Growing so FAST!

Ok...can I just say that my babies are not babies anymore? I am having a really hard time with this because I don't know if I will ever have another baby in the house again and so I am just sooo emotional right now! Am I crazy?? Hayden is just growing and learning everyday...she has turned into quite the best friend. She is into this cuddling stage which I absolutely love and enjoy every second of it. She is at that age where she can walk beside you going in/out of places and doesn't need to be held to make sure she doesn't run...now...I still hold her hand so don't worry! She is by far the funniest little creature. She loves to show off for people, so as soon as someone walks through our door, she runs in circles, laughing, throwing herself around to make the visitor smile. She is finally at an age that we can take her into a restaurant and she keeps herself busy with food and her blocks. She is actually quite easy to take along to places now...thank the LORD! She is wanting to do everything on her own...like dressing herself..over and over and over, but then turns to tears because she put both legs through one pant leg and can't walk. Whatever I do, she says, "mom...me tooooo." or "I help." She is generous with her hugs and kisses and continually finds ways to melt my heart. Yesterday, Nic had to work the bank and was walking to the kitchen to go out the back door when Hayden started running towards him yelling, "wait dad! Love you! I want a kiss!" It was precious, precious, precious! I can't get enough of that child...well...unless she is doing one of her full out tantrums where she starts with that high pitched scream and ends with thrashing herself around the floor. As I am typing this, she has her head on my shoulder and is asking about her daddy. I absolutely LOVE this age. She is just too fun.
Colton is also growing too fast. My baby boy isn't much of a baby anymore...but I don't wanna admit that! Boy is he precious. He has been sleeping through the night for a couple months now and it has been amazing...he actually sleeps until 9:30, which is when he will wake up, talk to himself, giggle, and then I walk in and he has a smile on his face that stretches from one ear to the other. How can I not just want to scoop him up and squeeze the life out of him? He is such a beautiful little boy and I can't believe that he will be walking soon...well...hopefully. I thought he was going to start walking awhile ago, but everyday he proves me wrong. He figures, "why not crawl since it is SO much faster?" And I am thinking, "well, there goes that pair of pants." and "doesn't that kill your knees?" But, he will walk when he is ready:) He is climbing on everything and thinks it is funny when he gets stuck...but only for about 2 seconds. He still follows his sissy everywhere and LOVES EVERYTHING she is playing with. He is at that age that Hayden was when he would rather play through the drawers in the kitchen than with the whole playroom full of toys. But how can I be upset when he looks up and squeals like he is having the time of his life? Now, this is something that is hard to swallow...he is at that age where he doing things on his own...like starting to climb up the wood plank things to get to the slide. He no longer needs me for every single thing. Boo. He is still a little stinker to change, but as soon as I get that last shoe on, he zooms like there's no tomorrow. Quite the sight. He is also very generous with his kisses...we ask for a kiss and he opens his moth as wide as possible and leans into us...we might have to work on that one:) But seriously, this momma's heart swells to the limits with those kisses. His giggle is the most precious sound in the WORLD (well-it is tied with Hayden's giggle!). He loves to be tickled and always comes back for more.
Seriously, can't believe they are changing so much and growing so much so fast. There is so much more that I could write, but...that beautiful little boy I just described is ready to get out of his crib!

Ohio Bound

What a beautiful day we have here in Elkhart, Indiana. The sun is shining, the wind is a wonderful breeze, the birds are chirping, and well, it is just perfect. The only thing that would make it more perfect is to be out on the water somewhere:)
This past weekend went by in the flash of an eye. Friday, the four kids and I spent most of the day outside. We walked to the park...but left after 5 minutes of being mobbed by nats, colored with chalk on the driveway, played on the swing set, did some water paint drawings, destroyed the house, and well, just did the normal day to day activities. My sisters were kind of enough to bring lunch and visit for awhile as well as a visit from Whit and Brig. Friday evening we headed over to my parents' to play some more outside and watch the fish in the pond...and rescue Colt from his many attempts to get into the pond...little stinker. Sarah, Dad, Nic, the kids, and I went to Hacienda for dinner...and let me tell you-Colton isn't as easy to take to a restaurant as he used to be!! Goodness!
The kids and I stayed at my parents for the night since us girls had to leave at the butt crack of dawn for Ohio and dad was watching the kids while Nic worked. After a restless night with Hayden (I swear having a potty trained child is like a newborn at night...up every couple hours to go potty), Kris, Sarah, and I headed out by 6:15 for a wedding shower.
We made great timing:) We spent the afternoon celebrating with Matt and Kate for their future marriage and just enjoyed being reunited with our "family". We then made the long haul home and then I felt like I died on my couch at 9 pm. It was an early bedtime for everyone:)
We are headed out to the ball fields tonight for some softball so it should be a beautiful night for that! Here's to a GREAT week!!!

