A different plan

Hi and happy Valentine's Day! For those who are new to my blog just know I won't be sending out weekly reports I promise! I will do better this year since this is such a unique experience for us, but promise I won't bombard your emails.  😁😜 I also have done this because once baseball is over I plan on doing a book for our children, and a way for us to remember everything!

Almost two weeks ago they really wanted Jake to throw a bullpen the media was anxious for him to throw as well as the team so he decided to do one earlier no harm in that getting out there to show them his stuff. EVERYONE and when I saw everyone was there to watch him media galore and the entire staff of the team {no pressure} at all... Jake said he wasn't feeling his best but didn't try too hard just needs to build up its a long season... On pitch like 30ish he felt something was off and pulled his oblique.. Not exactly what he had in mind with starting out on a new team and fighting for a spot on the major roster. I felt so bad for him when I woke up and he told me. When I called he said "don't freak out.." Which means a few things.. The only other times I have heard that is when he got sent down. Thankfully it is a minor injury, and already playing catch again.

They ended up sending him to minor league camp because the major league was headed to Okinawa and starting games. The minors haven't started games yet, and wanted him to stay there to rehab and get the rest he NEEDS. They did say he was go back up, and continue to fight for a starting spot with the team. It's still very early in spring training, and it was so nice because the coaches front office have been so kind to him and encouraging.

At first we were angry and didn't really understand why this would happen. Jake worked out and trained so hard this off season, ate very healthy, and worked his butt off harder than any other off season when most guys started working out when they got to camp. Multiple people told him you just have to trust in God with this and the process. We don't know why we hit this small bump, but do know His plans are better than ours, and I know once Jake is healthy he will do great!

He has really enjoyed getting to know the guys on his team. He loves his interpreter, Horrey and really everyone. The island he has been on has been hard. The food isn't great, and nothing to do. I will be glad for him to meet up with the team on Friday and start traveling.

The hardest part still is time change and being able to FaceTime to see Stella. Jake wakes up around 5 am most days to see Stella which is 3-4 pm our time. When we wake up he is about to go to sleep so that by far has been the hardest part only talking an hour to two at most a day! Stella and I are doing  well. We have been staying very busy. I enrolled her in dance class and have our routine going here. This is definitely harder on Jake (lonely) than us since I have my family and friends. I will be glad when our family can be reunited and Jake has family in the same time zone. He has a great attitude about it all, and everyone told him this would be the hardest part because so much free time with nothing to do. So don't forget to text him on Viber! Haha

 I have been trying to get everything secured on our end at home. We sold Jake's truck didn't make sense to keep it with how much he is gone and working on surveillance upping our security at our home, and all the things that come leaving a home for 6 months... So much to do never realized since I came home so much in the years past. I have been shopping like crazy lately trying to get everything we need before we leave. They say clothes are very hard to get since everyone is smaller and Stella is growing like a weed so buying 6 months worth of clothing and everything we need such as medicine for 3 people, toys, crafts, toiletries.. I have our guest bedroom wall lined up with all our stuff I'm sending. They don't have a Walmart or target (help me) over there so you can't just go get an American toy, book, craft, shirt.. That will be the biggest adjustment for me I think because I'm so used to getting out daily on the go and if I want to go somewhere  there we walk or ride a bike. Jake is very excited I won't have access to Target or Amazon 😁😜 haha

Jake had his birthday on Wednesday and the team was so sweet! They sang to him, made him a cake and was all over TV in Sendai. It was very sweet how hard they tried! He also shouted to the ocean the day of his birthday haha... Every morning the team has a ritual to where they scream their goals to the ocean and no foreigner has ever done it before. Jake being Jake wanted to do it and I'm so proud of him for being fun, and embracing their culture/traditions. They had hundred of media out there so you can only imagine his Twitter and media once he did it everything was blowing up. They kept replaying it over and over on the news and sports center. All the fans have been so nice to him, and me! They are all very respectful which is a change from the states...
https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=qlDWO4_KC_

cJake video <---- click here to watch jake yelling lol.

A few things we are trying to figure out if there is a way to watch the games or replay them because it will be in the middle of the night here for those of you who have asked I will keep you posted. Jake is competing for a starting position so will pitch every 5th day. They do have minors and major over
there just like here and baseball is a huge deal there. I didn't realize how big it was until we signed and his Twitter/IG. I believe only one foreigner is fighting for same spot and then rest are Japanese guys. We signed another foreigner, Johnny Gomes which he will be in the bigs and played with him with the Braves. He's a big deal.. You can only have 4 active Americans at a time I think we have 7 now.

