Happy Saint Patrick's Day Weplay! I hope you are all wearing some green today. Anyways, I just got back from Boston yesterday where I was shooting a commercial for Mizuno, which was so much fun. I wish I could have gotten back in time to see Casey pitch against the Yankees but I did enjoy the Clam Chowder & Crab Cake in Boston.

Well not only is it Saint Patrick's Day today it is also a Finches Favorite day! I am excited to announce my second Finches Favorite selection: the Dynamite Dawgs from Suwanee, GA!

The Dynamite Dawgs have had a awesome start to their season with three wins already under their belt - including a shut out against Mountain Park 9-0! I know this is just the beginning for the Dynamite Dawgs because they have a jam packed schedule ahead of them with many tournaments and scrimmages. One thing I was also very excited to see was that the Dynamite Dawgs have set up their GameChanger stats, which is one of the many cool new features here on Weplay.  GameChanger allows softball and baseball teams to update their stats instantly to Weplay for family and friends to view. 

Good Luck with the rest of your season Dynamite Dawgs, I know you will make it far!

Now, I'm sure many of you have been waiting for this moment. It's finally time to announce the very first pick for my All-Star team!  The first player that I'm drafting to my All-Star team is  for someone who I can tell is a hard worker and never gives up on a challenge. This player has overcome many obstacles and challenges in her life to get where she is today.  But even more importantly, she is committed to improving, by setting goals and working towards them. I am proud to announce that the first spot on my All-Star team goes to Nena Dudley, 14, a member of 14A Sherwood Fireballs 95' team in Sherwood, Oregon.  Thank you for sharing your softball journey and story with me.  I loved reading about how hard you worked and the strength of your dedication- even if you are on the smaller side. I know exactly what it feels like to be on the mound knowing that every play starts with you, and the pressure that you face. Congratulations on pitching a no hitter, I know that is not easily done! I hope to one day be watching you on the mound wearing a Team USA jersey! Keep up the hard work!  

Congratulations again to the Dynamite Dawgs and Nena Dudley!

Dream & Believe!
#27


Find out how your team can be selected as a Finch's Favorite or how you can be a Finch's All-Star.

Last week I joined an incredible list of athletes and the Sporting Goods Manufacturing Assoc. for National Health through Fitness day. Our goal was to try to gain support for the Physical Education Bill. Thank you Mizuno for being so actively involved and allowing me to be a part of raising awareness for a great cause.

It was my 2nd time meeting with Congressmen & Women and Senators in our Capitol. The first time was with the Women's Sports Foundation trying to get support to keep Title IX alive. This time it was quite similar except the atmosphere was much more intense due to the state of the economy & health care.

Overall it was a huge success, we were able in the meetings state our concern for keeping Physical Education in Schools. I learned some pretty amazing facts preparing for our tour.

-Schools are now being built with out play grounds and gymnasiums
-1/3 of our country is Obese & another 1/3 is Overweight
-Kids are 3-4 times more likely to play sports if they are introduced to PE in school
-Kids test scores are higher when involved in sports
-It costs $746 dollars per 1,000 kids to participate in PE, around 75 cents a kid. A math book
averages $7 dollars a kid and some kids have a set of 2, 1 for home and 1 for school. Yet we
are cutting PE?
-For every $1 spent on PE the return is $3.20 long term (health bills & etc)

It is crucial we get our young kids active! I cannot express the importance of this. It is prevention, prevention of diabetes, obesity, self esteem, confidence, and so much more! We have to make it a point and invest in the future of this Country! So many skills from the classroom can be taught through PE, math, problem solving, and etc. We need to be creative and keep our kids moving! Kids aren't safe hanging in the neighborhood anymore, playing till the street lights come on. Most kids stay inside after school are on the computer or playing video games. Parents I want to encourage you to make it a point to join your kids and help them be active. Technology & Electronics have blessed us in so many ways but have cursed us in so many ways also. We have to unite and take a stand to help our kids, they are our future!

