Mission Safari: The Next Chapter(s)

Finally...Sarah Has Her Driver's License

Finally, at age 17 years and 3 months, Sarah has obtained her driver's license.  It is not because she was unable to get it sooner but because she basically procrastinated about a year before she "got around to it."  She has done a great job in driver's education and I feel very comfortable with her driving skills.  I am not so comfortable with her directional skills.  But that can be worked on!! 

Anyway, it was a big day for her.  She took her final driving class and then her "test" Thursday.  She called me when she obtained her temporary license.  I then touched base with our insurance agent and she was set.  She had even arranged to go out to the local coffee shop to meet one of the young ladies in our church who works with the youth.  We were all excited for Sissy.

Below are a couple of cute videos from the momentous occasion.  Enjoy!

Splitting the Double-Header

 Sam's team played a "double-header" Saturday.  Game One was just a continuation of a tied suspended game.  The game went into extra innings a few weeks ago and it was tied after 7 innings, 6-6.  The Cards were the visitors and batted first in the top of the inning.  We got off to a good start scoring a run with the first two batters.  We were even able to load the bases but were unable to score anymore.  

In the bottom of the inning the Braves scored a run with their first two batters.  Then things got interesting.  They loaded the bases but we were able to get two outs.  Then on a 3-2 count they hit a slow grounder to second.  Our second baseman bobbled the ball but recovered and made a good throw.  On a bang bang play the umpire called the runner safe and the Cards lost.  This moved the boys from second place to third in the league.

In the second game, the Cards came back strong.  They beat the A's 8-1 on strong hitting and pitching.  Sam smoked a triple to deep right field.  He might have scored a home-run if he hadn't admired his hit so long coming down to first base!!  Anyway, he was pretty stoked when he got to third.  Sam also got hit plunked in his last at-bat.  Maybe 9 year olds do pay-back!

Sam played an inning at catcher and did a decent job.  He also played second base and made a nice play on a force out.  

I was proud of the boys as they played hard the second game and didn't dwell too much on the fact that they lost a close one just 15 minutes before the start of game two.  They have one last regular season game before the playoffs start.  They are 9-4 right now and are in third place.

   

W5

The Williamsburg Cardinals (aka Sam's team) continued their winning ways.  Last night they beat the Cubs 11-6 to push their current win streak to 5 games.  Not bad for a bunch of 9 year olds!  The Cards once again won by playing the game right...good pitching, fielding, and hitting.

Sam went 2-3 for an RBI Double in the 1st inning and a single in the 4th inning.  He also got a pitching appearance.  He came in the 5th inning with bases loaded and two outs.  Unfortunately he walked the first batter, gave up a single, and then plunked the next batter.  He was lifted but not dejected.  He was just glad to get another chance to pitch.  I guess we need a bit more practice for the next opportunity.  

The Cards play a double header this Saturday and finish the regular season next Wednesday.  Hopefully they can hold onto second place and get a bye for the first round of the playoffs.

Birdies, Bugs, and Kisses

Here are a couple of video clips of the little girls from this past week.  As usual, I think they are adorable.  I definitely love my days off to be able to enjoy more time with all the kids.  Enjoy the clips.

Win Streak at 4

Sam's team won their 4th game in row Friday night when they beat the Cubs 7-1. They dominated the game from the beginning and never let their lead slip away.  The win moved them into sole possession of second place in their league.  They play the Cubs again on Wednesday night the 26th. 

Sam struggled a bit at the plate striking out twice.  He did however walk and score a run.  Keep your head up Sam.  There's always the next game! 

Great Job Sissy!

Yesterday Sarah found out that she doesn't have to re-take the SAT.  She received her scores and we are very proud of her and happy for her.  She didn't necessarily tear up the math portion, but did alright for her interest and skill in that area.  But for what she "lacked" on the Math portion she made up for it on the Reading and Writing portion.  In fact, and I will take the time to brag on her since this is my blog, she scored in the top 99% in the nation on the Writing portion of her SAT.

Now she can focus on finishing out her Junior year and look forward to her college search beginning this summer.

Great Job Sissy!

Comeback Cardinals

At the start of this evening, Sam's team, the Cardinals,  were 5-3 and in third place.  They were playing the undefeated first place team, the Orioles.  The boys were a bit intimidated as the best pitching and hitting team was across the diamond.  The Cards played scared the first two innings as the Orioles hit the ball extremely well and took a very commanding 5-0 lead.  After our at-bat in the bottom of the second inning we had been called out on strikes 4 times and had only 1 hit.  It didn't look good.

But the boys were able to squeak out a few runs over the next few innings as well as keep the Orioles from scoring.  In the 4th inning, with nobody on and one out, Sam went to the plate for his second at-bat of the game.  He looked at 3 straight strikes in his first plate appearance.  He must of got the message from his coaches that he needed to go up there and hit the ball.  He smoked a 1-1 pitch for a triple that rolled to the fence.  Unfortunately he did not score but it was an important hit for the team.  

