One of my all-time favorite Saturday Night Live "commercials":
Colon Blow
(Warning: Do not try at home)
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Gone But Not Forgotten
You remember the story of Cocoa the Elf...our Christmas-time visitor who reported back to Santa every night on the naughty/nice status in the Kelly household. Well as everyone knows, Cocoa goes back to the North Pole on December 26th to hang out with Santa until next Christmas season.
That fact did not go over well with our eldest, and chief Cocoa fan. "Daddy...let's find Cocoa," Brian said with excitement in his voice.
"Sorry buddy, Cocoa is not here today. He went back to the North Pole. We'll see him next Christmas," I said.
"NO! I want Cocoa to be here!," he pleaded. Next came the crying, then the hunched-over-with-hands-over-eyes stance. It was one of the saddest things I've ever seen.
I knew there was nothing I could say that would make it better. Only time would eventually heal this wound. And it has. Cocoa is still mentioned, but in a more matter-of-fact way. And Brian still wants to read his "Elf on the Shelf" book at bedtime. I oblige, careful not to open the door for a Cocoa return before next Thanksgiving weekend.
So I guess all-in-all, the Cocoa experiment was a success. And next year, we will have many more places for him to hang out in the new house!
That fact did not go over well with our eldest, and chief Cocoa fan. "Daddy...let's find Cocoa," Brian said with excitement in his voice.
"Sorry buddy, Cocoa is not here today. He went back to the North Pole. We'll see him next Christmas," I said.
"NO! I want Cocoa to be here!," he pleaded. Next came the crying, then the hunched-over-with-hands-over-eyes stance. It was one of the saddest things I've ever seen.
I knew there was nothing I could say that would make it better. Only time would eventually heal this wound. And it has. Cocoa is still mentioned, but in a more matter-of-fact way. And Brian still wants to read his "Elf on the Shelf" book at bedtime. I oblige, careful not to open the door for a Cocoa return before next Thanksgiving weekend.
So I guess all-in-all, the Cocoa experiment was a success. And next year, we will have many more places for him to hang out in the new house!
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Day One
We are officially homeowners again! Since we sold our Virginia house on July 30th, we have been renters in one form or another. First, we rented back our former house until we moved to Florida in early September. That was a bit of a strange feeling...and expensive!
Upon our arrival in Melbourne, we were guests of Harris in a short-term corporate apartment for 60 days. Pretty nice setup -- fully furnished with a stocked kitchen -- and the price was right at $0 per month.
Since the first weekend in November, we have been residents of "101", the apartment downstairs from the corporate apartment. This has been the most challenging of the three rental environments as we have had minimal furniture (sleeping on air mattresses the entire time, for example), no washer/dryer, and only the kitchen items we held back from going into the storage warehouse.
So we haven't exactly followed a conventional route to home ownership, but we are there nonetheless. This afternoon, we showed up at our builder's title company with a big check and ready to sign our names and initials over and over and over. Again.
For all that work and money, we were rewarded with a couple of pens, two portable chairs, two key rings, and the most valuable gift of all...the keys to our new residence. After retrieving Brian and Sean from the Killicks -- who were nice enough to let them have a play date with Leighton while we signed and signed -- we headed over to bask in the emptiness that will soon be transformed from house to home (our household goods will arrive next week).
It will be a busy and hectic next few days as we get everything set up, and it has been quite a year of change for us. Four addresses in the past four months...nuff said. But we made it, and we're really looking forward to 2008 in our new community.
Upon our arrival in Melbourne, we were guests of Harris in a short-term corporate apartment for 60 days. Pretty nice setup -- fully furnished with a stocked kitchen -- and the price was right at $0 per month.
Since the first weekend in November, we have been residents of "101", the apartment downstairs from the corporate apartment. This has been the most challenging of the three rental environments as we have had minimal furniture (sleeping on air mattresses the entire time, for example), no washer/dryer, and only the kitchen items we held back from going into the storage warehouse.
So we haven't exactly followed a conventional route to home ownership, but we are there nonetheless. This afternoon, we showed up at our builder's title company with a big check and ready to sign our names and initials over and over and over. Again.
For all that work and money, we were rewarded with a couple of pens, two portable chairs, two key rings, and the most valuable gift of all...the keys to our new residence. After retrieving Brian and Sean from the Killicks -- who were nice enough to let them have a play date with Leighton while we signed and signed -- we headed over to bask in the emptiness that will soon be transformed from house to home (our household goods will arrive next week).
It will be a busy and hectic next few days as we get everything set up, and it has been quite a year of change for us. Four addresses in the past four months...nuff said. But we made it, and we're really looking forward to 2008 in our new community.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
The Night Before Christmas
I stumbled across this while searching the Internet for Christmas stories. Enjoy!
The Night Before Christmas
by Sister St. Thomas, B.N.D. de N
T'was the night before Christmas, and all through the town,
St. Joseph was searching, walking up roads and down;
Our Lady was waiting, so meek and so mild,
While Joseph was seeking a place for the Child.
The children were nestled, each snug in their beds,
The grown-ups wouldn't bother, "There's no room," they said;
When even the inkeeper sent them away,
Joseph was wondering, where they would stay?
He thought of the caves in the side of the hills,
"Let's go there," said Mary, "it's silent and still."
The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow,
Made pathways of light for their tired feet to go;
And there in a cave, in a cradle of hay,
Our Saviour was born on that first Christmas Day!
The Father was watching in heaven above,
He sent for His angels, His couriers of love.
More rapid than eagles God's bright angels came,
Rejoicing and eager as each heard his name;
"Come Power, Come Cherubs, Come Virtues, Come Raphael,
Come Thrones and Dominions, come Michael and Gabriel;
Now fly to the Earth, where My poor people live,
Announce the glad tiding My Son comes to give."
The Shepherds were watching their flocks on this night,
And saw in the heavens an unearthly light.
The Angels assured them, they'd nothing to fear,
It's Christmas they said, the Saviour is here!
They hastened to find Him, and stood at the door,
Till Mary invited them in to adore.
He was swaddled in bands from His head to His feet,
Ne'er did the Shepherds see a baby so sweet!
He spoke not a word, but the shepherds all knew,
He was telling them secrets and blessing them too;
Then softly they left Him, The Babe in the hay,
And rejoiced with great joy on that first Christmas Day.
Mary heard them exclaim as they walked up the hill,
"Glory to God in the Highest, Peace to men of good will!"
The Night Before Christmas
by Sister St. Thomas, B.N.D. de N
T'was the night before Christmas, and all through the town,
St. Joseph was searching, walking up roads and down;
Our Lady was waiting, so meek and so mild,
While Joseph was seeking a place for the Child.
The children were nestled, each snug in their beds,
The grown-ups wouldn't bother, "There's no room," they said;
When even the inkeeper sent them away,
Joseph was wondering, where they would stay?
He thought of the caves in the side of the hills,
"Let's go there," said Mary, "it's silent and still."
The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow,
Made pathways of light for their tired feet to go;
And there in a cave, in a cradle of hay,
Our Saviour was born on that first Christmas Day!
The Father was watching in heaven above,
He sent for His angels, His couriers of love.
More rapid than eagles God's bright angels came,
Rejoicing and eager as each heard his name;
"Come Power, Come Cherubs, Come Virtues, Come Raphael,
Come Thrones and Dominions, come Michael and Gabriel;
Now fly to the Earth, where My poor people live,
Announce the glad tiding My Son comes to give."
The Shepherds were watching their flocks on this night,
And saw in the heavens an unearthly light.
The Angels assured them, they'd nothing to fear,
It's Christmas they said, the Saviour is here!
They hastened to find Him, and stood at the door,
Till Mary invited them in to adore.
He was swaddled in bands from His head to His feet,
Ne'er did the Shepherds see a baby so sweet!
He spoke not a word, but the shepherds all knew,
He was telling them secrets and blessing them too;
Then softly they left Him, The Babe in the hay,
And rejoiced with great joy on that first Christmas Day.
Mary heard them exclaim as they walked up the hill,
"Glory to God in the Highest, Peace to men of good will!"
Friday, December 21, 2007
Early Christmas Gift
Amidst all the "hot" Christmas gift items -- from iPhone to Wii and everything in between -- we received an early present that on its face doesn't seem like much at all. A piece of paper. While of no value to 99.99% of people on Earth, it is of immense value to us.
A Certificate of Occupancy for our new house.
Yes, today the City of West Melbourne deemed our future home complete and fit for people to live in. After a big last-minute push by our builder, and thanks to the persistence of our project supervisor Tony, the city inspectors came out today for a re-inspection of the outdoor sewer pipes that had failed just 24 hours ago.
Tony had his plumbing guy at the house waiting for the inspectors. When we saw him, he was confident that they had repaired the problem. His confidence was well placed, and we received the phone call this afternoon from Maronda's closing coordinator.
"Would you like to close on Wednesday or Thursday?" she asked.
"Is that a trick question?" I thought. "Wednesday if possible," I said, although I was thinking "WEDNESDAY! WEDNESDAY! WEDNESDAY!"
So Wednesday it will be. We will enjoy Christmas with our families -- Kellys in the morning, McDonalds in the evening. Then we'll head back to Melbourne, full of family love, Christmas joy, and standing rib roast. Hours later, we will write a really big check and receive the keys to our shiny new home.
115 hours (give or take -- we still don't have an exact closing time). But who's counting?
A Certificate of Occupancy for our new house.
Yes, today the City of West Melbourne deemed our future home complete and fit for people to live in. After a big last-minute push by our builder, and thanks to the persistence of our project supervisor Tony, the city inspectors came out today for a re-inspection of the outdoor sewer pipes that had failed just 24 hours ago.
Tony had his plumbing guy at the house waiting for the inspectors. When we saw him, he was confident that they had repaired the problem. His confidence was well placed, and we received the phone call this afternoon from Maronda's closing coordinator.
"Would you like to close on Wednesday or Thursday?" she asked.
"Is that a trick question?" I thought. "Wednesday if possible," I said, although I was thinking "WEDNESDAY! WEDNESDAY! WEDNESDAY!"
So Wednesday it will be. We will enjoy Christmas with our families -- Kellys in the morning, McDonalds in the evening. Then we'll head back to Melbourne, full of family love, Christmas joy, and standing rib roast. Hours later, we will write a really big check and receive the keys to our shiny new home.
115 hours (give or take -- we still don't have an exact closing time). But who's counting?
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Coffee Conundrum
It's one of the things I look forward to come Christmas season: Starbucks Christmas Blend. Sure, it's certainly not the most important thing, or even in the top 3 (those would be Christ, family, and goodwill toward others).
But it is something I have looked forward to with relative certainty. And it's been fairly easy to procure said Christmas Blend any time I wished after about Thanksgiving.
Until this year, that is.
I do have to give the Harris Wickham Road cafeteria credit here. They had been brewing Christmas Blend until they ran out on Tuesday of this week. Impressive for a fairly small operation.
No, the problem I've been having is with our local Starbucks store. The first time I wanted to pair up a cup of Christmas Blend with one of my other favorites, the very delicious Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin, I was unsuccessful. Cindy brought the bad news. "They had your muffin, but no Christmas Blend."
"Huh," I thought, "that's weird. Maybe it's because we're just beginning the Christmas season. Surely they will have some in a couple of days."
Well several cups of Sumatra and/or Verona later, and I have yet to drink some freshly-brewed Christmas Blend from my local Starbucks store. Did I mention the fact that it's a Starbucks? Full-up store. With a drive-thru and everything.
Now Harris has been supplying my fix, but today was my last workday of 2007. I am really nervous about what tomorrow may bring when I make another run at the Viera Starbucks.
"A grande Christmas Blend and a Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin please."
"Sorry...we only have Decaf Christmas Blend."
I may just have to join the Dark Side and get me a Peppermint Latte.
