29 + ONE!

I will soon be turning the dreaded 30 years old...for all of you who have been the brunt of my "old people jokes"...I AM SORRY!

Before all of you have the chance, I will answer a few questions...

Yes, I have made funeral arrangements.
Yes, I have sent in my paper work for AA RP.
Yes, I have received my free brochure for a little rascal scooter.
No, I do not have GRAY hair
No, I do not dye my hair either, other than that one time when I was in High School.
No, I will not be buying a sports car...I'd rather a Truck!
Yes, I have already noticed the "Spare Tire," actually I think I may have TWO!

I know most of you think that turning 30 isn't soo bad...but most of you have been telling yourselves that for a few years...I guess I'll start to believe it someday also.

...and life goes on!

I am home. What a great feeling to drive down a street that is familiar. It's awesome to see the kids...I've been able to hear them screaming, but no see them for weeks.

TomTom

Can you tell me where West Falls is? Neither can TomTom... the village is soooooooooooo small that it is only recognized in GPS systems by ZIP code. Have I mentioned how much I miss Syracuse?

...And Then I Wore A Smile!

Reflection is quite the eye opener isn't it? It's also amazing how God puts things in front of you OVER and OVER and OVER again. You can always seem to find things to "busy" yourself, you can always find things to take up time when you are trying to AVOID what God wants you to do.
So maybe he is trying to tell me to appreciate a little more...he led me to try to express THANKSGIVING more. He's led to me read and re-read other blog entries. He's led me away from my family and friends and what is otherwise familiar. He has taken comforts away, though minimal, they are noticeable.
What do you think you are taking for granted...Is it Gods love and Salvation, is it Forgiveness, is it your Children, or you Spouse, OR was it a Christian leader. If I want to succeed the way God intends...I must stop and appreciate what is provisioned for me. I must pray in thanksgiving and "ask" for less because he has a plan and I must trust that he knows what is best for me.
I miss my family and my home...but I am thankful for this time of reflection!

Coming and Going...

This weekend I was able to go home for a few days...but now I'm back on my "Board and Lodging" assignment here in "BUFFALO". It seems that they kids enjoyed my stay...but probably not as much as I did. I HAD to sleep in Brody's bed a little and the girls HAD to sleep in our bed a little also.
We were blessed with the arrival of Jesse's nephew and also got to spend time the "Rose" Clan to celebrate Cousin Kennedy's Birthday.
Although I had 2 full days at home...It still was not enough. I was going to make my return trip last night, then my BEAUTIFUL wife decided that she would make the time to snuggle and watch our "shows"... thus a return trip this morning a 4am. I had a great time and wouldn't have wanted to spend my time any other way. I miss my Children, Dog, Bed and Wife! Not necessarily in that order.
2 more weeks and counting!

Here I Am

Hamburg NY...Not quite Home...nor would I want it to be. The weather is terribly cold and the the streets outside of town stink...We are working a little of O.T., but that doesn't seem to justify us being here.
Hope you all are doing well in your own beds and eating home cooked meals in civilization.
Oh!..I'm probably going to miss the SU game tonight...When I asked for some good places to watch the SU game,the response I got was..."SU...Southern...Who? You do know that there's a SABRE'S game on tonight!"
So...I'm in Buffalo...really SPRINGVILLE where I was passed by a horse and buggy...in town.
Where are you... are you thankful for HOME...I sure am...and all the things that come with it. Screaming KIDS, whining dogs, Screaming Kids, Driveways to shovel, Screaming Kids, Dishes to load/unload after dinner, and SCREAMING KIDS!

