I've been thinking...

Some of my favorite moments

2011-10-18T11:27:00.000-07:00

On the way back from a volleyball game last night I was listening to the radio. The d.j. was asking for callers to call in with some of their most favorite moments in life...Got me to thinking about some of mine...

Here are just a few:
1. June 18th, 1999-Kristen Jill/June 25th, 2000-Katy Janae/July 19th, 2002-David Weldon
2. June 6th, 1998-DDAY anniversary...AND when she said yes.
3. The last time I hugged Teri Jane's neck.
4. The last image of my Mimi on the her front porch waving bye to me after a visit.
5. When we won the Wagon Wheel from ENMU in the annual game back in 1993.
6. When we beat Brownwood in a high school football game in 1990.
7. When I got my first paycheck as a teacher/coach in Hart, America
8. November 8, 1982-Tonya Lynn...best sis a brother could ask for
9. When I found out ITP case was acute.
10. When I got to be in the coaching staff picture with Charlie Johnston.
11. Anytime I hear my babies tell me they love me right before they go to bed.
12. Feb. 2002-when Dr. Mike baptized me
13. Anytime my Gan-Gan would come in our locker room after a win or loss in high school and college to tell us all good job.

I'll stop at 13. Just because. If you want; you can add.
Have great "favorite moment" kinda day.

Did you know:

2011-10-12T19:12:00.000-07:00

1. Every now and then I feel like blogging?
2. My favorite running shoes are called "The BEAST"?
3. I am not a fan of pro baseball?
4. My favorite color is blue?
5. I got the coolest compliment in church tonight?
6. That I just made you think...."wonder what the compliment was?"
7. I probably won't tell you what it was?
8. I very seldom smile?
9. I think there should be a game clock on baseball games?
10. That I wanted to be a firetruck when I was 3?
11. One of my cousins is a fireman for WFFD-Wichita Falls, another one is a fireman for RFD-Randlett, my uncle is President of Texas Firefighters Association, and my dad is the Fire Chief in Port Aransas?
12. I think instant replay in football is a detriment to the natural flow of the game?
13. One of my favorite quotes is, "Never take yourself too seriously"-seriously?
14. That I believe in happy endings?
15. That I am so blessed?
16. I probably need to go to bed?
17. That I miss my friends from college and high school greatly?
18. I saw my first college football game from inside my football helmet?
19. That if you are still reading I can make you think of the color red?-told ya
20. That turkey-eatn' season is so close, that I can smell the grub already.

A very cool day.

2011-09-20T18:56:00.000-07:00

John and I went to the Texas Tech home opener the other day. It was a very cool day.

The day started with us getting there way too early. Anytime John and I travel together, we make it a point to get there ridiculously early. Like two old men.

Anyways....We get there and we are hanging out at this part of the campus were a lot of activities regarding Tech football is around us. We take cover under a tree to get out of the way and because, well...it was hot.

Low and behold we are standing right where the football players start their "Raider Walk" to the stadium. Very neat.

But here is where it gets very cool...

STOP-REWIND

When I started coaching in Childress, I had the opportunity to coach a 7th grade football team to an undefeated season. Then basketball went undefeated, then track...awesome group of boys. Among that team was an athlete named Sawyer Vest. I knew he was special the moment I assigned him that 7th grade locker for Athletics...

Along with all the other coaches at Childress I got to watch this kid succeed in every sporting venture he tried. He was a special athlete.

I got to be there for every single one of Sawyer's successes in the athletic arena. We had been through a lot since his 7th grade year to his 12th grade year.

BACK TO STORY

As John and I are standing there, off the bus comes Tommy Tuberville! I got to give him a high five. And then...right behind him, was my man, Sawyer Vest. I reached out, grabbed him and gave him a "KP" hug like he just threw the winning touchdown vs. Crane back in 05!

I know he went through a spell to get there. I know that he worked his butt off to get there. I know that he loves the fact that he proved some people wrong. I know he has an amazing support system in place like his family there that he was far more happy to see than me.

But, at that moment, it was me and my 7th grade quarterback, who was fixing to play at the highest level of college athletics "huggin it out"!

It was a very cool day.

FALL

2011-09-11T06:48:00.000-07:00

I am having my absolutely best start at work this Fall. This is year 4 for us at CHS. I am very proud of our students and staff. They really are the best. Will there be issues and/or drama?....yes. Will we work through them and always do what's best for kids?....yes. Just know that I am really enjoying this years' start.

We are wrapping up the hottest summer we have ever had. Crazy hot. So glad it's ending. Summer is still my favorite time of year, but man, I'm glad we are to the Fall.

Kristen Jill is doing volleyball and cross-country this year as a 7th grader! She is doing great. Where did my lil' girl go?

