Happy New Year!

Happy New year!
What a year...You know we always say that every year?

Anyway, It has been another year. Time to start over...but, not really. For me and others in the school business we kinda seem to track years by school calendar years. For example we refer to years past not as a single number like 08...or 03. Instead we classify past years by 05-06, or 09-10. And if you are a coach you classify past years as seasons. And if your a basketball coach whose season is in the middle of the change well, then...who knows how you do it.-You guys probably don't even know what year it is because all you can think of is BASKETBALL!!!

I had my last treatment. I'm not off of all my medication, but close. I am frustrated by what the steroids are doing to my body. I am ready to rid myself of that man-made stupid, helpful, body-swelling, irratable drug!
Enough of that.

Resolutions: 1. Secret-I can't tell you.
Best of 09: 1. Had a wake up call with my health
2. Had a new Nephew born
3. Sister moved to Wichita Falls
4. Celebrated another year with my smoking-hot, loving, best-wife
5. A whole year of being Kris, Katy, and David's Dad
6. Sister got engaged
7. Got a new brother in law
8. Cowboys made the playoffs!

Since some of you have proven to me that you are reading, how about I ask you to respond with either a "resolution" or a "Best Part of 09" comment.

Yea!

Thanks! My goal was met, and now I will keep my blog going...thanks again to Amy Smith with her advice on Blurb...I am looking forward to printing all those posts and putting them away.

facebook vs. blogging

Okay, okay...has facebook taken over blogging? I have been blogging more than ever and I don't think anybody is reading anymore. I mean, am I that bad of a writer? Why is no one commenting on my posts? Maybe, no one is reading anymore.
So, having said that, I am fixing to close up shop.
Seriously, I like to blog, I like to read what I write. But, apparently, I am the only one.
This is not an attempt to get you to respond. Yes, yes it is...
I am about to make an idle threat...if you don't know what that is, ask my wife and kids.
Here it goes:
If I don't get at least 8-9 comments on this particular posts I am calling it quits with blogging....
so POST a stinkin' comment, or nice comment..
I will check back in a few.
Have a nice day, and if I don't hear from you....I understand. I can take it...

PS: For those of you that comment on my facebook side of this thank-you, for those of you that read the notes then open a new tab and check out my blog, thank-you...all I am asking is that you leave a comment. or 8-9....later.

Auntie

This time of year always brings on great memories. My mind is always filled of traditions and people that were involved with them. Of all my childhood memories there is a person there who is always smiling and happy and loving. She is my Auntie. I would like to share with you a little bit about this special, great lady. She is my one of my mom's older sisters. She has been a very important part of my life. As a child, growing up in Burk, there was seldom a day that went by that I didn't see her, or tell her that I loved her. Since my mom went to work early in the morning, Auntie would take all of us to school. She would also take us home from school. She was always around. The great thing about that was that it was perfectly normal. In fact, if auntie for some reason wasn't around, it would cause great concern. It was the way it was because, well, it just was! She always was there with a smile and hug and an unbelievable desire to make you feel like the most important person in the room. I could and can always count on her to be on my side and one of my biggest fans. Of course there were times she set me straight too! (because I no doubt needed it)
We all have aunts and uncles in our lives or family members that we take for granted. I know I have spent a lifetime of assuming that I would always see Auntie at least every other day.
Those days are gone now. Auntie is still a phone call away, but I miss her. I wish we could see more of her. I wish my kids could experience Auntie's love on a daily basis like I did. (Don't get me wrong, my kids have GREAT-special aunts...but, not an Auntie.)
As I look back on all those wonderful Christmas mornings, I remember how me and Tonya would show off all of our stuff, and Auntie would make over them like she was just as surprised as we were...little did we know she was with mom when mom or santa got them!
We could always count on Auntie..still can...for her smile, hugs, laughter, ears, and most of all her undying love for her sister and her sister's kids!

Humble

I can’t specifically remember the story…but, I get the point of the story. It goes something like this:

A man who is down and out and tired of carrying his burdens around, compares it to walking around carrying his “cross”-his burden.

He is allowed by God, to go to a room and change or trade-in his cross for someone else’s.