Normal Rockwell

We have all seen the paintings of Norman Rockwell, and I assume have all wondered what a perfect life would be like. Some of you may know that Jesse's Grandmother has just "entered the Gates of Heaven." This to some may not seem a blessing...loss is difficult and also very hurtful. Imagine if you were one of those paintings...so perfect; so simple...you wouldn't know love or loss. God has given us "Faith, Hope, and Love," and if we did not feel loss of any kind, we would not appreciate the love that we have felt. What do you consider to be normal? Is it one of those "American" paintings; or is it real life, hard as is may be at times?
We all have many things to be thankful for...just some of us don't realize just how thankful we should be until it's too late. After the death of my Uncle, my Aunt had shared a poem about loss and sharing kindness. The author was Unknown...probably because what he had to say was hurtful, but true. He simply states that it is better to tell someone today how you love them, how thankful you are for them, and how much you'll miss them NOW, rather than sit in sorrow after they have gone to be with our Savior.
Without the grief of loss, how can we be empathetic or how can we console our grieving friends? Without sorrow, how can we know real happiness?
After my 30 days of thankfulness, I realized that I found it difficult to find things that I was truly thankful for...I found that there are many things that I take for granted. My family is one of those things. Jesse is one of those people and there are too many others to list...but when we need a shoulder to lean on most, are we really there for our brothers, sisters and spouses like we could be or should be? Do we learn from our mistakes and use them to teach others and ourselves? Do we embrace our hypocrisies and turn from them, our do we continue with "what works?"

I challenge you and myself to try to show appreciation, love, and sympathy more often. I sometimes would rather sit back and feel more sorry for myself...inflate my problems to BIGGER than the "next guys." In the grander scheme of things...life is difficult enough so why should we go about alone, and why should we allow our friends and family to do the same?

Friendly Reminder

Sometimes when you seem to need it most your children say or do something that just leaves you laughing. Last night Jesse and I both decided to have some "snuggle time" with the two girls. We went in and started to "sneak" into their beds when Ella yells out...I mean whispers..."Cassidy don't wipe your BOOGERS on Daddy!"
I have to say I'm thankful that Ella reminded her sister so kindly...but WHY exactly did she have to remind her!?

Self Disciplined...

The other day, after Christmas, Cassidy decided that the whole behaving and acting appropriately was just too much for her...it seemed to "cramp her style" a bit.

So this is how it all went down...from my perspective anyway, I'm sure in a few years there will be some spin and somehow she was framed...but for now this is what happened.

Brody let out a whale of a cry...Cassidy starts running toward Me..."don't worry, I'm going for a time out!"
I couldn't even get her to stop to tell me what she did at first...but I did see her standing over her brother with a long neck dinosaur! After getting an explanation...it seems that the gratification of hitting her brother with the present she got him for Christmas FAR out weighed the punishment of a "time out!"

Isn't she soo cute! Oh... by the way, Brody didn't sustain any injuries in this particular attack.

Do You Believe In Magic?

This year we certainly found out that there is definitely a REAL "Magic" in Christmas....We made to church on time...actually early! The girls are learning why we celebrate...and why it is MORE important to give than receive, not that they don't really enjoy the receiving better.

I hope and pray that all of you are resting right now or getting ready anyway.

Today I need to remind myself that everyone is tired and cranky...so I'm annoying them as much as they are annoying me. I need to remind myself to focus on our Savior. I need to remind myself that the cookies I'm eating probably are not fat free, and I can no longer blame the pregnancy for the extra pounds.
I think I hear Santa...remember he won't come unless you're SLEEPING...I wish i could just get Joseph and Jesse to believe that.

GOD BLESS and Merry Christmas!

Dinner Conversation...

I started with a simple question.... "what are you most looking forward to this Christmas?"

Ella: "All the presents I asked for!"

Daddy: "What if you don't get any?"

Ella: "I was good some days."

Cassidy: "I was Good."

Daddy: "Oh Yeah...When?"

Cassidy: "Was is Friday...What day was that?"

We are all getting excited for the Holiday...No matter if we were naughty or nice we've already received the best present already...A SAVIOR! Merry Christmas!

Jewelry for Ella...

The other day we found that our little Ella is now really becoming our BIG girl Ella. She announced her first "loose" tooth. Could it really be that she is coming to an age that she will start to lose teeth, and look like she comes from someplace north of Route 49.
I'm Hoping that it is not the never ending flow of "soda in a sippy cup," or the extra piece of Mommy's Birthday Cake, or the Milkshakes that she requests while going through the Drive-Thru of that nutritious restaurant "Old McDonald's," or could it be the candy that Mommy uses to bribe her for picture taking purposes.
Isn't great that God gives us "baby" teeth...who cares what we do to them, they're all going to fall out anyway...Guess it's time to invest in Crest and Oral B!
But all of that aside...Ella is not quite sure that she wants to leave her teeth for the "Tooth Fairy"...which is not me by the way so don't even bother making any "FAIRY" jokes... I don't look good in tights and they are quite uncomfortable (from what I've been told), and I'm way TOO MANLY to be called a FAIRY. So back to Ella not wanting to leave her tooth out to be stolen by some strange intruder in our home...she has decided that maybe instead she will use it for a "Necklace or something."

