The Dugout.

The Dugout.

Where new friendships are formed, hardships are overcome, laughter is shared, encouragement is given, and memories of a lifetime are made.

When I think back to my days playing softball, I honestly can’t tell you how many games or tournaments we won. How many times I struck out or made the game winning hit. What I can tell you now is the friendships that were formed behind the chain link fences of Jacob’s Park, in the “dugout” came something so incredibly special.

As I listened to Coach Beau talk to the girls Sunday after a tough lose to the Avalanche, I knew he saw so much more than most as we were putting the tough weekend we had behind us. I kept thinking about the quote, “The strongest people aren’t always the people who win, but the ones who don’t give up when they lose.”

Let’s face it, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment and not be able to move forward. What I love about this game is the ability to take teachable players exactly how to do that very thing. Move forward. Inning by inning. Hit by hit. Breathe. Let it go.

Regardless of the tough weekend, our girls show so much GRIT when they come together. We did show our age, we are a young team of mighty Emeralds, and we made rookie mistakes. I know I look forward to watching them continue to grow.

I just know that these last weeks the girls have shown me (I’m sure many will agree) more than I expected … it speaks volumes for the potential that lies within. That is what is truly more important than any win, is the desire within. Not to be the best, but to always give your best. All things our girls are learning inning by inning in the dugout.

Shout outs to:

Taylor and Nakia in the circle last weekend. WOW. Just WOW! These two girls stood in and pitched their hearts out. They both lead their team into the weekend and kept us in the games.

Charolette had a great play stopping an infield hit and throwing to Kyleigh right out of the box Saturday morning. She also had an excellent infield pop fly catch against Polson later in the day.

Ellie grabbed a bunt and threw to Ky at fist to get another infield out in that first game Saturday morning. She had a great play catching an infield fly ball Sunday against the Avalanche to get the out and end a tough inning.

Rylee grabbed a hard hit and making the out with Ky, continuing the spree of great plays in a tough game Saturday morning.

Kyleigh had great plays defending first with her team.

Nakia snagged an infield pop fly Sunday morning against the Avalance that had us on our feet. 

Kiera, she’s a fighter in the batters box. This girl is one to watch, I am still putting my money on her for a homer before anyone else. She’s hungry, I know she will get it.

Addison and Madison are battling every inning in the box and in the field. I’m not going to ever call favorites with any of these amazing girls, but I will say these two have the best smiles and those smiles are contagious whether we are winning or losing… they are gifts we all need on and off the fields. 

As for Mackenzie, I think she’s found what she loves, and it’s behind home plate. She caught 6 of the 12 innings we played last weekend and came into her own. She gave her heart, and we will nurture that fire that’s there…

My favorite moment of the weekend was Sunday mornings opening cheer the girls did. I didn’t record it, it’s the first one I’ve missed, but I was coming back from the ladies room and was late to the punch. The game starting cheer included the girls bringing their coaches into it… it shows a lot about what they think of them and I hope that years from now they have these men in their life cheering them on.

Most importantly, I hope that they form a lifetime of friendships in the dugouts they share now.

Great Falls, Gophers and Friendships…

Last week one of my softball coaches tagged me in a post celebrating our “Friend-iversary” of being connected on Facebook.

As we drove to Great Falls last weekend to play in the Electric City Heat Classic I kept thinking about that post. It may seem so silly to most, to me I was feeling so grateful for the fact that he took the time to celebrate our social media connection but most importantly that someone who was there in my early years of life still plays a part in my world today, he’s a special man and so is his family… I hope that our little mighty team of Emerald’s have the same experience in the time they spend on the fields with the coaches who they get to play with.

Last weekend, we took our 10U team to Great Falls without our fearless leader. Coach Beau stayed behind to be with family and friends to celebrate his God Daughters wedding. He had a tribe to rally in his absence, but I know sending his team of girls off without him was hard.

Starting off Saturday morning against the Billings Bombers, this mighty little team pulled ahead in the first inning by 7 runs and ended up winning out of the box 13-3. They would go on to win the next game against the Great Falls Select team and losing the 3rd game of the day to Cody’s Pride out of Wyoming.

