at "the Gap"

We went to Buffalo Gap today for some yearly celebration they have. Two days of smokin' beef and heritage celebration. We weren't there too long, b/c it wasn't to the extreme of the Houston livestock show, but me and the kids got to ride a horse carriage. Gotta love the simple life of a small town. So much fun to see horses, monkeys and bengal tigers all in a 1/2 acre.
Lots more to write, but the simple, easy stuff is good for now.
However...
We went to honor a great woman this last Thursday, who was married to a great man, and had 5 precious girls. One of those girls was Jen's roommate in college. So the new feelings of losing someone close to you were not fun to encounter this week. And all the emotions that go along with that time of life. Oh how much longer, Oh Lord, how long will we remain here on earth, awaiting your arrival, your coming, your victory?! Praise be to God, as he continues to teach, as I wait on life eternal.

Tate-antics

Here are some of Tate's latest activities.
Today he got stuck in the basket of toys. He loves crawling under things, and is on the move constantly. Doesn't even really want to sit still. Likes to see where all the action is.

the Barber shop

I was thinking today about a recent trip Jackson and I took to the barber shop. A real, old fashioned barber shop. You know the kind, sitting in the big chairs, shaving cream on your neck, and good ole conversation. But this was the first trip for Jack, and I was unsure as how he would take it. You see, our previous haircuts he would sit in my lap as the lady cut his hair. I told them to not use the clippers, b/c one time he didn't like it. I was protecting him. (Yes this is getting to a silly lesson of life)

I recall a class with Dana talking about those teachable moments in life, where should they go wrong, someone may be hurt, or learn something you don't want them too. And we find that line of protection or over-protection. It's not a care-free line, just letting our kids go out there and learn, but that day in the barber shop, I learned a valuable lesson. I was asked who wanted to cut his hair, and before I could answer, he was heading towards the lady's chair. I helped him up on the seat, and headed to my chair right next to him. He did a great job. Didn't even mind the clippers, and didn't cry, flinch or even whine about wanting down. I was so proud. It was as if he grew 3 years just sitting there. And I found a new friend in my son. And a place we are now able to go together, and share life.

So where does that bring me. I know that line. It's hard to be still, and not say anything, or want to protect someone you love from learning something new. But how do we grow, if we are not challenged with obstacles, if we are not brought into a storm, if we are not given a chance to prove ourselves, if we are not willing to be hurt.
Some very important questions... where do you fall? Where do you stand? Does it make sense?
But even more important....
Are there any of those moments in life you wish someone would have protected you from? Or have those challenges shaped you?

Tate video

I was trying to show the kids the video I posted of Tate, and the link didn't work.
So I was wondering if anyone got to see it. Click below.

Tate

Easter video interviews

We went to the streets and asked a few folks what they thought about easter, and why we celebrate it. Hope you enjoy their responses.
Click for Video
JandB at ACU rodeo













Tate trying to stand up

The record and video

We went out tonight with the kids. First to the campus center, to look around, but ended up bowling. The kids loved it. I could not keep them off the floor. All that excitement and jumping up and down, to see their ball roll 1.8mi/hr and bounce off the pins, and into the gutter. I, on the other hand, took on Jennifer in a match that reflected many of our undergrad days. I believe it was 147 to 93 or so, but who's counting. After that, we went over to the auditorium to listen to the steel drum band, which was nice and relaxing. The kids enjoyed it, and Jen came in with Tate, who could not stop smiling.
That Tate is getting around. Tonight, he was playing with the tambourine, however, he didn't realize the noise was coming everytime he bonged himself in the head. So he's got a nice whelp.

Today, we had school at home at 9, free time/color time till 10, and then ventured off to the library for story time. I'm not sure how they love the library so much, but it is such a treat to them to be able to look through all these books, and just grab whatever they want to take home. During story time, I am so proud to watch both of them participate in all the activities. Tate and I just sit there and watch. We went to Sharons today for lunch, BBQ place, and picked up Jen on the way. So the days are becoming scheduled, and thats good. It doesn't seem so long being home with the kids, when Jen is able to be home before 3:30.

Last week, we took 3 nights and made our way around campus, about 2miles. The first night the kids rode in the double stroller, and walked some. The next night, we carried Tate in the shoulder papoose or whatever, and the kids rode. Then we decided, they needed to expend some energy, so the 3rd night, they rode their bigwheels. They loved it, and rode the entire way. Jack is a wild one already, he'd ride straight at the cement poles in the middle of the path, and at the last minute, jerk the wheel and go around it. He loves to ride on the edge of the path, as we cross over a construction part, where the side drops off half a foot or so. I see NASCAR in his future. Ha. BK got herself a new bike, so next time we go, we'll be taking that. Its a princess bike, of course. The bigwheel just doesn't have enough legroom for her.
They are both playing well together, which is good. Not having all the friends and cousins around, they have adapted well with each other. And sometimes, that means getting in trouble together. But they sure do love each other.

