Gary K Wray

Rain, Rain, Go Away....

2011-03-09T08:10:00.003-06:00

Well, it has rained so much here since Saturday. Our Saturday Opening Ceremonies had to be held in the Gym and we just got our Parade in before the rain hit again....

Yesterday's first game, if we'd played it, would have had to be played in boats.... AND the rain continues......

Here's a couple of Parade Pictures from opening day....

Here's some pics from the 2010 Softball season for Scout!

2011-03-02T14:12:00.006-06:00

6u Champions at Hueytown Fastpitch Softball, 1st Pre-Area All Star Tournament Champions, 2nd Pre-Area All Star Tournament Champions, 2nd Place Area Tournament, 4th Place State Tournament in Gulf Shores Alabama

Champions Regardless!

2011 Softball

2011-03-02T12:13:00.003-06:00

I'm back again, let's see for how long.

Been busy in softball again. Delaney is playing with the High School team (4 time state champs since 2005) and Sydney of course is full blast in 6U softball at Hueytown Fastpitch.

I'm sure I'll have pics soon of Scout, but here's a few of Delaney....

Wow,

2010-11-22T21:22:00.002-06:00

It's been a LONG time since I've been here.... McKenna's in college, Delaney in High School, and Scout's in 1st grade!

Me, I'm still at Coca-Cola and just growing older!

Does anyone still come here? Let me know... I may start coming back if any one is still around or are you all just Facebooking it?

Softball Games Begin!

2010-02-24T11:11:00.002-06:00

Our Middle School played there first game last night and defeated Bottenfield Middle School by the score of 18-2!! Delaney was the lead-off batter and scored the first run of the 2010 season!

In all she batted 1.000 and scored all but one time she was on base.

It's looking like it's going to be a GREAT season!

Softball Season Beginning...

2010-02-16T10:38:00.002-06:00

Monday Night we had our first team practice as the Stray Cats! Sydney was so excited since our first practice had been snowed out on the Friday before. We started practice in a Gym at 5:30pm. When we walked out at a little after 7pm there was snow everywhere!! The cars and ground was covered and it had gotten COLD...

I thought Softball was a SUMMER Sport. It seems like everytime we play or try to practice we have to fight with snow and rain...

At least I have an indoor practice facility :)

Hey!!

2010-02-01T09:41:00.002-06:00

I thought I'd come back and write some here. Work blocked Facebook and I really wanted some kind of outlet.

FB was better for me because I didn't have to spend a lot of time writing or thinking about what I was going to write, face it... I do most of this at work and don't have a lot of time.

But they blocked it and now I'm back here.

I bet there's no one actually reading this anymore so I think it will be just me for a while...

Facebook

2009-05-25T08:47:00.002-05:00

As you know, I haven't been here a bunch. I don't have a lot of time to post, so I've spent more time on Facebook recently. I have a Facebook app on my blackberry, so I can follow where ever I'm at.

I'm not gone for good, but if you want to see more of me, drop by facebook. Send me a friend request.. I'll accept :)

See ya...

Catching Up...

2009-04-30T08:29:00.003-05:00

OK, I haven't posted in a while...

Tuesday, Scouts 6U team the Hueytown Mustangs (as opposed to the Birmingham Mustangs which is Delaney's team) went wild!... They held their opponents to 4 runs (3 in the first, 0 in the second, and 1 in the third) while scoring 25 runs of their own. There's nothing like seeing 6 year olds catch popups, turning double plays and throwing girls out at first unless its watching every girl on the team hit the ball (unlike at the beginning of the season) and having 2 home runs and one of them a GRAND SLAM.

I love it!

Yesterday I heard about my Cousin Cindy, she's been on here a few times... she's had another stroke and needs everyone's prayers right now. She lives in Oklahoma, but don't hold that against her.... she still needs prayers.

My Dad had an Arteriogram (sp?) yesterday but the blockage they were looking for was only 30% and they didn't have to put in a stint. He's back at home now doing fine.

This weekend we'll be in Dalton Ga for Delaney's Softball Tournament, we've made plans for a hotel in Montgomery and we'll be seeing The Alabama Shakespear Production of The Commedy of Errors for our Anniversary. Then I've got to make reservations for Pigeon Forge for another Tournament. Pigeon Forge is on the Edge of the Great Smokey Mtns and its a tournament we love to attend!

Then of course we've already made reservations for June to spend a weekend at the beach with two other families at a Beach House in Gulf Shores! Can't wait for that one.

Then a Weeklong trip to Panama City Beach, FL in July for the USFA World Series. If you don't think we'll spend some days on the beach there, then I'll send you my liquor bill! :)

Lots of fun coming up this summer.... now if I just have the money for all this!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY CHERYL

2009-04-23T07:47:00.004-05:00

Well kinda, sorta....

15 Years ago tonight, I went out to see a friend band play. It was a friend from my previous job and he was playing at a local restaurant/lounge....

Shortly after I got there, I was talking to the wife of one of the band members and she told me (pointing at a table) that there were some more people from where I use to work...

Looking over, I saw a beautiful blonde sitting at the table and I immediately asked her who that was.... Then wanted her to introduce me....

Then the band kicked into a slow song, and I told her "never mind, I'll introduce myself" and went to ask her to dance...

That dance has lasted for 15 years and I Love It!

Happy Anniversary of the first day that I ever laid eyes on you Cheryl... I love you !

Congratulation's Bobby and Sharon!!

2009-04-21T11:32:00.005-05:00

Congratulations on the birth of their 5th child!!

Sailor Zen Parker McDonald
9lbs 21 inches
04/20/2009

Donations welcome!! LOL

LOVE This!!!

2009-04-21T07:52:00.001-05:00

A Friend sent this to me...

2009-04-17T08:55:00.002-05:00

She said this is why you should always "twirl" in front of the mirror before going out for the day!

This made my day!

A Mile of Pennies....

2009-04-16T09:46:00.004-05:00

If you read Cheryl's blog a while back you learned what a penny can really do!

The Children at Church went on a mission a while back to collect a mile of pennies. In case you don't know how many pennies are in a mile, its 84,480 pennies. At the end of the year, they had exceeded their goal collecting 106,000 or $1,066.

With this money they purchase a Cow, A water buffalo, two goats, a flock of chickens, ducks and geese, a share of a pig and a rabbit. WHY?? It was all to benefit Heifer International and the goal to end world hunger.

All animals that were donated were pregnant and so carry on the benefit...

Well, read about it yourself her in this article from the Western Star (4/8/2009).

(Click it to Big It and see Scout!)

Or go here and read Cheryl's story.

Happy Anniversary!!!

2009-04-15T11:15:00.002-05:00

It's not only Tax Day but it's my Mom and Dad's anniversary!!!

44 Years??? I think that's right.

44 Years and as of today, they haven't killed one another. Wow!

I hope you have a great day Mom and Dad!!!

:) I love this pic!!!

Easter Fun

2009-04-13T14:06:00.000-05:00

Peanuts: Specials: It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown
Uploaded by Peanuts

Hope everyone had....

2009-04-13T12:46:00.003-05:00

A Wonderful and Blessed Easter!

And I hope you aren't getting as gray as I am.... :)

This last weekend...

2009-04-07T07:38:00.008-05:00

Wow it was busy!

Saturday Scout had a makeup game at 11am. So I got the whole team there at 10am to start getting ready and it turned out to be a high scoring game. We can only bat 10 players each inning and managed to score 7 in both the 2nd and 3rd innings! Final score was 18 - 17 our way and we didn't even get to bat in the 4th inning because we were already ahead!

