Being a Daigle!

The last couple of days I have truly enjoyed being Ms. Daigle and Ace Daigle's mommy! Its been so much fun not having a schedule, having to find a catcher to go out and pitch too, and having a to do list! We are unpacking, organizing, and I'm still trying to adjust to the time. Ace is back in his house, on cloud 9. He is a bit confused about having a "home", or even what a "home" is. His home is with mom and dad where ever that may be in this world. We have created him a play room which he adores. He has been running around our house shouting, "Ace's play room, Ace's play room." He has rediscovered all of his toys. His favorite being his tractor and trailer. Any time he mentions his tractor he says, pull the trailer. He is obsessed with construction trucks! He has fallen for Sponge Bob. I'm not so sure how to feel about it. It wouldn't be my choice at all but he is already fallen. I'm still trying to figure out why? He is getting so big! He eats at his little bar all by himself. Wipes his mouth and all. Its adorable. We've converted his crib into a toddler bed. Yes, my baby is gone. Now a toddler quickly growing into a little boy if not already. He is 37 inches tall. We started a growth chart! We've truly enjoyed being a family. Ace will randomly when we are all together point to me and say, mommy then point to Casey and say, daddy! He is realizing we are actually all together. The first couple of days he kept saying, "Mommy all done in China, nope, no more China"! So cute! He constantly said it as we watched the closing ceremony. Casey can't wait to get out on his boat. I think today might be the day for him. He is so excited! Last night we had our first Mexican Dinner back in Az. It was so good. We left miserable, filled to the top. I practically rolled out. Its been so much fun having us all together as one. Casey is such a good dad and has to have everything as perfect as can be for his little guy. Its so cute! Tonight we are thinking about taking Ace to the Monster Truck Rally here in town. I think he'll go nuts.

Its so nice to be back in our house. Oh, how cactus have grown on me! The warmth, the sunsets, familiarity with the area, friends, so very much! We will actually get to attend church on Sunday too! Good times! As I write, I'm looking out our window admiring many birds eating away. I feel a bit like the lady in Home Alone in central park. One of mine, and now Aces favorite things to do, is fill the bird feeders and watch the birds go to town! We even get a Cardinal every once once in awhile! Casey and Ace went out last night for a ride and saw Javalinas, Casey said Ace was in awe. I actually cooked too! My mom's vegetable beef soup! I'm trying to cook a little more, we are a bit tired of restaurants and eating out. Who knows if it will really happen but I'm going to try! It was refreshing.

Travel is coming a bit quicker than I thought, but worth it. We will be going to Chicago to appear on Oprah. She is honoring Olympians! I've always wanted to meet her and hopefully I will get the chance! It will air on the 8Th, I believe. It will be fun seeing my teammates again! I have to admit I miss them! We've been texting here and there. We've spent the last year together its weird not having them around. I took Ace on a walk/jog yesterday that was the first physical exercise I've had since getting back. I need to get it going again. We are gearing up for our Sacramento Camp, the first of four for the fall. They are filling up fast. It will be a blast. I have to admit selfishly I look forward to them too because it's a little bit of a reunion to see friends/teammates!

I have to congratulate the Chicago Bandits, the NPF Champs! Great job ladies!!! We are so proud! I'm looking forward to next season. Exciting stuff! Way to go!

Thank you all for your kind words and support. Your comments are inspiring and I'm very appreciative. It seems as though its hard to escape, everyone lets us know how sorry they are. I was walking down the isle in Lowe's the other day and this guy turns around and says, "Sorry". I replied, "Excuse me." Again he says, "Sorry." So caught off guard I return, "Sorry for what?" He said, "Sorry about the silver." So I'm constantly reminded whether its by others or in my own head. Many hearts were broke along with ours. Life continues to go on and we will be faced with many more challenges to face. We know there will be many bigger obstacles down the road and much more severe than a loss.

Believing,
#27

Our Olympic Journey

Well as you can see its took me a while to face the computer and start reading and writing. First, I want to send out a heartfelt thanks from deep inside me to all our gracious and supportive fans! Thank you for all your unconditional love and support! We are so very blessed!