But it is something I have looked forward to with relative certainty. And it's been fairly easy to procure said Christmas Blend any time I wished after about Thanksgiving.
Until this year, that is.
I do have to give the Harris Wickham Road cafeteria credit here. They had been brewing Christmas Blend until they ran out on Tuesday of this week. Impressive for a fairly small operation.
No, the problem I've been having is with our local Starbucks store. The first time I wanted to pair up a cup of Christmas Blend with one of my other favorites, the very delicious Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin, I was unsuccessful. Cindy brought the bad news. "They had your muffin, but no Christmas Blend."
"Huh," I thought, "that's weird. Maybe it's because we're just beginning the Christmas season. Surely they will have some in a couple of days."
Well several cups of Sumatra and/or Verona later, and I have yet to drink some freshly-brewed Christmas Blend from my local Starbucks store. Did I mention the fact that it's a Starbucks? Full-up store. With a drive-thru and everything.
Now Harris has been supplying my fix, but today was my last workday of 2007. I am really nervous about what tomorrow may bring when I make another run at the Viera Starbucks.
"A grande Christmas Blend and a Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin please."
"Sorry...we only have Decaf Christmas Blend."
I may just have to join the Dark Side and get me a Peppermint Latte.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
So This is Christmas Music?
Lest you think I am a scrooge when it comes to Christmas music, let me first point out that I love it! Can't wait for the non-stop Christmas music blaring through the car speakers. Turning down the TV sound and listening to those old favorites at night. Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, Andy Williams. Even the contemporary music is pretty good.
These all are general statements of course. They apply in over 99% of cases. Notice I did not say 100%.
[Warning: Here comes the Scrooge part.]
I cannot stand The Chipmunk Song. It's the Christmas music equivalent of nails on a chalkboard (which I would actually prefer to that screechy whining that attempts to pass for a song!) I mean really now...is this "song" really getting you in the Christmas mood? Does it cause you to hearken back to your care-free childhood days awaiting the arrival of St. Nick? Conjure up images of a beautiful snowfall outside and a blazing fire inside?
No. None of these things. Maybe a cat being tortured in a back alley.
Let the record show that I have nothing against chipmunks per se. I just think they should stick to chipmunk-ing and leave the Christmas crooning to Johnny Mathis.
These all are general statements of course. They apply in over 99% of cases. Notice I did not say 100%.
[Warning: Here comes the Scrooge part.]
I cannot stand The Chipmunk Song. It's the Christmas music equivalent of nails on a chalkboard (which I would actually prefer to that screechy whining that attempts to pass for a song!) I mean really now...is this "song" really getting you in the Christmas mood? Does it cause you to hearken back to your care-free childhood days awaiting the arrival of St. Nick? Conjure up images of a beautiful snowfall outside and a blazing fire inside?
No. None of these things. Maybe a cat being tortured in a back alley.
Let the record show that I have nothing against chipmunks per se. I just think they should stick to chipmunk-ing and leave the Christmas crooning to Johnny Mathis.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Monday, December 17, 2007
Tracking Santa
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is an important component of our homeland defense. Keeping a vigilant watch for any man-made threats in the skies above us -- missiles, aircraft, spacecraft -- NORAD has been in business for 50 years.
At this time each year, they add another duty to their list...they track Santa.
Enjoy!
[As a former government employee, I feel compelled to point out that NORAD does not use any official government resources on this project. A coalition of private companies and contributors funds the program.]
At this time each year, they add another duty to their list...they track Santa.
Enjoy!
[As a former government employee, I feel compelled to point out that NORAD does not use any official government resources on this project. A coalition of private companies and contributors funds the program.]
Saturday, December 15, 2007
P (wC) = 0
One of the things we knew we were giving up in moving to Florida is "real" winters. For the most part, that's OK by me. Yes, snowfall is beautiful...until it mixes with road salt and sand, partially melts, and becomes this nasty mix of dirty ice mounds that take weeks to full melt. Not to mention getting stuck in your own driveway, or having to scrape a layer of ice off your car before heading off to work.
The one time of year that creates an exception to the above is Christmas. There's a reason why Bing Crosby dreamt of a White Christmas. So with Gaudete Sunday upon us, my thoughts turn to the place we left. Weather forecasts have been calling for a significant winter storm to hit the Northeast tomorrow. Perhaps the New England Patriots offense will be slowed to a mere mortal scoring pace (less than 40 points). And in Northern Virginia, home of the infamous "Rain/Snow" line...who knows.
Weather.com, that's who. The Weather Channel's website is now calling for rain in NoVa tonight and not much else. The New England area will still get hammered, so the Patriots battle with the New York Jets (SpyGate II) will be worth a look.
I then checked out the "White Christmas" predictions for both NoVa and our new hometown, Melbourne, FL. The site disclaimer notes that "until the week before Christmas, [the] map is based on historical climatology." OK, fair enough. I really just wanted to quantify what we had given up.
According to the map, the chances of a White Christmas is the same in Northern Virginia as in Melbourne! Now to be fair, they only have four categories of probability: 0-25, 25-50, 50-75, and 75-100%. Still that means we gave up less than 1 chance in 4 of seeing any kind of snowfall, or snow on the ground, on Christmas.
And in exchange for moving to a thoroughly Green Christmas town, we significantly increased the probability of seeing our families over the holidays.
I think we made the right call.
The one time of year that creates an exception to the above is Christmas. There's a reason why Bing Crosby dreamt of a White Christmas. So with Gaudete Sunday upon us, my thoughts turn to the place we left. Weather forecasts have been calling for a significant winter storm to hit the Northeast tomorrow. Perhaps the New England Patriots offense will be slowed to a mere mortal scoring pace (less than 40 points). And in Northern Virginia, home of the infamous "Rain/Snow" line...who knows.
Weather.com, that's who. The Weather Channel's website is now calling for rain in NoVa tonight and not much else. The New England area will still get hammered, so the Patriots battle with the New York Jets (SpyGate II) will be worth a look.
I then checked out the "White Christmas" predictions for both NoVa and our new hometown, Melbourne, FL. The site disclaimer notes that "until the week before Christmas, [the] map is based on historical climatology." OK, fair enough. I really just wanted to quantify what we had given up.
According to the map, the chances of a White Christmas is the same in Northern Virginia as in Melbourne! Now to be fair, they only have four categories of probability: 0-25, 25-50, 50-75, and 75-100%. Still that means we gave up less than 1 chance in 4 of seeing any kind of snowfall, or snow on the ground, on Christmas.
And in exchange for moving to a thoroughly Green Christmas town, we significantly increased the probability of seeing our families over the holidays.
I think we made the right call.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Small Victories
OK, so this post is not centered around Christmas as each previous post this month has been. Rather in this season of blessings and thanksgiving for the Lord's birth, I want to share with you a recent blessing that you may think small, but in our house it is potentially huge. (How that for a Christmas tie-in? It does work...think about it when you're done reading the story.)
Last night, we began the dinner-time routine just as we had many, many times before.
All kinds of cut up food in front of Colin, and just let him go. Low maintenance. Just gotta keep an eye out for choking. OK, so low-medium maintenance.
For Brian and Sean, Mommy decided to make them a special treat. Quesadillas! Yummy! Moe's restaurant is one of their favorite places, so Mommy was trying to capitalize on that and bolster our chances for a pain-free dinner.
No such luck.
"I don't WANT QUESADILLAS!!!," shrieked Brian. Sean soon followed suit, good little brother that he is.
Brian then followed with a full-fledged tantrum, complete with crying, screaming, back-arching ...the whole enchilada (pun intended). One of his better efforts.
At 4 years old, it's now become more of a control thing rather than an "I don't like the food" thing. I could understand if we were trying to feed him liver, or okra (sorry Mommy), or beets. I'd be with him then. Beets...really, what's the point?
So I guess I had decided enough was enough, or something. I don't really know. But I pulled him aside and explained to him how it was HIS choice whether or not to eat his dinner. And it was also HIS choice whether to get a special treat after dinner. Simple...eat dinner -->> get treat. No dinner, no treat.
He looked at me with kinda a blank stare, just as he has in the past when I've had that discussion with him. So my hopes were not high that I had made a breakthrough.
We returned to the table. I proceeded to eat my dinner, and after some brief stall tactics...Brian actually ate some of the previously vile, nasty, undistinguishable-from-his-favorite-from-Moe's quesadilla!
Not only did he eat a bite, he ate the whole thing! Cleaned his plate. Asked (politely) for another one. Was this really the same kid from about 15 minutes ago? Amazing. He finished the second quesadilla, got his treat, then we went off to start the bedtime routine. I felt really good that we had potentially made a breakthrough, but tried not to get too ahead of myself. Let's see what happens tomorrow night.
Well tomorrow night is tonight. On my way home from work, I had a hankerin' for Moe's. "This will be easy," I thought. Brian will be the perfect straight man.
Shortly after arriving home, I put my plan into action.
"Hey Brian, what do you want for dinner?"
"Quesadilla from Moe's," I whispered into his ear.
"No Daddy," he said, "I want a quesadilla at home!"
Doh! Yeah! Small victories...
[Note: We did end up going to Moe's. Daddy is persistent!]
Last night, we began the dinner-time routine just as we had many, many times before.
All kinds of cut up food in front of Colin, and just let him go. Low maintenance. Just gotta keep an eye out for choking. OK, so low-medium maintenance.
For Brian and Sean, Mommy decided to make them a special treat. Quesadillas! Yummy! Moe's restaurant is one of their favorite places, so Mommy was trying to capitalize on that and bolster our chances for a pain-free dinner.
No such luck.
"I don't WANT QUESADILLAS!!!," shrieked Brian. Sean soon followed suit, good little brother that he is.
Brian then followed with a full-fledged tantrum, complete with crying, screaming, back-arching ...the whole enchilada (pun intended). One of his better efforts.
At 4 years old, it's now become more of a control thing rather than an "I don't like the food" thing. I could understand if we were trying to feed him liver, or okra (sorry Mommy), or beets. I'd be with him then. Beets...really, what's the point?
So I guess I had decided enough was enough, or something. I don't really know. But I pulled him aside and explained to him how it was HIS choice whether or not to eat his dinner. And it was also HIS choice whether to get a special treat after dinner. Simple...eat dinner -->> get treat. No dinner, no treat.
He looked at me with kinda a blank stare, just as he has in the past when I've had that discussion with him. So my hopes were not high that I had made a breakthrough.
We returned to the table. I proceeded to eat my dinner, and after some brief stall tactics...Brian actually ate some of the previously vile, nasty, undistinguishable-from-his-favorite-from-Moe's quesadilla!
Not only did he eat a bite, he ate the whole thing! Cleaned his plate. Asked (politely) for another one. Was this really the same kid from about 15 minutes ago? Amazing. He finished the second quesadilla, got his treat, then we went off to start the bedtime routine. I felt really good that we had potentially made a breakthrough, but tried not to get too ahead of myself. Let's see what happens tomorrow night.
Well tomorrow night is tonight. On my way home from work, I had a hankerin' for Moe's. "This will be easy," I thought. Brian will be the perfect straight man.
Shortly after arriving home, I put my plan into action.
"Hey Brian, what do you want for dinner?"
"Quesadilla from Moe's," I whispered into his ear.
"No Daddy," he said, "I want a quesadilla at home!"
Doh! Yeah! Small victories...
[Note: We did end up going to Moe's. Daddy is persistent!]
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Meet Cocoa
We have a new member of the family! No...Brian, Sean, and Colin do not have a new little brother or sister. I think you would've read about that here or over at Kelly's Klassroom Korner.
No, we have a new temporary member of the family. A little scout elf named Cocoa. Santa sent Cocoa to be with us during the Christmas season. His job is to watch over the daily activities and prepare a report for Santa on who has been naughty and who has been nice.
