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three strikes, you’re out at the old ballgame!
Yeah, that’s what spring means to me (or at least it has for the past seven years) Lots of batting gloves gone missing, cleats tracking red dirt in the house, and sunflower seeds in everything. All American as apple pie – the grand old sport of baseball.
Of course, it begins with teeball. You know, picking flowers in the outfield, turning cartwheels and taking tons of pictures of your little leaguer. Get out the lawn chairs and sunscreen – and don’t forget the kleenex. I carried those with me for a variety of reasons: when he looked so darn cute in his uniform my eyes mysteriously watered; when he got tagged out and bawled; and when there was no toilet paper in the bathroom (which happened fairly often)
Right now, my youngest is in pitching machine. Geez, he’s the cutest lil’ guy out there, the youngest on the team. It’s a blast to watch him. When he hits the ball, he looks stunned he actually hit it. His face is priceless. The oldest plays live arm. He loves baseball. Like eats, breathes, sleeps baseball. He watches it on tv, plays it on his playstation, puts on baseball pants and goes to the side yard to “practice.” He also says things like, “Mom, don’t worry. I’ll move back home one day. Until then, I’ve got to go to wherever my team plays.” Gotta love that ambition. 
So for me, spring means heading to the ballpark. Sometimes I can sneak a critique in to work on (only during practice though). Sometimes I bring along RT or RWR and catch up on articles. Mostly, though I just watch those boys who are growing up too fast. I try hard to remind myself that this is just a small part of my life that will one day be over. And then I won’t have anyone to watch at the ballpark. No one to say, “Keep your head in the game” to. No one to look over his shoulder to see if Mom is giving the standard thumbs up. That will be a sad day indeed.
So until then, I will pack the big league chew, struggle to shove the youngest’s feet into those cleats, and wash the devil out of the uniforms… and be happy doing it.
What about you…what activity do you like to participate in during spring?
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: | Spring, The Kid, Traditions
*shudder* think football think football think football
Hubs and I are really starting to be afraid that son will be into every sport the school offers. He handles his golf clubs well (would be great at hockey if we had a team, I suspect). Loves throwing footballs–and is so cute when he pats the ball against his hand before throwing. Got a basketball goal from uncle for his birthday, and darn it if he isn’t good at that too! Anything stick shaped (aside from his golf clubs most of the time) is held like a baseball bat.
I’m blaming Hubs for this sport gift son seems to be eagerly embracing. He was like that too–excelling at sports.
So why am I thinking Football? Pure mathmatics (which is hilarious for me to say if anyone knows me and how poorly I am at math). Football=9 or so games per year. I can drive him to and from school for practice, no biggie.
Basket ball isn’t as bad. a late fall to early spring. And the biggie–it’s INSIDE.
But baseball? man that’s like a year round thing by the time you do training, school play, church league, that all star stuff.
Oh, and that Mom-of-the-Year award, yeah, you can set that right here at my elbow
If he does pick all of the sports our school offers/lets him play, you can be sure I’ll be right there in the stands.
We started my son in baseball when he was in kindergarten. Between the practices and late night games every week it was so hectic around here. I’m glad he decided to try something different. He’s into flag football right now and it’s wonderful. Now tackle football is a scary thought for me. He’s going to need to gain some weight before I give in to that one. LOL
Besides sports, we love camping at this time of year.
I like to take walks though the park. My allergies are awful so I cant do it everyday like I would like but on the good days I always try to make sure I can squeeze it in. Its just so nice to be outside in the good weather after the harshness of winter.
I like to eat lunch outdoors on park benches. Sometimes I’ll skip the bus ride to the train and walk the extra blocks to the station.
Oh, don’t think you can control it, Keri. One look at him in a baseball uniform and you won’t be able to resist. Just get ready for it, girlfriend.
Melissa – good job of getting him to switch focus. Baseball is a big investment – Jeez, the price of bats! You need a loan. The youngest played flag this year; the oldest tackle. They love football too. But, come to think of it, the equipment for that sport is pretty pricey too.
Thanks for commenting, Jane and Donna. I too love to be outdoors. Took the boys down to our camp this morning. No fish biting, but I did grab a nap in the hammock. A woodpecker woke me up. I lay there for a moment and saw bluebirds, a goldfinch, the woodpecker, a hawk and then, a sweet little hummingbird. There were Monarch butterflies floating by too. Gosh, sometimes nature is amazing if you are still enough to catch the show.
Spring means more Scouting activities; encampments, hikes, more camping and bridging. Spring mean the downward spiral to the end of the school year.
Spring means spending a lot of time outdoors. Hiking, going for a walk in the park with my boyfriend-that was our first date by the way=) jogging, and getting your friends together to play a game of volleyball. It’s a fun season because it’s not too hot or cold.