As he enters the room he notices a ton of crosses. Before he can really focus on what cross to trade for his, he sets his cross down by the door.

As he starts shopping for a new cross or burden to carry he starts to notice that all the crosses in the room are bigger and more scary looking than his. But, luckily he notices one over by the door that isn’t too big and looks a lot better than any other cross in the room. He goes over to that cross and picks it out to trade. Then God tells him that that cross is the one he came in with.

I don’t know if that is how the story goes exactly, but you get the jest.

This story really got personal for me with all this infusion stuff. My infusions are going well. In fact, besides boredom and puffyness, they are going great.

There are a lot of sick people that come to the place I get my infusions. I am young, healthy, and getting better. Some of these folks are just the opposite. I am served a big piece of humble pie when I come here. Some or most of these people aren’t going to get any better. In fact, they are here just to stay alive. I am so humbled by their attitude and appearance. I can’t imagine what they are going through. I am lucky. I am getting better. These guys are so brave. Most have injection ports and numerous bags of medicine going into their already weak bodies. I am sitting here fat, bloated and constantly squirming because I have the audacity to complain how boring it is to sit here and wait for my one bag of medicine to empty.

It is the Tuesday before Christmas. I wonder for how many in this room it is their last Christmas. It makes me ashamed to feel sorry for myself and my platelet ordeal.

So, to say the least, I am very thankful and humble throughout this whole ordeal….I am thankful for my family, my God, and my health.

FYI: My count is up to 129,000. That is good stuff. I am coming down off the steroids gradually and just one more week of infusions. It is our hope that we maybe have this thing kicked. Either way, I am so blessed for the recovery. All thanks be to God.

Tough

Tough...
What is tough? I tell you what tough is, trying not to eat everything in sight while on heavy doses of Predisone...
What is tough? Sleep. Trying to sleep while on heavy doses of Predisone.
What is tough? Being married to a big, fat, bloated man who gripes and is short fused and is eating everything in sight and not sleeping while on heavy doses of Predisone.

Just kidding, none of that is true. I am fine as frog's hair. All I need is time. And of course a couple thousand more platelets. But, they are growing, and I will be getting some more medicine in the next couple of weeks and off of the dreaded "steroids"! Which in the KP house will be a blessing.

Moving on, School is going great. I can't believe we are wrapping up the semester. It has been a great fall. I am a part of a great staff, who truly cares for their students and co-workers and I have been extremely blessed with their hard work and dedication. I couldn't ask for a better place to work. We all have our moments, don't get me wrong, but, for the most part, I couldn't ask for a better place to be.

I hope everyone has a great Christmas break. I hope that Santa gives you want you asked for and I hope God blesses your family to it's fullest!

Poster Child?

I know, I know....Thousands of people get on their blogs and make wild proclamations about doing this or that and not then truly commit to their promise. This however, I hope is not one of them. I can't possibly think of a worse time of year to start this phase of my life, but, then again, that is how our Maker works. It was me, if I remember correctly; standing in my den floor one day screaming at the top of my lungs, "I never get sick and I won't ever get sick!" --I am still laughing about that moment.
However, with Amanda's help and the kids, I have decided to become an active participant in this thing called ITP. It doesn't look I am gonna shake it, but can live with it and in fact live with it better than I was living before I had it. It is gonna take some grit, dirt, and hard-work, but I am ready to give it a go. I told Amanda the other day that I wanted to beat it. Thing is you can't....you just can only be stronger than it.
To be honest, I am not scared or worried. I just pray for the strength and support to be the best I can be when an outbreak comes.
If you know of any advice, websites, info, life-changing diets, or workouts please let me know. I really am open to any and all suggestions. I have always lived a life of gluttony when it comes to food and drink. I (we) are fixing to have to learn to live a little different in the KP house. I know we can. With God's help and that of family and friends I know we can do this.
On a note of when it starts....that is a good question. Failing to plan is planning to fail, I know this, and that is why that Monday may be the official day of the POSTERCHILD-fame pursuit. We need a few days to figure somethings out and do some research.
I don't know why I feel compelled to write this to the entire world. Maybe this another tool I will and can use in the coming days and months. I have never, ever, been able to accomplish a goal this lofty.
Wish me luck.
POSTSCRIPT: I really really really like to eat. The weight I am at and the goal "weight" I am looking for will come later. Once I get the game plan set up and the lifestyle eating thing going I will keep everyone updated. Here is a little hint of how bad things on my body are right now: For fun, we sat around the living room at DAR's and measured my swollen steroided belly: 56 inches....56 inches....
56. That right there is enough to get you guys coming back and reading my blog. I can be your "Biggest loser- pill head, local version" hahahha
Have a great big 56 day!