It's so cool they made Jake a towel which says Brigham in red white and blue not sure if for USA but we like to think that and they will sell them in the stores there, as well as hand out on a certain night and everyone swings them over their head its kind of cool! This is his first merchandise sold ever so I told him I needed about 50. Just kidding.... Sort of.

We so appreciate all the prayers and support! I get asked a ton of questions all the time so I hope I answered some, and you enjoy these updates.

Contacting us

Hello! I just wanted to explain a few things.. I keep hearing people are emailing us by hitting reply to our blog posts! Unfortunately we aren't receiving those so please if you want to reach out to us we have a joined email account.  Brigham1017@gmail.com or if you are on our blog the top right corner says "contact us" just don't respond to our feedburner email. I don't know why we don't receive them!

Also if you have Instagram you can follow along Jake is posting on there corner left you can see his account and mine as well jake_brigham and taybrigham

A small update.. Jake arrived to Kume island and is there for 10 days. Then will head to Okinawa next. He lost 11 lbs in the first few days body adjusting to little meat and small portions, but starting to gain it back and not being shy asking the chef for something more American. I felt so bad for him morning 1 he was starving. He saw a huge bowl of eggs so thought hard boiled eggs and grabbed 5 of them. He went to open it and wasn't boiled..I guess they put them in their rice. Then for breakfast had hot dogs, French fries, fish... Eek the chef saw him opening them and went and cooked him boiled eggs and said he could make him an omelette. So he is saved by that! Ha he is really enjoying the food and can eat anything unlike me.

He is really enjoying the guys a lot! He's starting to bond with a few through his enterpreter and said really great group of guys. Everyone is so kind, and accepting of him which is an answer to prayer. The hardest thing is the time change.. He has very long days during spring training so we are able to talk maybe 30 minutes when we wake up, and then 30 minutes if that later in the day so that has been the toughest part not seeing Stella.

He is throwing a bullpen tomorrow and front office has been anticipating him to throw so the media was be insane since he will be first foreigner to throw one. I'm excited for him, and know he will do great!

Appearance at the store in Sendai before he left 

Fans taking tons of pictures and all the foreign players 

Day 1 of spring training 

Kumagima island and field

Japan

Hi! The last few weeks have been crazy busy preparing for Jake to leave for spring training. We had SO much to do to prepare it was mind blowing. We had to rush all our passports, Stella had to get one, I had to get a new one because never renewed after wedding. We needed a work visa for Jake, then both Stella and I need one and still working on that with the team. The medicine they say is way different and had to buy a ton of medicine for Jake, Stella, and I for all the what if and if get sick. We have learned so much through this process of things that are different over there that you have to bring like toothpaste they don't use flouride, hair products, feminine, said bring all make up only have mac really and a few lipsticks, toiletries. Since Jake flew first class he was able to bring two 70 lbs bags then we ended up sending two more so I won't have as many.. My goal is to only bring two for Stella and I..

Jake left Tuesday at 7:30 am. It was a very emotional evening on Monday for both of us. The thought of him leaving us, and especially Stella for 7 weeks was a lot. The unknown of Japan, a foreign country across the world, different language, baseball, food, and alone was overwhelming it still is, but this will be the hardest time for Jake and I. My reality hit me fast of becoming a single mom again having to explain to Stella over and over where daddy is and her not understanding has been the hardest part-thank God for FaceTime!! That has been a huge blessing already we have been able to talk for hours and has helped Stella some see that he is somewhere else. I am in the best place I could possibly be with our families here, and stability for Stella for a little longer. I am thankful I'm not sitting in AZ for the next 7 weeks! Jake can focus on getting to know his team, and work hard to break with the team. They do have minors over there and can only have 4 foreign players and they have 6... I know Jake will work very hard, and God is in control.

Jake's flight was 14 hours, then they met the interpreters and some front office in Tokyo then got on another plane to Sendai. He was exhausted! When he got off the plane walking with the interpreter there was a ton of media and fans waving throwing peace signs and Jake asked if they were there for the interpreters...ha Jake said he has never seen so many flashes from cameras and TV reporters in his face. It was a lot to take in.

Jake looks so short and we all know he isn't! Kam to his left is 6'7 I believe! Today Jake has a press conference and a day at the field probably routine things. The time change has been the hardest when he is up I'm sleeping. Once spring training starts (they leave for okinawa on the 31st) it will be even harder to talk, but hopefully we can find time in the morning and late night. 

He arrived and they took him to his apartment which they provide fully furnished 3/1 for us. This is a big change from minors over here where we get no help from anyone and get told two days before he arrives in his new city.. They had a huge stuffed animal for Stella, and our coffee table covered in items we would need for the apartment so so nice of them! Today it is snowing so Jake is a bit shocked with the weather being a Florida boy! 

