Superstar

(Completely random comment - "Superstaaa": Why is it I can't say that word without thinking of Saturday Night Live and Mary Catherine with her hands stuck up her armpits?? )

So after a full season of easy outs and easy wins, Seth had to play a real team tonight. By all counts, it WAS the Little League World Series. A little background - his biggest rival was also the team that he wasn't 'good enough' to be picked preseason 2 years ago after playing with them the previous season. Mama didn't like the fact he was chosen last in the draft and had him switched to another team. Why yes, that would be a Mama Bear roaring...

It also is the team that his best friend and neighbor plays for. So there was a little trash talking going on and the kids in the third grade class were all calling their bookies to place their bets. By Seth's count, his team was down 30-1. Trash talking, drafts, this is third grade!! What's next, reminding the boys to spit their tobacco outside the dugout??

Anyway, this was the first nail biter game we have had in Seth's career of oh, 4 years. At the end of the sixth, and final inning, they were tied 5-5. Seth had already caught a couple pop ups, one of which was his best friend's. Well, there goes the neighborhood pick-up games.

So, into the seventh inning, they are starting out with the bottom of their batting line-up, both kids get on base. Woo-Hoo! Lead off hitters go up and get singles, or get out. So, (are you sweating yet, I sure was!?!??) Two outs, bases loaded, last chance at bat, entire baseball career riding on this one (maybe that was an exaggeration..) and my man comes up to bat.

Now I know that God probably doesn't have little league high on his priority list - but this mama was a' prayin "please Lord, just let him hit it...." Seth smacks the ball far into the outfield, driving two runs in! I am seriously screaming my lungs out, stretching my vocal cords as far as they will go, and jumping up and down like a little girl. That's my baaaaaby!! Now I am the one who loves to brag on his art skills and his natural talent at drawing. But somehow, him winning a Christmas card contest just didn't compare to the feeling of seeing him round first as his buddies were running into home. And besides, me jumping up and down and screaming may have been a little awkward at the art museum...

The other team is only able to get one more run in the bottom of the inning and Seth's team wins 7-6. We take him and his best friend to Sonic for burgers and ice cream to celebrate. We might as well have taken the whole team as the boys' celebration dinner cost us the price of a small car.

$7 plopped down on bottled water and bags of chips (to keep little ones quiet during the game)..
$28 on burgers and chili fries...
$14 on Sonic blasts...

Salvaging a childhood friendship and seeing my son feel truly like he was a success. For once, not the shy, timid little boy who is afraid to ask a waitress for extra napkins - Priceless...