Prep and Landing

We watch Prep and Landing the other night. It was a cute little special with great imagaes. I took the liberty of adding in my kids to a poster :) Happy Holidays!!!

Space Shuttle

My dad took this picture at the Space Center where he works in the VAB building.

This is where each shuttle is Lifted into place by Large Overhead Cranes. Then stacked and they attach the 2 solid rocket motors, and then placed on the Mobil Launch platform.

Look at the 2 men standing below the shuttle being lifted off the floor. Cool!

Power of Social Media

We talk about ROI of social media all the time at work. This video shows some good examples. I can't help but think my kids school needs to do this to help raise money for programs, since it is a Charter School with limited funds

Stephen The Magician

Stephen signed up to perform at a school assembly in December. He wants to do a few magic tricks. I am a little surprised he wants to do this, since he can be so shy. Some reason doing magic in front of 150 people is no big deal.

He has asked me to help him with the outfit and a sign. Below is one of the pictures I may use for a sign to put in front of a small table for his magic show. He plans to practice over the next few weekends and invited a friend to be his assistant. I will keep you posted.

Asheville Vacation

We went to the mountains for 7 full days. Stayed in a nice cabin and had lots of fun! Below are a few pictures of our stay.

Click here to view 4 albums from our Mountain Vacation. Also, click on each picture for a larger view.

Here is a cool picture of Biltmore. I have a few others, this is the best outside shot. I took a picture of the dinning room and a security guy told me to put the camera away. It is a nice shot, even though I was not aware no picture taking was allowed.
I took this pictures right before Chloe took Stephen down in a headlock. The background was an accident but a good one!

This waterfall was right off the highway. Stephen was 3 years old the last time we visited it.

I spent two hours one morning waiting for the sun to come up and find a few good mountain pictures. I took a picture of this church with the clouds in the background. It was ok, but I tinted the picture and think this made it more interesting.

This was taken at Biltmore. We never made it through the gardens. Kids were running around after being so good in the house, but here was a nice shot.

Chimney Rock is a cool place to go, I love this shot. Lots more in the photo gallery.

Click here to view 4 albums from our Mountain Vacation and other albums.

Duke football win one for da scouts?

Nature photo shoot

We went to visit Caitlyn in Asheville NC a few weeks ago. I got some great nature and kids photos. Caitlyn was not in these....We forgot to take pictures when we were on campus.

We are going to a Duke football game tonight and then camping with the scouts, so more pictures soon.

View my photos

Cirque dreams at dpac

We upgraded our tickets this year and I was amazed with our seats..... Here is a picture of stephen before the cirque dreams illumination show....

Next month kathi and I will see grease.

Obama talks to students, BIG DEAL!

Wow. Talk about make something out of nothing and yes, I know the democrats did the a similar things when Bush was president. But, there is a difference with saying you don't agree with it and attacking him, saying he is a socialist or commie. I get tired of what people are doing and calling it "politics". Washington folks are in a big business to keep their asses up there, so they can speak (many times incorrectly) for the people and at the same time keep their prostitutes (lobbyists, big business, and yes even a few women or men...) Hell I think both sides may not even believe what they say but will say it if it keeps them up there with great perks, health benefits, and all the pork they want.

OK, back to the Obama speech to kids. I got tired of hearing it on the news and reading both points of view, so I had a bright idea. Get the information from the actual source and think for myself. Check out details on White House Gov. Man are kids going to be disappointed when they hear him talk about hard work and importance of education and setting goals. The materials listed on the site seem to be very helpful discussion to kids as well. Nothing troubling if you are a democrat, republican, socialist, communist, or martian...

I guess I can expect it out of the politicians but don't really get it from typical American folk.
Presidents have done it in the past and in a time of economic hardship and kids struggling as well why not try to motivate kids to do their best. Obama is not gonna brainwash our kids. Don't the kids see all sorts of stuff on the news, movies, music, and real life that parents may not agree with? This would be a good opportunity for them to print out the 6 min. speech and read it the day before and discuss with their kids what they agree and disagree with. If parents do this then their is nothing to worry about, except for a kid who will grow up and think for themselves....

One day I will wake up and find out in order for our kids to be friends, we will have to be apart of the same political party :)

Hell, many kids sit at home playing Grand Theft Auto where you can steal cars, rape women, and create a gang. Well maybe letting the kids stay home and play that Tuesday would be better. So the kids can learn capitalism from the streets :)

PaperHand Puppet

We went to UNC Friday night with the kids to see Paper Hand Puppet Intervention. They are very talented and it was an impressive show. The kids really enjoyed it. Besides by butt hurting I had a great time as well. We saw Kim and Heather from my work as well. I need to post some garden pictures this weekend for Kim....

