The Everyday Project Day 225

Field trip ...to Canyon Raceway to ride go karts. Friends in attendance: Cadence and Seth, aka Sid.

It is soooo far out there. If we go again, we need to find something else to do in the East County. Casino or Viejas outlets maybe? Canyon Raceway is this old fashioned place. A ticket hut, a few bleachers and the track.  The track is a "slick" track so the kids were spinning and sliding all over the place. As expected, Colin's first words after the first session, " Cara's driving suck!" FYI, his wasn't much better.

From my straight A, smart kid class, brilliant daughter as we stop at a traffic light in Mira Mesa. Did I mention seminar student?

Me: Oh, the lights are out. I wonder what's wrong?
Cara: How do you know the lights are out?
Me: Because I'm looking at them and they are not on. (did she just ask me that????)
Cara: Why are they out?
Me: Did you just ask me why they are out?
Cara: Yea
Me: How would I know why they are out. I just pulled up and saw they were out. You are the one who asked me HOW I KNOW THE LIGHTS ARE OUT?

It is what it is...
Namaste

Good news for Sean. He got to go home for a few hours today.

Another great day.  Sean is so excited about going home on Sunday even if it's only for a few hours.  Today Jesi, Jerry and Sean learned how to get him into the car.  They even did a trial run with Jesi's car.  It went really well.  Then Jerry and Jesi went home for a few hours to get the house ready for tomorrow.  They found a ramp they can use so the wheelchair can get into the house.  They even moved some furniture around to make more room.

This afternoon they all went on a long walk around the hospital and talked about how hard it might be coming back to the hospital tomorrow night after being home.  Jesi said it was a good talk and that it was really nice to have some time with Jerry and Sean without distractions.

So tomorrow is the big day, we'll find out how well everyone is prepared.  With God's help and guidance I know we will get through this.  He is the reason Sean is doing so well.  Your prayers keep us together during the trying times.  Your words of encouragement keep us focused on what's important.  I thank you for that.

God Bless

The Everyday Project Day 224

Intermediate All Stars done! Coronado is the the winner. Movin on to the Juniors.

A long time LL family is jumping ship to youth baseball ( another baseball program). He wants his kid (5) playing travel ball by age 8 to increase his chances of either playing HS baseball, getting a scholarship or both. I had to hear it from Scott about the reasons, how could they do that after the older son (now 14) went through the program, blah, blah blah... I stood and listened to it and then said, "I don't care." And I really don't. His kids are 10 or so years apart and maybe they want to try different parenting choices. I don't care. I will still like them.

I have friends/good acquaintances whose kids do tons of different things. Including youth and/or travel baseball, basketball, bowling, swimming, theater, dance, hula, club soccer, rec soccer, lacrosse, rugby, JMUN, band or whatever. Everyone makes their choices.  Don't force your choices on me and I won't force mine on you. I will respectfully celebrate your kid's victories and respectfully be saddened by their defeats.

Pick what works for your family and do it.

It is what it is...
Namaste

The Everyday Project Day 223

The post that almost was:
Short and Sweet
It is what it is...

However...
After hearing that the temperature for San Diego was supposed to be 88 and the reading on my patio today was 117 at noon, I suggested we move the All Star Games from 11am to 9:30 am.

Although this would mean an extra hassle for everyone from umpires to scorekeepers, announcers, snack bar workers, field guys, etc, the bottom line is its hot for kids playing baseball in those conditions. Especially the catchers and the umpires. It was a 99.9% go. Then the .1% kicked in. It seems a starting pitcher from one of the team has to play in a soccer game at 9am and can't play in his All Star baseball game until the original start time of 11 am.

Note to self. Don't try to change things once they are scheduled.

The Snack Shack is stocked with water, Gatorade and ice. I hope we are not calling 911.

It is what it is...
Namaste

Happy Birthday Cara!

The Everyday Project Day 222

Here's the set up:
Last night's game between Coronado and RP American was called in the 7th inning tied at 10-10 due to darkness. The game had to resume exactly where it left off today at 3:30. Meaning I had to get there at 2 to get things set up. Colin and Seth (aka Sid), came and prepped the field. Nice job boys! Cara set up the Snack Shack. Nice job girl!

A Chatty Cathy man from Coronado comes up to me as I'm struggling with the speakers... again.

Him: Your Porta Potties are really nasty. (We have no permanent bathrooms)
Me: (looking at him)?
Him: They are really gross.
Me: (In my brain) They were serviced yesterday. No one has been at the fields except your team, the other team and my volunteers, most of whom walk across the street to the rec center if they have time soooo...
Him: Are you going to do something about it?
Me: ( looking at him)? They were serviced yesterday, they will be serviced tomorrow. MWF are our days. Feel free to walk across the street to the Rec Center. In my brain: Are you really thinking I'm going to clean the Porta Potties. Still looking at him pleasantly until he leaves.

Then I text my friend Sarah. She is the awesome person who sends out the emails blasts. Her husband is coaching their son at the Clairemont Hilltoppers in the Minors All Stars.