Updates on the Clan

Just a few updates with the Minder clan:
*Hayden is fully potty-trained and just totally loves her Minnie Mouse undies:)
*Colton is figuring out how to climb everything, but gets stuck
*Nic and dad started putting up the fence in the back yard...and let me tell ya, I LOVE IT!!! It will be nice to be out there with the kids and not worry about them straying out of the yard.
*I have been reading I Love a Cop...which has been very interesting and insightful.
*Colton has been switched over to whole milk...which he is not sure he really likes. He also is learning how to drink from a sippy. It is kind of like with the whole bottle issue...there are only certain ones he will drink from.
*I am looking for a new devotional to do...I want something that has me in the Word but everything that I have at home is just from a book....does that make sense? If there are any ideas, let me know!
*The kids have been totally loving springtime and would probably live outside if I let them.
*Nic and I had our first fire in the fire pit of the season the other night after the kids went to bed...probably the highlight of my week...just being out there with my hubby...no phones, no nothing...except s'mores:)
*I found out that I get to start tutoring next week...which I am TOTALLY stoked about!! It is only one girl but still! I get to use my school supplies:) hehe. By the way...if you know anyone who is looking for a tutor...send them my way!
*Brooke and I saw Something Borrowed Saturday night while Nic stayed with the kids...good movie!! Thanks, Nic!
*I did a phone interview thing with a guy last month for Shaklee and it is on the May Shaklee Hotline CD...so not interesting to you, but it SO is for me!
*I got the house fully cleaned the other day...lasted for a whole 2 hours!
*I feel like Hayden has grown so much in the last couple of weeks...she is such an amazing little person...and really is great company. She has become more helpful and is loving the cuddle stage...which I am taking it all in! Might not last long:)
*With the rain that we had for a few days in a row at the beginning of the week, Hayden and I searched for things to do in the house to keep busy...filled time with Play-doh, making brownies, reading books...a lot of them, cleaning the play room...and then totally destroying it again:), playing with babies, random dance parties, sitting on the potty forEVER:), mommy trying to work out as both babies climb over me the whole time...does make for a harder workout! We watched "B" aka Ramona and Beezus, folded laundry, threw laundry across the floor thinking it is a game, and so much more!
*So, that's all...we have been real exciting, haven't we? ha

If I knew then what I know now

I recently read a blog of a lady who wrote a letter to herself and went back in time. I really like the idea, so I thought I would try it.

Dear Tori,

When you first get married, you will dream of the perfect home, the perfect family, the perfect life. You dream of being a teacher, then having kids, being a stay-at-home mom, attending Bible Studies, and much more.

You will achieved many of your dreams, although it won't be the smooth road you imagine it might be. This road will have many winding ways, bumps, imperfections. Sometimes it will get too bumpy you won't be sure you will find your way again. You see, you will become a teacher right after college, which will be an achievement in and of itself. You will have your dream job of teaching second graders. However, before the first semester of your first year teaching will end, you will run into your first big bump and crossway in the road. You will find out you are pregnant. You will be scared to death but thrilled beyond belief. You will be very sick, very tired. However, you will begin to fill with a joy as you imagine what it will be like to hold your own baby in your arms and start to dream about this baby's life. But then, you will find that you lost that baby. Please know that it is nothing that you did wrong. You will blame yourself...think of the "what-if's". You won't find an answer, so don't keep asking. You will find that your heart has broken in a way you never imagined. You will cling onto Nic and he will be your rock. Your relationship with him will be stronger than ever. Your faith has never been shaken like it is at this point in your life. You will have a decision to make...you will either blame God for what has happened and stay in that deep despair...or you will hold onto God's hand, know His faithfulness, and choose to grow closer to God, knowing there is a reason and a plan. You will choose the latter. You will choose to keep going on, even though the hurt won't go away. You will return to school with many questions from your students. You will find strength in their hugs and their innocent prayers. There will be times that you see other pregnant woman, and want to hate them. You will see newborns, even hold them, and will sometimes fall apart, but you will remain strong. You will find that God will lead you through this hard time and hold you. Over time, the pain will ease and you will know that God has something bigger for you.