Katy is in her first year of Jr. High. She is loving it. She brought home a musical instrument. I need to visit the school about that. Don't think they should be able to bring those things home.....hahaha.

David is in 3rd grade. Played his first flag-football game of the season yesterday. He did well. I like the way he has improved in this league. Makes me very proud.

Amanda is absolutely the hardest working person I know. I do not know how she is doing it. If you remember about a year and half ago she opened a screen printing business called the Locker Room. She is so busy, so stressed, so amazing. I wish I could express my admiration better on here for her, but can't find the words that would do it justice. I don't know how she does. I never knew how creative that woman was. Amazing. Is it a constant struggle?-yes. Is it a work in progress?-yes. Is she doing and making amazing designs and blowing it out of the water?-YES. Is small business an adventure?-YES. Needless to say, I love her and I am so proud of her.

My mom is doing great. She had some health issues earlier this year and did great in her recovery. She has lost more than a 100 lbs and looks better than I can remember. Amazing.

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by.

Favorite Movie Quotes

2011-06-29T06:20:00.000-07:00

In case you don't know...I am a huge movie buff. I am full of useless knowledge in the subjects of History, music, and movie trivia. I was watching one of my favorite movies the other day and when it got to one of my favorite quotes, I stumbled a bit in the reciting of it....frustrated me. So, I immediately went to surfing the web and stumbled across some cool movie quotes..some of my favorite. Here they are in no particular order. Please feel free to add any. Have a "Movie-quotable, day"

P.S. and for fun, see if you can name the movie...answers to follow.

1. "Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies"

2. "So shines a good deed, in a weary world"

3. "Here's to the sunny slopes of long ago"

4. "What in the wide-world of sports is going on here?"

5. "I wonder if these guys know the Commodores?"

6. "Call it, friendo..."

7. "Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer"

and lastly one of my all-time favorites....

8. "There's no reason to become alarmed, and we hope you'll enjoy the rest of your flight. By the way, is there anyone on board who knows how to fly a plane?"

MY CHILDHOOD compared to my KIDS CHILDHOOD

2011-06-26T09:06:00.000-07:00

This morning I had to get up and change the channel on the t.v. this morning. That act alone almost put me into a temper tantrum that would have consisted of a foot-stomping, arm folding, pout-fest. BUT, right before I acted like a two year old, some memories came back about way-back-when. Then that made me think of what my kids will never experience first hand. You know, things my generation had back then or what they didn't have back then, compared to what my kids have or don't have. Here is just a few. Please feel free to add any to this post.

1. Television: We had one t.v. on the floor with no remote.

2. Telephone: We had one phone, usually in the kitchen, that had a long cord and a rotary dial. In high school we evolved to two phones with a awesome little feature known as touch dial.

3. Video Games: We had ATARI then later, NINTENDO. We had a joystick and a paddle. Breakout was my fav.

4. Clothes: Levi's and Bugle Boys could only be found at certain stores....yeah, I said Bugle Boys.-POINT: specialty clothes are everywhere and accessible everywhere, seems like back in the day, only certain places had them.

5. Vehicles: Is it just me, or do kids these days have better cars than their parents? How is that happening? I had a 1973 super beetle when I was 16...that'll build you up some character.

6. OUTSIDE: We also used to do this crazy little deal when I was younger called playing OUTSIDE -just being OUTSIDE of the house. I don't see that as much anymore. GO PLAY OUTSIDE...WALK TO SCHOOL....SMELL LIKE THE OUTDOORS....if it is hot, get under or in a tree. One of my best memories was playing OUTSIDE and as it was getting dark hearing a very loud whistle, followed by a louder, "ERIK!!!!!!"-that meant get home as quick as possible..If I heard that sound today, regardless what I was doing, I would probably stop what I was doing and run towards the sound. Just like Pavlov's Dog.

7. We had to learn how to use a typewriter in Jr. High.

8. Computers were used for "smart-people" in big cities.

9. Friday Night Videos was awesome.

10. MTV played music videos

11. Reality t.v. was the "Price is Right"

12. All three networks had Saturday Morning cartoons and some played them after school.

13. We had no idea what "texting" was, we called them notes. Written by someone's own hand.

14. Walk-mans and Disc-mans (if you were rich)

15. When we rode in a car...we just had to deal with what mom was listening to on radio.

I know there are a lot more out there so please share.

Chillin

2011-06-24T11:09:00.000-07:00

This is my niece. Her name is Kinley Mae. She came to visit me today at work. I think she is very special. Isn't she just awesome? She is one of the most laid back babies I have ever been around.

