C

C - My youngest son is having a difficult time with pronouncing this letter. He actually makes it sound like the letter "T". So for instance, instead of saying "car", he says "tar". Instead of saying "camera", he says "tamera". Instead of saying "can", he says "tan". We have been working on his pronunciation of this letter for a couple of weeks now. Occasionally, he will get it right and get so excited. Then, we he goes to say it again, out comes the "T" sound and he gets mad and frustrated. For now, it is one of those cute things that kids do.

Caedmon's Call - One of my favorite Christian bands. I haven't listened to them in a while, but when I do they sure do help me with my walk.

Candles - I know, why would a guy blog about candles? Well, I just like the smell of them!

Caribbean Cruises - What's not to like about this? Hot sun. Cool breeze. Crystal clear-blue water. Reggae music. Endless food.

Christ - But God commends His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) How cool is that?

Christmas - 86 more days! Tyler and Ryan are already composing their Christmas list.

Christmas Vacation - One of those movies I can watch over and over (and over and over) even when it's not Christmas time. In fact, it was just on the other night!

Church - It has been a long journey, but we think we might have found a new church home! Pray for us as we discern God's will for us in this matter! We have been very patient!

Clemson - Here's hoping that Clemson can defeat Wake Forest this Thursday night (for my wife's sake). If they don't win, I fear for Tommy Bowden's job.

Crimson Tide - I wasn't going to blog about this for fear that I might jinx them, but Alabama is ranked #2. This is their highest ranking since 1993. Hopefully, we can keep this up! We have a bye this Saturday then we play Ole Miss. After that, we play @ Tennessee. You hear that PH? Tell KH that the Tide is coming! Roll Tide!

First Day of 1st Grade

Today was Tyler's first day of school! I can't believe how much he has grown over the past year. Not just physically, but maturity as well. Don't get me wrong, he still acts like a 6 year old, but it is amazing the difference between age 5 and age 6.

Last night we went to the open house at his school to meet his new teacher. Tyler was so excited. As soon as we got out of the car he kinda arched his shoulders back and started walking taller and more confident. He wanted to lead us into the school because he said he knew exactly where to go. He looked so big! His teacher is Mr. Galliland. After meeting him I think he will be a great teacher and good for Tyler. I have heard great things about him (even though he is a South Carolina fan). Anyway, we were the first parents to show up in his class last night. As each new student started to show up in the class, Tyler would greet them as they came in and would help each of them find their chairs and stuff. He was the Welcome Wagon!

So, this morning we were on our way to the school and I told Tyler that I would be walking him into the school. He told me that I didn't have to because he was in 1st grade and that he could go in by himself. I told him that I had to go in anyway because I had to go the cafeteria to put money into his lunch account. He then asked if that was something that he could take care of. I got the feeling that he didn't want me going in with him. Despite his wishes, I went in with him anyway. After all, how often is it that he starts first grade? Well, hopefully once!

Ryan has handled all of this very well. He is ready to go to "big" school, but I don't think that he quite understands that it will be another year before he starts. Last night, he walked into the school just as tall as Tyler did. I mean his big brother was starting 1st grade and I think Ryan thought that was a very cool thing. It will be "fun" when Ryan finally does start school. Right? Somebody convince me, please!

So with the first day of 1st grade out of the way, the next big date on my radar is August 30th (11 days). We got news this past Sunday that we finally have confirmation that we have tickets to the Alabama vs. Clemson game in Atlanta! Whoo-hoo! Pray for me! I will be sitting in the Clemson section with my wife and our best friends who are all Clemson fans! Look for me on TV. I'll be the one wearing the lone crimson shirt (and houndstooth hat) in the middle of a sea of orange and white shirts (and overalls). That shouldn't stop me from hootin' and hollerin' though.

ROLL TIDE!

Up on the Knee Board and Finally in the Water

This past weekend we went to Brian and Jessica's lake house and had lots of fun! However, the fun was almost ruined on our way down to the lake. On the way there, we were driving on a long stretch of a 2 lane road (Highway 79 in Lincolnton Georgia about 15 minutes away from the lake house). Megan always gets on to me about driving too fast! Anyways, way ahead in the distance coming from the other direction the sheriff saw me speeding and turned on his lights. Megan said, "Chris, I think you're getting pulled over!" He and I were the only two cars on this road so sure enough he was coming for me. So, I slowed down and started to pull over and as he passed me he turned off his lights and continued to go down the road. My lucky day! Megan said that he probably just wanted to slow me down and that he was probably on his way home for dinner and didn't want to stop. I think he may have been a fellow Alabama fan and when he saw my BAMA tag on the front of my car he decided to cut me some slack! Just kidding! I don't know why he decided to let me go, but I'm glad that he did!

