Last But Not Least

Well, another year is winding down and 2007 will quickly become 2008.

Amen to that.

Thanks to everyone who stops by to read this blog. Hopefully it has added something to your life in some way.

First of all, thanks be to God for another year of life and for all of the blessings you have poured into our lives in 2007. This year, I feel as though God was directly involved in our lives. New house. New Job. New Baby. New friends. New small group through our church. 2007 will definitely be a year to remember.

For 2008, my resolution is to grow closer to God. To listen to Him more intentionally. To have a healthier prayer life. To give Him more control over things I still try to overcome myself. Also, I hope to be a good father and husband to my girls and for our family and friends to have another year of good health.

Personally, what do you want to remember from 2007? How did God bless your life this past year? Also, what do you hope to accomplish in 2008? I'll enjoy reading your comments!

To everyone, have a safe New Year celebration and I will talk to you again next year.

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Lemon Update

After spending a few hours on the phone, I made a little progress with our vehicle situation. Like I figured, no one was really willing to help us out. The overall sentiment was, "Sorry Buddy, you're out of luck."

I called The Ohio Attorney General (office of Consumer Complaints), the Suzuki Corporation themselves, a second party government agency (CLDS) affiliated with Suzuki, and the dealership where the vehicle was sent after manufacture.

The OAG, Suzuki, and CLDS said that because it was bought as a used vehicle (which I think needs to be drastically changed) I was stuck with what I have. So basically, Suzuki was saying, "Yes, we made a bad product...but, good luck with that."

Sweet huh?

We made some progress with the dealership however. Fred Martin (never go there) was willing to take our car as a trade-in. Luckily, the car is worth as much as we owe, so we would basically be breaking even. The only catch? We have to buy a car from their lot (so, of course they were willing to work with us). The sad thing is, Fred Martin will probably turn around and sell this lemon to some other poor soul. Rather disturbing if you ask me...

Anyways, we will be keeping our eyes out for a vehicle that we like at Fred Martin and hopefully (soon), we will get this problem off our hands!

Our Car...The Lemon

We currently have the car from...cough, cough (excuse my language) Hell. Whatever you do, never buy a Suzuki.

Meg and I currently own a 2004 Suzuki Verona. As you can see from the picture...it looks pretty darn nice. Sunroof. Leather. Loaded. That fancy wood-paneled stuff. However, looks can be very deceiving.

We have owned the car for 18 months. Meg drives 10 miles a day. The car stays in the garage and is in a parking deck during the day. So, it is not like we treat it like a beater. During those 18 months, we have "invested" about $2,000 in repairs. Here are a few of the problems (too many to recall from memory) that we have had:

~ suspension problem that took over a month to fix
~ Throttle Body (3x)
~ Intake Manifold
~ Fuel Injection Sensor
~ Wiring Malfunction
~ Check Engine Light has come on over a dozen times.

This month alone, the car has been in the shop for 19 days and counting. This time, the "service" department cannot get the check engine light to turn off. Pretty sweet huh?

We are currently taking several roads to find a cure to this problem. I have a letter to submit to Suzuki along with the repair orders we have accumulated. Also, we are going to seek help from the Better Business Bureau about a possible Lemon Law infraction.

Please pray for us about this situation and that it will no longer hurt us emotionally and financially. God has a funny way of teaching us lessons, but I am still trying to figure this one out.

Baby's First Christmas

Well, we wrapped up our first Christmas with the little one. Kayley was passed around like a hot potato at all of our stops this Christmas. It was kind of nice not having to worry about her for a good part of the day. She, not surprisingly, stole the show at each stop.

This time of year is one of my favorite. I love spending time with our families, and with the new baby, it was extra special this year. Our Christmas begins on Christmas Eve when we spend the afternoon with Meg's parents. This usually involves hanging out and occasionally some finger foods. Then, we head over to my Grandparents house (mom's parents) for food and presents. Since everyone is older now, we do not exchange gifts with everyone, but my Grandparents still buy for everyone and then we have a White Elephant exchange (which is always fun).

On Christmas, we wake up and spend the morning at home. Meg makes french toast (for me) and pancakes (for her). Around noon, we head over to Meg's parents for lunch and presents. As the evening approaches, we then go to my Grandparent's house (dad's parents) and have dinner and open presents. As the grandchildren have gotten older, my grandparents have given money for Christmas. When we were kids, the living room looked like a Christmas display at Macy's. Presents stacked high. Decorations both old and new. It was something that will stay with me forever. This year, my grandparents got to buy presents for Kayley. You could see they enjoyed that again.

Christmas (not to sound cliche) is the most wonderful time of the year. The traditions are magical. The time spent with family is priceless and the season is filled with love and memories.

Now that I have become a Christian, Christmas has taken on a whole new meaning for me. I cannot explain the love I have for my Savior. This Christmas I took the time to reflect what that means to me personally. The Christmas traditions are great, but the real meaning of Christmas should be brought to life. If we forget that, Christmas will become just another novelty. How can people argue to take Christ out of Christmas? That makes absolutely no sense. That's like taking the Yankees out of New York. Or, expecting a car to run with no engine. Or, Thanksgiving without football (juvenile analogies I know). You can't have one without the other. Without Christ in Christmas, there would be no holiday. A "winter holiday" for the heck of it means absolutely nothing.

So, until next year...keep Christ first and remember why we were put on this earth. Find your "something."

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Merry Christmas

Before cartoons became politically correct. Inspiring and Thoughtful.

Merry Christmas everyone. May God bless you and yours this holiday season.

In My Daughter's Eyes

In my daughter's eyes

I see you dreaming
Of thoughts so real and new
Glimpses of love
Lost in a greyish-blue

I see you studying
The outline of my face
Our eyes meet
My heartbeat quickens pace

In my daughter's eyes
I see answered prayers and teddy bears
Pink sun dresses with SpaghettiO messes
I see tea time for two and trips to the zoo
Long-braided hair and dolls dressed with care
I see pony tails and bedtime fairy tales
With butterfly kisses and naptime wishes

In my daughter's eyes

I see you exploring
The amazement of light
Colors so vibrant
Keeping eyes open such a fight

I see you wondering
What else is in store
Dependent on two
Loved each day even more

In my daughter's eyes
I see answered prayers and teddy bears
Pink sun dresses with SpaghettiO messes
I see tea time for two and trips to the zoo
Long-braided hair and dolls dressed with care
I see pony tails and bedtime fairy tales
With butterfly kisses and naptime wishes

In my daughter's eyes

RMK 2007

Christmas Gifts

It's official, I am currently on Christmas break!

My break this year runs from December 21 to January 7. Not too shabby. The kids were VERY wound up and exploded out the doors when the school day ended. I'm not sure who was more elated, them or myself :D

Anyways, one of the perks about being a middle school teacher is that the students still buy/make their teachers gifts. Here is how I faired this year:

~ a pink fleece blanket for Kayley
~ two tiny stuffed animals for Kayley
~ chocolate nutted pretzel rods
~ homemade hard candy
~ $25 to 91 Oven
~ $75 to Babies R' Us
~ $10 to Office Max
~ $10 to Best Buy
~ $10 to Starbucks
~ $5 to Panera
~ $5 to Handel's Ice Cream
~ aspen almonds
~ Pat O'Brien's coffee
~ cookies from a classroom cookie exchange
~ hot cocoa mix, mug, and Heggy's chocolates
~ candy dish with candies
~ Homemade rasberry jam
~ assortments of homemade goodies
~ a notepad

Not too bad from a 6th grade class of 118 students. I love my job :)

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Hoover Track and Field

I'm Baaaaack!

Today I was hired as an assistant track coach for the middle school track team at Hoover (grades 7 & 8). I'm excited to be back in the sport that I have loved for many years now. It will be fun to be around the sport again.

To me, and I have played just about every organized sport, track is by far the most competitive sport around. It is pure talent against pure talent. There are not many variables to compare athletes against. You are either faster than the others, jump further than the others, throw further than the others, or run further faster than the others. Track is amazing.