My Bride

I have been blessed with a beautiful wife. I have been blessed with a woman that I consider my best friend. I have been blessed with a woman who has seen me at some of my lowest points in my life, and then was there by my side at my very highest. I have been blessed with a partner that God gave me to share in the making of three of the most beautiful children in the world. I have been blessed with a perfect woman.
I think I gave her a good scare the other day. I have a hard time choosing my words when I try not to upset her. I have always tried to "soften" things when I talk to her. I don't like being scared and I truly don't like scaring her.
I was petrified to tell her what I was feeling.
But, in perfect form, when I did, she was there to hold my hand and prove to me that she was right beside me.

For as long as I can remember Amanda has always wanted to go on a mission trip. Trey, our minister at church, has provided us an opportunity for some folks to go. We have a certain amount of time to get the money raised to get her there. It is what she wants for Christmas. I hope we can do it. This is no secret. Instead of gifts this year from family we are asking for cash to put away into the "mission" fund.

THIS IS NOT me asking you for money...so, please don't! We will be able to raise this and get her there on this much wanted dream of hers. The whole reason I am blogging about it is, is because I am just so excited that I know what I am getting her!

We all know that true love doesn't just happen. We all know that you have to work in a marriage for it to be great. Out of all the things we know to be true that we have to work for, there is one determining factor I think that makes it all possible....It is that you both finally agree that sharing one tube of toothepaste just doesn't work...go ahead and buy each your of your own. HAHAHAHA!!!
I love you Amanda Jill

A little scare

It has been a crazy week. I had a little scare the other day with my platelet count. You heard me, platelet. I kinda remember what those were from science class, but to be honest with you, I haven't paid them much mind since Sophomore year in high school. I knew that they are in the blood, I knew they do good things for you, and I knew that you had to have them.
I am a closet NASCAR fan. I don't like to brag about that...but, I love it!
On the last day of the weekend at the November race, I noticed some red dots around my ankle in the shower. I thought nothing of it. In fact, I remember thinking, "I didn't know my ankles did that if the water was too hot!"-stupid.
I had a great day at the race. We came home and went to work the next day. On Tuesday, I noticed the same spots and some bruises on my hands. I started to get a little freaked out then, but not too nervous. I thought maybe I had gotten into something at NASCAR like food poisoning or something. (After all, hanging out with 150,000 rednecks, who knows!)
On Wednesday is when I got SCARED! I woke up with a mouth full of blood and a blood covered tongue and the red spots were all over my feet and hands and had bruised all over my legs....CRAP!
I got up, got dressed, fed the kids, showered, shaved, and brushed my teeth...just praying that I wasn't falling apart. All the while I was doing that, blood was pouring out of my mouth and gums pretty easily.-Not trying to gross you out...but it was pretty gross. I headed to work and immediately got with a couple of friends and asked them to have a look. After they all told me to go to the hospital, I called our family Dr. and he told me to come see him.
I could go on and on about our fine Doctors at CRMC-they are so good. Dr. Mike basically got it right on the phone. Dr. Green agreed when they saw me and they sent me on my way to Amarillo. What they discovered with my blood was that I was critically low of platelets. Normal range is 150,000-450,00. I was at 2,000! I knew that number couldn't be good and with the way that the conversation with Dr. Mike was going, I knew there was a concern. At this point I am fairly nervous. They knew that I was. This is were it gets really scary, but so special, and I will never forget it as long as I live.
Right before I was whisked away to Amarillo the two Doctors, (Green and Henderson) shut the door and grabbed me by the hands and prayed over me. There was such a turn around in the room. I had gone from thinking I am in trouble and alone and scared...to, these guys are honestly concerned with me and love me and want me to get well and are asking our God to watch over me. One of the many humbling things I would experience in this ordeal.
FAST FORWARD-if you are still reading, just know this: There are a lot of people who don't get good news. They get bad news and it gets worse. A lot of people go through this world without experiencing the love and opportunity that I have been blessed with. I feel awkward at this point bragging about this because I am alright.
I'll close with this. I am recovering. God willing, this was a freak deal, and I am all better.
We all go through scares in our lives. I know that I will have some more. This by far was.....well, it was one of them. I found through this event that I am loved and cared for by many people. I am humbled by their prayers, thoughts, and concerns. Nothing like laying in a hospital bed at night knowing that someone is praying to God for YOU right at that same moment....nothing like it in the world.
Thanks to all who asked, fed us, came by, called, and of course prayed for us. It is the perfect picture of what God wants us to do on this earth while we are here. To look after one another. To care for one another. And to love one another.