Each evening, just after Brian, Sean, and Colin are nestled in their beds, Cocoa travels back to the North Pole to deliver his report. He returns in the morning, just before the boys awake. Every day is an adventure for Brian and Sean as they try to find out where Cocoa is setting up shop for the day.
Part of the Elf on the Shelf tradition is the naming ritual. "What should we call our new elf?" we asked Brian and Sean.
"Christmas Tree," said Brian.
"Santa?," offered Sean.
"Let's try again," we encouraged.
"How about Cocoa?" said Brian.
"Cocoa sounds great. Guys...meet Cocoa," said Mommy.
And the tradition of Cocoa was born.
[For more information on starting your own elf tradition, visit the Elf on the Shelf website.]
No, we have a new temporary member of the family. A little scout elf named Cocoa. Santa sent Cocoa to be with us during the Christmas season. His job is to watch over the daily activities and prepare a report for Santa on who has been naughty and who has been nice.
Each evening, just after Brian, Sean, and Colin are nestled in their beds, Cocoa travels back to the North Pole to deliver his report. He returns in the morning, just before the boys awake. Every day is an adventure for Brian and Sean as they try to find out where Cocoa is setting up shop for the day.
Part of the Elf on the Shelf tradition is the naming ritual. "What should we call our new elf?" we asked Brian and Sean.
"Christmas Tree," said Brian.
"Santa?," offered Sean.
"Let's try again," we encouraged.
"How about Cocoa?" said Brian.
"Cocoa sounds great. Guys...meet Cocoa," said Mommy.
And the tradition of Cocoa was born.
[For more information on starting your own elf tradition, visit the Elf on the Shelf website.]
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
The Grinch on Christmas
“And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow,
stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so?
It came without ribbons.
It came without tags.
It came without packages, boxes or bags.
And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore.
Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before.
What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store.
What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”
Monday, December 10, 2007
Christmas Music
Temperatures in the 80's two weeks before Christmas. Sleeping on an air mattress as our main bed. Walking around my former place of employment with a "visitor" badge. Apartment living, makeshift furniture, all of our belongings in a Melbourne warehouse.
Our lives have been turned upside down so dramatically we're just about right-side up. On the other side of the earth that is. Change seems almost comfortable. I'm not sure what we'll do for excitement once we get settled into our house.
"What does this have to do with Christmas?", you might be wondering. Well amidst all the new experiences the past three months have brought, I found an oasis -- continuous Christmas music on the local Lite Rock radio station, WLRQ 99.3 FM.
I basked in the familiar tunes that I was used to hearing year after year on DC's All-Christmas music station, WASH 97.1 FM. No matter that it was Spring-time outside, inside my car it was clearly a winter wonderland.
Until today that is.
I was driving home in the midst of comfortable Christmas melodies when it came. I was barely paying attention when the words hit me: "Later on if you wanna, we can dress like Madonna."
What was that? There was more: "Put on some high shade and join the parade."
OK, not. Is this for real? Then came the chorus: "Walkin' round' in women's underwear."
Oh no. In the paraphrased words of Charlie Brown: "Isn't there anyone [at Lite Rock 99.3 FM] who knows what Christmas is all about?"
Thank goodness for Sirius Channel 2.
Our lives have been turned upside down so dramatically we're just about right-side up. On the other side of the earth that is. Change seems almost comfortable. I'm not sure what we'll do for excitement once we get settled into our house.
"What does this have to do with Christmas?", you might be wondering. Well amidst all the new experiences the past three months have brought, I found an oasis -- continuous Christmas music on the local Lite Rock radio station, WLRQ 99.3 FM.
I basked in the familiar tunes that I was used to hearing year after year on DC's All-Christmas music station, WASH 97.1 FM. No matter that it was Spring-time outside, inside my car it was clearly a winter wonderland.
Until today that is.
I was driving home in the midst of comfortable Christmas melodies when it came. I was barely paying attention when the words hit me: "Later on if you wanna, we can dress like Madonna."
What was that? There was more: "Put on some high shade and join the parade."
OK, not. Is this for real? Then came the chorus: "Walkin' round' in women's underwear."
Oh no. In the paraphrased words of Charlie Brown: "Isn't there anyone [at Lite Rock 99.3 FM] who knows what Christmas is all about?"
Thank goodness for Sirius Channel 2.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Christmas Message
Nancy and I are very happy to send our warmest greetings and best wishes to all those who are celebrating Christmas. We join with Americans everywhere in recognizing the sense of renewed hope and comfort this joyous season brings to our nation and the world.
The Nativity story of nearly twenty centuries ago is known by all faiths as a hymn to the brotherhood of man. For Christians, it is the fulfillment of age-old prophecies and the reaffirmation of God's great love for all of us. Through a generous Heavenly Father's gift of His Son, hope and compassion entered a world weary with fear and despair and changed it for all time.
On Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Christ with prayer, feasting, and great merriment. But, most of all, we experience it in our hearts. For, more than just a day, Christmas is a state of mind. It is found throughout the year whenever faith overcomes doubt, hope conquers despair, and love triumphs over hate. It is present when men of any creed bring love and understanding to the hearts of their fellow man.
The feeling is seen in the wondrous faces of children and in the hopeful eyes of the aged. It overflows the hearts of cheerful givers and the souls of the caring. And it is reflected in the brilliant colors, joyful sounds, and beauty of the winter season.
Let us resolve to honor this spirit of Christmas and strive to keep it throughout the year.
Nancy and I ask you to join us in a prayer that prudence, wisdom, and understanding might descend on the people of all nations' so that during the year ahead we may realize an ancient and wondrous dream: "peace on earth, goodwill toward men."
-- President Ronald Reagan, December 24, 1981
The Nativity story of nearly twenty centuries ago is known by all faiths as a hymn to the brotherhood of man. For Christians, it is the fulfillment of age-old prophecies and the reaffirmation of God's great love for all of us. Through a generous Heavenly Father's gift of His Son, hope and compassion entered a world weary with fear and despair and changed it for all time.
On Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Christ with prayer, feasting, and great merriment. But, most of all, we experience it in our hearts. For, more than just a day, Christmas is a state of mind. It is found throughout the year whenever faith overcomes doubt, hope conquers despair, and love triumphs over hate. It is present when men of any creed bring love and understanding to the hearts of their fellow man.
The feeling is seen in the wondrous faces of children and in the hopeful eyes of the aged. It overflows the hearts of cheerful givers and the souls of the caring. And it is reflected in the brilliant colors, joyful sounds, and beauty of the winter season.
Let us resolve to honor this spirit of Christmas and strive to keep it throughout the year.
Nancy and I ask you to join us in a prayer that prudence, wisdom, and understanding might descend on the people of all nations' so that during the year ahead we may realize an ancient and wondrous dream: "peace on earth, goodwill toward men."
-- President Ronald Reagan, December 24, 1981
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus
We take pleasure in answering thus prominently the communication below, expressing at the same time our great gratification that its faithful author is numbered among the friends of The Sun:
Dear Editor—
I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, “If you see it in The Sun, it’s so.” Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?
Virginia O’Hanlon
Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The external light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.
Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies. You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if you did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.
You tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived could tear apart. Only faith, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.
No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives and lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay 10 times 10,000 years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.
-- By Francis P. Church, first published in The New York Sun in 1897. [See The People’s Almanac, pp. 1358–9.]
Dear Editor—
I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, “If you see it in The Sun, it’s so.” Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?
Virginia O’Hanlon
Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The external light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.
Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies. You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if you did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.
You tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived could tear apart. Only faith, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.
No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives and lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay 10 times 10,000 years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.
-- By Francis P. Church, first published in The New York Sun in 1897. [See The People’s Almanac, pp. 1358–9.]
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Teach the Children
This is how it happened...I just finished the household chores for the night and was preparing to go to bed, when I heard a noise in the front of the house. I opened the door to the front room and to my surprise, Santa himself stepped out from behind the Christmas tree.
He placed his finger over his mouth so I would not cry out. "What are you doing?" I started to ask. The words choked up in my throat, and I saw he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner was gone. Gone was the eager, boisterous soul we all know.
He then answered me with a simple statement: "Teach the Children!"
I was puzzled; what did he mean? He anticipated my question, and with one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy bag from behind the tree. As I stood bewildered, Santa said,
"Teach the children! Teach them the old meaning of Christmas. The meaning that now-a-days Christmas has forgotten."
Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a FIR TREE and placed it before the mantle.
"Teach the children that the pure green color of the stately fir tree remains green all year round, depicting the everlasting hope of mankind, all the needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of man's thoughts turning toward heaven."
He again reached into his bag and pulled out a brilliant STAR.
"Teach the children that the star was the heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Savior for the world, and the star was the sign of fulfillment of His promise."
He then reached into his bag and pulled out a CANDLE.
"Teach the children that the candle symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world, and when we see this great light we are reminded of He who displaces the darkness."
Once again he reached into his bag and removed a WREATH and placed it on the tree.
"Teach the children that the wreath symbolizes the real nature of love. Real love never ceases. Love is one continuous round of affection."
He then pulled from his bag an ornament of himself.
"Teach the children that I, St. Nick, ( Santa Claus ) symbolize the generosity and good will we feel during the month of December."
He then brought out a HOLLY LEAF.
"Teach the children that the holly plant represents immortality. It represents the crown of thorns worn by our Savior. The red holly represents the blood shed by Him."
Next he pulled from his bag a GIFT and said,
"Teach the children that God so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON..." "Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.
"Teach the children that the wise men bowed before the Holy BABE and presented HIM with gold, frankincense and myrrh. We should always give gifts in the same spirit of the wise men."
Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a CANDY CANE and hung it on the tree.
"Teach the children that the candy cane represents the shepherds' crook. The crook on the staff helps to bring back strayed sheep to the flock. The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brother's keeper."
He reached in again and pulled out an ANGEL.
"Teach the children that it was the angels that heralded in the glorious news of the Savior's birth. The angels sang 'Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace and good will toward men."
Suddenly I heard a soft twinkling sound, and from his bag he pulled out a BELL.
"Teach the children that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring mankind to the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance and return."
Santa looked back and was pleased. He looked back at me and I saw that the twinkle was back in his eyes. He said:
"Remember, teach the children the true meaning of Christmas and do not put me in the center, for I am but a humble servant of the One that is, and I bow down to worship HIM, our LORD, our GOD."
-- Author Unknown
He placed his finger over his mouth so I would not cry out. "What are you doing?" I started to ask. The words choked up in my throat, and I saw he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner was gone. Gone was the eager, boisterous soul we all know.
He then answered me with a simple statement: "Teach the Children!"
I was puzzled; what did he mean? He anticipated my question, and with one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy bag from behind the tree. As I stood bewildered, Santa said,
"Teach the children! Teach them the old meaning of Christmas. The meaning that now-a-days Christmas has forgotten."
Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a FIR TREE and placed it before the mantle.
"Teach the children that the pure green color of the stately fir tree remains green all year round, depicting the everlasting hope of mankind, all the needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of man's thoughts turning toward heaven."
He again reached into his bag and pulled out a brilliant STAR.
"Teach the children that the star was the heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Savior for the world, and the star was the sign of fulfillment of His promise."
He then reached into his bag and pulled out a CANDLE.
"Teach the children that the candle symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world, and when we see this great light we are reminded of He who displaces the darkness."
Once again he reached into his bag and removed a WREATH and placed it on the tree.
"Teach the children that the wreath symbolizes the real nature of love. Real love never ceases. Love is one continuous round of affection."
He then pulled from his bag an ornament of himself.
"Teach the children that I, St. Nick, ( Santa Claus ) symbolize the generosity and good will we feel during the month of December."
He then brought out a HOLLY LEAF.
