THE ROYALS WON THE WORLD SERIES.
I'm still not over it. I know, it was last month. The parade was a crazy circus of mayhem that I will never get over and neither will the seventy jillion other people that were there, but it was weeks ago. I need to move on. I should be on to other important things like searching for ridiculously impossible Thanksgiving recipes on Pinterest that will make me wish I was never born, but I just cannot even. My house still has a ridiculous amount of blue in it, considering it's almost December. Blue pumpkins. Blue flags. Blue bobbleheads on the mantle (Love me some Salvy & LoCain!!) Because Oh. My. WORD. Do we LOVE our Kansas City Royals up in here!!! Now I know I tend to be a bit dramatic (GASP!) but I'm telling you these boys brought me to the verge of a nervous breakdown so many times this season, I was sure my neighbors were calling 9-1-1. What a ride! and they have so much fun doing it!! They're so genuine and down-to-earth we all feel like they are part of our family!
I guess the main thing that keeps me from throwing out the blue pumpkins and putting the bobbleheads away is the fact that these dudes didn't just play baseball. I mean, they did do that. They crushed it. But they have been the ultimate object lesson for my kids this fall. And for me.
You see, our kids attend an amazing elementary school that teaches the "7 Habits," based on the book by Steven Covey. It's infused into every activity, every lesson, every assembly in the building. It's plastered on every wall, stamped on every worksheet, it's basically right after the bible right now in the lives of my cherubs. Which at first I thought was a little much. Until I actually read the book myself. You guys. Stop reading my blog right now and go read this book. The end. I love it. It's actually quite biblical. And the amazing thing is that there have been countless times over the past few years that we have, as a family, been able to sit down and watch a Royals game (or jump and scream and holler and roll all over the floor, because OH THE DRAMA) and we witness time and time again our Boys in Blue living out these 7 Habits. On the field. In the clubhouse. In the locker room. On Instagram. All day er'day. These guys are great role models for my kids!!
Here's a breakdown for you of things I got to say on a regular basis during a game:
Habit #1: Be Proactive - Left Fielder, Alex Gordon
"Look at Alex! He's so focused! So disciplined. Way to be proactive, huh!"
Well done, Gordo. Also, stay in KC or I will die. Thank you for exemplifying the act of taking charge of your own life. You're amazing!
Habit #2: Begin With the End in Mind - Manager, Ned Yost
"Guys, calm down, he knows what he's doing, he's got the end in mind. "
Way to take chances and see the big picture, Ned. Thank you for teaching my kids to keep their eyes on the prize.
Habit #3: Put First Things First - Second Baseman, Ben Zobrist
"Aw, look you guys! He loves his family so much! And he loves Jesus too, you can tell by how he loves others!"
Thank you, Ben, for reinforcing family values on and off the field. Also... your new baby's middle name won't make sense if you leave. Stay. The end.
Habit #4: Think Win-Win - Catcher, Salvador Perez
"Aw, sweet Salvy, look how he's talking with Ventura and the batter, calming him down. He's making peace by finding win-win. See, that's why everybody listens to him, he cares about everyone!"
Salvy, you are my spirit animal. Never change. Thank you for showing my kids what it looks like to love everyone. All the time. No exceptions. Please come to our house and take selfies with us.
Habit #5: Seek First to Understand, Then Be Understood - Third Baseman, Mike Moustakas
"Oh, wow, you guys. See how Moose could have freaked out, but instead he's trying to see it from the ref's point of view. They say he's out, so he's out, and he respects that. Way to seek first, Moose."
Moose, you are a hero. We love you! Thank you for being a perfect example of grace under fire. Stay loose, Moose!
Habit #6: Synergize - Shortstop, Alcides Escobar
"Did you see how Esky hit that sacrifice fly ball so Hosmer could make it home?! What a great way to score a run without being selfish! Synergy is so great!"
"WOW!! Did you see that toss to Infante?! That's some synergy right there!!!"
Esky... in an entire team of syergizers, you are the ultimate team player. Thank you for teaching my kids about working together to achieve your goals!!
Habit #7: Sharpen the Saw - First Baseman, Eric Hosmer
"Isn't that great how Hoz makes sure he connects with our community. He's not just about baseball. He's got a great handle on balance!"
Hoz, you have touched the lives of so many kids. You truly lead a balanced life and have been a shining example of what it means to take care of yourself. Also, you are dreamy, so thank you for that.
Habit #8 that I made up and is not in the book but I did it anyway:
Persevere.
To ALL my Boys in Blue, you've taught my kids what it's like to play a game and live a life of balance, kindness, fun and tenacity. But the most important thing you've taught this mama... When you're down and out and it's the bottom of the 9th, the game has just begun. Never turn off the TV in the 8th inning. Never leave the stadium at the 7th inning stretch. Don't count it a loss before it's over. My win is just around the corner. My life is No Fluke. Nobody can hijack my destiny. Or yours.
NEVER. GIVE. UP.
...That'll preach, boys.
Go Royals. Now go have a Remy Martin and we'll see you in February!!
