Sleepless in Reno

Hey there my blogger friends.  I have had the hardest time sleeping the past few weeks.  Ughhhhhh.  It's driving me crazy!  Okay, enough about that.  Well.....I feel like this baseball season is flying by.  Maybe it's because I'm 30 and my mom says that time goes by faster the older you get.  Or maybe it's because with the passing of every baseball season I know that it could be the last one.  I feel like my weeks are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  Tuesday and Thursday just disappeared somewhere.  Except when Ryan is on the road of coarse and then the weeks are Monday, Monday, Tuesday, Tuesday, Wednesday......you get the point.  Haha!  We kind of had a reality check this last week.  One of my husband's teammates and one of my good friends (his wife) that I met this season went home.  He decided it was his time to retire from baseball.  It made us really ready to be home, but it also made "the end" even that more real.  I know that the best part of our lives has really just begun with the birth of our daughter.  There are so many new and exciting adventures that are coming our way.  We will get to travel.  Like really travel.  Like no baseball games involved travel.  We have been so blessed by this game.  I know I've said it before, but it's been a crazy ride.  Most people just can't understand, but this is our "normal".  Being apart for months at a time, being away from our friends and family, struggling to make ends meet, finally making it to the bigs leagues, going back to triple A, getting called back up, and getting send back down, me going to all my baby doctor appointments ALONE because we "scheduled" our pregnancy around baseball (HAHA!!) and....call me crazy, but I preferred he be present for the birth rather than the appointments.  It's all been our "normal" and I wouldn't change anything.  I love Ryan more that I have ever loved him and I absolutely can not wait to see what God has in store for us.  He is a BIG God and I know he has big plans for us.

I pray for peace of mind for Ryan every morning and every night.  Most people have NO IDEA how demanding this game is on these guys.  It's mentally, emotionally, and of course physically draining.  I just pray that when he decides to retire that he leaves this game with no regrets.  I can't tell you how many people have asked, "How much longer is he going to do the baseball thing?"  My answer, "As long as he wants to."  He is the ONLY person that gets to make that decision.  I'll be ready when ever he is ready and I'll be his biggest fan as long as he is behind that plate and right now I've got a ball player coming home tomorrow so I need to try to get some sleep.  Nighty night!!!

On the road again

Well, my baby daddy left today for an 8 day road trip.  The team is headed to Memphis and then Nashville.  The days are sooooooo long when he is away.  Don't get me wrong I enjoy the occasional  break from the baseball field.  Especially the freeeeeezing cold baseball field here in Reno.  But it's tough being in an unfamiliar place where you don't know many people.  I feel like it's especially tough for Parker.  I try to get her out of the condo as much as possible, but she has to be thinking, "Seriously? You? And me? Again?"  Last road trip I caught her on the computer looking for plane tickets home and packing her Mickey Mouse suit case....and that was only a 4 day road trip.  Also, she is CRAZY about her father, so that doesn't help the situation.  He's the "fun" parent.  I'm chopped liver when he's around.  Haha. We miss him tons when he's gone.  I'm hoping the weather stays nice so we can go to the pool or the zoo everyday.  Yeah, you heard me.  Everyday.  She loooooves being outside.  She also loves playing with other kids, so that is another reason it's so hard not knowing other moms here in Reno.  Parker pretty much made it look like she was being abducted.....by ME today at the pool when her "friends" (that she met today and played with for about 15 minutes) were leaving.  She was pushing me away and screaming as they walked away.  I was like, "Ummmmm.....I swear she's mine.  Come on sweetie.  Mommy loves you. MOMMY loves you.  Because you're my DAUGHTER.  I'm your MOMMY."  Haha!!  Seriously.  It was kind of sad, but mostly just embarrassing.  Gosh I love that kid.



I have 3 words for all you parents out there.

FRESH.      BEAT.       BAND.

These are the happiest 30 year old "teenagers" I have ever encountered.  And Parker is OBSESSED.  She will run sprint from whatever room she is in straight to the living room when she hears the opening song.  She dances and sings her little heart out and it is the cutest thing I have ever seen.  I have probably video taped her dancing about 37 times since we've been here in Reno and I will probably tape her at least 189 more times before Ryan gets home in 8 days.  And I'm not going to lie......I rock out to some of the songs right along with her.  It's pathetic I know.  I'm just saying that when they go on tour we WILL be going.  Haha!!!  I'm actually not sure if I really like the music or if I am just so happy to NOT hear the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse song that anything would sound amazing.

Well, that's all for now.  I'll try to update you again soon.

Here's to the BIG one!!!!