Mascot Olympics at Old Durham Ballpark

The kids and I went to the old Durham Ball Park where the Durham Bulls played years ago.
A lot of history at this place, I could feel it as soon as I walked through the gates.

Below are some pictures of the Mascot Olympics. It was a great time!!!!

Quick game of bball

I love the fact that work has a drop in day care. Stephen was there today and in between meetings I shot some hoops with him

Wow he is small for his size...

As a kid, I was average size and could hold my own and then some. So to keep hearing people tell me how small my son is for his age drives me insane. Specially when they do it in front of him. Here is a typical conversation:

Stupid adult: "Oh, how old are you Stephen"
Stephen: Saying it proudly, "I am 7 years old"
Stupid adult: "Wow you are small for your age, I thought you were 5"

For me to say anything at that point would embarrass my son, so we just move on and I explain to him that people come in all sizes and it does not matter. In my heart what I want to say is:

"He is small, but he still can grow. You can't get any smarter and your gonna keep getting ugly to match your ignorance in saying that to my kid...Dumb ass....

I am gonna have Stephen bulk up and take self defense classes, so when one of these ignorant parents children start some crap with him, he can take care of business. As a last resort of course.....

Blue Cross Videos - Gotta love them!

July 4th Weekend

We had a quiet weekend with the kids. It was nice to just hang out and play. We went to the pool, played board games, road bikes, harvested our garden, and went to see fireworks. Below are a few pictures. Most of them are with my cell phone. I really need to start carrying the real camera around. It does so much better...

For more pictures check out our Kodak Family Album



Stephen before the neighborhood parade!!!

Kids waiting for the fireworks.

Chloe & Mom Harvesting and tasting

Shrimp & Veggies... YUM

Some of the veggies from our garden

Cub scout archery range

Chloe ready for chloe

Chloes first day of dance

Garden produces good harvest

This is the second year of square foot gardening. This year it was easier and we have lots of produce. More photos to come...

Stupid human

Saw this dog in heavy traffic. He was having fun and trusts his owner to keep him safe. One mistake and the dogs head coul have been on my windshield...

Midget door

I shot this pix on my phone. It was near the thai cafe. Not sure why it is a 3 foot door shaped like that? if you have an idea post to my blog and let me know.

BuzzBall

This is a great comic strip. Remember the days of electronic football....

What if Starbucks marketed coffee like a church?

Change

A friend of mine posted this video on her Facebook site. More details about the project can be found on the Play For Change Website. Take some time and check it out. The website explains it best:

"Playing for Change is a multimedia movement created to inspire, connect, and bring peace to the world through music. The idea for this project arose from a common belief that music has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between people. No matter whether people come from different geographic, political, economic, spiritual or ideological backgrounds, music has the universal power to transcend and unite us as one human race. And with this truth firmly fixed in our minds, we set out to share it with the world."

As I listen to the music and think about the concept it makes me wonder what it really takes to change the world. It can overwhelm us just thinking about all the people in need from poverty, wars, social justice, education, and all the kids needing a safe loving family... It makes me want to throw my hands up and ask God why he allows this to happen, why should I bother. Only God can fix all these things.

But maybe the point is that God wants us to fix these things and as we find our part in the story we can make a difference. I also think as we see the suffering and do not turn our back, we are touched in a unspeakable ways. I am not talking about writing a check to the United Way or Homeless Shelter (those are good things). But, I am talking about opening our eyes to find unexpected opportunities, personally touching a strangers life even if it means being inconvenienced. As we touch other peoples lives and open our walls to a community that we are not comfortable or familar with, we begin to see diversity, hope, and suffering being overcome. Maybe that is a glimmer of heaven?

Who knows, but look for someone to help out that you don.t know and post your experience here.

Caitlyn's Friends

Our friends had a graduation party for their son. It was the first time in years all the kids from elementary school were together. I still see them as little kids. They see me as an old man...... I just wish Caitlyn kept in touch with them more. Most of them are nice kids. The guys are big enough to be her protector, that's what I would like.

Flying Mattress

Chloe has become interested in all sorts of bug life. From snails, lady bugs, spiders, and now Praying Mantis. She attracts these darn bugs and tries to keep them as pets....

The other day she caught a Praying Mantis and was squealing with excitement. She ran in the house and yelled "Look what I caught, I want to keep this Praying Mattress as my pet."

