Friday, March 27, 2009

How did Friday get here so quickly?
(plus a whole lotta photos!)


It's been a busy week--although, for the life of me, I can't really think of what has kept me so busy and what made the week pass by so quickly. (Ever feel that way?) I do know, though, that once I got through class last night (there was a lot of paper grading before it...so that's actually one of the things that did keep me busy), I told myself: "Self. You seriously need to post something new on your blog."

So, here I am. A little late. But, better late than never.

With such a busy week, and the involuntary absence from my blog, I certainly have quite a bit I could share with you.

I could, for example, tell you two of my favorite Scout Stories.

[Wait, I think I will...

~ A few days ago, Sydney randomly asked (she really is the Princess of Random) me and her sisters, "Wanna hear my pression of McKenna?" ("impression," if you're wondering). Of course our interest was piqued, so the answer was yes.

She put on a little silly face and said in a high-pitched voice (that really sounded nothing like McKenna, but was hilarious nonetheless):

"I drink Mountain Day all day long,
Ew, get away from me,
I love Brett."

(and, hence, Sydney nailed down several important traits of McKenna's personality..her love of Mountain Dew, her bossiness, and her current infatuation. Quite insightful for a four-year-old, I thought!)

~ Yesterday, Sydney and I were returning from a brief shopping trip and drove by a cemetary. I realized that Sydney had become uncharacteristically quiet in the back seat, so I peeked at her in the rear view mirror. She had her face squinched up tight and was holding her breath.

"What are you doing?" I asked her.

She just shook her head at me, and pointed at her puffed-out cheeks. I laughed inwardly and gave her a minute. (How long could she hold her breath? I reasoned)

When she let out the breath, she answered:

"Delaney said you have to hold your breath when you go by a boneyard. She said if you don't, you'll never have a cute boy."]

On this finally-updated blog..
I could also tell you how I've: watched "Lost," watched basketball, shopped for Easter dresses, finished off an entire Pepperidge Farm cake, had an awesome night at church, got an article assignment, started planning birthday celebrations for McKenna and Sydney, ate lots of Cadbury mini robin's eggs, saw Delaney inducted into the National Junior Honor Society, helped McKenna's boyfriend get fitted for a tux, ate some yummy hummus, wiped green pollen off my car, listened to a lot of Kelly Clarkson, and blew bubbles.
(And I just did!)

I could also tell you about how much fun we are having playing softball...
and I think I will!

(And I have pictures to prove it!)

Delaney has always been our softball player, and she is busy right now as a member of her middle school team (which has always been her goal, so she's been extremely excited about it), but even more fun has come because Sydney has decided she also loves softball. And when I say she loves it, I don't mean she sorta likes it and sometimes wants to go to practice...no, I mean she really and truly loves it and cannot wait for practice or game day.

In fact, she wants to practice outside with Gary whenever she can (this, you can only imagine, makes Gary EX-tremely happy!)...

She practices pitching inside (yes, Gary is already teaching her pitching drills! LOL)...

and she can't wait to go to practice, where she makes great effort...

and shows great form for someone so young...

Oftentimes, before we ever have Sydney's games at night (her team is the Mustangs and Gary is her coach), we get to watch Delaney's school games (which are held right after school).

Even though Delaney is in seventh grade, and most of the starters are in eighth grade, she has gotten some playing time...


And while we're at these games, of course Sydney is cheering--whether from the press box...

or the stands...

Even McKenna attends the games and supports her sister (although you might also catch her reading a Gossip Girl book)...

When Delaney was out of commission and on crutches for more than a week, she missed two games and an entire weekend tournament. She still dressed out, though, and hobbled around. And helped in any way she could...

Of course, one of the best things about ball is spending time with your friends. Delaney's best friend on the team is Kayla, who she has played softball with since they were five-years-old. It makes it special...

And when Delaney gets a chance to shine, she usually steps up the plate (literally and figuratively!) and does what she's got to do. This past Tuesday, we got stuck in a 7-7 tie in the last inning and had to do something to win the game. The coaches decided to sub Delaney in for another hitter (she hadn't played any so far that day) so that she would bunt the ball (something she's usually pretty good at) and hopefully get on base. She laid down the bunt perfectly, got to first, got to second on a steal, and was hit to third. With two outs, though, she needed to score. On a wild pitch by the other team, Delaney slid into home and beat the throw back to home plate...

Where she was then given a high-five by her coach...

When we get lucky, Delaney's games are played at home and at the same ballpark where Sydney plays. When that's the case, Sydney likes to watch Delaney play before it's her turn...

(I LOVE that picture!!)

And then she gets busy with her own team, playing in centerfield (see her back there all ready to go!)...

And hitting the ball (and just generally looking incredibly cute)...

(and, by the way, she can actually hit the ball. For a girl her size, she has great form and has hit several hits toward third base. She also strikes out--which she does not like!--but hits more than not. We are so proud of her!)

And she loves to celebrate a win by turning her jersey around backwards...

and celebrating with her team...