I can't believe how fast our extended family is growing...Seemed like for a while our three were the only ones around, now there are 7 cousins and another one to be here soon. Yeah, you heard me. Kinley Mae is about to have another sibling. WTG, John.

Anyways...I love holding this little baby. However, the best thing about her is when she starts to cry or get fussy....I just pass her on to someone else!

Being an uncle is the bomb-diggety!

Summer

2011-06-22T09:06:00.000-07:00

I love summer. However, we have been so hot lately in Childress. We need rain. and we need it now.

I have been running. I ran in a half-marathon in OKC on May 1st. It was tough. Thanks to some good friends in an accountability system, I was able to accomplish that goal. I took a month off and that was a huge mistake. I am back on it again and I am hurting again. But, same friends are holding me accountable and it helps me along.

I have been golfing too. I love to walk the course. I am not very good. Seriously, I am not. I am not like these golphers who say they aren't any good only to find out that they are really pretty good. Just say that you are good. And I can deal with that. Also, don't ask me to play with you if you are good. I only play with people I can beat. And beat bad.

WOW

2011-06-21T11:44:00.000-07:00

For whatever reason I haven't blogged in a while....a great while. Wonder if I can keep it up again? Wonder If I will have time? Wonder where in the world the time went????? Here is a quick look at our past year:

Did you read that? It went by real fast....as illustrated above. FAST. So fast I couldn't type it fast enough and you couldn't read it fast enough....I know, right?

Seriously where does time go? I have a 7th grader now. WHAT IN THE WORLD is up with that? She got her first cell phone for her birthday. She thinks she is really cool. I do too. The wifey and I debated long and hard on the whole cell phone issue and both agreed that the summer before her 7th grade year she could get one. Of course, that was when she was a 3rd grader! Now that she is to this point, we had to go through with it...

My middle child is going to MIDDLE SCHOOL...what? Her and Kris both are almost as tall as their Mom. Crazy.

David, is still a little boy. Thank you, Lord. Of course, he doesn't think so.

Amanda's shop is awesome. She is doing so good. I am so proud of her and THE LOCKERROOM.

I will be starting my 4th year as Principal of CHS. WOW.

I like blogging. I like reading over past blogs that I have written and I really enjoy reading my friend's blogs. I hope to continue to write this year. I did a poor job this past year...but, like I said, It went by so fast that I couldn't type that fast to keep up. Have a great day.

Summer is here

2010-06-01T21:10:00.000-07:00

Finally, Summer....I love this time of year. I love the heat, and I love the smell of summer nights. I love the crickets. I love cooing doves. I love the smell of my yard after I have mowed it. I love the fact that at 8:30, it is still light out. I love the smell of a camp fire around a tent. I really do like the smell of OFF bug spray. I love the sound of a summer storm raining on my metal roof. I love summer mornings. I love waking up early when I don't have to. I love staying up late when I don't have to. I love the fact that summer vacation puts my kids in really good moods. I love the idea that my kids are one year closer to graduation and getting out of my house....well, maybe not that..well, sometimes..but, not most of the time..
I LOVE SUMMER

I have been away from the blogging world for awhile. To be honest, I forgot my password and had a hard time getting logged on...For whatever reason tonight, I found it in my summer time-relaxed brain.
We had another great year at CHS. Our TAKS scores came in and our kids and teachers did simply amazing. I am not a fan of standardized testing. I know we all need to be accountable as educators and this system is in place to assure that. It suffices in that area I reckon. Having said that, I am so pumped at our scores. Every area improved. Some dramatically. I would love nothing more than to get some much needed recognition to these kids and teachers through the state with an awesome accountability rating.

I am wrapping up my second year of my principalship. I work with some great folks. I sometimes find it hard to believe that I do what I do, principaln' and all.

I am looking forward to this summer. I am looking forward to relaxn' with my bride and kids. We got some trips planned over the break. Amanda has a big one coming up with her mission trip. I am excited to say that we raised the money and she is going to get to go. I am proud for her. The fam will be going to Florida this August for the Pickett-Egloff wedding. I think we will be driving it. INSERT: reference to Clark Griswald here.

Amanda's business is growing order by order. She appears to love what she is doing. She stepped down as teacher/coach. This is scary. We are nervous. We are scared. We are pumped. We are nervous. We are scared. We are excited. We are nervous that this is what we needed to do. But, in true Kirkpatrick formed we jumped in with both feet. Time will tell. and Business orders, and budgets, and....a lot of other stuff we are learning...

Now that I don't have so much on my mind, I will hopefully update this blog a little more than when the hectic days of school were going on. But, who knows.

Thanks for reading.

Funny....or at least I thought it was.

2010-02-24T16:57:00.000-08:00

There was this one time that I talked my brother-in-law in helping me to try and push start my old riding lawn mower....I told him he just wasn't pushing fast enough.

