Fuming Over New Tax Increase

Tuesday, voters in my city voted whether or not to add a 1% tax to restaurant food purchases.  Sixty-seven percent of voters said yes.  Doesn't sound like a big deal, does it?  It's only a penny.  What the media and mayor's office didn't tell people was that the total tax on restaurant food purchases would now be 10% with this new tax.  TEN PERCENT!!!!

State tax here is seven percent.  Not too bad when you compare it to the state just north of us.  A few years ago, the county added a 2% tourism (restaurant and hotel) tax to help pay off and upkeep a local arena.  Then a few months ago, our mayor decided to seek a 1% additional tax on food to help finance upgrades to the park system, add new ball fields and other amenities.  The total bill for all the projects is around $35 million.  Part of the cost of this improvement plan will be covered by a federal grant of $6 million to go towards building two storm shelters.  The rest of the remaining $29 million will come from the new tax.

According to the mayor and city officials, the bulk of this new tax (and the tourism tax) is not suppose to be carried by the residents of this city but by the tourists who come for the different tournaments hosted here each year.  Their reasoning that the people who come to these tournaments and events are going to pay the bulk of the cost doesn't make sense to me.  The Dizzy Dean World Series does bring in $3-6 million dollars of revenue every year.  Softball, baseball and soccer tournaments also bring in money spent in our restaurants and hotels.  I can't see all of these events bringing in enough money to where the residents of our fair city are relieved of most of the tax burden.  Some maybe, but not most.

Now, after all the extra softball, baseball, and soccer fields, tennis courts, dog park, spray park, skate park and $5 million senior citizen center are completed and paid for, do you think this tax will be taken off the books?  NO!!  It will be used to pay for maintenance and other improvements of the parks system and take "the burden off of property taxes."
I understand the need for upgrades to the parks.  One of the concerns is building new ball fields to help accommodate all the kids who have signed up for softball and baseball.  Right now, some of the T-ball players are having to start games at 9 p.m. because of the lack of available fields.  We had that problem with Will when he played baseball but, thanks to the good Lord, we didn't have that problem this year with either of the boys.  Officials have tossed around the idea of limiting the number of sign-ups but then decided that wasn't going to work. 

The city also wants to stay competitive by continuing to host regional tournaments.  Cities like Oxford, MS and Jackson, TN are expanding their parks so our leaders want to make sure we can compete on a level playing field with them and others.  I understand all this.  If it was a temporary tax, I may not mind as much.  I just don't like having to keep paying and paying with no end in sight.  When my family and I decide to eat out, I guess we will have to choose a neighboring city, one where it won't cost us a fortune in taxes.

It still has to pass the legislature in January.  If it does, it should go into affect sometime in July, 2011.

Birthdays and Getting to the End of Ball Season

First and foremost, I want to wish Will a very Happy Birthday!!  His birthday was yesterday and he turned seven years old.  He opened his birthday presents at breakfast.  Will got a rubber-band airplane, Rocky Mountain Ranch Lincoln Logs, and a remote control truck.  He was soo excited!!  Do to both kids having games at 6 p.m., we were not able to do anything special with just the family.  I did make his favorite dinner (poppy seed chicken casserole) and take a special snack for his team so they could celebrate with him. Mommy and Daddy love you very much and are very proud of the wonderful young man you are becoming.

As stated earlier, both Will and Hannah had games last night.  Because I was running between two ballfields, I didn't get to watch much of either game.  Hannah's team won 15-4.  Her teammate, Emily, got a grand slam and five girls (including Hannah) hit home runs.  At her second time at bat, Hannah got a triple.  The girls were pysched, as you can imagine!  They worked together and did their best.  Way to go CRASH!!

Will's team was up 6-4 when the game was delayed due to lightning.  Thirty minutes later, the umps restarted the game.  Unfortunately, Will's team lost 14-12.  They did much better fielding and hitting but were not able to get the win.  This was their last game.  I am still very proud of these boys.  They have worked hard and were able to get two or three wins this season.  Will hit two home runs this year.  Good Job REBELS!!!

