Fall ball

So, Bennett decided that instead of playing soccer this Fall, he'd like to give baseball a try. Since we are committed to Tae Kwon Do, there was no way that we could sign up for 3 sports, so we've given soccer a break, went on a shopping spree at a local sporting goods store, and headed across the street to the ball fields.

Keep in mind that the last time Bennett had a bat in his hand, which was about 2 years ago, this picture allowed me to create a scrapbook page titled 'shiner'...
:)

Anyway, he has been SO excited about playing baseball. I've been assured by my well-intentioned friends that Fall Ball is laid back and so much fun... I bought in, and we signed up.

Well, fast forward through 3 practices (one missed because of some mystery illness last week, and 2 others that had me cringing as the ball kept whizzing past the bat - oh, but he swings with all his might!!)... and you come to today. The first game of the season.

He got dressed and looked SO CUTE! He was ready to play. He felt no pressure at all. He never does. I feel it... he doesn't. I breathed a sigh of relief when the first one on our team struck out. At least Bennett wouldn't be the first to strike out...

He got up to bat. Look at that stance...


The coach pitched the first ball...
and he hit it!! Look up there at that picture!!! HE HIT IT!!!

And he ran like the wind for first base!! (I have pictures of each base, but I will spare you :) He ran to second with the next batter - then stole third!!

And here he is... a sort-of-slide into home!! He made a run!! (is that what you call it?? :)

And you know what??? He did that SAME EXACT THING the next time that he got up to bat!! I'm tearing up as I type this!! HE DID IT!!

Look how proud he is!!

And, then, at the end of the game, Coach Mark called the boys together and talked about how each boy did such a great job. He got the game ball out - and gave it to Bennett!! I was so proud! My heart was so happy for my little boy.

This whole game has really got me thinking... I went into that game just hoping that he wouldn't be too discouraged when he struck out. After all, he really didn't hit the ball many times in practice. I had heard about how they were playing with only 3 strikes. How will he do it?? I left that game beaming with pride for my little boy. I am just so happy that he is happy...

Being a mom is such a great job -and a position that God uses to teach with over and over!! I can honestly say that I am amazed each and every day!! Yes, there are some days when I'm complaining about being stuck at home with a child who is 'sick'. Or I'm wondering if my oh-so-talkative 6 year old to could please not talk non-stop for just 1 minute. But those aren't really complaints - they are just me thinking about me and what I want. Most days I'm just so thankful that God has given me this little boy. The little boy that never ceases to amaze me. And proves to me that I need to stop thinking that I already know what is going to happen and just wait and see. Wait and see that the LORD is good!!