I'm with my family now!!! My heart is elated with joy to be reunited! Oh, if you would of seen me bawling all the way out of the airplane to them. Knowing my little and big guy were standing out there. I was a mess, I couldn't hold it together. It truly was the longest trip of my life getting home. I think I was race walking an Olympic Record in a bee line to the door! There he was, grinning from ear to ear running towards me with a bouquet of flowers bigger than him, in a shirt that said Mommy, with a heart around it. Awe, you could see his joy beaming outside of him to have me back. For five minutes I just held him, staring into his incredible blue eyes, and he just kept staring back in disbelief that I was actually home. He kept touching my face as I was melting! For myself I just continued to bawl like a 2 year old myself. I can not express how happy I was to be back and have my husband and son surrounding me! Knowing my next trips are a ways away and we are in our off season is a feeling we have looked forward to all year. Its what kept us going and able to go through this past year a part. Ace is talking so much more, reciting us like a little parrot. He is filling out, getting thicker and bigger. I'm still in awe and so incredibly happy to be home. As soon as I put him down he grabbed my hand and shouted, "Come on Mommy!" Its what I had been waiting to hear!

Its time to talk about the game, I will try to be brief as it still hurts. It's why we play the game, there is a chance involved. It wouldn't be any fun if there wasn't a chance to win or lose. Yes, we love it as you very well know and please don't take this the wrong way. Someone has to win and lose. It was Japan's day, we have to tip our hat to Team Japan and Ueno who had a performance of a lifetime over those last few days. Coach always says it does take a little luck to win championships and on any given day anyone can win. This is why we trained so hard and sacrificed so much we knew the difficulty. We are very proud of our team and who we are. We will always hold our heads up high and be very proud and honored to be able to have the opportunity to wear USA across our chests and because we are the people we are.

Leaving to the field I prayed, Lord let Your will be done. I have given all I have, my trust is in You, may Your will be done. This is win or lose, pitching, or not pitching, what ever color medal. I've been asked a lot why weren't you in there? My answer is it was Coach's decision and he made the best one he could. Yes, as a fierce competitor you always want the ball in your hands, I was dying to get in and was as ready as I could been to be in there. As a team player first, I will continue to back Coach and we as a pitching staff Cat and Monica. We have complete faith in one another and we will stand together as one.

Its hard, yes no doubt. Does it still hurt yes, I'm sure it will for a long time. People keep telling me how I am the face of USA Softball and I've done so much for the game, which I truly appreciate and am very very grateful for but its still hard for me to swallow the loss. It doesn't make losing any easier. I don't want to be known for that, at least not yet. I train to be an athlete not a face. I have dedicated part of my life to be the best pitcher I could be because I love to compete. I am best when I am competing not posing for pictures or on the red carpet or in the board room. I'm a competitor. I am grateful for all I've been able to do, I would've and could never dreamed of it all! I'm just a girl that loves to compete and have the ball in my hands. I love the challenge of facing hitters! I've never tried or trained or even thought about being the face of USA softball just being the best pitcher I could be.

Ultimately what brings me peace is knowing that it was the Lord's will. It's all part of His plan. The Big Man up stairs already knows and has already written His plan. All we can do is give all we have and if we have done that we are winners, winners in Him.

There are constant things that continue to go through my head and I'm sure they will for a long long time. I always have said what drives me is my fear of failure. Its a good fear. As a competitor you don't want to be a good loser, you don't want to get used to the feeling, it burns and it should. As an athlete you always want to have class and lose with grace but that doesn't mean you have to be a good loser. Wearing the USA Softball uniform is such a treasured honor especially knowing the tradition of it and the program. You are expected to win. Yes, there is pressure but what better pressure could you dream of. It has been created by many incredible women before us and knowing them and that every time you put it on, you are reminded. I feel terrible we didn't keep that tradition going. My mind continues to race what could we have done more or better of different.

Standing on that podium it hurt. Please don't think I am not grateful or honored to be a Silver Medalist I am! But we did lose the game. On top of the loss, we lost the entire game from the Olympics for 2012. We said good bye to many of our games greats, the one and only Laura Berg, my Ponytailed Powerhouse roommate and dear friend Crystl Bustos, many more of my amazing teammates, and many more from other countries. These women have given their lives to the sport and the sport will forever be changed because of them! Thinking this could be the last time softball players could have the opportunity to stand in the Olympic arena. The many young and old girls that have dreamed of this moment and weren't able or will not be able to experience it. And I can't deny, my heart was aching for Ace and Casey up there too.

I can remember in Greece standing on the podium looking down at Coach hugging his son and daughter so tightly filled with emotion. They were missing their mom and wife, this really put things in perspective for me. Life isn't about medals or what color medals, it is how you play the game of life. Enjoying everyday that the Lord has blessed us with, knowing that it could be our last. We never know. It really hit me hard on that podium in Athens. As much as we have made our lives about our sport and medals, there is so much more. There in Athens it was supposed to be the most magical moment of my entire life which it was up there for sure on my list... but the Lord spoke to me in that magical moment different from what I thought and expected.

