NCU vs Michigan State

 

When we found out that Clay would be playing a game within a few hours of home we had to go. It's hard for me to believe that he is a 200 pound college football player. He was Caleb's age when we moved to the foothills of Tucson, AZ. In many ways Caleb's intense personality reminds me of my little buddy Clay (now not such a little buddy). Like Clay, Caleb loves dinosaurs, is very determined, can't sit still and has to do things in his time on his terms. It is encouraging to see what a neat guy Clay has turned out to be and gives me hope that my little determined buddy will follow suit. 

Their team was playing a top ranked team in their stadium with green everywhere. I couldn't resist this picture even though it was our opponent's attire.

At the half the kids needed a break from sitting, so we went and played a little ball. We had a blast. It has been so fun watching Caleb's interest in sports develop. We haven't pushed it and the boy loves football as much as baseball. It is an every day activity for him to find his Nerf ball and throw it against the wall. Listening to him play an entire football game through his imagination is very entertaining.

The kids did really well, much better than I was anticipating for a 4 hour game in the cold. Always thankful for pleasant outings.

Our Buddy Clay running off the field.

Chelsea, Clay, Jordan and Grandpa Cowboy (with a tired Sissy in hand)

We had so much fun hanging with family. Makaylee loved playing with her pretty and fun cousin Chelsea. If I've ever questioned the value of quality time, that questioning has been totally eliminated. After one afternoon of Jordon playing football with Caleb, he is his new hero.  Thanks to the Fathead commercials he wants a life size picture of Jordon for his bedroom. He is determined to get a Detroit Lion's helmet and won't take off his Lion's Jersey.  He told me this morning he wants Jordon and Polamalu on his birthday cake. "Jordon will be tackling and Polamalu will have the ball." We are still working on comprehension of offense and defense. :)

Pirates Camp 2010

Caleb got an opportunity to take part in a rare opportunity and go to a baseball camp hosted by the Pirates.

I'm not sure if he fully understood what a cool opportunity this was, but Daddy sure thought it was amazing as did Mommy, Uncle Dan Dan and Grandma.

Caleb was by far the youngest kid, 

but he loved every minute of it. His favorite part was pitching. He did a little praying before starting his least favorite part base running. 

He found that even running was extra fun when you have the Pirate's 1st baseman Garrett Jones and coach Jeff Banister instructing.

Sister enjoyed escorting her big brother to the field and watching him perfect his skills.

Caleb was thankful Daddy was there to rescue him and run him up a 100 flights of stairs, so he made it to the restroom on time. Apparently there are no restrooms in the dugouts, even in MLB. 

It really was a Mommy moment full of warm and fuzzies, watching my little one enjoy himself so much. We all enjoyed burgers and hotdogs and tickets to the Pirates game.

One of  Garrett Jones' at bats.

Thanks to 

for an awesome experience and a treasured memory.

Trax Farm

There is a really cool farm here that has a fall festival with fun for the whole family. We had an amazing time with Cory's brother Daniel, Aunt Leslie and Grandma. You name it they had it. But, before we headed out for some fall fun, Caleb showed us his amazing frisbee skills.

Never ending piles of pumpkins were great for climbing.

A relaxing hayride overlooking the beautiful rolling hills of eastern Pennsylvania.

A very complicated Corn Maze that we still may be stuck in, if we had not cheated. 

A train ride that is extra fun, 

 in the pretty purple car

or if you get to be the caboose.

And of course completed by the ever popular bouncy rides

A day full of fun, good food (turkey legs, pulled pork, cider slushes and amazing cookies) and FaMily!!

So Long Type A Momma

After my last post I was feeling pretty down on life. Then I had to give myself a swift quick to the you know what and remember that I'm beyond blessed. I have the life I've always dreamed and yet I am still feeling like I don't measure up. What the heck is my problem? Well, the short is that I am a freakin Type A Nazi that has to have everything perfect to be content. Well, life with a 2 and 4 year old is seldom perfect. That is unless you describe perfect as chaos. So, after seeing my true colors thrown right in my face while stressing through every misplaced glitter and glue blob making what should have been a super fun poster for Caleb's 1st day of preschool, I decided to seriously try to roll more.

My goal is to be content with the chaos and let judging eyes remind me that my job is not to impress onlookers, but to shape my children in the mist of bringing them joy. It pains me, because I'm a crazy over the top joy kill. However, my new life goal is to be fun! What about discipline you might ask? Of one thing I'm certain, I will probably never error on the side of lacking discipline. This coming from the girl who would run at midnight if I haven't completed a scheduled workout. For the sake of the fam I must move away from the extreme and toward balance.

I got my first test tonight in the Lexus Club at the Pirates game.

I have to say not worrying about how your kids are acting makes this parenting thing a lot more enjoyable. Me and the kids had a blast hyped up on Crackerjacks and lemonade dancing, singing and screaming behind homeplate.

I even got a compliment from an older man that flying solo I was doing a great job, and looked like I had it together with my little ones. Amazing, the benefits of releasing control!!

Richly Blessed

Today was not one of my finer days as Mommy. I would love to say it will be remedied when Cory returns from the mountains of Colorado. However, if I'm honest with myself my lack of self control is not unique to today. I was beyond frustrated with their lack of listening. Developing the skill of first time obedience is a never ending battle in the Ruiz home and today I lost the battle, big time. After a fun bubble bath and much disobedience I sent them to bed, and then cried. This mom thing is so beyond my skill set. My natural bent is fast to speak and quick to become angry and with my little ones constant desire to do what they want when they want, today I lost my patience. Then I felt guilty, because what I communicated crushed my sensitive little buddy.  I decided I needed some wise counsel, so I prayed and as usual God delivered. I was reminded by the Tebow's that we are all created for a purpose. I sometimes forget that God uniquely designed my sweet little ones and that it wasn't by mistake that they are both determined. I must foster this amazing quality and not let it frustrate me. I pray this is at the forefront of my mind as I shape and guide my amazing treasures.