Shaking off the loss to Cody, the girls headed to the pool for pizza & giggles. They spent some time together just being girls and bonding, it was the eve of Mackenzie’s double digit birthday and Saturday’s performance seeded the girls #3 into the Gold Bracket for Sunday play.

Sunday morning’s game was tough, the Great Falls team we faced came away with the win but it wasn’t without a lot of try and heart from our girls.

What I love the most about this team is their resilience… they are gamers and they seem to rally and shake things off faster than most. It’s a really special combination, and I feel like its one of the things I love about watching them play together.

Shoutouts to EVERY girl in the batters box last weekend. Madison brought in a double Saturday to seal a win, Ellie dropping a beautiful hit to the outfield to start off our game Sunday, Addison digging in and hitting away, girl you’ve got big things ahead! Taylor, Nakia, Kiera, Olivia, Kyleigh, Charolette and Mackenzie were hungry for the right ball and batted with heart. Seriously, I was SO SO SO proud of them… and I know everyone cheering from the sidelines were too!

Jaidyn in the circle. She lead the team and battled like a rock star, I love her determination the most… when she smiles she is most dangerous, I don’t think her batters know that that smile means business. We should keep it a secret…

Rylee took at hard hit to her wrist playing 2nd base, she powered through by standing in the box to bat for her team and I know it took a lot of courage to do it. We were happiest to know she didn’t break anything during the play.

Electric City Tournament

These girls have GRIT. It’s hard to explain until you watch them come together and play. They have fun together, they compliment each other and like I said about Jaidyn, when they smile together they are unstoppable.

Special thanks to Coach Dan for taking the lead in Beau’s absence. You did an amazing job with the girls and I am so very glad we had you to take charge. It was fun to watch you work with them and see your passion, I will never let Mack forget the “dance” on 2nd base when she should have been running to 3rd. It wasn’t funny at the time, but we will have that to laugh about for years to come! To Mike, Doc & Matt, thank you for helping Dan, it is fun to watch how each of you worked so differently with the girls. It takes a village and I really think we have a good one.

To the parent’s, families (Siblings and Aunties included!!!) who were up at 5:30 am to get to the fields and cheer the girls on you are the special part in helping make the best memories for our team. I still feel so very lucky to be part of such a good group of people and giving our girls this opportunity to play together.

The funniest thing about the weekend was the Gophers. Yes, Gophers. You haven’t played ball until you have been told that if a ball lands in a gopher hole do not touch it, it’s a dead ball. I thought they were joking until the gophers were looking for their homes Sunday am and running for their lives while we were doing our pre-game warm-ups.

As we head off to our next tournament I’m so excited to watch them play. I love watching our team of mighty girls grow, and am grateful for the people who are making an impact on their lives each and every inning from the friendships being made in the dugout to the coaches I hope they have a lifetime of friendship made this summer.

Saturday’s are for Softball… Sunday’s too!

Softball. I love the game, growing up playing, I know gained more than just the love of the sport along the way. Some of my very best friends are girls I shared a dugout with or played against more than 35 years ago.

Both our girls have played, Mady enjoyed a year with the Bruisers (loved that season & team of girls!) but horses are her first true love. She has now officially taken on the role of “Most Supportive Sister” to Mackenzie (aka Big Mack or Mack Attack, depending on who you ask) who is all about softball. 

Big Mack made the Kalispell Emeralds 10U Travel Softball Team and we kicked off our first summer tournament this past weekend at the Zootown Fastpitch Softball Classic. 

Saturday was tough, the girls lost all 3 games they played but learned a lot. It was their first time playing together as a team, and knew going in they would need to take each play, each inning & learn how to work together & give their best. The most important thing about Saturday was the hard fought battles did not take the spirit out of our girls, they truly grew together.

Sunday’s first game had us paired up against a team out of Spokane, and our girls showed up with all heart. They rallied to win the game! 

