7TimeChampion

The Long Road...

2009-01-08T15:57:00.003-06:00

Just a quick update on my challenge. Last night, Wednesday January 7th, in front of some youth I did a mid-week weigh-in to see if I was making any progress...

Well, in the first four days, I have lost......

6 pounds. Results will vary from person to person and all exercise should be accompanied by some healthy eating.

Please consult your Dr. before beginning any exercise program. Side effects of losing weight are not enjoying as much gravity, sudden loss of fat jokes being hurled at you & possible need for a shopping trip. If the hunger pains last for more than four hours, please immediately seek help from your local Chick-FilA.

:)

Fellowship of Losers

2009-01-04T22:10:00.006-06:00

Alright, so I had an idea...I am not sure if it was the brightest, but it will definitely be an interesting experience. This past Sunday morning, January 4th in front of 80+ 5th-12th graders, I weighed in to get a start weight for the new year.

We are starting a new series on Philippians and it will last 17 weeks (through the end of April). I am very excited about the study, but felt inspired by a few sources (Biggest Loser & John and Kate +8) to add a twist.

Over the next 17 weeks, I am going to engage in healthy eating as well as an exercise program with a goal of losing 15% of my weight by the end of 17 weeks. One of my students has agreed to challenge me and attempt to lose a higher percentage (he also weighed in Sunday). The kicker is we will weigh in every Sunday in front of the students...Yikes. Here is what the scale looked like after I weighed....

I will be using "Cardio Max" the new Biggest Loser DVD out now (Wal-Mart $9). All you need is some weights to match your ability (probably between 2-15 lbs) and the willingness to spend 22 minutes per day.

I weighed in at 252 lbs which means I will need to lose 40 lbs in order to achieve my goal. We are changing our eating habits as well and are starting to get organic foods and are trying to ensure a veggie and fruit come with each meal. I am also going on a sugar boycott to see if I can kick the addiction of sweets...if not I may be checking into a facility.

Anyone who desires to come along and work hard for 17 weeks to get some habits established and live healthier...feel free to join me. If it were not for my one student, it would just be fellowship of the loser.

Who's Your Phantom?

2008-12-16T11:24:00.006-06:00

Confession time. In my life, I have been to two musicals. One was horrible and one changed my life. The one that changed my life....The Phantom of the Opera. I think A-baby and I were just dating and she and some friends heard PotO was coming to Memphis to the Orphium. Not knowing what an Orphium was, I went along with it.

The show was awesome and I was sitting at the edge of my seat...which is funny considering before that day all I knew was there was a guy with a stupid mask in a thing where people sang a lot and no one won any championships...However, the hot babe I was dating wanted to see it...so I was viewing it as a sacrifice for the good of a hottie!

So there I was, amazed at the show and now in love with a musical (OK this makes me feel uncomfortable :) ). One desire A-train and I have is perform a musical together. We have thought of doing the "I am 16 going on 17" from the Sound of Music together...but now that we are almost double those ages....maybe not. How about a selection from the Phantom? Which hits would you suggest? I know them all! I can see it now..."NOW PERFORMING......"

Fun in the Sleet without going Outside

2008-12-16T09:58:00.007-06:00

So last night we were sleeted inside. What is a family to do? We decided to invite Red Bull over and play games. First up was "Go Fish" on Finding Nemo cards. Team "dad and middle kid" split...won one lost one.

Up next was Monopoly. Now let's just say that I have played the game a time or two before. When I was younger, I loved it so much that I wore everyone out from playing it with me....so I would play against myself. I usually won, but it wasn't as fun without someone else crying as they removed their game piece from the board due to me taking their last pesos and property.

However, I was reminded on our sleeted in evening how good it felt when others had to do the removal of shame, taking their game pieces off the board and having to find something else to do while the others got wiped out.

One by one, my competition found themselves at the mercy of a property rich, business savvy and graceless...well um...me! It took two hours in order to wipe all others out. Momma, Red Bull and our eldest are in the poor house today.

