Welcome to the Sunshine State? REALLY??

It has rained some part of everyday we have been in Florida. Until today it was never during a game. But our luck ran out and the skies opened up during the 3rd inning. Whitney had pitched two great innings already, not allowing any runs. Actually, he was out of the 2nd inning in just FOUR pitches! So when the rain started we were all nervous as to whether or not his arm would tighten up and he would be able to go back on the mound. So when during the rain delay his pitching coach pulled him out of the dugout and had him throwing in the rain to keep his am loose. They got some odd looks, but boy did it pay off when it was time to resume the game and Whitney was already to go! The Eagles won today's game 11-2!!!

USSSA World Series - game 1

The short description... UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!

Whitney had the honor of being the starting pitcher for game 1. OK, that's not true...he was the starter...the middle reliever AND the closer! Yep, that's right...he pitched a complete game. SIX INNINGS! He kept his pitch count low and the strikes coming. He delivered 9 strikeouts with only 2 hits allowed. They won 6-1! Not to mention that he went 3-3 hitting. It was his day for sure! I knew it the minute he rolled out of bed...the boy was AMPED!

Whitney and his (pitching) coach Neil Hudson. I call Neil "the puppet master". During game 1 at the top of the 5th inning I walked over to Neil and asked if Whitney's arm might be tired because some of his last pitches in the 4th inning were high and outside. Neil laughed and said, "He said his arm was fine and he threw them there because that's where I called them. He landed his pitches exactly where I wanted them to go. Watch this, it will come right down the middle." Neil sent the sign to the catcher, Whitney threw the pitch...right down the middle...STRIKE! Neil just looked at me and smiled. Ahhhh, guess Mom doesn't always know best ;)

We're here...let the games begin!

Today was the kick off to Whitney's BIG week. The USSSA World Series! He had player registration at 9am (where they check his birth certificate to make sure he isn't really 14yo) with Opening Ceremony starting at 2:30pm followed by different skills competitions. It was a long day at the park of waiting around for 'the next thing'. We are all looking forward to getting to the business we are here to do tomorrow. There are 37 teams from all over the US in his age division. It will be interesting to see how his team matches up with the likes of the Cowboys from Texas or the Roughnecks from New Jersey. It all gets started tomorrow!

Rantings of a baseball mom...

I'm sure 'normal' people go on vacations that don't include red dirt and chalk lines. Those same 'normal' people worry about packing the right outfits more than they worry about making sure they have all the uniform pieces and equipment needed.

It's 'go time' in the Leland house. Time to pack everything we need to be in Florida for the week. (Not to mention pre-planning for being at the beach in NC the week following.) I'm not even sure WHAT the right things to pack are, so I assume I will just bring the kitchen sink along. What is the appropriate outfit for sitting in the 100 degree sun while screaming at the top of your lungs at umpires with crappy strike zones? How can I keep Whitney 'on schedule' in a hotel room in Florida? Since we won't get our schedule till the meeting on Sunday it's hard to plan the week. That is just PAINFUL for my 'type A' tendencies.

This week Whitney has been mulling over what he'd like to hear before taking the mound. He's been using "Back in Black" by AC/DC all season since he plays for the Black Eagles. But he's changing to "Enter Sandman" by Metallica. I told him he should use "Sexy Back" by Justin Timberlake...whaaaat?, it has a good beat! :P

Of course the laces on his glove had to bust at practice on Monday night so we had to take it to the Glove Doctor (no lie, that's what he calls himself) to be repaired. I was frantic it wouldn't be done in time but luckily it's not the busy time of year so he turned it around in 24 hours. Can you imagine Whitney breaking in a new glove down there? But, that just added one more thing for me to stress over and be added to my 'to-do' list this week.

Today I picked up the uniforms for the team. I'm taking them to Florida with me to make sure they get there and no one forgets a piece. Really? Control issues? Me? NOOOOOOO!!!!

Here it is, 2 days before it's time to leave and I still feel so unprepared. But what I do know...is all this stress, all this work, all this time, all this expense...

It's ALL worth it because next week, my boy...my sweet baby boy who changed my life forever when he was laid on my chest for the first time and made me a mother...he gets the chance to live out his 11 year old dream and pitch in a World Series game. And for him it is EVERYTHING! And for me, THAT'S all that matters!

