Maybe you're new to the blog, maybe you've been following my inconsistency for a while. Either way, welcome! I found this tag/questionnaire and thought it'd be fun to do. Get to know me! Some answers you might know, and some might surprise you! Let's go!

MOODBOARD FOR MY NEW KITCHEN (Inspiration Pics Included)

We are currently in the process of buying our second home! Very exciting things happening in the Pineda household. Lucky for us (mostly me), we are renovating the entire thing. I'm talking full gut, moving the staircase, blowing the kitchen/master everything kind of reno. Yeah, its more than your typical "fixer upper" but that only means you can design it how you want. I've mostly picked all of the finishes because my husband is a true saint and is letting me take the reigns on this one. And by letting me, I mean, after months of annoying and begging, he's finally given in. Yesssssss. Thanks honey! So I thought I'd share the kitchen choices with you. The demo hasn't started yet and I still have to make a few more decisions but this moodboard is coming together so beautifully. If you're wondering, I made it on Paint 2 on Mac.

MY QUICK 2 DAY TRIP TO CANADA

I had 2 days where Ryan's team went to Canada (the same place we played 2 years ago) and they wouldn't go back up to play them until the end of August when I'll already be home. So I knew I had to make the drive up. An easy 3.5 hours.

P.s. this post is FULLY picture loaded. 

It was a very quick trip but so awesome. When I arrived, I met with my favorite Canadian sister, Krissy, and we headed to eat at Le Garage. They have THE BEST chicken fingers and fries I've ever had. Like ever. Its always a must to eat there when I get to Winnipeg, Canada.

GETTING ACCLIMATED IN FARGO

We've made it! Ryan and I took a cross-country road trip from Las Vegas, Nevada to Fargo, North Dakota. I mean look at that snowy view of Colorado! It was breath taking. The whole drive seemed fairly short despite the 24+ hours spent in the car. To pass the time, we listened to the Serial Season 2 podcast and although was an interesting case, it was pretty disappointing. If you haven't listened to Season 1, GOOGLE NOW! But I'll spare you for Season 2 because its a pretty big let down. We also ate Chick-fil-A like 3 times. It was glorious and I realized that I could eat it everyday for the rest of my life if I wanted to. Good thing Vegas is getting one!

We stopped in Denver the first night and hiked their enormously large zoo the next morning before heading to Omaha, Nebraska. That bear was beautiful and slightly terrifying all at the same time. Its enclosure gate was really close to the public so I was sure it was going to take a lunge at us a few times.

We decided not to do anything in Omaha, and that may or may not be because there was nothing to do (we didn't want to go to the zoo two days in a row - although, I was all for it!). And the last day we made the trip to Fargo and met our host family. I forgot to save all my Snapchats (minsuepin - follow me) but you should have seen our car: COVERED in bug guts, quite the view. But the Camry is all washed and we've settled in with our host family.

We really got lucky....well, we seem to always do (kind of) but I always worry that we won't get along with the family. My own insecurities, I guess. But I'm always proved wrong because we hit the jackpot this time around! I can't speak about much because we've only been here 3 days, but I can already tell its going to be a great summer. AND they have a dog. I mean seriously, I couldn't ask for more. Maybe more dogs but I guess not everyone has 4 dogs like us. I think I could do 5....just kidding. Maybe.

Ryan's first home exhibition game is tonight and the weather is anything but nice. Wind chills at 59 degrees and lowering (just kill me). Why is it not summer here yet?

I'm going to try and blog more this summer since I have a lot of free time. Tomorrow, I'm going to Winnipeg, Canada to visit some friends and watch Ryan's games. Its going to be a blast so stay tuned for that post next!

THE UNFORESEEN PLANS

As I sit here with a diet Pepsi and thoughts flowing, I can't help but to think about my purpose in this life. My purpose in the eye's of God and my purpose in this faithless world. Lately, I've been feeling so forced to spend time with the Lord. Terrible, I know. But I don't want my relationship with God to be/feel "forced." I want to spend time with him, pray, be in community, fellowship, read my bible, serve others, etc. So for the past few weeks, I've just given it to God. I told myself that I was not going to force myself to do anything and see where God would lead me. On my knees in front of him? Mindlessly, carrying on with the world? Unfortunately, until yesterday, I carried on with life as if He didn't really cross my mind. On Sundays, I would listen to the sermon, agree with what the pastor was saying, teach my Sunday School kids, and go home to the world. There wasn't much more to it. I love God. I have faith. I am saved. But recently, I've done nothing to further my relationship with Him. I haven't read my bible is ages, I haven't prayed as much as I should, and I've just honestly been lacking my faith-filled fire. Until yesterday, that is.