"Teach the children that the holly plant represents immortality. It represents the crown of thorns worn by our Savior. The red holly represents the blood shed by Him."
Next he pulled from his bag a GIFT and said,
"Teach the children that God so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON..." "Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.
"Teach the children that the wise men bowed before the Holy BABE and presented HIM with gold, frankincense and myrrh. We should always give gifts in the same spirit of the wise men."
Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a CANDY CANE and hung it on the tree.
"Teach the children that the candy cane represents the shepherds' crook. The crook on the staff helps to bring back strayed sheep to the flock. The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brother's keeper."
He reached in again and pulled out an ANGEL.
"Teach the children that it was the angels that heralded in the glorious news of the Savior's birth. The angels sang 'Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace and good will toward men."
Suddenly I heard a soft twinkling sound, and from his bag he pulled out a BELL.
"Teach the children that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring mankind to the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance and return."
Santa looked back and was pleased. He looked back at me and I saw that the twinkle was back in his eyes. He said:
"Remember, teach the children the true meaning of Christmas and do not put me in the center, for I am but a humble servant of the One that is, and I bow down to worship HIM, our LORD, our GOD."
-- Author Unknown
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
What Christmas Is All About
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were so afraid.
And the angel said unto them "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people."
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.
-- Linus, "A Charlie Brown Christmas", 1965
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were so afraid.
And the angel said unto them "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people."
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.
-- Linus, "A Charlie Brown Christmas", 1965
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
What To Do This Christmas
Mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion, and replace it with trust.
Write a love letter. Share some treasure. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Find the time.
Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Listen. Apologize if you were wrong. Try to understand. Flout envy. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Appreciate.
Be kind; be gentle. Laugh a little. Laugh a little more. Deserve confidence. Take up arms against malice. Decry complacency. Express your gratitude.
Go to church. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love. Speak it again. Speak it still once again.
Christmas is celebration, and there is no celebration that compares with the realization of its true meaning—with the sudden stirring of the heart that has extended itself toward the core of life. Then, only then, is it possible to grasp the significance of the first Christmas—to savor in the inward ear the wild, sweet music of the angel choir; to envision the star-struck sky, and glimpse, behind the eyelids the ray of light that fell athwart a darkened path and changed the world.
-- McCall's magazine, 1959
Write a love letter. Share some treasure. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Find the time.
Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Listen. Apologize if you were wrong. Try to understand. Flout envy. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Appreciate.
Be kind; be gentle. Laugh a little. Laugh a little more. Deserve confidence. Take up arms against malice. Decry complacency. Express your gratitude.
Go to church. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love. Speak it again. Speak it still once again.
Christmas is celebration, and there is no celebration that compares with the realization of its true meaning—with the sudden stirring of the heart that has extended itself toward the core of life. Then, only then, is it possible to grasp the significance of the first Christmas—to savor in the inward ear the wild, sweet music of the angel choir; to envision the star-struck sky, and glimpse, behind the eyelids the ray of light that fell athwart a darkened path and changed the world.
-- McCall's magazine, 1959
Monday, October 29, 2007
Let's Go To The Movies!
Hello my 3 or 4 readers! Time for you to get involved. Here's how the game goes. I will give you some of my all-time favorite underrated movie lines. Then you post a comment with one or two of yours. Easy enough? Well let's get started...
Happy Gilmore
Shooter McGavin: Stay out of my way, or you'll pay. Listen to what I say.
Happy: Why don't I just go eat some hay? I can make things out of clay, or lay by the bay, I just may! What do you say?
U.N. Representative: So, Mr. Evil...
Dr. Evil: It's Dr. Evil, I didn't spend six years in Evil Medical School to be called "mister," thank you very much.
Happy Gilmore
Shooter McGavin: Stay out of my way, or you'll pay. Listen to what I say.
Happy: Why don't I just go eat some hay? I can make things out of clay, or lay by the bay, I just may! What do you say?
Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery
U.N. Representative: So, Mr. Evil...
Dr. Evil: It's Dr. Evil, I didn't spend six years in Evil Medical School to be called "mister," thank you very much.
Meet the Parents
Greg Focker: Oh, dear God, thank you, you are such a good God to us. A kind and gentle and accommodating God, and we thank You oh sweet, sweet Lord of hosts for the smörgåsbord You have so aptly laid at our table this day, and each day, by day, day by day, by day oh dear Lord three things we pray to love Thee more dearly, to see Thee more clearly, to follow Thee more nearly, day, by day, by day. Amen.
The Man With Two Brains
Girl: Sounds like a subdural hematoma to me.
Dr. Michael Hfuhruhurr: Oh, it does, does it? Well, it's not your job to diagnose.
Girl: But I thought...
Dr. Michael Hfuhruhurr: You thought, you thought. Just go. Three years of nursery school and you think you know it all. Well, you're still wet behind the ears. It's not a subdural hematoma. It's *epidural*. Ha.
Dr. Michael Hfuhruhurr: Oh, it does, does it? Well, it's not your job to diagnose.
Girl: But I thought...
Dr. Michael Hfuhruhurr: You thought, you thought. Just go. Three years of nursery school and you think you know it all. Well, you're still wet behind the ears. It's not a subdural hematoma. It's *epidural*. Ha.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Come Over to the Dark Side
"Nine out of 10 people like chocolate. The tenth person always lies." -- John Q. Tullius
October 28th is National Chocolate Day. It's actually one of numerous National Chocolate Days, a concept I don't quite understand but that's what Google says...so it must be so.
In my world, just about every day is National Chocolate Day. I say "just about every" 'cause you gotta leave room for Key Lime Pie somewhere! Actually, to be more precise, it would be National Dark Chocolate Day.
Milk chocolate is OK, if you don't have a choice. Like if you're stranded on a desert island and you haven't eaten in 9 days and a plane drops a crate of milk chocolate bars on the island...you may eat the chocolate bars.
Now white chocolate -- that's a different story. I don't see the point. I really don't. If you want something white with your chocolate, have a Mounds bar. Or three.
In the last several years, there have been many innovations that cater to those of us with a sophisticated dark chocolate palette. Godiva Ice Cream, Dove Chocolates, Klondike York Peppermint Pattie Bars, just to name a few.
Besides the obvious taste benefits of dark chocolate, there are some really good health reasons to partake. So enjoy National Chocolate Day with some dark chocolate of your choice (or milk chocolate if you happen to be reading this from a desert island).
"There are four basic food groups: milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate and chocolate truffles." -- Author Unknown
"We elves try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corn and syrup. " -- Buddy (Will Ferrell), Elf
"There are four basic food groups: dark chocolate, dark chocolate ice cream, dark chocolate cake and dark chocolate truffles." -- Me
October 28th is National Chocolate Day. It's actually one of numerous National Chocolate Days, a concept I don't quite understand but that's what Google says...so it must be so.
In my world, just about every day is National Chocolate Day. I say "just about every" 'cause you gotta leave room for Key Lime Pie somewhere! Actually, to be more precise, it would be National Dark Chocolate Day.
Milk chocolate is OK, if you don't have a choice. Like if you're stranded on a desert island and you haven't eaten in 9 days and a plane drops a crate of milk chocolate bars on the island...you may eat the chocolate bars.
Now white chocolate -- that's a different story. I don't see the point. I really don't. If you want something white with your chocolate, have a Mounds bar. Or three.
In the last several years, there have been many innovations that cater to those of us with a sophisticated dark chocolate palette. Godiva Ice Cream, Dove Chocolates, Klondike York Peppermint Pattie Bars, just to name a few.
Besides the obvious taste benefits of dark chocolate, there are some really good health reasons to partake. So enjoy National Chocolate Day with some dark chocolate of your choice (or milk chocolate if you happen to be reading this from a desert island).
"There are four basic food groups: milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate and chocolate truffles." -- Author Unknown
"We elves try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corn and syrup. " -- Buddy (Will Ferrell), Elf
"There are four basic food groups: dark chocolate, dark chocolate ice cream, dark chocolate cake and dark chocolate truffles." -- Me
Friday, October 19, 2007
Florida in 3-D
(Glasses Optional)David, Daniella, and Disney World. Sean was the big winner this past weekend as he got to spend the day at Mickey's -- scratch that -- Pooh's House to celebrate his 3rd birthday, with his favorite people outside of us (and many times I think they are favored OVER us). Oh he had his moments, thanks to minimal napping, heat, and thirst. But overall Sean, and Brian and Colin, had a great weekend because David and LaLa came to visit.
Brian, Sean, and I headed to the Orlando airport on Friday morning to pick up our rock-star visitors. Brian and Sean were excited all week (as were we), and when the moment came it was as if all was right in the world again. (Did I mention that Lot 121 is still available for purchase?) We headed back to the temporary homestead for some lunch, and then it was on to Port St. Lucie and Club McDonald Riverfront. We spent the rest of the day boating and relaxing, then capped it off with a big Oktoberfest dinner (yum). After retiring for the evening sometime after midnight, we awoke on Saturday to tackle some more boating, swimming, and grilled meats. That really is about all you need in life.
After lunch, we had a small birthday party for Sean complete with a Pooh/Tigger themed cake. I think he enjoyed it just a bit!
Sean's first round of presents included a Disney Playhouse, a remote-controlled caterpillar, a Thomas video, and some books.
We then said goodbye to Gramma and Grampa and headed back to Melbourne for an evening at the Killick ranch. I think we pretty much maxed out the accommodations, enjoying the pool, pool table, vintage 1950's Coke machine, popcorn cart, and of course the movie theatre. Did I mention we were going to Disney the next day? Somehow that must've slipped our mind as we stayed up well past midnight. Then of course, the Red Sox-Indians game went into extra innings so I ended up going to bed around 2:30. Nothing like getting 3 1/2 hours sleep before a full day at the Magic Kingdom!
Despite the minimal sleep, and the aforementioned occasional Sean meltdown, we had a great day at the Happiest Place on Earth. From Pirates of the Caribbean to the Haunted Mansion to Space Mountain (even though someone was so nervous before boarding...OK, that was me too!), it was a classic Disney experience. And it was made perfect because of our visiting family/friends, David and Daniella. For a brief couple of days, we forgot about how we're separated by almost 900 miles these days...about how we left them behind to pursue our Florida dreams. We just enjoyed their company like in the good old days. And when I say "we", I'm definitely talking about the entire Kelly family. Brian, Sean, and even Colin now that he's getting to be a big boy...they love them some David and LaLa. It's really cool to watch the unconditional love and excitement of a child, especially when it's directed toward your closest friends/family.
Of course, all good things must come to an end (or do they? Lot 121...) After enjoying one last meal together (for the time being), we drove our friends back to their hotel and said our goodbyes. It wasn't quite like the last horrific goodbye, mainly because we didn't drag out the proceedings for hours hoping that it wouldn't happen somehow. Kinda like the death row inmate waiting for a call from the governor.
It was still very sad though, but we did leave with some really great memories of a fabulous 3-D weekend -- David, Daniella, and Disney.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Now It's REALLY Official
Never let it be said that I can't admit it when I make an honest mistake. A couple of weeks ago in this space, I claimed that we were officially Florida residents when we got our driver's licenses and plates for the cars.While I guess that is still technically true, the REAL official moment came this past Friday morning. That's when we bought our Florida Resident Season Passes for DisneyWorld! Now we can come and go as we please...as many times as we want, to any combination of the Magic Kindgom, Epcot, MGM, and Animal Kingdom. (Blackout dates apply, but they are the most crowded times when you probably wouldn't want to go anyway.)
Well come and go we did on Friday. We amortized the heck out of those passes on visit #1. Closed the Magic Kingdom down. And collected a lot of "lessons learned" for future visits. Not the least of which being "don't stay all day with 3 young boys." Oh well...live and learn. We still had a great time. I think Brian's favorite was Mickey's PhilharMagic. Sean loved him some Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. And Colin seemed to be enthralled with It's a Small World. The Haunted Mansion was probably their universal choice for least favorite attraction.
