Baseball Party

Last weekend Blake's team got together to celebrate the season. The team ended up 3rd in the league, not bad! It was tough, but they never gave up and won 5 games by just 1 point! While they weren't the highest scoring team, they did lead in defense as the least scored-against team. We felt so blessed to have wonderful coaches and supportive family members. It was alot of fun!

Meet Gracie

While out walking Boogity Sunday morning Blake came across a kitten crying at the bank of the pond next to our place. After finishing up with Father's Day present time we were going to take it a plate of cat food. I was busy getting things for the road trip and by the time I got out to the pond Sam, Blake, and Emily carrying the kitten, were walking back. Apparently the deal made was that the kids would find a home for it by the end of the summer (ya think?). For now she's quite the source of entertainment around here. Timmy the cat likes to keep tabs on her, but gently lets her know he's not into playing. Boogity reeeeeeaaaaally wants to play, but he's much too big for the kitten's comfort. After much discussion, we named her Gracie after the gray coloring she has. She spends her days sleeping, playing, and being cuddled all wrapped up in a blanket.

Father's Day

A couple weeks ago Sam had mentioned some of the guys on the team having PSPs to play games while traveling. Perfect! He had been taking my ipod to listen to music and watch movies, the PSP can do that too! He's hooked up now!

We also surprised him with a trip the kids and I planned. We loaded up and went to Grandfather Mountain. It's the highest point in the Blue Ridge Mountains (somewhere between 5900 & 6000 feet). We had a nice 2 hour drive NW to get there. First we stopped at an overlook area, then a picnic area for the lunch we packed (Sandwiches, chips, baked beans, potato salad, fruit, cookies and lemonade). We played catch and EMTs (Emily had gotten her finger stuck in the lid of some wipes) before continuing to the museum. It contained samples and information on NC wildlife. Next was the animal habitats. We really enjoyed watching Jane the bear catch peanuts that were thrown to her. Finally we departed for the mountain top. To get out to the point you must cross a mile-high swinging bridge that tested both Blake's and my nerves. We made it and the view was incredible. They say you can see all the way to Tennessee!

We enjoyed you day and hope all the father's we love did too!

CCKMA

I had found this top and sent it to a friend fighting the battle. In small print it says Cancer Can Kiss My A**! I'm thrilled to report that she has undergone a transplant and is finally recovering at home after being gone since March!

In other good news, my dear MIL is finished with all of her treatments too!

And finally, our other friend underwent surgery and is doing well too.

Connie, Madge, and Susie: I love you all and am so proud of what strong, brave women you are. Here's to life-long remissions! Here are some virtual t-shirts for you all.




To all my friends and family who I sent prayer requests for these women to, thank you!

Blog Help Needed

For some reason I can't add links to my page any more. Not in posts or on the side bar. I have some links I'd really like to have on here and it's frustrating that I can't get it to work. I did some research and tried a few things, with no luck. Any ideas?

School's Out For Summer!

Wow, I can hardly believe the kids have finished up an entire year of school since we've been here. Time goes faster every day it seems. Both the kids adjusted and did well. The principal gave a speech on always working hard and never giving up, followed by a speech from a former Olympic gymnast. There was a slide show played to "My Wish" by Rascal Flats that had me struggling to hold back my tears and then each child was called to walk across the stage and receive their certificate. After there was cake and lemonade for all. Sorry about the bad photos. I have yet to figure out how to take a decent picture in a school gym :p Blake and I left and did a little shopping and then went to Gibb's race shop to check it out. We had a nice afternoon together, just the two of us.

Speaking of "just the two of us", Sam and I enjoyed some time together Sat when the kids stayed over at the neighbor's. We took a nice drive (suprise huh) and had dinner together. I was not up to going out, which is a bummer 'cause I've really been wanting to go to Whisky River (Jr's bar uptown). It was nice to just be together without any arguing in the background!

