The Boys Are Back In Town!!!

Finally! After 622 miles, 4 suitcases, 3 large bins, 8 blankets, 5 pillows, 3 bathroom stops, 1 1/2 tanks of gas, a vacuum cleaner and 2 Easter baskets, and a ton of other miscellaneous items, we are back in Chattanooga!!

We got up about 7am yesterday morning and packed up the SUV and believe me when I say PACKED! There was no room to spare. We got on the highway and headed north by 8:30am. A little later than what we wanted, but still not bad.

We got to the hotel about 8:30pm. When we got to the room, we found in our room a gift basket full of goodies from some close friends of ours here in Chattanooga. Inside was all kinds of breakfeast goodies, drinks, lunch goodies, popcorn, muffins and coloring books for the girls. It was a total surprise. But, it was a wonderful surprise. It made the stress of the day and the month just kinda dissapear out the window. Thanks guys for the gift. You'll never know what it ment for us that you did that! May God bless you for your kindness!

Today was report day for The Lookouts. They have a club meeting then a short practice after that. Then after that, we have been invited for dinner at our friends house. Tomorrow is an exhibition game against a local college here in Chattanooga. Then the season starts the 3rd.

Back To AA Chattanooga...

So we found out that we are headed back to AA, at least for the beginning of the season. We really didn't expect this. Luis has been training with the AAA team all season and kicking butt. But, I guess they needed us to start there. So, back to Chattanooga we go. But, hopefully for a short period of time.

On top of that (oh yes, there is more) our roommate that we have roomed with for like the past 3 years was told that he was going to AA and then told he was staying in FL in the high A level. THAT means that we have NO roommate to stay with in Chattanooga. It's kinda expensive. I don't know what we are going to do at this point. All that we want is to be together as a family and as long as we are that is what is most important and at least Luis still has a job. I know that God is still in control and I have faith that he has a plan for us. Until then it's mac and cheese and peanut butter and jelly till then!

SO, today is the last day and they guys have an exhibition game at 10am against eachother. After that camp breaks around 12pm. we are going to pack up today and hit the road first thing in the morning.

Oh Well...

Game over for the Reds. Reds won 6-3 and Luis wasn't put in. Oh well! Now we just wait to find out where we are going. We haven't been released, so I know where are going somewhere!

Bats Win 10 - 4...

Yesterday the AAA team won 10-4 against the Orioles. Luis went 2 for 4 with 2 doubles and 3 RBIs. Read about the game HERE. Luis got invited to play again today with the Reds when they go to St. Petersburg and play Tampa Bay. If you would like, you can follow the game on Reds.com. The will have the live box score.

Camp breaks tomorrow and we still don't know where we are going. HERE is a little info on why we are still waiting.

It's A Numbers Game...

So this morning I found out that a good friend of mine, whose husband is with the Reds organization also, got released this morning. There are just so many people and so little spaces. This just goes to show how fast things can change and no one is safe. Yesterday they had a job and today they don't. At this point, they will probably start trying to find another team to sign with. I know he has what it takes. It's just finding a team that will give him the opportunity, which I am sure he will get. But, it's sad to see them go. We have been in the same organization and teams for 6 years. You kinda form like a little family with the families that you are with all the time. Our kids played together all the time. The girls are sad, too. But, I'm sure this will all work out for the best and I pray that God takes them where he wants them.

No News Is Good News??

So, here we are. 3 days before Spring Training is over and we still don't know where we are going to start the season. Though, this isn't unusual, it is very frustrating to not know yet. We will have to find an apartment and all with the first 2 or 3 days of being in the new town. And we always have to have arrangement made with no lease, since we can get moved anywhere at anytime. And then we always have to rent furniture. There is just so much to do and it would be nice if we could start making some of those plans now.

I think there are still 11 cuts to be made in the Reds roster before they can make the rosters for the minor league teams.I think they already know who they want to send where. Depending on who gets sent down could possibly mean our going back to AA Chattanooga. So, we should find out any time now. Though, it could be Friday before we know. Camp breaks on Saturday. Nothing like waiting until the last minute, right?!

Time Is Winding Down...

I'm so exhausted! I could just drop! lol

So, I'm thinking about going and relaxing somewhere like the picture above! What do you think?! ha

Luis has an early game today. They played the AAA team for the Pirates. The Bats won and Luis went 1 for 3. You can read about the game HERE. So, he is done for the day and I think we are going to go and "chill." I feel so wore out and run down. I even feel my eye lids heavy while sitting here typing. I hate it that we are going to have to leave here on Saturday, possibly Sunday. I feel like we just got here. It's been go go go since we got here. 7 days a week and from about 7am till about 10pm, it doesn't seem to stop. My kids don't take naps anymore. They are go go go all the time. I never have time to just relax. I believe I wrote a few days ago that I was doing that. I wasn't going to do anything that day and I was going to do nothing. Well, that day I think I ended up doing more than an other day, of course. So, for sure today is chill day. I need a re-fresher. Before I collapse.

