Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Decorating the Christmas Tree
This past weekend, we bought our Christmas Tree for 2009. It was probably one of the most well proportioned trees we have ever bought. I didn't really need to cut any stray branches off of it or fill up huge blank spots with ornaments or tinsel. We spent the rest of the evening decorating the tree, listening to Christmas music on the radio, and reminiscing about the ornaments. Our family tradition is to buy a Christmas decoration that symbolizes the year that we just had. This year, we bought a University of Colorado decoration to symbolize our move to Denver and my new job at CU. We had a nice time discussing the ornaments from previous years and talking about where God has taken us in the past 10 years as a family. We look forward to what God has planned for our future and the many new ornaments that we will add to our tree through the years. Enjoy the photos! ...and Merry Christmas!
Monday, December 07, 2009
The Lakers and My Boys
Even before my boys were born, Joi and I have been watching Laker games. So, they have literally grown up watching Laker games with Mommy and Daddy. Sometimes they like to sit and watch it, and other times they play, read, or find something else to do. But, they always come back to see how the Lakers are doing. Since we moved to Colorado (and finally got television), the Laker games are usually on pretty late for our boys to watch the whole thing. If they are playing at the Staples Center in LA, we don't get the game in Colorado until 8:30-9:00pm. Sometimes, we let the boys stay up a little later and watch the 1st quarter. They enjoy that. Joi even started playing a math game with my boys while watching the game. The boys will ask who is winning. We'll say the Lakers. Then Joi will ask, the score is 38-17, how many points are the Lakers winning by? It's fun to turn basketball into a learning exercise for the boys.
Last night, we let the boys watch a little of the 1st quarter of the Lakers against the Suns. The Lakers were only up by a few points when we put them to bed. Gavin got up a couple of times to check on the score and give an update to his brothers. This morning, as I was getting ready for work, Garrison woke up early and was walking to the bathroom. I said, "Good morning, G!" He said, "Who won last night?" Not even a "Good morning, Dad!" He wanted to know the score of the Laker game. I told him that the Lakers won by 20 points. He said "Yay!", waved his hands in the air....and then off to the bathroom to take care of business.
I think it's fun that we are raising Laker fans and that we enjoy watching the games as a family. I am looking forward to taking my boys to their 1st game. We'll probably go see the Lakers play the Nuggets at the Pepsi Center in Denver. No one will beat us up for rooting for the Lakers if we have three adorable children with us, right?
Last night, we let the boys watch a little of the 1st quarter of the Lakers against the Suns. The Lakers were only up by a few points when we put them to bed. Gavin got up a couple of times to check on the score and give an update to his brothers. This morning, as I was getting ready for work, Garrison woke up early and was walking to the bathroom. I said, "Good morning, G!" He said, "Who won last night?" Not even a "Good morning, Dad!" He wanted to know the score of the Laker game. I told him that the Lakers won by 20 points. He said "Yay!", waved his hands in the air....and then off to the bathroom to take care of business.
I think it's fun that we are raising Laker fans and that we enjoy watching the games as a family. I am looking forward to taking my boys to their 1st game. We'll probably go see the Lakers play the Nuggets at the Pepsi Center in Denver. No one will beat us up for rooting for the Lakers if we have three adorable children with us, right?
Friday, December 04, 2009
Things I've Learned Living in Colorado
So, we've been in Colorado for about a year and four months now. I've learned a thing or two about living in this beautiful state and adapting to the weather and idiosyncrasies of the area. Here is a little about what I've learned.
Always close your car door with your elbow. For some reason,Colorado is prone to some nasty static electricity. I can't even begin to tell you how many times I have been zapped turning on a light switch or closing my car door. When the static electricity is high, I've learned to do these things with my forearm or elbow. It hurts less when you get zapped on your elbow rather than your fingertips.
When it snows or rains and it's cold, always leave your windshield wipers up when you leave your car for any extended period of time. Putting them up so they stick out might make your car look funny, but you'll be glad you did when your wipers are not frozen to your windshield. There are times you definitely need the wipers to see out of your window. Frozen wipers do no good to anyone.
If the streets are icy, fill up your gas tank. I learned about this one on the radio. If the streets are icy here, you tend to slide all over the place when you drive. The tip is that if you fill up your gas tank, your car will weigh more and will be more likely to stick to your intended route rather than sliding into a curb. Also, an added benefit is that a full gas tank is less likely to allow gas to freeze in your engine components. I didn't know gasoline could freeze, but there you go.
If the streets are icy, and you slide, pump your breaks. During my first winter here, when I applied my breaks and kept going...sliding through an intersection, my natural inclination was to jam the breaks and keep jamming. My Dad gave us the tip that when this happens, pump your breaks rather than apply them strongly. Not sure why, but it works. One good thing is that people in Colorado tend to wait at green lights before going because they know someone might be sliding through the intersection and it's better to wait for a minute and be safe. In California, people start honking the second the other light turns yellow in anticipation of the impending green light. God forbid they have to wait more than 2 second to get going. In Colorado, people are a little more patient.
