One year ago today & Why I appreciate the diamond

It was Memorial day weekend and I was excited to go visit Brew for the weekend. The day started out super early as I got on my flight to Chicago and ended up to my final destination of Cleveland. I was so excited to spend time with him and go to a few of his games. He picked me up from the airport, took me to his apartment there, showed me around and had to head to the field.

I spent the next few hours resting and driving around beautiful neighborhoods. Around game time I left for the field to watch him play. It started to sprinkle on and off but it wasnt too bad yet. He pitched two scoreless innings strike out after strike out. I was so proud of him. Everyone was saying how great he was. They won the game and we headed off to dinner. He was in a great mood! All throughout dinner he kept smiling and was being very silly. I assumed he was just thrilled to see me. =)

At this point it was very late around 11pm and it was pouring rain. His phone rang, he said it was his manager. After a 2 second phone call all he said was "ok", and hung up. He said John told him to come to the field. I was like, "What, it's 11pm in the pouring rain, why didn't he talk to you after the game?" He said he didnt know and his mood went from thrilled to quiet and concerned.

The apartment was way out of the way so he told me I had to come. I told him I would stay in the car, because that would just be wierd. The ride there I was trying to be calm for him, as he was not saying much and seemed worried. I just kept telling him how great he just did at the game and how great his whole season was so far and I was sure it was nothing bad. He was concered some guys were released previously in the weeks before and you just never know with baseball. He continued to say he had no idea, while I was still saying how crazy it was to go all the way back so late. I was trying to stay positive, but the more concerned and quiet he became I got more worried. I started to text my mom and tell her what was going on and how wierd it was. She said she was sure there was nothing to worry about and he has been doing well.

When we got to the field, he went inside and I sat in the car continuing to text my mom. After 15 minutes or so, a guy came to the car and knocked on the window. When I opened it he said Ruben wanted to see me. I asked what was going on and he said he saw him talking to John, the manager in his office and walked out of the clubhouse very upset and told him to go get me. I thought it was wierd and I instantly got very worried in my stomache. He gave me an umbrella and walked me into the players clubhouse. We walked thru it and onto the stadium main deck. Once we started to walk to the dugout, I got very confused. We get down near it and Ruben is sitting in the dugout. He leaves us alone and I looked at Ruben and he looked so upset.

I asked him what was going on. He stood up and with emotion in his voice, said that he got released. He went on to say how there were veteran issues, they are bringing another guy in and explained what they said. I was so confused. I told him it was crazy and there is no possible way after the season thus far he had, how just a few hours ago he did amazing and everyone told him so. I just went on and on. I could not believe it. However, by the 4th or so time he said he was serious, I just stopped and started to cry for him. I did not know what to do or so. I just stood there. He started to walk up the few steps onto the field as I am still standing there and said he wanted me to walk with him. I was like, "Walk with you? What do you mean walk with you? Why do you want to walk? Hunny lets go inside and go home and talk about it." I was thinking he was crazy. He said he wanted to walk around the field and think before we left especially if it was his last time there. In silence I just followed him as my mind is racing. Still at this point I was thinking I was in a twilight zone with no idea what was to come.

However, once we start to get near the pitchers mound he turns around and his face is no longer heartbreaking. He gets on his knee, pulls out a black box out of the glove that I never even noticed he had in his hand. The field lights are on, and he says "Autumn I love you and the girls so much, I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Will you Marry me?" I dropped the umbrella and started to cry again! I was shocked! He kept talking and I was so surprised I wasnt even hearing him, I just stared at the ring and kept looking at him. I turned around and there were guys and people and field staff all up on the deck. A song, Unchained Melody, started to play on the speakers.

He got up and as im crying I asked him if my mom knew, he said yes, then I remembered all of what just happened and I asked, "do you still have a job?", he laughed then at the same time I just said "put it on, put it on!"

After that we walked back up the the deck and everyone said congrats and asked me if I really thought he got released. I just laughed and and kept looking at him like what the heck! Im gonna get you!

I was so excited, I instantly called my mom who had known for awhile and couldnt wait until everyone else woke up the next morning!

