Thrown for a Loop

I have some very good news to share with you today and also, some very horrible news. Shall I go ahead and get the bad news over with?

Several days ago we got a semi-unexpected phone call from the Rockies. They told Aaron how much they appreciated how hard he had worked {rehabbed} these past three years... They hated that they haven't been able to use his talent for the betterment of their organization... and basically, they graciously released him. 

Ugh. Not a good day. 

After all we've been through, this was definitely the biggest feeling of defeat. Only, "defeat" is what we've felt for most of this three years with his shoulder. One semi-complicated injury. Three operations {one of which was not even necessary}.  Can you sense the our frustrations here? ;)

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."  James 1:2-4

Perseverance? I don't think we'll ever fully be there but good grief we've gotten a lot of practice through these years!  Joy? I'm working on that right now and so is Aaron. The fact that God is in control is the only way I can find joy in these circumstances. That's where I go to find comfort. Because I do know this:  

"The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."  Psalm 34:18

The reason I say the call was semi-unexpected was because we've been grateful to the Rockies for hanging onto us as long as they have. We couldn't have asked for a more patient and supportive organization to be in and yes, I wish they would have at least waited a couple more months to see how Aaron would fully recover but they didn't and that's ok. 

At this level, baseball is no longer just a game. It's a business.

They were trying to do what they thought was best for their business.

So, now that you're officially depressed reading this ;) shall I share with you the very good news??

A few days before we got "the call", Aaron flew up to Denver to an appointment with an orthopaedic that has specialized in pitchers with his type of shoulder injury for many years. {torn biceps tendon} Aaron told him his whole injury-surgery-rehab story from start to finish. The doctor reviewed all of his past MRI's and conducted some strength and flexibility tests on him and came to this confident conclusion: If Aaron will work on his flexibility and keep working out and throwing like he's been doing, he should be back to his old self in 6 weeks.




{speaking of old self}

You talk about music to our ears.

Are we taking the bait- hook, line and sinker just yet? Um no. I'll believe it when I see it.  But it was SO encouraging to finally hear good news that wasn't an assumption, he was totally and completely confident. We aren't just yet, but we're glad somebody is! 

Although, I will say, Aaron did use the term "CRAZY- good" when describing how his arm felt throwing last night... so maybe we're on our way to a full recovery.

The two questions we're wondering now are: Will he ever be back to his old self? And if he is, will there be a team or teams interested in a player with his background? 

We shall see in the next few months.

It ain't over 'till it's over. That's what I keep saying.

We are still kind of in shock and definitely frustrated, but we do have a sense of peace about it all, miraculously. {seriously, it's a miracle.}

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Thank you, thank you Lord!!

Hittin' the Books... again

 In May of 2009, I graduated from Mississippi State University with a bachelor's degree in Marketing. Never in a trillion years did I even think about stepping foot in a classroom ever again. I had put in my four years, earned my degree, and I was DONE.

So, have you ever heard that saying... "If you wanna hear God laugh, tell Him your plans"? Well, obviously, I'm living proof.

As you can tell from the picture above, I am immersed in science classes... 16 hours of science classes {and labs}. Thankfully, I'm at my local community college and while the classes are challenging, I'm not dying... yet.

In college, you could always pick out the "old people" in the class... You know, they attended every single class, asked questions, always had their homework thoroughly completed, and were dressed in decent clothing- you know, something other than an oversized t shirt with a hat covering bedhead. In an auditorium/classroom of grungy half-awake college students {me included most days} they stood out to me, and I thought to myself, "Thank God I'm young and getting this done now." Ha!! I crack myself up. While I am still "young" and graduate school-aged, I still feel like an old married nerd ;) in my classes. But what's so amazing is that, I couldn't imagine not attending class, not looking halfway decent, with my homework thoroughly completed! It's amazing what a few years of maturity will do to your mental state and realizing that there is a purpose to the material you are studying.

What is my purpose exactly? Well, all of the classes I am taking are pre-requisites to the University of South Alabama's accelerated nursing program. There are tons and tons of reasons why I've made the decision to start taking steps toward nursing school and I'll share a few of them with you...

- I've grown up surrounded by physicians and nurses my entire life... my parents, aunts and uncles, mother in law, etc. and I have always soaked up every "medical" thing I hear them say. It's just in my blood! {pardon the pun} I love to learn about the human body. So much so that Aaron {with his complicated shoulder issue} nicknamed me the "Ortho-parrot" because I would always talk to my Dad {an orthopaedic surgeon} about his ailments and then repeat exactly what he said... and then sometimes, I would come up with my own theories about why his arm was feeling a certain way and discuss them with Dad to see if he agreed. I love it. {Aaron might say I love it too much.} ha! He's glad I love it too much because where would he be without his own personal "nurse" to help him recover from his many surgeries and procedures?

From surgery #1 until now he's been trying to convince me to become a nurse, and I've finally given in!