Motherly Advice.

The other day I was lying in bed resting, while Jesse and the kids were getting ready to shovel I heard some very GOOD advice. As I was trying to sleep I couldn't help but laugh out loud.
Jesse: "Don't eat the YELLOW snow!"
Kids: "Why Not!?"

I'm ALIVE!

I know that I haven't been all that great about my Blogging, but it really is a lot about nothing anyway. I'll be returning soon...just as soon as I start to feel a little better!
Hope you are all having Blessed CHRISTmas Season!

B.R.A.T.

Bananas, Rice, Apples, and Toast! Over the past few days we have been on a "B.R.A.T." diet. As most of you know children may only be really good a sharing one thing...sickness. It all started with Cassidy spewing all over Jesse and seems to be ending quite peacefully with Ella.
We've tried to keep sippy cup sharing to an extreme minimum.
We have added Ginger Bread Cookies to our diet as well as Ginger Ale...allowing them to have soda in a sippy cup once again.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today I am thankful for many things, like FAMILY. I am thankful for waking up with "four year old" feet in my back and messy hair in my face, that had a party of aliens in it last night. I am thankful for two little boys. I am thankful for a beautiful wife who loves us all.
I am very THANKFUL...maybe even most thankful...for a TURKEY FEAST and all the DESSERTS!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING and GOD BLESS!

Shiny Messy Stuff!

There are many things to be thankful for and I know that I should be positive, but I've said that I'm a "glass half empty" person...maybe you will understand or sympathize a little.
After a rather bad day at work I came home to shiny messy stuff ALL over the place. I am thankful for creative children and artistic minds and all that other stuff, BUT I can still be "unthankful" for the "shiny messy stuff" that goes along with it. No matter what you do...you can't pick it up with a vacuum, you can't wipe it up with a sponge, and trust me micro-fiber mops don't work either...don't even bother with the dust buster, it doesn't work either!
So short story long...I am thankful for Thanksgiving crafts and the rug rats that make the messes, but I'm not thankful for the shiny messy stuff...aka glitter!

Spell Check

Today we had a SMALL family party for Brody, small is not really an accurate description of either one of our families.
After the party was over, the girls went about their usual routine getting ready for bed. They were really not quite sleepy, but up they went. After Brody was settled and the baby was asleep, Jesse and I decided to snuggle with the girls and TRY to calm the little beasts...children. We were talking about what they liked best about the day and generally what happened today...I spelled a few things to Jesse so the kids wouldn't know that we were talking about. Things they had done or were going to be forced to do later. Ella asked with such good manners..."could you stop spelling things please, I need to know what you are saying!"
Why do you think she NEEDED to know what we were saying...I think she has figured us out! Anyone know sign language?
Today I am thankful for large healthy families and beautiful little kids. Some of my best memories are from when I was a kid...spending time with my Aunt Peggy and Cousins Kelly and Jeff, My Grandparents, and getting to know my family histories by listening to stories my Uncles' wives would share with me.
I have said in the past that "we can't choose our families, just our friends"...but I am beginning to realize that we can choose to be friends with our families.

WORK, WORK, WORK!

I certainly am not thankful for "Holiday Toy Catalogs." Ella has found a few lately and REEEEEALLY enjoys looking at the pictures...she also seems to enjoy telling you exactly which toys she wants and the other stuff that may be good for her baby brothers and sister.
As we were getting ready for dinner she found one of those ads and began her usual routine...so I though that I'd "nip in in the bud" and tell her that we could NOT afford all those fancy gifts. She responded most sincerely, "Then you should just work more!" First I obviously thought that she sounded rather spoiled, then I thought that she sounded like my Boss!
Though I may not be thankful for the ads or the sassy little girl that Ella can be sometimes...I am thankful for the reason we celebrate this season.
I just hope that we can teach her how to place more emphasis on the MANGER and less on the gifts.

Birthday Boy!

