We all know how important friends and family are. Loneliness is felt by those that have no friends or family. Happiness is felt by those that have many friends and family.
I'm very thankful for our friends and family - especially during this holiday season. We've had an incredible Christmas break. Part of it is due to the fact that our children have been sleeping in - a rare treat. Most of it has been the times we've had to get together with friends (and family too) - from birthday celebrations to Christmas to New Year's Eve, we've had some great get-togethers.
Last night we hosted our first New Year's Eve party in many years. We had our new growth group from Constance come over. We had 30 people here! It was a great time for all ages.
In some ways it's a small thing - we had a party and people came over. But this year it meant a great deal more to me. Maybe it's my age, or maybe it's the fact we were able to share our addition. Maybe it's the simple fact that we were able to participate on a larger scale this year - I don't really know for sure.
In my ramblings here I'm trying to say that it's an extremely good feeling when the circumstances come together in a way where our entire family is able to join a group of friends in a celebration. There can be challenges in trying to join the celebrations when your children have vastly different needs/abilities than most of their peers. There can be excuses such as "I'm too tired." "It's too much work." "My kids won't have fun." etc. When we put away the excuses and work at solving the barriers, we got an opportunity like we had last night.
A very large HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all. I hope that you are able to make connections this year that bring meaning and fulfillment to your life.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Monday, December 22, 2008
My ticket
I've realized this year that my kids are 'my ticket.' 'My ticket' you say, what on earth are you talking about?
Over the years, I've met numerous MN Vikings, been to more sporting and theater events, been invited into the studio of a radio station, been to parties and celebrations all because of my kids!
Consider this year.
All of this happened in one year!
Here I am simply doing what God asked me to do and He's giving me all these wonderful opportunities. By no means do I worship any one of the famous people I've met. However, I do consider it a great honor to have had a chance to be next to them for a moment. They lead such different lives as famous people, but each of them has taken time to give back and put a smile on the faces of my kids and myself as well.
It's interesting to me that if I had not taken these children into my home, I never would have had these experiences. When we set out to adopt kids, we weren't really counting on any benefits. It doesn't really enter your mind - 'Hey if we adopt so and so, then in 10 years we can meet Tony Hawk. OK, I'll take that one.'
Today's visit was a big treat for me. I had been with Vicki in the hospital since Thursday night when she broke her left femur. It had to be surgically put back together. She had been a trooper, but we were both very tired. We were working on going home. She was up in her chair and we were about to go for a walk. We heard a buzz and someone said there are hockey players in the building. My ears perked up - I love hockey. We were about to leave the room when someone asked if we'd like to see the players from the Wild. 'Sure' I said. Before I knew it Pierre-Marc Bouchard and Stephane Villeux were in the room introducing themselves to Vicki and me. They shook my hand and I asked if they would mind signing the dog (Hajik). They said sure. I introduced Vicki (I wasn't a complete fool) and they gave her a T-shirt, signed their cards, said Hi to her and were on their way.
It had to have been less than a minute. After they left, I was speaking to someone with them who I believe works for the Wild. I told him how important this is for the kids AND the parents. His response was excellent. He said that this was a terrible time of year to be in the hospital and visits like this bring us back down to earth and remind us what's really important. I heard a nurse say that they had a little boy down the hall who's been waiting ALL DAY to meet these two.
I had been exhausted from caring for my daughter. I spent less than 60 seconds with two of the best hockey players in Minnesota and my spirits were boosted. That little boy was recovering from whatever put him in the hospital. He met the players and his spirits were boosted too. To them, it's a simply autograph and a Hello. (I'm not saying the players take it lightly merely that they don't view it as being an imposition to autograph a card and say Hi to some kids in the hospital) To us, it gives energy to continue doing what we need to do.
What a treat for me at the end of a long ordeal. Thanks guys for taking the time.
I'm thankful for 'My tickets' to these cool opportunities. Thanks God.
Over the years, I've met numerous MN Vikings, been to more sporting and theater events, been invited into the studio of a radio station, been to parties and celebrations all because of my kids!
Consider this year.
