Besties

"Rocky Mountain High" by John Denver

"He was born in the summer of his 27th year, coming home to a place he'd never been before."

I realized this morning that I took a little longer to get here than the gentleman in John's song.  We moved to Colorado in the summer of my 37th year.  But that doesn't mean I appreciate it any less.

AFC CHAMPIONS!

Go Broncos!  How awesome would it be to see Peyton Manning end his career as the winner of Super Bowl 50?

"Die A Happy Man" by Thomas Rhett

This has become not just a personal favorite, but a family favorite of Ma's & mine.  When we start getting overwhelmed with the nonsense of life we send it to each other as a reminder.  So many people think elaborate trips, mansions, perfect yards, or the accumulation of things are important to a happy life.  They're missing the point and will never be truly satisfied.

Like Mother, Like Daughter...

Somebody discovered Ma's bath pillow this morning.  Her exact words were "this is nice".

Swimming Lessons

Family Night

 Wearing Pa's Hat

 Destroying Pa's Hat

 Dad Problems: You ordered a burger & fries, but end up eating a burger and chocolate Funny Face pancake because "somebody" changed her mind when she saw the French fries.

 Apparently Monkey thinks something needs to be chained up.

"Be Prepared"

"A tree with strong roots can withstand the most violent storm, but the tree can’t grow roots just as the storm appears on the horizon."

- From THE ART OF HAPPINESS

"Love Your Enemies"

"There is no fortitude similar to patience, just as there is no affliction worse than hatred.  Therefore, one must exert one’s best efforts not to harbor hatred towards the enemy, but rather use the encounter as an opportunity to enhance one’s practice of patience and tolerance."

- The Dalai Lama in THE ART OF HAPPINESS

Play-Doh Is Serious Business

Monkey got lots of new Play-Doh colors and a food mold set for Christmas.

(Thanks Cousin!)

Playing In Snow

 HI!

 Bunny Tracks

Brownie Likes Snow Too

"Drowning Worms & Killing Time"

Ma and I have talked a few times about what would be a good outdoor family activity for our little clan.  I think something we both agree on is that our girls need to be able to appreciate being outside and unplugged as much as possible in today's tech heavy society.  We've taken Monkey to the park many times, to the beach or pool to go swimming, on hikes at the lake and other places, and we even did a family 5K for Independence Day once.  We've also talked about other activities like biking, archery, camping, canoeing/boating, raising animals, and even target shooting someday.  But the one activity that Ma continually brought up that kind of surprised me was fishing.  Even when given the option to feed her desire to be like Katniss Everdeen from "Hunger Games" (I actually just had to pause and look that up to make sure I was right), she chose fishing over archery.  When I asked her why she said it just seems like a nice relaxing hobby, a way to spend time together, and because she really likes being near the water.  Unfortunately it has probably been about 30 years since the last time I went fishing in Cub Scouts.  So about a month before Christmas I bought an empty tackle box and little by little over the past few weeks I have been gathering the necessities of fishing from what I could remember and from a couple of very helpful state wildlife websites (Minnesota & Colorado).  I even texted an old buddy from high school for any tips he may have been able to share.  Then for Christmas Granny & Grandpa caught word of our plans and just happened to get some nice basic fishing rods and reels for Ma and I and a toddler sized Mickey Mouse Clubhouse version for Monkey.  I only had to buy one license since Ma said she will have to wait until "Deuce" makes her appearance to really get into it but will go with us and keep us company until then and Moneky doesn't have to get one.  So right when we were all set to finally start this fantastic new hobby, the cold of winter finally decided to show up and put the brakes on our plans.  To top it all off, it seems like I have heard the 2011 Trace Adkins song "Just Fishin" almost every single day since renewing my state parks annual pass and buying my fishing license.  A live version from the Grand Ole Opry is posted below for anyone who hasn't heard it, but the basic premise is that Daddy takes his little girl fishing and even though she is talking about everything but fish and doing everything but sitting still the little girl thinks they're just fishin' while Daddy knows there is much more to the moments they are sharing.  Every time I hear it I want to run home, load the car, corral The Ladies, and head to the lake.  I don't think they would appreciate it though since it's currently 28 degrees outside and it's been snowing all day.  I love the winter, but right now I can hardly wait for Spring to get here.

 

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"Alright" by Darius Rucker

Play Time!

When You're Toddler Is More Social Than You...

Monkey gets recognized and talked to more out in public than we do.

Monkey-isms

When she doesn't want to do something Monkey says it's for tomorrow, as in...

- Going potty is for tomorrow.

- Putting on pajamas is for tomorrow.

- School is for tomorrow.

"Frankie Says Relax"

I In 1983 I would've been six or seven years old when the British group Frankie Goes To Hollywood released a catchy little debut single called "Relax" that became a worldwide hit and spawned a very popular T-shirt logo.  What does this actually have to do with anything and why am I starting a blog post with it?  Because it's New Year's Day 2016 and it may be 33 years later but I think this year I am finally going to take Frankie's advice.  I have always been the kind of person that makes lists and tries to figure out what I should be focused on next.  I constantly check the clock or my watch to make sure I don't miss something or let something slip through the cracks.  It has brought me some successes and I am grateful for that, but as I look back on where I've been and what I've done over my 39 years of life I have realized one amazing truth. I now have everything I've ever wanted.  I regret some of the things in my past, but I am grateful because of where they all got me.  

I have an amazing wife who sees the world in pretty much the same way I do (most of the time).  She is beautiful, smart, creative, funny, and devoted; the perfect woman in my opinion.  She and I have been blessed with a wonderful daughter who amazes us every single day.  She's so happy and content in a world that sometimes seems so dark and intent to drag us down.  She keeps us on our toes at times, but mostly it just warms our hearts and makes our chests swell with pride to see her grow and develop.  We are expecting another baby girl, currently dubbed "Deuce" until we decide on a name, and can't wait for the exponential increase of joy she will bring into our home.  Speaking of our home, we just bought our first house and although there are years of work ahead of us to break it in properly and get the yard just the way we want it, I love where we've settled.  It's quiet most of the time, but especially at night.  It is far enough from the city lights to see all the stars shining in the night sky.  We have pretty nice views of the Rocky Mountains during the day too. The house is just right for us and the plans we have for our little family.  I have also been blessed with a job that while stressful at times gives me almost complete autonomy to focus on my duties and make my own priorities while making enough to support our family.  And as funny as it sounds to include this, we have been blessed with a pretty but crazy dog who is just right for our family.  

Yes, I am a blessed man.  So instead of making a list of resolutions that will do nothing more than frustrate me or worrying about a few extra pounds or stressing as each minute of 2016 ticks off the clock and wondering what more I could have done or what I could've done better with every passing second, I am making one simple resolution for 2016.  I am going to take Frankie's advice and just RELAX.  I am going to enjoy life, I am going to play with the dog, I am going to take my family to the lake more, I am going to go fishing, I am going to read or just sit in the dark and listen to my records, I am going to unplug from the rampant negativity and conflict of social media, but mostly I am simply going to take the time to appreciate what I have achieved and the beautiful family and tremendous life I have been blessed with rather than focus on what I may not do well or all the stuff I don't have.  I will still have things I want to work on, but I am not going to let them bring me down.  I hope you all have the opportunity to find the good things in your lives as well when it has become so easy to focus on the negative in this world.  Count your blessings.

Peace, Love, & Happy New Year!