Me: This just in...  I'm supposed to clean Porta potties too
Sarah: I'm sure Obama does--  comes with the title--  you could suggest since assholes use it assholes should clean it
Me: Good one!
Sarah: I hear KUSI is on the way to interview you about the porta potties not about the play of the week
Me: HaHaHa
Sarah: Tell the person who complained about porta potties that you have a special on frog legs at the snack bar
Me: Yea, We grow giant frogs  in the Porta potties so we can sell their legs in the snack bar. They thrive on shit - like some people do
Sarah: Lmao
Sarah: We call that recycling
Me: And gourmet...

Frog Legs were supposedly being served this past Saturday at Aunty Lynne's Hawaiian Shaved Ice Stand. See Day 217 http://marybethmacnaughton.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-everyday-project-day-217_22.html if you missed that post. 

It is what it is...
Namaste

The Everyday Project Day 221

 Just because you have an A$$hole doesn't mean you need to be an A$$hole. The good, the bad and the ugly.

Tonight's game between Coronado and Rancho Penasquitos American brought out the best and the worst in youth sports. It started out with no umpires and no district staff member. I tried my best as tournament director to get things moving. With the advice of our District Administrator, I got things rolling and hoped for the best.

The Good:
The best arrived when Scott showed up and offered to ump the bases. He grabbed Andrew from HIS All Star practice to run the plate. Andrew is only 13. Kids playing on the teams are 13. Technically he could be playing in this division. I grab the mic and make the announcement that the game will be starting and introduce the umpires. I stated that Andrew has called many intermediate games behind the plate during this season and he does a fabulous job.

The Ugly:
After a close but correct call, a parent on the Coronado team yells, " when are the REAL umpires going to show up!" I about hit the roof. I calmly went over to her and said, " Please keep your comments positive. Andrew is a kid, taking time away from HIS All Star team to volunteer to umpire this game so YOUR kid can play." She replied," I was only asking a question." I said, "It didn't sound that way to me." As I removed my sunglasses and stared directly into her eyes. "Sorry," she says not meaning it.

The Bad: 
The game was called on account of darkness but since it was tied 10-10 in the 7th inning, it will start again tomorrow. Exactly where we left off. At 3:30pm. Some parents got totally nasty to our district reps who are doing their best to keep everyone happy and the decisions fair. They yelled and hollered and stamped their feet. As Scott, started to drag the field in the dark and I am struggling with speakers, the guy is still commenting on calls Scott made as base ump. I get it that emotions are high and its a tie game and your team is undefeated. And we all have to be back at 3:30. ( me even earlier) But WE ARE VOLUNTEERS. Our kids are NOT even here playing. We are here for you. Until 9 pm. From 3 pm, after work. We can't control the darkness and the light. (Warning, Zen statement coming up) I live in the light, in happy groovy land...

Just because you have an A$$hole, it doesn't mean you need to be an A$$hole.

It is what it is...
Namaste

The Everyday Project Day 220 1/2

Pop Quiz
 I email ALL of the League Presidents for their All Star rosters and let them know we are taking pre-orders for tournament t-shirts. Please let the managers and parents know that they should pre-order. MMWLL will be ordering a LIMITED (15) amount of extras. If you want a shirt, pre-order or take your chances.

Should the parents:
a) preorder
b) take their chances on MMWLL having extras
c) Repeatedly ask if we are ordering more shirts because they want one, their kid wants one, their grandparents want one,their dog want one, their hamster wants one, Santa Claus, etc wants one.

I am taking small pleasures in Just Saying NO! Dummies

It is what it is...
Namaste

The Everyday Project Day 220

After both kids wanted to go the the beach today, no one wanted to go because the friends didn't want to go. I took Cara and her friend, Kaela to see Monster's University. I enjoyed it.

Me: This is the last cartoon movie I'm paying to see in the theater.
Cara: You  said THAT before. (as she runs off the list of ALL the cartoon movies I have taken her too after saying that) You say, I'm never going to a cartoon movie again. Then I say, I would be nice to see___. And you take me. And you say I love movie popcorn. Mom, its a vicious cycle. I know you just go for the popcorn...
Guilty.

Day 3 of tournaments down. Scott took the kids to the Padre/Phillies game and Eric's (field manager) kid was in the minors All Stars. I was slammed. 2 games. None of our teams were playing. Scott did stop by and got the announcer sheet for the Juniors filled out. Thank goodness. Juniors manager, Shawn prepped the Junior field and watched the game as he tried to figure out the "signs" from both teams. Winner, Clairemont Hilltoppers play us on Monday. I think he was very successful.

Ray stopped by to set up the Intermediate speaker system. Coach Taylor did a great job as gopher before his announcing shift. I hope that guy does not get deployed or transferred somewhere. He is young, funny and has been an awesome asset to our league this year. He has no kids, yet is such a positive role model.