- I've met and spent time with Tony Hawk. My oldest son was shown by Tony Hawk how to turn around on a half-pipe. Our entire family traveled to Chicago to do this thanks to Make-A-Wish
- I've met and spent time with 'Go Fish'. My second oldest son sang on stage with them. Our family traveled to Sioux Falls thanks again to Make-A-Wish.
- I've been to a MN Wild game, several Twins games, to a few theater productions.
- And today I shook hands with Stephane Veilleux and Pierre-Marc Bouchard from the MN Wild because Vicki happened to be in the hospital.
All of this happened in one year!
Here I am simply doing what God asked me to do and He's giving me all these wonderful opportunities. By no means do I worship any one of the famous people I've met. However, I do consider it a great honor to have had a chance to be next to them for a moment. They lead such different lives as famous people, but each of them has taken time to give back and put a smile on the faces of my kids and myself as well.
It's interesting to me that if I had not taken these children into my home, I never would have had these experiences. When we set out to adopt kids, we weren't really counting on any benefits. It doesn't really enter your mind - 'Hey if we adopt so and so, then in 10 years we can meet Tony Hawk. OK, I'll take that one.'
Today's visit was a big treat for me. I had been with Vicki in the hospital since Thursday night when she broke her left femur. It had to be surgically put back together. She had been a trooper, but we were both very tired. We were working on going home. She was up in her chair and we were about to go for a walk. We heard a buzz and someone said there are hockey players in the building. My ears perked up - I love hockey. We were about to leave the room when someone asked if we'd like to see the players from the Wild. 'Sure' I said. Before I knew it Pierre-Marc Bouchard and Stephane Villeux were in the room introducing themselves to Vicki and me. They shook my hand and I asked if they would mind signing the dog (Hajik). They said sure. I introduced Vicki (I wasn't a complete fool) and they gave her a T-shirt, signed their cards, said Hi to her and were on their way.
It had to have been less than a minute. After they left, I was speaking to someone with them who I believe works for the Wild. I told him how important this is for the kids AND the parents. His response was excellent. He said that this was a terrible time of year to be in the hospital and visits like this bring us back down to earth and remind us what's really important. I heard a nurse say that they had a little boy down the hall who's been waiting ALL DAY to meet these two.
I had been exhausted from caring for my daughter. I spent less than 60 seconds with two of the best hockey players in Minnesota and my spirits were boosted. That little boy was recovering from whatever put him in the hospital. He met the players and his spirits were boosted too. To them, it's a simply autograph and a Hello. (I'm not saying the players take it lightly merely that they don't view it as being an imposition to autograph a card and say Hi to some kids in the hospital) To us, it gives energy to continue doing what we need to do.
What a treat for me at the end of a long ordeal. Thanks guys for taking the time.
I'm thankful for 'My tickets' to these cool opportunities. Thanks God.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
What They Really Said
You may have seen/heard that the Prez elect and his former opponent sat down in Chicago recently. The story I heard reported that they sat in identical chairs and talked about how to work together to solve the major issues of our country. You saw/heard what they wanted you to see/hear. I'm hear to report what you didn't hear.
-Prez elect: John, thanks for coming down - sorry about all those lies I told about you.
-Former opponent - Hey B it's OK, I counted them up and you only told one more lie about me than I told about you. I do wish you would have been nicer to Sarah though. She really didn't deserve it.
-Prez elect: Well, you saw what I had to say about H to get my party's nomination. After that there was no way I was going to lose to a gun-totin, governor from a state that's colder than the south side.
-Former opponent - Oh I understand, I just think that listening to you sayin all that wasn't really why I sat in that cell all those years.
-Prez elect: Hey John, that's all over now - after all you're pretty near the end of the road aren't you.
-Former opponent: C'mon B, I thought you were done with the negative stuff. I figure I've got two more elections in me.
-Prez elect: YES WE CAN! I mean, I'm sorry John old habit - no pun intended old boy - uh whew, ahem, forget it.
