Rain, Rain, Go Awa....I mean Stay! We Need You badly!

It's going to rain today.

I can feel it.I can smell it. It's dark and cloudy out. Sarasota is in desperate need of rain. The grass and palm tress are all an ugly shade of brown. I think it has only rained down here twice since we got here in the middle of February. I wouldn't mind a rainy day. I'd make it into a movie day with the family. The girls are just begging me to see the new "Monsters vs Aliens."

Luis has a game today at 1:05pm. I'm hoping the rain holds off. But, I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't enjoy a day off. But, I love watching the games, too. I'll take wathever the day gives.

8 Days To Go...

I figured this was a great time to sit down and update our blog. Tonight is a "chill" night for the girls and I. Luis has been invited to travel with the Reds to Tampa for the Reds vs Yankees game tonight. Luis also played in the Reds vs Boston Red Sox game on Wednesday. The game was here in Sarasota and the girls and I went. The game was a 1:05pm start time and it was so terribly hot. Our seats were in the sun, but we didn't sit in them. We headed for shaded seats towards the top of our section only to be moved 2 innings later. The game was a sell out and there were no other seats that were out of the sun. So, we went to the truck and hung out there. It was close enough that we could go back in once Luis was put in. We sat and waited to hear his name announced. One of the other wives was nice enough to run over and let me know once he was in. We made it in the stadium just in time to see his hit and 2 innings of defense. I was relieved that we made it in time. He was 1 for 2 in the game.

We are very thankful for all the invitations that Luis has been given since being cut from Big League camp. Tonight's game is the 4th that he has been invited to.

There are 8 days to go until the end of Spring Training. No rosters have been set yet. Usually they are not up until a few days before Spring Trainings end. I have been scoping out the apartment situation and trying to be prepared as much as possible for the up coming season. But, it's not easy. I know I've blogged about all the hassles with that, so I won't even go into it. I am so ready to start the season. I think I've had enough of the Florida sun. I have had 2 sunburns to prove it.

I'm off to enjoy the sunset while I still can. The view from our room is beautiful. This is one things I wish I could take with us when we leave.

It Happened Again...

Last night, for the 2nd day in a row, and probably for the 7th time since we have been here for Spring Training, we blew a fuse in our room. In an earlier post, I talk about this. It's getting worse and needless to say, very frustrating!! 2 days ago, it went out right as I was about to cook dinner. Instead at 9pm we had to head out and find something else to eat since I was unable to use any electricity. Last night it went out in the middle of cooking dinner. So we were able to eat half of what i was going to make.

Not having any TV (mind you American Idol was on last night. Needless to say I missed it)we had to find something else to do. Connect four it was. I offered up as a suggestions and everyone jumped on the idea. I figured instead of everyone doing their own thing, we could do something together. So, I pulled Luis out of the Sudoku that he was very much into.

I thought it would just be a few games, everyone would get bored with it, then done.

It didn't happen that way.

Turns out my husband is a fierce competitor. And 4 games turned into 9 games. 9 games turned into 14 games. I think we played over 20 when we were done.

And I'm pretty sure it's not over with. I plan to have Luis relinquish his title to me.

Reds vs Boston Red Sox...

Luis has been invited to play in the Reds vs Red Sox game today at 1:05pm. This is the second time he has invited back to play since being cut in the second round of cuts almost 2 weeks ago I believe. The girls and I will go and take some pics. I'm really excited about going. I got to go and see Luis play in the Yankee game back on March 1st. Now, it's the Red Sox. It's exciting. And it makes Luis feel like is hard work and determination are being noticed. I just hope he gets to play. So for now it's school lessons and out regular day to day things to get done so we can go to the game.

If you would like to follow the live BOX, just click HERE and the link will take you to the Reds website to follow along.

Updates coming later!

March Of Dime March For Babies

I know I mentioned before, but I just wanted to remind everyone that I am walking in the March of Dime March for Babies walk on April 30th in Ohio. I am really excited about this. I know that with the economy and all, money is tight. And believe me,, we are feeling the crunch, too. I know I can't ask people to donate if I don't donate myself. And so, I have. This is a great cause and a cause that is dear to my heart. Of course I am not asking for large donations, but small ones. It all adds up. Can you spare $5 or $10?