All my snack shack workers bailed on me except for Andrew's sister, Alyssa, grade 7. I had her in there by herself until I could get Opening Ceremonies done and the games going. Roxanne( a mom of a Little Star player)  stopped by and jumped in to help as did Paul, grade 9, a kid on Colin's team also scouting out future opponents. Dawn from District 32 saved my butt when Roger, also from the district was delayed.

All in all, it was crazy but we made it through Day 3. All it takes is for everyone to do a little.

Stinkin' Scripps Ranch left our bleachers a mess again... even after multiple announcements about not spitting sunflower seeds on the floor, put trash in the trash cans, plastic bottles and cans in the recycle containers. I hope their dogs have diarrhea on their white carpets and their kids puke in their beds tonight. Karma

It is what it is...
Namaste

The Everyday Project Day 219

A disappointing loss for Cara's All Star Team. It was a well played game that ended up with a score of 5 for MMWLL and 7 for Scripps Ranch National. They went 4 games into the All Star tournament. At least it wasn't 2 and BBQ as it usually is. Movin' on.

Cara is sooooo excited for her first pet sitting job. Its for one of my tutor student's dog. She got the schedule today. Of course I have to drive her over 3-4x's per day. 4 days the first time and 3 days the second. Yes,  its a hassle but so worth it for her. 

Cara: Mom, its my first REAL job! I'm soooo excited.

Me: Me too...

Cara: Its not like the snack bar is a REAL job.

Me: Why not? 

Cara: Because you are in charge of the snack bar. I can work there because I'm YOUR kid. Nathan's mom ASKED for me.

Me: Well FYI, YOU can work in the snack bar because you can count money and you don't goof around. You don't see Colin working in there. Or Andrew...

It is what it is...

Namaste

The Everyday Project Day 218

Ha Ha so sorry,

I fell asleep last night about 8:30 and didn't wake up until this morning. I guess that means I needed some serious sleep to get ready to run this week of tournaments. It was sure nice going to Clairemont last week for their part of the Intermediate division. (Cara's team) The most I had to do over there was go on the field for the opening in ceremonies. My favorite part is when they announce," From Mira Mesa, League President, Marybeth MacNaughton!) Cheesey but I LOVE it. Then all the kids get announced and we do the pledge and the LL pledge. I'm waiting for someone to get a good picture to post.

Some bad news... A long time and talented member of Cara's theater group MET2, Harold Wise, was killed instantly when he crashed his car coming home on Saturday night. He was only 21. He survived a traumatic brain injury about 2 years ago, was in a coma and had to have part of his skull removed. The weird thing was, I was telling Scott about this when another friend of ours, who drives a tow truck posted pictures on his Facebook of a horrible accident he was called to clean up. It was Harold. He said he was going over 100 mph. How random and sad is that? Good kid, risky behavior.

Cara's All Star game is tonight at out fields against powerhouse Scripps Ranch. They keep plugging away and they may get to that championship game yet.

It is what it is...
Namaste

The Everyday Project Day 217

4 games at the field today. It was awesome! Especially the exhibition game between the MMWLL Challenger All Stars and the Scripps Ranch Challenger All Stars. (Challenger is the special needs division). Prior to the game was the 1st day of the Juniors All Stars. MMWLL vs Rancho Penasquitos. A big win for MM 10-3! Colin smoked one to the wall over the left fielder's head for a double. Then RP kids buddied up with Scripps and MMWLL Juniors buddied up with our Challengers. There are 3 girls on the team who I have known for years. I think they are all about 18-19 years old.
Every time we have a Challenger game at home:
Haley: (with big dreamy eyes gazing at the Juniors warming up) Ms. Marybeth, when can those guy be our buddies?
Me: Sorry Hayley, they have an away game and are leaving shortly.
Haley: Awww, maybe next time.

Hayley, Sophie and Sunshine will have a hard time sleeping tonight...

Funniest story of the day.  On the way home:
Scott: Thanks for bringing me those frog legs while I was keeping score.
Me: What are you talking about?
Scott: The frog legs you got me from the Hawaiian Ice lady, those big ones.
Me: Those were chicken legs and rice.
Scott: You told me they were frog legs. I was wondering why they tasted like chicken.
Me: Why would I say they were frog legs, who has frog legs at a LL game????? And they tasted like chicken because they were chicken.
Scott: We were announcing frog legs and Hawaiian Ice all day.
Me: You were what???!!!
Scott: YOU told Melanie to announce chicken strips and frog legs.
Me: That's crazy, why would I do that? Who has frog legs at baseball games?
Scott: I was wondering that but she's Filipino so I thought it was something they do.
Me: I didn't say frog legs.
Scott: Yes you did.
Me: I'm texting Melanie.
Melanie's response: No, you did not say frog legs and neither did I. Scott is texting me too. LMAO!!!
Me: Me too!
Scott: and I was going to put on Facebook how MMWLL is going upscale and serving frog legs at our tournament.
Me:  LMAO!!! HAHAHAHA

It is what it is...
Namaste

Update on Sean:

Last night Sean slept well.  He was up in his wheelchair ready for occupational therapy at 8:30.  Unfortunately he had a different therapist and she had him down for 9am, so therapy was not off to a good start.  He was also working with a physical therapist that only worked with him a short time and didn't push him.  He felt like today was a waste of time.  Jesi still managed to keep him in good spirits.  I think Sean will need to become proactive in his treatment and demand what he knows he needs.  He still has no movement in his legs and feet, but he is able to move his arms.  His arm movements are very course as he still cannot get them to go where he wants them to. 