Have you ever talked into the speaker at McDonald's the same time as the worker was talking...so funny.

Have you ever drove off from the window at McDonald's and said, "I love you"....very funny.

One time when Amanda and I were shopping for cars in Amarillo on car lots...she jumped in this Yukon in the driver seat and scared the heck out of this old lady who was sitting in the passenger seat. She thought it was one of the cars for sale. She jumped in and said, "look Erik, the keys are still in it...and someone's purse...what the..., Oh I am sorry, Is this your car?" Classic.

I liked running outside...but, people were always stopping me to ask if I was alright.

Believe it or not, I used to sing at folk's weddings...At one particular wedding, the sound guy played the wrong side of the tape and instead of stopping the wedding and having him fix it, I just lip-synched the whole song. And then at this other wedding, this old 150 year old organ player just stopped right in mid-stream. Everyone just stared at me and I had to put the mic down and just calmly walk off stage...terrible.

I was a pretty freakish first time parent. I still laugh in my head about this one. One time, (I can't believe I am writing this) I took one of Kristen Jill's dirty diapers to church to show Dr. Mike to see if what was in it was normal. Sorry, Dr. Mike. (Amanda was so mad!)

In an attempt to teach my kids chores, I was having them clean their rooms. Katy hates to clean. When she told me she didn't want to clean her room, I told her she had two choices, a spanking or clean her room. She asked me, "If I take the spanking do I have to still clean my room?" I said no..She took the spanking...cried for about 5 minutes, then went and played in her room as the other two kids cleaned theirs...lesson learned.

I hope you enjoyed these little FUNNY stories and such. Please feel free to leave a funny comment or two to this blog. Have a great day!

My favorites...

2010-01-27T20:18:00.000-08:00

My favorite.....

Ice Cream flavor: Vanilla
Nascar driver: Karl Edwards
Wife: Amanda
Dog: Lab
Season: Summer
Time of day: Quittin' time
Music: The kind that makes me feel good
Shoes: Tennis shoes (but, I don't play tennis)
Meal: Steak
College: WTAMU
Cologne: Brut
Movie: Too many to list
Dancer: Me, when no one is watchin'
Computer: Apple
Smell: My kids
Sound: My kids laughter
Sight: My kids running to me laughing
Feel: My bride
Emotion: Completeness
Verse: John 8:32
Soap: Irish Spring
Hobby: Hunting
Hunting Shows: FATBOY Outdoors....baby!
Blog: I've been thinking...

Did you know?

2010-01-20T16:34:00.000-08:00

Did you know.....
I sleep on the right side of the bed?
when Katy Baby was born she looked just like my d-line coach in college, Ray "Deacon" Dowdy?
my Granddad flew and taught other young pilots how to fly b-25 bombers in the second World War?
I have a fear of flying?
I remodeled my own kitchen 4 years ago?
that my kitchen is not completely done?
that I consider my bride to be one of the smartest people I know, but yet she found out only recently that you can't drink sea water?
that my kids are growing up too fast?
I have preacher that I truly, really, enjoy listening to?
that I think my wife is hotter now than when we got married?
that my wife was smoking hot when we got married?
that I used to love to watch movies, but now get real impatient watching them?
I have been to Australia?
that I have friends scattered all over whom I miss greatly?
I got in a fist fight at the sonic in Burkburnett when I was a Sophmore in high school with a guy that was 21?
that my cousin Rowdy made me fight a guy at the Sonic in Burkburnett when I was a Sophmore?
that my cousin Rowdy almost beat me up at the Sonic in Burkburnett cause I didn't want to fight this 21 year old?
I was and am afraid of my cousin Rowdy?
that I took shelter under a underpass on hwy 287 with other travelers while a tornardo went over us?
I feel out of a raft in a class 4 rapid?
I swam a class 4 rapid?
once I survived a class 4 rapid, the raft ran me over and the guide and 3 other guys couldn't get me out from under it and after surviving the swim of a big class 4 rapid, I almost drown in 4 inches of water on the edge of a river?
that I appreciate you reading my blog?

169

2010-01-09T08:03:00.000-08:00

Went to the ole' Dr. the other day and my platelet count was 169,000...very normal..
No more meds, no more infusions! YES!
I will go back on January 27th. for him to tell me I am ACUTE and not chronic...Fingers crossed.
In a couple of blogs ago, I mentioned that I was in need of working out to help curb the side effects of the dreaded Predisons. Those stupid drugs have transformed my face and other parts of my body in a very unappealing way. I am on day 4 of no meds, and I am a little frustrated cause I can't see any change...Patience, I guess.
Cody has been meeting me up at the gym in a.m. and I am up to 1 1/2 miles every MWF..Resistance training to start this week.-I guess Rome wasn't built in a day...