Let's get to why I really called you here. I gotta get some advice. I woke up this morning and said to myself "Oh crap, I'm gonna be leader of the free world and I don't know diddly (well actually I do know Bo, but he can't help me) about running a country, leading the military, or even what a real budget is." Even though I thought I wanted to run the world, I realize now that there's no way I can. I'm just not qualified. I told all those lies for so long that I actually believe them. What do you say about helping me out? I figured you could tell me all I needed to know about the military and leadership. I'm not real concerned about the economy though cause if we really do that Robin Hood thing it'll all be good.
-Former opponent: B, You're kidding right? We went through all the hassles and the travel and wasted millions and millions of dollars for you to call me here, get all cutesy with me and tell me this? I'm gonna have to say "Good luck" and be on my way (Long pause). Just kidding B. We POWs are loyal to the end, the bitter end if necessary, but you wouldn't really understand that now would you? If you'll get off your BlackBerry for a second, I'll tell you what I'm gonna do.
-Prez elect: (Pause) Look John, I'm glad you'll take care of it. I really can't be bothered with all the details right now, I've got 672 emails to reply to. I figure I can start running the country about May of next year. But thanks for coming. I feel much better and after all that's the kind of change I needed.
-Prez elect: John, thanks for coming down - sorry about all those lies I told about you.
-Former opponent - Hey B it's OK, I counted them up and you only told one more lie about me than I told about you. I do wish you would have been nicer to Sarah though. She really didn't deserve it.
-Prez elect: Well, you saw what I had to say about H to get my party's nomination. After that there was no way I was going to lose to a gun-totin, governor from a state that's colder than the south side.
-Former opponent - Oh I understand, I just think that listening to you sayin all that wasn't really why I sat in that cell all those years.
-Prez elect: Hey John, that's all over now - after all you're pretty near the end of the road aren't you.
-Former opponent: C'mon B, I thought you were done with the negative stuff. I figure I've got two more elections in me.
-Prez elect: YES WE CAN! I mean, I'm sorry John old habit - no pun intended old boy - uh whew, ahem, forget it.
Let's get to why I really called you here. I gotta get some advice. I woke up this morning and said to myself "Oh crap, I'm gonna be leader of the free world and I don't know diddly (well actually I do know Bo, but he can't help me) about running a country, leading the military, or even what a real budget is." Even though I thought I wanted to run the world, I realize now that there's no way I can. I'm just not qualified. I told all those lies for so long that I actually believe them. What do you say about helping me out? I figured you could tell me all I needed to know about the military and leadership. I'm not real concerned about the economy though cause if we really do that Robin Hood thing it'll all be good.
-Former opponent: B, You're kidding right? We went through all the hassles and the travel and wasted millions and millions of dollars for you to call me here, get all cutesy with me and tell me this? I'm gonna have to say "Good luck" and be on my way (Long pause). Just kidding B. We POWs are loyal to the end, the bitter end if necessary, but you wouldn't really understand that now would you? If you'll get off your BlackBerry for a second, I'll tell you what I'm gonna do.
-Prez elect: (Pause) Look John, I'm glad you'll take care of it. I really can't be bothered with all the details right now, I've got 672 emails to reply to. I figure I can start running the country about May of next year. But thanks for coming. I feel much better and after all that's the kind of change I needed.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Market response
So where's the media now?
They forgot to tell you how the markets have responded to our election. They dropped. Significantly. The Dow Jones was down about 800 points in the first two days after the election.
What happened to all of that optimism about change?
What happened to all of the excitement about the new prez?
What happened to the belief that the savior of the world had just been elected?
It went in the tank, that's what happened.
After all, aren't the markets supposed be a barometer of everything good and bad in life? If the markets are up, life is good. If the markets are down, life is bad.
If the markets are a barometer of what happened in the election, then they're giving it the raspberries.
Too bad the media didn't tell you this.
That's OK, I did.
May God have mercy on us.
They forgot to tell you how the markets have responded to our election. They dropped. Significantly. The Dow Jones was down about 800 points in the first two days after the election.
What happened to all of that optimism about change?
What happened to all of the excitement about the new prez?
What happened to the belief that the savior of the world had just been elected?
It went in the tank, that's what happened.
After all, aren't the markets supposed be a barometer of everything good and bad in life? If the markets are up, life is good. If the markets are down, life is bad.