Today I'm most Thankful for "Birthday Boy Brody."
I know that it has been a few days since I shared my "thankful thoughts," but today is a great day to start over again...it's the second anniversary of when I had my first SON! What Dad is not proud of HIS boy.
There are many memories I'd like to share, but my sleep deprived wife beat me to the punch...who in there right mind posts something at 1am...other than a College Student?
We've had a blessed two years and are so proud of this little guy...He's smart, Cute, Funny, and he likes to snuggle with his Mommy...HMMM...that sounds like me doesn't it.
Happy Birthday to you Brody and Happy Birthday to you too Mommy...you do great work!

Forgive Them...

"Father, FORGIVE them; for they do not know what they are doing."
Luke 23:34 NAS

http://www.lansingcitypulse.com/lansing/article-2302-gay-anarchist-action-hits-church.html

The above link reminded of two things that I am very thankful for...1) I have a gracious, loving, and forgiving God. 2) That I have a wonderful "living" word by which I can live and use to teach right from wrong.

I have been taught to love people like this...though it is difficult. I have been taught to "forgive," even when forgiveness is not sought. I have been taught to respect and treat others the way I would expect them to treat me. I have been taught to be thankful that God has given me the love needed to be tolerant...even when others are not. I have been taught to be thankful that God is who he is, and that he has given me grace.

Computer Time.

I am thankful for time on the computer...My wife is a Computer hog! I haven't checked my
e-mail in three days and haven't looked at my usual "blog roll." It is nice to see what is going on in everybody's world... I felt so out of touch.

Short and Simple.

I am thankful for Tylenol and Bedtime!

Colorful People

Brody and I were able to spend sometime today with my Grandparents, who my generation calls Papa or Red and Moo Moo...yes we call her Moo Moo.
Now Brody and his sisters call them great Nana and Papa... the Camp kind, because they have a camp up on the river.
I'm thankful for them and the time my children have with them. Brody is a lucky kid just like I was... I remember having fun fishing, blowing bubbles, and eating LOTS of candy. Not only do they have "special" names but they are truly "special" people.
My Grandmother has been a major influence in my life, and I didn't know how much of an influence my Grandfather was until I started to realize the wisdom he gave me.
My Grandmother and Grandfather can be "kids" even though they are in the eighties...umm...I meant late fifties...(sorry Gram). They were comforting yet, firm with us as children and that has yet to change. They are always welcoming. They are always truthful...even if the truth may not be what you are looking for. Gram has always had an ear for listening and an understanding "look."
I'm thankful to have been blessed with these Grandparents and I am thankful to be able to share them with the kids.

First Date...In a while.

Today the things that I happen to most thankful for are Hafner's Restaurant, Chery Frezza (my Mother-in-law) and "semi-alone time" with my Wife.
Jesse and I decided to go out for an early dinner since we were going to an appointment together. Jesse had her post-partum check up today, so the three of us went to see her Dr. then went on a date.
We left the house...to put it simply...TRASHED! When we came home dishes were put away and laundry was folded...and the kids were fed...now I guess we know were Jesse gets it from.
Jesse and I had a nice dinner, Joseph won't get his meal from Hafner's until a little later. We've had some nice talks with her Dr. who happens to be quite the Godly man himself. He is always willing to share advice for both marriage and child rearing, and we are always willing to accept it. Jesse and I had a great talk at dinner and in the car...sometimes I forget what silence sounds like and what the sound of a "quiet Jesse voice" is like. I don't "miss" the unlimited alone time we used to have...I just appreciate to alone time we have now more. I can't express thanks enough for the opportunity to have this time together and also the time we were able to spend together tonight because the house work was caught up.

Thank God For Sleepy Babies

Today was a great day...the boys and I stayed home while the very loud and active older sisters and Mommy went shopping. Brody helped make lunch and was a great snuggle buddy... he and I read a few books and watched "boy shows" before his nap.
Joseph found my increasingly large belly especially comfy, he slept while we read, he slept while we watched This Old House, he slept while we ate lunch, he slept while Brody took his nap... get the pattern.
I'm sure that he wasn't comforted by my smell, I wasn't able to shower this morning. I'm sure he wasn't comforted knowing that I had no way to feed him if he screamed. He went over 5 hours with out a feeding... Mommy kept calling to check in... every time she called he'd stir, but thankfully not wake. The only explanation I have is that he was extremely comfortable on my Big Mushy Belly.
So today I'm most thankful for Mushy Bellies and Sleepy Babies!

Resolve and A Strong Stomach!

