Sunday, May 29, 2011

8 day road trips!

Well hello everyone! When Jess went on the road I decided to go on the road as well! I took an 11 day vacation from the blog and now Im back! While Jess was in Tacoma and Salt Lake I went home to spend some time with my family. I love going to visit them! It makes me feel young again. Not that Im an old lady or anything but being there in my parents home it makes me feel like a baby again. Im sure that sounds gay but thats just how I feel :)

Plus like I said before Im a foodie. I love love love food. So I get to eat at my favorite home town places while I visit! Most of my friends actually all of my friends have moved out of Ennis so we meet in Dallas for dinner. Which is great because I love Dallas so I dont mind driving a little to see them.

I was happy to get back to Memphis on Friday because A) I hadnt seen Jess in 8 days and B) I cannot explain the happiness in my heart about us being back here with this organization. As I sat in the stands Friday night I couldnt help but to feel so happy. Like as if my heart were smiling too. I know Memphis isnt safe and yadda yadda yadda but I have already seen a difference in my husband and I cant thank God enough for leading us back to this place. I dont know what the future holds but I do know that God took care of us through all of that and he will continue to do so. So Im not worried! Its going to work out and its going to be even better than what we have planned or want.

I want to share with yall one of my newest obsessions! Now that summer is here and all the fruits are in season I am in heaven! My aunt started making this salad a couple of years ago and now all these places have similar ones at their restaurants. My aunts is spinach leaves, strawberries, grapes, almonds and avocados. The strawberries are cut into fours or sixes (depending on how big they are) and the grapes are cut in halves. I dont eat avocados so I dont put those on mine. The dressing is a fat free poppyseed dressing that is delicious! After eating hers for years I decided to do my own. I changed it a little though, I use grilled chicken, strawberries, pecans and a low fat raspberry balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Here is a picture of it! It was Amazing!


Other than trying new things with salads here is what Ive been up to. Im not the best at taking pictures but I thought they were good!




My mom and her sisters wanted some pictures taken so we went out to this field full of sunflowers that were just gorgeous! My cousin and his little girl came too and I snapped a few quick pictures of them as well. They came out way better than I thought seeing that I did it so fast!

Jess had his first home outing on Friday and he did so good! He looks so good in a Cardinals Uniform!






I hope everyone is enjoying their 3 day weekends! 
Love,
E


Wednesday, May 18, 2011

A Bird, an Indian, a Cain and a Bird again....


"Who says you cant go home again?" read a headline on Scout.com. This was referring to my husband being returned back to the St. Louis Cardinals Organization and it brought tears to my eyes along with a huge grin. I couldnt believe he was going back! The thought of "God is too good" repeated over and over in my head as I read the rest of the article. Jess had been designated again by the Yankees on May 12th so this meant we had to wait until May 16th at 1pm to find out if he was being out-righted back to the Yankees or if another team wanted him. I had went home to visit my family because Jess was going on the road for 8 days and we couldnt move into our apt until June 1st. As soon as he called me I quickly got back to Scranton so we could wait together. The infamous "designation vacation" (what most people call being designated) was starting to get old. We had already went to the movies, shopped, went to the spa and had really nice dinners so we had really exhausted all options. The weather was crappy so we couldnt really go outside and enjoy the views of PA so we did a lot of eating and sleeping. We actually ran around this mountain that our hotel sat on one day. I of course thought in my head it was going to be a walk in the park but it WASNT! My husband and his athletic butt had no problem but I did! It was fun though, we push each other and it makes working out fun and less boring.

Monday which was the 16th finally came and we tried our hardest to sleep until almost 1pm. That didnt happen! I had prayed constantly throughout the night and was too excited to sleep. We watched the news and were on our computers when 1pm came and went. I could tell he was upset that noone called yet so I said "Hey! Lets go eat lunch" Jess agreed and we went. As soon as we pulled into the parking lot of Panera Bread his phone started to ring. I felt relieved and scared all at once. It was Brian Cashman on the phone and he had good news for Jess. He told Jess that the St. Louis Cardinals had gotten him back and they would be calling shortly with details. I could tell a huge weight had been lifted off of Jess' shoulders. I cried because thats what I do and he just smiled so big! The assistant GM finally called around 6pm and by 6:45 we had that road hot! We were out of there! The South was alive again and we were going back!

