Cute Sayings of Spring Training

"Uncle Chris knocked the cover off of this ball" - Michael after he saw Chris hit a home run at batting practice and a grounds crew gave him a ball that was ripped;)

"Why is Chris wearing his Armor?" - Micah after seeing Chris put his catching gear on

"Moooo Moooooo" - Ryder after asking him what does a cow say

"What ending is it?" - Micah
"Bottom of the 3rd" - A pitcher in the stands charting
"Well you need to put a scoreboard up, so I do not have to keep asking" - Micah

Those are all I can remember right now. We have truly enjoyed our Spring Training House and all the new people we were able to meet this spring training. Maybe I will have one more Spring Training update before we leave next weekend.

Almost to the end

Spring Training is coming to an end. Our last bit of company left on Monday. We had a great time with our families. I think we spend most of our time outside enjoying the backyard and weather.

Chris BBQing

Maddie put putting around

Mikey Mae cleaning up our game of Sorry in which she beat me

Oh Math....how we have missed you

The last day my family was in town, Chris was invited back up to the big league. Even though he did not play the fam decided to go to the field to watch the game. At the beginning of the game Chris was signing autographs and Maddie went down and said hi.

Micah Mae and I at the game

Maddie and Aunt Gloria

Mom and I

Sitting in the shade at the game

My Dad

Mom, Aunt Gloria and Hiliary

I cannot believe Spring Training is almost over. We have loved all the support we have gotten so far this season. May God continue to be our strength through the end.

Smith Friday

My Family is in town! My Mom's Sister and her husband and daughter came out from Illinois and of course my parents and sisters are here too! Today started out with, what else, Baseball.

Then we walked down to our village and took some pics.

Me and My Cousin Hillary

My Mom and Aunt Gloria

Micah Mae, Me, Hillary and Maddie

The day is going to end with Pizza and Games

Fun in the Fountains

Chris's parents and his sister and her little family were in Lake Havasu this week. Lake Havasu is only 2 1/2 hours away from us. So on Friday Morning they decided they would make the drive and come hang out with us for the next day. It was a gorgeous day out so we walked to our little village and met Danielle and Ryder at the fountains. Our Niece and Nephew and Ryder fell in love with the fountains.

Ryder and Taylor splashing around

Michael's Feet

Taylor and Ryder

Michael

Chris, Me, Holly(Chris's Sister) and Andrew(Holly's Husband) and the kids

Hello Baseball

Spring Training 2010 is in full swing. It has been amazing. New City, New Stadium, Beautiful Day and Family In Town. What could be better!

Chris and I have been able to find a group of players that meet on Monday night for a bible study, then on Wednesday morning the wives have a bible study. Finding this group of people has been a huge blessing to Chris and I. To talk with other Christians about the struggles that we go through in baseball and the aspects that other people just do not get.

Today's wives bible study was about control. In the baseball world, it always seems that we are living on the edge of the unknown. Not knowing if we will be released, get traded, make the team that we want to be on, move up or even move down. Our lives hang in the hands of the Reds (or whatever team the guys play for). But in all reality, our lives are not in the hands of the Reds. They are in the hands of GOD. It is his plan for us and it has to be way better than what the reds would choose for Chris and I. One of the wives said something that really struck me. My husband is not a baseball player. He is a son of God that plays baseball. I really like this.

Chris and I need to keep remembering that we are children of God and during this rough season, God will carry us through.

Today has been a hard day. Chris was moved down to the Minor League Spring Training from the Big League Spring Training. On top of it all, he had to have a Root Canal this afternoon. My heart sank for my husband.

In the last six months we have struggled with getting pregnant, not knowing if we would get invited to Big League Spring Training, to getting invited to Big League Spring Training, his arm hurting him, getting some not so good news about Chris's career, then getting moved down to Minor League Spring Training.

How are Chris and I handling this hard time in our lives. By going to the word (one of these verses I have to give credit to my friend Chrysta for sending me)

"So do not be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Love one day at a time." Matthew 6:34

"Do not worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done." Phil 4:6

Let me list what I am thankful for today:

• My amazing husband, who is not ashamed to call me and ask me to pray with him while he is at the field on his knees before God
• New project today that I will only have to travel once a month
• A mother who is willing to let me cry to her on the phone
• A mother in law who understands the importance of time with my husband
• Family members who are willing to cancel their travel plans for this weekend
• The new bible studies that are coming available to us this Spring Training

If you have a moment tonight, please pray that Chris and I are listening to what God wants for us.