Soccer Moms & Dads

First things first. I lost Sunday to Tx. A@M @ Commerce. A good team in our conference but still never good to lose! I did however win all three of my fantasy league games. Ohio State won on Sat. and the Bengals and Cowboys won on Sunday! I still have hope as a winner.
So I'm watching Evan's soccer game on Saturday and its under 8 soccer. I'm watching the parents on our team, Imagine that - I don't sit next to the other parents. First of all soccer parents (actually any competitive situation you put parents in) are flat out sad and funny. You see, my faithful reader, there are a few rules to parents watching games.

Rule number 1 - "I want to be happy and I want my Child happy!" "This requires playing time." Hence the rule - Coaches must play my child! I have heard a number of times "how can my child get better by sitting on the bench, they need to play as much as possible."

Rule number 2 - "If my child is happy with not playing than he/she is psycho and they need to listen to me to be happy." Some Children just don't understand the concept that achieveing at all costs at a young age is essential! This is a little over blown but I have heard - "Coach we need to be patient they haven't really developed their competitive spirit."

Rule number 3 - "Who cares about winning or playing well, my child better be in that game because" - see rule number 1.

Rule number 4 - "I know my child will make mistakes but I am the only one that needs to point that out." I don't care what parents say, they get a little ruffled when a coach yells at their child.

Rule number 5 - "I reserve the right to act any way possible to protect my child." You have to understand that parents will frame anything that happens negatively to their child to invest their own emotions. "Coach you don't understand that not playing is actually hurting my child." or when I was younger "Coach someday you will understand - when you have kids of your own"

Hey everyone listen - I have actually felt some of these things - never voiced them though. Its hard being a parent and and trying to nurture/protect our kids from harm. We are people with a sin nature. I want to have my children achieve great things! That may be selfish but its true. Maybe it will make me feel better about myself or maybe I actually want them to be happy. I haven't figured that out yet.

Later

Dr. Feelgood

So I go to the Dr. this morning. I was getting a referral for a visectomy - fun times. So the nurse asks "is that all you need - I reply "welll my shoulder hurts and I had a little chest pain the other day after my aweful practice." So she laughs and before I know it I'm getting an EKG and then an x-ray on my shoulder. EKG turns out fine and they determine I may have had a "panic" attack how they determined that I'm not quite sure. Then the Dr. asks "when did you break your clavicle?" Apparently sometime in my life I broke my clavicle but now its healed. So sweet this is turning out great and the source of my shoulder pain may be a torn rotator cuff. It could be that, which requires surgery, or ligaments in my shoulder which they can fix through meds. So I feel great about the rest of the day!

Later

Metal Mania

I just watched "When metal ruled the world" on VH1 Classic. I think I just now stopped crying my tears of joy. I have no regrets for the hair band era!! First it started with Van Halen for me and the 1984 album. Jump, Panama etc. I then looked a little to Motley Crue but not to much at first. I worked my way into Cinderella, White snake, Ratt, Quiet Riot. I loved the sound but with no MTV and not driving yet wasn't really a faithful listener. Oh but wait my little friends with the license to drive came Def Leppard (thats how they spelled it Kel). I still think Hysteria is one of the greatest albums I ever owned. We then had our doses of Poisen, Skid Row, Warrent, Great White, White Lion, Tesla. I liked them but they all started to sound the same. Oh but wait the a group out of L.A. was coming to the rescue, Guns and Roses. Them and Bon Jovi were by farrrr my favs of all the bands in the 80's. Each Bon Jovi album relates to a certain point in my life. Slippery when wet was the young bashful, learning to drive Jeff. New Jersey was the "wow I have some confidence and am more popular" high school and college Jeff. Keep the Faith was the college hanging out in the dorm listening to this album for four hours Jeff. Then so on and so forth. GnR was a whole new level. They brought the heat to Metal. I remember standing in line for two hours at 11:00pm for Use your Illusion 1 and 2 (or Red and Blue). I still think the album Appetite for Destruction (their debut album) was the greatest of all time (my pardons to Metallica's Black album). Ahh but it all ended my little friends. On came the dreaded grunge bands of the 90's. Nirvana's "smells like teen spirit" was the first punch and they kept coming with Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, Sound Garden. Hey I admit it - I bought a few flannels and liked to think my life was dark. Yeah the boy at the Private College whos parents loved the stuffins out of him - had it really hard. I guess I'm starting to realize why Dad had my listening to Harry Chapin, Righteous Brothers, Bob Dylan. It really strikes a chord with our memories. Alec, Evan, Owen will never know what they missed!

