Sunday, October 12, 2008

Alliance Air Show



The nearby Alliance Airport hosted an air show with all types of planes being displayed as well as phenomenal aerial acrobatic tricks being demonstrated for the public. Living close to the air field there were a few times when we were almost sure our roof would be lifted off by the fly-by jets coming so close...

The Twins more recently.... at 3 months or so...




Summer of 2008







Much of the time this summer was consumed by the new additions to our family... two little boys with plenty of needs. However, we did find time to go swimming, take a trip to the Fort Worth Zoo and the boys enjoyed a local game arcade.

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Trip out West to see loved ones...


My kind wife allowed me to take a weekend trip out to visit my mom, her friend, Ben, my Uncle James, Aunt Shari, Cousins Dirk and Shaila & their families, my sister, Karen, her kids, Allison, Ryan, Jeff, and Lindsay, and her new husband Brady along with my niece, Sarah. They were all surprised to see me as I didn't let anyone know in advance that I would be coming out for Lindsay and Brady's reception. It was great to see everyone and especially Uncle James, as he is being treated for a malignant growth near his liver. It's comforting to know that this life is not the end of our family relationships. Despite whatever trials we may come across in this mortal existence, we can take reassurance that there are a few things we can take with us into the next life including our relationships we've developed with our loved ones.

Donkeys, Elephants, and Dogs...


When it comes to the Presidential Election next month, it appears to be a lose/lose situation. That may sound like a little dark or pessimistic way to start a paragraph, but let's be realistic here. Each candidate team despite their apparent strengths are laden with insurmountable deficits on both sides of the aisle. For example, Barack Obama has his obligatory two children and trophy wife so that he can claim to have family values but if you read his comments carefully in the press, when asked about the possibility of another child, he remarked that he didn't want to "punish" his daughters. How thoughtful of him. This is his personalized view concerning his microcosm, but on a larger scale, we know his political view as a pro-abortionist. He's certainly all about change, and is a very accomplished motivational speaker to get people excited, but my rhetorical question would be, "What direction and quality of change can we expect from this candidate?" John McCain is marginally better as a whole. Yes, he's a war veteran and espouses pro-life values, which wins him a few points, but his confession earlier in the campaign that he "doesn't really understand... how the US economy works" would indicate that he's not cut out for the job. He seems to be a Washington bureaucrat entrenched with his own agenda without regard for governing based on what's best for the people. Yes, I could delve into their other views on social welfare reform, education, international diplomacy, free trade, how to end the war in Iraq, etc. but suffice to say that each is woefully inadequate to be in charge of the world's largest economy and most free nation on our planet. Are these really the best candidates we can produce ?

Adjusting to Twins...


Admittedly, we had no idea what we were signing up for when we first discovered we were having twins. We knew there was another little one destined to come join our family, but honestly though -- two at once was a complete surprise. In our estimation, this was the Lord's way of "sneaking another in there" so that our family becomes complete at an earlier stage and these two have mates to pal around with. By the way, don't believe what you hear about "two-for-one" specials or economies of scale. That is all fine and dandy for items such as cosmetic products or dinner ingredients. It really is twice as much work, twice as much money and nearly twice as much time. Now that we have that out of the way, let me tell you what a joy these little bundles are. Greg (the older one by a mere 17 minutes in earth time), is rather sensitive and nibbles at times. He's still learning to sleep for periods longer than 2 hours but much of that is due to his body size, temperament and health status. He's a little smaller and has been sick lately with a cold that worsened to the point of needing antibiotics. Clark is about a full pound heavier and a fairly stocky, little guy at 16 lbs and not even 4 months old yet. He's very good-natured and really doesn't cry, but chooses to frown or lightly whimper with a reproachful expression when he's in dire need of food, rest or a diaper change. They are both a delight and have really brightened our home with their countenances. The other children all take turns pitching in to help and Dad assists as his time permits as well, however, the vast majority of the work falls upon the maternal caregiver known as Mom. Albeit, sleep deprived and weary, Susan lovingly cares for these two as if they came to us as singletons, ensuring that each one receives all the time, attention and TLC he rightfully deserves as a newborn. Yes, it's been an adjustment for all of us. And yes, it's been a struggle to juggle other priorities, but we wouldn't trade these little guys for all the tea (along with all other exports) from China.