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Monthly Archives: July 2017

An Open Letter to My New Teen Driver

New Teenage Driver
Our new teen driver

My Dearest Faelan,

Felicidades on passing your driver’s test and getting your driver’s license! This is a milestone for any teen. It’s a right of passage. A step across to the other side of maturity. It’s new found freedom and mobility.

I must admit that one year ago when you received your driver’s permit, I was pretty much freaked out about you learning to drive. But I received some really sound advice from another mom who had been through this with both her children. That sage advice, “let her drive… all the time”.  As terrifying as that prospect was, I did it. I tried not be judgy or outwardly nervous, although I know you probably noticed me pressing my “pretend brake” with my foot on more than one occasion.  Through it all, you soldiered on…always excited to get opportunities to drive. You accepted corrections with grace but sometimes with the occasional, “yes, I know Momma!”

You’ve come a long way and I love your confidence. I know you were nervous about the parallel parking portion of the test, but the look on your face when you nailed it, was priceless! And, while it’s such an exciting time, know that driving is a privilege and something to be taken seriously. Know that the vehicle you are driving has power. It has the ability to hurt others or damage property. Treat it with the respect it deserves. Most of all, enjoy this milestone and don’t forget the following:

  1. adjust your seat, mirrors & radio station before you leave the driveway;
  2. check the gas gauge to ensure you can get where you’ve gotta go;
  3. do not text while driving;
  4. car insurance for teens is pricey, don’t do anything to increase our premiums; and
  5. keep the radio to a reasonable volume.

Love, Momma

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Summer and Travel Baseball – Myrtle Beach, SC

It’s been quite some time since I’ve written a post. I have officially exited my self-imposed political ban after last year’s election results… nuff said!  Thanks for sticking with me my Latina In Law Lovelies!

Summer is such a great time of year. The kids are out of school enjoying their free time and even the office load seems a bit lighter this time of year. For our household, though, Summer is travel baseball season in Michigan. This year, my son and his 12U travel baseball team had the wonderful opportunity to travel out of the State of Michigan to participate in the Cal Ripken Tournament in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  The tournament was over the Memorial Day holiday, as a result, our family extended our time in South Carolina and made it a family baseball vacation.

Ripken Experience Baseball Fields, Myrtle Beach, SC
Pepper O’Brien, 12 years old
Cal Ripken Tournament, Memorial Day Weekend, 2017
Pepper and the Boys

Not knowing what to expect, I was impressed with the Ripken Experience grounds and facilities. The umpires and staff were all very friendly. But probably one of the best services they offered was professional photos taken of your ballplayer so that you could concentrate on watching the game without having to worry about missing “the money shot”. While there were numerous photo packages and framed photo options, I opted to buy all the digital photos, which came with a complimentary 8×10 of my favorite photo. Purchasing all the digital photos meant that I was free to do whatever I wanted with them. The best buy, by a long shot. The first two photos above are two of my favorites taken by the photographers. These photos are ones I will keep for a lifetime.

This was my first time to Myrtle Beach. We stayed at the Ocean Reef Resort right on the Atlantic Ocean. Suffice it to say, it was beautiful. We were fortunate enough to have great weather and the resort had every amenity we could ask for. I would definitely go back for another stay. Check them out here: http://www.oceanreefmyrtlebeach.com.  We stayed in a 3 bedroom condo with an ocean view and even received a special room rate since we were playing in a Cal Ripken Tournament. The kids had a great time on the beach; swimming in the ocean; learning how to surf; swimming in the pools; drinking daiquiris (w/o alcohol), and playing in the arcade in the evenings.  We were fortunate enough to have some of our extended family join us so the vacation was truly a family affair. It was a great baseball vacation and an excellent way to kick off Summer 2017.  [click Title for comments]

Breathtaking sunrise, Myrtle Beach, SC