Our Time in Kolobrzeg, Poland

The season is officially over. Unfortunately, the team lost their last 4 games by a total of 8 points. I know, it's crazy. I think I would have rather lost by at least 10 points each game. There is something about losing by 1 or 2 points that makes it so much more difficult to get over. We have had a wonderful 4 short months in Poland and believe it or not, I have actually discovered a lot since we've been here. Here are some of the things Poland has taught me:

• I can live without a car. It's been 4 months since we've been here and neither I, nor Adam have drove a car.
• I can survive in absolutely, outrageously cold temperatures. For about 2 straight months it was anywhere between -5 degrees to 20 degrees fahrenheit. I don't care who you are, that is cold.
• I can live without fast food, even in Europe. Truth be told, I love McDonald's in Europe but you would never, ever see me eat McDonald's in the states. Well since the closets McDonald's is 40 minutes away, I've only had it about 3 times since we've been here and I am totally ok with that.
• I can survive without shopping; kinda. Believe it or not, I've only bought 3 new piece of clothes since we've been in Poland. 2 shirts and a tank top for a total of $34! That's amazing for me.
• I can survive without a dryer. I never thought it would be possible but it totally is.
• There is nothing a club can say or do that doesn't surprise me. It has been a circus here at times but we've fought through it!
• I can get by with only knowing 3 words in Polish; hello, good-bye and thank-you.
• Every older person wants to touch your child. They want to pinch their checks, hug them, kiss them and show them some love. After 4 months I am finally ok with that, I will wash him in the shower before he goes to bed.
• It's ok to let Jayden away from my side when we are at the gym or in the city center. Everyone knows he is Adam's son and watches out for him.
• And last but not least Poland has taught me that I have one heck of a solid routine. Why? Because people wonder where I am or where Jayden is at certain times of the day. For example, 11 AM on a Tuesday, a lady came up to me and was so confused why Jayden wasn't with me. I told her that it was a special day since we missed school on Friday that I let him go on Tuesday instead!

I never thought we would end up in Poland this year but it has truly been a blessing. We have an adorable flat, Adam has great teammates and we have met a great family since we've been here. We found Jayden a small, private school that he loves and living in the most popular resort city in Poland has been great. But every story has an ending and our story in Kolobrzeg is coming to an end. It is on to the next journey and I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for us!

As of today, we have no idea when we will be flying home. Hopefully we should know something on Monday.

I Love My Job

How can I not love my job? Look at him!

Earth Day 2010

As a child I remember Earth Day as being one of my favorite times of the school year. We would spend the entire week doing neat crafts and going outside planting flowers or picking up trash. Fast forward to 2010 and now I am thinking about ways I can improve my life in terms of the impact I have on this planet. I am going to be 110% honest and tell you I was never one to think about the three R's (remember that in elementary school - HA). But as I've grown and found an appreciation for our earth I find myself being a recycling freak and wanting to learn more ways to help have a positive impact on our environment.

My journey started a few years ago in Germany. We had the neighbors call the club Adam was playing for and they told on us; they told the club we do not separate our trash from food trash, to plastics, cardboard, glass and so on. I felt awful. Ever since then I have learned to recycle as much as I can and it feels good. Another thing living in Europe has taught me is to use reusable bags for everything especially food shopping. It is much easier carrying 4 reusable bags then those annoying, cheap plastic bags. Besides, in Europe you have to pay for the bags and bag your own groceries and on the flip side I can have .05 cents per bag at Stop & Shop in the states. It's just logic people!

Those are the two things I have consistently done for a couple years now. But I am going to make it a goal to improve on ways on how to help the earth. A year from today I hope I can post that I have made at least a few changes such as using less paper towels (I love paper towels; there is something with reusing towels to clean the counter, spills, etc., that freaks me out), using more natural cleaning products and turning off the lights when they really don't need to be on. Anyone who knows me, knows I love to have all the lights on all day long, it's like a fake sun for me! I will continue to work on helping the planet be a more "greener place" for many of reasons but the main reason is the earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world and all who live in it. -Psalm 24

A friend of mine is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to living a more natural lifestyle. She has taught me a few good tips and tricks about how to protect our planet since we first met. Check her out!

Living Overseas: The Mommy Edition

Work; not only is Adam a professional athlete but he is also a father.

I spent the last 3 days thinking about what I was going to write in this post and as I am typing I am still trying to find the right words to say. The point of this whole Living Overseas: The Mommy Edition is to explain to you "how I do it" (a question I've been asked countless times).