He did a great job! I will never forget that night. This is why I love the baseball Diamond even more! <3

Since my husband is off the DL finally, he has been back up to pitch twice. The first time was a few days ago and he gave up one run, but who cares, he hadn't pitched in almost 3 weeks and needed to get back in the swing of things.

Last night he pitched 1 and 2/3 innings and did great. No runs for him. He threw hard at 95 MPH which he hasn't done since last year. It felt good to hear how he did, but even better to know he was back on the mound! Now my nights will be re-consumed with listening to the games for his #PitchDays (Yes I twitter hash tag that). Not that I don't care about the WHOLE team, but lets face it as busy as I am here at home, listening to other husbands and BF's, isn't why I listen. 

Cant wait to continue to hear how he does and see him pitch in a few weeks on our next visit! The Salem Red Sox are currently in 1st place over the Dash. Woop Woop! This could change any moment but sounds good to me today!

His ERA is back in the 2's and he feels great! Keep it up my sweet Brew!

Re-acivated! The day I leave..go figure!

After the weekend spent watching other wives, gfs, and fiances husbands pitch, (that was very exciting), while I'm on the plane back on air Wi-fi, my husband messages me and tells me he is off the deadly DL and is now re-activated! What a great way to end the weekend! Ha-ha! The baseball gods must have some crazy plans in mind! Now let the games resume! Cant wait to see him back on the mound after the past over two weeks off! The even better news is today the Salem Red Sox took first place in their league over the Dash! Woop Woop!

Surprise! The Journey I took for love and all its Chaos!

My husband was told 3 weeks ago he was being placed on the 7 DL for another player from Low A to be moved up. He was not injured in any way, so this was a hard thing for me to comprehend. To make matters worse, they told him many things that just confused me even more but were supposed to encourage him I guess. It was a very rough time for us. I was very sad for him but continued to tell him to stay positive and try to be as encouraging and supportive as I could. Never the less it was discouraging as weeks went by and the "7" day DL turned into way beyond that. During this time I planned a Surprise trip to see him for his 28th birthday on May 19th. My plan was to arrive Friday and knock on his door at midnight when I got in! I booked a buddy pass ticket through a friend and then I find out what Standby means....

The day I was leaving my mom and I told him I was going up North with her for the night in case I didn't have service to get away for the weekend in cooler air, so he wouldn't get suspicious. That Friday afternoon I left work and headed to the airport, happy as a bee to see my sweet husband. Dogs at dog daycare and kids all set til my return Monday. Quick trip but well worth seeing my husband who I hadn't seen since Spring Training in March.

I get to the airport and realized my bag I was going to carry on was too big and had too many liquids. So I was forced to check it in. When they looked at my check in they couldn't find me. I gave them my flights and they said they had an Autumn Vaughn-Flores on it not an Autumn Vaughn. Hmmm...you idiot, do you think that's a quinkydink??!!! ME Its ME! I explained Ive been too busy since I got married and my ID is still Vaughn only and I havent had time to change it, and I guess my friend booked it under both names. She threw this huge deal and said they cant check me in, name doesn't match, was terrible. My flight was leaving in 30 minutes. Finally after two supervisors they changed it and checked me in. Someone was clearly having a bad day. That would never normally happen! So I race up to the gate hop on and get to my connecting flight/layover in Charlotte, NC. At this point its very late at night and as soon as I get there they said my flight to Roanoke, VA was cancelled.  The whole flight. I instantly cried. He said no other flights were leaving the rest of the night until tomorrow morning. Meanwhile, Brews game was over and I was starting to get a lot of texts and calls from him wandering if I was okay, etc and where I was. This just added to my stress. The man starts telling me I could rent a car and drive the four hours to Roanoke. I cry even more. Ya let me get car to drive when We have a car there, Ive worked all day, flown all day and its midnight. Good call buddy. I asked him where else I could go. He said a flight to Lynchburg, VA leaves in a little bit and is just over an hour away from Roanoke. Meanwhile, my mom is searching flights, seeing what she could help with, we are looking at other airlines, nothing. Finally she tells me I need to call Brew. There is nobody who can help me across the country at this point but my husband. So as I'm sitting in a chair, waiting, bawling so heavily im hyperventilating...I call him. I said "I have to tell you something..Surprise!" and told him the whole story. He was shocked & surprised and said he was coming to get me. I was more devastated I felt like my surprised was ruined and not as planned than I was the situation I was in. 