I am trying to decide if God desires a tithe of Monopoly money as honoring His hand on me as I crushed my opponents....thoughts?

My Love

2008-11-05T10:46:00.002-06:00

To my wifey & my baby's momma on her birthday.....

We love you so much.

Happy Birthday!!

Camp-In

2008-10-23T19:43:00.008-05:00

So after a three month hiatus...I have decided to seek restoration in my relationship with the blog world. So tonight I bring you the events of tonight...which takes place during another "mommies night away."

To have your very own Camp-in here is what you need...

4 folding chairs, two large blankets (jungle looking makes things more realistic).

2 sleeping bags and an exersaucer for the baby.
a campfire, marshmallows & a roasting utensil (I found a Yankee candle works well with a small salad fork for roasting)

AND OF COURSE...............

Scary Stories.....

Hope cute boys doing fun things makes amends for the last three months!

Breakfast at Tiffany's...I mean home

2008-07-14T09:17:00.004-05:00

Today kicked off a new adventure at our home. We are now going to try and have breakfast together every morning at 8:00 AM. Daddy and whoever is awake are in charge of making breakfast. This morning was day one and we had French (I surrender) Toast and strawberries. Tomorrow is pancakes.

The Man in the Mirror

2008-07-02T22:20:00.007-05:00

Michael Jackson wrestled with the man in the mirror. Well yesterday, I was in the living room when I heard the boys yelling, "Daddy, Daddy, come quick!!" When I arrived, Luke informed me that Reed was stuck. I found Reed sitting in the sink, explaining to me that he could not get out. Since he was a bit affraid, I did what any good dad would do. I said, "sit still I need to get the camera...daddy needs a new blog." Reed relaxed and this was the result....

Since Reed is fearless, we have now added a hard hat to his wardrobe....Never can be too cautious. I have noticed that our kitchen cabinets were getting a bit overwhelmed, so I got to the source of the problem. I put on the table all of the kids cups...Do two toddlers really need 29 cups to share? Fly Daddy says no! Now our cabinets do not spill two cups out of it every time you open the door.
BTW...Michael, stay away from my kids or I will send you to Never Never Land!

Boys and Their Big Toys

2008-06-27T12:21:00.003-05:00

We had a fun night out the other night. Some students were in a play at "The Center of Learning." So we went and then took a stroll around the campus. Very fun night capped off by 99 cent shakes at Sonic!!

Beam me over Scotty!

2008-06-23T21:57:00.000-05:00

Well the morning started at the church with some paperwork followed by a great time in Memphis. I love this group of people!
The road to the airport took a detour to Red Robbins. I always enjoyed the "Little Red Riding Hood" story. Not sure it has anything to do with our day in Memphis, but thought you would want to know.

Sloan and Ben pondered the vast menu.
These three were just glad to be out of the car!
Lindsey stopped chewing just in time for this pic. She is a great woman to have on the team! Beans sporting the cap.
Ken and Libby played the red straw, while Casey sang vocals.
The groupies enjoyed the performance.
Mark found a girlfriend in Memphis, she seemed a little stoic to me.We found this authentic Czech torture chair that tried to Kaitlyn, but we rescued her.

We debated whether or not to take a swim....deciding it may make the flight a bit longer....
I helped this family learn to read in our spare time, thankfully the book had lots of pictures.

Then it was off to the land of checked luggage and security checks.

Ken and Lib checking out the ticket situation.

Mr. Cool. I think those glasses cost $5 at Wal-Mart if anyone wants to start a trend.

Beans on the move...

The look of FOCUS! Casey brought her A-game... Ken reminding the team not to say "bomb" in an airport...then security reminded him of the same (just kidding)
I think some may not sleep due to anticipation and excitement.
This may be the best picture I have of Big Ben...AKA "Thunderabs"
I would like you to think they were praying, but I prayed for us AND had the camera...that kind of multi-tasking is beyond me.

Surprisingly, everyone made it through security without much problem. In appreciation of their service of driving & in hopes that they will not beat me up, I post this pic of our servants who helped transport the team. This picture was staged, but those left behind felt these very emotions.

