Opening Day!

It's time for some baseball! I've been scorekeeping for Brantley's teams for a while now and I really enjoy it. This year I'm stepping it up. I finally got an iPhone earlier this year and I found a baseball scoring app. I've been practicing with it since baseball practice started. It's a really cool app and I can record so many things. Also, it will gamecast the play by play on the internet real-time! Most people probably won't care, but I think some will really enjoy it. Especially those that are always making update phone calls during the game to update those that can't be there. They won't have to do that any more. Enjoy!

http://iscorecast.com

customer id is 9621A65A5B

Spring Break 2011

For Spring Break we went to Tampa for the week. We had beautiful weather, low 80s for highs and no rain. Of course we came home to highs in the 50s, but I digress. We spent several days at the beach. It wasn't too hot and the water wasn't too cold. I had never seen St. Pete beach. It was okay but the beach was very shelly. We also went to Sarasota witch was another first for me. The beach there was gorgeous. The sand was soft powder. Parking was terrible though. I would hate to see it in peak season, and we were there on a weekday!

Lawson and Brantley went to see some spring baseball training. There is a ton of spring training going on in Florida. They went to see the Yankees vs. the Blue Jays. The Yankees won. I went shopping while the boys were at the baseball game. I found a Nordstrom Rack really close to the stadium and scored 2 pairs of shoes. Then I spent the rest of the time perusing the mall. I didn't find any stores that I don't have here so that was kind of a bust.

We also went deep sea fishing for the first time. I wasn't going to go because I thought I would get really sea sick, but I really wanted to see Brantley on his first fishing trip. So, I sucked it up and took a couple dramamine and hoped for the best. We got really lucky because there were very few people on the boat. Brantley was the only kid on the boat so he had a deck hand fishing with him the whole time. They made sure he caught lots of fish. As we were cruising out to our first fishing location they were trolling. They gave one of the poles to Brantley and he caught the first fish of the trip, a spanish mackeral. It was an ugly fish with teeth! We caught several red groupers but they had to be thrown back because they were not big enough to keep. They had to be 20 inches in order to keep them. We ended the day with 29 fish, most of which Brantley caught. He caught a couple of black sea bass and the rest I wasn't sure what they were. Other fish we saw or caught that had to be thrown back included a lizard fish (caught by me), a sea robin, a couple of puffer fish, and a shark sucker.

After we came back the deck hands cleaned our fish for us. The pelicans were at the doc waiting. They get all of the fish parts that are thrown away - easy food for them! There were also a couple of egrets and a heron there waiting some fish. One egret actually swooped down while the guy wasn't looking and swiped one of our fish fillets. Once cleaned, you can take some of your fish to the restaurant and they will cook it up for you. Brantley actually tried some of the fish, but decided he'd rather have a hamburger. At least he tried it!

On our last trip to Tampa we went to Busch Gardens. Brantley really enjoyed it so we went again this year. This year he was tall enough to ride everything (there were 2 roller coasters he wasn't tall enough to ride last time.) He wasn't brave enough to ride the 2 big roller coasters but rode most everything else. We also got to see kanagaroos for the first time. They are interesting looking animals. What stuck out to me was their back foot. It looked like a really long finger.

Thanks to Aunt Betty for putting up with us. She's always very gracious in letting us stay with her. And thanks to Aunt Faye for cooking us lunch while we visited Sarasota. Next time we'll have to spend a couple of days there!

Enjoy the pics (if you click on the slide show you should be able to flip through the photos and see some video clips)--

Book Trouble

Friday Brantley asked me for a book. He wanted Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator. I didn't ask why but said we could look for it. I had a B&N gift card so we went to look around Saturday. They had the book, but Brantley said it had the wrong cover. What do you mean it has the wrong cover - me thinking about the old saying don't judge a book by it's cover. Brantley seemed upset but would not tell me why we couldn't buy this book. We left the book store without said book. So, Sunday Brantley copped up to what happened. They have a book club in his class and he had a copy of that particular book. Somehow the cover got ripped off the book, no doubt it happened while he hurriedly yanked it out of his desk at school. He was so worried about it and just wanted to get a replacement. I explained to him that all he needed to do was let Ms. B. know what happened and give her the replacement book. It wouldn't matter that the cover was different. So Lawson and Brantley went out Sunday to pick up the book. Brantley insisted that I go in with him when he gave the book to his teacher. I really don't know why he was so worried about it. He showed her the torn book and told her he bought a replacement. She thanked him for the replacement and told him that was perfect. He had a problem and he solved it. She asked where the cover was for the original book and told him she could probably fix it (what I also told him I would do) if he had it. He was very relieved. When I picked him up today I asked if he found the cover and he happily said yes. Problem solved.

