Pensacola Blue Wahoos...

There we were...  in Target looking for a new TMNT shirt for H to wear to the Daytona Tortugas games and B gets a phone call. Assuming it's just a call from one of the guys I keep shopping. I finally found a shirt right about the time he gets off the phone. I held it up and he said, "We wont be needing that." Confused, I asked him what he meant. He said, "WE'RE GOING TO PENSACOLA!" I ran and hugged him soooo tight!  This guy is constantly working his butt off and I am so proud of all his accomplishments thus far! Now, for those who do not know or quite understand the process of working your way to the Majors, I will briefly explain... Basically it's a ladder. Normally one starts at the bottom, also known as Rookie ball. As the player progresses the levels go in this order: Low-A, High-A, AA, AAA, and then the Big Leagues.  B hasn't had his big debut yet but making it this far, to the Reds AA affiliate, is still AMAZING!

Daytona Tortugas...

Daytona was a small chapter this season but it was a good one.  The Jackie Robinson Ballpark is home to the Daytona Tortugas. The stadium is small but it has a lot of history behind it which is cool. Blaine did awesome in the Florida State League! He pitched 16.1 innings which included 11 strike outs and 1 win. He left Daytona carrying a 1.65 ERA I'm gonna miss him being my sexy Southern Tortuga... I guess a Blue Wahoo will have to do ;)

Baseball Life...

Beyond proud of my main man today! B has been an absolute stud this Spring Training! Being by his side and watching him pursue his childhood dream is such an honor. He constantly strives to do and be his best. We couldn't be more excited for the road ahead. H is very fond of his baseball man too!  He loves going to the ball field to see his Dahhh and to hang with 'the guys'. Only problem is, it's getting so dang hot, especially when you're an active toddler. What do you guys do to keep your kids cool in the heat? Or any products you swear by? He runs and runs during the games and then he keels over at the end, just passes out in the stroller before we even make it to the car. Poor boy!... So yeah, any advice is much appreciated. 

Side note: Leaving Arizona means leaving the Harveys. We're extremely sad about this. They have been our Arizona family. Our go to's. Our everything!! The type of people that come into your life that you never knew you missed. I know this isn't the end, but it sure is going to be sad not having them around everyday, especially with a new sweet little baby girl on the way who I'm just dying to meet Monday!

Chicken and Waffles...

Look at that handsome face... I am one lucky lady

What's better than spending the afternoon with your two favorites while eating delicious food?! Nothing I tell you! The wait for a table at Lo-Lo's was crazy long... so we killed time by going for a walk and tossing some rocks in the water feature near by. (probably not the smartest idea, but H sure enjoyed it) I never really would have imagined chicken and waffles together, but man it was dang good. Any place that covers their fried chicken with gravy and serves all beverages in Mason jars is alright by me. Definitely a must have!

On the Mound...

So proud of this man of mine...

He has had two outings so far and has done phenomenal!

And doesn't he look DANG GOOD in red?!

It's a beautiful thing...

For once the fiance' was able to come see me.. and I loved every minute of it. We only had 3 short days together but we made the most of it. One day we spent visiting his mission, another day we went on a hike, and the last day we spent with family working out, playing baseball, and hanging out in the backyard.

Being around him makes my life complete! I cant even begin to describe the joy I feel when he is with me! There are so many little things that happened during this trip that made my love for him grow even more. Things such as- Seeing his eyes light up when he spoke to the Spanish members and watching him play with the nieces and nephew. It was the most adorable thing and I think that he is now more in love with Dilyn that me. ;)

Overall this trip was a great success!

Ohio...

This last trip to Ohio was fantastic! I truly am one blessed girl. I had the opportunity to meet my extended family, be with the love of my life, and make many wonderful memories. Although, I cant wait until the "trips" are over and we can just be together 24/7....

The next chapter...

April 10th could not have been a more perfect day...

Last week was the most stressful, busy, yet exciting week of my life. School is beginning to come to a close so projects, papers, and tests have begun to run my life. Just when I thought that I was going to pull all of my hair out, the boy called and told me he got me a flight to Ohio for the weekend. Seriously, could not have come at a greater time! The only issue was getting a week’s worth of homework done in two days... um... stressful, to say the least, but possible!

