Day 2,421

The Finest Coffee Around

Puccino’s: another NOLA gem. I’ve obsessed over their granita ever since I discovered it in 2015 and every time we get the lovely news that we’re heading back to my favorite place on earth, I look at Adam and confess, “Well, at least there’s Puccino’s!” And look, I even made believers out of my kids. Not that it was hard by any means. Their frozen “hot chocolate” is by every admission the tastiest chocolate shake around. Cocoa coffee at its finest, my friends. 



Another day. Another baseball game from the grassy hill. Our new favorite spot and our old favorite treat. Look at you go, NOLA! Livin the life!

Day 2,302

The Good

Coffee so good. Ahhhhhhhh. 

Yogurt so good too! “MOM!!!! WHERE’S IT?!!”

This is what else is good. Someone’s been watching Daddy. 

And someone else has been watching our new special show. It’s called “What’s in the Bible?” and it’s incredible. We’ve been watching an episode as a treat a couple nights a week and even mom and dad are learning from it!!

<3

Adam and the kids are reading through Matthew right now. Adam reads about half a verse and Bearett insists on repeating every word in his own bible. It might just be the sweetest part of my day. 

Day 2,299

The Moments with Mine

Morning (cocoa) coffee with my SisserSass. 

Afternoon snooze with my EllaMater. 

Evening cookies with my Bubba. 

Nightcap conversations with my new friends. 

This Mama is one thankful girl. I’ve got the best kids and the best church family. Best hubby too! 

Day 2,261

The Abundant Life

Morning study with Mama. 

I love waking up to time in the Word with my babe and some coffee. 

And I love working out with Little Sis. 

And I love building Legos with my Bear. 

Day 2,211

The Best Excuse for Donuts

Celebratory homecoming donut smiles. 

Boy, does it feel good to be back. 

Even though this might just be the messiest our home has ever been. 

Day Nineteen Hundred and Fifty-Eight

The Saturday Life

Wake up. 

Peek-a-boo.  

Donuts. 

Swim!

(In the freezing cold) 

DADDY!!!

 

 

Wildlife sanctuary. 

 

 Best friends. 

 

Field of dream(ers).

What an incredible joy yesterday was!

We had one last morning all to ourselves before Bearett hugged his precious daddy for the first time in three weeks! Andrew and Bear will be here until Tuesday and we'll absolutely be present cherishing every last moment with them. 

Day Nineteen Hundred and Forty

The Coffee Date

 

Yesterday was all about sippin on coffee and waitin on Daddy's calls. Amelia has taken quite a liking to Mama's "toffee," which she's snuck on multiple occasions. Not that we really have anything to worry about growth-wise (maybe it would actually be a noble cause to attempt stunting her growth to under 6 feet tall), regardless, no kid needs to be slurping down coffee. And so, we make Mimi her own special coffee: water and hot cocoa. And she loves it. And she loves cheers-ing it. And she loves feeling like a grown up about it. And sitting at her big girl table with it. She melts me. This girl is incredible. And the cutest thing to look at. Rug-burned nose and all. 

Day Nine Hundred and Forty-Six

The Best Part of Waking Up

(When your Husband isn't home)

Is a Keurig filling your cup!

(A giraffe cup, to be exact.)

_______________________

Adam throws today (Tuesday)! Yahoo! 

First pitch is at 6:35 in Des Moines, Iowa.

Yeah, Iowa. It's like, 40 degrees there currently.

(Insert here: flat-eyed-flat-mouthed- emoji face)

But he did live in Washington mostly all his life…and pitched one time in SIX degree weather. So, 40 is basically like the Bahamas in comparison. Yeah, I'll keep telling myself that.

Oh, and I'll also mention that the Zephyrs arrived in Iowa this morning from Oklahoma City, after a nine hour bus ride through the night following the conclusion of last night's game. They left OKC around 11PM, and I got a call from Adam 4 hours ago (at 8:30 AM), telling me that they'd arrived safely. And that he was going to sleep. Ha! This, my friends, is life in the minor leagues at it's finest. Cheers!

Day Seven Hundred and Forty-Five

The Hurried Home Shoppers

We have 5 days until we move out of Jacksonville and into Jupiter...

And no home to live in.

We're also in Washington state until the day we have to make the move - the 30th.

Exhale.

We're desperate, a little stressed, somewhat delusional...but still finding ways to laugh at ourselves. This is life in baseball. And though it would be nice to know where home is each year, we'd trade this crazy house hunt every time for a chance to play in the Show. Until then, we'll spend the next few mornings at Olympia's best Batdorf and Bronson coffee shop, looking up potential places to call home! Please keep us in your prayers that a condo opens up for us! 

