Monday, September 20, 2010

ONE!!

I know, I know, it's cliché.  But there is usually a reason for cliché.  I can't believe it's been a year already!  My little guy is growing up and entering that mystical time of toddlerhood. 
Zac has finally figured out how to crawl on his hands and knees rather than slither like a snake on his belly.  But the cake I made for his and Joshua's birthday party sure fit him well.

You know, they say (whoever "they" are) that later babies learn to walk and talk later.  In Zac's case that seems to apply as well, because there is never any shortage of brothers or sister or cousins to help him out.  He even has a cousin to share his birthday with!

What a blessing it is to watch this little one grow and to help him become the man that God wants him to be.  I pray we are up to the task.  Who knows, he might even become a football star! 

(But I think he'll have to stop chewing on the ball first.)


Saturday, September 11, 2010

A Letter from my Baby Brother

I'm so proud of my baby brother.  The same little brother I used to pick on, and who pushed me down the stairs once.  The baby brother that was my best friend every time we moved in the middle of the summer, when there was no school to busy us or help us make new friends.  The baby brother who has no kids of his own, but loves mine with abandon and plays wiffle ball with them in his suit and tie. 

I got a message from him today and it was so moving, I called him up to ask him if I could share it with you.
everything is going well, and i'm happy to be useful, even though this situation is very strange. i feel like i have no experience and authority for getting things done, but people look at me as if i should be in charge. its so weird, but i guess its similar for other peace corps volunteers in the country.


we get treated with respect because people think we're rich and well educated. in comparison we are, but i don't feel like i have the capabilities to do some of the things they expect. its all so strange, but i guess i sometimes do. that's the reality of it.


we're here because we believe we can get things done, we don't settle, we don't quit, we show up and care and as long as we keep doing that we'll be somwhat effective.
He's such an awesome guy! I'm so proud of the sacrifice he's making to better our world.  I love him so much, even if he is a bit of a goofball.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

It's Over!

Softball season is finally over for the year.  Despite many ups and downs this season, they ended on a really great note.  The Rodies ended the Sunday afternoon league in a 3 way tie for first, but somehow came out on top.  I have no idea how they figure it out, but I'm just excited for them!

We played the last game of the night, which always means we end up with a few short Rodies on the field after the game.

Girls too!

And even little Teegan!

The following week was the tournament for that league.  Apparently, our guys have never actually finished in first for both the season and the tournament.  This year they finally did it!  Of course, with a little more help from the fans!

Monday, September 6, 2010

No, she's not mine, but she's stinkin' CUTE!!

A couple of weeks ago, Kevin and I spent a few days with his sister's 4 kiddos while she and her hubby were out of town.  The thing is, Kevin and his brothers were playing in a softball tournament the same weekend.  My van only seats seven, that leaves no place for 3 of us.  So we divied up the munchkins, girls with Daddy/Uncle Kevin and boys with Mommy/Aunt Becca, and drove both our cars over to the tournament.  While we waited for the games to start, I took all 8 kids over to the really great playground.  I learned a couple of things while I was over there.


1.  Trying to count to 8 children when only one of them is still is quite a challenge.


and 2. Lydia...

likes to climb...
a lot!!

I don't think I realized she was actually trying to push Luke off the steps here.
The things cute 2 year olds get away with.  Maybe Aunt Becca should come out from behind that camera a little more. 
Mom to four beautiful blessings including a brand new little guy. Laugh and cry with me as I navigate the joys and perils of motherhood and homeschooling.