I'll actually be coaching the shot put and discus. I know, out of my comfort zone. But, it will be a good learning experience since I would one day like to be a head coach. Plus, it is a foot in the door and something that I am very passionate about. The high school coach said he would hook me up with some tutorial videos. Coaching on the middle school level is all technique anyway. It should be a good time :)

I have some studying ahead of me!

Tasty Treat

With the stress that follows having a newborn, some people crave food that gives them a quick "pick-me-up." Chocolate has always been a good friend of mine. If you leave a bowl full of M&M's on the coffee table, it will be gone by the conclusion of that evening. So, when I was standing in line today at the grocery store...I just couldn't resist my favorite candy bar:

Cadbury's Caramello with its milk chocolate and creamy caramel :)


What is your favorite candy bar?

Grossology

Before my own child, who is 6 days old, I had never changed a diaper before.

Who can blame me?

Anyways, I haven't gagged, lost my cookies, or passed out when it comes to diaper changing...yet (I have a gag reflex that is easily triggered).

Funny story though...,

Yesterday I was changing Kayley's diaper (Meg and I take turns doing this chore) and I opened it to find a squeaky-clean diaper. In my mind, I gave a silent cheer for my luck...

Celebrated to soon...

As soon as I lifted her legs to put the diaper back underneath her behind, I got something along the lines of 1/2 passing of gas and 1/2 dropping the deuce (also known as a "shart").

I panicked under-pressure and yelled for the wife.

Hey, I'm still learning here!

Introducing Jesus Christ...

I put this back on my blog at the request of Meg's Dad. This is a very moving video clip of how Steve Harvey would introduce Christ. What if you had the opportunity to introduce Jesus Christ? How would you do it and what would you say?

(12 days until Christmas!)

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The "New" Sleeping Pill

Ahh yes, the pacifier.

Lately, I have been torn between using this widely used calming gadget. For one, I didn't want to except defeat.

So I compromised with myself (hey, sleep is a powerful thing).

The pacifier will ONLY be used at night. As a last resort against the looming sleep bug that is biting me more frequently now. During the day, no such luck (sorry Kayley...and us). She'll have to learn to tough it out even though that may mean she has to cry her eyes out for a little bit.

Hopefully this will delay a trip to the orthodontist for a few years...$$$

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Summing It Up...

"Did you know that in his life Christ fulfilled 332 distinct prophecies in the Old Testament? What are the mathematical possibilities of all these prophecies being fulfilled in the life of one man?

1/840,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,
000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,
000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000.

(That’s ninety-seven zeroes!) Amazing!"

~Max Lucado~

Kayley Morgan

At 12:31 p.m. on December 8, 2007, Megan and I welcomed Kayley Morgan into the world. She weighed 7 lbs. 1 oz. and was 19 1/4 inches long.

We were at the hospital from Friday until Tuesday afternoon. Ugh!

Megan was induced about a week and a half early because of pregnancy induced hypertension (high blood pressure). After 19 hours...yes, 19 hours...of labor, the doctors decided to move to Plan B...c-section.

On the way to the surgical room, the father-to-be has to stay outside in the lobby (alone) while the doctors prep the mom-to-be for surgery.

Worst 15 minutes of my life.

I had so many thoughts and emotions during those 15 minutes that it really felt like 15 hours. Knowing that in a matter of minutes...the unknown would be known. My life would be changed forever. Would she/he be healthy? Would I be a good father? What the heck have I done? Was this a mistake? Up to this point, I wondered what NOW would feel like. Truthfully, it scared the living daylights out of me.

Megan and I had been banking on a boy from the get go. Everyone on my side of the family are boys and so we thought that wouldn't change now. However, we REALLY wanted a little girl. When the doctor said, "it's a little girl," I couldn't believe my ears. Immediately, she had me wrapped around her finger.

Although there are a lot of worries and unknowns, I love holding her in my arms and watching her sleep. She has the cutest little face I have ever seen (father's bias). To think, this is the same little girl that will wake us up with the excitement of Christmas at 6:00 in the morning. The same little girl that will get on the school bus for the first time. The same little girl that will think her dad is totally uncool at some point. The same little girl who will be asked to prom. The same little girl who will graduate high school and go off to college. The same little girl that will meet and marry her own love. The same little girl that will have her own family someday. The same little girl that will always be my little girl.

Always.

I'm sure I will have many, many more posts that express the emotions, laughter, and some venting that is sure to come. I want to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers, and support as we have moved along with this process. Friends and family are the best resources when it comes to this stage in our lives.

And lastly, thank you God for allowing me to witness the miracle of life. To be the father of something so precious to You. Thank you for the love that I feel when I look into her eyes. Thank you for a healthy baby girl and for answering a multitude of prayers from numerous people. It is in Your strength that I continue on.

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Rose-Colored Glasses

An acquaintance of mine, a self-proclaimed atheist, once said to me, "I do what is good for human beings because it is the right thing to do, not because God told me it was the right thing to do."

I found this to be a very intriguing comment...

Through candid conversations, it seemed to me as though this acquaintance thought of me as nothing more than a proverbial puppet. A "Jesus Freak" who has no intellectual control because of my foolish belief in an unknown being.

To them, being an atheist was intellectually freeing. They were open-minded. I was closed-minded. However, I believe it to be a reversal of philosophy. Don't you have to be open-minded to believe in something that takes a leap of faith?

The following is a quote by C.S. Lewis that simply states how I feel as a Christian.

"I believe in Christianity as I believe the sun has risen; not only because I see it, but by it I see everything else."

Becoming a Christian has opened my eyes to the world around me, not closed them. Becoming a Christian has made me love more deeply, not less. Becoming a Christian has given me compassion, not taken it away. Becoming a Christian has made me realize that each day is not my own, not mine and mine alone. Becoming a Christian has put my trust in a higher being, not in myself. Becoming a Christian has given me hope in tomorrow, not in today.

I am a human being that believes in Christianity, but also a Christian that believes in humanity.

So simply stated, but so hard for some people to grasp.

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Christmas With a Capital "C"...

Funny (but meaningful) song by a band called Go Fish Guys. In my own life, I am trying to spread Christmas cheer anywhere I go. Whenever someone says Happy Holidays, I have tried to respond by simply saying, "Merry Christmas to you too."

Isn't it amazing that people are trying to take Christ out of Christmas? It makes absolutely no sense. Without Christmas, there would be no holiday season. Christmas, and everything that comes along with it (good or bad), was meant to celebrate the birth of our Savior.

Help me spread a little Christmas magic for the next 21 days...

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Political Campaign Ad

This is just sheer brilliance. Mike Huckabee is slowly growing on me. He had a great showing in the last debate and this commercial is marketing genius for an age demographic that commonly doesn't care to vote.

God Wears Scarlet and Grey!

#9 Oklahoma 38 #1 Missouri 17

Pittsburgh 13 #2 West Virginia

Absolute craziness. What an unbelievable end to the college football regular season. What's that I hear?...

OH-IO

OH-IO

OH-IO

Onto the National Championship!

Teaching Evaluation

For those who do not know me, my profession is that of a 6th grade English Teacher. At Hoover, they require new teachers to be evaluated yearly for the first three years. After those three years, a teacher is evaluated every five years. I thought I would share how this process works...

The evaluation process is very lengthy (and time consuming). It is amazing how much you need to prepare for a lesson that takes 45 minutes to teach.

First, you meet with your evaluator (usually an administrator or curriculum advisor) and he/she reviews the evaluation tool with you. The evaluation tool has 4 domains and each domain has 3-6 areas of concentration. So basically, you are graded on about "20ish" areas of the classroom.