We'll be going back in a couple of weeks for Sean's birthday, and will be accompanied by some very special visitors. (I won't say who, just in case Brian or Sean are reading this.) Can't wait!
Friday, September 21, 2007
1 Down, 999 To Go
Weeks that is. Give or take a few dozen. (For those of you who are math-challenged, that works out to a little over 19 years.)
I started a new career, the second half of my professional life if you will, on Monday. I now work as a Systems Engineer for Harris Corporation here in sunny (and rainy) Melbourne, Florida.
This has been (yet another) week full of change. New job...new employer...new office. And all the ancillary stuff that accompanies said changes.
There are the small things. Gotta figure out the best driving routes to and from the office. (Of course, can't get too settled into those routines 'cause it will all change again when we move into our new house in a few months.) Had to learn the building stuff: where to get supplies, what are the food options, etc.
Then there are the big things. First and foremost: I ain't workin' for the gov-ment no more. That's not meant in a positive or negative way. It just is. And after 20 years of Federal service, it will take some getting used to.
But I will adjust, just as I have in every other work transition I've been through in the past. And I've got plenty of time to do so.
I started a new career, the second half of my professional life if you will, on Monday. I now work as a Systems Engineer for Harris Corporation here in sunny (and rainy) Melbourne, Florida.
This has been (yet another) week full of change. New job...new employer...new office. And all the ancillary stuff that accompanies said changes.
There are the small things. Gotta figure out the best driving routes to and from the office. (Of course, can't get too settled into those routines 'cause it will all change again when we move into our new house in a few months.) Had to learn the building stuff: where to get supplies, what are the food options, etc.
Then there are the big things. First and foremost: I ain't workin' for the gov-ment no more. That's not meant in a positive or negative way. It just is. And after 20 years of Federal service, it will take some getting used to.
But I will adjust, just as I have in every other work transition I've been through in the past. And I've got plenty of time to do so.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
It's Official
A trip to the DMV usually marks an important milestone in your life. First driver's license, first car registration, a move from one state to another, a brand new car.
Today was no exception. We spent a good chunk of the day traipsing from the insurance company office to the driver's license office to the tax collector (in Florida, licenses are handled separately from vehicle registrations.) At the end of it all, in addition to frayed nerves and overtired children we achieved almost complete success: both vehicles registered in Florida and a new Florida driver's license for me. (Cindy will take care of hers tomorrow, sans kids.)
Even though we've taken many steps toward Florida over the past few months, there is something uniquely significant about getting a new license plate for your car. Especially one with an entirely different state name on it!
Today was no exception. We spent a good chunk of the day traipsing from the insurance company office to the driver's license office to the tax collector (in Florida, licenses are handled separately from vehicle registrations.) At the end of it all, in addition to frayed nerves and overtired children we achieved almost complete success: both vehicles registered in Florida and a new Florida driver's license for me. (Cindy will take care of hers tomorrow, sans kids.)
Even though we've taken many steps toward Florida over the past few months, there is something uniquely significant about getting a new license plate for your car. Especially one with an entirely different state name on it!
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Goodbye, South Riding
4:55 am.I'm never awake this early (at least not since Brian was an infant). In the ultimate irony, our last night in the place we've called home for the last 5 years and 29 days is unlike any other in recent memory.
Change. Lots of it. That's what our life has been consumed by for the past several months.
Resign job. Get new job. Sell house. Buy house. Rent house. Rent apartment. Move all worldly possessions. Leave friends. Move "back home".
I guess it's all finally caught up to me. I had been moving through these changes with an engineer's approach. They're really just tasks after all. Projects if you will.
Resign job. There's a checklist for that. Not that I haven't had a rush of career memories over the past several months. I have, and that's been great. But when it comes down to it, the "project" boils down to doing each step on the list and then the project is complete. That happened on Tuesday.
We're now in the midst of the "move all worldly possessions" project. Several total strangers showed up at our house this morning and began putting all of our stuff into boxes. They worked all day, even running out of boxes and calling in extra manpower. They rolled outta here around sunset, leaving us with barren walls and cardboard towers.
So now here I sit...surrounded by our world in a much different format. (Where is our camera anyway? That's tomorrow's mini-project.)
Perhaps that's why I'm the only one in the house who is awake at 5:16 am. Usually Cindy and Colin are "bonding" around this time, or perhaps have just completed an hour or two together. Neither has happened tonight...our final evening on Crossfield Drive.
What does this all mean? I don't really know. But what I do know is that although I'm excited about the opportunities that lie ahead, I am really going to miss South Riding and the good friends we made here. And I will always cherish the memories made in our first house together.
Goodbye South Riding. It's been a great 5 years.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Happy Birthday Sis
My sister Terry turns 24 (or is it 42) tomorrow, which is probably today for you unless you are on the Internet waaaaaay too late on a Saturday night.
I was reading Terry's blog today and when she mentioned that she is turning 42, I did the ole "how did we all get to be that old?" There is a part of me that is still frozen in about 1971 or so. In Kelly family lore, there is a picture that was taken around that time. It is of the four of us on vacation, in our bathing suits in front of some unidentified Florida hotel (probably a Holiday Inn). It was one of my Mom's favorite pictures, mainly because it was of the four of us....but we were also pretty darn cute!
So Happy Birthday Terry! We will be on the road tomorrow visiting Michael, Jennifer, Dylan, Baby Allison at the ZOO (emphasis added for Brian and Sean) as part of our "Virginia Farewell Tour". But we will be thinking of you.
Have a great day!
I was reading Terry's blog today and when she mentioned that she is turning 42, I did the ole "how did we all get to be that old?" There is a part of me that is still frozen in about 1971 or so. In Kelly family lore, there is a picture that was taken around that time. It is of the four of us on vacation, in our bathing suits in front of some unidentified Florida hotel (probably a Holiday Inn). It was one of my Mom's favorite pictures, mainly because it was of the four of us....but we were also pretty darn cute!
So Happy Birthday Terry! We will be on the road tomorrow visiting Michael, Jennifer, Dylan, Baby Allison at the ZOO (emphasis added for Brian and Sean) as part of our "Virginia Farewell Tour". But we will be thinking of you.
Have a great day!
Friday, August 17, 2007
Found: The Lost Blog Entries
If you're one of the two or three people who ever check this space anymore, thank you for your persistence. You're probably wondering why the months-long hiatus from postings. It certainly wasn't due to a lack of subjects upon which to blog (gotta love the noun-verb versatility of the word "blog".) So in an attempt to catch you up on the past several months, I present The Lost Blog Entries.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
The Seven Year Itch
"Look...either introduce me, or stop talking about her." I was finally calling Tom Killick's bluff. If this Cindy McDonald person was so right for me, let's quit wasting time. Not getting any younger here. So against his better judgement (did I mention that at the time he worked directly for Cindy's dad?), Tom finally relented and set up a Happy Hour at the Rio Grande Cafe in Reston, VA.
Monday, June 12, 2000. Unbeknowest to me at the time, that would be the day I would meet my future wife. Unbeknowest to her at the time, the last year of the 20th century was my unofficial "last chance" at finding a wife. I had thought to myself "if it doesn't happen this year, I'm gonna quit trying." Too much effort. So it's a good thing Tom didn't delay 7 more months!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007. Today is the seventh anniversary of the day we met. The dreaded "seven year itch." According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the median duration of couples who divorced between 1989 and 1990 was 7.2 years. I would imagine that statistic is relatively the same for any year over the past 20 years or so.
Why is this so? What is it about the 7 year mark? Why not 6? Or 8? Or 7 months (which it probably is in Hollywood)?
Consider this, from Dr. Nick Stinnett, PhD, a professor of marriage and family studies at the University of Alabama: "the success of a marriage (or other long-term commitment) can be directly linked to acts of kindness. That's as easy as sending flowers or taking the time to write a letter that expresses how you feel," he says. Make dates for just the two of you. This isn't being self-centered - it's essential to you and your family's well-being."
My father-in-law gave me the same advice in the form of this analogy: "marriage is like a gas tank...you have to fill it up (with acts of love, kindness, etc.) regularly."
For an equally important perspective, I think back to our Engaged Encounter weekend during our marriage preparation. One of the couples running the weekend gave a talk on the real meaning of marriage. The central point to their presentation that was if you get married, and expect to sustain that marriage, based on love alone you are fighting an uphill battle. Rather, marriage is a covenant with God that requires the total commitment of the couple no matter what the circumstances.
Back to the Seven Year Itch. I am feeling it definitely, but not in the conventional sense. These first seven years have left me looking forward eagerly to seven times seventy more. (OK, we're probably not going to live another 490 years, but you get the point.)
Happy Seven Year Itch, Sweetheart!
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
My Little Big Man
Today is Brian's fourth birthday. Wow. Seems like just 1,461 days ago that I held him in my arms for the first time. Oh yeah...it was 1,461 days ago. But I still remember it like it was yesterday. We had a few tense moments leading up to his birth, but when they finally passed him to me all of that anxiety melted away instantly. Here was my little man. So worn out from the journey he could barely sustain a cry.
Over the coming months, we did everything people usually do with their first born. Lots of pictures (over 1,000 in his first year alone), videotape, etc. Heck, we even went to great lengths to take a bunch of pictures on the 17th of every month to chart his growth. Our live is great now with the three boys, but that was a special time -- just Mommy, Daddy, and Brian. I am so proud of how he has grown into a caring big brother.
My little big man. Four years old. Hard to believe. Happy Birthday Brian!
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Go P-Nats!
This summer has been characterized by many things, many of them big life-changing events...new job, sell house, by house, move hundreds of miles away.
And then there are the Potomac Nationals. The Class A, Carolina League farm team of the Washington Nationals, the P-Nats call Richard G. Pfitzner Stadium ("The Pfitz") home. Located near Woodbridge, VA, the Pfitz is a great place to take the family on a Saturday night. "Real Baseball, Real Close" is their tag line. And it's true. Even the worst seat in the house is practically on top of the action. Add the smell of freshly-grilled meats, popcorn, and funnel cakes and you have a great night at the park enjoying our National Pasttime.
And then there are the fireworks. Done after every Saturday night home game. The perfect capper to a real American family outing.
On this night, we attended again with our extended family: David and Daniella (aka LaLa to those who can't quite put together all those letters.) Since our move to Florida was confirmed, we've been making an extra effort to see them more often. Three P-Nats games were part of that plan.
We've already researched minor league baseball in Melbourne. The Brevard Manatees are the Class A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. They play in Space Coast Stadium, which is ironically the Spring Training home of the Washington Nationals.
So we can get our fix of minor league baseball for sure. But it will also surely not be the same going to games without the rest of the family, without David and LaLa. I'm sure we will get the question from the backseat: "are we going to see David and LaLa?" It will be very tough to answer that question a month from now without getting choked up.
Maybe they can take a road trip down next summer to "the Space", or whatever they call it. And we may have to visit the Pfitz in the future, for old times sake.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
The Seven Year Itch
"Look...either introduce me, or stop talking about her." I was finally calling Tom Killick's bluff. If this Cindy McDonald person was so right for me, let's quit wasting time. Not getting any younger here. So against his better judgement (did I mention that at the time he worked directly for Cindy's dad?), Tom finally relented and set up a Happy Hour at the Rio Grande Cafe in Reston, VA.
Monday, June 12, 2000. Unbeknowest to me at the time, that would be the day I would meet my future wife. Unbeknowest to her at the time, the last year of the 20th century was my unofficial "last chance" at finding a wife. I had thought to myself "if it doesn't happen this year, I'm gonna quit trying." Too much effort. So it's a good thing Tom didn't delay 7 more months!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007. Today is the seventh anniversary of the day we met. The dreaded "seven year itch." According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the median duration of couples who divorced between 1989 and 1990 was 7.2 years. I would imagine that statistic is relatively the same for any year over the past 20 years or so.