More snow!

Something is amiss in the world because we got more snow! I think we've had more snow this winter than we have had in the past 10 years of winters.

Fitness Challenge

I challenged Brantley a couple weeks ago but we really didn't get started yet until today. The challenge is to see how many sit-ups and push-ups can be done, with correct form, without stopping. We are building up until the end of February. Brantley plays a lot of sports, but he's not really doing anything to be "fit". We are using some helpers with this challenge. We have the perfect push-up which actually makes the push-ups harder although I do think it helps Brantley's form. And, we have the Ab Rocket. It's really nice because it takes the strain off your neck while still letting you abs work hard. We've been sporadic the last couple weeks, but today I wrote down how many we each did. I did a whopping 10 push-ups and 50 sit-ups. Brantley did 20 push-ups (with not quite so perfect form) and he pushed through to do 100 sit-ups. We''ll see if we can keep it up.

Early Christmas

We had our early Christmas with Lawson's parents today. We had already finished opening our presents when I realized that I didn't have my camera out to take pictures so I had to take pictures after the fact. Brantley got a set of Tech Deck boards and skate park pieces. He also got a nice check to put into his education savings account which got big hugs for Grandma and Pop. Lawson got a new Predators jersey. I got this beautiful Gail Pittman bowl and a gift card to my FAV store NY and Company. We also got a very nice check. Too save or not to save, that is the question here. We gave Grandma and Pop Titan's huddlers to go along with their year of Blockbuster. I think they should wear them to the game tomorrow.After presents we went to Outback for dinner where I was so disappointed. I ALWAYS get the Queensland salad and they have taken it off the menu. Boo Outback. We hadn't been there since April and they still had it then. I guess they changed their menu this summer. The food was still good though and the Wallabydarneds were excellent!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays Everyone!

Enjoying some snow

We never get snow. Last winter we had one really good snow. It actually wasn't that great because it was followed by ice so it was really weird to walk on. It's snowing today. And, it's not just flurries. We've got about 3 inches or so and it's still coming down. And, it's EARLY December. Maybe we'll have a chance for a white Christmas this year. Brantley has been checking the weather every 5 minutes all day long. He is so excited and can't wait to hear the news that school will be out tomorrow. They haven't announced it yet, but I'm guessing they will.

Mel the Crab

I was worried about Mel this morning. He has been a very active crab, but lately he hasn't really been moving about much. When I looked in on him this morning he as sitting in his food shell not really moving. I picked him up and he moved a little so I figured he was eating. When we got home, Brantley and I both exclaimed, "Oh no!" This is what we saw.We thought he came out of his shell and died. As I reached in to pick up his shell I was relieved to see him still in there. Apparently he molted during the day today. I didn't think he would do it out in the open like that. Hermie always buried himself when he would molt so we never really saw it. He would just disappear for a while. You could always look under the bottom of the aquarium and could usually see him moving. So, Mel lives to see another day. Wonder if he will actually look bigger when he's done?

Brantley will never be a pilot.

I took Brantley today for his first eye exam with an optometrist. His pediatrician always has him read an eye chart at his annual exam, but there are other tests that an optometrist performs that are important. I chose this eye doctor after I saw him earlier this year. I had been putting off my annual exam because I was dreading having my eyes dilated. A friend from work went to this eye doctor and she said they take a picture of your retina with a special camera and they don't have to dilate your eyes. Insurance doesn't cover it, but I think it should. They keep the pictures on file and can compare them from year to year. They are able to pull it up on the computer and they show you your optic nerve and all the parts inside. It's very cool. The doctor is really nice also and I thought Brantley would like him.

