Time for an adventure? Yes please.

Have you ever thought to yourself: our children are young, and their lives are not really intertwined in the neighborhood yet, so let's take our selves out of our comfort zone and have an adventure. Pause before you take the first step of that adventure. Consider all the random and unforeseeable possibilities of this idea. Someone in your family could be bitten by a Brown Recluse spider, another may be bitten by a tick and contract Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, your apartment may have a mold problem that may or may not lead to multiple cases of pneumonia. You may also have to have your appendix removed while on your adventure. You may even add another mouth to feed, and though she may be a beautiful daughter, she isn't a good sleeper, and a fussy and demanding little princess.
Not that all of these things are bad, but they are somethings to consider. And it is true that some of them could still happen in your comfort zone, they make the adventure seem more like an adventure.

Now that you have reflected on things that you may not have considered, don't forget about the other side of the coin. Your children will become better friends, and develop regard (one step away from love) for one another. They will make new friends that come from many different backgrounds and parts of the world. You will have spiritual and doctrinal conversations with a complete stranger, and you will each walk away happy that you had the conversation, and strengthened in your faith. Not because you had to dig your heals in and defend your faith, but because the conversation was based upon the common understanding that God is our Father in heaven, and He loves all of his children.
Your children may also have new experiences in chasing and catching fireflies, and box turtles. They will be able to see a larger variety of birds, including owls, cardinals, storks, herons, and vultures tearing a part armadillo roadkill. They will also be able to go fishing and catch catfish, blue gill, sun fish, and large mouth bass.

There are a lot of things to consider, in addition to the financial, and living space, and other "grownup" "first world problems" that will come into the equation. But make sure that no matter what the decision is for that adventure, that you keep looking for one, and you are ready to start once the right one presents itself.

In conclusion I must add that the most important element to your adventure is your spouse. She / He will be your biggest support, and your most valuable foundational factor in your success on this adventure. Make sure that you say, often, that you are grateful for their support, and are amazed by the weight they are carrying. Don't worry, it won't be fake, it will be an honest and sincere.

Thank You

I have not given up on this blog thing. And I have now downloaded the blogger app on my phone so that I can jog thoughts down on the go.
But what has spurred this resurgence is the approaching holidays. I may have a lot of needs, but I have much more to be thankful for. I recently read an article which stated the power that comes from saying the words "Thank You". I hope to write a thank you note a few times a week. These will vary from the most simple thank you, which will consist of one to two sentences, to fully detailed accounts.

I need to thank my wife for her willingness to sacrifice nearly all for our children. She only wants the best for our little ones, and she continues to put them first. - Thank you Jennifer for your attention to our little ones. It makes a difference.

First, but not the last

Gabe's first Primary Program

So, on mothers day (May 13, 2012) Gabe had the chance to sing in his first Primary Program! And oh was he excited. One of his primary leaders was sitting behind us and she was helping get Gabe excited and ready to go all the way up to the front of the chapel and sing. Let me paint a simple picture for you as I begin to unfold this experience. In our ward, there are usually 4+ rows of folding chairs that go into the basket ball court. We were sitting in row 3 of 4, from the podium, the back left. Well, when it was time for the children to go up front, Gabe quickly ran up front with all the other little people, and was standing in the front, from the podium, right corner. This put him at the furthest point from us that he could be, and close to the piano. Well, there he was, standing there with a huge smile on his face, ready to sing, and then it happened. The piano made some music. Gabe made an about face and pushed through the crowd and tried to play the piano too. One of the other primary leaders jumped up on stage, pulled him away from the piano, and held him on her lap for the whole program, which was luckily only one song, I think. The children singing did a great job. 

As they started to bounce down the stairs, to sit with their families, I'm going to guess that the primary leader who was still holding Gabe whispered something to the effect of: "the song is over, now it's time to go sit next to your mommy". Gabe, in his most polite and gentile manner responded with a loud, and direct "I don't want to sit next to my mommy!". This was followed by an equally loud howl and cry. If you have ever attended an LDS Primary Program, you know that everyone enjoys the short program, but we all are expecting, and waiting for that one kid who is the stand out, and usually makes everyone laugh. This year, it was Gabe. As he howled, the congregation started to chuckle, as did I. But was really made them laugh was when I stood up, on the second to last row, ran across the back, and down the isle, walking briskly through little people to pick up my crying son at the bottom of the stair he had just walked down. As I picked him up, I couldn't help but think this is funny, and I'm glad that this year was my son's turn. I hope that next year it goes to someone else. We walked around the hall ways, and then back to our seats, next to mommy, and Gabe did well the rest of the meeting. It was a great day, and after our meeting, I had several compliments, letting me know that Gabe stole the show, and he was their favorite part of the program. 