My answers!

Thanks to all of you (3) for playing along....
Here you go in no particular order:
Trey, Steak...I love Steak. I know what you are getting at...I know what I am suppose to say here, but sadly, It is not...so, having said that, it would have to be Amanda

Charla, yes you should

Alana, for a living I always wanted to be a famous entertainer...world famous...almost or just like Will Ferrell. My favorite quality of Amanda's is hard to pinpoint exactly..but...physically: Body and smile, Emotionally: How she constantly tells me I am awesome, Spiritually: How she pushes me to be a better christian. If I was an animal, I would want to be a T-Rex.

Thanks ya'll!!!!

I have all the answers.....

I saw this on Charla's blog and it looked cool....
Here is how it goes:
Ask me a question...Anything you want, about me, life, God, or just simply anything you want to know or at least how I would answer! Come on, it'll be fun. And seeing as how I have a huge blog reader following, I'll will answer accordingly.
Later,
Erik

First Six Weeks...all in, all done! Wow that was fast! Funny how each school year goes faster and faster. Of course, Feb. and Jan. will crawl. I have been away from this blog for awhile....To all of my blog readers I would like to apologize for that. But, fear not, I have returned. I hope to make a more concentrated effort to keep the blog up this school year. (Well, at least I will try!)
Everything is going just peachy here in C-town. We are having a great school year. There are some negative things that I could comment on, but I am not going to. This blog needs to be a positive read, not a buzz kill of your time. My family is awesome! My wife is getting prettier by the day and my kids are growing so fast. I can't believe how fast time is flying by with this crazy bunch.
I had a great friend and his family stay with us last weekend. It was awesome. It is so refreshing to reconnect with old friends. I miss all my friends. I am a very loyal person to those I become friends with. I miss all my friends dearly. The ones from Burk, College, and even the ones from here that have moved on. I wish I could snap my fingers and the friends would show up and we could be together. That would be awesome. Maybe someday that is what Heaven will be like. All of my family and friends right there with me. Oh, and that I would have hair like Fabio...please God, if not, that is fine...just thought it would be nice to brush my hair again....with my friends....saying, "Dude, nice hair!"
HAHAHAHA......Hope everyone has a good day.

Back To School

It is here...

We had a great summer. My kids are pumped about school starting. I am also pretty excited.

This week we have been having In-Service. Today as I stared out across a room full of high school teachers, I was humbled by the sight. What an awesome group I have the pleasure to work with! They are all so intelligent and caring. Every single one of them made a decision at some point in their past that they wanted to teach kids. What an honorable career choice. There is no doubt in my mind that most of these folks could have done anything they wanted to do in the work force. I am so grateful they decided to change lives. They decided to make a difference. They decided that for a career, they would touch, teach, embrace, change, and guide the young people in their community. What other profession allows for this? Sure, the money is not great...and sure, the time they spend away from their own families is tough...but, the rewards in a profession like this is like none other.

So, to all you teachers out there, I say "Thanks!" There will be days coming that you will be down, feel yourself dragging, or just become flat frustrated. But remember, always remember, that as you go along in your years of teaching, there will be a few kids that you never forget...others you forget quickly....some you wish you could forget... However, for the rest of their lives, the kids that you taught, will never forget you and how you touched their lives...

