I saw this picture & for some reason it reminded me of Jace :) 

The other day I was asked (get asked this alot) if we will push Jace into playing baseball or sports in general... My response was, "No, we want him to pursue whatever passion God lays on his heart... No telling what that boy will enjoy!" As I thought about it longer I began to think about Jace's future... & what God has in store for him... this made me excited!

Jace loves to play with any kind of ball.... basketball, baseball, soccer ball, football, etc. He will turn down any other toy just to play his version of catch with you... literally any toy. He loves to watch any sport & takes it all in... this makes us think he will more than likely enjoy sports. I am sure he will be encouraged to play because of his family being athletes but you never know... He also loves music... maybe go into ministry? maybe be an entreprenuer? who knows! Our prayer is that whatever his passion is here on this earth that he uses it as his ministry in this world too... 

Last week Jeremy took Jace into the clubhouse at Spring Training & it was so sweet to see his daddy so proud of him & want to show him off to the other guys. Everytime Jace sees his daddy he lights up... Jeremy adores Jace & you can see it in his eyes that he doesn't think it gets much better than having a son. As Jace grows up I wonder what he will look back on & remember the most? His daddy's career or his daddy's character? I hope that even if he doesn't play baseball or any sport for that matter that through watching daddy play baseball & watching his career he learns life skills & not just baseball skills so that he can use it in his own ministry of life.

Jeremy has always told me that his Dad has & always will be his hero... Not because he was a star athlete or famous... but because he was HIS DAD & his Dad hung the moon in his eyes... he didn't watch his dads "stats" in his career but he watched his character & that was way more than status...He watched how he treated his mom... How he was disciplined... Godly... etc. He wanted to be just like him...I know that when Jace is able to say it he will tell me his Daddy is his hero too... no matter what his "stats" say...

Who is the hero in your life???

Here it goes!

lifechangher

Here is a few pictures of the things I want to focus on in my new adventure for women! 

I want to come into your home once a month & help you balance these things in your life the best that I know how. It will be a 6 month program of different ways to hold you accountable... Here are a few: daily phone calls, homework, flip video workouts, personalized workout for you, resources, calendar, blog, conference call for all participants, & book list.... 

the details are still being worked out & when I have them done I will share more! 

Feel free to tell me what you think! 

JOY-

- a source or cause of keen pleasure or delight; something or someone greatly valued or appreciated: They are a pure joy.

Ben is a pure joy.

Anna is a pure joy.

Jace is a pure joy.

Alivia will be a pure joy.

Baby Greenland will be a pure joy. 

These pictures are of the kiddos in my life.... Ben- nephew, Anna- Niece & big sister to Ben, Jace- Our son :), Alivia- soon-to-arrive niece, & Baby Greenland- Gods divine plan to bring a baby from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia into our family. This is what brings so much joy into our lives! 

Yesterday as we were driving to Scottsdale I set in the backseat of the truck with Jace instead of up by daddy in the front & I couldn't help but notice how much joy he brought to Jeremy & I... He was so thrilled to have me sit by him... We all laughed the whole way. At one moment I looked at Jeremy & we both just grinned ear to ear laughing at Jace's little personality. Not a day goes by that I don't thank God for our little guy...

As I began putting together my thoughts for this post I also thought of the other little ones that bring joy into our life:  

I remember when Anna was born... We waited & waited & waited & waited in the hospital that day for her to arrive... then the minute I made a trip to pick up lunch for all of us she came (of course)...  She showed me childlike faith at the age of 3 when her little brother was in the hospital... Her mind was wrapped around the David & Goliath story & she had NO doubt her Bubba was going to be ok... We got the privilege to watch her daddy baptize her during Christmas time... The past almost 5 years she has been so much fun! We like to watch movies, eat popcorn, & tell stories together.

When I see Benjamin I can't help but light up inside. He makes the whole room smile. Our family calls him our miracle baby but I think he is not just a miracle baby... he is total joy. He is the strongest little boy I know. He has overcome so much already at the age of 3... We weren't sure if we would get to watch Benjamin grow up when he was a month old but let me tell you I can't imagine going through life without a little boy calling me "Sar Sar" (his name for aunt sarah) & playing with Jace. One thing I love about him is when he prays for us... its a bunch of gabber but by far the best prayer I've heard.

Then there is Jace. Words can't describe how proud I am to be a mommy. When Jeremy & I got married our plan was to wait 2 years before we had our first child... well, not so much. Jace was born a month & 15 days after our 1 year anniversary. Thank goodness God had another plan because I sure can't imagine life without Jace... Everyday I learn something new about him & his little personality shines... He is always smiling (unless he's hungry lol) & constantly on the go... I can't wait to see what plan God has for his life. 

