Seeing Orange (Leaf)

Where Did That Boy Go?!?!?

It's a phrase my son says all the time. Daddy, ask, 'Where did that boy go?' Then, Jay will proceed to hide some place. Many times the hiding place is In plain sight, as if he has all of sudden received to cloak of invisibility from Harry Potter. For instance, grabbing a sheet and hiding under it in the middle of our floor...Today was getting completely underneath a plastic bin. I was impressed! The neat thing is, he LOVES to be found. He giggles or moves to give away his spot. And this is the face that greets you when you do.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HENRY THE HIPPO!!!

Henry turns 30 on Monday, and so today, Dickerson Park Zoo threw a party! They feed Henry watermelon at 11, 1130, and Noon. My friend, Brant Davis, got a chance to feed Henry his first watermelon today. CRUNCH!

Sharathon Day 3

This is the view during my time of Sharathon. Thanks for your support of 88.3 The Wind. It's my passion, and my calling.

Sharathon Day 2; School Day 1

God granted us a great day of extravagant giving yesterday. As we start out this morning, we are praying that others feel released and free to give.

This picture was taken as Mason started his very first day of Kindergarten. I share, because as I was tagging on facebook, I got the opportunity to place all of Mason's family that I know, and Mason's extended family at 88.3 The Wind. That is a great number of people, but Mason is special to us. Mason has a story. A journey that has already seen more than its fair share of twists and turns and miraculous feats. It is a story that would take a long time to tell...Yet, one day, something tells me, you will hear it from him, as he tells of God's greatness in his life. He is a walking miracle, and we love him. So, we celebrate! Yay for Mason!!!!

Sharathon Day 1

Oh no! I took the picture but forgot to upload it last night...This is my friend, Phil Wickham...A few years ago, I met Phil in Johnson City, TN, as my son, Jay, was just weeks old. Phil has some amazing music, and I thankful to say that Phil and his wife are now awaiting a baby girl, Penelope...and it was fun to be around him again and to share with him our baby news. Baby number 2 is coming for us Jan. 22...! So, may God continue to bless Phil's career and give him lots strength and peace as a Daddy.

Rebuild Richmond!

***This is not my picture; not my post. I'm sure that the earthquake was actually a bit scary. Growing up in Tennessee, and knowing many who are in the Richmond, VA area...I'm not sure what that would feel like or what would go through my mind. However, I love good comedy, and I wanted to share this with you because every time I saw this picture, it just made me laugh like a little kid. Well done, famousdc.com and http://jmckinley.posterous.com/dc-earthquake.***

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via famousdc.com

Thanks to all of you for your kind words of support, as we look to recover from the devastation of today's quake!

Morning

Took this to remind me why I was up so early this morning. Got a call from Mike Russell, our Program Director at 88.3 The Wind, to say that our transmitter was down. So, action plan! We went out to the transmitter site to see what the issue might be. This is what we saw...lots of red lights. Not good. And right before our fundraising celebration, too. Curve ball. Thank goodness for great men like Rick Jesse, our engineer, to diagnose and heal the situation.

UPDATE: Red Lights are now gone. Looks like we had a brown out situation, and it blew one of our large fuses. However, the good news...88.3 The Wind is back up and at 'em! Thanks for your prayers!

Three's GREAT Company

Some days it can be tough to post just one picture a day. Today was one of those days - With the choice of this, I hope you see why...This picture just makes me smile. It really captures the relationship these three have. Tonight, the kids had such a GREAT time playing. I really hope and pray that the friendship they share now- lasts and lasts and lasts. Emerson and Kinsley are two wonderful girls. When you throw Jay in the mix, the laughter and fun are contageous.

Here's to the great friends that we all had growing up...!

A Good, Long Day

Started out around 5 this morning to attend the Haley's Hope Hot N' Hilly 5k/10k...For a great cause...the ALS Foundation. Such a great event that even the Official Star Wars (And they have an official name, but I can't remember) Characters showed. I met KY3's Ned Reynolds, and had a blast! Kudos to Matt and LaDonna Stevens for putting on the event...Guess I should say that after this, I spent the rest of the day with Meredith and Jay.We didn't stop...until just a few moments ago. Good kind of tired.

Maggot Market

Tonight we attended Insect-O-Rama at the Springfield Nature Center...There were so many people out tonight. Fantastic! This picture is of Jay's favorite part of the night...Our personal tour of the Maggot Market; as the maggots helped with decomposition of this squirrel. Ewwwww! :)

Friendly Mugging

My friend, Mike, said that this had already been on The Tonight Show's Headlines...Hope so! If it it hasn't then I need to send.

Couldn't Resist

Yes, I admit it. I am a coffee nerd. Normally, I would not be caught 'dressing up' my coffee. However, when it came to this post, I couldn't resist. Bottoms up!

Look, Ma!

Took the Coaching Course from MYSA tonight. That way, I can start my coaching career in soccer with 3 & 4 year olds. I will be coaching my son and a lot of his good buddies from church...It will be humbling I'm sure.  However, I'm hoping that I can help the kids have a blast and love the game. Makes me think about one of my favorite persons ever - the late Mary Southard. She was not a soccer mom in the stereotypical sense. She was a SOCCER MOM! She was our coach for years. From kids to young men...Miss her very much. More about Missouri Youth Soccer: www.mysa.org

Extended Family

This is part of my extended family...The Praise Band at Wesley United Methodist Church in Springfield, MO. These friends are as close as brothers and sisters. Those smiles are not fake. Together, we laugh; we cry; we pray; we do life through our common bond of music and worship. Oh...by the way, it was Brant's birthday...that's why the cupcake eyes. The Taylor Swift hearts are in honor of the surprise that Sidney, Corey's daughter (back row; second on the left,) received this weekend. Her Mom took her to Taylor's concert in St. Louis. We also coined a new musical term tonight...courtesy of Jeff Slemp (left of Corey) -- FUNK -A- CHUNK! T-shirts for everyone! :)

Cotton-Top Tamarins are still some of my favorite animals. Wonderfully cute and seem to love attention; also like the juxtaposition of being young, yet having an 'experienced' face.

Oh, CORGI Day

My family has been a Pembroke Welsh Corgi for as long as I can remember. My Grandmother even showed them and had the top corgi in the country in the early 70s. Today, I saw this cute corgi sticking his happy face out of this truck. I had to capture the moment.

Tough Callings

Listening to an incredible session from Mama Maggie Gobran...such humility and grace, courageous leadership...doing amazing things for the poorest of the poor; Jesus what you have me do with her message? Just don't want to forget these moments.

A picture is...

Came home today for lunch during the Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit, and Jay says 'Daddy! Come check out my fabulous bed!'