Second, before you teach the actual lesson, you must meet with the evaluator for a pre-observation evaluation. This meeting usually takes about 45 minutes. The teacher is asked 11 questions about the lesson. Pretty easy right? 11 questions is all? To answer those questions, it took me 13 hours and 13 pages. You have to know the test scores of students, backgrounds, learning styles, IQ's, which students are gifted or need extended services, etc. Also, you must explain the objectives, goals, use of technology and resources, and learning gaps for the lesson. Like I said, very time consuming.

Third, the teacher teaches the actual lesson. Finally, the easy part! The evaluator sits in the back of the classroom with his notes from our meeting and basically observes how I teach. During that time, I have to be aware of the students off task and on task, circulate the room, ask higher level thinking questions, allow for all types of learners to succeed, make sure I'm calling on different students of different sexes with different learning styles, students who need extra help, watch my tone and speaking, provide a safe learning environment, provide a fair learning environment, and I'm sure there is more...but, I'm getting a headache just thinking about all this again.

Finally, the evaluator and teacher have a post-observation evaluation. Basically, here is where the teacher has to regurgitate the things that they noticed about the lesson from above. What would we change? What went well? What about this student and that student? Did everything align with the learning goal? And of course, much more!

That is how a teacher is evaluated. I used to fall down laughing when I heard people saying, "Ah, you're a teacher...must be nice to have a gig like that!" Oh ya, real nice. Babysitting 130 students a day. Paperwork out the wazoo. Hours of prep time each week for grading and lesson plans. The testing alone to become a teacher makes me think that I should have PhD behind my last name. However, even though it is TONS of work and headaches, it is a very rewarding profession. It is new and different everyday, and the outcomes are amazing to watch unfold.

Does this give you a new appreciation for teachers? I didn't even begin to mention the students themselves ;)

Jesus was a teacher. Jesus was a teacher. Jesus was a....sorry, I was just reminding myself. A little motivation for a hard day at work.

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Christmas Decorating

Yesterday, Megan and I spent a good part of the day decorating for Christmas. We decorated the house, set up the Christmas tree, strung the outside lights, hung wreaths, and basically grew tired of the whole ordeal...quickly.

Besides for the "show and tell" factor, why do we go over the top to celebrate one holiday? Now don't get me wrong, I love sitting in my living room at night with nothing else on but the lights of the Christmas tree, but how many Santa/Snowmen/yards of garland does a person really need?

Maybe the kid factor motivates the decorating mechanism in our brains. I guess we'll find out...

soon!

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!

Do you know how I knew it was Thanksgiving today?

No not the smell of a turkey in the oven...

By the sound of Christmas music on the radio. Strange right? We can't even finish one holiday before we move onto the next.

Anyways, this year I have many blessings to be thankful for. We moved into our first home. I landed my dream job. Megan will be having our first (I say that as neither a beginning nor an end) child in a matter of days/weeks. We joined an amazing small group and have connected with so many new friends who have enriched our lives. And, last but not least, our families have been awesome and supportive about the impending birth of our child. 2007 will be a year to remember and I cannot thank God enough for what He has been doing in our lives. We may never understand the way of His Blessings, but isn't it better that way?

Back to the Christmas music...

Can anything beat the classics? Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, Perry Como, Burle Ives, etc. I could listen to them all day, everyday if I had too. My Bing Crosby Christmas CD is by far the best CD I own.

Now, we enter a time of hearing Christmas music everywhere we go...

When we are at the mall.
When we are driving in the car.
When we ride the elevator (only this is the cheap "instrumental" versions).
When we are pumping gas.
When we are using the restroom facilities at our favorite retail store (I know right?)

I wouldn't be so tired of it by Christmas if it was played for the right reason. That reason is to celebrate the birth of our Savior, not the birth of the holiday shopping season. Slowly, inch by inch, CHRIST is being taken out of CHRISTmas. Christmas is slowly becoming Winter Holiday.

Let's not let that happen...

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Quotes

For some reason, I have always loved quotes and random facts. The following are a few of my favorite quotes taken from various sources. Enjoy!

Be still and know that I am God.
~Psalms 46:10~

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me
~Phillipians 4:13~

"Something inside of me just said 'Hey, wait a minute, I want to beat him,' and I just took off."
~Steve Prefontaine~

"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift."
~Steve Prefontaine~

"I always loved running - it was something you could do by yourself, and under your own power. You could go in any direction, fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your lungs."
~Jesse Owens~

"Awards become corroded, friends gather no dust."
~Jesse Owens~

"One chance is all you need."
~Jesse Owens~

"Only a man who knows what it is like to be defeated can reach down to the bottom of his soul and come up with the extra ounce of power it takes to win when the match is even." ~Muhammad Ali~

"There is a movement bubbling up that goes beyond cynicism and celebrates a new way of living, a generation that stops complaining about the church it sees and becomes the church it dreams of."
~Shane Claiborne~

"A great civilization is not conquered from without until it has destroyed itself from within."
~William Durant~

"Every attempt at human progress has been an attempt to overcome what was lost in the Fall."
~Randy Alcorn~

"I believe in Christianity as I believe the sun has risen; not only because I see it, but by it I see everything else."
~C.S. Lewis~

Baby Shower

I'm still amazed...

Last night, our living room looked like the stockroom of Babies R' Us. This child is very loved from our family and friends. While we were in the car last night, I asked Megan what it would be like if we didn't have all of this support and love.

We couldn't even imagine the possibility. How do some people do this when they can't even afford to put gas in their car or a meal on the table.

God has blessed us abundantly.

But, I have begun to ask the question why? Why has He showed me so much love? Why has He put so many "Godly" people in my life? Why has He chosen this path for my life? What did I possibly do to deserve Him?

The awesome part, I do not want to know. I just want to pay it forward. Show people His love on a daily basis. Live the life He set me free to live. Trusting in God alone is an unbelievable release. It makes you focus on the important things and to not sweat the small stuff. God is a fan of my life, it just took me awhile to get off the bench and into the game.

With all of the gift cards we received and some returns of duplicates, we were able to get the biggest items from our list. Last night, we purchased our travel system, swing/glider, pak-and-play, breast pump, and an extra car seat base. How awesome is that?

I liked what Megan said last night on the way to pick-up something to eat. She said, "This morning was the last time our house will ever be normal."

Abnormal is good ;)

Bird's Eye View

God IS watching us in the simplest of ways...

Smile :)

Minimum Charge

According to a brochure handed out by the Mercy Medical Center Department of Anesthesiology, and I quote:

Ocassionally, a mother decides to go through the labor and delivery without receiving an anesthetic; in that case, an anesthetist or an anesthesiologist will monitor the mother's vital signs during delivery and is also immediately available to resuscitate the newborn should it be necessary. There will be a minimum charge for this service.

Now, seriously, if we elect NOT to pay this "minimum charge," will Mercy Hospital resuscitate our newborn or check my wife's stats?

I'm sure they will take great care of our baby, but isn't it sickening to think what a monster the health industry has become? Why has this country fallen victim to such a cheap trick? Why do we allow ourselves to be handcuffed by health professionals and medical insurance companies. The sad part is, if we REALLY wanted to change it...we could. But, we just sit back and take it.

The Bible says that when we die, we will be given new bodies (free of pain and suffereing) for life on a new Earth. Let's just hope this new Earth is free of insurance companies, insurance premiums, medical claims lawyers (only slightly kidding), medical malpractice, etc.

I can't wait <><

Thanks For Your Support

A couple of weeks ago, Megan and I sent out an e-mail to our closest friends and family asking for a big favor. Today, I can proudly say: THANK YOU! We were very humbled by the responses we got back.

Of course, when having a baby, money is the source of most worries. Personally, I knew God would be watching over us as we struggled with this situation. I put my trust in Him alone.

For those of you who do not know, Megan is a medical transcriptionist for a general surgeon at Mercy Hospital. Luckily (for us and the baby), her job allows her to work from home a majority of the time. However, to be "financially fit," we figured Megan would have to work in the office two days a week (or 8 times a month).