New Ward

Well, our stake did some 'housekeeping' last Sunday and we got put into a new ward. Which means we are no longer in the ward we specifically moved for a year ago.:( I tried REALLY hard to be 'ok' with this change (though everyone knows I HATE change) but as I sat in church yesterday I could feel the tears well up in my eyes as I looked around and didn't know anyone. It didn't help that my LDS friends in my neighborhood were ALL out of town for July 4th weekend so not even they were there. There are many reasons I am displeased with the new ward boundries, but I am following my wise mother's advise and giving it a year to 'settle' before making any decisions.

All the priesthood is set but none of the other auxilaries have presidencies yet. So, it's really good that we will be out of town the next 3 Sundays! Maybe the new Bishop will think we are inactive and won't give us a calling! But the ward is so small I'm sure everyone will get at least 3 callings.

I'm sad...I'm miss my old new ward :(

Fireworks, family and friends

The city of Sugar Hill did fireworks last night so we kicked off our holiday weekend with the Richards there.

The kids enjoyed watching the fireworks...first time they were quite or still all night!

Mallory and Jack are too funny!!!

It never ceases to amaze me how well all the kids get along. When we went to Hilton Head for Spring Break the one thing Monique and I told everyone was that the kids never once fought.

Maggie and Luke - he might be 6 months older but she's 6 inches taller! HAHAHA! I'm banking on him hitting a growth spurt before they get married. ;)

Whitney carried Mallory around on his back so she wouldn't get lost in the shuffle leaving the park. What a gentleman he's becoming!

Take me out the ballgame...

Mom loves her babies AND her Braves!

With the night off from Whitney's team and the perfect weather we decided to load up and head down to Turner Field for the Braves vs Phillies game. It was so fun to have the six of us together for the night!

Doing the 'Tomahawk Chop' with the crowd!

We had enough snacks to field a small army and to keep Jack happy we need it! Though he loves the music and fun cheers and maybe one day he will actually like the game.

Chicks dig the long ball - or at least the cheer and fireworks that come after a home run is hit!

Maggie's been going to Braves games since she was 3yo and knows Turner Field like the back of her hand - especially all the 'good food spots.' If it's true that guys loves girls who loves sports then Maggie will have them beating down her door...or because of those beautiful baby blue (Granddaddy Leland) eyes!

Gettin' his groove on!

Preston's goal in life is to be on the Jumbo-tron at Turner Field, so he dances like a fool every time a song comes on hoping he will get chosen. And we get to enjoy the show! It seems he's been going to Braves games forever. He knows how to maneuver through the parking lot, the security and the stands like a pro. He sits next to me telling me why a play was made or what cheer is next.

Gotta love the ONE-FOUR!!!!

The Braves' #14 (Martin Prado) was the hero of the night! He was responsible for 4 of the 5 RBIs including the walk off hit in the 10th! Whitney had on his jersey and hat that had his 14 on them and he loved yelling for his Braves counterpart. Before we left the house he predicted a 5-4 win in the 10th (which was the final outcome!!) and when he saw the batting line up for the 10th inning he said Prado would win it for them. And sure enough Prado made the walk off hit! Our 14 is looking forward to that success at the World Series in 2 weeks!!!

Pool Rats

We have spent many of our days lately lounging (ok, I'm lounging, they're playing) by the pool. It's an easy way to spend our day out of the house. Of course we can't swim on baseball days so that narrows down the # of days right there. We have enjoyed these days of leisure this month because July will be CRAZY (World Series in FL, beach in NC and then Camp Wannaklot for the boys) and then everyone knows how CRAZY August is in the Leland house (ugh, just the thought of it makes me cringe). So, Aaron has officially labeled us the 'pool rats'. Mmmmehhh, it could be worse!

I hope one day they like each other as much as it LOOKS like they do in this picture. HAHAHA!

Her eyes are as blue as that water. LOVE HER!

This bucket has provided hours of entertainment!

The official "Pool Rats' picture!

Monique

Yesterday was Monique's birthday!!! She invited some friends over to our neighborhood pool and we had pizza and lots of fun! All five moms took a turn down the waterslide which gave the kids great joy to watch!

The Crazy Kids!

Lisa, Annette and Monique

Hear no evil! See no evil! Speak no evil! YEAH RIGHT!

Marsha and her 'vice'! There were so empty (soda) cans laying around the pool we look like a Frat house on a Saturday morning!

