Luke’s First Flight and Adoption Update

Well, it was OFF TO CALIFORNIA for THANKSGIVING! Unfortunately, my digital camera got stolen (along with my iPod and a ton of other valuable stuff in a movie theater) so I lost all my pictures of Luke’s first flight, first time in the ocean, and other sweet pictures, but fortunately, Sara’s camera had a few pictures on it, and we too some more on the flight home. Luke almost didn’t make it through airport security when I admitted that he is known for carrying high levels of fluids! But he made it through the x-ray machine with only a wimper! We lucked out on both flights to have an empty seat between us, and Luke took to it right away not minding the seat belt at all. He was so content, and never cried on the flight there or back, 4 hours each way! We thought travel would be hard, but I think he looked at it as he got four solid hours of undivided attention, which is all he wants all the time anyway! Luke simply LOVED looking out the window! He is very drawn to lights, and when we flew into LA at night the lights as far…

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Big Bro reflects on Another Big Brother

As I’ve posted before, my brother is a writer for MLB.com , and specifically as the beat writer for the BlueJays. (see me endangering my life to show my support this past season) But with all the senior writers being busy with the World Series, my little brother Jordan, got to cover a major article, about the death of Joe Neikro. I wanted to post the link to the article on my blog because I wanted to show off how great a writer my brother is. I enjoy do enjoy baseball. If you drop by my house in the afternoon, you may find me tossing a ball at the pitchback in my backyard, a recent new habit when I just need time to think. I’d like to claim credit for teaching Jordan everything he knows about baseball since I AM his big brother, but he and I both know better. But I’m not a huge fan or follower of baseball, though I do really enjoy championship games, and especially when they are Chicago teams! But I am always amazed how my brother can take a subject that usually isn’t of great interest to me, especially the death of a player…

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On the Side of the Road of Life

You can travel to far away places to find beauty and to marvel at God’s creation, or you keep an eye out the side window of your car… if you open your eyes, you may be surprised how often you can spot God’s handiwork in your daily routine, and how often you’ll discover glimpses of his creativity just off your usual path. As I did today, on my way home from jury duty. There was barely a place to stop my car and getting across the busy street on foot was a challenge, but it took only five minutes to capture some of this beauty that others were zooming right past. It makes we wonder how much of life we miss because we never stop to look. I know I’ve been one of the hyper-busy ones for years and the cost of not slowing down sooner was high. (All these images can be viewed much larger by simply clicking on them) Sometimes, (and preferably) we pull over in life intentionally to take in some rest and be refreshed by God’s creation – but at other times the car of life breaks down and we are forced to stop and take…

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Little Pumpkin Goes to the Pumpkin Patch!

    me and my little sister Today we celebrated by little sister’s birthday by going with her family and some friends to a Pumpkin Patch! Can you name these Veggies? Just wanted to share a few pictures of this fun day as it was Luke’s first time at a pumpkin patch! Enjoying being a Mom and Dad! As we strollered in with a zillion other parents Sara commented, “I feel like we are now officially parents taking our child to a fall photo-op!” The Pumpkin Family One of the advantages of finally having a baby, is that I no longer get called “Punkin.” Sara always called me her ‘Punkin’ (that isn’t a typo, that is the official spelling of Punkin) But now, fortunately, the baby names have been transfered to the BABY! :) Wow! A Pumpkin! Can I Keep It?? Mommy with her little pumpkin! Daddy shows Luke the TRACTOR!! Oh yeah! Which pumpkin would YOU pick? I have chosen wisely! Lost in the Corn Maze! The Birthday Girl with the Little GuyIf friends were pumpkins… I’d pick this family! Time to head home after a loooong afternoon!

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18 Years Later, and Just as Greasy as Ever!

Man, am I getting old! (You are welcome to talk me out of this conclusion!) Today, Sara and I went downtown to Moody Bible Institute where both dated and graduated for the Gary Chapman conference, Toward a Growing Marriage – first let me just say, it was a GREAT seminar and exceded even my high expectations. I would highly recommend his books and seminars to anyone who is married whether you think you need it or not. :) But as great as the conference was, the HIGHLIGHT of the day (sorry Sara) was going to MR. G’s! That’s right! The burger joint on Clark Street just North of Chicago Avenue: Mr. Cheeseburger in front of his favorie burger joint! I have not been to Mr. G’s for about 18 years! (That’s why I’m feeling so old) Has that much time gone by? Were the student here really babies when I was here! Yikes!! SO MUCH has changed in the buildings around MBI but I was soooo happy to discover that my favorite place for a burger run in college is still there! This little burger joint, just a block away from Moody holds many memories! All ya have to say…

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