Party of 7 Minus 1 Very Significant One

“Mommy said this is the first day you will have had all five of us by yourself.  She said you might need my help today.  I’m here for you, Dad.”  

These were the words from my thoughtful, incredibly helpful, 9 year old the other day when Jennifer took a much needed day trip by herself to Memphis to spend some birthday money, have her hair done, and visit with her sister.

My first thought was ‘oh, is that what she said?’ with a surface desire to feel offended but a much deeper felt feeling of appreciation for her looking out for me.  


My wife works very hard every day of her life to manage the lives of our five children.  She would say she has 6 children to deal with, but I don’t like to have that conversation very much.  She is amazing.  

She is also a nurse.  And, I don’t mean in the sense that her motherly duties require the occasional first aid efforts in our home, she is an actual RN.  She used to work in the critical care unit of Lebonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis, TN.  She has tended to countless children suffering from the worst things you can imagine.  She has had to talk with grieving parents.  She has celebrated recovery as well as watch children die.  She has seen the greatest medical successes and the worst nightmares in families of all walks of life.  I’m not sure she could now return to that type of care for children, even if she wanted to.

She hasn’t practiced in an official capacity since after our oldest was born.  We decided a long time ago that if/when we had children, our desire was for her to be home with them.  We are both thankful that we have been able to stick to the commitment of that decision.  I believe our children are better for it.  I know such belief is not popular or even appreciated in today’s culture of dual incomes, divorced environments, single parenting and even me-ism, but it has worked and God has blessed us in the process.  

Our family is a community developed in the context of relying on God to provide - which he does - and looking out for each other - which we do.  It is a constant pursuit requiring discipline and tremendous resolve.  

It is for this reason among others that I have no room for personal offense by my wife’s coaching of my son to give me a hand in the approach of that day.  I took the liberty of chronicling the day to help me get a glimpse of her daily challenge.  It also helped me answer the barrage of questions sure to come with her return at the end of the day.  I have posted it in this blog.

Chronicles of Main-ia

5:00-6:00a -

I awake to tend to our 2 month old.  Nothing new to me since I sleep heavily, I usually do not stir in the night (and I produce no milk).  My “shift” is early in the morning so Jennifer can sleep a little longer.

6:30a -

Breakfast for all who are awake - usually everyone between the ages of 2 and 10.  This too is a regular part of my routine for the same reasons listed above.  Breakfast in our house may consist of anything from cereal bars out of the pantry to full fledged pancake breakfasts depending on the flow of things and my personal mood.  Normally after breakfast I shower, change, and head off to work.  I am discovering what an actual hiatus this can be.

8:50a - 

This is where everything changed for my day.  Jennifer headed out instead of me on this day.  She took our oldest with her in order to drop him off for his rescheduled piano lesson.  His lessons are 30 minutes and it will be my responsibility to pick him up when he is done.  I kissed her bye while feeding addison from the bottled milk supply for the day.  All smiles.  “Bye Mommy! Have a great Mommy day.”

9:15a -

Addison fell asleep in my arms.  I placed her in her carrier to be ready to leave to pick up Cayson from piano.  Smart thinking on my part I think.

Sent Karis to put some clothes on.  Griffin is going through a phase of sleeping in clothes to be ready for the next day, so he is dressed.  Mylan can just go in PJs - I don’t care.

9:35a -

After returning, fed Griffin and Mylan cereal (they slept through earlier breakfast options).  Sent Cayson to change clothes for art class that begins in less than 30 minutes.  Left Addison in her carrier on the table.  Perfect.

9:55a -

Loaded everyone back up in the car for art class.  Deliberated the ‘shotgun’ call for my two oldest.  I have grown to hate that game and rue the day I introduced it to my children.  Even my two year old calls shotgun now and he can’t even ride in the front seat yet.

10:05a -

Back home with two.  A nice average I think to myself.  I set Mylan up in front of one of his favorite shows (show #1), Dino Dan.  Personally, I think that show is stupid, but it is harmless viewing.  One child parents have no real appreciation for the simple technique of TV babysitting.  I know... that’s bad.  True, but bad.

Addison is awake so I lay her in the floor of Mylan’s and Griffin’s room while I start to fix their indoor basketball goal - it needs sand in the base to keep it upright.  It occurs to me I should set a reminder for myself to pick the kids up from art so I set the alarm on my phone.

10:15a - 

It occurs to me Jennifer is going to ask me later what we did all day so I decide to journal the events, hence the source of these notes.