In the 5th inning we rallied for two more runs to close the gap to 5-4.  Our pitcher was able to go out in the top of the last inning (the 6th) and hold the Orioles scoreless.  The tension and enthusiasm was growing for the upset victory.  Our first batter tried to bunt his way on and was through out.  Sam batted second again this inning and scorched a 2-1 pitch into left field for another base hit.  On the next pitch he stole second base.  Then on the following pitch our batter lined one to right field.  Sam hustled around and scored from second to tie the game up 5-5.  Our next batter walked putting players on 1st and 2nd.  After a wild pitch the runners advanced to 2nd and 3rd.  On a 1-1 pitch with two outs our batter hit a soft roller to the third baseman who decided to chase the man on third back; he then threw to first and our runner beat the throw to first.  Meanwhile the man on 3rd bolted towards the plate and scored.  Game over.  

The Cards comeback was complete.  They beat the last remaining undefeated team 6-5 in the last at bat having previous been down 5-0.  The boys went crazy.  It was fun to see them celebrate.  They realized that just did what they didn't think they could do...beat the best team in the league.

Sam was pretty excited.  He had two big hits, stole a base and scored the tying run.  The Cardinals are now 6-3 and half a game behind the second place Braves.  They have now won 3 in a row and looking better each game.  Their next game is Friday night at 7:30pm against the Cubs.

  

A Good Week

We have been blessed with another good week here in Williamsburg.  The weather continues to be wonderful which makes it so much easier to enjoy life.  Everyone was busy in a good way this week: Marti accomplished a lot in planning for VBS which is just around the corner, Sarah finished French for the year, Ben went to King's Dominion with a friend from church, Sam won two ball games this week, Amy got to eat ice cream from the Ice Cream Truck, and Kate improved her mobility by really learning how to walk.  

Even though I worked a lot this week, I still enjoyed my time around the house seeing the kids laugh, learn, and grow.  Even the fusses and stresses were good as there was some learning opportunities for all involved.  Home group was especially encouraging this week as we really seemed to get a little deeper in God's Word and a little more intimate in our discussions.  

Anyway, I am just thankful for all that God is doing around here, even when things seem stressful.  God is good all the time, and all the time God is good.

Enjoy these two videos of the young girls.  The first is when the Ice Cream truck came to the neighborhood.  Amy was actually on the back deck when she heard the Ice Cream truck.  She came bolting inside and said, "the creamy truck, the creamy truck." We all rushed outside and waited. 

 In the second video, Kate takes off walking.  She started walking a few weeks ago but seems to be gaining confidence and skill.  She is really happy to be taking off.

Another Big Win

The Williamsburg Cardinals (Sam's team) won another big game this weekend over the Nationals 7-4.  The win improves their record to 5-3.  They took over sole position of 3rd place and are only a game back of second place.  Sam had a walk, was hit once, and struck out.  He also stole second and scored a run.  

The Cards have two tough games coming up this week.  They should at least split the games and remain in good position to make it to the play-offs that start in early June. I'll miss their game tomorrow night as I work the night shift, but I'll be back Wednesday to see them take on the first place team, the Orioles.

By the way, here is another video of Sam getting a hit.

Kate on the Flip

I continue to enjoy using our Flip Video.  It has made it a lot easier and more fun to capture moments around the house and actually watch them.  I wish I had gotten the Flip sooner.

Anyway, here is a video of Kate from the other night.  She was starting to walk up the steps and started smiling.  This captures her sweet disposition and personality.

Back On Track

Sam's baseball team got back on track with a 9-7 win over the Nationals last night.  The Cards took control early and held on to win their 4th game of the year.  They moved up to 3rd place with the win.  Sam walked twice, had a base hit, stole a base, and scored once.  The Cards play the Nationals again this Saturday.

Miss Amy Giggle Box

I don't want to overload folks with our videos, but here is one of Amy that I couldn't resist posting.

Spring Days Continue

It continues to be an incredibly beautiful spring here in Williamsburg.  Just as our past winter really seemed like winter with the cold weather and wonderful snow, it really seems like spring with clear warm sunny days and cool crisp nights.  We have really been blessed so far this spring.

One of the benefits of the great weather has been the opportunity to sit out on the deck in the afternoons with the kids.  Even if we just hang out for 15 or 30 minutes, these visits make for great memories.  Below are two fun videos. The first video shows how much the little girls really love Ben.  The second one is a hilarious one with Amy all dressed up and ready to go somewhere...unexpected for her outfit.  Enjoy.

Mother's Day 2010

I didn't get to participate much in Mother's Day around here as I worked the night shift Saturday and Sunday (and therefore slept most of Mother's Day) but from what I hear, I think Marti had a pretty nice day with the kids.  After a good day at church, they came back to the house for a luncheon in Marti's honor.  Sarah and Ben planned and prepared the meal.  They served homemade chicken salad, potato salad, cucumber and onion salad, and had strawberries with dipping chocolate.  They also had gifts and cards ready for Marti.  Sarah decorated the table with fresh linens and flowers.  I really was impressed and pleased with their thoughtfulness and caring in making this a special day for Marti.

When I finally did get up and spent some time with Marti and the kids before I went to work, I took a few pictures of Marti with the kids.  (As you can see, it is pretty hard to get pictures with all the kids looking at the camera.) Marti really wanted to make sure we got one of her and Kate together as this was her first Mother's Day celebrating Kate being with us; it was really special for Marti.