There is a link on my blog to the right. If you are willing to donate, just click on the link and it will take you to a secure place to pay however you wish. Thank you in advance. Know that your money will go to a great cause.

It's Getting To Be That Time...

So time is winding down. There's about a week and a half before Spring Training is over. As for now, I am really looking forward to it being over and getting the season started, where ever that may be. As most everyone knows, this is the last Spring Training in Sarasota. Next year, The Reds move their training to Arizona. Which, I think will be a nice change. Of course, who knows if we will be with the Reds next year. But, if so, I'm looking forward to going out there and spending some time. My Dad lives in Las Vegas and my Aunt and Uncle live in Arizona. We don't see them much, so it would be nice to be out West for some time to be able to make some trips to see them. I just love seeing different places. That's one of the perks I guess you could call it. Getting to go and see places that you wouldn't normally go and see.

We have only been to the beach once since we have been down here. When we first got here, the weather was really cool. The weather has gotten much nicer and warmer. And now the sun it just so hot and we can't hardly be out in it. Us red heads have pretty fair skin!But, I'm sure we will try and squeeze in a visit or two before we leave. I'm thinking we will head out somewhere around the 4th of April. Don't quote me on that, though. :) I am looking forward to stopping and seeing our great friends in Chattanooga on the way back up north, too. We just don't get to see them enough.

I'm just really missing home right now. The past few days, I've been thinking about all the things that enjoy and love about home. Most of all, besides family of course, is my kitty. I'm missing her so much. I miss snuggling with her and playing with her. I miss her following me everywhere and talking to me. ( And she does talk to me. We have our own little language that only she and I understand.) The girls miss her, too. I am really needing a kitty fix about now.

There is tons more I could ramble about, but I'll save it for another post.

So Proud Of My Hubby...

Sorry I haven't posted in a few weeks. Things are good. Luis is now training with AAA team. We made the first round of cuts only to be cut a week later in the second round of cuts. Luis is really thankful for the time he had in Big League camp and he really feels like he performed well. He was invited to go play in the game today in Bradenton against the Pirates. So he is gone for the day and the girls and I are at the hotel. It's a day of cleaning and laundry for us. Fun fun.

There are about 2 weeks left of Spring Training. We are really excited to see where we will be spending the season. Season starts April 9th. It's just around the corner!

Here is an article on Luis from the game 2 days ago. Pretty neato! Click HERE!

Golfing, Yankees and Other Random Info...

Seriously, this week could not be going any slower. It doesn't help that the weather has been extremely cool and windy. Very UN Florida like if you ask me. We haven't been able to do any of the things that we wanted to do really. The girls have been sick with strep and nasty colds. The last thing that we need to do is be going out and getting sick again. But, we are patiently waiting for the warmer days to come and enjoy some of Florida while we can. There are still about 4 weeks left!

We did get out the other day and take the girls to play some Adventure Golf. The place was to cute. It was called Smugglers Cove. They had a live alligator pond where you could feel them meat that we were given for free when we entered. It took a little longer than we expected.I believe we let about 5 families go in front of us. I always feel guilty for the ones that are stuck behind us when we take about 10 - 15 minutes for each hole. Luisa wasn't really getting the point of line the putter up and aim to put the ball in the hole. She was just swinging all over the place. It was pretty cute, though. She is only 4. Kammy had fun, too. We drive past Smugglers every day to take Luis to the field and the girls are constantly wanting to go back. Maybe we will make a trip back before we leave Fl.











Sunday was a very exciting day for me. It was the game against the New York Yankees. Luis played the second half and went 1 for 2 and 1 run scored. It was so exciting to Luis playing against them. I have been a Yankee fan for as long as I can remember. And of course I was rooting for the Reds, I really enjoyed watching the Yankees play. The weather was beautiful to start out and as the game went on, it got pretty cool and by the end of the game, we were freezing. It had rained all morning and all along I was praying "Please God, not today. It's the Reds vs Yankees. Please not today!" He heard me and the rained cleared up and we were able to enjoy the game.

The Reds won 13-11. Not bad, huh?

Daddy and his biggest fans!


Derek Jeter


A-Rod


And best of all, my husband!