Andrew's last game was last Tuesday, June 1st.  Being T-ball, the teams don't keep score or keep track of how many outs.  These boys were so much fun to watch.  The ones who started out chasing the ball after they hit it ended up running the bases like big boys.  We still had a few (like Andrew) who preferred playing in the dirt when they were in the field but, in all, they all did wonderfully.  Even though Andrew is through playing baseball this year, he keeps asking when he is going to practice and when he is going to play his game.  Mike and I will just have to continue to work with him.  His coach, Paula, said she was thinking about calling the parents when she took her son to the park to practice so the boys could practice if they wanted.  I think that is a great idea.  She also wants to keep the team together, if she can, over the next few years. I am very proud of how Andrew and his team did.  Way to go MARLINS!!

The Most Awesome News Ever!!

I have the most awesome news ever!!!  Will's baseball team, the Rebels, won their game tonight.  The best, most awesomest part is:  this was the FIRST GAME EVER in THREE YEARS that Will, AJ, Wesley, and the three coaches won!!!  The three boys have played on the same teams (the Giants, the Cubs and the Rebels).  Their coaches (Mike, AJ's dad Patrick, and Wesley's dad Keith) have been with them all three years.  FINALLY!!  The coaches gave a game ball to the best player last night and tonight.  Will got the game ball last night for hitting a home run!  Tonight, it was between three players: Evan, Wesley and Will.  The coaches gave it to Evan because he hit three home runs.  I am so proud of Will.  He has really come far this year.  He is paying more attention to what is going on during the game and has really improved in his hitting and throwing.   Way to go Will!!

Getting Caught Up

Sorry I haven't posted anything in a while.  With three kids practicing and playing ball this spring, my schedule revolves around them.  We have practice and games every night of the week.  Since I spend most of my day (and night) on the road or sitting at practice, I think of a million things to post on my blog: events that are happening, cute things the kids say, my thoughts on different matters, etc.  By the time I get to the computer at home, I've forgotten what I wanted to write.  For a while, I carried a notebook with me so I could write down things I wanted to remember.  Guess I need to put it back in the van.

Will and Andrew had their first games this week.  Will's team lost both of their games but they really tried.  He plays coach pitch.  Andrew's team doesn't keep score (he plays 3-4 year old t-ball).  Hannah's games start on Monday, then it gets really interesting around here.  All three play on Tuesdays at two different fields.  Yeah, like I said, interesting.  Most nights, we eat dinner around 4:30-5 p.m.  By the time they get to bed after 9 p.m. (really late for them), they are hungry again.

Andrew has been singing "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" lately with his own little twist.  Instead of "gently down the stream," he sings, "gently down the scream."  Also, Andrew has gotten his opposites mixed up, except for his left and right.  When something is cold, he says it is hot.  Up is down and down is up, etc.  Trying to understand what he means is interesting and difficult at times.  Sometimes I just have to laugh.

Mom had a car wreak last night on her way home from work.  A car had stopped to turn into a subdivision and there were a couple of cars behind it.  She didn't see the brake lights of the last vehicle until it was too late.  Mom said she buried her feet and brake pedal in the floorboard but wasn't able to stop in time.  When she hit the car in front of her, it started a chain reaction that ended three cars later.  Her radiator is busted and the front end is all messed up.  Praise the Good Lord above, no one was hurt.  Mom is sore across her chest where the seat belt was but that's all.  Mom is upset.  She has been involved in accidents before but this is the first one that was her fault.  I'm just happy that no one was hurt or worse.

Gotta get off here.  Hannah is trying to make dinner (her idea) and I need to supervise.