Brantley was a little apprehensive at first. All that big equipment can make you a bit nervous. They took pictures of the inside of his eyes. He didn't have to have his eyes dilated or have the puff of air. When we went into the exam room he read the chart with no real problem. Then, she got out the color test book. He got one right. That's all. ONE! He is completely color blind. I was rather surprised since he's never had any trouble identifying any colors. Apparently he has learned what they look like to him, but he doesn't see the same colors that we see. I'm fascinated by this and wonder what the world looks like through his eyes. On the circles below, he can only read the 25. He can't see any of the other numbers.
I found this image that shows what colors look like to those who are color blind. I wonder which one is him?
Other than the color blindness, his vision is perfectly fine. He is right eye dominant (just like me). The eye doctor even checked his baseball stance and said what he does is perfect. He said to not ever let anyone tell him to bring his lead foot in. The way he does it, he's looking at the ball with his dominant eye. He even brought in a basketball and had Brantley dribble for him. It was really interesting hear the medical science behind his sport techniques. Brantley thought he was really cool and had a great time. So, he'll never be a pilot but maybe he will be a star baseball player!

Breast Cancer Awareness

For the first time since Brantley has been playing baseball, our baseball club decided to have a breast cancer awareness day. They painted pink ribbons on the field and the boys all wore pink wristbands to show their support. They were all great about it. Brantley even wanted to wear pink cleats. Grandma took some pictures of the game for me and got some great action shots. It was a great game. The Raptors came back for being down 0-7 to win 12 to 11. It was really exciting, albeit it bit disappointing for Brantley to score the winning run in on a walk. The bases were loaded for him and the pitcher walked him. Oh well!

Fall Break

For Fall Break we went to Chicago to finally meet Brantley's new cousin. He's almost 3 months old and this has been our first chance to visit. It was actually nice because it gave the new parents time to adjust to having a new baby in the house and we didn't feel too much like a burden. We got there late Friday night so Wes was asleep. Brantley was so excited to meet his new cousin that he did go in a peek in to see him asleep. When Wes woke up at midnight or so, I thought "that doesn't really sound like a screaming baby." His cry actually sounded cute, and Brantley slept through it. Guess it's been too long since I've been around a baby.

The whole weekend was pretty low-key. Saturday night we went to attempt Brantley's first tour of a haunted house. Brantley chickened out so I got to wait outside with Brantley while Lawson and Matt went inside. Just as well because I wasn't all that thrilled to be going in myself. Yes, I'm a chicken. Since we couldn't get a refund for the tickets I told Brantley he owed me the money since he chickened out. After we went to Sonny Acres Farm and we went through the Spook House (very tame and cheesy), he decided to try again Sunday evening with Uncle Matt for the real haunted house and SUCCESS! Brantley went through his first Haunted House. He can't wait to go through another one.

We did get some pizza (a must in Chicago) and finished the weekend at Portillo's Hot Dogs where Brantley got what else but a cheeseburger. I didn't take very many pictures but did get some from Rosemarie to add to mine.

Mel has been evicted

Brantley's class has a science unit studying crabs, frogs, and millipedes. They've been taking care of all the critters for a few weeks now. Anyone who wanted to adopt one at the end of the unit got to bring one home. Brantley adopted a fiddler crab. I thought maybe the new crab and Mel could live together, but it turns out that fiddler crabs are more aggressive and would probably attack a hermit crab. So, for the time being, Mel has been moved to the small cage that he came home in and the fiddler crab has taken over Mel's home until we can get another aquarium. He's quite a bit bigger and is very active. Brantley hasn't decided what to name him yet. He said everyone had nicknamed him Big Claw and one of his friends named him Stanley but he doesn't like either of those. Here's a picture of the new crab.

Future Politician?

Brantley took the annual achievement tests last year for the first time. The school system spent a lot of time this year raising the standards. Not sure why it takes so long to raise the bar, but we just now got his results. He scored well above the proficient level in all areas except for one in which he scored advanced. I always scored the highest in Science and Math and I kinda expected the same thing from Brantley. While he was well above the proficient level in Science and Math, his highest scores were in Social Studies, specifically Economics, Governance and Civics, and History. This coupled with the fact that he's already good about lying about brushing his teeth lead me to believe he has a future in politics. Look out Obama!

Fishing

We went fishing in Papa's pond this weekend. When I was growing up, the pond never really had much in it other than a few snapping turtles. My dad put a few bass in it a couple years ago and it looks like they have grown! We saw several baby fish also so it seems they are thriving. Brantley caught two fish, while the only one that I got broke my line. The bigger one that he caught is in the picture. He said it was too heavy for him to hold up so his cousin is holding it for him.

