Move over, Soccer mom

I've found a new calling...

I just can't begin to describe how much I love watching baseball. It isn't even really about watching Jayce; although it is SUPER exciting to see how much progress he's made this season.

I love cheering for all his teammates. Jason, who loves to slide into the bases. Mitch, our home run hitter. Trenton, who has tagged out many runners before getting to first. I love sitting next to their families and hearing about their new baseball bats purchased and professional games they've watched on TV.

My friend Hannah called me a Baseball Mom. I think I like that :)

Our Tornadoes are ranked #2 in our division. We have only played the #1 ranked team once this season. The second game was called due to rain and was never made up. Now its time for us to face them again. We are ready!

I am so proud of our boys! The way they work together as a team. The way they stick up for each other in the dug out. The way they cheer each other on.

I'm so excited that Jayce has found something he likes and is willing to work hard for! Its been the best experience for him with sports so far!

So, wish us luck; send us vibes; say a prayer. The Tornadoes are going to need it this week as we play in the County Championship and later go up against the #1 team in our division.

Joce's Braces

Look what finally came in the other day!

I still don't understand why two pieces of plastic and some velcro cost over $1000 to manufacture. Some SMOs and AFOs are custom made to fit your child's feet and a cast is required for the mold. But these are just standard size 5s. 

As you can see, there is a lot of room for foot growth. Because they were so expensive (our insurance did pay a portion, thank goodness!), we are hoping these last 9-12 months. Actually, we are hoping she won't *need* another pair in that amount of time. The orthotics doctor assures us that he believes that she will outgrow the need.

So what does Jocelyn think of her braces?

She could care less. She is much more interested in untying her older sister's first pair of Stride Rites.

We were hoping to put treads on the bottom of the SMOs so she wouldn't have to wear shoes with them. But the company said adding treads will void the warranty.

I was hoping Jaina's old 1 year old shoes (that I saved for posterity) would fit. They are size 5.5 Wide. Jocelyn wears a 4 regular without her braces. I struggled and struggled and finally got those shoes on. And then promptly decided that she needed a new pair of shoes.

We got her a size 6 W and it works well with her braces.

We saw improvements the first day she wore them. That girl just needs a little ankle support and she is going to take off soon! More picture evidence to come :)

Outside?

Move over Dora....

Jocelyn likes something new now. Its even better than an episode of Dora.

Its called, "Go Outside?"

She might not be able to say "Outside" yet, but she sure knows what it means. And don't you dare say "outside" and THEN go find your socks and shoes. Or stop by the fridge for a drink. Nope, you have to go outside immediately. 

I called Jocelyn's name to get her attention. She ignores me, but the dog comes running. Shaggy does not like the baby getting any attention.

Jocelyn loves to swing, but her favorite thing is to climb up the wooden trampoline stairs to play with her sister.

And when she's done, she just goes back down them. That's a new skill she's learned this week. 

Then its time to pick flowers.

Lather, rinse, repeat. Its a vicious cycle of play, but at least we are enjoying the weather.

And you know what? She's not scared of the grass anymore :)

Ten on 10: May Instagram

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The Mother of all Catch Up posts

ACK!! Where do I start?

So, this kid right here turned 8.

When asked what kind of birthday party he wanted, Jayce replied, "I want to eat at Applebee's and have a magician." So, that's what we did.

The next day we went to Jaina's school to see her perform in music class.

Two days later, we went to Jayce's school to watch him accept the Terrific Kid award.

I'm still watching this little ball of sunshine two days a week. Soon her little brother will be joining the crew at my house, too!

I tried to join in for the Pinspired Meme over at my friend's blog. But not having your computer for pictures kind of put a damper on it. Here's one of my outfits. Jocelyn had to sneak in there at the last minute.

Brian does not love the red pants trend that is going on right now. And he never fails to tell me how big my butt looks in red every time I wear them. Thanks, Brian :)

The other day I was inspired to take some photos in black and white, instead of taking them in color and then processing them in black and white.

Then, of course, there is baseball. There is always baseball. The good news, however, is that Jayce has gotten TWO hits!!! (This is a really big deal for my low muscle tone and low coordination kid!)

That weekend was Spring Fling, our town's annual outdoor festival. It rained cats and dogs the whole entire weekend. That did not stop Jaina.

Oh, and my best friend Farrell and her girl friend Claudia just happened to be here from Germany :)

Then the next day, we celebrated our friend's 1 year old birthday. Jocelyn was a bit antisocial and decided to just play in the bedroom by herself for most of the party.

And two days later, we attended a college graduation for our dear friend Hannah. We are so proud of you, Hannah!!

And that, my friends, is what we've been up to while our computer server has been out of commission :)

Thanks for sticking around!