Morgan makes Jesus the Boss of her Life...

This past Sunday, Morgan and I prayed together. She prayed to make Jesus the Boss of her Life. I was so proud of her. Ah, there is just something about that child-like faith. The smile that was on her face was priceless. I will not forget that day.

For a few years now Morgan had been asking questions. She wanted to be baptized! Why did she want to be baptized? She had an answer, but she was not quite there. Now, after a little time has passed...she knows the answers. And she has asked Jesus to come into her life!

The picture provided is from Morgan's door. It says..."Don't lie...The Message is God!"

What a Night!

My family attended my brother's Election Watch Party Tuesday night, and what a night it was. We all waited patiently as all the numbers were being crunched from all over the State. There were plenty of snacks on hand to help us get through the night.

Family and friends from all over the State attended the event. I was surprised to see my cousins from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Stephanie, Stacy, Cindy, and her husband Tim all attended. I had not seen them in so long it was a welcomed surprise.

As the night went on, the election went back and forth...51-49, 50-50, and even 53-47! Then the race tightened up again. I had friends text, or call asking me how it was looking. The truth be known...it was close. Finally, around 2:30 am Wednesday morning, Mark came to the podium and said that he was ahead at that time, and by the projection of votes that were left to be counted, that it looked as if he would win. He asked for everyone to go to bed and get some sleep, because it was going to take a long time to count the remaining votes.

By Noon, Mark told me over the phone that the AP, and the Arkansas Democrat Gazette had declared him the winner! Amazing! I would not have missed this for the World! During this whole process, I came to a better respect of those running for political office. My brother campaigned hard for this race.

Thanks to everyone that believed in my brother. So many helped spread his name throughout the State. So many pitched in...Thanks!

In the end I would like to say...I am proud of my brother! I know many thought he had no chance in this race. But, he kept going. Yes, I am proud of him, and I know our Dad would be as well. I am sure he is proud in Heaven. None of this has quite sunk in yet, but my brother will soon be the next Lieutenant Governor of Arkansas! What a night!

Seems like Friday...

I don't know what it is, but today reminds me of Friday. I just feel like I have been through a whole week already, and the weekend should be about to start. But, it is only Thursday. Maybe it is the 4-day work weeks I have had recently with holidays and all.

Seriously though, that is how it seems on this end. I asked one of my co-workers and she said it felt like Friday too. Well, I guess we can dream. Friday is almost here!

Just another day at the mine...

I have always wanted to go to the Crater of Diamonds State Park. I finally got my wish as our family and the Butlers made the trek there this past weekend.

Why have I always wanted to go? I probably have been under the delusion that diamonds were just sitting there for my picking. I am not saying I did not have fun, but it is a lot of work. There were many people there too...chasing their dreams of finding the big one.

We did not find any diamonds that day, but we did have fun! The kids got to play in the mud, as you can see in the picture. They also got to play in the small water park they have there.

In short, I may take one more trip there, dig a little, and find the big one!

Back from the Beach...

The beach has been a special place for our family. Since I have been married, we have went there every year except the year Hurricane Dennis came to town. We were scheduled to arrive the day Dennis hit shore. The result...Beach trip cancelled. That year was an active hurricane season. You might remember another hurricane hitting that same year - Katrina? Yeah, I thought so!

Before we left this year, there was a little anxiety due to the BP Oil situation in the Gulf. It seemed like we called the condominium every day checking the beach conditions. The truth be known, we love Destin so much that we decided we were going to go no matter what. And I am glad we did! We experienced great weather, the water was beautiful where we were, and we did not see once trace or sign of oil while we were there! We were blessed!

Oil was on our mind while we were there. I am not going to lie to you about that. But, it took a back seat to the fun we had while there. We went to "The Track" and rode Go-Karts. Lizzie Kate got to ride for the first time on the "Wild Woody." The "Wild Woody" is a wooden go-kart track. We love that one. The Harborwalk is an attraction we experienced for the first time. Every Thursday night they shoot fireworks over the Bay. As you can see the girls had fun with birds on that visit as well!














