Vacation...

We are leaving in the morning on a mini-vacation. One thing we have tried to do each year since I started teaching, was to take a family vacation. We don't usually do a lot of major travelling but we do try to just get away. This summer we are not doing as much as normal but we are fulfilling a yearly visit. Every year we get together with some good friends of ours in Texas. Many of you know them because we lived near them at Harding and even for a while lived with them. That's right, we lived with them (pre kidos). I like to refer to them as The Dawg and The Dawg's wife. Normally, they would be coming to our house since we went to see them last summer, but they are expecting in a few weeks and so we are making the trip again. Last summer we took the kids to Sea World in San Antonio. The girls loved it, this summer we are heading to Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels. We are heading there because The Dawg has free tickets. Should be a fun time, if nothing else because we are leaving town and getting to spend time with dear friends. I'll keep you posted.

What vacations do you remember as a kid?

Triple A Baseball

I got to attend my second ever Triple A baseball game last night (the first being the Memphis Redbirds with my good friend Scott). Last night was a fun night because I went to Bricktown in Oklahoma City and watched the Oklahoma City Redhawks play at AT&T Bricktown Ballpark.

I went with a friend of mine from church, Clint, who played a few years in the Cincinnati Reds organization. One of his friends from that time, Andrew Beattie, plays for the Albuquerque Isotopes. So Andrew got us tickets to come down and watch. Unfortunately he did not have such a great game and the Redhawks won. It was fun meeting him and we went out afterwards so he and Clint could catch up. I also got to meet another former teammate of Clint's, John Koronka. John spent all of last season pitching for the Texas Rangers but has been sent down so they can change some of his mechanics.

It was nice to be at a ballgame and nice to eat a good sports bar and grill (not Ferottos, Jim). The place was called Coach's and was filled with sports memoriabilia. Good eats overlooking the ballpark. You can see a picture from the restaurant overlooking the park. Sometimes it's nice to get away and watch some minor league baseball.

Happy Father's Day!!

I love Father's Day!! Maybe it's the fun things the kids make for me during class or bible hour at church (see picture above, it was fun watching dad's wear these around church), or the time I get to spend with my kids. Or the memories I have and remember with my dad. Whatever it is, this is a fun day.

Now, I realize this day does not get the hoopla that Mother's Day gets, and I'm fine with that because mother's are completely different breeds (in a good way).

I remember my first Father's Day. We were living in Searcy and my little girl was just a few weeks old. What a wonderful feeling that has never gotten old. In fact, I would venture to say that I am so blessed that everyday is father's day and, speaking for Wendy, mother's day.

My middle child asked me today at lunch when Kid's Day was. We got a good laugh out of that.

What do you like about Father's Day?

Mrs. Belvedere

For the last few days, the talk around Tulsa has been focused on a buried 1957 Belvedere automobile. You may have heard about this on your local or national news, but around here it has been the talk. I guess 50 years ago the citizens of Tulsa buried, in a cement vault underground, a brand new Belvedere. They wrapped it in a special covering that was to help prevent rust and help keep the vehicle in pristine condition. Well when the top came off they found water in about 1/3 of the vault. So much for protection from the elements.

Tonight we sat at Mazzio's watching the live unveiling on our local CBS affilitate. The car was not in great shape, in fact there was major rust damage. Boyd Coddington from American Hot Rod and his team where in town to help get the vehicle opened up and hopefully even get it running. Unfortunately, it will never run with the current motor. In fact, they even had a problem getting the doors opened up.

When the car was buried, the local residents included items from the day, some of which were put into a time capsule (which survived nicely). Some of the items in the car included: bottles of gasoline (24 cents a gallon), a case of Schlitz beer, a woman's purse and its contents, an unpaid parking ticket, and cans of oil. In the time capsule, there was in perfect condition an American flag with 48 stars, a city directory, a letter from Tulsa Public Schools, postcards with citizen's guesses to the population of Tulsa in 2007, an aerial photo of Tulsa in 1957, and various other Tulsa paperwork.

The purpose behind the population guesses is quite cool. The person who made the closest guess wins the car. Now if that person is no longer alive, it would go to one of their relatives.

What an exciting day!! I hope they will take the time to clean the vehicle and find out how much damage it really had over the last 50 years. You can see more photos here and Check out this short video of the background behind the buried Belvedere.

You Asked For Them...

Many of you have asked for pics of the girls. So here they are. Sometimes it is really hard to get a good picture.