Thanks to all who have allowed their kiddos to be part of God's mission around the world and to all who have supported their efforts!!

God protect the team you have sent and may they fulfill all your purposes!

Jump for Joy!! Nana and Papa are Bueno!

2008-06-21T01:16:00.000-05:00

Yes that's right! Would you expect to start out anywhere other than the Bueno? That is where our adventure began Friday afternoon. It was FUN day with Anna's side of the family as her brother was in town with his wife and daughter. Here are some highlights....

Anna and her brother.

Not sure who these three kids were, but they kept asking for money and showing me their tongues as a way to say "more tacos please."

Nana and Papa phase one was to eat out at TB....but the next phase was Incredible!!

Next, we were off to Maumelle to a place called the "Jump Zone." The kiddos were locked and loaded with anticipation to their adventure. It was difficult for them to sit still for this pic....well except for Jack

We were reminded that Luke has no fear as he tackled the large slides with reckless abandon. He had the time of his life.

Ryan and Yumi who are very photogenic took a break from all the festivities for this pic.Jack was never put down and Nana and MaMaw took care of his every need, well not every need. :)
G-Dawg, is so smooth, he always dresses for the occasion. I could not believe he called ahead in order to be able to match the equipment.

Although, Reed was enthusiastic about Taco Bueno, he took a little time to warm up to Jump Zone.

Yep, that is my wife and her sis going through the "tight squeeze" part of the obstacle course!Ryan got a bit confused with all that was going on. I am not sure if that is an official "murse" or what.

Once home, Papa put on the burgers!! MMMMmmmm Meat!!

Luke and Gage got their skate on!!

Superman says, "Crash and burn, eh Maverick?"

And all the kids played with glow sticks!!

So thanks Nana and Papa for an awesome day of fun and family. Everyone had such an awesome time!!

Even the frog.....

Guys Play Dress Up Too?

2008-06-19T23:33:00.000-05:00

We played X-Box 360 Wednesday night and one of our students had a new shirt and sunglasses that he had purchased for top dollar at..........Goodwill! We couldn't decide what to label the folder that held all the pics. So we settled on "MetroChristians." Enjoy.

You can now find the shirt on E-Bay for double the price it was bought for....you guessed it, $1.00.

No Officer I don't know Why You Pulled Me Over

2008-06-16T23:51:00.000-05:00

I have had the privilege of speaking with Arkansas's finest twice in my 18 years of being a Razorback. The first was on my way to baseball practice while in High School. I was going 38 in a 20 residentual school zone and tried to get around a corner before the policeman could get to me....Didn't work.

The second time was on my way to work at 2:00 AM in a part of Little Rock that the only way I would have pulled over was if the police were there. Unfortunately it seemed to him that I had invited the event to happen. He checked to make sure my temporary tags hadn't expired and then let me go.

Neither time did I experience what I did about 9 days ago in Tulsa. As I was only half a mile away from the place we rented a 15 passenger van, I heard a beeping sound behind me. I figured it was Drew, my high schooler who had come to drive my car from the airport where I keep it while I have the van. I quickly realized that unless Drew had brought some blue flashing lights with him that went unnoticed, I was in trouble.

I pulled over into a church parking lot, rolled down my window & turned off the van. The officer quickly made it clear to me that I had made an illegal turn on the only road I had to turn on. As I reached for my license and insurance, I appologized and explained I was focused on not getting lost....He was unimpressed.

He looked at my driver's license and immediately entered into a conversation that went like this: --"Sir, do you have any guns on you?"

-"Uh, no sir." (unless you would include these in that category **kisses bicepts**)

--"Any weapons on you at all?"

-"Nope"

--"Then you won't mind if I check?!!"

-"Of course not....but I am not sure what to do. You want me to stay here or..."

--"Step out of the van please."

