Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Big Twenty-Two
I celebrated my 22nd birthday this past Friday and had such a blessed day! Daniel and I left Thursday for a weekend getaway to San Diego. Friday morning we attended our cousin Michael's graduation from bootcamp from the Marines (so proud of you Mikey!). After that we got some lunch and then treated ourselves to spa pedicures. I convinced Daniel to have one with me and I think he's going to officially be addicted! Later that night, we got to get dressed up and went on a 3 hour dinner cruise and had such a blast!
Another season come and gone
We're back! Yes, we are still alive despite our lack of blogging. It has now been over a month since my last entry- that last entry being a very exciting one for us! In my last blog, I was ecstatic to announce that Daniel was heading home to California to finish the baseball season with the Mavericks. That's a call up we've been waiting for and anticipating for awhile now, so it was so exciting to see him in a Maverick uniform again (he played there for awhile in 2008); more then that though it was just exciting to have my husband home again. It was a very fun last few weeks of baseball for us. Thank you to all of you who came out to support and cheer Daniel on those last games. The last game was particularly exciting for us because Daniel hit his 10th homerun of the season (Praise God!).
The baseball season is now over and we are so thankful and blown away by God's grace this 2010 season. It was very fruitful both on and off the field and we finally made it through an entire season with no broken bones!! We did face two stints on the DL, but nothing major. The 2008 and 2009 seasons were pretty tough going through the injuries we went through. These athletes can face an extreme amount of pressure at times and to see Daniel's drive and perseverance through the diversities he's faced so far in baseball makes me so beyond proud! I believe God has a plan for our lives and I believe He has special plans for Daniel in baseball. But more than anything, I want us to always live in the will of our Lord. It's easy to lose track of our priorities when thinking of baseball. Of course we would love to reach the goal of making the big leagues someday and I believe my husband has the ability to get there. But I don't want us to ever lose sight that all we do is for the glory of our God; not for our own glory. His timing is perfect and He places us where He wants, when He wants. I constantly find me needing to remind myself that the organization Daniel plays for is not in control, but God is! He has the ultimate say on our life and in where baseball takes us. Being in this career has challenged our faith on many levels, but I praise God for the lessons we have learned so far and are still learning.
It is nice to be back home again close to family and friends. First chance we got, Daniel wanted to hit the beach so we did and he loved it! We're enjoying the offseason and are looking forward to relax and slow down for the next 5 months. I'll try to blog along the way. Big shoutout to all our Clinton friends and family too- we miss you guys and are so thankful for your support and encouragement this year!
The baseball season is now over and we are so thankful and blown away by God's grace this 2010 season. It was very fruitful both on and off the field and we finally made it through an entire season with no broken bones!! We did face two stints on the DL, but nothing major. The 2008 and 2009 seasons were pretty tough going through the injuries we went through. These athletes can face an extreme amount of pressure at times and to see Daniel's drive and perseverance through the diversities he's faced so far in baseball makes me so beyond proud! I believe God has a plan for our lives and I believe He has special plans for Daniel in baseball. But more than anything, I want us to always live in the will of our Lord. It's easy to lose track of our priorities when thinking of baseball. Of course we would love to reach the goal of making the big leagues someday and I believe my husband has the ability to get there. But I don't want us to ever lose sight that all we do is for the glory of our God; not for our own glory. His timing is perfect and He places us where He wants, when He wants. I constantly find me needing to remind myself that the organization Daniel plays for is not in control, but God is! He has the ultimate say on our life and in where baseball takes us. Being in this career has challenged our faith on many levels, but I praise God for the lessons we have learned so far and are still learning.
It is nice to be back home again close to family and friends. First chance we got, Daniel wanted to hit the beach so we did and he loved it! We're enjoying the offseason and are looking forward to relax and slow down for the next 5 months. I'll try to blog along the way. Big shoutout to all our Clinton friends and family too- we miss you guys and are so thankful for your support and encouragement this year!
Friday, August 27, 2010
California Here We Come
So much has happened within the past few weeks and since the last time I have blogged. Due to the fact that I am on here so late, am tired and feel my writing skills lack creativity at the moment,I will try to quickly sum it up as best I can:
#1: I am back home in California. I left Iowa 2 weeks ago. Daniel and I decided it would be best for me to get home to Cali before the season ended so I could look for a job and get things together for us for the offseason.
#2: After a discouraging first week of job hunting, turning in resumes and applications, I am now an employee of the Hampton Inn Moreno Valley Hotel! Praise God! I start this upcoming week.
