60 Feet 6 Inches To Home

Today we left a part of our heart on a college campus in St. Joseph, MO. And even though we have been preparing for this day for a long time, I am not sure it is possible to be completely prepared for a moment like this. The baseball team had a full day planned for us. After checking into the dorm we attended a meeting to introduce us to the baseball program. We were very impressed with everyone who spoke. From the coaches, to the trainers, to the Athletic Director. Each one seemed genuine and very excited about the program. They have a plan in place to help the student athletes succeed academically, athletically, personally, socially and in the end, be prepared to move to the next phase of their life with all the tools they need to succeed. We took a tour of the high quality facilities and ate lunch with the other baseball families. Kellan at the MO West Field Nerves turned excitement as the day progressed. What an amazing oppo...

Today our youngest son Owen started high school. He was very excited. Any bit of nerves were hidden behind a big smile as he road off with his brother who had offered to take him to school. He's Off! We have been here before as a family, four years ago as our oldest son too started his freshman year at the same high school. Little has changed in regards to the school itself. The size, their high academic standards and the majority of the staff have remained the same. We have grown familiar with the expectations and we are fully equipped with Orange and Blue spirit wear. Even though so much has stayed the same, one thing is very different,  the student. Our oldest son had a wonderful high school experience. He had great friends and was involved in FCA, the Leadership program and played baseball. He did very well academically in the classroom and on tests. He enjoys the process of learning and hi...

Three years ago today, Army Spc. Spencer C. Duncan was killed in action when the Chinook helicopter he was in was shot down in Afghanistan.  In memory of Spencer his family started a foundation to help support United States Veterans and their families. Proceeds from the annual Make it Count Today 5K race go to the foundation.  For the past three years, along with other members of the JC Naturals baseball teams, our family has helped staff a water station along the race course. The boys enjoy watching the runners pass by and take pride in the job they've been given.  As a part of the event the Army has Chinook helicopters set up so that runners, volunteers and spectators can take a walk through and around the aircraft. As a memorial to Spencer, his picture and uniform are on display in the seat he would have occupied as a door gunner. This year pictures of all 30 soldiers and one service dog that l...