Too Much of a Good Thing

Saturday was Matt's first baseball game. It was a chilly 55 degrees and very windy. Mark and I cuddled underneath a warm fleece blanket while snacking on yogurt covered raisins -- his favorite.

Matt made great hits every time at the plate. A couple shot above the shortstop's head and Matt announced over and over again that he "got a double". His efforts didn't stop there...

On the field he snatched up ball after ball throwing quickly to first. When he played pitcher he even caught a couple behind the back and again, hustled together to aim at first base. He was amazing!

After the game I had parents coming up to me asking his age, how long he's been playing and why we didn't advance him to instructional ball. (And if you must know, we felt Matt needed to be with players his own age. I don't want to push him. He may have talent, but he's still only in first grade. It was a maturity thing.)

One came up calling Matt "the stud player". More approached him saying he's a "true ball player". Steve and I always knew Matt can grasp athletic concepts easily, so this came as no surprise and you can imagine our delight. I mean there was a time when we thought his life would be altered in so many ways because of celiac disease. To see him excel swelled my heart. On the way home we were telling Matt what a great job he did and he was aware of the compliments he received. All of us were beaming.

Then this morning on our way to church Matt says, "I can't wait to play again today. You know, I'm the stud-player."

It hit. Hard. That awful word: PRIDE (with a little arrogance on the side)

I collected my thoughts about Saturday's game. Did I want my son to have this kind of ego? No. Not my son. Most of all Steve and I want our boys to know that God is the giver of life and talents and He should receive the glory, not ourselves. As I started sharing, we all were convicted and allowed humility back in.

Pride can be like a cancer. It starts out small and then grows to deform your mind and spirit. It allows man to think he is above the Lord even when you have the best intentions. Do we want Matt to play well? Sure. But I wasn't about to let the seed of pride be planted in his heart. No one will enjoy being around a bragging boy who only thinks of himself. We are the Body of Christ. No one is better than the other. Each has a position called to by God and each person is an important function; kinda like a team. We need to work together.

At the game today, he hi-fived his teammates. He shouted, "Great job," to all the guys. It wasn't about him, but the team. He wasn't boasting about his double yesterday. He just knew to play his best for the team; not himself. And again, I heard the comments from others. "Thanks," I said and left them at the doorstep.

"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." James 4:6

Amen.

Marker Disaster

When I heard silence, I knew something was up.

CAUGHT!

Limiting Rice Purchases

READ ABOUT IT HERE What's next? An immunity challenge and the winner gets a bag of rice to take home? I sure hope not. I am not an expert on running an obstacle course or holding my breath 'til I pass out. And you'll never see me lasting more than a minute standing on a wooden post the size of my big toe.

I've decided to do most of my summer clothes shopping online thanks to several free shipping promos. I just don't feel like driving anywhere anymore. Gas is too precious and down right expensive.

The signs of the times are a bit scary, but God will give me peace.

Spring Fever

It's here. It's really here. SPRING.....with summer close by.

The boys are outside daily. Matt is riding his bike with his buddies. Mark and I walk to our park before lunchtime and I am amazed that his little feet walk that entire distance without a complaining word.

We attended Steve's softball game last night although we never saw Daddy hit. He took care of the books since his elbow is still recovering. Matt ran off with kids to play catch while Mark played in the kitty litter like dirt. Matt was never a dirt-loving kid, however his little brother is. That bath water was sure hazy!

Neighbors are out chatting. People wave "hi" as they take after-dinner walks. Sometimes I think technology has done a disservice to communication. Forget texting and go out and talk to one another!

The windows are open. Fresh air throughout the house. I switched off the heat and hopefully next month's utility bill reflects big savings.

I grilled steaks. Our oven decided to bust, but who cares when I can cut into a mouth-watering piece of grilled goodness. As I type I am waiting for the repairman to call with an estimated time of arrival.

The fridge is stocked with produce. Strawberries, red peppers, grapes, blueberries.....

Oh, I love this season. How about you?

And if you haven't already, celebrate Spring by entering my Bloggy Carnival Giveaway!

Bloggy Giveaway Spring Carnival

THE WINNER IS: Audra's Little Scraps

And how perfect that her blog is all about scrapbooking! I hope you enjoy this, Audra!

This is a first for me: A GIVEAWAY hosted by Bloggy Giveaways

Who doesn't love the ease of digital camera prints, especially when they can be shipped to your door. I am offering 50 digital prints from Snapfish and if you are a first time user, they will add another 20 prints for free.

Leave a comment and I will draw the lucky winner on April 26 @ 9pm CST. Please follow the giveaway guidelines and good luck!

What You Don't See May Surprise You

This seems like a cute snapshot, huh? It was taken during my family's belated Easter gathering. But what you may not have noticed right away is the several grease stain splatters on my shirt. I was cutting the ham when a huge chuck fell into the juices. All. Over. Me.

As I studied this photo it made me think: while trying to smile appearing to be all put together, may not appear to be so.

Behind this mommy is a woman who sometimes allows potato chips for breakfast. During my workout (which I am committed to keep up with) I sit Mark in front of the office's TV with a full hour of Blue's Clues to keep him occupied. And, yes, when that ring pop falls in the grass, I may not rinse it off. A little of the Earth's minerals can't be all that bad, right?

And for those of you wondering, those dust bunnies are still on the window trim. Will I ever get to them? Ask me again in another week or two or three....

As I type my bed is not made. Maybe I won't even get to it today. And I could probably spend time cleaning my bathrooms and organizing closets, but it's a nice day. We'll end up hitting our neighborhood park instead. So what if the house isn't neat and tidy!

So here I am. In all my messy, imperfect glory. With these grease stains on my shirt.

What grease stains are you trying to hide?