We are having such a fun time with it all...and I'm continually reminded each and every day how fun and rewarding life can be when you take it by the horns!

I hope you all have had a wonderful week, and I'm going to do my very best to catch up with all of my blog-visiting. So I hope to "see" you real soon!

In the meantime...Happy Friday and Happy Weekend!

17 comments:

Edleen said...

Happy Friday Cheryl!!!

i always reading your blog and looking @ your photos. your Girls are sooo Pretty! love the one with Sydney in her hat and bat..hehe

have a fun weekend :)

Anonymous said...

"Delaney said you have to hold your breath when you go by a boneyard. She said if you don't, you'll never have a cute boy."

I'm curious... where did Delaney get this idea??? It cracks me up.

Adrienne said...

Cheryl.....they have grown up so fast!!!! WOW. I can't believe it sometimes lol.

Cheryl Wray said...

Ed--Thanks! I love that picture of her too (especially since she's wearing a dress! She's still a girly girl!) Happy Friday to you too!

Jeff--Isn't that funny? Delaney and McKenna have always said this for some reason (although they don't call it a boneyard; lol). Maybe it's some sort of Southern superstition?

Adrienne--I know!!!!!!

camport said...

I love that you have ball playing girly girls. We used to hold our breath passing grave yards so we wouldn't be buried in whatever graveyard we happened to be passing. Times have changed, I suppose. :)

I meant to comment a post or two ago about Sydney's John 3:16 comment. SO cute and SO true and just one of those moments that you can't ever imagine denying God exists.

:)

Monogram Queen said...

I love how you savor each of these moments and each of your girls.
Also I thought gossip girl was a show... not a book series! I'm out of the teen looop I guess!
Have a wonderful week-end filled with lots of joy, hits and homeruns! (oh and cadbury eggs!!!)

Cheryl Wray said...

Camport--Isn't that funny about the graveyards? I just loved it when she said it. And thanks for the comment on that previous post; it was definitely an epiphany and a great moment!

Queen--Yep, they started as books first and are very popular. (You'll get into the loop when Madison hits about 11)! That sounds like a WONDERFUL weekend for me. Thanks!! :-)

Lola Skw said...

Your daughters are sooo cute and precious - thank you for sharing! Have a lovely weekend!

Gretchen said...

My kids have never been too wired for sports, but I've wished that they were, if only for the community which is involved. And the fun, of course. They tend toward music and drama, and doing plays is it's own type of community. Still...I'd love for each of the to find a sport which they love, and one in which they can participate for life.

In about a week, my daughter is going to start track (anyone can join), and I'm so proud of her. Wondering also whose daughter she is because running never did sound good to me. :) But I'll be cheering at every meet.

Super pictures. Your girls seem to have a lot of fun together, too, which is nice.

Cheryl Wray said...

Lola--Thanks! You're too sweet.

Gretchen--Yay for track! I hope she likes it. Delaney has done some track in the past and I was like you...why in the world would you want to get out and just run?

Lynilu said...

The "boneyard"??? How funny! Preschoolers are so honest and just "out there," aren't they? I love your stories about the girls!

Cheryl, you are so fortunate to have the beautiful girls you do. Each of them is a good example for those who follow. Yes, I'm sure they have some less-than-braggable quirks, but the bottom line is a good one. You and Gary should be, and I know you are, very proud of the girls AND your success. :)

Stephenie said...

I agree. Your girls are amazing and each beautiful in their own ways. I love them all as though they were my sisters, which, they may as well be! I love the thing about the "boneyard". Haha She's adorable.

Anonymous said...

These pictures are so great, Cheryl. and I just noticed that you put a new picture on your banner to. I love it.

hippo chick said...

Sydney never fails to crack me up. What fun she is. I loved all the pics. You sure had a busy and fun week.

I, too, have been dealing with green/yellow pollen. It was so bad last week that just hours after I had dusted the condo, I had to go back and do it again as everything was covered with that yukky stuff.

Also, I'm not sure I have your correct email. I have a "prize" for you and need your snail mail address.

~hippo hugs~
ps - the word verification on this is poonamal - isn't that a cool word?

Cheryl Wray said...

Lynilu--Yes, they definitely have their "non braggable" moments, but I am truly blessed. And I totally realize it! :-)

Steph--You are SO sweet (which is probably one reason why you're an Adopted Daughter).

Gin--Thanks! I decided I wanted a new picture on my banner. And, besides, I am SO ready for the beach!

Pam--The pollen is disgusting! That verification word is hilarious! And I emailed you. :-)

Faye said...

Cheryl your girls are so pretty and it looks like all of you enjoy each other so much.
Wanna know the second thought that popped into my head....where is the snow? I'm looking at what you all are wearing...t-shirts, sleeveless tops....good heavens, it looks Blissful :)

Marjolein said...

Happy Saturday!!!!
Love all the pictures you showed, you all are sports fans, great to see the girls all enthousiastic doing what they love!!
Have a great weekend!