I jumped in the car after that game and headed to Morris (30 minute drive) where Delaney was starting her second game of the day... They won the first game of ellimination and ended up playing till around 7 that night before they lost the championship game by 2 runs. Which was good considering they were down by 6 at one point.

McKenna had prom Saturday night and she and her date were beautiful! They left with another couple and had a breakdown before getting to dinner. Cheryl got our car to them, and they were off on there way again leaving me and my brother-in-law to tow their car back home! :) Which of course we did...

Sunday, we slept through church... but managed to get everything set up for Scouts 5th Birthday party!!! Some of her team came to the party and I think everyone had a great time with a limbo contest, and musical beach towels, and lots of food! Despite the rain, it was a great party to celebrate Scout turning 5!!

The girls left the party and went to our church's annual easter celebration where they hunted for eggs, played games, did face painting, and rock to Rockin' Ryan (our celebrated church DJ).

When we got home, everyone was ready for bed... so it was an early night for our household...

What did YOU do this weekend?

Proud Moment....

2009-04-02T08:12:00.007-05:00

Last week, Delaney's Middle School Team played in a game and she didn't get into the field the whole day. It depresses her when she doesn't get to play but she always takes it in stride.

In the last inning, our team had gone from a 6-0 lead to a 7-7 tie and everyone was sitting on the edge of their seats... We got a girl on and they called on Delaney to bunt her around. Laying down the perfect bunt she was not only safe at first but advanced to second on a bad throw. The next batter is hit so the bases are now loaded.

On a hit the girl on third is out on a force at home. So Delaney is now at third.

Then on a wild pitch, Delaney steals home and slides in under the throw to win the game 8-7!

It was exciting and it taught her that everyone has a job and when they put you in to make the most of it!

(Click the article to make it bigger)

I love softball!

SCREWED..... anyone have a screwdriver?

2009-03-27T13:29:00.002-05:00

Well my brackets need a screwdriver.... Duke and Memphis lost completely killing my bracket since I had Duke winning it all....

I think I'll delete my shortcut to ESPN's Tournament Challenge now!

Also one of my sweet little softball players hit her head on a piece of furniture and had a mild concussion. Which of course means she won't be at our game tonight to hit home runs..... Really messes up my game plan (rely totally on her).

Cheryl of course is saying "lets see just how good a coach he is now!!! Blah...

Whish me luck tonight!

The 6U Mustangs Finally Fall

2009-03-25T08:45:00.002-05:00

The 6U Mustangs (Scouts Team) finally lost a game last night against the only other undefeated team in the park by the score of 17 - 14.

We had a 2 run first inning and that killed us. We average about 6 runs per inning but Wii Hit held us to 2 our lowest scoring inning to date. But the next inning we came back with our largest scoring inning to date and scored 8 more runs to make the score 11 - 10.

Scout on Second

In the last inning Wii Hit score 6 more runs and held us to 4 runs.

We didn't hit well last night and had quite a few overthrows at first which we normally are like a machine from circle to first.

We'll get them next time!

Old Age getting to me...

2009-03-23T09:46:00.003-05:00

I went to my hunting club to work saturday Morning... on the way home I got a call from a friend who needed some help. Seems like he was digging a post hole through solid rock... kinda makes it a little hard. :)

While driving out to where we were digging the hole, we were talking about our age. We were talking about how he was a year older than me (he was 43 and I was 42). Somehow he brought up the year he graduated, which was the same as me. Which led us to the year we were born, which was the same. Then to an argument about our age which didn't take long because he was RIGHT!

I JUST FOUND OUT I'M A YEAR OLDER THAN I THOUGHT!!!

I told him he didn't have to tell me that. I was perfectly happy thinking that I was 42 for the next 10 years....

It's the pitts getting old!

I rule.....

2009-03-20T06:20:00.002-05:00

so far I've only missed one game on my bracket! (Damn that Michigan!)

I'm leading the ESPN group (Blogger Hacks) and I RuLe the BrAcKeT Challenge... (I better brag now because I'll suck it up the next round).

Spent half the day playing in the sun! Wish I could do it again!

Gary

Pretty Days...

2009-03-18T10:26:00.003-05:00

The rain has finally moved on and the temperatures yesterday were in the 70's.

We had a great practice and then just hung out and watched the kids play. They played ball by theirselves for about 30 minutes before (inevitably) one of them got hit in the face by the ball and died.

Well, maybe she didn't die, but you would have thought she may have.....

It was a beautiful evening and I enjoyed just watching them....

Life is good isn't it?

OK, Not Fair

2009-03-13T10:18:00.003-05:00

This is just not right.

Opening day was rained out. We played two games then had a bye (an off night). Now on the day that our team (Scouts Team) was to play... we woke up to a nasty, cold, wet day. We were really looking forward to playing after the last 3 days of practice!

I think my girls are on top of their game and need to be back out on the field.

Maybe the rain will quit, and we'll get a chance to play at 6pm tonight...

or maybe not....

Look at Scout's perfect form. Watches the ball into her glove, makes a perfect throw to first!

Sorry, I haven't posted much...

2009-03-12T08:36:00.003-05:00

Things seem to get busy in the spring. Delaney playing softball, Sydney playing softball with me coaching her team (4 days a week of practice or games), there's Brett's baseball games (McKenna's boyfriend), Church activities, and of course, School activities for both McKenna and Delaney.

It's usually rather busy around our house and when you can find a second to just relax, you do it. I found myself Tuesday night in my pajamas going to sleep while the rest of the house was watching American Idol!

While things seem so busy and sometimes I say "I'd just like a day to myself", I also find that I get extremely BORED when there's nothing to do.... I guess you just get use to the hustle and bustle.

I'm not really going anywhere here... I just I'm making excuses as to why I don't post often... hmmm, does anyone really care? :)

ADD ON... While I never thought I'd like Facebook. I find myself on it more now, just because I don't have to think up a post. It's like commenting all the time. You just don't have to spend a lot of time with it. The bad part is All of you guys aren't there.

If you have a facebook account feel free to send me an invitation. gary k wray in Birmingham, AL

Sydney's Team

2009-03-05T22:43:00.002-06:00

the Hueytown Mustangs (Delaney's team is the Birmingham Mustangs... ) Won their Second Game Tonight!! We are Now 2 - 0!!!!

Sydney went 2 for 3 and scored both times she got on base!! She actually put the ball in play all 3 times! I'm so excited that we are hitting the ball! That makes for a good season as long as you are hitting...

We're off till next Friday. So back to our regularly schedule hum drum...

Sydney's Team

2009-03-03T22:35:00.001-06:00

The Hueytown Mustangs won their first game tonight!! Our season starts with a big "W"

Every girl on the teams had at least one hit!

Yes, I'm proud!

2009 All State Choir

2009-03-02T14:42:00.003-06:00

Delaney has been so proud to be picked for the 2009 All State Choir. Only 2 students were picked from HMS and she was one of the two.

She has practice, ran between softball and Choir practice and finally the big weekend was this weekend! Of course this was also the opening weekend for Sydney's Softball, which I am coaching her team. So I missed the big performance. My wife and McKenna took care of me taping the performance and here's the results! The shaking gets better after the first song....

First Snow!

2009-03-01T11:03:00.003-06:00

Here in Alabama we NEVER get snow especially in daylight hours! Imagine how excited we were!