  
  

The Weaker Vessel, a poem by Michael Johnson

Happy Mother's Day, I hope this poem below is an encouragement to all. 
 
He calls her the ‘weaker vessel’
But that does not mean she is frail
It means she is willing to listen to God
More quickly than those who are male
 
Her spirit is softer and gentler
Her heart easily broken and tender
And that makes her more willing to follow
And to God’s leading more quickly surrender
 
She cries just as quickly with anger
As she does when things make her glad
She seeks protection from danger
Small indiscretions make her sad
 
While men boast of their muscular physique
And talk loudly about strength and self pride
God made the woman unique
So He could place His own strength inside
 
For God still weak vessels chooses
Through women He manifests true compassion and grace
So if you want to know if God is forgiving
See it in the weak vessel’s face
 
Accept your wife as a vessel
Not perfect, but inherently weak
And see her imperfections reflect yours
And God will through her to you speak
 
For we are best when we are broken and weary
We are best when we can submit as His bride
It is God’s pleasure to show us this clearly
That in our weakness, is where He abides

Another Heartbreaker

Sam's baseball team, the Cardinals, have had an interesting week. Last Saturday they won 8-4 to win their 3rd game of the year. On Wednesday, they played to an extra innings tie 6-6 after coming back from a 4-1 deficit. Sam helped out by getting a base hit in the 5th inning and coming around to score. That game will most likely be continued later in the season if the teams involved are fighting for a play-off spot.

Today, on windy but warm day, the Cards dropped a heartbreaker 5-4 in the bottom of the last inning. They once again had come back from a deficit even taking the lead, only to see victory escape in the last two innings. I felt so bad for Sam and the guys as they played hard, running out groundballs and being aggressive on the basepaths. Sam nearly got the game winning RBI on a hard groundball to the shortstop, but our runner on third made a late break to home and got thrown out from first.

But that is baseball. You win some, you lose some. You forget about today and look forward to tomorrow. I am eager to see if the boys bounce back this coming week. Go Cards!

Cards Road Trip

The St. Louis Cardinals are currently in Philadelphia for a 7 game road trip to play the Phillies and the Pirates.  As Philadelphia is one of the closer Major League cities to Williamsburg, the boys and I made our own road trip to see our beloved Cardinals play Monday.  We were a bit anxious about the game as Phillie's fans are known to be some of the harshest in MLB.  To add more pressure, the Cards and Phillies have the two best records in the National League right now.   

Happily it could not have gone better.  The drive back and forth to Philly was pain free.  We had not a single traffic delay which is a minor miracle.  Usually somewhere along I-95 there is something to bottleneck traffic.  But not on this road trip!

The weather was great as well.  It was a warm 80 degrees at game time and there wasn't any humidity.  The low chance of rain never developed.  Then, when we arrived early as the gates opened, it was the Cardinals who were taking batting practice.  We had seats in the left field bleachers and because the crowd hadn't arrived we went down to the first row and got a close up view of the Cards.  Several balls came to the fence and one of the Cardinals (Blake Hawksworth) noticed us as the only Cards fans around.  He caught one of the balls and then tossed it to Sam.  It is the 4th or 5th time that one of the boys has either gotten a game or practice ball.  Sam was stoked of course.

The rest of the night was awesome.  We enjoyed hot dogs, Crab Fries, and a Philly Cheesesteak.  The outcome of the game was in our favor as the Cards won 6-3 scoring 5 runs in the 7th inning.  Not only did we get to see the Cards pitch great, hit a bunch of doubles and one home run, but we also got to see the Phillies fan who ran out onto the field get Tased.  That made the evening pretty unforgettable.

After a good night's sleep, we traveled back home yesterday.  We stopped over in D.C. to go to the International Spy Museum.  That is definitely worth going to as they had awesome displays and great interactive exhibits.  This was icing on the cake for a great road trip.

The boys are already making plans for another Cards road trip.  Over the years we have been able to go to 13 different MLB parks.  We still have 17 more to visit but we better get a move on.  These boys are growing up really fast!

  

  

Holly the High-wire Cat

Here is a funny clip of our silly cat Holly.

Cookie Love

As many of you know there isn't a cookie that Amy doesn't like.  She knows where we keep whether they are in the pantry, the freezer, or on top of the fridge.  She is cookie-hound!

Today as she was eating a cookie, I couldn't help but smile at the look of happiness and contentedness on her face as she savored her chocolate chip cookie.  Oddly enough as I watched her (and you can too by watching the clip below) it made me wonder if I had loved God as much as she was loving that cookie.  I know it sounds a bit weird (and I don't want to get sappy or worse irreverent), but do we get a silly look on our face when we think about God?  Do we enjoy getting messy in His Word savoring every bit of it, even looking to lick our fingers when we finish reading it?  Do we get giddy looking forward to the next encounter with Him?

Anyway I mostly just wanted to post this cute video of Amy, but if it causes you to think a bit about your relationship with the Lord then that will be "icing on the cake." (Sorry for mixing metaphors!)