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.