Small Town Baseball in Leesburg, Florida

I realized tonight how big "small town ball" really is in our community. Baseball season is coming to an end and I must be reminiscing already.

I had to search for a parking space tonight! I was shocked!! Grandparents come to every game, aunts & uncle's, cousin's, and neighbors all come out to support the kids!!

I love that we are able to enjoy small town America. We know about 1/2 of the people at the field, either through sports or Detto went to school with them.

Tonight I was talking with one of the other mom's and she said, "Wow, you guys seem to know everyone here!" She's right! Detto went to school with half of the crowd and the other half we either go to church with or have met at the ball field. Now let me clarify - Baseball or Football field.

Someone asked me at church last night, "When is baseball season over?" The best response was given by Detto's friend Bob - Bob chimed in, "Right before soccer starts!" I just stood there and laughed because he is actually correct!! I feel like a true Soccer Mom/taxi Driver. Our schedule is filled with the kids sports!! But, I love every minute of it! I am glad that I am blessed with a sports loving family. It is so fun to watch your kids on a field giving it their all or even bird watching. I love it either way. I love the commradery that it creates and the sense of belonging that the kids have. I am also thrilled at how many homeschoolers participate in city league sports. We have had homeschoolers on every team that we have been on. It is great that mine aren't the only ones. I am truely blessed.

Here are some pictures of Alyssa's game tonight. Unfortunately they are in 5th place (out of 6 teams)!! Thankfully Alyssa could care less what place they are in. She is happy after every game whether they win or lose. She is definately a great player and an asset to her team. She is an excellent hitter and she has great follow through skills on the field. Tonight she had a great stop and a great throw to first base. She kept the runner from getting to second!! I am so proud of her!! We only have a few weeks left and I am sure they will be just as exciting as ever!!

I love my family. I love my community. I love that we have all races and walks of life on the field playing together!!

My Garden is Growing!

I am so thrilled at the progress we are having in our garden.
Here are a few pictures!!

We also found our first zuchinni growing, but my batteries died on my camera before I could get the picture!!

I am so thrilled that my plants are living and not dying! See what faith I had in myself!?!

I ate my first green bean - it was very yummy!

There is nothing like home grown veggies!!

Holes Play and Picnic

We had a great day today! We went to see "Holes" as a family. It was so much fun. The kids were so excited about showing Daddy where we go and see plays at. Also, the kids were able to introduced him to their friends. The theater had some info on the book vs. the movie vs. the play. It was really neat!

The stage and scenery was some of the neatest that we have seen yet!! It was cool the way they showed the mountain and they "holes"!!

After the play we have a relaxing picnic in the park!! Locke Haven Park is very nice and we really enjoyed it!

We all layed down for awhile and enjoyed watching the trees in the breeze!!

Alyssa and I looked for shapes in the clouds while Detto and Stephen played catch!!

It was so nice to be out with Detto and the kids and to enjoy the day. It seems like were are always in such a hurry. Today it felt like time stood still for a little bit and we were able to - just be a family!! I LOVE HOMESCHOOLING!!

Field trips and more

With the end of the school year almost here we are trying to fit in every field trip possible!

Over the summer I will be babysitting 4 kids and so we wont be able to do alot of trips!!

Last week I felt like I had lots of time until school is out and today I realized I only have 2-3 weeks left!! WOW!! so...

Yesterday we took my Mom to see the Planet Earth movie!! It was fantastic. The pictures were beautiful and the story was great. They broke the movie up into several stories about different animals and showed you their journeys! I love the way it was done. The kids and I literally watched until all of the credits were done! It was that good. We tried to see it in Leesburg last week, but the AMC Theater changed the matinee showing and... Stephen got bronchitis.

He is better now!

I searched everywhere to find a daytime showing of this movie. Our evenings are impossible with baseball and church! It just wouldn't work. Finally, the search was over - OCALA had a theater with a 12:05pm showing. Yeah! So we took a 1/2 day and went. It was so great! I loved it and I am soooooo glad we decided to go.

Tomorrow (Thursday) we are going to Orlando to see "Holes" the play at the Orlando Rep. theater. This will be our 4th play this year. The kids are really excited. Stephen has read the book and watched the movie. Alyssa saw the movie. They have been discussing all week - how are they going to dig the holes? I wonder if it will have to book ending or the movie ending? I wonder who is going to play so and so?

I am so glad that they are enjoying going to see plays. I have always loved the theater, it is great to see your children liking it as well!! Tomorrow we have a special treat - Daddy is coming with us to the show!! I told him he can't back out! It is so hard for him to get away from the office, but this time WORK WILL HAVE TO WAIT!! He is even skipping a meeting for us! Yeah!!!