Kitty Litter and Bleach are your friends. If you get stuck in some ice, these items could be a life saver. Always have some in your trunk. Place some kitty litter on the ice around your tires for traction, and spray your tires with the bleach. The bleach works by deteriorating the very surface of the tire which softens it and in turn gets better traction on slick or icy surfaces (this is meant for short distances, like getting up an icy hill...for instance).
Always Bring a Jacket with You Wherever you go in Colorado (and for however short a time). If there is one thing we've learned in Colorado, is that the weather can turn quickly and often does. In the summer, it could be hot and clear...and invariably an afternoon thunderstorm will roll in and bam...it's cold and wet. Or it's clear and moderately warm in the winter and then bam....it's a freakin' blizzard, out of no where. Always be prepared, as the boy scouts say.
Always have a tissue or a handkerchief available when you go outside in the cold. I don't know what physiological occurrence causes this, but the minute you go outside in cold temperatures (32 and under) your nose will invariably start running. I wish I knew what causes this. But, it's a fact. So, always have a tissue because the last thing you want is boogery ice-cycles hanging from each nostril. No one wants that. Yuck.
All in all, we love it here. It's an adventure. Christmas really seems like Christmas with snow and cold temperatures. I was so sick of 90 degree Christmas' in California. My boys love nature and playing outside....and this state is perfect for that. Even in the cold, they enjoy going out and playing with the snow and ice. It's beautiful here. We just wish more family and friends from California would get wise and move out here and join us. Also, we secretly wish that an In and Out Burger and a Vince's Spaghetti would move out here, too. But, that's another blog.
Always close your car door with your elbow. For some reason,Colorado is prone to some nasty static electricity. I can't even begin to tell you how many times I have been zapped turning on a light switch or closing my car door. When the static electricity is high, I've learned to do these things with my forearm or elbow. It hurts less when you get zapped on your elbow rather than your fingertips.
When it snows or rains and it's cold, always leave your windshield wipers up when you leave your car for any extended period of time. Putting them up so they stick out might make your car look funny, but you'll be glad you did when your wipers are not frozen to your windshield. There are times you definitely need the wipers to see out of your window. Frozen wipers do no good to anyone.
If the streets are icy, fill up your gas tank. I learned about this one on the radio. If the streets are icy here, you tend to slide all over the place when you drive. The tip is that if you fill up your gas tank, your car will weigh more and will be more likely to stick to your intended route rather than sliding into a curb. Also, an added benefit is that a full gas tank is less likely to allow gas to freeze in your engine components. I didn't know gasoline could freeze, but there you go.
If the streets are icy, and you slide, pump your breaks. During my first winter here, when I applied my breaks and kept going...sliding through an intersection, my natural inclination was to jam the breaks and keep jamming. My Dad gave us the tip that when this happens, pump your breaks rather than apply them strongly. Not sure why, but it works. One good thing is that people in Colorado tend to wait at green lights before going because they know someone might be sliding through the intersection and it's better to wait for a minute and be safe. In California, people start honking the second the other light turns yellow in anticipation of the impending green light. God forbid they have to wait more than 2 second to get going. In Colorado, people are a little more patient.
Kitty Litter and Bleach are your friends. If you get stuck in some ice, these items could be a life saver. Always have some in your trunk. Place some kitty litter on the ice around your tires for traction, and spray your tires with the bleach. The bleach works by deteriorating the very surface of the tire which softens it and in turn gets better traction on slick or icy surfaces (this is meant for short distances, like getting up an icy hill...for instance).
Always Bring a Jacket with You Wherever you go in Colorado (and for however short a time). If there is one thing we've learned in Colorado, is that the weather can turn quickly and often does. In the summer, it could be hot and clear...and invariably an afternoon thunderstorm will roll in and bam...it's cold and wet. Or it's clear and moderately warm in the winter and then bam....it's a freakin' blizzard, out of no where. Always be prepared, as the boy scouts say.
Always have a tissue or a handkerchief available when you go outside in the cold. I don't know what physiological occurrence causes this, but the minute you go outside in cold temperatures (32 and under) your nose will invariably start running. I wish I knew what causes this. But, it's a fact. So, always have a tissue because the last thing you want is boogery ice-cycles hanging from each nostril. No one wants that. Yuck.
All in all, we love it here. It's an adventure. Christmas really seems like Christmas with snow and cold temperatures. I was so sick of 90 degree Christmas' in California. My boys love nature and playing outside....and this state is perfect for that. Even in the cold, they enjoy going out and playing with the snow and ice. It's beautiful here. We just wish more family and friends from California would get wise and move out here and join us. Also, we secretly wish that an In and Out Burger and a Vince's Spaghetti would move out here, too. But, that's another blog.
Thursday, December 03, 2009
An Ode to Parents by the Animaniacs
I used to watch the Animaniacs when I was a younger adult before I had kids (before I was married, actually). I thought it was funny back then but now that I'm a parent, this clip has all new meaning for me. This really is what it's like to deal with three children getting ready in the morning and during a long car ride. Obviously, the writers were parents.