My sweet husband, after his game drives to Lynchburg and picks me up. They told me my luggage would be at my original destination in Roanoke the next morning since it was already after midnight. So we go to his apartment and wake up the next am and go to the Roanoke Airport. Low and Behold, "Ma'am, your luggage is in Lynchburg, youll have to drive there and get it or we will fly it here." OMG! Seriously! So we get in the car, drive to Lycnhburg, get my bag that was literally sitting in that tiny airport when we walked in at the counter, and drive back to Roanoke. Luggage at last! We spend the next few hours together and then I drive him to the field so I can go back and get ready for the game.

Let me give you a verbal peek at his place. Three bedroom, two baths, rented Court Furniture for living room, dining room and all 3 bedrooms. Nothing at all on the walls, our tv he brought in the living room and Brew has the Master suite with bathroom in room. NO bath mat, no hand soap, no extra toilet paper, no air freshener, no breakfast stuff. AGH So after a Walmart trip, since that's all that seems to be in these places, and my husband who forgets who he is married to LOVES Walmart, I buy a warm and fuzzy bath mat, towels, hand soap, air freshener, toilet paper, breakfast stuff and cheese its for me! MEN! Make his bed, clean his room and get my self ready for the game! One of his roommates Fiances was in town and staying at the apartment who I met when I came back and was super nice, so we sat next to each other for that game and vented about our crazy boys! The game was packed, which was fun for me to see. I sat on the opposite side of the field and Brew was in the bullpen on the other side. Girls who sit at the Bullpen are cleat chasers so I've been told. Haha.

The next day was a day game. We woke up went to this beautiful park, saw some people fishing and just took a nice walk. Took him to his game and decided to get myself a mani and explore Roanoke, Salem! After my amazingly cheap and great $15 Gel mani deal (at home they are $35 for gel mani) I explored a little to find him a birthday cake or cupcake! I actually got on the freeway and gps'd my way around this new city in his big red F150. For the first time I didn't feel odd driving it. Too funny. I found a great place called Fresh Market, which is like our version of AJ's fine foods with a Whole foods twist. Got him some yummy stuff and then ventured off to Viva La Cupcakes which my friend and baseball wife Kristin Wilson referred me to. Fabulous! Got a few for Brew but I made him share! I ended up at game a few innings in. Went fast thank goodness cuz we had a whole night to ourselves! Love day games! That night, I gave him four choices, again all from Kristin, who used to live there when her husband played for them. He chose 'Fork in the Alley". We about died when we got there. CUTEST place ever! Live band, GREAT wood fired oven food, outdoors, cute old house with bistro lights and even had Corn hole! It reminds me of the setting at Cibo in downtown Phoenix. <3 We had the best time, drank beer, ate, laughed so much and played corn hole on our way out. (My friends are probably laughing at me, because truck, beer and corn hole are NEVER things taht come out of my mouth). My husband does that to me! Love him for it!

Monday was an off day and my departing day. =( We spent the whole morning at the park by the stream fishing. Ha. (That also, NEVER comes out of my mouth). =) We ate lunch and tried to enjoy our last few moments together. Time to leave. We go to the airport and not only do we see another player their leaving on my flight but were told he was just moved up and was leaving now. Just what he needed to hear. Anyway, sadly we say our goodbyes and I get on the plane to Charlotte. When I get to Charlotte, I go to my connecting flight and was told, it was overbooked and there was  alot of standby people on it. I was thinking to myself, your kidding me. Sure enough, I didn't get on. Too overbooked. The next flight left an hour later and had 2 seats left for sale on it, and get this...38 standbys and I, was #38 on the list, in that order!!!!!!!! I cried again, and cried and cried. They said there was no way of getting me back to Phoenix tonight. I thought someone was playing a joke on me at that point. I asked how much to purchase a ticket as a regular passenger. $1,005 Ma'am.  Seriously?! I called Brew, my mom and my friend bawling, meanwhile im texting another baseball wife, bawling....I was losing it! I told the agent to get me to San Diego, LA, El Paso, Vegas, ANYWHERE that would get me closer to the west coast and id figure it out from  there. NOTHING was leaving, everything was booked and all those standbys, were getting bumped as well on other flights. We looked at every airline, everywhere in that place. Nothing! Finally she kindly tells me I can go get a hotel and return in the morning, like everyone else is doing. Ok, what are my chances if everyone else is doing that of leaving tomorrow am. "Well, I cant tell you that."