On first




Today, the guys travel to Ft Meyers to play the Boston Red Sox. The girls and I really wanted to go, but it's an 1 1/2 hr drive and I have never been there and I don't know my way around. And if you have been reading my blog from the beginning, you know I have had a few stories of being lost, getting stuck etc,etc, etc. It would be too long of a day for the girls and we would be back late. I guess I'll just have to wait until the Red Sox come to Sarasota. But, of course I'll be following on the Internet.

I have begun my search for an apartment in Louisville. Only about a month until the season starts and assuming that we will be there, it's time to start thinking about accommodations. I cringe at the thought of even having to start looking again. It's such a pain. We always have to fine a place that is willing to rent with no lease, furnished and something close to field. Just praying that God leads us to where he wants us. I know that if I am stressing about it then I am not trusting him. And I'm working on that. It's easier said than done. But, I know God has a place for us. Maybe Cincinnati? ;)

Until next time!

Breaking out The Bats...

The team dusted off their bats and got back into the routine of hitting some line drives and throwing some sliders. It was a pretty uneventful, quick game. The girls and I went to watch Luis get to play. And he did. Made a few great plays. He is going with the team tomorrow to play Tampa Bay Rays. I have learned before that I need to go prepared with entertainment for the girls get bored. Today reminded me of this and we will be going well prepared for the next game.

Tomorrow the boys are heading South 45min to plat Tampa Bay. Im going to saty back with the girls. They have their studdies to do. Then maybe a trip to the playground. So. he'll be gone all day. But, here are a few pics I took today. I can't wait to take more!

Have a good evening!

And God Said...Let There Be Baseball...

Ok, so I thought this was great! I wish I could take credit for it, but I can't. I found this through another blog I read and she found it through a blog that she reads. I have no idea where it origionated from. But, I'm passing it on. Enjoy!

On the 8th day God created Baseball
On the 8th day, God looked down from his heavenly perched and he pondered.
He was pleased with his creation but they needed something.
"My people need a place to gather on chilly spring evenings
and hot summer afternoons."
He cast his gaze far and wide and looking down upon the vast open
spaces he declared that those created in his image needed a game.
And that game was to be Baseball.

He gathered the matter of the universe into his hand and
casting it far and wide he created The American League.
He spoke to the chosen ones and declared
"These teams will be scattered across the country side and
they shall be known as Red Sox and Yankees,
White Sox and Twins.
There will be Angels and Indians and Tigers.
Orioles, Royals, and Athletics.
Mariners, Rays, Rangers and Blue Jays."
God looked down on his creation and he was pleased.

But he was also troubled.
Come the balmy days of fall, what would his people do?
He thought and said
"These warriors need a might foe to do battle against,
so I will create the National League."
Again he scattered a handful of matter across the countryside
and in a might voice proclaimed
"They shall be known as Diamondbacks, Braves, Cubs and Reds.
Rockies and Marlins. Astros and Dodgers.
Braves, Mets, Phillies and Pirates.
Giants, Cardinals, Padres and Nationals shall be their names."
He was pleased with what he saw.

A voiced called out from his creation and asked
"But what shall we play with?"
God saw the wisdom in this question.
Looking about he saw the fallen mighty oak
and taking it up in his hands he fashioned and shaped,
turned and smoothed.
And raising the object up over his head he declared
"I give you the Bat!"
They all saw it and it was good.

God saw that they would need more then that
and in his ultimate wisdom he created two more objects and
holding them up for all to see he told the assembled masses
"I give you a glove and a ball."

He marked upon the foreheads of his heavenly warriors
a symbol so that the different tribes could be identified.
He then sent them forth with their own group of residents from the garden.
He called each group "Fans" and instructed them to be
loyal and faithful to their chosen band.

The mighty warriors and their fans did battle throughout
the spring and long summer.
And come the windy days of fall the mightiest of each band -
one from the American League and one from the National League -
met for the final competition with the winner taking back to their
fans the greatest prize of all.
The World Series Trophy.
For God understood the need to have a symbol of a team's greatness.

God then looked down on his creation and he smiled.
His work on the 8th day was complete, save for one announcement.
In a booming voice that could be heard from one end
of this vast land to the other,
God looked out over the assembled masses and declared
"Play Ball."

The Verizon Guy...

Quick post...I'm a fan of the E*trade commericals. I think they are hilarious! Here is one my Dad emailed me. It's not e*trade, but I thought it was funny.

Click HERE.

Cooking In The Hotel Room...