I wish he was able to go with us on all of our adventures!! I am looking forward to tomorrow. We are packing a lunch and will have a picnic after the show. There are beautiful trees all around the theater, which make for a perfect picnicking spot!!

Next week, we are going to St. Augustine to a field trip called "Sea, Sail and Service". It sounds fun. We will get to climb the lighthouse and there are four stations that we will learn about the service, the language of the sea, musical commands, and maritime flags. I think it sounds like lots of fun. I can't wait!! The kids are excited too.

We are struggling at keeping up with all of our schoolwork with all of these field trips, but I know they are learning alot. That is why I might do 3 more weeks of school instead of 2.

We are almost done with our books anyways. We could stop spelling and English at any time!! We only have review chapters left in both!

On the quilting front... I cant publish pictures of what I am working on because YOU MIGHT SEE YOUR GIFT!! Yikes! I am making gifts for family and friends and so... You will just have to wait and see what you get. I am a little worried about one person - I don't know if she will like the colors. I love them, but... Every one's tastes are so different. I hope she likes it! If not, I guess I could just keep it for me :)

Chloe wasn't feeling great today, but Stephen sure did get some smiles out of her. They were cracking me up. I had to grab the camera.

Alyssa wanted to make sure that I took pics of this quilt. She said that I needed to post it on my blog so - Here it is!!!

Also, check it out. I have green beans growing! They are so cute and tiny.

I love blogging. It is great to get all of my thoughts out! Detto and I have pretty much been open books! Our life always seems to be busy, but we try to stay in touch and this is a great way to do it! I will post pictures of our picnic tomorrow!!

I have finished it - kinda

I have finished my top for the "My Blue Heaven" Quilt I have been working on!!
It took me all week to piece it!! Yeah! Isn't it great?!?



This is it before I had all of the rows sewed together!


This is my hubby holding it up for the pic. He had to stand on the couch and it still touched the ground!!
All I need to do now is find fabric for the backing!! I love it. I added a little red, but you cant tell unless you are up close!! I might add a border - What do you think?

I love it and I used up SO MUCH FABRIC FROM MY SCRAP STASH!!

It is really a great feeling of accomplishment every time I finish a quilt or quilt top. I think I am addicted to the feeling. I love feeling like "I did this on my own"! I really like that I only spent $10 on fabric to add to this quilt. I needed more neutrals, but those will be used for more scrap projects. That is one thing about all of the scrapbuster projects I have been finding - they all call for lots of neutrals. Joanns had a ton of fabric for 50% off, so... I felt it was worth it to spend a few bucks and get versitile fabrics that can be used on a few projects!!
I am searching for another scrap buster project that will be as fun as this one!!

I also made a baby quilt top. It turned out cute. I did this in the crazy squares. My measurements were 9", 6", & 3". I love the black and white. I bet my family cant guess who this is for? I hope they like it! I wanted to make something, but our taste's are so completely opposite.


By the way Stephen has bronchitis. He is feeling better already, but I stayed home with him because he is still contagious. He has a follow-up appointment on Monday. Becuase of his Asthma he gets bronchitis easily, the dr. told me it has to do with is bronchial tubes being irritated and then he doesnt breath as deeply - something like that.

Also on a side note, I WON THE LOTTO!! Sort-of! I NEVER play so I have never won. I got a flyer in the mail - buy one scratch off ticket get one free, so yesterday when I went to get gas I bought a ticket. I am so out of the loop - the guy behind the counter asked me what number I wanted?!? I didnt know what he was talking about and so I told him - "You pick for me! I have never played!" Well, he gave me this HUGE TICKET it said Bingo Bucks (or something like that). I was complicated, not just scratch it and see if you won. So I waited until I got home to figure it out. Well, I read the directions on the back (see I am really new at this) I bet you didnt know they had directions on the back!! I had to play bingo on the card. After I had scratched all of the numbers I started looking for "Bingo"! Well, I found one, but instead of being a line it formed an X across the game. On the side of the card it said one line = $10 and an X = $500! I took the card back to the store to see if I was reading it right and the guy said you have to take this to Winn Dixie or Publix we cant cash out $500 at a gas station!! Everyone in the store started saying "Hey, she just won $500! Congrats!" I was in shock, I thought I had read it wrong and only won $10. But I went to Winn Dixie (it was closer than Publix) and they gave me $500 Cash!! Wow! The woman who cashed out my ticket was shocked when I said that I didnt want to buy anymore tickets. I figured my luck cant be that good, why mess up a good thing!! I guess this is how people get hooked! I have never won before in my life. I guess the saying is true - I never win the Lotto because I never play!! Well I cant say that anymore. I dont know what I am going to spend the money on - so far I filled up my gas tank, gave Detto $100, and we went out to eat last night - Taco Bell - Big Spenders Right!! Maybe I will go to Joann Fabrics....