Later

11/05/1970

I had this sent to me - I know everyone sees these things but I love them!

This is dedicated to Those Born 1930-1979!

TO ALL THE KIDS
WHO SURVIVED the 1930's 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's !!

First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while
they were pregnant.
They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can, and
didn't get tested for diabetes.

Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby
cribs covered with bright colored lead-based paints.

We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and
When we rode our bikes, we had no helmets, not to mention, the risks
we took hitchhiking.

As infants & children, we would ride in cars with no car seats,
booster seats, seat belts or air bags. Riding in the back of a pick
up on a warm day was always a special treat.

We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle. We shared
one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually
died from this.

We ate cupcakes, white bread and real butter and drank koolade made
with sugar, but we weren't overweight because .

WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!

We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we
were back when the streetlights came on.

No one was able to reach us all day.
And we were O.K.

We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride
down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running
into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.

We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's, X-boxes, no video games at
all, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies or DVD's, no
surround-sound, CD's or Ipods, no cell phones!, no personal computers
, no Internet or chat rooms.......
WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!

We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no
lawsuits from these accidents.

We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us
forever.

We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays,
made up games with sticks and tennis balls and, although we were told it
would happen, we did not put out very many eyes.

We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or
rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them!

Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't
had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!!

The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of.
They actually sided with the law!

These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem
solvers and inventors ever!

The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas.

We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned

HOW TO
DEAL WITH IT ALL!

If YOU are one of them . . CONGRATULATIONS!

You might want to share this with others who have had the luck to grow up
as
kids, before the lawyers and the government regulated so much of our lives
for our own good

And while you are at it, forward it to your kids so they will know how
brave (and lucky) their parents were.

Kind of makes you want to run through the house with scissors, doesn't
it?!

The quote of the month is by Jay Leno:
"With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding,
severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks,"Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?"

Having a talk

Bus Trip?

Well we arrived back from our Colorado trip at 4:00 a.m. on Monday morning. The guys team beat us by an hour (they were in Colorado also) but on their way back they had a stop sign blow in front of them on the road. There was a really bad storm and the sign got uprooted. So they run over the sign and it gets caught up under the bus - well a mile down the road it comes up through the bottom of the bus and misses the bus drivers feet by about 6 inches. Crazy!! The highway patrol has to be called and they had to sit there for an hour getting the whole thing worked out. The only good thing was - it wasn't our bus so no drama for us. We did well there, we split the two games but I knew that could happen. The second team we played (Regis University) was number 12 in the nation and they crushed us. I was not happy about that but I know my 11 freshmen got awakened by the game so hopefully we get good results from here on out.
Kelly has kind of kept everyone up on the tragedy that has hit some of the people I know. I'm telling you life goes along for a while and then wham things hit people around you and you start to wonder when things may happen that will greatly change your life. Well at least thats me - you people are probably optimists so never mind.
I'm in three fantasy football leagues so I officially will be rooting for every individual player in the NFL to do well. I have to win one league with those odds right? I'm just going to try to keep up with who is on my roster and keep the players who are playing that week in the line up. No one wants to be the geek that starts a player thats not even playing. That would be like Kelly going to Target to buy stuff she doesn't need - hmmm. Or Josh driving without a seat belt in his driveway. Or even Mrs Turner not spending money for three hours - just flat out crazy stuff!!! I would make an analogy about Kirk but I have no clue what he does - apparently something with money and stocks - not sure maybe money and stock cars or a stockyard. I'll find out from him this weekend and get back to everyone.

Later

Time for Colorado!

How is everything out there? What a great week, I celebrated my 13th wedding anniversary to my beautiful wife!! I have to tell you the best thing about our relationship is the humor. I love her beauty and the mom she is to my boys but I'm telling you what I have the best time when we are telling each other about something funny (Bill holster that knife!) or just watching T.V. and laughing at the same thing. Its the best though. Before we even dated we were great friends and always were on the same wavelength with our humor. I have not yet still met another girl thats funny, good looking and can handle the things that four boys bring to the house. Anyway I love you Kel and thanks for a great blog the other day.
We leave for Colorado tomorrow! We play a game in Pueblo on Friday and another in Denver on Sunday. They will both be extremely tough games and we will need to play well. My stomach is already a mess. The girls are ready for a real game and I would love just to continue to practice for a month or two til I get everything worked out. This, of course, will not happen so we get ready for the game. I'm trying to add more of a positive vibe to this years team and encourage more. The girls are so young that it should be more effective than yelling all the time. I'll give you updates on how that goes - my prediction: it will give me a heart attack and they'll benefit.
I'm ready for football to start!! My Reds are in first in the wild card standings and NASCAR is great butttt I'm ready for some football!!!

