american pastime

This evening I went to my first local baseball game in YEARS. I think the last one I went to was one my uncle played in (??? maybe???). Every summer, our local park hosts teams from all over the county and this was the first time I have managed to check it out. I didn't get to stay the whole time, but I loved it! There is something so American and family oriented about baseball! Kids were running around, sunflower seeds were flying, hot dogs were cheap, and the seats were great. Even the weather was amazing. Baseball is the kind of sport that can be really laid back, and then in a moment, takes you by surprise (like a home run...or when the ball flies at the fence in front of you and you forget a fence is there and jump three feet, haha, like I did). It encourages conversations, and takes you away from the world for a while. No wonder it was such a rich part of our history during wartime.

Going tonight made me remember the baseball games our family used to play in my grandparents' front yard. I am sure that yard was not huge, but it seemed so to my young heart. Home base was a big tree with long branches that made for a great hiding place. And my dad or one of my uncles would pitch and we would run around the yard. I remember going to the local park in Oxnard to hit the ball with my dad and brother. Baseball was one of the few sports that wiggled its way into my heart. The few Dodger games I went to were so fun! The wave, where everyone would stand and raise their arms...the loud organ...the peanuts...baseball. I hope it never gets so watered down by money that it forgets to be the great American pastime. I think that is why I loved the local game so much. It was simple, and a moment that recalled the delight of the game that was so well established in my heart as a young girl.

fun with babysitting

Today I got FOUR texts to babysit for four different families! I got back to the first person to text me, and here is a snapshot (or two...) of what happened:

I got to be the "Chief" Fireman...



and then it was decided it had to go the other way...gangsta fireman?
(and yes, that is VeggieTales in the background...haha)

I had a lot of fun with these boys! We played, "drove", were super cool fireman gangstas, played ball, laughed, and danced to the music in the movie! Hanging out with kids is good for you.
I highly recommend it. :D

summa summa summatime...

I love this shot. It looks like Saturn!

WOW. It is smack dab in the middle of July. Each year I find myself more and more shocked when this month sneak attacks so quickly. Some days it does not feel like summer, as here in SLO, the weather seems to reach its peak for summer around August. So far things seem to be winding up instead of gearing down like the rest of the world, and that has been a bit scary for me. I am slowly coming to the realization that it is all good for me. I am learning how to get out of my own way and let God call me to what He has planned. Still learning, but moving forward.

More change continues to come my way... I am going to have two new roommates (to be determined), and will get to move into my own room again! It is time... I am ready to have my own space again. I am not getting any younger...haha, and most likely the new roomies will be young college students. I won't have to worry about late night study sessions or someone coming in late. My own room will help with that. Stacy, one of my best friends, is getting married in less than two months! I am going to be sad that I don't get to live with her anymore, but am so excited for her and Jeff. They are an amazing couple and their lives are going to impact this place for Jesus! Things are going to start getting busy! I love being a part of helping her plan. I am learning a lot about weddings and what goes into planning one. As much as I am looking forward to getting married one day, it overwhelms me a bit to think about planning it. Hah.

Some happenings over the past few weeks:
*I led my first full song in worship. It is an intense thing to lead worship. It is more than singing a song. You are leading the whole congregation into worshipping God. I have a lot to learn. I am not sure when the next time will be, but it is an honor and privelege to serve in this way. And it is a dream. It is not a coincidence that God is speaking deep to my heart about His calling. It is not about me, simply about God using willing people for His purpose.

*I totally ate it in a ditch on the 4th of July in my typical fashion. Yup, I was walking... it was dark, and there was about a 4 inch ditch. Down I went. My leg is healing nicely but needless to say, it is still sore from the bruise, and I am hoping there are no scars... not good for the wedding pictures!

*I am realizing more and more how much I love hanging out with kids! Their hearts are so pure and sweet. The other morning, I was hanging out with two of my favorite little guys who are brothers, and I was reading a book to the older one. He wanted me to read it a second time, and as I did, he slipped his hand into mine. Such a sweet and loving gesture! His younger brother later gave me the biggest hug a lil' guy could give. Another little girl who I love spending time with melts my heart with her rendition of "Save Your People"...sounds like "Say yo po po, oh yo oh yo". Love it! Makes me want my own that much more. But I also love that I have friends of all ages. They teach me so much about life and perspective.

*I think I am going to my first ever Blues baseball game this week. Not the biggest deal but I am excited. It will be fun! I like baseball, and the summertime is a great time for it.

Anyway, things are in forward motion and I am hopeful that this summer will be fruitful and that I will have all I need to navigate all that comes my way!

I will leave you with a few fun pics of me...one from first grade that an old friend recently posted, and one at the 4th of July picnic we had. Once a kid, always a kid...just sometimes our perspective gets a bit outta whack.