Tonight he got to have dinner from Bucca Di Beppo, a favorite Italian place.  The whole family tries to have dinner together every night now that he is getting better.  They all take turns feeding Sean.  Jane is getting very good at being a nurse. 

Today Jane taught herself how to access the internet[on the Ipad] by using a rubber tiped pen in her mouth.  She was planning on teaching Sean tonight after dinner.  I haven't heard how the lesson went.

The Lord has blessd this family with so many wonderful friends and family and we are so grateful.  Your prayers are being answered as we see Sean getting stronger every day.

God Bless

The Everyday Project Day 217

Time to vent. (Thursday night)

When asked to help prep the field for Saturday's  Intermediate game, I got this response: 

 "We will practice on the farm field tomorrow and take care of the fields on Monday"

I am soooo pissed off! This is my email response since they are looking into batting cages for Saturday:

I generally do not weigh in on these types of things, however: 

I am extremely busy trying to run these two tournaments, recruit and coordinate the snack bar, announcers, scorekeepers, borrow scoreboards and sound systems, comply with LL and district requirements as well as work and take care of my family. 

Scott and  Eric have worked almost every day on both the Juniors field and the Intermediate fields. The juniors manager and team work on their field before and after each practice. I have volunteers from EVERY division to help with at least 1 thing.

Of course you are busy managing the team and I understand the commitment level, BUT with the exception of Tracey Leicester who will keep score for many games and Scott MacNaughton, NO ONE from THIS ALL STAR team has volunteered to do ANYTHING.

A response such as "We will practice on the farm field tomorrow and take care of the fields on Monday" is unacceptable. There will be no practice unless there are parents from this team on Friday to prep the field for Saturday's game. 

Marybeth MacNaughton

President MMWL

Friday Morning - I decided to follow my usual advice. If something is good to say now, it will be just as good to say in the morning. I sent this instead. 

Team,

There will be brooms, dust pans, trash bags,etc available for the parents at the intermediate field tonight while the team practices to sweep the bleachers, score booth and dugouts. There is also some last minute weeding and trash pick up that needs to be done to get the field in tip top shape for the tournament. 

This is the link to sign up for snack bar, scorekeeping and announcing needs. 

http://signupschedule.com/signup.cgi?user=sbarrett&go=

The field will need daily maintenance including mound prep, infield watering and chalking. 

Please consider helping out tonight or any other time during the next two weeks. Many hands make the workload light. 

Thank you,

Marybeth MacNaughton

MMWLL President

We'll see what happens. I can always send the first one...

Update Friday Night: Many parents showed up to help. There were people working who have not lifted a finger this entire season. It was good to see and the Intermediate field looks AWESOME! 

It is what it is...
Namaste

The Everyday Project Day 217

Cool Mom Award goes to.... Me, of course. I took Colin and his friend Jack to the shooting range today. I got a groupon deal so off we went. We had to read a safety manual and then take a test. After that they got their gun and bullets. The deal  was 1 gun to share for 2 people for an hour. The chose a 9mm rifle. It turns out between the time it takes to load the bullets into the cartridge and then shoot, it was perfect to start out. They were a little nervous at first but after some brief instructions from the staff, they were completely comfortable and completely badass.

Even though we wore earplugs, I still have ringing in my right ear and can't really hear out of it.

Cara's team won again tonight in another nail biter. They play again on Monday at our home fields. 4 more games to win to get to the championship game. Scripps and Rancho Penasquitos are huge leagues and they have 2 teams each. Traditionally its them in all of the championship games. We'll see this year...

 Winner, Winner MMWLL 6, Point Loma 4

Cara giving her interview for a production company that was there recording the game.

It is what it is...
Namaste

The Everyday Project Day 216

Cara's team made the local news last night. You can see a few glimpses of her and Scott in this clip. Warning, there is a commercial first.
http://www.kusi.com/video?clipId=9006176&autostart=true
When they win again tomorrow they will come home to MMWLL to play the second half of the tournament. I am excited and will be super busy. I sent an email to the board and managers asking for some assistants for the week. Otherwise I will be looking into options to clone myself.

And this is me at the game. Actually before the game.

I spent the day working in the yard after taking the kids to the dentist. Of course no before picture but here is the results. 10 black trash bags later...

Colin's roof climbing skills came in handy when I sent him up there with the hose to wash off our dusty solar panels.

It is what it is...
Namaste

The Everyday Project Day 215

Stupid me. I just realized I had my numbers wrong. I am on Day 215 not 115. Back to remedial counting for me. HAHAHA.