Here's a link of a short 56sec video of Tate. The music is from Curious George soundtrack, Jack Johnson. During the movie, I realized how good the songs were, so we bought the CD (you can still do that, buy CDs in the store) Its a good sing.
(Video is windows media, and about 20mb to download)

Rainbow school

Today was the first day of Rainbow school, and the kids did great. It sure is nice that they have been before, so the transition was not so hard. New friends, and nice teachers, and awesome toys on the playground make for a good combination. So Tate and I went to Lowes, Old Navy, the mall, CFA for a snack, and then made it back home for lunch. Funny thing is, we filled up the car on March 25th, and its just now a little over half gone. Amazing.

Chapel

I went to chapel tonight for the first time in a long while. They were having a Chapel Forum, 1.5hr long, discussing same-sex attractions and unions, but from the biblical perspective. Which was interesting. It was not going to be about biology or psychology, but bible based. And yes, just the 6 times or so it's mentioned in the bible. Personally, theres not much arguing in the bible what the Lord desires, and what he detests. And those things he detests, those sins we have daily, are the reason Christ died. That we may have hope. It's a levee waiting to breech, this topic, so I'll share some of the points tonight as well as some comments shared or implied.

1. approaching someone who is either homosexual or is attracted to opposite sex should not be viewed any differently than how we approach others who are either lost or just plain lost in their sins, addictions or lifestyles.
2. it is obvious from the few verses that specifically mention homosexuality, it is not God's plan, and it is detestable to him.
3. it is also obvious that the reason homosexuality is not mentioned in it's own books or chapters is because it is also a perversion of the sex God created... ie. pedophilia, rape, incest, porn, promiscuous heterosexual activity. Pardon the ignorance, or lack of note taking, but the word for sexually immoral is used quite a bit in the greek form that is also related to participating in homosexual behaviors.
4. are you born that way? well, most of us are born with fleshly desires, that, if gone unprotected, will lead to other choices that may lead us from God. It's not just homosexuality. Eating, sex in general, anger ...whatever it is, we can all make the argument that I was born that way... but is it a valid argument to continue in our behavior?
5. this topic and others like it needs to be discussed in our brotherhood. It is a difficult discussion to be had, because of the fine line to be walked where you may offend rather than show the love of Christ. But have you ever approached a murderer and told him he was wrong? or an adulterer in the midst of an affair? or an abuser? when we are 'captive' in the throngs of sin, the ear of reason is usually on vacation. Following the verse from Eph4, our hearts become hard, and we then give ourselves over to every kind of lust.

We, I as a Christian, believe the Bible is the word and Breath of God. The instructions he gives and the rules and the commands, are there to protect and nurture and provide a loving relationship with HIM as well as with others. I believe that is His will. With his Breath of Life, the Holy Spirit, residing in us, we are able to live towards that Will. I realized something about the verse in Gal5, talking about the fruits of the Spirit. Because I saw the 'self-control', and wondered, man I really struggle with that sometimes. And He hit me, it's because it is a "Fruit of the Spirit" not a fruit of Steve. The product of living a Spirit-filled life, is having these fruits, being blessed by their value and goodness.

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Well, probably not the "blogging" you wanted to see tonight. But that's what's going on.
Jen's job went well today, first day and all. And me and the kids actually made it through the day. I think knowing this is my role, really helped focus my mind and energy on making it fun. Tomorrow, they go to rainbow school. Tate and I... may go have coffee with Ira's Great.

Tate's new word

Well, we all know Tate already can say Dadada .... but Jen wanted to make sure we marked it down, he can now get out the sounds Ma-ma-ma. He turned 7 months yesterday. Jen turns 30something tomorrow.

My other cousins

Now that we're closer to Jen's sister and her girls, it's been hard for Blakely to understand they are cousins too. But I think it's sinking in. As they dressup, hammer on the walls, play together, and oh yeah... put on makeup. *sigh* All a dad can do is give a kiss, and say I love you punkin. And hope her aim gets better as she grows older.














So the girls are off to the zoo, with Jack and Tate, and maybe I'll get some time to finish sweating and fixing things. We took down the fan over the kitchen table, and hung a chandelier... well, a black iron light with 6 lamps. Much like we had at our old house. Speaking of, I asked Blakely what she missed about our old house, and she said playing balls in the hallway. They used to shut all the hallway doors and be loud, throwing balls around and having a good time. But now, they have a little playroom, thats shutin. But it was good to hear what she missed. And I think its good for her to express it. I'm listening to Willie sing Georgia, here in my new study. Got 2 bookcases now around the desk, with books and decor in them. And a nice duck picture above the monitor here. Oh, and Mr.Mallard is now part of the office arrangement, not the den. Fine by me.