Typically Adam goes to practice twice a day for 2-3 hours each practice. Fortunately, Adam's coaching staff has been kind enough to let Jayden go to some practices with him and as soon as they are done he is able to go play on the court. This is the highlight of Jayden's week. He loves to go to work with Daddy and play with Adam's teammates. But then there are the days Jayden can't go and the meltdown begins. I have been having a very hard time explaining to Jayden that Daddy plays basketball to provide for our family. It is his job. I truly don't think Jayden understands the full picture just yet. To Jayden, playing basketball is a game, it's fun and anyone can play. I know he just turned 3 and he is still young but I want Jayden to realize what a privilege it is and how blessed we are that Adam can use his God given talents to provide for us.

There are days I tell Jayden that if it wasn't for Daddy playing basketball then Mommy would have to work and he would have to go to school everyday. Those are the days he lets out a, "Thank you Jesus that my Daddy plays basketball!" And then there are game days, which we treat extra special in our house, when Jayden says his prayers at the dinner table, before we leave for the game, during the game and even after the game, win or lose. I know that Jayden realizes that basketball is very important to our family and without it he wouldn't be able to do all the fun things we do; especially the things that cost money. But I pray that as he gets older he is able to understand the amazing blessing the Lord has given us and that we must cherish it for as long as we can because Daddy can't play basketball for forever.

So how do I get the point across to Jayden that playing basketball is Daddy's job and not just "a game?" Well, I am still trying to teach him that but what I wrote above are the steps I have taken thus far.

Verse of the Day

If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

-Romans 10:9-10

Living Overseas: The Mommy Edition

Schooling/education.

This has been a particular touchy subject since I have had so many people tell me their opinions about if they think it is right to send Jayden to school in Europe. Here's the thing, living in Europe is no different then living in the United States. Kids still go to school, take the bus, learn their numbers and colors and play with their friends. The only difference with Jayden is he doesn't speak the native language. Of course it is harder for him but if the day came where he begged and begged and begged to stay home because he hated going to school then yes, I would let him stay home. But I honestly don't think that would ever happen.

In France, Jayden went to a private school 3 days a week for 3 hours each day. By the end of our time in France, he spoke more french then I could. Here in Poland, he goes to another private school 3 days a week for 3 hours. Since Jayden is older now, he is understanding that not everyone speaks English like he does. He does come home everyday and have a new Polish word for me or tells me that his classmates said, "Good-Bye" to him.

There are times I wonder if Jayden is behind in his learning but as far as I can tell he is doing just fine. To keep him on track we try to use ABC Jesus Loves Me at least twice a week to practice a particular number, letter, color, study a particular verse in the bible and learn a weekly song. Jayden seems to love it and I think it is a perfect amount of learning paired with religion for a 3 year old.

You know You're in Europe When...

your 3 year old son uses sentences with "in the states" in them. For example, "Mom, I get to drink that fuzzy drink when I am in the states." "Mom, you know that restaurant in the states where we get ice-cream if we finish our meals? I like that place!"

And...

while at school your child goes on a field trip and you had no previous knowledge of it. You didn't sign a permission slip or any wavier.

I find the second one to be one of my favorite things about Europe. If a classroom took their students on a field trip, even a walking field trip, without parents knowing or signing a permission slip in the states all hell would break lose. If a child for some reason tripped and hurt themselves on that walk you can guarantee a lawsuit. If baffles my mind of what America has come too.

According to Jayden, today his teachers and the older kids, "not the babies, Mom" went for a walk to the church in the city center and place small Polish flags they made in Art class around the church and sang songs. He is not sure why they did it but I imagine it was to pay their respects for the passing of the Polish presidents and the other passengers on board.

Living Overseas: The Mommy Edition

Friends.

Similar to family, our friends are a big part of our lives. Over time I have lost some of my close friends, why? I am honestly not sure. Maybe because I live 10,000 miles away 9 months out of the year or maybe it's because the friends I have lost touch with are in totally different chapters in their lives. But because of this it is really taught me to appreciate the friends I have. No matter how far away I live or if I stay home with my 3 year old on a Friday night instead of going out those closets friends are still by my side. If there is one thing I tell Adam all the time is that he has the best group of friends anyone could ask for. His friends are like his brothers. They are always there to help him or support him more matter what. His closet girlfriend and him use to argue and disagree but it just drew them closer. Today, we have all became friends and she is on our wedding! I am so thankful for all of our friends for each one of them holds a special place in our hearts.