First Win as a team!

We went on to beat Electric City Heat from Great Falls for the Silver Bracket Title. It was a tough battle but the girls rallied to beat them and bring home the win having the fans on their feet. 

Heart. They played with all of heart coming together in a way that I didn’t anticipate.

Shout outs to Jaidyn in the circle. She lead the team pitching her heart out. I loved the way her eyes smiled through her face mask, she was having fun and it made it so fun to watch! Ellie squeezed more pitches behind the plate then I could count, she worked with Jayden pitch after pitch, protecting her turf and working hard for her team. 

Kyleigh and Charlotte for battling through, Charlotte took a ball to the eye and walked away with the best black eye of the weekend. It didn’t stop her from catching a fly ball and making a double play.

Kyleigh had an excellent play Saturday against a Columbia Falls team, with bases loaded, batter hit foul ball to 1st base dugout, Ky caught it, tagged 1st base and then threw to 2nd getting runners out who didn’t tag up. She went on to have a collision at home plate that left her with a fracture to the tibia but she stood in the box to start off our last inning hitting rally to win Sunday. 

Taylor and Rylee had great pop fly catches. I love Taylors job at the plate, that girl is gonna send one for a long ride before this season is over.
Rylee, Addison & Madison for starting the weekend shy in the batters box and swinging away to all have hits in Sunday’s games.  

Kiera truly embraced her fielding position, making key stops and her beautiful hit Sunday sparked the fire that spread throughout the inning & leading the team through the batting order.
 

Nakiah worked so hard in the field and at the plate, she shows up and she is ready to play something you just can’t teach.

Addison is a true joy, she really shows her heart the most, she cares for her team and her sweet spirit is contagious to be around.

As for Big Mack, she did a solid job in the field and was aggressive at the plate. We joked about “no high cheese” until she has two strikes on her.  I have feeling we will see some power hits from her too.

Special thanks to Coach Beau, he took on the role of coach for our girls out of pure love for the sport. What impressed me most this weekend watching him with our girls, was excitement and fire that came out once the game started. When first meeting him, he seemed so quiet and shy, but when the girls hit the field he didn’t stop, he used many moments to teach the girls while encouraging them in such a positive way. And to Assistant Coach Dan, for giving the same positive and encouraging attitude with our girls. I enjoyed how well you and Beau worked together to bring out the best in all of our girls, and I know I’m not alone when I say that I am really looking forward to watching you continue to work with our girls in the coming weeks. 
To all the “fans”, the parents, families and friends who cheered the girls along each step of the way, your love and support made the weekend the best. I think we are all pretty lucky to have such a great group of girls. Mack was lucky to have an extra big group of fans with her Papa & Mina, Aunt Renee & cousin, Tyler, and Uncle Jason, Aunt Holly & cousins, Bo & Bellamy cheering her on. Kalispell’s Emeralds Softball Teams were well represented. 

Winning the Silver Bracket for the weekend wasn’t the sweetest part though… yes, there’s more! The icing on the cake to finish off Sunday was our other 10U Kalispell Emeralds Team won the Gold Bracket, beating out the hometown favorite, Bitterroot Sparks, and making it a sweep for the Kalispell girls. I know that their is a lot of pride in the hearts of many coming home on Sunday!!

Silver Bracket Winners

As for this mighty team of girls, they have three more big tournaments ahead, I’ll keep you posted on their progress in the weeks to come, I know in my heart we will see them continue to flourish. 

#beYOUtiful #campbrandt #bigmack8

Thanksgiving Traditions

ThankfulThis morning our girls, Madison & Mackenzie, woke up with pure excitement to see if our Elf on the Shelf, “Frankie”, had come back to us from the North Pole as he usually does each year on Thanksgiving Day. I love how excited they were as they raced around the house to find Frankie, yes, even Mady still believes in the magic of the season! We snuggle up and watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, anxiously waiting for Santa to show up and our holiday season is officially in full swing! Building traditions is so important to me, and today I got to witness how truly important it is to them too!

