My trip home

I flew home from Jacksonville, Fl today. It feels like I have been there for about three months. I am not sure why this trip hasn't been enjoyable, but I look forward to coming home more than usual each week. Today I was lucky enough (so I thought) to catch an earlier flight home. Little did I know that sitting behind me on the plane would be little Tyler and his sister Satan. I have three kids myself, so I like to think that I am fairly tolerant of kids acting up in public. Its much harder to say "If I were his parents he wouldn't be doing that!" when you have little ones of your own. You have a better understanding of what their parents or this case grandma is going through.

It all started immediately after I sat down. Satan repeatedly slammed the tray table into the back of my seat. Now, I am what some people would call a stout individual. To have a 30 pound girl hit the back of the seat hard enough to move me is saying something. Shortly after this Tyler began screaming at the top of his lungs. I still don't know why! Even when they were just talking, they were screaming. After hearing the grandma tell them that people don't like it when you scream, I had enough. Please understand I have a beautiful little daughter. When it comes to screaming, she is like a Corvette. She can go from zero to cry in about 3.2 seconds. Also, because of the unfreezing process, she has trouble controlling the volume of her voice. Let me say, that Mia has nothing on these two. I kissed her twice as much when I got home.

Luckily for me, I have a PSP loaded with music and a set of very nice Bose headphones. I turned up the music extra loud. The headphones used every ounce of their noise canceling beings, but they couldn't drown out the shrieks from the dynamic duo.

Finally little Tyler fell asleep just before we started the decent. No doubt dreaming of torturing kittens. Grandma had time to catch a few Z's herself. Although she let out a pretty loud snore, it wasn't at an octave that made you think you were stabbing yourself in the eardrum with a steak knife.

In the end, I made it home. Grandma gets to spend the next month with Tyler and Satan.

10 Things Tuesday on Wednesday

Look at XBOX Wife's blog for information on 10 Things Tuesday! If you are thankful, you can follow along.

1 I love this time of year. Fall has to be my favorite, and it all begins with Halloween. I hope we can do a little trick or treating on Friday.
2 I know that Mama Mia is feeling a little sick, but I am so thankful that my kids are healthy and full of energy. It is amazing how physically demanding keeping up with them can be, but it is well worth it!
3 I am glad that we have had some cold weather. I hope there is colder weather still to come.
4 It is nice to have a job right now. There may be some new things on the horizon, its exciting to think about.
5 Only 2 1/2 more days in Jacksonville. Can't wait to be home.
6 I am going to miss our house once we move, but we need more room. I hope that we can find someone soon that wants to buy it.
7 I am glad that Jackson really likes his school. He growing up to be an exceptional person.
8 I am thankful that the kids have their individual appreciation for music. Jackson and I both want to learn to play the guitar. I hope to take lessons once the travel lightens up.
9 I am thankful that Jennifer takes tons and tons of pictures, it is always fun to sit at the computer and watch a slideshow.
10 I love our church. It is grown so much since we placed membership. I hope to be more involved when I am in town more.

Music:
Finally finished off AC/DC!
AC/DC (31 Songs)
Ajax Cleaner and Laundry Detergent (2) These were recordings of old commercials. You will see a few more of these.
Alka Seltzer Effervescent Antacid (2) More commercials
Annoucer on TV Tunes (1)
Armour Hot Dogs (1)
Ballantine Premium Lager Beer (2)
Bavu Blakes & Rapid Ric (29) Rapper from Austin
Big & Rich (14) They covered and AC/DC song
Billy Idol (14)
Billy Joel (42)
Just started The Black Crows

Funny video:
My favorite is the chick that runs away and leaves her kid. Thanks mom!

10 Things Tuesday and more

Now is the time on Skelty's Blog when we are thankful. Take a look at XBOX Wife's Blog to participate in 10 Things Tuesday.
1 I enjoy watching The Office, it is entertaining.
2 I am thankful to have a job.
3 Jackson is enjoying his new school. He has done well with the transition.
4 I am thankful that Halloween is here.
5 Looks like it is going to be a great fall weekend. Nice and chilly for Trunk or Treat
6 I am glad that all of my kids enjoy music in their own way.
7 I am thankful that I married a strong woman.
8 I enjoy my job.
9 I am thankful for friends,
10 and family.

Continuing with songs
Beck (26 songs) The dude is weird
Belle and Sebastian (2) From the Juno soundtrack
Ben Folds Five (36) Not very impressed
Last week my friend gave me more music. I had to go back to the letter 'A'.
AC/DC (21 Albums, 232 Songs) I said that I wanted more in the last post. Be careful what you ask for. I still have 3 albums to go.