When I went out this morning, I found 3 huge piles of dog poo on my front lawn. Idiots. I posted this on Facebook.
To the person who let their dog deposit 3 giant piles of crap on my front yard and didn't clean it up: I hope your dog gets diarrhea all over your white carpet and your kid pukes in his bed tonight while you are sleeping.
I know that person is not on my Facebook but it sure makes me feel better to put it out there. 

On to more awesome things. Cara's All Star team won 7-3 tonight and live to play another day. 

The game was tied 3-3 in the bottom of the 7th. With 2 outs and a man on 2nd and 3rd, Peninsula LL intentionally walked the next batter to load the bases. Up next was Erick, our biggest hitter who hadn't hit all night. This kid hits so many homeruns, I threatened to charge him an extra ball fee since they go over our parking lot and into the apartments. Grand slam! Guess that plan backfired on Peninsula. AWWWWW, poor them.

It is what it is...
Namaste

The Everyday Project Day 114

Colin's team won the District 32 TOC (Tournament of Champions) This is the 1st time in about 10 years that MMWLL has won a tournament! Way to go Red Sox! Looking forward to Cara's All Star game tomorrow night...

It is what it is...
Namaste

The Everyday Project Day 113

Happy Father's Day! It was great to be able to spend the day at the beach with my dad, sister and the kids. Scott enjoyed his Father's Day doing what he loves... Laying around watching sports on TV.

Win/Win...

It is what it is...
Namaste

The Everyday Project Day 112

What a GREAT day for baseball!!! The best part... my sister and my dad are here from NJ!

The weather? Sunny and 75 (that's why we are payin the Sunshine Tax)

Cara's All Star team lost their 1st game so they will have to really battle their way out of the loser's bracket to be able to play on our home field next Saturday.

Colin's team won their TOC game and will play Monday for the District 32 Championship. Colin didn't have his best game. He hit an RBI but was called out at 1st. He also missed 2 balls in right field that could have been the last out of the game. He was pretty down on himself but Andrew is here and all is good. Our catcher, Andrew took a hard collision at the plate and hurt his knee. He made the out but was down for 3-4 minutes. (An eternity in a baseball game)

They are pestering for a beach day tomorrow so off we will go.

Today's total $$$
3 Monsters from 7-11 $7.50
Taco Bell 12 pack $14.00
AM/PM slushies and snacks after the game $12.00
 Happy kids... priceless

It is what it is...
Namaste

The Everyday Project Day 111

Today was the 1st day of the Little  Stars Tournament for our 7/8 year olds. It's machine pitch and the kids 1st tournament. Traditionally MMWLL teams have not done well. Today was no different. They got mercy ruled in the 4th inning. What was different this is that they went in with a different mindset. Usually we play by our league rules that are very instructional. Every player gets to try different positions, etc. This year the manager was free to play how he saw fit within the tournament rules. The team had a hard time with the dirt infield. They seemed like they were always a beat or a step behind. They played well but the other team played better. They made more plays but our team hit the ball and knew what to do. I think they were finding their groove finally in the 6th inning. I think they did a great job for the first day against one of the biggest leagues in our district. On to tomorrow.

Colin has 1st TOC game and Cara, the first All Star game. Lets go Mira Mesa.

It is what it is...
Namaste

The Everyday Project Day 110

Uo and back from Huntington Beach for my nephew, Kyle's high school graduation. I'm completely exhausted. It was a nice ceremony and it was great to see my family. My dad and Paula came out from NJ and will be coming to visit down here tomorrow. YAY!

Note to girl's wearing short, tight dresses: proper undergarments are essential. And have a friend check the back view. Especially in the sunlight.

It is what it is...
Namaste

The Everyday Project Day 209 1/2

 The Pochers are  a very stoic family. 15 minutes of sympathy is all we got. After 15 minutes, we either got over it or wallowed in our sorrow in our room. There was no never ending grief or self pity.

When my mom went into the hospital with breast cancer that moved into her lungs, she didn't ask for anyone to come. We had our vacation plans made for August. I asked her if I should come in June.  I was busy with baseball. The kids were still in school. Scott had to work. She told me to do what I wanted. I made the decision to go to NJ the next day.  I called my siblings and told them to get there no matter what.  Sometimes the oldest still has to pull rank.

I went directly to the hospital and did not leave for 3 days or nights. I held my mother's hand. I rubbed her head. I prayed with her and over her. I told her to breathe and breathed with her. I would have breathed  for her if I could have. My love of yoga and its connection with the breath was solidified during these days.

She passed away 1 week after she went into the hospital. My father, my sister and both of my brothers were there. We all were in complete agreement on when to have her moved to the hospice floor. We were all there when she passed peacefully. My mom was the anchor of our family. She insisted on family holidays and vacations. She was sometimes hard to get along with. It was often her way or the highway. But keeping the Pochers  together was her first priority.

3 years ago today, my mother passed away. I will be ever thankful for my functional and loving family. We disagree at times  but honor and respect each other and our decisions. Marybeth, Paula, Chuck and Rich have our parents, Charles and Bobbi to thank for this.

