FarmFresh

Swing, Batter Batter, Swing!

What does the face of a homerun hitter look like? If you are Payne, it looks like this:

Smiling, but trying not to smile too much. It's fun to finally hit a homer in the midst of All-Star play, yes?

Happy Independence Day

Thought  a picture of the Statue of Liberty is appropriate due to Jackson's travels. Hope everyone has a fun (and safe - don't attempt to blow up fireworks in glass bottles) 4th of July. We have the day off from baseball and will be headed out for a celebration with friends and family later this evening.

July?

July 1? Seriously? It's July 1st?

Who kidnapped June?

Payne is still in the midst of baseball. His first all-star game is Thursday.

Jackson is off on an adventure with Big Mike and MH. You can follow along here as he travels in the Big Apple for the week.

Jon is busy with this and that. All our cotton is zeroed out, so there will be no cotton harvest this year. We have a bit of grain, but it's not quite ready to combine.

Lots of things percolating in my mind - we still need to make a list of things we want to do this summer. But it's hard when there is baseball and swimming and track and traveling. We have seen a couple of movies (Up, Transformers) and are looking forward to a few more (can anyone say "Harry Potter?"). Jackson has a few more adventures on the books while Payne wishes he could play baseball all summer.

Sadness

Yesterday, while I complained because I felt burdened by the transportation needs of my kids, a friends and family were learning of the death of Chris Leggett. I was saddened yesterday to learn of the murder of my friend from high school. He was working in Mauritania, a country in Africa. He leaves a wife and four children. Chris was a good man doing great things.

Shortness of Breath

Quite frankly, Summer 2009 is kicking my butt. It is not relaxing. It is not refreshing.

I am in the car more than I am during the school year. Take the boys to track practice. Pick them up from track. Take the Jackson to swimming, pick up Jackson from swimming while dropping off Payne, back to pick Payne up at the pool, take Payne to baseball practice, take the boys to the track meet, take the boys to the swim meet, take Jack to morning basketball camp, take Payne to afternoon baseball camp, take Payne to baseball camp, take the boys to pitching workouts......

You get the picture.

No swimming for fun yet. No trip to the Concan yet.

I had big plans to clean out and throw half the house away. Has. Not. Happened. I am too busy playing taxi.

There have been some bright spots. A 50th anniversary party for Jon's parents. Getting to see my dad on Father's Day. A quick trip to San Antonio and College Station. Getting lots of walking miles in while Payne is at baseball. Jackson winning a 25m freestyle race.

I think things will slow down soon. Track ends this week. The last dual meet of the swim season is this weekend. Baseball will not last forever. Just breathe......

 

The Past Few Days

Summer is in full swing around here. We were in San Antonio last week then sprinted over to College Station so Payne could participate in the district livestock judging contest. It was was a reschedule due to May's hysteria surrounding the swine H1N1 flu. Payne's team placed 3rd.

We dashed back to San Antonio where we had left Jon for some meetings and darted back home so the boys could swim Saturday. Jack even won his 25 meter freestyle race.

After the swim meet we hit the water. Seems Jon finally won the ages-old boat debate in our house. (The debate between a fishing boat or a ski boat)

The Fabric of our Lives

I just stumbled upon this delightful Cotton spot (via a delightful in its own right blog, Two Ellie) featuring Zooey Daschanel. I adore her voice.

Thanks for helping the cotton industry!

Comparison

I never posted the boys' last day of school pictures. Think anyone has changed?

The first day is on the left, the last day on the right. Excuse Payne's pool attire.

Ch...Ch..Ch...Changes

This morning:

This afternoon:

And in related news, check out who else got braces put on the same day.

June 1: Trying to Reason with Hurricane Season

It's that time of year again. Hurricane Season. Will we get hit this year, or will it be a near-miss like 2008?