A little Entertainment...

2009-02-23T22:35:00.003-06:00

Just a video of our skit night at our Family Life Retreat this last weekend... It's a little long, but there's some cute skits.

Hey guys don't forget the Joke contest below! Don't let Lorrie win by default this year (especially with THAT joke!!). Last Day is Friday the 27th!

Contest

2009-02-18T13:45:00.004-06:00

Three contractors are bidding to fix a broken fence at the White House in D.C.; One from Illinois , one from Tennessee , and a third from Kentucky. They all go with a White House official to examine the fence.

The Tennessee contractor takes out a tape measure and does some measuring, then works some figures with a pencil.

'Well', he says, 'I figure the job will run about $900: $400 for materials, $400 for my crew and $100 profit for me.'

The Kentucky contractor also does some measuring and figuring, then says, 'I can do this job for $700: $300 for materials, $300 for my crew and $100 profit for me.'

The Illinois contractor doesn't measure or figure, but leans over to the White House official and whispers, '$2,700.'

The official, incredulous, whispers back, 'You didn't even measure like the other guys! How did you come up with such a high figure?'

The Illinois contractor whispers back, '$1000 for me, $1000 for you, and we hire that guy from Kentucky to fix the fence.'

'Done!' replies the government official. And that my friends, is how it all works!

(LeeAnne)

And Here's another

The very first ever Blonde GUY joke. And well worth the wait!

An Irishman , a Mexican and a Blonde Guy were doing construction work on
scaffolding on the 20th floor of a building.

They were eating lunch and the Irishman said, 'Corned beef and cabbage! If I
get corned beef and cabbage one more time for lunch, I'm going to jump off
this building.'

The Mexican! Opened his lunc h box and exclaimed,'Burritos again! If I get
burritos one more time I'm going to jump off, too.'

The blonde opened his lunch and said,' Bologna again! If I get a bologna
sandwich one more time, I'm jumping too.'

The next day, the Irishman opened his lunch box, saw corned beef and
cabbage, and jumped to his death.

The Mexican opened his lunch, saw a burrito, and jumped, too.

The blonde guy opened his lunch, saw the bologna and jumped to his death as
well.

At the funeral, the Irishman's wife was weeping. She said, 'If I'd known how
really tired he was of corned beef and cabbage, I never would have given it
to him again!'

The Mexican's wife also wept and said, 'I could have given him tacos or
enchiladas! I didn't realize he hated burritos so much.'

(Oh this is SO GOOD!!)?

Everyone turned and stared at the blonde's wife. The blonde's wife said,

'Don't look at me. The idiot makes his own lunch.'

(Bobby)

We haven't done this in a while....Send me your BEST Jokes and my lovely wife will pick the best joke and I'll find a prize for you. Last time Lorrie won a nice Coca Cola Thermos. I'll see if I can come up with something different this time. OH, Deadline is Friday, February 27th! You can leave them in my comment section or email them to garykwray@gmail.com .

Make um good!

Josey - Deep Blue Something

2009-02-11T14:38:00.000-06:00

YUM

2009-02-07T21:19:00.001-06:00

My new drink. Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum and Coke.

Yes, it tastes like Vanilla Coke!
It's now my favorite!

Wonderful Production!!

2009-01-30T07:39:00.002-06:00

We attended the production of "Big Bad" last night at the Middle School. Delaney was the Evil Stepmother defending The Big Bad Wolf from The Fairy Godmother, The 3 Little Pigs, Little Red Riding Hood and her Grandmother in a Fairy Land court.

The play was so funny and Delaney's role was the largest (in the number of lines). I loved the Wolf's little "ad libs"

I'm sure that Delaney is glad to see it end. She's been spending all of her time after school in Drama and Softball. The Drama Sponsor and the softball coaches worked out a deal where Delaney would spend half the time at Drama and then come to Softball for the remainder of practice. So she's been running from one to the other and is exhausted when she gets home.

Had a great time at Habanero's after the play. All the cast went there to eat and celebrate.

Tonight we are celebrating my Mom's Birthday and my Grandmother's 80th birthday!

Today is a SPECIAL DAY!!

2009-01-26T07:32:00.010-06:00

The wonderful woman who gave birth to me is turning 61 today!!!

(The first picture of Mom and Me)

She wiped a bratty 6-year old's nose, she was at all the scout meetings (and was a den leader through most of it), held a screaming 4th grader when he sliced open his hand on the playground, called his Dad when he got out of hand, celebrated with the 7th grade boy who made the basketball team in Middle School and the 10th grader who made the baseball team in High School, Yes and she was at most of the games too..., She kept the Teen out of too much trouble let him go once he got to be a young adult (but kept an eye on him just the same to make sure he was ok).

She was at his wedding, and there for him when it failed. Supported him when he remarried and took in the child as her own Grand-daughter. She was there at the birth of his first daughter. And when times got tough, and he was in the hospital after a stroke, she was there too.

A great Mother and Grandmother, you gave up so much for us, I wish we could repay you in some way.

Mom, You've always been there for me and today I want to wish you a Happy Birthday!

Meme

2009-01-21T08:08:00.006-06:00

OK, I was looking around at Terry's Timeout and found a neat little meme so I thought I'd do it here...

Choose the 4th folder where you store your pictures on your computer.
Select the 4th picture in the folder.
Explain the picture.
Tag four people to do the same.
No Cheating (cropping, editing, etc.)

Now I have a complicated filing system... First of all I have all my pics seperated by years... starting at 2003. So I went 4 folders to 2007.

There were so many things in 2007 that would have been interesting... I have pictures from the Southern Museum of Flight where I went one day at lunch... Cindy's Grandbaby... Cheryl's bowling party... but the instructions said take the 4th picture. I had no pictures yet so I started drilling down in the 4th folder again....

That got me to the 2007 Mustangs folder. Now, in the Fall of 2007 we created the Birmingham Mustangs (originally named the Birmingham Crusaders but the name fell through when... well long story) and I LOVE softball so this is a good folder....

now I have folders again... 4 over is our FIRST tournament! Great Delaney's first tournament as a 12U. Our first tournament as a team and the first tournament where Delaney's friend Shelby B was playing with us.....

Now I'm finally at pictures. 4th Picture.... hmmmm We were trying to line up 12 - 11 year old girls BEFORE their first game to get a picture, so I have pics of Coach Rin trying to get them in place, and lining them up...

But here's the 4th...
It was our first team picture as Mustangs.... we didn't use this one because there's a gap on the back row and part of Caroline's face is hidden... but it was our first team picture ever. I LOVE these girls.... some of them have left us now, and we have some new girls but I loved every one of these first kids because it was a special group....

OK to TAG 4 people....

Kayla - I just want to see more pics of her
Memphis Steve - I Love his pics :)
Gareth - One of the few regulars
Phats - shooting to maybe get a pic of that HOT girl of his! Probably end up with his Dog or something.....

Meme

2009-01-15T08:58:00.006-06:00

OK, I got this from Dutch Grandma and this is one I haven't seen yet... So why not...

1. Is sex best in the morning, afternoon, or night?
I was going to say "any time I can get it" but realistically since as soon as I lay my head down I fall asleep from exhaustion the correct answer would be morning. Unfortunately my wife is not a morning person so where does that leave me?? LOL

2. On which side of the bed do you sleep?
Now are we talking which side as your facing the bed or laying on it?? hmmmm I guess the right as your laying on it.

