Spring Softball for Clair and Julie

 This spring's softball season became all encompassing. The team was undefeated throughout the regular season with high expectations heading into the championship game. 

Clair worked hard on her pitching over winter and started the season strong on the mound. At times, she started to look like she was ready to pitch at the travel level. She was working on placing her pitches and a change up. 

A late in the season injury, probably from too much pitching in a week, caused a pause on pitching. It was tough because Clair wanted to continue to contribute and be competitive, and I wanted her to continue growing as a pitcher. But we quickly learned that was not possible. 

Lila stepped up big time, pitching 2 full games on her own for wins! She has done great this season.

The team had to have the second playoff game without us as we were at Ellie's high school graduation. It was stressful for us, but the team pulled off a smashing win that ended under the mercy rule. 

The final game was a bit of a heartbreaker for us. We gave up 10 in the first two innings; it was the first time all season our defense had to sit down due to the offense scoring 5 on us. Every other game we got the outs. The team could not mentally recover from this and we lost big in the final game. It was heartbreaking but it didn't change the impressive season they had going 14-1. 

I'm proud of Clair and all the girls. 

Granddaddy really enjoyed watching Clair this season and cheering her on. I called him her biggest fan. 

All Star Game - we won that too and were able to partner with our friends to play this game. 

Clair tried an inning at shortstop and was ready!

Clair and her biggest fan!

Team after our first big win of the season against the most challenging team.

My girl pitching hard to start the season.

As we are a month into summer now, Clair is still doing PT and trying to return to pitching. We see glimpses of good things and then her knee hurts again. I'm not sure where we go from here, but we will figure it out. 

Max is 16!

 My baby boy turned 16 this past week. It's the third year in a row where we've celebrated his birthday at the beach. He's been easy going about it and we try to make it special for him. 

He starts his day with cinnamon buns and lots of bacon! Bacon is one of his favorite foods. 

We hung out at the beach for a while and he enjoys playing in the ocean, and most importantly, digging a big hole that gets to the water table!

In the afternoon he opened his presents at the beach. Lots of little things he wanted this year - including new shoes for his ever growing feet, a boomerang, deodorant, and several other little things like juggling balls and some new clothes. 

In the evening we took him for a proper steak dinner and told him that he could order whatever he wanted on the menu. He debated between the Ribeye and the NY Strip steak, but in the end he chose the Ribeye.

We ended his birthday with some go kart fun. Everyone enjoyed it and had stories to share! 

Max is my kid who is always looking for the laugh. Sometimes his jokes border on annoyance which is most entertaining to him. He is always up for a chat and a smile. One of the things I love most about him is that every time when he comes home, he finds me to talk to me for a little bit and share his day and ask about mine. He is also very helpful around the house. He's learning to work hard doing yard work in the neighborhood and helping his Dad out. I'm proud of the young man he is and look forward to seeing what 16 will bring for him.  He has not arranged to get his learners yet, but I think that is coming soon. 

Pictures of the day attached. 

 

Beach week 2026

 Our annual trip to OBX with the family and my college friends Rachelle and Shelby, and their families, has been one of the core memories for our kids growing up. I think this is our 10th year doing this trip. We've stayed all across the outer banks in different locations. Each has their charm. This year, we were sound side in Corolla and enjoyed many gorgeous sunsets and hanging out at the house.  Max also turned 16 this year. 

Given we were sound side, we decided driving to the beach would be easiest, so we were up and out early each morning to get a parking spot. We spent more time at the beach this year, then ever, despite being further from the beach than any time before. 

Clair loves the ocean at this stage. She spends as much time in the ocean as she can, balancing getting sunblock and taking a little break under the tent to extend the day. She gets so red so easily.

Max loves digging holes in the sand and reaching water. He spends some time in the ocean, but not as much as Clair. He also is the one who will through a ball with me for a bit each day. I enjoy this. 

Ellie spent most of her time going on walks on the beach, counting steps, and collecting seashell treasures. I think she brought home 20 extra pounds of treasure in her suitcase, which I expect the bust anyway now given how full she makes it for every single trip. 

David didn't get in as much this year; he said the waves were not very good. 

I hang out on the shores edge to cool down, but didn't get in past my knees this year. It was really cold. 

We had a few nice dinners out - one with our family for Max's 16th at a steakhouse - one with the full group at an Italian place - and one with the adults at a nice New York style restaurant on the water. Each had their charm and benefits. 

Max wanted to jet ski on his birthday, but he is not allowed to drive a jet ski until he gets his license and this process has yet to start for him. Instead we drove go-karts this year and I think everyone really enjoyed it. 

Here's a selection of photos from the week. 

Milestones

 It's been a while since I wrote. We have had many milestones, alongside a very busy spring. 

• Clair turned 13 in April.
• Julie turned 50 in June.
• Ellie graduated high school shortly after.
• Max turns 16 tomorrow. 

The parenting stage of life feels all consuming right now, and I honestly would not have it any other way. My whole life I dreamed of being a mom and I am so thankful God has blessed me with 3 wonderful children. I'm far from a perfect mother. I have made my share of mistakes and I know I will make many more. At the same time, every night I thank God for my family, for my kids, for my home and for the life he has blessed me with. 

Remembering the day that my children were born can sometimes feel distant, but when I think about where we are, each of them operating under their own opinions, capacity, judgements, and personality, it feels like I simply blinked and they were grown. I can see their little faces in their current teen faces, but it's getting harder and harder. I remember playing with them - each their favorite things. I remember their giggles and hugs and energy. I love my memories and videos that pop up on social media from time to time. 

These past two decades of life have simply flown by as a result of feeling busy, rushed, hectic, and overwhelmed at times. My wish for myself is to learn how to stop in the moment, be present, and enjoy. I pray to learn to do this more. I also pray for my kids to be better at this than I am. 

Tomorrow my baby boy turns 16 at 7:30 am. He arrived with some drama and lives life outlaid, sharing his thoughts loudly, laughing hard, talking a lot, and generally being great at being present in the moment. As hard as that can be when he is forgetting to take care of business, I hope this means he is living each day to the fullest. 

We will spend the day at the beach and try to spoil him throughout the day, letting him know he is so special and so very loved. Happy 16th Max! You have big things ahead for you. Listen to God's direction and follow it always! He will help you get where you need to go. I love you forever! - Mom