Well.....I turn 30 in approximately one hour and twenty minutes.  Ahhhhhhhhh!!!!!!  (Home Alone Scene)  Even though my twenties are seconds behind me I feel like the best part of my life has just begun.  I am married to an amazing man that talks crap to me, farts on me, but most importantly, loves me and makes me laugh everyday.  I am so lucky to be able to travel with him and enjoy this special time.  I have the most beautifulest, most sweetest, most perfectest daughter in the world.....well except for my mom's first born.  I've heard she is pretty amazing as well.  Wink wink.  I'm excited to have more kids....or maybe just more KID.  Like ONE more.  I can't imagine having more than 2 at this point in my life.  Baseball is hard enough with one.  If I had three while traveling....ALONE....I might have to kill someone and it would probably be me.

We are in Reno this year.  Last year Las Vegas.  This year Reno.  With a baby.  Awesomeness.  "You have a baaaby.  In a bar."  That's how I felt last year in Vegas.  People would be like, "You LIVE here?  Like LIVE here?  Why?"  Haha!!!  I love the adventures though.  As long as I have my health and my family, then I'm ready to travel where ever this crazy life takes us.  And sometimes I joke, but I'm having the time of my life....most days. :)

They boys are on the road, but they get home tomorrow. YAY!!!  Just in time for my BIG DAY!!  I might do something really different, like go to a baseball game.  I just don't really see much baseball, so that could be really fun!  I'm soooooo funny.  Ryan bought me an amazing birthday present before he left for the road trip.  He bought me a REAL big girl camera.  I LOOOVE taking pics of my sweet Parker and now I'm going to be able to capture some really amazing shots.  I can't wait.  I guess I'll take a few of Ryan too.  I guess.

I've met some super sweet girls here in Reno.  I always miss the girls from the previous years, but I'm thankful for new friends as well.  I wish there were a big reunion every year (away from the baseball field) that could bring us all back together.  I be missin my homies.  Me and Facebook have a love/hate relationship these days, but I love it because of all the people I meet throughout the years and then never really get to see again accept for FB.  I feel like I know their kids from their pics and can see what's going on in their lives.  Basically, I'm nosey.  I'm fine with it.  Now the hate part makes me want to delete my account daily.  People are soooooooo dramatic.  Geeeeez louise.  People.....I don't want to know if your baby daddy's sister's husband is talking trash to your momma's aunt's baby daddy.  It's too much.  I'm sure people don't care what bow Parker is wearing today either, but at least it's a cute freakin picture! I also hate/dislike/mostly hate people that update their status with something that is CLEARLY about one of their FB friends, but choose to be a coward and just post it so they don't really have to address the person directly.  They are just hoping that the person it's directed towards is thinking, "Is she taking about me?"  Seriously?  Tell your friend she hurt your feelings/annoys you/needs to get an attitude adjustment/whatever.  Just stop making everyone else read your dramatic posts and wonder, "Ooohhhh girl.  I wonder who she be talkin bout?"  Okay.  I'm done with that.  Haha!!!

Well I hope to have some some updates for you soon!!  Next time you hear from me I'll be much older and more mature.  I'm sure that won't change my post humor....or lack there of.  Have an amazing April 30th!!!  I know I will!!!!

Nap Time = Blog Time!!

Ready, Set, Post!!!
Parker is down for the count, so I'll try to write a bit.  It's been a tough few weeks.  Obviously Ryan is in AZ for spring training with the Diamondbacks.  He is absolutely, positively miserable without the loves of his life with him of course.  He's being forced to sleep whenever he wants, lay out in the beautiful sun shine, golf, and not get puked or pooped on.  I mean....how terrible.  I wouldn't want that miserable life.  Haha!!  He really is missing his baby girl though.  I can not even imagine going 4 whole weeks without seeing our sweet girl.  Yes, we have Skype, but it's just not the same.  She is growing like a weed and has widely expanded her vocabulary with such words as "uh ooooh" (yes it's a word), "apple", "duck".....and the list goes on.  She's gifted, what can I say.

Sunday was an amazing day.  We went to church (which was actually the only amazing part) and then went out to lunch with my parents.  Parker decided that it would be really fun the throw up aaaaalllllllllllllll over me after she ate mashed potatoes, carrots, bread, and some green beans.  I mean, come on kid.  If you're gonna vomit could you at least do it BEFORE we eat such a hearty meal?  I came to lunch in a black dress with a tank top and tights underneath, and I left in the tank top and tights, and not like super thick leggings.  Tights that you could totally see through.  Thank the Lord I wore undies.  :)  Just kidding.....well....maybe.  Hehe.  Parker came to lunch in a cute dress and leggings and pink John Deer boots, and left in her rain jacket and diaper.  We were a real classy group.  Anywho.  We survived and she is feeling MUCH better thank you for asking.