I love you Gabe! You make me smile, and you are my favorite Gabe!

Humbled

Today is my last day as a BBA recruiter here at Westminster College. I have really enjoyed my time here. My coworkers have been amazing, and I appreciate their patience as they have worked with me.
This position was a contract position with the posibility of a full-time position becoming available. Last night I got "the phone call." My manager called me up to tell me that the full-time position had been offered to and accepted by another candidate. When I got the phone call I was working for my dad at his new rental property. I told him the history of the position, and the situation that I am now in. He asked if I wanted to go home, because getting bad news isn't easy to take. I said no, there is still work to be done here. Last night before I told Jennifer, as I was holding Gabe putting him to sleep I couldn't hold the emotion in any more. I cried like a child. In my minds eye I was fallen to my knees crying at our Father's hem because I don't know what to do now. After I composed myself again I went to tell Jennifer, and then she lost it too.
We had put so much hope into getting this position, and now that it was given to another, now what.
I usually get a little misty eyed when I leave one job for another, but this one has been different. This is the first real job that I have had since I earned my degree. (No offence Wayne, washing windows is a great job, just not my long term one. And I must thank you for your patience, and your willingness to work with me.) Since I earned my degree I have wanted to give back to the BBA team, to become a part of their team. This was that position, and now it is over. It is a sad day for me. In the past I have been leaving one job for something better for me and my family. But in this case, I feel as if I have nothing to look forward to. I have stepped outside the light, and all I see is darkness. When I look at the listed of jobs posted, I see that I fill the education requirement, but I don't have the experience. I am competing for jobs against people with an MBA and 10+ years of experience. I feel that this is a trial that has been designed to force me to my knees. I am learning humility right now, and I think that I am headed into a time of working really hard trying to work. But so much of my emotion comes from knowing that my dear wife will have to continue to sacrifice being a mother for being the bread winner. I am sorry Jennifer, I wish I could do more for you and the boys. (I can't type anymore, the tears are blurring my vision, and I really don't want someone to see me like this, all puffy eyed and snot nosed man.)
I pray for faith and for strength. I pray for a miracle. I pray to give thanks for all that I do have, and all that gifts that I have been given. I think it is time for an hour long prayer again. Now more than ever I pray to give thanks to my in-laws who watch my little boys every day and take care of them. I pray to give thanks for my parents who have been so generous. Thank you all. And most of all I thank God for Jennifer. She is my perfect wife. I love you.

Creating Opportunities

Tonight I felt that I had a small victory. Let me give some back ground just so you can understand where we were when this began. Gabe and I were down stairs watching Kung Fu Panda (I was on the floor and Gabe was on the couch) and Jennifer was upstairs putting Isaiah to sleep. Jennifer came down after putting Isaiah in his bed and sat down next to Gabe. Gabe asked for some apple juice. This is where the opportunity was created.
Light back story: Because Jennifer works full time and has had less time than I have had with our boys, especially Gabe, she is always looking for ways to spend time with just him. It is a tender topic and so tonight was especially nice for me to have played a hand in.
Back to the story: I went up stairs, got Gabe his apple juice and then wondered what I was going to do. Though I love Kung Fu Panda, I just wasn't into it tonight; I was falling asleep on the floor. So after I delivered the juice I went into the laundry room and gathered all the clean clothes, two loads worth and headed upstairs. As I passed Jennifer and Gabe I said "enjoy your Mommy Gabe date." She gave me a big smile. As I headed up the stairs I turned and asked if I could make some popcorn for them. She again smiled and said yes. I went into the kitchen put the popcorn in the microwave, then dumped the first load of clothes on our bed to be folded. I put the popcorn in two bowls and then delivered them downstairs. Gabe was snuggled in tight against Mommy and they were sharing a blanket, it was a tender sight. I went back up stairs, turned on a show on Hulu and folded clothes. About 40 minutes later I heard Gabe calling for me because the movie was over. I asked him if he had had fun watching a movie with Mommy, and he said yes. Mommy wrapped her arms around Gabe and said that she had fun watching a movie with him too.
To many that read this, this little story may seem to simple to be excited over. In our little family, this was a great opportunity, and I felt like I was doing what a husband and father is supposed to do: I was working so that my wife could spend time bonding with her little boy. I was creating the opportunity for my little boy to spend time with his Mommy. I don't know if I can explain my sense of accomplishment in this; but I am glad that I was able to make it happen.