As the road starts getting smoother, you find out you are once again pregnant. You will be scared and you will want to worry about every single thing that changes with your body. My wish is that you would know that everything that you have worried about, cried over, panicked for was for nothing. You will give birth to a perfect, healthy baby girl. She will be your life.

Remember that whole stay-at-home mom that you dreamed about? It won't come yet. You will find that trying to balance a baby, a job, a home, and a marriage is the hardest thing yet. You will cry many mornings not wanting to leave your baby girl. You will wonder if you will ever be financially stable enough to stay at home and raise your children. You will find many heart aches with parents that you will run into with students in your class. You are going to struggle with time management. You are going to question God. But you will find that on your knees before God is the most comfort and He will hold your hand through this.

You will go through many heart aches with friends. You will learn that sometimes friendships don't last. That they aren't strong enough to last. You will cry over these friendships, pray for these friendships, and in the end you will find that you only have a few "close" friends...and those are the ones you will consider family. You will find that you are far from being popular with the people around you. You will try so very hard...but will learn the hard way that if you have to try that hard...that's now who you are...or the person God wants you to be. You will try to be someone you aren't...and it is going to slap you in the face. Stop and realize your identity is in Christ. Nic will help with this. 

Your third year teaching, you will find that you are pregnant again...not planned. The panic will return as you try to figure out what you are going to do with a new born and an 18-month-old...not to mention what you are going to do about money. But, you find that the love for this child already is more than you could imagine. Your marriage will have many struggles. Being a wife of a police officer is hard...but the pride for Nic will help you through. There will be days that you wonder if you are going to survive. It will...and it will be stronger in the end. For the first 8 months of your little boy's life, you will have little to no sleep at nights, you will cry more than you will laugh, you will have days that you forget to brush your teeth or take a shower or both. You will have days that both babies will cry ALL day long. But...you will also have days full of laughter and fun with your family. You will sit back and thank God for the family He has blessed you with. You wouldn't trade ONE second of it. You will make mistakes...a lot of them. You will yell at your children, and then quickly scoop them up in your arms and apologize for it. You will learn as you go with the whole parenting thing. Because let me tell you, you are still no expert and made a few mistakes already today. You will love your children more than life itself. You will come to the decision that you feel God is leading you to stay home with your 2 children for the time being. You will pray for open doors of income from the home...many doors will close. Just when you feel like there is no other choice but to return to work, your friend will mention a way that you can earn income while staying at home. You and your husband will join the business together. It is going to be a roller coaster ride, so you will need to hold on tight.

You are going to feel like you have no worth some days...that you are a failure as a mother, as a wife, and as a follower of Christ. Know that your worth doesn't come from earthly things but is found in Christ. You are going to lean on God in a way you never imagined. You are going to find that the relationship you had with God before you were married was nothing compared to what you will walk through in the first 4 years of your marriage. You will hold onto His Word and know that sometimes it is the only truth you know.

You will constantly struggle with anxiety...bad anxiety...but STOP...it is sin. Anxiety is not trusting God...this you will always struggle with and need to constantly give over to God. That worry is worthless. But you still will worry.

I wish you would know then that God has every single thing under control. There is nothing that you can do to change God's will except not listen to Him. All those sleepless nights are not going to do you ANY good. The thing that you don't see through a lot of this is that you will make it. Although you have many imperfections, you will find that your husband and your God look over those imperfections and love you for who you are...not what you haven't accomplished in life or for being the perfect wife, mother, or friend....because you never will be. You are going to learn that through everything you go through from day to day that most of it will be spent on your knees in prayer for your family and for wisdom and guidance. You will learn...after 26 years...that every single day you need to surrender your children, your husband, and even you to God.

If all this happens in the first 4 years of marriage, I can't wait to see what you learn in the next four years.

Just life! And some potty training!