The drive we made on Monday, we drove all the way through!



Looking back on the past month instead of feeling beat to death I feel humbled. After many days and nights of crying episodes, (no Jess never saw me cry) I feel unbelievably strong. I kept telling myself no matter what happened that God only gave you what you could handle and he thought we were strong enough for the situation we were in. I know what we have been through this past month in no way compares to other things and situations people are in daily but it hasnt been a walk in the park. Sitting....waiting....Jess not being able to play....waiting more....sitting more....GOOGLING Jess' name trying to find out what the heck is going on takes a mental and emotional toll on you. I can say that our parents are incredibly supportive and give wonderful advice. I know we couldnt get through this without them. I am unbelievably blessed and will never ever forget this lesson in my life. It has shaped me and molded my heart to appreciate things way more.

Jess was traded July 29, 2009 to the Cleveland Indians which began his detoured route to get back "home". When he was traded we were in New Orleans on the road and couldnt have been more happy! My sister was visiting us that week so she happened to be there when Jess called me with the news. I remember that day like it was yesterday and now almost 2 years later our route has led us back to where it all began. So thats how a Bird, an Indian, a Cain and a Bird again will always have special places in mine and my husbands heart.

I will post about our new apartment soon! I will be moving in and getting everything set up tomorrow! Cant wait!
Love,
E

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Gnarly Nails!

So I was sitting here on this Sunday evening and I looked down at my nails. Knowing I needed a coat of polish on them to keep myself from biting them until they bled I went over to my cosmetics bag to get out my normal nude pinkish color when I found these Sally Hansen Salon Effects I had purchased months ago but hadnt had the chance to put them on. They are leopard which is my absolute fave! Anything leopard is to die for in my opinion! Some people think its trashy but I just love it!

Here are my before and after pictures! Excuse my extra-teresstrial type hands, Ive struggled with them my whole life lol!



They are super easy to put on and they come in all different colors and patterns. I got mine from wal-mart but Im sure you can get them at any drug store! I will let yall know how they hold up as far as staying on. Hopefully they last a while because my hands feel absolutely fabulous!

I hope yall had a good week!
Love,
E

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Road Warriors, Gypsy Souls, 2 man traveling band....

When I was in high school I learned what the term "Gypsy Soul" meant. Being the Taurus I am I automatically thought being a "Gypsy Soul" was not something I thought I was at the time or would ever be. 6 years and 2 teams later Im beginning to think that is exactly what I am.

Marrying a professional athlete has brought me to many wonderful places. Small itty bitty towns with the Cardinals in Short Season ball thru double A. Then big cities with the Cardinals and Indians for Triple A and the Big leagues and now it has brought me and my Husband to the Yankees Organization! The DYNASTY of allllll baseball! After a bit of a rough time in the Indians Organization, Jess was designated on April 30, 2011. If you dont know what that means there is no reason for me to go into details because you wont understand. Basically its just a really confusing way of trying to make room for up and coming players who are not on the 40 man roster. The Indians had to make a move to bring up a starter and Jess was the one to go. God as our never failing and so so so loving Father gave Jess the opportunity to play on one of the greatest teams in baseball history. He may have closed the door with the Indians but opened another door right back open with the Yankees. I am so excited for the opportunity that God has given Jess. I know this is going to be an unbelievable ride and I am so blessed to be able to witness it.

So for now our home is Scranton, PA, home of the Scranton Wilkes-Barre Yankees and the hilarious sitcom The Office! Not too much comes and goes out of here but its still new to us and we havent learned any of the hidden gems yet! Im so excited for this awesome awesome opportunity and Im so so soooooo proud of my husband!

