Monday, July 21, 2008

7 Years Today

Today is our 7th anniversary. Wow! 2 kids, a house and a dog - we are living the dream. Having these years with my wife is more of a blessing than I can even communicate. She is more than half of who I am! The most exciting part is knowing that she is the one for the rest of this journey.

I love you (1st), Babe!

Our Adventurer Reutrns Today!

Isaac and Julia will be home today! Whoopee! I can't wait to 'wrassle' with him and hear all about every tree he climbed and bug he caught - wow, I miss that kid!

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Guitar (Nerd) Hero

I love the latest trend in video games - games that let you really 'play' them. The "Wii" is the best example but the one that has become my come-from-behind favorite is "Guitar Hero". If you haven't seen it, it is hard to explain. It is a small plastic guitar that serves as the controller - you've got 4 buttons out on the neck for the 'frets' and a little 'bar thing' where you would strum the strings. They put up a blazing metal song and you follow images on the screen that show ou when to strum and hit the buttons. It is as close to playing a blazing, melt your face off guitar solo as many will ever get and you don't have to grow your hair out or where any black and white makeup! Admittedly, I thought it was hokey... but play it once and you'll be hooked!

Here is the super (nerdy?) funny part: now, you too can play guitar hero at home... WITHOUT BUYING THE GAME! That is right - someone out there has heard the cries of all of us 'non-console' owners - the nerdy masses who still do all ther gaming on their PC! In a feat of Flash programming and some deftly, creative use of a standard keyboard the online version of Guitar Hero has arrived! Now you, too can (swallow your pride and) have a shot at this gaming phenomenom. Check it out here!

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Missing the Little Feet

It has now been eleven days that Isaac has been with grandparents. It has been strangely quiet around here! Julia joined him Thursday so the last 2 days have been completely quiet. Odd memories of bachelor-hood and early marriage have floated into my head at times but mostly, I've just missed them!

There are a number of things that the absence of the kiddos permits - sleeping in on a Saturday and going shopping all day, catching a movie and going out to eat. These are all well and good, but there are also things that their absence also prevents - no screams of "Papa" when I open the door after work, no big hugs from tiny arms, noone to read to at night before bed time! (I tried with cheryl, but she didn't want to sit in my lap in the Rocking Chair!)

Don't get me wrong I like to be able to carry on a complete conversation without being interrupted ... or jumped on. But I have come to really enjoy all the things they find so important! I relish their affection and can't wait to have them back. It will be good to hear the little feet around again!

Monday, July 14, 2008

The End of an Era

My Father made the comment as he passed me. "It is the end of an era." He was walking away from the site where I was headed to help my brothers dig a grave for our family dog. Bandit was our companion for 15 years and he passed away during the weekend of our family reunion. He joined us after I left for college, so I only knew him from the summers I came home, but there was everything to like about this dog and nothing to dislike! I will not try to tell the stories my brothers and parents can tell, but I really liked him.

Dad's comment was very true, too. Bandit's time with our family was an era in our family. He came in right about the time that my brothers and I were on our way out of the house. He greeted us in Rosenberg an for the last decade in Arkansas. He saw us return in a variety of vehicles. He greeted our girlfriends and welcomed them into the family when they returned as wives. He even saw us bring home our children. While we were gone, he was a constant companion to my parents and close to a legend as a working dog. Stories of Bandit were just as much a part of the Landes 'lore' from this era as those of us his keepers.

It seems like it is the 'eras' that often make a better definition of our lives than the years. We remember our lives more often in terms of these brackets that we set around time. Maybe that is part of the pain. Bandit's passing pushes us out of a great era and into the next which is unknown. Our Creator God gave us many blessings. There are an infinite number of ways that he gives us joy! I'm thankful to Him for Bandit. And now, when one blessing goes, I'm challenged to trust His providence. But, I know he is faithful! Thank you, Lord, for Bandit.

Tuesday, July 01, 2008

Moblog: Remember the Alamo!

I'm in downtown San Antonio today for a convention and had a chance to go by the Alamo. Even though (because?) we live here I don't think about this place much. But it is still here and the area is real nice too! I need to bring the family here sometime.