Softball Saturday

Yesterday Josh had an one day tournament in Everett.

They had batting practice at 7am in so he rode down with my brother around 5:30am.

That is way to early for me so I planned to pick up my sister in law Christine at 7:30am.

It took me forever to get out the house and I didn't even have the kids.

I think I finally got to her house around 7:50am.

We made to the fields a little after their first game had started.

They ended up losing that game.

The second game was a close one went into extra innings.

They came back from like seven down for the win!

This is a very good thing because if they would have 

lost they would have been out of the tournament.

We had an hour break before the next game so we did some

tailgating in the parking lot and ate some lunch.

There next game ended up being a little delayed because

the game going on before them was running over the time.

But the team got fired up and got another win!

They immediately moved to another field and jumped right into the next game.

Josh had a some great catches in the outfield and even hit a grand slam!

They again got the win!

{ Grand slam home run!}

 

 They played one more game right after which they ended up losing.

They took 5th place in the tournament.

I am so glad I had Christine there with me to hang out with!
We got to chat all day about softball and life.

We then headed to our hotel for the guys to get cleaned up.

We then headed out to Kyoto for dinner.

It was delicious and alot of fun.

{red volcano}

 After dinner we went back to the hotel for some hot tub, relaxation, and rest!

A huge thank you to Josh's parents for having the kids!

Two wheeler

Last Sunday, April 15, Josh took off Jordan's training wheels and he hasn't stopped riding since.

Last summer we gave it a try but if you know Jordan he can have a very stubborn, strong willed personality when it comes to trying new things.

He rode it last year but when he fell over a few times he wanted nothing to do with it.

So we put them back on.

This time around he hopped on and took off.

Now he rides every where no problem.

Last night we brought his bike along to softball with his and rode the whole entire time!

I am thinking a new bike for his 6th birthday!

I don't get it

Michelle is entering the years of  "tween"hood.

More drama with friends. 

Peer Pressure.

Ect.

I am in disbelief with what Michelle came home and told me Monday.

The new "cool" thing to do is to cut yourself.

CUT YOURSELF to be "cool"

I just don't get what goes through these girl's heads.

They are still kids.

Should be playing with dolls and braiding each other's hair.

These are girls in the 5th grade.

I was already worried about her going to the middle school next year

now I am terrified.

Apparently these girls do it together and from talk I guess they do it at the skating rink!

One friend even was showing off her cut to other girls.

Michelle said that is gross and ewwww.

she got made fun of for that.

How does this happen?

I am so glad she is able to talk to us about what goes on at school and with her friends.

I know this is something she would never do.

She like me hates blood.

But to think the length these kids will go to be "cool", accepted, and fit in is mind blowing.

The only good thing about this it has brought up the

 opportunity to talk to Michelle about peer pressure.

That she doesn't have to do what everyone else it doing.

If you for a second think something is a bad idea or you don't want to do it then it probably is.

Don't do it.

Walk away.

These girls are harming themselves and their bodies.

They are leaving life long marks on their body.

What will they tell people when they are 30 about the markings on their arm.

I hate that as an adult we can see the big picture.

As kids they just see the now.

Michelle does have a good head on her shoulders.

And all our talks, lecturing, and sometimes yelling seems to get through.

She does make smart choices now to not get involved in this stuff

and tell us about what is going with her friends and classmates.

But how long will that last until she finally gives in to peer pressure. 

If it is not cutting herself then what smoking, alcohol, partying, drugs, or picking on others?

The list is endless.

It just shows how important it is to be involved with your kids.

Spend that time with them one on one.

"force" them to hang out with the family and not always with their friends.

Have boundaries and rules.

We meet her friends.

We talk to their parents too.

Yes I am usually the most "mean" involved mom.

I make her call when she gets somewhere, when she is leaving, 

she has to check in every few hours, no she can't just go where ever, when ever she wants,

 and I need to know who she is with.

It seems kids her age have all this freedom and limited parent involvement.

No one seems to want to tell their kids NO or 

bother finding exactly what they are doing or going.

Sometimes I end being the parent for several girls at time because their parents will say things like

Well is Michelle's mom says its ok then you can.

Or if Michelle can go then you can.

If you don't want your child doing something then tell them yourself.

Be the parent.

Kind of a long rant but I just don't understand what this world is coming too.

Things have changed so much since I was her age.

Girls are growing up way to fast.

Be involved with your kids.

Talk to them.

Let them know they can talk to you.

Pray everyday for them!

Tell them NO if you don't feel comfortable with a situation.

And you may have to make them hang out with the family

 but at least you know where they are and what they are doing.

I am definitely going to continue to be the involved parent

and she will be hearing NO a lot in the next 7 years!

If it means she is get safe and hopefully out of trouble then I can be "mean".

Really brings to light what you put your own parents through.

They always tell you wait until you have your own kids.

Now I do and it is hard.

But parent now and friend later.

What the kids did

While Josh and I were off relaxing the kids stayed with my parents.

Friday night they got out the beads and other favorite toys to play.

It isn't a complete stay at Gramma's if you don't finish the day with ice cream!

Saturday they started off the morning with a hearty breakfast.

Then it was off to work in the yard!

{Breakfast and a movie with Marty}

 

{Michelle and grampa do some weeding in the garden}

Jordan got to go on a pine cone hunt!

They got the entire driveway clear!

Jordan also got to "help" gramma mow the lawn.

In the afternoon they worked on some more beading and Michelle got to do crafts with Gramma.

Michelle gets the American Girl magazine in the mail and they always have craft ideas in it.

She made a keepsake box and a pocket that hangs by her bed to keep stuff in!

Gramma got a few really cute pictures of the kids together.

Saturday night they went over to my brother's house to celebrate 3 birthdays!

My brother Joel and my two nephews all have birthday within weeks of each other.

At the party the kids wanted to let a balloon go for carter. It went right over to Jana's house. 

They watched it for about 5 minutes

Sunday my mom took them to church.

Josh told her the wrong time so they ended up being a little late.

After church they got lunch and saw the movie Chimpanzee.

Michelle has been talking about seeing this movie for a long time.

Jordan thought it was boring and to long.

From previews I have seen I think it looks cute.

The kids made it back right after us.

We all ended up outside to enjoy some sunshine.

Jordan was a little tired and by 7 had made himself a bed on the couch.