Game Night

Hannah and Will both played ball tonight at the same time. Hannah's team played the Hot Shots and won 17-13. She batted three times. First time, she made it to second base and later made it home. Her second time at bat, Hannah hit a pop-fly and the pitcher caught it in the air. On her third time at bat, Hannah was last one and made it all the way to third base. She ran to home but it didn't count because the third out came before she made it to base. Hannah's run to third had everyone sitting on the edge of their seats. She ran really well from home to first, then a little slower from first to second. She decided to dilly-dally around and almost got out a couple of times but the other team kept dropping the ball. All of her coaches and a bunch of the parents commented to her about that run. I wanted to ring her neck. If Hannah was chasing Will, she would have made it around the bases in record time. Instead, she is like Prissy from "Gone With The Wind" and is in her own little world. I think I'm going to change her name to Prissy.

Oh, a side note - the Hot Shots colors were black, white and red. I think the Parks Commission needs to really watch the team colors next year. What's with all the red, white and black?!

Will's team did better tonight but they still lost their game. Mike said their hitting was a lot better and Will actually paid attention, most of the time.

Hannah, a.k.a. Prissy, has another game tomorrow night at 7:30. Will has another game Thursday night at 6. Good thing I like baseball. Now, if Andrew would let me watch the game I'd be set.

Oh, before I forget. Mike's nephew James and his baseball team is going to State!!! They won their regionals and subregionals last week. They play in the State tournament this week in Murfreesboro. Go Pigeon Forge Tigers!!!!

Games and Bacon Bits

Bacon Bits first - yes, I know it sounds odd. Today while I was checking the computer to see what fields the kids' were playing on, Andrew got into my refrigerator. Gracie, Hannah's friend, came back bringing an empty bacon bits bag. Apparently, Andrew had decided to help himself to the half-full bag of bacon bits and ended up spilling them all over the couch, floor and dogs. When I went into the living room, where the incident happened, Baron was enjoying himself as he ate the bacon bits off the floor and off Gracy, the dog. After spanking Andrew's bottom, I got out our little hand vac and cleaned up what Baron didn't get. Two-year olds - gotta love 'em.

Hannah and Will both played ball tonight, again at the same time. Mike said Will's team did okay. They played a team of 6-7 year olds that were competitive. The Cubs did their best but didn't win the game. Will told me he struck out while at bat. Poor baby! Better luck next time.

Hannah's team, the Sparks, played the Lady Dawgs. Both teams had red, white and black uniforms. The front of our shirts are white whereas the Dawgs' shirts were red. It was a little confusing at first. The game was almost a shut-out, and not in our favor. Luckily, in the fifth and sixth innings, the Sparks came back and closed the huge gap. We still lost but it was 11-10. Our team hasn't played since our game last week. The girls were acting like they were afraid of the ball. During most of the game, our girls were striking out or getting out at first base, not much of a threat, I thought. During the last inning, the Lady Dawgs started chanting (why then, I don't know - they hadn't done it any other time we were at bat), trying to throw off the coach pitching and the batter. It didn't work like they thought because, instead of distracting the girls, it encouraged them and we got quite a few runs and some great hits. Hannah struck out her first time at bat, got to second base after her second bat, and made it home after batting a third time (No, she did not get a homerun. She was an RBI for another player.) The coach realized the girls need to work on their skills so we are having practice this Thursday and next Monday. Hannah's next game is next Tuesday and Will's is May 14th.

Ball Season is here

Baseball and Softball season has started. Hannah had her first game this past Monday whereas Will had his third game at the same time. Hannah's team, the Sparks, whooped up on the DC Divas 15-0 when the umpires called the game after the third inning (I can't remember the technical term as to why they called the game but it has something to do with trying to keep it from being a total blow-out.). I've been bad because I have found a slight satisfaction in Hannah's team's win. One of the assistant coaches for the Divas was Hannah's head coach last year. He would not let the girls throw the ball during the game. Instead, he would have them run the ball to the base to get the girls out. Thank goodness the Diamond Dolls' hitting was pretty good or we could have been toast. I know, I know. I shouldn't think that way. I told you I was being bad.

