Texas Rangers Opening Day 2012

It's Baseball Time! The Texas Rangers opened their 40th Season in Texas today, verses the Chicago White Sox. The Rangers defeated the Sox 3-2.

Starter Colby Lewis struck out 9 in 6 innings. Alexi Orgando struck out the side in the 7th. Mike Adams pitched a scoreless 8th and Joe Nathan struck out the last batter to close out the 9th and earn his first save of the year!

Josh Hamilton drove in the first RBI of the season scoring Ian Kinsler (pictured), who got the first Ranger hit (a double), in the first inning. Ian Kinsler hit the Rangers first HR of the season in the 3rd and then Michael Young scored the game winning RBI by singling in Josh Hamilton in the 7th.

GO RANGERS!!!

I'm Ready for some Baseball, Ranger Style!

With just a few more days until the start of Spring Training: I am ready for some baseball. I don't watch football much any more, and I am not a big fan of basketball at all. Hockey doesn't interest me, neither does NASCAR, so I'm ready for some Texas Rangers baseball.

I am excited about the new season. It will be interesting to see how Neftali Feliz and Yu Darvish will fit into the rotation. Can Colby Lewis keep the ball in the park and can Matt Harrison and Derek Holland improve on their best seasons yet?

I am hoping Joe Nathan returns to form in the bullpen and that Scott Feldman, Alexi Orgando, Mark Lowe, Mike Adams and the others have great seasons as well.

Can Mitch Moreland recover from injury enough to help us forget we even thought about signing Prince Fielder? To help with that question we still need team leader, Michael Young to play like the true Hall of Famer I believe him to be. If Mike Napoli and Adrian Beltre play like they did last year then I will be very happy. Now that Ian Kinsler is 100% healthy he should be an even better lead off hitter. Elvis Andrus need to improve on his defense to make me feel better about him.

If we can keep Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz healthy the entire season, we will have an outfield to be reckoned with. I love David Murphy as our "super outfielder" and Craig Gentry should mature into a more complete center fielder this year.

Under the capable leadership of Manager: Ron Washington, Pitching Coach: Mike Maddux, and the rest of the coaching staff, the Rangers should beat out division rivals the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, again at least this year, to win the division again and hopefully make another trip to the World Series. Win it this time!

Day 9 - Baseball Hall of Fame 2012

Today Major League Baseball announced that former Cincinnati Reds shortstop, Barry Larkin was elected to National Baseball Hall of Fame. Congratulations to a deserving player. I was sort of hoping that Jack Morris would make it this year. Jack Morris signed my baseball glove in between double-header games between the Detroit Tigers and the Texas Rangers. It would be cool to have a Hall of Famer's autograph on my glove.

Adjusting to a Life in Mansfield, TX

It has been one month since my family and I moved to Mansfield, TX. I finally have a new full-time job teaching 7th/8th Grade Math at Red Oak Jr. High School. So far I am enjoying it. My wife, Jamie and I are trying to car-pool to work on Mondays and Wednesdays to spend more time with each other. (She works in Waxahachie, TX at the Ellis County Children's Advocacy Center.)

We found us a great rent home in Mansfield and as of today (Oct. 22) our home in Longview, TX is under contract to close on Nov. 2nd. This will eliminate our mortgage payment, allowing us to use my salary to make larger payments toward our remaining debts. Dave Ramsey would be happy.

The kids are still enjoying home school, although they do miss getting out to mingle with other kids. We are looking into getting Caleb a car, so they can get out during the day while Jamie and I are at work. We are also looking for a new church home. We have visited a couple of great local churches and plan on visiting a couple of more before we narrow down our choices and try to settle in somewhere. We are hoping the kids get involved with the youth group and Jamie and I can get plugged into some good classes or small groups to make some new friends.

The only bad thing that has happened since we have moved here is my blood pressure has gone back up and I am back on blood pressure medication. I guess the stress of the move, the stress of teaching/disciplining kids at school and me not eating healthy, have triggered the rise in BP.

We are slowly unpacking and turning this rent house into our new home. We have an option to buy and the neighborhood is great. Maybe once we get most of our remaining debt paid off, we will see about buying this home.

Good luck to the Texas Rangers on going to the World Series for the 2nd year straight!

How About Those Texas Rangers!

How About Those Texas Rangers?

My favorite baseball team, The Texas Rangers, have now won 11 games in a row. They now have a 4 game lead in their division and I am hoping they are on their way to another trip to the World Series.