Fortunately, we were blessed to have 4 of those 8 days covered from the start. The worry then became, well what about the other 4 days? Graciously, a few family members and friends stepped up.

For everyone that has offered a helping hand, I cannot thank you enough. This whole experience has been stressful to say the least. This act of kindness has "taken the monkey off our back." Just knowing that we have several options allows us to be flexible with ourselves and with those who have offered to help. God continues to amaze me with the people he has placed in our lives. Where would I be without his Blessings?

I want all of you to know that we love you and thank you for being in our lives. For those who have offered to help (and are going to help), we will be in touch during the coming months! God bless!

P.S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!

Iraq...a glimmer of hope

What an awesome picture and a testament to the determination of the Iraqi people. These people want to succeed. They want to thrive. They want freedom.

We have a purpose there. Like it or not.

A great political/military mind once made the statement that at any one time throughout human history (and into the future), ONE region or country has been/is incharge of "policing" the world. Unfortunately and fortunately, that happens to be the United States of America. Unfortunately because we get our pride/image/name dragged through the mud when no one else is willing to step in (AND)fortunately because what we have done has made lasting impressions around the world. If you did a little research, it is amazing to see what the U.S. has brought, prevented, contained, and innovated within the past 100 years alone.

That picture above is everything I want the world to be.

Some people may think taking God out of the equation is a cure-all, but in fact...it may be the single, most-dangerous idea mankind has ever created.

Birthing Class

Last Monday night, Megan and I began our birthing class. Our second class was last evening. Overall, the class crawls by slower than a snail with an over-sized shell. I'm starting to wonder if the pillows you are required to bring are for the exercise routines or napping. Most of the information is on topics/concerns/issues that we have already read about via the Internet or other motherly experiences. There have been several breathing techniques that Megan says were relaxing, but when you're birthing a 7 lbs baby...that could go right out the door. However, last night we did watch a short video that showed the stages of labor. Now I know and realize that the birth of a baby is nothing short of a miracle, but couldn't God have made it a little more appealing? The most useful part of this class will happen in two weeks. On that night, we will take a tour of the birthing wing of the hospital. They will familiarize us with everything we need to know from the time that we get there, until the time that we go home. Hopefully, that will be worth the $30 dollars for this class.

41 days until the due date and counting...

Lincoln...In the Morning

Jesus Passed Gas Too

Jesus once asked his disciples, "Who do people say that I am?" However, it was the next question that is the foundation of Christianity. Jesus answered that question with another question by asking his disciples, "But what about you? Who do YOU say that I am?"

A couple thousand years later...we are still pondering that same question.

When you think of Jesus, how do you picture Him?

Long, flowing, silky, brown hair?
Clean white robe?
Perfectly trimmed beard?
Carrying a lamb?
Bright, white teeth?
Fair complexion?

Why?

Jesus, MY personal Lord and Savior, was after all...human (although, sin-free).

Think of the time period in which Jesus walked the streets. His clothes were probably not the cleanest. His teeth (if all were present) probably weren't the whitest. The breath might not of smelled so holy. His skin was probably more of a Middle Eastern olive complexion. His hands were probably rough and callused from being a carpenter (I'm sure he hit his thumb a few times with a hammer too). On a hot day, he probably had a little body odor. And yes, he probably passed gas and went to the bathroom too...just a hunch.

When we ALWAYS show Jesus in an "angelic-light" (not that He wasn't) sometimes it takes away from who He REALLY was.

Human (for 33 years).

Like you and I.

Instead of our "mainstream" culture promoting Jesus as unapproachable (and at times distant and rigid), we should show him in a real form that is approachable, lovable, and REAL. Think of your best relationship and then multiply it by hundreds. That's what we should be striving for. There is enough complaining going on in the church, it is time to put a foot down and do something about it.

The moral of my shpeel: Love, thrive in fellowship, live in community and pass gas...

Jesus did.

God's Wallet

I was looking through my wallet the other day (I usually do this when I'm bored), and I noticed some rather humorous things buried deep inside that leather contraption.

No, not money.

What I uncovered, were some old (and older) pictures of some family members. There was a picture of Megan and I around the time we got engaged (I splurged on a $14.95 package from Wal-Mart for our engagement pictures). One of my brother's golf pictures from high school, and a picture of my parents from the early 1990's (rather humorous).

Will I have to buy a bigger wallet after my child is born? Is there room for a picture of my child? Should it go in between the Home-Depot credit card or my Stark County Library card?

This made me ponder, I wonder what God's wallet is like? When he opens it, do pictures of His children unfold and roll out for miles? Does he have an Advantage Card? Did He take a bad driver's license picture too?

More importantly, ask yourself this question: If an angel asked to see a picture of you in God's wallet, would He be able to find you?

Sculpted Personalities

Driving by the farmer’s stand, they pose
Trying to look their Sunday best.
Families, couples, kids all in search,
Seeing which one passes their difficult test.

They’ve grown all year for this one month.
Some go sooner, others go later.
Big ones, warped ones, small ones, perfect ones,
Either way, they all know their fate.

Getting picked is only half their job,
Their sculpted personalities are yet to be.
Opening them up, we gather their guts,
Knowing that giving them life is no cup of tea.

From devilish grins to astonishing eyes,
And faces that are not meant to scare.
They are doctored to fit imaginations,
And always welcome a passing by stare.

Days pass as features rot into one.
November is now their biggest fear.
Knowing that their holiday has come and gone,
Leaves farmers longing for next year.

RMK

Camp Muskingum Part II

Well, I made it back from Carollton, Ohio in one piece. The rain clouds seemed like they could've dumped on us at anytime, but Mother Nature was on our side. Here are some highlights from my trip to sixth grade camp at Camp Muskingum:

~ It is definitely not enjoyable to load a bus twice and unload a bus twice when you have sixth grade kids who think 2 1/2 days means 2 1/2 weeks.

~ Words you do not want to hear whispered to you at 1:30 in the morning: "Mr. Kumpf, I think Justin is sick. He threw up by his bed."

~ Camp food blocks you up. I guess that is better than the reverse (it wasn't too bad either).

~ Sixth grade girls who think the male teacher is "cute" gets pretty annoying (I wish that would have been the case when I was in sixth grade).

~ Two students and two teachers got sick and had to go home.

~ God paints beautiful pictures with nature. The scenery and smells. The cool, crisp morning air. The stillness of the lake. The canopy of leaves in a multitude of colors.

~ When observing a game where 15 students were assigned a career tag and had to place themselves in order from least important to most important, this was over heard: "You can't live without a lawyer." A sign of the times? (at the end of the game, they created a circle to show that each job is of equal importance)

~ Sixth grade boys can really stink up a place.

~ The relationships that you build with individual students is priceless. I love my job. I love what I do. I love making a difference. I love when students hand you their trust. I love when students say that I'm their favorite teacher...not because I'm cool and let them do whatever they want (which is bad), but because I listen, I'm caring, and I make learning fun. To know that I have this much impact on future generations is very humbling. Hopefully, I make the best of it.

~ There is no difference between a gifted student, an average student, and a special needs student. If you model this, the students will too.

~ When having to remind the students time and time again to be quiet after the lights go out...they do not like for the lights to come on (after being out for over a half hour) and sit up in bed with their hands behind their heads for four minutes (threatening to up the amount of time by two minutes every time after the first offense). Shuts them up real fast.

~ A student hugging you and saying thanks for making camp fun...nothing better.

~ Trying to convince a crying, homesick 11 year-old boy that he needs to stay just a little bit longer.

~ Sixth graders hate mandatory showers.

~ It's cool to be muddy.

~ Ort means "leftovers" and that is a bad thing.

~ It doesn't matter how you dance, just shake something.

~ I couldn't make it back to Camp Muskingum even if I wanted too.