Have a great year!

Toby Tucker

Toby,
Good luck my friend. I will miss my wing-man. I know that we will still visit often. I know that I will continue to call on you so you can hear my sweet voice. I hope that you do the same. I know that you and your family must be very proud of what you have accomplished in these last few years. I know that I have benefited from your success as well. I know that I would have become a principal eventually, but not this fast, and certainly not this prepared. You have taught me a lot about administration and people, and for that I am truly thankful. I will cherish the run we had. I hope to work again with you someday. I know that Claude will be a better place in the next year or two and they will have you to thank for it. So good luck, have fun, work hard, and remember, "we always win!"

I've Been Thinking...

...that Erik really needs to update his blog!! I (Amanda) have hacked into it, but I am not near the blogger he is! I really miss reading his posts...don't you?? Tell him about it!!!! :)

Graduation

It is here...Finally. At the end of the day or the year I am filled with a lot of questions about how the year went. We had a lot of great times and some not-so great. I hope that I always kept the best interest of the kids in mind when I made any decision. One of the tough things about being in the position I am in is, you always wonder what people think of the job you are doing...It is only natural to seek approval from peers. I have learned so much this year. I have leaned on a bunch of folks along the way...
Thanks Toby-for always letting me ask all those questions. Thanks also for knowing what it is like and for the support.
Thanks Marsha- for being a great mentor to me. I hope I can be a good as principal as you some day.
Thanks Mr. Wilson-for having faith in me that I could do this.
Thanks Joe-We need to be sure and start that book next year. (You did a great job this year..."Makin' a good hand!")
Thanks Shelia, Nancy, and Liz-I have no doubt that I couldn't do it without you.
Thanks John-For lending an ear and letting me vent.
Thanks CHS Staff-You guys are awesome!!! It is so humbling to watch you teach these kids and care for them as much as you do.
Most importantly, thanks Amanda-At the end of every day you are my number one fan. I am truly the luckiest person in the world. You caught it somedays and I apologize for that. Thank-you for saying yes and having faith in me.
Hope everyone has a great summer!

Happy Mother's Day

This weekend we celebrate Mom's day. I wish I could put into words how proud I am of my mom. I can't. There are no words to describe what she has done for me. I like telling people our story because it is just so cool.
My mom had me when she was 18 years old. Not an easy task in 1974. Back then, having a baby in high school was frowned on more so than it is today. You could say she had the deck stacked against her right from the start. But, she kept on going. I am passionate against certain options some young girls take to get out of "situations". I am not judging, I just know that Life is THE most precious gift. I am sure that option could have been suggested to Mom back then. Along with her loving family and support system it was just not an option she would take. I am so thankful...if not for my sake but, if no me..no Kristen, Katy, or David.
Back to my mom.
Mom worked hard to provide for Tonya and me. She worked long hard hours and made sure that our well-being was before hers. We moved around a lot in our hometown, moving from one rent house to another. Mom always made the houses our home. We never went hungry. We always had clothes to wear. She provided the things we needed.
I know that that life was hard. It couldn't have been easy. Raising two children on your own is no easy task. But, she did it gladly. There was never, ever any conversation of not doing it. It was what she was here to do. And she did an unbelievable job. She told Tonya and me, we could do anything we wanted to do. All we had to do was try.
She made us learn from our mistakes and disappointments. I learned a lot about life through watching her raise us. I found out life is not fair. And if you want something, you had better go work for it. I know there were times during my raising that she wondered if I would make it. Looking back on certain screw ups, I myself am amazed!!
Looks like we made it. She did an awesome job. She has produced two kids that turned out alright. None of it would have been possible though, if not for her. There is no possible way she could have done a better job. Because she did it perfectly... Dr. Tonya Pickett will graduate in two weeks from Dental school and will have her own practice in Wichita Falls. All that we have accomplished is all because of one woman's love, nurturing, caring, discipline, courage, grace, patience, understanding, and undying selflessness.
I love you, Mom!!!
Happy Mother's Day.

It's your turn....Mrs.