I have been a Ranger fan since they first came to Arlington in 1972. I remember going to games with my dad, sneaking into a game to keep my ticket (just autographed by Rickey Henderson) from being torn in half, skipping college classes to watch Nolan Ryan pitch and going to games with my family.

Keep it going Rangers!

Go Roughriders!

Today the family and I went to see the Frisco Roughriders (The Texas Rangers' Double A Team). As part of Friends and Family Deal we got four tickets, four Roughrider baseball caps, and four $5 dollar food vouchers, all for under $50. The manager of the Roughriders is Steve Buechele. He is a former third base man for the Texas Rangers. I remember watching him play when I was in college.

We let my son Caleb drive part of the way to Frisco and back to get him some experience in driving in "Dallas" traffic. He has his learner's permit and he hopes to take his actual driving test for his license later in June.

The Roughriders defeated the Tulsa Drillers 9-3; however, we did not get to stay for the entire game. My daughter, Rachel, got sick during the game and we had to leave during the 5th inning. We still had a good time being together as a family though.

Spaghetti-Tacos and Other News

Thanks to the Nickelodeon television show iCarly, my family tried a dish called Spaghetti-Tacos last night for dinner. They were actually pretty good. You just make spaghetti, like normal, then put in some taco shells. Yummy and crunchy.

It seems my Texas Rangers are working hard to make the playoffs. Thanks to some great pitching and (cough, couch...gag....) the New York Yankees, the Rangers are tied for the wild-card spot. They are even making a race out of the Western Division by being just 3.5 games out of first place. If we could just keep beating those dang Angels.

My son Caleb, just got back from High School band camp last week. I can't believe he is a Freshman in High School this year. Just to drive the point home, he picked up his schedule for his Freshman year, along with his textbooks and school ID.

My search for a full-time job has yet to bear much fruit. All of the local schools filled their staff positions for the upcoming school year; and I have yet to get an interview with any other place I have applied for. I sent in an resume today to work with the Texas Department for the Prevention of Alcohol and Drug Abuse today. Keep praying that something comes up soon.

Also I have two books to recommend for reading. The first is called Crazy Love by Frances Chan, the second is called Prodigal God by Timothy Keller. Both books will challenge your thoughts about how you view Christianity in today's world.

Hot Springs Here We Come!

My family and I are about to embark on our last vacation activity of the summer. We are going to Hot Springs, Arkansas. I actually look forward to finding a place where we can relax in the healing waters of the natural springs. We plan to visit Magic Springs/Crystal Falls, Amusement/Water Park, a Botanical Garden and maybe do a few other things together as a family.

I hope I get a chance to watch MLB's All-Star Game at the hotel Thursday evening. I might just set it to record at home and watch it when I get back. Go Texas Rangers; they still hold a slim 1st Place lead in the Western Division. Maybe, just maybe, we will make the playoffs again this year.

I'm Back For Good - I Hope!

Once again it's been awhile since I have been blogging.

My search for a new full-time job may be almost over. I had an interview with Pine Tree ISD to be their new 9th Grade Algebra teacher. Considering I barely pulled off C averages in Algebra in High School, I have come a long way. I thought the interview went well & I was told not to take another job until the Principal calls me back, so I'm taking that as a good sign.

I took the test to become certified to teach 4-8th Grade Math a week ago Saturday. I am waiting on my score to come back. I plan on taking the test to get certified to teach 8-12th Grade Math before the end of the year (August at the earliest!). It is my lack of knowledge in the fields of upper-level Trigonometry and Calculus that I'm worried about on the 8th-12th Math test. I am going to have to study hard and take some teacher help classes at the local Education Service Center to get ready for that bad boy.

My Texas Rangers fell out of first place since I last blogged. Maybe it's the stress about their owner, Tom Hicks, who is trying to sell his majority interest in the club. I am still routing for my team and hope they can pull it back together soon and pull off a playoff spot.

In the meantime, I am still working part-time at Mardel and trying not to get to addicted to Facebook's Mafia Wars.

I am glad to be back...I missed my few blogger friends I follow and who occasionally follow me as well.

Moving On

Yesterday, the family and I returned from visiting Jamie's family and the LTC competitions in Dallas. The kids did very well. 

Today, I have my first job interview after leaving my previous job. Wish me luck. 