Once Spring Training is over, we will pack up and head North. And, it isn't just like 1 suitcase for a few weeks. Since we don't know where we are going till the last minute, we have to pack about 6 months worth of items in case we don't make it home anytime soon. So, all the bags and bins add up. We travel with 4 suitcases, 3 large bins and lots of blankets and pillows where ever we can fit them. We have to take kitchen stuff, home school items, toys of course. And clothes for cold and warm weather. So, the back of our Suburban is pack to the max. I never look forward to that part. But, thank God, I have a husband who is a pro packer by now with all the trips we make. He will have the whole place packed up in about an hour.

So, we are going to try and enjoy what time we have left in Florida. Almost time to hit the road, again!

Happy Easter!

Hi all! And Happy Easter to every one from the Bolivar Family! What a great time to thank God for all that he has blessed us with.

So much has been going on. I apologize for not updating my blog for a few days. We had family come in for a few days. That was really nice. It's always nice to have a little bit of home here when we are away. We went to he beach and and hung out and ate at this little pizza place that is down that way. Best pizza in the area I might add. Thursday was our 4 year anniversary so it was nice to spend the day at the beach because that is where we got married. So, it was a very nice day! Then my youngest daughter got pink eye from her cousin. So, we spent all morning today at the ER trying to get that treated. My poor girl woke up with her eyes plastered shut. It was really bad. But, she is already looking a little better. Thank God!

As far as Spring Training goes, it's almost over. :( The past few days have been pretty good days for Luis. Yesterdays game was cancelled due to rain. So, that was a nice little treat. An early day off! Thursday's game against Chattanooga he went 2 for 3. A Double with 2 RBIs. The Bats won 5-4. Read about the game HERE. Wednesday's game was against the Tides and the Bats lost. Luis went 3 for 4. Read about the game HERE.

I think camp breaks the 29Th or the 30Th. So, this week we will for sure find out where we will be headed. I'm happy to see that the season will be starting soon. But, I'm not ready to leave Florida. It's been so nice down here. The weather has been so nice. Hopefully this last week here will be full of good news and God finds favor with us! That is my prayer.

What A Good Day...

Today was a great day. We had some really good friends come and visit us. They came to the game and then we went to lunch. It was a fantastic lunch by the way. And then we took the kids to play (they have 2 of their own, which made 4 total. ) And it was just over all a fabulous day! It made us feel good that took time out of their vacation to come down and spend time with us. Thanks guys!

Today was also a kinds camp day for Luis. He went 1 for 2. Then was finished for the day. Tomorrow the team heads to play Norfolk. I have no idea who that is the Minor League affiliate for. But, we'll head out tomorrow to that game in the afternoon.

There is less then 2 weeks left of Spring Training. I can't believe it. It's going by so fast. Almost time for the season to begin, where ever that may be.

Ah, Time to Relax...

Well, today Luis will be traveling to Ft. Myers with the AAA team to play a game there at 1pm against the AAA team for the Boston Red Sox. Ft. Myers is like 1 1/2 hrs from here so the girls and I are going to stay back and chill out. We have some friends and family coming this week, too. So, we are going to use this day to relax. We went to the game yesterday. AAA VS AA. AAA won 9-3 and Luis went 1 for 3 and 1 hit by pitch. It nailed him right in the back. He has a big red spot the size of the baseball, but he says it doesn't hurt. So, since this week is going to be busy, today we are doing NOTHING! which, sounds good to me. It's hot here today. High of 83 later today. So maybe we'll go somewhere where the girls can play and be wild.

If you would like, you can read about yesterdays game HERE

Reds VS Pirates

Game over! Reds won 5-0. Luis went 0-2. Flew out in both AB's. Luis was a little dissapoined that he didn't get a hit. But, I told him not to worry. It will come! I'm still so very proud of him.

If you would like to look at the box score, click HERE

Here We Go Again...

Good day today. The AAA team won 4-1 and Luis went 2 for 4. AND he got invited to play with the Reds again tomorrow. YEA!!!! The game is at 1:05pm against the Pittsburgh Pirates. I hope he has more of an opportunity to play this time than he did last time. He said he felt really good today. He played 3rd base. Can't wait to see how tomorrow goes!!!

Read about the game HERE .

What A Beautiful Day...

So yesterday was a beautiful day out here in Florida. It was also the first intersquad game. The AA team played against the AAA team to get ready for the Minor league exhibitions games that start today! No one won. The score was 0-0. ha!

It was so beautiful, though. The game was at 11:00am. So, after the game was over we went out and bummed around and just enjoyed being in Florida and in the nice weather. And, also being together as a family. I know back home in Ohio, it's been cold and snowy. I don't miss that part at all...lol

So, today the game is against the Pirates. The game is at 1:00pm. After I finish my daughters lessons, we'll head out and go watch. Yesterday I was so tired from getting up early and doing everything I needed to do then going to the game and all. I can really start to feel tired and all already. I can tell it's all starting. Welcome to baseball season, again! :)

The Scoop...

