Checking In

Yes, it's been a while since I've updated. I've been busy -- not necessarily very productive, but busy!

Camping last weekend was very fun. Went on a date last night with my wonderful wife, but it wasn't the best. Don't get me wrong, Kristen was great, but we had a long interruption because I had an emergency at work. For all you guys planning a nice date for that girl of yours, a word of advice -- don't work for an hour in the middle of the date!! Sorry dear, you deserved better from your man!!

Work has been crrrrazy this week. That, along with the surprise arrival of an exciting opportunity (it's a secret for now) has gotten me a bit off kilter. Got to get back to the basics of knowing and growing in Christ -- the Word and prayer.

That's it for now. See y'all around.

Kristen's Top Ten

In observance of mother's day, I offer this top ten in honor of my lovely Kristen -- a truly awesome wife and mommy. So without further ado ... the top ten reasons Kristen rules:

10. She is a great cook, and takes the time to cook meals that are not only delicious, but healthy too!

9. She's hot!

8. She is an athlete -- a regular running machine and Tae-Bo "masta" (said like Mr. Miyagi in The Karate Kid). She has a competitive spirit that pushes her to do her best in whatever she pursues.

7. She lives her life for me and our kids. She takes care to nourish our children physically and spiritually.

6. She is an adventurer who likes to try new and sometimes crazy things. She makes life exciting.

5. She is a sensitive person. She sees things in people that I (being rather dense at times) would never see.

4. She loves people, and desires meaningful, Christ-centered relationships.

3. She's hot! (I know, that was #9 too -- it's worth mentioning twice).

2. She serves the Lord. It is a pleasure to work alongside her in Youth Group and other ministries.

And (drum roll please), the number one reason that Kristen rules is ...

1. She is my wife and best friend!


Happy Mother's Day, my dear.

I can't imagine ...

... what the Shoup family must be feeling right now. I don't know them well -- the wife, Kristen, was friends with my Kristen when they were young -- but my heart breaks for them.

Yesterday their youngest son, Noah (2), was severely injured. After being life-flighted to Children's Hospital, he was put on life support, and now is showing no brain activity. It appears that this little boy's life will end suddenly and tragically.

As a parent, I just could not imagine losing one of my children. The hurt must be unbearable. I am praying for the Shoups (they were on the prayer chain yesterday). I've been thinking of my kids alot, and how easy it is to take them for granted. Kristen and I have been so blessed to have healthy and happy children -- it's only by God's kindness and grace that it's like that. I definitely gave them each an extra-big hug at bedtime last night.

I don't want to ever take my kids, or anyone else for granted again. Each day is a treasure, even days like plain old May 11. Nothing special about that day, except that it's the day that the Lord has made!

It's May!

Hello all. Not much time to type, but wanted you all to know that my blog did not die a premature death.

Can't wait for the Extreme Makeover: Patmos Edition. Do you think Ty will be there? No, not our Ty -- of course she'll be there! I'm talking about the Ty on the Extreme Makeover TV show with the goofy hair and the megaphone. We'll see!

It'll be a busy week. I'll certainly need God's wisdom and energy to get through.

Katie's school Spring program is tomorrow. Those are always a treat. Let me tell you, those kids sing loud! I especially like to watch Katie belt it out!

See you all later!