More than ever, I've been questioning my purpose in this world. I am a wife, probably not the greatest one, but I'm working on it. I am a daughter, friend, and teacher, too. But I feel so insignificant in the Christian world. I always ask myself, "What are you doing to spread God's great news? What are you doing to deepen your connection with the All-Mighty God? WHY ARE YOU SO CONTENT WITH YOUR LIFE?!" And the answer I seem to come back to every time, is nothing. I'm not telling my friends about my spiritual life, I'm not talking to my husband about his, and I'm not doing anything to be closer to God.

You know, people always say, you only kneel to God when you are in need. And this is so incredibly true for me right now. My life is going so well, so why ask God for help?

But I should be asking for His help. I should be thanking God for this life and for the blessings that he's given me. I should be praying for use in the church or wherever, and I should be seeking him in all things I do daily. Only until yesterday, did I feel like God wasn't talking to me.

So getting to yesterday. I met with a friend. I won't go into too much detail because it was a very personal get-together, but it just made me realize how much we need God. I can't do anything without Him. It made me realize how small my "problems" were and how there are so many more people suffering and dealing with WAY worse things. It made me realize that I should be so humbled by the fact that the most power God, the kindest and most merciful God, still wants to call me His daughter even after my sin-filled life. Even while I continue to sin, His pursuit is just as strong as ever. How incredible and amazing is that? I should be shouting it to the world.

And even while I sat there questioning my purpose all this time, there it was - in plain sight, just right in front of me. I was giving marriage and spiritual advice even though I feel that I am most lacking in both of those departments. My marriage is great, my spiritual life is ok, how can I be the one giving advice on marital problems or relying solely on the Lord? But I know now that God was using me. Giving me the words to soothe, words to comfort, words to say. And though they were probably the messiest of advices I've ever given, they were filled with God's grace. And how amazing is that?

All this time I was praying for God to use me. For God to deepen my love for Him, when really, my life was too noisy to hear Him reaching out to me. To hear that He was throwing opportunities in my face, and I wasn't seeing them.

And even as a teacher, God gave me my dream job, the chance to change kid's lives, build relationships, make a difference. That is also apart of my purpose for Him.

I can't explain to you the feeling of knowing that God is on my side. To know that I am saved and have a seat in eternal life. But I can share my spiritual journey and events that happen to me in hopes that you too, will come to know this amazing and wonderful Father of mine.

So I'll leave you with this,

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

WRITING TO WRITE - LIFE UPDATE

This is Toby right after he pooped in Ryan's back seat. It was hilarious and he's so very proud. 

Woah, I haven't blogged in 2 weeks. I guess life gets ahead of you sometimes. That, and I haven't really been doing much worth blogging for. My life can be pretty chill most times. And in this season of my life, it is VERY CHILL. I'm not complaining about that one bit.

So a few updates: we leave for Fargo, North Dakota in exactly 1 month. I'm so excited for the season to start. I'm also slightly anxious about where we'll be staying. We always stay with a host family, but you never know who you'll get. But I know it will be fine. It always is.

We've been on the house hunt for what feels like forever now. People say, why don't you buy new, build, or just pick one. Oh, if it were that easy. For us, every house is an investment. We have a "dream home" in our minds but in order to afford that or build it (we're not sure yet), we have to make smart decisions along the way. Whatever we buy is going to be a great deal. Then one day, we'll be moving into our forever home. But lately, its been wearing on me more than usual. We look at so many houses, especially recently, because we changed our priority list a bit. And I can't help but to design these houses in my head only then to hear that its not going to work out. But its the game, and I'm the pawn. And when we finally find a house, CHECK MATE!

My church small group is going so unbelievably well. We meet every Monday for bible study and I've truly loved spending so much time with them. Our time [8 week increments] ends this week but I think we are going to continue meeting even though I'm leaving in a month. Its amazing how freeing and good it feels to hang out with like-minded Christian women. Its really opened my eyes.