I talk and coo with Addison and then move her to our bedroom to a safe place on the bed.  She doesn’t need a TV show.  I checked to make sure the baby monitor is on, grab it and hook it to my pocket and get back to the goal repair.  The goal requires me to go outside a bit. Nice.

10:30a -

Still working on the goal (outside) when I hear Mylan through the baby monitor.  How sweet.  Wait ---- WHAT?!?  How did he get in there?  Did I leave the door open? Has he now, today of all days, learned to get passed the child proof knob?  His show must be over.

I ran upstairs to find Mylan laying on the bed patting Addison on the head.  “Hey buddy.  What cha doing in here?  Let’s go watch a show.”  The pocket monitor is squealing with feedback from the transmitter so I turned it off to avoid such hideous noise.

I turned on a new show for Mylan (show #2).  

Back out to the back porch to work on the goal.  I should really just forget the goal.

10:40-11:00a -

I realized I forgot to turn the pocket monitor back on.  After turning it on I hear Addison is crying - oops.

I go back up stairs to get her and walk around the yard with her.  She enjoys doing that.  We turn the water hose on in the garden and I look around and think about the yard work that needs to be done.

Eventually I set her in her bouncy seat by the back porch so I can continue the stupid goal repair.  It gets too hot for her, so I take her back in when I discover Mylan is in the kitchen messing around (His show must be over, man they are short).  

He has climbed the child gate, retrieved cereal from the pantry, and poured some on the floor.  “Oh... come on buddy... let’s go watch a show.” (Show #3 - I know...I KNOW!  Don’t judge me).

11:00a -

I placed Addison in her swing where she is relaxed and going to sleep.  I was really trying to avoid sleep in the swing time since we have to go pick up the others from art soon.

11:05a -

I called the doctor about Addison’s gunky eyes we have been treating and haven’t gotten better since the last office visit.  Our pediatrician is out today, so I left a message for the nurse to call me back.

Hey!  Everyone is quiet.  I think I would like some coffee.  I prepared a nice, quick, hot cup of coffee - thank you Keurig.  Now what should we have for lunch?  Something quick, easy, not messy... maybe we won’t eat today.  

I stepped on spilled cereal, crushing it beneath my feet which reminds me I still needed to clean it up.  I also realized I left the water running in the garden.  It’s not a big garden and it floods quickly.

11:20a -

I went back outside to turn off the water and retrieve the repaired basketball goal.  While doing so, I missed the call back from the nurse.  Seriously?  Timing is everything.  I called the doctor office back for additional information to learn that she needs a new and different eye drop prescription and they are calling it in.

Hey, there’s Mylan - “I’m on the phone, buddy.  How about another show?”  Turned on show #4 (THEY ARE REALLY, REALLY SHORT SHOWS, OKAY!!!!!)

Emptied dishwasher and cleaned the kitchen from breakfast. 

My sister called - this may take a while.

11:50a-12:15p -

We loaded and picked everyone up from art. At this point, Addison is crying, probably hungry.  We went by the pharmacy.  I'm thankful for drive-through window service.  Addison is still crying... loudly.  The lady at the window asked if my baby is crying in the back.  Yep!  That’s rocket science.

Finally back home to feed everyone, especially Addison - she is screaming by now.  Cayson offered to make PB&J sandwiches for everyone.  He is awesome.

12:30p - 

I finished feeding Addison and laid her down to sleep and sat down to sandwiches. I guess I’ll drink that coffee I made (good thing it is in that insulated cup; it is still hot).

I look at my plate for a minute to see a pitiful concept of a sandwich and then hear my son say: “Daddy, I made your sandwich with the two ends of the loaf, I hope you don’t mind.” 

“No son, not at all.  Thank you for making me a sandwich.”  Cayson is awesome.

1:10p -

It is time for Mylan to nap (TV shows can be exhausting for a kid).

I Begin cleaning up from lunch when my sister called again - this may take a while.  She wants us to live closer so our kids can see more of each other.  I happen to agree... especially today.  Did I mention my sister keeps children in her home.  That would be perfect on Daddy duty day.

2:00p -

The kids pool has a small leak in the inflatable part.  I found the leak and am thankful for duct tape... it’s pink.

Addison awoke again, so I moved her to the swing.  She is happy, and so am I.

Griffin and Karis are pleading to go outside and swim in their pool.  They have been waiting for Mylan to go to sleep.  We lock him in his room, but he is bad about getting up and going to the window to watch everyone play outside.  They have to wait a few minutes.