Pet FISH - Prince Eric and Life!

Alyssa has a new pet - A beta Fish. She has named him "Prince Eric" P.E. for short. She has had him for about 3 weeks now and I am amazed at how intrigued she is by this fish. She remembers to feed him without being told (most days). She likes to talk to him and now she is trying to "train him". Can you train a fish? She is trying to train him to kiss her finger when she puts it in the bowl. She wants to pet him. I have to laugh at her innocents! I am glad that she is liking this new pet. We are going to need a bigger bowl soon. I don't like having to change the water every week!!

Stephen is doing very good with his drumming. I love that he practices every day. Today I was teaching Alyssa English and all of a sudden I heard Stephen playing. He finished his work and instead of playing video games or "doing chores" while waiting to work with me - he will go and practice his drumming!! He is becoming better every day!! I am amazed at his talent! God has truly given him a gift!!

Detto has been swamped. He was determined to grill the other night, but we are so busy that it was dark before he was able to get started! He decided to grill about 20 sausages, since it was so late anyways! Sometimes I wonder about his reasoning!! I had to get a picture of him. He has been sooo busy lately, I want proof that he is actually around!! Hahaha! Hopefully God will lift his load soon! Just pray for him!!

We are halfway done with our art class and the kids are still thrilled! It is great! I don't have to remind them to do their homework. They absolutely love it! They are learning so much. Mr. Thom is a great teacher. He is friendly, encouraging, and the kids love him!! I am looking forward to next years class already! They are learning shading and color blending! It's just great!

I have been sewing up a storm this week!! I have been staying up late every night! Except last night. I was in bed by 10:30pm, that is early for me. I was just exhausted from such a long day. I am 3/4 of the way done on my "My Blue Heaven" Quilt!! The blocks look great!! Here are some of my hourglass blocks. See how the middle looks like an hourglass? I love to sew!! I will have the other half done, hopefully today before Alyssa's baseball game.

By the way... Alyssa's team won on Tuesday night. They won 12 to 4!! And... Alyssa made it home for the first time. She is a great hitter and consistently gets her teammates home, but the hitters after her are not strong hitters. She normally makes it to either 1st or 2nd base and then someone behind her gets out!! Well, Tuesday she was the last hitter and so the beginning of the lineup started again and someone hit her home!! Alyssa was on third and bases were loaded, we were down by two... One of her teammates hit a home run and she was finally able to make it all the way home!! Yeah!! I have told her another way to make it home is to hit a home run, but she laughs whenever I tell her that!! Oh well! I hope we have another great night tonight!!

In case you didnt know

1. What time did you get up this morning? 6:30 ish

2. Diamonds or pearls? diamonds

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Monsters & Aliens in 3-D (AWESOME!!)
4. What is your favorite TV show? House (But I hardly ever watch it!)

5.. What do you usually have for breakfast? cereal and fruit

6. What is your middle name? Marie
7. What food do you dislike? ANYTHING SPICY OR CHINESE
8. What is your favorite CD at moment? Taylor Swift

9. What type of car do you drive? Navigator
10. Favorite sandwich? turkey, mayo, cheese, letuce & mustard
11. What characteristics do you despise? two-facedness
12. Favorite item of clothing? pj's or beach clothes

13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? I would go on a CRUISE!!
14. Favorite brand of clothing? who cares

15. Where would you retire to? a horse ranch w/ my hubby!!
16. What was your most memorable birthday? my 23rd (I think) Detto took me to St. Augustine and we spent the whole weekend being LAZY!!

17. What is your favorite sport to watch? whatever sport my kids are playing at the time!!
18. Furthest place you are sending this? ???