This is guys is dumber than I am.



More later...

10 Things Tuesday (Wednesday)

I had a long day at work yesterday followed by a long one today, but I promised that I would continue with 10 Things Tuesday, so here it is. Visit my friend XBOX Wife for more details.

1 I am thankful that my kids are healthy.
2 I am thankful for being employed.
3 I am thankful that my wife is able to take care of everything while I am away. She has a more difficult job than I can imagine.
4 I am thankful for friends.
5 I am thankful for family that is always there to help out!
6 I am thankful that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
7 I am thankful that Jackson's school situation is resolved for the moment.
8 I am thankful for not being anonymous!
9 I am thankful to have participated in the 24 hours of prayer. It opened my eyes at a time when I needed it most.
10 I am thankful to be home next week!!!!!

Ten Things Tuesday

I am in Arizona right now, so it is still Tuesday. I have been gone for a while, I will blame it on the summer. My friend XBOX Wife has a weekly 10 things Tuesday where you list the 10 things that you are thankful for the week. You should check it out!

1 I am thankful to have a job that enjoy. It would be nice to be home with my family more, but I have had jobs that really tore me down. I am glad to have something to I can handle.
2 Jackson was nominated for Student Council at his school. I am proud of him. I don't know if that is done randomly or if his teacher see something in that would make him a good fit. I hate that I am away from him so much, but I am proud to hear that he is taking care of business at school.
3 I am sitting outside on the balcony of the Hampton Inn in Scottsdale, AZ. Lightning is filling up the sky. It reminds me of the days that I lived in Midland. I know that West Texas is not the most beautiful or inspirational spot in the state of Texas much less the world, but I am proud of where I grew up.
4 I am thankful for the friends that road to the airport with me on Monday. They were able to experience the beating of riding the bus to airport that I experience every week!
5 I won every fantasy football game that I was involved in.
6 I am thankful to participate in the KK&C Top 20. It feels nice to be involved even though I am not there.
7 I am thankful for old cowboys.
8 I am thankful for the grandparents that watch our kids. I know they can be a handful, but they take them in without hesitation.
9 I am thankful for family.
10 I am thankful for friends.

Long time no post

To say this summer has been busy would be an understatement. There have been so many things going on, sometimes I can't tell which way is up. I guess I will begin with vacation. We took our annual trip to the Frio river. The river was down this year because of lack of rain, but we still had a great time. We spent hours playing in the water, and the kids weren't ready to leave. That is always a good sign.


You can see that Owen is really happy to be there.





Speaking of swimming, we have certainly gotten our money's worth out of the passes to the neighborhood water park. Between meeting friends and birthday parties we have been there at least once practically every week. Of course I have started traveling again, so I have missed out on a few of those, but I know the kids are having a blast. On a side note, Jackson won't let me trim the mohawk. It is beginning to drive me crazy, but if he wants it I won't stop him (for now).

We finally came to the decision to sell our house. We have enjoyed it, but I think everyone is ready for more room. In order to prepare it for the market we are have the one of the showers tiled. To save money, we tore out the existing wall and hung the Backer Board. If you were wondering, I am not a drywall professional. In any case junk was moved to storage, shower is ready for tile, and the backyard is ready for renovation. I don't know when I will have time for that, but it has to be done sooner rather than later.

P.S. If you know of anyone looking for a nice first home point them in our direction.

More later!

The State of Television

I feel like I have been in front of the computer for about 90% of my waking hours the last two days, but I wanted to get this in before vacation.

I am not a big television fan anymore. There are very few shows that I make a point to see, and two of the season finales (My Name is Earl and The Office) remain unwatched on the DVR. That being said, I think TV is in a sad state of affairs. Here are my arguments:

1 Cartoon Network should've never been invented. I remember when I was young one of the special things about the holidays was the cartoons that were shown in the evening. I think the rarity of seeing a cartoon at night was one of the things that made the holidays feel special. It is still my favorite time of year. I try to share that with my kids, but instead seeing The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, they want to see Sponge Bob. Forget there is a daily Sponge Bob marathon on one of the cartoon channels.

2 Much like the movie industry, television has run out of new ideas. See Reality TV, movie reruns, and 13 different Law and Order series. I am not a total TV snob, I enjoy the Amazing Race, Biggest Loser, and CSI fill in the blank. I couldn't tell you what night the shows air, but I will stop down if I come across one.

