Well Rounded...

Most of you know Luke moved up to rookie leagues this fall. What you may not know is that he's playing catcher and has also just started violin lessons.

I seriously cannot believe how brave he is playing catcher as the pitching machine blasts those balls out. I don't believe I would have done this as a six year old. But he loves it. He would play this position the whole game but the league requires them to only play this position for a couple of innings. His team got beat up pretty bad on Saturday but I don't believe most of the kids realized how bad it was (that will come later!).

Luke also began violin lessons yesterday and loves it. He really listened to his teacher, who although an older lady, really knows how to bond with kids. She and Luke hit it off as she used to be a softball pitcher, too. He's interested in a variety of intruments but wanted to try the violin the most. So far no horrible noises but the dogs across the street were howling while he practiced on the porch last night (don't tell Luke!).

Awakening!

On Saturday we attended Awakening Fest where we saw Barlow Girl and Toby Mac. It was a long day with Luke having a game in the morning and then us heading to the festival. It was a little over an hour drive but the weather was beautiful (even a little cool) and we had a great time. Both Luke and Blake are crazy about Toby Mac. It was so cool to see them sing along and dance to his songs. Luke knows so many of the words. And for those of you who haven't seen Barlow Girl - they rock! These girls play their own instruments, are beautiful and have some songs with great messages for teen girls. A beautiful day.

Don't Blink...

There's a new song out by Kenny C. that says, "Don't blink, just like that you're 6 years old and you take a nap, you wake up and you're 25..." Wow. How true. I can hardly believe Luke will be 7 in November. He started 1st grade last week, is riding his bike without his training wheels (and riding a 2 1/2 mile loop around the neighborhood with me!) and playing catcher during practice for his rookie league team. Last night I had a great time watching Luke and Blake pull each other in their wagon. They were laughing and playing so hard. Despite being almost 6 years apart I can still remember pulling my brother in the wagon and then "making" him push me while I steered. Maybe this is why he's 6'8" and all muscle! Anyway - I just try to help create opportunities for making memories and let life do the rest. They are growing up so fast.

Happy 60th, Poppy!

A couple of weeks ago we celebrated Poppy's 60th birthday with a "suprise" party! He did know something was up but didn't expect to see former co-workers and family from North Carolina to be there.

Do you trust teenagers? Maybe you should...

When we spent a week on Edisto Island this past summer, we practically begged the boys to go for a canoe or kayak ride with us on the bay or in one of the creeks. Both of them said "No, way!" So, you can imagine my suprise when Luke asked one the teenagers in our youth group to take him for a canoe ride at our pastor's farm! I guess one of the benefits of working with and getting to know the youth in our church is the impact it has on Luke and Blake. They're so friendly with the teens in our church and consider them "friends". Despite all the mean, irresponsible teens (and adults!) out there, I've been blessed to get to be around some wonderful teens. They do still exist! Do you know any?

County Fair

I love this pic of the boys at the county fair! We visited MeeMee and Poppy this past week and attended their local fair. The boys also had a chance to spend a week with their grandparents while I attended a conference (I can't complain - it gave the boys some time with family and was the only week my office asked me to work all summer!). My in-laws have goats - which Luke loves. And they are certainly starting to grow on Blake. When you say "Oreo" around this house - you're not talking about a cookie - you're talking about a sweet goat on their farm. Luke and Blake will also tell you all about goat milk being their favorite beating out cow milk by a landslide. Cuties.

Mom's Night Out

All moms need a night out! Thankfully, I have a wonderful husband and mother-in-law who understands this! On Thursday, MeeMee gave me tickets to see Dierks Bentley at the county fair. He put on a great show and probably would have played a lot longer but we got cut short by a big storm. On Friday, Yuliya and I saw Keith Urban who played for almost three hours and sang and played his heart out. Sweat poured down him and although thousands were in the audience he managed to give everyone an intimate performance. It was evident that both guys love what they do and I love their music! And of course, we were able to dance and sing and act as silly as we wanted to without the guys around.