Sigh. I looked at her and asked if there was any flights to Roanoke tonight. She said, you mean where you just flew in from a few hours ago. Yes, that's what I mean. If I'm going to be alone in North Carolina in a hotel for another 14 hours, I might as well fly right back to Virgina and be with my husband if I Cant leave til tomorrow anyway. So I did it. Called the hubs, said I'm coming back. Ha. I asked her where my luggage is she said it was already on its way to Phoenix, and will sit there overnight til I arrive. At this point, I start laughing, like cracking up laughing. What more could I do but laugh that this has seriously happened again, in 48 hours!

Since flying back to VA used the rest of my buddy pass, I had to pay $300 to book a full price one way ticket for Tuesday, to go from VA to Philly and finally arrive in Phx at home. Whatever, no more stand by, guaranteed a seat. Ill take it. My poor mom had to figure out clothes for the girls the extra day since they had school and the dog lady watched the dogs and extra night. All worked out. That night I fly back to VA, same ticket people were there, same gate people..too funny. I flew for recreational purposes on Monday for the love of my husband! =)

Needless to say by the time i got there we had 7 hours together that night before I left again, and it actually ended up being one of the next nights in the longest time! Well worth it!. I flew safely back home Tuesday, my luggage was being held, changed my clothes in the car and went to the office!

I learned a few things. With dogs, kids at home and work...buddy passes are NOT worth the hassle. Stand by is way to risky. I ended up spending more at the end of the day then for the pass.

I learned for the love of my husband and the game he plays, i'll do anything for him.

I learned that when you love someone its so important to experience new thing's with them, to laugh at the mishaps in life, and to remember that the most important thing is being together.

Some pics from my visit!

My beloved Pitcher

So the season has started, the Salem Red Sox are 13 games down and Brew has pitched in 7.2 innings as a reliever. His first game was a rough start, naturally as an actual game in ages and the first time with a new team, new field, etc I'm sure was nerve wrecking! He hit a few guys and well you know how that goes, they get walked. Bummer. Since then though, he has done great.

After the game I asked him if he asked if the guys were okay. He said they don't do that! Didn't you learn in Kindergarten to say sorry and ask if someone you hurt is okay? I guess not. Baseball boys!

Every night I rush home to listen Evan Lepler, "The voice of the Salem Red Sox" and his play by plays of the game. Its hard when I don't know when Brew is going to pitch and I never want to miss it. I used to be able to always watch the home games, but they don't offer that there. (Hint hint). I usually get home by the 5th ish inning if I am lucky. Usually though its JUST in time to tune in. The poor kids get a lot of "shhhhh" when he is on the mound. But they like listening to! Although lately I really need to try to not listen every night. I don't get anything done. Luckily, tonight's Friday and I know he wont pitch tonight since he did last night..so ill just check a few tweets to get score updates.

A few quotes about my man so far....

"Ruben Flores spun a perfect eighth inning for the Sox"

Then the Salem Red Sox had their first Shutout of the season!! "Ruben Flores slammed the door shut in Salem's dominating 5-0 victory over Lynchburg on Monday night at LewisGale Field" "He emerged and retired six of the seven batters he faced to complete the evening. He hit a batter with two outs in the eighth, but struck out the final two batters of the game."