Why is this so? What is it about the 7 year mark? Why not 6? Or 8? Or 7 months (which it probably is in Hollywood)?
Consider this, from Dr. Nick Stinnett, PhD, a professor of marriage and family studies at the University of Alabama: "the success of a marriage (or other long-term commitment) can be directly linked to acts of kindness. That's as easy as sending flowers or taking the time to write a letter that expresses how you feel," he says. Make dates for just the two of you. This isn't being self-centered - it's essential to you and your family's well-being."
My father-in-law gave me the same advice in the form of this analogy: "marriage is like a gas tank...you have to fill it up (with acts of love, kindness, etc.) regularly."
For an equally important perspective, I think back to our Engaged Encounter weekend during our marriage preparation. One of the couples running the weekend gave a talk on the real meaning of marriage. The central point to their presentation that was if you get married, and expect to sustain that marriage, based on love alone you are fighting an uphill battle. Rather, marriage is a covenant with God that requires the total commitment of the couple no matter what the circumstances.
Back to the Seven Year Itch. I am feeling it definitely, but not in the conventional sense. These first seven years have left me looking forward eagerly to seven times seventy more. (OK, we're probably not going to live another 490 years, but you get the point.)
Happy Seven Year Itch, Sweetheart!
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
My Little Big Man
Today is Brian's fourth birthday. Wow. Seems like just 1,461 days ago that I held him in my arms for the first time. Oh yeah...it was 1,461 days ago. But I still remember it like it was yesterday. We had a few tense moments leading up to his birth, but when they finally passed him to me all of that anxiety melted away instantly. Here was my little man. So worn out from the journey he could barely sustain a cry.
Over the coming months, we did everything people usually do with their first born. Lots of pictures (over 1,000 in his first year alone), videotape, etc. Heck, we even went to great lengths to take a bunch of pictures on the 17th of every month to chart his growth. Our live is great now with the three boys, but that was a special time -- just Mommy, Daddy, and Brian. I am so proud of how he has grown into a caring big brother.
My little big man. Four years old. Hard to believe. Happy Birthday Brian!
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Go P-Nats!
This summer has been characterized by many things, many of them big life-changing events...new job, sell house, by house, move hundreds of miles away.And then there are the Potomac Nationals. The Class A, Carolina League farm team of the Washington Nationals, the P-Nats call Richard G. Pfitzner Stadium ("The Pfitz") home. Located near Woodbridge, VA, the Pfitz is a great place to take the family on a Saturday night. "Real Baseball, Real Close" is their tag line. And it's true. Even the worst seat in the house is practically on top of the action. Add the smell of freshly-grilled meats, popcorn, and funnel cakes and you have a great night at the park enjoying our National Pasttime.
And then there are the fireworks. Done after every Saturday night home game. The perfect capper to a real American family outing.
On this night, we attended again with our extended family: David and Daniella (aka LaLa to those who can't quite put together all those letters.) Since our move to Florida was confirmed, we've been making an extra effort to see them more often. Three P-Nats games were part of that plan.
We've already researched minor league baseball in Melbourne. The Brevard Manatees are the Class A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. They play in Space Coast Stadium, which is ironically the Spring Training home of the Washington Nationals.
So we can get our fix of minor league baseball for sure. But it will also surely not be the same going to games without the rest of the family, without David and LaLa. I'm sure we will get the question from the backseat: "are we going to see David and LaLa?" It will be very tough to answer that question a month from now without getting choked up.
Maybe they can take a road trip down next summer to "the Space", or whatever they call it. And we may have to visit the Pfitz in the future, for old times sake.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
The Man: No Myth, All Legend
Last night, family, friends, and colleagues of Gene McDonald gathered for a fitting tribute to a 34-year career marked with outstanding achievement and scores of deep personal relationships. While I have not known him nearly as long as most people in the room, he has certainly touched my life in similar ways.
It was a warm Saturday afternoon in August on a non-descript soccer field in Herndon, Virginia. Dozens of young girls competing in a weekend ritual that plays out all over Northern Virginia that time of year. Just another weekend soccer game.
But it was also the day I met Gene and Diana McDonald.
I had been dating their daughter Cindy for a couple of months, and I was looking forward to meeting the people behind the most important person in my life. I was also a bit nervous, probably due in part to some of the stories that I had heard from my friend Tom Killick, who was Gene's ARM at the time (for all you non-Pfizer people out there, that's Assistant to the Regional Manager). Not that the stories were bad...in fact just the opposite. So whatever anxiety I felt was probably because I knew that first impression would be important.
"Mom, Dad...this is Chris," Cindy introduced me. Gene clasped my hand with a firm grip signaling confidence and strength, but also an inviting "glad to meet you." He was intensely focused on the game involving his daughter Kellie, but he paused and directed his attention to me (Cindy probably also knew to wait for a timeout before introducing me!)
When the game was over, we proceeded to a nearby restaurant for dinner. Even though I had just met them, they made me feel like I had been part of the family for years. From everything I heard at last night's dinner, that was a common experience among the many people Gene has affected over the course of his career and his life.
It's said that when you marry someone, you marry their family too. While that is true, it certainly doesn't guarantee that your in-law relationship will be a quality one. So I consider myself twice blessed to have Cindy and her family in my life. And that family relationship begins with Gene and Diana. We've shared many moments over the past 7 years: innumerable Sunday dinners, beach weeks at Nags Head, Christmases, birthdays, evenings by the chimnea...and the list goes on.
I can still vividly remember the day God gave me the clarity to realize that Cindy was the person I needed to marry. It was shortly after Thanksgiving Day 2000. All the McDonalds were "home" that holiday weekend, and I remember feeling so right about being part of their family. That was the clincher.
There were several common themes woven throughout last night's speeches about Gene.
Family. Listening. Caring about people.
These are all things I have seen in Gene from the first day we met. And I see them in Cindy as well.
Last night's festivities were a testament to the true legacy of Gene McDonald. A family man and devoted husband who has dedicated his life to helping others achieve greatness.
It was a warm Saturday afternoon in August on a non-descript soccer field in Herndon, Virginia. Dozens of young girls competing in a weekend ritual that plays out all over Northern Virginia that time of year. Just another weekend soccer game.
But it was also the day I met Gene and Diana McDonald.
I had been dating their daughter Cindy for a couple of months, and I was looking forward to meeting the people behind the most important person in my life. I was also a bit nervous, probably due in part to some of the stories that I had heard from my friend Tom Killick, who was Gene's ARM at the time (for all you non-Pfizer people out there, that's Assistant to the Regional Manager). Not that the stories were bad...in fact just the opposite. So whatever anxiety I felt was probably because I knew that first impression would be important.
"Mom, Dad...this is Chris," Cindy introduced me. Gene clasped my hand with a firm grip signaling confidence and strength, but also an inviting "glad to meet you." He was intensely focused on the game involving his daughter Kellie, but he paused and directed his attention to me (Cindy probably also knew to wait for a timeout before introducing me!)
When the game was over, we proceeded to a nearby restaurant for dinner. Even though I had just met them, they made me feel like I had been part of the family for years. From everything I heard at last night's dinner, that was a common experience among the many people Gene has affected over the course of his career and his life.
It's said that when you marry someone, you marry their family too. While that is true, it certainly doesn't guarantee that your in-law relationship will be a quality one. So I consider myself twice blessed to have Cindy and her family in my life. And that family relationship begins with Gene and Diana. We've shared many moments over the past 7 years: innumerable Sunday dinners, beach weeks at Nags Head, Christmases, birthdays, evenings by the chimnea...and the list goes on.
I can still vividly remember the day God gave me the clarity to realize that Cindy was the person I needed to marry. It was shortly after Thanksgiving Day 2000. All the McDonalds were "home" that holiday weekend, and I remember feeling so right about being part of their family. That was the clincher.
There were several common themes woven throughout last night's speeches about Gene.
Family. Listening. Caring about people.
These are all things I have seen in Gene from the first day we met. And I see them in Cindy as well.
Last night's festivities were a testament to the true legacy of Gene McDonald. A family man and devoted husband who has dedicated his life to helping others achieve greatness.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Mommies Past and Present
With Mother's Day 2007 just hours away, I'm reflecting on two of the richest blessings He has bestowed on me. Happy Mother's Day Mom and Cindy!
12,550 days.
That's how long I was blessed with my Mom's presence in this life. Since her passing almost 9 years ago, I have almost exclusively viewed this in the negative. I was "only" 34 when she died. She was "only" 67 when cancer cut her life short.
How short-sighted I've been. Yes, my life has not been the same without her. And yes, there was so much more I wanted to experience with her when she left me. But what a fabulously rich 12,550 days it was. Many of my memories of her are as vivid today as the day they happened. And the stories she told will be with me forever. Like how desperately she wanted to become a Mom. She was married to my Dad for almost seven years before she became pregnant with me. She charted her temperatures daily, and said novena after novena, almost begging God to bless her with a child. (Her prayers were certainly answered as she proceeded to have four children in four years!)
As soon as she believed she was pregnant, she went to her family doctor for confirmation. He administered the old "rabbit test" (no EPT in those days), and it came back negative.
"Are you sure?" my Mom asked, in disbelief at what he was telling her. She was so sure.
"Yes, the tests don't lie" was his response. "But I really feel that I'm pregnant" she pleaded.
"Well you're not. Get it out of your head." He gave her some medication to help get her cycle back on track.
My mom, bless her persistence, immediately made an appointment with an OB/GYN (who turned out to be the doctor who delivered all four of us). Almost immediately upon seeing her, he confirmed what she already knew deep down.
"Congratulations...you are definitely pregnant," was his diagnosis. I imagine that was the happiest day of her life to that point. Of course, when we would test her years later -- "Hey Mom, what was the happiest day of your life?"-- she would always respond that it was a four-way tie.
That was the kind of Mom she was. She never lost sight of the fact that she was chosen by the Lord for this most important responsibility. And she carried it out with such grace, skill, and compassion that I viewed her as an "Expert Mom", while at the same time she probably felt like she would never know all there is to know about raising kids. I remember that she used to keep a copy of the ultra-popular Dr. Spock book in the kitchen cupboard, right next to the Cheerios. I never gave that too much thought until I had kids of my own. Now I realize the fear and uncertainty that touches every parent..."are we doing the right thing about [pick your topic]?" My mom never let that show to us, and I think that is a big reason for her ultimate success.
1,395 days.
That's how long my wife Cindy has been a Mom. We have had three boys over that stretch of time...each different in appearance, personality, and needs. Regardless, Cindy carries out her calling in much the same way that my Mom did. My perspective is different now, as I get to see much more "behind the scenes"... the frustration, the doubt, the pure exhaustion that sometimes characterizes parenthood. But the way Cindy handles it all is very much the way my Mom did. That special love that only a Mom can give, healing all the minor bumps along the way. And the willingness to sacrifice so much for the lives that you have been entrusted with.
A very close family friend, Bill Aaronson, eulogized my Mom with these words:
"We'll all miss you so much...but Joan says and I agree, that between missing you and loving you, loving you tilts the scale more."
So Mom -- here's to the love we shared for 12,550 days. And although you didn't get the chance to meet Cindy in person, I know you are happy and proud that she is following in your footsteps.
12,550 days.That's how long I was blessed with my Mom's presence in this life. Since her passing almost 9 years ago, I have almost exclusively viewed this in the negative. I was "only" 34 when she died. She was "only" 67 when cancer cut her life short.