We had Brecken's birthday party today and it rained the entire time at the playground. Thank goodness for pavilions. The kids had a good time though.

BACK ONLINE!!!

Well if you have missed me, here I am; however, I am sure that most of you have not even noticed my absence. Here is a quick update of our lives since my last post.

1. We are both out of school and on summer vacation.
2. Summer baseball has started and this week and next I am involved in baseball and football camps respectively.
3. Brecken turned 6!!!!!! Those of you Searcy, remember those days? I do. I was sitting in an Admissions meeting when the call came to head to the hospital. I tried to warn Dr. Carr to start with me.
4. We have moved. I will be emailing out out new address soon.
5. For 2 weeks because of the move and major internet problems, we have been without the internet at home.
6. I have not been able to check my fantasy baseball teams.
7. Our TV is quickly dying, and I mean DYING!!!!
8. I have decided to start of my Doctorate in School Administration. I was going to get another Masters in School Administration but my principal and superintendent are pushing me toward the Ed.D.

A lot has happened and I wish I could provide more information, but who cares anyway. See you later.

BTW, does anyone know how to podcast? My summer project is to learn.

The Verdict Is In!!!

Wendy and I spent the weekend at a couple's retreat with our church. There were about 15 young couples there and we had a blast. I played paintball for the first time and we both had a little adventure on the zipline (Oklahoma's longest - 2000 feet). The place was called Sky Ranch. It was a good time of fellowship and worship.

I also spent a lot of time in thought and prayer. I have decided to stay put in Oklahoma for now. I think it is the best decision for my family. God has placed us at Park Plaza two months ago for a reason and we are beginning (especially after this weekend) to understand why. I know this opportunity in Little Rock at Central Arkansas Christian was a great opportunity but at this point, it is not what is best for my family. Maybe in the future the opportunity will come again, and maybe it will be the right time, until God has placed us here. I pray he continues to use us!!!

Thanks for all your advice and prayers over the past few weeks.

I'm Struggling...

It has been a while since my last post, I thought I should update you on my current situation. I attended my interview last week and all went well. This past Tuesday, I was offered the job with a surprising salary which makes it hard to turn down. However, Wendy is really happy here, and as I have said I am too. The thought of moving concerns me because Wendy would have to find a job, we would have to find a house, we would have to find daycare, and we would have to find a new church. On the other hand, I consider this an opportunity that only comes along once and I can't think of another teaching/coaching position that will offer me the financial package they did.

So, what do I do? I have been struggling with that question since Tuesday. I want my family happy, and Wendy has said we will go if that is what I want, but I don't want this move to be just about me. Any advice? I have to make a decision!!!!

How Do You Know?

This post is quite premature but how do you know when God is calling you to change? I received a call a few days ago out of the blue and a possible teaching position in another state. I have not been looking for new jobs, but the call came anyways. I decided spur of the moment that it wouldn't hurt to look into this opportunity, I can always say no if, a big if, they were to even offer me the position. Those of you that know me, know that I hate huge decision and don't like major change. If this came about, I would consider it a major change. I would say at this point in my life, I, feel like everything is perfect. I really enjoy most aspects of my job. Wendy has been hired for next year in my district. Bentley and Camdyn will get to stay in our school daycare. Of course, Camdyn will start 1/2 day school. We are about to move into a bigger, nicer house. We have recently changed churches and feel like we have made a great decision to worship there. With all that said, how do I know if God wants me, needs me somewhere else?

How do you go about making huge decisions, even though nothing officially has to be decided yet?

Ron Clark

I got to go hear Ron Clark last night here in Tulsa. Some of you may have heard of Ron Clark because of the movie that was made called The Ron Clark Story featuring Matthew Perry as Ron Clark. His story is amazing and his talk last night was very inspiring for teachers. He has also started a school for kids in Atlanta, called the Ron Clark Academy where he will actually teach 5th and 6th graders.

If you are an educator I would check out his movie and his 2 books, The Essential 55 and the Excellent 11.

Have you seen the movie?

1st Time For Everything

I will tell you that last night was the first that I can recall this situation. I have talked to many people and they can't remember a time that it has happened either. I have lived in Oklahoma most of my life and I can't remember a time that a baseball game has been called due to SNOW!!! But last night, on the 5th of April, our varsity baseball game was called in the 7th inning due to snow. Luckily we were winning at the time so we can chalk another win into the "W" column.

With that said, our varsity baseball team has now won 4 games. Which as a friend of mine pointed out last night, in a congratulatory way, that we have now won more games that our varsity football and varsity boys basketball teams combined.