Then last night, #PitchDay, he "an inherited runner scored, Flores held the Nationals offense at bay over the final inning and two-thirds"

Between you and me, I think inheriting a runner is unpleasant for both pitchers! In this situation he came into the inning after it started and there was already a runner on first and third base. So he really was in a no win situation. Nevertheless, he did a great job!

So far as of today, he has given up 3 runs in 7.2 innings, 10 strikeouts, with an ERA of 3.52.

Oh and he is number 28! He called me when he got there and had a few to choose from still. We went with 28! He turns 28 this year in May so I thought it would be a lucky number, lucky year PLUS its one of my Absolute always numbers to bet on in Roulette! ( I dabble...) So that alone was a no brainer!

This is his field before the Home Opener! So green!

So early in the season. Miss my husband but excited for the rest of the season!

Proud Wifey!

We have been married for 2 months today! Horray!!

Warning!! Photo Overload!! =) <3

Our Wedding day! Two months have past today. Seems like it was ages ago but when I look at the pictures it feels like yesterday. Yup, two whole months, of being the "Newlyweds"! Wow...isn't quite how I thought this "stage" would be. I find this silly since we have been together for so many years, but whatever ill roll with it. Still...isn't what I thought about when I was a little girl and spending all this time with my husband! Instead we are 2000 and some odd miles apart, Scottsdale and Salem, Virgina. Trying to find the time to text, talk, Skype and hopefully visit. Between the kids, work and school and his crazy baseball schedule which leaves little time for Wifey!

I contemplated traveling with him this summer, after the kids get out of school, but the fact of the matter is we have reality and I have a great career I love (most days) and feel great to work and have independence. So much that I'm sure he wishes I would depend on him more. Whatever. Unfortunately, we have insane amount of expenses with two brand new cars, child care, bills, etc that we just couldn't justify it, although I would have eaten ramen every day with him just to be with him this summer. It would just lengthen our time further down from building our dream home and having another baby. So I stayed home, working way too much and enjoying this "Newlywed" life!

Today makes me feel happy! I reflected alot last night while Skyping with him (after bawling my eyes out not realizing how much I really MISS him until I see him and cant touch him) on the amazing and sometimes very tough journey we have been on together and how amazing our wedding day was. In my eyes, (that's all that matters anyway) it was MAGICAL! So this is my "Newlywed" post since I cant be with him. I'm allowed that!

We got married on a BEAUTIFUL Saturday night on February 18th, 2012. After 9 months of planning which most I did alone while he played ball, however, I must say he was heavily involved surprisingly, I married my best friend! Planning this was stressfull at first considering when we set the date he still had no offer from a team yet and we had no idea when he would leave. So needless to say, we took a risk.

I looked with my mom forever for a venue and when we stepped foot at Sassi, my breath was literally taken away. With the help of a DVD they gave me I sent it off to my then fiance and he loved it too! My parents were utterly supportive, involved and AMAZING during the whole process of planning. My mom and Maid of honor were my planning sidekicks and literally were there every step. Sassi is very rustic, old world, huge beautiful doors, iron, candelabras, etc. You name it plus the STUNNING views of the Scottsdale Mountains and the Boulders. To die for! Ruben and I knew we loved, not sure why, but loved a soft lime and black look. It turned out amazing and I'm so glad we stuck with it!

Of course, naturally I wanted to incorporate baseball in very small tasteful ways as to to over do it and have a cheesy effect. We did, after all, meet while he was playing baseball ( I was NOT a cleat chaser) I didn't even ever go to a spring training game in my LIFE until I met him. Our life as been revolved around it and lets face it, its something my husband loves and we shared many places and experiences together with this sport. My mom had this amazing baseball cake and glove made for his Grooms cake, we had table names from "The Bullpen", "The Pitchers Mound", "The Dugout", "The Mariners" (that's who he played for when we met) and the rest were other un related baseball names that were about us. My mom went all crazy and bought baseball silly bands, tattoos, sunflower seeds, old baseball cards, gum, cracker jacks, etc. You name it! We filled them for fun in jars and on his grooms cake table. So fun! The adults loved it more than the kids. Of course naturally, most of the groomsmen were ball players he has known forever and has remained very close with. Which is hard to do when they are always been moved around. Aside from this, baseball related items ended there!

