Something Good?

I want something good to happen. My Mother always told me the best things come right after the of bad things...you know, the dark before the dawn. It seems as though things, roadblocks if you will, keep stacking up in front of me. I am starting to get tired!


In "The Screwtape Letters," A budding demon writes his Uncle Wormwood about a man who is doing all the right things when faced with adversity. Wormword's nephew just can't seem to get the man to fall away from "the enemy," God. Wormword encourages his Nephew to keep pressuring the man.
"...Whatever he says, let his inner resolution be not to bear whatever comes to him, but to bear it 'for a reasonable period' - and let the reasonable period be shorter than the trail is likely to last. It need not be much shorter; in attacks on patience, chastity, and fortitude, the fun is to make the man yield just when (had he but known it) relief was almost in sight."
Endure to the end...

Rough and Tough

Alex's Kindergarden Graduation

Alex "graduated" from Kindergarden today. It was so great! They sang lots of songs, said what they learned at school this year and moved their tassels. Well done, Class of 2020.
Here is a picture of the family and another of Alex and his girlfriend, Delilah. He says he likes her because "she is nice and dresses well." I am sure it doesn't hurt that they both want be Engineers...great minds think a like.


"Hi. I'm Alex, and this year at Kindergarden I learned that music if fun to dance to."

Summer Time

I have to do it. I have to post our summer calendar. Think I have a touch of OCD?





June 2: ZOO
June 3: IKEA
June 5: Library
June 9: Natural Science Museum (Imax or Planetarium, too)
June 10: Rugrats Movie at Marque
June 11: Bounce U @ 9:30am or 11am
June 12: Zooballie from 5-8pm
June 23: Galveston Beach
June 24: Charlette's Web movie at the Marque
June 25: Flushed Away movie at the Marque
June 26: Health Museum...Yuck Science from 5-6pm
June 30: Space Center Houston
July 1: Jimmy Neutron movie at Marque
July 7: Old McDonald's Farm
July 8: Wallace & Gromit movie at the Marque
July 9: Down Town Aquarium
July 10: Children's Museum
July 28: Moody Gardens
July 29: Veggie Tales Jonah movie at Marque
July 31: Noah's Ark Pool
Aug. 1: Memorial Mall Playland
Aug. 4: Memorial Pool
Aug. 5: Dougal movie at Marque
Aug. 6: Kemah
Aug. 7: Zuma
Aug. 11: Slitterbaun water park
Aug. 12: Art Car Museum
Aug. 14: Fossil Rim WIld Life Center
Aug. 15: Animal World & Snake Farm
Aug. 18: Six Flags
Aug. 19: Splashtown water park
Aug. 20: Bowling
Aug. 21: The Glazery Pottery Painting

Other than these little adventures, we will be hanging out at a neighbor's pool, playing in the sprinklers and eating home-made popsicles. Whoo Hooo!!!
Thank goodness for VBS. During those weeks, I might be able to sneak in a nap!

Lessons I learned at a funeral...

Lesson #1: Kind encouraging notes aren't just for high-school romances.
Lesson #2: Listen, love, don't judge.
Lesson #3: Even if you have all the money in the world, you can still be in debt.
Lesson #4: Sometimes kids need a hug, not discipline.
Lesson #5: Laugh often, be positive, and enjoy those around you.

Food

I love food. I love it in just about any form. I eat more than most men I know. I like healthy food, junk food and strange food.
I work out like mad so I can have the luxury of eating whatever I want. Sacrifice...that's bibilical, right?
The USDA came out with this cool new tool to help one figure out what one should consume in a day in order to "eat healthy."
Check it out: www.mypyramid.gov/mypyramid/index.aspx

New Hair

I think it is too red. I may go back next week and have it changed to a dark brown.
I think I also need bangs?

Nannies

I would never have dreamed of having a Nanny when I lived in Baton Rouge, or in Sugarland for that matter, but it seems to be the norm around Houston proper. Randi and I went to the library the other day and there was huge group of little white kids with Spanish nannies. Then, we went to park. There were only two parents there...the rest, nannies. A girlfriend of mine is FREAKING out because her nannie just quit, and she is a stay-at-mom.
I admit, I was headed down that path for a while. For the past two years, Don had a stupid well paying but work too many hours kind of job, and I was working part-time. We had plenty of money, but no time. So, we had to get some help...a nannie. It was nice at first to be able to come and go as I pleased, but then the kids started not to care whether we were there or not.
Clue #1 that you are not envolved enough in your kid's lives: you can be replaced by a $12 an hour employee.
Things have changed around here...it wasn't worth it. Do what you must to be happy, but don't confuse happiness with pride, selfishness or greed.

Coming Home

When I was a teenager, I would come into Houston with friends for fun. This a photo of what I saw entering the city. I thought it was HUGE! It was overwhelming. Houston represented a whole world of possibilities.
I never dreamed I would become so integrated into Houston.
This city has become a lot less glamorous and a lot more friendly. I love this place. I love the weather. I love the people. I love the diversity. Most of all, I love the Southern culture.
I am so glad we have the opportunity to call Houston home.

ROE

We are so fortunate to have our kids in such a great school.
Today, I was called in to talk with Alex's teaching and a "Specialist." First, we talked about Alex's reading, and how he has grown by leaps and bounds. When he first entered ROE, he didn't know his letters and his confidence was pretty low. He is now reading and writing wonderfully! Second, we talked about the behavioral issues Alex had in the beginning of the school year. They are very concerned about coupling Alex with a teacher whose style will best fit Alex's needs next year. They want to make sure he keeps moving forward and doesn't fall back.
Who does that?!?!? ROE. This school is incredible. They truly want what is best for each child. I am so grateful.