We we're so excited to be back together again! I had butterflies as I waited to see my husband again. It's really true that distance makes the heart grow fonder.
After landing in Puerto Rico, the team put us up in a beautiful hotel for 3 nights while we looked for a place to live. We ended up getting in contact with a few different real estate agents out here that had some listings for monthly rentals. After scoping out some options, we found a beautiful ocean view condo that was within our price budget that we fell in love with. The view was absolutely breath-taking and waking up to that in the mornings felt so unreal. It was completely furnished, so we didn't have to worry about that. But having gone to school for interior design, I couldn't help but add some little personal touches here and there to make it feel more 'homey' to us. Just the 'little' stuff added some comfort, got some good deals on throw pillows, candles and a rug. Also re-arranged the furniture a little, but doing that and adding the little things is all I needed to make it feel a little more like 'home'. It was perfect.
We also bought an authentic Puerto Rican hammock and hung it up on our balcony. LOVED it! The Lord provided for us in every way and even went beyond our expectations. We got a great deal on a rental car and everything was falling into place.
The team Daniel played for, the Gigantes De Carolina had a great group of guys and Daniel really found favor in the coaches eyes. Although the other girlfriends and wives at the game mostly spoke Spanish, they we're so sweet to make me feel included and comfortable. Note to self though, I really need to learn Spanish.
We also made great friends with another American couple on Daniel's team. There was a pitcher from the Mets organization, his wife and their 2 year old daughter on the team that we instantly connected with and built an instant friendship with. We feel so blessed to have met them and look forward to continuing a friendship with them. I love how baseball allows us to meet so many different people from all different parts of the country.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Off-Season catch up-Part 2: Venezuela
After about 5 weeks had passed, Daniel got a call from the winter ball team in Venezuela asking if he would be available to play with them before Puerto Rico. Daniel was hesitant because he didn't want to come back too soon from the injury, but was told that it wasn't a for sure thing, that they would only need him as a backup in case two other players couldn't make it. Daniel's leg was already feeling a lot better at this point, so after praying it about and feeling that the Lord must have opened this opportunity for a reason, he agreed to go if they needed him.
Sure enough, they did end up needing him. Daniel and I drove out to Arizona so he could get some at bats in there before leaving for VZ. He flew out from AZ and I headed back home to Cali for 3 weeks til we would meet again in Puerto Rico.
During Daniel's first game in VZ, he had a little setback on his leg and would only end up playing in one game out there. They had him stay in VZ to get the proper treatment and rehab on his leg and it turned out being a really good thing. Although, it was tough for us to be apart, the Lord really opened doors for Daniel to share his faith with guys on the team. To us, that's what this whole 'baseball' thing is really about in the end.... we want to make an impact on peoples life in a way bigger then just baseball. He was also able to get the best treatment possible on his leg, which we feel really helped the healing process. Praise God!
By the end of the 3 weeks in VZ, Daniel's leg was feeling better then ever and we met up in Puerto Rico on the 31st of October :)
Off-Season Catch up- Part 1: Bummer in Bakersfield
WOW! There is sooo much to catch up on! Again...which is why I am the worst blogger possible! But I will try to do my best to update all that's been happening the past few months.
Starting with the end of the baseball season..
I feel like the season came and went this past year. We had so much fun being close to home and having the support of friends and family at the games. Daniel had a very productive year baseball wise (all Glory to God) and it opened up opportunities for winter ball this off season.
We had found out about the opportunity to play in winter ball in Puerto Rico a couple weeks before the season ended. Daniel's hitting coach for the Mavericks, Tommy Cruz, helps coach the team in Puerto Rico and put in a good word for Daniel with the GM there and after getting the approval of the Mariners, we we're really excited for the opportunity for Daniel to play there.
The last series of the season was a road trip to Bakersfield, CA. Going into that last series, Daniel was hitting .302 at the time and was told he would just finish the season off at that point instead of playing in those last games so that he could finish above .300. We were content and satisfied with that because Daniel had already played a lot of games, so we thought it was a good chance to start getting some rest before winter ball.
Well when we got to Bakersfield, they decided to play him. Daniel ended up going 0 for 4 that night, bringing his average to .299. Which is still a great average, but being only a .01 point away, he played the next day hoping to bring it back up to .300 with one hit. But in his first at bat, he ended up getting a minor pull in his hip flexer/quad area as he was running out a ground ball. It was a tough and disappointing way to finish the season, but we had to keep things in perspective and be thankful for the year he did have.