Housing wise we dont have a place and probably wont until June. There is nothing that suits us available until then and we dont just want to take whatever just because I am a control freak and want to have a place to call mine! Lol! On the upside of the housing situation Jess left on an 8 day road trip today and I am flying home to see my family. So that will only leave around 2 weeks of us staying in a hotel until something opens. Ive become found of hotels so that doesnt bother me at all.

Jess hasnt thrown in his new uniform yet but I can tell he is going to look so cute! I got a couple of pictures of him in the bullpen throwing a little bit. They arent great but you can see him in his pin-stripes! Here is a couple of pictures of our new baseball home as well!

Not too shabby....


The cool bullpen!



These are kind of blurry b/c the bullpen is so far from my seat. Jess is now #17!


So what I've come to realize is that my husband and I are "Gypsy Souls". We are "Road Warriors" and a "2 man traveling band" (Im the lead singer and he is back up/drums), we have been a lot of places and seen a lot of things that have led us right where we are supposed to be and thats here in Scranton, PA!

I will see some of yall soon! I hope yall all enjoyed Mother's Day! I get to see my mother tomorrow and Im so ready to give her a big hug! I love you all and thank you for reading!
Love,
E

Thursday, May 5, 2011

The First Week of May!


With the first week of May coming to a close I must say that it has been an eventful one! From the news of the death of Osama Bin Laden, Cinco De Mayo, My birthday and mine and Jess' 5 year anniversary we just have had a lot going on! The days have just flown on by and from the looks of Jess' schedule the whole month is going to fly by!

Yesterday evening Jess surprised me with a birthday party at the ONLY good DECENT Mexican food place here in Columbus! Two of his teammates were there and our Bible Study teacher Sumita and her husband were there. It was such a surprise and I dont even know how I didnt cry but I held my composure! (Lol, me hold composure?!?) I held it as best as I could anyway. We had chips, salsa and queso! That is my favorite! Jess and I shared fajitas and they were delicious! After we finished eating we went over to Sumita's and had cake. She ordered a cake from some place here that their specialty was Red Velvet and I just so happen to have a specialty in eating Red Velvet so she ordered it quick! It was AMAZING and Jess and I have been eating on it today too! Here are some pics from the party!

Me with my delicious birthday cake!

Words cant explain how good this was!

Here is to another wonderful year with my family and friends!

Opening presents!

I posted this picture because I made this exact same facial expression 20 years ago at my 4th birthday party. My sweet Grandma Emma bought me a purse and I was so happy I looked up to find her with a huge grin. This year Sumita gave me a purse too and like my normal self I was in love with it and made the same face I did when I was 4 and had gotten a purse. This makes me miss my grandma more today but I know she was there in spirit.

Today was my official birthday and as if I didnt get enough yesterday my sweet husband scheduled a Spa Day for me today. It was 3 hours of total pampering that I absolutely didnt deserve but loved every minute. He really outdid himself this year and Im so thankful for his generosity.

My birthday also marks our 5 year anniversary. We were just babies when we started dating! Literally 18 and 19 years old! Looking back now I cant believe its been that long. Im so thankful I met him that semester at what I thought was "dredded" Navarro College. My life has never been the same and I wouldnt change that for anything.

I hope yall had a good (what my friends call it) Cinco De Drinko today! Enjoy yalls Friday tomorrow!
Love,
E

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Tasty Tuesday!


Hellooooo Therrreeee! As promised during Spring Training I will now be doing Tasty Tuesday! For this weeks Tasty Tuesday I did Homemade Pizza! It was absolutely delicious and Jess said this is on his list of top things Ive made! It is so easy too, all you do is buy the Pillsbury Pizza Dough Crust (there is thin and regular but I got thin because we like it better), a jar of Pizza Sauce (any brand will do), a package of Pizza Blend Shredded Cheese and anything else you like on your pizza. We did Hillshire Farm Pepperoni because thats pretty much all we agreed on since he likes his pizza with ham and pineapple and I like veggie pizza.