I have been trying to get myself to write this, my mind has been racing the last few days. I really wanted to be able to organize my thoughts and truly tell how I was feeling. I have tried. Thank you for your patience and understanding! I woke up this morning at 5 am knowing it was time. It was time to face it. I can not thank you enough for all your prayers, kind words, and thoughts!

I've been faced with questions regarding retirement too. Lord willing I feel I have some more pitches in this right arm, I still have that fire in me, and I can't imagine walking away as of now. I love my teammates so very much and would go to battle with them and for them any day. I look forward to getting back on the field with them again! I look forward to getting back up to Chicago being a Bandit, and still wearing USA across my chest!

As of right now I can't get enough of my little man and my husband. I have smiled so much in the last 24 hours being home with them. I look forward for the next few months being the mom, wife, sister, daughter, aunt, I haven't been able to be this last year!

Always dreaming & believing!
#27

Day 15 & am of the 16th

WHAT A GAME! WOW!!!! Our team showed so much gut yesterday on the field. It was a battle as we expected... extra innings and all!!! The final score was 4-1 incredible!!! Monica was again lights out of the mound and had a gutsy dominant performance keeping us in the game all along. Caitlin came through big time with a hit up the middle to score Tash in international tie breaker! Reliving it just brings so much happiness and giddiness to mind! It was amazing. Then my "PP" Pony tailed Powerhouse as they have been calling her this week in the media my roomie Bustos came up BIG once again! She hit a bomb. A bomb it was... up up up and out almost clearing the stadium to put us up 4-0. Awesome. It was awesome!!! We didn't even watch it land we just saw it take off and went nuts! Incredible. Yesterday was such a rush... we knew the medal rounds were going to be this way. This is what we have been training so hard for, for the battle! Japan played a great game also.

After our game the Aussies came out on top of Canada 5-3 for the win which advanced them into the bronze medal game against Japan. They played 12 innings last night. We watched all 3 an half hours of it glued to the TV in the apt. It was an exciting game! Both teams played so great. It was a battle Australia tied it up 2-2 heading them into extra innings. Japan came out on top winning it in the 12Th inning. Some great softball... Australia was awarded the Bronze and we will play Japan today for the Gold. We play tonight at 6:30.

After the game we had some team time enjoying one another knowing that the biggest game is ahead of us. There is a lot of emotion surrounding us all. We are trying to hold in all of our extra emotion... with this being what could be the last Olympic games for softball, the last time some of us where this uniform, the last time some of us play, the sisterhood, so many memories, Laura Berg in what could be her last game, our families that aren't hear, so very much. All of these thoughts are with us but being pushed back to the back of our minds for this last game. We are focused on the task at hand completing our job here in Beijing. Last night it was really hard to fall asleep, so many thoughts, so many hitters going through my head, so much like it should be.

YES... Congrats to Misty May and Kerri Walsh!!! They just won gold again!!! They are great people and friends congrats, so deserved! Way to go!!! Enjoy!!!

Today is the day!!! Hopefully our fingers are crossed we will get to play today!!! We woke up to rain and lots of it. We are hoping it subsides and we are on schedule as follows! We are keeping our minds right and planning for our game tonight! I'm going to end this now before more emotions come out.

Its game mode. Game on! This is it! It has been an amazing incredible journey... one more to go, one more!

Love to all!
#27

Day 14 Medal Rounds are here!!!

We woke up and headed out to the practice field to get some cuts in and get ready for tomorrow! It all begins, this is it, the next 2 days! We are prepared, ready, excited, confident, and so much more. This has been an amazing road and journey! All the cities all across the US on our Bound for Beijing tour, all the practice, all the sacrifice, dedication, support, so very much has gone into preparing for this moment. Most importantly so many people all of our support staff... the list goes on and on!

After practice we showered up relaxed, ran some errands. We picked up laundry, they lost a bag of mine. Not good. They said to come back tomorrow, hopefully they will find it. I'm sure they will they are so very on top of everything around here! We went up to the store they stocked it up with lots more Olympic gear! I bought Ace this adorable little red jacket that has the mascots on it. Its really cute! Can't wait to give it to him.

