We're Back

After being gone a week, we made it back in town late last night. It was a fun trip filled with relaxation, baseball and some disappointments. The team ended up finishing in 5th place out of all the teams in the southeast region (which is quite an accomplishment). They were hoping to bring home a trophy, but the boys didn't hit the ball like they are capable of.

Anyway, the beach was beautiful- doesn't even compare to our beaches here in N.C. or S.C. The water is so clear that it almost looks like pool water. It was nice to get away from the hustle and bustle and slow down. Also, I realized that I can definitely spend way too much time on the computer. After having a week off from the computer (along with a book that I've been reading), I'm going to try and cut back my time on the computer. I will post some pictures soon of our trip though. It's good to be back home.

Florida Bound

Just a quick post to say that we will be leaving for Palm Beach tomorrow. We will probably be back by next Tuesday. I found out tonight that Josh got picked to play homerun derby (coaches picked 4 players per team). I think they will do the derby on Wednesday night- not sure though. We will be staying right on the water- I plan to take pictures and will download some once we get back.

Fundraising

I always knew that I've never been able to sell things. I've tried various things in the past (as a stay at home mommy), but it never quite worked out. So, I am quickly reminded about how inept I am as a salesperson when we have to fundraise for this baseball trip next week. Boy, am I out of my comfort zone. All of those feelings of insecurity come back up. I *hate* asking people to contribute money (maybe because of hearing the word no). I just never have liked asking people to buy things or to give (even if it's for a good cause). I have managed to raise a little money (thanks to e-mail). Somehow, I feel more comfortable composing a letter to send out than talking to friends, neighbors in person. We leave next Tuesday and the boy's first game will be on that Friday. We should be there at least until Sunday (but longer if they keep winning). We have a motel right on the water, so I'm excited about that. It should be a nice trip. I will take pictures and post after we return.

State Champions- Florida, here we come:-)

Here is a team picture of the Western NC 11U state champs!!

The boys will go to Palm Beach, Fla. to start playing in the regionals sometime next week- there's our vacation:-)

Baseball pics- follow up to state tournament

Josh throwing his curve ball- July '08

Wow!!

I know that I've been writing a lot about baseball lately, but that is what we have been doing all summer with the All-Stars. Josh's team has been playing in the state tournament this week. Well, Josh played his bottom off this weekend. I'm so proud of him- I just had to write about it. He got 3 homeruns this weekend (1 yesterday, and 2 today). He pitched 3 innings to end the game (he saved the game). His team was behind for most of the game, but his pitching (along w/ the team pulling together and getting runs) really saved it. It seemed impossible, but they are playing for the state playoffs tomorrow night in Indian Trail (against Indian Trail). All of the parents came up and congratulated Josh after the game and they gave him the game ball. Now, we are running on adrenaline because the game didn't get over until almost midnight!! The kids are working their way to regionals in Palm Beach, Fla. I need to try and get some sleep.

Short Getaway

We decided to take advantage of our weekend off (no baseball) and go to Florence, SC to visit with family on the 4th. My mom grilled out for us. Then, we went and saw my brother. I didn't get to see my niece this time. Anyway, I had my mom dog sit for us (this was my first time leaving my little yorkie). We left for the beach Saturday morning and spent one night there. The problem with that is that there is so little time, and the kids want to do everything. Amber had a great time in the lazy river and the pools at the motel. Josh went fishing twice and caught the same kind of fish both times (toad fish)- who knew that there was such thing as a toad fish?? It was ugly too! We came back last night (had to stop by Florence to pick up the dog). She did o.k., but she didn't eat much while we were there. It was a good trip, but it would have been nice to have another day or so to slow down and enjoy it a little more.

All-Stars

So far, this has eaten away our summer time. We've done this in years past, and understand that it is a big commitment. Yesterday, we were talking about when to go on vacation (because we still do not know), and Jim said something about the beginning of August. I told him that I would need to be here getting my classroom set up. So, I'm really not sure that we will get to take a trip this summer- kind of a bummer. But, the boys just won the area championship last night. Next week, they will start playing for the state championship. The good news is this tournament is right down the road from us. If they do well with that, they could go to the regional tournament in Palm Beach, Florida. Hey, this might be our trip!! Basically, these tournaments run through July into early August. Then, it will be time for me to go back to school.

Well, we may go to the beach and spend the night this weekend. I guess I can't complain. There is still so much to do around the house before I start school back next month!! Happy 4th of July!