3. Pork, beef, or chicken?
Yes...

4. Have you ever had to pull over on the side of the road to puke?
Oh, many times. There are even times that I got home and had to wash the puke off of me and can't remember how it got there or how I got home. I'm glad those days are past me, the recovery time is too long now..

5. What leg do you put in pants first when putting them on?
left

6. Candles or incense?
No

7. Do you dance when no one is watching?
Yes and when someone is watching and I'm drunk....

8. Did you play doctor when you were little?
No, but I have been known to play doctor as an adult.

9. Stove top cooking or microwave?
Pizza Hut

10. Would you rather your car or your house be dirty?
Now this assumes that I had rather one of them be dirty. Why can't I prefer that neither be dirty? Isn't that what we have kids for? To clean??

11. Shower or bath?
No I don't need one now thank you....

12. Do you pee in the shower?
Of course, doesn't every red blood american male??

13. Mexican or Chinese food?
Yes

14. Do you want someone aggressive or passive in bed?
Aggressive. I want to have to use a whip to keep her back. Ummm, hypothetically of course, Cheryl baby...

15. Do you own sex toys?
Does my wife count??

16. Corn dogs or hot dogs?
Yes...

17. Your favorite restaurant?
Who's Paying?? Habanero's

18. What did you have for lunch today?
nothing. it's 7:30 am. Jeez

19. When did you last fall down?
Hmm, when's the last time I drank heavily?

20. Have you ever wished someone were dead?
No but I have threatened a couple of teen aged boys that came to date may 16 year old daughter

21. Love or money?
Both!!!

22. Credit cards or cash?
Lots and Lots and Lots of cash would be fine thankyou

23. Has there ever been anyone in your family you wish wasn’t?
Yes, but my parents told me to shut up I'd just have to live with my sister...

24. Oreos or vanilla wafers?
Both

25. How do you like your steak cooked?
On a grill

26. How do you like your eggs cooked?
In a frying pan I hate it when someone tries to cook them on a grill

27. Have you ever knocked someone off their feet in a fight?
Yes, but more often I've been knocked off my feet. We are talking about boxing on the Wii aren't we?

28. Would you rather go camping or to a five star hotel?
I had rather camp. That's what I tell my family right after I look at the price of the five star hotel...

29. Would you rather have a root canal or minor surgery?
Neither!!

30. Would you shave your entire body (including your head) for money?
Hmmm, how much money are you offering?

31. Would you rather have lice or an STD?
the STD of course... At least that would mean that I had fun getting it!

32. What’s your favorite hard candy?
lemon drops...

Label Me...

2009-01-15T08:31:00.004-06:00

I just found a label for me... You know you can't exist now days without a label, we want to label everyone. If someone walks up to you on the street and you don't have a label, well then they'll give you one.

I was reading through latimesblog because we know anything coming out of LA must be the authority on new trends and I have to be the trendy kind of guy ( I write this realizing my camo and guns are still in the den floor and my wife is probably getting tired of them being there).

So while I'm reading about At 50, is Madonna middle-aged? Are you? , and howKim Kardashian re-creates Brooke Shields' Calvin Klein ads, and of course we have to answer the question of If CAA plays matchmaker for Jennifer Aniston, do they get 10% of her wedding gifts? I ran across this article...

Martinis in the morning? You may be a retrosexual

I think I may have finally found a label that I can live with...

Meet the retrosexual. You've seen this guy. Maybe even married him? He shaves with Barbasol, quotes Steve McQueen whenever possible and thinks a stiff drink before noon is his kind of triple latte. He also never apologizes for checking out a hot broad. Instead, he winks at you afterward and says, "She's no you, baby."

Are you a "retrosexual"?? Here are the top 5 of the Retrosexual 10 Commandments.

1. A retrosexual always pays for the date. If she tries to insist, so much the better. He still pays.

2. A retrosexual deals with it. Flat car batteries, house break-ins, cable TV malfunction, earthquake damage -- he just gets on with it.

3. A retrosexual never acknowledges he is in a relationship.

4. A retrosexual always carves the Sunday roast. Make sure you know what you're doing -- practise on the cat, spend an hour taking notes at the kebab shop.

5. A retrosexual is never seen in the passenger seat, unless it is a minicab, in which case he asks the driver if he can sit in the front.

Kinda sound like James Bond huh??

The Ting Tings

2009-01-15T07:22:00.002-06:00

I just found this band, quite by accident, and think their music is great! They have a different style and I can understand them which makes is playable in my book! LOL I've watched several of their videos trying to decide which to post and have decided on this one. But you really need to watch several yourself, because they have a wide variety of sound from slow acoustic to fast, loud electric sound. Their from the UK. Great music... by the way, there's just the two of them.

Accomplishment...

2009-01-13T07:25:00.006-06:00

Having goals and working toward them is something I get really proud of. When someone sees what they want, and then has the will power to work toward that goal it's something to be proud of, especially when that goal is a minimum of 6 years away.

Delaney started playing softball at 4. I know I've written about this but stick with me...

She was just a little thing, and her first practice was 6:30 - 8:00pm and freezing! She cried that her hands were cold and she wanted to go home... I thought that was it and she wouldn't be back. But she was.

Two years later our team were the park champions and she made the All Star Team, that was when she began to notice the school ball players that practiced at our park. They were leaving as we came in. I think it was then that she first stated that one day she would play for her school.

She kept playing park ball, sometimes spending her whole summer in All Stars, not finishing softball until it was time to go back to school.

When she started playing travel ball it got worse. She would play the entire year, not having a break from practice and games except December and January. But she loved it and continued talking about playing school ball.

Last night at 7pm her goals were at last accomplished. Six years from the time she first mentioned wanting to play school ball, She made the Middle School Softball Team at Hueytown.

After 8 years of coaching her, taking her to practices, going to or coaching games, I'll completely turn her over to someone else... I guess this is just a sign of things to come.

Blogging

2009-01-12T07:08:00.002-06:00

If you come around here at all or look at the dates on my posts, you have probably realized that I haven't been posting very often. For that I'm sorry.

It's been really busy at work, and what little time I have I've been spending on me and my family. I like to hunt, Delaney has softball practice on Sundays, Cheryl has all kinds of things she would like for me to be at occasionally, I have a yard that hasn't been touched in about 3 softball seasons, a four year old that wants me to play with her and a 16 year old that likes boys which forces me to watch her every minute :).

With all of that, It's been hard to find time to post. Really this is just a place for me to hang out when I'm not reading your blogs anyway and when you want to know about my family, you can always go to Cheryl's blog. She's a lot better writer anyway. But if you do that, come back to my blog and to comment. She doesn't need the comments anyway! LOL

SEC Rules!!!

2009-01-08T22:41:00.001-06:00

Once again A SEC Team Has the TOP SPOT in NCAA Football! And we were so close....

Well ROLL TIDE till Next Year! Real Football Ends tonight...

An End...

2009-01-02T17:28:00.004-06:00

While we were celebrating the Advent season (Peace, Hope, Joy, Love) and the coming of Christ, there are others who's depression takes them to the lowest possible point. To the point of ending their own life.

I returned from hunting after Christmas to celebrate the New Year with my family to find out that an acquaintance ( I don't say friend just because I didn't know her that well ) had ended her life on one of the most wonderful of nights. What made her do this, I have no idea. But it depressed me so much. Her photography was wonderful, as was her writing and poems. To me she had so much going for her. But this is proof once again that demons lie just below the surface. We all have them, some have a little more control over these demons.