It is what it is...
Namaste

The Everyday Project Day 209

Quiz time Junior Division Round 2:

Lets just all choose c) Whenever the hell I feel like it because: I don't have a printer, my printer doesn't work, I didn't think you really meant that my kid can't practice, I don't have the money, I just used my last check, the ATM is out of money, you said you took credit cards (on the original sign up day), the dog ate my homework, my kid ate my homework. The kid ate the dog who ate the medical release form...

Seriously, we make this soooo easy on you people ( you people, that's and east coast way to say stuff). Like Scott and I don't have jobs, families, relatives in town, graduations, blah, blah, blah...

Good thing I had an easy day today and am in Happy Groovy Land (Ok,  so there is wine involved).

Sorry to our Minors TOC team, the Barrett Padres. They lost to Scripps tonight. Its tough to compete when we only allow 9 and 10 year olds and they have mostly 10 and 11 year olds.

I just saw a listing for a show on CMT tonight called Redneck Island... chew tabacca, chew tabacca, chew tabacca SPIT!

It is what it is...
Namaste

The Everyday Project Day 208

Quiz time Junior Division:

Question 1: If you want your players names listed on the back of the All Star Tournament Shirt please get the names to me by June 11.  When should you get me the names by?
a) before June 11
b) on June 11
c) whenever the hell  you feel like and and then complain that you didn't get the email, didn't have time, and your players are not on the shirt, blah,blah blah

Question 2: LL is requiring everyone to sign a new medical release form. Please print it out, fill it out and bring it to the Field on June 10 at 5:50.We will not have copies.  When should you bring they filled out form?
a) before June 10
b) on June 10 at 5:30
c) whenever the hell  you feel like and and then complain that you didn't get the email, didn't have time, blah,blah blah

Bonus: Will we have copies of the form available or should you print your own?
a) print your own
b) whine and complain that we don't have copies because, I forgot, my printer doesn't work, the dog ate my homework, blah, blah, blah.

Question 3: You must pay the All Star registration fee in order to get your hat and your jersey. We will be taking money on June 10 at 5:30. Cash, check or credit card. When will we be available to take your money?
a) before June 10
b) on June 10 at 5:30
c) whenever the hell  you feel like and and then complain that you didn't get the email, didn't have time, forgot your money, ATM was broken, blah,blah blah

Quiz Results:
Players allowed to play because they filled out the medical release form - 4
Players allowed to wear jerseys because they payed on the correct day and time - 4
Players chosen for the All Star team that will not be playing or practicing as of today - 8
Teams whose players will be listed on the Tournament shirts - 3 out of 5

If you were having brain surgery you would show up on time with insurance card in hand.Granted LL baseball is not brain surgery but things still have to get done on time. Let's go people!

It is what it is...
Namaste

The Everyday Project Day 207

Andrew spends the night on Saturday. The boys sleep in the living room. They take out every blanket, pillow  and sleeping bag in Colin's room. That a lot of bedding. Before we go to the Van's store, I tell them to clean up while I take a shower. After my shower, I walk through the living room and everything is cleaned up. They actually listened! As we go to get in the car, I see both sleeping bags and ALL the blankets, piled up in front of the washer. That's how they clean up? I have to wash everything! Boys!

It is what it is...
Namaste

The Everyday Project Day 206

Shoes! I love shoes! Short shoes, tall shoes, shoes to kick the ball shoes. Funny shoes, cool shoes, Shoes, I'll never wear shoes... ( channeling Dr. Suess here)

My kids, not so much. They wear their shoes to death. A long, slow, well loved, duck taped death. I MAKE  them get new shoes. My older nephews loved high end skate shoes so much that my parents had a "shoe budget" for them every 3 months. I like that my kids are not constantly asking for stuff but seriously we can afford new shoes. You would think we lived in the depression. 

Colin will only wear Vans. They don't have the ones he likes at Tilly's. I ordered his last 2 pairs from Amazon. Now they don't have them either. 

Me: Colin, you need new shoes.
Colin: No, I don't.
Me: you are not allowed to duck tape your shoes and wear them to school. We are going to THE MALL. They have a Vans store there. You are to pick out 1 or 2 but definitely 1 pair of shoes. If you don't, I am picking out a pair and throwing all your old shoes out and you will wear the pair I choose. You can't go to school with no shoes. ( FYI, I would do my best to choose a pair he would like, not an awful pair to prove a point.)

At the Vans store:
Me: Look around and see what you like. 
Andrew:  Colin, how 'bout this. Colin, how 'bout this. Colin, how 'bout this. Colin, how 'bout this.
The kid sounded like a squirrel on crack.
Me: Andrew - sit, Colin - shop.

15 minute later, Colin had 2 new pairs of kicks, some new pink laces ( he wears pink laces on his baseball cleats????)  and I had some old school, Vans sunglasses. We got some Wetzels Pretzels and were home in under 2 hours.

It is what it is...
Namaste

Update on Sean:

The first night in IMU was great for Sean.  He said he got about 5 hours of sleep, in between the nurses and the reparatory treatments. 