Now we wait.

I had an interview today at Westminster. I wish I could say that I knew how it went, but I have never know how well my interviews appear in the eyes of those on the other side of the table. I mean I felt confident in my answers. I made eye contact with the four members of the panel. I didn't feel nervous or ashamed as I have in the past when I took time to think about the question I was asked and how to best answer it. I was nervous, but those butterflies keep me on my toes. I would like to say that I'm excited to call my manager tomorrow and follow up, I also need to take Thank You notes to the interviewers, thanking them for their time and their dedication to finding the right person for the job; weather that is me or not. As I walked up the stairs to my office I thought "Now it's time to sit back and watch the hand of the Lord perform a miracle." I don't know if that miracle is going to be me being offered this job or not, but I have to trust that I have been doing all that I need to be doing. I have been working hard, I have been praying, I have been trying to stay close to the Spirit; now it is time to have faith in the Lord's love for me and my family. I will let you know how it turns out. Just remind me to not let months pass before I follow up!

Birthing VanOrdens

This is our midwife Becky! She is amazing and we are eternally grateful to her for her wonderful care in assisting Jennifer deliver both our boys! Thank you Becky!

Tender Mercies

This morning I woke up no earlier than usual, around 6 AM with Gabriel climbing into our bed. Depending on the day he will sometimes fall asleep again in our bed between Jennifer and I. But he is not a gentle sleeper, he moves a lot, kicks, drools, you know, normal little boy stuff. Well I can sleep through that, I force myself to; but Jennifer can't. Once Gabe climbs in the bed she is awake. And on a Saturday morning that is just torture. It is her morning to sleep in. She works hard all week, and deserves a few extra hours of sleep when she can get them.

So I carried Gabe, very much awake back to his room, put him in his bed, and went and filled his sipply cup with apple juice. He drank it, and than went back to sleep, and I went back to sleep on the floor next to his bed.


An hour later when Gabe woke up again and wanted to play, I was in no mood to play. I wanted to sleep in too. But like he is determined. He pulled the quilt off of me and then tried to lift me up by gently (he is usually very gentle with this part) lift my head to get me up. I didn't want to play with the playdoe, I didn't want to play cars, I wanted him to quietly color, or watch Saturday morning cartoons, or anything that would let me fall back asleep. Not the case. Daddy this and daddy that; I just sat in the living room and slowly acted upon his requests.


As the sun slowly rose in the sky, I became more and more cantankerous. I just wanted quiet, simple quiet. (You'd think by now I should know that a want of quiet with a two year old boy, and a five month old boy is a wish). It being Saturday morning we had ordered a basket from a food co-op., Bountiful Baskets, and my father-in-law was meeting us there, so there was additional pressure because we couldn't be late like usual. Well I scrambled to get myself and Gabe dressed to go pick up our basket. The pick up spot in on 33rd South, in the parking lot of the new fire station.

This is where my morning changed:

Most Saturday mornings the fire trucks are out of the garage somewhere, or the garage doors are closed. But this morning, the truck was in the garage, and the door was half way up. I told Gabe that we would go see the fire truck as soon as we had bagged our basket. As we approached the garage door, a fireman opened the garage door all the way and invited us in. Gabe didn't really know what to think. He had only seen the fire trucks screaming up the street, never this close. And then I felt the love that our Father in Heaven has for Gabriel, and me as his daddy. The fireman invited Gabe to sit in the drivers seat. Gabe was scared, and didn't want to be alone up there. I said its just like mommy's car. His eyes opened wide as he grabbed the steering wheel! He was on cloud nine. The only thing that would have made it better was if the sirens were screaming!


All morning, I had selfishly denied Gabriel my attention, therefore my love. His Father in Heaven showed me that his beautiful bright smile is worth far more than my quiet time. As we got in our car and headed to get hashbrowns at Burger King (it's becoming a tradition for Gabe and I) I said a silent prayer of thanks to my Father in Heaven for letting my witness another of His tender mercies (see vs 12). - Thank you Father, for teaching me, and for helping me see Gabe's smile this morning! - Gabe just woke up from his nap, so I need to now go and try to practise what I have been taught this morning, that attention to the little details makes all the difference.

It's hard to see his smile in this picture, but it was as big as it gets!