Will's team, the Cubs, hasn't been doing very well. Mike said they only got two runs during the last game. They've lost all three games so far. Maybe they will get better. This is most of the boys' first time to play coach pitch. Will did get a run during one of his games. He made it to second on his hit then made it home off the next batter.

Hannah and Will both have games next Monday at the same time. Mike will take Will to his game while Andrew and I watch Hannah. They have six games that will be played at the same time at different ball parks. When Andrew starts playing ball, we may have to have one child sit out or find someone to help us. Any takers??? I don't need an immediate answer; you have about two years (at least) to decide. :-)

We have teams!!!

Both Hannah and Will are playing ball again this spring. Will is playing on the Cubs with his coach from last year, Coaches Keith and Johnny. He will be playing coach-pitch. We went to the team meeting last night to meet some of the players and talk to his coach.

Hannah will be playing for the Sparks. Her coach, Todd Sweety, has been coaching for about four years and has coached this team for the last two. His daughter and the assistant coach's daughter both moved up to a different age bracket but they wanted to stay with the younger girls on the team. They are having a team meeting Thursday night.

Mike is going to be an assistant coach for both teams. His softball team for church has been cancelled. The Men's Ministry Director thought there wouldn't be enough time to get the number of players they needed so decided not to have a spring team. (The snow we had a week ago cancelled church which didn't help our recruiting efforts.) We, and the men we already had recruited, are hoping there will be a fall team.

Snow!!

IT SNOWED!!! Right now, we have about 2 inches on the ground. The weatherman said that it may snow more overnight and tomorrow, even though the temperature is suppose to be around 39 degrees tomorrow. The weatherman also said that Ripley (where my dad and Joan live) got about 10 inches of snow with more expected. They are only 1 1/2 hours north of us.

Mike, the kids and I went to Donna and Thad's house today. They have four kids with the last two being Hannah and Will's ages. We were suppose to have a Sunday School Girls Day Out at Donna's and eat. But, due to some extenuating circumstances, only one other lady from our class was able to come besides me. So, since Donna had a lot of food already prepared, she invited my bunch over to share. Mike and Thad had fun watching the Memphis Tigers play Southern Miss and talking. The kids had a blast playing together. Donna, Linda and I had fun talking and eating. Looking out the window a few hours later, we noticed that it was sleeting/snowing. The weather along the route from Germantown to home varied. It was snowing pretty good close to Germantown but Olive Branch was hardly getting anything. As we got closer to the house, our visibility decreased dramatically and the snowflakes were getting bigger and heavier. Once home, the whole family went in the backyard and played. I got the brunt of the snowballs (I had to come inside and change my scarf because of all the snow on it) but I got some good licks in, too. Poor Will's pants were soaked. Andrew did not want to go inside but his little nose was red. Hopefully the snow will stick around a little longer so the kids can get back out again tomorrow and play in it.

Will's basketball season ended on Tuesday. His team did really good, even though the Upward league doesn't keep score. The kids really got out there and hustled during each game. Mike was one of the coaches for Will's team.

We've signed both Hannah and Will up for softball/baseball again this year. Mike has also committed to coaching our church's men's softball team this spring. All it takes is someone to make sure there are enough players on the roster and to make sure they have enough players for each game. His games will be on Monday nights at either 6:30, 7:30 or 8:30. I hope they have quite a few early games, like they did in the fall. Due to the kids' school, we won't be able to make any of Mike's games until the first of June. Will's coach told Mike that they will play their games on either Tuesday or Thursday. They will practice on the Tuesday or Thursday they don't have a game. (Will's coach will be the same one from last year.) We won't hear from Hannah's coach until after evaluations on March 9th. I am going to be busy shuttling kids to practice and games, but I know it will be fun. It was last year.

