Another Baseball Season is Over

Conner's baseball team just completed their final tournament game last night. It was a great game with some unfortunate, unmotivated, and tired umps. Bad calls were the theme last night. The boys should have won. And yes, I was yelling...a lot.

I hate to admit this, but I think I'm more sad it's over than Conner is. The boys were truly a team. They all did a great job rallying around and encouraging each other during the rough spots. It was amazing to watch. It was also great to get to know other parents and family members of Conner's fellow teammates. When you see the same people 2x/week every week for around 10-12 weeks, you learn a lot about people. I'm sure everyone had their fill of Ben and Sam. I don't even want to guess how much money was spent at all the concession stands by my little guys.

Thanks to all our great coaches for motivating and encouraging the boys. And thanks to my parents...did I mention they are Conner's #1 fans?? They made it to almost every game he had. One of the games my dad couldn't make it to was especially memorable b/c he sat on the phone with my mother and Taylor for a play by play. Now that's dedication!

A trip to Dick's

The other day, we had to make a quick trip to
Dick's because Taylor wanted to buy some running shoes, among other things that naturally get placed in our cart at the sporting goods store.
We obviously give our kids the typical threats and warnings all parents do about having the proper behavior in a public place. I thought the warnings and threats were working out great until I rounded the corner and saw them with "the man with no arms and legs". Taylor and I thought punches, kicks, and karate-like moves against this guy were pretty funny until we watched Sam lick his face. Ugh!! Do you know how many people have touched this guy on the face???? I tried to understand what exactly would prompt Sam to do such a thing, but I was left guessing.

They also seemed to have an obsession with this guy and his lower parts. As I was browsing, I found ALL 3 of the boys looking under his shorts and giggling. Then they proceeded to pull his shorts down. Some of the passerbys thought it was quite humorous, while others were probably wondering where these boys' parents were. Did I mention that Taylor and I were hiding behind a row of baseball gloves???

Who do I love the best?

Here are my men...my world is surrounded by them 24/7. I love them...each and every one of them. Ben frequently asks me who I love the best. The first time he asked this question, he was hoping I would list in this order: Ben 1st, Daddy 2nd, Sam 3rd, and Conner last. I asked him why he wanted it in this order and he said this: "Mommy, I always tell you you're beautiful so I should be first. You love daddy after me because he's your boyfriend. And Sam and Conner are last because they don't love you as much as I do."
This was a great opportunity to teach Ben a little lesson about marriage. I told Ben that I love him more than he could ever imagine. I explained that he is a gift from God and he is one of the most precious people in my life. I told him that as much as he wanted me to say his name first, I would always list Daddy before him. I explained the importance of mommies and daddies putting each other first and that, in turn, helps keep the rest of our family happy. Ben told me that he was pretty happy so it must be working.
My boys will always love me, but they are going to get older and fall in love with "another"(other than me:-)). I know it's coming. And I am so fortunate and blessed to be able to, Lord willing, share that time with Taylor. God has poured his blessing on me with Taylor. I truly couldn't have handpicked someone better. Some call it luck...I call it God.