Dogs are doing exceptionally well despite the fact that they don't have a backyard anymore. Other than the fact that my pup still has accidents in the house every now and then. I can't complain though, its usually my fault for not taking him out in time. Sorry Toby. They all keep each other company and distracted for the most part. Our parents will be taking care of them for the summer when we leave.

That's all I've got for now! Happy Saturday!

TOP 10 BASEBALL QUESTIONS - PART 1

If you don't know me personally, or you are new to the blog, my husband plays professional baseball for half of his living. When he's not playing (in the off season), he is investing in houses and flipping them. He's awesome, I know. 

This year will be my 3rd time traveling with him for the season. Its truly a blessing to be able to leave Las Vegas and follow him for the entire season. Currently, we will be heading to North Dakota where Ryan will play 2nd base for the Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks. May 1st is RIGHT around the corner y'all. I'm stoked. 

I get A LOT of questions about the season and traveling with him so I thought I would entertain you with the top 10 questions I usually receive. I'm breaking the post into 2 parts because some of these questions require a little more explanation so stay tuned for Part 2!

10. WHAT IS INDEPENDENT BALL? WHAT LEVEL IS IT EQUIVALENT TO?

Part 1: This is a question I never know how to answer. Essentially, independent ball is professional baseball where players that who have been released from affiliated ball go to play. Not every player is from an affiliated team but most are. 

Some players want to get resigned with a team and others play for the love of the game, or they don't know anything else... Yes, they get paid, yes, they have their own stadium (basically the same as an affiliated pro team, minus a few aspects). There aren't "levels" like pro ball, but like I answer in part 2 of this question, there are many players of all skill levels. And no, not anyone can just walk on a team and play. You still have to be good...for the best teams.

Part 2: Its hard to say independent ball is equivalent to this level or that level because it has players from all over. I've seen major league players on teams as well as rookies (very few). It all ranges, which is cool to see the different skill levels. 

Still confused? Maybe the American Association website or Wiki page can clear some questions up.

9. WHERE DO YOU STAY WHEN YOU TRAVEL?

We normally stay with host families. Sometimes it costs per month, & sometimes its free (minus buying your own groceries and stuff). This, we feel, is the best option. 

You can also lease somewhere but then comes the hassle of furniture, the uncertainty of if you'll be there the whole season, more expenses, and honestly, more hassle. But some people like to do this or bunk up with other couples to lessen the load. And sometimes, teams will have deals with apartments and stick 3-4 players in one place, I've seen. Some teams will host their players in hotels near their fields, as well. It all depends on the team you play for. 

8. DO YOU GO TO EVERY SINGLE GAME?

Yes and no. I go to every home game (That's what I'm there for), and sometimes I will drive to away games if they are close or its a city I really want to go to. When I do that, I get a hotel for the series (3-4 games, usually). 

7.  WHAT DO YOU DO ALL DAY? WHAT ARE "OFF DAYS?"

People always ask, "If the game isn't until 7, what do you both do all day?" Well, what most people don't realize is that the players have to be at the field usually 3-5 hours BEFORE the game starts. So I typically drop Ryan off around 1:30-4 (depending on if there is batting practice or not). That doesn't leave much room to "hang out" since we normally don't wake up until 11 ish. I'll explain why in a second. 

When we're together in the mornings, we eat, workout (somedays) and just chill until its time to go. Now when I drop him off at the field, I do whatever the day brings me. Sometimes, I'll sight see (I'm usually in a new city), and sometimes I'll go home and relax until the game. Yes, by myself, but I don't mind. 

"Off days" are where there aren't any games. Those days are very seldom, but when they come around, we take full advantage. They can be; pool days, zoo days, sight seeing days, chill days, whatever we feel like doing when we have nothing to do :)

Games don't end until 10-11 at night and then the players have to shower/etc so we usually don't get home until 12:30am ish. Sometimes later, sometimes earlier. So we sleep in because we don't wind down until about 2am. 