So, today turned out pretty good. I got to the game like 5 min before it started. I finished up my daughters class lessons and flew out the door just in time. Luis went in the game in the 7 Th inning. He played 3rd base and had 1 AB. He walked. The pitcher threw 4 balls and no strikes. So, Luis saw the ball good and took the walk. The Reds won today 5-4. It was so awesome to see Luis in the Cincinnati Reds uniform. He looked so handsome. I was grinning from ear to ear. And you could see that Luis just couldn't wait to get out there and play.

I could definatly do this all the time. It felt like Luis' hard work and dedication was finally paying off. I can only pray that God continues to find favor with us and Luis' dream will soon come true.

Box Score HERE

I'm So Flippin' Excited!

Man, I feel like a little kid in a candy store. I'm so excited that today Luis has a chance to play with the big guys! I got up early this morning and made Luis breakfast before he left for the field. Which was very early I might add. I started doing this a few days ago actually. I get up with Luis when we gets up and I make him breakfast. I think it's important for him to have a healthy meal before he goes to the field and trains all day.

The game today is at 1:05pm. I'll let you know how it goes! I can't wait!

This Is Gonna Be Awesome!!

I love it when this happens! Luis just called and said " Well, the Reds invited me to play in the Reds VS Astros game tomorrow." I'm like sweet! Congratulations!!!

During Spring Training every year, minor league players get invited over to the big league games so that the guys have a chance to kinda show what they can do. Luis got invited over a few times last year and he did well. It's awesome to get invited. You're treated like one of the Reds when you do. So, lets hope that this is an opportunity for him to shine and lets hope the right person sees it at the right time!

A Fairytale Begining....

I am the luckiest gal in the world. The story of how my husband and I met is like a fairytale. Here is how it all began...

I had won tickets to a game in my hometown of Dayton, Ohio. There is a team there that is in the Cincinnati Reds organization. The Dayton Dragons. Luis was on the team there in 2003. The tickets I had won were behind the Dragons dugout about 4 rows back. Within perfect "scoping" distance if ya know what I mean!! Anyway, Luis wasn't playing that day and he was standing and watching the game from the dugout. About 4 innings into the game, I notice this player waving at me and trying to get someones attention. I payed no attention to him, thinking there was no way possible that he was talking to me. Over the next few innings I notice him again still trying to get someones attention. So, finally I wave and say " Are you talking to me?" "YES!" He says. I was so surprised that he was actually talking to me. He motioned to me to come down after the game so we could talk. And I'm so glad that he did. I thought he was the cutest!! He was so nice and polite.

I gave him a ride home to his apartment that night and we sat outside and talked for like 4 hrs. He got me tickets to the next game, and the next game and the next game after that.

About 2 months after we met, Luis was sent to another team in Billings, Montana. I thought that it was over and a part of me thought that I would never see him again. But, he invited me out and I went and visited him for a week. It was then that he told me that he never wanted to be without me again. And he asked me to marry him! That was in August of 2003 and we were married on March 20Th of 2004 during Spring Training. We had a beach wedding at sunset. And it was beautiful and perfect.

Our 4 year wedding anniversary is coming up in 11 days. I can't believe how far we have come already.

What A Great Idea!!

So, I was sitting and talking with my husband last night and he says to me
" You know you should write a blog about our life and the places that we go and things that we do!" So I thought that was a great idea and so I am! Give it up to the husband for a great idea! I just love my husband!!! So, here it goes....

Welcome to our blog! Join us on our fun, sometimes stressful journey as we travel from city to city, state to state and team to team on our journey to the Major Leagues!!!

Who are we? Well here is a little intro. We are Luis and Kelly Bolivar. Luis is a Minor league baseball player in the Cincinnati Reds organization. Our life is full of twists and turns and unexpected circumstances what seems like all the time. Luis has been with the Reds for 6 years and has yet to play in a Major League game yet. But I know he will. He has the drive, the talent and heart for it. It is just a matter of time before it happens.

We have 2 children. A 7 yr old and a 3 yr old. I home school my 7 yr old and keep up with the 3 yr old, too. I'm not really sure how I do it. But, I do.

We are currently in Sarasota for Spring Training. We will be here for the month of March and then travel to our team that we will be assigned to for that season. But, that can also change at any time. A player can be sent up or down or to another team at anytime. Last year we spent most of the time at the AA level in Chattanooga, TN. And we ended the season at AAA Louisville, KY. That is where we hope to start this season.

So this is also a great idea because this also gives you a behind the scenes look if you will at what it is also like to be on the other side of professional sports. The wife's side!!! :)

Welcome to our Baseball Diary!