Camp Muskingum

Thirteen years ago, I went to Camp Muskingum as a 6th grader. Tomorrow, I'm going back in the reverse role. I will be spending two nights and three days with 130 eleven year olds in the great outdoors. Surprisingly, I'm looking forward to the adventures that lie ahead. Hopefully, I'll have some great stories to share when I return. Check back this weekend!

"Some national parks have long waiting lists for camping reservations. When you have to wait a year to sleep next to a tree, something is wrong." ~George Carlin

The Moon Still Could Be Made of Cheese...

During my sophomore year of college, I presented a persuasive speech for a Speech course that changed my opinion about one of the biggest "accomplishments" of the 20th century.

What I'm about to state may excite you, anger you, make you ponder, or make you think that I have a screw loose...

If you stayed up to watch the 1969 moon landing, you saw cinematic magic at its best. That's right, the moon landing was about as real as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

When I originally did the research for this speech five years ago, 10% of the U.S. population believed what I stated above. Now, five years later, that number has increased to 20%.

Before I start, I do not usually believe in conspiracy theories. In fact, I usually associate the people who believe in them as a little off. This one, however, is hard for me to bypass. I'm not even saying that this is 100% truth, I'm just saying there is a lot of information to support the fallacies.

Here is a little background information:
In 1957, the Soviet Union (a country we would have a Cold War with for almost half a century), sent a satellite into space...thus starting the so-called "Space Race." Many Americans, rightfully so, lived with the fear that the Soviets would be able to drop nuclear bombs from these satellites. In 1961, President Kennedy promised to have a man on the moon by the end of the decade. During the 1960's, NASA made many unsuccessful attempts to reach the beyond. The "moon landing" occurred during one of the most scandalous presidencies of our nation's history (Nixon). Some believe our nation needed a rebirth of Patriotism with the ongoing struggles of Vietnam.

So, Wah Lah..., 12 years after the Russians shot a tin can into the atmosphere, we land on the moon??? Scientifically, logically, and realistically...it just does not add up.

Man on the Moon?

Below, I have posted a very interesting program that was shown on Fox. It does a great job of showing some of the inaccuracies of the moon landing mission. But, before you click, here are some thoughts to ponder regarding the issue.

- With all of the advancements in technology, we haven't been back to the moon in 38 years. Wouldn't you want to go back? Or, wouldn't another country have made it there by now? Russia, seemingly ahead of us for over a decade, has abandoned the moon missions. They state it is "virtually impossible" to send a man to the moon. In a scientific calculation at the time, one scientist said the mission had a 0.00017% chance of being successfull. By the way, the U.S. has no plans to return to the Moon in future NASA budgets.

- The astronauts on this mission barely make public appearances. People that should be regarded as national heroes, have been swept under the rug.

- 10 people associated with the moon landing program mysteriously died within years of the mission.

- Blueprints and design and development drawings of the machines involved, telemetry tapes, and the original high quality video of the Apollo 11 Moonwalk are missing.

- There are no stars in any of the photos. The Apollo 11 astronauts also claimed to have not remembered seeing any of the stars in a press conference after the event.

- Identical backgrounds in photos are listed as taken miles apart.

- No blast crater or any sign of dust scatter as was seen in the 16mm movies of each landing.

- The rocks brought back from the Moon are identical to rocks collected by scientific expeditions to Antarctica.

- The Lander weighed 17 tons and sat on top of the sand making no impression but directly next to it footprints can be seen in the sand.

Video

Arrival

As of tomorrow (October 17), Megan and I will have two months until the baby arrives. Two months sounds a lot better than one month and "x" amount of days, so I will savor tomorrow. The closer "the date" gets, the more "unusual" I feel. Unusual is about the only way to describe the emotions I have.

Do I want to be a dad? Yes.

Am I ready to be a dad? No.

For this post, I thought I would appologize in advance:

I'm sorry for not knowing what to expect and for sometimes wishing this could somehow be reversed. I'm sorry I wasn't better prepared. I'm sorry for letting you cry some nights and for not always wanting to get out of bed to rock you to sleep. I'm sorry for getting frustrated when I do not understand what it is that you want and for feeling that everything is a bit overwhelming at times. I'm sorry I might be at work for your first smile, your first words, or your first step. I'm sorry for feeding you food that you might not even like and for taking pictures of you just so we have a good laugh later on down the road. I'm sorry for not being with you on your first day of school and for not being there to catch you when you fall and scrap your knee. I'm sorry for not always modeling the best behavior and for teaching you bad habits. I'm sorry for the friends who will hurt your feelings and for not knowing exactly what to say when you do not make the team. I'm sorry for the presents I just couldn't afford and for the times I forget something that was important to you. I'm sorry for turning down that game of catch or a game of HORSE. I'm sorry I won't always look when you yell, "watch this Dad!" I'm sorry for picking you up late from school and for not allowing you to go to a friends house when everyone else is. I'm sorry that I didn't like your date the first, second, and last time I met them and for making you come home after the school dance. I'm sorry for making you take the bus when the roads are snowy and for making sure you're always dressed for the weather. I'm sorry for checking in on you during the weekends when your away at school and for asking why you never come home for a visit. I'm sorry not being able to help you the way our parent's and grandparents helped us. I'm sorry I won't be the best at financial advice or for not being the most conversational person when you just want to talk. I'm sorry for missing out on your childrens activities because it just became to hard to get out of the house. I'm sorry for leaving you and not having the chance to say I love you one last time.

Table For Six?

On Wednesday evening, Megan and I went out to eat with my parents to a little place called Top of the Viaduct. They have been running full-page ads in the Massillon Independent promoting their 30th year in business. To celebrate the occasion, T.O.V rolled the prices back 30 years on some of their "customer favorites."

A cup of coffee was 49 cents.

A slice of homemade pie was 79 cents.

A 7oz Sirloin Steak with a baked potato, side dish, and roll was $5.99.

Needless to say, the place was pretty busy for the dinner crowd (a lot of "white-hairs" too). As we were waiting in a descent sized line, a lady from the front announced that there was a table for six in the back.

No takers.

Standing in front of us was an older gentleman and his wife (they were probably in their 70's) and the gentleman turned around and asked how many we had in our party. We told him four, and he surprised us by asking if we all wanted to sit together...

Sit with total strangers? Eww...

Our stomachs were speaking louder than our thoughts, so we accepted.

We introduced ourselves, had conversation (we all had a lot in common actually), and we left the restaurant with a greater comfort level. The odd thing was that we had to wait for our food for over 45 minutes. There was no room to sit there like deaf mutes. Talking had to happen...

This got me thinking. How much do we really "live" inside the box? Do people really feel awkward about sitting with "other" people during a meal? I know I did. It almost felt like I was sitting there naked. How weird our minds work. How strange we are wired. Imagine doing this at other restaurants. Walking into Bravo, 91, Longhorn, and creating tables for however many people could be combined together...knowing them or not. Sure, sometimes you'd have a few hits and misses...but how much would this change us? Something as simple as breaking bread with a stranger.

I think I've heard about a person who would do something like that...

Playoffs? Get Comfortable...

As everybody knows, I am a huge Cleveland sports fan. So obviously, the Indians making it to the ALCS is a BIG deal. Even though the Tribe made the playoffs (and look very strong), any Cleveland fan (I'll coin the term Clevelandism) knows to start peering around the corner...just incase. We'll, yesterday I did that and I was happy/comfortable with what I found. For all of you Tribe fans, here is an excerpt from an article on www.indians.com:

Take a look at the Tribe's regular starting lineup of center fielder Grady Sizemore, second baseman Asdrubal Cabrera, designated hitter Travis Hafner, catcher Victor Martinez, first baseman Ryan Garko, shortstop Jhonny Peralta, left fielder Kenny Lofton, right fielder Franklin Gutierrez and third baseman Casey Blake.

Now, consider that, in that group, only Lofton will be a free agent after this season, while Hafner and Cabrera are under contractual control through 2013, Sizemore, Garko and Gutierrez through '12, Peralta through '11, Martinez through '10, and Blake through next season.

