Strike Three YOU'RE OUT, Next batter

So I started umpiring. It's a way to bring in some extra cash and stay involved in the game during the summer. Wow!! I had no idea how hard you can work out there. So I do three games a night(two nights a week)and feel like I am going to die before the third game ends. The little girls are adorable and the coaches care so much about them. I am seeing a totally different side to the game and it's very interesting. As a coach you are watching your pitchers and making sure everyone is in position when the ball is in play. It's not uncommon to argue a call or two. Many times as a head coach you feel like you need to have a tone of knowing what is going on and always being right in front of your players. You care they get the right call and don't just start swinging at everything.
As an umpire, you are making sure of several things you can't see all the time. You need to be in the right place at the right time. See the runners touch the bases, try not to run into the base runners, while getting across the field to let everyone know you saw the right call by yelling it out with authority. As a home plate umpire, you need to have a consistent strike zone, watch the feet in the box, look for movement with the bat, make all fly ball calls, and get to third if the field umpire is watching the runner at first. Now, that's just the tip of the iceberg.
Coaches and Umpires alike get yelled at by the Parents. Umpires during the games and coaches before and after the games. It amazing how we are all human trying to teach and make the right decisions for our youth. We sometimes make bad decisions and other times we make really good ones. We are human and it's not easy to live with a mistake and it's even harder when everyone is telling you how often you are making them. I make good calls mostly in the games and feel pretty good. There are times I blow it. Oops.
Whether you are a coach or an umpire it's about the kids. What are they learning from us? How are we doing in demonstrating respect and competitive play. I have been impressed with a few teams and how much they follow their coaches lead. I have seen bad coaching and bad umpiring. In the end, there is still another game ahead. There are always going to be kids learning from good coaches and having bad umpires or vice versa.
What am I learning in all this? F R E E that spells free, we just got a free base baby. Lot's of chants? yes! But also in everything we do, do it to the best of our ability with love, a deeper understanding from the other persons side and gratitude.
I am thankful for the opportunities God has given me and the people who have stood beside me. Batter UP!

photos taken by my nephew Huck (Happy Angry and Scared) All three emotions I feel when I am umpiring.

Home Improvement Projects

So we have been working on home improvements lately. Scott and I stated clearing the rock garden and transforming it into a flower garden. I spent Tuesday with my dad and he shared with me all about his flowers but this time I really listened. I went away with about 24 different flowers from his garden. I have been learning about the hard work done by people who get little reward. I have always enjoyed seeing my parents gardens and flowers. It wasn't until recently do you realize the joy of seeing something you planted grow. All the hard work and dedication put into improving your home. I dug into the rock garden and put all the rock on my blue tarp. Thinking we could pull it off to the side of the house until we got a truck to get rid of it. As I piled and piled rock on this tarp, Scott mentioned it wasn't going to move anywhere. So determined to get the rock off the grass and out of our back yard, I shoveled rock for two hours in a truck. Good times. But I am praising God for the fact I can even do that because of how my back was several months ago. I am blessed to be able to work outside. As my step mother sits on the couch, my dad mentions how she was the one who taught him about flowers. She now spends most of her days inside because of her major back issues. I am reminded of how we learn from each other and can bring beauty by what we learn. I have been learning a lot by not being so busy. I now see changes in trees, flowers and how white/bright the colors are in them. Isn't it amazing we are blind to so many things and when our eyes are open the world becomes so much bigger and brighter.

Amy was showered with Love

My sweet friend is getting married and we had a shower and reception for them. It was a great time to see how God works in everyone's life. They are perfect for each other. Scott and I are very happy for both of them. We really hope they get the Wii they registered for at Target. Julie and I were a little out of control at the shower because the coffee was very strong. It was a great time. No games, great food and quick opening presents. Now, that's a shower!