Anyway, Tyler tried to ski several times (which really surprised me) because he's always been so scared to try before. He did okay for his first time trying. Maybe next time he will try again and actually get up! He did, however, get on the knee board and did great! He went around a good ways on the lake and even made it through several big waves without wiping out! We circled around and let him go by the dock where Megan was swimming. I think she was more scared than he was. It was a very proud moment for us! I only wish that we had pictures of it!

Also, Ryan has never shown any interest in getting into the lake, but this time he finally got in! Granted he had the choke hold on whoever was holding him in the water, but he did get in! He constantly asked me if I was going to keep holding him or let him go. He was very loud about it, but he was very cute, too! I'm sure next year we won't be able to keep him out of the lake! That's the way it was with Tyler, too! Now, Tyler is like a fish!

Oh well, 19 days until our vacation at Myrtle Beach! 47 days until BAMA vs. Clemson!

ROLL TIDE!

Blog Remodel

So, I decided to remodel my blog! I think it looks much better if I do say so myself. I may make some minor changes, but change is good, right?

Not much to post right now. Tyler successfully turned 6 on July 4th and we had a pretty good 3 day weekend. I spent most of the 4th putting together Tyler and Ryan's new basketball goal that "Tyler" got for his birthday. Friday night we went down to the neighborhood pool and watched some fireworks. Saturday we had some friends over for a cookout and our kids played while we talked. It was great to get together with them! Sunday we tried a new church. The music and preaching were great, as well as the kids program, but it was just a HUGE church. Sunday afternoon we went and looked at new cars and came home with a brand new '09 Camry XLE. Very sharp car! It has all the bells and whistles! Last night we went to a birthday party at Pump It Up! Tyler and Ryan have a baseball game on Thursday and we are all going to the lake on Friday for the weekend! I won't be able to ski or anything because of my knee, but it will just be nice to be at the lake!

So, now that I've remodeled my blog, I guess it's time to get back to remodeling the house. Yeah, right!

ROLL TIDE!

Cruise Eve!

OK. The boys are with Mom and Dad and everything is packed! Now were off to bed for just a few short hours so we can wake up early and go pick up our very best friends (a.k.a - the other couple) and head to the airport.

Mom, if you read this, please tell Ryan at bedtime every night - "Goodnight, sweet dreams, and that Daddy and Mommy love him!" and tell Tyler at bedtime that - "We love him so much!". These are things that we say to them every night so be sure to tell them! Most importantly, don't forget to pray with them!

Pam H., if you get to read this while I'm gone, be sure to send me an e-mail and tell me about your cruise (and send me pictures !!!!). I'll be sure to let you know how ours goes and I will send pictures when we get back!

Love to all! Take care! Bon Voyage!

So Far So Good

Tonight we had our 5th soccer game and I am proud to say that we are still undefeated (5-0). Technically, we don't keep score, but everyone knows that everyone is keeping score in their heads. We don't make a big deal out of it, but I would say that most of the dads, not only on our team, but on the other teams too, are keeping score. They know whether their team won or lost. I think it's just in our competitive nature. I would say that the kids have no idea whether we win or lose. I really do think that every kid on our team is really just having a lot of fun! I really can't take all the credit either. There is another dad that has been helping a lot, especially while I was out with my knee surgery for a couple of weeks and even since the surgery. He has been a big help!

Anyways, here are some pics of T & R playing soccer. We are, obviously, the team in gold.

This is Tyler last Fall.

This is Tyler this Spring throwing the ball in.

This is Ryan. Doesn't he look cute in his uniform!

Torn Medial Meniscus

So, I have a torn medial meniscus! I actually found out that I had it 2 years ago when I had an MRI. The doc then said we should not do anything to it to see if it might heal on it's own. All seemed to be well, but about 2 months ago my knee started to hurt again after playing basketball. Went to the doc about a week ago and had another MRI. It showed that the tear had actually more than doubled in size and he recommended that I undergo surgery. He'll actually just go in (arthroscopically) and remove the part that is torn. He said I'd be out anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks (he was hoping for 2 weeks b/c I am in fairly good shape). I'll also undergo therapy for a few weeks (physical therapy that is). I'm shooting to be back at work within two weeks (if not after the first week). I will update you more as the time nears and give you post-op updates. Surgery is April 15th. It seems like a fairly easy surgery and I'm sure everything will go just fine, but any prayers are appreciated! I'm sure Ryan will be praying for my surgery b/c he prays for everyone's surgeries .... even if they didn't have one! It just seems fitting though, in the past year or so:

My mom had a knee replacement.

My mother-in-law had a knee replacement.

My dad had a knee replacement.

My wife had some female surgery.

My mom fell and broke her leg (the same leg she had her knee replacement on).

My brother had shoulder surgery.

A friend of ours (JF) had surgery.

And now my knee surgery.

Even though a few of these surgeries took place a little over a year ago, Ryan still prays for them every night. If he prays for me half as much as he has prayed for the others, I should be alright!

