Baseball season

Brett catching!

Well another baseball seahas come and gone! We are in the midst of all stars, and of course, the crazies are out. I have learned this year that everyone believes their child is the best, and deserves to be on the allstar team. There is backbiting, nonsense, and just pure craziness!! I don't know what else to say about that!

My boys didn't have great teams this year, but they both played their hearts out. They have learned more about themselves this year, and less about baseball. They have wanted to quit, skip games, act sick, and the list goes on and on. But, they didn't...they both hung in there for the long haul. It has been very tough for the Morris House, but we learned that baseball isn't necessarily about winning. It's about teamwork, camaraderie, developing skills, respecting authority, hard work, and lastly having fun! I think it's very ironic that often the 'having fun' part is the last thing we adults think about! Even when Brett was losing by many, his team would be laughing, being silly, and trying to have a good time! That's really all they could do.

These boys are growing so quickly, and we have learned in our house to just enjoy the experience and hope to improve something at some level. Each day is truly a blessing with them! TJ and I both have learned to relax a bit this season. Now, not to say that we still don't anticipate the competition, and hope we will win a few all-star games! But, we have also learned to enjoy it more, fuss less, and relish in the moment!! Go South Putnam Little League Allstars!!!

Bring on football baby! (That's after allstar season, that is!)

Teresa

Blake doin' his thing!!

Mother's Day 2010

Mother and her kids (Walt, Debbie and me)
My boys love their Uncle Walt

My wonderful hubby and me!!

The whole clan after dinner!

My growing boys!

Today we celebrated Mother's Day. It was the 1oth one for me, wow! I can't believe how quick time passes. My papa used to tell me how the older you got the quicker time flew. I used to laugh at him and think he was just being negative! Boy, was he right!! I have been blessed beyond meaure with a loving, prayerful Mother who loves me despite myself! She has given me so much in my life that I could never repay or thank her enough. I feel confident I am the person I am today, because of her neverending devotion to me! I also know that in her room, closed to the world, she has prayed for me daily. I know she has prayed for my future, my

family, my life. I appreciate and thank her so much.

So, now I am charged with the same duty to my boys. I thank God each day for them and know TJ and I have an awesome responsibility to raise them right. I hope they know I am praying for their future daily and am very proud of them. They are growing into strong, loving, faithful young men, for which I am thankful.

Our pastor spoke of the role of Mothers today. He said we are to be the moral compass for our kids and we are the memory makers of our family. I pray I am both for my family. There are so many things I remember about my mother and my grandmothers. Without them, life would be so desolate! The memories of my grandmothers live with me each day. I remember my mama cooking fabulous Sunday dinners, especially the pies. I remember my mama's apron, her iron skillets, her perfectly coiffed bun, her dresses, her voice. I also remember my granny's love of the Indians, her flashy jewelry (that's where I get it), her independence, her refusal to move to WV! All of these qualities are found deep within my soul. The maternal influences of my life are neverending. I am so grateful they prayed for my life, and to have had them. It is my prayer to leave a legacy that is remembered as well.

"I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life." ~Abraham Lincoln

These boys...

Waiting on Santa

Fun in the snow 2009

More fun!

Good buddies!

Waiting for the Easter Bunny

Life with boys...who knew it would be so fun. Not to mention challenging, exhausting, loving, hilarious, rewarding, the list can go on and on. Way before TJ and I were married, he always said..."two boys that's all I'm having". I used to laugh, but he was so right. We have two boys, and can I say they are all boy! They bring so much to our lives that I just can't imagine life without them. Of course, our life is crazy, but we love it!

I found these pics on my camera and just thought I'd share. They were having so much in all of the pics. I love it when they give one of those big ol' belly laughs! The two pics of them on the stairs, they were anxiously awaiting Santa and The Easter Bunny! They always yell for us, so TJ can get the video camera ready, and Blake wants to make sure the special guy is gone! Thank goodness he or she has always been out of the house before we woke up:)

These boys have brought such a blessing to us, and they are also blessed beyond measure. They have friends who are true and loyal, and also many adults who love them. I pray that some day they will fully understand the depth of our love for them. I hope they never take the many blessing The Lord has bestowed upon them for granted.

Blake is starting to contemplate his baptism. This week Brett prayed for Blake's "Jesus Journey", it really touched me to think Brett was thinking of his little brother's salvation. Blake is almost ready and I am glad that Brett is taking the time to talk to him and pray about it with him. I hope they remain close and always pray for each other.

I have been blessed with a loving family and intend for these boys I am raising to always be able to count their blessings. I also pray they realize what a gift they are to us.

"You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you."~Desmond Tutu

After That...

"The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.'"

Matthew 28:5-6a (NIV)

Happy Easter to each and every one! Praise be to God for this glorious day!!! This weekend we celebrate Easter, in my opinion the biggest Christian event!! Due to the sacrifice of our Lord, we all can have eternal life. Our Pastor preached on "After That"...meaning after we die there is something else (are you ready???) Not because of anything we do, but because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and His victory over death. This weekend has been very emotional for me, and I'm not for sure why. I have just been overwhelmed! I am typically not a very emotional person but I have not been able to contain it this weekend. I think I have really been thinking of the sacrifice and pain that Jesus endured and just don't feel worthy. I really try to be a Servant of God, but fall short every day! I am a sinner, who needs to talk to the Lord more and follow his word more completely.

