jarom~kristin~jaxson: His name...

It's no secret that BASEBALL is a big deal around our house.

If you marry a BISHOP...you inevitably adopt a deep rooted love for the game.

It isn't just a fun hobby or talent for them...but much more.

It's Tradition.

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Our offspring followed suit.

...and it is most definitely in his genes....

It's not the "you will like baseball" kind of pushing that makes him love it...but a genuine obsession with a bat and a ball since birth. He had an impressive arm at age 2 I must say!

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My son's first word was HAT (because of his Father's love for a good worn-in baseball cap) and he still doesn't feel complete until one's on his head. His second was Ball (hours of playing catch...or rolling the ball to dad) while I was teaching night hours at Vatterott Colllege no doubt!

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It took me a minute to get over it....that "ma-ma" wasn't even close to his first word...but I should have known. He sported his first Cubs Jersey (complete with cubs binky) at age 2 weeks.

He was born a fan.

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Dating Jarom I remember one thing....BASEBALL. He was always a member of the Brigham City Peaches (and countless other leagues) and I spent the majority of our dating life warming the bleachers of some ballpark between smithfield and ogden. He was good. Grand slams to win the game kind of good...and regularly:) He also played college Baseball for Utah State University.

I don't mind him in a good pair of baseball pants either. Not one single bit.

(This still continues. One league ended a month ago...and another starts end of August! We're in it for the long haul:)

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Marrying him was a package deal: Love him AND Baseball.

We made a deal that we would attend a few major league games a year for the duration of our lives and of course, WRIGLEY FIELD with our sons! He made me keep our deal....even on our first little newleywed vacation for anniversary #1. We spent 2 evenings of our San Diego (beach, sea world, suppose-to-be-romantic) vacation at

Petco Park: Home of the San Diego Padres!

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I told him we could skip Sea world and attend another game if he bought me a huge blue foam finger. He didn't think I was funny. At all. I still think it's hilarious:):)

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I did it though...just to see him light up like a kid on Christmas!

Nothing describes their love.

I'm even pretty sure our first baby girl will be named after his ALL TIME favorite player:)

How's that for me being the nicest wife ever?!? Ha.

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Anyhow---My point.

I have been scrapbooking TIRELESSY for 3.5 months.

Not pictures of my family or child like I need to do desperatly...but a tribute to Jarom's wonderful Grandmother from all 30 of her extended family members. It has been the biggest task I've ever agreed too...and will be bound in a big digital scrapbook and presented to her at Christmas.

In this process I have read over 25 letters written to her....from sons and daughters, to grandchildren, to son-in-laws, etc. They all mention one thing: her love for baseball!

...and that woman knows her stats....let me tell you.

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You see....Her husband was the main culprit in starting this LOVE that has trickled down through generations. She also became a fan....and you should hear her talk baseball with my husband. SHE DOES NOT miss a game. Her sweet husband passed away a few years ago...and she still is at it! She is appalled when her teams or players are having an Off-day...she knows scores and stats and first picks...it all.

She is the perfect mixture of Sweet and Sass....and I want to be like her.

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My wonderful Jarom was named after his Grandpa John.

John Jarom Bishop is his full name:)

He inherited his skills as well.

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My little Jaxson John is also named after them both.

He has a wonderful legacy to follow....and a love for Baseball that will keep me on my toes for years to come.

I've got some work to do...and some things to learn from Grandma Norma...but I'm ready for a lifetime of love for the sport.