Abby found Belle

Abby has been doing the back up onto a lot of laps these days, but this day she found her little sister's lap for the first time... so cute!  Belle was a bit caught off guard, but as you can see, they had a moment.  Belle has traditionally been such a competent caregiver.  No... she doesn't actually take care of Abby, but she's been able to direct care for her since she was three.  She's spent her days dodging a pinch or a pull, but not really connecting with her on any level like a sister would; whereas, MA go to see a more interactive Abby.  Belle is just starting to see Abby as a person to interact with.  They even shared the backseat of the van on the way down to GA this summer.  The slept through the night without Abby attacking!  Amazing...

U10 2012

Can you believe the only team pic we got was when we were gone

Belle played fastpitch softball U10 for the first time this year at eight.  Mom coached!  We had the sweetest group of girls and the best parents around!  Kris Mallet officially assisted, but there were always extra parents around practice and games to help out... great parents, right? 

Our team was mostly 8 and 9 year olds, with a couple of 7s and a few 10s, while most teams we played had mostly 10/11 year olds!  Needless to say we got beat pretty good most games, but the girls improved a ton!  With a few games to be played this year we have won a game, but only won and the team we beat had a great coach who understood this whole learning the game thing.  Most of the coaches were pretty cool about teachng, but there were a couple who ran the score up and were just jerks.  We even played one coach who was stealing bases after they were ahead by double digits.  What do you teach kids about life?  So sad to see these kind of people leading children.  I'm not a perfect specimen at all times and I made some mistakes in the area of role modeling, I'm sure; but... I'll let it go now :)

We actually started hitting the last couple games of the year.  Being a stronger defensive player I typically "hit" that first, so it took me a few games (half the season) before concentrating on the offensive side.  They started hitting and having a bit more fun running the bases and such.  By the time playoffs came, we had a chance to win our first game and we I was excited until the temp went to the upper 90s and our game was postponed.  This change made it impossible for me and Belle to attend the game as we had already planned to be in GA for our family vacation and that couldn't be changed.

A couple of veteran ball playing dads took over and I was able to follow my girls via texting with a fellow coach and some parents.  the girls started the game with a 4-0 run, but ended up losing to a homerun by the opposing team.  Way to go girls!  They improved so much and I was so proud of them by the end of the year.  Everyone hit the ball by the last game!

What I Love About You At 8!

It's more of a rare day that I get Belle to pose nicely for a pic these days!  Here's a bit about my mini me girl at eight:

1. You've decided you like to do your own hair even though you have a mom who not only likes to do hair, but is actually pretty good at it!  It's a version of a high and low pony and maybe a braid.  You like to put in a clip, but anything more is over the top!  Every now and then we'll get a flower in, but they usually get dumped in the car on the way to church or wherever we're going.
2. You still like school, but it's fallen a bit as it doesn't work to to get you up in the morning to whisper that it's okay to stay home today... you'll take me up on it now
3. You like to paint your nails and be girly by dressing up, but the idea of wearing a skirt to school is ludicrous now
4. You have the cutest laugh and still love to cuddle.  We curbed most of the middle of the night sneeking into bed with mom by putting another warm body with you... MA!
5. I love to listen to you tickling your little sister and playing with her.  You're an amazing big sister!
6. You've decided you want to play softball this year and have actually started to play catch with mom.  It's been like pulling teeth to get you to do before now and I decided not to push it, but I have to admit that I love playing with my girl!
7. You've started to develop a sense of style.  You like to pick out your own clothes and definitely have an aversion to some stuff.  I'm so thankful for a dress code, so we only have two days a week to deal with clothes.  You discovered Justice much to my dismay because the clothes are so poorly made that they only last for one kid, but I'm learning to get deals so we can make it work!
8. You still are Daddy's girl.  He's the one you want to be with above all others :)  I guess it makes sense since you're so much like the girl he married!
9. You despise being noticed and do anything to not bring attention to yourself.  I often wonder how that works with a sister like Abby who gets stared at all the time.  We couldn't figure out why you wouldn't wear the new Twinkle Toes you picked out, but you finally admitted you didn't like how everyone commented on them whenever you wore them.  It took a bit, but now you wear them daily!
10. You got an iphone this year w/o service as Mom got upgraded when Daddy did, but keep losing it becuase you are addicted to the idea of unlimited netflix.  It doesn't work with the 1/2 hour a day rule...
11. Your cousin Tirzah is still your best buddy!  You two are so different, but it seems to work.  You've started to talk on the phone on a more regular basis even. 
12. You are the youngest in your class, but sticking strong with A's and B's.  You're real solid when you try, but you don't care about perfection, but getting it done so you can go outside!
13. Your work at a slow pace which makes sense because you're our kid.  You have so much going on in your head that you're easily distracted. 
14. You have such a matter-of-fact way of looking at life.  You're not easily upset or moved by most of what takes place.  I think you take it in and process it later, since things often come out much later than when they took place. 
15. You've very logical and you get sarcasm.  We've had to teach you (and us) that it's not always appropriate :)
16. You are growing in your understanding of God and the Bible.  You take it all in as a lot of information, but we're looking forward to seeing you apply what you learn as you grow.  You've definitely had a profession of faith, but aren't sure about baptism yet as the idea of talking in front of a group is daunting.  We keep encouraging it, but feel when you're ready it will come.
17. You're naturally such a nice girl and you make friends easily.  You like to please the adults in your life and once you favor someone it's a bit deeper.  You're not like your little sister who likes everyone.  You choose your people more carefully.
18. Your little sister thinks you hung the moon.  She absolutely adores you and everything you do.  She gives you a hard time, but is devastated when you're not here.