BASEBALL AND LIFE LESSONS

The boys and their way to do life brings me wisdom…again.

TRY YOUR HARDEST: Effort is way more meaningful than ability.  

IT’S OK TO TAKE A BREAK: When life is hard and seems overwhelming, it’s ok to sit down and take some deep breaths.  And a friend to support and encourage you is a great blessing!

MAKE THE MOST OF EACH MOMENT: Find joy in whatever you are doing.  

This last photo speaks the most to me.  There was no need for Jonah to slide into home plate.  In Miracle League, every player scores.  And there is really no fielding to prevent a player from scoring.  But in Jonah’s mind, in this moment, he is a major league player scoring the winning run in the bottom of the ninth in the last game of the World Series.  So yes he’s going to slide in to home plate- and this dreaming gives him great joy!  He takes a very ordinary moment in life and makes it extraordinary.  Shouldn’t we all live this way?

BEST BIRTHDAY DAYS!

 

When you didn’t have family to give you a birthday celebration for your first 6 years, I think it's completely fitting to get a 2 day celebration for your birthday every now and then!

Ben’s actual birthday is today, but we gave him his birthday supper and presents last night because of having Miracle League baseball tonight.  But of course, baseball is synonymous with Culver’s for the boys, so that will also serve as a birthday treat for tonight.

Yesterday Ben’s biggest thrill I think was he had a 3-cake day!  We had a cake for my dad for Father’s Day, cake at a friend’s grad party, and then a bear birthday cake for Ben at night.  Ben was in sugar heaven!

He also loved his gifts: camping storybook and a new 20-inch bike!  His reaction was “Oh my gosh!”

This morning I was filled with gratitude and thanksgiving to the Lord for the blessing of Ben in our lives.  He brings an energy and excitement to our family that I never knew we needed.  Ben was a very unexpected gift to us.  Never in my wildest thoughts and dreams, 10 years ago did I think I would be the mom of a little boy from an orphanage in Lithuania!  God has watched over this boy and protected him when he did not have a family there for him.  I truly believe God has big plans for him in the future, and I feel very privileged that the Lord has asked our family to be part of the ""Ben Adventure".  I love you Benjamin Kostas!  You are sweet and funny, confident and capable.  I'm not sure how I figured out life without you...HAHA!  You are always very willing and eager to give us your expert opinion :)

 

POINT OF INTEREST: at the end of June, the boys are going to the "I Can Shine Bike Camp" in Milwaukee.   Hopefully after that week of camp, Ben will be riding his new bike without needing training wheels!

OUR OWN AIRBUD

 

The boys new favorite movie is an old favorite when Stephen was little: AIRBUD!  

Little did they know our own Tucker is a bit of an Airbud too!

Beach day yesterday to beat the heat!

HEAVY HITTERS

 

Miracle Baseball is back after a 1 year hiatus due toCovid.  The boys are now considered heavy hitters.  This means when they are up to bat, the buddies have to protect their players in the outfielder so they don’t get hit.  This means our boys are hitting farther and harder than ever before!

MI SS ISS I PPI

 

Camping at Wyalusing State Park 

near Prairie Du Chen, WI- where the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers meet.

Beautiful and great hiking by the little boys!

 

BACK IN THE SADDLE!

After not having horse therapy since March 2020, the boys started up again today.  I wasn’t sure if they would be scared to get on the horse after being gone for so long.  But I was so proud of both of them!  They hoped right back in the saddle and did a great job!  Ice cream at McDonald’s as a treat afterwards.  They deserved it!

 

 

in the blink of an eye,

you grew up

Dear Lydia,

I think for these past few weeks, I've been holding my emotions back and being in denial about what your graduation means to me.

But this morning, the floodgates opened.

Your graduation is much different even than Abigail's or Stephen's.  When each of them graduated, I had the reassurance that there were still more of you at home yet.  I wasn't done. 

I know I still will have the little boys at home (forever probably J), but in terms of our "first family", you graduating marks the end of that era.

You three older kids have been my life's work for the past 23 years.  And now you are the last of that group to move on to the next season of life where I no longer will be able to parent you up close and personal.  You will now have 2 places where you live, and your heart will start to belong to more than just this home.  You will have many more people influence your life than just Dad and I.  You will make big life decisions on your own.  We will always be here to guide and advise, but it will be up to you whether you ask for or accept our help.  

This morning, despite my tears, I was filled with such gratitude and thankfulness to the Lord that He allowed me to stay at home and care for all of you for all these years.  It has been such a privilege, joy, and incredible opportunity to watch over all your growing up moments.  I have just loved this season of life . 

I know that great and incredible experiences are ahead of me as I parent during this new season of life, but right now I am just a little sad because I have to say goodbye to one of the best times of my life- being a parent to you, Abigail, and Stephen as you went from newborns to high school graduates.  

Thank you for all the joy you have brought me over the years.  

You are amazing Lydia Grace!  We love you so much!  May you experience the blessings of God in your new adventures in life.

And now, two of my favorite photos of you and Dad and I.