6. DO YOU HANG OUT WITH OTHER WIVES/GIRLFRIENDS?

These pictures might be deceiving (but that was a VERY rare season). First, let's get one thing out of the way; girlfriends don't usually travel with their significant others (that I've seen) and very few wives do as well. Those pictures were from the season we played in Canada, where like 6 wives were there all season, which is practically unheard of. Fortunately, that was my first year traveling and I'm so thankful for those amazing girls because they really helped me out. Truly, the most beautiful ladies I've ever met. 

My profession is off during the summer so it works out that I can leave for 3-4 months with no financial/work problems. That's not always the case, so most of the time, the girls stay back and hold down the fort. 

Stick around for Part 2 of the questions I get about baseball. 

If you have any you'd like answered, leave them in the comments below and I will add them to Part 2 if not already there!

Thanks for reading :)

GOING BACK TO FREMONT

My mentor teacher from student teaching asked me to sub for him for 3 days this week and I was all for it! I hadn't seen my students since the beginning of December so I couldn't wait to surprise them. I kind of had this fear that I would come back and no one would remember me, or really care that I was there, but that was definitely just me being stupid and doubtful. 

Because when I came back, I was bombarded with hugs and students yelling, "MRS. PINEDA! MRS. PINEDA!" It was an overwhelming, yet so rewarding experience being back with them. This may sound weird, but after I graduated and the weeks went on, I knew that I had missed my students. But I didn't realize how much I missed them until I stepped foot back on campus. All the memories came flooding back and it felt good to be home. 

I mean, how can you not melt at those faces? Its weird to me that only 4 months at John C. Fremont Middle School could have such a lasting effect on who I am. I honestly didn't expect to connect and love my students as much as I did. Still do. I feel like I have 180 children. Most of which I would adopt 100% (not all but most...lol). I guess you don't realize what impact you can make on someone's life in such a short period of time. But the biggest thing I've learned with teaching is that when you are real, honest, and open to anything/everything, the classroom is everyone's happy place. And when that happens, anything is possible. Really. You can literally get the students to do WHATEVER it is you want them to do. I'm serious. What-ever. I could probably get students to stand on their heads in front of their classmates if I really wanted them to. 

We took this picture on the last day of the semester last year. 

And decided to make it a tradition whenever we saw each other again.

Oh that dang Snapchat face swap filter. It kills me. Every. Stinkin. Time.

THE BIG DAY

The move was actually quite easy because we started packing and hauling things to storage about 2 weeks ago. We REALLY downsized and only took the necessities to where we are now. We LOVED this home so much. It was literally perfect for us and the pups (minus the slightly smaller backyard). I was surprised how attached I was when we left. It was truly a blessing to have such an amazing first home with Ryan. I couldn't have asked for better. 

If you're wondering why we sold what sounds like the perfect home, we had quite a bit of equity in it  and wanted more cash to fund more house flips. Eventually, we'll be able to afford our dream home, so selling was the perfect option for us at this time. It also helps that the buyers are recently married and purchasing their first home together...like us. The legacy continues. 

I walked back in to do the final walk through to find our littlest pup, Toby, laying down in the dining room. He wasn't thrilled about the move either. 

I recently discovered this post when we extended the driveway and left our hand prints in the concrete. Oh the memories we've created in this place...I can't believe its been 2 years already.

We ended the night playing Mario Party in black and white (because we didn't have the color cord) with my sister in-law and discovered the Snapchat face swap filter. We were dying of laughter. 

Dem eyebrows doe. 

Snapchat: minsuepin 

follow me if you like dogs, funny stories, and the occasional selfie. 

The night before (I know I'm going slightly out of order), my good friend had tickets to a show at the Smith Center. The Bridges of Madison County was playing and it was soooo good! 

So far, everything is going pretty well. Its a little adjustment moving to a different area but its only temporary until we find a house. I've just been snuggling my baby in the mean time.

HOUSE FLIPPING - PROJECT HART

Alright, its that time for another house flip before and after. This is Project Hart.

Hart is currently on the market and if you are interested, click here for more information.
I also updated my husband's website with most of our current flips if you want to check that out as well.

Now onto the fun!
Last week, I posted a teaser of the outside/front, but here it is again in case you missed it.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Let's have a moment of silence for Big Red...

Living room.

BEFORE:

Looks like a scary dungeon to me.

AFTER:

We opened the wall to the kitchen to make it more open concept (which everyone loves).

