers.  Kids played and we all ate then I had to leave for work.  I worked until about 5:30...at which time I was advised my mother-in-law and father-in-law were at the house dropping off my rose bush we had managed to save from the home in Lexington.  She was determined to have it in the ground at OUR house for me to enjoy this year.  I rushed home only to find they had already planted it and were on their way back home.

 

At the end of the day; it was just another day for me.  Ryan did tell me Happy Mother's Day with a kiss and hug.

 

On Monday (yesterday), I went to work as usual.  Left a little early so I could run an errand or two then got the kids and went home.  We had baseball practice a 6 so I made sure the kids had rested a little after school and before practice.  Kaitlyn as taking her soccer ball so she and dad could practice.  Dad called about the time we were leaving, said, "I'll just meet you at the field".  As I was walking out the door, I called him to ask him if he'd go by and get some pictures I had developed.  It was then that I learned he was purchasing that camera.  He was needing me to look up some information on a zoom lens they had on sale; so off I went to research it.  When he arrived at the park; he smiled as he gave me the camera and I certainly gave him a kiss for it.  He said, "you deserve it and you need it".  I felt differently; but I was most greatful that he got it.  I ripped into it and sat at the picnic tables reading and playing with it.

 

It's really a neat camera!!  It's a Nikon D40 Digital SLR.  He didn't get the extra lens; but we are going to go for that soon.  I take a LOT of photos of the kids playing sports and often times, I cannot get close to them so I'll need that bigger zoom capability soon.  For now, I'm enjoying the ability to take photos that look down right awesome!!! It's amazing what you can catch at 2fps!!!!

 

I haven't gotten to play with it anymore.  I ran the battery down last night; then today, I've dropped the kids at school and finished my house cleaning chores.  Did a few "over the top" cleaning things like, wiped down the washer and dryer.  Hey, we pass them every day and they were dusty and yucky!!  I emptied three more boxes of kitchen things that actually went into the dining room hutch.  I vacuumed the couch, straightened up the mantle, that was covered in movies and Wii games, I cleaned the master vanity and jacuzzi tub (I need a cover for that thing!!)  I wiped down the kitchen table and counters, refilled the windex bottle (my new weapon of choice in cleaning) and I sat down here to blog.  This house is awful quiet.  I am sitting in the craft/hobby room and I can hear the wind picking up.  The dog is restless.  He hates the vacuum...when I drag the hose out and plug it into the wall; he runs!!  I dunno why?  It's motor is in the garage and it makes very little noise inside, yet he runs.  I really like having that central vac system....I can get my entire home done without any back pain!  That is about 2026 sq feet of carpet, ceramic tile and wood floors that I can do without back pain!! HOW AWESOME is that?!?!  Well, I'll close the blog now...I have about 3 hours before kids will be home and I am SURE there's laundry to wash, dry and fold!!!

 

I will post some new photos with the new camera soon.....until then.... HAPPY BE-LATED MOTHER'S DAY to any and all mom's...I hope you had a good one and remember, it's really mother's day EVERYDAY!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OK...so I'm not doing a great job keeping this blog *ALIVE*.  I apologize!!!  But; in my defense...we are living life in the fast lane these days!! WHEW!!  Where did April go??

 

The two new photo albums I JUST added will show you a smidgen of what we've been consumed with... SOCCER & BASEBALL!!!  Both kids are having a great season.  This is Kaitlyn's first year at soccer...and she shows NO FEAR. She loves to play goalie...and has gotten very good at it. She and her dad work on moves in the front yard...and YES...she listens.  She falls on the ball and only a few get by her.  When she plays defense...she's running like lightening and she cares not that her opponent might be a boy.  Her dad just loves to watch her...and even though I know very little about soccer...I have to admit it is fun!  She has the drive and spirit for this game.  Eventually, I will learn more so I can REALLY appreciate her success.

 

Now... Ryan...he's having an AWESOME season.  He's the starting (and sometimes only) catcher for his Little League Minor team.  His skills have certainly gotten better; be it age, new league or all these years finally showing off...he has few mistakes.  As a lefty who catches...finding a coach that would have him was hard.  He's had very little infield experience.  What is even more awesome....he's always been a switch hitter but again, coaches in the past wouldn't work on that....UNTIL NOW!! He managed to get an RBI once when he switch hit!!!  He was smiling so big!!  Yesterday's game....he hit it over the 1st baseman's head into right field (hitting left) and drove in two runs!!!  Talk about a smile on a kids' face!!!!  Then...he wanted to get a play at homeplate so bad....and yesterday...HE DID IT!!!  An over throw to the pitcher resulted in an attempted steal of home... Ryan screamed at them to get him the ball.  The pitcher recovered the ball and OUT!!! Ryan dove into the runner...showing NO fear.  Where''s that coach that said he's too little to protect the plate!?!?!?

 

Well..it's off to school we go!  Gotta get back to work around the house, make a few calls and enjoy a day in OUR home!!!!

 

Until next time....