#3:Daniel went on the 7 day DL last week after stealing second base and jamming his shoulder. It wasn't a bad injury, he had full mobility but was just sore. He is feeling great now!
And now on to the BEST NEWS (#4): DANIEL IS COMING HOME TO CALIFORNIA TOMORROW TO FINISH THE BASEBALL SEASON OFF WITH THE HIGH DESERT MAVERICKS!!!
I am SO EXCITED! He called me about an hour ago and his flight leaves early in the morning. Even better, he is flying into the airport 30 minutes from where we live, so I get to pick him up from the airport!!! Words can not describe how ecstatic I am! What a sweet blessing this is! Just today, I was feeling bummed out and missing/wanting my hubby home. Here I was, thinking I wouldn't be able to see him for a few more weeks,to get news that I will actually get to see him TOMORROW! What an answered prayer! Praise God for His wonderful unexpected blessings!
Thank you all SO MUCH for the prayers and support! We love you guys!
#1: I am back home in California. I left Iowa 2 weeks ago. Daniel and I decided it would be best for me to get home to Cali before the season ended so I could look for a job and get things together for us for the offseason.
#2: After a discouraging first week of job hunting, turning in resumes and applications, I am now an employee of the Hampton Inn Moreno Valley Hotel! Praise God! I start this upcoming week.
#3:Daniel went on the 7 day DL last week after stealing second base and jamming his shoulder. It wasn't a bad injury, he had full mobility but was just sore. He is feeling great now!
And now on to the BEST NEWS (#4): DANIEL IS COMING HOME TO CALIFORNIA TOMORROW TO FINISH THE BASEBALL SEASON OFF WITH THE HIGH DESERT MAVERICKS!!!
I am SO EXCITED! He called me about an hour ago and his flight leaves early in the morning. Even better, he is flying into the airport 30 minutes from where we live, so I get to pick him up from the airport!!! Words can not describe how ecstatic I am! What a sweet blessing this is! Just today, I was feeling bummed out and missing/wanting my hubby home. Here I was, thinking I wouldn't be able to see him for a few more weeks,to get news that I will actually get to see him TOMORROW! What an answered prayer! Praise God for His wonderful unexpected blessings!
Thank you all SO MUCH for the prayers and support! We love you guys!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
2008 to 2010
We got back late Monday night from a 3 day roadtrip to Appleton,Wisconsin against the Timberrattlers. Appleton is where it all began for us. Daniel started with the Wisconsin Timberrattlers in 2008 when they were the Seattle Mariner's affiliate. It is where Daniel played that first season after we got married. Being there brought back alot of memories for me, along with mixed emotions...
We experienced alot of highs and lows that 2008 season. We were so excited when Daniel reached his goal of making the Class Low-A team (The Wisconsin Timberrattlers). The season started out on a high, Daniel was hitting .339 in 56 at bats with 10 stolen bases in his first 15 games (I can brag, I'm the wife). While on a road trip in South Bend, Indiana after going 3 for 4 that day (there I go bragging again) Daniel was hit by the pitch. And that quick, he broke his hand and would miss the next 2 months while it healed. As soon as the Mariner's and doctor's felt Daniel was well enough to play again, they sent him to Arizona to get some at bats in. We decided I would go along with him to AZ because we figured it would be a good opportunity for us to see our family. Leaving our belongings and car behind in Wisconsin, we headed to Arizona. After getting some games in Arizona, the Mariner's informed Daniel that we would not returning to Wisconsin, but instead, California, the next level up!
We we're excited, yet weary coming off an injury. We left from Arizona straight to California for Daniel to join the High Desert Mavericks. Knowing we had to figure out a way to get all our things out of Wisconsin, we took advantage of the All-Star break that took place a week and a half after we got to Cali. We decided during that time, that we would fly to Wisconsin, pack everything up in the car as quick as we could and drive back to California during those few days that we had off. Then, as soon as we arrived to Wisconsin, plans changed quickly. The Mariner's called and told Daniel they wanted him in Arizona TOMORROW! We quickly packed everything up, stuffed our car to it's full capacity, left our keys with the Clubee to be shipped back to California and we're back on another plane within 24 hours.