I will do better with blogging this year since I too want to have this to look back on! I have a ton of new followers, and do this mainly for our families who don't have Facebook. 

New beginnings.. Far.. Far away

Hi, and Merry Christmas! These last few weeks I can't really begin to tell you what a whirlwind it has been in our household... We went to Atlanta for PAO (baseball conference) Stella gets sick day 1... Of course I was worried about her the entire time although she was in great hands with Nina, and Papa at the Ritz.. We had an amazing refreshing week with our friends!

Then headed straight to Charlotte for my graddaddy's funeral.. It was a very hard week on my mom, and of course family. I am so glad all our family was able to attend, and see my mom's side of the family for a short time. My grandaddy was a strong believer, and we know he is no longer suffering now celebrating life in heaven! We had the funeral Saturday afternoon, and got in the car right after to drive 9 hours back home not getting in until 1:30 am.. Stella was such a trooper since she had been in the car for more than 19 hours in 4 days. Not easy with a two year old! Then came home went to see a ENT specialist for Stella's tonsils and adenoids and had surgery Thursday! It was a quick scary decision, but her passage way was covered 75% basically eating, breathing, talking out of a straw! :( She has done amazing with recovery, and her little voice is so high now!


 In the mix of PAO day 2 we received an offer from Japan :D eekk...We could hardly focus all week, and that Monday we signed with Detroit Tigers...Figures! lol We were feeling so many emotions, and still are! It has taken a few weeks to finalize everything.. Two weeks ago we had front office fly in to meet with Jake and I. Since its guaranteed contract they do things different, anddz in the states we are basically day to day with our job. We can still obviously get released over there if Jake doesn't do well like here, but they like to meet and see face with their players and make sure ready for everything that comes with playing overseas! A lot is the same. Regular major league season, travel, one of the biggest differences is they get every Monday off! I can't even imagine having normal day with my family!

About a week ago it was leaked on twitter, and it started blowing up about where Jake was going or if staying with Detroit. Obviously we had to ignore all the emails, tweets to us asking to clarify as we were still waiting for results from his MRI, and medical records. I didn't realize that people cared so much...kind of fun knowing when no one else does haha.. Detroit made a statement yesterday (if you have twitter you can type in Jake's name to see what I mean) We got a call from front office (Eagles) late last night that it would become official tonight!! We are excited to finally tell people, and share it with our friends and family!

Jake will leave January 25th for spring training which is over there, and 6 weeks long. Stella, my parents, and I will head over mid March. That time will be very hard alone and longest time Jake has been away from Stella and I. Luckily I will be at home, and be close with family for help. It will give us time to get all our passports/visas and things shipped. There is soooo much that is different, and figuring out what we need 7 months. We will walk everywhere or ride the bullet (train) or taxi. They say the clothes wont fit us to bring everything you need (cold then hot then cold rainy weather) Luckily there is a page on facebook for just the Japanese teams that girls can write and get information. That has been amazing for me to talk with other wives to help make this transition easier. We are soo excited, and scared! We know this is such a great opportunity for Jake with his career, and our future! We feel very grateful to have such a great agent who worked many many hours on this and a ton of people praying for God's will in this. We really wanted Japan and God answered our prayers!! I will keep you posted on certain things, as well as post a lot while we are over there of all our adventures we will have! :)

The team name is: Rakuten Golden Eagles > website

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! We have loved being home. It has been busy as usual! I am hoping in these next few months we can slow down, and just enjoy our family/home enjoy Stella before the craziness begins again!

We have been so busy renovating the lake house! It has been a blast, and coming to an end this week yay!! My parents will rent it out for as long as needed in hopes Jake and I can buy it one day, but as of now its an investment property & fun project flip if we can't... It is right next door to them, and would be a dream come true to raise our kiddies right next door. If you have instagram you can follow along: Flippingbrigham

We became free agents a few weeks ago, and have been praying for God's will for us to go wherever we are supposed to this year. We have been talking to a few teams overseas, and teams in the states! We have some exciting news coming up! :) Next week we head to Atlanta for PAO (Professional Athlete Outreach) the baseball conference we enjoy going to every other year, because something always happens in between. We can't wait to see all our baseball friends all over the country!!


We so appreciate all the prayers, and support! Wishing each of you a wonderful thanksgiving! We all have so much to be grateful for..

Finishing on a good note..