In other news, my good dog Midnite was killed the other night. Very sad. I have had a heck of a time with dogs. I think I will take it easy for a while in the dog business.
I wasn't emotional at all with the loss of the family dog. What made me sad was telling the kids. It breaks my heart to see their hearts break. Kristen Jill was the most visibly upset. I sure hope she doesn't ask me for another one.-Cause, knowing myself like I do...I'll cave, and we will have another dog. Maybe I can talk her into a gold fish.
School is going good. Hard to believe we are moving along this fast. Basketball is in district play and both teams look to have a good year.
Amanda and I are looking into a little business venture. We are just scratching the surface in "looking". We want to really research all aspects of it first. Wish us luck. More news to follow on this deal.

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T12:40:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-12-30T15:02:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-28T07:39:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-24T12:21:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-22T19:13:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-05T08:01:00.000-08:00

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?

2009-11-26T15:07:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-22T16:51:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-16T16:44:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-10-23T12:00:00.000-07:00

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.....

2009-10-21T16:52:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-12T21:57:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-19T18:10:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-02T20:09:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-07-19T07:18:00.000-07:00

...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

2009-05-28T19:29:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-08T15:59:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-05-05T19:27:00.000-07:00

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.....

2009-05-02T15:57:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-18T15:57:00.000-07:00

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..

2009-02-17T19:29:00.000-08:00

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.

2009-01-21T18:28:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-05T20:14:00.000-08:00

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.

I am loving life!

2008-12-30T19:53:00.000-08:00

I did it, well...Santa did it. I came home from Amarillo the other day with a travel trailer behind my truck. It is now beside my house. And, in Clark Griswald fashion, I am soon to take the family to The Palo Duro Canyon!
I am sure to blog about our experience with the new trailer and the Canyon in December.
Man, what a great Christmas! Kris got a dog, Katy Baby got about 1,000 new dolls, and David got a science lab. Of course they got too much. And I am sure a lot of those toys will end up at the bottom of the closets. But, it sure was a fun Christmas morning.
If you know me at all, you know that once I get my mind on something I can not get it out of my head. I started thinking about this trailer about 6 months ago. I fought it and I fought it, until I made the mistake and went by to visit with ole' Jack at Sisemore Traveland. Oops! Once I was there and saw what I just had to have, it was all over except the cryin!
Of course I paid too much for it, of course I am in over my head, and of course I should have passed. But...Man, it is so AWESOME!
Just look at the pictures...
Just look at the room...
I cannot believe I own a travel trailer.
I AM LOVING LIFE!
Poor Amanda and the kids. I am really just like Clark Griswald.
I will blog about our trip soon.
Wish us luck.

Change

2008-12-18T09:47:00.000-08:00

Christmas brings about great feelings and joy. It also brings about thoughts of change when reflecting on or looking back on past Christmas holidays. I read Sharon Blackburn's blog and she really got me to thinking. (Great post, Sharon!)
Last Christmas was a tough one for my family. My mom got sick and had to stay in the hospital over the Christmas break. She spent Christmas morning in a hospital bed. It was awful. I felt so sorry for her. (and being selfish, sorry for myself, cause I didn't have my mom with us at Christmas!)
My cousin was dying of pancreatic cancer, and we all knew she wouldn't be with us much longer. That was tough.
A family tradition on my mom's side is we (35+ people) all sing Christmas songs and always end with "silent night" before we open gifts.
Last year no one but the kids made it through "silent night" cause Teri Jane, (my cousin) and my mom. As I look back on that night I think how bad that feeling was. But in the same thought, I am reminded of how thankful I am that God provided me that memory of Teri in her rocking chair singing, laughing, and spending Christmas with us one last time...As long as I live I will never forget that and other images of that night. That in a sense I guess is what it is really all about...
Merry Christmas everybody! I hope this year's Christmas fills you with joy, peace, love, and happiness!

OUCH!!!!!

2008-12-06T21:23:00.000-08:00

So I am at work Friday and start to get a little uncomfortable in my lower back. No big deal, I have occasional back pain and thought it would pass... But boy howdy was I wrong!
It is all pretty comical now...but at the time I thought I had a alien in my kidney trying to cut himself out of my back.
I am not joking, worst pain I have ever had. I couldn't get comfortable and honestly thought I was in trouble. So much trouble in fact, that I limped to the gym to get my B.I.L. to take me to the E.R...but, the pain let up and I only went to see my friend Peter Jones at the Family Clinic. Pete took care of me. Gave me a C.T. scan and discovered that my alien was only a 3 mil. sized stone. Big enough for me to pass on my own. I hope I passed it. I don't know if I did, but I feel fine. I really don't want that pain again. If I do, I will know what it is and will instantly get in the fetal position and weep like a baby.
I am really embarrassed by the whole deal. I do appreciate everyones calls and concerns. I just wish no one knew about it. Of course when I am lying in the Assistant's Principal office floor rolling in pain in front of God and everybody it is hard to keep it hush-hush.

