too much time in the outfield

Like most three year old boys, Sam likes any ball that can be thrown, kicked, hit, rolled.  Recently, he's been really into playing baseball with a nice foam bat.  {After being whacked with his fishing pole, I knew the only way to go was a foam bat.}

Jeremy had bought a tee for him to use, but Sam decided he wanted me to throw it to him.  I found myself reaching way back in time to those days in P.E. when we had to play softball....how did Coach Pesnell tell us to stand; what did she say about holding the bat; why didn't I pay more attention; why did I spend so much time in the outfield picking flowers?  With these thoughts rolling in my head, I began showing him how to stand and how to hold his bat, telling him to watch the ball.  Really, it was laughable because I know how little I actually know about the topic.  It must have known just enough because he hit it a couple of times ;).  <sigh of relief>

Who knew being a mama also meant knowing about sports for those days when uppa is working?!  I may have some studying to do....

monster trucks and fishing poles

Sam was so excited the day he found the monster truck that he just had to give it to me early; nothing Jeremy said could convince him to wait.  As you can see from the dirt on the tires, we've already put a few miles on it! And, this evening we spent plenty of time in the yard with Sam showing me how to use my newly acquired fishing pole.

Last week I heard Jeremy ask Sam what he wanted to get me for Mother's Day.  Sam turned to him and whispered, "fishing pole."

Several days later, Jeremy comes to me and says, "You're probably getting a fishing pole and a remote control monster truck for Mother's Day.  That's what Sam wants to get you."

So, I was thrilled to be given both in honor of Mother's Day!  My heart is overjoyed by the tenderhearted, generous little boy who wanted his mama to have two toys of her own.  And by an amazing husband/father who helped make it happen, making multiple trips to town for Sam to complete his shopping.

Oh, the memories to be made involving monster trucks and fishing poles!

what, honey?

There are days when I hear my mother's voice coming out of my mouth, and it always gives me pause until I realize it's not my mother that I 'm hearing but my own voice calling forth those all too familiar words like, "Because I said so" or "If I tell you one more time" (a classic).

The other day I was taken by complete surprise when I heard MY voice coming from a certain little boy.

"Sam?" I say as I stand at the sink doing dishes.

"What, honey?" he promptly replies from the spot where he's meddling in the cabinet.

Really??  Did he just answer me with a what honey???  I'm so in for it if he's already sounding like a grown up!

This little episode with Sam gave me a laugh, but it also reminded me of how much he is watching and listening to Jeremy and me.  May the words that come out of our mouths be words of encouragement and truth.  May they be spoken with kindness and gentleness.  Piece of cake, right? ;)