Kelly and I headed over to the salon for a little spa afternoon. It was amazing! We started out with a facial, it was so relaxing, it was great to feel so clean and fresh. We then were able to squeeze in a foot massage. They are incredible here... seriously the best massage I've ever had. They go over every single inch on your foot, heel, ankle, then up to your legs around your knees and up in your quads. It was awesome and only 20 dollars, which makes it even more awesome! We scored on both! The facial was a bit more I think around 50 dollars, very reasonable. We are trying to get better at the conversion but are still struggling a bit. I think its better not knowing exactly! Still we scored! We both wanted to go straight to bed, it was so relaxing! We then decided to continue our day of being spoiled and requested a wash and blow dry! These are free to villagers! Lots of fun! We were forced to wake up and walk back to our apt. We were in a daze the whole way! Great idea we had. I would relax then go in and out of preparing mentally for our game. It was a good little escape but the game is on the forefront of our minds. Its consuming us as it should.

My highlight of the day was the workers/volunteers at the field. They are so very sweet. We are now friends and are greeted by name! Its so fun seeing their faces light up as we arrive on our bus! They even help us shag balls and as they toss them to us they have the biggest grin from ear to ear. So happy to be a part. They will be part of our Olympic memory just as the Greek people were in Greece. Its all part of it and all of it makes it what it is... the Olympics!

We are know heading to bed. We have a early wake up tomorrow, the bus is pulling out at 6:45am from the village! Our coffee pot will be brewing! We will try to be relaxed but thriving on our butterflies! We will do our best to go out and play USA softball. Play our game!!!

Dreaming & Believing all the way!
#27

Day 12 & 13

Things have been going well... we are now finished up with pool play and on to the medal rounds! It all now begins! What is done is done and over. None of it counts! We played a great game against the Netherlands our offense was on fire! Monica was red hot on the mound too! It was weird playing a night game, fun under the lights! After the game we hurried back to get ready for our noon game against China today. We played great having a huge first inning scoring 9 runs. Kelly K with a 3 run bomb! Good stuff! That was it for pool play now the challenge is here. The crowd was great for China, a fun environment to play ball in. Cat started, pitched great and I finished up, it was good to get some more innings in! Casey said, Ace pointed to the TV and said, "Mommy no pitch, mommy no pitch!" Then looked at his grammy and said, "Mommy no pitch, mommy come home!" Ugh it made my heart melt! What troopers my family has been. There has been so many emotions over this year... I see the light! Hopefully when he saw me go in... it was my pass to be in China a few more days!

And the best is yet to come, the medal rounds have began!

I've been able to have such peace even though my heart is torn in half knowing Ace is being well taken care of and loved. I am blessed to have such support! It was so hard when we decided not to take him to China but its been a good decision! I can play at peace and give all my focus and attention to my teammates and this precious game I love! I too can not wait to see my little boys blond head, beautiful lips, adorable crystal blue eyes! I can not wait to squeeze him so tightly and just kiss his chin all over!!! I can not wait!!! I can not wait to hear his voice shouting mama and mommy and be able to care for his every need! Casey has been so great... I can't wait to be a wife. One that sees her husband more than not! :)

I know our job is not done although I can taste getting back to my family! The best is yet to come. We need to play the best softball we've ever played!

Tomorrow we have an off day! We've been going 7 days straight, it will be nice to somewhat relax and focus on the task at hand! We have a huge challenge before us and we are ready! We've prepared hard, we are one, ready for battle. We need to finish the job, one pitch, one out, one inning, one game at a time! I'm getting so fired up as I'm typing... its here. The moment we've been training our entire lives for! This is it!

Tonight, after the game we met up with our family it was good to see them, relax, and just visit! We went to the B of A Hometown Hopefuls Center and enjoyed the atmosphere and company of other athletes and their families! The facility is great, I'm so grateful for B of A to put this together for our families! Some of our teammates went to Women's Soccer, they are playing Japan! This win would put them in the gold medal game! Go Ladies, Go!

We are enjoying seeing all the medals continuing in, its amazing! So many dreams coming true! It truly is incredible. We are looking forward to getting back out on the field and letting it begin! It is here!

Love & gratitude to all!
#27

Day 11

Another win! A great day! We had a tough day yesterday... we were exhausted! So it was great to come out with a big win against Chinese Taipei! Our offense again exploded, keeping us going! We are on our way still taking it one day at a time. We get to sleep in tomorrow! We are quite thrilled about that one. We play at 7 which is 7am eastern time. After the game we came back and just hung out. Relaxed. Ate and then ate some more. We started out at Mc Donald's which was quite good! Bustos, Nuvey, and I headed over to where our press officers Julie, Holly, and teammate Alicia Hollowell are all staying. They had an interview and I snuck away for a massage. We then ate again! This time it was grilled shrimp and scallops. Yummy! We then just hung out it was nice to get a change of scenery and just hang! Oh and by the way my new nickname for my roomie Boo or Boo Boo as Ace calls her is my PP! Ponytail Powerhouse! That's it! PP! Awesome! Through this blog you all are finding out what a dork I am! I'm a fun dork though!!!