Cuddle bunnies

I went to wake the kids up and found them asleep cuddling.... Not sure why chloe fell asleep with a pencil in her hand? at least no one poked their eyes out...

Caitlyn's Graduation & Family Visits

Caitlyn graduated high school yesterday. It was a nice ceremony conducted mostly by high school students. The valedictorian even mentioned Caitlyn's name. She is a smart kids, I hope she hits the books and does not worry too much about being apart of the "in" crowd. Funny how those people are not the ones you know later on in life or are the ones helping you when the chips are down.

Caitlyn took off to Florida after graduation but will be back in a week. 3 months till she goes to UNC Ashville as a bulldog!

Caitlyns graduation pictures

It was nice to have family come to her graduation. My parents stayed for a few days and visited with us. Stephen and Chloe loved spending time with them. Here are a few pictures of the weekend. We took my parents to the kids soccer and baseball games, Tobacco Warehouse, dinner at Mellow Mushroom, and dancing on the lawn with a cover band. Check out the pictures in the Grandma & Grandpa May 2009 visit. Asher even had a great time!

Hosptials, art work, around town with the kids

We have been busy this month. Trips to the hospital for Caitlyn, soccer and baseball games, getting the garden and yard back into shape, and simply keeping up with the kids. It is raining now and I decided to take some time to post an update to the blog.

More pictures from May are in the family album.

Stephens self portrait was on display at the mall art show this weekend. He was one of only a few from his grade selected. We enjoyed looking at all the art and Stephen came home with more ideas. He ran to his room and started working.He designed his own shirt later in the day and has worn it for 2 days now...


Here is a picture from my cell phone. Chloe was ready for church early and wanted to go for a bike ride. I thought it was cute. But, when we got home and took her bike helmet off, her hair was a mess. But, we had fun!

This is a great picture of Caitlyn. She was not wearing black or her big ass high tops that she does not know how to tie. She even acted like she was happy :) I love this photo....

More pictures from May are in the family album.

Grandpa LaCorte

Just thinking of my grandpa today. He recently died. Sad to say the last time I saw him was Christmas. I guess I let the miles get in between us.

Here is a picture of him and below is a video of him dancing with Chloe last Christmas. That man loved to dance and snack. I only inherited the snacking part...

Post your comment on your favorite memory of granpa, I would love to see them!

Dinner and donuts with dad

Caitlyn still at the hospital and the kids were a little sad missing the ladies. So I took them for pizza and donuts.

Daycare drama

I realized that I avoid dropping Chloe off at daycare because she screams, cries, and runs for the door ...... Yesterday was the first day she gave me a hug and was semi happy when I left. Small steps.... Soon enough she will avoid me like Caitlyn :)

Huge strawberries

Gotta love them

Administrative professional day today

We love our admins. They work hard and are fun. Here is a pix of our present to them. Each got a custom pineapple head.

Homework time

Stephen and I both had homework. Stephen loves sitting at his desk, looking out his window, and doing math.

Stephen's Birthday - Rock Climbing

Stephen decided for his birthday, he wanted Jazmin to come over for the night and go rock climbing. I was amazed how fearless the young kids were and proud of the older one's who gain courage and decided to try. I was unable to take a lot of pictures because I had to help the kids, but as you can see my butt is not up there.... I am afraid of heights! Maybe next time?

Check out some of the pictures.

Say cheese

Mobile pix of the family at a friends bday party

Stephen's 1st Grade Play

Below are 2 short videos. I also took a few pictures. I got there early and we still could not find good seats. It was a mad house! The kids did a great job!

The clouds blocking the sun




Chloe sings along with the kids

Florida Trip

I took the kids on a train ride to Florida for a week to visit my brothers. The kids really enjoyed everyone. But it makes me sad to know they are not close enough to do it more often.
I took some pictures of the trip, check them out.

Kids on train

Here is a pic of the kids after we woke up,ate, and played cards. We went back to our seats where Chloe watched and sang everyone little mermaid and stephen saved the train from bad transformers. I got to read.....

Show and tell - batgirl

All week chloe has talked about fridays show and tell. She wanted to wear her hand me down batman outfit which she says is batgirl. She was so intense check out her face. I think she wore it to breakfast as well...

Stephen rock climbing

Stephen's cub scout group went rock climbing. Here is a pix from my phone. More pictures here

Space Shuttle pictures from my dads house

Pictures of yesterday's shuttle launch from my dads front yard.