Doesn't coaching sound fun?

Tulsa Workshop

This past Friday started the 32nd Tulsa Soul-Winning Workshop. It was a good event that I wish I had been able to attend more of. I did go on Thursday morning I got up and went to hear a favorite of mine, Don McLaughlin. He did a 3 part series but I was unable to attend the next two, I hope to get the CD's. Wendy and I went and walked around the booths on Thursday afternoon and bought some CD's.

Friday night Wendy, Bentley and I attended the Watershed Worship concert. If you have not heard Watershed, I encourage you to check out their music. They are a favorite of ours.

Saturday I went to hear Jeff Walling and then stayed to hear a friend of mine from high school, Eric Magnusson. That evening we went for the keynote with Jeff Walling and Terry Rush. Unfortunately we did not get to stay for all of it because the kids were getting restless and so we came home to put them in bed.

The sessions I attended were very good and quite uplifting. It is good sometimes to attend meetings like this for spiritual revival. On Sunday, Wendy and I placed membership a different church here in Tulsa. We are very excited about this change for our family and more importantly our relationship with God.

Finally we purchased a few CD's as I mentioned. Here is the new list:

Watershed Worship - I Know You Love Me (came out this past Thursday)
Watershed Worship - Pray For Africa (helping fund a trip to South Africa)
Shades of Green - Freedom In Christ and Generation (one of their members attended Harding, Amber Green)
Acappella Praise and Harmony - Glorious God

Two and a Half Men

Well, I got back from Anaheim on Monday night and the conference was pretty good. I attended a few sections on math and a few sections on blogging and podcasting. I would really like to learn how to podcast and start implimenting that into my teaching. I started a class blog this year but I really need to devote more time to it as well.

Now for the information you have all been waiting for...Two and a Half Men taping. As I had mentioned we had tickets but those tickets did not guarantee us a spot in the audience. We arrived for the 7 pm taping at 5:10 (this was after second trip the airport that was really out of the way...I might share that later...no I did not miss my flight). There was a very short line of about 20 people in front of us, so we felt quite confident in our chances of making the cut. We then found out that since it was late in the taping season there were more VIP's than normal so us normal people might not get it, but the lady would try her hardest. At about 6:25, the lady told us that there were 65 VIP's not checked in and so our chances looked good. As the time got closer to 7 the end of the line got sent home because they were not going to make the cut. Slowly the line got closer to us. At about 7:05, they started at the front of the line and handed out passes to the show. Our group was initially the last to receive those passes. I was pumped. Then the group of 3 behind us got passes and that was all. Once we walked through Warner Brothers to the staging area we were then informed that they had counted wrong and our group of 5 and the group of 3 would not be allowed in. WE WERE STANDING AT THE STAGING BUILDING!!!!!! After waiting a few more minutes to confirm we were told how sorry they were and how this never happens. I was bummed.

We didn't get to see much on our trek in but we did see the ambulance props for ER, the town square for Gilmore Girls, some ER extras in their scrubs, and Andy Garcia sped by on a bike.

We also received a pass to guarantee us a spot in the audience of any taping in the future, like I'll ever be back in LA again. And the pass is only good for me, like I'll ever be back in LA again, ALONE!!! We also received an autographed picture of the 2 and a half men. Big Whoop!!!!

Spring Break Trip

I have been selected, along with 4 other teachers to attend a conference in Anaheim, California during part of spring break. I leave early Friday morning for the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) conference. I will be there all weekend and return on Monday to still have most of the week with my family.

What excites me most is that I get to, for the first time, attend a taping of the CBS show Two and a Half Men. I got my free tickets about a month ago and plan to attend Friday night. I will let you know how it goes.

Pink Panthers

Brecken started soccer today. She played t-ball (softball) last spring and this year she wanted to try soccer. We were very lucky to get on the same team as my niece, and my brother-in-law is the coach. Because of that, Camdyn gets to practice with the team, she can't wait to play.

Well we ventured out to her game and watched her run around chasing girls and sometimes chasing the ball. She did good for not ever playing before. No goals for Little B, but she played well.

I have attached a few pictures for you to see.

JV's Rollin'

I am still alive for those of you wondering. I have just been extremely busy now that baseball has started. Here is a quick recap of the varsity season and then we can discuss my JV.

Opening day was this past Thursday and we won 17-3, pretty good outing. Friday we played and lost 8-3. And yesterday we opened conference play with the Indians and lost 7-2. The Indians host us this evening with our hopes of getting even on the season and in conference.