The Indians' four-man playoff rotation of C.C. Sabathia (signed through '08), Fausto Carmona (under control through '13), Jake Westbrook (signed through '10) and Paul Byrd (club option for '08) could be kept intact next year, with depth options Jeremy Sowers (under control through '12), Aaron Laffey (under control through '13) and Cliff Lee (signed through '09, club option for '10) also on board.

And in the bullpen, back-end relievers Joe Borowski (club option for '08), Rafael Betancourt (under control through '09), Rafael Perez (under control through '12) and Jensen Lewis (under control through '13) aren't necessarily going anywhere.

Has Cleveland's time finally come?

Music To My Ears

Every once in awhile, a song really effects your thoughts.

You whistle the tune at work.

Hum it in the shower.

Rock it out in the car.

I've never been one to "just listen" to the music. I've never said that was a nice fill, a nice fret, or a great note. I have, however, been touched by lyrics, inspired by words, and effected by unaltered thoughts.

Basically, I hear the words before I enjoy the tune (Maybe that's why I can't dance?).

Anyways, I found one of those songs the other day on my way to work. The song is called "The Twenty-First Time" and it is by Monk & Neagle. It's just one of those songs that really makes you think.

I hate that.

I posted the lyrics below, but if you read anything at all...read the last two stanzas. How elegant it is to have all of your thoughts summed up in 72 words. If anything, I hope someone reading my blog says the same thing about the text I type :)

Nowhere to live
Nowhere to fall
He used to have money
But he's wasted it all
His face is a photograph burned in mind
But I pretend not to see him for the twenty-first time

He sleeps under stars, it's all he can afford
His blankets an old coat he's had since the war
He stands on the corner of Carter and Vine
But I pretend not to see him for the twenty-first time

He may be a drifter who's grown old and gray
But what if it's Jesus and I walk away
I say I'm the body and drink of the wine
But I pretend not to see him for the twenty-first time

She's 29 but she feels 48
She can't raise three kids on minimum wage
She's crying in back of the welfare line
But I pretend not to see her for the twenty-first time

She may be a stranger trying to get through the day
But what if it's Jesus and I walk away
I say I'm the body and drink of the wine
But I pretend not to see her for the twenty-first time

This is a call for a change in my heart
I realize that I've not been doing my part
When I needed a Savior, I found it in Him
He gave to me, now I'll give back to them

Drifter or stranger, daughter or son
I'll look for Jesus in everyone
'Cause I am the body and drink of the wine
And I'm thankful there's more than the twenty-first time

Chicken Livers

Mmmmmm...

That title has no double meaning.

My Grandma Kumpf makes the best chicken livers ever. I could eat them by the plate-full. They are especially tasty with A1 sauce. Meg hates the smell/sight of them, so there goes passing down the tradition.

We recently stopped by my grandparent's house for a visit, and while I was there I requested an order of chicken livers. Two days later, the phone rings...the chicken livers were ready to be picked up. She doubled the size of what I usually get. I need to request food more often!

Well, I'm off to feast on the tasty finger-food. Bon Appetit!

Antonym of Me

You are the embodiment
of enveloping Light
While I hide in the shadows
of the darkness of night.

You loved a world
that was lost in the Fall
But I turn to deaf ears
when it is my name You call.

You are the true divinity
of everything clean and pure
To my knees I bend
when it is my faith You cure.

You breathed life into nothing
through the ascendancy of Word
Only this time, it was my heart
and not the mind that heard.

RMK-2007

Busy Bee

What a week...

It seemed like just yesterday, Meg and I were one of the most boring couples around. Now, we have a hard time stopping to just take a breather.

The bad thing?

It isn't going to get much better.

My teaching job at Hoover is mentally draining. If you have kids, you know how sometimes they seem to just ask question after question? Gets tiring huh? Now imagine that times 130.

Everyday.

My days go fast. My weeks go fast. But, I am CONSTANTLY talking, grading, recording, implementing, revising, yelling, joking, assigning, explaining, discussing, demonstrating, disciplining, directing, assessing, observing, printing, copying, charting, e-mailing, thinking, planning, fostering, memorizing...

...and then lunch arrives.

After school, I have department meetings, faculty meetings, church meetings, small group meetings, mowing, cleaning, grading, and so on.

We have made some new close friends, Andrew and Kristen, that we love hanging out with. Our small group is amazing! Why didn't this happen like a year ago? All of us are married couples with (or expecting) children. It is so nice to experience life with people who are at the same point in their own lives. Jason and Suzi Lantz, a couple in our small group, are amazing people and I am so fortunate that God has placed them in our lives. I consider him a good friend and someone I look up to when I see a Christian man with two kids and a wife. He is such a real person and that is what makes it such a cool friendship. The stress of having a child has been minimized with so many people entering our lives who will be with us step for step.

AND...

We still make time to spend with our families. Something that is very important with Megan and I. We are blessed to have parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. who love us and care for us. Sometimes it feels like those are the ones we neglect to spend time with, BUT WE TRY! I have no clue where I would be without a solid foundation rooted in a good set of family values.

Did I mention we have a baby due in 2 1/2 months?

Geesh...

Doubts

I'm disconnected...

For some reason, I'm not emotionally connected to the baby. I read about the development of the baby every week, but most of my emotions are related to worrying about his or her health and well-being. I look at Megan, pregnant and all, but all I see is Megan. Maybe it's a guy thing. Everything else feels...distant.

I try picturing myself as a dad.

That's even more difficult.

How in the heck did my dad do this? In my biggest of dreams, I pray that I am even half the dad that my dad was/is for me. He always knew what to do. Do I? He was always there for me. Will I be? He always did what was best for us and the family. Will I do that?

Moms on the otherhand seem to have this natural instinct to love and react. My Mom always seemed to have the answers. Megan always seems to have the answers (don't tell her I said that). What gives?

I'm declaring gender dicrimination. I think God left something out when he molded man. Maybe the extra rib that God took from Adam and gave to Eve has something to do with it???

When it comes down to it, it has to be just like everything else. Trial and error. It's always nice to have people in your life that care and want to help you through times like this. I definitely welcome that. But, at the same time, I want to experience things on our own and in our own way. To me, I could care less about what happened with Joe Smoe's baby. Every experience is unique and different.

I just hope I succeed at doing whatever it is a dad does.

Questions, Cynicism and Hypocrisy

"If we Christians would take all that energy we put into proving we're right and everyone else is wrong and invested that energy in pursuing and doing good, somehow I think more people would believe we are right."

I came across this comment on a website I visited recently (author unknown). How true is that statement? Does it make you feel empowered to do something? Does it make you tingle too?

My walk with Jesus has been a rather strange one. Before I became a "practicing Christian," I wasn't much different than I am now. Good kid, respectful of others, helped people out, likable, never did anything his parents wouldn't want him to do. That's still me...basically.

However, since I have built a relationship with Christ...my perspective on life has drastically changed. I am no longer AS selfish and egotistical. There is a peacefulness about my life, a void that has been filled that I never even knew was empty. I look at the big picture rather than focusing on the next task. I love greater than I have ever loved before. My life isn't filled with worried perceptions, rather it is filled with a trust in a higher being...a higher realm. Instead of locking my car door at the corner where a homeless man always stands, I think of ways that I could help him out.

To sum things up: God plans the beats of my heart. I just have to make sure I keep it in working condition. A lot of times, people are to enveloped in the idea that we control those beats and what can I do to live longer, stronger and die with the most "stuff"...

With all that said, the most important concept is knowing that I am not done yet. Not even close. I understand that being a Christian is like being a great athlete. You have to practice at your craft. Wouldn't it be great if we could all focus on the first question stated? What if we all put others first? What if we all took the time to serve and love each other? What if we walked in the footsteps of Jesus?

Let's walk together...

Wheelchairs, Ice Cream, and a Lady Named Ida...

This weekend, our church shut its doors and urged its followers to be more like Christ. The goal was to set aside time for people to actively serve in the community.

