That was fun... let's do it again...

For those who didn't quite catch on the point is to respond with your witty come back or deep thoughts for the 1 word post...

New word:

Children

1 Word Blog

Why?

To make my sister Julie proud...

My sister Julie is probably one of the people that I know that can rival my competitive nature. Therefore, this post is dedicated to her.

Tonight we played a nail biter of a softball game. We actually jumped up on them by 10 runs in the first inning. Everyone on our team hit well. However, we spent the next 5 1/2 innings after that allowing them to catch up and go ahead by 3 runs in the top of the 7th. We were home so we were last at bat with a chance to go ahead for the win.

I was 5th in the line up. Our first two batters stayed composed and got decent hits and got on base. We then had a fly out. The 4th batter hit a great shot and allowed one of our guys to score. We were now down by 2 (19 to 17) with one out and 2 runners on. I will admit I was nervous as I walked to the plate but anyone that knows me understands that I live for moments like this. I want the ball for the buzzer winning shot. I want to be at bat in a crucial moment. A desire like this requires a willingness to be the goat as much as it allows you to be the hero! Risky business but a true competitor lives for it.

So. To this point I had gone 4 for 5 at bat. I was called out for stepping forward to far in my stride as I swung. A call I haven't seen in all the years I have played. Stepping on the plate maybe but too far forward? Come on, I have long legs. It would be one thing if they chalked the box but you could barely see the plate let alone a batters box. I was tempted to step back and swing way back (at least close to the umps nose) on my next at bat. I resisted the temptation. Boy do I have a little devil on one of my shoulders.

In came the pitch. I personally like first pitches. Most pitchers try to throw a perfect strike the first pitch due to most batters waiting for a 2nd pitch to hopefully go ahead in the count and put pressure on the pitcher. So, in comes a perfect flat strike. The kind I like. I lean slightly back on my right leg and push forward with it in motion as I swing the bat. The contact felt really good but it was heading straight at the left fielder as a line drive. It appeared to be hit perfectly for an easy catch without him even needing to move. But, as the ball approached him it seemed to pick up momentum. He started running back and jumped to catch it. It cleared his mit by inches.

I forgot all about my ham string and soar foot. Adrenaline took over. I ran the bases like I was 43 again. We went ahead and won 20 to 19. I thought my team was going to lift me over their heads by the energy they were giving off but instead they just surrounded and mauled me. A mauling I didn't mind one bit.

Fun. Then I came home and received my 2nd jump and hug of the day. I am going to bed with a smile.

Jump hug

I am the blessed father of a jump hug every night upon coming home. I come in through our back door and there stands Maddie waiting for me to place my computer and note book down on the kitchen table. Then, as she backs up into the kitchen for enough space to get a good run at me I position and brace. She grins and then runs and jumps as high as possible. I place my hands under her arms and lift so that she can wrap her legs around my waiste and her arms tightly around my neck. She squeezes and then gives me a pert little kiss on the cheek.

Truly the highlight of my day to this point with no contest!

And, as an added bonus my wonderful little nephews and neice are staying with us. My little buddy Dawson instantly clung to my leg and looked up at me with puppy dog eyes communicating a desire to be lifted for a good ol' neck hug of his own. It meant as much to me as it appeared to mean to him and therefore it was a mutually beneficial moment. We are without contest buddies. I am glad.

Difficult decisions...

We are faced with difficult decisions daily if not hourly. This one was taken very serious and had much thought contributed.

We have decided to hold the family reception for Britney in Utah instead of Burley. This is going to be more difficult for the Boise family members and we recognize the sacrifice to travel further especially if Molly is able to.

However, in order to most benefit Britney we decided to stay in Utah after we pick her up on Wednesday night at 9:30 pm at SL International. We hope all family that can will attend our exciting and tearful reception at the bottom of the escalator. We plan to be there by 9:00 pm. I would like to ask Scott Livingston to record the moment with his video skills and Amy with her photography skills. Please let me know if this is possible.

Thursday morning Brit will be released as a missionary. I am sure that will be a tender moment for her. She will not be alone.

We still plan to hold the family gathering Saturday evening. I will have better details in the future. Thank you for your understanding. This proves to be an amazing day for the family and we hope all are in attendance!!! Please go out of your way to open your schedules to allow attendance. It will not be the same with anyone missing. Special apologies to the Atlanta branch of the family. Your possible appearance is the most challenging by far. Did I mention video tape footage just in case...

Too old?

When do you recognize that you are too old to do certain things? I am not so sure that the answer is the same for everyone. I figure this is true because I am in an elite group of 5 or so guys my age in the entire Burley league that are still playing softball. Everyone else is young enough to be my kid!

I will say that I have fun. Maybe that is why I stick with it. However, I pay the price. I have a stress fracture in my left foot. Tuesday I pulled my ham string on my right leg. I barely recover each week before my next game. Yet, I still showed up last night to pitch and hobble to first base (my team needs me... ok, I need my team).

I figure if this guy can still suit up so can I! Go old-timers! (notice his shirt?) And hey, I am batting 560 (on base more than half the time) so why hang up the Kleats? I even made a diving catch a week ago that was remeniscent of what used to be! And, one game I hit 2 triples and a double (before the torn leg muscle that is). Now, I simply try to get a walk so I don't have to run. Pinch runner please...

Sometimes...

Sometimes simple is the best approach.

Happy Birthday my wonderful baby sister! I wish you all the things your righteous heart desires. I love you.

Your Big Brother