Sunday, December 31, 2006

2006 in Review

This has been a heck of a year and here are just a few highlights from my year. (In no particular order.)

1. Seth turned 3
2. Chase turned 1
3. I tried writing a novel (50,000 words) in 30 days. I didn't make it in 30 days but I did finally hit the 50,000 mark.
4.I won the Super Bowl in my fantasy league.
5. The Cowboys finished 9-7 for the 2nd year in a row and it was the 2nd year in a row that I considered that disappointing. We'll see how the playoffs go this year.
6. Troy Aikman and Rayfield Wright were inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame.
7. I got Lasik eye surgery.
8. The Cowboys signed Terrel Owens.
9. We went to Sea World for a family vacation.
10. We went to Galveston for our first family vacation with Chase.
11. Chase got his first haircut.
12. Seth played his first season of T-ball and soccer.
13. Shelley and I celebrated our 7th anniversary. She is now the record holder.
14. I got to see the Blue Man Group in Vegas.
15. Tim and I started www.livetoshoot.com
16. The Mavericks made it to the NBA Championship.
17. Sadaam Hussein was executed.
18. President Ford passed away.
19. The Cowboys started construction on their new stadium.
20. Chase started walking.
21. I lost my Aunt Anita.
22. I turned 40.
23. Chase started talking.
24. I started contributing to Dadbloggers.
25. The boys and I went to our first gun show together.
26. Our company started the IT Transformation project which will eventually result in my leaving Loanlink.
27. I got my Federal Firearms License.
28. The Republicans lost control of the House and Senate.
29. I ran my 6th marathon.
30. I took the concealed handgun license class.

Its been an interesting year and I anticipate 2007 will be full of surpises.

Cowboys 31, Lions 39

Yuck!

This season has been full of ups and downs and just when I thought they had hit rock bottom, they sink even lower.

The way they are playing I don't see how the Cowboys will be able to beat Seattle next week.

Again, I don't have anything positive to say.

What accent do you have?

This has me pegged.

What American accent do you have?
Your Result: The Midland
 

"You have a Midland accent" is just another way of saying "you don't have an accent." You probably are from the Midland (Pennsylvania, southern Ohio, southern Indiana, southern Illinois, and Missouri) but then for all we know you could be from Florida or Charleston or one of those big southern cities like Atlanta or Dallas. You have a good voice for TV and radio.

The West
 
North Central
 
The South
 
Boston
 
The Inland North
 
Philadelphia
 
The Northeast
 
What American accent do you have?
Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

Saturday, December 30, 2006

Cries in the Night

Chase has started waking up in the middle of night. Usually, we will hear his cries or his sobbing requests for "mommy" coming through the baby monitor. Shelley is usually the one who gets up to comfort him or help him find his pacifier which is usually lost in the covers.

One night a few weeks ago I woke up to him sobbing and saying "mommy" over and over. Shelley wasn't waking up so I got up to check on him thinking all I needed to do was find the missing pacifier.

As soon as I opened the door the crying stopped. I didn't say a word as I quietly entered his room. His eyes must not have adjusted to the new light in the room because as I bent down by his bed to look for the pacifier, he reached up and felt my face with both of his little hands. At this moment he realized I wasn't "mommy" and now whatever emotions he was feeling now had disappointed added to it and the crying came back with a vengeance followed by multiple requests for "mommy". I finally took him to her and all was then right with the world.

Thursday, December 28, 2006

First Gun Safety Discussion

Today as I was looking at a Colt Python I had just received, Seth asked me how it worked. Since this was the first time he had expressed an interest in any of my guns, I took this as an opportunity to have our first gun safety discussion.

I took him outside and explained to him that guns were not toys and he wasn't suppose to touch them unless their was a grown up present. I used the Eddie Eagle method where you teach kids if they see a gun to:

STOP!
Don't Touch.
Leave the Area.
Tell an Adult.


I then told him that since there was an adult present he could touch this gun if he wanted. He said he did so I let him touch it and even hold it so he could feel that it was heavier than his toys.

When we went back into the house I had Shelley ask him what he is suppose to do if he finds a gun. He said, "don't touch it, find a grown up." I was impressed.

