Opening Day- Lttle League

Posted by Mary Grace (MGD) on Monday, April 23, 2012.
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South Maryland Little League did it right.  We had no idea what to expect on Matthew's very first Opening Day for his first season of baseball.  The yonger teams of T- Ball and Coach Pitch arrived first.  Each team got together and lined up.  The parade of teams began with people cheering their kids, nephews, neices and grandbabies and coaches on.  Each team carried a banner, music was jamming through the loud speakers.  Then the announcer introduced each team, coach and player and this was Matthew's opportunity to step forward and tip his hat as we proudly cheered him on.  They also did a blessing of the field, little league pledge and the national anthem.  A small game was played, pictures were taken and did I mention that there was FOOD?!  It was a wonderful day to meet new friends and there were so many excited and happy kids.   Once the little kids were done their events, the big kids were taking the field for their Oepning Day.  Great job South Maryland Little League!

Matthew's baseball team- Durham Bulls (They are named after the Triple AA affiliate -minor league team)
Matthew following his coach out onto the field for the parade.
Do you see my baby?  He is stepping forward and tipping his hat as they call his name!
Matthew on the field!

This went right down the middle!  Go Matthew!


Hanging out in the dugout with the boys waiting for their turn at bat.
  
Matthew before taking the field for the parade.  (Really...I know...we took a lot of pictures)

Julia acting shy in our family picture.

One more dinner...

Posted by Mary Grace (MGD) on Wednesday, April 18, 2012.
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The Pioneer Woman (whom I have been following for years now and am so inlove with her own love story) has an iPad giveaway today.  Her question really struck me and I got a little sick feeling in my stomach.  Not that her question was gross or flat out distgusting, but it was my answer to her question that made me feel sick and sad.  Her question for the giveaway was, "If you could have dinner with one person tonight, who would it be?"

My answer was, "My dad...it's been 6 years and I miss him terribly.  I just want one more dinner with him...."

I miss my dad terribly.  I know the grieving process is different for a lot of people.  People heal in different ways and some people never heal when losing a loved one.  I am greatful for my wonderful family as well as my incredible husband, beautiful kids. I am happy, I love life and and so thankful for what God has given me.  There is still something though that is missing inside of me.  It's hearing my dad's voice, holding his hands, hugging him and hearing him sing. 

Thanks for letting me share....

Batter, Batter, SWIIINNNGGGG Batter, Batter

Posted by Mary Grace (MGD) on Wednesday, April 11, 2012.
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Matthew started Little League (yes- along with soccer)!  He has been wanting to start baseball since last year and we finally found a great rec center for him to join.  We have decided to join South Maryland Little League in Davidsonville, MD and their older kids do take part in the real Little League.  We have a batting helmet, pants, cleats, baseball bag, balls, uniform, glove, batting gloves and so much more equipment!  He has been so excited to start and I would like to say that he is so much like his daddy.  Even Dave has confessed that Matthew is such a natural at soccer, tennis, football and now baseball.  South Maryland Little League will have so many events from a huge Opening Day that the community takes part in, GALA, raffles & fundraisers and closing ceremonies.  Watch for more pictures as this weekend is Opening Day so we will be sure to bring you lots more news and pictures.



Learning how catch grounders, pop-ups, and other types of throws that
I don't know the offical name of....

Swing that bat baby!

Chillin on the Deck

Posted by Mary Grace (MGD)
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After 11 years, we had to get a new patio set.  We originally had a table and chair set that seat 6 people and unfortunately the glass table buckled and we were no longer able to use it.  We opted for something different this time around.  We hardly ever actually had a full dinner, lunch or breakfast on our old patio set.  We usually just hang out on the deck, watch the kids play, watch Dave grill, eat snacks, ice cream and just chill out.  We decided to get a "conversational set" (as they call it in the stores) and we love it. It has cushions on the seat and backs so its super comfy.  Totally fits our casual style, we love sitting around eating snacks, watching the kids play and it gives us so much more room on our deck!  Love it!

It looks a little bare here but we have since added lots of yellow, orange
and other colorful planters and accessories!  (you know I love to add color!)

Let's just say that the kids love it- we have always had a gate by the deck steps and now with the new set, the kids can just hang out on the deck, eat, play their toys, games and bubbles.  Matthew also likes having his friends over to just "chill-out"

Easter 2012

Posted by Mary Grace (MGD) on Tuesday, April 10, 2012.
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 It was a beautiful day this past Sunday for Easter.  The children had to hunt for their big basket of "stuff" from mommy & daddy.  We have a fun filled morning eating homemade thick french toast, fruit, sausage and eggs.  Then we went to visit my mom and all the kids for their Easter Egg Hunt and lots of afternoon fun.  We hope you all had a wonderful Easter with family and friends.




11 years and counting

Posted by Mary Grace (MGD)
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Saturday, April 7th, we celebrated 11 wonderful years. I know, I can't believe it either. It has certainly been an interesting , fun and loving 11 years. I hear it all the time of people talking about their soul mates and how they can't imagine or see themselves with someone else. I can honestly say that I truly believe that Dave is my soulmate and I appreciate and love him more and more each day. We have our ups &downs as all couples do but we both work at our relationship and that is one of the reasons why our love continues to grow. It grows differently each day, it grows as parents, it grows as individuals supporting our dreams, it grows as lovers (roll your eyes...) and it grows as friends.

He is quiet, shy, reserved, funny, private, he procrastinates, he is patient and he saves money.
I am outgoing, a chatter box, lively, extrovert, organizer & planner, very impatient and I spend money.
We say "I love you" to one another each day
We kiss every day (even in front of the kids or when we are out and about- I don't mind a little PDA)
We hold hands (just like my parents always did)
We laugh (Dave is so very funny- many of you don't see it becuase he is so shy)
We sing together (corny, I know)
We dance (breakdance, slow dance, hip-hop, ballet and ask him about the Irish dancing)
We have fun and enjoy life

To many more happy and loving years together and as a family.  Cheers!

Day in DC

Posted by Mary Grace (MGD)
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One of the things that we love to do is go down to DC. There are so many sites that you just have to see when you are in the area...especially if you live close by! Although the kids are still pretty young, it's amazing to see how much they can comprehend about our history, our nation's capital and the importance of the different memorials and monuments. I think the kids honestly thought that they were going to see President Obama and were very upset that we couldn't "eat" in the White House!


Dave, Julia & Matthew infront of the Washington Monument

Yes-- it says PHILIPPINES!  Julia and I had to get a picture infront of it!

Matthew at the WWII Memorial...beautiful!

Matthew searched and searched until he found MARYLAND!

Priceless picture.....add your own caption!

Ready to Fly!
Some of the sites we visited were the National Air & Space Museum, enjoyed hanging out by the Washington Monument where the kids rain around and even watched a music concert. We enjoyed walking near the Tidal Basin and one of stops was at the World War II memorial. This has to be one of my favorite places down here. The fountains are just beautiful, the layout of the memorial and the stars on the wall...just beautiful.