...a softball game

My niece Annie emailed a couple of days ago to tell me that she and Irene would be in Boardman this afternoon for a softball game. (What a long bus ride from Burns!) So after school I hurried home, pottied the dog, and drove out to the game. Annie plays left field and Irene keeps stats. The score was painful....and Boardman fans could have been more gracious about the win....but it was fun to see the two girls. They are so grown up...I still picture them as little girls...how is it possible that they're in high school already?!?

...my sister the cook

and her sidekick!

...a sweet little girl and a patient ol' dog

You need your tail combed.
What do you mean you don't want to wear my sunglasses???

(Chasse has never been a "social" dog and has never had patience with children. She was so good with Jadyn! I guess being 92 in human years has mellowed her.)

...pink pig pajamas

...a blue ball, and an adorable little girl (who thinks she's hiding by covering her face!)

...how to open butter

Grandma's little helper is always in the kitchen with her and HAS to do everything!

'smatta Gamma?

...reasons for not posting lately

1. Being out of town. A lot.

2. Riding my bike. Not as much as I'd like.

3. Out of town company.

4. Having my nose in a good book. Really good book. One I think about during the day and can't wait to get back to in the evening. (Good thing my company doesn't need to be entertained!)

.

...celebrating success

This morning I got to forgo my usual routine of dashing out the door with peanut butter bread balanced on my coffee cup to get to school at 7:00 (OK, 7:02). Why? The student I nominated for the Breakfast of Champions was selected, and I got to present the award. How cool is that? It was such a wonderful way to start the day--listening to teachers talk about how smart, kind, funny, organized, and hardworking their students are. Parents and siblings went up with the kids and I loved watching the families glow as they listened to the things said about their child. The boy I nominated--Antonio--has only been speaking English for about 5 years, yet he got one of the highest grades on his senior project. He is an amazing guy. He is shy and quiet, but has such a great sense of humor! His parents weren't able to come to the breakfast, but his mom did come to conferences tonight so I was able to tell her everything I said at the presentation, and more. I'm grateful to the Chamber of Commerce and all the organizations who funded this morning's breakfast. There are a lot of good kids out there and I'm glad for the chance to celebrate their success.