Monday, December 25, 2006

A Christmas Prayer

This morning before we opened any presents we told the Christmas Story and used a Nativity scene in hopes of bringing the story to life. I didn't know if we were successful or not because the boys were really focused on opening their presents. So, we first brought out their Myrrh gifts and then their Frankincense gift and finally their Gold gift. The boys were really excited about each of their gifts but after we finished, they were ready to open the rest of their presents.

Before, we opened any more presents I suggested we pray. The night before I had thought through what I thought was a pretty good prayer so I started the prayer but was interrupted. Seth wanted to say the prayer.

"God is great, God is good, let's thank him for Jesus. Amen."

Tears welled up in my eyes as well as in Shelley's. How could I say it any better?

Our little man might just be getting it.

Cowboys 7, Eagles 23

Pitiful!!!!!

I usually try to find something good about each game but there isn't anything good about this game.

It is another big game we needed to win and we didn't. Where is this team's heart?
The defense couldn't get any type of pash rush. The offense couldn't run the ball. Romo had some moments but when it counted, he turned the ball over. And then there is T.0. At what point is his hand injury and dropped passes hurting the team? I think we may have gotten to the point where they have to consider putting him on the bench.

Next week had better result in a win, that is all I have to say.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all. I hope everyone has a safe and joyous holiday.

The Savior-yes, the Messiah, the Lord-has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David! Luke 2:11


I also really like this video. (if you are reading on bloglines, then click here to watch)

Thursday, December 21, 2006

Lighten Up Francis

When I wrote Tis the Season earlier this month on Dadbloggers I knew it would be controversial and it has been. It has become the 10th most commented post on Dadbloggers and now it has inspired another post by a new contributor, Khyle.

In his post, When Santa met Francis he decides to take a shot at me when he tells me to "Lighten Up." He actually quoted one of my favorite movies, Stripes, when Seargent Hulka said "Lighten up Francis."

I have considered getting into a comments war with him but have decided not to and just to use my own blog as my forum instead. But, if any of you want to defend me then feel free. :-)

In my post I never questioned the parents that have chosen a different approach with Santa, I was just explaining our own struggles. I also am insulted by him implying that we are legalistic and not letting our kids enjoy their childhood. Five minutes in our house and you will know our kids are enjoying their childhood.

But, we do take being parents seriously and are doing our best to following what God has instructed us to do in Deuteronomy 6: 5-7. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children.
In the words of Ed Young, our jobs as parents are to "teach and train our children to leave."

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Vacation

In my younger days the word "vacation" wasn't really in my vocabulary. I would take a day off here and there but rarely no more than two. Once I had kids my priorities shifted and I started taking more time off and we have even taken several "family vacations." But, still nothing longer than 4 or 5 days.

Well, for a variety of reasons I have had the opportunity to take some time off this month. So far, I have taken four days off this month but I am about to embark on my longest vacation ever. Beginning tomorrow I will be off until January 2nd. This will be twelve consecutive days I will be home and six actual working days. I don't think I am going to want to come back to work but with me lurking around the house for that long, I imagine Shelley might be pushing me back to work.

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Which of Santa's Reindeer are You?

You Are Comet

A total daredevil, you're the reindeer with an edge!

Why You're Naughty: You almost gave Santa a heart attack when you took him sky diving

Why You're Nice: You always make sure the sleigh is going warp speed

Monday, December 18, 2006

I Believe

In my Dadbloggers post this month, Tis the Season, I discussed how to address the issue of "Santa" with our children. Now I believe, Santa is REAL. Except he doesn't have a red sleigh but a red Suburban with a license plate of "HOHO." And, he doesn't live in the North Pole but instead he is driving along the George Bush Turnpike. He was even wearing wire rimmed reading glasses.

I'm just kidding but he really did look like Santa and his license plate was "HOHO."

Cowboys Make Playoffs

The Cowboys have clinched their first playoff birth since 2003. With Minnesota and Carolina both losing they are guaranteed at least a wild card spot. Also, with New Orleans losing to Washington, they are again tied for the 2nd best record in the NFC but they are still behind because of tie breakers.

Despite being in the playoffs, the season is still not over. The game on Christmas day against Philadelphia will be for the NFC East conference. A win and they win the conference and a loss will put them in a tie with Philly but again they lose the tie breakers.

Saturday, December 16, 2006

Cowboys 38, Falcons 28

Well, a win is a win and a win that clinches a playoff birth is even bigger. But, this game had its issues, primarily the defense allowed another big night with 4 touchdown passes. But, we kept our NFC lead and are now in the playoffs.