So I get out of the van and he quickly puts his hand on my shoulder and pushes me to the van. As I stand there with my back to the cop and hands up, he pulls my shirt up (why is he pulling me over again?). After my bottom gets a few pats and my pockets get peeked in, he instructs me to follow him to the back of the van.

I am about to tell him that there might be someone behind the van that is with me, when we see Drew (my size and a football player) waltzing up to us about 25 feet away. The officer did a drop step, put his hand over his gun & said, "Can I help you sir?!!!" I leaned over and identified Drew as one of my high schoolers that is helping me. "I need you to wait back at your car please sir!!" Drew consented.

"Do you know why I am asking about weapons?"

"I really have NO idea officer."

"Your last name is W........"

"Has been all my life (ok so I really didn't say this)

"Yes sir, it is"

"W............'s are the largest dealers of guns and ammunition in the Tulsa area!"

"Well I am not one of them."

I was being frisked because of my last name!! Someone else actually has it! I wonder if they had to come up with 4 letter names for their kids.......ooops, sorry, back to the story.

"Where are you coming from and where are you going?"

Finally the God question!!!

"I am coming from Conway, AR returning a van that my church rented to go to Mexico to build 2 houses for poor people. The place is only half a mile from here." Then I stood back in case God wanted to smite him.

"OK, no warning, no ticket, have a great day!" and drove off.

The Prodigal Deer Returns!!

2008-06-16T17:03:00.001-05:00

At our annual high school retreat the theme was "Wanted Dead or Alive: The Return of the Prodigal" from Luke 15:11-32. The evening when I taught on the Father who saw his son from a long way off , I explained how the Father was watching with anticipation for His son to return. (keep reading, this isn't a preachy post)

I identified with this aspect of the story with a story about my backyard. One glorious morning I was eating my Cocoa Puffs, when I looked out the window over our shined sink and saw something that got my heart pounding with excitement. I saw a deer! How fun to see a deer in our subdivision. Enjoying a perk of living in the country, yet hunkered down in suburbia & a 6' privact fence made the sight of my white tailed friend so fun!

I explained that ever since I saw Bambi run off into the wild I have longingly looked through that same window in hopes of spotting another just as I assume the Father watched ever hopeful for his son to walk down the road.

Then this morning while the boys were splashing their milk all over the table instead of eating....I saw something....I wanted to share what we witnessed with you...

This sweet looking doe was looking at me and wondering what my next move was...I bet it was a funny sight seeing me standing on the fence snapping pics.

This buck mooned me, but I didn't take offense to it, kids will be kids and mine pee in the church flower bed when we are not looking.Ahhh. The happy couple. Don't you hate when people look just to the left or right of your eyes, it's freaky. But these two were beautiful.

Trifecta. Yep that's right!! Three deer interrupted our meal and brought me to my feet, my boys into my arms as I held them to see out the window and enjoy & my beloved away from the mirror where she was enhancing her already gorgeous face. As a family we feasted on the wondrous view of a family of three deer frolicking along the drainage ditch that almost flooded our house the other night.

After we ooooed and ahhhhhhhed, I jumped the fence to snap the photos for you. I am waiting on an agent that is familiar with the Discovery Channel in case they want to try and lure me away from ministry in order to photo the wild full time. It would have to be big bucks (no pun)or a spot on Deadliest Catch.

Just as the watchful Father welcomed his son back, we rolled out the green carpet to our friends. After all, our house probably sits on their old stomping grounds.

When the Cat is Away

2008-06-14T20:21:00.000-05:00

Here are some pics of a shoppers widow. My two older boys and I decided, "We are boys, and we will play!!!" Enjoy.

LuLu and daddy got haircuts from Matt today. He used to jump out of airplanes and has paint on his arms and legs (tattoos). Now we both have spikey, manageable hair.

**Breaking News** We have video footage of what happens when momma is out of town!

"The Boyz" were very excited when the 4th amigo came home!!

I feel complete again. The shopping widow phase has ended at least for the day. My beloved has come home to me yet again...this time bearing gifts for her man!! Happy Father's Day!!