At that point, we weren't sure if Puerto Rico would fall through after all because of the injury. But with winter ball still 7 weeks away, the trainer believed Daniel would be fine and ready to go before the winter ball season started. We knew God was in control, so we we're just going to rest and play it by ear the next few weeks and see how Daniel felt.
Starting with the end of the baseball season..
I feel like the season came and went this past year. We had so much fun being close to home and having the support of friends and family at the games. Daniel had a very productive year baseball wise (all Glory to God) and it opened up opportunities for winter ball this off season.
We had found out about the opportunity to play in winter ball in Puerto Rico a couple weeks before the season ended. Daniel's hitting coach for the Mavericks, Tommy Cruz, helps coach the team in Puerto Rico and put in a good word for Daniel with the GM there and after getting the approval of the Mariners, we we're really excited for the opportunity for Daniel to play there.
The last series of the season was a road trip to Bakersfield, CA. Going into that last series, Daniel was hitting .302 at the time and was told he would just finish the season off at that point instead of playing in those last games so that he could finish above .300. We were content and satisfied with that because Daniel had already played a lot of games, so we thought it was a good chance to start getting some rest before winter ball.
Well when we got to Bakersfield, they decided to play him. Daniel ended up going 0 for 4 that night, bringing his average to .299. Which is still a great average, but being only a .01 point away, he played the next day hoping to bring it back up to .300 with one hit. But in his first at bat, he ended up getting a minor pull in his hip flexer/quad area as he was running out a ground ball. It was a tough and disappointing way to finish the season, but we had to keep things in perspective and be thankful for the year he did have.
At that point, we weren't sure if Puerto Rico would fall through after all because of the injury. But with winter ball still 7 weeks away, the trainer believed Daniel would be fine and ready to go before the winter ball season started. We knew God was in control, so we we're just going to rest and play it by ear the next few weeks and see how Daniel felt.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
August Summary-Part 3-San Jose Trip
Although it was tough getting the news of my Gradnma's passing, it made me realize to not take my time for granted and enjoy this special time with my Tutu. Daniel's team left a day before my Tutu and I were planning to head up and we were able to spend the day celebrating the marriage of my cousin Keoki to his new beautiful bride, Grace. It was such a treat to be able to experience and share in their wedding because during the baseball season, it is usually hard to attend weddings. Everything was beautiful and it was so nice to catch up with family. It was also beautiful to see how my cousin and his wife incorporated both of their cultures. My cousin is Hawaiian and did a hula dance for his bride and Grace is Peruvian and they did a Latino style dance together, it was perfect!
The following day, my Tutu and I were off for San Jose. The drive started out interesting, due to that fact that my GPS-aka Martha took us on a very unexpected scenic route through a national forest. Those windy, pot holed filled pavement roads would not have been my first choice to say the least, but we had fun with it and saw a ton of gorgeous birds and scenery. We arrived at our destination a few hours before the game started and checked into the hotel. We rested up, got ready and we're off to the game. The game started out on a high when Daniel hit a leadoff homerun!
The next day, we met up with my mom's cousins and my second cousins for a delicious home cooked Chinese feast! It was delicious and amazing! We had a ton of fun catching up with everyone and we're so thankful for all the support and cheers they brought to the game for Daniel and his team.
The following day, my Tutu and I were off for San Jose. The drive started out interesting, due to that fact that my GPS-aka Martha took us on a very unexpected scenic route through a national forest. Those windy, pot holed filled pavement roads would not have been my first choice to say the least, but we had fun with it and saw a ton of gorgeous birds and scenery. We arrived at our destination a few hours before the game started and checked into the hotel. We rested up, got ready and we're off to the game. The game started out on a high when Daniel hit a leadoff homerun!
The next day, we met up with my mom's cousins and my second cousins for a delicious home cooked Chinese feast! It was delicious and amazing! We had a ton of fun catching up with everyone and we're so thankful for all the support and cheers they brought to the game for Daniel and his team.
