The Amazing Bed-Head

Wow - Julia's hair is getting long! She's got enough now for pig-tails and especially enough for some amazing bed hair! When she gets up in the morning after pig-tails the day before and her on style of sleeping (borderline gymnastic) the effect is wild. The look defies gravity and gives the distinct impression that she has been frozen in time mid-air while jumping on the bed ... or papa. Cute!

A Yearning for Country Life

I'm more than thankful for the healthy dose of country life that my brothers and I got. We had the opportunity in Arkansas to run out into the pastures and get lost for the whole day on our own doing country kid stuff. We made forts, slid down washouts in the side of a gravel pit, climbed trees, poked at the curiosities that crossed our path and generally got real dirty doing it. Those were great days.

Growing up in Suburbia wasn't bad, mind you, but in retrospect, there is something about kids that is just drawn to the wild places. Even at home in Rosenberg, we spent a huge amount of our play time at 'the ditch' - a large drainage ditch that ran behind our neighbor hood. We explored the undeveloped fields and climbed any tree that we could find outside of someone's yard.

My recent fishing trip with Isaac gave me a rare glimpse into that part of a child's heart. He didn't want to fish long. Not with friends to run with, hills to conquer and all the excitement of exploring. There is not a lot of that to be done in our neighborhood. Our parks are groomed, fenced and all the play equipment appropriately smoothed and padded. It is a safer world but the kids know there is more. I think that might be why they are drawn to the wild places. And really, I don't think it's just the kids.

Ice Cream Cuteness

We had a quick meal at Freddy's Frozen Custards the other day, and, of course, we had to have a custard to finish our meal with! Julia dove in with no concept of how much ice cream belongs on a spoon at one time. We all got a laugh, but man she was cute! You have to see this picture - click it for the full effect!

The First Eggnog of the Season

My wife and I have a lot of things in common. Love of eggnog is not one of those. I really love it! It is sweet, smooth and instantly reminds me of the holidays. Cheryl, on the other hand regards it much more like a cup of chilled snot. We'll just have to keep praying for her on that one.

Meanwhile, I had occasion to be in WalMart the other day and what do you know? The eggnog was out! They are already gearing up for the season. I didn't buy any ... but I did consider it.

Just Me and My Daughter

Sadly, besides being off to work, even when I'm home, there are bills to pay, side jobs to finish and house work to be done. I often enjoy my children in snatches of time. A tussle here. A hug and kiss there. But, I don't often get to totally devote myself to my children and give them the most tangible symbol of love that there is ... time. Tonight was not like that, though.

I had the best time with Julia tonight. Cheryl and I have a new arrangement for Wednesdays. She takes Isaac to Awanas at 6:15 and then meets one of the young women in our college/career ministry friend for some girl time and fellowship. I get one-on-one time with my daughter.

Tonight, I had 2 hours and, to be honest, wasn't quite sure what we'd do with it. But she did. She wanted to sit on my knees while I ate. Then she wanted a piggy back ride. Then we played on the couch. Then we played piano. Our evening ended brushing our teeth together and reading stories. No fits, no fussing. Just a great evening with my daughter.