While in California, Daniel really struggled to pick up his hitting. He was still feeling an immense pain in the wrist below the hand he had broken. After being there for a little over a month, I got a call from Daniel on a Sunday. I remember it clear as day. I was having lunch with Daniel's parents after Daniel had left for the field when my phone rang... Daniel had informed me that the Mariner's were sending him back to Wisconsin. I was devastated. We had just got our car back to Cali, moved & unpacked into a house we we're renting with another couple from the team and I was loving being back home close to family and friends. I knew there was no way I was going to be able to move back out to Wisconsin and finish off the season with Daniel. We had already got rid of our apartment out there and had already spent way too much on moving expenses that year, so I knew I was going to have to stay behind in Cali. It amazes me how the Lord always meets us where we are at, when we need it. As I was driving to Daniel's game that day, I was listening to our local Christian radio station, the lady on the radio was talking about how her and her husband had to be apart during the summer and the verse she shared was Isaiah 40:29-"God gives POWER to the WEAK and STRENTGH to the POWERLESS." I was blown away on how perfect that verse was for me in that very moment. There I was, powerless, knowing my husband was going to leave and that I couldn't go with him nor know when I would see him again, but what a peace in knowing that God would give me the STRENGTH I needed to get through it. That night, Daniel got home from his game at 11:00 and he had to leave at 2:00 in the morning to catch his flight. So we had 4 hours to pack up and say our goodbyes. I was able to visit Daniel a couple times before the season ended. After the baseball season ended, the M's sent Daniel to Seattle for an MRI. Turned out, he had 2 broken bones in his wrist that they hadn't caught before, which explained all the pain he had been feeling.
Being back in Wisconsin, I did alot of reminiscing. It was tough being there, knowing that this is our third time in this league. (Everyone who reads this should already know, but Daniel broke his thumb last season-so we faced another injury season, that's another story). Being in Appleton this past week, stirred mixed emotions for me. At times, I felt discouraged knowing that we are still in this league, but other times I felt full of praise thinking back on what the Lord has shown us since we've been there last. It made me realize that even though we may not have alot to show for on paper for baseball the last 2 seasons, the Lord has taught us so much and we have grown so much in the last 2 years. Two years ago, when I would sit in those Appleton stadium seats and watch Daniel, baseball was our world. At times, maybe even our idol. Sitting back there this time, two years later, having gone thru the things we have gone thru in baseball, I have so much more of a peace at where the Lord takes us in baseball, whether I like it or not, or whether it makes sense to me or not. Because no matter what it is, He will be there with us each step of the way. Going through the injuries and having baseball taken away from us at those times was so humbling. We have grown so much through them and I know we still have alot of growing to do, but I praise God that "HIS GRACE is sufficient for us"!
We experienced alot of highs and lows that 2008 season. We were so excited when Daniel reached his goal of making the Class Low-A team (The Wisconsin Timberrattlers). The season started out on a high, Daniel was hitting .339 in 56 at bats with 10 stolen bases in his first 15 games (I can brag, I'm the wife). While on a road trip in South Bend, Indiana after going 3 for 4 that day (there I go bragging again) Daniel was hit by the pitch. And that quick, he broke his hand and would miss the next 2 months while it healed. As soon as the Mariner's and doctor's felt Daniel was well enough to play again, they sent him to Arizona to get some at bats in. We decided I would go along with him to AZ because we figured it would be a good opportunity for us to see our family. Leaving our belongings and car behind in Wisconsin, we headed to Arizona. After getting some games in Arizona, the Mariner's informed Daniel that we would not returning to Wisconsin, but instead, California, the next level up!
We we're excited, yet weary coming off an injury. We left from Arizona straight to California for Daniel to join the High Desert Mavericks. Knowing we had to figure out a way to get all our things out of Wisconsin, we took advantage of the All-Star break that took place a week and a half after we got to Cali. We decided during that time, that we would fly to Wisconsin, pack everything up in the car as quick as we could and drive back to California during those few days that we had off. Then, as soon as we arrived to Wisconsin, plans changed quickly. The Mariner's called and told Daniel they wanted him in Arizona TOMORROW! We quickly packed everything up, stuffed our car to it's full capacity, left our keys with the Clubee to be shipped back to California and we're back on another plane within 24 hours.
