The Marshman's

We have new friends in the Marshman's, a family of three--soon to be a family of four-- from California who have made their way to Southern Seminary. Great people. And Jeff happens to be an excellent photographer as well. After a few brief pointers from him, I feel like I own a new camera. Evidently, those numbers on the screen and when you look through the lens actually mean something. Check out some of his work here, where you will find some great shots from Thursday's party at the zoo.

Tory

The Party

Alas, Abigail's long anticipated "Monkey Birthday" arrived. The girl has been talking about it for about the last 6 months... If I may brag on my wife for a moment, she really puts together a good party. The kids had a fantastic time.  For those with a weak stomach, rest assured that the brown thing on the plate is not a real monkey head, but one that was sculpted by Kedra and Carey out of cake:

Happy Birthday Abigail!

We were so excited to celebrate Abigail's 3rd birthday yesterday. I have to say that this is one her funnest yet. She is getting to the age that she understands what is going on and that it is her special day. Unfortunatley, I don't think that she will feel her birthday is complete until she gets her "monkey birthday" which will come at the zoo later this week. Until then we will be bike riding like there's no tomorrow. Enjoy some pics of her day.

Dollhouse Days

We played doll house the other day, well actually we play almost everyday but this day was special. Abigail never ceases to amaze us with her comments. Here's a little clip from this particular dollhouse moment. Daddy, Abigail, and Nathan are played by myself and Abigail is Mommy of course. Here it goes...

Baby Nathan cries, "WaaaaWaaaaWaaa". Mommy (played by Abigail) runs to get Baby.

Abigail wails in pain, "WAAAAAA". Mommy runs to console Abigail.

Daddy cries out, "MOM? MOM? Can you help me a second?"

Playing Mommy and hands spilling over with dollhouse people, Abigail turns to me with a frazzled look and says, "Oh no, there's too many kids!!!"

So here's a tribute to all the mom's out there who see these dollhouse moments on a day to day basis and thrive.

One small step for Nathan, one giant leap from Mom to Dad

Wow, it has been a while...

We have just returned home from Texas and I am need of sending out our latest. I hope to get some pics out of our trip soon but just wanted to share just a little video of Nathan from this past week. I remember that Abigail always made her biggest developmental milestones right after she had gotten over a sickness episode. Well, Nathan just finished antibiotics for an ear infection, popped out two more teeth, and I only had to wipe his nose once today. So....yesterday he started taking steps ! He has gotten up to 4 steps thus far but we will continue to practice. World, here he comes! We are so excited for this little guy and just had to share our joy with you. It makes me laugh. Enjoy.

(And yes, that is still Uncle Toby playing Mario Brothers in the background.)

Click To Play

Only in Texas

From Foxnews:

"The 21-year-old North Texas man was arrested last week for trying to cash a $360 billion check, saying he wanted to start a record business. Tellers at the Fort Worth bank were immediately suspicious — perhaps the 10 zeros on a personal check tipped them off.

Fuller, of suburban Crowley, was arrested on a forgery charge. He was released after posting $3,750 bail.

Fuller said his girlfriend's mother gave him the check to start a record business. But bank employees who contacted the account's owner said the woman told them she did not give him permission to take or cash the check.

In addition to the forgery count, Fuller was charged with unlawfully carrying a weapon and possessing marijuana. Officers reported finding less than two ounces of marijuana and a .25-caliber handgun and magazine in his pockets."

Cinderella

A good friend of mine, also a father of a little girl, introduced me to this song by Steven Curtis Chapman called Cinderella...

She spins and she sways

to whatever song plays

without a care in the world

and I'm sittin' here wearin'

the weight of the world on my shoulders.

It's been a long day

and there's still work to do.

She's pulling at me saying

Dad, i need you.

There's a ball at the castle and I've been invited.

And I need to practice my dancin'.

Oh please, daddy please.

So I danced with Cinderella

while she is here in my arms.

'Cause I know something the prince never knew.

Oh, I dance with Cinderella.

I don't wanna miss even one song.'

Cause all too soon,

the clock will strike midnight

and she'll be gone.

She says he's a nice guy

and I'd be impressed.

She wants to know if I approve of the dress.

She says, Dad the prom is just one week away

and I need to practice my dancin'

Oh please, daddy please.

So I danced with Cinderella

while she is here in my arms.

'Cause I know something the prince never knew.

I danced with Cinderella

I don't wanna miss even one song.'

Cause all too soon

the clock with strike midnight

and she'll be gone.

Well she came home today

with a ring on her hand

just glowing and telling us all they had planned.

She says,Dad the wedding's still six months away

and I need to practice my dancin'

Oh please, daddy please.

So I danced with Cinderella

while she is here in my arms'

Cause I know something the prince never knew.

I danced with Cinderella

I don't wanna miss even one song'

Cause all too soon

the clock will strike midnight

and she`ll be gone.

Abigail loves the movie Cinderella. She has seen it at least a dozen times. Her favorite part, of course, is the moment when Cinderella dances with the prince at the ball. Without fail she will stand up, turn to me and shout, "Look! She's dancing with her Daddy!" For now, that prince is her daddy, and there is no one on the face of the planet, including myself, that could convince her otherwise, so I'm resolved to remain silent. However, as she grows toward the inevitable realization that somebody else is wearing the prince's crown, I pray that in her daddy, she will have seen the type of God-fearing man that she would have raise her children and lead her home. So remember, all you little aspiring princes out there... you better come prepared... "pack a lunch" as my dad would say... because I hope to leave you some big shoes to fill.