What an amazing season!! From starting out in AA to getting the call up to the majors in June.... looking back it's all such a blur. I know both of us tried to enjoy every second of it, and soak it up! We had an amazing season with lots of exciting times to some really hard times. Jake had the second best pro season of his career! He finished very healthy and strong! When you play a sport, thats all you really want is to finish strong, and on a good note. Unfortunately, Jake's last major league game was not so good, but he only had two bad games the entire time up and both dealing with very hard situations in our life. One of our very close friends passing away, and watching a man die at the stadium. My parents and I arrived in Gwinnett earlier that week to meet Jake. We really hoped for a September call up, and rumor was it was a good chance for him to be called back up. We planned on moving out of our Gwinnett apt saturday, and Jake went on the road Sunday. We knew he would either be home in a week, or get called up on the 1st (MONDAY) and get a place in Atlanta. I started looking to find something closer because the traffic was sooooo bad!!! We were only 25 minutes away, and it would take over an hour one way.. Friday night the braves had a horrible game, and Jake received a phone call at midnight he was meeting the team the next day... So like everything else we only had a few hours to pack up our entire apartment. We needed to figure out how to get everything from our trailer to furniture out and parked somewhere in Atlanta. We packed our place up in 3 hours like a champ! My poor parents have been amazing through this entire whirlwind of a ride we call life! When we got home I know they didn't want to travel for a while!

We went to the Braves game that night (Saturday) my aunt and uncle who live in Georgia came over.. It was such an exciting night being back up..

I remember sitting there praying just thanking God for another chance for Jake to be up. I was just soaking it all in, and watching all the fans so excited to be at that game. We were playing the yankees highest amount of fans that season (50,000.) It suddenly turned in the worst night of my life at the ballpark, or pretty much ever.. Most know, and I wont get into details, but this man who died fell right next to our seats and my dad.. I knew I need to go home Sunday, and couldn't go back to that field even though we knew Jake would pitch on Sunday. My anxiety was already so bad from the stress of the season, Stella was having a very hard time with all the hotels, apartments, and could tell dealing with some security issues. We left to head back to Orlando. We listened to one of the hardest games, and I was in tears for Jake... nothing worse than your husband having a bad day at work, however when Jake has a bad day in the majors people are BRUTAL!!! I will never get used to people writing horrible things to him or about him.. I wish I could stand up for him, but its best to just ignore them. When the phone rang after the game I knew in my heart Jake was going back down... A day away from roster expansion... I was so frustrated as was he! I tried my best to be positive, and know he would be coming home a week from that day, but not going to lie it was still so devastating. Jake flew to meet the AAA team up north I cant even remember where, and his flight got delayed..then ran out of gas.. so spent the night in an airport only to get to the city for one day.. It was pretty stupid. Jake started two more times, and did very well! He pitched the last day of the season, and pitched amazing! He immediately left after the game to drive home to get back to us. That was another day that was hard seeing friends get called up, yet the minute he walked in the door we were at such peace! God gave us both a sense of relief. We were so excited to enjoy our new home we worked so hard on last year, that Jake has yet to enjoy from being gone, and Stella!

Friday night we got together with our closest friends to just enjoy being home and welcome home dinner, and after dinner we got a phone call that no one wants to get. Jake's agent called and said he is getting out righted (taken off 40 man roster, and basically no longer with braves.) Our hearts sunk we didn't tell anyone, and tried to enjoy the rest of our night which immediately I could tell the hurt on Jake's face. We loved the Braves, not only because they gave him a shot at his dream, but always so honest with us. Thats ALL we want.. We appreciated them going ahead to do it instead of waiting, and us being completely shocked. We had 3 days to get claimed by another team, but didn't so we will become free agents again, and sign with another team. We looked into going to play winter ball in Dominican Republic or Venezuela, but Agent advised for Jake to rest, and enjoy being home. He finished on a great note, and no point to go to potentially get hurt or etc.. As hard as it was to turn down that money, we both feel made the correct decision going into free agency... We are trying to go overseas. Jake had an offer back in July with Korea, and we turned it down in hopes to be called up with Braves, and continue to stay with them.

Small little information on it, they have professional baseball just like here, very popular and is the majors. You can only have two american players per team so its very hard to even sign. Financially makes sense for our family so why we are even pursuing it, as well as an adventure. Of course I have so many fears about going to a foreign country, being secluded not speaking the language, but if the opportunity presents itself we have to take it! Please pray for us, and the decision be very clear as well as go to the right team in America or overseas. 5 days after the world series teams can start contacting us.

http://www.wsj.com/articles/in-korea-baseball-becomes-girls-night-out-1442425720 here is a video of baseball over there...



We will forever be grateful, and remember 2015 season with the Braves.. It was the biggest blessing to watch Jake pursue his dreams in the majors, and the support from our family and friends was amazing.. We felt so loved, and can't thank everyone enough for their support! We know exciting things are ahead for our family wherever that may be! <3

Tampa Rays

If Jake is still up he will be playing the Tampa bay rays Tuesday and Wednesday night at 7:05!! We would love to see you so let me know if you come!! We would love to see you all!