While in California, Daniel really struggled to pick up his hitting. He was still feeling an immense pain in the wrist below the hand he had broken. After being there for a little over a month, I got a call from Daniel on a Sunday. I remember it clear as day. I was having lunch with Daniel's parents after Daniel had left for the field when my phone rang... Daniel had informed me that the Mariner's were sending him back to Wisconsin. I was devastated. We had just got our car back to Cali, moved & unpacked into a house we we're renting with another couple from the team and I was loving being back home close to family and friends. I knew there was no way I was going to be able to move back out to Wisconsin and finish off the season with Daniel. We had already got rid of our apartment out there and had already spent way too much on moving expenses that year, so I knew I was going to have to stay behind in Cali. It amazes me how the Lord always meets us where we are at, when we need it. As I was driving to Daniel's game that day, I was listening to our local Christian radio station, the lady on the radio was talking about how her and her husband had to be apart during the summer and the verse she shared was Isaiah 40:29-"God gives POWER to the WEAK and STRENTGH to the POWERLESS." I was blown away on how perfect that verse was for me in that very moment. There I was, powerless, knowing my husband was going to leave and that I couldn't go with him nor know when I would see him again, but what a peace in knowing that God would give me the STRENGTH I needed to get through it. That night, Daniel got home from his game at 11:00 and he had to leave at 2:00 in the morning to catch his flight. So we had 4 hours to pack up and say our goodbyes. I was able to visit Daniel a couple times before the season ended. After the baseball season ended, the M's sent Daniel to Seattle for an MRI. Turned out, he had 2 broken bones in his wrist that they hadn't caught before, which explained all the pain he had been feeling.
Being back in Wisconsin, I did alot of reminiscing. It was tough being there, knowing that this is our third time in this league. (Everyone who reads this should already know, but Daniel broke his thumb last season-so we faced another injury season, that's another story). Being in Appleton this past week, stirred mixed emotions for me. At times, I felt discouraged knowing that we are still in this league, but other times I felt full of praise thinking back on what the Lord has shown us since we've been there last. It made me realize that even though we may not have alot to show for on paper for baseball the last 2 seasons, the Lord has taught us so much and we have grown so much in the last 2 years. Two years ago, when I would sit in those Appleton stadium seats and watch Daniel, baseball was our world. At times, maybe even our idol. Sitting back there this time, two years later, having gone thru the things we have gone thru in baseball, I have so much more of a peace at where the Lord takes us in baseball, whether I like it or not, or whether it makes sense to me or not. Because no matter what it is, He will be there with us each step of the way. Going through the injuries and having baseball taken away from us at those times was so humbling. We have grown so much through them and I know we still have alot of growing to do, but I praise God that "HIS GRACE is sufficient for us"!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Michigan Trip
We got back this past Monday from a 6 day road trip to Michigan. We don't have our car out here in Iowa this season, so I wasn't sure if I would be able to make the trip up to Michigan. But the Lord provided (once again!) and I was able to hitch a ride from one of the pitcher's parents who were planning on going. They were visiting their son from Montana and had their camper trailer attached the their truck. They also brought their dog and cat along, so we had a full car. It took us about 8 hours to get to Midland. We drove thru the night, so I mostly slept. Midland was a blast and the stadium was awesome. Daniel hit a homerun while we were there too, so that was exciting!
Along with this lifestyle you really have to be ready to "roll with the punches" because you never know what's going to come up. Before getting married, anyone who knew me, knows I was the biggest planner! So much so, that when Daniel and I got engaged, I made a "pros" and "cons" list (the "pros" definitely outweighing any "cons") and had a 'budget list' to show anyone who thought we shouldn't get married young, that we had no reason not to. I was pretty compulsive about organization and having every detail planned out. First week of spring training after we had got married, I quickly learned you can't plan for too much and to always have a plan B, because the unexpected happens quite often in baseball. So I have pretty much completely almost 'let go' and have learned to go with the flow!
So while we were in Midland, Michigan, we didn't realize it before, but I'd be stuck in Midland an extra night after Daniel's team left for the next series in Lansing. The people I rode up with were camping out and decided it'd be best to leave the next morning,which made way more sense for them instead of having the drive thru the night. Daniel's team left after the last game of the series to head to Lansing. Well God is sooo good and amazes me how He always works out the details in my life when I have no idea what I'm going to do. While I was in Midland, I met this wonderful family of a ballplayer that was visiting from California to watch their son/brother play on the Great Lake Loons (the opposing team). They were amazing and we instantly hit it off. They were so sweet to let me crash with them in their hotel that night I was 'homeless'. I love how baseball has allowed us to meet such wonderful people! They were such a blessing!
Anyways, we headed to Lansing the next day and had a great time there as well. Michigan was a blast and I'm so thankful I was able to go.
More fun news, Daniel and I were able to share in our host family's son's wedding a couple weeks ago. It was an afternoon wedding and I'm so happy Daniel was able to go with me. I'm usually solo at weddings, so it was a treat to have him there. I also helped out with the rehearsal dinner the night before and worked with some incredible woman.