Sites, Shows, Kiss Marathons, Sequence games and a Yankees Game

I thought I would give a little insight to our conversations and special little quotes throughout our trip. My favorite quote from Huck was "You're Aunt Tina, Dada's sister but who is Scott?" During our Ellis Island adventure Huck asked his mommy about a glass room set up like when immigrant first came to NY to show people what the sleeping conditions were like. He asked "How did they get through the glass to sleep?" One breakdown Scott and I both thought was sweet. Huck was enjoying his subway ride when a homeless man came up who was very creepy and sad. He was asking for money or food. Jonny (my sister-in-law) gave him a granola bar and it was a very sweet gesture. Huck on the other hand burst into tears. Words spoken by many on the train. Jonny, "I think he is truly upset about the homeless man" Me, "No good deed goes unpunished" The man next to us, "He is just pissed you gave away his granola bar."
Back at the apartment Scott lead in all categories of quotes after his leadership in the hand motions to the YMCA and clapping in between plays of Sequence, being the bad link partner in Sequence because everyone else won at least one game with a partner after three nights, knowing their dog Max needed his kennel after pacing in the hall way and amazing Huck with his Lego and sand tunnel building. My favorite was when we went to the M&M store and Scott got a little carried away with filling his bag of M&M's costing 13.99 but hey he shared with all of us. I think Huck's bag of thirty little M&M's lasted longer then Scott's.
We saw a Broadway show "Curtains" and loved it! We visited everything you can imagine in 100 degree heat. Saw the Yankees play the Royals. Scott and I's favorite teams.
Huck, Scott and I would have sweet kiss circles we called marathons because they lasted awhile. It was very adorable. I love my little nephew!

Memorial Day Weekend

Remembering family and those who fought for our freedom. Scott's mom and dad took us to where his father and mother are buried. They talked about how these people made an impact on their lives and how they passed on.
Earlier, Scott and I took the four wheeler and explored the prairie land. Scott showed me where his parents land lays out. We saw cougar tracks, three turkey's, an abandon farm house with his dad's school house in the back yard and we found a good fishing hole. We had such a good time just hanging out on the farm.
Earlier in the weekend we took our High School team to state and lost 10-3. It was fun to travel with the team and enjoy a chance to play at the highest level of softball in the Kansas Area. The most fun was to know we had an impact on these kids lives to make a difference and to love on them. It was a great weekend. Softball coaching is over but a summer is beginning.

Graduation

We headed off to Salina today and took Dad with us to celebrate my niece's graduation. We talked in our Sunday school class about how everyone will have gone to a graduation sometime this month. We also talked about how there are good excuses to not attend and how immediate family is a must. I was very excited to celebrate my sweet niece's moment in the sun. She looked great and I was also surprised to see my sister who lives in Arizona as well. It was great to catch up on what is going on in every one's lives. It was also great to talk about the old days. Pretty good times. Dad made it through most of the graduation but we decided to leave early so we could get him down the stairs and out easier. It's amazing how fast kids grow. I am so proud of my almost adult niece and nephew, both are headed off to college. My niece is going to K-State (I knew she would pick a great college) and my nephew is going to Fort Hays to play golf (very thrilled he is playing a sport). They both looked great and seemed very happy. Oh it was great to see them.

State Bound

Yes we are heading to State. I am so proud of the girls!

Happy Mother's Day

We had a great time with our mother's on their special day. It was nice to get to catch up on things. We learned about plants, flowers, birds, paint, rabbits, hybrids, retirement, lap tops, rocks, maple trees, deer, hail, storms, winds, neighbors, decks, boyscouts, cameras, goats, ice cream, embarrassing moments with parents as kids, pigeon poop, roofs, hail, antelop, mountain lions, bobcats, antlers, games of spoons, baseball, softball, yankee stadium, catching a fly ball in the face, babies, miscarriages, marriage, when scott was three how he embarrassed his mom, how my brothers friend shot out a back window of a car with a bb gun, and gas prices (of course). I am tired. My minds has experiences too many conversations in one day.

City league Champions 18-2

Tonight I was asked to take the varsity softball team because our coach wasn't going to be at the game. I was nervous and felt scared about winning two games for the title of city league. We had one player out because her uncle died and another just came back from a broke check bone (getting hit in a previous game). The team we were playing was ranked midway in the conference and should be an easy win. First game was easy 12-0 but the second game was close 5-2 most of the game, until we opened it up in the 6th, winning 10-2. We huddled up and I congradulated them on two big wins. I was preparing to talk about what we were going to do about the funeral for our coaches father and our coach came walking up. He was so proud of the girls and what they had accomplished, you could tell he was crying. I stopped midsentence and told the girls to go hug him. They all hugged and cried for about three minutes. It was truly a sweet moment. One I was proud to be apart of and allowed to help out. God is so good for allowing us to have moments that truly matter in lifes picture. Coach told the girls, "Remember to always tell your parents you love them, I was fortunate to have told my father." Thanks Dad for all you taught me about baseball and for giving me the opportunity to play softball. I love you!