A progressive idea for a progressive church. I love the vision of RiverTree! It is no longer about routine. How are you changing if you sit in church for an hour every Sunday? More importantly, WHO are you changing? Christianity is about living it everyday and doing things that break routine. Routine has left the building.

Our small group decided to serve at the Canton Christian Home. The CCH is a place for senior citizens who either live independently, with assistance, or for individuals who need health care.

We held an ice cream social!

My job was to transport the people from their rooms to the activity center, and then back to their rooms. Megan was the "scooper" and aided in passing the ice cream to the folks who attended. We had at least 50 people who came to share in the event.

Inbetween the transporting, I had the chance to sit down and talk with a lady named Ida. She is 90 years old. They sat her at a table by herself, so I thought I would keep her company. It was the best 30 minutes I have spent in awhile. She was so happy for me to be sitting with her. She beamed about her kids and grandkids (repeating the same thing about 4 times). She talked about her late husband and her boating trips to Portage Lakes. Family was, and still is, important to her. Ida made me feel special. Not because I was being a friend to her, but because she was being a friend to me. We joked. We laughed. We became friends.

Our group decided, pretty much right then and there, that this was a great place to be. We plan on having something like today at least once a month. People that are happy to be alive, wish that they had been gone long ago, and for those that do not have anybody to talk with ...felt love for a few hours.

I tried to picture myself that way. It is hard to believe that these folks were our age at one time and now some of them can't eat ice cream with their own hands.

Thank you God for this experience and for allowing Yourself to work through us as we continue to assist those at the CCH.

Who Are You?

I was just interested to see who reads my blog entries. Leave a comment and let me know who the heck you are :) I hope you enjoy the entertainment!

P.S. Thanks for checking in!

Browns 51 Bengals 45

I know it is just the second game of the season...

But WOW...did that feel good or what?

After watching the Browns campaign for "Embarrassment of the Year" against the St**lers last week, Derek Anderson put on his passing-cap and led the way to an offensive explosion. This just in...Charlie Frye is still horrible (now it is even more apparent).

Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow Jr. combined for over 200 yards receiving. Jamal Lewis stampeded for over 200 yards rushing. And Derek Anderson lit up Browns stadium with over 300 yards passing. What a day!

It was great to have some excitement for once. A little glimpse of hope is all a Browns fan needs these days. But, as we were sitting around Jason Lantz's living room...our true Browns emotions spoke volumes:

"Oh crap!"

"We'll lose anyways!"

"We have a 9 point lead with 4+ minutes left in the game, don't get excited!"

"We'll find a way to lose this one!"

"This play will determine if Romeo has a job tomorrow!"

All subtle jokes aside, that sickness in the depths of our gut (which is a permanent disease for any Cleveland fan) was silently brewing. However, for one of the first times...in a long time...the Brownies didn't let us down. I think this past draft has shifted the winds in Cleveland for good. The Cavs are inches away from the trophy, the Indians are the youngest surprise in baseball, and the Browns have the future of the franchise on the sidelines with a clipboard. It is slowly starting to click.

Every year we say the team looks good. By the halfway mark, we are always saying "there's always next year." The guys we drafted to perform, are starting to perform. Now, don't get me wrong, the Browns could still go 1-15...but there is something there at least. And even if this is all a fantasy I have created in my head...just let me believe it :)

Blue Houdini

Growing up, I was a "Kool-Aid Kid."

Drank it everyday.

Every meal.

Like it was my job.

My all-time favorite was a flavor called Blue Houdini. Some of you may remember its gloriness. The taste was unbelievably refreshing and for some reason it was always cool to drink something blue. However, one year Blue Houdini was no longer.

Couldn't be found for nothin'.

So, awhile back I decided to investigate (I googled it of course). What I found was intriguing. Blue Hudini Kool-Aid was discontinued because it closely resembled windshield washer fluid.

Ok kid, fess up. Who was the wise guy that ruined my Kool-Aid addiction by popping open the washer fluid...takin a few swigs...and then blaming it all on the huggable Kool-Aid man?

I'll find you Kool-Aid killer....I'll find you.

Poems

I was looking through some old files on my laptop, and I ran across some old poems I had written. These are probably around 4 or 5 years old, so some of them are pretty rough. I love reading and writing poetry. It is the best form of creative expression. Anyways, enjoy...or uhhh...laugh?

Honest Abe

“Government of the people, by the people, for the people,
Shall not perish from the Earth.”
At Gettysburg these words were spoken,
Giving the nation’s freedom a new birth.

Guiding our nation through the greatest of wars.
A leader and hero who signed with a pen,
The Emancipation Proclamation,
An act that would free all men.

“With malice toward none,
With charity for all.”
Under God, he united one nation,
Catching humanity on the brink of a fall.

Today, “North” or “South“ does not exist,
And the fight for freedom is almost won.
So, thank you to the man on the five dollar bill,
And everything your gift has done.

If Your Big Toe Could Talk

Son of a…..
Can you not see?
Seven years that chair has been there,
But every night you curse at me.

Why can’t it be your head
Or elbow or thumb,
But no, it’s me, each time,
I’m sure to go numb.

For my abuse,
I’ll grow fungus faster than bread.
Making sure you had wished
You thought twice about the post on the bed.

You never hear you stubbed your ear,
Or that your nose fell off like my nail.
I cannot believe you treat me like this,
I’d rather be sent to jail.

Go Ahead, cover me with that sock,
Good it will never do.
For sometimes I think that I have the brain
And the only one stupid is you.

Sculpted Personalities

Driving by the farmer’s stand, they pose
Trying to look their Sunday best.
Families, couples, kids all in search,
Seeing which ones pass their difficult test.

They’ve grown all year for this one month.
Some go sooner, others go later.
Big ones, warped ones, small ones, perfect ones,
Either way, they all know their fate.

Getting picked is only half their job,
Their sculpted personalities are yet to be.
Opening them up, we gather their guts,
Knowing that giving them life is no cup of tea.

From devilish grins to astonishing eyes,
And faces that are not meant to scare.
They are doctored to fit imaginations,
And always welcome a passing by stare.

Days pass as features rot into one.
November is now their biggest fear.
Knowing that their holiday has come and gone,
Leaving farmers longing for next year.

You’ll Understand When You’re A Parent

The forecast said this evening would be nice,
But its been raining all through the night.
Scenarios play in the back of my mind,
Yet I know that everything will be alright.

I tell myself, maybe she forgot her jacket,
Or that a friend needed an unexpected ride.
Maybe she called and I just did not hear.
Something just does not feel right inside.

My heart begins to quicken,
As my position becomes a pace.
The only thing to cure this fear,
Is the me that I see in her face.

Headlights dance across the darkened room.
Possibly an officer to deliver the fate.
With a knot in my stomach, I open the door.
Sorry Dad…am I late?

Wishful Thinking

I got a letter in the mail today,
Sealed and Signed with only a kiss.
No return address was given,
Leaving me to wonder who it is I miss.

Could it be from my first love
Or from an old high school flame?
Maybe from a one night stand,
I don’t even remember her name.

It could be someone I don’t even know,
Sent to my box only by fate.
Maybe it comes from over seas,
Never dismissing a long distant soul mate.

I’ve waited for this person all of my life,
And their love is everything I lack.
Opening it I’m shocked to find,
It’s the love letter I sent coming back.

Wall of Fame

The names are all on the Wall of Fame.
It’s been eight frames and I still have it going.
People are beginning to gather,
Wondering if I have what it takes to keep strong.
With each roll my heart skips a beat,
Waiting until the ball meets the pins.
There’s an explosion of noise,
A roar from the crowd,
One more frame and that Wall is mine.
My palms sweat.
My brow is slick.
Aiming for the arrow I give it a whirl.
Faster and faster.
That ball seems to float.
Pins dance in the air falling to their death on the lane.
I look in amazement.
I’m king of the world!
The Wall of Fame has a new name,
Mine!
For bowling a perfect score.