The trip was easily the best... I had the greatest time ever!! I spent a full four days watching baseball, resting, and spending time with the greatest guy I know! What could have been better?! Well.... Saturday afternoon his family came into town to watch opening weekend. It was so great to have them there and be able to spend more time with them. At the game that evening he pitched the 9th inning for a great save! I am so proud of him and everything that he is doing with the Dayton Dragons! He has so much drive and so much passion for his career. I love witnessing his progression and all that he is accomplishing. Sunday was definitely the most memorable day of all. Since it was an afternoon game that day I took him to the field early in the morning and then headed to church with the family. One of my favorite things about being a member of this amazing church is no matter where you go in the world, the gospel never changes! You learn and hear the same teachings that have a great impact on your life. After church I received a phone call from the boy asking me if I would like to throw the opening pitch at the game that day. I reluctantly agreed, knowing he really wanted me to. Even though I have grown up performing in front of huge crowds I felt very uncomfortable doing something that I am not so familiar with. (Example: throwing a baseball haha) I got over my fear and decided to just go with it! Once I got to the field, after getting a pep-talk from his little sister, I was escorted down to the dugout to get ready. The boy met me there which calmed a lot of my fears. (At this point I figured something was up because his team kept introducing themselves to me and let’s be honest, I was HOPING something was going to happen.) Time was closing in and before I knew it I was being pushed down the red carpet onto the field by a member of the Green-Team. I reached the pitcher’s mound and saw the boy sitting at home plate waiting to catch the first pitch. Still super nervous, I threw it… Barely reaching the plate, I was finished… or so I thought. A teammate of his ran him roses and I instantly got butterflies! As he proceeded to walk toward me and I knew it… He was going to ask me the biggest, most exciting question EVER! As he walked up to me, all 8,000 people vanished. It was just me and him! The words spoken between us were simple, special, and loving. After he popped the question I jumped on him and I am pretty positive I said “I LOVE YOU!” 12, 000 times! After hugging for an extended period of time he asked me if he could put on the ring... I slowing got down, he put on my BEAUTIFUL ring, and then we walked hand-in-hand back down the red carpet as a newly engaged couple! This man makes me feel like the most special woman in the world. He does so much for me, believes in me, and loves me unconditionally. He is easily my best friend and I cannot wait for a lifetime of joy and happiness with him. I am truly the luckiest girl in the world and I thank Heavenly Father every day for blessing me with such a strong, loving, compassionate, honest individual such as Blaine.

(Video of the proposal)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSDieBWZKko

Spring Break...

Honestly... I had the best spring break anyone could have asked for!! Originally, the plan was to fly to Arizona Wednesday night and arrive around the same time as my parents. Well, once class got out on Tuesday and I realized that I had NOTHING to do till Wednesday night, I decided to pack my bag, get into my car, and start a 10 hr drive to Arizona in order to surprise the boy... It was pry the quickest drive imaginable. Once I got there it was way past his bed time so I got a room and showed up at his house the next morning. 7am came quite early but I was so excited that I didnt care. He came outside, we looked at each other for a moment, then BAM! I was in his arms once again!!! Such an amazing feeling. For the rest of the time I was his taxi, Taking him to and from the field. I totally loved every min of it! Later that day I drove to Scottsdale to watch him play against the Rockies. This was the first time that I had ever watched him pitch in an actual game. Seriously, he is AMAZING! Granted, I am not the best judge of baseball, but in my eyes he is fantastic. 3 up-3 down with one k. :) Later on that night my parents arrived. I am so glad that they decided to come and join in on the fun. The rest of the trip was full of sunshine, laying poolside, hanging out with the parents, watching baseball, and being with my man. I am so proud of him. Watching him excel in what he loves is truly so great. He is so talented and so dedicated! I cannot wait to see what is in his future and how much he will accomplish. Being spontaneous truly paid off, because if I had not driven down I would not have been able to see him pitch.

Thanks for an amazing trip my dear... and thank you Momma and Poppy for coming.

North Carolina...

I had the opportunity to go out to North Carolina yet again! Asheville is beginning to hold a very special place in my heart. I love getting to know his world and seeing where he grew up. My visit was so fun and very memorable. We got to celebrate our own Valentines Day, we went shooting, took a drive to Clemson to watch his friends baseball game, and I even lucked out and got to spend an extra day with him. It was truly a fantastic trip! I am completely head over heels for this individual! He is so great and has so much ahead of him! I cant wait for what is in store for us!

New Year...

So, it's the start of a new year... This is the time of year when you can look back and reflect on the person you were, the person you are, and the person you want to become. It's a time to implement the changes you feel necessary to become great or continue on with being the wonderful self you already are. I had the chance of starting this year with someone that I deeply care about... the boy! He came and spent a week with me and it was truly one for the books!! I am so happy that my family got to meet him and see how much he really means to me. (Sorry Tracy... You'll meet him next time around.. PROMISE!) This boy brings so much light into my life. He pushes me to accomplish my hopes and desires, as well as helps me to become a better person. At the New Year everyone sets goals... Majority of those goals are smashed after the first month, but I feel that setting goals with someone and having that extra push/drive makes everything easier. It gives you a reason to become "that person" that you are meant to be...

Blessed Technology...

How could you not love this face?!

Skype is one of the greatest things when it comes

to long distance relationships!

Oh how I love our modern technology!

It's your world...

This past week definitely was one of the greatest!

I had the opportunity to go see the boy...

North Carolina is BEAUTIFUL! The trees, the mountains, especially the people! He was kind enough to introduce me to his world and it was spectacular!

I was honored to have the privilege of meeting of his family and I absolutely fell in love with them. His family is seriously amazing! His "Merm", aka Laurin, is such an outstanding lady! She has so much love for her kids and it definitely shows! She has such a strong presence and is truly a wonderful individual. I freaken adore his sisters to death! Both amazing young women! Kallie is such a cute girl! Full of life and love for those close to her. Paige is so great! She has such a sweet spirit and a huge heart. I also met both sets of Grandparents.They were all so welcoming and so excepting. Constantly feeding me and sending me off with yummy sweets! I am truly grateful for their hospitality and their loving nature!

The week really went by all too quickly.

I loved being with him and seeing the place he calls home.

He truly lights up my life and makes me feel so adorned and loved!!

I love life...

Monday{met him}

Tuesday{kissed him}

Wednesday{adored him}

Thursday{explored with him}

Friday{missed him}

Met an amazing guy this week...

Now if I can only get him to move to the

same state as me, life would be great!