!st day of school

Things have been going well and thanks for askin. We got both boys back into school today and I really like their teachers. It should be a good year for them. Alec's teacher asked us to write positive things about him on a piece of paper. She put the paper in his locker so when he opens it he will see our words. It is a great idea. I guess we kinda forget how scary it can be to get back out of our summer daze and into school. So they both looked a lil shy wondering into their classes but they soon warmed up. I'm slowly finishing up the "Left Behind" series of books. I keep getting side tracked by all my other books I find. I am also at about five different shows that I need the new season for. Season 2 of The Shield, Season three of Nip Tuck, Season two of Deadwood, Season one of Rescue Me, and so on and so forth.
I had my first Fantasy Draft its the league here at MSU with a lot of the administrators. I have to say I felt very good about the draft. I grabbed LaDanian Tomlinson for the first pick. Received Jake Delhomme with my second pick - the owners made an early run on quarterbacks so the quality in that dept. went quick. Overall though I feel good about the team. Well thats it my friends I'll give you an update later - Aren't you proud no soccer talk!!

Later

Soccer Time

Well I just spent two days down in Dallas. My under 19 girls team had to play two games and win one of two to qualify for the final round of qualifying this next weekend. You see 18 teams are trying for 9 openings. We have now gotten down to 12 teams going for 9 spots. We won and we are one of the 12 looking to not be embarrasseed by being one of three teams to get kicked to the curb. Confusing, well trying figuring that out and coach 15 girls that are 16,17 and 18 years of age in this heat. To be serious its not a fun thing with temps on the field registering 113 (we played one game on turf. I surveyed and am convinced that I lose weight simply because I sweat twelve pounds off everytime I'm outside and am too nausious to eat for 6 hours after.
I have 6 days until two a days start here at the University. Scary!! My team will be competitive but young and not real deep. Two bad injuries could crush me. We will have 1 senior. about four Jrs., then 7 sophs, and 12 fresh!!!! Insert tears. Like I said before I will keep a diary and have proof of my ulcer/heart attack symptoms. I do look forward to preseason though. Its like Christmas all the girls I've recruited I get to see how they play against my returners. Fun times!1 Sometimes its a really cool gift (second season of Deadwood) or sometimes its a fake smile gift (socks/tie).
Goodnight I'm watching VH1 classic as I type this please tell me I really didn't think these outfits were cool. Dang it I already know the answer!

Todays Quiz
Three best videos (music) ever seen
1. November Rain (GnR)
2. Thriller (Michael Jackson)
3. Dead or Alive (Bon Jovi)
Answers?

Later

TV Land

Summer television is good night awful! So you think you can dance or America's got talent (which apparently is number one on television) is killing brain cells. I have really lost hope in mankind this summer. Even Treasure Hunters - my summer favorite - isn't Amazing Race. Ohh they try to produce it but there is huge holes in the drama. First of all why do all the teams just follow each other around. Every week the team that arrives last is really the team that doesn't follow the smarter team to the clues. Amazing Race separates the field with challenges and obscene travel schedules.
I am looking forward to the Fall and Studio insert number (I forget the title). Its from the creators of West Wing and has a great cast. Hopefully it will provide the writing and drama that West Wing provided. I'm a lot like Josh - I really only have time for a certain number of shows in the Fall - so the first few weeks of Premieres are very stressful trying to find a good show to add to the rotation. Current rotation: Monday Night Football, Amazing Race, Survivor, Apprentice, and Lost. I hope to add a few to my regular rotation but my rule is once I have missed the first season I wait to start watching it until I get caught up on DVD. Example: I'm am always a season behind on 24.

Alright lets get negative I need comments on the three worst shows you have ever watched!!

