No More Days Off

There is something exciting about working in minor league sports, especially in Baseball. There are so many things that can come into play, but what I had forgotten was the time commitment in which it takes to open a season - especially given our late start since our ownership change.

I love it, but the last time I did it, I didn't have a family. It's hard to miss out on things at home on Saturdays while we prepare the ballpark for hundreds of thousands of visitors this Summer, then carrying out our regular sales and marketing efforts during the week. I find a lot of comfort in the fact that M "gets it", and always has. She has never questioned the commitment that I need to make to a time consuming vocation. In a few short weeks, we will add another to our family, and this will add some stress at home. It's also good that I can come home for lunch, and no matter how late I leave the ballpark, I am only five minutes away.

Chan seems to be adapting well too. It's hard to measure so early, and he has had some issues at school, but for the most part, our boy is slowly coming around. We all know this change was extremely difficult for him. The school has assigned an occupational therapist to help him for an hour a day, which is great news, and since this started, he has had great days.

I am taking him to a hockey game tomorrow night - just him and me. It's been a long time since we have been able to do something one on one, and I thought I needed to do it before our season starts. Beans and I are going on a date next week too - she wants to go to the mall and Red Robin, so she gets whatever she wants, because I don't know how to say no. I only wish M and I could go on a date soon. :)

As you can see from the picture, Noosh thinks Elton John is pretty cool.

Today was sunny and 32 - which is a warm front. We thought about breaking out the BBQ, shorts and Hawaiian shirts. Tomorrow reality hits us again, with 8 inches of snow expected. We are lucky enough to have a service that shovels our sidewalks and driveway - I am not sure my back could take the punishment. We are adapting to the cold - but the snow is getting old.

Only 47 days until opening night......

Snow, Snow and more........Snow

The last 24 hours has been unreal. Over 14 inches of snow has fallen in the Quad Cities, with more expected by Friday. Chan's school was canceled today, and even bus service was stopped for the day.

M has been spending time getting the house in order, while C has been spending much of his time getting ready for opening day, which is April 3rd. There is so much to do both at home and at the office, there is not enough time in the day.

Our good friends, the Urvina family welcomed a new addition earlier this week (SUPER BOWL SUNDAY). Annika Urvina is a beautiful baby girl, and we all wish we could be there to share in their joy.

Our kids are getting used to life at Church without Brother and Sister Kehr, although the transition is difficult. We deeply miss them, and the love they brought to our family. We know this is where we are supposed to be right now, in part due to advice from them.

I have been taking some time to reflect on our time in Spanaway. It certainly was with trial - right up to the end. But, we both know that we were supposed to be there, and while we may never know what it was, we hope we had a positive impact on the lives of those around us. What an amazing blessing it was to spend three years in the Pioneer Valley Ward. We will forever be blessed by those who came to our door on Zion night and brought our family back into activity. Bishop Reed and Bishop Cross are two of the finest men we have ever had the chance to meet, and Cory very much enjoyed serving with both of them, even in the most difficult time.

Nooshie is getting bigger and is talking more. He is doing a great job of going up and down the stairs, and getting to know his new surroundings. Beans is a big helper with this, and she is leading him and teaching him like a great big sister should.

Beans is ready to get back into dance class, and we are looking for a good one. It won't be the same without her good friends there, but she will, and is adapting. She loves her new room, and is enjoying the snow. The Picture of Beans above is at the ballpark that we hope to be playing baseball on in 57 days. She wanted to unzip her jacket to show everyone where she is from.

Chan is getting used to the change. As with any child who has autism, moving and change was difficult for him. Going to a new church building seemed to be difficult too - but he went right to class and didn't try to leave once! He is a special spirit, and we are blessed with all of our children.

We will be having Berry for extended stays during the Summer, and can't wait to share this experience with her. We just have to figure out how to convince her it's ok to fly. :)

A New Beginning

It's strange to think that we are all now 2,000 miles away from our family. This is a great new adventure for all of us.

Chan has started school and loves it. He is quickly making new friends, but deeply misses his old associations. He talks about his friends back home often, and already wants to come and visit.

Daddy is home more. His commute went from an hour and a half each way to just under six minutes. With the difficulty with our pregnancy, it is great that he is so close to home, and that we are a minute and a half from the hospital where the new baby will be born.

The new job is treating us great too. C loves going to work, and really likes everyone he works with. We can't wait for opening day - April 3rd. Hopefully the snow will be gone by then. The ballpark is beautiful and rests right on the river. It is an amazing sight, and we all can't wait to see it during the Summer.

Speaking of snow, we have about four inches on the ground today, but that is expected to be gone tomorrow. Then expected to return before the end of this week. It's not the snow that is the problem, it's the minus 25 degrees that frequents the weather pattern here. I know we will get used to it, but that is going to take a while.

During a doctor's visit last week we discovered yet another small complication with the baby, and today M is undergoing tests to make sure that things will be OK. This pregnancy (our last), has been a challenge, but we are all confident that things will be fine.

So, with that short update - HI! to everyone back home. We miss you, and are excited for all of you to come out and visit.... This Summer when it's a tad warmer!