Auburn

Enjoy!!

I wish...

I wish I...

I wish I was thinner.

I wish I could sing better.

I wish I was more spiritual.

I wish I was good at everything.

I wish I cared more for the outcasts.

I wish I wouldn't act like I know everything.

I wish I was a better husband, father, and friend.

I wish I was less concerned with monetary things.

I wish some of these things weren't things I wished for.

I wish I could make solid decisions with more ease.

I wish I didn't have to deal with difficult people.

I wish I always practiced what I preached.

I wish I was a better communicator.

I wish I was a lot more creative.

I wish I was better at guitar.

I wish I was a better leader.

I wish I had more things.

I wish I was content.

I wish I...

What do you wish for?

I need help!

Hey Everybody

A couple of weeks ago I came to a crossroads with blogging.  I decided that I either needed to do it, or not do it.  Posting twice a quarter is a waste of time for everyone involved.  I enjoy writing, it's a great way to keep up with people, and have people keep up with our family.  I anticipate at times blog posts could even foster some discussion and community.  So, I decided to go for it.

Anyway, I've come across a few really neat tools, and I figured I would pass them along:

The first one is a website called Site Meter.  When you upload this to your blog template it lets you know how much traffic your blog gets on a daily basis.  It also lets you know all kinds of neat information like where they are from, what website they came to yours from, etc.  Since I've started monitoring it, I have averaged about 16 visitors a day, from as far away as Jakarta, Indonesia!  It's not much, but if 16 people care enough every day to see what story I have to tell or information to share, it keeps me going.

The other tool I just started using is a comment tool called Disqus.  I tell you about it because I need your help in testing it out.  So please leave me a comment telling me something simple like where you are from, since I know anyway because of Site Meter.  Don't be a blog stalker, join in the fun.  I need your help!!

Mr. President

I find myself completely unafraid, and at ease!  I have been praying for President Obama since it became clear tonight that he would be our next National leader.  Even though we would likely disagree on almost every national, social, political, and economic issue, I comprehend the task before him is great, and I do not envy the watershed of complex issues that he will inherit. I lift Barak Obama before our Heavenly Father with the understanding that complete, perfect wisdom comes only from the Almighty.  A leader does not come to power without the appointment from the Sovereign King of Kings, and God is not caught off guard.  I would encourage all believers to pray for our nation and it's new leader instead of voicing their disappointment and anger.  Let us use our time, energy, and breath to cry out to God.  Proverbs 21:1 says, "The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will."  May we believe in the promises of God, and pray for our new President!

Why Starbuck's is Awesome!

There are certain times in life when you get a sneak peak into an organization and realize there is a reason why they are a gigantic business.  I was gonna vote anyway, but now I'm gonna vote and go buy a cup of coffee.  I know I could get it for free, but consider my Grande Decaf Pumpkin Spice Latte a bit of gratitude for being as awesome as you are! 

Family Portraits

Today was pretty eventful!  We went to eat lunch at Sumo (not as good as Stix or Shogun) for dad's belated birthday meal.  Then we had family portraits made.  Matt had a WONDERFUL idea that we should take casual and suit pictures, so not only did we appear as a herd of cattle being corralled into the door, but we each had a change of clothes in tow.

From the get go I could tell it was going to be loads of fun.  The place was full of babies that were out past their nap times in uncomfortable clothes meant to make them beautiful for everyone to see in Christmas cards.  When we got there Trey joined in the chorus of unhappy voices, and this continued for about an hour before the first picture was snapped.  

These pictures are so sweet and beautiful.  Luckily you couldn't see what went on in between takes.  Claire Kate slept the whole time, except for her close-ups.  (She's going to be such a diva!)  Trey on the other hand, decided he was not going to take a single picture without a ball in his hands.  The very moment the ball was taken away, he broke into hysterics.  Incidentally, he fell asleep within five minutes of the last picture.

When all was said and done, we did get a few really good pictures, and even more fun memories.  We also remembered why we do this once every five years.

Halloween

Well, there you have it.  Hope's Fish (minus Tim) played at a fall festival last night and since we were a trio, we decided to go for the Blue Man group.  Here I is.  Enjoy!

What were you?  Leave me a comment and let me know!

P.S. We didn't dress the kids up.  We're lazy, lame parents.