We are so glad we were not scared off by the oil scare. It will be a shame if this crisis ruins one of the places we love. You see so many people that feel the same way. They also have been going to Destin for years.

Now to get acclimated back to home life. What is the hardest thing for me? "What do you mean I can't wear flip-flops to work?!"

Proud Papa...

Like most parents I know, I am blessed to have great children. In my case, I am blessed to have two great girls! Both girls reached some achievements worth noting...

Lizzie-Kate got another hit. I was proud of that, but her big achievement of the night was that she scored her first run ever in T-ball! I witnessed her score from the first base coaching box. In the process, I had to keep the other runners running on the base paths. But, as I looked back toward the first base line, much to my amazement...Here came Lizzie-Kate again!!! After she scored she took off again toward first! That was so hilarious! I am proud of her!

Now, on to Morgan! For the second year in a row, Morgan received a reading award. I am amazed at the knowledge kids today have. I see the books Morgan brings home, and I know she loves to read. Why can't I have that same desire to read? When I do read, I enjoy it. But, taking the time to read is another matter! I pray that she keeps her desire to read and learn. Morgan I am proud of you!

I am proud of both my girls!

Birthday Wishes from the Back Seat...

As I was driving my two girls to school today, Morgan had a revelation. In another four days, it would be my birthday.

Lizzie Kate said, "I want to give you my heart Dad." Morgan said, "I want to buy you some clothes and a gift card. Do you have an Ipod?" Then they both started planning my birthday party and trying to figure out who would be on the guest list!

I am blessed to have two caring girls that love their Dad. I told them they were my birthday present.

Yes, I am blessed!

Procrastination...

I can say I have been busy...there is nothing to write about...But, we know that is not true, especially there is nothing to write about. We had two or three snow events, and my Mom came home from the hospital after a pneumonia scare. She was on a ventilator for quite a few days and the doctors did not give us much hope on her making it. But, the Lord and those who prayed for my Mom had other ideas. We have such a Great God!

I need to keep this Blog going. I guess I have just not been in the right frame of mind lately! Hopefully, I can get back in the swing of things!

"I know how God Heals you up."

Last night before Lizzie Kate said her prayers, she told me something interesting.

She said, "I know how God Heals you up." I said how is that? Her answer..."God touches you."


Luke 8:40-48

Found an Old Cartoon I Wanted to Share...

One of the Hardest things to understand...

One of the hardest things for us to understand, is the timing of someone taken from us here on Earth.

The last few weeks or so, I have witnessed two people pass away untimely, ages 24, and 33. One left two young children. I know we are not supposed to ask why? But, it is hard sometime. If we wonder that, what are the families thinking?

We just have to be a tower of support for them, and continue to lift them up in prayer. One of the family members told me..."She is in a better place." No matter how hard it is to say that, it is true. By all accounts both of these went on to be with the Lord. That is our great hope we have!

I shared the following song with a sister of one of those that went to Heaven...



It just shows we need to be prepared. Live each day like it is your last. Tell those you love you love them!

White Christmas...

What are the chances on getting a White Christmas? Well, it happened this year...but, we were out of town! All we got is rain, rain, and more rain! So, basically we were at the wrong place at the wrong time. My Dad probably said it best. He used to say, "Knowing my luck...when my ship came in, I will probably be at the airport!" Well, that is kind of how I felt!

Well, I was wondering if there would be any snow left when we got home. I am proud to report we had a White Christmas too as you can see in the picture I have supplied.

I hope everyone had a great Christmas...and I wish you a Happy New Year!

Fortune Cookie...

Today I got Chinese take out for lunch. Don't tell Kelley! I am supposed to be saving money and not eat out as much during lunch. So, our little secret!!!

Well anyway, my Fortune Cookie read..."In silence man can most readily preserve his integrity."

Uh oh!

"She Did Great!"

Many of you know my Mom was to have surgery yesterday. Over the past week, my Mom had been so sick...and I am sure anxious on having her surgery. I would be also. To be honest, she really had doubts if she would be able to survive the surgery.

