Boys and Girls of Summer - Part 2

Levi jumped off into a new endeavor this spring.  He officially became a Boy of Summer.  You know, one of those who dons a helmet and swings a bat and wears a glove when defense is called for? 

His mom took him to sign up to be a part of the local summer league a few months back and while they were there, his little brother was asked if he would like to play as well.  So,

Numbers 2 and 6 wore the same last name on the team roster!  Easton quickly became a Boy of Summer as well!

The T-ball team became a force to be reckoned with.  There were hits.

And there were runs.  There was cheering from the sidelines.  There was encouragement and excitement.

Then, the next man strode to the plate and it started all over again!

I think the learning curve was a big one but the fun times were always at ready. 

When it came time to put on the glove and take the field, both guys were ready and eager.  The smell of the dirt and the call of the competition could be seen on their faces.

Each had hopes that the ball would come to him so he could scoop it up and fire it over to first to stop the runner.

Hitting the ball and running the bases as well as stopping the ball and throwing it to team-mates was great fun and all a part of the fierce competition.

Yet, it seemed like the most fun part of the game had to be when the team lined up and slapped hands to say, "Good game!" to the opposing team.

Ah!  Boys of Summer!

Boys and Girls of Summer - Part 1

Bats and balls sort of become the symbol of summer for our family.  It has been this way for about 30 years and maybe even long before that when I was a young girl and my cousins and I would have a back yard ballgame.  Sometimes on spring holidays even my aunts and uncles would join in the fun and we would divide into teams and have some friendly competition.  Then, there were the times when I sat in the stands as a young girl and watched Mike play.

 The tradition has sort of been passed down through the generations and grown more popular, I guess.  This year, for example, Lillie played on her middle school softball team, kind of following in the footsteps of her uncle Bryan who did the same twenty or so years ago.

 Of course, the school bat and ball games could not really be called games of summer because they are generally played earlier in the year to be completed before school is dismissed.

 Lillie represented well, primarily playing as a sixth-grade JV player for her school team.  She seemed to enjoy it and, of course, I thought she was one of the best on the field.  After all, I am her grandmother and I am allowed to think like that.

Then, this happened and her days as a slugger for her summer team sort of came to a screeching halt.  She still serves as the bat girl, I think, but that just isn't quite the same as swinging the bat or wearing the glove out there in the thick of competition.

She has been a good spectator for her sisters and Harris and in the dugout for her summer team.

Ah! The Girls of Summer!

Honoring

There was music in my heart this morning when I stepped outside to water the flowers on my front steps.

I saw the fluttering flag at the end of my driveway.  On this Memorial Day I was not the only one decorating our home and farm to honor those we have lost.  I had a whole band of helpers.

The local high school band offers this patriotic service.  Each patriotic holiday, the Nolensville High School Band commemorates our country's national patriotic holidays and serves the community by placing eight-foot tall, three-foot-by-five-foot flags near the driveway on the morning of the holiday and removing it that evening.

Each time I glance out the window and catch a glimpse of the flag fluttering, I'm reminded of how fortunate I am to be in this country, in this community, in this place.

From the highway it makes the entrance to our home more beautiful and I hope it helps others to remember and appreciate like we do.

I think one of the best parts of this opportunity is that I get to simply enjoy this patriotic gesture and know that local young people are also thinking of the honor there is in recognizing the sacrifice of others which provided them opportunities.

We feel honored to be able to support these civic-minded young people and honor those we lost this Memorial Day.  Why not check to see if your local school provides such an opportunity?

Memorial Day 2019

Memorial Day

 As a young girl, I recall celebrating Decoration Day.  We all looked forward to this day because it was the unofficial beginning of summertime.

 I've learned that it originated as a southern tradition.  I can attest to it being celebrated with gatherings and lots of good eats in a patriotic way even though I wasn't certain exactly what we were celebrating back then.  It began as a time to honor the fallen soldiers of the war that claimed more American lives than any other in our existence - The Civil War.   According to History, the end of May was chosen because it wasn't the anniversary of any particular battle.  In 1868, James Garfield made a speech and 5000 participants decorated the graves of 20,000 soldiers in Arlington Cemetery.  

Over time people began honoring American military personnel lost in all wars.  Then, 100 years later, the last Monday in May was designated as a federal holiday and was called Memorial Day.  Many Americans visit cemeteries and memorials to place flowers and flags in honor of the fallen.  Some wear red poppies in remembrance of those lost in war.  That tradition is related to the poem by John McCrae called "In Flanders Fields."

 Today, we hold the torch high in honor of those who gave their lives in order for us to live free.  While we have the freedom of speech and actions that are preserved by soldiers lost at war, may we learn from the past and strive to be more united, to look for the positive aspects of our neighbors, and to build one another up in collaboration.  May we think of those who sacrificed and grow stronger and less divided as we honor the lost - much like those long years ago as they honored their lost on Decoration Day.  

What's Happening Round Here

You might say this has been hay week at Twin Oaks Farm. 

Honestly, that seems to have been the focus for the past couple of weeks. 

First there is the getting ready stage. 

The part where the equipment is greased and blades are sharpened and tractor is serviced with new oil, filters, and that sort of thing. 

Then, there is the part where the cutting takes place.  Then, there is the part where the teddering takes place. 

Then there is the part where the raking and baling takes place. 

Now, we are in the hauling and stacking in the barn stage. 

Of course, all throughout each of those parts and stages was the checking the weather prediction part.  Morning checks of weather predictions. 

Mid-day checks of weather predictions.  Evening checks of weather predictions.  Bedtime checks of weather predictions. 

We check The Weather Channel.  We check local news TV channels.  We check every weather prediction app available on our phones. 

Weather is all-important when it is hay time. Today it is hot and breezy.  Perfect hay weather.  So, at the end of the day, those fifty round bales will be in the barn waiting for winter-time. 

That about sums up what's been happening round here!

Happy Birthday, Lydia!

Mother's Day Message

The hardest job I ever took on in my lifetime has been mothering.  It is truly a learn-as-you-go sort of gig and one that provides loads of opportunities for mistakes. 

I am grateful for the opportunity and the good fortune that my children turned out well in spite of me!

It is humbling because I have always tried to get it right and always strove to do my best.  I quickly learned that just because they look so much alike, that does not mean you do things the same way to meet their needs.

It is a job that requires tenacity and patience.  It is a job that brings frustration because I didn't really know what I was doing at times and it provides boundless rewards even when I STILL don't know what I am doing.

I loved mothering (and I guess I still do) - the early part where we were getting to know one another and I learned to meet their needs.  I loved the part where I was nurturing and guiding, and teaching.  I loved the stage where we became collaborators working jointly to achieve a shared goal.  Now, I love the stage where I am the sounding board and supporter.  Through it all, we mothers are called upon to prop up our children at times, cheer them on at times, be the voice of reason, and offer them a haven and I've loved those opportunities as well.

Now, I get to watch from the sidelines as my children and bonus children are parenting and see my grandchildren's mothers attend to the hardest parts of the job.  I often pass along words of wisdom that I find in blog posts or on infographics and posters.  I pass along words of encouragement and lift up prayers for them and my grandchildren.  I stand on the sidelines to support them when they call upon me - which is not very often.  I stand on the sidelines as a listener and encourager.  I stand on the sidelines and enjoy the view. 

I am truly thankful for the many blessings of motherhood.  I hope your day is filled with blessings and experiences of all the mothers touching your life.

Happy Mother's Day!