How short-sighted I've been. Yes, my life has not been the same without her. And yes, there was so much more I wanted to experience with her when she left me. But what a fabulously rich 12,550 days it was. Many of my memories of her are as vivid today as the day they happened. And the stories she told will be with me forever. Like how desperately she wanted to become a Mom. She was married to my Dad for almost seven years before she became pregnant with me. She charted her temperatures daily, and said novena after novena, almost begging God to bless her with a child. (Her prayers were certainly answered as she proceeded to have four children in four years!)
As soon as she believed she was pregnant, she went to her family doctor for confirmation. He administered the old "rabbit test" (no EPT in those days), and it came back negative.
"Are you sure?" my Mom asked, in disbelief at what he was telling her. She was so sure.
"Yes, the tests don't lie" was his response. "But I really feel that I'm pregnant" she pleaded.
"Well you're not. Get it out of your head." He gave her some medication to help get her cycle back on track.
My mom, bless her persistence, immediately made an appointment with an OB/GYN (who turned out to be the doctor who delivered all four of us). Almost immediately upon seeing her, he confirmed what she already knew deep down.
"Congratulations...you are definitely pregnant," was his diagnosis. I imagine that was the happiest day of her life to that point. Of course, when we would test her years later -- "Hey Mom, what was the happiest day of your life?"-- she would always respond that it was a four-way tie.
That was the kind of Mom she was. She never lost sight of the fact that she was chosen by the Lord for this most important responsibility. And she carried it out with such grace, skill, and compassion that I viewed her as an "Expert Mom", while at the same time she probably felt like she would never know all there is to know about raising kids. I remember that she used to keep a copy of the ultra-popular Dr. Spock book in the kitchen cupboard, right next to the Cheerios. I never gave that too much thought until I had kids of my own. Now I realize the fear and uncertainty that touches every parent..."are we doing the right thing about [pick your topic]?" My mom never let that show to us, and I think that is a big reason for her ultimate success.
1,395 days.
That's how long my wife Cindy has been a Mom. We have had three boys over that stretch of time...each different in appearance, personality, and needs. Regardless, Cindy carries out her calling in much the same way that my Mom did. My perspective is different now, as I get to see much more "behind the scenes"... the frustration, the doubt, the pure exhaustion that sometimes characterizes parenthood. But the way Cindy handles it all is very much the way my Mom did. That special love that only a Mom can give, healing all the minor bumps along the way. And the willingness to sacrifice so much for the lives that you have been entrusted with.
A very close family friend, Bill Aaronson, eulogized my Mom with these words:
"We'll all miss you so much...but Joan says and I agree, that between missing you and loving you, loving you tilts the scale more."
So Mom -- here's to the love we shared for 12,550 days. And although you didn't get the chance to meet Cindy in person, I know you are happy and proud that she is following in your footsteps.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
I'm Still Here
Our world has been turned on its side a bit for the past six weeks or so, which is obvious by the lack of posts since the end of February. Just a brief recap of activities past:
In the middle of all that, we attended the Easter Vigil at St. Veronica's with Fr. Pollard celebrating. (David and Daniella watched the boys for us.) Then Cindy put together an awesome Easter dinner, which we enjoyed with David and Daniella (they probably should have just spent the night!)
So we have no travel plans anytime soon, for which I'm grateful. I believe that Cindy, Brian, and Sean would agree with that. (Colin too...although he didn't quite grasp the concept of Daddy's trip. Brian and Sean did though -- see Cindy's post on my arrival.
- March 1-10: Loaded up the minivan and trekked 2,300 miles from here to Florida and back. Primary purpose of the trip was my nephew Kevin's confirmation (I was his sponsor), but we also made side trips to Lori and Lou's house in Port St. Lucie and the Killicks in Melbourne. It was a great trip. I was honored to stand by Kevin as he reaffirmed his Catholic faith. He also gave me a handmade rosary that I will cherish forever. It was also great to see so many family. Uncle Bob even made it down from N.Y. We talked "family tree" stuff, which is another project I need to resurrect now that the whirlwind of travel is over.
- March 24-27: Took an unplanned trip to Atlanta for Cindy's grandmother's funeral. She had taken ill recently and passed away on the 24th. Cindy was definitely going to be there no matter what, and I really wanted to pay my last respects as well since she was one of the persons responsible for the blessing I have in Cindy. I see much of Grandma's influence in the great wife and mother that Cindy is.
- March 29-30: Planned recruitment trip to Virginia Tech. When I scheduled this a month prior, I was hoping Cindy and the kids would be able to go with me so we could visit Michael, Jennifer, Dylan, and Allison. As it worked out, Michael and Jennifer were out of town which worked out OK since we had just traveled to Atlanta a couple of days before and the kids were pretty worn out from that trip.
- April 9-19: Business trip around the world. I travelled with my boss and a co-worker to England and Australia. It was probably the tightest schedule possible, considering we literally flew around the world. Still, I was gone for 10 days...11 flight segments...4 cities...7 nights lodging (2 "nights" spent on planes!) It was a great trip overall, but tough being away from Cindy and the boys for so long.
In the middle of all that, we attended the Easter Vigil at St. Veronica's with Fr. Pollard celebrating. (David and Daniella watched the boys for us.) Then Cindy put together an awesome Easter dinner, which we enjoyed with David and Daniella (they probably should have just spent the night!)
So we have no travel plans anytime soon, for which I'm grateful. I believe that Cindy, Brian, and Sean would agree with that. (Colin too...although he didn't quite grasp the concept of Daddy's trip. Brian and Sean did though -- see Cindy's post on my arrival.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Weekend for a Lifetime
One of my Lenten almsgiving pledges is to find one worthy charity per week and donate my time and/or money to them. I thought I would also use this space to tell you about them so you may help if you choose to do so. My choice for this week is The Catholic Engaged Encounter - Diocese of Arlington, VA.
We met with Fr. David, the priest who married us, in his office one Friday afternoon a couple of months before the wedding. He talked with us about the covenant we were about to enter into. We each took a survey designed to identify areas that we might want to work on between us. And he gave us a packet to read (I imagine that was our homework, although he didn't state as much.)
In the packet was a seemingly innocuous yellow flyer. It explained the two forms of marriage preparation forums (I would say classes, but that makes it sound like so much less than it actually is.) There is the multiple several hour sessions spread out over a number of weeks, and the single, entire weekend. We chose the latter option with no hesitation whatsoever. [Just one of the many decisions we've made with unified conviction over the past 6+ years.]
I remember looking forward to the weekend with much anticipation, but I still don't think we were prepared for the deeply spiritual experience we were about to undergo. I still remember to this day some of the one-on-one talks we had, and the Saturday night group session where we openly shared our thoughts about what we were preparing for. It was also very enlightening to hear from the "veterans" -- couples who had been married for a few years up to 20-30 years.
Toward the end of the weekend, they talked a bit of logistics. We found out that the Engaged Encounter weekends are not funded by the Church, and all the session leaders are unpaid volunteers. They talked about the costs involved, and asked for our prayerful consideration on making a contribution.
We didn't have the means with us at the time (i.e. no checkbook), but we promised to make a donation once we got home. Well of course, we slipped right back into wedding prep and the donation idea was shelved.
Well here is my opportunity to rectify that oversight, albeit 5 1/2 years late. I am making an online contribution to the Catholic Engaged Encounter for the Diocese of Arlington, VA right now. Check them out by clicking the link above. If you have the desire and means to help them out financially, please do so. They are doing some very important work in a culture where divorce and broken marriages have become all too common.
We met with Fr. David, the priest who married us, in his office one Friday afternoon a couple of months before the wedding. He talked with us about the covenant we were about to enter into. We each took a survey designed to identify areas that we might want to work on between us. And he gave us a packet to read (I imagine that was our homework, although he didn't state as much.)
In the packet was a seemingly innocuous yellow flyer. It explained the two forms of marriage preparation forums (I would say classes, but that makes it sound like so much less than it actually is.) There is the multiple several hour sessions spread out over a number of weeks, and the single, entire weekend. We chose the latter option with no hesitation whatsoever. [Just one of the many decisions we've made with unified conviction over the past 6+ years.]
I remember looking forward to the weekend with much anticipation, but I still don't think we were prepared for the deeply spiritual experience we were about to undergo. I still remember to this day some of the one-on-one talks we had, and the Saturday night group session where we openly shared our thoughts about what we were preparing for. It was also very enlightening to hear from the "veterans" -- couples who had been married for a few years up to 20-30 years.
Toward the end of the weekend, they talked a bit of logistics. We found out that the Engaged Encounter weekends are not funded by the Church, and all the session leaders are unpaid volunteers. They talked about the costs involved, and asked for our prayerful consideration on making a contribution.
We didn't have the means with us at the time (i.e. no checkbook), but we promised to make a donation once we got home. Well of course, we slipped right back into wedding prep and the donation idea was shelved.
Well here is my opportunity to rectify that oversight, albeit 5 1/2 years late. I am making an online contribution to the Catholic Engaged Encounter for the Diocese of Arlington, VA right now. Check them out by clicking the link above. If you have the desire and means to help them out financially, please do so. They are doing some very important work in a culture where divorce and broken marriages have become all too common.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Convergence of Random Thoughts
OK, so I struggled a bit with the title of this entry. What I am going to write about seems like three independent thoughts or events of this week, but when I sat down and thought about it there is a definite connection between them. Hence the convergence. So here goes, in no particular order.
My nephew Kevin turned 14 a week ago Saturday. I file that fact away in the "I'm getting old" folder, which seems to be growing exponentially lately. I became an uncle for the first time when he was born, so I will always feel a special connection to him because of that. I am also his Godfather and I feel very blessed to have that role in his life as well. So when he asked me to be his Confirmation sponsor a few months ago, my first thought was "of course, I wouldn't have it any other way." That's not to say that a number of people could not have taken on that role and done it very well. There's just a certain continuity to the relationship between Kevin and I that will be perpetuated when I stand up with him next Saturday. I hope it will be as special a moment for him as it will be for me.
The latest milestone in our immediate family happened today when Colin (aka Col-Kel) turned 12 weeks old. He is such a precious, special baby for many reasons. Not the least of which is all the turmoil that his Mommy went through over the last trimester, the fact that he was born 4 weeks early, and the respirator that was part of his first few hours "on the outside." He started smiling recently (and not just gas -- Mommy and Daddy can tell the difference!) He really loves being held and fawned over by his brothers. And I can see certain aspects of his personality emerging already that will make him his own man. I told Cindy today that I see him as a Big Picture Thinker, which would certainly be different than Brian's disciplined attention to detail and Sean's creative flair. It's amazing how siblings can be so similar in some areas, but so unique in others.
So we have two stages of life going on here, and they will converge for a time when we travel to South Florida next week for Kevin's confirmation. But the third thought/event that really ties everything together happened earlier this week. Our church held a "Forty Hours Adoration" that began at 8 pm on Ash Wednesday and concluded at 8 pm last night. (For those of you who are math-obsessed like me, Mass times are not counted as part of the 40 hours since the Blessed Sacrament was reposed at those times.) Cindy and I participated as adorers -- her on Thursday early morning and I on Thursday and Friday morning. It was truly a special experience for me. An opportunity to spend some quiet time with Jesus and reflect on the tremendous blessings he has bestowed on me and my family. I also thought about where we were spiritually last year around this time versus this year. We endured a lot of upheaval and change, which was accompanied by the uncertainty of leaving a community where we had developed relationships to go somewhere were we knew almost no one. Looking back, I can definitively say that we are in a better place today than we were last year at this time. My faith has grown so much in the past 9 months. The funny thing is I thought I was pretty far along on my faith journey, and I still think that is true. But what the past few months have taught me is that I have much further to go. Now you're never really at the end (at least in this life), but I am more aware of the work I need to do to deepen my relationship with God. I now realize that, at some level, I was just "going through the motions" until we made this change. And this week's adoration really drove home that point. We really feel we are "home" now, and that feels really good.