Random thoughts

2008-12-02T20:25:00.000-08:00

As always, I am sitting here at my desk at home instead of getting ready for bed. And as always, I am reading blogs and past posts that I have written. So, I decided to add another post. Only thing is, I have nothing to post about...
Random Thoughts:

-As I was watching the basketball games tonight, I could actually feel myself getting sick. Scratchy throat, upset stomach, the works. Now I have a fever. Awesome...

-Ran a mile today...trying to work up to 3 in 3 weeks. But of course, I am getting poorly feelin'. Figures...

-Trying to lose weight and be healthier...goal is to be 225 by 35...I hope I can do it, gotta stop overeating though...I love to eat.

-My son wants Rosetta Stone for Christmas. Wants to learn Japanese so he can understand the Godzilla movies he watches. Smart kid. I tried to explain to him what it was...still wants it...Crazy.

-What is invisalign? Will it work?

-Camper or not?

-Why does fever make you ramble?

-House is decorated for Christmas. Looks awesome. I love it. Not looking forward to taking it down. Gonna try talking Amanda into keeping it up all year.

-Katy is better from her illness...I am so glad. Every time one of my kids get sick, I always think the worst. Thank God for my children's health.

-Why are Pirates so cool?....Cause, they just AARRRRRRRRR!

Thanksgiving!!

2008-11-26T06:56:00.000-08:00

It is funny how smells and sounds of Thanksgiving can take you back. I love those moments. When your brain takes you to a place and time in your past as vividly as if you were really there. I loved Thanksgiving as a kid. I am like my good friend Trey in that Thanksgiving marks the time for Christmas Prep. We have a tradition here at my house that on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, we start decorating the house for Christmas. My kids love it. Here are some of the things that I am thankful for this Thanksgiving: (in no particular order)

1. My mom has moved to Childress
2. My healthy kids
3. Tonya graduates from dental school
4. My Bride
5. This life that God has granted me
6. Great friends
7. My new nephew
8. Darlene's cooking
9. Time with family
10. Sleeping in
11. Watching a movie with my family
12. Shooting quail
13. Filming fatboy outdoors
14. Visiting with family I haven't seen in a while
15. This great country
16. Our soldiers
17. Our President
I am thankful for so much. We absolutely live in an awesome country. I have an awesome family. I have an awesome life. I realize being thankful is a state of mind. But, it helps when I have all these great things to go with me along the way.
I hope everyone has a great Big Bird Turkey Day!!!

Eight Things

2008-11-18T17:20:00.000-08:00

I was humbled to see that I was tagged by Stephanie Tucker on this deal. So, here it goes.

8 FAVORITE T.V. SHOWS
1. Dirty Jobs
2. Entourage
3. Wheel of Fortune
4. SpongeBob Squarepants
5. Sportscenter
6. The (early) Cosby Show
7. Murder She Wrote
8. Fat Boy Outdoors

8 FAVORITE EATS
1. Abuelos
2. On the Border
3. Buffalo Wild Wings
4. Sullivans
5. Taco Bell
6. Whataburger
7. Steak World
8. Steak House

8 THINGS I DID TODAY
1. Woke my kids up and fed them breakfast
2. Went to work
3. Stopped global warming
4. Administered a peace treaty between two warring nations
5. Repeatedly watched the Fat Boys blog to see how many people were watching
6. Actually danced in front of Shelia just to make her laugh
7. Try to convince myself that this was not a dream and that I was really awake
8. Came home to my amazing wife and kids!

8 THINGS LOOKING FORWARD TO
1. Raising my babies the way God wants me to
2. Being the husband Amanda needs
3. Getting my Sup cert.
4. My mom moving here
5. Becoming wildly entertaining with Fat Boys or anything else.
6. To learn to not bring work home
7. Running a 4.5 40 yard dash
8. Learning how to dance with the stars

8 WISHES
1. Have 3 healthy beautiful wonderfully awesome Children
2. Marry a beautiful woman
3. Own a big maroon 4x4 truck
4. Own a big house
5. Have my mom close to me
6. My sister becoming a Dr.
7. Have great friends and family
8. To make more goals that I can reach.

