What a Week

This has definitely been a week of ups and downs. Unfortunately, it seemed to have more downs than ups. It started out well…on Monday I reenlisted for 3 more years, which will take me to 21 years of service in the Marines. My wife was presented a Certificate of Appreciation for her unfailing support and understanding during my career. As nice as it was, I still think words can ever justify the great person she is for the sacrifices she (and my children) have made during my career. Other than that it hasn’t been so great. Right now my eldest, who has recently begun his teen years, has been challenging the limits and the patience of his parents. I fully understand this is a normal process and I was probably much worse at his age….I guess I am just being selfish and not wanting to go through the process. I am learning from it though so there is a good side to it. The other ups and downs stem from my work. I have a small instructor staff that works for me and I am ecstatic that professionally we are agreeable on almost all points. From a professional stand point that is great, it makes my job that much easier. From a personal stand point I am struggling…part of my responsibility is to be there as a mentor/advisor with personal issues. Unfortunately I have strong moral opinions contrary to a couple of issues and I am trying desperately to find the right words to say. I don’t want to come across like I am judging them (because I am not) , yet I am compelled to help them, especially when it concerns unborn children and marriage. I do want to end this on a positive note though….so here it goes. If you notice on my blog, there is a new widget on my blog for C28.com. It is a Christian store that sells some pretty cool stuff. I have already gotten a pretty bold T-shirt from them at the tobyMac concert I went to. I also have recently ordered some vinyl stickers for my car. I highly recommend them and if you wish to check them out just click on the widget. So if you are looking for something that’s stylish, makes a bold statement for your faith, from clothes to jewelry, check them out. I believe you will be glad you did. Well that is about it for tonight. Just remember challenges come and challenges go but without challenges we would never grow. Good Night!

Today’s Quote: The man who lets his children take second place to his work will live to regret it.

Family Time is a Good Thing!

As I mentioned in my previous entry, the football season is almost upon us and my family and I have been enjoying the pre-season games. As a matter of fact, my wife and I are currently watching the Charger vs. Seahawk game. Unfortunately, my wife is disgruntled because the Chargers already took Phillip Rivers out. I offered my opinion that all the quarterbacks deserve an opportunity to play. I won’t go into details but her response was very critical of the backup quarterback for the Chargers. We (my family) are primarily Panther fans but I believe my wife secretly appreciates the Chargers more. Don’t tell her I said that. I think more importantly than the football games themselves, is that fact that we took time not only to “recharge out batteries”, but spent time enjoying time together and having sharing opinions and thought on something we enjoy. Actually my youngest son just likes to hang out. As far as physical accomplishments today, my wife was quite industrious today and accomplished quite a bit today…me I just vacuumed a little and gave my son a bath this morning. I am happy for my eldest as he played with some of our new neighbors today. Before we moved there weren’t any kids in his age group and some mocked him for being homeschooled. The kids he played with today actually thought that my son’s homeschooling was cool because he didn’t have to walk to school. You really have to appreciate the honesty of children. I guess the overall essence of this entry is, as I have mentioned before, spending time with your family is critical to a family’s foundation. Unfortunately, time is the one thing we cannot buy more of or get back…I learned that lesson the hard way a few years ago when I was focused on being the best I could at work but not so much at home. I fell victim to the misnomer that a man’s primary mission is to provide for the family. Well, actually that is true but not in the sense that we often think. Our primary provision should be love, compassion, knowledge and our time. Dads, if you are reading this… I offer this advice…I truly believe your kids would rather have you than all the material things. Well, I guess I should wrap this up. Until next time, may the Lord provide the footing for all your steps.

Quote of the Day: “Many fathers are willing to give their children everything except themselves.”

Latest Happenings

Last weekend we went to the beach and had an excellent time. Well…right up to the time we left at least…my youngest son didn’t want to leave quite yet, so he got a upset. It’s not like he never gets upset, the problem is the insensitivity of other people who just want to stare and make “dirty” faces at a child who is the size of a young man, but cognitively is an infant… it is just disappointing. On a separate note, this is the first time we went to the ocean all year…the sad thing is we are only about a twenty minute drive away! Oh well, let’s move on, shall we? Other than that I am trying to get up to speed on my responsibilities for my newest job. Essentially, my instructors and I are responsible for teaching hydraulic and airframe systems for the V-22 Osprey. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to do much teaching since my other duties will prevent me from taking a full class schedule. As for my family the transition from summer to school is still a work in progress. I am learning not to come home too early for lunch or from the days end. The good news is: The football season is about to start. So if you want some good inside information check out my son's blog. . Unfortunately, like father, like son and his blog has not been updated for a while. He does have some pretty funny observations for all 32 teams. That is about it for tonight’s edition. Until next time…may peace of our Lord be with you.