Most Mom's go over to their friends house to talk about the week, have a glass of wine, let the kids hang out or just go to a movie. That really isn't the case for me. When Adam signs a contract the first thing I do is look to see if there are any other Americans on the team. Why? So I can then see if he has a wife or kids so I know I will have at least 1 friend on the team (it is amazing how basketwives just connect with each other). There have been times when there were no other wives, at least no wives traveling with their husbands, on the team. Therefore, as silly as this sounds, I had no friends, in a foreign country, where I didn't speak the language. Of course it was hard, but we always make the most of every situation. Last year in France, I was so blessed to meet amazing girls that made the season so much fun. This year, with 4 Americans on the team, there are no other American wives. However, one of the Polish players has a wonderful wife with a 3 year old daughter who we've become close with.

Because Jayden is so young, I don't think much about him and his friends. He makes friends wherever we are. The difference between kids and adults is that kids can play together and have a blast even if they don't speak the same language. It amazes me when I watch Jayden interact with other kids even though I know they don't understand each other. I do, however, worry about how Jayden will do with making lasting friendships as he gets older. He knows that when we head across the pond that the kids we hang out with back in the states will not be going with him. He knows that he will not see his cousins until the summer time. And he is totally ok with that now. My biggest fear would be that he would have a hard time letting kids his age into his life when he is older because we are constantly traveling now that he is young. I pray that he will take after Adam and I and see that friends will always be there for you even if you are not always with them.

The Princess and the Prom

I am so excited to announce my very first fundraising event. A friend of mine emailed me looking for old prom dresses that I would be willing to donate to girls who are unable to afford a new prom dress. Of course I was overly excited to help someone out since my mother spent a fortune on 3 prom dresses for me, which I may add, have been sitting in the back of my closet ever since my senior prom. That night I was thinking about how when I went to the prom I got my nails, hair and make-up done all in preparation for the big night. Then my next thought was if there are girls out there that are unable to afford a dress how are they going to pay to get their nails, hair and make-up done. The next morning I mentioned to Adam that deep down inside I felt like I had to do something to make the prom extra special for some girls. So I talked to some of my girlfriends, who are no hair and make-up experts but we can certainly get the job done, and they were more then willing to help as well.

I sent a proposal to two of my favorite high school teachers, who just happen to be largely part of the 2010 prom and they were both very excited about the idea. I hope to hear back from both of them this afternoon saying that they printed out my little write up and have girls already interested in our non-professional but extremely capable hair and make-up talents! I am so excited to be able to help some girls prom dreams come true!

If anyone reading this post is from the Western Massachusetts area and you would like to donate your old prom dresses, please contact me immediately! Also, if anyone who knows a thing or two about hair and make-up and would like to help us out please let me know. The more people willing to volunteer the more girls we can help!

Recommended Reading: It's Your Time

I just finished "It's Your Time" by Joel Osteen and I highly recommend it. It was given as a gift to Adam but thankfully I got my heads on it before Adam could. The book is about raising your expectations, not giving up hope and how supernatural things will happen in your life with a bit little faith and trust in the Lord.

Living Overseas: The Mommy Edition

Family.

Family is so important to us and although we may be away from our family for 9 months out of the year we do whatever we can to stay connected. Jayden loves all of his grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc., so much. He loves having special sleepovers with his grandparents and playing outside with his cousins. During the season, obviously that is possible unless we have visitors!

Adam and I both make it a point for Jayden to skype with family members everyday. I tend to talk to my Mom the most so Jayden and Oma have plenty of time together via the computer. She even shoots hoops for him in his room while he watches on the computer. It is pretty funny. When I am talking to my brother Jayden always runs over so he can talk to my brothers dog, Pooka. Of course, it isn't the same as being the same room together but it still works.

Because Jayden is older, he understands that we must take "3 airplanes Momma" if we want to go back to Massachusetts. He also understands that Daddy is working and making our family money that's why we are not with our extended families. I am not going to lie, of course some times are more difficult then others. For example, when there are no other children, wives or girlfriends on the team it can get pretty lonely especially if you don't speak the language. But we make the most of it. We have been lucky enough to meet some amazing friends in every country Adam has played in that we call our European basketball family.