Hannah's First Game

Hannah had her first coach-pitch softball game last night. I had to miss the first part because her game and Will's game overlapped. She did a good job last night. I saw her when she got to bat. The first time Hannah hit a foul. Her next two swings were strikes. When it was her team's time to play in outfield, she was in the Shortstop position. The other team won 8-2 but Hannah's team was great. They did a good job with it being their first game and not having many practices due to all the rain we've had. Mike was suppose to take pictures but I haven't had a chance to check the camera. I'll try to download them and post them later. Thursday night she has a game and Will has practice at the same time on different fields. I'll try to take some pictures as Mike will take Will to practice while I get to watch Hannah.

Will's team did a good job last night, also. Will was being a mess before the game even got started. He knocked off the hat of one of his teammates, who then gave Will a shove. Will shoved the other little boy back, pushing him down. Then, during the game, he was kicking dirt on some of the other players. But, in his defense, some of his teammates were doing the same thing too. Boys will be boys, won't they?

The Thrill of Victory and The Agony of Defeat

Will in his uniform. Isn't he cute?!

Will is #25. He is chasing after the ball. Most of the time he liked to play in the dirt.

Andrew in his sock drawer.

The kids playing in Will and Andrew's room before bed.

The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. That is how I felt Monday night after the game. My Tigers lost the National Championship Game to Kansas. But, they put up a good fight and didn't give the game away. They are still Number 1 in my book.


Will played his first T-ball game last night. They played the Braves. Both teams were cute as they all tried to chase the ball and running all over the field instead of to the bases. One little boy on Will's team hit the ball. Instead of following the line to First Base, he followed the line to the pitcher's mound and ran straight to second base. Later, a boy on the other team ran into the outfield chasing after the ball instead of running the bases. They were hilarious. I took some video of Will's first time at bat and running to first base. Later, I took some video of his first time to run to home plate. If I ever get time to figure out how to post video, I will do so.

Hannah's first game will be next Tuesday. I'll take some pictures and post them sometime next week. Both kids play ball next Tuesday: one at 6:45 and one at 7:30 at different ball fields. What fun, what fun.

Rain and Baseball

2007 ended with a deficit in rainfall of around 60 inches. We are making up for it now. In the month of March alone, our area has had 10 inches of rain. It has rained just about every day so far in April. This weekend the weathermen say it will be sunny until Tuesday or Wednesday of next week. My kids won't know what to do with it sunny outside. But, if they want to play in the backyard, they will need their swim gear.

Because of all the wet weather, Mike, Hannah and Will have missed some practices and games. Hopefully, everything will dry out soon so the kids' teams can get some practicing done before their games start. Hannah is on the Diamond Dolls and will be playing coach pitch softball. Will is playing for the Giants in the T-ball league. Mike is playing for our church on Monday nights. Hannah and Will have never played baseball (softball) before. Mike has played for a few years on our church league. Unfortunately, because of the kids' school, the kids and I won't be able to make one of Mike's games until the end of May. Good thing his games end the 9th of June. Maybe we can get to at least one of them.

Another one down

Well, another child is sick. This time it is Andrew. The doctor said he has an ear infection, sinus infection, and pink eye. Since he developed a rash taking Amoxicillin a couple of weeks ago, she gave us another antibiotic along with two other medications. Hopefully these meds will knock out the infections and get him well. I am just praying that the rest of us stay healthy in the mean time.

The weather is acting crazy again. Yesterday, the high temperature was in the 60's with a cold front moving in last night. The forecasters were predicting at least a half inch of snow overnight. We were all disappointed to wake up and see green instead of white. Schools let out early today because another cold front is moving through today, supposedly bring snow and bad weather. There has been some rain/sleet/snow mix off and on today but no accumulation. We'll see what tomorrow brings. Next week is Spring Break so I hope it is warm enough for the kids to enjoy their time off.

We heard from Will's T-ball coach the other day. He will play for the Little Giants. Games will be Tuesday nights at either 6 or 7:30 p.m. The coach will get back with us regarding practice schedules. I haven't heard back from Hannah's coach and hope to soon. We will keep you posted regarding games schedules and their stats.