This week has been a whirlwind of events and I am finally able to sit and relax...and watch American Idol:)

Now, the following is just for me to record...so I am warning you it might be a tad boring...although all of it is special to me. The last post I wrote was about Mother's Day...about what my mother has meant to me and everything that I hope I am to my children. This mother's day Hayden, Colt and I headed to church, after fighting them both to get dressed and out the door...Sundays are always those kind of mornings that are a little hard for the kids...and the parent. But, we made it out the door and this week we were only 10 minutes late:) We are getting closer!! yikes! It seems no matter how early I get up, get the kids up, we still just cannot get out the door on time. Nic had to work as usual on a Sunday, so I was thankful when I drove up and saw my dad standing there ready for the kids.

After church, the kids and I went home and went to work on the house we neglected all weekend...whoops. We were having our families over for the special day for a late lunch. It was very special to me to be in the same room with the women that have shaped my life. I received beautiful flowers from both my father and my husband:) That evening Nic had a couple of softball games that we went to...which was a blast! Even though I have NO CLUE what happened during the games due to 2 very energetic kids demanding my attention! They were great though and it was such a beautiful day to be outside!

I forget Monday....hmmm...so let's get to Tuesday...

I had the privilege to watch a friend's 3 girls...3-month old twins and a 2 1/2 year old. I have to admit...I was nervous that I wasn't going to be able to handle 5 kids 2 and under...but...the girls were excellent. Hayden and Ry played wonderfully together and I enjoyed holding babies again. It is weird to think that I don't have a baby anymore. I missed that stage more than I thought. We spent the day reading books, singing Jesus Loves Me, playing, eating, going potty. Which brings me to this next point. Ry is potty trained...so every time she went on the little potty, Hayden watched her intently, got her toilet paper, and then asked to go after her. It was AWESOME! She went pee in the potty every stinkin' time...well...except for the time she started to tinkle on the floor, but then ran and did the rest in the potty... and even asked to go. Now, I have been trying for months to get Hayden to sit on that potty and...nothing. She would sit (sometimes) and then just get up and run away. I tried books, I tried songs, I tried showing, I tried bribing...and nothing...until a 2 year old came along and did my job in one single day. As soon as they left, I had to get ready and leave for a dinner with the VP of Shaklee sales. Let me tell you, it was an awesome time being able to just get to know Dave and how down to earth he is. I loved hearing about his story and how he ended up where he is right now. We had a meeting after that at the Flemming's where he spoke to everyone there. It was AWESOME!

This morning had a great surprise when I woke up! Well, besides my little girl crawling ON TOP of my face! She went potty right away in the morning all by herself. But that wasn't the surprise. Nic had early morning open gym and came home to tell me that he would like to go to the zoo! I was soooo excited to be spending a whole day with my little family! The kids absolutely loved the animals and were perfect little angels. Colton was very excited to see each animal as he pointed and asked, "waz at?" Hayden walked almost the entire time and led the way. It is so fun at this age to see that they are actually enjoying themselves and like to see the animals. We then spend the afternoon at my parents' house where the kids (and Nic) napped and played outside on the swing set. The night ended with a little cookout with Tara, Steve, and little Hannah. It was HOT today....but I am not complaining! I loved it! The kids loved it as well! Today was the kind of day that I just relish in...the kind of day that makes me so thankful for what God has blessed me with...great family, great friends, great food, great life!

My Mom

It is hard to believe that this will be my third Mother's Day. To me, it is a very special day. Not because it is a day devoted to mother's (some in my family like to think I think the world revolves around me...hehe)...but because I am reminded about what being a mom means. You don't really know that special, amazing, one-of-a-kind love until you are actually holding your baby in your arms. It is a scary kind of love as well as the most rewarding kind.

As I reflect on what this day means, I am reminded of my own mother. When I think of my mom and who she is, this is what I think of...

A mother...