We will spend our afternoon with family and friends, eating, drinking, laughing and cherishing our time together. I hope that today, your day is full of traditions, love and laughter… building memories and enjoying all of your blessings!

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Golden Birthday

Today, we celebrate Madison’s “Golden Birthday”, she turns “11” on June 11th.

We have talked about this day for a while, along with the fact that she is leaving elementary school to go to the middle school in the fall. A lot of “changes” in our lives, most significantly in Madison’s.

Madison Lynne came into this world with big beautiful eyes, looking at us so quiet and sweet as though we may have just interrupted a nice little nap. (She was delivered emergency c-section) She was calm and perfect in every way. Eleven years later, at 11:59 a.m. we will make her “Golden Day” official!!!!

She is still calm, sweet and perfect in every way.  Madison is quick to love, shy but friendly, kind and gentle in nature. She loves horses, to write, to draw and has a new found love for softball. She is up for a game in the backyard any chance she can.

Madison, as you grow, Dad & Mom hope for you that….

You continue to love your family, friends and your animal-friends in the very unconditional way that you do right now…

That you never doubt how amazing you are, when you smile, when you draw, when you write, when you are helping Mackenzie, when you giggle…

You never, ever lose your passion for drawing or writing…

That you will always listen to your heart and never let fear stop you from doing anything…

And most of all, how much we love you, every minute of every day…

Happy “Golden” Birthday Madison!

Horse Drawing, March 2, 2013

Horse Drawing, March 2, 2013

 

Kindergarten Graduation

Mackenzie was officially promoted to 1st grade today…sniff, sniff, sniff…

Her teacher had a small graduation celebration in her classroom this afternoon. It started with the playing of “Pomp & Circumstance” and as the kids started to file in to the classroom with their little caps on I had a lump in my throat the size of an apple. Their program was sweet & adorable as they sang to us the “Kindergarten Class” and the “Special Family Song”.  I think back to the first day of school, and how they all have grown so much since then.

Kindergarten Graduation

Kindergarten Graduation

Madison made Mackenzie a bouquet of paper flowers and presented them to her following the program, a kind and loving gesture by big sis!

Both Mackenzie’s teacher, Mrs. Brandeberry, and student teacher, Ms. Hazen, have praised her more than once throughout the year. To hear again today how much they enjoyed Mackenzie melted my heart and makes me proud to know that I have such a kind hearted, smart, and friendly little girl.

It has been an incredibly sentimental week as I have tried to prepare myself for the kindergarten graduation celebration, and that tomorrow will be Madison’s last day at Edgerton Elementary… Middle School… WOW! I can’t even wrap my brain around that yet… sniff, sniff, sniff…

At this point, all I think I can do is continue to be incredibly PROUD of the two beautiful and amazing young girls who bless my life everyday!

Racing, A story of how we met & how it’s still a major part of our life…

People have asked me lately, “What does your husband do?”  “How did you meet him?”  “He does WHAT for a living?” “You like NASCAR racing?”

Yes, I like racing and here’s a little bit more about how it plays a role…

Stock car racing has always been a part of my life. It started as a family affair with my “Papas”, a.k.a. Carl Trimmer, my dad, uncles, and brother, it continued when I met Scott. (www.trimmermotorsports.com)

We met in the winter of 1996-1997 during the ESPN2 Winter Heat Late Model Racing Series held at Tucson Raceway Park. After the last race, Scott & I were walking across the infield together back to the “pits”. Scott was the Crew Chief for Marc Groskreutz, who had just finished 2nd behind my “Papas” in the Championship.  As we chatted walking across the track that day, I never thought I would see him again. Little did I know, Scott was later offered a Super Late Model Stock Car “ride” by Patrick’s Motorsport’s and he moved to Tucson the following spring of 1997.

Mutual friends encouraged me to call him, he only knew a few people in Tucson and they thought we would hit it off. After a bit of coaxing, I called and we met up at Hooters for wings and beers… I add this because truly, I never thought it would go anywhere, and anyone serious wouldn’t really go on their first date to Hooters! Would they???