The Parentals

2008-06-14T10:02:00.000-05:00

Today is Flag Day and my parents are celebrating their anniversary!!

So happy anniversary Mom and Dad. By my calculations #39!!

Love you two. And as a treat, I have something for both of you:

Ode to Two Women

O to that young widow who two centuries ago
Met with Washington and his committee of three
In May of the year Seventeen seventy-six.
For with one snip of the scissors, a six-pointed star
Turned to five, and our country’s flag was a Go.

It was a time of grief, turmoil and gloom,
For the Philadelphia upholsterer Betsy Ross.
Her husband, John, died from wounds of the fight.
And she struggled through hard times
As the beginnings of the war did loom.

The war raged on, and Betsy continued to sew,
And Paine wrote of Common Sense.
Franklin’s thirteen-part snake and “Don’t Tread on Me”
Expressed a nation’s desire to be free,
And the Declaration was written, we all know.

Loyalists and patriots tugged at the controls,
With blood being shed on both sides.
At Valley Forge Washington fought on
Inspired by the series The Crisis
And Paine’s words of “times trying men’s souls.”

To Betsy Ross should credit be
With the sewing of our first flag.
For amid the tumult and strife
She meticulously Old Glory created
To unfurl 'cross this land of the free.

It took the Continental Congress ’til June 14, 1777,
A year from meeting George et al in her shop,
To adopt the flag that Betsy had sewn.
It had red and white stripes and white stars on blue
To make America a new constellation in the heavens.

Carried first in September 1777 at the Battle of Brandywine,
Our flag has represented freedom throughout the world
And long may her ideals survive.
She withstood the attack at Fort McHenry in 1814,
Leaving Francis Scott Key to pen his famous lines.

And through the years, people extolled the day
That Betsy’s flag had become our nation’s.
But it took ole “Give ’em Hell, Harry, to make June 14
Official as the day the country pays homage to the flag.
And, since 1949 on June 14, Old Glory has her own day.

I’d be remiss if that was the end of our tale,
But you’re here today to share a special celebration.
For another brave woman, in ’69, agreed to change her life,
As she muttered in tears, “I do,” she committed herself to a quest.
Now, on Flag Day, you see, thirty-nine years on by did sail.

We have lived under the West’s “spacious skies,”
Have helped harvest the “waves of amber grain”
Have peered across Montana’s “purple mountains,”
And lived on North Dakota’s “fruited plain.”
America‘s “shining seas” have brought us ahs and sighs.

So with twilight in my eyes I still flash that gleam,
As I once did counting stars under the wild Big Sky,
While bursting with dreams to stave off the fears.
And, Anna, she came along, gallantly riding each little wave,
So, at dawn’s early light our love burst into a bright sunbeam.

Love you guys!!

---Written by my dad to my mom

---published by 7timechampion Inc

Bushwhacked!!

2008-06-12T00:05:00.000-05:00

We have wonderful new trees in our yard at the church. I have enjoyed the way they have changed the landscape of our front door appeal and the fresh air that they each bring. But tonight at youth I have discovered a downfall.

We had small groups for our high school guys. We had just over an handfull due to concerts, summer vacation and communication. So we did what guys do...we got a football and went out to the yard to play some football. It was explained to me that I was the reason we could not play tackle football. I happen to be too big (I choose to take that as being such a physical specimen that people would just bounce off me as they attempt to bring me to the ground.....as opposed to being fat)

So during the game, I decided to stretch my legs and "go deep" and sprint for the endzone. I got behind the defence, the ball was launched in my direction & I had had the ball zoned in (heck I even had choreographed my endzone dance). When it happened.....

The church's new logo is a tree that says, "Discover a New Way of Living." During this epic football game, I didn't discover a new way of living, but I did discover a new tree that has been planted in our football field.

In fact, I hit it so hard that it knocked off my feet. Needless to say as I lay on the ground felled by the 8' young tree, each of the guys hit the ground as well........laughing.

My two goals for youth group are bringing the Scriptures into the students lives and showing how it is relevant and applicable. The second goal is to make it fun. Tonight, both were occomplished.