This year Adam has been blessed with amazing teammates and we've meet a great family outside of basketball. Every one of Adam's teammates treat Jayden so well. They are always more then willing to shoot hoops with him or just talk and hang out. Of course Jayden loves that. And to top it off, they've even offered numerous times to just watch him so Adam and I can go grab a bit to eat. So although we miss our family in the states and it can be difficult at times, we wouldn't trade this life for anything. We see every opportunity as a blessing that God has put in our lives for a reason. Whether it be to make us stronger or to grow closer together as our own little family, every opportunity shines its own light on how God continues to work in our lives.

Living Overseas: The Mommy Edition

Over the past few months I have concentrated on a certain topic and proceeded to write posts concerning the chosen topic. When April came upon us (where did March go?) I didn't have any ideas about what I was going to write about. I could bore you all with my randomness but if I want anyone to continuing reading my blog I had to come up with a topic. With so many of our friends being pregnant or haven just given birth I have been asked so many times, "How do you do it?" So my topic of the month is Living Overseas: The Mommy Edition. I will base the remainder of the month on how I go about my days as a stay-at-home-mom in a foreign country. Enjoy!

Life Size Adam

A Polish friend of mine invited us to her house the other week so her daughter and Jayden could play. She has the most adorable house I've ever seen. She is into refurbishing furniture and everything she has done so far looks amazing. But my favorite piece was one of these! It was in her bedroom going down the stairs into her huge closet and it looked so cool. I am ordering one for Jayden's bedroom today. I can't wait to put it up as soon as we return home from Poland!

(If any of my basketwives would like one of their husband, please let me know. They are only $20.00!)

The New Workout

Those who really know me know that I am not into working out that much. Why? I think it's because when I used to workout I couldn't keep weight on. So this time around I am going for a new approach. I have started the p90x workouts. I am currently on day 3 and my entire body hurts. To be honest, I feel like the workouts are a little too intense for what I am looking for but I do modify the exercises and stop when I feel like it is too much. I am not looking to lose weight, but tone my body instead.

My biggest complaint so far; the instructor is so annoying. Is there anything worse than a cheesy workout instructor?

100th Post (11 posts late)

I don't know how but I missed my 100th post. So here are 100 random things about me (in no particular order) eleven posts later:

1. I love Jesus.

2. I fell in love with Adam when I was 12 years old.

3. I have a cast to prove it (broke my wrist that week in basketball camp). Adam wrote, "To my future wife, best wishes and good luck!"

4. I have the most amazing, talented, incredible little sister.

5. I use to think I knew a lot about computers until I converted to Mac. Now I know nothing.

6. I am extremely book smart.

7. But not so common sense smart.

8. I am the world's worse speller.

9. I love Google.

10. I started a blog to share my words of wisdom. At first everyone laughed at me.

11. My hair and I have a complete love/hate relationship.

12. At least once of week I contemplate shaving my head.

13. I love cute workout gear (especially when it is free)!

14. My feet grew .5 size bigger when I was pregnant with Jayden.

15. I gained 63 lbs while I was pregnant. Yes, 63lbs. Don't be nervous, it's the only time in your life you can gain weight and be happy about it!

16. I lost all my pregnancy weight within 2 months. Can you say water weight!

17. From a strict diet and workout? No. Because I lived in a foreign country with a fiancee traveling and an standard car which I didn't know how to drive.

18. I am more confident in myself now then I've ever been. Thank you Jesus!

19. I was Saved last May and it was by far the best decision I've ever made in my life.

20. I am a true basketball fan. Not one of those wives who has no idea what is gong on on the court.

21. Sometimes I yell at the refs even though they probably can't understand me and they certainly can't hear me.

22. I had back surgery on October 17th when I was 17 years old. I lost 17 lbs within 17 days I was in the hospital. That's a lot of 17's.

23. 8 is my favorite number.

24. I love fresh food, especially fresh bread.

25. Sweet Tomatoes is one of my favorite restaurants down south.

26. I am a very cheap date.

27. I've had the same two best friends since birth.

28. I love my Bible.

29. I love to sleep. I repeat, I love to sleep.

30. And I thank the Lord everyday and night that my son loves to sleep too.

31. It scares me a little bit that my son truly thinks when he plays basketball he transforms into Dirk Harrington.

32. My mom is my best friend. Hands down. I love her.

33. I laugh at my own jokes.

34. The older we get the closer my brother and I become.

35. I make a list for everything.

36. I don't know if I would be able to survive without lists.

37. I have two fears in life: dying in a car and horses.

38. My first night at college I called Adam crying because I didn't think I liked my roommate; the next morning was the start of an amazing friendship!

