It's beginning to feel a lot like Winter in Wyoming

On a hayride. Tristan is up helping drive the Tractor! Go figure.

Oh joy.

It's currently a positive 2 degrees outside, with a wind chill of -19. Perhaps this shouldn't come as a surprise. But one thing is for sure.... it's cold. Eh, in another couple of weeks Dad and I could be getting out the bikes cause it's 65 degrees... we get some bizarre weather!

My turn to navigate the farm. This was the beginning of an unsuccessful attempt to get the last remaining year old calf into the trailer!

We grew used to the cold winter in North Dakota, where without question it's colder there than it has ever been for us in Gillette, Wyoming. In a way the cold was just something you planned for, never happy about it, but always at least somewhat proud of your ability to withstand the sub-zero. I wore it like a badge of honor. I still brag that the coldest day we had was January 28, 2008. The same day Tristan was born. It was miserable (like -65). So cold they were having a tough time keeping the hospital warm enough. I think at one point our room was like 63 degrees... they tend to try and keep them at 70.

Grandma spent a lot of time doing this!

We returned a day later from our Minnesota trip... we ended up spending the night in Aberdeen, South Dakota. We have many memories from Aberdeen. It was the nearest town to buy groceries, go on dates and "find something to do".

Great Grandpa Moon with Koren. 94 and still kickin' it! Impressed with how sharp he still is!

We found ourselves driving the 4 1/2 hours, broken up by an extended stop in Ellendale to have lunch with our friend, Ricky, from the college. By the time we reached Aberdeen it was close to 3 and we were both not looking forward to the drive that was left.

This was Tristan's WHOLE reason for going to Minnesota... ride on the tractor!

We thoroughly enjoyed our time with Samantha's family. It's been about 7 months since Samantha and the kids were back there and about 18 months since we were all there together. Much has changed since we were all there. For starter's, Samantha's folks have for the most part sold off all of their cattle. A disappointment for me probably more than anyone. They have been replaced by several massive gardens. A ploy they hope turns into a successful strawberry business.

Koren's first tractor ride!

Samantha's closest brother Josh and his wife now own a home that they had built in St. Cloud. It's a very nice split level. A house that would probably cost double had it been built in Gillette. Her sister Cheri and her husband have moved south of the cities. Her husband has just a year or so left in college. We were surprised to hear that they're considering an eight month internship in Thailand.

Tristan and Uncle Josh

Koren and Aunt Mandi

Koren and Aunt Cheri

Daryl and Matt on the "rink"

Melanie, her youngest sister, returned from a three week stay in Africa. To us, she's by far changed the most. The impact of the trip continues to leave it's mark. I to felt this way in returning from shorter trips in Belize and Peru. She's planning a Brazil excursion in a year and a half. I've long said that Melanie is VERY similar to Samantha in more ways than they both want to admit!

Aundrea with Aunt Melanie

Aundrea and Uncle Jake

Jacob, the middle brother also surprised us in many ways. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to his first semester College adventures. One thing is certain... his fist semester is better than mine was! He's in a flying/dusting program with his college. He did enough flying this past semester that he was able to do his first solo flight late in the semester. I was thoroughly impressed with the knowledge he's gained about flying. This is also a kid that has NEVER flown prior to going to college. Unbelievable. He should have his pilot's license by the end of this coming semester.

Jake getting badly beaten by ME in "Mario Kart"

Little Ben isn't quite so little. We got to see him in October. He's pretty funny still but ultimately he's great for his niece and nephew. The kids love to spend time with him and ultimately enjoy the fact that he usually finds fun stuff for them to play with. He's become a Star Wars geek. Which is fine with me! We bought him the original trilogy for Christmas. He's never seen them and really enjoyed watching "A New Hope" for the first time. In fact, that is the only time I can ever remember him not moving for at least 90 minutes.

Aundrea with MORE new hair stuff!

The trip was a lot of fun for us all! Ultimately it's good for the kids to be around family!

A few days off, a trip, and family.

Christmas vacation for school officially ended last Friday. It's nice to know I don't have to work during a holiday... and that I have a fair amount of time off.

I enjoy the Christmas/New Year Holiday, especially since we have kids. Aundrea and Tristan enjoy seeing presents under the tree. Getting them to understand the reason and purpose of Christmas is somewhat of a challenge. I think the stories that they're told make sense, at least to Aundrea. But application for her is a bit of a challenge.