There have been times that depression has taken over me but one thing that I know I have is my family and my God to turn to. I look back on my hardest times and I can always see that my family and God have walked with me through those times. I'm not sure what I would have done without them.

I'm not sure what happened with Suzanne or what led to her actions, but I pray that God was waiting there for her to take away those demons and to comfort her and hold her.

I'll post again sometime after the weekend.

Have a Very Merry Christmas!

2008-12-23T15:23:00.004-06:00

Yes it's that time again.

This is probably the last night our tree will have all the presents under it. Soon the house will be covered with paper and boxes. Tomorrow we go to Cheryl's parents and then to my parents.

Christmas eve night we'll unwrap the kids presents and then when they go to bed we'll build a fire, open the wine, and then Cheryl and I will open ours. It usually last a few hours, giving time for the kids to go to sleep and of course Santa comes...

Christmas day we get together at my grandmother's and then when we get home, it's time to try to find places for all the gifts....

I think this year I'll rent a Storage POD....

Hope you have a Very Merry Christmas!

Save Softball

2008-12-19T09:14:00.003-06:00

Bring it back to the Olympics for girls like Jamie...

go to her website, www.savesoftball.com and fill out the petition. (bottom of the page)

Tons of Toys...

2008-12-17T13:59:00.003-06:00

If you have a chance, go to the Mustangs Blog and read my post about our partnership with the Children's Hospital. It's a great cause!

Delaney goes Disco

2008-12-17T10:01:00.002-06:00

I loved this from Lee Ann so I had to do one... I had this picture of Delaney so I did her first!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Wow what a weekend...

2008-12-14T22:18:00.006-06:00

We were a little busy this weekend.

Friday night was Delaney's Christmas Program with the Middle School Choir. They were great! We had several friends in the program as well and it was nice seeing them all sing together. Afterwards we went out to eat together, Mexican and it was great too! Good friends, Good food... Here's a clip of them singing ...

Saturday I escaped to Mill Creek. It was quiet and peaceful. I enjoy being away from it all for a change. Cheryl and the kids went and helped in our community Christmas Party for that our church does to help kids in the neighborhood that need a little help at Christmas time. You can read about her time on her blog.

Sunday was Church services and Delaney's big party with her Softball organization, The Birmingham Mustangs. The party went from a little small party for a team last year to a large party held at the Pelham Civic Center for about 260 people. The Organization hosts 8 teams with a 9th team pending. We have 4 teams (including ours) heading to the ASA A Nationals this next summer!

The kids enjoyed skating at the party, we ate and the tree had so many presents that were all donated to the Children's Hospital in the name of The Birmingham Mustangs!

You can check out some pics from the party at our TEAM BLOG.

Go ahead... Check it out. While you're there look around and check out the team!

We had so much fun!

Who says it's safe in the woods....

2008-12-12T07:58:00.002-06:00

I think this is in Mongolia where they hunt with Eagles...

Still more things coming...

2008-12-11T12:46:00.003-06:00

Tomorrow is Delaney's Choir Concert then on Sunday is her Mustang's Holiday party. Should be a lot of fun and I'll get pictures and video to show here. I guess that pretty much gives me material for next week!

I guess I'll leave you with this video of Sydney singing with the Children's Choir last Sunday. You gotta watch Sydney's "moves" as she sings and dances.... Brother Al laughed and said "I want to know where Sydney got those moves!" We all know here talents came from Cheryl and from being around her sisters!

Hey! What about Me?

2008-12-09T06:34:00.006-06:00

That's what Sydney is usually saying when you start talking about someone else... You know like when you're saying how cute the little 3 year old girl was, she'll go "Wasn't I cute??" with that little lip quivering and a tear rolling down her cheek.... well, maybe it's not that bad, but that's the way a Dad sees it... at least the sucker in this house does...

Well, not to leave Sydney out. She had a big Church Christmas Production this Sunday where she got to sing and play Mary in the Nativity Scene towards the end. This is just one scene but I finally got it uploaded to YouTube and thought I'd put it on my Blog before Cheryl wakes up and gets it first. I'll pay for this later....

She's Mary of course and in case you don't know the story....she's the first little girl to come in with a little boy named Noah who plays Joseph.

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born , and she gave birth to her firstborn , a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. an angel of the Lord apeard to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you. You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Luke 2: 6-12

The unseeable, untouchable God appearing to man through Jesus as a baby...

McKenna Continued...

2008-12-08T04:00:00.001-06:00

McKenna didn't get in the top 3 on her play but she did get a medal for superior writing....

On Thursday night (12/4) McKenna's HHS Concert Band performed with the Jazz Band at a local Church! The Performance was outstanding and I have a couple of Videos to help showcase them! Now My video ability isn't great but you get the gist...

The HHS Jazz Band

The HHS Concert Band

McKenna plays the French Horn in addition to being with the Hueytown Ambassadors, dancing with the Color Guard and being on the Drama Team.

OK, this has been another...."brag on my kids" post. I'll forgive you if you just ignored it... maybe...

Sad Day in Alabama...

2008-12-07T01:07:00.000-06:00

Florida 31 - Alabama 20

McKenna...

2008-12-05T12:05:00.003-06:00

Today McKenna is with their Drama Department. She won two categories in their regional Drama Competition and is at the State Competition now as we speak. She'll spend the weekend in Montgomery. She's competing with a friend in a production and the event we are excited about is Play Writing. She wrote a script and it won regional and she has entered it in State! Please wish her luck!!

Oh, and here is a video of her competing with the HHS Color Guard this last season!

More on McKenna coming. Wait till you hear her Concert Band perform!

Obama Day?

2008-12-05T09:47:00.002-06:00

Excuse me but I thought you actually had to DO something before you had a national holiday in your name....

Presidents day is for two of the most influential presidents in history, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Washington won our independence for us and set the standard for serving two terms for the office of president (not that the standard was always kept) and Lincoln served during the worst time in the history of our nation, brother killing brother, and made us one nation under God again.

These two men deserve a place in history. Don't you think Obama should at least serve a day in the office before making a holiday to honor him?

Planning under way for Obama holiday.

Plans are being made to promote a national holiday for Barack Obama, who will become the nation’s 44th president when he takes the oath of office Jan. 20.

“Yes We Can” planning rallies will be at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. every Tuesday at the downtown McDonald’s restaurant, 1100 Kansas Ave., until Jan. 13. The goals are to secure a national holiday in Obama’s honor, to organize celebrations around his inauguration and to celebrate the 200th birthday of President Abraham Lincoln, who was born on Feb. 12 1809.

and in my own state of Alabama, a county has proclaimed that the second Monday in November is Obama Day. This sickens me. He may be a great speaker but he has NO experience and has not even served a day in the office.

Commissioner Brett Harrison said Wednesday he voted against the resolution because of the holiday costs to the county, which has a $2.2 million annual payroll and is one of the poorest in the state. He said closing the courthouse would also idle some state employees.

Yeah, that's a good use of county funds....

NEW MEMBER OF THE FAMILY!

2008-12-04T13:45:00.005-06:00

My cousin Melissa just had her second baby BOY!

Tyson Douglas Townsend
8lbs 9oz
20 1/2 inches Long

Pictures coming soon!

News!

2008-12-03T14:14:00.003-06:00

No, it's not about softball but it is about Delaney....

She auditioned for All State Choir on what should have been the 2nd day of tryouts. She wasn't going to audition because of tryouts but tryouts were canceled that day due to the cold weather (those $300 bats crack in cold weather) so she got to go... A lot of students tried out from the school.

