This year our family vacation was truly a FAMILY vacation. We flew to San Jose, California with Shelley's mom and one of her aunts. We arrived and visted with two of Shelley's cousins that live in California, her aunt and uncle who live there and another cousin from Oklahoma who also flew out.
The trip consisted of us flying into California on Saturday, spending the night at Shelley's cousin Shannon's house. Then on Sunday, the four of us plus Shelley's mom and aunt Kathy drove the pacific coast highway to Santa Paula, California. We spent the night there and then got up and on Monday visited the Reagan and Nixon presidential libraries.
We arrived in San Diego at a house we had rented that was about 5000 sq foot and beautiful. Monday evening the rest of Shelley's family arrived. Her 3 cousins, 2 spouses and 5 kids. In total there was 16 of us.
Tuesday we got up and took a bus tour of San Diego and then toured the USS Midway. We ended Tuesday with a tour of the Harbor.
Wednesday was the San Diego Zoo, a miniature railroad museum and a hands on science museum.
Thursday was Legoland.
Friday was packing, cleaning the house, a children's museum and the flight home.
We saw a lot of nice things, stayed in a beautiful home, had beautiful weather but the best part for me was spending time with Shelley's family and getting to know her California cousins better. I also loved watching my boys play with their cousins and getting to know their family as well.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
Sunday, June 06, 2010
Good information to have
Chase was in our bed and I was patting his bottom.
He said, "you know I fart every time you do that."
That was good to know.
He said, "you know I fart every time you do that."
That was good to know.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Coaching Baseball
Out of default I have become the coach for Chase's baseball team. I have 11 five and six year olds and I have to tell you, it is tough. Getting them to listen and do what I say is not easy if not impossible.
I seem to spend all my time just trying to corral them it seems.
But, I hope somehow this will create a memory for Chase that he finds special.
I seem to spend all my time just trying to corral them it seems.
But, I hope somehow this will create a memory for Chase that he finds special.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Seth's Baptism
Tonight was a big night in our household. Tonight at church Seth was baptized with about 25 other kids. It was a month ago on April 22nd prior to going to bed that Seth asked Jesus into his heart.
We were so excited about his decision but he was a little nervous about the baptism. Tonight prior you could tell he was nervous but by the time for the baptism he was excited. Seth was excited to have Pastor Dave O'donnell baptize him. Pastor Dave has been his kindergarten and 1st grade pastor and Seth really respects him.
We had a group of friends and family which included Marilyn, Chris, Valerie and April there to cheer him on. He enjoyed the attention.
For me it was very moving and prior there were several times I was about to cry with joy. I am so proud of him and this decision he made.
We were so excited about his decision but he was a little nervous about the baptism. Tonight prior you could tell he was nervous but by the time for the baptism he was excited. Seth was excited to have Pastor Dave O'donnell baptize him. Pastor Dave has been his kindergarten and 1st grade pastor and Seth really respects him.
We had a group of friends and family which included Marilyn, Chris, Valerie and April there to cheer him on. He enjoyed the attention.
For me it was very moving and prior there were several times I was about to cry with joy. I am so proud of him and this decision he made.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Family
The past few days have been dedicated to family.
Friday I got to go on a field trip with Seth's class to the Fort Worth Zoo. We were able to spend the day together and we really enjoyed our time together. I am always impressed by what an awesome little boy he is. I was a chaperone over him and another little boy. While the other little boy wasn't much trouble, he did have a tendancy to go in his own direction. Seth was great because I would send him after him and he was a great help with my chaperone duties.
Then this past weekend we had a family reunion for my Mom's side of the family. This was an event that would never have taken place with out the hard work and deligence of Shelley. This was her party and she did a great job.
The reunion was about 3 hours from us so I got to enjoy a road trip with my family. I have discovered that I love taking road trips with my family.
Saturday was spent at the reunion and I saw people who I had not seen in about 8 years. Again, when I see my boys in an environment with other kids, I realize that they are very special.
I could go on about all the details of the reunion but just say it was a lot of fun and I hope we can do another one.
Friday I got to go on a field trip with Seth's class to the Fort Worth Zoo. We were able to spend the day together and we really enjoyed our time together. I am always impressed by what an awesome little boy he is. I was a chaperone over him and another little boy. While the other little boy wasn't much trouble, he did have a tendancy to go in his own direction. Seth was great because I would send him after him and he was a great help with my chaperone duties.
Then this past weekend we had a family reunion for my Mom's side of the family. This was an event that would never have taken place with out the hard work and deligence of Shelley. This was her party and she did a great job.
The reunion was about 3 hours from us so I got to enjoy a road trip with my family. I have discovered that I love taking road trips with my family.