My kids

2008-11-10T20:42:00.000-08:00

Like Amanda I will attempt to list just 10 things that I love about our children. Impossible to list all, but here is just 10. (in no particular order)

1. I love the way they still think I am the strongest man in the world.
2. I love the fact that they think I am the smartest man in the world.
3. I love the way they smell.
4. I love to hear them laugh, sleep, talk, and breathe.
5. I love how I can get them to wrestle with me at a moments notice. All it takes is for me to lay down in the floor and before long all three of us are in a tangled mess, and Amanda is yelling at us to stop.-love that.
6. I love that they are well behaved (most of the time) in public.
7. I love the fact that they love their mother.
8. I love how they love each other.
9. I love it when they pray to God.
10. I love to hear them sing
11. I love to hold them and watch t.v.
12. I love to brag on them
13. I love how when they were younger and got off the bus they ran to me at school. (David still does it) I don't know how long that will last, but I will never forget the image of them running towards me.
14. I love when I come home from work and I am greeted with hugs and kisses.

Sorry ,couldn't stop at 10. Could go on and on but I don't want to bore you.

New Dad

2008-11-06T17:40:00.000-08:00

Guess many of you know now, that my B.I.L. is a new Dad. He is the proud father of a very handsome looking little boy named Koen Reid. I am very proud to be an Uncle for the first time.
John and I have been friends a long time. We first met in 1993. Amanda introduced us at Jarrett Hall. I was playing volleyball in the court yard with a bunch of guys and Amanda showed up with this tall, good-looking guy, and I remember thinking, "what the....." but, thankfully it was her brother.
1993...that's 15 years. Long time. Over the years John has always given me advice. (whether I wanted it or not.) He is quite possibly one of the most intelligent men I know. But, finally the tables are turning. Thanks to Koen Reid and John's inexperience, I get to sit back and let him come to me for some advice for a new Dad....yeah right, he won't ask me. He'll figure something out and get by without asking my opinion or what he needs to do...Dang it!
No, seriously here are some tips my friend:
1. Enjoy the diaper changing now, while the poop is little, just remember it is fixing to get bigger and smell a lot worse.
2. Sleep every chance you get. I told you, from this point on, You will NEVER sleep the same again.
3. Tell your wife how beautiful she is often. Women weird out some for about 2-3 months after they get home from the hospital. Keep encouraging her by telling her mushy stuff. And just listen and try not to fix anything when she freaking out about socks or something stupid like that.
4. I can specifically remember people telling me that I needed to soak it all in because it goes way to fast. Used to frustrate the crap out of me...BUT, soak it all in my friend because it goes way to fast.
5. Lastly, don't worry if you are going to be a good dad or not. I have full confidence that you will. You will bring him up in a house where he is loved, where he knows God, where he knows the difference between good and bad, and where he will be held accountable. And for the rest of his life, he will call you Dad and love you forever.
Good Job John.

whatever....

2008-11-04T18:39:00.000-08:00

Am I being a baby? I don't know... Maybe my posts are not that good. Maybe no one wants to respond. Maybe some folks read them but just don't leave comments. I have a lot of blogs that I read and each of their posts carry numerous responses. Maybe I am being a baby. I just need to suck it up and keep writing. Who cares who reads my stuff or responds...right? Why doesn't anyone respond...For those that have, I appreciate it. I read your responses over and over. Sorry to vent...I am just being a baby. Have a great day!
You realize I am just joking? Please don't respond out of pity...well, .....maybe you should. No, nevermind. I don't want your sympathy. But, if you want to, feel free... Later

been awhile...

2008-10-29T20:36:00.000-07:00

If you know me at all and been around me much you probably know that I have a little sister that I am extremely proud of. She is 8 years younger than I. We are very close. We always have been. My wife says that we are just alike. I have to disagree. I am way cooler and smarter than she is. Speaking of smart, she is fixing to graduate from dental school. If she thinks I am going to call her Dr. she has another thing coming. That is a title for highly educated, noble people with a high intelligence. That can't be my sister. The sister that I know is sitting at the table with her hair in her food, her room is a pig's den, and she is annoying the crap out of me. This is the girl who told her 1st or 2nd grade teacher that I was mean and abusive to her just to get out of a spelling quiz. I could really go on and on about that child...
But honestly, I am so very proud of her. She graduated 2nd in her class from Burk High, she was an all state volleyballer, got a full academic ride to Texas A&M, got accepted to dental school in Houston, and is now graduating this May to practice her craft in Wichita Falls. And did I mention that she is absolutely beautiful. My wife and her are great friends. I love this picture of them. I am so lucky that my wife loves her and truly considers her a sister.
Her birthday is coming up Nov. 8th. I can still vividly remember the night she was born. Exmouth, Australia is where we were. That was the night that I met my baby sister. I was proud then, and I am proud now. I love you, Tonya!