It's suppose to be the highest honor you can achieve in Middle School Choir and very few are chosen.

Delaney was 1 of 2 students accepted from our school!!!!

I'm so proud of her achievement! Way to go D!

Anticipation....

2008-12-02T08:01:00.007-06:00

Sports have always been a big deal in our family. Both of our older girls started out playing Soccer and Softball. Mckenna in Soccer on one side of town and Delaney in Softball on the other side of town. Yes, there were days that one was waiting in the dark along with her coach for someone to pick her up....

We had lots of fun, Parents and grandparents watching our kids run up and down the field kicking the ball and having no idea what the rules were...... or watching a little girl whose bat was bigger than she was hitting the ball to the grass everytime she got up to bat....

As they got older they found other activities, McKenna with the yearbook staff, cheerleading, Color Guard, boys.... Delaney with Choir, Drama, but with her... her first love has always been softball. Her dream to play with the school team.

Delaney tried out for the 7th grade team the week before Thanksgiving, at first they were to find out the team before they got out for the holidays, but then they were put off till after the holidays. Yesterday, they weren't told again...

This has driven ME crazy! I know it's hard on the girls, but us parents have as much in this.....

We've cleaned the mud from their uniforms, spent endless hours coaching, or taking them to practice, or watching games. I've put bandages on her skinned knees, I've bought $300 bats for her as she got older. I've taken her to tryouts for travel ball teams, We've taken her to Maryland for the World Series (OK, we made that into a family vacation too...)

But the point is, well..... I'm like a 12 YO myself, I'm dying of anticipation! They really shouldn't do this to us parents, we're way to old for this stress!

Good Luck Baby..... I hope you make it. Pop can't help you with this and it's killing me....

Quick Post

2008-11-29T22:39:00.003-06:00

I had a wonderful Birthday (26th), Thanksgiving, and ...

Iron Bowl Day!!!!!

My Tide just beat the Auburn Tigers 36-0 and I got to see it all and Party with the rest of the stadium!

Just got in from the party so I need to get some sleep! I hope you all yelled Roll Tide once tonight with me!

And it'll continue for the rest of this year!!!!

Salt Lake City

2008-11-24T23:33:00.014-06:00

While here, on business of course... that's me, all work.... I had wonderful omelets with ham, peppers, and cheese this morning. And lets talk about the GREAT coffee... well, blah blah blah we had these wonderful enchiladas brought in for lunch, oh and the pastries at break... oh yeah, well this is Gary's Memories and my memories are a select few right now....

Well we found out that the CFO of Swire had scored us some tickets and a little dinner for our entertainment tonight.....

That's right, we had tickets 2 rows off the floor to the Utah Jazz vs Chicago Bulls game! Now I've never been much into pro basketball but it was GREAT! The Bulls won in a last second shot at the buzzard to win the game...

Oh, I forgot about where we ate dinner... in Club 100 overlooking the arena!

And as great as all the Fillet Mignon, Pasta, Sea Bass, Salads, Pastries, Beer, etc.... Focus Gary... As great as the food was it was so GREAT being on Row 2, So close to the action....

Seeing the likes of Noah

And ummm, who was this? I can't seem to find her on the roster....

And There's Brewer

And...hmm, I seem to forget....

OK, I might have had one beer too many, but I swear, I wasn't driving!

Man, that arena was full of blondes....

Oh, there really was some good Basketball....

I think I could really get in to Pro Basketball after all,
When will Birmingham get a franchise??

Oh, am I going to have to work sometime this week?

Salt Lake City

2008-11-24T13:51:00.001-06:00

The view is wonderful especially from the Swire Coca Cola Offices.

If I had this kinda of view from my office, they'd never get any work out of me!

It makes me want to stay here.... Wonder if anyone would miss me?

Probably not, now if I can just learn how to snow ski....

My flight into Phoenix...

2008-11-24T07:33:00.001-06:00

on my way to Salt Lake City...

I think the country is beautiful...

Beauty and Growing up....

2008-11-17T09:10:00.011-06:00

Thursday Delaney was in the Middle School Pagent. It's hard for me to relate to her looking like this....

or this

In my mind's eye I'll always see her as my little girl....

Just learning to play softball... and enjoying her friends...

Not thinking about whether she's getting dirty or not...

Where did my little girl go..? I should have seen it coming because of McKenna...

And I should know it's going to come with my little Scout....

But I choose not to think about it...

I LOVE IT!

2008-11-14T18:25:00.001-06:00

Cheryl turned me onto this video and said she promised Coach that she's going to do HER part this Saturday!

ROLL TIDE!!

2008-11-08T18:51:00.003-06:00

Alabama wins in OT, 27 - 21. What a beautiful season....

Funny...

2008-11-07T13:12:00.000-06:00

Delaney and Softball

2008-11-07T08:36:00.004-06:00

As you should know, my middle daughter Delaney plays for a travel softball organization called the Birmingham Mustangs. We are use to winning. We don't always win, but we just about always are in the final game and we're ALWAYS in the Semi-finals. Even when we play up in the 14U division. (We're a 12U team)

This weekend of softball will be different. We are going to play with a team called the Hueytown Havoc. This team has just started this fall and have a LONG way to go... They have come in Second once this fall, but really haven't had a lot of success. They are short players and Delaney knows ALL the girls on the team. She's excited about playing ball with them. She doesn't seem to care about what position she'll play or if they will win, she's just excited about playing with her friends that she used to play with at the Ball Park.

Delaney when she played for the 10U Havoc

I think she's already won the tournament....

I Present to you ... A NEW PRESIDENT!!!

2008-11-05T17:01:00.004-06:00

President Delaney Wray!!!
The new Student Body President of her Middle School.
Delaney won by more than 200 votes!!!

Brotherly Love taken too far...

2008-11-05T07:53:00.003-06:00

This is from Alabama Game Day... A great Alabama football site...

Just makes you want to send your sons and daughters to LSU huh?

I just want my kids to grow up loving Disney....

Or Not?

Mustangs take 2nd in 14U Division...

2008-11-03T10:00:00.003-06:00

Delaney's 12U travel team, The Birmingham Mustangs, played up an age group this weekend. We went undefeated till the final game where a team that is moving up to 16U (Delaney Claims...) in the spring defeated us.

Coach Rin took the loss in stride but he reminded them all that if they had played a little harder, hit a little more, fielded a little stronger, we'd be holding the 1st place trophy now.

This is a good group of girls, Delaney has never learned more than she has with this team...

Catching up...

2008-10-31T11:24:00.004-05:00

I've been out of town on business... if you can call it work. There's nothing like being sent to Disney World and calling it work! Although I didn't get into the parks, the resorts there are spectacular!

Now to catch up a bit... our church had there annual "Trunk or Treat". Of course we all dressed up in our finest.... well we dressed up and did the rounds. Here's a couple of pics..

First there's Batman and Sleeping Beauty.

Well, I was wearing black and flying in from Orlando, Cheryl got me a cape and the Batman symbol for my chest and "Ta-Da!!" and instant Batman Costume! Isn't that the cutest Sleeping Beauty !!

Now for the Whole Family!!

Chery was "Catwoman" (Batman had to chase after her), D was a hippy, McKenna was Little Red Riding Hood (she brought the Big Bad Wolf with her and it was a different one from just a couple of days before) of course I've already mentioned Me and Scout....