Cooking in the hotel room was suppose to be an easy way for us to eat cheap and easy while we are in Florida for Spring Training for the next 5 weeks. Yet, I have cooked 2 meals so far and it has been anything BUT easy. It has however been cheap. In our room, we have a mini fridge and a microwave and that is it as far as the "kitchen" items go. We travel with one of those Presto Griddles, which has been great. And besides the usual kitchen items that we usually travel with, that is all we have. So I figured I can grill any meat on it, toast, bagels and pretty much any breakfast items. I bought Boil in a bag rice to make in the microwave and canned vegetables. I figured that would be easy to just pop in the microwave and heat up. Well, the first day of cooking was awkward, but everything came out good.I was a little concerned about the rice. I am use to cooking sticky rice on the stove. Never have done the boil in a bag kind. Yesterday's cooking didn't really go as planned..

For lunch I was cooking for the girls and as soon as we started the microwave, we lost power to everything in the room. I went over and checked everything and looked for a breaker box and there was none. I tried to call Luis to figure out what I should do next, and of course he was training and didn't answer. So, to play it safe I did nothing and we waiting on Luis to get back. When he got back, I went to the front desk and told them what happened. The women at the desk asks me "Did you have the TV or anything else on in the room when you turned on the microwave?" I was thinking to myself "Is this a trick question?" "Yes." I told her. "Oh no no no! You can't have anything else on in the room when you are using something that has a heating element in it. It uses too much power than it will blow everything!" She seemed all worried and concerned. I'm thinking something else was going on upstairs, if ya know what I mean. Any way, they sent maintenance to fix it and so now, if we need to use the microwave, we have to turn everything else off. And when I use the Griddle to cook, I have to use it in the bathroom on the sink while the overhead light flickers the whole time. I just stand there watching it just waiting for that to go out too! Glamorous, huh?!

As far as everything else, things have been good. The girls and I have been sick. Just colds and congestion. The weather here has been really cool. Way to cool to go to the beach or anything. I called the Dr yesterday and put in my request for antibiotics for us. So, we are all drugged and on the road to feeling better.

I haven't been to any of Luis' practices yet. I really want to go. But, Luis leaves about 6:30am and the field is about 20 min away. He he takes the truck. If I wanted to go, I would have to get up and take him then back back. Which, means getting the girls up then, too. And that doesn't make for a good start to the day! But, we will start doing that routine soon. Exhibition games start the 23rd. The first game is against the Tampa Bay Rays. I am super excited!

March For Babies

I have decided to walk in the March For Babies walk in Dayton on April 25th. It's just happens to be my 30th birthday also! I had wanted to do this last year, but the dates didn't work out. I was with Luis in Chattanooga where the Reds AA affiliate plays. This time I'll be much closer to home and I can make the dive up to Ohio to do it. It's 3 miles and I am walking it with a girl I went to High school with and her team. Her name just happens to be Kelly, too! Fabulous name. Team Walk It Off is the group I'm walking with. Any donations would be greatly appreciated. It's for a wonderful cause. Click HERE if you would be willing to donate or if you would like to walk with us!

Here is the photo of our view of the sunset from our patio. I could get use to this!



The room that we are in has no kitchen. It does have a microwave and small fridge. So we are going to have to get creative with the cooking. We have been doing a lot of eating out and that is starting to get really old. it's not so hard when it's just the girls and I. But, Luis needs bigger meals. So, my thinking cap is on! We have one of those griddle things that you can cook multiple things on. I need more ideas!! But, we think it's worth it for all the money we are saving! Every penny counts!

Finally Settled In...

Finally! We are settled in and I have internet. Sorry it took me so long to update on our trip, but the first hotel we were in had no internet in the room. I could only get a signal at the pool. Which, I guess isn't all bad but if I'm going to go to the pool, then I am going to be in the pool and not sitting at it on this thing! Anyway, we moved hotels and the one that we are in now is so much nicer than the other one. Our room here has a view of the Marina where the boats dock and we are on the first floor where the girls can go out and play on the grass right in front of our room. In the other hotel we were on the second floor facing the street. So, for many reasons, this hotel is so much better for us. And did I mention like 1/4 of the price! That's the best part! Here is a picture of our view. I have no complaints!





The first day of ML Spring Training was yesterday. Nothing too exciting to report yet. Luis said it was mostly some fitness tests and drug tests. A few meetings. He was done early so that was when we packed up and moved hotels. And I'm so glad we did.