Scott & I 1997

Scott & I 1997

The rest is history, we married in April of 2001. Scott raced Super Late Models & the NASCAR Southwest Tour Series in those years. When we had Madison in June of 2002, we traveled with a Late Model Stock Car to race in Montana’s biggest race of the year, The Montana 200, held at Montana Raceway Park. It had been our third trip up to race in the big event, and Scott came close to winning that year until an electrical fire took us out in the end. It was a long tough trip and in the end we both knew Montana was calling us home.  It was a difficult decision for Scott to leave behind a racing career, and for me to leave my family in Tucson.

Scott Phoenix International Raceway 2001

Scott Phoenix International Raceway 2001

In the years since, Scott has crawled behind the wheel of a Late Model Race car, a handful of times, leaving the drivers seat with a win under his belt in the Canadian-American Shoot-Out at Montana Raceway Park in 2004.

He spent almost 6 years as the Crew Chief for local race car driver, Mark Owens. In their years together, they had 1 Championship, 2 handfuls of wins and numerous fast times.

Racing continues to play a major role in our life, and how lucky Scott is to be able to make a career doing something he is so passionate about.

Scott is currently working with Giles Thornton, an up and coming NASCAR racer who calls Whitefish, MT his home. When we met Giles a few years ago, Scott saw something in him that not a lot of others did and he built him his first Late Model Stock Car.

In the last year, a team has formed behind Giles that I am proud Scott is part of. The Crew Chief, Travis Sharpe, brought his family from the east coast and has helped Giles grow in amazing ways. Travis is incredibly talented, and a strong team leader. Ted, a long time Tucson friend, moved his family to Kalispell this winter and is the team’s Truck Driver & “Do whatever else needs to be done guy!”. He brings many years of racing experience with him, and we are lucky to have him! Roy, a Yakima native, joined the team a few months ago and has a lot of NASCAR K&N Series experience which brings a lot to the team. Scott is the Car Chief, and his primary responsibilities are the engine & shock program, and assist Travis in the car chief departments. All of these men work well together, and I am constantly impressed with what they are accomplishing

Giles Thornton is racing a full schedule of the NASCAR K & N Series, and selected Late Model Shows in Montana, Idaho & Washington.

I know there will be some good racing in the months ahead, and that Giles will be one to watch! Scott was talking with Madison, our oldest daughter, Saturday night as we were watching the NASCAR All Star Shoot Out on T.V. He told her that one day we will be watching Giles in that race, and there is no doubt in my mind that we will!

And the story continues…

Proud to be a “Bruiser”

Mother’s Day Weekend, Kalispell hosted a mid-season softball tournament, welcoming teams in the 12U Division from Polson, Columbia Falls and Canada.

We were lucky! The weather was AWESOME! And so were the girls that came to play!

Our “Bruisers” started Friday night off with a win, and knowing the challenges we faced on Saturday would be tough. We were back on the fields by 7:42 am Saturday (thanks Coach Brad for the extra 12 minutes of sleep some of us got!) to meet up with a seasoned team from Polson, MT.

The next two competitors were fierce and tested the “Bruisers”. It’s rumored that one pitcher our team was facing was throwing balls anywhere from 60 to 70 mph, depending on who you were talking to. As each girl stepped into the batters box, I knew the feelings they were experiencing. When I was about the same age, I played against, Edith, the fastest, toughest pitcher in the city of Tucson. Trying to find the courage to swing the bat when Edith was in the circle was a challenge for me. She taught me a lot the years I played with her, something I hope our girls took away from this past weekend.

The bonds and lessons the “Bruisers” had from there will be with them forever. It was a lot of hard work. I know they learned a lot about the sport, the ups and downs as a team, the love for the game, and how much their coaches and parents believe in them!  All our players came into the weekend ready to play, and left with some great experience!

A special WOOT! WOOT! to Kali, who lead our team in the “circle” and pitched every game. You are one amazing young woman and you taught me about endurance and determination! I’m very proud of you and I will be glad to watch you pitch in snow, rain or shine any day any time! Keep up the hard work!