If the markets are a barometer of what happened in the election, then they're giving it the raspberries.
Too bad the media didn't tell you this.
That's OK, I did.
May God have mercy on us.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
No Party
One of the beauties of the modern day is that while I am watching the election results, I can submit my thoughts to the world. 99.98% of the world doesn't care about my thoughts. But for that .02% here you go.
Our country is headed in the wrong direction. We have made an enormous error in judgement. No it's not the man that we elected president. It's the fact that we (in general) have thrown God out of our country. We have consistently said that we must embrace the ideas of all people as long as they are not the ideas of Christians. We are foolish if we think that the ideas of men alone void of the Almighty God are of any value. If we attempt to silence that God, he has told us himself that rocks will cry out.
Well just consider me one of the rocks. When we choose to leave God out of the policies of our country, He will give us the leadership we deserve. We have now elected a new leadership and I'm here to say that we are getting what we deserve.
May God be merciful to us.
And now a comment on our media.
Even on election night the media is so completely biased that they can't even help themselves. Charles Gibson said in the same breath that they would NOT project the winner until at least 270 electoral votes were cast and then turned right around as the polls closed in the western states and stated that they WOULD project the winner. THE VOTES HADN'T EVEN BEEN COUNTED. HOW on earth could they do that with the votes not even counted? I'll tell you how - they knew who they wanted to win and they just put it out there.
My friends, it's time to get back on our knees, put God back into public policy and get the media to stop calling elections months and years before they occur.
Our country is headed in the wrong direction. We have made an enormous error in judgement. No it's not the man that we elected president. It's the fact that we (in general) have thrown God out of our country. We have consistently said that we must embrace the ideas of all people as long as they are not the ideas of Christians. We are foolish if we think that the ideas of men alone void of the Almighty God are of any value. If we attempt to silence that God, he has told us himself that rocks will cry out.
Well just consider me one of the rocks. When we choose to leave God out of the policies of our country, He will give us the leadership we deserve. We have now elected a new leadership and I'm here to say that we are getting what we deserve.
May God be merciful to us.
And now a comment on our media.
Even on election night the media is so completely biased that they can't even help themselves. Charles Gibson said in the same breath that they would NOT project the winner until at least 270 electoral votes were cast and then turned right around as the polls closed in the western states and stated that they WOULD project the winner. THE VOTES HADN'T EVEN BEEN COUNTED. HOW on earth could they do that with the votes not even counted? I'll tell you how - they knew who they wanted to win and they just put it out there.
My friends, it's time to get back on our knees, put God back into public policy and get the media to stop calling elections months and years before they occur.
Friday, October 31, 2008
3rd party
I don't normally discuss politics with anyone but my closest friends. But I thought I'd share my views from the frozen tundra (Minnesota).
I'm a frustrated conservative living in a land of liberals. I've learned that liberals have some good ideas especially when it comes to those of us who deal with disabilities. Recently my frustration has grown to cover both Republicans and Democrats alike.
The recent vote to bailout the failing financial institutions pushed me over the edge. Both presidential candidates voted for it. The major flaw in the plan is the debt they put on the country in order to save private entities that were foolish. It was evident that this was wrong in the comments I received from my own Senator. He felt it wasn't the best of plans but *had* to do it to save the economy. Whatever happened to finding the best plan?
Before I get out of hand here, my frustration is causing me to seriously consider 3rd party candidates. The two party system is broken. There's corruption (and stupidity) on both sides of the aisle. I'm ready for our government to be shaken to it's foundations and get a fresh perspective.
I don't really like either presidential candidate.
In my opinion, John McCain some how believes he deserves to be president merely for his amazing service to our country. The service was and is amazing, but it's still not a ticket to the White House.
In my opinion, Barack Obama is well rehearsed and apt at playing the crowd and a camera. Whether or not he will be a good leader will be seen come January (in case you couldn't tell I'm resigned to the likelihood of his presidency).
The time has come for *real* change. Not the kind of change that blows with the wind or the latest poll, but the kind of change that is true, wise, foundational, and lasting.
I'm of the mind to "throw the bums out." Seriously folks, can we really do worse than where we are today?