Other side note, a nice man from Clinton has been letting us use his old 85 Ford truck. This thing is a beast and you have to pump the gas peddle a few times before turning the key and starting it (fun stuff, but hey it gets us from A to B and we are so grateful!). But the truck broke down on us a couple weeks ago, so we we're left bumming rides from whoever we could. I'm happy to report that it is now fixed and back to life! :)
Along with this lifestyle you really have to be ready to "roll with the punches" because you never know what's going to come up. Before getting married, anyone who knew me, knows I was the biggest planner! So much so, that when Daniel and I got engaged, I made a "pros" and "cons" list (the "pros" definitely outweighing any "cons") and had a 'budget list' to show anyone who thought we shouldn't get married young, that we had no reason not to. I was pretty compulsive about organization and having every detail planned out. First week of spring training after we had got married, I quickly learned you can't plan for too much and to always have a plan B, because the unexpected happens quite often in baseball. So I have pretty much completely almost 'let go' and have learned to go with the flow!
So while we were in Midland, Michigan, we didn't realize it before, but I'd be stuck in Midland an extra night after Daniel's team left for the next series in Lansing. The people I rode up with were camping out and decided it'd be best to leave the next morning,which made way more sense for them instead of having the drive thru the night. Daniel's team left after the last game of the series to head to Lansing. Well God is sooo good and amazes me how He always works out the details in my life when I have no idea what I'm going to do. While I was in Midland, I met this wonderful family of a ballplayer that was visiting from California to watch their son/brother play on the Great Lake Loons (the opposing team). They were amazing and we instantly hit it off. They were so sweet to let me crash with them in their hotel that night I was 'homeless'. I love how baseball has allowed us to meet such wonderful people! They were such a blessing!
Anyways, we headed to Lansing the next day and had a great time there as well. Michigan was a blast and I'm so thankful I was able to go.
More fun news, Daniel and I were able to share in our host family's son's wedding a couple weeks ago. It was an afternoon wedding and I'm so happy Daniel was able to go with me. I'm usually solo at weddings, so it was a treat to have him there. I also helped out with the rehearsal dinner the night before and worked with some incredible woman.
Other side note, a nice man from Clinton has been letting us use his old 85 Ford truck. This thing is a beast and you have to pump the gas peddle a few times before turning the key and starting it (fun stuff, but hey it gets us from A to B and we are so grateful!). But the truck broke down on us a couple weeks ago, so we we're left bumming rides from whoever we could. I'm happy to report that it is now fixed and back to life! :)
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Baseball Season 2010
Here are some pictures so far from this 2010 season:
These are some of the girlfriends/wives of the players
With out host mom Debe and host brother Aaron at the drive inn theatres
Daniel and Grandma Beck
Host Fam- The Fullans (Debe,Jim, and Aaron)
Me & Grandma Beck
Me & Nijeska (another player's wife). She's from Venezuela and only speaks Spanish.
So I've been working on my Spanish.
Daniel got to sit with me on the 4th of July after the game to watch fireworks :)
"And it's outta here"
Sorry for the delay in blogging. We have been keeping pretty busy over here in Iowa and I have found little time to get on here to give you all an update. We have been on a couple road trips since my last blog...one to Peoria and another to Kane County in Illinois. We also had a few days off during the All-Star break, which was a blast. We spent some time with my grandma and family in Illinois. It was about a 2 1/2 hour drive for us. We also went to a drive-inn theatre with our host family. Whom by the way, have been such a sweet blessing from the Lord in our lives. Daniel and I lived with them for a portion of the 2009 baseball season, but this year we've really been able to spend more time with them, they have really become family to us. Baseball is so neat in that way that it takes us to towns and places we'd never go and allows us to meet such wonderful people. The whole community out here in Iowa has left such a sweet impression on my heart. I have gotten to know a great group of season ticket holders over at the Lumberking stadium and have really enjoyed getting to know the people out here.
Anyways, things have been going well. Daniel hit a homerun in his last game out in Kane County (I added the video below, sorry it's a little shaky-I got excited, haha). Praise God! Also, there's an awesome guy out here in Clinton who has also become a good friend to Daniel and I that records and uploads alot of videos of the players out here. You can check it out by searching 'Daniel Carroll' on Youtube.
I have been loving being out here with Daniel again. The Lord has been showing me alot to be 'content' in where He has us in baseball. So often, it's easy to get caught up in the 'ups' and 'downs' of baseball, but I find so much peace in knowing we can find stability in Christ! I'm sure I've shared that before, but I can't help but to be excited about that!
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