PGCC

PGCC is the abbreviated name for the school my brother is going too. The Professional Golfer's Community College (PGCC) is located about 45 minutes North of Orlando, Florida.

That's a long ways away.

Both of our families (Megan's side and mine) have always been a very close family. So when one of them, especially your only brother, goes off to school in Florida...it is a strange feeling.

I know it is what he wants to do, and he is very passionate about it. However, in a selfish way, I hope he comes back after he is done. We have grown closer over the years (still not as close as I would like), but now it seems as though I lost that chance to really be a good brother.

At least for now.

Megan and I will be praying for his safety, his schooling, his golf, and his return. I hope he has a great experience and I look forward to hearing his stories. We also hope that my parent's have an easy experience with "empty nest" syndrome. We will pray for them to grow closer through this experience.

First Day of School

One down, 179 more to go (sorry, that is teacher talk). Day ONE of my career at North Canton came and went.

What a ride.

Up at 5:30. At school by 6:30. Home around 4:00.

Just one of many 9 1/2 hour days.

To be honest though, it went really well. I felt comfortable and "with-it" for most of the day. The hardest part was actually collecting all the forms, fees, etc. The kids were very well mannered and seem very intelligent and eager to learn. Hopefully, the other classes prove to be the same. This week is the awkward getting to know you stage. Not much learning, but a lot of organization and "here's how it's gonna be" talk. Next week is when we start to ease into the material. That is the easy part.

I love NC schools. Surprisingly, it is a very Christian-oriented school. Many of the administratiors and teachers are practicing Christians and I can see how that ties into the school being so highly rated. It's not because they teach the Gospel, but it is because the school follows its Christian values.

My schedule is awesome too:

Homeroom
Period 1 - English
Period 2 - English
Period 3 - English
Period 4 - Team Planning
Period 5 - Lunch
Period 6 - Personal Planning
Period 7 - Academic Assist
Period 8 - English
Period 9 - English

That two hour chunk in the middle of the day is AWESOME! You can get so much accomplished during that time. My team is very cool. I am the only male and the youngest by at least 10 years. As a whole, there are 5 male teachers in the entire sixth grade. It is nice to finally be with some testosterone. Every Friday our team even goes out to lunch! Even though I have a TON of stuff to do, it is comforting to know that I have people around me to lean on for support.

I really took my job for granted at SPJ. I was bored out of my mind and lost my creative edge because I was teaching something I didn't want to be teaching. I feel like I could have done a lot better. However, Hoover has re-energized me. I am no longer the slacker I let myself become.

Teaching is an unbelievable gift. The relationships that are built. The way the kids look up to you and admire you. The way you see growth on an everyday basis. The way you can reach kids that no one else thought were reachable. Every day is a new challenge and new opportunity. One of the reasons I wanted to become a teacher is because I hate consistency. My job is never the same.

Never.

Thank you God for allowing me and trusting me with this gift.

If I teach for the normal 30 years (I'll be retired at 52!), I will have had a direct impact on about 3,800 kids. That of course, is if I teach around 130 kids each school year.

How cool is that?

The Face of Love...

I've seen your face on stained glass, in colored lights
In pictures of you looking to the sky
You've been portrayed a thousand different ways
But my heart can see you better than my eyes
Cause it's love that paints the portrait of your life

The face of love
The face of love
You look more like love everyday

I've read your words in the pages of your life
And I've imagined what you were like
I may not know the shape of your face
But I can feel your heart changing mine
And your love still proves that you're alive

You are the face that changed the whole world
No one too lost for you to love
No one too low for you to serve
So give us the grace to change the world
No one too lost for me to love
No one too low for me to serve

Let us see
Let us be your face

I love this song by Sanctus Real. The "substance" of this song is so rich and powerful that I could go on and on about the relevance of each point.

However, I wanted to draw your attention to the last verse of this song: "Let us be your face." No matter how many translations of Your Word. No matter how many different artists draw, paint, or sculpt You. No matter what we imagine You to be or look like.

No matter what, Your love is still the same.

How true it is that we, the Church, are the face of God. I love knowing that when I see a child smile, I see the face of God. I love knowing that when I see friends laughing and hanging out, I see the face of God. I love knowing that when I see the love of a parent for their child, I see the face of God. I love knowing that when I see a married couple fifty years strong, I see the face of God. I love knowing that when I see a sunset, I see the face of God.

Our actions and our love for one another is what makes the world go 'round. In reality, the face of God is something that we cannot physically see. But, since we are made in the image of God...I have a pretty good idea. Just look around and see the good in all things and there He will be :)

New Teacher Orientation

Today was day one of my new teacher orientation. WOW! I will officially have no life starting one week from today. I am beginning to see how easy I had it at Saints Philip and James. I guess there is a reason why North Canton is one of the best school districts in the state of Ohio.

I don't even know where to start. On many levels.

I am teaching a new subject. The grading program is new and online for parents to view (so no more slacking). The paperwork is overwhelming. The insurance, salary specifics, retirement funds, and life insurance buried me up to my neck (My whole life was explained to me in less than an hour and a half). The website was simple enough. The technical workshop was a three hour nightmare.

This is going to be a great experience. However, it will be really frustrating, tiring, stressful, and crazy before there is any glimpse of hope. There are many bright spots too. I am in the best school district in Stark County. I am in a school that treats you like family. I am surrounded by many helpful colleagues. The students are willing and eager to learn. The parents are involved and caring. My pay almost doubled. I'm actually paying into a retirement (one of the best in the world). This is the best place to teach, so why am I so stressed and frustrated?

North Canton is going to mold me into one of the best teachers around. I just hope it is sooner rather than later.

Venting

I'm going to keep my mouth shut. I prefer the high road.

Smelly Pine Trees

I was on my way to a meeting today and I saw an interesting sight that isn't so uncommon. A couple of guys pull up next to me at a traffic light, windows down and smoking, and their review mirror has about 10 of those smelly pine tree things that you can buy at about any store for a couple of bucks.

What the heck is the purpose of those things for a smoker? I can understand if I would use one, it would actually smell like what the label said. For a smoker, not so lucky. With a smoker, a pine scented tree smells like smoke and pine trees. A blueberry scented pine tree smells like blueberries and a cigarette. Even a "upper-scale" yankee barn scent (i.e. warm vanilla sugar) smells like that scent and a bar pre smokers ban days.

But hey, I wish I was that smelly pine tree inventor guy. Genius.

Lincoln

Lincoln is our cat.

He is named Lincoln for several reasons. First, good ol' Abe Lincoln is my favorite president. Second, our favorite show (Prison Break) has a character with the same name that was setup and wrongfully accused of murder. How did we get his name based on a murder you say? Well, he looks guilty but is really innocent. Just like our Lincoln (sometimes).

I was never really a cat person before. To me, a cat was just a stupid pet that hid under the bed and didn't know his/her name. I was always a dog guy, you know, man's best friend (I'd still love a dog). But then Lincoln came along. He isn't like those cats I knew before. He is, surprisingly, more like a dog.

I love Lincoln.

There was a dog in our neighborhood today, we assumed he/she was lost, and it made me think about my love for Lincoln. Yes, I love my cat OK?

I began to think about what my emotions would be like if he was lost. I would probably spend hours upon hours looking for him. Yelling out his name. Shaking his treat box that he always comes running for. I'd probably even cry alittle.

Ya, I'm man enough to admit that. I'd cry over my cat.

He is part of our family now and we have grown accustomed to all of his actions, reactions, routines, etc. If he was lost, I wouldn't be able to function (sleep, eat, etc.) until I knew he was safely back home.

This got me thinking. Is this the same way God feels when he has lost one of his children? Does he frantically search for them, calling out there name? Is he not able to function until they are safely back in his arms? Does he cry?

I think yes. To all four questions.

And that gives me a feeling of great comfort.