It seems while I was away the Rangers lost badly to the Detroit Tigers. The bullpen needs to support the great outings of the starting pitchers if they want to reach the playoffs. I will have to watch them take on the Orioles tonight. 

A Great Start to the Baseball Season

The Texas Rangers had a great start to their 2009 Baseball Season by dominating the Cleveland Indians 9-1 on Monday. We will see if they can continue that level of play tonight, when they play their second game of the season.

I really need to work it into our, now very limited, budget to go a game and get me a Josh Hamilton Shirt.

Go Rangers!!

This and That Wrap Up for the last few days of March!

There is nothing really exciting going on at the English household at the moment, so I will just wrap up the past few weeks.

Jamie and I are now, Dynamic Marriages certified and hope to start teaching those marriage classes soon at our church.

The Texas Rangers and the rest of Major League Baseball is about to start the 2009 season and I cannot wait! I think the Rangers will field a pretty good team this year, if their pitching holds out.

Apparently there is some sort of government stimulus check coming to us soon. Not sure where this money is coming from except from our own taxes. If that is the case, then we are paying ourselves a bonus from our own pocket. How nice. I can't quit figure out how the government has any of our tax dollars left to give back to us after giving it all to failing banks and companies.

Twogether in Texas, my current employer, is fighting to keep its funding from being eliminated in the Texas Legislature. Apparently the Texas House of Representatives wants to increase our budget, but the Texas Senate wants to cut it or eliminate it. It seems at the present time, we will still have some sort of funding but how much is the question. It is possible I might have to look for another job teaching school again. I am about to sign up to become certified to teach Math.

My bride, Jamie, had a surgical procedure performed on her last week to prepare her for taking a new drug that will help to prevent her from getting breast cancer. She is still a little sore, but recovering.

My kiddos are tired of school and my son especially is worried about Band Camp. He has heard stories of certain kinds of "hazing" or other mischievous play, and he is worried it might happen to him. There are some older band kids that attend our church who have assured him they will do their best to look out for him. That made him feel a little better.

LTC, Leadership Training for Christ, is coming up Easter Weekend. The kids will be competing in various "competitions" that help them develop their Christian characters. Caleb is competing in Art/Photography, Bible Reading and Puppets. Rachel is competing in Art/Drawing, Daily Devotional & Prayer Challenge and Puppets.

I will try to come up with a good devotional or deep thought soon! Until then, I have been very busy and haven't had much time to do anything, including spend time with my family. I need a solid weekend off.

Baseball Season is Coming!

The 2009 Major League Baseball Season is almost upon us and I am excited. I have been keeping up with the Spring Training games and my Texas Rangers are looking good. They may not be division winners (or Wild Card contenders) yet, but I think they have enough to hold onto their 2nd Place finish from last year.

They have an exciting crop of young pitchers waiting to make their marks on the team. If the "recovering wounded" pitchers heal completely, then we will have a pretty good pitching staff this year. Of course our offense will sizzle, and I can' t wait to see how Josh Hamilton does this year. I read his book, Beyond Belief, in three days last week. I highly recommend it to others.

For as long as I remember, I have always loved baseball. I wish I had the talent to play professionally, but alas I do good to try and play softball on occasion or throw the ball around with my kids. I am seriously considering using the money from a travel reimbursement check to to have a Rangers Weekend with my best friend, and buying tickets to a 3 day weekend series at the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. We would stay at a hotel nearby and just soak up the Rangers for a few days. (I still need to bounce this idea off my bride, Jamie, first.)

I am so ready for Baseball!

This and That and Miscellaneous Stuff!

Over the past few weeks, I have found it hard to find topics to blog about. Finally, I just decided that I would do a potpourri of various topics until something just stands out.

While driving through the Dallas/Ft. Worth area recently, my wife and I kept seeing the billboards with pictures of people saying, "I am Second!", with the web-site IAmSecond.com underneath. We finally looked this site up. It is a site dedicated to people who are in recovery from various addictive behaviors. These recovering addicts tell their stories about how they realized that they needed God to help them in their lives. By putting God "first" in their lives and putting themselves "second" they are working to overcome their problems and stay on the road to recovery. It is a cool site. I really like the story of Josh Hamilton, who currently plays outfield for my Texas Rangers.