Sean's tube feedings were put on hold for 6 hours today to see how he would do.  He managed to eat fairly well.  Jesi read some article about omega 3 products being very good for nerve regeneration so she went to the store and bought some items.  She also got him some Naked Juices that have protein in them which he loved.  Tomorrow they are going to leave the tube feeding off for 12 hours and see how he does.

Today when they got Sean up in the wheelchair he got to go to the playroom to visit with his sisters which made him very happy.  He had problems with his tailbone hurting while up in the chair so I got him a gel cushion for the chair.  Sean said it was perfect. 

Great news today as I saw Sean move his upper arms.  He still lacks the fine motor skills but his gross motor skills are starting to come back.  I'm sure he will be able to move his toes soon.

Your prayers are being answered and we all appreciate you for that.  I'm sure more great news will follow. 

Sean and his family

The Everyday Project Day 205

Guess who is not president anymore....well until October. That's right. Me. I traded in the big job for 2 more jobs. Secretary and snack bar manager. Dang. I did put myself on the ballot for secretary. There was no one on the ballot for snack bar and Scott convinced 3 people go write me in so I won and accepted. I'm sure Denise will help me out again and I do have my awesome teens. It's all good.

And guess who is Mom of the Year.

This is what they wrote:  

Looks like this is a nomination that is supposed to come from a kid about their mom but I would like to say a few words here. Mom of the year is hands down Marybeth MacNaughton, especially if she hasn’t received this award before. No brainer. She does sooooo much for the League, yet still finds times to watch her kids play. Personally, during our game I look around a lot. I see her talking to parents, running to check on the snack bar, running errands, always working and doing something for the league, holds several LL jobs, is cordial to all, works from home a lot for LL, makes tremendous sacrifices for the league, her husband and her kids. Way to go Marybeth. Thanks for everything you do.

Couldn't have happened to a nicer person.

We had a photo booth at the picnic today. It was wildly popular. I highly recommend getting one if you are having an event.





It is what it is...
Namaste

The Everyday Project Day 204

The sad news is that Cara's Ranger's team lost in the TOC game tonight. It was a tough game and Cara played really well at 3rd base and hit the ball right to the fence.

Tomorrow is the picnic, awards ceremony and elections. Will I be elected for 1 more year??? I gave the nominations to the secretary to call. I was not nominated although I did nominate 2 people for the job. If people want me, they will have to write my name down.

Shhh, here's a secret: Scott is getting Volunteer of the Year and he doesn't know it. I nominated him and the board voted. It was a tie between him and our field manager. They both do an incredible amount of work and both deserve it. I'm the Prez so I am giving it to both.

5.I am nominating Eric Christian as volunteer of the year. He is main reason our fields look better than they have in years. Eric can be found working on the fields before games, after games and on weekends with his family. He has spent countless dollars of his own money to hire his work crew and “borrow” equipment. Without Eric, our fields would still be weed infested, dry, dusty mess. And he always is emptying the trash cans.

6.I am nominating Scott MacNaughton as volunteer of the year. Scott spends countless hours behind the scenes, organizing paperwork, making schedules and working on the computer in addition to assistant coaching 2 teams, scorekeeping, cutting grass, spreading weed killer and emptying trash cans. Scott loves MMWLL more than anyone I know and works his hardest to make it a success.

It is what it is...
Namaste

Update on Sean: Written Jun 6, 2013 11:03pm

Last night Sean slept well again.  He was able to fall back asleep after his respiratory therapy treatment.  Today the Rehab. MD came in and talked to Jesi and Jerry.  He said that they were going to repeat his Nerve Conduction Test to see whether the Milan Sheath coating the nerves was still damaged or if it was the nerves themselves.  They said that if it was the Milan Sheath that his recovery would start to progress quicker then if it is the nerves.  Hope to get those results tomorrow. 

Sean had Face-Time with a young man who had this twice, once at age 10 and once at age 17.  He gave Sean a lot of pointers and told him that the recovery can be long and painful but that if he does what physical therapy asks of him he will come back 100%.  This young man now plays football for the Air Force Academy. 

They sat him up on the edge of the bed again today, holding him for 10 minutes.  Later in the afternoon they got him up in the wheelchair for about an hour.  His cousin Trevor watched a movie with him while he was up. 

They plan to move Sean either tonight or tomorrow to the Critical Care Unit.  They still need to monitor him because he has difficulty with secretions and needs to be suctioned once in a while.  When he's able to cough better it won't be so scary.  His movement in his hands are about the same, and he still cannot hold his head up.  I know that God is watching over him and that His love will hold us all together.  Thanks for your prayers.

The Everyday Project Day 203

 I have free time from 5:30 - 7:30! The kids and Scott are at practice. So I'm having a relaxing glass of wine. I have NO Baseball to work on!!!!

There is a manager meeting tonight for all the tournament managers. I have the yearbook at the printers, a parent is making the "of the year" award certificates, the league secretary is calling the board nominees and making the ballots and another parent is setting up an online volunteer sign up schedule for the All Star tournaments we are hosting. I have NO Baseball to work on!!!!

