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Tuesday, December 31, 2013

New Year Wish....


Happy New Year!

Don't Drink and Drive!

The big "M & M"

As Atlanta prepares for the big "M &M" to drop, our gal prepares to hit the road.  Two a days, mega training workouts and teaching lessons will soon cease.  Well at least for now.  As we get ready to ring in the New Year, we ready ourselves for our month in Florida.  Natalie will being the 2014 season next Sunday in Vero Beach, Florida.  Week two will be in Port Saint Lucia, followed by Daytona Beach.

So ready yourselves for my upcoming blogging!  Until the lil yellow ball begins to bounce and the blogging begins.....DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE.....Happy New Year.....Love and Blessings......Sherry!!

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!  

May today and everyday be filled with God's Love and Blessings!





Tuesday, December 24, 2013

PTCTC Reunion....celebration of Beth's life

On Saturday, we met our fellow former PTC Tennis Center Academy members for lunch.  Hopefully it was our first of many annual PTCTCA Reunions.  We had a blast catching up on who is doing what and stories of Beth.  Who is Beth you ask??  Our beloved Beth Choate-Wortmann, was Natalie's first coach at age four.  Six years ago, our beloved Beth was on her way to our state qualifying tournament to coach and watch Natalie (and others), when she lost her life in a car wreck.  The day time stood still for all that knew her.

You see, the reunion was of the junior players Beth coached, and their parents.  The last time this group was together.....to bury Beth.  It was a wonderful way to celebrate Beth's giving spirit during this holiday season.  Joining in the celebration were her children Mattie and Luke, her husband Dave, her parents Bob and Mary.  

Below is a picture of our little peanut Natalie, Beth and Rick (another one of Nat's coaches).  Sorry, I don't know the gentleman's name on the far left.  Also below, you will find pictures taken at the reunion.  

??, Natalie, Beth, Rick

Natalie, Rick, Nic

Luke, Natalie, Mattie

Mary and Natalie







Chelsea, Sianna, Natalie



Michael, Gina, Gabby, Adriana

Tyler, Michael, Adriana, Kevin, Natalie

Tyler, B.J., Michael, Kevin



Chelsea and Natalie



Sianna, Jenny (our organizer), Lara








Wednesday, December 18, 2013

A visit to Glanton Elementary School - Coweta County, Georgia

Happy Holidays from the sunny south, and ...yes....I'm rubbing it in.  Having experienced some very cold days (for us) reminded us that we do not miss the Chicago weather.  The recent warm up to the 60's reminds us how lucky we are.  Although, anyone that knows me.....knows I love the snow!

Natalie took a day off from the court today.  Following her gym workout, we made our way to Glanton Elementary School.   Having been invited by Coach Scott Smith to speak to the fifth graders.  This lively group of students really enjoyed themselves and asked great questions.  The parents and community are very lucky to have such a great school and staff for their children.

Here are some pictures from today's Glanton ES visit:



Natalie presented Coach Smith with an autographed ball, one of her US Open practice balls.



The students always love when she does a "bag check", showing them the contents of her tennis bag.

Monday, December 16, 2013

A "nod" from the USTA

Good Morning!

Hope at the time of this blog entry, you and yours are healthy....wealthy and wise!  But most of all, hope y'all are all of that and more from this day forward!

Natalie continues to train with her tennis coach and personal trainer.  Trying to rebuild her body after the long 2013 season.  As well and preparing for the upcoming season.  Having started back on the court a few weeks ago has her focused once again.  But don't kid yourself, she and her brothers Nic and Ed have had tons of fun.  I'm so very thankful that my children are very close and genuinely love each other and their time together.

Nat has also been enjoying time with her friends and helping in our community.  Anyone that knows her.....knows she loves to play basketball.  She has been enjoying time at her former high school (Northgate HS) helping at the "team" practices.  On Wednesday, she will go to a local elementary school and speak to the fifth graders.....and hopefully give Coach Smith that autograph he is hoping for!

Wanted to share the link below that is from the USTA webpage.  It is a 2013 wrap up of the accomplishments of American players....<<<HINT>>>>be sure to CLICK THROUGH THE PICTURES.....you may see someone you know!    <<WINK>>    Nice to see the USTA give a "nod" to our gal!



Well my friends, time to get this day started!  Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!    Love and Blessings.....Sherry!

Thursday, December 5, 2013

the lil yellow ball....

Well, the lil yellow ball began to bounce again.  Natalie headed back to the courts this week, and the body is letting her know she was on vacation.  Even tho she has been working with her personal trainer, hitting again is a totally different story.  She is excited bout the upcoming season, which will begin in Florida.

Our quest for sponsorships and financial support continues.  It never ceases to amaze us, the lack of support for the upcoming pro tennis player.  We definitely figured out a while ago why so many very talented players quit.....affordability.  Sure hope that won't be the case for Natalie, hopefully she can make it to the next level before we have to pull the financial rug from underneath her.

Once Natalie can play at the WTA level on a regular basis, the financial burden will lighten.  For, once accepted into the WTA tourney, the player is provided with a hotel room.  The tourneys provide food all day for the players.  And win or lose Nat would get some prize money, which should cover the airline ticket (within USA).  She is closer now than this time last year, so hopefully her spring season will boost her over the threshold once and for all.

We so appreciate all those that have support Natalie's efforts thus far.  Whether you provided a ride, opened your home to her, took her out for a meal or gave her a pair of shoes.....it all matters and contributes to her success.  We can't do it with you.....sooooo....THANK YOU!

As the holidays approach, be safe out there and please.....Don't Drink and Drive!   Love and Blessings....Sherry!