Trust me as a mom I know how TV and electronics simplify our lives and I too have to make a point to turn it off! So many times I find myself missing out on interacting with Ace because of electronics consuming him. We've been going on bike rides the last couple weeks and exploring the outdoors together, it has been so enjoyable! We love going to the playground too, meeting new people and playing outside. Let's all join in, get moving & get active!

It was so uplifting meeting so many in the Sporting Goods Industry and on Capitol Hill that are actively supporting this cause and trying to make a difference! I was honored to be a part of National Health Through Fitness Day! Let's all try to do our part and get our kids outside, active, and eating a more healthy balanced diet.

Dreaming & Believing in a brighter future!
#27

Hey Weplay!

My favorite time of the year is finally here. Softball season is quickly approaching, and that means it is time for me to begin announcing my annual Finch's Favorites awards here on Weplay.  And of course, I will be blogging about them.

I can see that you have all been working hard to get your team profiles organized, which makes me very excited for the months to come.

With that, I'm happy to announce my first Finch's Favorite of 2010.  I selected a team that has been working diligently to make the 2010 season their best ever. And that team is...the Lady Sharks 8U Miller from South Georgia. Congratulations girls!!

The Lady Sharks 8U Miller team has uploaded an outstanding 782 photos from tournaments to fundraisers for the whole team to share! Do you think your team has what it takes to beat the Lady Sharks 8U Miller team?

Well don't worry.  I'll announce a new Favorite next week.  It's up to you to get your team page up and ready here on Weplay!

Congratulations again to the Lady Sharks 8U Miller team! Good luck in your upcoming tournaments, Go Sharks!

Dream & Believe
#27

P.S. This year I am doing something new! Starting next week I will also select players and coaches for my All-Star Team! These lucky Weplayers will win a custom jersey, autographed ball and a special prop for your Weplay profile.

How to qualify:
Be an active Weplay member 
Join the ASA Weplay Softball group    
Friend me of course! 
Send me you inspirational softball story!  

So get ready because I am looking for the best of the best for my All-Star team!

Watching the Olympics this week I have been filled with so much emotion! It is truly amazing! I am filled with such great pride, appreciation, gratitude, honor, passion, and love!

Love for our Country, Sports, Red White & Blue, People from all over the world, Competition, Dreams being a reality... so many things! One of my greatest memories is walking through the tunnel as 1, 1 Country, 1 team, into the birds nest in Beijing chanting U-S-A! I love what the Olympics represent and is, healthy competition among people from all over the world, we are all united. United by Sport. I loved walking through the athlete village and seeing athletes, all different shapes and colors from all over the world, wearing their Countries flags with such great pride! In the dining hall, all different types of food from all over the world! Competing against people who don't even speak your same language. Knowing how different we all are but how much in common we all have! I feel so incredibly blessed to have had the opportunity of being part of something so great, the Olympic Games!

Sports have been able to reunite the world, in a time were there is so much division. I hope you are enjoying the Olympics as much as I have this last week! Truly Amazing!

I remember standing on the podium with my teammates and being overwhelmed with gratitude! I couldn't help but think of all our servicemen & women and their families who have and are sacrificing so much. Thanks to them we were able to accomplish our dreams. I am so grateful for them allowing us and others to play, live, and have these great opportunities.



This picture is from last summer, I'm rounding the bases after Jenae Leles launched a home run vs Australia. But honestly, this is me this past week in front of the TV, screaming, cheering, rooting for USA! ...Minus the helmet & uni! :) In between the podium tears & tears of joy for the incredible individuals who have given so much and who are living out their dreams. I love the Olympics!

Along with knowing we have to fight to get this opportunity back for Softball in the future. For all the little ones who have The Olympic Dream.

