Proud Daddy Moment

Yesterday our family spent a few hours at a birthday party in honor of Ethan Denison who just turned three. In our household it was pretty much the buzz for a few days for my son Cameron. He said he couldn't wait to go to Ethan's birthday party and have cake and see all of his friends. If there is one thing he LOVES to do, it's hang out with his friends (like father, like son) I guess.

Our morning started off a little rough, Lauren and i had a little tiff, mostly my fault for being an insensitive husband. One of the things that i hate the most about arguing is that sometimes you're unaware that you're doing it in front of your kids.

But kids and i mean ALL KIDS believe it or not have this special gift from GOD that can change a sour situation into one of sweet memories.

Like Today....

We arrive at the park and the excitement of Cameron being with his friends is overflowing with a huge smile as i'm getting him out of his seat. We grab a couple of things, his tricycle and Ethan's present. As we get there Cameron insists on riding his tricycle down to the party with the gift in the bucket of his tricycle. We're greeted by the welcoming committee (Marissa, Maddie, Hailey and Ella).

Now here's the "Proud Daddy" moment . Cam's peddling as fast as he can and he sees Ethan in sight and shouts "ETHAN, I'VE GOT YOU A BIRTHDAY PRESENT"!!! He rides his tricycle right up to Ethan and hops off of it and grabs the gift and hands it to Ethan and says "Happy Birthday Ethan" and gives him a hug. Now how can you not LOVE that! I had to look away from everyone because tears started to well up as my heart was bursting with joy. I kept thinking to myself my son may love "Community" just as much as i do. The kid loves his friends and he loves people in general. My prayer is that i can continue to grow him and encourage him in this love.

It's so weird how GOD wires our children to do the craziest and most memorable and lovable things to refocus and redirect our attention on HIM!

I LOVE being a DAD!

A special thanks and shout out to my friends....

Well we're back from Vegas and some of my friends have posted about what happened there and how much we enjoyed our trip. I echo everything they've said already. So instead of repeating what's been posted i thought I'd take it a step further and blog about my friends and do a "what i love about them list."

What i love and appreciate about:

Gregg- Very easy-going and selfless, nothing really fazes him, Great Dad.
Becky- Caring, compassionate loves her family and friends.
Chad- Gentle and soft spoken, Selfless, Great Athlete, Cool Dad.
Kara- Makes the best shakes, hard-working, thoughtful, funny and a great Mom.
Rod- Smart, jokester, sports fanatic.
Tara- Great Mom, Aspiring cook in her own right, good listener.
Lauren- Lovely wife and a Super Mom, Hot, Etc...

I really wish our other friends (The Denisons, The Hammonds and The Berry's) could have been there, maybe next time.

I really loved and enjoyed watching everyone on our trip have fun. Sometimes it's worth it to break away from the hustle and bustle of life and just EXHALE.

One last thing about my friends... I'm not sure where my brother stands in his relationship with Christ, and that is something to be praying about, but what i think he saw was quality "Community". He saw people that we're passionate about life and GOD. He saw that life as a Christ follower isn't all that boring and that we're real people.

Thanks for celebrating life with me. I love you guys a bunch!!!

Happy Birthday

Yesterday i celebrated my 32nd birthday. Out of the 365 days of the year it's my FAVORITE day, it's like New years day but on a more personal level. I kind of treat as a "make a resolution to be a better husband,father and friend, re-map out goals and re-commit to them like i did at the beginning of the year type day." It started with an awesome breakfast that my wife whipped up. I also received b-day cards from her and Cameron, it's amazing how scribble on a card can get the best of your emotions. That was really cool!

I also started to write a song, went to the park, and the WHO concert with my friend. Ended the evening with Chic-fil-a and hanging with some friends until about 11:00 p.m. ish. Overall i had a fun day. I received some really cool gifts yesterday too! One was an awesome "special" shake from yogurt mill from my friend Kara and the other was a post on her blog from Tara. They were priceless!!

And of course the gift of all gifts, was from my wife, somethings only married people should do.