They were laughing and definitely had fun.....and they saw that God's word is in me enough to keep me from cussing when knocked on my booty unexpectantly. Wait until I share this monumental evening with the elders as a praise!!

Walk a Mile in a Sumo's Flip Flops

2008-06-04T15:32:00.000-05:00

They say to really understand someone, you must walk a mile in their shoes. Well it is summer and I avoid wearing shoes as often as possible....So I walked a mile in the flip flops of a Sumo. Here is what I learned:

I learned that your insecurity of how obese you are is nothing compared to the limited clothing you are wearing. Wearing the blue belt, no one is going to tell you how fat you are.

Sumos have a softer side and stopping to smell the flowers is a normal occurance. Stopping to eat the flowers occurs even more often.

The heritage of the Sumo is very important. Where a Sumo comes from is dear to their heart. Unfortunately, the fat fingers make it very difficult to point out where they are from on a map.

Although Sumos sometimes get stereotyped as not smart, I found as a Sumo I actually enjoyed reading. Maybe you have read this book as well?

To keep this sleek figure, snack time has to be creative. I found Hershey Chocolate is a very attractive tween food.

To save money on gas, Sumos will hitchhike. However, seems no one ever stops, walking though is not a viable option.

Sumo prayer time is very important!

Normal activities become a little more challenging as a Sumo. They really need a Sumo Sized toilet.

Please see Sumo approved list of churches. Fellowship is at the top!

Well I found my ride, so I am outta here!! Hope you enjoyed my journey as a SUMO.

Final Thoughts of a 2 Child Parent

2008-04-29T01:13:00.001-05:00

We are 10 hours away from meeting Baby "W" #3. I am excited, nervous, and thrilled to be welcoming the newest addition into the family. After a very tough work month, I look forward to spending nights on the hospital chair, waking up every couple hours for Anna to feed the baby or get her blood pressure checked or the Dr. to make rounds.

I wonder what will change. How will the dynamics be with a baby and two rumblin' tumblin toddlers? (Not looking for an answer, just thinking out loud).

I cannot wait to have those doors swing open and reveal to the awaiting masses (ok 2-5 people) if we will be engulfed in pink or dodging having to pay for a wedding for a third time. I cannot wait to hold this little one, while everyone reminds me to hold the neck up.

The sweet smell of Germ-X from family and friends who come and desire to hold the wee one. American Idol should be interesting with Anna on Morphine! I bet it is Willie Nelson night on AI.

I am so pumped about not having to endure Toad Suck this year (I like the event, but hate the heat and the masses who could care less that your kid is being trampled by people more concerned about their chicken on a stick & fried twinkies)!

Anyways, overall I am really excited and love the first few days of getting to know and show off a new baby. It should be something. Text me if you desire to know the gender.

SAW

Hey Daddy........

2008-04-15T22:47:00.000-05:00

Those two words start out 75% of the interactions initiated by my eldest son, Lukie. The crazy thing is you just wonder what the next few words will bring. I am laying here in bed after a successful fundraiser with my prego wife (it is 11:oo PM way past our bedtime...boot camp at 5:30 AM). We have been catching up and I told her a few stories and she said I needed to blog about a couple.

So back to my Lukie. The other day I had surprised A-Train with leaving the church on Sunday and getting her coveted mulch. My boys were eager and their anticipation was growing at the thought of getting out to help their old man shovel steaming mulch into the awaiting barren flower beds. However, their anticipation would be suspended for a few hours due to an emergency run for the border during lunch followed by a nap (while waiting for dad to come home from a Czech meeting). Their aspirations would be further delayed by daddy having to go to Wal-Mart to get some ant killer and mommy needed some groceries...see her blog.

