EO ALLSTARS 2008

My son, Caiden has made the 9-10 year old all stars! Way to go Caiden! We are so proud of you! As I have said before, sports is a big part of our life. My mom has always told me to enjoy it while I can, because they grow up so quickly and you will just have memories. This year has been a great year. Jerry has not been here as much as he wanted, but at least I was here for it. I have been to every practice and every game. I cannot bring myself to miss an opportunity to see Caiden excel! We had our very first practice Monday night. It was good to see all the boys bond. Caiden also hit a home run!! Way to go C-Max!! Help cheer us on! GO EO ALL-STARS!!

FAMILIAR SOUNDS

Jerry and I came from a background all to familiar. We have athletically inclined families. My father was a talented basketball and baseball player. He was almost signed to a major league team! Jerry's mom was a gifted basketball player, so much that they retired her basketball number in high school! Sports has always been a major part of our life. Yes, sports is overrated, but we keep a healthy balance , well we try! My siblings and I played some kind of sport for the most part of our child and teenage years. I love to hear my mom talk about how she "lived" at the ballpark. She would talk about running in "three" directions, "three" places, "three " children. Sports teaches may things. It teaches about respect, how you should never use I, because there is no "I" in team. It teaches self-esteem, that if you try hard enough, reach for the stars, you can do it! It can send your spirit soaring to places you couldn't dream of. When i watch Caiden play baseball, I am totally in "THE ZONE." That means that you do not come and sit by me to talk, chit chat about the weather, etc. I'm there for him, to watch,yell for him when he hits one of his many home runs. I am there to encourage him to do his best, and when he has done so, we leave knowing it has been done! Caiden is headed for wonderful opportunities in baseball. He puts his whole heart and soul into it.He totally loves the game! I love the feeling of watching my boys sitting around the big screen yelling and hollering for their favorite teams. I am in the kitchen cooking hamburgers and i suddenly jump because i hear " throw the ball!" Then I hear" high fives" and clapping. This may seem wild and crazy to you, but this is how i grew up. I have always been a girly girl who loved pretty dresses and makeup with lots of jewelry. There has always been a rough side to me, but i never let anyone see it because it made me feel less of a woman. As I get older, i have slowly let that other side of me out. I welcome it now , because it is familiar to me!

THE PRODIGAL DAUGTHER HAS COME HOME

I'm amazed at the love between a parent and child! I have experienced all types of love, but the love of a child surpasses all understanding. Its unconditional, forgiving, and uttermost sheer joy!! It keeps no record of wrong doing, only that no matter what you do, i will never stop loving you. I love Jerry so much, but the love for my children is infinite. When i held my first born for the very first time, i knew that this wonderful baby boy would bring out the best in me, and i was forever going to do anything for this baby!! The love for my children never stops, it keeps growing and growing, never a end to it. I was absent from thier life for a while. I was on a journey of self-seeking pleasure and it almost took my life. How selfish I was to not think of Jerry, Caiden and Bailee! I lost some precious time with them that i can never get back. I am still making up for it and still paying for my mistakes. I was raised in a Christian home and I have a strong Christian mother. She taught me that as long as you put the Lord first, everything will fall in place for the good of you and God. Being a baby in spirit, i thought she meant that God will give me anything I want if I let him have control over my life. I soon realized i was wrong. When we put God first, our wants and needs become of him, what he wants for us, and that his becoming more like his Son, Jesus Christ! My father died when i was four years old and his death has affected my relationship's with people over the years. i guess i really never knew the love between a father and daughter. That is until i accepted Jesus as my Savior!! I am His child forever and he loves me no matter what, so much that His Son died for me, if it would have been just me in this world, He still would have died!! The love of a Father and child, infinite !! My family is together again because i finally let go of my wants and needs, and let God have control over my life again. Being a Christian is not easy, but with God by my side to guide me, i will get through it. Life is a journey that should not be taken lightly. I wake up every morning thanking The Lord that i am a live, that im here one more day to see my children grow and to see them develop into their own little beings. Seeing little Jerrys and little Danielle's personality shine thorough! I will do anything to protect my families circle of life. We are banded by love, trust, and forgiveness, and the willingness to allow change and growth, to bring us closer to God and one another. Thank you God, your prodigal daughter has come home!!