Monique and Kerri

It's been 9 years since Monique moved into my ward. We hit it off instantly. So much alike it's scary. Like any friendship we've had our ups and downs but always seem to find our way back to each other. If you ever need a friend that will always tell you how right you are...she's not your girl. But if you need a friend that will be honest and take your secrets to her grave...she's that friend. Thanks Mo for being you!!! XOXOXO

He Didn't Have To Be...

As most of you know my Daddy isn't my biological father...but he IS my dad. I usually joke and say, "He thought he got out cheap missing the diapers and the formula but the joke was on him and he got cars, weddings and grandkids...much more expensive!"

I can remember the night I asked him if I could call him 'Dad'. His response was simple, "Call me whatever you want...I just want you to call me." That is my Dad completely. He came into our family at a time that things were in a whirlwind. He gave us strength and love when he didn't have and when it wasn't easy. He had no expectations of us...he only asked that we LET him love us.

This is the man that let Aaron know before we got married that he had a spot for his dead body if he hurt me. This is the man who actually broke the speed limit (if you knew him you'd know this is a shock in itself) to get to the hospital when I was in labor because we thought Whitney would be born within the hour...only to pace outside my door for 4 more hours while I pushed. Then 9 weeks later he and mom drove to PA to the Amish country only to turn back around 24 hours later because Whitney was being admitted to the hospital. That same man gets a phone call from Whitney and Preston to tell him every nasty pitch they sent over the plate...because their Granddaddy hangs of their every play-by-play. (I keep joking that every person east of Raleigh has probably heard that HIS grandson is playing in a World Series.)

He shoulders our concerns and cheers on our victories. He's loves us at times we don't love ourselves. He IS my Dad! When I hear Brad Paisley's song "He Didn't Have to Be" I think of my Dad every time:

And now all of a sudden

It seemed so strange to me

How we've gone from something's missing

To a family

Lookin' through the glass I think about the man

That's standin' next to me

And I hope I'm at least half the dad

That he didn't have to be

He didn't have to be my Dad, he could have just been my Mom's husband. But he chose to love us...the good, the bad, the ugly.

I love you Daddy!!!! Happy Father's Day!!!

Our Maggie Mae

I was looking through the latest blog entries and realized they are mainly about Whitney's baseball. In all fairness that's what we are involved in most these days. Aaron and I were talking about how last year at this time we were wrapped up in Preston's All Star team's bid for the state title. It seems at any given time there is one kid or the other that needs the bulk of attention. But the truth is our only girl is our most low maintenence child. She never asks for anything and is so appreciative of everything. She is always quick to be our 'helper' and volunteer.

No More Hardware

After 16 months Whitney was thrilled to get his braces off! The truth is, except for a few painful days at the beginning and when he got the 'appliance' put on, it wasn't THAT bad. Here is the post from when he got them put on.

Even though he was nervous it might hurt when they pulled them off he was all smiles walking in:

Afterwards I was so pleased with his beautifully perfect smile (even though this round of braces was more for his bite which we have seen the changes in his jaw line over the months):

After we were done at the orthdontist we went to Chick-fil-A for lunch. On the way there Whitney was telling me the orthodontist told him he had 4 teeth all ready to come out. It didn't much of that statement till I look over and see him at the table pulling them out one by one:

He got three of the four ready to come out right then. So that 'perfect' smile was gone very quickly and we were left with a holey smile...just great:

Another tourney...another trophy!

Whitney's team won SubState last week giving them a berth to the state tournament in 2 weeks. But they opted to play another SubState to 'work out some kinks'. I guess the kinks aren't so bad seeing that they won ANOTHER SubState!!!

They won 3 of their 5 games under the 'mercy rule' (meaning after 3 innings one team is winning by 8 or more runs). Whitney enjoyed closing out the championship game on the mound...his happiest place on earth.

The face of WINNERS!!!Getting his 2nd SubState trophy:

Whitney and his coaches:
Mama loves her boy:

The kids are such troopers at the field but by the end of the weekend they are dirty, hungry and tired. This is the face we see:

A Dip with Nana and Granddaddy

My parents made a quick trip down to GA to see Whitney play baseball this weekend. Their love and dedication to their grandchildren never ceases to amaze me. But today...I was past amazed...I was SHOCKED!

Nana gave the 3 oldest cannonball lessons...WOW, look at that tuck at 60yo!!!!

Granddaddy showed them how to go down the waterslide fast:

Granddaddy horsed around with the boys in the pool and flipped Maggie in the air:

Jack was exhausted from all the fun so he took a break and nursed Mom's Diet Coke and then took a rest on Mom: