BASEBALL

I love it. When I was a little girl I loved it. I loved practice, I looked forward to games. I loved the Orioles, and we all know, I loved Cal Ripken Jr. So I find it ironic that Trevor plays in the Cal Ripken Division here in Florida. Destiny:) Playing sports to me, was everything. No one told me or forced me to feel that way, I just did. I could throw a ball against the brick wall a million times a day. I remember trying to challenge myself to throw harder or to throw it at an angle that would make the grounder coming back way out of reach...yet I would try my hardest to get there. Wiffle ball games were abundant in my backyard and early evenings at the ballpark down the street, a must.

I grew up and played on great softball teams and had the opportunity to play in some incredible tournaments across the US against some amazing athletes. Again, I loved it all.

When I coached softball at the High School level, I found it to be the greatest thrill of all. It was a chance to teach all that I had learned...to transfer all of those experiences over to some wonderful young female athletes. It was a challenge, but became a true passion. I thought nothing could ever top that experience.

Catching: First Game, First Inning

Checking out the pitcher

Watching Trevor play baseball takes me to a different place. I can't even describe the emotions that run through me. When we practice, I love throwing out little suggestions. When he is being stubborn, I enjoy challenging his competitive heart. When he is successful, my heart beams with pride. He's so old school. There's a passion in him that I remember well, but see very little of in kids these day.

Today was his first game of the season. Honestly, didn't know what to expect out of this Brewer team. It was a beautiful day and the complex was full of activity. Games on all fields...softball games on the lower fields...and most importantly, the snack bar was open for business.

Trevor was lead off and actually walked all three times at bat. He caught the first inning, and it seemed like his mind was racing. I can't help but smile when that little body comes walking out with all of that gear on, but he settles in, catches some warm up pitches, and throws it down:) The first inning proved to be a little chaotic for both teams...nerves and excitement I suppose. Trevor did a good job though. He really likes catching, he needs to work on his blocking, but all in all...not too bad. He even threw a guy out who was stealing third!

Second inning he played short, one inning at first, and then, he surprised the heck out of me. The Brewer's were up 8-6 and it was the bottom of the final inning. Each team can score 5 runs per inning, so the game was on the line. Going back a week, Trevor had pitched during a scrimmage and had not faired so well. In fact, he walked three and was yanked. So we had been working on some things this week and this would prove to be his chance to redeem himself. I don't think that coach had planned on pitching Trevor this game (I wouldn't have either after watching him at the scrimmage) but because of pitch counts and a missing teammate....Trevor got the call. And man, did he deliver. Trevor stood on that mound with such presence and determination. After his warm up pitches, I knew he was going to be ok this time around.  Actually, he was lights out!!! He struck out 3 batters to end the game. I was trying to be calm...but holy cow, that kid is too much. So when it comes to baseball, watching Trevor is what I love the most.

Are you smarter than a 3rd Grader???

Well.....I sure hope so. Life is full of surprises. I was just settling into my new position as a teachers aide and all was going smoothly. I must say that after the first week, I realized that I had learned SO much since I had last been working for the school system. I was so happy to be back...yet, I was longing for more. Soon after I started, I took one of the tests necessary to get back into the school system as a teacher. It was the Special Ed test(here it is called ESE)....and I passed...thank you Darren! I figured I would take some time to study for the Elementary K-6 test. Again, my goal was to start teaching next school year. THEN the teacher that I was working with was put on emergency bed rest due to a high risk pregnancy. I found out this information on a Thursday night...


Sometimes you can't explain fate. There was something inside me that knew I had to make my pitch to the administration. For some reason, I knew I could do it. More importantly, I knew I would be so mad at myself if I didn't at least try. But there was one obstacle. I still hadn't taken that K-6 test! The principal said she would strongly consider me for the position, IF, I could pass that test ASAP. So, I registered the next day and then headed to Miami on the following day to take a 4 1/2 test that I had not yet studied for. I went in thinking "if I pass, great...if not, at least I tried". I checked in, and was told to put my stuff in a locker...immediately I saw locker 22 was open...that was a good sign:) and then I headed in....praying all the way.


As the test progressed, I was humbled. I laughed at myself, "Who the heck did I think I was coming in here thinking I could pass this test?"...at that moment...I surrendered. I applauded myself for trying...but admitted that I was in over my head. So I continued on. I took my time, had a good system, and let the pressure roll off my shoulders...


And then I passed....


I was offered the position Monday morning....


Needless to say, it has been a complete whirlwind! My class has many challenges...but just as many strengths. SO, I am currently a 3rd grade teacher...who would have thought???? Not I. Yet, I am enjoying the challenge of it all. It is very exciting, but teaching is hard. I have great admiration for teachers. I admit, I didn't enjoy school. Now, I understand why.  The format and structure of school really never changes:  quiet in hallway, raise your hand to speak, don't talk or sharpen your pencils when the teacher is talking, the daily pledge of allegiance, chapter tests, spelling words, homework...the list goes on and on. My goal is to connect with the kids and to make it fun...gonna try at least. My social lesson of the day on Friday was "Are you gonna be a leader, or a follower?". Anytime someone acted up...I called them out. "Leader? or Follower?" The real leaders took a moment and answered honestly even when they were following the pack. Truth is, some don't even know they are leaders yet.... THIS is why teaching is so cool. 

Trevor's team, the Brewer's, have been practicing hard. They have their first scrimmage on Thursday and first game on Saturday. Go Brewer's!!!!!!!!!!!!!


This Saturday, March 10th, is also the 11th Annual Food and Wine Festival. All proceeds will benefit Renaissance Learning Center and Renaissance Learning Academy. It will feature a Live and Silent Auction, Live Music and, of course, Food and Wine. This year it is at the Downtown, which should make for a great event. 

Thanks to all that have contributed to the card sales!!!!