Saturday was spent at the reunion and I saw people who I had not seen in about 8 years. Again, when I see my boys in an environment with other kids, I realize that they are very special.
I could go on about all the details of the reunion but just say it was a lot of fun and I hope we can do another one.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Sight Words
There was a note from Seth's teacher that he is moving on to 2nd grade sight words. Also they expect them to be reading at a level of I by the end of the first grade. Seth is already at a level J.
Way to go Seth !
Way to go Seth !
Quotes from Chase
At Baseball practice - "Daddy, why in baseball is running called hustle?"
On the way home and listening to a praise song on the radio - "Daddy, they are singing about God and praising him. That's a good thing."
On the way home and listening to a praise song on the radio - "Daddy, they are singing about God and praising him. That's a good thing."
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Happy Birthday Seth
Seven years ago today I became a father. Prior to that day I would have never guessed I would love being a father like I do. But, we were truly blessed by the addition to our family or actually the start of the family.
Seth, I love you and truly love being your father. I can't believe you are 7. It has been a great 7 years.
Happy Birthday!
Seth, I love you and truly love being your father. I can't believe you are 7. It has been a great 7 years.
Happy Birthday!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Brave Diver
The boys are currently taking swimming lessons at an indoor pool. One benefit of taking swim lessons in the winter is it seems most people aren't thinking about swim lessons so we only have one additional boy in their class. So, we are getting private lessons at a group rate.
But that isn't really relevant to this story.
At the end of each lessons the boys take turns jumping into the pool. Last night I watched the boy in front of Chase jump into the pool and since he is a pretty good swimmer he chose to swim away from the instructor. So, when the instructor swam off to get his student I looked down for a moment. While I was looking down, I heard a splash and when I looked up, Chase was no longer standing on the edge and the water was rippling. Also, the instructor was still trying to catch up with his other student.
When I yelled out, "Chase!", the instructor turned to see the dilema and he and I got to the scene of the incident about the same time. I reached in, pulled Chase up and he helped push him on the ledge of the pool. Chase had a big grin on his face and I'm sure I was pale as a ghost.
We still aren't sure why he chose to jump in but one thing is for sure, he's not afraid of the water. :-)
But that isn't really relevant to this story.
At the end of each lessons the boys take turns jumping into the pool. Last night I watched the boy in front of Chase jump into the pool and since he is a pretty good swimmer he chose to swim away from the instructor. So, when the instructor swam off to get his student I looked down for a moment. While I was looking down, I heard a splash and when I looked up, Chase was no longer standing on the edge and the water was rippling. Also, the instructor was still trying to catch up with his other student.
When I yelled out, "Chase!", the instructor turned to see the dilema and he and I got to the scene of the incident about the same time. I reached in, pulled Chase up and he helped push him on the ledge of the pool. Chase had a big grin on his face and I'm sure I was pale as a ghost.
We still aren't sure why he chose to jump in but one thing is for sure, he's not afraid of the water. :-)
Monday, January 11, 2010
Cowboys' Playoff Victory
The Cowboys' finally won a play off game this weekend. The last time they won a playoff game I was just 30 years old, going through a divorce, had not even met Shelley and the idea of having 2 boys was completely inconceivable.
For a die hard Cowboy fan it has been a long journey. I'm trying to savor it because who knows when the next victory will come.
For a die hard Cowboy fan it has been a long journey. I'm trying to savor it because who knows when the next victory will come.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Christmas 2009
Christmas 2009 will always be remembered for snow. Yes, SNOW! The midwest was hit hit by a winter storm on Christmas Eve and this included Oklahoma and Texas. We had arrived on the 23rd in Oklahoma so we were safely in Oklahoma when the snow rolled in but it was evident that our planned return to Dallas on Christmas Eve night might be in jeopardy. And, in fact it was. We decided to spend another night in Oklahoma which proved to be a wise decision.
The boys Christmas will be remembered as the Christmas they got their Nintendo DSs. They also got a new microphone, piano bench, WII Lego Star Wars, scooters, Toy Story Woody and Toy Story Buz Lightyear and new bedding for their rooms.
It was a special Christmas because it was a white Christmas and we got to spend it with our family.
The boys Christmas will be remembered as the Christmas they got their Nintendo DSs. They also got a new microphone, piano bench, WII Lego Star Wars, scooters, Toy Story Woody and Toy Story Buz Lightyear and new bedding for their rooms.
It was a special Christmas because it was a white Christmas and we got to spend it with our family.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Christmas Services
We have been attending our church for over 10 years and I have to say my favorite service is always our Christmas service. I don't think we have missed one but I could be wrong. We usually schedule our Christmas travels to make sure we don't leave without attending the service.
Every service ends the same way and that is with everyone lighting a candle and singing Christmas carols. It is an amazing sight to see the sanctuary full of people and lit by only candles.