This year Christmas came a bit early as we celebrated with mom and dad last Sunday. It was a lot of fun for all of us. Samantha and I had got a Wii from them a few weeks earlier. Although I've never been a "BIG" video game fanatic, I have enjoyed this little system as it has simple games that we can just pick up fairly quickly and play.

Aundrea and Tristan mainly received much needed clothes. Aundrea also got a kids style digital camera. She's taken an interest in taking pictures with our camera, her own camera seemed fairly logical. She also received a bed for her baby doll.

Tristan is a little more simple. If it looks neat he's ok with it! He got an RC Truck to tool around with. Right now he mainly knows how to go forward and backward. Running into stuff is his biggest enjoyment!

Koren is the biggest challenge. What do you get a kid that inherits everything from his siblings? We managed to find a few needed things for him!

Wednesday was an early morning for us. We got up a little after 5. Loaded up the final 2-3 things and the kids into the van and were on the road by 6:15 for Minnesota. The kids stayed in their pajamas until we were nearly to North Dakota. We arrived at Samantha's parent's time at about 7:30 CT. Not to bad of time. The kids did a great job with the trip. Thanks to entertainment systems... and headphones.

The trip was a bit of surprise for Samantha as she's only known for the past 10 days or so that she'd be spending Christmas at home, something we haven't done in at least 3, maybe 4 years. She enjoys to return home and catch up with her family. Living so far away has made it difficult for her at times.

I do believe we'll probably end up somewhere in this vicinity in future years. We would like to make the move this coming year, yet I'm planning for several scenarios. The worst of which would be to stay put!

We're here through Sunday. And we'll make the long trip back beginning early Monday morning.

The Cat is Out of the Bag

It's official.

At least for my wife.

I have been planning since October on a a December Christmas trip to Minnesota to spend Christmas with the Moon's!

Ultimately the trip was something Samantha and I have discussed since the summer. I had set my mind to doing it in September/October. However, I was hoping that it could be a little bit of a surprise for my wife and kids.

So step one was, inadvertently convincing Samantha that we "shouldn't" go. Now this was somewhat difficult. She needed to feel like she was making the decision. Like she was the one wearing the "pants" if you will! I even went as far as calling her family and letting them know that she would be calling them to tell them that we would not be coming... before she made her decision... but that in reality we would be coming.

My plan worked perfectly... with just some prodding Samantha had decided in about a week that we just couldn't do the trip. Money was a factor, roads were a factor, us just spending my break together was a factor. She just felt it best that we stay in Gillette. A phone call was made and the dissapointing news was delivered!

Now ultimately my plan involved us leaving on the 22nd or there about and taking a "trip" to Rapid City. Once we got to Spearfish... head North and then head across the Reservation! She would have figured it out about then!

Only one problem.... keeping that all a secret! I was having a horrible time since about Thanksgiving. About 30 different times I had said something that NO doubt was a story breaker. In fact I had reinforced the Rapid trip maybe a little to much... as I was having a difficult time putting it all together BEFORE Christmas. Samantha didn't catch on fortunately.

Samantha's family was probably having a tough time as well. It's tough when you talk to someone on the phone and ou can't "talk" about something that is coming up really soon. Her Uncle Glen even said something about us coming for Christmas on Thanksgiving. Samantha on her own immediately dismissed it as her Dad "forgetting". WOW. I spent a little while that day laughing inside.

Last Wednesday or so I did finally tell her. It was just getting to tough and way to much trouble for all involved! The biggest thing is I didn't want her to do the usually baking procedure. I can't imagine what she'd do if we made all that and then didn't even stay to eat it!

So anyways... we're off to Minnesota in a little over a week. I'm going to be flexible just based on the propensity for bad weather. It seems that most typically when we go back we end up fighting some type of incliment weather pattern. The fact that Southern Minnesota got around 20 inches of snow this weekend might mean that the State isn't due for any more bad weather for a while. I'm not going to hold my breath though! I am in disbelief that the Metrodome roof colapsed! Not sure if everyone has seen this video.

In other news...

This has been a tough weekend for our family. Tristan developed the sniffles Friday evening. Aundie and he were at Mom and Dad's spending the night. This is probably one of their favorite things to do. Skip swimming... skip skating... they'll chose Grandpa and Grandma's everytime if given the option. Plus with leaving in a little over a week, spending a little time with them will be a good thing.

