My Little Buckaroo

This video is just my Father’s Day present to myself. Yes, I’m a complete sap and am totally in love with my little boy. My wife often laughs at me and says, “You are so whipped” when she sees just the way I look at him or interact with him. The picture below is his first time sitting in a tree! (Granted, only for a few seconds – just long enough for the picture! But last Sunday at church he saw several kids in a tree and I stopped to talk to the kids about the tree and how they got up, etc. but it still surprised me when Luke said to me today, “Sit in tree!” The video is all pictures of me and my little buckaroo to two of my favorite “Daddy Songs,” perhaps you’ll enjoy them too: Watching You, by Rodney Atkins and Little Buckaroo by Go Fish.

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Preamble To Father’s Day

I’m looking forward to Father’s Day. My first Father’s Day, as a dad, I blogged in 2006. Little Luke on my First Father’s Day Then I had my first official Father’s Day and blogged about it in 2007. Luke on my second Father’s Day Well, my third Father’s Day is just around the corner. It’s hard to believe – the time travels fast, but no complaints, Luke is at such a fun age and is so delightful to play and live with. Today we went on a hike in Oak Lawn at what we call the “secret river” – a beautiful hidden man made river tucked away in a busy suburb just a few houses from my wife’s folks. Granted, its more of a drainage ditch than a “river” but its still pretty beautiful. Especially a walk with daddy and son… We started out around the block and discovered a hidden bridge! the ends led to a chain link fence that was chained and locked, but could be entered from the side quite easily. There’s just something fun about going exploring! Look at that happy boy! Just too cute! What fun hiking and climbing around! It looks like a real…

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Weekend Warrior

As I sit here to blog my whole body is sore and tired but my heart is full and satisfied. Most of my readers probably won’t be interested in this post… (sorry) but I’m posting anyway for some family friends I’d like to show my weekend projects to. Let me just say, I LOVE one day projects that cost more in personal labor than dollars, and this weekend I tackled two! SATURDAY’S MISSION: Restore life and beauty to the backyard flower garden! I cut out this little corner a few years ago and every year I love to do the flowers. It’s kind of a gift to my wife for her view out the kitchen window. In a few weeks it will be overflowing with flowers! Cool thing is, it started to pour rain just as I finished. I also jazzed up the front yard a bit with flowers hanging in our swing, in a pots by the driveway (both ends) and added some stepping stones. Fun! SUNDAY’S MISSION: (after church, of course!) Create a Play Park in the backyard for my little Luke! He went with us to the stores after church and then I was able to create…

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Recipe for a Great Mother

Mother’s Day 2008 – Happy Mom with her happy boys! We spent the day with Sara’s mom and dad cooped up inside due to rain – but had a very nice time anyway. Whenever I spend time with Sara’s mom it reminds me why my wife is so sweet and gracious. They both love recipes, so here is my recipe for a great mom, based on knowing both of these mothers for years: Recipe for a Great Mother Start with a bucket of love, stir in lots of patience, and a steady stream of forgiveness. Shake well with a heart for service and then simmer over a gentle and quiet spirit and drop in a scoop of encouragement. Then sprinkle with laughter, flavor with stories of God’s goodness, and a dash of good hugs when needed. A touch of craziness and spontaneity helps get along with husbands and finally cover with kindness and joy. Allow to nurture and you will have a wonderful treat every day, especially if you take time to compliment. Here’s our little boy in his Mother’s Day outfit hiding behind a bush! He is so full of life and love and laughter… it’s obvious he spends…

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Lemonade Boy

Sometimes you can’t decide which picture you like the best! I’m about to blog about my trip to Virginia this past weekend, but I wanted to post a picture of my “welcome home” dinner at Chili’s. My little boy is so cute, I couldn’t decide which picture I liked the best. Children have so many expressions it is impossible to capture them all, so here is simple a book mark I made myself with all four. Humor me and tell me how adorable he is! It’s nice to be home! I am so blessed to have in my home the sweetest, nicest, most lovable little by on the earth. I can hear him yelling “Daddy” even before I get to the front door when I come home each day. I want every day to go by as slowly as possible. His hugs and kisses and smiles and teachable spirit is such a joy. Watching his personality and humor develop is incredible. I’ve always heard about “terrible two’s” but at almost 28 months this little boy is nothing but “terrific two!” That doesn’t mean there isn’t training going on, but with loving, gentle, yet firm and consistent correction, he is responding…

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