Softball

Life to me as a girl and young woman consisted of softball and traveling the country to play it.  I thought that it was strange that my friends didn't play, think, drink, and live for softball. What is it they did in their free time? We spent every waking moment at tournaments, practices and talking about ways to improve our game.  Life just was softball.

For the past 11 years life was anything but softball, it consisted of taking care of my husband and our awesome boys.  My life and mind were far from the thoughts of softball. I entered the world of motherhood and all the things that it entails. It was and is what I live for everyday. Patrick and I live every moment focusing on how to raise our boys to be what God intended them to be and praying we don't let them down. We sit and watch how they grow, learn, and even fail, but always waiting to lend a hand in all areas.  For years we lugged around strollers, diaper bags, toys, blankies, binkies and all the other things that make them happy. We spent hours at playgrounds, parks, crazy places that make parents go mad (Chuck E. Cheese), and we do it because we love to be with our children and we love to see them smile. It is my life...

So I enter into a new season of my life where my past(softball) becomes part of my present. Where I can coach and teach young girls the things that I've been taught. Where Patrick and my boys can enter the world I used to live in and they can enjoy what I did for so many years. Where they can see a different side of me and where they all can grow to love the sport that I love.  I am so excited to take my family on this journey and that I can try on another hat in my life.  I pray that these girls can grow and be all that God wants them to be on and off the field, and that I am equipped to help them. I also pray that in the busyness I will not lose sight of what God has first called me to be, a wife and mother.  Let the fun begin!!!

The Loves of My Life

There are a few men in my life that make me the woman I am today. They have shaped my life so that I can be proud to say I am a mom, wife, a friend, and a woman of God. I believe that without these five men, my life would be so different. My love would be directed towards things that have no meaning and direction, and I feel would just be meaningless. However, these five men make my life joyful, meaningful, adventurous and full of love.

First and foremost I have my Jesus who gives me direction, correction, unconditional love, joy, peace, and a security I can't find in anyone. He sees the way I am and loves me, and always pushes me to be better. Second, I have my amazing sons who always keep me grounded, whether they tell me I have gotten short with them, or that I'm beautiful on those days I don't feel so beautiful. They make me laugh in the little things they do, and how they love me as Jesh would say, "just the way you are." They push me to explore beyond the comforts I get used to, and then I realize how fun it can be to just let go and have fun. I look at them and wonder how I was so blessed to be their mom, me ordinary Kelly to raise such extraordinary boys. God has entrusted and equipped me to teach them each day in school, after school and all the minutes in between. Thank you Jesus for your trust in me.

This blog however, as we approach Valentines Day, is focused towards my amazing husband. The one who walks with me day by day on this journey in my life. The one who never gives up on me. The one who whispers, "I appreciate all you do." And never forgets to tell me "I love you, and your beautiful." It takes me back how God knew just what Kelly needed to be the woman I am today and still to come. I wonder how Patrick seems to never lose sight of the role he plays in my life. He is my encourager, my shoulder to cry on, my partner to laugh with, he is joy when there is sorrow in my life, he never gives up on me, he pushes me to be the best, but most of all he is my very best friend. We have been through so many changes and seasons in our life and still his love is never changing. Patrick, you are so incredible in every way and I love you so very much. I wonder if I could possibly be all that you have been to me.

So with that I realize that without Jesus in my life I would never have all the blessings I do. He has given me more than I could ask for in a husband and my children. "Blessed," is just one way of putting it. Who are those people in your life that make you who you are, those who have taught you to love and be loved.

Happy Valentines Day and don't forget to tell those close to you how much you love them, it just might be what they need to hear.

Basketball

So I have been hit with a dose of what my parents went through with me and my siblings in the years of playing sports. The boys have been playing basketball for the last month and boy has it been fun, exciting, challenging, but most of all it reminds me of the days of playing sports. We watch each boy with different perspectives and each of them brings different strengths and weaknesses to the court and their team.

Jeshua, our little guy who doesn't stray far from us now can make a basket, dribble with control and even interact with his teammates. We still get waves the whole game and several thumbs up, and he just makes me smile with the fact that he is being so brave and getting outside his comforts.

Josiah, we watch as he pushes himself to be the best, whether it is rebounding, shooting, or stealing the ball there is nothing he won't try and conquer. His competitive edge reminds me of the days when I was like that. I pray that doesn't ever go away.

And Jonah, wow he is such an amazing team player, encourager, and the enthusiasm he has I wish I could bottle it up and sell it. He loves to play defense and he is so good at it and he never grows tired.

So my life these days consists of lots of practices, exciting games, and watching my boys learn what it is like to be on a team and part of a team. We have learned that they all are such different athletes and that each of them need to be pushed in different ways and areas. Is one better than the other? Absolutely not, depends on what you see as better. I personally love what each of them bring to their team and that is what makes watching them interesting ,different, and a total blast. They bring so much to their team and I pray that they enjoy, grow and learn from sports like I did.