Speaking of the Texas Rangers, baseball season is almost upon us. This is my favorite sport by far of the major 4 (Baseball, Football, Basketball, and Hockey) in the United States. It seems the Rangers are going to have to rely heavily on their young pitchers to step up and perform well. I agree with the Rangers strategy of not "breaking the bank" to sign big name players, and I hope our young guys, with some veteran support can do well this year. If I get to attend any Ranger games live this year, I will have to get a Josh Hamilton t-shirt.

Other news from the baseball front. It seems the ever so wonderful, Alex Rodriguez tested positive for steroid use back in 2003. Well, well, what a surprise! It seems baseball's golden boy did a little juicing himself. What is really sad, because of this recent scandal, one sports writer has resorted to calling the Rangers the worst abusers of steroids in baseball. The nerve of that guy. I am not going to sit here and say none of the Texas Rangers have ever used steroids, but to call them the worst abusers in the league; Come on man!

I refuse to comment on the goings on with our nation's government. If you have read any of my past blogs, I think you know I feel about throwing out billions of dollars to agencies, businesses, and even the common tax payers in an effort to stop the current financial crisis we are in. Hey, I am not about to turn down free money, if it comes my way, but I think we brought this crisis on ourselves by not being good stewards of the boundless blessings God gave us. Throwing more money our way will not help us learn the lessons we need to learn to prevent this from happening again in the future. I guess I commented after all! Sorry!

Sunday, our preacher, gave us an excellent lesson about. "Flying Stand-By!" Have you ever flown stand-by? I have not. People who fly stand-by have to wait to find out if someone else has cancelled a flight or if their will be any unbooked seats on a plane in order to board that particular flight. It creates lots of uncertainties and stress because they do not know if they will be able to board the plane or not. People who have already booked their flights and have their tickets can arrive at the gate with a more relaxed attitude because they know they are going to get on the plane.

As Christians many of us live like we are on "stand-by" when it comes to our eternal salvation. Despite the many promises of God and the gift of Grace through the death of Jesus, many Christians have not accepted God's "free ticket" to get into Heaven. We still believe we have to earn our way into Heaven. We live a life of uncertainty, as if we are unsure if we will get into Heaven or not. Those Christians who have fully accepted the Grace of God through Jesus, can live a life focused on the important things we have to do while still here on this Earth. We can relax (to an extent) knowing we are going to going to live with our King forever. All we have to be concerned about is fighting the battle against darkness and making sure others know that God has give them a free-ticket on the plane to Heaven.

Also just to catch you up on the recent concerns regarding Jamie's health; read her recent blog about what is going on with her health.

I Think My Rangers Are a Little Crazy!

My favorite baseball team, The Texas Rangers, may be on the verge of losing one of my favorite players, Michael Young has requested to be traded. It appears the Rangers have "told" Young that he will be moving to 3rd Base this season in order to allow a talented young rookie, Elvis Andrus, to play Shortstop. I realize that the Rangers need a steady 3rd Baseman and I realize that Andrus is a talent that can't be wasted much longer in the minors; however, Young is the backbone of the Rangers' fielders and he is one of my favorite players. I would like for Young to stay with the Rangers, but I can understand his frustration. He is an All-Star at his position and he had already changed positions once before. Maybe the Rangers are going a little crazy!

If the Rangers do trade Michael Young, they had better bring in some serious pitching help AND a talented young 3rd Baseman.

Training in Austin #1

I am currently on lunch break from my first training day in Austin. We are learning about a healthy marriage curriculum that can be used as part of our state grant. It has been fairly interesting and I plan on using some of the things I learn when I get home.

I didn't sleep very well last night. The beds at the OMNI Hotel are very comfortable, but I was missing the most important part of a good night's sleep: My wife Jamie. Pillows are OK to cuddle with, but they can' replace the feeling of your bride next to you.

I also forgot my bathing suit, so I can't swim in the nice pool. I guess I could swim naked, but I don't think I would still have my job after that.

I will let you know more about my training tomorrow.

On a different note: Some one finally came and took away the old couch from our yard. So all our "Garage Sale" stuff is finally gone.

On a different note: We should be having some people come and do some Lawn Care work on our yard. We finally got tired of being one of only two "brown" yards on our block. I watered it and fertilized it, but nothing seemed to grow, so now we are turning it over to professionals. It may take a little bit of our savings money, but I think it will be worth it.

I really miss my kids and Jamie and I can't wait to head home tomorrow evening.

Oh, by the way the Rangers beat the New York Yankees in dramatic fashion last night. Very Cool!