Any traveling baseball wife/gf/fiance can agree that being apart is one of the toughest parts of this wonderful game.  I must say that when it comes time to actually pack up and leave to go join them for the season it is really hard as well.  How do you pack up your house without taking the entire thing with you?  I can barely decide what I'm going to need for a week away from home.  How on earth can I decide what I'm going to wear 4 months from now?  Haha!!  I go through this every year.  And every year I'm just fine when I get there, but it truly is tough. Thank God for Target and Walmart.  Especially when traveling with a baby girl.  Leaving the family is really hard as well.  My parents seem to think that Parker is going to stay here.  Baaaaahaaaaaahaaaahaaaaaaaaaaaaa Baaaahaaaaaahaaaaaaaaahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.  Sorry Mom.....ain't gonna happen.  She's going with me.  End of story.

Well, I hear a sweet baby yelling "DAAAAD".  That's right.  She yells "DAD" when she wakes up.  Heeeeelllllloooooooo I carried you for 40 weeks, birthed you via c section (ooooouch!!!), and I take care of you every day.  Can I just get a "HEY MOM" every once in a while?  Nope.  That's daddy's girl in there and I'm actually totally okay with it.  It melts my heart every time she says it.  :)

Hope everyone is having a great week, month, year,  whatever.  Catch ya lata!

Insomnia = Awesome text messages

Insomnia is a crazy thing. It really makes me a better wife though. Well..... I am a better house keeper and laundry folder for sure. It also makes my text messages to my sleeping husband quite interesting..... to say the least. He's gonna wake up and either laugh, or wanna slap me.


Laying here unable to sleep. Not like me at all I know. So a few things to remember tomorrow. 1)Hit the ball hard...every time. Only triples and homeruns are acceptable. 2)Throw everyone out....everyone. Even when you aren't catching. Just throw it from the dugout. 3)Be a bad ass....all the time. Just walk around cursing at people and occasionally hit someone in the face. Maybe even a coach or 2. But not Naggy. We like him. 4) Make the team. Seriously. I'm not joking. 5) Forget (1-4). Those were jokes. 6) Remember how much I love you. 7) Have a great day. :)


Oh.....and it also makes you do other crazy things. Like post text messages to you husband on your blog. :)

Here we go again

Hello everyone. Well, it's that time of the year again. Ryan left this morning for spring training in AZ. Waaaaaa waaaaaaaaa. (In my best Debbie Downer voice.) Every year it gets harder to watch him go, but this morning was probably the toughest departure yet for Ryan. Leaving Parker was probably the toughest thing he has ever had to do. She is quite the daddy's girl. But we will see him very soon. I have been very blessed to get to travel with him the last 2 seasons. One while pregnant....and puking....and one with a sweet 4 month old baby girl. Parker and I will be visiting spring training in a month for about 2 weeks and then we will be joining him when the season starts. Wherever that may be. I can't remember what I have posted in recent posts, but Ryan is now with the Diamondbacks. So this will be another new team and another new group of ladies for us to meet. Meeting the new girls is always fun, but a bit intimidating at the same time. I've been on both sides of it now. We were with the same team (Angels) for 10 years, so I knew pretty much everyone. Last year we were with the Blue Jays so I was the "new girl" if you will. I was so blessed to have met such an amazing group of women last season in Vegas. I will get to see a few of them this year at spring training. I can't wait!

It's always interesting...and to be quite honest it's entertaining....to just sit in the family section and just take it all in. There are the proud parents that sit and brag (as any parent would) about their baby. The new girlfriends that are sooooo excited to be there. The veteran wives that have seen enough baseball to last a lifetime. Maybe the girlfriend and wife are both there. JUST KIDDING! I told Ryan he better tell his other girlfriends the dates that I'm coming so our paths don't cross. Haha! Seriously though, spring training is always a blast and I'm really going to miss this life when it's over.