Football

2008-10-14T19:05:00.000-07:00

I loved playing football. I wasn't the best on the field, (in fact on my best day I was barely average) but I loved to play. I was very blessed to play one of the greatest sports in the world. Those of you that have played football probably agree. I learned a lot of life lessons on the ole' grid iron. To be honest with you, I don't remember much of the high school days. I can remember some big plays and big games (partially) but overall, I can't remember a lot of details. I can remember a little more in college. But, not much. I am not sure if it was shots to the head, or just the growing distance from that time. But what I do remember is the thrill, effort, energy, excitement, sadness, passion, pain, joy, or basically any emotion you can think of. I know you may not realize it, but I was not drafted by the Cowboys. After my playing days in college were done, I hung my pads up for the last time. I can remember that day. I had played that sport for 10 years straight. That day in Canyon, Texas I walked away from that locker never to stand in front of that locker again as a football player. You know I still dream of playing. It is a regular dream that I have often. It isn't like other reoccurring dreams I have, you know the ones were you can't fight or run? No, in my football dreams I am playing...running after the ball, really getting after it. It is odd. My 88 year old grandfather told me the other day that he still dreams of playing football too. I wonder if I will when I am 88.

Dallas Cowboys

2008-10-12T17:56:00.000-07:00

I have been watching these guys for a long time. For as long as I can remember I have been an avid fan. The first quarterback I can remember watching play was Danny White. I can remember being really upset when the Boys lost. To this day I still get a little upset when they lose. Like tonight, to the Cardinals. I am better now, but when I was younger I would get so worked up and it seemed like my week didn't go very well if the Cowboys lost on Sunday. I am really ready for another Cowboy Super Bowl. It has been awhile. I am not a fanatic, but I do like it when they win. I like watching Romo and his boys, but, I miss Troy (so does my wife). I loved watching Emmitt, Micheal, Newton, Norton, Harper, Jay, and the Moose. Man, those were the days. My favorite Cowboy moment was when they beat the Steelers like a drum in the Super Bowl. The Steelers had a hyped up defense under the play of linebacker Greg Lloyd. I can remember one play in particular when big Nate Newton pulled on a SCAT play and pancaked him...Awesome. What are some of your favorite Dallas Cowboy memories?

Funny People

2008-09-30T21:56:00.000-07:00

Life is full of negative. When I finally get home and let my guard down, nothing lifts my spirits more than laughter. Kids, t.v., movies, or funny thoughts help relax me. In my profession, humor helps me get through tough times. Don't get me wrong, I can be serious when I need to be. But I really would much rather laugh and have a smile on my face. I really like making other people smile too. Speaking of funny and having a good time, I have several stories, no, check that, a ton of stories I can tell about myself or some of my experiences that can make you laugh. The best advice I love to give people is the following: "Never take yourself too seriously." and "Don't sweat the small stuff, and remember it is all small." Sometimes people hear that and get real frustrated with me. They may think in a conversation that I am not taking their point seriously. I am, I just don't feel like getting work up about as much as they are. One person worked up is usually enough, adding more worked up people in the conversation can get ugly.
I could try to type something funny here, but would much rather just let you experience that while we are hanging out. Honestly, I am not much of a writer. If I were to try and write how I am funny or share stories, I think I would bore you.
If you are going along in the day and you haven't laughed or made someone laugh, then you are wasting your day in my opinion. LAUGHING does a body good.
I don't know who the guy is in the picture I selected. I was looking for a funny picture for my post and came across this really handsome man. Couldn't pass it up.

Friends

2008-09-28T09:33:00.000-07:00

I love living in this town. I could go on and on about this place. We have all kinds of great things going on here. For example, the hospital, Dr.'s, schools, church, are all great. But, out of all of these things I think our friends are what makes this place so great. I really have some great friends here. I always have had good friends. I have some scattered all over. Some I really miss. My friends here are very special to me. I could not imagine being in a place where I didn't have this many or this quality of friends. I got some from all walks of life. Old ones, young ones, you name it, I got them. We all have hectic lives. We all do our best in raising our families. It is so refreshing to me to be here surrounded by a bunch of wonderful people that I have the privilege to call "friend"!
Later.

Try again

2008-09-27T18:08:00.000-07:00

I am new to this. I just got finished typing a bunch of cool stuff for you to read. But, when I pushed something to post...I lost it. So, I will use the ole' KISS method. (keep it simple, stupid!)
Here I am, I am blogging. Hope everyone is happy. I will try to make you laugh and make you think. Honestly, don't know if I can make you think, but I know I can make you laugh!
P.S. For those that know me, my choice for Will Ferrell is obvious. For those that don't know me...well, you're missing out.