Dreaming & Believing!
#27

Watching the Superbowl my heart was elated for the Saints and Drew Brees but on the other hand I was aching for the Colts and Peyton Manning. I know the feeling before that Gold Medal game, or the Nat'l Championship game. You know there is going to be a winner and a loser in just a few hours. You know you will either walk back into your hotel room as a Champion or not. Its the feeling you train for, the place you want to be, you dream about being there your entire life!

It brought me back to my last 2 years of being a Wildcat. In 2001 (my junior year) we did it, finally! We sent 8 seniors out with a Championship, a ring, we achieved it! We were finally the ones jumping up and down on the field lifting the trophy high! This was a magical year, we were on a mission, we had an AMAZING team! I was undefeated this year on the mound... I can remember fighting the devil telling me in my ear, don't let this final game be your only & first loss of the year/season. I fought that the entire time trying to ignore those negative thoughts! I tried focusing on each pitch, each task, and most importantly battling for my team! We did it! We finally won! It was awesome we were playing UCLA, our biggest rival, our biggest competition back then. And we pulled it off 1-0! Finally the Champions!



Then came the next year 2002 (my senior year), we lost 8 seniors from 2001, I knew it was going to be a challenge getting back there let alone winning again! But we did it, we made it back, we were in the Championship game the following year. Just getting to that final game wasn't enough, we wanted to finish it, win it! Coach Candrea always says, "its tough to win a National Championship and even tougher to repeat!" But We were going to do it, we could it, I wanted nothing more than to prove that statement wrong! This time it ended the complete opposite way, we fell short, way short. Ouch, it hurt, hurt really bad. This isn't the way I wanted to end my career as a Wildcat. The score was brutal, my last game as a Wildcat was ugly. I was devastated and heartbroken. I can remember fighting the tears and losing the battle of holding them in.



After sitting in the dug out for what seemed like 2 hours, I finally gathered my stuff and made my way off the field. I was walking off of the Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City as a Wildcat for the last time and we/I fell short. The Lord used this time to speak to me and speak to me clearly. I didn't make it too far, I was immediately stopped at the gate. I couldn't even get out. All I wanted was my hotel room and bed so badly, to sit and sulk by myself. I then looked up and there was this enormous line wrapped around the stadium, no end in sight. The security guards asked me if I wanted to sign autographs. I replied, "Not really, but how can I say no to this line?" He said, "It's up to you?" I knew in my heart I had to sign, it was the right thing to do.

I dropped my bag and stayed there till the last girl received a signature. Through tears, I signed, I was there for hours... I was floored. I kept thinking we lost, I was the loser. Why are these people wanting my autograph? Through so many hugs and generous people encouraging me that day. It was such a gift! A gift from the Lord. He reminded me its not about winning or losing, its about touching lives, touching others! I received more mail from that day than our perfect season, Nat'l Champs, going 32-0, the previous year. So many sweet thoughtful letters about the way I handled the loss, thanking me for staying and signing. I was in awe and still am thinking about it today.

Dreaming & Believing,
#27

Last weekend I hit the road for the first time in 2 weeks. It was a great break and lovely to spend quality time as a family! Our "Ace" time was much needed and full of fun! Casey is training hard getting ready for Spring Training. We are excited for him and looking forward to Spring Training with the Astros. Ace is well just being our "Ace"! Loving every minute, always exploring and learning.

I headed out to the east coast and attended the Mohegan Sun Coaches Convention in Conn. Its a beautiful casino/mall and we had an incredible turn out for softball! I hung at the Mizuno, ProMounds, & DiamondNation booths for a bit and then had an hour session on "Mental Toughness & more!" I had a blast, thanks to all who attended!