I have had a lot of feedback on my most recent post. I even had some secret wtgs! I really enjoyed them. Honestly, I was a bit surprised. But, then again....I am a brilliant writer. HA!
So to continue with this marriage advice kick that I am on, I am needing some help...
Wives, please post your advice for...well,...wives. I gave my two cents worth for the man, now let me know your suggestions to help a marriage.
I guess the comment area down there at the bottom of this post is what you need to click. And then of course after that write in the comment box. And then of course you will need to publish it...so...what you waiting for...Oh, you are wanting us guys to read your minds? I see, we are already suppose to know...what?...You don't want us to know?...Oh I see...
JUST TELL US WHAT YOU WANT US TO DO!!!!!!!
Lol...I am so funny...
Seriously. Just leave some suggestions...please.

Hello there, blog.....

Marriage.
Seems like there has been a lot of conversation about marriage lately. Most of it has not been good. I am saddened like all of us to know that some of our good good friends are hurting. It also makes us all turn and look at our own marriages. All makes us wonder. It makes us all realize we are not immune. We can't judge the folks that are going through this either. It is their private struggle, all we can do is pray that it all will work out for them.
Which brings me to my reason for this post.
What a guy should do in his marriage:
1. Put your wife's needs in front of your own.
This is hard to do. But, the attempt to try everyday is key in this working.
2. Listen to your wife talk even though what she has to say bores you.
This is hard to do. But, listen don't just hear her...pay attention to what she is saying. Chances are you are not really that interested. But you owe it to her to listen and be a part of the conversation. I realize it isn't very important to you what it is she is saying, but this falls into the category of "putting her needs in front of yours"
3. Run your household...you are the man...Be the man. Pay bills, make decisions, make her proud.
4. Do the dishes after she cooks.
5. Make her home something she is proud to show off to her friends.
6. Let her know your fears.
7. Let her know what you want her to do.
8. Love her family.
9. Tell her how beautiful she is.
10. Hold her at night and not expect sex.
11. Rub her back and not expect sex.
12. Hold her hand in public.
13. Brag about her to your guy friends in front of her.
14. Discipline your children appropriately.
15. Take her on a date. (With no kids)
16. Fold laundry and not expect a reward for doing it.
17. Don't take her for granted.
18. Remember, there was a time that you thought you couldn't live without her. Try feeling that way again more often.
19. Kiss her on the lips at least once a day.
20. Let her hear you say you love her once a day.
21. Make her proud to be your wife and mother of your children.
22. Understand that most times when she is talking to you about a problem she doesn't want a fix, she wants an ear to hear her. If she wants you to fix it, she will tell you.
23. Write her a love note for no reason.
24. If she has got something big at work going on, write her a love note.
25. Smell good before you go to bed. (body and breathe)
26. Try and stay in shape for her.
27. Plan vacations together.
28. Calm her during storms.
29. Turn the t.v. off.
30. Lastly, love her like she deserves to be loved.
There are more bits of advice out there I am sure. Some of the points I mentioned are probably pretty crude. But, I feel they are important.
I love my wife. I love the fact that our marriage is a work in progress. We struggle just like all marriages. I know that at the end of a hard day or a great day, my bride is always there. I am so thankful God gave me her. There are times I know that I don't deserve her. "She is every woman."

A first

For the last three days I got to be with my son and his uncle on a fishing trip. We took a boat and our camper and went to Lake Arrowhead to do some jug fishing. It was a first in that it was the first time David and I went for that long without his Momma. He did great! Not to hurt his Momma's feelings or anything, but that boy was beside himself most of the time. He was such a joy to be around. It humbled me during and looking back on how much fun we both had. He didn't whine, cry, or get scared a single time. I hope that it is the first of many trips like that. Unless you have done something like that with your son you really have know idea how special it is. The few special memories I have of my Dad all revolve around things like that. I know that David will remember.
You know, we didn't catch any fish...We caught a couple of little ones and threw them back. But, it didn't matter one bit. What mattered was that I got to spend some time with just my boy. There is nothing more important than that. John said it best when we were sitting around the campfire when he said that this is what is important...he mentioned that this is what life is all about. He was right. The joy of raising my son and experiencing things like that to ensure that he in turn will do the same is so natural and fantastic.
Didn't mean to bore you with that. Just wanted to share.
So, in my lesson to you...Take your son out. Let him get fish guts on his hands. Let him ride in a boat and drive it. Let him sleep in his own bunk away from you like a big boy. Let him get disappointed when it is time to go home. Let him see his Dad and his uncle get in an argument about a broken boat engine...(another post) Let him get dirty, dig in the yard, bruise his knee, and just let him be a boy.
More importantly....
Let him be around you as much as he wants...