Click to see the rest of the house!

UPDATE - MOVING, HOUSE FLIPPING

Today, I am feeling slightly defeated. I am also sick, so that could be why. It was bicep day at the gym and I couldn't even finish my workout. Bleh, it will just be one of those days, I guess. ANYWAYS, I wanted to give you guys a few updates that have been happening over the last few weeks.

First, I will be posting another house flipping project in the next few days once we move into our new place and get internet. Its equally as surprising as the last! So come back to see this transformation! But for now, I'll give you a sneak peak:

The house is saying, "I'm still. Big. Red." lol

Second, you know we are moving but have decided to temporarily stay in a current flip until we find a house that fits our needs. Hopefully, that will be before we leave for baseball May 1st. Otherwise, I'm not exactly sure what would happen.

But its all in God's hands and his will, will be done. That's all I have for you all today.
Happy hump day! Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike...no? Ok, just me.

SELLING OUR HOUSE

Yes, it is true. We are selling our first home. I have to say I feel very bitter sweet about it because I'm EXTREMELY attached to it but so ready for the future. You may think, oh it's just a house, people move all the time, blah blah blah, but its our first home. I love all the finishes I picked, the kitchen, the design, the location, neighborhood....I could go on and on, honestly. But God has so much planned for us, and though the move was our choice, we believe that He will provide us with all things.

So here's the update. We've accepted an offer (from a young married couple buying their first home - like us), and the home inspector and appraiser came. Waiting on those charts and numbers. Close date is Feb. 29, and no, we don't have an official place to move into just yet. So you can imagine my slight stress. But we have a few options.

The reason we are moving is to be one step closer to our dream home and get more cash to fund more flips aka make more dough. I think we all have end goals to all different extents. Ryan has house flipping goals, I have teaching goals/house goals, so we are determined to achieve them.

I won't go into too much more detail, but I'll keep you updated as the next few days happen.
18 more days to find a home! Let the games begin.

Thanks Effie. 

HOUSE FLIPPING - PROJECT LULU

If you follow me on Snapchat, I mentioned that I would be posting one of the houses that Ryan and I are currently "flipping." In short, if you haven't seen Flip or Flop (on HGTV), house flipping is buying a house, renovating it, and selling it for profit...hopefully. Sometimes the reno (renovation) is as little as some carpet/paint/cosmetic things (although, none of them thus far have been), and others are full guts...aka replacing pretty much everything.

Lulu is currently on the market and if you are interested, you can see the detailed listing on Zillow HERE. 

Also, the before pictures aren't the greatest, but they are decent. We were figuring out our wide angle lens at the time...Now on to the show! 

Let's start with the outside. 

BEFORE:

not incredibly terrible...ok it is.

AFTER:

Crazy right? What some nice paint, texture, and window moldings can do. Yaaaassssssss. 

Want to see more? Click to see the inside of the house.

CALIFORNIA VIDEO LIVE (YOUTUBE)

The video is done! (I'm starting to get the hang of iMovie/Final Cut so it goes a lot faster now). I love making these videos and watching all of our trips to relive the memories. I tried some commentary here and there, so the video is slightly longer than my usual 4-5min ones. Enjoy!

CALIFORNIA WEEKEND GETAWAY

We drove to Cali for Ryan's alumni game at Cal State Northridge even though it ended up getting canceled because of the rain. We managed to still hit the beach, eat good food, watch the Lakers play at Staples Center, bet some horse races, and shop at the swap meet!

I'm working on the video now. It should be up tonight, or tomorrow, so stay tuned!

Also, if you haven't seen any of our other trip/adventure videos, check out my YOUTUBE channel for more good fun!

BASEBALL UPDATE

That's right, we are going to North Dakota this summer for baseball! Ryan re-signed with the Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks for the 2016 season. At the beginning of last year, we were with New Jersey, but Fargo was a better fit for Ryan. One thing led to another and we were off to ND. Now the new season is right around the corner, and I'm so excited for the summer. I love baseball season.

I don't know what God has in store for me this year, but if it was anything close to last year, it's going to be something amazing. Of course, it is still January, and with baseball, anything can change. But with a life as blessed as I have, I'm ready for the road ahead. Go Redhawks!