19. Person you expect to send it back first? don't know
20. When is your Birthday? September 2nd
21. Are you a morning person or a night person? neither, lol....I'm a middle of the day person.
22. What is your shoe size? 8 1/2
23. Pets? yea, a fish
24. New and exciting news you'd like to share? My sister is pregnant!! Am I aloud to tell? I am soooooo excited!!
25. What did you want to be when you were little? a school teacher, Mom, Lawyer, Singer, etc.
26. How are you today? good

27. What is your favorite candy? DARK CHOCOLATE
28. What is your favorite flower? Roses, violets, and tulips
29. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? May 9th
30. What's your full name? Lisa Marie Mongiovi
31. What are you listening to right now? My kids talking about their WATER, WATER Everywhere!!
32. What was the last thing you ate? a peanut butter cracker
33. Do you believe in ghosts or UFO's? yea
34. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Purple
35. How is the weather right now? Warm 87 deg.
36. The first person you spoke to on the phone today? Lisa
37. Favorite soft drink? Dr. Pepper

38. Favorite restaurant? I dont have a favorite

39. Real hair color? red/brown/auburn

40. What was your favorite toy as a child? my cabage patch kid with the cornsilk hair
41. Summer or winter? spring or fall

42. Hugs or kisses? both depending.

43. Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate BABY

44. Coffee or tea? tea
45. Do you want your friends to email you back? sure

46.When was the last time you cried? today - I am having an emotional day!
47. What is under your bed? fabric!!

48. What did you do last night? sew
49. What are you afraid of? losing a family member

50. Salty or sweet? sweet

51. How many keys on your key ring? i dunno
52. How many years at your current job?... which job? wife? mother? teacher?
53. Favorite day of the week? saturday
54. How many towns have you lived in? 6ish
55. Do you make friends easily? it depends....i used to make friends with everyone, but I am much more cautious now. I can be aquatences/friends with everyone, but I have very few TRUE FRIENDS!

YUCKY CREATURES!!

I HATE SNAKES!! For those of you who know me you know - I HATE SNAKES!
Well God has decided that is is best for us to have not one - but TWO Yucky Snakes! Detto has tried twice to kill them, but they are too fast and they crawl into the huge bushes that we have on the side of the house. This morning he chased snakes until almost 10am. I wouldn't let him leave for work because both were sunning themselves on the driveway. By the time he got the shovel and came back they were making their escape!! He has commissioned Stephen to guard me and be my shovel carrier so I can leave the house sometime today!!
I am supposed to be working in the garden, but I dont know if that will happen!!
Pray for me! I HATE SNAKES!!

One Block at a Time

”I try to approach life the same way I approach a quilt – One Block at a Time! Hopefully I will have a masterpiece in the end” -Lisa Mongiovi

I was trying to encourange my buddy to take on a new sewing project and came up with a new saying! I love it!!

I have done this and gotten so much sewing done this weekend - so far!!! I stayed up late Friday night and Sat. night sewing!! I am working on a quilt called "My Blue Heaven". While I am doing this I am also making lots of 4 patches for my stamp quilt! I am soooo excitied!

I have finished almost all of my hourglass triangles. I have finished 77 and I only need 90!! Yeah 13 more to go!
Here is my inspiration. I dont know if you can see what it is.... It's Fudge. I have to use a fork so I dont get fudge on the fabric. It really helps me work! Some people drink coffee - I use fudge... It's the same high, I think!!!

I woke up this morning and realized I have haven't shared my view with you!! I love the view in the morning out my bedroom window.

I will miss it when we move! Yes, we are thinking of moving!! Just pray for us!! I look outside at all that green and it overwhelms me. God takes care of each plant, bird, bug, and flower. I know that if He is doing all of that - what kind of plan is He laying out for me? I just have to trust and pray - I know everything will work out!!

Look what I made for Sissy -

I saw this fabric at JOANN'S and couldn't pass it up! It spoke to me and said "I want Alyssa to wear me. She will dance and spin and I will feel the breeze!" I had to get it. I must say I was inspired by some friends as well. Their daughters looked soooo cute in their little sundress!! I might change the ribbon that I used for the straps for Sissy's. I dont think the bow's are big enough!!

This week I plan to start another Baby Quilt for someone in the family!! I love that so many people are having babies! I am finally at the place where I can say that I am not sick with Baby Fever!! I have been secretly been jealous of all you BABY MACHINES. But now that I have Chloe 3 days a week, it has helped me recover. I am getting to the place where I am glad when she comes in the morning and glad when she goes home. I dont get a whole lot of sewing done when she is here. She isn't crawling yet, but she will be soon. I am remembering the next stages and realize that I am about to be getting a whole lot less work done while she is here! But thats ok. I dont know if I could imagine not watching her. She brings so much joy to my family. The kids love her, I love her, and yes, even Detto is addicted.

Lisa please forgive me but...

I also made another one of my Quilt-A-Long Blocks. I was supposed to wait for Monday but... I couldn't wait. I will have Chloe Monday-Wednesday and I didnt want to wait all the way until Thursday. I know this is just an excuse, but I didn't want to wait!!