We were in separate vehicles so A-train could continue on to Kroger after WM. I had the boys when suddenly silence was interrupted with two words...
"Hey daddy..."
"Yes Lukie?"
"Daddy, is God speaking?"
With all my extensive training and my vast experience in ministry, I answered,
"Do you think God is speaking?"
"yah."
"What do you think God is saying?"
"I think He is saying I need to go home and play in the mulch."
"Reed do you think God is speaking?"
"Yah."
"What do you thinkg He is saying?"
"He gonna get the good guys and bad guys and the ants."
"I think you are both right."

Then this morning, Luke woke up at 7:00 AM and I was deep in prayer and Scripture reading...well I was thinking I should be doing that while I was watching the Today show. Luke came out and got on the couch with me and snuggled up because he was cold. Later he was putting his two ice burgs he calls feet on my stomach so I got on top of him and lovingly asked if he wanted a piece of me.

"Hey daddy...." was Luke's response.
"Yes Luke?"
"You so fnmkfnuosyfouys"
"What? Did you say I am so heavy? I am heavy huh, well I am going to getcha....(tickle torture begins)?
"No daddy, I said you so funny, you make me very happy. "

Heart Melts. Luke gets Lucky Charms for breakfast................................and $20.

Fat Camp

2008-03-16T19:54:00.000-05:00

So there I was whippin a high schooler in ping pong this morning when I noticed a group of our students laughing and looking my direction. Not a glance, but a stare. The kind of look that screams, "hey we just made fun of you, so thank you for the hearty laugh." Four of our junior and seniors were huddled together making fun of me. I mean was it because I am 32, graying & a have hairline that looks like the American military has invaded and dominated it, but can still hold my own on the 'ol table tennis court? I was wearing my new kicks that are very white, did it make me look like a grandpa? Were they laughing at the fact that I have a hot wife that must have been on pain medicine when she met me? Was my fly open? What?!! Why?!!

So I did what any loving YP would do, I a headlock on each of them until one broke down and spilled the beans. Why you ask was there laughter at my expense? I quote, "Don't hurt me!! All we were saying was 'Shane sure looks skinny! Fat camp really paid off for him.'"

You know, I have always been proud of how observant our students are and how the always speak the truth. We went from headlocks to hugs so it all worked out well. Anyway, I was easily able to forgive them when they photoshopped my head on a very large body of a lad wearing a t-shirt that read, "I beat anorexia." Not one headlock was delivered!

Oh well. Two weeks until round two of fat camp. Hope everyone notices.......or else.

Godly Fatherhood

2008-03-13T21:50:00.000-05:00

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
-Ephesians 6:4

I constantly fail in the area of fatherhood. Yep, I exasperate the heck out of the kiddos. For instance, just tonight all Reed wanted to eat was Sister ShoeBurt dinner rolls & I was opposed to this line of thinking. So I explained that we eat whatever mom makes (unless it is something with veggies) or he needed to get down from the table and read his Bible.

Reed opted for the Scriptures (of course) and spent some time with the Lord. I applaude him in this venture to hide God's Word in his heart. The problem being around bedtime he was hungry and I wouldn't give him anything else to eat...hence the photo. I realize now that in being so focused on Reed not eating the liver and onion recipe by Rachel Ray, I was forcing him to another outlet, mining for gold...MY BAD!

Same thing on the snow day. The boys wanted us to make a snowman with the 5-10 inches of snow we didn't get. Of course when I say "us" I mean daddy.

I determined to make the best snowman on the block, which to be honest was a pretty low bar to begin with, but I feel I tackled it with gusto.

After Frosty lost his body, his head (twice) and his white snow...I finally persevered and got him finished. Our very own sword toting, baseball helmet wearing, gap scarf sporting confused snowman. Obviously on such an occasion you want documentation of the heroic feat of moving snow around a yard, but I hit a bump when A-train and Reed-o were in the house frost-bitten & Luke got camera shy.

Well I was undetered. I scooped the little rascal up and thought, "he will smile when it's time." Not so much, but I did get my pic.

So to all you parentals whose kids will grow up applying the verse "I have made a fool of myself, but you drove me to it" to their dear parents, cheer up you exasperating souls are not alone! There are other dads, moms and granparents screwing up their kids lives, one adventure at a time. :)