Spending Time With the Family

Remember that Texas Rangers baseball game I went to on July 12th! My niece, Amber, and my daughter, Rachel, designed some shirts for us to wear to the game. I am the "Exclamation Mark" at the end. Fitting since my name is Mark.

Pictured, in order are: R - Jordan (my nephew), A - Caleb (my son), N - Susie (my sister-in-law, Jamie's sister), G - Phillip (my brother-in-law, Susie's husband), E - Amber (my niece), R - Rachel (my daughter), S - Jamie (my bride) and "!" - Mark (that's me)

The Ranger's lost the game to the White Sox! : (

This weekend my family and I have been attempting to spend some quality time together. Friday we had a "Family Camp Out" on our living room floor and watched Meerkat Manor: The Next Generation and a movie together. Saturday we went to LifeWay Christian Stores to pre-order a couple of music CD's and buy the latest VeggieTales video called "Tomato Sawyer and Huckleberry Larry's Big River Rescue." We also went to eat as a family at Applebee's. Caleb, my son, can put away the ribs. Rachel, my daughter, likes the Chocolate Mousse for dessert. We then came home and watched the season premire of Monk, which had been recorded from the night before.

Today, Sunday, we split up the family group for a while. Jamie has to deliver a presentation about her job, Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services to a local church. The rest of us will attend our church home. Afterwards the kids and I plan to watch The Dark Knight, the newest Batman film. Jamie, who is not a big Batman fan, may go watch a show on her own. After the movie, I have a little bit of lawn mowing to do; then maybe we can spend the rest of today playing games together before the weekend is over.

Also, thanks to all my blog friends for your words of encouragement regarding my new job. I am sure I will love it!

Unbelievable...Josh Hamilton!

Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton put on a spectacular show at this year's MLB All-Star Game Home Run Derby. Hamilton hit 28 home runs in the first round, 4 more in the second, and then hit 4 more in the final round. I was practically yelling for joy for Josh every time the ball sailed over the fence. To bad for Josh that fellow AL All-Star Justin Morneau, of the Minnesota Twins, hit 6 in the final round to become the 2008 Home Run Derby Champion. I really thought it was great that Josh Hamilton thanked, "My LORD and Saviour, Jesus Christ," for his success in overcoming his life's problems and success in the Derby. Way to go Josh! (Hamilton is pictured on the left in the photo, Morneau is on the right)

On a more personal note: I have a "third and final" interview with the Longview Wellness Center about the job as Healthy Marriage Outreach Coordinator. Keep me in your prayers.

Congratulations Texas Rangers All-Stars

The Texas Rangers are sending four players to this year's Major League Baseball All-Star Game!

Josh Hamilton finished 2nd in the fan voting to become a starter in this year's game. This is his first All-Star appearance.







Ian Kinsler was elected by the players to be a reserve player at 2nd Base. He finished 2nd in the fan voting. (He should be starting!)







Michael Young was also elected by the players as a reserve player, after finished 2nd in the fan voting, for Short Stop. Even though this is not his best year, he is still one of the best short stops in the game this year.






Milton Bradley finished 5th or 6th in fan voting this year as an Outfielder, and he was also elected by the players as an outfield reserve. He is a strong candidate though to start the game as the Designated Hitter, due to the injury of David Ortiz, who was elected by the fans as the starter for that position.





Congratulations guys, you deserve it.

New Job Possibility & Other Stuff.

Today I found out that the High School in the school district my children attend has a Social Studies teacher position open. I quickly called to verify that the district had my current application and resume and then I e-mailed my resume and a nice cover letter to the Principal. Pray that I at least get an interview. It would be great to work on the same schedule as my kids.

I am so looking forward to the Texas Rangers baseball game on July 12th. I haven't been to a game all year and I am itching for some live baseball. I hope to see several Rangers who have made the All-Star team this year. Some of our Rangers deserve to be on the team.

Our home-based business Four English Peas Travel is slowly picking up a few clients. The recent rise in gas prices may be affecting the number of people who plan to travel this year. All the same if you plan on going on a vacation or planning on doing any traveling, check out our site. The prices you find are comparable or better than the leading other travel based sites, which I won't mention by name.

I also have created a Facebook account for anyone who cares to view it. It is sort of like a blog, but not.

I plan on doing the "If Your Life Was a Movie" blog about the music soundtrack sometime soon. Just haven't had a lot of free time at home recently.