In the mean time, we applied sunscreen to Griffin and Karis and set up sprinkler in the front yard to water a thirsty ground.  

2:30p -

I gathered clothes to wash a load. I’m trying to think of something for dinner, and I’m still drinking on the same cup of coffee.  Ridiculous!

I get a text from Jennifer telling me her appointment was changed to 3:45 and checking on the kids.  I text back that they’re great, have a good time.

“Wait, 3:45?  Her hair appointments take like 4 hours!”

3:00p -

I decided to sit on the patio and watch the kids play for a bit - this is a nice break.  Griffin asks me the time then says “Daddy, it is snack time.”  Great! so much for the break.  Cayson says: “Daddy, I’ll go in and get everyone a snack.”  Cayson is awesome.

I cleaned out Mylan’s kiddie pool, Mylan and Addison are still asleep, and Jennifer calls to chat while driving to her appointment.  It is good to hear her voice in the middle of a hectic day - note to self.

4:20p - 

Mylan and Addison are still asleep, and I am still wondering what to have for dinner.  Too bad it’s not half price pizza night.  I put off that thought and decide to spray Round Up on the sidewalk cracks to kill the grass.

4:45p - 

Addison wakes and needs feeding.  She sure is demanding.  I get everyone back inside and dried off.  “Daddy?  What’s for dinner?”  I still don’t know.

Mylan wakes up and comes downstairs and we all watch a recorded Wheel of Fortune while I feed Addison (I don’t count this as a show for Mylan).  And, I personally hate Wheel of Fortune, but Cayson likes it and Cayson has been a great help.

5:15p -

“Hey everybody!  It’s breakfast for dinner tonight.”

“Yay!!!! Dad is great!  He can make pancakes?”

“No, we’re not having pancakes.  We Don’t have any buttermilk.”

“Can we make biscuits?”

“No, we don’t have any buttermilk.  How about eggs, bacon, and toast?”

“Yay!! Bacon!”

“Daddy, can I help?”

“No.”

“Please?”

“No.”

“Why?”

“Because I want to do this quick in case Addison gets restless.”

“Please”

“No”

“Please”

“No... and stop asking.”

“Well, I don’t know what Mommy is having for dinner, but it is probably better than what we are having.”

“Probably so, smart aleck.  Would you like a bowl of crickets for dinner?  Now get out of here and go pick up your wet clothes.”

5:30p - 

I make breakfast for dinner.  It was so good... sooo good.  Mealtime prayers make me smile “Dear God, please, please, please bring Mommy home safely.”  I think we all prayed that same prayer.

6:30p -

We watched a previously recorded show of American Ninja Warrior.  My kids love that show.  “Dad, you could so do that!”  I’m thankful for their delusional optimism, and it reminds me that I need to begin a workout program.

7:15p - 

Hey!   A text from Mommy - “Stopping at Target, do you need anything?”  I’m thinking do they still sell Calgon?  Because I probably need that.

We have our family Bible story time, prayer time, and everyone is in bed by 7:30.  Yes!

7:30p -

Clean up kitchen from dinner.

7:57p -

Jennifer calls and tells me she is making another stop to look at a purse her sister found.  I tell her to be careful.

9:26p -

Jennifer calls to say she is on her way home.

10:00p - 

I Get off the phone with Jennifer and whisper a prayer for her safe travel and thankfulness for the great Mommy and wife she is.

I watch a show while looking at recent pictures from our zoo day and catching up on emails as I await her return.  What a day indeed.

I really don’t want to forget the feelings of the day because it is so easy to take for granted all that my wife does.  She does such a better job than me and I am so thankful for who she is.

Oh... at 11:35 PM my alarm goes off to remind me to pick up the kids from art.

Passing the Time

I’m passing time.  Truly, I would rather be in the bed sound asleep waiting for the next installment of baby-wake/changing/feeding/eyes blaring/cooing time.  

I am passing the time until exactly 12:00 am on May 25th - my wife’s birthday.  The day that commemorates a predestined balance to my earthly life.  She was technically an “accident” you know.  I’m not sure I’m supposed to share that, but it is true enough indeed.  Knowing that fact makes knowing her all the more special.   

At this point, we have shared many birthdays together.  Thanks to the trappings of facebook, I feel compelled to stay up and watch the clock for the turn of the new day.  I just want to be the first post on my wife’s facebook wall for her birthday - ON her birthday.  