{yes, that clear line hanging down his shirt is a pain pump that's hooked inside his neck... he is a trooper.}

- I'm not interested in a full time job as of now  because I enjoy being with Aaron all year round and no amount of money could take me away from him for 6-7 months. But, one day I very well may be ready to work part time or full time and in an economy like we have now, there isn't exactly an abundance of flexible, good-paying, "working mom" marketing jobs out there. {If there are, I would love to know.} As much as I love the medical field, the practicality of it is the deciding factor to me. I'm all about practical.

- And last but most certainly not least, I have found that there is nothing more rewarding than helping people when they can't exactly help themselves. I have loved interacting with all of the patients while working at my Dad's clinic during the off season and I thoroughly enjoy scrubbing in to watch my Dad "in action" in the OR. I have also enjoyed listening to all of my sister Jessica's nursing school stories {the good, the bad and the ugly}. {She's also been trying to convince me to bite the bullet and do it!}

So there you have it- a few of the many reasons why I'm making moves towards going to nursing school. The program that I would like to get accepted into is an accelerated program for students who already have degrees. It only takes 12 very intense months to complete and you get your BSN {July to July, or January to January}.  I would love to have another degree in my back pocket before the young 'ns start coming :) but we will see how it all plays out with Aaron's career and everything.  His dream is just as much my dream.  The thought of missing out on an entire baseball season makes my stomach sick but God is in control, right? He will lay everything in place for us and I know I shouldn't waste time worrying about how we will make it happen.

Oh, and only one {hard} year of nursing school actually sounds appetizing to me now. Three years ago, I would have never believed it... Once again, I've learned firsthand that if you wanna hear God laugh, tell Him your plans!!

Today I am Thankful

I am thankful for the beauty of the cross and the forgiveness of my sins... for a God who keeps His promises and never ceases to stop loving me for who I am.

I am thankful for His gorgeous creation...

I am thankful for the opportunities we've been given to explore this country...

I've seen firsthand, just how small I really am.

... and how even the smallest things are sometimes the most beautiful...

I love the "man-made" structures too.

I am thankful for my man.

He's loves the woods... {Although sometimes, during certain "seasons", I'm not so thankful... Anyone else feel my pain? HA!}

He loves to throw a baseball (when his shoulder isn't in excruciating pain)... and I am thankful for the opportunities his pro "career" has given us.

and most of all, I am thankful that he loves me.  

I am thankful for his health... He may be dealing with one annoying shoulder injury but I know it could be much worse. Some people would love to be worried about a tear in their shoulder instead of the disease they're fighting, the paralysis an accident has left them, etc. Every time I want to pout and throw a fit, I am humbly reminded how blessed we actually are.

I am thankful for two parents that have loved us and loved each other unconditionally. Lord knows, life has not been an easy ride for either of them.

I am thankful that they are "young and hip" and full of energy... and most of all healthy.

I am thankful for my sisters.

I automatically have two best friends... that I will always love, and will always love me {unconditionally}.

... and life would be so boring without them.

I am thankful for my feline and canine family members also.

... and that includes nieces.

Oh, and it also includes little ones God puts at my doorstep (just days after I lost one little feline family member).

I am thankful for food in my stomach... both for health and nourishment...

... and just to simply devour enjoy!

I am so thankful for friendship.

Our friends bring one particular verse to my mind...

"I thank my God every time I remember you." Philippians 1:3  

Yes, we thank God so much for placing them in our lives. Our lives have been even more "full" because of them.

And I may not look thankful in the picture below but...   {Give me a break- it was mile 25!}

I've never been more grateful for two arms, two legs, a heart that pumps oxygen rich blood, and a mind that is determined.

So yes, today I am thankful.

"Give THANKS to the Lord, for He is good..." Psalm 107:1

Today was a good day.

I've had quite the blogger's block lately... and when I try to figure out why exactly, a list of everything we've been up to comes to my mind... So in order to blog something today and keep those of you that really are interested up to speed, I'm going to fill you in on life as we currently know it! {Not to mention, why today is a good day.}

First and foremost, today is the birthday of my mother and middle sister. Yes, they have the same birthday! The scrum-diddly-umptious cupcakes above are for dessert tonight and I can hardly stop walking over to the kitchen table to stare at them.

Remember this post? I talked about how we've learned to take this neverending shoulder recovery process one day at a time. Because if I don't, I will be on a nauseating never-ending roller coaster of emotions and I have found through experience, that it is not worth it. We have our good days and our bad days but when it's a good day, I just call it a "little victory". Today we had a little victory... Aaron had his six week follow up appointment with Dr. Andrews and we learned that his strength, range of motion, etc. is "perfect". I am elated at such positive news, but I know we're not out of the desert yet. I am simply saying to myself, "Today was a good day."

