Ball Season...

....it throws everyone for a loop. This year 2 of our children are playing at 2 different parks. That means there are about 8 to 10 different parks we travel to through out the season, not including their own park for practice. It is a busy time of year. BUT I LOVE IT! I love it all, I love working the concession stand. I love watching my kids play. Even if they are always at the bottom of the line up and at the end of the pecking order. As long as they are having fun that is all that matters.

I guess growing up in a ballpark family has taught me to be tolerant of the hectic schedules and the constant going, going, going! My hubby on the other hand, doesn't do so well with it. He is a home body for the most part. So when it comes to the hustle and bustle of getting everyone ready to go to a game it seems like the frustration sets in. Sometimes it is hard when these differences arise. But for the sake of the kids and the enjoyment they get out of playing softball/baseball. He sacrifices in giving up his time at home to be at the park with all of us. So we as a couple can spend time together and he can give the kids the support they need. Isn't that the best a dad can do! To be a supportive husband and father. I know for me there are times I don't always recognize how much he does sacrifice. It is easy to see it when he leaves us for his country to go abroad. Where ever the Navy decides the need is. We see the big picture but often overlook the small things that he does for our family. I Love him sooo much! Some might say well that is what a dad should do be there.... but look around it is not always that way these days.

I know there has never been a handbook for the perfect way to raise children. But common sense says be there for them. I watch the news and there are all these sad stories. Teenagers killing each other, or trying too. They are committing suicide because they are being bullied and feel like it is the end of their world. People want to be accepted and when they are accepted by their own parents how can they feel like they belong in this world.

I remember growing up with parents who were very active in my life. Always at our ball games. Always at my Chorus Recitals no matter how horrid they were. They knew who my friends were and kept pretty close tabs on me for not having cell phones. Yes there were times that I got away with things that I shouldn't have but it wasn't anything like what kids are doing these days. The risks we take as kids help us learn life lessons. The little things like sneaking out and not getting caught and thinking WOW what did I do? Later looking back at all that could have happened, makes you realize how you were blessed.

Being at the wrong place at the wrong time is often where our children get into trouble. But what about when our kids are with their so called friends and something happens? They need to be comfortable talking to us, they need to be able to pick up a phone and call us if they are not in a comfortable situation. They also need to learn before its too late to make good choices. Recently in our community a young girl took a ride with her so called friends and ended up dead, shot in the head? 2 of her classmates are being charged in her death. When did human life start coming with such a small value? What happened? What made them snap? What made them shoot her? Weeks before a young man shot in the head while hanging out at a friends house after school? By the grace of GOD he survived.

We as parents need to look at the world and what it is becoming. We need to make the changes in our children. We need to show them they are loved. That they do matter and to treat others well. To be uplifting and positive. To find good in everything. The simple joys in life are a gift that are rarely seen. I love to hear my daughter say " what a beautiful day" or "mommy look at the moon"

If we could only see the world through the eyes of a child! No prejudices, no worries, only smiles and giggle. Oh and of course the occasional temper tantrum when it's just about nap time!