Romo looked better.
Should Marion Barber be the starting running back?
Martin Gramatica hit a 48 yard field goal.

Next game is Christmas night against Philadelphia.

Update: Apparently this win didn't clinch a playoff birth despite what they guys at the NFL network kept saying during the game.

Friday, December 15, 2006

Quality Time

Last month I wrote a post on Dadbloggers called Quality vs. Quantity and the premise was basically that it is better to spend as much time with your children as possible and the quality times will be created instead of trying to just create quality time.

This was very apparent to me yesterday. I had already planned to take the day off but what I didn't plan on was my whole family being sick. Seth had us concerned because he had been running a high fever since the night before so we decided to take him to the doctor. This is ordinarily something Shelley does because she is better at explaining the condition and she remembers to ask all the right questions. But, since she could barely talk, this duty fell on me this time.

As we sat in the doctor's waiting room, Seth was crying uncontrollably. Between sobs he was saying he wanted to go home and he didn't want to see the doctor. I was softly whispering in his ear that I knew he was scared and I loved him. He would then blurt out loud enough for the whole office to hear, "I don't love you." We did this for about ten minutes until all of the sudden the tears stopped, he looked at me and said "I love you." The rest of the doctor's visit went very well and he was diagnosed as having Strep Throat.

When we got home, Seth laid down on the couch to rest and watch The Polar Express. I was sitting at the table eating some lunch which included Baked Cheetos when Seth turned to me and said "Daddy, will you wash your hands and come lay down with me?"

These are moments you just can't create.

Thursday, December 14, 2006

Lamar Hunt has died at 74

Lamar Hunt died last night at 74. We have lost a really great man. The list of his accomplishments is lengthy but here are a few.

-He founded the American Football League and started the Dallas Texans in 1960.
-Moved the Texans to Kansas City in 1963 and they became the Chiefs
-One of the original owners of the Chicago Bulls.
-He came up with the name for the "Super Bowl" after watching his sons play with their Super Ball.
-He started the first organized Professional Tennis Tour
-He brought professional soccer to the US when he started the Dallas Tornado.
-He created Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun in Kansas City.
-He is in 8 different Halls of Fame

He will be missed.

A Sick Household

Shelley can barely talk, Chase has stuff running out his nose and Seth has a 102 degree fever. I'm the only one not sick and that isn't good news for any of us.

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Cowboys Unveil The New Stadium


Last night with Bob Costas hosting the event, the Cowboys unveiled their new stadium design. Go to the new website where you can take a virtual tour of the new stadium. Link This is going to be an amazing stadium. Here are some facts about it.

Total Square Footage: 2.3 million square feet. The entire Statue of Liberty and its base could fit into the stadium with the roof closed. The stadium is also the world's largest column-free room. The American Airlines Center in Dallas could fit entirely into the new stadium at field level.

Interior Cubic Volume: 104 million cubic feet. (By comparison, Reliant Stadium in Houston measures 90 million cubic feet.) The Dallas Cowboys stadium will be the largest enclosed stadium (in cubic feet) in the NFL.

Seating Capacity: A capacity of 80,000 plus standing room or additional seating in the end zones, along with ticketed areas in the end zone plazas can increase total capacity to 100,000.

Suites: There will be 200 suites in eight different locations on five separate levels of the stadium. Field-level suites will be available on the sidelines as well as in the end zone for up-close and personal viewing of the games. The Hall of Fame level suites will be 20 rows from the field, making them the closest in the NFL.

Domed Roof: At 660,800 square feet, the stadium will be the largest domed structure in the world.

Retractable Roof: The open roof design that was a unique feature of Texas Stadium will be carried over into the design of the new stadium, with the improvement of a new retractable feature, revealing an opening that measures 256 feet wide and 410 feet long. Two bi-parting mechanized roof panels – each measuring 63,000 square feet – will be driven by a rack-and-pinion drive system consisting of 64 7.5 HP electric motors, making it the first of its kind in the world. The open/close time is 12 minutes.

Arches: The roof is supported by two 35-feet deep and 15-feet wide boxed arch trusses. Each truss spans 1,290 feet – nearly a quarter mile – making the roof the longest clear-span structure in the world. The arches are more than twice the length of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Tis the Season

My fifth post on Dadbloggers is now available.