I am excited to say that I have a new niece on the way, Alivia :) My sister-in-law, Megan is due April 9th & we are all anxious to meet this little girl! This is why I don't have a picture of her yet so I put the pink elephant up because that is what is in her nursery. Everywhere I go I see baby girl stuff & it makes me think of her. I can't wait to pick her up & take her & Jace to the park... or Meg & I take them swimming... I know she will bring so much joy into our lives! 44 days left!

Last but not least, Baby Greenland. Stephanie & Scott are in the process of adopting a baby girl/boy from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. What a huge blessing it is to know we will be apart of this baby's life. They told us back in November about their plans & since then love in my heart is growing for this unknown baby girl/boy. What is so cool about that is we don't know this precious baby yet, however, God knows exactly who it will be & when he/she will become apart of our family. This baby will be so loved by it's parents & family! Thank you Lord in advance for meeting all the needs for this process to happen & for using our family for your Glory. 

(steph is my sister... Her & scott are Anna & Ben's parents)

Hard to believe that our family is growing so quickly! I feel blessed today to have each one of these kiddos & their parents in my life! My prayer today is that we as parents, aunts, & uncles can show them who Jesus is & be an example of how to live like Him! 

Let us all have childlike faith

&

be filled with joy from the kiddos in our life!

How far would you go?

I am part of a baseball wife blog where we share experiences, tips, testimonials, etc. with each other. We are all scattered across baseball country & its so nice to hear the different experiences.... From girlfriends, newly weds to women who have been married 30-40 years... Its been very encouraging for me! 

Last week I read the post called,"How far would you go?"... This post was about how far we would go as wives to keep our husband's dream alive... as wives we tend to get worn down from all the "things" that come with the baseball career but when it's all over what would you do to have it back? Basically saying we should be thankful for the moment we are in, regardless how tired we get! Our husband's dream has now become ours... we want what is best for our husband & never want to see them hurt, therefore, we would do all of the "things" that come along this career ALL OVER AGAIN just to see them play again if that is what they desire.

Today as I was putting Jace down for his morning nap I began to think about how no matter where we are or what we are doing I am always trying to make our house/apartment "home"... Whether it's our rent house in Cali w/2 roommates to our TINY one bedroom apartment in Arizona to our rent house in Claremore, Ok & now the furnished apartment at Spring Training... I sometimes feel as if that is ALL I do because the seasons move so fast...I think as wives this comes naturally...  but what is it that makes it home?

I believe that it doesn't matter how many times I clean the bathroom, the kitchen, buy gorceries, make the bed, pack & unpack our stuff... that is not what makes it "home"... What makes it home is that Jeremy, myself, & Jace are all together. That is what makes it home. It's not that I am just doing laundry... but I am doing OUR laundry... It's not that I am cleaning a bathroom... but I am cleaning OUR bathroom... It's not that we have to have all of Jace's toys but that the toys he does have with him his daddy is able to enjoy with him. This is what matters.

And yes, I would do it all over again if that is what we were suppose to do...

"Where your treasure is there will your heart be also,..." Matthew 6:21

p.s. When we got here Jeremy had already been to the grocery store, bought Jace a pack and play for his bed, 2 new bouncy balls for Jace & him to play with, & had hangers in the closet for me to hang up my clothes... It might seem small but it meant alot to me that he knew exactly what to get for us :) He is a good man.

Mom's.. can you relate to this picture???

No, it's not Mother's Day... but when I saw this I couldn't help but use it for my post today! It describes how I have felt lately..

(now when Jeremy was here I have to brag on him that he was sooo good about cooking dinner, etc)

My new ministry I am working on organizing has to do with the mentorship of mommy's... I know I haven't been a mom for long but it doesn't take long to understand this photo! Through training I have seen how so many mom's get drained & have yet to find time for themselves... this is what I want to help with ;-) It's amazing how your life changes so quickly! When you are pregnant you are just so anxious to meet your little one & hoping you have it "all together"... then, its not long until you feel like its impossible to have "anything together'... I have learned that it's ok to not have it "all together all the time".. I want to help mom's have a balance... to find time for THEM... I believe wen you find that undivided time with God & have time for yourself it overflows in your home... 

Today I went running with my dear friend, Trina... I am so thankful for her friendship & one thing she told me was that I need to sit down & seek what God desires in this season of my life. I am overwhelmed with excitement to get moving on this new ministry but before I run I have to walk... Today I am walking... Today I am going to seek God's desires for this ministry he has laid on my heart & be silent... 

Today seek God's direction in your desires... Take time to slow down & hear his voice. 

