Baseball, baseball, and BASEBALL!!

When I signed Aaron, Tyler (on the same team), and Ammon all up for baseball I had no idea how I was going to do it with practices and games as well as Emily in gymnastics.  I felt good about it, so off we went.  

With practices Mon, Tues, Thurs, Friday and games on Saturday we have all but lived at the baseball fields.  I really haven't minded it and have loved every second that the boys have built their confidence.  None of them have ever played and it has been so great to see the incredible improvement that all 3 of them have made.  It has gone from throwing the ball from the MITT (Ammon) to being able to throw in from the outfield to the pitcher.  Tyler is a NATURAL and has picked it up right from the start.  Aaron has all HEART and can throw and hit like the best of them.

I have watched every game and practice like its the world series.  I love seeing the excitement on their faces as they connect with the ball.

There has been quite a few games with Tyler and Aaron that they were the majority of RBI's.  So proud!

Ammon has been able to use those long legs of his and play center field brilliantly.  He provides a great back up if the infield misses the catch and has improved so much on his batting.

I told all the boys that all I wanted for
them in the baseball season was for them to improve even if it was just a little bit throughout the season.  They have more than surpassed that.  I think a lot of that has to do with the great coaches we scored.  The one to the left with Aaron is Coach Norm.  As in Norm Angelini.  A major league pitcher.  His son the head coach was drafted in the minor leagues and dropped out because he wanted a better life for his family.  It has been awesome!

Ammon's coach is great as well and has a great support too.  They have been really patient with Ammon and have taught him well.

Who knew that I would be as proud as I am.  Don't get me wrong, I am excited to get my nights and weekends back but I have a feeling that I will be spending a lot of time on the bleachers for many years to come!

Enjoy the video of Tyler clearing the bases below.  (I had strep throat so I sound like a fairy... ) :)

Fore!

I love the golf course.  I have never played with Martin.  Ever.  And yet, there is something about it when we drive by whenever we go to Target (which is NEVER I might add... Savvy does NOT kick her feet like crazy and squeal like a little piggie in excitement when we pull up into the parking lot and love to stick her little finger out and touch the magical red ball... okay yeah, it's all the time but what can I say...)  Anyway, I love to hear Hyrum spout out all the memories he has with his dad and brothers.  The girls have been crashing the party lately and its been kinda fun.

Ahh.  The sand trap.  Pretty sure they didn't mind the shower of sand that came upon them trying to get there ball out.  I have come to realize that the golf course is really just a big playground with the excuse to get dirty in a "clean sport."  Maybe that's why the boys like it so much. 

Emily and Aaron took it upon themselves to ensure the sand was properly cared for.  And then made sure that it wasn't....

I love, love, love, watching Martin put his CSU golf class to work in teaching the kids.  He is so patient and I love watching the kids learn from him.  This shot below kind of gives you the idea of what it is like to golf with the Michel family.  We don't take it over at all.... The employees are really kind to our family and have never left us feeling unwelcome.  So glad the kids can have a positive experience.

I love the above sweet tender shot.  I love how perfectly Martin towers over Hyrum as if to suggest that Hyrum is protected from everything around him.  Sports speak to this little boy and if you take the time to play one with him, you have him in your hand.  Love that little boy.

And then there's me.  My first shot.  Pro?  I think so.... ;)

Snapshots of what we have been up to!

The joys and challenges of having a large family means that you are busy all the time.  One kid or the other is always doing something.  The result?  Lots of pictures and not a lot of time to post them!  I have been having a lot of fun doing things as a family and with all of the milestones that have been reached in the last few months.

I love seeing the individual triumphs of each member of the family including myself and Martin.  I see so much growth and strength that I am humbled by the things they teach me.  I am overwhelmed at the amount of pictures and stories that need to be told on this family blog, but I am determined to let my kids know how precious they are to me. 

A part of the reason for my long blog break was a frustration within myself for the lack of sharing of my personal learning and growth.  I have so many thoughts that come to me, life changing ones that I would think could benefit someone else.  I go to write them down and then become self-deprecating that maybe these really aren't all that "amazing".  A personal goal for my blog for here on out is to not just share a "photo journey of our family" but from time to time to have enough guts to share what I have on my mind.  It is my goal for my kids to know me personally.  Not just as mother and teacher, but as a person with weaknesses and strengths just like them.  So... wish me luck....