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
25 Characteristics of a Husband Who Truly Loves and Serves his Wife
I was reading my All Pro Dad email for the day and it provided a list that I thought was interesting, thought provoking, and convicting. I'll copy it below. I'm man enough to admit that there are a few of these that require some work on my part. There are also a few that require a lot of work on my part. But, I think this provides a good framework for a man who is trying to be the husband God requires us to be. Enjoy! As a sidenote, If you are a man and a husband/father, I would recommend joining the All Pro Dad email list. Each day they send out a thought provoking and insightful email blast about how to be a good husband and father. Good stuff.
25 characteristics of a husband who truly loves and serves the needs of his wife
By: Dr. Robert Lewis
1. Includes his wife in envisioning the future.
2. Accepts spiritual responsibility for his family.
3. Is willing to say "I'm sorry" and "Forgive me" to his family.
4. Discusses household responsibilities with his wife and makes sure they are fairly distributed.
5. Seeks consultation from his wife on all major financing decisions.
6. Follows through with commitments he has made to his wife.
7. Anticipates the different stages his children will pass through.
8. Anticipates the different stages his marriage will pass through.
9. Frequently tells his wife what he likes about her.
10. Provides financially for his family's basic living expenses.
11. Deals with distraction so he can talk with his wife and family.
12. Prays with his wife on a regular basis.
13. Initiates meaningful family traditions.
14. Initiates fun family outings for the family on a regular basis.
15. Takes the time to give his children practical instruction about life.
16. Manages the schedule of the home and anticipates pressure points.
17. Keeps his family financially sound and out of harmful debt.
18. Makes sure he and his wife have drawn up a will.
19. Lets his wife and children into the interior of his life.
20. Honors his wife in public.
21. Explains sex to each child in a way that gives them a wholesome perspective.
22. Encourages his wife to grow as an individual.
23. Takes the lead in establishing sound family values.
24. Provides time for his wife to pursue her own personal interests.
25. Is involved in a small group of men dedicated to spiritual growth.
25 characteristics of a husband who truly loves and serves the needs of his wife
By: Dr. Robert Lewis
1. Includes his wife in envisioning the future.
2. Accepts spiritual responsibility for his family.
3. Is willing to say "I'm sorry" and "Forgive me" to his family.
4. Discusses household responsibilities with his wife and makes sure they are fairly distributed.
5. Seeks consultation from his wife on all major financing decisions.
6. Follows through with commitments he has made to his wife.
7. Anticipates the different stages his children will pass through.
8. Anticipates the different stages his marriage will pass through.
9. Frequently tells his wife what he likes about her.
10. Provides financially for his family's basic living expenses.
11. Deals with distraction so he can talk with his wife and family.
12. Prays with his wife on a regular basis.
13. Initiates meaningful family traditions.
14. Initiates fun family outings for the family on a regular basis.
15. Takes the time to give his children practical instruction about life.
16. Manages the schedule of the home and anticipates pressure points.
17. Keeps his family financially sound and out of harmful debt.
18. Makes sure he and his wife have drawn up a will.
19. Lets his wife and children into the interior of his life.
20. Honors his wife in public.
21. Explains sex to each child in a way that gives them a wholesome perspective.
22. Encourages his wife to grow as an individual.
23. Takes the lead in establishing sound family values.
24. Provides time for his wife to pursue her own personal interests.
25. Is involved in a small group of men dedicated to spiritual growth.
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Techno Chicken
I knew I loved chicken for more than their good taste and juicy meat. I also love them for their sense of rhythm and funky dance moves, as showcased here...
Monday, November 30, 2009
The Lakers Killer Instinct Returns
The Lakers were not looking so hot for the first few games of the season. While they were winning games, they just didn't look like they had it all together. Then they dropped to a disappointing 7-3 record and Kobe's goal of beating the Bulls' record for most wins in a season (72-10) looked like a long, long, long shot. Pau Gasol was still out with his injury. Andrew Bynum was trying to come back from his injury. It just didn't look good.
Then...Pau Gasol comes back to the line-up and it looks like the Lakers have found their Championship swagger again. Since his return, they've won six straight. They even buried a couple of teams by 20 or more. I like the way they look now that everyone is healthy (except Luke Walton, of course) and that they have that killer instinct again. Before that, they just looked lost. It's good to finally be looking like the championship team that they are. As of today, they are holding onto a decent 13-3 record. We are one game behind Phoenix for the best record in the western conference. Not too shabby. I'm just thankful they are back! I was a little worried for a few games there.
Then...Pau Gasol comes back to the line-up and it looks like the Lakers have found their Championship swagger again. Since his return, they've won six straight. They even buried a couple of teams by 20 or more. I like the way they look now that everyone is healthy (except Luke Walton, of course) and that they have that killer instinct again. Before that, they just looked lost. It's good to finally be looking like the championship team that they are. As of today, they are holding onto a decent 13-3 record. We are one game behind Phoenix for the best record in the western conference. Not too shabby. I'm just thankful they are back! I was a little worried for a few games there.
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