I know I could just pre-wish the happy birthday message, but I enjoy knowing that I will be the first to post on her wall.  Unless, of course, there happens to be those lurkers on facebook who are up in the middle of the night and happen to notice her in the birthday list.  That would undoubtedly ruin my intent.

I’m pretty sure I’ll beat most of the family since they are most likely all asleep.  I suppose my nephew and/or niece could be up and could beat me to the punch.  I guess that would be better than some random friend who she never talks to or hears from out posting me.

Ooooh, time is almost up...  BOOM!!!  I made it.  Good Night.

Party of Se7en

Like how I did that with the number inserted in the word?  Remember that movie?  Yikes!

Hey! Anything to distract from the fact that it has been many months now since my last blog post.  Of course, the last one was about my wife for our anniversary - certainly a good place to pause.  A lot can happen during a pause though.  Here is a quick run down of things I may have blogged about had I been more diligent in writing post anniversary to now:

• Vacation at the beach - One of my favorite things to do.
• Grandmother died - More difficult than I had ever imagined
• Homeschooling days - living to learn
• Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years
• Another year older - it happens
• Valentine’s Day
• Passover (I don’t expect everyone to understand)
• Easter
• I lost a friendship or two, but I gained one as well.  It’s hard to have friends when you are in ministry (Wait, I think I blogged about friends already.  Strike that.)
• Had my license suspended
• Discovered a warrant for my arrest - worked it out.
• Broke down on the interstate to the terror and screams of my children - that was loud.
• Reflected over and over again of being bullied back in the day (I just can’t let it go).
• My second son became a Christian.
• Preached a D-Now weekend.
• My grandfather visited our church and heard me preach (Said it was the best he’s heard in a long time, but he’s biased... and he has not been to church in a while).
• Started taking the kiddos fishing again - three is a crowd four is a nightmare
• Tore my meniscus - still going on.
• God provided our family a replacement vehicle through our blind faith - I’ll probably still blog this one because it is such a cool story for our family.

• Had a baby... girl - what a miracle, and now we are a party of seven.

That last one is where I’ll pick up next time.  Hopefully I’ll be back in the blogosphere regularly again.  

17 Years and Counting

I love you because you said “I forgive you”. I love you because you said “yes”. I love you because you said “I do”. I love you because you are beautiful. I love you because you are the best mommy I have ever seen. I love you because you smile. I love you because you make me smile. I love you because you dance. I love you because you are not impressed by me. I love you because of your faith. I love you because you buy me Frosted Lucky Charms. I love you because you understand. I love you because you are patient. I love you because you are godly. I love you because I trust you. I love you because you get up in the middle of the night and tend to crying babies. I love you because you know I pretend to be asleep sometimes but you get up anyway. I love you because you read your bible. I love you because you like to ride roller coasters. I love you because you laugh at my jokes. I love you because we drink coffee together. I love you because we always have something to talk about. I love you because you smile at me from across a crowded room. I love you because you kiss me from across a crowded room. I love you because you kiss me at all. I love you because you hold my hand. I love you because you squeeze my hand to say you love me. I love you because you hold me. I love you because you like to go to Chili’s with me. I love you because you like to go to Buffalo Wild Wings with me. I love you because you are faithful. I love you because you see right through me. I love you because you make the best green beans in the world. I love you because you will be silly with me. I love you because you sing. I love you because you always want just a sip of my Coke. I love you because you like to find good sales. I love you because we eat popcorn together. I love you because you let me snatch your pillow even though it bothers you. I love you because you are sentimental. I love you because you let me tell funny stories about you. I love you because you like dogs. I love you because you make sweet babies. I love you because you cuddle with me. I love you because you listen to me. I love you because you hear me. I love you because you leave drawers open. I love you because you leave your keys in the door. I love you because you bring me surprises from the store. I love you because you take care of me when I am sick. I love you because you yell at me when I am a jerk. I love you because you jump on the trampoline. I love you because you let me say I’m sorry. I love you because you wear Amarige just to remind me of our honeymoon. I love you because you play Foosball with me. I love you because you play Backgammon with me. I love you because you play Candy Land with the kids so I don’t have to. I love you because you sit through my “I guess you had to be there” stories. I love you because you make me turn down my loud music. I love you because you make me want to be a better person... husband… father… Christian. I love you because you pushed me in my wheelchair. I love you because you carried me. I love you because you didn’t let me feel sorry for myself. I love you because you covered me up with a cozy blanket. I love you because you moved my legs for me. I love you because you do the family budget. I love you because you have a lot of purses. I love you because you call and ask when I am coming home. I love you because you like musicals. I love you because you sing “A Whole New World” with me. I love you because you like my pancakes. I love you because you love to open presents at Christmas time. I love you because you love traditions. I love you because you are a Proverbs 31 woman. I love you because other women want to be like you. I love you because of your convictions. I love you because of your devotion. I love you because of your passion. I love you because you let me read to you. I love you because you text me in the middle of the day just to say you love me. I love you because we keep secrets together. I love you because you like the beach. I love you because you go canoeing with me. I love you because you love to have a lazy PJ day together. I love you because you never let me forget I am a leader. I love you because you remind me of my value to God. I love you because you remind me of my value to others. I love you because you waited for me. I love you because without you I wouldn’t be the me I am. I love you because you are an amazing pastor's wife. I love you because you let me make dramatic, sappy proclamations about you. I love you, I love you, I love you!

