Fixated.

We found a DVD of the Laurie Berkner Band at Goodwill. Best $2 ever. 

Happy Thursday. 

Hey, Batter Batter Batter

Tee-ball started last Saturday. 

If his getting distracted and stopping halfway to first base isn't a metaphor for everyday life with this kid, I don't know what is.

The Days are Slow...

Today was Ben's last day of 3 Year-Old Mother's Day Out. Next year, though he will still be in MDO, it will be Pre-K, and he will be doing a lot more school work. 

This was Ben on the first day of school, last September. Shirt - 4T. Shorts - 3T. Shoes - Size 8. 

This was Ben this morning, before the last day of school. Shirt - 5/6. Shorts - 4T, Shoes - Size 12!

He's losing that baby face, and it just kills us! His hair was WILD this morning, but so was he. Some days you just pick your battles. Today,  the hair just wasn't worth it.

Speaking of baby faces - we haven't seen this smile in a couple of days. Luke has a severe cold, coupled with conjunctivitis...aka Pink Eye. He. Is. Pitiful.

He is actually on his way back to the doctor this afternoon for a Strep culture.

Last Saturday I hosted a dinner and dialogue for parents. Our speakers were great - parents of 8 children. One quote that has remained with me is "The days are slow, but the years are fast."

Hope you all have a chance to slow down and enjoy your family this weekend.

Cruising for Chicks

Grammy and Granddad, start saving your nickels. Ben is constantly telling us that he is going to have a real jeep when he's gets a car. 

I think this is just a taste of what's to come in about 12 years. 

Lord help us all.

Remember.

This past weekend Jenny and I went to our very first Weekend to Remember marriage getaway. I think we will forever refer to this weekend as our "first" Weekend to Remember because I can safely say we will do it again. It won't be an annual thing - or even every other year. But it was great.

I write very little concerning our marriage - mainly because we have a pretty great relationship, and we simply feel very average and comfortable. Not complacent. Not troubled. Just average.

I scheduled us for this retreat because I am going to begin implementing some young marrieds/young parents elements to the children's ministry and I knew this would be a great place to start.

So, we went partly because we have talked about going in the past, but mostly because it's work related for me.

What I discovered this weekend is that - while our marriage is healthy and "average," I don't want an average marriage. I want an excellent marriage.

And I don't want to be an average parent - I want to be the parent of exceptional children.

This Saturday I am hosting my first-ever dinner and dialogue for parents of young children. We're calling it HELP! for the Hyper-Extended Family. One of our friends from FamilyLife is coming to be our guest speaker. We're dealing with everything from time management to discipline and staying committed to your spouse during the chaotic years with young children. I'm hoping this will be a springboard into a new Bible study based on the book Grace-Based Parenting.

Regardless of where this takes our children's ministry or our ministry to young parents, I've come away from this weekend with the absolute realization that I have been given an amazing responsibility to love, lead and protect what's in this picture...

...and that's the most incredible gift and charge I will ever receive.

Spring Soccer 2012

Okay, well it has clearly been several weeks since we have blogged, because there is a new format to blogger.com. Not sure what all the changes are, but one that I just noticed is the ability to change the size of the pics - making some larger or smaller - with one click. That's pretty cool. 

Just goes to show how fast things change. 

And speaking of fast changes - where has the time gone? It seems like we just brought this little guy home...and he's walking and talking and eating us into the poor house. He's such a happy little guy. 

Last night was Ben's last soccer practice of the year. I've been pretty unimpressed with the organization, but I think Ben has enjoyed it. They don't get to play games - they just work on fundamentals. Which is of absolutely no interest to Benjamin. He was actually very cooperative last night regarding photos - he usually stays away from the camera. 

 Showing us how he can stop the ball with his foot...

 Love this expression.

Luke had a great time just wandering around and watching everything. He's definitely got the sports gene...he kicks, throws, hits...just about anything.

Checking out his medal. He has been talking about a trophy for weeks. I'm just glad this was enough to please him. I was horrified he would scream "That's NOT a TROPHY" and storm off.

He looks a little red...like he's been slapped around a few times. Rest assured, he has not. It's just watermelon.

Ben, we're so proud of you for sticking with soccer practice these past six weeks. Next up...Tee Ball!