So Kevin, Col-Kel, and Christ (we have I heard something like that before? Hint: see February 13 post.) Three very important parts of my life, coming together in my thought this week and will converge again next Saturday. I can't wait.
My nephew Kevin turned 14 a week ago Saturday. I file that fact away in the "I'm getting old" folder, which seems to be growing exponentially lately. I became an uncle for the first time when he was born, so I will always feel a special connection to him because of that. I am also his Godfather and I feel very blessed to have that role in his life as well. So when he asked me to be his Confirmation sponsor a few months ago, my first thought was "of course, I wouldn't have it any other way." That's not to say that a number of people could not have taken on that role and done it very well. There's just a certain continuity to the relationship between Kevin and I that will be perpetuated when I stand up with him next Saturday. I hope it will be as special a moment for him as it will be for me.
The latest milestone in our immediate family happened today when Colin (aka Col-Kel) turned 12 weeks old. He is such a precious, special baby for many reasons. Not the least of which is all the turmoil that his Mommy went through over the last trimester, the fact that he was born 4 weeks early, and the respirator that was part of his first few hours "on the outside." He started smiling recently (and not just gas -- Mommy and Daddy can tell the difference!) He really loves being held and fawned over by his brothers. And I can see certain aspects of his personality emerging already that will make him his own man. I told Cindy today that I see him as a Big Picture Thinker, which would certainly be different than Brian's disciplined attention to detail and Sean's creative flair. It's amazing how siblings can be so similar in some areas, but so unique in others.
So we have two stages of life going on here, and they will converge for a time when we travel to South Florida next week for Kevin's confirmation. But the third thought/event that really ties everything together happened earlier this week. Our church held a "Forty Hours Adoration" that began at 8 pm on Ash Wednesday and concluded at 8 pm last night. (For those of you who are math-obsessed like me, Mass times are not counted as part of the 40 hours since the Blessed Sacrament was reposed at those times.) Cindy and I participated as adorers -- her on Thursday early morning and I on Thursday and Friday morning. It was truly a special experience for me. An opportunity to spend some quiet time with Jesus and reflect on the tremendous blessings he has bestowed on me and my family. I also thought about where we were spiritually last year around this time versus this year. We endured a lot of upheaval and change, which was accompanied by the uncertainty of leaving a community where we had developed relationships to go somewhere were we knew almost no one. Looking back, I can definitively say that we are in a better place today than we were last year at this time. My faith has grown so much in the past 9 months. The funny thing is I thought I was pretty far along on my faith journey, and I still think that is true. But what the past few months have taught me is that I have much further to go. Now you're never really at the end (at least in this life), but I am more aware of the work I need to do to deepen my relationship with God. I now realize that, at some level, I was just "going through the motions" until we made this change. And this week's adoration really drove home that point. We really feel we are "home" now, and that feels really good.So Kevin, Col-Kel, and Christ (we have I heard something like that before? Hint: see February 13 post.) Three very important parts of my life, coming together in my thought this week and will converge again next Saturday. I can't wait.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Here Comes Lent
Ash Wednesday is upon us, and with that the start of another Lenten season. While I don't usually have a plan in writing, 2007 will be different. Gotta keep up with the wife! Here's my plan:
Prayer
-- Daily Bible Study: read all four Gospels, two chapters per day (idea from Fr. Pat Kelly)
-- Holy Hour or Daily Mass once a week
-- Rosary every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
Penance
-- No cookies
-- No Starbucks
-- "Meager Meal" Wednesdays (no meat, no fish, very basic dinner)
Almsgiving
-- Find one worthy charity per week to support with money or time
-- Give to the Bishop's Lenten Appeal
Have a Blessed Lenten season.
Prayer
-- Daily Bible Study: read all four Gospels, two chapters per day (idea from Fr. Pat Kelly)
-- Holy Hour or Daily Mass once a week
-- Rosary every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
Penance
-- No cookies
-- No Starbucks
-- "Meager Meal" Wednesdays (no meat, no fish, very basic dinner)
Almsgiving
-- Find one worthy charity per week to support with money or time
-- Give to the Bishop's Lenten Appeal
Have a Blessed Lenten season.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Three C's
It was a typical Virginia autumn day. The morning began with rain that gave way to bright sunshine shortly after 11:00 in the morning.
Herndon High School was holding their Homecoming Parade. And just off the parade route, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Father David Bonarrigo was joining us in Holy Matrimony.
His homily offered many insights and thoughts to ponder, all based on the letter "C". (What just popped into my head is the Sesame Street song "C is for Cookie", sung by none other than the Cookie Monster. This is where my life is today.)
Father David explained that we are joined together in many ways, and he tied them into the fact that both of our names start with C. He offered nine C's for us to consider, starting with the fact that C is the third letter of the alphabet. The number three then reminds us that this is a union of three -- Chris, Cindy, and Christ. I guess I've always known this would be the case when I was married, but Father David put it right up front for us -- where it belongs. Although I haven't thought about his particular words very often, the idea that Christ is in the center of our union is constant.
The other C's that Father David spoke of were: commencement, consecrate, commitment, charity, community, communication, create, and celebrate. A pretty good list, I'd say. (And I am really glad that our names don't start with Q or X!)
Over five years have passed since Father David imparted his wisdom to us. Many things have changed in that time, but his words remain as relevant today as the day he spoke them.
On our first wedding anniversary, Cindy gave me a quilt that now hangs in our bedroom. I look at it almost every night just before I drift off to sleep:
Simple words, but a powerful thought. Chris, Cindy, Christ.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Herndon High School was holding their Homecoming Parade. And just off the parade route, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Father David Bonarrigo was joining us in Holy Matrimony.
His homily offered many insights and thoughts to ponder, all based on the letter "C". (What just popped into my head is the Sesame Street song "C is for Cookie", sung by none other than the Cookie Monster. This is where my life is today.)
Father David explained that we are joined together in many ways, and he tied them into the fact that both of our names start with C. He offered nine C's for us to consider, starting with the fact that C is the third letter of the alphabet. The number three then reminds us that this is a union of three -- Chris, Cindy, and Christ. I guess I've always known this would be the case when I was married, but Father David put it right up front for us -- where it belongs. Although I haven't thought about his particular words very often, the idea that Christ is in the center of our union is constant.
The other C's that Father David spoke of were: commencement, consecrate, commitment, charity, community, communication, create, and celebrate. A pretty good list, I'd say. (And I am really glad that our names don't start with Q or X!)
Over five years have passed since Father David imparted his wisdom to us. Many things have changed in that time, but his words remain as relevant today as the day he spoke them.
On our first wedding anniversary, Cindy gave me a quilt that now hangs in our bedroom. I look at it almost every night just before I drift off to sleep:
I once thought that marriage took just two to make a go,
But now I realize that it takes the Lord also.
But now I realize that it takes the Lord also.
Simple words, but a powerful thought. Chris, Cindy, Christ.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Saturday, February 10, 2007
How You Doin'?
Better yet...how am I doin'? It's been close to a month since I posted my resolutions for the year. And I promised regular updates on my progress, so here goes:
1. Read one book per month.
I need to focus a little more on this one. Still reading January's book.
2. Take my wife out on a date once a month.
We went on a date (albeit with Colin, but he slept the whole time so I'm counting it) on my birthday. Bonefish Grill. Bang-Bang Shrimp. Surf and turf. Yum.
3. Walk 25 miles per week.
Doing great on this one. I'm actually modifying my goal upward to 30 miles per week.
4. Abstain from meat one day a week.
I'm holding to this one as well, although Cindy suggested that I pick the same day each week. So I've decided to abstain on Wednesdays.
5. Go to confession once a month.
Didn't make this in January, but I will get on track this month.
6. Weigh 170 pounds at this time next year.
I've lost one pound so far, so heading in the right direction.
7. Go camping twice this year.
The weather is still way too cold to get started here. I'm shooting for our first outing in April or May.
8. Read and study the gospels.
Dabbled in this one, but I recently found a website that I think may help me get into this habit.
9. Write in my blog at least twice a week.
I missed this goal the first week, but I've stayed on track since then.
10. Research our family tree.
I purchased the newest version of Family Tree Maker software, and got started in earnest on this project today. Stay tuned.
11. Write thank you notes within one week of receiving the gift.
Birthday thank-you notes not out yet. Need some more focus here.
12. Hold family budget meetings once a month.
We held our January meeting. So far so good.
13. Talk to my dad once a week.
I've talked to my dad every week since I made this resolution. And that's a big deal since I had really slacked off in this area lately.
14. Volunteer once per quarter.
Another resolution I'm modifying upward. I will try to volunteer once a month. I began by donating blood this week.
So overall, I'm doing pretty well. Need some more focus on a few goals, but I'm sticking to most of them.
1. Read one book per month.
I need to focus a little more on this one. Still reading January's book.
2. Take my wife out on a date once a month.
We went on a date (albeit with Colin, but he slept the whole time so I'm counting it) on my birthday. Bonefish Grill. Bang-Bang Shrimp. Surf and turf. Yum.
3. Walk 25 miles per week.
Doing great on this one. I'm actually modifying my goal upward to 30 miles per week.
4. Abstain from meat one day a week.
I'm holding to this one as well, although Cindy suggested that I pick the same day each week. So I've decided to abstain on Wednesdays.
5. Go to confession once a month.
Didn't make this in January, but I will get on track this month.
6. Weigh 170 pounds at this time next year.
I've lost one pound so far, so heading in the right direction.
7. Go camping twice this year.
The weather is still way too cold to get started here. I'm shooting for our first outing in April or May.
8. Read and study the gospels.
Dabbled in this one, but I recently found a website that I think may help me get into this habit.
9. Write in my blog at least twice a week.
I missed this goal the first week, but I've stayed on track since then.
10. Research our family tree.
I purchased the newest version of Family Tree Maker software, and got started in earnest on this project today. Stay tuned.
11. Write thank you notes within one week of receiving the gift.
Birthday thank-you notes not out yet. Need some more focus here.
12. Hold family budget meetings once a month.
We held our January meeting. So far so good.
13. Talk to my dad once a week.
I've talked to my dad every week since I made this resolution. And that's a big deal since I had really slacked off in this area lately.
14. Volunteer once per quarter.
Another resolution I'm modifying upward. I will try to volunteer once a month. I began by donating blood this week.
So overall, I'm doing pretty well. Need some more focus on a few goals, but I'm sticking to most of them.
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Just Say Yes
April 14, 2005 -- Middleburg, Virginia
"Every Knight in this room, along with every family that stands behind each man, has made a simple, seemingly ordinary, yet heroic decision to say “yes”. “Yes” in special service to our Lord through our Blessed Mother Mary. “Yes” to the founding principles of this country, defending life from the moment of conception right through to when our Lord decides to end our Earthly service. “Yes” to extending ourselves in support of the less fortunate and fighting on behalf of the down-trodden.
When one man stands up - it's certainly noble and he can lead his home…… When a group of men stand together - they might even change their community….. But when a million plus stand together - they will change the world. With a simple “yes” each Knight not only acknowledged causes “larger than himself” but also pledged to stand with brother Knights everywhere in defense of the Church and in service to her Priests.
With that simple “yes” we will continue to fight for the causes of social justice on behalf of those weaker and less fortunate, as we defend life in each of its sacred stages. In the context of our faith, this service is rather simple, it's called standing up for what is right. In the framework of our society, this service is nothing short of heroic and because of this heroic service, you and our fellow brothers are known as Knights."
With his father's words preparing the path before him, "Van Goal" became a Knight of Columbus last evening. Accomplished blogger, rising college soccer star, aspiring Spanish prodigy (OK, maybe just "student"), and now Brother to over 1.7 million Catholic gentlemen worldwide.
Welcome Brother Van Goal. Thank you for standing up and saying "yes". And may God bless you on your journey.
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