Growing Up Baseball

Kansas City Royals days!

Storm and I have spent the majority of our married life in the game of baseball. We had our kids while in the game; retired; then returned as MiLB coaching staff.
One of the questions I get asked often is, 'How did your kids handle growing up in baseball?' All I could ever think was...'It was all they knew at the time..it was their version of normal.'
So... I decided to ask them! Being the troopers that they are- they answered me!
Erin 27 (youngest) born in California - She was going into Kindergarten when Storm retired. She remembers some of the places we lived but not all of them. She does believe it made her a flexible person to change. She also feels her relationship with her brothers was a place of solid ground. She knew she always had them even if we were headed to a new place.
Caleb 29 (sweet stuff in the middle) born in Jacksonville (our only off-season baby)-He said, 'Mom, that's all we knew for a long time!' He's right! He was going into first grade when we went back home. He loved going to ballgames and eating ballpark food. He didn't always like the change of scenery but found comfort in his siblings being close. He notes that he developed skills for handling change and still uses them. He wishes he remembers more of that time...but has some fun memories playing basketball with Cal Ripken in our basement!
Zach 31 (oldest) born in Baltimore - He, of course, remembers the most. Zach was going into third grade at our retirement. He has always seemed to love going to new places. I think he was born with an adventurous streak. He was a student of the game even in his young years. He knew every hitters batting stance!
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Daddy's departure days were a little rocky for all of them. I tried to make it a day with something fun..and of course a treat or two! Hurdles for kids show up in any walk of life..it's a day by day journey!
When Zach was only 4 he started struggling with Storm flying all over the place. He grasped the danger his Daddy could be in and it scared him. We found a great kids counselor who taught him and I keys to help with the sad thoughts. We began praying for Daddy when he left on trips and thanked Jesus for taking care of all of us. Over time things improved.
They were all amazing travelers! Their backpacks were filled with their favorite things... they boarded planes for cross country trips like it was no biggie, buckled themselves up and took a nap...great flyers!! Caleb, the social butterfly, even at 3 yrs of age, always chatted up the person sitting next to him! As they got older the shenanigans on planes got more advanced....and more comical!

All 3 of the kids remember meeting players like Ken Griffey Jr, goofing around with Bo Jackson, or shooting hoops with Cal Ripken Jr. ....that was their normal!
As Zach once said, " Hey Mom... it's cool that Dad plays baseball, because we get to meet the Famous baseball players?" 😊. Kids!....you gotta love 'em!

Always a goofy photo with Zach & Erin!!

I then asked them if they think their baseball years influence their lives now?
Erin/ Pro Makeup Artist/ Business Owner- "I watched dad achieve his career dream & learned that I can go after my dream. I also saw how you can balance all of that, and still have a family because I watched you raise 3 awesome kids and be an awesome mom. I feel I can handle anything life throws at me because of Jesus.
​Side Bonus: I travel a lot for my job...and we all know how professional we are at that!"
​Caleb/ Husband/ Dad/ Insurance Broke-"The way you were raised shapes everyone. I would say it has shaped my ability to adapt to change, as well as my ability to dream big. I lived in a home with someone who made it to the top."
Zach/ Husband/Dad/ Head Football Coach/High School Teacher- "Maybe subconsciously, but I don't think about it a lot. It was a normal upbringing. Dad could have been a plumber, but it was the fact that both of you did a great job raising kids. That was most important."

Caleb & Erin are just 18 months apart...Twinsies!

One of my dear memories was watching their individual reactions when Storm stepped off the plane after being gone on a road trip. Zach was pretty laid back about it and made his way with a smile deliberately toward his Dad. Caleb ran to see him yelling "Dad!" all the way, and Erin was just a couple of steps behind smiling ear to ear arms raised! Within just a few minutes Storm had his arms full of his children, kissing & hugging them all!

Oakland As Family Day!

I never wanted my kids to be like each other. They are such smart, fun, perceptive individuals who view life from all angles. Similarly I don't think we should allow anyone to cookie cut us into who they are. You are unique. I am unique. We all parent differently. We have unique perceptions and instincts. Follow yours bravely! Just like Zach, Caleb and Erin showed their joy differently to their Dad's arrival, I believe all of us as God's kids respond differently to Him. Follow your heart. Guard your heart. Choose to breathe and know your eternal value...even when all 3 kids are vommitting and your hubby is on a road trip!
Bottom line: We are in need of a Savior. He came to shower us with Grace and love us for all eternity. He is our strength. All the other outcroppings and personal preferences are peripheral. "Never let the peripheral blur the substance."
Substance: YOU ARE LOVED! He sings over you with effervescent joy! You're doing a GREAT job!!

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