3 They need to outlaw the advertisements that run across the bottom of the screen. I can't begin to tell you how annoying that is. TNT (and the cartoon stations) is a serious offender. Once they have a new show or new mini series, they run that animation that will literally take up half the screen. If people care about watching The Closer they will make a note of when it airs when they see one of the promos that run during every commercial break.

4 Soap Operas! I don't understand them at all! If you enjoy them, more power to you, but you will never convince me that they are quality entertainment. They pass each other around, their kids go from 2 year old to teenagers overnight, and if someone leaves they don't get rid of the character they replace them with someone who looks nothing like the previous person.

I guess they can't show the UFC, Cowboys and Rangers all of the time. It sure would be a better world if they could.

I have been tagged

The Sinister Minister has tagged me. This is my life from A to Z.

A. Attached or Single? Attached

B. Best Friend? Jennifer Jane Skelton 16 years (although we’ve only been married 12)

C. Cake or Pie? Yes please! If I have to choose I would say cherry pie.

D. Day of Choice? Sunday, it is usually the only day that the family has time to spend together.

E. Essential Item? Toilet paper

F. Flavor of Ice-Cream? Vanilla concrete with Strawberries

G. Gummy Bears or Worms? Bears

H. Hometown? Midland, Texas (I’ve always been confused, is hometown where you live now or where you were born)

I. Indulgences? Dr. Pepper

J. January or July? July

K. Kids? Jackson 8, Mia 3, Owen 1

L. Last Movie I Saw In A Theater? Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

M. Middle Name? Adams

N. Number of Siblings? (2) Brother Brien and Sister Lori

O. Oranges or Apples? Oranges

P. Phobia or Fear? Bears (not gummy)

Q. Quote? We're gonna need a bigger boat! -Police Chief Brody (Roy Scheider) I need to work on my quotes.

R. Reason to Smile? Please see the letter ‘K’

S. Season? Fall

T. Tag Four More? Here are 4 that won't participate: Mi Mundo Loco, Parks Unlimited, Man Among Many Women, World O'Wolfe

U. Unknown Fact About Me? I pulled a bicep muscle playing the Wii last night. I get a little excited about bowling.

V. Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animals? Meat is murder....delicious murder.

W. Worst Habit? Procrastination

X. X-Rays or Ultra-Sounds? Never had an Ultra-Sound so I will say X-Ray

Y. Your Favorite Food? Chipotle

Z. Zodiac? Capricorn

Ten Things Tuesday

I thought about this yesterday, does that count? I was going to do this last night, but I had a date with the PSP last night.

1 I am thankful for my PSP. Portable video games, can you get any lazier?
2 I am thankful that Mia has an endless supply of the word Daddy. I know at some point I won't hear it as often.
3 I am thankful to hear the kids running around the house. There is a line in an Alan Jackson song "The sound of little feet, was the music we danced to week to week." I am ready for a new house, but I am going to miss that sound.
4 I am thankful that Owen likes me to retrieve his ball from under the entertainment center and then throw it right back under.
5 I am thankful for Jackson's sense of humor. I love watching laugh at something on TV to the point he is almost out of breath.
6 I am thankful that Jackson is an outgoing person, I just hope he gets a better understanding of personal space.
7 I love to hear Mia sing.
8 I am thankful that I am the only one in the office today. (I may sneek home a little early).
9 I am thankful that I had a chance to mow the yard last night before the rain. It would've been a jungle by the time I could get to again.
10 I am thankful that my boss is letting me fly to Portland next week so I can be at the platinum level on American Airlines. I am also sad because that is important to me.

Run over to XBOX Wife to join in.

Ten Things Tuesday

XBOX wife has a wonderful exercise to promote positivity. Check out her blog and join in the fun.

1. I am thankful that my kids are healthy. I have been receiving a prayer request for a little boy who was in an accident and is now in the hospital. I fear my children being seriously sick or hurt. I pray that the little guy will be OK.
2. I am thankful for the storms we had this morning.
3. I am thankful that soccer season is over.
4. I am thankful for being home these last few weeks, and I look forward to being here a little longer.
5. I am thankful that I understand bathroom etiquette. (A new post will follow)
6. I am thankful for a short commute to work, especially with gas prices so high.
7. I am thankful that the kids have been acting more like people and less like monsters lately. They were on a tear for a while. Of course Jennifer might disagree with this.
8. I am thankful for friends that ask us for a night on the town. I wish we would've had time to participate, but it was nice to be asked.
9. I am thankful for a clean house. Jennifer worked really hard the last few weeks to unclutter the clutter as best she could. I might also add that we have done a good job of maintaining the cleanliness.
10. I am thankful for my dad taking time out of his day to come fix my dryer. It took longer for him to drive over to the house than it did to fix it. He hates driving in that traffic, and his body is breaking down on him so I am incredibly thankful for the help.