From there I headed over to Hyde Park, New York. I had the opportunity and honor of dining at the Culinary Institute of America. What a treat!!! I fully devoured and enjoyed my four course meal. I didn't eat all day, anxiously awaiting this night! I had Crab Cakes, Goat Cheese Salad, Seared Hake & Mussels, topped with a melt in your mouth warm chocolate cake with pistachio ice cream! WOW! Yes, I left in pain but it was SO worth every bit! I had the pleasure of staying at the oldest Inn in the US. It was beautiful & historic. George Washington even stayed there... papers framed on the wall to prove it! I woke up to a fresh white snowfall and headed over to FDR High School for a little clinic. It was fun getting back to a high school gym! There is something about that gym smell, as horrific as it can be sometimes I love it! Full of so many great memories! We had some fun talking pitching & hitting, and of course a little on life lessons.
Thank you FDR High for your generous hospitality!

I headed into the city after, from the historic Inn to the W in Time Square! Gotta love it! Enjoyed my night full of bright lights, had a few meetings in the morning, visited MTV, and headed back to reunite as Aces! :)

I landed to a house full of "pants on the ground" and tissues everywhere you turn! This is what happens when my Aces have the house to themselves! Off to finish the fourth load of laundry and to a scavenger hunt for tissues, used glasses, & wrappers around the house! Ace is now requesting bacon... I wouldn't have it any other way!

Dream & Believe!
#27

I love it! Here I am in the kitchen at midnight tearing into a bag of Cheez Its while my husband is now opening the pantry ripping into the Frosted Flakes! This is what I hoped for in life & marriage! It doesn't mean I don't get an evil eye every once in awhile when I bust into snacks late night, but still I love it! And it just so happens tonight he is joining me which is rare so it made my night.

I believe marriage is all about the little things... I feel it's the same with life. The little things that lift us up, the moments in between the grand events, celebration, gifts, and etc. If the little things are good, the big will be even better.

We have been married 5 years... Crazy! Unreal! Time is flying by warp speed. Its even more crazy to think Ace is about to be 4! My goal is to continue to make the little things in my/our life good, the day to day, the minute by minute. Enjoying the little things. When Ace grabs my face and kisses me on the cheek out of now where... that is what I am talking about. Oh, how it melts every piece of my heart. When Casey kisses me good bye every morning or the instant hug Iget when he walks into the house. Its the little things that have made these last 5 years so incredible!

I know I am about to throw Casey under the bus a little right now but he has given me the moon and back for gifts! He helps prove or does prove my point about the little things theory! Seriously, he has given more than I could ask for, know of, or even want! For our 5 year anniversary a few days ago he got the me the sweetest card (which meant the world to me, he is the best with thoughtful cards, again the little things!) and a People Magazine. I looked at him and grinned. We had just completed our 5 star, 5 course anniversary meal, it was amazing Now, I am searching for the answer about the People Magazine. (We weren't supposed to get each other gifts, just a night out to celebrate). With his dimpled cheeks looking right back at mine he started to explain. "For our '5' year anniversary the gift is wood. There wasn't anything wood that I could think of that you "wood" (get it) want so I knew I would be safe with a People Magazine!" I died of laughter and was overflowing with joy! So clever and so hilarious and cute all at the same time! I responded immediately elated, "I love it!" I truly did and do! After 5 years he has found the way to my heart!!! Usually, I get nervous for gifts from him because he really would/does get me the world and I never know with what he will show up with. Let me tell you I am still smiling ear to ear thinking about my People Mag! He gets it, he knows how to get to my heart and he did on our 5 year anniversary and he does get their daily. I am so grateful and blessed! An unforgettable anniversary, no doubt!

People, let me tell you... Brilliant! Its the little things, People!

Enjoy the LITTLE things!
#27 

We just got back from USA Tryouts... always great in a way to get them over with. Its always nerve racking no matter how many times we've been through it. It was great to get back out on the field with my girls. It's always fun catching up with everyone and hanging out in the down time. I roomed with Tasha, Cat, and Lappin, good times!