Highs and Lows

Last week our softball team went 2-0 to be ranked 1st in the city league along with two other teams. Of course our head coach got water all over him and he was elated. We are now sitting 14-2 as an over all record and only have one more game to play in the city league. We were all pretty pumped because this last team is not going to give us much trouble. But I received a phone call last night that our coach's father had a heart attack and passed suddenly. We are praying for his family and the funeral will be soon. It's quite tough when something like this happens. Please pray I will be an encouragment to our team and to his family. Part of being a championship team is overcoming tough situations. It's put us at a crossroads to know how the girls will play on Tuesday. Scott and I have enjoyed coaching together and we are thankful God has put us on this team for such a time as this, to be an ear, a hug and just a friend. It makes me thankful for the time I have with my two father's and how time is precious.

Shake Shake Shake, Shake Shake Shake,

This weekend we enjoyed our friends Dave and Rebecca's wedding. Scott was an usher and candle lighter. He was adoreable with the white gloves on. Anyway, we had a wonderful time seeing old friends and dancing and shaking the night away. Now, what else is shaking happens to be one thing after another. Scott mentioned his car was shaking more then usual, our garbage disposal shook right on our of the sink and now our microwave shook to its death. Some of our wonderful conviences of America life has slowly gotten broken. So we will be on a mission in the next few weeks trying to stop the shaking of our heads and thank God for his provision.

I'm Back, Back in the NY NY Groove!

Well, you might be wondering how I am doing with my back lately. With PT every week and excercising with my stretches. I am feeling about 98%. I have been swimming everyday and enjoying time in the morning with my 2 hour workouts. I have lost about two pounds but am still feeling very overweight. My back is not 100% but I trying to push it for softball coed season coming up this summer. So keep praying and I appreciate everyone who has been concerned. Thanks to Dr. John Wheeler for working with me to get back into great shape. If you live in Wichita you should go to see John Wheeler, he does a great job with helping people get back pain relief.

On another note, Scott and I have been very excited about where our church has been headed towards missions. We are excited our missions pastor and head pastor are on the same page with reaching the lost. This year more then any year our pastors have been going overseas and reaching out to love those who have not heard about Jesus. We are pumped because our congregation can follow their lead in becoming more evanglistic. Please continue to pray for our church to be an active part not just getting out our wallets.

Thanks for your love an support for Scott and I as we enjoy this first six months of marriage coming up May 2nd. I can't believe it has gone this fast so far. We have enjoyed having the warm weather with bike rides, softball and just sitting on our swing in the back yard.

Coaching together

Because I am coaching JV at the High School level my husband has been a volunteer in helping me with coaching. He is really love it and it helps him get to know the girls and we can talk about what happened. It's been so much fun. The girls really look forward to watching us interact. I love having him there and participating in teaching our girls. One of our girls hadn't ever slid before and as she rounded third, I told her to watch the throw. She didn't watch and just kept going, as she approached home the ball got there and she slid. She was called out but the look on her faces was as if she had won a golden globe award. She got up and said, "I don't know where that came from. I have no idea how I did that." We all smiled and laughed, everyone seemed to be proud of her accomplishment as if she was safe. I got a kick out of some of our accomplishments. After the game we asked them what they had achieved this game. They all started throwing out things. Leading off, sliding, throwing people out, but none of them mentioned winning the game. I was very proud of them for looking to improve and not caring about the score. We are having a lot of fun and the girls make it so enjoyable. They are very sweet.

Sweet Tooth

Lately, I have found out what my husband is made of and it's not sticks and stones. It's sugar and ice, and everything nice. He loves ice cream. I am quiet aware everyone loves ice cream and flavors are important as well. But my adorable Scott really can't get enough of the wonderful snack. When he got back from Europe last year he talked about how much one of our friends spent on coffee. It was quiet a bit of money and I was a little shocked. But when him and I talked yesterday and it came out how much he spent on ice cream, I could only laugh. So as I find out more about how my husband got so kind and sweet, I am realizing ice cream in our house last about three days.

