Jack got the chicken pox vaccine at his 12 month pediatrician appointment, and I am very thankful. He must have had a second exposure on the airplane on the way to Texas, because exactly 2 weeks later, last Wednesday, he spiked a high fever and began to get a few spots. I really thought they were just some sort of insect bites, but as it turns out it was a very,...

I happened across this video on VH1 as I was flipping through the channels today.  I wonder how much practice on the very unique choreography it took to get to the point of doing it (almost) perfectly on camera (the guy in the red pants almost loses it about 1 minute into the video). Check it...

Jack and I now have some company during the day, aside from my Dad being around more and more now that it’s getting colder putting a “chill” on his golfing and lawn care business. Emily Rae is now staying with us until early afternoon. I have known this was coming for months, but was somehow a little concerned that it would be difficult to...

Saturday we went to a church party at the home a couple who live in Baltimore, OH. They have a huge barn that was perfect for a chilly autumn get-together. I actually took a couple of pictures that didn’t include Jack- can you believe it!? These are the picturesque views from their barn windows: Jack really enjoyed chasing their dog around- she was very...

Have you tried Google’s Picasa? I was skeptical about downloading yet another image organizing/editing program, but I needed something to use on Mom’s computer while I was in Texas. It turns out to be really great, really user friendly and produces great results. It automatically finds all the pictures on your computer, and does really nice color...

After a long day of traveling yesterday we made it home, and are glad to be back to the cooler weather. We had a good time, but it’s always nice to be home again. Jack did well on the trip home for the most part. We ended up being delayed in Memphis for an extra hour and a half, so he thoroughly explored the area we were in, and made lots of important public...

I often think about the things I hope Mark and I are able to instill in Jack as he grows up, and I have a working list of those things which I think are essential to one’s general quality of life.  Now, I’m not talking about things of spiritual importance that are essential to one’s eternal life, but rather the habits of thought and action that...