Without further a do, a few pictures before the storm of posts trying to catch up!

We love bowling!  I guess it could have been the competitive Wii tournaments we have at home, but for some reason we always have a great time.  Emily cracked me up whenever it was her turn. 

 

The zoo.  We live there.  Almost.  I have been bringing these two boys since they were babies!  I love how close they are.  I love the fact that the train is still a cool place to ride. Hope it lasts!  :)

Spring storms.  Love love love Tyler's child-like wonder.  He has always had this wonderment with the smallest of details.  I can always count on him to help me notice things I would have otherwise overlooked. 

I am pretty sure I have the same picture of me at about the same age doing the exact same thing.  So cute!  :)

Blogging block.

Ugh.

I am so far behind.  I don't even know where to begin.  How do you catch up when you have so many great things to say/post?

Suggestions?  Anyone?

This is killing me slowly....

Eight is definitely Great!

Dressed in white you were glowing

with family and friends gathered around

you were showing

your deep testimony and love for the Savior

you made a choice and found favor.

Your Heavenly Father is so very proud

your mom and dad are humbly bowed,

in thanks for such a righteous son.

Can't wait to see the good that you'll do,

the lives that you will help too.

Aaron I love you.

While we were getting ready to leave, I found Aaron running through this meadow.  Couldn't help but see a future missionary!

Temple Trip

How do you choose from so many great pictures?  I couldn't.  We took a trip to the temple to take pictures for Aaron's upcoming baptism.  It was a beautiful day without a cloud in the sky.  Aaron looked sharp.  Dad looked awesome.  The rest of us, well, don't look to closely.  They dressed themselves (yes Hyrum's shirt IS backward)  but this day was for Aaron.

Aaron doesn't always like to have his picture taken.  I couldn't find a displeased look in the whole bunch of these pictures.  What a spirit this young man has.  I loved watching his youthful exhuberance as he watched huge bumblebees on flowers and following after his little brother.

I had a feeling that Phoebe was there with us as we trooped around the temple.  I can't wait until we can meet together inside.  Whole again.

Savannah is One!!

 
One?  One?  I want to know who is responsible for this time warp I find myself under.  Savannah, Savvy, Saboonu, Savvilicious, Savannah Banana, The Savs, Savalina Ballerina... there are many more names that you have already been called.  But one thing is for sure, you are one loved baby girl.  You already have an uncanny way of cheering up someone who is sad.  You have hands-down the best two teeth smile.  You melt my heart with those gorgeous baby blue eyes.  Your only word "Hi" is enough for me.  I think know you are perfect for our family.  A little girl like you shouldn't enjoy being thrown on to a couch or being pelted with high speed pillows.  And that growl of yours?  I can't even do it as well as you.  Savannah, you are such a joy to have.  Happy 1st birthday.

Happy 8th Aaron!!

My sweet Aaron Bo Baron.  How in the world did you become 8? 

I remember when you were about to make your entrance into the world, your dad whispered in my ear, Please hold on a few minutes longer.  Let Aaron have his own special day."  I said "I'd see what I could do."  You made it with 13 minutes to spare.  


No sharing your birthday with Valentines day for you.  My first present to you!  :)

What a handsome little man you've become.  Your excitement for so many things makes me excited with you!  You LOVE the outdoors and anything that goes along with it. From sleeping outside in below freezing weather in your own pup tent to playing ALL DAY in snowy wet weather.  

 

My little tawny scrawny isn't so scrawny anymore.  You wow me 
with your 20 straight as a board push-ups and your huge muscles. 

You make such delicious meals with great ideas to change things up.  You are a fantastic brother with such a sensitivity to people.  You love your little sister Phoebe with such a zeal that it rivals my own.  You give the BEST hugs.... I could go on and on.  What I am trying to say is, thank HEAVENS you came to our family.

I love you infinity times 8.  Happy 8th Aaron!!

Some catch up pics....

Hyrum mastered this wall in no time.  He was just barely 4.

Savvy was in heaven playing the piano.

I was blessed to see my family for a few days.

 Tyler got his religious square knot and his Bear award.

 We can never get enough of parks!

Ammon got his Arrow of Light and Weblos award. I can't believe he's a Boy Scout now!

Thanks for checking back even though it has been FOREVER since I have blogged! I promise. I will update REALLY soon! Come back! (Did Savvy's charm work for you? It works on me every time! :) )