The time with out the mess maker's gave Samantha and I a chance to have a little quality time. We went out to eat at Pokey's BBQ joint. It been a place we discovered only about 4 or 5 weeks ago. We always knew it existed just hadn't tried it out. Great BBQ done Wyoming style. Friday we even tried out their homemade potato chips. Mmmmhmmm!

Saturday was all about cleaning up the house. We spent all morning picking up, doing laundry and wrapping a few presents for the kids. The shopping for the most part is complete for our kids! Finally a Christmas that doesn't involve last minute!

Picking up the kids Saturday around noonish was fine for us! Upon getting home Tristan didn't appear to be looking really good. A temp check revealed a temp of 101. A few hours later and Aundrea was at 100.7 and not far behind. Tylenol and rest. Tristan got up a few hours into the night and found his way into our bed. Where at about 4 am we all got to wake up to him vomiting on our pillows. Yay.

He got a bath, I changed out the bedding and we all went back to bed. Although he was moved to his own bed with a "special bucket".

Sunday was spent being miserable for all. Tristan and Aundrea's fever returned to normal at about 6 pm. Mine and Samantha's did abour the same time as well. Tristan's appetite also returned sometime around then as well. It's tough not feeding him as he's typically a "starving" boy as it is!

I thought work would be attainable today. However after eating last night my fever returned and I spent until about 2:30 am with my own "special bucket". Thankfully the bucket remained clean.

Unfortunately one day of not feeling well tends to wreck our house! Back to square one.

The Yankees and the BEST/WORST contribution to Major League Baseball

It goes without saying that as a Detroit Tiger's fan, I am automatically not a fan of the New York Yankees. In fact I like the Yankees the least of ALL other MLB teams.

The Tiger's and Yank's used to be in the same division when it was just the American League and National League. And still when each league was subdivided into two separate divisions. At the addition of the the Rays and Rox (I think this was around '93 or so) the leagues went to 3 divisions. The Yankees went to the east, where the Tiger's where in the Central.

The main thing that angers me is the Yankee's "win at all COST." For starters it's made for a much more volatile free agent market, and driven up the cost to add a player ten fold. Not that players shouldn't make their worth.

The problem is that had driven up the costs for a family to attend the ball park. There is currently such a rash of no black baseball players. And a push to add more ball parks in the inner city. The reality is these kids can't afford to go to the ball park.

The same is true for a family of four that lives 2+ hours from the ball park. When we lived in North Dakota I was shocked by the people that would drive 5-6 hours from the Dakota's to watch the Twinky's play ball. That's a pretty loyal fan base. However, people in that area don't make a great deal of money. Now they're spending 10-12 hours on the road ($70 in gas), buying tix ($125), buying a beer and a dog or... two! ($30-$50), Grabbing a meal or two for the trip ($40). That's $250+ for a single game. Unreal.

Thank the Yankees.

On the same hand it's tough to really blame one team. As all really are guilty. The Tiger's have improved their 2011 line-up for about $30,000,000 additional dollars next year. They're somewhere in the top 1/3 of the pack with $$$ this year. Unfortunately, my guess is they've commit 10-20 million more on signings this year.

The Yankees on the other hand just learned the cost of paying exorbitant prices for players. They just resigned Jeter for about $17 million a year. Jeter has definitely had success in pin stripes. However, the Yankees WOULD be better with about 20 other guys (at least) playing that position. Number's have shown a decline in Jeter's abilities. Last year was a dramatic decrease. This years numbers might be a tick over 2010's performance... but bottom line... he won't hit .300 this year.

Having to pay a guy that, just simply because he's the "greatest Yankee of this era" (which doesn't mean diddly squat outside of the five boroughs) is laughable. Sure he want's to retire a Yankee and a short stop. But if you really care about the organization your paid what your worth. Not the the imaginative worth that your name means to a franchise.

Magglio Ordonez has arguably meant as much to the Tiger's in the last 6 years as Jeter has to the Yanks. Bottom line, the Tiger's love him and would like to bring him back #1 for the right price, and #2 in the right situation. But they're shopping. Teams need the most BANG for their buck. At least teams other than the Yankees.

I'm glad the Yankees had to WAY OVERPAY for a guy with minimal skills at best in today's game. YES I said it! MINIMAL SKILLS. He had his day, he washed up! Good job Yankees! Thanks giving me something to laugh about! It's good to watch you waste money.

Recaping the Thanksgiving Weekend

Thanksgiving.