Our half-ironman training is in full swing and occupies a LOT of my time. We are currently swimming over 3 miles a week, biking over 100 miles a week, and running over 20 miles a week. Notice I said week... we don't bike 100 miles in one day! So needless to say, it's intense. I hope to dedicate a post to our training one day and I would like for it to include pictures... I'm going to have to figure that one out.

I've been filling in at my dad's clinic when needed and substitute teaching... Yes, subbing. So far, I've only had to raise my voice at one smart aleck hooligan... I'd say that's pretty darn good!

I'm also doing a Bible study on Covenant by Kay Arthur and I am loving every bit of it. I could dedicate a whole blog post to the things I've learned and it's only been two weeks!  Maybe one day I can share with you the highlights.

Well, that's all for today... I've gotta run to the grocery to cook a big birthday dinner... and then swim a mile if the weather permits. That's life as I know it people.

But nevertheless, today was a GOOD day!

Bobbin' and Weavin'

... is what I've been doing a lot of these days.

Between working hard, running hard, a very in depth Bible study, housework, and family, I haven't exactly made much time for blogging... or taking pictures for that matter. I have noticed that most of my posts capture events and every "happy little thing" that goes on in our lives and while those are the times I definitely want to document I also feel the need and dare I say, conviction, to be more REAL with you strangers readers also. I guess I just assume that the mundane will not interest you and you will x out of this screen... and quite frankly, I don't blame you! So, if you're really bored and desperate for something to read here ya go! :)

I am a "lister"... meaning, I prefer organizing large amounts of information into bulleted form...you know, to simplify it. I guess I could admit that it calms me to do so. Any other OCD people like that out there?? {Well actually, I have so much to say today it'll just be split up into mini paragraphs. Sorry, I just have a lot to catch you up on!}

I have been a very busy working girl these days... This little Monday-Friday 8-5 job is something I am extremely thankful for. The people I have met, both coworkers and patients, the experience I have gained, and not to mention the little extra padding in the bank account is always sweet. However, I have figured out that the absolute latest I can go to bed is 10:00 or I'm no good the next day... How pitiful is that? I am so dad gum high maintenance when it comes to sleep! I hate it! Arg!{Can you tell?} But other than that, I really can't complain... I'm just thankful to have a job in my unique situation of a life.

Marathon training has influenced the high maintenance of my sleep habits a little bit I think... When your body has run for twenty miles straight or even ten for that matter, it tends to tire out a little faster for a few days afterward. Courtney and I have been chuggin' on along training for these 26.2 miles we have to endure in a couple of weeks. It hasn't been painless by any means, but the quality time training together has been so good for both of us. And you may wonder how BORED we must be to run for hours and hours but when you've got the company of a best friend, a bunch of cute coastal cottages to drool over, and this view of Mobile Bay most of the way... I'd say we stay pretty entertained!

On a beautiful day for a long run, we set out for the open trail and it looks like this...

When we are finishing up it looks more like this outside...

Let me just {bitterly} brag on my husband and father for a moment. Last week they up and decided that they were NOT going to be spectators in this half/full marathon that me, Court, Mom, and Jessica are running in so they decide to start "training" for it. {Please keep in mind it's in 2 weeks}. They both don't even remember the last time they ran more than three miles... it's sickening. But oh wait, it gets worse! Last Sunday Dad goes out and runs six miles like there's nothing to it... {Mom tried to be happy for him.} And one day last week, Aaron up and decides to just see if he can run a half marathon {13.1 miles}. Well 13.6 miles and 1hr and 50 minutes later, I get a phone call {at work, mind you} that he's ready for the race! I didn't know whether to be pissed off or excited... I was a little of both I admit. I guess I will just swallow my pride and admit that my husband and my father are both pure bred athletes and I am very proud of and disgusted by them.

This past weekend, Dad and Aaron threw their duck hunting plans out the window when the girls {Julie and Jessica} announced they were coming home. Sometimes girls just have that affect on boys... :) The weekend was restful, busy, hilarious, and when you put all six of us together, it's non-stop entertainment. If only you could be a fly on the wall. Saturday night we all went out to eat at this Italian cafe at the beach and had dip cones from Dairy Queen for dessert... We get to do really fun things like that when the guests of honor come home. Well, at least we think it's fun!

In other news, I have just started this Bible study... "A Woman's Heart, God's Dwelling Place" by Beth Moore and each day I do the reading and studying, I learn something new. I need Bible studies to keep me in the Word daily, otherwise I find myself filling that time with other things that I think I "need" to do. The main concept we are realizing as we study is God's pursuit of man. We are being shown examples of this all throughout the Old Testament and what is so comforting is that although the world has changed, God is still the same and he still actively pursues fellowship with us. Mmm mm mm... that simple concept blows me away.

"The eyes of the Lord range throughout the Earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him." 2 Chronicles 16:9 I want His eyes to land on my heart... that's all I can say.

Well, it's past ten and my eyelids are getting verrry heavy. And since this has been an extremely "verbal" post, I will end with a pretty picture for your viewing pleasure.

Thanks for reading readers!