Here are mine
1. Joey
2. Murder, she wrote
3. Any Real World season, after the first in New York

Later

Hammer time

Vacation is over. We arrived back in Texas at 11:30pm last night. We drove all day which is something we will not do again. The boys are just to high maintanence for us to try to get 1,000 miles in one day at a reasonable time. We had a great time and I was worried about being able to actually relax during my time away from Texas. I really had a great time with both sets of parents and I truly appreciate their time and money they gave to us.
I haven't given you an update on my NASCAR experience. It was awesome boys and girls. I can not even begin to tell you how much fun I had. Those dang cars are loud! If you're looking for cutoff shirts and beer bellies you have the crowd at a NASCAR race. Of course my first official race I go to and Jeff, the cry baby, Gordan wins. Its O.K. though - thats how much I loved it - I will survive seeing the girly man win and still enjoy my afternoon.
Going back to the first paragraph - I'm now ready for my four months of high pressure soccer. I have relaxed and am ready to mix it up with parents, other teams, officials and myself. I've decided since this may be my most challenging season - to make a diary of the entire season. If we are successful then I'll sell it - if not then I'll say to my kids - "this is why Daddy got fired today!

Just kidding - I hope

Later

Ohio time

My wife has updated everyone on our trip so far. I wanted to back Kirk up on the impact that I received at the Casting Crowns concert. It was so much more than a concert. It truly was a time of praise and worship. The songs were awesome of course, the real fun was hearing their purpose and vision for what the groups ministry really was. I really relate to people that know themselves and do not take themselves to seriously. They told stories about the teens in their youth group and showed the meaning behind their songs. I love that - I really like hearing the behind the scenes stuff. The story behind I'll praise you in this storm was mind blowing. I won't tell it all but basically the song is a testiment to a mom whos daughter was dying and she was in contact with the group and would send them letters about her child's health. Her testimony was how she was still praising God even though her daughter was dying. I thought the song dealt with us as Christians waiting for God to deliver us into Heaven. I was a tad off - first time ever. If you hear the song now it has even more meaning and impact knowing the Faith this Mother showed. I really enjoyed and was touched by the concert.
I'm going to switch gears a little now - what in the world are the Cincinnati Reds doing. They need about four new relief pitchers!! They have blown four games now when they had leads and the starter left the game - very frustrating!! They just traded for one relief pitcher and that should help, I only hope its not to late!!
We leave today to go to my parents but have had a great week at my inlaws. I appreciate all the stuff Grammy and Grampy do for my boys and the Love they show our whole family! Its been a while since I have been able to get away from Texas (not counting London and Hawaii) and truly be relaxed. I usually am calling back to the club I work for or the school and deal with problems. I look forward to next week at my parents and by the end of that week I should have my battery recharged to go forward to next season with MSU. I know I have one of the easiest jobs in the world but the months of Aug. - Nov. really drain me and the success of my season truly dictates how the rest of the months go. Point is - its nice to be able to relax here and be ready for the season. Going to Chicagoland tomorrow and CANNOT wait for the race. My Fahter in law got my ready by taking me to the dirt tracks here in Lima to watch the races last night. They were brillant! I'll talk more on that later - sorry Alyssa I know you can't wait to hear more on that and my NASCAR adventure tomorrow!!

Later

Ran to Me

I know its been a few hours since my last blog. I apoligize and can only hope that I will do better in the future.
I was driving today and heard this song and it hit me like a ton of bricks. I used to not be a big fan of Christian music - except for MWS and a few select others (Petra). I never really loved listening to KLOVE (not big on the name) but my friend Mike (Cook) kept on me for two years to try this station out. I have really enjoyed it. Which gets me to my point. I heard this song and it just knocked me over. Here are the lyrics then I'll explain why it affected me.

Almighty God, the great I am
Immovable rock, omnipotent, powerful, awesome Lord
Victorious warrior, commanding King of Kings
Mighty conqueror, and the only time the only time
I ever saw Him run

CHORUS: Was when He ran to me, He took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest, said “My son’s come home again”
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice He said,“Son do you know I still love you?”
He caught me by surprise when God ran

The day I left home I knew I’d broken His heart
And I wondered then if things could ever be the same
Then one night I remembered His love for me
And down that dusty road ahead I could see
It was the only time – it was the only time I ever saw Him run

And then He ran to me, He took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest, said “My son’s come home again”
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice He said,
“Son do you know I still love you?”
He caught me by surprise as He brought me to my knees
When God ran – I saw Him run to me

BRIDGE: I was so ashamed, all alone and so far away
But now I know He’s been waiting for this day

I saw Him run to me, He took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest, said “My son’s come home again”
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice I felt His love for me again

He ran to me, He took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest, said “My son’s come home again”
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice He said, “Son”, He called me Son
He said, “Son do you know I still love you?”
He ran to me and then I ran to Him
When God ran


Now thats not exactly my first instinct when I confess my sins or come back to God's arms. I know, I know... thats what everyone should think. I always have the following....