-Cries with and for her child

-Laughs with her child

-Rejoices with her children

-Stays up at all hours of the night when her child is sick or simply can't sleep

-Praises her child

-Disciplines her child

-Prays for her child for health, wisdom, guidance, safety, joy

-Does everything in her power to protect her child

-Loves her child with an unconditional love

-Hurts when her child is hurting

-Teaches and inspires her child to dream

-Nurses their child back to health

-Reads to her child the same book over and over...and over

-Has a special patience for her child that no other person could understand

-Hopes for her child and believes in them

-Is sometimes the only one that is on her child's side

-Has open arms...all the time

-Points her child back onto the rode when they starts to stray

-Is full of a kind of strength that only a mother can possess

-Encourages her child in down times

-Is the glue that holds the family together

-Is a nurse, a teacher, a cook, a peacemaker, a lawmaker, an actress (for those times we have to entertain our children), a singer, a friend

I am a blessed and thankful child that has had a mother that has been everything above and more. My mother has taught me what it means to love. She has taught me that in everything I do, in every decision I make, I am to take it to the Lord. I am to lean on His strength, on His word, and on His faithfulness. She has shown me that these things that I have listed can't be taught to you...they are there from the moment your own child enters the world. Thank you, mom, for being my mom, for being every single thing I listed. Thank you for your example spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Thank you for listening to me ball my eyes out over the phone and have that special way of bringing calmness and clearness to the situation. Thank you for taking care of me when I was sick. Thank you for staying up with me during the night after a breakup or a fight with a friend. Thank you for never giving up on me and pushing me to be the best I could be. Thank you for the time you have spent in my classroom before school started to make sure everything was all set up. Thank you for driving over to my house to watch the kids when I thought I might lose it. Thank you for disciplining me...every single day of my life...haha...just kidding. Thank you for attending all those basketball games that I cheered at. Thank you for being the best babysitter for our babies. Thank you for coming with me to the doctor appointments to help with the kids. Thank you for cleaning my house with I was sick as a dog during my first pregnancy. Thank you for being there for me to cry to after my miscarriage and letting me know it was ok to grieve. Thank you for being their to rejoice in the birth of my 2 babies. Thank you for all of the laughs you have brought into my life and the unforgettable memories. These words will never be able to express my true gratitude for everything you have done in my life...for everything that you have been to me and for me. Thank you for not only being my mother, but my friend. When everything else seems to be falling all around me, you have always been there to lift me back up, and for that I am grateful. Thank you for praying for me. My prayer is that I will be the mom for my children that you have been for me. I pray that I am an example for my children the way you have been for me. I love you, mom. Happy Mother's Day!

Our God

The first time I heard this song was on Sunday morning, at church. I was going through a little bit of a rough patch just trying to figure out what God wanted me to do. Go back to work? Stay home with my babies? Go part-time? Go full-time? It was difficult because I knew I didn't want to leave my babies...I want to be the one to wake up with them, feed them breakfast, watch them grow and learn, play with them, discipline when needed. But at that time of my life, I didn't know what to do. I felt like doors would open and then they would close. I always mention how Nic works his you-know-what-off at work, then works overtime, and then works more...that isn't fair for him. He needs to see his kids as well...we need to be a family. Anyways, when I heard this song, it brought tears to my eyes...ok...a lot of tears. It just reminds me that God is bigger than all of the trials we go through day to day, month to month, year to year.

Our God

Water You turned into wine

Open the eyes of the blind

There's no one like You

None like You

Into the darkness You shining

Out of the ashes we rise

There's no one like You

None like You

CHORUS

Our God is greater, our God is stronger

God You are higher than any other

Our God is Healer, awesome and power

Our God, Our God...

Into the darkness you shining

Out of the ashes we Rise

There's no One like You

None like You.

Our God is greater, our God is stronger

God You are higher than any other

Our God is Healer, awesome and power

Our God, Our God...

Our God is greater, our God is stronger

God You are higher than any other

Our God is Healer, awesome and power

Our God, Our God...

BRIDGE

And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us

And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?

And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us

And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?

What can stand against?

Our God is greater, our God is stronger

God You are higher than any other

Our God is Healer, awesome and power

Our God, Our God...

Our God is greater, our God is stronger

God You are higher than any other

Our God is Healer, awesome and power

Our God, Our God...

And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us

And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?

And if Our God is for us, then who can ever stop us

And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?

Then what can stand against?

Then what can stand against?

Our God is greater, our God is stronger

God You are higher than any other

Our God is Healer, awesome and power

Our God, Our God...

Our God is greater, our God is stronger

God You are higher than any other

Our God is Healer, awesome and power

Our God, Our God...

