Bummer Deal Dude

So, the Demons lost game one yesterday of the Conference Tourney again University of Texas - San Antonio. I listened online at my desk as a pitcher's duel kept ut as 1-0 for most of the game. We gained the lead, they tied it up, we lost the lead, and the game, with a final score of 5-4. Kelly was heartbroken, as he's quite passionate and emotional when it comes to the game of baseball.

They go again this morning at 9am in a double-elimination format. I miss Kelly, but am willing to sacrifice a couple more days without him if it means a win in the tourney. Go Demons!

Rundown

Lots going on in the Spann household this past week, but not all is blog-worthy (when has that stopped me before?)... He's a quick rundown:

-Claire's 2nd grade waterslide day at school

-Sick Nolan, low grade fever, aka "bring Nolan to work day!"

-Claire & Nolan's weekly games (they won!)

-Final regular season series, Northwestern State (#7) vs. Southeastern LA (#2) - won 2 out of 3!

-Field Day at school (95 degrees!)

-Trip to urgent care (ear infections for Nolan - poor guy)

-A (blissfully) lazy Sunday

We said goodbye to Kelly this morning, as he leaves for the conference tournament in Corpus Christi, Texas. We had originally planned to join him on Wednesday, but for several reasons, have decided to stay home. We're sad that we won't be hanging on the beach for a day or two, but I'm relieved that I won't be making the 9 hour drive on Wednesday evening.

It's the last week of school and both kids will celebrate their summer birthdays & we'll end the year with a family BBQ on friday.

Nolan turns 6 on Saturday (is that really possible?) and we'll keep it low key, as I take him & and a couple of his "best buddies" to lunch & the movies.

Pics and tourney updates to follow! Go Demons!

No Words

I don't have the words to describe this past weekend, except "long" and "hot" come to mind. Here's a few pics, so you get the idea...

Mama got a new haircut...

Some Like It Hot

Ah, it's May, which means it's time for HUMIDITY in Louisiana. Yesterday afternoon I took Claire to softball practice and was shocked by heaviness of the air. Today is just as bad. Rain is in the forecast, but the south is hot, Louisiana is especially wet (it's the bayou, people) and come August, it will be difficult to breathe.

As I listened to the radio on my way to work this morning, I realized that southerners lament the summer in the same way as northerners dread the winter. In regards to this week's 90 degree temps, I hear "it's too early", "I'm not ready", "I don't have anything to wear!". These are the same phrases you'll hear in Minnesota in October when the first cold front comes through and the temps fall way too low, way too early. It happens every year, but the reaction is the same.

But hot weather gives me the excuse to eat one of my most favorite things: ice cream. (Not that I don't eat it all year round, I just have a slightly-more-valid excuse this time of year). My favorite discovery of late is Ben & Jerry's 3.6 ounce single-serving ice creams. My favorite flavor is Cherry Garcia. And there's a SPOON IN THE LID! Why did no one think of this before! Genius, pure genius! And they're only $1 each.

So, since it's going to be 95 degrees on Saturday, why don't we take twelve 7 & 8 year old girls, put them on a traveling tournament softball team and play 3 games? Done! Claire was invited to join the Cane River Crushers (so named for a local body of water that is actually a lake - Claire would love do give you all the details, but I'll spare you). This is in addition to the little league team she plays on twice a week. (Yes, I am certifiable). This weekend is their first tourney. They'll play 3 games on Saturday and at least one on Sunday, with the possibility of more if they win. Claire is very excited, as she loves the game. I'm looking forward to it, but it will be a challenge to say the least.

So, including Kelly, Nolan & Claire's schedules our family will coach or play in 11 games between today and Sunday. Kelly leaves Thursday for a weekend series in Corpus Christi, Texas. It wears me out just thinking about it... I think I need some ice cream.

Take Me Out To The Ballgame

Ahh... The Weekend

It's another Friday. Yay! We kissed Kelly and sent him away for a weekend series in Beaumont, Texas. I considered packing up the kids and tagging along, but a weekend spent at home with no commitments other than kids' games was just too tempting. Kelly was gone Tues & Wed for games as well, and I'm pretty sure we're looking at 5 games a week from here on out. Things will be wrapping up soon, as the conference tournament is now just a month away. We're definitely attending that one, as it's in Corpus Christi and I've insisted to Kelly that we extend our stay and make a beach vacay out of it. It's Nolan birthday too, and I've convinced him that the beach is THE best place to turn 6!

(insert Spann fam here, just under the palm tree)

Nolan played his first official baseball game on Monday, and the Dragons proved victorious. Nolan played catcher, which meant that he had to have possession of the ball at home plate for the play to end. Now, it's not too serious, but he did a great job. He plays again tonight, preceded by Claire in her opening game of the season.

Other than that, I plan to dust off the sewing machine, pick out some fabrics and teach Claire a thing or two. We'll take in a move, play Wii and eat ice cream. It's been in the 90s the past two days, so ice cream is required. Icees, too. Happy Weekend, everyone!

I am a C, I am a C-H... Nevermind

I am a Christian.

But sometimes I am embarrassed to admit it. Not because I am ashamed of Jesus Christ or what I believe, but because of all the connotations that come with the word, "Christian".

I love Jesus Christ, who He was and continues to be. I love that I have a real relationship with Him. I am in awe of the fact that even in my darkest times - my desperate, wandering times, His love for me continued. I love His kindness and compassion for mankind.

I don't love how many Christians act. I don't love how the church often acts. I don't love that so many people call themselves Christians, but really don't know anything about Jesus or who He is.

I grew up believing that "good" Christians didn't smoke, drink or swear. The really good ones didn't watch TV or listen to "secular" music. You went to church, read your Bible and tried really, really hard not to do anything bad.

Sometimes I wish I could give myself another title. I've always liked 'The Way'... "Follower of The Way". Sounds a little too out there, I guess. But I want people to know that I am in love with Jesus because of what He has done for me. He has erased my guilt, my shame. Shame that I felt as a result of my decisions. Jesus doesn't owe me a thing. But He frees me anyway. It took me a long time to accept that freedom. I knew that I was forgiven, but still felt like I had to carry around the shame that lingered. That it was my burden, my "lot in life" as a result of my decisions. When I finally learned that I could lose that load, that I didn't need to feel ashamed for being freed, even if I didn't deserve it, my life was changed. I can honestly say that I am a different person because of that freedom. In return, I love Him for that. And because I love Him, I want to obey Him. I'm not the best at it, but I try. I also know I could try a whole lot harder.

And that is what I want people to know.

I suppose I'll still call myself a Christian, and try not to cringe when I do. And since the only person I have any control over is myself, I guess I need to make sure that my life reflects what I believe. That I am sincere in my love for Him. That I am authentic. Forget what I think I am "supposed" to do, and follow Jesus' example, which he so freely lived.

I am currently reading 'Blue Like Jazz' by Donald Miller. An excellent read. If you've ever felt anything close to what I've described, or even if you totally disagree with me, I recommend taking a look at it. Another inspiration is the song "My Jesus" by Todd Agnew.