August Summary-Part 2-Faith Night
During a homestand this last month of the season, we had "Faith Night" at the field. It's an awesome promotion night alot of minor league ballparks around the country put on. It is a great opportunity for players on the team to be able to boldly and publicly share about their faith in the Lord. The pre game show started with a great Christian band playing covers and original songs, followed by an interview between the baseball chaplain and a few of the players on the team, Daniel being one of them. I sat there in the stands during the interview in admiration of my husband. I am so in love with the man he is and couldn't be more proud of him! I love seeing the Lord using Daniel in bigger ways in baseball then just playing the game. I know God has a bigger purpose in all of this and it's so exciting to see it unfold.
Speaking of faith, our faith would be tested not too long after that night. About a week after, we got news my Grandma Beck had a massive heart attack and was in critical condition in Illinois. I quickly got online to help my parents book some last minute tickets to Illinois to get out there to be with her. God truly provided a great deal on airfare and my parents were able to leave to following morning. Originally, before this happened, my mom, Tutu (My mom's mother) and I were planning on all going together on the week long road trip with Daniel's team up north to visit family there and catch some games. When we got news of my grandma just a couple days before the trip, my mom had no doubts and understood that she needed to be with my dad during this time, but wanted my Tutu and I continue on with the trip that was already planned. So as my parents took off for Illinois, my tutu and I headed north.
When my parents arrived in Illinois, they were told my grandma had little to no brain activity. She was hooked to life support and after all my dad's siblings arrived, they knew what my grandma would have wanted and they knew the best decision was to take her off the breathing machine. Although it is always hard to lose a loved one, there are almost no words, the Lord truly did give us all a peace in knowing that my Grandma loved and knew Jesus and would be with Him in heaven. II Corinthians 5:8 "...to be absent from the body and is to be present with the Lord."
I am thankful that Daniel and I were able to spend alot of time with her during our time in the Midwest League the past seasons. My grandma loved going to Daniel's games and listening online when she couldn't be there. I will hold onto and cherish those special memories we shared and look forward to seeing her again one day.
Speaking of faith, our faith would be tested not too long after that night. About a week after, we got news my Grandma Beck had a massive heart attack and was in critical condition in Illinois. I quickly got online to help my parents book some last minute tickets to Illinois to get out there to be with her. God truly provided a great deal on airfare and my parents were able to leave to following morning. Originally, before this happened, my mom, Tutu (My mom's mother) and I were planning on all going together on the week long road trip with Daniel's team up north to visit family there and catch some games. When we got news of my grandma just a couple days before the trip, my mom had no doubts and understood that she needed to be with my dad during this time, but wanted my Tutu and I continue on with the trip that was already planned. So as my parents took off for Illinois, my tutu and I headed north.
When my parents arrived in Illinois, they were told my grandma had little to no brain activity. She was hooked to life support and after all my dad's siblings arrived, they knew what my grandma would have wanted and they knew the best decision was to take her off the breathing machine. Although it is always hard to lose a loved one, there are almost no words, the Lord truly did give us all a peace in knowing that my Grandma loved and knew Jesus and would be with Him in heaven. II Corinthians 5:8 "...to be absent from the body and is to be present with the Lord."
I am thankful that Daniel and I were able to spend alot of time with her during our time in the Midwest League the past seasons. My grandma loved going to Daniel's games and listening online when she couldn't be there. I will hold onto and cherish those special memories we shared and look forward to seeing her again one day.
Grandma Beck and I at Daniel's game
Grandma Beck
August Summary-Part I-Latino Dishes & Dancing Gnomes
The longer I have procrastinated writing this blog, the more and more things and events have piled up (obviosuly), which leaves me sitting here stumped not knowing where to begin. Again, I admittedly know that I am not the best blogger.
Well seeing that my last blog was over a month ago, I will try my best to start where I left off. Considering how much has happened, I will put this blog into parts.
So here is... Part I:
August was a full packed month. Having Neyeska and Jose move in with us turned out to be a wonderful blessing and the beginning of a deeper bond we would form with them as friends. Neyeska and I would take turns cooking meals, which worked out great because it cut the work in half for both of us. It also was great because Daniel and I got to experience and taste some real delicious 'Latino' dishes, I even learned to make some myself! We were so thankful to have them with us this season. It's always refreshing to be around other girls follwoing their husbands around on this adventure too, makes me feel a little less crazy knowing I am not the only one.
On the subject of following Daniel around....I know alot of people wonder how/why we do it. To answer that question, this is truly where my heart is. I love being with Daniel and we love being together. Although there is a lot of sacrifice it takes in the minor leagues to follow your husband around (fyi. minor league salary is not much), the sacrifices are worth it to us so we could be together. We're young, healthy and on a wild adventure, why not?!