2 New Features

I'm sure you've noticed that I've added a countdown widget to this blog. Due to the overwhelming excitement that I have about going on my 6th cruise this summer, I thought I would share it with you!

I've also added my very first playlist to the right. Feel free to click on the PLAY button and listen to some music while you read. Right now, there are about 46 songs on the playlist, so if you just want to hang out and listen to music, that's fine, too! If you don't like the song that's playing, just press the forward button (>>) and it'll go to the next song; however, sometimes it will just make you listen to whatever is playing. Enjoy!

Also, we had a great time at Miyabi's last night. However, Ryan talked non-stop the entire time! The chef just kept shaking his head in disbelief at how much Ryan was talking.

What's he doing?
What's wrong with that chicken?
Why isn't it cooked yet?
What's that brown stuff (soy sauce)?
Where's my soup?
Where's my salad?
What's that green stuff (brocolli)? I don't want any trees!
Why did he make that rice look like Sponge Bob?
Why is he cutting Sponge Bog into squares?
On and on and on and on and on and on .....................

Lots of questions from a very inquisitive little boy! Nonetheless, we did have fun and both the boys were very brave when the chef lit the grill on fire.

Happy Birthday Ryan!

My youngest turns 4 today! The good news is that maybe we will turn the corner with his 3 yr. old attitude. The kid is stubborn! He does what he wants, when he wants, where he wants and how he wants. He looks like me, but acts like his mom!!! The bad news is that he is growing up!
I'm not sure if I'm ready for that! :(

We actually had his birthday party this past Saturday at Chuck E. Cheese (the place where his mom and I met and fell in love). Surprisingly, the birthday party was a pleasant experience. There was only one other party there at the same time so there weren't 200 kids running around. The only negative is when Chuck E. Cheese came out to sing Happy Birthday. Ryan bolted under the table and would not come out until Chuck E. left. I don't know what was wrong with him. We went to Disney World a year and half ago and Ryan didn't have any problems with the characters there. I guess because that is the "Happiest Place On Earth" (I can't wait to go back!).

Tonight, we are taking Tyler and Ryan, my parents and Megan's parents out to eat at Myabi's Japanese Steakhouse for Ryan's birthday. We have been there several times with the kids and every time we go they hide when the chef makes the grill burst into flames. I guess that is a good sign that they are scared of fire. At least they know to stay away from it! I guess we know that our kids aren't anywhere near like Beavis and Butthead. That's good to know! Hopefully tonight, we will have a pleasant experience and fun will be had by all.

Although you frustrate me 99% of the time, it's that 1% of sweetness that has got me hooked! It's that hug around my neck! It's when you tell me you love me! It's that cute little smile! It's those big blue eyes! It's when I tuck you in at night and I tell you "Good night, sweet dreams, I love you!" (it has to be exactly in that order, too). It's when you pray at bedtime for everyone that is sick or has had surgery (currently, my family has been plagued with surgery, but Ryan is solid in praying for each of them, even if the surgery was over a year ago!). In fact, he prayed for Tyler's surgery the other night just because he was sick! I guess he thinks if you're sick, you must have had some type of surgery! Very cute!

Anyways, Ryan, I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!

The Greatest Show on Earth

This past Friday, Megan and I chaperoned Ryan's class to The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I actually enjoyed it! I guess it reminded me of being a kid and just being awe struck at what the performers were doing with their individual talents. Nothing's changed. At 35, I was still awe struck at what these performers were able to do. It was amazing to watch! It was also quite nerve racking! I think the aerialist make me the most nervous. Not the trapeze artist (because they perform with a net), but the girls that perform in the set of rings high above the ground, the high wire motorcycle guy that thinks it's cool to stand on top of the seat at the highest point of the arena and start spinning around and upside down while a girl is hanging onto a bar on the other side of the bike, and this one guy that was walking upside down on the arena ceiling with his feet going in and out of these small loops. They all do this with no net! I think I would actually enjoy the show more if they used nets. Anytime the aerialist were performing, my palms just became soaking wet with sweat! I'm not kidding! I almost felt sick in my stomach while watching them, but for some reason I still could not take my eyes off of their performance. Anyway, I really did enjoy the show and have since become interested in the circus life! I have Googled the circus several times this weekend just trying to find out more about the history of it and anything else that I can find out about it. No, I am not going to go off and join the circus (keep your jokes to yourself), but the life that these folks lead and that talent that they have just simply amazes me!

So, since I have been to the circus twice this weekend (I took Tyler on Sunday because I liked it so much the first time), I have gone through this self-evaluation and asked myself - What are my talents and what am I doing with them? Most importantly, am I using them to glorify God? I would ask the same of you. What are your talents and are you using them to glorify God?

One more last thing about The Greatest Show on Earth. The Ringling Brothers might have the market on that for now, but one day, when Christ returns for His church, that will be The Greatest Show on Earth! I hope that you are not just watching it, but that each of you are actually a part of it!