More details coming soon :)

Servant's Heart

So, I have a confession to make.... I have been praying for some time now on an idea for a ministry that God has laid on my heart & I am just now starting to see the big picture. I cannot reveal everything to you because I don't even know everything yet, but I do know it will be a new way for me to serve... to serve mom's. 

I just want to ask if you would be praying for me that I have a clear vision of the direction God desires! I am so excited for it all to come together! 

Where can you serve in your life? Lets serve together!

Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

Today I sent Jeremy a video of Jace standing for a long period of time by himself playing for the first time. Yes, Jeremy literally just left yesterday for Spring Training & he decided to do this today... convenient, right?! Well, I think Jeremy was somewhat disappointed but he was so positive! He told me that Jace should just learn to walk before he comes to visit him so he can show off to his daddy when he gets there! When he told me that I thought, "you aren't sad??" We were working with Jace so hard when Jeremy was home hoping that he would get it down before the season started. Jeremy said these words, "I don't want Jace to learn to walk on my timing but on his own time." This brought up two thoughts to my mind. 1- How many times does our Father wait patiently for us to figure things out? No matter how many times we fall down or just don't understand he still has patience & love to show us. 2- How many times do we think our timing is best & if we just work hard enough it will happen? When really God's timing is perfect... probably alot for most of us.. 

"God's time may not be my time... But God is always right on time!"

As parents we can get so anxious for our children to learn something new or to perform well at something & put pressure on them when we just want what is best for them! Funny how kids will not do the "tricks" when you ask them to but the minute you go home they do it... is there something to that? Maybe! However, I don't want to be an anxious parent but I want to have complete confidence in him & in God's timing. Whether it be the timing of when he learns to stand, walk, run, sing a song, play sports/music, read, ask Jesus into his heart, etc. God has a divine plan for Jace & each of one us! I pray I don't try to force anything but that! God is continuously showing me on a daily basis how perfectly His timing is when we are patient in the big & small details of life. He cares about all of it. 

I pray that this season as a family we will not be anxious about anything but in everything we do we lift up our requests to God & be patient for him to reveal his plan to us. 

Jace & Daddy watching football

Tomorrow Jeremy leaves for Spring Training on his own.. just him & the blue Ford F-150 will be taking the 15 hr trip this year. Jace & I will be staying home until the 21st then flying out to visit for a week. 

Usually at this time we are calling apartment complexes, comparing prices, calling Cox Cable, doing laundry, loading the truck, figuring up our budget for Spring Training, making a plan for each place we could be placed for the season, putting stuff in storage (which we still are but not for as long!), & saying our goodbyes to family & friends... This year we are eating homemade waffles for dinner, doing "his" laundry, & sending him off! :)  In the past we left in March & not February... He has to report Feb 13th this year. Jeremy will be going to "Big League Camp" for the first time & I couldn't be more proud of him!! I cannot wait to get to Arizona to the warm weather, our wonderful friends, & watch lots of baseball! I have missed Arizona! 

I just want to take a moment to brag about my husband.... He has worked so hard at his career & is so humble. He puts everything he's got into being daddy, husband, pitcher.. & most importantly his relationship w/Christ... I have seen him grow tremendously in his relationship with Christ over the past 5 years & even more so this off-season. I am praying for him as he leaves bright & early tomorrow morning! May 

God use our family this baseball season to Glorify HIM!!!

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.”   John 14:27 

Growing up as an athlete I always knew how important it was to have goals but I don't think until the past few years have I realized just how important they are to have & to have specific goals. 

We are celebrating Jace's FIRST Birthday today a little early (Bday-March 22) because his daddy is leaving to go work toward one of his goals, baseball. The one thing that I love about Jeremy leaving is this... that he will teach his son that not only is playing baseball a dream of his from childhood but that it a chance to glorify our Savior in his career. 

The weekend before Jeremy left for San Diego (2 or so weeks ago) we spent the weekend together just him & I to have a "mini retreat" before the season snuck up on us. Of course we had fun, went out to eat, etc. but the one thing we made sure to do was set specific goals for this year. Personal goals, Career goals, Physical goals (applies to career for us), Spiritual goals, & goals for Mr. Jace. 

Even though we are celebrating his Birthday a little early today I want to share with you some goals we have for him for this year & for his future. The one thing we want to pour ourselves into is being a true example of what a disciple looks like so that he too will have a heart to follow Christ. Here are some things we are challenging ourselves & praying about for Jace. Please hold us accountable!

Goal #1. To love others as you would want to be treated & serve others.

Resolution- As parents we will love one another & show affection in our home. We will put others before ourselves even when it is inconvenient in the moment or hard work.