A few highlights… Caitlin’s determination with Kali, stopping the balls and staying behind the plate every pitch… Sophie’s amazing dive catch in the infield and home steal! Ashlynn’s outfield catch and cheer that made us all scream along… Hallie’s HoMe-RuN (I KNOW there will be a few more of those hits out of our girls before the season is over!)… our defense had some great double plays and our girls made some amazing progress batting. Hannah, Cortlynn, Suzanne, Makenna and Ty’s “wheels” … they are all  fast, fearless and base running machines! These girls aren’t afraid to steal! Lauren and Mady were timid in the batters box going into Friday but left the games bunting and swinging away!! Very proud!!!  Our girls cheered each other on from the dugout and on the field just as much when the chips were down as they were when things were perfect! I loved the positive attitude that came from our team, it wasn’t’ the same in every dugout! They knew they depended on and respected each other, and it showed!!!

Bruiser's 2013

Bruiser’s 2013

A shout out to our “fans” who moved in on the right & left field lines, cheered the team, encouraging the girls inning after inning!!!! They couldn’t have done it without you all!!!!

And, one last BIG shout out to our coaches Brad, Bruce, Mike, Justin & Patrick. I know as a parent, I feel incredibly blessed to have Madison playing on a team with not only a great group of girls, but with all of you. Your time, positive encouragement and teaching is something that I wish every girl playing could experience! Thank you!!!!

Our team grew and really had an amazing weekend!!!! We placed 4th in the tournament, the last Kalispell team standing! WAY TO GO BRUISERS! I hope that you are as proud of yourselves as your “fans” are!!!

"Bruiser's" May 2013

“Bruiser’s” May 2013

When did 40 happen?!?!

I have jokingly made comments about turning 40 this past weekend, a big milestone  in life, wondering “WHEN THE HELL DID THIS REALLY HAPPEN?” but in retrospect, it’s not heartbreaking, I’m not sad or bothered by it.

When I look in the mirror, I see a person with a lot to be thankful for. Blessed by family and an abundance of friends. Energized with goals that lie ahead. Scarred by the trials of life, educated by their experiences whether they were good or bad.

I’m lucky! I married my best friend who continues to lift me up and encourage me, even on the days I really don’t want to get out of bed. I love you Scott!

Two beautiful girls, Madison & Mackenzie, who amaze me everyday, shower me with unconditional love and inspire me.

I work hard everyday to live without regret. Realizing that each day is a blessing, and there is more out there to accomplish, see and do! If my life wouldn’t have happened just the way it did I wouldn’t be here right now. And I honestly don’t want to be anywhere else!

I don’t feel “old” (not sure why I thought I would?) and I hope that I don’t start dressing like a Grandma! I feel spunky and full of life, liberated in a way that I’m not afraid of who I am.

I’m excited about the years that lie ahead, knowing they will be full great things!

So here’s to spending many years

full of love with Scott,

watching our girls grow,

new adventures, and

I’m sure trials too,

maybe I’ll finally publish a book, or two…

 

Springing into Softball Season

Spring has sprung its way into Northwestern Montana with a beautiful Easter weekend, a sunny spring break, followed by a blizzard last Sunday night! People say when you live in the Rockies, you have to be prepared for all four seasons to show up on any given day, and most seasons can show up numerous times in one day.

After a busy winter schedule, followed by basketball season, we are making our way into softball. This will be the first year both girls will play. It hit a sentimental note in my heart tonight, as I thought back to the many years I spent on the field. It was a funny little drive I took down memory lane today…thinking about the friends I still have after meeting on the field and wondering if the girls will have “nicknames” like we did?  Will they be fast? Have a long stretch to play first base? Be great hitters? Or will they hate it?

Although I hope that Madison & Mackenzie have the same passion and love for the sport I once did, I hope that they have a fun season, make lasting friendships and it doesn’t snow! First games are on Saturday… we will keep you posted!