We just got home from the service this year and I am already excited about next year.
Every service ends the same way and that is with everyone lighting a candle and singing Christmas carols. It is an amazing sight to see the sanctuary full of people and lit by only candles.
We just got home from the service this year and I am already excited about next year.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Memories
I am off this week for Christmas so I started a project of turning all the DV8 tapes we have into DVDs. In order to do this you have to play the tape through the camera and burn it to DVD. This has led us to watching some of the very first tapes we made of the boys and has brought back a lot of memories. I will always be thankful for all the video and pictures we have taken because I would have forgotten a lot.
But, two things are apparent. First we sure were a lot younger looking back then and second, our house sure was a lot cleaner. As we moved from one boy to adding a second boy, more gray hairs appeared and more toys were scattered through out. It sure is nice to have a messy house.
But, two things are apparent. First we sure were a lot younger looking back then and second, our house sure was a lot cleaner. As we moved from one boy to adding a second boy, more gray hairs appeared and more toys were scattered through out. It sure is nice to have a messy house.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Getting a Haircut
I take the boys to a traditional barber shop where 99.9% of their customers are males. When you go there everyone knows each other and it is a bunch of men sitting around talking sports and hunting. It is great fun.
Today I took Chase and as we are driving up I asked him who he wanted to cut his hair. Ms. Johnann is who normally does it and she is Todd's wife. She and Todd are the owners of the shop. Todd is a bit of a haircut artist and you can never go wrong with him cutting your hair plus he is great with kids. But, Shelley really likes the way Johnann cuts Chase's hair and Johnann really likes Chase.
So his response to my question was he wanting Mr. Todd to cut his hair.
Me - Ms. Johnann is available and Mommy really likes how she cuts your hair.
Chase - But will she be funny?
Today I took Chase and as we are driving up I asked him who he wanted to cut his hair. Ms. Johnann is who normally does it and she is Todd's wife. She and Todd are the owners of the shop. Todd is a bit of a haircut artist and you can never go wrong with him cutting your hair plus he is great with kids. But, Shelley really likes the way Johnann cuts Chase's hair and Johnann really likes Chase.
So his response to my question was he wanting Mr. Todd to cut his hair.
Me - Ms. Johnann is available and Mommy really likes how she cuts your hair.
Chase - But will she be funny?
Monday, December 07, 2009
Why Do I Watch Sports?
Why do I watch sports? It just drives me crazy. The Cowboys only frustrate me and after a great season, TCU only gets the Fiesta Bowl. I just need to give it up but I can't. It is my crack..
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Dear God
Dear God,
Thank you for all your blessings. You have blessed me with an incredible wife, the two most special boys, good health, a roof over our head and food on our table.
With all these blessings why am I looking for more? I feel you have more planned for me and I am missing it. Lord, please make your plan for me clear and if I'm still not seeing it, please give me confirmation and leave me with no doubt.
If where I am is where you want me then praise to you for that. But, if I am missing it because of fear or an unwillingness please open my mind and heart to your desires.
In Jesus name
Amen
Thank you for all your blessings. You have blessed me with an incredible wife, the two most special boys, good health, a roof over our head and food on our table.
With all these blessings why am I looking for more? I feel you have more planned for me and I am missing it. Lord, please make your plan for me clear and if I'm still not seeing it, please give me confirmation and leave me with no doubt.
If where I am is where you want me then praise to you for that. But, if I am missing it because of fear or an unwillingness please open my mind and heart to your desires.
In Jesus name
Amen
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Sleeping Arrangements
I have probably posted about this in the past but the sleeping arrangements in our house are very fluid. Where someone goes to bed doesn't mean that is where they will wake up.
Shelley and I might go to bed together but I will wake up on the couch and she will wake up in one of the boys' rooms. Lately, Chase has been coming in and sleeping with me and Shelley has been moving to the couch. Chase says he likes to "sleep with Daddy."
I like sleeping with Chase as well because he is a cuddler and is the only one who let's me touch him when I sleep. These are memories that I hope I can burn into my brain.
Shelley and I might go to bed together but I will wake up on the couch and she will wake up in one of the boys' rooms. Lately, Chase has been coming in and sleeping with me and Shelley has been moving to the couch. Chase says he likes to "sleep with Daddy."
I like sleeping with Chase as well because he is a cuddler and is the only one who let's me touch him when I sleep. These are memories that I hope I can burn into my brain.
Thanksgiving 2009
This was one of the best Thanksgivings in a long time. First I took the entire week off and it has been very relaxing. We went up to Oklahoma and spent Thanksgiving with Shelley's family where the food is incredible and plentiful. Also, my mother came down and also made the trip to Oklahoma. I think she enjoyed her time there as well. And finally, the Cowboys won!
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