Jeff - I'm sorry, I confess my sins and need you.
God - I forgive you and love you... don't do it again.

Your thinking "Jeff, you are an idiot". Thats nothing new. I am an idiot but besides that, I really have that quick reaction to asking forgivness from God.
This song brings out a whole new warmth to my heart. God would pick me up and hug me and forgive me. Wow! Don't get Fruedian on me either - my parents gave me plenty of hugs and love. I guess its dwelling to much on how powerful God is and not enough on his Love. I hear all the time - how much He loves me but this allows me to really wrap my mind and heart around it.

shout out time!

Whats up brothers and sisters from other mothers and misters! Its shout out time.

1. How about our military men (in Hawaii) returning from overseas, I think the phrase in my friend's blog was "stayed up late talking or catching up" well congrats to my armed forces buddy who is a in -shape weight lifting muscle man and apparently impresses his wife!
2. To my wife for being great. We have the worst attendance in camp that we have ever had. How does she respond - you ask? "Things could be worse and its not that big of a deal". I can't even express the amount of relief it brings that shes this positive about the whole thing. It reduces the amount of pressure a tad.
3. To the Miami Heat - everyone thinks your to old to contend. Well in a half an hour we will see if you can get to the NBA finals!!
4. To Kirk - congrats on winning our fantasy football league. It must be hard to go into the next season knowing the last place guy is going to ruin you next year. I do admire your positive outlook - loser!
5. To the weather during my soccer camp - it would be wayyy to easy to have 70 degree temps when we can enjoy upper 90's and no wind!! Its like one coach said - excitedly- "hey today its supposed to be 85 degrees and some wind" - he was serious and excited.
6. To my scale for telling me I'm at the 15 pound lost mark. When I've been outside for three days (see number 5) and came home feeling sick to my stomach, its nice to know I haven't gained weight and actually lost.
7. To the season finale' of LOST - I love good writing and creative minds!!

Later

Beautiful

Well I just got home from Rob's house and discovered something I should have realized a long time ago. My Sister is beautiful. I have talked about my Mom and Dad. I have always talked about my kids. I have even been smart enough to talk about how much I love my Wife.
I really have never discussed my Sister. Lisa Kay was born like everyone else but the Lord gave her the challenge, at the age of two, of a lil thing we call Spinal Meningitis which affected our lives a little bit in the Trimble household. You see my Sister lost 90% of her hearing and speech. The added bonus was she was very stuborn/headstrong. I was, in reality, the "Angel", of the house because I rolled with the punches. When Lisa went to Therapy for her hearing I sat and read books. While Lisa struggled to obey my parents - I simply obeyed. Ohh but wait my time was coming - Lisa was building a relationship with God that only a girl with patience and wisdom could achieve. I simply was buying time - I got to high school and beyond while my Sis was making her life Christ like, I was living my life to my own needs. It carried through College and to today. You see, I know that Lisa doesn't understand how much I admire her. I value life with material, family and priorities that serve God but may not sacrifice for God. My Sis is a Missionary for God. She started in high school and college, always taking trips to help give Gods word to others. I started to work on soccer and have a time that served me and sometimes help my family. She went to Spain and Brazil while I went to Indiana and Texas and built my resources for my family. Hey my trips weren't all self serving - I did some good but was I searching for God? Who really is to judge, all I know is my heart, and it has been touched. I need to tell my Sister that I love you Lisa and I am so proud of what you do. I strive to affect others lives like you do everyday and I envy what you have accomplished.
There you go simple and true.