39. I am a very picky eater.

40. I love to travel; to anywhere to do anything.

41. I really don't enjoy driving for long periods of time in the car.

42. I can recite the movie Sweet Home Alabama back and forth.

43. I love fashion but will never be fashionable. I have finally accepted that.

44. Humid weather is the death of me.

45. I love Las Vegas.

46. I not exceptionally great at anything but think of myself as good at many things.

47. I love my life.

48. Sometimes I snort when I laugh.

49. I love good penmanship.

50. Pizza is by far my favorite food.

51. I've been the same weight since I was in high school.

52. I love people who are in love. It's such a wonderful thing!

53. I find giving to be one of the most incredible feelings.

54. I love sweet, old people.

55. I only have a total, from both sides of the family, of 4 cousins.

56. I wonder if any actually reads my blog or I am just writing for fun? Either way I will continue.

57. I change my mind all the time.

58. Loud music and/or a loud television drives me bonkers.

59. I have kankles. Yes, I'll admit it.

60. I love comfortable sneakers.

61. It breaks my heart to see people begging for food or money.

62. I love Europe.

63. I would raise my kids in Europe if I could.

64. Dark chocolate and I are in love.

65. I love to clean. Clean everything and anything. I would be a cleaner someday if it wasn't a minimum waged job.

66. I can't swim.

67. When I am really nervous I lose my breath.

68. I can cry on cue.

69. I worry when Jayden isn't with me. I guess it's just a motherly thing.

70. I constantly apologize to my mother for the mean things I probably said when I was a little girl.

71. I love the dentist. Cavity free since birth!

72. I can't go to be without brushing my teeth.

73. I get this happy/proud feeling every time Adam is announced before the start of his games.

74. I love expensive handbags. I try to tell Adam is he lucky that I don't love handbags and shoes.

75. I can't stand shopping with Adam.

76. On the other hand, I love shopping with Adam's credit card. Funny how that works.

77. I assure that Jayden is always clean; clean clothes, clean face, hands, etc.

78. You will never see me wear a pair of dirty sneakers.

80. I think that if everyone stepped back they would realize how amazing life is.

81. I truly feel blessed with everything I have in my life.

82. There are some friendships that I have lost due to many reasons that I hope someday will come back.

83. I love when Adam compliments me.

84. One of the best feelings in the world; getting my eyebrows waxed. I love it.

85. I wish people would realize life is a gift.

86. I really don't like doing the dishes.

87. Yet, I would happily scrub your toilet.

88. Sometimes I am compelled to start cleaning when I am at someone else's house. I hope no one takes it the wrong way.

89. I am convinced Jayden could go on television show for saying funny thing.

90. I love taking my Meme to lunch. She may tell me the same stories every time but they are totally worth listening to again.

91. God willing, I would love to have more children.

92. I have some friends that I could go months without talking to and when I see them again we can pick up exactly where we left off.

93. I am very thankful for my basketwives; especially a few of them that have taught so much this past year or has it been two years?

94. I am overly obsessed with paper towels. I need to be more green about this.

95. My favorite NBA player: Raja Bell.

96. I am not the star struck type.

97. I kinda giggle inside every time I see Adam sign an autograph; especially when we are stopped in airports, on the street, in the elevator, etc.

98. You want to talk about random; every time Adam is with Dirk I am on my death bed. i.e., when Adam played in Bamberg, him and Dirk were training together and having a great time during the pre-season. I was in our flat pregnant with a stomach virus. Next, NBA All-Star in N.O. I spent the flight down to N.O. in the bathroom throwing up the whole time while the attendant watched Jayden. The NBA Doctor came to our room and discovered I had a 105 degree fever and extremely ill. Again, Dirk and Adam were hanging around N.O. having a great time. Lastly, this past summer Adam flew to Germany to train for the week with Dirk and I was at home with strep throat. I am convinced Dirk should be uninvited to our wedding!

99. I have more love for Adam and Jayden then I have thought possible.

100. I love me for me.

That's a lot of randomness for you. Hope you enjoyed it and learned a little more about me!

Happy Easter

Tomorrow is Easter. As Christians we take this weekend to celebrate the Man who gave His life to take away our sins; to commemorate the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ! May this Easter Sunday bring you closer to the Lord and be full of joy and happiness as you celebrate the life of Jesus with loved ones. Happy Easter everyone!