Back to our adventure... on our first off day of August, we went with some friends to a taping of the game show, Let's Make a Deal! Daniel and I dressed as garden gnomes and had a blast! (Pics Below). Unfortunately, we didn't get chosen as a contestant- which I'm still super shocked about because Daniel was "rocking" that studio! They told us during our interview process to be as crazy and fun as possible in order to have the best chance possible of getting chosen. Well when you tell a "Caroll" to get "Crazy", we mean business! Daniel danced around the aisles during commercial breaks, even started getting dance competitions going between other contestants. It was wild! We did definitely have eye contact with Wayne Brady more then a few times, leading us to believe we would get chosen, but no. We didn't. I blame our seats being in the top corner and Wayne Brady being lazy. Haha. Either way though, we had a blast!
Well seeing that my last blog was over a month ago, I will try my best to start where I left off. Considering how much has happened, I will put this blog into parts.
So here is... Part I:
August was a full packed month. Having Neyeska and Jose move in with us turned out to be a wonderful blessing and the beginning of a deeper bond we would form with them as friends. Neyeska and I would take turns cooking meals, which worked out great because it cut the work in half for both of us. It also was great because Daniel and I got to experience and taste some real delicious 'Latino' dishes, I even learned to make some myself! We were so thankful to have them with us this season. It's always refreshing to be around other girls follwoing their husbands around on this adventure too, makes me feel a little less crazy knowing I am not the only one.
On the subject of following Daniel around....I know alot of people wonder how/why we do it. To answer that question, this is truly where my heart is. I love being with Daniel and we love being together. Although there is a lot of sacrifice it takes in the minor leagues to follow your husband around (fyi. minor league salary is not much), the sacrifices are worth it to us so we could be together. We're young, healthy and on a wild adventure, why not?!
Back to our adventure... on our first off day of August, we went with some friends to a taping of the game show, Let's Make a Deal! Daniel and I dressed as garden gnomes and had a blast! (Pics Below). Unfortunately, we didn't get chosen as a contestant- which I'm still super shocked about because Daniel was "rocking" that studio! They told us during our interview process to be as crazy and fun as possible in order to have the best chance possible of getting chosen. Well when you tell a "Caroll" to get "Crazy", we mean business! Daniel danced around the aisles during commercial breaks, even started getting dance competitions going between other contestants. It was wild! We did definitely have eye contact with Wayne Brady more then a few times, leading us to believe we would get chosen, but no. We didn't. I blame our seats being in the top corner and Wayne Brady being lazy. Haha. Either way though, we had a blast!
Neyeska teaching me how to make "Arepas"
Lets Make A Deal
Monday, August 1, 2011
On The Move
We were married on February 2nd, 2008.
First 10 days of marriage we're spent in AMAZING Jamaica for our honeymoon (Note to self: craving it's beaches, need a vacay there again soon)
After coming home to our parents house for a few days, we were off to start our married life.
First stop, Spring Training 2008. So here the list goes....
1. Friends- Litchfield Park, AZ (February 2008-2 weeks): Before Daniel and I we're able to move into the team hotel for Spring Training, we stayed in the beautiful guest bedroom of our dear family friends, the Hanberrys.
2. Hampton Inn Hotel-Peoria, AZ (March 2008-April 2008): Our second full month of marriage was filled with housekeeping, continental breakfast and a hotplate in our room to cook dinners. (Yes, I broke the rules, no hotplates allowed).
3. Lynndale Apartments-Appleton, WI (April 2008-June 2008): Adored this place. It was a cute lil 2 bedroom furnished apartment and after picking up some couch covers and little accessories from a local store, it was our first "home".
4. Hampton Inn Hotel- Peoria, AZ (Beginning of June 2008): After Daniel broke his hand after being hit by a pitch, we we're back in Arizona rehabbing.
5. Rental House- Helendale, CA (June 2008-July 2008): After rehabbing in Arizona, Daniel was informed he was being sent to the High A team in California. Long story short, all of our stuff was still in Wisconsin and during the All Star break we had 3 days to get out there, pack it up and get back.