There's No Place Like Home, or the People in it... Hopefully.

This has been a good week. I love the time of building relationships with the kids on this trip. Each one of them is so incredibly special and so individual. I love getting to watch them "get it" at just the right moment.

I watch and listen as several of the children in our group share highlights of the experiences without hesitation during church group devotions each night. The answers range from recreation to track times to worship. They seem to like their bible study leaders and staff who run other events in which they participate. It is fun seeing the first time campers get into the whole of it all without realizing it. All their fears and insecurities seem to be swept away in the excitement and newness of their experience.

Don't get me wrong, it has had its moments. I think some type of light has been left on in some form in everyone's room, closet, or a-joining bathroom. We have left my door unlocked or cracked each night to provide reassurance and immediate availability if someone gets scared [of course, Bro. Steve's snoring might scare them even more]. I noticed the relief on a couple of faces about the unlocked door even if they expressed no verbal relief in front of their friends [boys are funny like that].

Then there was the rainstorm that blew through [a couple of them, in fact]. I feel certain one of our boys was thinking of questions to ask just to have reasons to come sit on the bed and make conversation during the thunder. I also had two or three specifically ask me to check the radar on the weather app on my iPad [Of course, each one said they were checking for someone else].

I had one fella begin to cry during a morning quiet time and said he was homesick. We talked about it a little and at one point one of his buddies admitted he was a little homesick, too. I told them it was ok to be a little homesick and we were still going to have a great week anyway [truth is, I was a little homesick myself].

As the week continued, my own son became especially affectionate. He would clasp my arms and drape them over his shoulders and down his chest while standing in line in the cafeteria. He would turn around and hug me a few more times than usual, and would take my hand when we walk from time to time. He wasn't homesick. He was tired, yes, but not exactly homesick. What is interesting is I noticed he was not the only one to demonstrate similar behavior. One of our little girls has taken hold of my arm as we have walked out of worship and clasped my had as our group walked.

One of our boys was standing next to me and reached up to place his hand on the top of my shoulder. I thought he was trying to get my attention, so I looked at him to which he replied "Oh, sorry Brother Todd... I wasn't thinking right. For a minute I was thinking you were my dad standing there."

That's just it, though. They know they need the people that mean the most to them in their lives. What I find interesting is that in the absence of the authentic, at something as simple as a 5 day camp, they seek a substitute - even if unintentionally. I feel like I am a pretty good substitute with their best interest in mind; however, except for one, I am not the authentic person for them.

I can tell them they will be ok during the rainstorm and not to worry, but I'm not their mom.

I can reassure them that nothing will come out of the closet or from under the bed, but, I'm not their dad.

I can hug a neck, hold a hand and be a human play-gym if necessary, and certainly provide my shoulder to lean on, but I'm still just Brother Todd.

Two things are glaringly obvious. First, they need that kind of stability in their lives. All kids do. Really, all people do. That security, that trust, that love is complete reassurance and confidence building. It is also priceless. It is the kind of assurance we ultimately find untainted in our heavenly father.

The second is the issue of the substitute. If our natural inclination is to seek a substitute in the absence of the authentic, what does that mean for us spiritually? When we allow ourselves to move away from God in our spiritual walk, what will then be our substitute? With what will we try to replace God to comfort ourselves? In what will we place our safety and protection during the storms of life? If not God, who's arm will we grab to lead us through the crowd of mayhem and distraction?

Furthermore, what will we teach our children about these things? What are they learning through our examples and leadership? Moms and Dads are the substantial influencers of the home... and dads? We are to be the pastors of our home leading our families and children to the place of total security in God our father. We are their shepherd under God.