Again...I am having a hard time determining what I was most thankful for today. I'm not quite sure if it is for my strong stomach and warped sense of humor or Resolve stain remover.
This evening we (Jesse and I) chose the long way home from my sister's house... Jesse and I love to drive through the University Area and other areas of the city that are still safe enough for us to take our kids. We love to look at the old houses and the character that they have... but that is something to be thankful for later.
I'm not quite sure how or why it happened but.... IT did! Ella began to complain about being tired, then hot, then thirsty, then SPEEEEEEEEEEEEW! IT was completely visible from the rear view mirror. IT was completely all over her little brother Joseph, who happens to be in a rear facing seat, directly in front of her without the head rest so Ella can see him better, which tonight meant also to SPEEEEEEEEEEEEW on him better.
Joseph was thankfully unaware of this event...but we weren't. Ella was stripped down to nothing in the driveway, Brody couldn't wait to get in the house, and Cassidy was plugging her nose while waiting very patiently to be unbuckled from her seat.
So that brings me to what I'm thankful for... Resolve...for the obvious reason...and strong stomachs because nobody else SPEEEEEEEWed at the sight of the disgusting GREEN GOO that was brought forth by this beautiful little girl.

Are You Crazy?

I've got quite a few things today that I feel are quite deserving of praise and thanksgiving and I'm not quite sure which one I'm most thankful for. It seems that without one the others are not possible.

I'm thankful for the weather today, the Zoo, and my moderately INSANE wife.

Jesse and I just spoke on the phone and since it is such a nice day and the kids love the Zoo, not the one on Topsfield Lane but the one by Fowler High School, she has decided to pack up the little monkeys and bring them to the Zoo.

So I mentioned that I was thankful for the moderately insane wife I have, this is one one the many reasons I love her so much. How could a person in their right mind decide to go to the Zoo alone with four children... well I guess we found her. I'm sure the kids will have a great time.

I suppose that this means I should probably help with dinner tonight.

Thanks For Everything.

Since it is November, I'm going to share some of the things I am most THANKFUL for. Hopefully this will help me express my gratitude toward people; Also I hope that it will help me to become a "Glass is Half Full" kind of person, rather than the "Glass is Half Empty" guy that I am naturally.

So here it goes.... I'm THANKFUL that I don't sit next to Cassidy in the car. The other day while we were driving down the road there was much yelling and commotion coming from the WAY back of the van. After calming Ella, we found out Cassidy was trying to wipe a "Booger" on her sister. Cassidy simply excused her self by saying "it's not a red one." So I guess the dry green ones are used as some form of sister bonding, please correct me if I'm wrong?

FAMILY

family - Definition
[făḿə-lē, făḿlē]
(n.)
A fundamental social group in society typically consisting of one or…
All the members of a household under one roof.
(adj.)
Ask Dictionary · The American Heritage® Dictionary ·

I've mentioned recently how difficult a task voting really was... but I also pointed out how thankful I was to be "burdened" with such a task.

Something I am equally thankful for and also find just as difficult at times is Brotherhood. Whether it be associtiated with the above definition, or be it a Brother-in-Christ, or a Brother-in-Law, or Union Brother... they are all very difficult tasks. A wise brother will admit defeat and congratulate his worthy opponant... Much like our Political Brothers.
A Brother may be honest about his feelings, though they may hurt, he tells you with good intention. A good Brother should also work hard to keep a family together, though he may get hurt in the process. A Brother's love is one with out condition, and should not change because of harsh words and dissapointing actions. A Great Brother can say Sorry. I also feel that a Good Brother can accept that an apology may not be given, but forgiveness granted anyway to a possibly undeserving recipient, much like our Savior has forgiven us.
I someday hope that I can teach my Little boys to grow up to be Great Brothers... to each other and to the rest of our communtiy.

Election Day!!!

November is obviously here and I'm guessing you don't need me to remind you that today is The Day. A day set aside for voting for new political officers. Are we all really informed enough to make such a BIG decision, I don't think so. What is more important; Social Issues, which are a Huge Deal Breaker for the Democrats or Economy, which neither party is really totally there either. I won't talk about or bore you with my own political commentary.
As much as it seems to be predetermined... It's still important to vote. If you are not going to be part of a solution, then don't complain about our problems!
We have much to be thankful for... and voting is one of our freedoms most taken for granted.