Yes, that’s how they say it, “Now batting for the Reds, number 11, McGregorrrrrr Scott!”

Nobody gets it backwards anymore. (That’s how I can tell soliciters on the phone, they always ask for Scott McGregor.[My husband])

You might find my post, How to Find Your Spot, helpful.

I am new to your blog and just wanted to say that you have a wonderful family and it is really neat seeing your accomplishments with the house and children.

I’ve been reading your blog for some time and am so inspired by your travel and house plans. I remember reading about how you were traveling around looking for the perfect spot to settle that would be big enough for your kids to live someday as well….that has become my dream and I’m wondering how long you all have been planning this? What parts of the country have you found to be the most reasonable/beautiful? Dh and I still feel like such kids ourselves and are struggling financially and have been moving every year or so. It sounds so nice to find someplace to settle down. Sigh. My e-mail is blessedwinter@gmail.com if you can respond.

Amy–I neglected to mention that I think MacGregor is a very cool name. “And now batting, #__, whatever position he plays, MacGregorrrrrr Scott,” has a nice ring to it, don’t ya think? You never know, though, he just might play the piano someday. My sons, who were excellent baseball players in high school, college, etc., now mess around with the piano and the keyboard and even sing during the congregational singing at church. They still love their A’s, though, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon–even if the organization has decimated the team with their off-season trades. Who says I’m bitter??

Amy: I love that you’re nurturing the gifts in your children. I know it takes time & effort, especially where athletics are concerned–but it does mean so much to them.

As an aside, I tried to never miss my kids’ games.
Sometimes that meant going from game to game or my husband going to one with me going to a different one. When I was very close to my due date with my tenth (and last) baby, I prayed that I wouldn’t have to miss any games due to giving birth. My daughter had a Thursday night high school tournament game for which she was the pitcher. I had been to the hospital that morning because my water broke, but they sent me home. I went to the Thursday night game and my contractions began shortly thereafter. I gave birth around 12:01 AM on Friday and went to my daughter’s game (w/the baby) that night. The next day, I attended my two sons’ games (they also played tournament ball) and life continued where we left off.

So, Amy, if you keep having babies, you might want to steer them away from sports and point them to the piano (your unfulfilled dream for your son) instead. Sitting at a concert is probably a whole lot more comfortable than sitting on bleachers–particularly if you’ve just given birth!

Cathy