Where I've Been- Part 1

A few of you have asked me what happened, where did I go? I took a little break from blogging because honestly it just felt like one more thing I had to do. I didn't really feel like anyone was reading anyway, so I just quit for a while. I have finally felt like posting again because I missed it and things in my daily life have slowed down some.

So let's get to it. Where have I been?

We spent many hours at the baseball field. Brayden and Caleb often had games at the same time or game times that overlapped. Since Jeffry helped in the dugout for Brayden's team, that left Trace and me running back and forth in between fields! I would carry my camera in one hand and Trace in the other and we'd try to see each boy bat and at least see a little of their time in the field.

Caleb in the dugout

Bray playing catcher!

Trace was such a good fan.

Caleb graduated K-4 at First Baptist in Wiggins. We were blessed to have both sets of grandparents attend! It was a special day for him.

Caleb and Madisyn (I'm trying to arrange their marriage...her mom is my bestie, Cydnee!)

Caleb turned five and we celebrated his birthday 5 times! Yes, he had 5 different parties. Not because I was trying to be Mom of the Year but because Jeffry and I were going to be out of town on his actual birthday. And I felt bad. So we celebrated at Gatti Town, at home with our family, at home with his friends, at my grandparents, and then again with our church family.

Memorial Day weekend, my cousins and aunt came to visit from New Jersey. It was so great to see them! We had everyone at my house for the holiday and had so much fun just spending time together. Jeffry took my brother, cousins, Brayden, and Caleb to float the creek. They all came back a little burnt and exhausted from a great day.

Here is most of the crew at breakfast one morning. I need a bigger table!

This brings us to the end of May! Stay tuned for Part 2 tomorrow!

Great news!

I have some great news!

Head over to my worship blog, OFFthePAGEworship to find out!

And if you're interested, feel free to become a follower over there!

Baseball

My lack of blogging of late can be attributed to a couple of things. One of which is baseball.

Brayden is 7, and Caleb is almost 5, which means they will never be close enough in age to be on the same team for any sports. This year is our first year with both of them playing a sport at the same time. It's been kinda hectic so far.

Take this week's schedule for example:

Monday- Brayden- batting cage at 5:20 and game at 6:00
               Caleb- practice at 6:15

Tuesday- Brayden- batting cage at 5:20 and game at 6:00
               Caleb- game at 6:00

Wednesday- Prayer at 7:00

Thursday- Morgan- worship team practice at 6:30
                 Brayden- practice at 7:00 (I'm hoping this gets canceled due to 3 games this week!)
                 Caleb- practice at 5:30

Friday- Brayden- batting cage at 5:20 and game at 6:00
            Caleb- game at 7:15

Needless to say, we are spending lots of hours at the ball field.  There's a whole lot of needing to be two or three places at once and juggling who is taking whom to where and when. (And making sure they are fed and wearing what they should be with all their equipment!)

But it's America's pastime right? Nothing like baseball to divide unite a family :)

I know it is just for a season, and I am happy that my boys (and my husband) are enjoying themselves. I'm also thankful that Trace is a very content baby who puts up with a lot of time at the baseball field!

He Came For Us - Easter 2010

Trace was happy with his one egg. He carried it all around the yard. It had a dollar inside which he thought was unnecessary and threw it on the ground! Haha.Caleb with his full Easter bucket! He found one more egg than Bray which was a big deal!!

Trace "How He Loves"

Trace has a love of music already, and it's just exciting to watch him! Here he is dancing to Kim Walker's version of "How He Loves". I think this makes Jesus smile. I know I do!

Black and White

Jenn Johnson from Bethel Church in Redding California

This is definitely worth the 12 minutes it takes to watch. Gives you something to think about.





We need to figure out what we love, who we are, and what makes us come alive, and partner with who He's called us to be.

Spring Clean!

In true Spring-like fashion, I'm getting the itch to organize and clear the clutter. What is it about this time of year that makes me feel like a nesting pregnant woman again? I've heard of several people lately who are starting their spring deep-clean. However, I'm at the stage where I need to get rid of clutter before I can deep clean the way I would like.

I have decided that I am going to get rid of the clothes I no longer wear. Why do I keep them in my closet when I know I'm not going to wear them? It just causes me extra stress and makes things look more crowded. I'm all about simplifying things lately, especially within my home.

I loved this post over at The Inspired Room on "Order Before Beauty". So true. That's where I am right now...getting my house in order.

And this one- "Real Simple Solutions for an Organized Home". Please look how adorable the teacups are! I'm totally stealing this idea. Also, I love the idea of using all white towels with the colored tabs to keep track of who left their towel on the floor. There's something about a white towel that's just clean and fresh. When it's time for us to buy new ones, I'm investing in white.

After the clutter is cleared, I'm using this Spring Cleaning Checklist. It's so thorough and goes by room. I really can't wait!

Sarah Mae over at Like a Warm Cup of Coffee has a great collection of blog posts entitled "31 Days to Clean". She also has linked to some other cleaning resources that you may find interesting.

Do you have any articles or ideas for clearing clutter or spring cleaning? Please share!