You pre-heat your oven at 400 and then put the Dough on your pizza pan then pop it in the oven for 5 minutes. You then take it out put 1/2 a cup of Pizza Sauce all over the Dough (I put a full cup because I thought we needed more), a cup of Pizza Blend Shredded Cheese and then how many ever Pepperoni's you would like on it. Then you put it back in the oven for 10 more minutes and thats it! Your done! Pretty easy huh?!?

I served our Pizza with Salad and Wine! It was a nice little ending to a nice little rainy, cold day!

(please excuse my modesty in using our dollar plates and drinking wine out of plastic cups, we dont travel with our fine china and crystal. lol)


I recommend this to any Pizza lover. Its healthy and it wont leave that bloated after feeling of greasy delivery pizza!

Hope yall are all having a great start to yalls week!
Love,
E

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Happy Birthday Tiff!

I just want to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to one of my favorite cousins Tiffany! I hope you are having a great day!

Welcome to Atlanta!


Greetings from BEAUTIFUL Atlanta Georgia! For anyone who has been to Atlanta Im sure you know this is an awesome city! Its so different and not what you would expect at all! The picture above is us in front of the Atlanta Skyline! We were standing on a bridge that is connected to a restaurant we were going to! It was old but renovated, it was so neat!

The first day we were in Atlanta we picked the boys up from the airport and went to get lunch. Katie and Wes took us to a gas station bar-b-q restaurant. Im sure yall are thinking "Really? A gas station?" Yes, it was a gas station but it was an AMAZING gas station! Take a look at our food!

Jess got the Ribs w/Baked Beans, he couldnt even finish the Ribs there were so many!

I of course got the Chopped Brisket sandwich w/french fries!

Katie got the Pulled Chicken sandwich w/Korean Radish and Cucumber Salad. (It was pink! I thought that was so cool!)

The rest of that day Katie and I went around and she showed me different neighborhoods in Atlanta. Wes took Jess and another player to the Chattahoochie since they live right near it so they could see. Later before the game we went and got pedicures at this "posh" uptown pedicure place. They paint the oil on your legs and feet. They dont just squirt it on and rub. You cant talk on your cell phone in there and you have to whisper if you are there with your friend. It was so nice and tranquil. I loved it! After that we headed to dinner where we just ordered a bunch of appetizers and shared them. Katie's friend Corali met us there so she shared too. 

Wednesday we got up early and went to hot yoga! If any of you know about hot yoga you know that it is very HOT! Its basically doing yoga in a sauna type temperature. You start to sweat immediately after you walk thru the door! The class was 90 minutes long and after it was over Katie and I felt like a million bucks! After the class we went and had lunch and then went shopping! Katie and I have a lot of things in common but one MAIN, HUMONGOUS one is that we LOVE to shop! Even if we arent buying anything. We just love all things beautiful in fashion!

The next day we went driving around downtown in the city and I snapped some quick shots. Here is what I got!



Peachtree St. is basically where "everything" is. You know like "the place to be."

After that we went to where Katie lived in college, it is called The Highlands and it was such a cute little suburb! We stopped at this Gelato Shoppe to grab a coffee and gelato! It was sooo good!

Pure happiness!

The Gelato to choose from!

Katie posing for a quick pic at an intersection.

We walked around that neighborhood for a while going in and out of all the shops and boutiques! So much fun! All that walking made us work up and appetite so we headed to one of Katie's fave places to go called Loco Luna. Its a Tapas bar so it only serves drinks and appetizers but it was delicious. I followed her lead and she ordered everything since she had been there and knows whats the best. Here we are enjoying the sun!


Enjoying a Bellini Martini! Strong but good! Lol.


That night after the game we got the boys to take a picture with us. Jess usually hates doing that but he happily obliged me and Wes for Katie. We love these two! They are truly great friends and I know that we will stay friends forever! 



Its officially May so you know what that means! Summer is just around the corner! I can hardly wait, I am so ready for the weather to be enjoyable here in Ohio. It has done nothing but rain and be gloomy for the whole month of April! Yall lucky ducks down in Texas! We hope everyone is doing well! 
Love,
E