The fam and I recently returned from a trip up to visit Tanya's brother, Mike, in Canada.
Some of you may remember Mike and Sherry (Burgess) Stephens from their time at FC in the mid 80s. Well, they're in Ontario now, with Mike preaching for the Wellandport Congregation, and living just a few minutes drive from Niagara Falls. Oh, and they've got three super-cool kids as well.
Anyway, thanks to our economic stimulus check, we were able to snag some plane tickets and get a quick visit in last week.
Great pictures! It is nice to have family that lives in a vacation spot! My parents are in central Florida, so it's always a vacation when we go visit.
Jeff Harwell?? I'm not sure if you remember me, Julie (Lambert) Davis. You were a couple of years ahead of me. Good to see you on here. Your boys... CUTE!!
Niagra Falls is beautiful! We went to Canada in 2000 for a wedding my husband performed in Niagra-by-the-Lake. I was just in awe of the gardens, vineyards, etc. Just gorgeous!
Are you someone who keeps up with, or at least is entertained by, unusual anniversaries? If so, maybe you'll appreciate this. Tomorrow, August 15, 2008, will mark the 1,000th day since Tanya and I returned home from Russia with our sons, to a crowd of eager loved ones.
So why not post this tomorrow? I don't know. Now that I'm past 40, I find that it's much easier for me to forget things than it used to be. (I have actually been typing a web address in the computer and found that I couldn't remember what page I was wanting to go to.) Better to post while it's on my mind.
Anyway, I'd like to note that none of the thrill of being a father is gone, none of the wonder at the great blessings that God sent to us by way of Sterlitamak, Bashkortostan, and none of the fun. I STILL relish every day I have with my little family, and pray for many more.
And for those of you who may be having to wait longer for kids than you thought you would, or those who may yet find that you'll have to wait, do not despair. I have no doubt that, becoming a father at age 37 put me in a position to be far more stable around, patient with, and appreciative of my kids than I EVER would have been in my mid twenties.
Hey, Frogface. I loved reading this post! And the part about being over 40 and forgetful? SOOOOO true. I never had to keep a calendar to remind me of so many things until recently. Other than being a devoted husband and father, what else do you do?
Our children were born when I was 37/39/41/44. The way I see it is this. Raising kids wears you out! So, why not be at retirement age when you are done??? :)
Headed up to the Smokies for a three-night camping trip with the fam and some friends last week. Didn't get to spend nearly as much time out in the woods as I would have liked but, then, I never do.
As it was, we did get to spend some time away from the normal routine and do some hiking, playing in the creek, as well as some bluegrass listenin.'
Of course, there was the annual Gatlinburg first-in-the nation Fourth of July Parade, which kicks off at midnight of the 3rd/4th, and the fireworks the night of the Fourth - which we watched from the bypass above town. That is definitely the way to watch fireworks in Gatlinburg.
Now, I'm back at home. But, you know? That's okay too. The fam and I went to the free concert in the park in Huntsville last night. Saw a good barbershop chorus and a GREAT wind ensemble. But even better than that, got to see some old friends who had decided to take in the concert as well.
No matter where you go, there's good folks to be around and good times to be had.
Sounds like a great time. I love bluegrass music. We have satellite radio and it has a bluegrass station. I sometimes force the kids to listen to it hoping they will develop an appreciation for it. I'm not sure if it's working!
I do remember!! But the memories are a little dusty. Fill me in. Did you come to FC for a weekend to visit when I was there? Was it Rhonda Gray you came to see? My mind isn't what it used to be!!!!!!!!!!!
Taking Friday off to be with my little family. Hiking around the lake at the Madison County Nature Trail. Getting in free at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. Getting a visit from Tanya's brother, Mike, who preaches in Canada. Being treated to King Buffet by our bud Kevan. Starting our VBS at Elkton and hearing some golden lessons from Lowell Sallee. Hanging out at Sonic with some good friends after services Sunday night. Seeing my boys enjoying being around newly met members of our spiritual family.
Not so good things:
Mom re-admitted to UAB hospital for an infection related to her recent liver transplant (though it's not rejection, thank goodness). Having to put our Basset Hound, Sarah, down on Saturday morning - she had developed a tumor around her neck that was slowly killing her, it was time to end her suffering.
At the end of it all, I'm licking my wounds, and rejoicing to know that taking the bad with the good is only a temporary situation. The - eternal - day will come when the bad will drop off and I will only be left with good. Weekends like this only remind me of how badly we should all want to get to that place.
Sounds like a roller coaster weekend. I'm so sorry about your mom. I will be praying for her to have a speedy recovery from the infection. We had to put a dog down last September. We had her for 10 years. That is never easy on anyone in the family. I'm glad you will have a week of daily fellowship with your church family. That always is refreshing and helpful!
i've been a knology customer since 2000. so i just roll with their issues. generally, i have been happy with them. its just when the service techs come i get frustrated. they have lots of work and not enough techs apparently.
I've loved seeing the boys get up every night and lead a song. They have been such an encouragement to me, and I'm sure to many other along with the other kids. This has been a wonderful VBS, and I hate to see it end. glad to hear your mom will be coming home tonight.