Sunday we went to the lake with the Craig family, Lusk family, and about 10 others. Everyone had their boats/jetskis anchored and we floated on noodles all afternoon. It was a much needed fun afternoon.

We are on our last day of this heatwave. It's been in the upper 90's for over a week. I'm looking forward to the 80's of the week to come. I saw Washington is getting some snow today. I sure wouldn't trade ya!

Look At My Guy!

Here's a picture of the pit crew at Mansfield I found on jacksprague.com. Sam serves as the right-front tire catcher during pit stops, so not over-the-wall, but in the action. Cool beans, huh?!

Days go by ...

So it's been a whole week since my last post huh? Sorry about that. Time's all a jumble I guess.

So, on to what we Roebuck's have been up to.

Thursday I volunteered for Field Day at the kids' school. The weather was great, overcast and upper 70's. The events were ran exceptionally well. I was amazed at the number of parents there. I think parent involvement speaks volumes about the school. The kids had a fun time doing all sorts of physical activities. Those shirts they are all wearing have the names of the the entire 5th grade graduating class. How cool is that?






Sam left for Dover that morning too. Despite fighting a tight truck the guys had trouble loosening up, Jack finished second! His previous average finish at Dover was 17th. The race was over by 8 and they got to fly home that night which was great. One of the perks of private planes for sure. Here's a quote from a KHI press release last week where Mr Sprague says: "I think I’m in good shape and I have a great shot at the championship. It’s important every week to keep narrowing the gap to first even if you do not move up any positions. We have been narrowing that gap for the last three weeks and hope to continue that trend." Hee, heee, that was Sam's third week with the team!




Saturday Blake's team played one game and were eliminated from the tournament. They had beat the team before, but no luck this go 'round. The umpire called time and left before the commissioner could inform him there were no time limits in tournament play. The umpire was a doozy I tell ya. Anyhew, we all really enjoyed Blake's games, getting to know the kids and their families. We're really going to miss it.

We hung out at the pool the rest of the day after the game. Even Sam came down and enjoyed it with us. The pool is something I am desperately going to miss if we ever get out of here.

I have been longing for a house more than ever. I don't even care what it is anymore. I just want a place of my own and a yard to hang out in. *sigh* Back to the subject.

That evening we took the neighbor boy to the Rocking Rib Fest and Rodeo in nearby Troutman. It was a rinky dink event, but fun nonetheless. The kids (and mom) played in some inflatable toys. We looked at the booths, they had ribs and fries, we watched the calf roping and bull riding, they had ice cream, then we listened to a band and headed home.







Sunday the kids played inside until I caved and took them to the pool. The neighbor met us and ended up watching all the kids while Sam and I took a drive (to look at houses) and had dinner. We ate at a new place called Carrabbas. New to us anyway. I had a salad and Sam had their version of Olive Garden's Tour Of Italy. It was good. I was able to resist the pasta, bread and cheese this time (unlike at Olive Garden on my birthday). That diet breaker had me off track for 2 weeks! I'm doing well though, down about 17 pounds! I won't say what I was up to. It was bad.

This week and next, I'm watching the neighbor boy after school. His mom got a new job, so I'm helping out until he leaves to spend the summer with his dad. I tell you, when they get together with another boy or two, there's trouble every day. Nothing big thankfully. Boys.... Today the 96 degree heat proved to be a little much and they stayed in most the afternoon.

Summer weather is here. The 7 day forecast shows all 90's. I've only noticed the humidity a couple of days so far, whew! Every day also comes with the threat of thunder showers. I actually enjoy that. Summer afternnon storms have always been a favorite thing of mine. Hurricane season has started too. I'm feeling pretty good about our emergency kit. Hopefully it never has to be used.

Sam left this afternoon for Texas. He's sure getting to see alot of places. They could really use a win to boost morale and their points standing (although they have risen 3 spots already). My fingers are crossed. It's been 32 races since Jack has had a win. He holds the track record at TMS, so maybe this will be the one!

So that's all of our big news for the week. Hope you've had a good one!