Read it here.

This post is about our struggle to teach the boys the true meaning of Christmas.

Monday, December 11, 2006

Cowboys 17, Saints 42

We got thumped!

There isn't much good to say about this game except I don't think we suffered any significant injuries.

I think the bottom line is the Saints were prepared to play and the Cowboys were not. I don't know if we took this game lightly, because I'm not sure how you could but they sure played that way.

I believe Sean Payton had his team better prepared and I hope this is a lesson we carry with us for the remaining three games.

Sunday, December 10, 2006

Marathon Results

Ouch, I am sore. Well, my results were mixed. First and foremost, I finished which is always an accomplishment but I fell well short of my goals. Before the marathon started, I had decided not to shoot for a Boston qualifying time so I decided to try for a 3:30 time. I ran with the 3:30 pace group all the way to the 13 mile point but started experiencing knee pain that and developing a blister on my foot that reduced my smooth stride to more of a hobble.

I slowly started losing time and finishing became my only goal. I finished with a final time of 3:56:28. Finishing under 4 hours was nice considering the pain I was in but also very disappointing. I trained harder for this marathon than any other and this was only my 4th best time out of 6 marathons.

I am anticipating announcing my retirement from running marathons and possibly just cut back to half-marathons. The joy wasn't there when I ran this one. I just have to find something new to challenge myself.

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

James Kim Found Dead

The body of James Kim was found today and I am sick over it. If you haven't followed the story, James Kim and his family went missing November 25th when they left Portland, Oregon to go their home in San Francisco.

The Kims missed their turn and then got stranded on some mountain roads that are not cleared during the winter. James Kim, left his family on Saturday, December 2nd to look for help and never returned. Rescuers found Kati Kim, 30, and daughters Penelope, 4, and Sabine, 7 months on Monday, December 4th.

This is a scenario I have run through my head hundreds of times and wondered what I would do. I can't imagine just sitting and waiting and possibly watching my family die but I also can't imagine leaving them as I go looking for help.

I just pray I never have to face that decision.

Cowboys Budweiser Commercial

I just had to post this. If you are reading this with Bloglines, then come to my blog to watch the video.

Confidence

I found this verse and it is what I really needed.

Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.

Hebrews 10:35 - 36

How Republican Are You?

You Are 76% Republican

You have a good deal of elephant running through your blood, and you're proud to be conservative.
You don't fit every Republican stereotype, but you definitely belong in the Republican party.

Sunday, December 03, 2006

Cowboys 23, Giants 20

Who would have thought that it would come down to a game winning field goal by Martin Gramatica? I don't know how this experiment will turn out but no matter how you cut it, that was a big kick. A 46 yard field goal in the winds of Giant Stadium to win a game this big was a really tough kick.

Romo wasn't great, probably his worst game of the year. We knew he couldn't be perfect but the good news is that they managed to win on the road when Romo wasn't at his best.

The defense was very mediocre. They couldn't get any pressure on Manning and they couldn't stop the run when they had to.

But, despite all of that, the Cowboys went on the road to a tough environment and won a game they really needed to win. They are starting to grow up...

What are you really paying for?

When you purchase something do you ever wonder what you are paying for or what the value is to you personally? When you buy the coffee, is the value based on the taste, the fact it is waking you up in the morning, or the prestige associated with carrying around a $5 cup of coffee?

One of Seth's favorite things to do is to go Quik Trip and get a Strawberry Banana Freezoni. I don't know if the Strawberry Banana is the most popular but it is often out when we go so sometimes we have to drive to 1 or 2 other Quik Trips to find it. Fortunately, there is one on just about every corner now so we don't have to drive far.

Well, today, the first store we went to was out so Seth suggested going to a 2nd store, which I agreed to. When we got to the second store, Seth was pleased to see that they had Strawberry Banana but as I was filling his glass, luck would have it that the machine stopped when the glass was half full. I offered some alternative choices but seeing the sacred "red drink" in his glass he was not about to leave without it. I asked him if it was fine that it was only half full and he said yes.

So, my point is I realized that I wasn't paying .86 cents for 16 oz. of Freezoni but I was paying .86 cents for my son's happiness and if he was happy with only 8 oz. for .86 cents then I would be to.