Summer 2011: Day 47

CT took this with my iphone…I have no idea how.

Summer 2011: Day 36

And stick a fork in it!

Last night, CT’s All Star team played their last game. It was amazing, as far as Little League goes, they fought hard and kept them at bay until the bitter bitter end. The team played a great game, but it was a tough one to walk away from.

And in that walking away, I have seen my son grow more this year than in any other. This year he has show more depth of character, more compassion, more understanding than in year’s past. His ability to deal with life’s loses have grown exponentially.

I’m so proud of you CT. Bumps in the road will always be there and it is a joy to watch you navigate them with such grace.

BTW, it totally helps having your best friend there talking it all over with you.

Thanks Sam!

Summer 2011: Day 19

$5 to untangle the three dog chains that sit by the back step.  They are such a gnarled mess that the dogs now poop on the rocks and deck because they are only allowed 1 1/5 feet to roam.

The photo was taken 1/2 way through the job at which point he told me he thought he should get paid $5 bucks a chain.  Yeah, I agree, the job sucks.

We negotiated to 5 bucks and the doughnut on the counter.

Done deal.

Summer 2011: Day 12

Taking a knee after the big game and 2nd place.

Summer 2011: Day 11

Awaiting the wisdom.

The A’s went into the Championships in last place.  Tomorrow they will play for 1st or 2nd.

Way to peak at the right time boys of summer!

Summer 2011: Day 4

Baseball Dust

Packet Pick Up at Gear West

The Littles

Summer 2011: Day 2

Happy 73rd Birthday Mom!

Eleven

Dear CT,

Two ones, side by side, your age continuing to inch up the number line. With the turn of my head you grow older, get taller, wiser, your personality and being become richer and fuller as each day speeds by.

As I have had the luxury of watching you grow this past year, I’m struck by the duality that exists.  There are moments and glimpses of adulthood and then it’s as if you hop on the slide in a game of Chutes and Ladders and glide right back down to START.

Safely being able to toggle between the two worlds, I think, is what growing up is all about.

Finding your own path, in your own way.

Stretching yourself and finding your place.

Where that path will lead is every parents wonder.

How will you get there?

Will you be happy?

Will you be safe?

It’s at that point where fear slips in and, as your mom, I want nothing but to cuddle you up, hold you in my arms and make sure all will be well for you.

But, that’s just not how it works.

My boy, you are turning into an amazing person and it is a true treasure to be a part of your process.

In this next year, may you accomplish your goals, enjoy the simple things in life and be true to who you are and finding your own path.

Happy 11th Birthday!

I love you.

Mom

The skimmer

My kid’s grading system at school looks like this:

E=Exceeding the Standard

A= Achieving the Standard

P= Partially Achieving the Standard

N=Not Achieving the Standard

CT walks in last Friday with his report card an announces, “I got one P…in constipation!”

That would be Computation my friend!  Everyone knows he gets an E in constipation.

How Lucky How Thankful

Betty, my awesome mother-in-law, started this great tradition this year at Thanksgiving.  She left out a pad of paper, a pen and a basket.  Each of us was to write down what we were thankful for and then we would read them at the dinner table.

At the end of dinner, all the kids crowded around Papa to read the notes.  They were read one by one.  The kids tried to guess who wrote what.  Some of us fessed up, some did not.

It was CT who wrote this:

As it was read, he looked up into my mom’s eyes and gave her the sweetest smile and head nod.  It was as if to say, don’t worry Grandma, we won’t forget him.