25 random things about me..

Laughed out loud when I read Trey's....Hope mine makes you smile too.

1. When I talk to people I count their eyes, nose holes, ears and mouth...over and over...Mostly everyone has 7 things to count...In a crowded room, I am constantly counting by sevens..

2. When I drive alone in the car I am usually singing at the top of my lungs..

3. When I drive with my family I am usually singing at the top of my lungs..

4. I Never thought I would like Nascar.

5. I am constantly counting things during conversation. Pictures, windows, anything that can be counted.

6. When I watch tv my wife gets on to me for chewing my tongue.

7. I dipped smokeless tobacco for 15 years...quit 4 years ago. The smell makes me sick, but I still crave it.

8. I sound just like Garth Brooks when I sing.

9. I have downloaded karoake songs on my ipod.

10. I long to brush my hair again someday.

11. I honestly and truly believe that Oswald acted alone!

12. Growing up, I watched tv regularly...now, I can't even tell you what is on when and who is on it.

13. When I played football in college, I played dirty in the pile-ups and talked a lot of noise.

14. I can eat a lot of steak.

15. I have never liked baseball players.

16. I like Coach Botos and Ryan Mills.

17. When I was little I thought black and white television was how the world really looked in the old days.

18. In my dreams I can't run, but I can fly.

19. I can sing any song on the radio, but struggle in church to find the right tune.

20. I am a loyalist.

21. I love history.

22. I am a big fan of some broadway musicals...I can sing every song word for word of "Jesus Christ Superstar"

23. I have bench pressed 405 lbs before, squatted 695.

24. I stole a car and took it on a joy ride in high school.

25. I totaled a car that I had stolen for a joy ride in high school.

26. My first car in high school was a totaled 1973 volkswagon super beetle that someone had taken on a joy ride.

27. I don't like to limit myself to 25.

How I got here.

In my busy life, I seldom think back on the road I've taken to get here. But, when I do take the time to look back on that road, I am always amazed. Truth is, when we look back on the events, people, and situations that got us to where we are, I am sure that we are humbled by the fact that God has allowed us to benefit from His decision to put us here. You ever think what would have happened if you would have done this or that? I do. There are many times in my past that I stood at a crossroad choosing which way to go. The direction I chose obviously led me to where I am. But, what if I would have gone the other way? Is that possible? Did God know which way I would go? Or did He just simply provide me the chance to stare at the crossroad and CHOOSE the right path, or the path He wanted me to take? It is all very deep. However, I know I chose the right road. I know that my life is the absolute best life I could have ever picked for myself all those years ago. I can vividly remember about how I would dream of this life. I wished for a beautiful wife, I dreamed for unbelievable kids, a great job, own a house, car, travel trailer,.....(really I dreamed of that!) Out of all of these things I have..the awesome thing about them is that the road I took to get here is filled with crossroads all along the way. With God's help, I have chosen the roads to get me to this place. I honestly cannot imagine a better life. I am so blessed.

The Trip to the PALO DURO

Since Amanda blasted me (sort of) about how I was the only baby on the trip, I thought I would try to explain myself. It is COLD in a camper in the Palo Duro in January. So, naturally I was awake most of the time making sure everything was ok in the trailer...But, I will agree with my bride, everything else went awesome! We had a great time. If you want to see some cool pics, check out her blog today. My justification for getting this trailer was for the time we can spend together as a family. I only have a window of time with my kids to enjoy the trailer like this. So, it is worth every penny. I am doing all of this now before I hear, "Dad, I don't want to go."
BTW...I got a facebook page, trying to figure out to navigate through it. Any helpful suggestions are appreciated.