6. Back to Lynndale Apartments/My Parents House. Appleton, WI/Moreno Valley,CA (July 2008-August 2008): Yes, after all that moving. We were back in Wisconsin. After finally getting our car shipped back to California, Daniel was sent back to Wisconsin to finish the season there. After spending tons of money on moving expenses, we decided I would just visit Daniel a couple times before the season ended, which explains why this # gets two places.Daniel moved into an apartment with some of the players and I moved in with my parents in between visits.
7. Back to Hampton Inn. Peoria, AZ (September 2008-October 2008): Daniel was sent to the Mariner's Instructional League that off season....so back to housekeeping, best beds ever and I ditched the hot plate this time around, so we did alot of eating out.
8. Honolulu, HI (October 2008-November 2008): With no house to live in and no true commitments, Daniel and I found great airfare to Hawaii and decided "why not"! We went for 6 weeks. First 2 weeks, we stayed with my family out there, which was walking distance from Waikiki so we woke up every morning and went to the beach. The remainder of the trip, my tutu (Hawaiian word for grandma) was able to work out arrangements for us to stay in her friend's furnished condo in downtown Honolulu. Needless to say, it was an incredible 6 weeks.
9. Moreno Valley, CA (November 2008- February 2009): During the last few months of the off season, we knew it didn't make sense to get a place of our own at the point with only a couple months left until Spring Training so we stayed with my parents.
10. Rental House- Peoria, AZ (February 2009-March 2009): We rented a furnished house during Spring Training with our good friends Justin (a teammate of Daniels) and Kayla.
11. Indian Village Apartments- Camanche, IA (April 2009- May 2009): Daniel's first season/stint with the Clinton Lumberkings we rented a 2 bedroom apartment that we shared with a teammate of Daniels. Our time here would be cut short after Daniel broke his thumb after being hit my a pitch.
12. Rental House- Surprise, AZ (May 2009-July 2009): After spending 5 days in Seattle while Daniel got checked out by the team doctor, we we're back in Arizona to rehab again. Our good friends, Will and Lauren who we're with the Padres organization at the time we're rehabbing there as well. They were renting a house from another ball player that was gone playing that season and we were able to rent a room from them. It was a sweet time. Although we we're bummed to be on the DL again, our time there with Will and Lauren was special and made that time so much easier.
13. Host Family- Clinton, Iowa (July 2009-September 2009): When Daniel was sent back to Iowa after returning from the DL, we moved in the with baseball chaplain of the team and his wife. This would be the beginning of a very special bond we would form with them. They became family to us and we were/have been so blessed by them.
14. Ma & Pa's-Moreno Valley, CA (September 2009-February 2010): After all the moving around we did the past season, it was nice to have some stability and be home for a good solid 5 months. We did travel a few times during this offseason though-which included a cross country road trip at the end of season from Iowa to Cali, a getaway to Texas for an annual baseball conference we go to, and a few trips to Santa Barbara to visit family).
15. Rental Room-Peoria, AZ (February 2010-April 2010): Thanks to Craigslist, we found a bedroom to rent from a woman that owned a beautiful home 2 miles from Daniel's spring training stadium.
16. Back to the Fullans (Host Family)- Clinton, IA (April 2010-August 2010): After disappointingly being sent back to Midwest League again out of spring training the Lord put us in the perfect hands, being able to move back in with our host family that baseball season. Our bond and love for them grew deeper this season and I'm thankful that God's plans are always better then our own.
17. Adelanto,CA/Moreno Valley, CA (August 2010-February 2011): Daniel was called up in August and finished the baseball season back in California. We stayed with my parents again during the offseason.
Offseason travels included: Trip to Florida, Palm Springs, and Santa Barbara.
18. Host Family- Peoria, AZ (February 2011-April 2011): We we're blessed with another amazing host family this past spring training and it was a wonderful setup.
19. Pavillion Apartments- Victorville, CA (April 2011-Current): Love this place because I was finally able to crack out our wedding gifts (Yes, after 3 years.... I'm sure you can see why now though). I also love that we've been able to sleep in our own bed this baseball season and be so close to home, it's been a blessing to say the least.
So that brings us to final count of ..... 19 MOVES in our first 3 years of marriage!
And that doesn't even include the countless amount of 'minor league' hotels we've stayed at. Crazy, I know right. I love it though and wouldn't change anything about it! Although I look forward to the day Daniel and I have our own house. Right now my "home" is truly where the heart is and that is with my husband. I love this crazy adventure we are on.....
So until the next move.....
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