We brought someone new home from the beach...

Meet Melkey, or Mel for short. We brought a new crab home last summer since Hermie had died and it didn't last very long. Brantley really wanted a new one and he paid for it with his own money. We picked him out and on the way back to the condo we were discussing what to name him. I said his shell looked milky and I think Brantley heard Melkey. Anyway, he came up with the name Melkey.

We got him home today and all settled into the aquarium, and he's already done something that Hermie never did even once in the 4 or 5 years that we had him. Melkey decided to change shells. Brantley came and got me and said he thought he was going to do it. I got in the living room and we watched him as he was checking out one of the empty shells. Once he decided to change, he did it really fast. The picture above is after he changed shells. I don't think the one he changed into was any bigger so I wouldn't be surprised if he changes again.

Happy Birthday!

Happy birthday to Brantley! He is now 9 years old which means that he's officially out of his booster seat. I also checked the law and it states that ages 9-12 are recommended to sit in the back seat, but not required. Brantley SO wants to sit in the front seat. I let him some this weekend but I told him not to get used to it.

We've been so busy with baseball every weekend, including July 4th weekend. Luckily, the team had this weekend off so Brantley got to celebrate his birthday. He has wanted to have a sleepover for so long, so that's what he did for his birthday. It was a small sleepover and worked out okay. They stayed up late and got up early. :)

For his birthday lunch with Grandma and Pop, Brantley wanted to go to I55. I was pretty surprised at his choice, and we were even more surprised when we got there and they only had Sunday brunch. Brantley wanted the gator basket which was not on the brunch menu. I thought for sure they would make it for him anyway but they wouldn't and we left for another restaurant for the birthday boy.

Well, it's back to baseball. Practice on Tuesday and 2 more tournaments to go. Overall, it's been a good experience for Brantley. He has learned a lot and finally hit his first home run which was so awesome. I wish I had my camera ready to get that photo op, but I haven't been taking any pictures because it seems to make him nervous. The whole team went out to congratulate him after he crossed home plate. His face was beaming, and I think he was standing taller in the dugout. He was so proud of himself. Here he is after a long day of baseball.

The Flood

I'm sure you are tired of seeing all of my flood posts, but it's all we have seen or talked about the past couple days. When you hear about floods you always think, well they shouldn't have built in the floodplain. Let's face it. The majority of the major floods in this country are devastating because homes and businesses were built in the floodplain. If your house is in a floodplain, make sure you have flood insurance. You can check this website to see if you are in a floodplain. Or, use it before you buy a house so you avoid being in a floodplain all together. But, the thing that is so devastating here is that many of the areas affected are not in a floodplain. Water is in areas that no one could have ever imagined it could have gotten there.

I read an interesting article commenting on how the national media has largely ignored the flood.

"A large part of the reason that we are being ignored is because of who we are. Think about that for just a second. Did you hear about looting? Did you hear about crime sprees? No…you didn’t. You heard about people pulling their neighbors off of rooftops. You saw a group of people trying to move two horses to higher ground. No…we didn’t loot. Our biggest warning was, “Don’t play in the floodwater.” When you think about it…that speaks a lot for our city. A large portion of why we were being ignored was that we weren’t doing anything to draw attention to ourselves. We were handling it on our own."

As the water subsides, it will be months before many people can get back to their normal lives. Many organizations are accepting volunteers and donations. Every little bit helps.

The Nashville Red Cross

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency
(TEMA) has activated the Tennessee Emergency Donations Hotline to
accept contributions to support state flood victims. Volunteers
will begin answering calls at 8 a.m. on Wed., May 5. The toll free
number is (866) 586-4483, and the hotline will be staffed from 8
a.m. to 8 p.m. CDT daily.

Text 'REDCROSS' to 90999 to donate $10 to disaster relief.

More about the Flood

“This isn’t just a hundred-year flood. People are now saying it could be a five-hundred or one-thousand year flood. To look at the damage from the air, it’s devastating. This is a multibillion-dollar disaster. It’s terrifying to see great institutions like Opryland and Opry Mills under water.” - Rep. Jim Cooper

And yet the national media has barely talked about it.

Flooding Update

We ended up with some water in our basement and garage, but have very little damage. I wanted to share some photos that I have collected from friends to show the widespread devastation. No one could have ever imagined any of this could happen. Rivers are beyond the 100 year flood levels.