Day Six Hundred and Twenty-Seven

The Grumpy Departure

Mornin' Grumpy.

My new Disney purchases were quite fitting yesterday.

Mama always makes me smile...except when she leaves me. Then she makes me frown.

And yesterday...

She and Dan left me.

All alone. Just like Adam always does.

(Hahahaha...all in good fun!)

And I was Gruuuumpy!

And sad.

And with tear-filled eyes, we said our goodbyes.

It was such a breath of fresh air to spend an entire week of quality, one-on-one time with my mom and step-dad. I've not ever had the opportunity for extensive alone time with them, and truly, it was such a rewarding and rich experience. I learned a lot, grew a lot, and had a lot of fun. I couldn't have asked for a better surprise visit! Thank you, Mama and Dan, for spending your vacation here in Jax with Adam and I. We love you both dearly and miss you already.

________________________

Also, I need to do a better job of this:

Adam pitches tomorrow at 8PM EST, 5PM PST.

And thanks, friends, for all of your support. You're wonderful and such a blessing!

Day Three Hundred and Ninety-Five

The Bees Who Stayed Busy

The poop truck! At least, that’s what Adam and I call it! The septic tank guys finally came out to the house today and fixed the problem that was previously forcing us to use our imaginations when it came to finding a restroom. Adam and I almost went to the Pilot gas station for a shower today, but thankfully, the boys showed up in their tanker truck and saved us from that dreaded nearly-first experience just in the knick of time. The bathrooms are working at 100% now, and we’re a bunch of happy people because of it. 

Adam and I haven’t stopped for a break since coming to Washington. We’ve got a lot of people to see and not a lot of time to do it. So, our days have become one cram-packed 24-hour period after another. And today wasn’t any different. We left Seattle at 11 this morning and drove an hour and a half south to Olympia. We quickly got ready (and enjoyed a shower at home!) and left for Tacoma 45 minutes later. There, we met one of our favorite people: Joe!! Adam hasn’t seen his agent since Spring Training, so he was excited to catch up. I was too! Joe is a wonderful man and someone we both trust immensely. When he found out Adam and I were in Washington, he booked a flight to come out and see us, along with some of his other clients. He represents quite a few professional baseball players and has a young family of his own, so getting a chance to sit down with him, face-to-face is always time well spent. The phone has been the primary way of communication this past season and it works perfectly fine, but this change of pace was much anticipated and greatly appreciated. Adam snagged quite the agent two years ago. We’re so thankful for all that Joe (and CAA, his agency) has done and continues to do for him and his career. 

We left Joe and Tacoma, drove back to Olympia, picked up a prescription, and headed straight to dinner with Katy and Bob at 5:30. For the second night in a row, we ate at Hearthfire Grill, home of the best restaurant view in all of Olympia. Ah! I love a good sunset – especially those over the water - and the ones in Washington never fail to impress! Overlooking the Sound, the sunset, and the wildlife all around us, we spent a nice evening getting to know each other. 

From dinner, Bob and Katy took us swing dancing! Adam and I weren’t the smoothest couple on the dance floor, but with Katy and Bob as our helpers, we didn’t fare so bad! Katy and Adam were too cute dancing together. She taught him a few things while he tried to lead her…and actually, after dancing with her, I was impressed with what he could do! We’re loving all these new experiences lately, and have had such a good time here in Washington…but I will most certainly be honest: after sleeping on a couch last night, a futon tonight, a full bed last week, and the floor the week before that, my back is aching and desperate for my side of the bed in Florida!! I am one exhausted girl. But my time here has been completely worth it. Even though now, I think I’ve officially become a coffee addict. I didn’t need it before this trip, but as of yesterday, I realized that I cannot function past 8 o’clock without it. Not good. Not good at all.

Day Three Hundred and Ninety

The Sweet Side of Spokane

Before moving to college, I lived in Spokane nearly all my life. I thought I knew this town pretty well, but after this little "visit," I've realized that there's a lot here that I haven't seen. Example: Rockwood Bakery off Grand and 18th, right next to Spokane's most beautiful and popular park. I fell in love with it immediately, and found yet another reason why I' going to miss Spokane dearly when I leave. This city is way neater than I ever gave it credit for. Buuuuut, I like Florida...

