Baseball

There are few places that I'd rather be then on a baseball field.

I have many wonderful memories of both playing and watching baseball as a child.  

With Ava's physical challenges I just assumed that baseball would not be the sport for her.

And that would have been fine with me.

But the other day Ava expressed clearly that she wanted to be on a soccer team.  

Her little friends at school play soccer and she has really gotten into it.

I told her that soccer was over but that it was baseball season now.

She jumped up and down and folded her little hand, pleading with me to sign her up.

Well, ok then...she didn't have to twist my arm on that one.

I found a league that is specifically for children with handicaps.  

I emailed them about the league on Monday and come Monday night, Ava was at practice.

Let me tell you about the cuteness of this little team.

- Every child gets to bat each inning and they get as many swings as it takes to get a hit.

- Each hit results in a base hit even if they get thrown out.

- The last batter of the inning hits a "home run" so that every child gets to run around the bases and score. 

So adorable!!! I was dying.  

But most importantly, I am excited for the things that being a part of a team will bring to Ava's life.

I am excited for her to learn more about team work, taking turns, commitment, practice, perseverance, and confidence.  

The only negative...she is on the Dodgers.  Bla.  It's hard seeing that uniform laying around my house but she does look cute in it.

 My slugger waiting to bat.  Look at the wonder in those eyes.

Her first AB

Playing third base

Huddle up.  She is the peanut by the coach.

Brother wanted to get out there SOOOO badly.  One day son.

#10 on the Junior Dodgers...Ava Darina!

What's wrong with this picture??

I went to start my shower the other day when I noticed that all my children's toys were in our shower.

And then I remembered that all my shampoos and such were in theirs.

HMMMM...

What is wrong with this pictures I thought to myself in frustration.

 But the answer is...

Nothing.

Nothing is wrong with life being a little upside down when you are raising small children.  

If I've learned anything in the 3 years I've been a Mom, it's that I have to be flexible.

I have to go with what works for that moment.

And if I was too wrapped up in things being perfect I'd miss the really important stuff.

 Chasing around this sweet baby boy.  Soaking in his giggles and enjoying every hug.

Doing art with my Ava and praising her for a job well done!

(Starry Starry Night by Ava Letterneau)

I would take kids toys in my shower forever if I could bottle them up just as they are right now and keep them this way always. 

Unexpected Great Day

There was nothing much on the schedule today.

Sometimes those days are great and sometimes they are LONG and painful being inside all day with not much to do.  

My parents took the kids to Disneyland last night while James and I got a date night for Valentines Day. 

My Dad left his laptop here and so we found ourselves brainstorming how we would get it back to him today. (They live about an house South of us.)

We decided to meet at Ruby's on the Pier and it could not have been a more beautiful day.  

What a fun, unexpected family outing!

As usual, there are no pictures of adult humans but we were there...I promise. 

Plus, none of us could take our eyes off these cute little best buds.  

God Knows

I have a friend who always says this in response to uncertainties in her life or tough circumstances.

God knows.

I love it because it's true of course.

God goes before us, he knows all things that we are facing now and ever will.

He prepares things in advance for us and directs our steps because he cares for us.

He loves us.

I was reminded of God's great love for my daughter yesterday at her school field trip.

I went along with Ava's class of 9 to the Kellogg house in Santa Ana.

The field trip takes the children through an old Victorian style house and the children interact with things that were used 100 years ago. 

It's a very neat field trip. 

The tour began outside.

Our guide asked the children a question about orange groves since beautiful orange trees surround the property.

Ava quickly raised her hand. 

Oh no, I thought.  I forgot to tell our guide about Ava.  I forgot to tell him that she doesn't speak but that she likes to participate. 

My heart began to race and I feared for my daughter.  I didn't want him to embarrass her.

I didn't want him to say something that would break her spirits. 

The man called on her and she responded verbally.

He didn't even flinch. 

Treated her just like any other child. 

He began conversing with Ava through yes or no questions.  He called on her just as often as other children even though he learned quickly that she wasn't able to understand her verbal answer.

I was amazed. 

What a gift.

Thank you Lord that you knew Ava would be on this trip and that you matched us with a guide who would handle her in such a compassionate and accommodating way. 

HE KNEW just what she needed. 

 

 



Little Loves

Valentine's Day projects, trips to the park, preparing for birthdays...

February is a busy month for us.  

 This Dude is just a ball of FUN.

He's communicating A LOT and we are greatly enjoying getting to know the world according to Judson.

 

So, way back when I started exploring Pintrest I pinned a bunch of sites that said stuff like, "100 things to do with your toddler." I do not find these sites very helpful usually but 

I read one that suggested putting a bowl of water down in the kitchen and let your kid go crazy with measuring cups.

This provided a full HOUR of entertainment.

Ava is very into seasonal art projects (no idea how that all got started...haha)

As soon as February hit, she started asking to do heart art.

I heart doing heart art with my girl.

  

And in case I forgot how quickly she is growing up, she is starting to offer her help with daily upkeep.

Welcome February!  The Letterneaus are excited to see what this special month brings!

Family Photo Shoot

Working on getting a separate space for my photography stuff but I really wanted to share some photos today.  

I took photos for a very close friend and her family. 

RaeLynn and I have been friends since high school and she is so dear to me.  

This family of three is funny and sweet and they really love one another.  

Here are a few of my favorites from the day.

 I love this last one b/c I think it captures the families personality so well.  

They are fun and full of laughter and love.  

It was such a blessing to take photos for them!

It was a hard week.

A really, super trying week for all of us.

I have not been feeling well and when I am not on my A game with house work, homework, and dinner, it is obviously a lot more work for James and leaves me feeling even worse on top of not feeling well physically.   

Also...

Judson got in a major tooth and was such a mess.  

Like crying non stop for two days.

Ava got a random fever due to dehydration I think 

Even the dog got sick.

Geesh...It was a tough one.

Today after church we went out to lunch at Olive Garden which was exciting because we had gift card there from Christmas.

We were finally seated.

In the back.

Where they stack the chairs.

Right next to the bathrooms.

They must have noticed our two noisy children and gave us the special section of the restaurant.

And then James and I looked at each other and

laughed.

Easily could have cried but it was just too perfect after the week we had.

The week was rough but so worth it.

The kids could not stop hugging and giggling tonight.

Ava couldn't get enough smooches in and Judson was following her around like a puppy.

I know it's cliche but we really do have it so good. 

Things could be tougher and worse and more stressful and we are trying so hard to push through and see God's kindness and favor even the midst of trials.

Such a crazy week that I didn't even take a single picture. 

I KNOW.

That's wild.

But last week had a few keepers...