Hurricane Ike

So Mark left Wednesday morning and we left Thursday morning. For those of you who do not know, Galveston is only a 45 minute drive from us, technically 57 miles. I'm sure you've seen the destruction that occurred there on TV, but you haven't seen where we live. Rachel and I and Ryan (Mark's assistant) headed to Dallas to stay with our friends the Brownings. We left just Thursday and got back Monday when our apartments got power back. Most of the apartments look really good, just lots of leaves and shingles. Only two buildings had shingles and paper blow off exposing the plywood, one of them just happened to be our place! We live on the 3rd floor and I was able to put all of our pictures and scrapbooks in our bedroom closet in case any windows were broken in the storm. Unfortunately with the roof leaking all of our pictures and scrapbooks were soaking wet and I was up until 4am the night we got back to try and dry them all out all over the house. They are going to have to start taking off the drywall in house tomorrow, luckily, and we'll move into one of our coaches apartments until it's done. Hopefully before they all get back on the 25th. It might be longer considering they have to take the drywall off and let it air out and then replace it!! Sorry no pictures. Rachel and I are safe and we'll hopefully post something more exciting and upbeat soon!! We are so lucky and so blessed to still have somewhere to call home, I know that! My thoughts and prayers go out to all of those who are still without power and especially to those who lost everything!

Daddy we love you so much. Mommy says to stay in Minnesota, Michigan or North Dakota, where ever you may be during these two weeks. We miss you so much, but there is nothing you can help us with, we're being taken care of. Thank you for all you do and all of your love and support. We will see you soon!!

Gone for two weeks

Well, I leave tomorrow at 5:00 am for Minnesota. I go there first and then to Traverse City, MI for the rookie tournament. It is a tournament in which 8 NHL teams send some of there top prospects. This year Minnesota will have two first round draft picks on the team. Hopefully we will be able to win a few games. After Traverse City I go back to Minnesota for a day and then over to North Dakota. That is where Minnesota is going to start camp until the Excel Energy Center is put back together from the republican convention. When we get back to Minnesota I will be there for a few days and I will get to participate in my first NHL preseason game as the Wild take on the Columbus Blue Jackets. That should be awesome.
I am glad that there is a lot to do, because I am really going to miss Amber and Rachel. It will be the first time that I have been away from Rachel for this long of a time. Amber has told me that she will post tons during this time so that I can see pictures of the two of them. I will try and throw in a post or two to let you know how things are going.
Also, before I forget I just wanted to brag a little about how great Amber is. Last week Amber started putting out a snack for me when I got home. It is usually something to drink and a little goody, whether it be fruit or crackers. I love her so much and I am way excited that she is able to be around Rachel full time. She is a great mom, just as she is an awesome wife. I love her so much. Thinking of this I better get home to see what it is.

Back to work

Well, Amber is officially done working and I am here at the rink by myself now. The first day I came back, I only tried to check on Rachel a few times. It was fun having her here. I am trying to get ready for another season. I know that Amber has enjoyed staying home with Rachel and being a Mom. She has also done a great job with cooking dinner and cleaning around the house. It is just coming so easily for her. I love them both so much and will miss them a ton once our season starts and I begin traveling.
Last sunday, Amber and I were asked to speak at a fireside in our old ward to the youth about choices and some of the choices that we have made in our lives. Looking back we have done pretty good. We have had many and they haven't always been easy, but with prayer and our Heavenly Fathers help we have tried to make ones that would help us grow. I only pray that we will be able to help our children make righteous choices.
Also, on another note, because of facebook I was able to reconnect with some friends down in Chile. I found out that one of the kids we baptized is serving a mission in Argentina. I was pumped when I found that out.