Katie is the reason for my sweet Rockwood visit. She's been living in Spokane with her husband for a year now, and as a graduate student, she's scoped out all the neat little places in town. We sipped on coffee for two hours in the adorable shop, catching up on each other's lives and the blessings of marriage. Katie is one of the truest and most genuine women I've ever met, a strong Christian, and I'm fortunate enough to call her one of my best friends. I could talk to her for days on end if there were enough time for that, but as a physical therapy student and a newlywed, that's just not an option! She's a busy girl with a lot on her plate, but because she knows just exactly how special I am, she cleared some space for me on her schedule! Haha ;)

Adam and I are leaving for Olympia tomorrow, but before we do, we had to see Kyle and Sue. Adam and Kyle were the best of buddies in college...and so were Sue and I. It was easy, from then, to develop a special bond between the four of us. Tonight was the first time in probably a year and a half that all of us were in one room together. And what a sweet time it was! We've missed our friends more than they could ever know. We've leapt the highest of hurdles together and crawled through the dirtiest of mud, but through the craziness of college, they remained constant and loyal. Adam and I are a couple of lucky ducks to have these two in our lives...and once again...we'll be sad to have to say goodbye when we fly back home.

Day Three Hundred and Eighty-Six

The Most Tired I Can Remember

I haven't felt exhaustion like this in a very long time. I'm so incredibly tired.

I woke up in Coeur d 'Alene this morning at 8 AM after a 2:30 AM bedtime. I did yoga and hiked a mountain with Sue. I needed coffee to get through it, but enjoyed every second with her and our day together.

I drove the 45 minute trip home, got ready, and went to church. There, my best friends from high school were waiting for me. The fact that we were all worshipping together under one roof with changed hearts is an absolute miracle. I am so happy I got to see this day.

After service, Mommy and Dan took me to P.F. Changs and had a nummy dinner. I'd never eaten there before and I'm definitely going back. I'm crazy about the food and even crazier about these two beautiful people.

I've never had to take a power nap before writing a blog post before. But when I got home at 1:30 AM, I had no choice. It didn't help though. I can still barely keep my eyes open, my brain focused, or my heart steady. Jacob (my brother) asked if I'd go have a drink with him tonight. Reluctantly, I said yes. I don't really prefer going out - especially on a Sunday - but Jacob does, and I was willing to do whatever it took to spend some quality time with him. It's been a long time coming. I can't remember the last time I got that deep into a conversation with Jacob, and 4 hours later, I'm completely exhausted. He's been through so much in his 26 years. He's a strong and intelligent man with a lot on his plate, and if there's anything I could ever do for him, it's just to be there. To listen. To talk. And to remind him just how much I love him. Just how much we all love him.

Day Three Hundred and Eighty-Three

The Day I Couldn't Drink Any More Coffee

Being back in Spokane has revealed to me my age. I said this when I graduated college, and I'll say it again, "It's weird being like, a real person in the real world now." A tax-paying, independent, married woman. That's weird. Really weird. Because I remember, so clearly, 6 years ago, sitting in this same classroom, dreaming about my future dreams. Thinking about where I'd be when I was all "grown up." Well, here I am, all grown up and absolutely loving where the Lord has taken my life. And my friends? Well, they're living their dreams too. Mr. Thomas, formerly known to the graduating class of 2006 as Shane, is now a biology teacher at our alma mater. I stopped by North Central High School this morning to say hi to some former teachers and to see my friend in teaching action! His mentor, Mr. James, said to me while we listened to the lesson, "Shane is an all-star." And I am so happy to see Shane passionate in his calling to serve the youth of Spokane. I always knew he'd be a wonderful teacher, and today, I got that confirmation. 

I left my old high school and sped down to Starbucks to meet my sweet friend and former pole vaulting buddy for a cup of coffee and a few hours of catching up. Hilary is dear to me and I've missed her incredibly this past year. We went through a lot in our 4 years together and I'm thankful that whatever the situation, she was always loyal, honest, and completely herself. She's my little Hil Bil and I'm her Momma Dinosaur, and forever, we'll remain friends, regardless of the miles between us. And please, for Heaven's sake, Hilary, FIND YOURSELF A HUSBAND! ;)  

I had to cut my Starbucks date short when I received a phone call from my mom. Shelby was admitted into the ER, so I made my way up to the hospital. I showed up and found some of my favorite people hanging out, waiting on test results. Shelby has Type I Diabetes, and in the past 3 years, it's proven to be a difficult transition for her. She's struggled to find peace with her diagnosis - completely understandable - but is working toward figuring out the new workings of her body. It'll take time, endurance, and sacrifice, but she's an incredibly strong woman and I know she'll eventually find the blessing in the disease that's so drastically changed her life. She's been discharged from the ER after being closely monitored and given a heavy does of antibiotics to kill the little bugs in her kidney. Stay the course, Shelb. It WILL get better. 

From the ER, I went home, changed, and headed out for my second coffee date with my fellow Giraffe. We showed up wearing the exact same colors and right then, I just knew our time together would be sweet. Colleen and I have grown closer this past year than ever before. We both threw javelin in high school and LOVE giraffes, but we didn't really stay in touch throughout college. Now that we're both Christians and seeking a life pleasing to the Lord, we naturally found each other once again and have developed a sincere, honest, and dependable relationship that I hold very close to my heart. She's just wonderful and I'm blessed to have a friend like her in my life. 