Later

A good week, great day and awesome lesson

Well Kelly's back and things are back to normal around here. I really do enjoy the time with the boys but it was good to have my wife back. I did get to con her into getting me the OLN network so I can watch my hockey, plus the package included Fox sports world channel which is all soccer all the time. I should try to send her away more often.
The big news of the week occured last night at Alec's soccer game. My big boy scored his first goal. He didn't play when he was really little so he didn't get to play in the easy to score age group leagues. So this was a great thing for him and not to bad for his dad. It was easy to see the Lord's fingerprints all over this. I was driving him to the game and I kinda absently told him to play hard and I would be happy. He kinda gave a lil mumble and a quick "yeah". I asked him what he said, he said that he wishes he was better at soccer. I told him he was fine and he would get better. He says he wishes to be better because I coach at MSU and he wants to be good for me. I tried to explain that theres no need to be great at the sport his father coaches but I realize before I say this that it might not be very effective. By this time we are at the field and its time for him to play. I stand and talk with the other dad's through the boring, hot, mesquito infested first half. They all kinda went through the motions. Well second half hits and our best player gets the ball and dribbles to goal - well he has 2 defenders on him. His dad yells for him to pass it over to Alec (who is open) well the boy ignores him and shoots the ball. The ball hits the post and rolls over to Alec. Alec was about 12 yards out and he runs up and shoots it in. I just stood there - had no clue what to do. Alec just stood there and had no clue what to do. The team was so cool they ran up and gave him high fives and jumped around. It wasn't until the end of the game that I could tell just how excited he was. He had a huge smile on his face and I gave him a big ol' hug. We talked a long time but the best was on the ride home I was turning the corner and glanced through the rear view mirror and Alec was looking out the window with a huge smile on his face - it melted my heart. It's great how the Lord works when he allows us to talk about my view of Alec as a player before the game. Then allow Alec the opportunity (and me) to know that He is a loving God who is always three steps ahead of us.

Later

Day 2

Well we are still alive with day 2 down and day 3 under way. It was a great Friday, I picked the boys up from school and we chilled. We then went to see "Hoot" a kids enviromental film with Jimmy Buffet. It was as good as it sounds but I lived through it. Apparently you can't build things on an burrowing owl refuge. Who knew? So then it was off to eat at the plex - Evan's pick. Let me tell you, there is nothing like hanging with twenty 12 - 14 yr. olds on a Friday. The pizza was even better nothing like a pound of grease on a small ($9.00) pizza. Oh the drinks (small) were awesome at $1.50 a piece - goodnight kids it about broke me. We then went over to the Burney's again for Daddy to have supper (Talapia) very good. Then home for bed. The boys did great again and I love watching them watch movies. Its the best seeing their eyes and smiles at the different moments during the movie. Well give ya an update tomorrow!

Later

Day 1

Here we go, one day under the belt without the wifey and we are all still alive. The boys got up and ready for school today before I got up. They were awesome this morning. They went to school and I went to work and things were normal. I picked them up from school and we got ready for practice - first big test for daddy. I passed, we got there alive and on time! The boys did well and we came home (I even brought two other boys home for their mom) so the afternoon went great! Count: both boys alive and happy, daddy is still sane!! We went over to the Burney's for hotdogs and swimming tonight then I had to get ready for the Survival MSU finale' and it went great! Sheri won the game in a landslide and deserved it. Poor Pierre was to emotional at the final Tribal council, he got caught up in the whole emotion of the game. He was so smart throughout the game but let his emotions cost him 1,000.00 dollars. I loved the drama of it all though. I got back and the boys were in bed. I have said it and I'll say it again, I like this stuff about being responsible. Peace - give you an update tomorrow.

Later

How Many Days??

Well heres the situation - just dropped my wife and youngest off at the airport. They will be gone for a week, my first instinct - cool - I can handle this. Heres where I would insert numorous jokes about how I think I can do it but deep down theres no way. I'm going to have a tough time - not because I can't do it - I can - but I already miss them. Now's when all the guys roll their eyes but seriously from a love stand point and a need stand point, I will miss them. Driving home from Dallas I realized that I felt sad, I guess I obviously take for granted that Kel and Owen will always be around me. Its quite disturbing having them away. I'm the one that usually has a game or a trip out of state not Kelly. I really think I have the boys covered here, I am actually looking forward to the challenge of being the sole care giver for a week. I just know in the back of my mind how much more covered our schedule would be if Kel was here and how much more secure us three would feel. I just know I'll miss ya Kel and love ya, the one good thing is it gets me out of a lot of soccer practices - can't stay serious the whole time!!

Survival MSU finale!!

The final was Friday and of course we threw the twist in with me in front of a lot of students proclaiming that the winner of Survival MSU was ...going to be revealed on Thursday of this next week. WOW am I popular at this point on campus. Debbie, the Dean of Students wife - whom I'm going to their house tonight - was even like "I wasted an hour to hear you say that?" This game was so well done - I know we couldn't even come close to SURVIVOR but Ronnie came close - she did a great job of always keeping us close to the game. I had a lot of fun and really appreciate the fun that Ronnie and all the people involved allowed me to have. Especially my wife whom saw me about three hours each day for the last week (the jury's still out on if that was a bonus for her). It really was well done and I was proud to be a part of it. I'll let you know how it turns out - you should be impressed because I just took 15 minutes out of my NFL draft day to blog this!!!!!