I'm a frustrated conservative living in a land of liberals. I've learned that liberals have some good ideas especially when it comes to those of us who deal with disabilities. Recently my frustration has grown to cover both Republicans and Democrats alike.
The recent vote to bailout the failing financial institutions pushed me over the edge. Both presidential candidates voted for it. The major flaw in the plan is the debt they put on the country in order to save private entities that were foolish. It was evident that this was wrong in the comments I received from my own Senator. He felt it wasn't the best of plans but *had* to do it to save the economy. Whatever happened to finding the best plan?
Before I get out of hand here, my frustration is causing me to seriously consider 3rd party candidates. The two party system is broken. There's corruption (and stupidity) on both sides of the aisle. I'm ready for our government to be shaken to it's foundations and get a fresh perspective.
I don't really like either presidential candidate.
In my opinion, John McCain some how believes he deserves to be president merely for his amazing service to our country. The service was and is amazing, but it's still not a ticket to the White House.
In my opinion, Barack Obama is well rehearsed and apt at playing the crowd and a camera. Whether or not he will be a good leader will be seen come January (in case you couldn't tell I'm resigned to the likelihood of his presidency).
The time has come for *real* change. Not the kind of change that blows with the wind or the latest poll, but the kind of change that is true, wise, foundational, and lasting.
I'm of the mind to "throw the bums out." Seriously folks, can we really do worse than where we are today?
Friday, October 3, 2008
Houston, we have completion!
Yipee! Woo hoo! Oh yeah! Far out! Scooby Dooby Doooooo!
We're in! Yes siree, it's done! Done enough to live in that is! You've seen the completed bedroom. Now feast your eyes on the completed living area. (small side note - the bathroom in our room still has some work, but hey we can use the rest!)
It's been nearly a year since we sent our boys "digging for gold" in the back yard. They were digging holes to try and find the sprinkler system. Since that time we've had a lot of ups and downs a TON of help and some pretty awesome stories to share.
In a time when the financial markets are a mess, the world is imploding on itself, nature disasters are prevalent, we find ourselves with this incredible blessing of a completed addition!
How did we spend our first night in it? Check out Vicki as she drives her chair in the expanded space. She wanted to work on her "reversing" and also took her dog for a walk. It's absolutely wonderfully awesome to see her spend extended time working on her driving inside the house!
You may also notice a certain male type searching the inside of his eyelids. He just passed out from being overwhelmed. OK he was tired from being awakened several nights this week. He was enjoying the new couch purchased one week ago from the neighbor who bought new furniture. Even the timing of that is amazing! Not to mention the color is perfect!
So enjoy the pics while we enjoy the house. Thank you one and all and especially Jeff W. And most important we thank God for choosing to bless us. Yes, God himself showed up many a time during this project and I'm confident He will have more to show us in the years to come.
We're in! Yes siree, it's done! Done enough to live in that is! You've seen the completed bedroom. Now feast your eyes on the completed living area. (small side note - the bathroom in our room still has some work, but hey we can use the rest!)
It's been nearly a year since we sent our boys "digging for gold" in the back yard. They were digging holes to try and find the sprinkler system. Since that time we've had a lot of ups and downs a TON of help and some pretty awesome stories to share.
In a time when the financial markets are a mess, the world is imploding on itself, nature disasters are prevalent, we find ourselves with this incredible blessing of a completed addition!
How did we spend our first night in it? Check out Vicki as she drives her chair in the expanded space. She wanted to work on her "reversing" and also took her dog for a walk. It's absolutely wonderfully awesome to see her spend extended time working on her driving inside the house!
You may also notice a certain male type searching the inside of his eyelids. He just passed out from being overwhelmed. OK he was tired from being awakened several nights this week. He was enjoying the new couch purchased one week ago from the neighbor who bought new furniture. Even the timing of that is amazing! Not to mention the color is perfect!
So enjoy the pics while we enjoy the house. Thank you one and all and especially Jeff W. And most important we thank God for choosing to bless us. Yes, God himself showed up many a time during this project and I'm confident He will have more to show us in the years to come.
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