My third (and final) coffee date landed me at Rocket Bakery with Jeri (my best friend from high school) and Tori (her sister-in-law). Jeri invited me to her women's Bible study group tonight, and before going, we all had a chance to reconnect and catch up on MARRIED life and GODLY life. It was absolutely wonderful. Each one of us are recently married, recently baptized, and recently living with the Lord at the center of our lives. Naturally, we had a lot to talk about. Jeri's decision for Christ, like I said a few days ago, was the best news I could have ever dreamed for her. She's the happiest, fullest, most joyful version of herself that I've ever known or seen and I'm so refreshed by her fire and passion for the Lord. Put the these two ladies together, and wow. That's one duo that I know God will change lives with. 

Our Bible Study tonight was based off a Beth Moore series, titled "Believing God." We were each given this blue bracelet as a reminder of God's laws, to trust Him, and to be obedient to Him always, as found in Numbers 15:39. This was the first lesson I'd ever heard from Beth Moore - a widely acclaimed Christian teacher, author, missionary, and evangelist - and I was blown away. She's incredible. I am so thankful for the invitation tonight to Bible study and although I love every piece of my life in Florida, I will most definitely miss this precious time with two uniquely incredible women of the Lord. 

Day Eighty-Six

The Batdorf Letters

Batdorf & Bronson is our favorite coffee shop. Ever. And Florida coffee pales in comparison. So, a trip to the local Olympia hangout was a must for us. We sprawled out across the giant table and began the thank-you-card process. And had so much fun! I started to miss this place more than I thought I would. The trees, the smells, the people, the colors. All so beautiful. But I soon realized that my toes were numb, my nose was dripping, and gas prices, well, they're just ridiculous. I guess 77 degrees matched with bad coffee and $3.21 Unleaded isn't so bad after all :) We later met Nate (one of Adam's groomsmen) at St. Martin's for a frosty toss of the ol' pill and finished off the night with a bottle of leftover wedding drink and some infamous Olympia High School story telling. Together, Adam and I paired up to create a perfect depiction of marriage for Nate, and I think given the right girl, Nate might just follow in our footsteps in a couple years. He just needs to learn this as a man:

You're either right, or you're happy.

Day Thirty-Three

The Starbucks Internet

If there's anything I truly love about Starbucks, it's their free wi-fi. Couple that with their Skinny Caramel Macchiato, and they've made themselves a deal. I suppose adding in a handsome man doesn't hurt either. First, some perspective: since moving into our home, Adam and I have been "borrowing" our internet connection from an unknown source. (Thank you). Maybe a neighbor? Maybe a business? We're not sure. What we are sure of, is that the connection that we do get, is nothing to brag about. At least we have some sort of connection - yes - but I'd almost rather not have one at all. Adam says the only reason he'd want to have kids at this time is that they might teach me a thing or two about patience, of which I tend to lack greatly in. And I agree with him completely. So, you can imagine my impatience when I watch the blue highlight inch painfully across the address bar, teasing me with the contents of that click, and then at the last second - when the bar has gotten 75% across the page - my screen flashes, to my horror, the words "You are not connected to the internet." WHAT?! I was connected FIVE seconds ago? Some huffs and puffs, a few jiggles of my laptop, maybe a couple hard clicks later, and my feathers have officially been ruffled.  Not to worry, I've been working on this patience-with-my-computer-issue for at least a month now, and therefore have developed a bit more restraint and tolerance. After all, it's free. And at least I have service sometimes. "Better than no internet at all," I tell myself, and then I go search for a snack to relieve my frustration. 

So today, we decided to load the backpack, suck up the $4, and walk to Starbucks. This would provide us with 2 things simultaneously: dependable, fast, worry-free internet, and a perfectly good excuse for a date. Both of which were delightful. Adam got the work he needed to get done, done. I did too. All the while, I got to steal glances at the handsome man sitting across the table. I love being married. And, I love too, that today showed just how good of a match we are - Adam with a blue shirt and black computer, me with a black shirt and blue computer. Just precious.

Day Nine

The Husband's First Day of Work

Adam's first day of work! From 7:30 AM until 2:30 PM, my handsome husband spends his days at Roger Dean Stadium under the instruction of the Florida Marlins. Before he leaves each morning, he's met with a kiss and a pound packing breakfast of champions: eggs, bacon, coffee, and pancakes. All of which is enjoyed on the comfort of our then-blowup-mattress-turned-deflating-couch.