Our cab ride back was a bit adventurous... our cab driver wanted to kick us out many times. He didn't want to take us to the athlete village. He thought he couldn't get in. We finally drove by a police officer that reassured him he could take us there, thank goodness! We made it eventually. The streets were super crowded, mostly locals enjoying the birds nest and the atmosphere, it was fun to see.

We are now heading off to bed, knowing we don't have to be up early! Exciting stuff! Women's soccer just arrived in the village. They have a big game on Monday, its the semi's. We will be cheering them on. Phelps is on track, and en fuego. He is a phenom, so incredible. Amazing things are happening here. Trying to keep those medals coming for the USA!

My parents had a blast at the track and field venue! They were stoked to catch Tyson Gay running live. They said it was packed and crazy over 80,000 people were there to see it. My brother said he was able to get some really cool pictures of the birds nest! They were headed to a Chinese Acrobat show tonight! They are really enjoying their trip, keeping busy, and having fun. They are getting around the city great. Cabs are really cheap here which is a bonus. The USA softball family is expanding taking in more new fans each day at the ball park. So very cool and fun! Our family is growing daily. My parents are introducing me to fans everyday that they befriend up in the stands. In such a big big world (one of Aces favorite cartoons!) there is so many connections that make it seem small. Quite refreshing and fun.

Casey and Ace had a good night cheer us on!!! They are still going strong. We are all going to need a couple weeks to recover after this is all over. I know you all back home especially, thank you! Its been fun getting messages through reporters from Casey. Casey has done some interviews this week and its been great getting messages from him through people at the field. I'm so grateful! I have the BEST support from my family! Love you!

Off to bed we are... no alarm tomorrow! :) I hope you all are having a fantastic day over in the states and all over the world. We play the Netherlands tomorrow. Another big one for us! One at a time!

Nite! Sweet dreams to all!
#27

Day 10 (double digits!)

Yes!!!! What a fantastic day!!! Some great softball! It was beautiful outside to top it all off!!! Blue sky and lots of sun!! We had an awesome day adding to more W's!!! Go USA! We started the day off on the right foot, running into Tennis stud James Blake who had beaten Federer the day before. We congratulated him and off we went loading up the buses for our double header.

Japan was our first game, Tasha started us off with a huge blast and got our roll going! She was so pumped which pumped us all up! Oh I just grin thinking about it! Yes Tash!!! Jes and Bustos then hit back to back home runs! It was so great, so fun! We beat Japan... 7-0 one more down, one more to go. We started the Canada game from yesterday behind 0-1, and pulled it out 8-1! Another great day defensively and offensively! 2 down for the day! To get through pool play we have 3 more games, one a day. We have Chinese-Taipei to gear up for tomorrow. Taking it one day at a time. What a day! We relaxed, enjoyed and on to the next!

After the game we were able to chat a bit with our parents! :) They were exhausted as well, they are cheering strong you guys would be proud of them back home! It was a long day in the heat for them as well. We kept them on their feet! My family was excited to attend tonight's track and field contests! It was opening night for track and field. I will find out how it was tomorrow! They were excited to go and check out the birds nest and cheer for Team USA!

We rushed to the dining hall after a long day at the field. The food tasted really good. I had a salad, tilapia, salmon, and a slice of cheese pizza! Busto's highlight was chatting with Kobe Bryant! Shes a huge Laker fan! The bball guys were asking about her at opening ceremonies night, so they finally caught up!

After dinner we headed back to the room! Nuvey, Bustos, and I, hit up rock band! We had a jam session!!! It was awesome! SO much fun! We rocked it out! We are a great band! No name yet! Nuvey is our drummer, I'm on the guitar and Bustos is our Rock Star Singer!!! We Rock! It was my first time playing and we were addicted! We will keep you updated on our progress!

Time for some z's and some more softball tomorrow! Good night! Thanks for all you late night troopers!!! I know its not easy! Ace made it through the Japan game but couldn't make it for the Canada game, my little love! Casey's been so great watching it all, my big love!!! Thanks for all your continued support! We are so thankful and grateful!!! Go USA!!! Lots of more medals coming into the village for USA each day! Its so fun! A great atmosphere!!! Love to you all! Keep that coffee pot going... stay strong over there! Keep those cheers going! XO!

Go USA!!!
One at a time!!!
#27