Home

Very nearly three years ago I started the Spann Fam blog. I started it because we were beginning a journey that would take us far and wide. At the center of it was Kelly's job and when we looked to the future all we could see was a big, giant question mark. This journey took us from Mayer, MN to Rochester, MN to Kansas City, MO and finally to Natchitoches, LA. When we landed in Natchitoches we were certain that it was just for a brief period. That our life here would be part of the grand plan, it wouldn't be the plan.

Funny how things change. Or how God changes us.

After 2 years as an assistant coach at Northwestern State University, where we saw the lives that Division I coaches lead and the sacrifices they make, namely at the expense of their families, we knew that yet another change was coming. For the first time in Kelly's coaching career, we considered making the transition to high school.

After a long (and kind of painful) process of learning the ins and outs of teaching certification in various states, discouragement set in. We weren't certain what our options even were. Another giant question mark. We'd were getting pretty tired of those things. And then, after all the wondering, all the talking of future plans, all the thoughts of moving (again!) we were presented with 2 opportunities close to our home in Natchitoches.

There were many, many details that kept us up at night, kept us talking during the day and essentially took over our lives for the past 2 weeks. Last night it all came to fruition. Kelly accepted a teaching/coaching position at Natchitoches Central High School.

Our future is no longer a big unknown. We are home. We can settle. We do not have to anticipate and prepare for the "what if" that could have come at any time. We have amazing friends who support us here and around the country. We have relationships with the parents of the kids who will eventually make up his team, who support Kelly and are just as thrilled as we are that we've decided to stay.

So, now for the details:

Natchitoches Central is a 5A school.

The mascot is the Chiefs.

Kelly will likely be teaching PE on a block schedule.

Kelly will serve as the linebackers coach for the football team.

Kelly will take over the baseball program next year,

but will likely serve in some capacity this year.

We are excited about this new adventure! We plan to settle in, buy a home, and embrace the Louisiana life. We are home.

just breathe

Okay, so maybe you haven't been holding your breath since I last blogged, but I certainly have! I was hoping to be able to make the big announcement today, but as of 8:41am, CST, I cannot.

But if you know me AT ALL, I can't keep a secret. I try and I try, but it's just sooo hard. (That doesn't mean you can't tell me things - I can be discreet when it comes to other people's business, just not mine). Anyway, I thought I'd throw out a few hints:

No, I am not pregnant. (Never again will we have surprise news that we're expecting. Phew!)

No, we are not moving. Quite the contrary, actually.

Yes, it involves Kelly's career. (Most of our news does).

Yes, it involves baseball.

Here's what it boils down to... We are incredibly blessed (luck has nothing to do with it!). We have options (yay!). We should make a decision soon. Very soon. And when we do, you'll be the first (or one of the first anyway!) to know. Until then, remember to breathe...

Vacay Wrap Up

You'll have to forgive me. I was so wiped out after our trip to Florida, I just couldn't put words to the photos. Now that we've been back for... ahem, awhile now... I think I can jump back in.

We really had a great vacay. It was a long drive, followed by a long week, followed by another long drive home. It rained. We chilled. We watched movies and played games. But it was oh so relaxing. We finally made it to the beach (see photo gallery!) and got enough sun to last awhile! We also had the chance to visit with friends we hadn't seen in 9 years. Nine years! We laughed and talked like it had only been 9 days. The kids played and laughed until midnight when we finally pulled ourselves away. We enjoyed the annual Spann Family reunion on our last 2 days in Florida where we caught up with aunts & uncles, swam with cousins and ate our weight in homemade ice cream and good southern food in general.

We finally made it home (5 pounds heavier) and settled back into reality. I went back to work, where things have been blissfully quiet and slow. We're talking internet window shopping-blog hopping-game playing slow. (But I don't feel bad for one second - cause come Aug 23, I won't have a free minute!).

And though it's an entire month away, we're in the back-to-school mode now. I'm happy to report I have 95% of our school shopping done. School uniforms make it pretty easy, but still, I'm no shopping slouch.

Claire had a nice break from softball tourneys & practice, but they've started practicing again for an August 8th tournament. Claire is practicing at first base as we're losing our staring first baseman (basegirl?). Nolan is... enjoying his time playing Lego & Wii (big shocker there!).

We're finally enjoying the lazy days of summer. Reading, naps, leisurely afternoons doing nothing. It's what I've been waiting for. Ahhhhhhh. And in the midst of it all, big things are brewing in the Spann household. I don't want to be a tease, but you'll have to wait.

gallery: florida 2009

flexibility

Sunday night at 10pm we packed up the kids, drugged the dog (it was Benadryl, people) and headed off to Florida to visit Kelly's family. Twenty minutes later, we turned around and headed home. It started raining, and from the looks of it, we were going to be headed into a major storm. In the middle of the night. With precious cargo. We, no, Kelly decided to wait it out. (Kids, dog & I slept). At about 2:30 we re-packed the kids & dog and hit the road. (Again - kids, dog & I... slept). We arrived safe & sound 7 1/2 hours later. But it appears we brought the rain with us.

We brought our bikes and beach stuff for a hot, humid week in Florida. We went to Wal-Mart yesterday to stock up on coloring books, games, craft projects & books as it looks like we're in for a rainy week. We'll still make it to the beach at some point and ultimately, we're enjoying relaxing with family.

Here's to being flexible!!

Fast & Furious (and another Birthday!)

Our weekend came and went, with a softball scrimmage and a baby shower. Monday took us on a fast & furious trip to Texas where we visited with the Fisk Family & celebrated Clarie's 8th birthday. Her gift this year is to decorate her bedroom with a Parisian theme. As I've stated before, Claire is in love with all things French. We're going with a black, white & red color pallate, heavy on the Eiffel Tower. It's still coming together (especially since the bedding is "in the mail") but will be oh so dreamy when we're through.

Happy Birthday, Claire Bear (I'm only allowed to call her that at home. When no one else is around. Sigh...)