Talking while you (try to) sleep...

The other night I finally got the "Caker" to agree to go to bed. But, I had to lay down with her in her bed. "Caker" can outlast anyone I promise you. So, before you go to sleep, you have to indulge in a little conversation with her.

As we got into bed and put the covers over us, "Caker" starts out with, "Let's talk about puppies. And we did just that...we talked about puppies. We talked about puppies, pandas, giraffes, monkeys, and even elephants. I am sure I am leaving out other forms of animal life. I tell you, I thought I was in an episode of "Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom." She kept mentioning animals and making their sounds.

Well, we finally went to sleep. You know what? Looking back at it, I am glad I had that time with her. Looking back at it I can smile.

Ice Storm Fun Indoors...

If you are like our family during this current ice storm, you are looking for things to do indoors. Let's face it...it is cold outside.

So, when we were not outside riding the 4-wheeler, we tried to be creative in our activities inside. Morgan wanted me to make sure I put a picture of her on my blog during one of our creative sessions inside. Here, you will see Morgan living up to one of her nicknames I have given her - Turtle! With a clothes basket, and a small framed body, you too can pretend to be a turtle.

The girls have been busy today playing hide-n-seek, and Wii with Taran Brock. She came up and played with the girls today. We do not care if she comes over to play with the girls. We just request one thing from her on her visit. She has to bring more cookies from Missy Brock on every visit. Just kidding...well, maybe.

Lizzie Kate and Zack. One funny comedy team...

Lizzie Kate just told me that Zack ate her tissue. "Zack ate my tissue, but he told me he was sorry. But, he can't talk."

There is some logic to what she said, and I am sure I will figure it out after it all sinks in I am sure. And if I hear Zack talk, I will have to look into my mental health benefits.

Winter Storm...

As I sit here at 10:48 p.m., thankfully we still have power. I do not know why, but weather fascinates me. I am the type that likes to look outside while the storm is passing through. I know I drive Kelley crazy during storms, especially during tornado season.

Earlier I walked outside to check the roads. They do not seem too bad right now. While outside, the lights blinked here, and I thought I heard a transformer blow Northeast of town. But, who am I, OG&E?

As I type, I am keeping an eye on one of my trees bending over with ice from my "command center", which is pictured above. Ok, I am probably stretching it a little bit with my "command center", but it does sound professional. I know a lot of people are wanting off from school tomorrow, but I also hope there is a limited amount of damage done from this ice event we are having tonight.

Also, a special shout out to Mike Francis for helping me with my gas logs. I am also glad to report that Nelson, Missy, Seth, and Taran got their gas logs to fire up as well.

Tale of Two Tables...

Last night Kelley and I went out and ate. We went to promising, up and coming Italian restaurant. Besides their good food, one of their drawing cards is their bread and dipping oil. Well, for probably the third time, they told us they were out of oil. We were promised if they had more made that they would bring some to our table. It never came. But, one table over...the story was not the same.

A family of four came in, the same waiter served them bread, and gave them the same story of no oil for dipping. The man said to the waiter, "This is the third time in a row we have come and you guys have been out." The waiter said, "I will see what I can do." Well, he comes out with the oil for dipping. Later, he comes out with more bread and another bowl of dipping oil. When their food came out, two waiters served them. The waiters did pretty much everything except wipe their mouth with a napkin. I told Kelley, "Who are these people?" For our table...no oil, no extra bread, We never were even asked if we wanted more bread.

But, anyway...I had a good time alone with Kelley...but bad service. I was perplexed by the difference in service, thus the tale of two tables.

Why do we cease to pray?

The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to "Pray without ceasing." How many of us tend to pray more when there is an emergency? How many of us are reminded by our kids that we forgot to pray before we ate? That one hits you in the heart.

In the past two weeks, I have heard of children being diagnosed with lymphoma, leukemia, and having tumors spotted within their body. I cannot imagine getting this news. I pray for them and I know many of you have as well.

We need to pray for our families...our children...our friends. Pray for God's protection and good health for everyone. And do not forget those that are sick...lift them up. Pray for God's healing touch! Pray that He get the glory by healing those that are sick. Pray for a mighty miracle that only God can do!

"I want to be President"

A few days ago Morgan said to me, "I want to be President when I grow up." Don't laugh, we have had and will have worse choices to choose from in the future. After hearing what my daughter's future plans were, I told her that being the President was a really hard job. Morgan wanted to know why it was such a hard job? I said, "Because, as President you have many choices to make. And no matter what you decide, you will make someone mad." Morgan then said, "Well, I want to be President because I would like to stay in the White House!"

With that attitude, I would be a proud father if my daughter became the first female President of the United States! I am already proud - of both of my daughters.