We did testing the first day along with some drill work. We had to run the bases for time and do the beep test. This is what we all look forward to getting through and done with... the conditioning testing. We are always filled with anxiety and nerves before our running testing. We all survived and put up some pretty good numbers especially after the holidays! :)

We split up in teams and played games the rest of the week. It was as though it was one of my first tryouts... the butterflies were there. Good butterflies, the butterflies you love and train for! It felt so good to get back out on the field! My love of competing and the game still continues to grow. I don't know how but it does, growing more and more. Driving down to the training center I was filled with so many memories. The position our sport is in the with Olympics and all, this could be the last time we are able to train at the Olympic Training Center. It is such a beautiful place and an incredible training facility. We have known to love the staff there and we know it as our home. We started out having to drive to fields then was so blessed with our own field being built on site... its immaculate!

I tried to leave the emotions at the gate and just enjoy the week. I did, but still the emotions were there. So many years, weeks, days, tryouts, workouts, conditioning, hours in the dining hall, nights, meetings, relationships made... so blessed we are/I was/I am to be able to have these special memories! Going back to when they posted the team on a door (the worst walk ever, walking to see if your name is on the list). Now they send out an email a couple days after, thank God! So many great times with my teammates and Coaches.

Going at it, as each time I'm on the field, knowing it could be my last as I get older. Soaking it up, each precious moment!

We find out tomorrow if we make the team, I'll let you know!

Thank you to all the players, staff, Coaches, so many people who have made my career and life so enriched! I am forever grateful and so very appreciative!

Dreaming & Believing!
#27

I was watching Joyce Meyers the other night on TV and she totally spoke to my heart. She was talking about how we all have flaws and/or annoying bad habits. If we constantly are thinking about the negative in one another and we nag each other about it, how will we as people ever overcome our flaws. She challenged her audience/myself to build each other up from the positives we each possess! Find the good in one another, let's encourage and give each other the confidence to overcome our flaws. If we constantly are bringing each other down our world will only become darker. The belief in ourselves and in one another will allow us all to shine in our own individual way. Amen to this.

We as a society are always taking one another down, by hurtful words and even actions. If we constantly are focusing on the negative and the worst in one another our hearts will become hardened. And besides this only makes both parties more annoyed and/or bugged. This world is rough enough, we need to lift each other up and focus on the good we all possess. Letting our light shine and others! This is my prayer for my life and our world, lets build one another up and shine!

This was one of the hardest things about growing up, realizing everyone does have flaws. I can relate this to relationships too, the first few dates are always the best. Perfect! Then slowly our flaws are are brought to the surface. Even with marriage, if we are constantly thinking about the negatives in our spouse, this will dominate and take our marriage/life over. It's a choice we make daily, sometimes hourly. Are we going to see the good or the bad in one another? Let's shine together!

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (Ephesians 4:29).

Dream & Believe,
#27

This is what I am grateful for most this holiday season, My Adorable Ace's! This holiday has come so fast and is passing even quicker. I am filled with unexplainable gratitude and indescribable appreciation! I hope you all grab onto what you love, enjoy, and what means the most to you this holiday and continue to do so everyday! Wishing you all an incredible holiday season filled with laughter and love!



This is my fav smile from Ace during our fam photo shoot! Thanks to my bro Landon @ FinchFotography. This is my hope and daily prayer, to be filled with that over flow of joy, hope, and love that Aces smile exemplifies!



Another fun shot of Ace and I! Motherhood... Its the absolute best! Best, Best, Best!



I am so blessed with an amazing husband, who is so incredibly supportive and filled with love. I am so forever grateful...



Our Ace, what more can I say?



We've had an incredibly warm and fuzzy Christmas, celebrating Jesus' birthday! I am so grateful for the time we had with our families. Moments and memories that will stick with us forever.



CHEESE!!!! Wishing you all the warm fuzzy's! That overflowing joy, hope in Him, lots of hot cocoa & every dessert you can get your hands on! Let's keep the Christmas spirit alive throughout the entire year!

Lots O' Love, to You & Yours!

The Daigles