Cheryl did her annual Halloween dinner last night complete with bones (Biscuits in the shape of bones), Orange Jack-o-lanterns filled with mixed fruit, broomstick prezzels, some kind of scary punch with worms in it... and the most deliciouse cupcakes.... We also had a cajun soup but the only thing scary about it was that it was cajun....

No pictures but C is bound to have some soon on her blog.

Well, lunch is over and it's time to get back to work... Have a GREAT HALLOWEEN!

Delaney Week

2008-10-23T09:38:00.005-05:00

I guess this must be Delaney week.... Cause here's another post about D.

We all know her as my softball player. She's loved the sport since she first started playing at the age of 4. But there's something I love about her more and that's her ability to do well in school. She's always done well, never made a B and now we know she takes after her mother in other ways, she's a great writer as well. This is really nothing new, all of our girls, McKenna, Delaney and now Sydney are becoming great writers. Well, Sydney just makes up good writing material right now! Don't believe me, read Cheryl's blog.

But yesterday, Delaney was awarded 2nd place in a writing competition that included all middle school kids in the Jefferson County School District. To just win the school was a big deal but to come in 2nd place from all the entries in the District was great!

I'm not sure how our girls can be smart and athletic like me, and write like Cheryl... LOL OK, maybe they get some of there smarts from C too...

A friend of mine said the other day the great thing about Delaney was you get "The Whole Package". By that he went on to say, she's a great kid, she works hard at her studies and that rolls over into everything else she does.

I know that but it's great to hear.....

I say VOTE...

2008-10-21T13:23:00.003-05:00

Delaney Wray for President!

Now that's a candidate even I could vote for!
(see other pictures below - 2 posts!)

Ms Photogenic

2008-10-21T08:13:00.011-05:00

I'm not even sure if I spelled that right... my kids laugh at me all the time because even Scout can spell better than me....

This Sunday we took Delaney's pictures for the Ms Photogenic part of the Middle School Pageant. She loves to participate and with her competitive nature we had to warn her that we wouldn't let her in the future if she was ugly about not placing...

Here's the two pics that she narrowed it down to...

Now we took MANY more pictures of this and some I liked better. But D is the one that's in the contest and she needs YOUR help picking from one of the above pictures! Help her pick and you will win an all expenses paid trip to Hawaii! Well, maybe you want. But you will have her appreciation. And she'll blow you a kiss during the competition. :) Maybe not....

Here's some of the other pics...

Well, there they are... it's a long way from this....

D is 3rd from the left is what use to be a white t-shirt...

Family of Champs!

2008-10-20T08:21:00.009-05:00

Saturday was a busy day.

Sydney was going to closing ceremonies where she was awarded her FIRST PLACE ribbon for Fall Ball!

And McKenna had a band competition where she competed with the color guard getting all 1's on their performance and only .5 point shy of "Best in Show"!

Of course I missed these, Cheryl took them as I was taking Delaney to her Softball tournament in Jemmison where they went undefeated and took 1st place!

Delaney was excited because she had a particularly good day at the plate only getting out 4 times for the day and not striking out at all.

Yes Saturday was a good day for the Wray Family!

Politics

2008-10-16T07:55:00.006-05:00

I like to joke about politics because, let's face it, politics these days are a joke. We have a socialist running for President, with.... I don't even know what he has for a running mate, and in the republican party, a moderate who is totally spineless with a prom queen as a running mate. I could actually vote for Snoopy this year. I won't, but I'd think about it. Can I vote for Reagan again? I know he's dead but he'd get as much done in the next 4 years as the ones we have running...

I saw this on Leesa's blog and kinda agreed with her post today. It's a lot easier to vote looking back. Her quote... "It is easier to pick the trifecta after you know the results of the race, but then it is too late to bet."

I didn't vote for him, but I did get caught up in Clinton's ease of speaking and realize now he was a used car salesman (no disrespect to used car salesmen) but he was telling us what we like to hear and not the truth because the truth was no fun and the American people like FUN. So let's play a sax and hire a couple more interns....

The spineless republican we have running sticks to his beliefs but puts us to sleep. When he has the chance to go at Obama (and there's been plenty) he doesn't. Why? Because he's a MODERATE. He can't argue a lot with Obama because he's a lot LIKE Obama in his beliefs. For a conservative republican like me, that leaves me with not much to vote for.

So I'll post a couple of videos to ease the tension...

OK, if this isn't working Just google it or go to Leesa's site!

I didn't post this video from the Howard Stern Show I'm sure you can guess why.... the language is HORRIBLE, but the skit was funny and insightful. (yes Howard Stern can occasionally be insightful. I just can't listen to him.

Sal went and interview people in Harlem. He took McCain's position on some issues and attributed them to Obama. Overwhelmingly the people supported Obama on McCains position.

Q - "Do You Support Obama more because he is Pro Life or because he says our troops should stay in Iraq and finish the war?"

A - "Ummm, I guess both"

Q - "And if Obama wins do you have any problems with Sarah Palin becoming his Vice President"

A - "Ummm, No"

Q - "Do you think she'll do a good job?"

A - "I think she'll do a good job..."

Isn't that funny? This wasn't just one person. He interviewed several with the same questions. They all answered like this. I think no one knows anything....

Rockets win Championship

2008-10-15T08:11:00.005-05:00

Well, we actually locked it last week but still have a game to to tonight. But regardless, we've won the championship.

Who are the rockets? That's Sydney's 6U softball team. The team that I had to force her to go to practices and games, now I have to force her into the truck when we leave practice with cries of "Daddy, I wanna keep watching the other girls practice!" or "Daddy let's throw some more!"

Last night we took team pictures and you know Cheryl.. right over the photographers shoulder taking these pics...
We've had a good time this fall and all the new girls have started hitting off the coach. As a matter of fact, that's how we've won games. With 4 girls that have never played, we have no Defense. We just hit strong.

Go Hueytown Rockets!

Just thought I'd drop by....

2008-10-09T13:47:00.002-05:00

And say HI!!!

Scout has been playing softball. She thinks the games are too long but she's sticking with it. She now hits every time she comes up to bat. It's coach pitch and I think that's pretty good for a 4 year old...

We've won every game but one and that game was because we were short some players and I moved everyone around for a change..

Not many pics. I can't take them and coach. Cheryl forgets to take important things like the CF card.... and I have her busy with the books.

Next game is tonight so we'll see how little scouts team does...

Insurance Time....

2008-09-23T11:56:00.006-05:00

I hate paying the monthly premiums but when my 16 year old does this... I'm glad.

Amber's Car above
McKenn'a Truck below...

Lord help me...

A Few pictures from Scouts Mom...

2008-09-19T13:13:00.006-05:00

The Rockets won their first "Real" game last night.

At one point Scout wanted to know was "our points bigger than theirs"?? I told her yes, right now we have more runs than they did.

(I finally gave up trying to get the outfielder to stand up!)

She proceeded to ask me "Is this a REAL game?" " Yes" I told her getting a little irritated as she danced in the Outfield doing a Ballerina twirl....

"Yea!!!! We're winning a REAL game!!!" She was soooo excited! LOL

When she ran bases she had to hold her helmet to keep it from rocking. She didn't hit off coach pitch and had to hit off a Tee (reserved for first year girls only during the Fall), and she didn't have any balls hit out to her..... But I couldn't have been more proud of her! She's just so darn cute!!!

First "Real" Game...

2008-09-17T12:44:00.009-05:00

Sydney's team, The Rockets, will be playing their first "Real" game tonight. Maybe they can overcome their coaching.... :)

At 6pm tonight be praying for me!