Ten Things Tuesday (Yet I will rejoice in the Lord)

OK this may be a little cheap, but this is the type of thing that I am thankful for today. If you don't laugh at this, you're dead to me. By the way, if you want to participate then check out my friend XBOX Wife's blog for further instructions.

1-10 This isn't my kid, but everyone loves to hear a baby laugh. I especially like his red face.



My kids can be a handful sometimes (especially about getting dressed), Yet I will rejoice in Lord that they are unique individuals who stand up for what they believe in. They mean the world to me, this video is a reminder of how much joy they bring me. I don't have time right now to explain the Yet I will rejoice, but you can check it out here.

Go home and tell your kids you love them!

Ten Things Tuesday

My friend XBOX Wife has a little exercise she calls Ten Things Tuesday. The following are 10 things that I am thankful for this week.

1. I am thankful that Owen and I spent a little alone time together today.
2. I am thankful that Owen and I watched a little of the Rangers Opening Day game. After sitting silent and motionless for about 5 batters he simply said "ball". I couldn't have said it better myself.
3. I am thankful that my daughter loves me as much as she does.
4. I am thankful that I had a date night with Mia on Friday. We had a great time at the movies.
5. I am thankful that Jackson and I had a guys night out on Saturday. We changed our plans a little, but we enjoyed our time.
6. I am thankful for the fireside chat on Friday with the guys. Those nights are few and far between.
7. I am thankful that I have a selfless wife that allowed me to have my weekend even though she was working.
8. I am thankful that my employer is giving us three free days off at his ranch this week. I'm not sure how I feel travel for my enjoyment when I am never home, but it is nice of him to do none the less.
9. I am thankful to have a huge yard to mow. I am now only realizing its potential, too bad we will probably get it just how we like right before we move.
10. I am thankful for my new PSP. I am taking my nerdiness on the road. I am so tired of Soduku!

Super Bowl

I heard the Super Bowl was played this past Sunday. I didn't see very much of it. I wasn't all that interested, not even the commercials. I can probably watch those on the internet anyway. Thanks to the hosts of our small groups, and thanks for letting us stay a little late to watch the game. You guys did a great job, even though you tried to poison us with tainted cups.

I spent the first three quarters or so making paper airplanes for the kids (I'm available for birthday parties). Jackson brought a book that has 73 different airplane patterns. These aren't your father's paper airplanes. Gone are the days of the simple triangle. Kids today want the space shuttle (I'm not kidding). You almost need a welding torch to complete some of them. It was well worth the time, the kids seemed to enjoy them. The babies loved them even more. If the planes were left on the floor those guys would pounce on them and crush them like king kong.

Even though I didn't see much of the game, I saw the most exciting part. I really had a good time, and I think the rest of the family did too. There were a few complaints about bedtime, but the kids were to exhausted to really put up much of a fight.

Introductions

Nothing really new to post, I just thought I would introduce you to my family. Some of the blogs I read use real names with a ton of pictures, and some use pseudonyms without any pictures. I began using nicknames, but to tell you the truth sometimes its hard enough to keep their real names straight. So I'm not going to worry about stalkers and share my family with you. I don't have a picture of my wife to share, but she will should pick one out soon. I don't have a picture of me either, so I will use the dog for now. He is better looking than me anyway, and I'm tired of the smoking alpaca.

Anyway, here we go.

This is Owen and Jackson. Owen is the small one with the incredibly round head.

This is Mia. Don't let the beautiful face fool you, she is trouble!

This is Sam, Samson, or Sam Sam. It depends on who you are talking to.

More to come!

Donuts with Dad

Just found out that Mimi had donuts with dad yesterday. Wow, that is depressing! Looks like she didn't know it was anything special which is good. I hate that I'm missing things in my kid's lives. I will never get used to that! I keep telling myself I have a good job, and this travel is not going to last forever. It certainly makes the weekends more special.

On a happy note, O has been walking since New Years. That's what this blogging thing is suppose to be about. He is really turning into monster. Its funny to watch him around other people. He is so reserved, but when he around his brother and sister, he is a madman.

The cat's out of the bag, I broke down and told more people that I have a blog. Hi, to all my new visitors out there. I promise not every post is depressing. I am really going to make an effort to post some pictures this weekend.

Traveling home today, I can't wait!