T-Ball Trophy

H was thrilled that his t-ball coach stopped by today with his trophy for the year. It's official - t-ball season is over! The Nationals won only one game, but had a great time. Honestly, it was better than I thought it would be -- just quite the major commitment. He had a really nice team. His coach knew how to play up everyone's strengths and make them feel great. He let everyone play, unlike other teams who sit some kids out pretty much the entire game (can you believe it?). There weren't any crazy parents -- except me, that one time I told H to push a boy off the base because he was blocking the base and smack talking to my son (don't worry, H didn't hear -- just a few parents, and Brian lectured me the entire car ride home. I learned my lesson. Geesh!) I can't say I've every seen a bobble-head trophy before, but H couldn't be happier.

They Finally Won

The Nationals celebrated their first win of the season today. They won by 1 point, and it was quite a victory. I have to admit, it was hard not to cheer for both teams -- the only two in the division not to have won a game yet this season. But it did feel good to see the Nationals win. Great job boys!

Helpers in the Kitchen

Last night was the sleepover at H's school. He had a great time last year, so was excited to sign up again. But honestly ... he has been in such an emotional funk this week (stress?), I was completely surprised he still wanted to go. We were all ready to have him back out, but he got home from after-school, and was all excited to go. Once there, however, it took quite a bit of coaxing for him to stay. He eventually did, but around 11:30 pm we got the rescue call and he ended up sleeping in his own bed. The teachers were nice enough to invite him back for the pancake breakfast this morning and he ended up having a great time. He also had an early morning t-ball game. His team was creamed again (36-7). Even H is finally saying it would be nice to win a game. The rest of the day was spent hanging out (with Brian and I running errands throughout the day). I attempted to make Pioneer Woman's mocha brownies (see photo above of H and C eating pickles and helping -- and C showing the chewed up pickles in his mouth -- he's so charming), and tried to substitute semi-sweet chocolate for unsweetened. Don't try at home. It didn't work at all, so I had to start from scratch. The new batch is still chilling in the refrigerator, but I did sneak a bite. They are pretty intense. Very rich, even for me. I think I like them, but I'd make a couple adjustments next time (I probably would use a bigger pan (they are thick) and less frosting (also very thick)).

Recipe from The Pioneer Woman’s Cookbook

Four 1-ounce squares unsweetened chocolate

1/2 pound (2 sticks) butter

2 cups sugar

4 large eggs

3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

11/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 pound (2 sticks) butter, softened

5 cups powdered sugar

1/4 cup cocoa powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1/2 to 3/4 cup brewed coffee, cooled to room temperature

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease a 8 inch square pan.

To make the brownie batter, place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second increments, being careful not to let it burn. Set it aside to cool slightly.

In a medium mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Beat in the eggs.

With the mixer on low speed, drizzle in the melted chocolate. Add the vanilla extract and mix.

Add the flour to the bowl and mix just until combined; do not over mix.

Pour the batter into the baking pan. Spread it to even out the surface. Bake at 325°F for 45 to 50 minutes, until the center is no longer soft. Set the brownies aside to cool completely before icing.

To make the icing, in a large mixing bowl, combine the butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and vanilla. Mix until slightly combined, then add 1/2 cup of the coffee.

Whip until the icing is the desired consistency. If the icing is overly thick, add 1/4 cup more coffee. It should be very light and fluffy.

Ice the cooled brownies, spreading the icing on thick. Refrigerate until the icing is firm, then slice the brownies into squares.

Game Ball

Well, H's t-ball team lost again. They haven't won once. Not even close. But they are still having a great time, and that's all that matters. H stopped a ball in outfield and ran very fast (his signature move), earning him the game ball. He could not be happier.

T-Ball Scores

They lost again. But H is having a blast playing t-ball. What cracks me up though, is the game scores.

The Team

Team photos were today. A sight of organized chaos, for sure. The teams are so cute though.

T-Ball Through the Eyes of C

Photos and Self-Portrait by C

Saturday

Saturday was ....

grocery store • t-ball • alumni almost sleepover at H's old school (C's school) • movies at home

H got extremely shy at the almost sleepover and would only stay if C was there with him. It frustrates me that he gets that way, but I used to be the same. I just have to remember that's simply how he is. C was a good sport and hung out with him, because, as he said, he had to take care of H. They ended up having a good time, and Storm and I took the opportunity to go on a run, so it worked out fine. It was a busy, nice day.

T-Ball Season

If there is one sport Brian and I both decided we didn't want our kids to have anything to do with, it was baseball. Let's just put it this way. It's a huge, giant commitment. At the same time, however, I think it's one of those sports that is really great for kids to know. And given this is the last year H can play t-ball (no tee next year), we thought it was probably a good time for him to start. Tonight was the Nationals first game. And they lost. But it totally didn't matter. H is on a great team, and the boys had a great time. H is very excited.