Good Times amidst the Trials

This last week was a difficult one for me.  Trials to do with business difficulties have been a heavy burden and I have struggled with keeping a positive attitude.  I have always been a hard worker and good multi-tasker, but lately I feel like there isn't a moment where I shouldn't be tossing another ball up in the air.  Now, how many are up there?  Ten, twenty?!!!  I just keep juggling.  Last week some of the balls hit me square in the nose and I had a hard time getting back into form. 

Not only do I rely on my Lord at times like that, I also know that my wonderful family is a dependable back-up.  How can anyone be too self-centered and whiney when you see this?

 This is 2 1/2 month old Baby I who has mastered the art of charming anyone with a face.  What a DARLING smile!

 Big cousin S and Auntie M love this little bundle of joy, too.

 See?  Daddy J has a face, therefore Baby I gives him a smile!  Actually J is great at eliciting squeals and smiles out of all his boys.  He's a great daddy and always good for a fun time.

Daddy J is also very strong and can lift big boy J up in the air. 

Brother Z is a little more timid (smart?) about taking such risks as his big brother J and makes sure his mama is close by.

The next day was four year old J's first t-ball game.  His team is comprised of 4 to 6 year olds.  Since he has been throwing, batting and fielding since he could walk, we were sure he would do fine.  He did.

 Great looking hat!  Interesting defensive stance.

 Nice swing

Good runnin' form!

 Z is following in his brother's footsteps with early batting practice!

 At t-ball games with kids this age there is very little tagging out and no strike outs.  Each player gets a chance to bat and run to first.  Then it's the next kid's turn.  They go through the whole batting order and then whoever is still on base gets to run home.  After that they trade places and become the fielders.
J was about fourth in the batting order.  He loves hitting the ball and as the pictures show, he loves running the bases, too.  So it was difficult for him to wait.  Hubby and I noticed that J was patting the player next to him, right on the behind.  He would gently place his hand there and just leave it.  When it was time to move forward he just couldn't hold still anymore, he shoved the kid forward.  This happened each time a player was done batting.  I expected the kid who was getting this loving shove to turn around and tell J to stop it, but he never did.  It was hllarious and we don't think that J was even aware of his impatience.

The gentle placement of the hand

 The shove.  The pictures just don't do it justice!  Notice how J has turned his body, solidly planted his feet and is pushing.  He could probably have forced that kid to move even if he didn't want to! 

All but Baby I as J runs to third base.  Such a supportive family!