It is in our human nature to take measures to fill voids within ourselves, and two or more things will not fill the same void. Moms. Dads. If we don't do the the job to see that the void is filled with the right things, someone or some-thing else will. And there are plenty of people, philosophies, and things waiting to steal the hearts of our children.

51 Steps to Dealing with Other People's Baggage (part two)

It occurred to me yesterday [particularly through the gentle text reminder of a friend who is a faithful Chronic Deconstruction reader] that yesterday's post might have been a little, dare I say... whiny?

Carrying luggage up so many flights of stairs is really not that bad. The reality is that with a family my size, carrying everybody's stuff is a regular, daily ordeal; I'm the perfect man for the job. And the exercise? Well, let's face it, we could all use a little more of that, so essentially I am killing two birds with one stone. Besides, it is for the kids, and kids are extra special to me. In further reality, I am incredibly thankful to even be able to climb stairs, much less haul luggage in the process. But, the real issue is the issue of the heart, and my complaining reminded me of a story I have often told students in years past when they have complained over their service to others or mere inconveniences.

It is the story of a man who was born to a poor family in rough times. He was a good kid. He was obedient to his parents, grew up seeking and doing the will of God but was later picked on, teased, beat up, ridiculed, mocked and called hateful names. Most of the people around him had no concern for his heart or motives and yet he didn't let it sway him in his goals; he kept doing his thing. He never followed the crowd, and always had time for children. Still he was unaccepted and eventually he was killed... on a cross... to pay for the sin I have committed.

When I would tell the story verbally, I would often tell it dramatically in order to make the point that there is nothing of difficulty or misery that compares to the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I have no idea how many steps Jesus took to move from his sentencing to the place where he was crucified. I have no clue how heavy the weight of the cross was he carried for his own execution. I cannot comprehend the weight of our transgressions and the wrath of God that pressed upon him as he took each of those steps. What I know is this, he did so. He did so faithfully. He did so willingly. He did so obediently. He did so painfully. He did so lovingly. Everything he did was a selfless act in order to draw us to himself and provide access to the father.

I was reminded of this as I was reading Philippians 2. It is all about being like Christ in everything we do. It is about not doing anything from selfish conceit, but humility of mind. It says not to look out for our own self interest, but also the interest of others. It reminds us that Jesus emptied himself and took on the form of a bond servant, and for us to do everything without grumbling... oops.

Well, no more of that from this guy. In fact, I reminded our guys about what it means to be different and challenged them to extend themselves in service to others through a challenge. About half of them took the challenge and have been striving to serve others above themselves.

Yesterday was a good day, and I am excited to see what God has in store for our group today.

The Flying Squirells

Yes, I know that is spelled wrong. That is the spelling that is currently scribbled into the dust on the back window of my van, along with "Chuck Norris on board". The Flying Squirrels is the self given name of the group of guys riding in my Van to Jackson, MS for Centri-kid today. I'm not exactly sure why that has become our name. There is a baseball team, a band, and even a pizza company in Seattle who bear the name; now, apparently, so do we.

Our ride was everything you would expect from a van of 4th, 5th, & 6th grade boys... complete with all the noises and smells. Right away I realized I needed ear plugs because they all like to talk at the same time, and in that game, the loudest one wins.

I heard more tough Chuck Norris jokes than I have heard in a long time [hence the Chuck Norris on board thing], and at one point our van was like attending a "STOMP" show with everyone attempting to bring rhythm from various objects. The cast of STOMP need not be worried.

When we finally arrived, we discovered the wonderful pleasure of climbing several flights of stairs to our rooms... 51 steps to be exact. I counted after having made several trips with other people's luggage. It is then that I realized a terrible flaw in the kids going to camp scenario.

Moms and/or Dads pack the suit cases.

Moms and/or Dads load them into the car.

Moms and/or Dads (or perhaps someone else helping) unload them at the church and toss them into the trailer.

BUT, when we get to camp and get to camp with 51 steps to climb, guess who can't lift their own bags up the stairs? Then, guess who gets to aid in the luggage transfer up those stairs? Todd and/or Steve. I am certain I will lose weight I need to keep this week just on the stairs alone.

At the time of this writing, all seems well. Our guys are in their rooms and, except for the occasional renegade wanting to play ding-dong ditch, all is quiet. I generally hate the first night of camp because it always takes the second day for everyone to be tired enough to WANT to settle down and go to sleep.

As for my own son... he is doing well; this is his kind of thing. He has taken in each encounter so far and really seems to be having a good time. I am looking forward to seeing how the rest of the week goes.