The sunset view from our room is beautiful! I'll post pics of that later tonight! It makes me never want to leave the room!

Procrastinating...

That's me to a T. Everything is pretty much ready to go but my stuff. And I just can't seem to motivated to finish it. I have about 4 areas with things started and none are even close to being finished. I have the box of home school stuff half packed. I have my suitcase half packed. I have the bathroom stuff not even close to being half packed as we will need mostly all of it in the morning before we leave. And I have the plastic bin with all our kitchen stuff half packed. Why it is I can't just focus on one thing at a time and just finish section by section I have no clue! But it really frustrates me. I start on one thing and think of something else and go do that. Then I remember something else and go do that with out finishing what I was doing before. Why am I not one of those organized people that make with lists and go by that? You would think with each year I would get better and I seem to be doing the opposite. I get worse. Oh, and I just remembered I haven't even packed any toys yet. Shoot...

Anyway, Luis is gone to the hitting cage and so I'm on my own. I just wanted to take a few and let ya all know just how things were going. Or not going for that fact. I am excited to see our GREAT friends we are going to be visiting in Chattanooga tomorrow. By then, all my frustrations of today should be gone and we can just have a good time and share a few laughs over some cheesecake! (no pressure Jackie, it's OK if you didn't buy one this time. I was just saying!) lol

Packing...

So we leave on Thursday. And though I am super excited about Spring Training this year, I am not at all ready to pack up and head out again. Our time at home is so short and just when we get use to being home, it's time to leave again. Like I said in prior posts, we are stopping in Chattanooga to see some friends on the way and I am really looking forward to that. Plus it's a good half way point to break our drive up into 2 days. It's about 16 hrs to Sarasota. And believe you me, we have tons of electronic entertainment for the kids! :)

When it comes to the packing, I get so overwhelmed. There is so much to take. I pretty much just walk into a room, look at what needs to be packed and then turn around and walk out. Thank God my husband can just dive right in and get it done and I just follow his lead. Unfortunately I am one of those procrastinators, too. So, I keep putting it off for the next day. And now we leave the day after tomorrow and nothing is done. Ugh, I just don't want to do it. I just want to be able to snap a finger and have it all be done for me (just like in Mary Poppins.) But, I have my money on it that isn't going to happen. I think I am manually going to have to do things.

That's A Lot Of Stuff!

Here is an article on Reds.com that I thought was really neat. (Snif Snif) I smell Baseball in the air!

To read the article, click HERE .

Baseball In Venezuela

Baseball in Venezuela is so different than it is here in the states. It's not so much a family oriented event. The people get super crazy and it can get dangerous. Like, we had to have security escort us out to the car dangerous. The fans love ya one minute and hate you the next. I didn't even like to take the girls because it's just not safe. In the States, Baseball is more of a family event. But, the people do get really into the games and that does make it more fun. The stadiums are pretty big and they get packed! I do have to say that I enjoy the games here much better.

A Little Bit Of This And That...

OK so once again, I have been neglecting my blog. I never mean to. It just usually gets pushed to the side once I get a little busy and overwhelmed. Which for me seems easy to do. And now that I sit here and begin to update this, my kitty is all over me wanting attention and I am so tempted to just do this later and go snuggle with her. But, I'll press on...

So life for the Bolivars is busy as usual. We got back from Venezuela a few weeks ago for Winter Baseball. Luis had been gone for 3 months. The girls and I went for a month. Luis got an invitation to Major League Spring Training this year. Which is FABULOUS! He really deserves this and I am so proud of him. But, this also means that we have to report to Spring Training about 3 weeks earlier. So, our time home is going to be very short. We just got everything unpacked and settled from being gone on our last trip and now we need to start getting ready for our next one. But, we are ready and excited. We can't wait to see what this year brings. We are still with the Reds and Luis will have the opportunity to make the big league team or be in AAA again in Louisville. So, we are keeping our fingers crossed. And praying of course.

So, over the next few days we will start the packing process, which is long. We are going to stop in Chattanooga and see some friends on the way down to Fl. So we are going to leave a few days early. But, I can't wait. It's been nice enjoying all the Ohio weather. Cold and snowy. But, now looking forward to the beach and palm trees. And of course, a little baseball.