There were so many of you praying for her. I received phone calls, text messages, emails, and even notes on Facebook..."Praying for your Mom and family." That means so much for anyone going through an event like this.

For over two hours, our family visited in the waiting area when we were asked to meet with the doctor in a small conference room. We walked down a long hallway...in my mind thinking and praying for my Mom. As we sat down in the conference room, the door slowly opened and the doctor walked in..."She did great!", she said. EXHALE! What a relief. God is so good!

Now I am hearing she may be leaving the hospital today. Wow! Hard to believe. Thank you Lord...and thank you for those that kept her and us in their prayers. God is Good!

My First Deer, and Getting the Monkey Off My Back - All in One Day!!!

I have never been much of a hunter. Ok, I have never been a hunter. Are you happy now? Anyway, my father-in-law has been working with me as sort of a project to form me into a hunter. I believe this made the third year he has taken me deer hunting. Every year I have taken shots with the result...NO DEER! Would this year be different?

On November 26, 2009, at 8:50 a.m., this all changed when I killed my first deer ever, a doe. I could not believe it. For awhile there, I thought I would be an ammunition company's best friend - Keep shooting...use those bullets...No results.

The shot I took was from about 70 yards. To be honest, when I first shot I did not believe I hit her by the reaction of the deer. But, upon further inspection, we found a blood trail that led us some 50 yards or so into the woods. There we found my first deer! Ah, the thrill of the hunt...the Fruits of my labor! The monkey is finally off my back! I killed a deer! Me...the great hunter!

Now, I want my next deer. The Christmas hunt is coming up!

Watching Your Kids Grow...

We all know our kids grow up too quick at times. Where did the years go? Many want their children to stay young for as long as they can. The truth is your kids will get older. We did and they will as well.

But, there are some signs of growth in a child that makes you feel proud. Case in point...Morgan. In the morning I take both girls to school. Recently, Morgan has been reading to Lizzie Kate from "The Beginner's Bible." Little does she know, she is also reading to me. Morgan said, "I am up to page 86! Isn't that good dad?" I told her, "That's great!"

I am so proud she is reading well, but I am more proud that she is reading from a Children's Bible. It is a win-win situation. Lizzie Kate listens as Morgan reads. I hear her mention names that Morgan read.

Now, maybe Dad needs to read his Bible more.

Black Calculator...Black Stapler...Black Taco? With pepper jack sauce...

Put me in the column as someone who bit on the media blitz from Taco Bell for their new Black Jack Taco...with pepper jack sauce!

I must admit I have studied Taco Bell's commercials for some time now. They have come a long way. I never understood when the bell went forward why the clanger inside did the same...it should have went backwards. They have since fixed that problem.

Their new commmercials have been very creative...enough so that they enticed me to try the Black Jack Taco. I would recommend it...with pepper jack sauce!

What is That?

Just wanted to share a funny thing that happened to me last night. As many of you know, Morgan has the flu. She is better tonight, but we did have some issues last night.

The Tamiflu she was taking upset her stomach, and she, eh...ok, I will just say it...She vomited, ok! And we did not always hit our mark, so there was clean up involved. If you know anything about us guys, before we clean up a mess we first try to analyze it. I was thinking out loud while looking at it, trying to figure what made Morgan throw up. I said, "What is that?" Lizzie Kate standing by me said just matter of factly, "I think it's vomit." I laughed inside, and told Lizzie Kate..."You know, you are probably right."

The Flu Bug has arrived....

Well, the flu bug has officially visited our house. Morgan is sick as we speak. She has just been feeling awful. Kelley is on day duty for the first couple of days, and I will officially be on call starting Wednesday morning for the day shift. Pray that none of the rest of us gets this thing.

From what I hear, we are not alone. Doctors offices are packed, and the pharmacy business has been doing just fine thank you. As I am writing this, Morgan got sick again. It is definitely true...no one likes seeing their kids sick.

Say a prayer for her today. She told me, "Dad, I don't like having the flu." I don't like her having it either.

Happy Birthday Dad...

Dad, I know you must be enjoying your time in Heaven. We miss you here on Earth!

Happy Birthday...I love you!

1934-2001