After it was invaded

My cake, was to match my dress! Pearls pearls pearls! Loved it! The cake people did an amazing job. We had tall and short centerpieces. They were green and white Hydrangea with tall iron candelabras and hanging crystals. Others were smaller with ribbon. Each guest had a black box with a green ribbon with Custom green and black M&Ms which my mom (I told you she got really into our special day) had our faces made on them with sayings like "At last"! So cute!

We also hired a photo booth which was SO much fun. I could have stayed in there all night! I know our guest loved it and our photo booth guest book is something so neat to look back on! In addition, my fav, we also hired a Cappuccino company to come out the last few hours and make gourmet coffee drinks! So yummy..although I had one only at the end. Bummer!

Our cocktail hour had a Mariachi band and custom Margaritas which were SO amazing. I still need to ask for the recipe!

Our guitarist sang Marry me as the wedding party went down the asile. 6 Bridesmaids, 6 Groomsmen, 1 Junior Bridemaid, 2 flower girls and 1 sign holder! Tears!  Instead of a sand or candle cereomny, we did what I naturally would do..a wine ceremony! Score! We had some laughs during this.

The Kids table named 'Disneyland" activity books.

We wrote our own Vows. Mine were so long and I started to cry so much, I got through half . I dont knwo how brides do it. Makeup ruined! He loved them so much he now has a part of them tattooed on his whole forearm which he sees as a reminder of how much I love and support him every time he pitches.

Letting  the girls have a bit of the ball I threw in Brews face!

I had the best night of my life! It seems like it flew by, but it was amazing. I could not have asked for more from my parents or Brew and his hard work during the off season to help! I am so glad to be Mrs. Flores. Now if I can get my mom to throw such a bangin vow renewal every year! Ha ha!

Maybe I should sleep in it tonight!

The girls being silly in the Photo booth!

Our Special moment without seeing one another before the wedding.

My Handsome Mr.



Parts of Vows. He picked parts he wanted. <3

The end! Now maybe next time someone can teach me how to make a slideshow!

We'd like somewhere to live, no lease, furnished, etc!

Once we were set in Salem, VA mode and knew where the heck Brew would be living the next 5 months, my job the two days before he arrived was to find him an apartment. So, I started to call all the numbers the Red Sox gave us for living situations. FAIL! They all either needed a very secure long lease or were ridiculously priced. After about 200 phone calls, I needed to gather my info, so I made an excel spreadsheet of the name, distance to field, furnished or not, price, # of rooms, lease term, deposits, etc. Much easier now! I called several extended stays, but the problem with those are when you keep checking in and out, they cant secure a room for you. Not to mention most seemed shady. Its kind of ridiculous when you think that these guys are on the road on hotels for half the month, so only need somewhere to live 12-15 days a month. When you have to pay for furniture, utilities, rent, etc. Lame! No host families are in Salem, VA which is crazy to me since AA and AAA have host families. I guess it just varies town to town. Several wives who were in Salem in the past tried to help me as much as they could and gave me people they knew to call. Very helpful group of ladies!! I heard all types of great things about Salem which made me feel much better about the unknown.

I found an apartment in Roanoke which was about $1,600 furnished with Utilities (some) but they needed a 5 month firm lease. Grrrrr! I should know better being in this business. Just thought we were an exception! =) Thankfully, Brew found two guys who also still needed an apartment. So we went with the deal! Three bedroom, so they each get their own room, fully furnished, utilities but no cable or internet for $1,600. Thats about $530 each plus I set them up cable and internet for about $100 on top of that. Much better deal than an extended stay and I feel better knowing he can feel somewhat "settled" for the next 5 months while he is away from his home.

After his 17 hour drive from Ft Meyers, The guys are now all moved in! The apartment looks spacious and great for them. Although a few cleaning issues they are getting sorted out but all in all, I can breathe knowing one more thing is off the list to make this a smooth season! The only sucky part is we do have a 5 month lease, so during the season if something happens to one of the guys, and gets moved or whatever may happen the other two are fully responsible. Oh well! You take what you can get!