Maybe I can keep the outfielders awake!

Sports over the years...

2008-09-17T12:44:00.007-05:00

When Delaney was 4 years old, a friend told me that she should be playing softball.

I laughed.... "she's not old enough"

He assured me that many of the girls started at 3. I thought he was crazy but I carried her out and signed her up. Her first practice she cried just because it was like 29 degrees... but the next day she was ready to go out again. She's never looked back.

She's 12 now and still playing.

McKenna tried several different things... Soccer, Gymnastics, Dance, band, yes and even softball. She's been good at all of them but I think they've all helped her grow into a well rounded young lady who is good at anything she tries...

Now we have a new one coming along. Her thing may be dance, soccer, gymnastics, softball or just playing around the house. But if her sisters are any indicator, then she'll be good at whatever she does..

So Far Scout Loves Her Team!
GO ROCKETS!

Dr. Shadrach Meshach Lockridge

2008-09-12T12:32:00.001-05:00

Delaney and Volleyball

2008-09-11T13:30:00.007-05:00

Delaney is all into trying out new sports. Softball, Newcomb, track, she's wanted to try Gymnastics, (never soccer ... too overrated she says) but her latest sport is Volleyball. She plays for the school team. Although short she's a great passer and can dig those balls and get em up!

I have no idea what I'm saying, I know little to nothing about volleyball.

But being able to hit the ball without hitting yourself in the face is probably a pretty good skill to have. That's why I don't play...
Looks like to me, she's just getting ready to play 2nd base as normal. But then again, she's left her glove in the dugout if that's what she's doing.

Now don't get me wrong, I believe I could hit that ball..... I'm just not so sure where it would go!

But there's one thing for sure... none of the girls you see in this picture are ever happy to be sitting on the bench!

In God We Still Trust...

2008-09-11T10:12:00.004-05:00

LOL

2008-09-08T12:35:00.001-05:00

Sarah Palin..

2008-09-05T08:20:00.006-05:00

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4 (Must Watch)

Part 5

What's going on...

2008-09-03T13:16:00.002-05:00

Sydney had her first softball practice. Wow at the changes since Delaney was 4 Years old....

I'd furnish pics but cheryl has them all but imagine a little bitty girl sitting at Short Stop crying because no ball are coming to her and you can imagine Sydney...

Delaney has a volleyball tournament and I'm taking video. Maybe I can get some on here tomorrow.

and I found this funny video I thought I'd share...

Have fun guys!

OK, Time to post...

2008-08-29T09:42:00.002-05:00

Well, after today I'm back down to one job and doing photography on an occasional weekend.

Now maybe I can get some rest.

But of course there's Fall Travel Ball with Delaney, Sydney's signed up for softball at the park, and Mckenna has football games with The School Color Guard... not to mention Delaney's also playing Volleyball with the school. I guess there will be enough to keep me busy!

Hunting season is coming up here in Alabama and I'll have to force some time in to try and get back to Mill Creek. I'm always happy there and the lack of phone service helps to calm me a bit.

So it looks like this fall will be busy enough that I'll have things to post about. No one wanted to hear what was going on with work and since that was all I was doing I had nothing else that I was experiencing first hand to post about. Well now, maybe I will.

I'll see you guys around!

What a cute baby....

2008-08-27T09:32:00.002-05:00

Do you see it? huh?? Horribly stolen from Bella , I thought this was too cute...

Early photo of Michael Phelps

2008-08-25T08:36:00.003-05:00

This is in his early years. Even then you could tell what a fast swimmer he was...

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Impressed ....

2008-08-20T15:15:00.003-05:00

I just ran across this musician on YouTube. I assume I'm just behind the times because she now has a number 10 song on Radio Disney. On other sites I've heard that she's the "Next Miley Cyrus for 2009". I hope without the "racy" pictures! :)

But here's one of her songs... Savannah Outen...

EVERYTHING GOES GREAT WITH COCA-COLA

2008-08-13T07:31:00.002-05:00

Proud

2008-08-06T12:20:00.003-05:00

Proud of my wife! And she's taking me to this writer's conference where I'll get free food and get to visit Vicksburg Battlefield!

Mississippi Writers Guild Writers Conference

LOL

2008-08-01T14:42:00.002-05:00

Heroic Rescue

An eight year old boy was riding his bicycle in Birmingham, Alabamawhen he saw
his friend being attacked by a large pit bulldog. The boy jumped off his bike,
ran and jumped on the dog's back. After prying the vicious animal's teeth from
his young friend's body, he put the dog in a choke hold and held on until the
dog was dead.

The local newspaper editor happened to witness this feat and after calling for
an ambulance on his cell phone, ran over to the young hero and said, 'Son, that
was one of the bravest things I have ever seen. You're going to make tomorrow's
headlines. It will read:

'Alabama Fan is Hero:Risks His Life & Saves Young Friend From Vicious Pit Bull Attack''.

The youngster said 'that's nice, but I'm not an Alabamafan,'
The editor said 'O.K., then it will read 'Auburnfan saves young friend's life
in pit-bull attack'. The young man said, 'But I'm not an Auburnfan.'
The editor, becoming somewhat irritated, asked 'Then who is your favorite team?'
The kid replied with a big smile 'Tennessee.'
The next morning the local newspaper headlines read:

'BELOVED FAMILY PET MURDERED BY LITTLE HILLBILLY BASTARD'.

More pictures of the Mustangs

2008-08-01T08:12:00.003-05:00

and its put to the ALABAMA Anthem :)

Find more videos like this on Hueytown High School

World Series Champs!

2008-07-29T07:43:00.003-05:00

The Birmingham Mustangs finished their season in style with it's 51st win being the "if" game in the USSSA World Series!!!

They went 7 games undefeated their first loss coming to the Delaware Diamonds in the first of two 7 inning championship games (we had to be beat twice to lose) by the score of 2-1. Coming back from that loss, the Mustangs could do no wrong and won over the Delaware 14-2 in the 4th inning by run rule.

The Mustangs outscored their opponents 77-10 during the tournament and had an average differential of 8.375 over the other teams.

Gotta Love It!!! :)

More pictures coming!

Mustangs take 2nd and 4th of July

2008-07-07T10:38:00.007-05:00

It was a long weekend ! We spent Friday at my mom and Dad's before taking off to play softball in the NSA State Championship.

Our Independence day celebration was fun and we gorged ourselves with slabs and slabs of ribs, and the kids enjoyed a cool dip....

As for the NSA State Championship,

We played 2 games on Friday, one on Sat (rain) and 5 on Sunday!!!

We lost Saturday to the team that won it all... but came back on Sunday beating everyone and played in the championship game. We won the first of two (double elimination) but lost the second.

Here's a small video clip of part of the first of the two championship games. It shows Delaney struggling at bat and getting a hit that drives in out 9th run of the game, and some of the girls showing off their cheers!

Well, It's been close to a month....

2008-07-03T12:15:00.004-05:00

And I finally have some time. I won't be posting all the time, but as the mood strikes me.

We have a digital video camera now, so you'll probably see some video every now and again... I strung together some clips that my daughter (Delaney)took just to test out how to do it.. Pretty cool...

Take a look....

Oh, and our High School as created a really cool community for our alumni and it's took off like crazy. Now anyone can create a community out here. Take a look, here's a link to my page.

http://hhsgophers.ning.com/profile/GaryWray

see ya!