The perfect Holiday! Food football and four days off!


Hard to imagine that it's all coming to an end tonight!

Just thought I'd sum up what we did!

Thursday we went to my folks. We at mainly soup and other snacks. It was a good time had by all. The football wasn't all that great. It's no fun watching the Lions get drubbed year in and year out. It is fun to watch the 'boys get beat on their own mistakes.

Thursday at 6ish Samantha, Koren and I, took off for Rapid City, SD. I had earned a free night in a motel through Wyndham and took advantage of it. It's always nice to spend the night in a motel and not have to pay for it.

Our mission was "Black Friday" shopping! We slept a few hours then woke up at about 2. First we went to Kohls for their 3 AM opening, then Menards for their 6 AM opening, with McDonalds breakfast squeezed in between.

I enjoyed the experience! No guarantee I will do it next year, but I would do it in the future!

Saturday was our "real" Thanksgiving Celebration. We had Turkey and the like. It was pretty good!

My mom's friend and husband (Aunt Bonnie and Uncle Loren) joined us from Colorado Springs. It was good seeing them as it's been a few years!

Sunday was back to a lazy day. We didn't do a whole lot! Just tried to recover from the first three days!

Having a Son. Like having a dog that talks!

So lately I've been trying to put in a little quality Dad/Son time with Tristan. I'm really not sue what this means. Just that I've been purposely doing stuff just with him.

Having an older brother their were a great deal of things that apparently, according to Samantha, that I was not exposed to.

Unfortunately their are some items that my son is exposed to with an older sister.

A week or two ago we kicked out mom, sis and Kor boy to hang out just us. We watched a "guy" movie (for the life of me I can't remember what we watched). We ate pizza and drank kool-aid on the living room floor (this was a big secret... that is till mom came home and he spilled his guts). We wrestled. We just had fun!

Once the movie was over I gave Tristan A choice on ANYTHING he wanted to do.

He said, "Play with Dolls!"

HOLY COW.

It wasn't that he said it, it was that he was ULTRA excitted to play with them.

No stinkin' way!

Now granted during my sickly years and the numerous hospital stays, I to had a doll. It was a "My Buddy" doll. That was a boy doll. Heck it was basically like one of the stuffed animals, like my monkey... named "Pete"... it was just part of the gang.

Tristan wanted to dress the dolls, comb their hair and then dress them again.

UGH.

I managed to talk him out of it.

Instead, I gently nudged him to the mulititude of cars that I've bought him.

We crashed the cars, we raced the cars, and we even fixed the cars.

That was MANLY! That was cool! That's what BOYS do!

Sadly I'm still haunted by the doll request.

Everything inside of me weeps for my oldest son. Having a big sister is like kissing the ugly girl on the bus. It leads to a lot of regretful things and could get a lot of people talking about you... for all the wrong reasons.

Poor kid.

Tristan has truly led to a lot of humor in our lives lately.

Kinda like the Brad Paisley song that's out right now..."Anything Like Me"

For example... the other day we're trying to leave, I grab a piece of halloween candy and shoved it in my mouth.

Aundrea asked Samantha, "Why's daddy eating Candy?"

Samantha responded, "Cause he wants to get fat!" (Can you believe my wife would say that!)

Tristan immediately responds, "Like you momma?!"

OUCH!

The past 2 months have been full of humor like this!

The other side of Tristan is his persistency to live and do his own thing.

For examply when it's time to get ready to go he's 100% of the time the last one to the van!

When it's time to pick up toy's he's the first one to find something else to do!

When someone is in trouble he's usually the last person to confess!

When it's time to eat he's typically the first one done!

When it's time to go potty, everyone is made aware of what's on his mind!

Koren had better not be a "Tristan" round 2.

Making the most of it...

I hate being sick.

There is perhaps one thing I hate worse... when everyone around me is sick.

Not really sure which one of us got this bug going. I just know that we're passing it around pretty good.

All five of us have some type of either flu or respiratory bug.

We've been battling the bug for over a week now. It seems like things just aren't going our way right now!

Koren seems to be the least effected thus far. THANK GOODNESS!

Samantha is struggling the worst right now. She's not getting a lot of sleep should it be one kid or the another. She needs a break and soon. She's getting to be a pretty tough nut. Surprising the changes we've undergone in just over 4 years since we had Aundrea to now her being able to interpret cries, whimpers and sometimes even looks.