I even had time to make this salad for dinner. I'll add the cheese later. I don't like it to get all mushy.

 

Gotta enjoy my free time. I have NO Baseball to work on!!!!

It is what it is...
Namaste

The Everyday Project Day 202

Cara LOOOOOVES those little boxes of cereal. They cost about twice as much as the big box but if you eat all of the little boxes and throw away half of the big box, its all good in my book. So today I buy 2 packages of the small boxes. They each have different kinds of cereal and I'm not sure which variety she prefers so when in doubt... Get both.

Cara: MOM!!!! Thanks for getting the cereal! You got 2 packs!!!
Me: I wasn't sure which one you wanted.
Cara: ( getting the package out of the cupboard) These are pouches? Why are there pouches?
Me: I don't know. I just grabbed  both kinds. I didn't notice there were pouches.
Cara: Why did they put cereal in pouches? Who puts cereal in pouches?
Me: Obviously General Mills.

1 hour later as Colin goes searching through the cupboard.

Colin: you bought cereal in pouches!
Repeat above conversation.
Cereal in pouches...who knew the trauma it would create.

It is what it is...
Namaste

The Everyday Project Day 201

Soooo... I was asked to comment on the difficult parent from yesterday. Cause y'all want to know the dirt on what those "other" parents do... since we are not one of "them."

In the Farm division (7-8 year olds) there is a post season tournament called Little Stars. Its not a LL sanctioned team so its not called All Stars. We have 4 teams in that division, each manager picks 3 kids and there are 12 kids on the team. Easy Peasy. You would hope the managers would pick the best players, the most committed, good teammates,etc. An email was sent to the managers to forward to ALL parents informing them of the tournament, selection process, etc.

Her kid was not chosen for the team. I agree, he is a good player and probably should have been chosen. Her argument was her kid wasn't picked last year because the managers were only picking 8 year olds. This year the coaches kid got put on the team even though he is only 7 and doesn't play well, blah,blah, blah...

Rather than answering her long, rambling email and risk her interpreting things the wrong way, I met her and listened to her for 45 min. I agree it hurts when your kid isn't chosen and the manager's kid is. Wrong, right or otherwise, one of the privileges of of putting in the time, work and effort of managing a team (or being president) is getting to pick your kid if you want to.

It is what it is...
Namaste

PS: Dropped the yearbook flash drive off at the printers. Whewwww what a weight off my shoulders and one more thing to cross off the list. I don't think its great but it won't suck either and no one else would do it. Dude, people go to college for this stuff and I figured out a passable amount in 4 days.  And I passed the board nomination calls off on the secretary.
 Again...
It is what it is...

The Everyday Project Day 200

You would think I had something better to say on the 200th day. Its been such a busy day that I really don't have any great words. I taught K, tutored, ran the snack bar, closed the snack bar, dealt with All Stars, Little Stars and an angry parent. Finally finished the yearbook and now on to emails. I hope to get to bed before 11.

It is what it is...
Namaste

The Everyday Project Day 199

Day 199!!!! That means the big 200 is tomorrow! I hope I have something good to say...

We made $2120 on the auction last night. I was a little worried but the proof is in the numbers. I even got a few compliments!.

Today,
1. Almost finished the yearbook. Still need names for 2 teams from last year.
2. Compiled and sent out the "of the year" nominations
3. Figured out the Little Stars costs
4. Checked the Nomination Box.According to that we will have 2 people to run the league next year. Gotta get on my nominations.
5. Did the 13 laps on Get Better Sean fundraiser walk.
And still going...

It is what it is...
Namaste

Update on Sean:

Today was a glorious day for Sean.  His chest X-Ray showed a little fluid in his lower lobe but the respiratory therapist worked hard with Sean so that when they took another at 1pm today they decided to pull the breathing tube.  His first word was WOW! then he started to cry tears of joy. After that he wanted his teeth brushed.   They doctors wanted to limit the visitors today and the next few days because they don't want him to get too winded talking.  But he is so happy right now.

When I saw him today he kept saying "I love you Nana."  Jesi said that he was doing that all day, telling them how much he loved them.  We are on the road to recovery.  Yeah!!  Bless the Lord.

His paralysis is still about the same as yesterday but I know that will start to change.  We all feel so blessed.  Now we just have to make sure he doesn't overdo it and that he gets plenty of rest so that he gives his body a chance to heal.  Slow and steady progress is the key, I've been told.

Tomorrow is the big Walk for Sean  and it sounds like there will be a big turnout.  I can't thank you all enough for all your good wishes and prayers.  Please know that we are forever grateful for all your support.  God Bless you.

Sue

The Everyday Project Day 198

Cara's team won the league championship today! On to TOC (Tournament of Champions) She was also selected to be on the All Star Team! Yay Cara!

Colin is on his division All Star Team as well.

The basket auction was awesome!. I'll count the money tomorrow. I'm exhausted.

It is what it is...

Namaste