Saturday was opening day with the JV. We played a double header against the Hornets. Game one was a blow out, in fact, a run rule after 4 1/2 innings. Bulldogs 15 - Hornets 5. Game 2 did start the way we wanted. Our pitcher threw well but had some control problems and lacked defensive help. After the first inning it was 7-0. We slowly chipped away only to have the Hornets build a larger lead. In fact, we were about to be run ruled in the 5th but prevented the final run from crossing the plate. Heading into the last inning, we were down 11 - 8. You must keep in mind, this game has lasted all day (well over 3 hours), so my only hope is that we don't score only 3 and tie the game. Well we were able to score 1 run and had runners on 1st and 2nd with 2 outs, when our player hit a double down the leftfield line. Runner on second, 2 outs, tie ballgame. The next batter hits a little single and we score the winning run. Last night, we played the Indians as well. We were up 6-1 going into the 4th inning (JV normally plays 5 innings) and our pitching coach wants to get a few young varsity players some innings. Well after the top of the 5th inning the score is tied. I am just hoping we can score and not lose the game because of players that don't normally play JV. Our first batter hits the ball to the 3rd baseman who throws the ball away. Our runner gets to second and then the 1st baseman throws the ball away. Runner on third, no outs, tie game. Next batter hits a chopper to 3rd and my runner takes off, the 3rd baseman bobbled the ball and we win. JV record 3-0. We head with the varsity to the home of the Indians for a rematch. I'll keep you posted.

By the way, 24 was awesome last night. Any thoughts?

Update: I shouldn't have posted this today, my JV lost tonight in the bottom of the last inning.

LOGAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Former President Logan, are you kidding me? I can not get enough of this show. I hate the way that they leave you completely hanging from week to week, but after 5 seasons I come to expect it. WOW is all I can say.

What were your thoughts?

Happy Valentine's Day

Okay, I said it but don't get used to it. I have been having a discussion with my students all day today about Valentines. I told them how much I dislike the day and how if it were a real holiday we would be out of school. Furthermore, why do women get a day (today) and us men don't have our own holiday. I will say no more. I did do my duty and bought Wendy a card and a dozen roses.

I have included some pictures of my valentines from today.

I wish I had more time to share with you about my life lately. I could tell you about my trip to Harding this past weekend and watching the Bison beat up on OBU. Or I could recap the last few episodes of 24, which have been amazing. Or I could share with you about how baseball is about to get real busy. But I will save all of that for a later day. Today I want to show you my girls, all 4 of them.

Here We Go Again

Well it started to today about 9:00 AM...snow that is. During the day about 3 inches fell. We have a break in the action right now with more to begin again during about 6:00 AM in the morning and last all day. What a tough winter!!

Wendy is already out of school on Thursday bringing their total make up to 8 days. We have not cancelled yet but I am confident that we will, bringing our total to 4. Isn't this exciting?!!

I will say this is killing our baseball practices. We have been outside on our field ONCE since our first snow (end of November) and that day was the Thursday before the major ice storm hit. Our first scrimmage is scheduled for February 13, but I doubt our field will be dried out by then. Luckily everyone is in the same boat.

We'll keep you posted.

Bauer's The Man

I am such a huge fan of Jack. I am also quite glad the "old" Jack is back, I was getting worried after the season premiere and what a better way to show the "old" Jack by beating the mess out of his brother Graem. I like seeing some of Jack personal life unravel. Meeting his dad and now his brother. Last nights episode was quite good, but I am really looking forward to next week when Jack gets to beat on his brother some more.

I did make a huge mistake last night. I record all of the episodes and then keep them until the season comes out on DVD. Well last night, we were not able to watch the show when it actually came on and once it was time to sit down and watch it Wendy decided she was too tired to stay up. Well there was no way I was waiting another day to watch the episode so I started it. Well for those of you familiar with DVR once you get to the end of the episode it asks you if you want to save it or delete it. Well every show that we watch once we are done we delete so habit told me, without even thinking, to delete the show. So I did. Now Wendy can't watch it and I don't have the 11 o'clock show on record. Oh well, Wendy can read minute by minute of the action on the shows website.

Finally here is a questions that I have.

Why didn't Karen Hayes tell President Palmer about Tom's blackmail?

FYI: I don't like Tom Lennox! He is involved somehow. I miss Mike from President Palmer's staff and President Logan's staff.