This weekend is often overlooked by the Easter Bunny, Spring Break, NCAA tourneys, and the prep for Easter; I wonder how many people really have put the same time and energy into celebrating and recognizing our Lord and Savior, the true meaning of this season! I pray that my kids fully understand the reason we have these fun activities and why this is such an important season! As I pray everyone else does!!

In preparing for Communion mediation for our KidZone, I found scripture, prepped a statement, and was ready to go. Once I stood in front of our kids, I just couldn't pull it together. I couldn't think of anything except what our Savior did on that Cross many years ago. I couldn't think of one thing I had prepared, I just had to wing it. As I tried to pray, I just cried. As I tried to breathe, I just cried. As I tried to leave and get it together, I just cried. I definitely believe the Holy Ghost was speaking to me, and helping me see the true purpose of this day! I believe in times of stress and heartache the Lord will speak to us when we least expect it. I believe it is His way of keeping us in check and making sure we keep our eye on the prize of 'After That'.

So, during this Easter weekend I pray for a celebration and recognition that Jesus is alive!! He is risen! He has prepared for us a place After That!!! I hope to see you all there, in many years to come!!

Leveling with Friends

Proverbs 27:6 "Faithful are the wounds of a friend."

Wow, this is a good one for me, someone who truly feels the obligation to tell people the truth...even if it hurts! I always struggle with this because I tend to feel it is my duty to tell people the truth even if it isn't the popular thing. I tend to tell people what they typically don't want to hear. I always wonder if I am being Christian-like, rude, helpful, discerning, unsympathetic, ruthless, or what. My good friends are typically OK with my candor and frankness, but my 'more like acquaintance' friends sometimes are taken aback. So, is my faithful and frank attitude is a blessing more than a curse. My parents both have the same trait...so it's really not my fault:) LOL

Honestly, I would never hurt someone intentionally but I do typically feel compelled to be very frank. I have told TJ I feel it is my duty. If I don't do it, then who will??? I believe in my heart that honesty is one the most valued traits someone can possess, and without it where would we be! I believe that confrontation should be done out of love and not malicious intent.

So, I will continue to be my 'too honest' self and hope to do it with more love than ever. I always have this verse in Proverbs to back me up.

Be Still...

Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God."

Wow, this is a tough one! Be still and know that I am God! This is a tough one. I am personally not good at being still. I am a busy body, always doing. The Bible tells us to be patient, discerning, still, quiet, and steadfast; along with many other attributes of stillness. There are many times I pray or request something and want it now. I don't want to be still or patient. In this fast paced world we live, we are not wired to be calm, motionless, and peaceful. But, if we are living in accordance with God's word we are commanded to do so. I challenge each of us to take a moment and just breath with the Lord. Take a moment and be still. Only in these times can we truly acknowledge God's plan for us and fully grasp the depth of God's love for us. He is the Master Planner and will speak to us if we just listen. So, break from the rat race and inhale the Lord's presence, his fragrance, his plan; I am sure you will be blessed.

Patience of Job

"At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head.

Then he fell to the ground in worship." Job 1:20 (NIV)

I looked up a daily scripture, and the above was it. So, I thought I'd write with it as my focus. So, in this piece of scripture Job had just found out his children had died. And, he fell to the ground in WORSHIP!! WOW, I wonder if I could do that. We are taught by God's word that He has a plan for our life and we are to give thanks to Him in all things. But, in the death of my children??? Would I be able to worship Him? That's much to ask, right?? I have friends who have lost children and I wonder how they are able to get up each day! I know grieving parents who have found the joy of the Lord and also know parents who turn their back on the Lord. I hope all parents of deceased children know that God loves them and will see them through.

We celebrated women today at our church and tried to lift up those who needed it. Thanks be to God that I personally am not a 'broken woman'. I have been blessed with a loving husband, loving parents, loving friends, and loving children all who thrive and support me. I continue to recieve the many blessings I am not worthy of, but am provided with due to God's unwavering grace. In a time when people are struggling, I pray we each remember to love one another and lift one another up. We have a responsibility to serve one another as God served us!!

Lastly, I pray I have the patience nearing that of Job and worship God in all I do. I know I fall short of His glory, but hope I fall closer with each day.

Signs of Spring

Well, the firsts of spring are showing their much anticipated entrance. In our house, that means lots of outside playing, lots of boys, and lots of requests for 'spotlight'. I have to say I love it! These boys are growing up soooo fast, I can barely stand it. I mean today there were GIRLS here! And, they liked my BOYS!!! All eight of them! As I sit and write this, I can hear the boys upstairs joking, whispering, and giggling! I never in a million years expected to love the life of boys like I do. I always thought I would have the cheerleader with the cute pony tails! Who I would put in pink dresses and paten leather shoes! Instead, I have two of the most amazing football, basketball, and baseball players in the world. In addition to being good athletes, I believe they are growing into two wonderful young men. I pray they are instilled with the love of the Lord, a sense of compassion, a strong work ethic, and a tenderness towards their future mate. It is my hope these characteristics will be impressed into their core and soul. TJ and I both are passionate for people, and I hope they are as well! Without passion, all of us would be, in a sense, hopeless!

Of course I have to think of Easter and the passion our God has for each of us. Thanks be to Him for the passion that gives us hope and saves us! The bible writes of His love for us, his compassion for all, his strong work ethic in completing his mission, and of course his tenderness towards each beating heart. At Easter I pray you each have the disposition of our Lord. I believe with Him as our commander and chief, all things are possible.