On the Mound, At the Plate, and More ⚾

Our lives have certainly been full with soccer and baseball, but they've been a beautiful sort of full.  I find a bit of a thrill from watching my kiddos "sportsing," especially when they enjoy it so much, and baseball is certainly no exception.  There have been nights with late games when I could have sent Mike to watch Xavier, and kept the rest of the kids home and in bed at a "decent" time, but we tend to be a package deal and all delight in cheering for one of our people.  

Anyways, baseball season is more than half over.  In fact we are seeing the end of our schedule already, and it's been a fantastic season.  We've never seen a year with so many explosions of growth from so many of the players, our son included.

Xavier's having a phenomenal year and getting to try a lot of positions.  He's pitched, played catcher, done some at 1st and 3rd bases, and played short stop.  He's also having a good year at the plate.

We have terrific coaches - really first rate.  They expect improvement but stay positive.  They talk the boys through things but don't expect perfection.  There is no muttering, no foul language, no yelling sessions after games.  We are thankful for good coaches and fun teammates.

I've been trying to combine the videos and phone pics I take each night into one movie per night and keep them short.  If you're patient enough to watch through them, you'll see some pretty cool kid baseball.  But even if you skip through them, scroll down, and don't miss May 26th.  I do recommend you turn your volume down.  Turns out I'm his loudest fan.

May 4th & 6th:

May 10th:

May 14th:

He got a triple! Really wanted a home run this season!

May 20th:

Coach getting his pitcher and catcher on the same page.

Fan club!

Did someone say snacks?

May 25th:

Scrimmage against his cousin Jace's team...

May 26th:

Slide to home

And finally, that home run.

Evie loves her Zabier.

May 28th: 

Xavier got to throw the strike that finished the game.  Isn't that a fun feeling?

Here for the shnacks.

Xavier, always remember, we're not proud of you because you hit a home run or catch a pop fly.  Those are awesome baseball skills, but what makes us most proud is that you live for Jesus and that that light shines through your actions.  We're proud when you cheer for your team, when you stop to check on the kid that a wayward pitch hit, and when your kindness and humbleness lead, because Jesus is in your heart.  Always remember that - bring Him glory in all you do.