Affirmation: Continue to be the example & pray for him because he has a loving heart at such a young age! 

*We will humble ourselves before the Lord.

Goal #2. To have manners & respect authority. 

Resolution- Again, as parents we will respect one another in our marriage & respect our authorities. When we are apart from one another Jace will see us respecting our marriage & still putting each other first to the best of our ability. We will use please & thank you & show respect/love to elders, he will see his daddy open doors for others, mommy respect daddy as the leader of the home, etc.

Affirmation- Because of your obedience & determination to respect one another in marriage Jace is becoming well mannered without multiple trips to the bathroom in public places & in our own home! Keep it up! 

Goal #3. He will know Jesus well & learn what it means to talk with God.

Resolution- Every night we will say our prayers together as a family whether it be in person or during facetime w/daddy. We will pray (talk w/God) throughout the day & be open about our relationship with Christ. We will take time to pray specifically for countries around the world everyday using Operation World resources. (challenge for whole family). 

Affirmation- Jace is filled with love & understanding of who Christ is & has a clear example of what it looks like to be true disciples. In God's timing he will come to have a personal relationship with Christ.

My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’ Mark 11:7a

* this doesn't mean everything went exactly according to plan or that everything on our plan was accomplished. However, I can tell you this, without a plan we would have been like lost puppies in a rainstorm. The importance of planning is not always the accuracy of the plan but rather what the plan will prepare you for and protect you from. I have always said, "You will never be blessed beyond what you are prepared to handle." -Keith Kochner

*When you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

What are you planning for?

Each day I want to post the link to which country we are praying for so that you can join in with us! 

http://www.operationworld.org/guat

Life is like a box of chocolate...You never know what you're going to get.

  After the beautiful 77 degree weather we had last weekend to 20 INCHES OF SNOW, & the 6-8 inches we are getting right now I have decided baseball is as inconsistent as Oklahoma weather!!! In Oklahoma you might need your coat one day & the next you could go for a nice run in your t-shirt & shorts. In baseball, one day you might be the starting catcher & the next day find yourself on a plane ride home because you got hit in the face & caused you to go partially blind & deaf on your left side. That is what happened to my dad when he was 23 years old in Savannah, Georgia while playing professional baseball. Things can change that quickly in baseball & can change that quickly for you too. Today Matters. 


With life being so inconsistent in my husband's career it could allow me to be stressed to the max if I agreed to it. So, what holds us together? FAITH. We could allow circumstances today control how we approach tomorrow. We could worry about what lies ahead for our family because it is out of our control & unknown. However, God tells us not to worry about tomorrow because tomorrow has enough worries of its own. (Matthew 6:34) I think we should take him up on this advice because God has big plans for all of us. He is the Alpha, Omega, Beginning & End & will guard your hearts & minds in Christ Jesus.(Philippians 4:6,7) Last year at the Spring Training Baseball Chapel wives luncheon the guest speaker told us she moved 12 times in one year with 2 young boys & no help because her husband had to leave the next morning each time. She said she swallowed her pride & got on her knees to ask God for strength everyday. She knew tomorrow was out of her control & that faith would be the only thing to get her through. I am taking her advice.

With all of this said, we will not let the inconsistency of our circumstances control us. Jeremy cannot stress about how many pens he is missing because of the weather & instead shoveling snow can be his workout! I am going to spend these next 8 days before Spring Training not stressing out about weather, birthday parties, to-do lists, etc but enjoy the 8 days I have with Jeremy & work as hard as we can while we can!!

"Unbelief puts our circumstances between us & God. Faith puts God between us & our circumstances." -F. B. Meyer

***Photo is of Jeremy & men from the church shoveling the Church parking lot today :) Hard workers!

9 days left till Spring Training...

Each season I remember sitting in the same seat over & over again. It was to the point that if Jeremy looked up in the stands & didn't see me in "my seat" then he would go into a panic I didn't make it. The ushers & front office would even make sure I made it safely. (we have been blessed with great friends along the way!) This year it is going to be a little different with a 1 year old sitting with me through 9 WHOLE INNINGS! (pray for me!) I am anxious for Spring Training to start, yet it brings up all kinds of emotions that I tend to pack away during the off-season months. I don't realize how much my lifestyle is changed so quickly, almost like a touch of a button, when Jeremy leaves for Spring Training. 

I am excited about starting this blog because it will be completely from my point of view. So many times people ask me how I am able to live the uncertainty of baseball & I simply tell them "I just have faith & do it" but here is my point of view in greater detail. :)

From the day we began our journey together I have had a passion to write a book about our experience so this is the beginning to sharing my journal.