I have found myself thinking more and more about "the end". Ryan is....well.....older than he was when he started this fabulous game. I'm not of course. I'm still 18....or....let's say 21. That age is much more fun and legal. I tend to enjoy my coctail every now and then. Haha! We have been blessed beyond words. I have memories that will forever be etched in my mind. The first call up, actually EVERY call up (That excitement never goes away.), the first hit, the first home run, the walk off against the Yankees (Yeah baby!), the friends we've made, the crazies I've met (and ooh I've met a few), the places I've traveled, flying all over the country, flying all over the country with a baby, watching Ryan sign autographs and watching kids faces light up when he even looks their way. There are just so many wonderful aspects of this game, but let's not forget the heartache and struggles along the way. It has been a crazy ride, but I wouldn't change a single thing. I can honestly say that Ryan is the same quiet, sweet, shy, country boy he was when he started this game. I love him more everyday and watching him with our daughter makes my heart melt. He is the best dad and husband...well the husband part is questionable.....but he's an awesome dad. :). Not that he will ever read this, but he'll love me for that one. Hehe. I'm just trying to take it all in and really cherish each season because i know each one could always be the last. I know we crave a "normal life", but there are so many guys that would kill for the opportunities my husband has been given. I never want him to look back and have any regrets. So my advice to all of the girlfriends/fiancé/wives is to be supportive and encouraging. Because once it's over, it's over. We have the rest of our lives to live a "normal life". Just sit back and enjoy the ride. No one rides a roller coaster because it goes 2 mph on a straight track. We ride it for the speed and the sharp turns and the loops. And oooooooh what a ride it's been. I can't wait to see what this year has in store. I'll keep ya "posted". Baahaahaaaaa......

My new/temporary gig.

Okay....I'm just gonna say it. I have been doing something that I'm not very proud of. It's really hard to talk about, but I figure I should just openly talk about it and get it over with. I.....have been........su.......su......substitute teaching!!!!! There I said it. It's official. Everyone knows now. Hehe. Seriously though. If you are a teacher, or have EVER subbed, then you know what I'm talking about. Subbing is hard and you definitely don't get paid enough to do it. But I miss my teacher friends and I get a little bored sitting at home all the time. So I decided to sub a bit. And guess what? Kids is CRAZY. No, you read it correctly. They IS crazy. Kids have NO respect for adults, or each other for that matter. They need a reality check, and I like to give them that every so often. :) I don't know why kids are so disrespectful, but if Parker EVER talks back to a teacher, then I WILL regulate! No a lighter note, they do say the funniest things. I would be happy to share if you would like for me to. You would? Well alrighty then.


1. Kindergarten Class - Me -"Did everyone tell their parents to bring a pumpkin to class this week?" Student - "My mom is broke. Broke as a joke. Well, that's what my dad says. She ain't got NO money. So she is definitely NOT bringing a pumpkin."

2. 4th Grade - (After the counselor had talked to them about long and short term goals.)
Student - "My short term goal is to get out of this corner and move back to sitting with the class." (The child has been secluded for acting CRAAAAAZY!!) Counselor _"Well that is a great short term goal. Now how can you achieve that goal?" Student - "Yeeeeah.....that's the part I struggle with."

3. 4th Grade - Student - "Mrs.Budde, what do you want to be when you grow up?" Me - "Well....I'm a teacher. I'm already grown up." Student - "Oh, I thought you were in high school." Me - "If I were in high school, then how would I be here teaching you?" Student - "I just thought maybe you ditched a lot like my brother does."

4. High School - Me - "I don't want to hear that language again." Student - "Sorry. My mom doesn't care if I talk like that though." Me - "Do I look like you mom?" Student - "Actually you do." Me - "I got nothin for that and now I feel really old. Just watch your mouth."

Well hello there strangers!!!

Hey!!! I'm baaaaaack!!! You're welcome. Hahahaaaa!! Just kidding. I have obviously been a little side tracked for a while. I've been the worst blogger EVER. But Ryan and I have had a few things going on in our life. Ya know.....like babies and stuff. Baseball is still crazy and so is life. Our daughter is ONE!!! CRAZY!!! Her name is Parker Ryan. She was born January 4, 2011. She is perfect in every way. We are so blessed. Baseball is about to start up again. Ryan is now with the Arizona Diamondbacks and he is about to leave for spring training in Scottsdale. 12 years of baseball and counting. So heeeeere we gooooo again. Haha! Parker and I are staying here in OK for a while and then we will be visiting him in AZ. Once he gets settled and the actual baseball season starts, then we will be joining him. Parker is a daddy's girls so she is going to have a really hard time not seeing him for a month. But thank God for Skype. If anyone out there is doing the long distance relationship thing, or just apart for a few weeks at a time or something you HAVE to try Skype. It is amazing and totally makes the days or weeks or months apart seem so much easier. It works for us. :)

Well....I have some hilarious stories to share with you about Parker, Ryan, myself, and lots of life that's happened since i've posted last. But that will have to wait, because I have a baby to put to bed. I can't wait to start blogging again to capture my memories and thoughts. I love going back and reading old posts. Time flies!!!