Posts I Missed in 2011 #2

One of my most favorite activities is hiking. I love this particular hike in April because of the wildflowers which grow in profusion throughout the first two miles of the trail. Hite Cove itself is an abandoned mining settlement some 4.5 miles down the trail. It was fun to have a day with only Emily and Thomas. I can't remember where Scott and Doug were but I imagine they were playing baseball.

Changes

These past few weeks have brought some sweet blessings into my life. Doug was ordained a Priest, Thomas a Deacon and Scott has turned in his application papers to serve a mission.

My heart is tender as I realize the blessings these boys have brought into my life. I have gained a greater understanding and appreciation for the Priesthood among other lessons learned. I am so grateful that they are trying to choose the right and are willing to serve. I love being a mother of sons.

I feel so blessed that Matt is such a great father and husband. I love that we gather to read our scriptures every evening and have family prayer. I love that Matt so often shares his testimony during these times. I also love that he laughs and plays with and teases his boys and that they enjoy his company. All these things fill my heart with so much joy.

Posts I Missed in 2011 #1

Yes, I know it is way past the time to do "year-end reviews", but since the government doesn't expect me to be done with the year 2011 until April 15th, I figure I have a few more days to record a few of the posts I missed in 2011. Mostly, I just want to post pictures for my parents to see - ignore if you're tired of the "I think my children are the greatest" type of blog posts.
This year Scott joined his dad in the annual trip to the Domincan Republic. Scott had a great time participating in this service oriented trip. I know Matt really enjoyed having him along.
Emily and her friends love to bake and decorate cookies and cupcakes. I remember this day because I ate so much frosting I was sick. Aren't the purple hearts cute?
This was the last Blue & Gold Banquet for Thomas. Just looking at these pictures makes me realize how much he has grown in a year. Love this kid!
Tom with his Webelos leader, Aaron Justice.

Turning 16

I think that the most exciting birthday for all of us is when we turn 16. I definitely remember my 16th birthday. This month it was Doug's turn. He passed his driving test with a nearly perfect score and he is so happy to have the freedom of driving himself to school and back.

He has also been preparing for a piano competition. I posted one of his pieces. This is Excursions by Samuel Barber. He has given a few practice performances for various audiences and while I have enjoyed his playing, I have really enjoyed watching him speak to the audience. Doug has not ever been verbose, especially with adults. It is wonderful to see him with confidence in public speaking. His introduction of each piece he played made all of us enjoy the music so much more and his cute smile just makes us laugh. Well it made me cry. At one of the performances he invited to two hottest teachers on the high school campus. His friends are so jealous and he is so proud.


Last Saturday he played in his first baseball scrimmage of the season. I love these pictures.

Thomas

A couple of weeks ago Thomas came home from school excited to tell me about an essay contest. A special dinner with local professional baseball players was to be awarded to the top 6 essays in each of the middle schools in town. These players included 5-6 minor players but also Brian Fuentes (A's) and Doug Fister (Tigers). Because Doug is LDS and also because our Doug played with his cousin in Little League our family follows him during the baseball season. Needless to say, Thomas wanted to win 2 tickets to this dinner. The essay topic was "If you could have dinner with a professional baseball player, what would you ask him?" and it was limited to 250 words. After Thomas wrote his first draft I thought I would sit down and help him craft a very clever essay. Then I decided an 11-year old boy should write what he really wants to know. So with a little grammer help from Ben, here is Tom's essay:

My name is Thomas Rowan and it would be very exciting to be able to spend an evening with professional baseball players. Baseball is one of my favorite sports. I’ve always had questions for pro baseball players and I hope they will be answered.

The first question I would ask is:

Did you have a favorite team growing up? Who was it? My favorite team is the San Francisco Giants. I think it would be weird going to a team that you had hated growing up. Did you ever have that experience? I bet that would really stink.

The next question I would ask is:

Was baseball always your favorite sport? I know sometimes baseball isn’t my favorite. If baseball wasn’t always your favorite what was? Did you play any other sports like soccer or football? I bet you’d be pretty busy if you did.

Another question I would ask is:

Do you ever get homesick when you are traveling all over the country? Do you ever miss your family or do they come with you when you are traveling? When I go to soccer games my mom or dad comes with me, whether it’s in Lodi or Merced.

Again I would love it if these questions were answered. I’ve always wanted to become a pro and I hope these players will give me the advice I need to become one. Thank you very much for this amazing opportunity.

The next week when I picked him up from school he was so excited to hand me an envelope that contained two tickets to the dinner. A dream come true.

Here are some pictures of Tom in his current soccer season. He plays on a competitive team that travels up and down the Valley. He loves every minute of practice and the games, he loves wearing jerseys, carrying a sports bag and drinking Gatorade. I love seeing him so happy.

I love the first three pictures, watch the ball and the boys faces. The next two picture are of his coach and assistant coach (son of the coach). I just have to laugh because of the earrings, they are the nicest people in the world and pretty good coaches too. We haven't lost a game yet. I love that he gets to be around such diversity and that he understands Spanish, at least all the soccer phrases. I love that his name becomes Toe-mas during the season. I love that he is healthy. I love that I get to be his mom.

Celebration

Yesterday, Matt had his PICC line removed which means 6 weeks of antibiotics is over and he can shower without wrapping his arm in saran wrap and he can dress without snagging his line on his clothing. It also means that today he is very cheerful!!! I was surprised by how long the line was, I had no idea. I'm sure dad and Jay have inserted a thousand PICC lines but it was a new experience for me. So glad I got it on video.