-Chris Tomlin

Melted Heart:)

Today, at around 3:30pm, my heart melted...again. Nic was mowing the lawn, it was beautiful outside, so I took Hayden and Colt out to swing. After swinging, and swinging, and more swinging, Hayden so thoughtfully asked if she could go down the slide instead. So...I got her out of the swing, and watched her run a few circles around the swing set, and then climbed a few steps up to the slide. She paused, leaned sideways to see Colt, and was laughing so he would laugh. All of a sudden, she said with the biggest smile, "Love you, Bubby, love you." I know, I know, that shouldn't be a huge thing, but it was HUGE to me. If you know Hayden, you know that she doesn't talk a lot. She is too busy to talk. So, to me...it was a big moment.

You see, I have been praying for as long as I can remember, that when I had kids of my own, that they would grow up loving and protecting one another. Yes, I know that in years to come there will be fights, nasty words, and annoyance, but I pray that in the end, they will still love each other and be the best of friends. My sisters and my brother are my best friends...I have been blessed with their encouragement, love, loyalty, and friendship. They are my family. They love me despite all my faults. That's what I want for my children.

So today, with those few words, I was one proud momma with one melted heart.

Here comes the sun...and hopefully warmer weather!

It is FINALLY MAY!!!! Can you tell I am excited? Well, I am! May means warmer weather, walks, playing at the park, BEAUTIFUL and blooming flowers, and GREEN GRASS! I think the reason I am so anxious for all the above is because my nature girl would live outside if she could, which means I, by default, will be living outside. I am not complaining, though. I love the fact that she would rather be outside running around like crazy instead of cooped inside, sitting on the couch like a couch potato, watching cartoons all day. Although...some days that sounds amazing:)

This week leading up to May was full of blessings.

Colton and Hayden had their doctor appointments on the Tuesday, the 26th. They are perfectly healthy and growing right on track....well...Colton a little slower, but he is healthy and that is all that matters! Colton is now 30 1/4 inches long (66%) and 19 pounds (4%). Hayden is now 37 1/4 in (85%) and 30.4 pounds (69%). They both did an awesome job for the doctor and he was impressed...I assured him they were on their best behavior because I have never seen Hayden sit that well and let someone check her ears, heartbeat, stomach, and mouth like that...she usually bites me or thrashes herself around when I try to see her ears. Gotta love her! Anyways, we are so grateful for 2 healthy children.

Little Brigham David Rahn made his entrance into the world on April 28th. I could barely sleep...actually I didn't really sleep...waiting for the text updates. He is SO incredibly sweet and handsome. Nic and I are so happy for our amazing friends and their new addition!! Whit and Jas are already incredible parents and we couldn't be more thrilled for them! (Hope you guys don't mind me putting your pics up!!)

On Friday we were FINALLY able to do our family pictures. We had been planning to do them for awhile, but Nic and I wanted outdoor pictures at Notre Dame...and well...we all know that wasn't happening with the weather we were having. But Friday was perfect. It was beautiful out and not too cool. Brittani did such a great job with the kids and we just had fun! We went to high school with her and then Bethel and so it was good to reconnect. Here are the sneak peeks:

Friday was also a special day because of the Royal Wedding. I know that people were totally sick of hearing about it, but I love it for some reason. I loved Princess Diana and remember vividly the day she died. I also had a HUGE crush on Will...I even had a calendar where every month would be a picture of him...for a whole year! I didn't wake up early to watch the wedding, but I did watch they played it over and over and so I watched it over and over. It was beautiful. Hayden even liked watching part of it...especially Kate's dress. She would point at it and raise her eyebrows and say "oooo, pretty, mommy." It was cute:)

May also means...SOFTBALL SEASON! Nic has played with these guys since we were just dating. Through the years the teams have changed a little, with guys taking breaks here and there, but this year they have come together again like the old days. It is a little different now. There are LOTS MORE KIDS! It has been fun to watch the transformation over the years as dating relationships become engagements become marriages become families. Don't tell Nic, but I really like to go to the games just to socialize with the other wives:) Even though we don't really see each other through the winter, we pick up where we left off. Yesterday was the first tournament of the season and it was a beautiful day for it...although windy! I had a meeting in Elkhart so I came when I was finished. Hayden and Colton were in heaven feeling free to roam around. They did an excellent job...although my socializing took a hit! I feel like I got just as much workout as Nic with keeping up with the 2 kids at the ball field. I am looking forward to Sunday evenings at the ball field with my children. Oh yeah, the team won a lot yesterday....so they went into the evening and ended sometime after dark. I took the kids home before it ended:)