Play Ball

Well, we played our first games of the year and it was very exciting. I was so thankful for Scott coming and helping me. He even got to wear a cool Falcon T-shirt. We had fun getting the girls ready and it was so nice to be back on the field. Some umpires recognized me and were very sweet. I even ran into an old softball friend of mine from slow pitch days. It did feel a little strange being back out there working with kids, watching parents expressions as their kids did good or bad. I was nervous for the kids as many of them had never even played in a high school game before and were very nervous. Our first game we won 16-1. It was mostly done by walks and pass balls. The second game our Varsity coach wanted to switch in some players and I was hoping I would gain some big hitters. But we ended up struggling pretty good against the pitcher they threw in the next game. It was a 3-3 ball game and then we made a ton of errors and losing 13-3. Aghahgh. All I can say is I was proud of them for playing so hard and trying till the very end. Scott was so adoreable in helping coach 1st base. Even though he thinks it's probably no big deal, it is a huge help to have someone there just to keep me sain. The bases were loaded and one of our girls walked up to Coach Scott and asked if I was going to make her bunt. Scott was pretty sure I wasn't going to ask this girl to bunt. And seeing how most of them don't have a clue how to bunt, Scott was correct. We had some fun times winning but then came defeat. I knew we were in trouble when right before the game I said there are no dumb questions and one kid asked what a pop fly was anyways. So many terms for kids to learn when they have never played softball before. Wow! Pray for me as we laugh and learn the game of softball. Varsity won both of their games 5-4 and 8-0. We were very excited for them for playing so well. It feels good to know they can win and win big.

Huck! Missing you during Easter!

Well, this week I recieved a sweet sticker thank you card from my nephew. We are miles apart and so my brother sent two CD's for me to view. I miss him so much! We were hoping to go see them this week during Easter so it's going to be hard not getting to share an Easter with my brother. When we were kids,I remember going to our Aunt Connie's every Easter and getting to do an egg hunt. It was always a neat time to run around her yard and play games. Easter was a family event for me growing up and I guess I never really understood it much on why we had to get dressed up all pretty for church. I would always get a new Easter dress each year and that part I really enjoyed. Easter was the one time of year where I didn't mind looking like a sweet little girl instead of a tomboy, that I was back then. But now, I haven't gone to buy a new dress for Easter in years but I still enjoy coloring eggs. Scott and I spent our evening coloring eggs. We took lots of pictures and we hope you enjoy your Easter. Remember it's not about eggs, bunny's and family (but those are fun things about it). It's about Jesus rising from the dead and the celebration of life! A new life with HIM!

Yeah you know me... down with PT... yeah you know me

Physical Therapy and Chiro working together? I have a great friend whose Husband is a Chiropractic Doctor and he has been helping me get back to health. I have even tried acupuncture and it seems to be working. As we speak I have a needle in my ear and whenever I need relief, I hold it for thirty seconds and the pressure relieves my pain. Kinda crazy ah??? I was sent to a PT as well and he has me doing all kinds of fun little exercises. I really hope I can get back to shape for this summer. Please keep me in your prayers.

Scott is doing well and working harder then ever. He got a few new sales! I am so proud of my Honey!

We helped out at a Lock IN last night and we are both dead tired. It was a lot of fun and there were kids everywhere. They had a mechanical bull, jousting, video games (Scott and I both stink at Guitar Hero), karaoke, basketball and three hours of bowling, go carts, and pool. I was empressed with my bestest friend Amy's newly announced fiance, who is a youth pastor in Andover. He did a great job of keep the kids entertained and gave a sweet talk about Peter and Jesus's relationship.

Baby's Got BACK (problems)

Hey..... So I have been working out pretty much everyday, trying to maintain and lose a little weight. I got on the row machine for about three days. Each day pain grew a little stronger. My Back was hurting so I stopped rowing and wore my back brace. Realizing my back was still not getting better from a two year problem, we decided I should go to the Doctor. They took x-rays and nothing showed up. They took an MRI and again nothing but a minor bulging disc. I have had all of my Doctor friends looking at it and they are working hard to figure out what is wrong. I have been going to a friend Chiro and he is going to see what can be done. I am happy to hopefully get some relief. I can't lay down, sit, or even move right now without pain. Please be praying we can find out what is the cause and get my back to feeling better. I am coaching everyday and it's difficult to be hitting a ball. Please pray we can get this worked out soon.
Softball has been going well. The head coach is back now and our practice yesterday showed our weaknesses. We have a few kids who need to relearn how to throw and it's not fun for them in anyway. Please pray I will continue to make an impact for this team and help them achieve what they are hoping for.

Happy 3rd Birthday Huck!!!!

Well, I called my nephew this morning and he answered the phone. Hello Tina, come over! I told him I couldn't come over and he told me. "When people call then they come over, so come over." I about cried because I wanted to see him so badly. It was nice to have skype and see him with a puff football. He showed me how he kicks it. He looks so big and it's amazing how fast little ones grow up. My sweet boy is three and he knows so much. Only wish he knew how badly, I wanted to be there. Glad he could have a great birthday with his parents and Aunt Jenny. Can't wait to hear all the fun things they are going to do this weekend. Don't forget to change your clock back on Saturday Night.