Aundrea just started ice skating classes. The local rec center offer's the class. It was $45 for 12 classes, plus 6 free passes for her to practice on her own. We thought that was pretty reasonable. We even purchased her own ice skates! More will surely follow on our experience in the ice!

Tristan is absolutely been a bugger lately. He might be the slowest kid I've met when he needs to get from "point a" to "point b". For instance, going from our apartment to the car seems to be a five minute process. Especially after he's explored every corner, crack and door. I've proud of him all the same! He's definitely my son!

Kor boy is also challenging us in new ways. He's different than his siblings. But it's been pretty neat having an infant around the house. It's gruesome at how quickly you forget how tough it can be with a baby. I know that I'll miss it when we're done having kids. We've decided that having three kids isn't a complete "bang your head against the wall" it's just close to it!

I've been busy with work and my internship. It's a long process to get the MA wrapped up. I'm considering resigning from the Roughrider's. It's been a lot of fun, but has demanded a great deal of my time year round. Time that could be spent with the kids or completing one of the main things I came to Gillette in the first place. There have been a few other glitches that have led me to believe it would be the right thing to do as well. I hope to have a decision made by the end of the week.

Finally, we're really beginning to wrap our heads around a move late next summer. We've already put a few plans in motion. We'll see how that all turns out.

Getting caught up in the election.

What a silly night.

Elections never seem to amaze me. The news coverage is almost commical! The commentators just LOVE to call each race. Sometimes the race is as little as 1% reporting for them to call the race.

I disagree with this approach.

Read a few blogs tonight about how for some news reporters actually view this as their Superbowl. Many newspapers throw "Election Party's" which include, according to this blog, "large quantities of adult beverages". Hmmm... coffee and tea?

Not sure that all this news is really excitting.

I do know that I've gotten a little bit into the Wyoming Governors race. Haven't you heard it on CNN? It's a BIG deal! Yeah right.

Most all Wyoming races mean diddly squat in the grand scheme of things. I mean, we are one of only 3/4 states that have fewer Representatives than Senators. Yes, I've now voted in two states where that has rung true!

Samantha and I have been debating the Gov's race though. We basically had a Republican, a Democrat, a Libertarian, and a write-in.

We both chose the write in, Taylor Haynes. Haynes started as an engineer, then went back to school where he became a Urologist. After retiring he became a cattle rancher in Southern Wyoming. He currently heavily involved in agriculture and sits on the Board of Regents for the University of Wyoming.

There was a big push for him in Campbell County and sorrounding areas. He's a good dude and a BLACK rancher... doesn't get much cooler than that. Unfortunately, he's lost. Not a big shocker!

The other election that is of concern for me and many of my coworkers is the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. That race consisted of a Republican: Cindy Hill and a Democrat: Mike Massey. Cindy Hill was a short term Assistant Principal that got fired last year. Massey doesn't have an education background but did chair the education committee.

I chose Massey. I've just heard way to many negative things about Hill. Dissapointing. She just outspent everybody else in the primary. Doesn't mean I can vote for her.

Talked to a fellow teacher today that was completely ticked about how conservatitive Campbell County is. He complained that no one votes for a Dem. I tend to disagree. Oh yeah... he went one ticket and refused to vote in the 2 elections that didn't have a dem. Wow.

Overall, no real surprises on the results tonight. People are ticked at Obama. Maybe they don't like policy, the way he talks, or the dog he picked out for his kids. Who cares either way it's a tough deal. It doesn't mean that next week the economy is going to shoot through the roof. It definitely doesn't mean that health care will get fixed. (On that note... was health care good before "Obamacare?"... NO. Will it be good under "Obamacare?" NO!) We tend to make problems out of problems. RED or BLUE.

Growing weary of the shinanigans.

Ok so all the shinanigans are enough.

Yes... I use "Shinanigans" not as in the place you go and eat, but the same kind of Shinanigans on "Super Troopers".

I have switched my football allegiances about a year ago from the Lions to the Vikings.

The move made sense.

Samantha grew up a Vikes fan.

She adopted the Tigers... I better return the favor.

Oh yeah... and the Lions stunk for forever.

Now however it looks like I've made a pretty bad decision.

Brett can't keep his Blackberry North of his Wrangler waistline.

They can't seem to win.

One of their best players is hurt... better yet, a lot of their players are hurt.

They decided to bring Randy Moss back in the equations.

They're 2-5.

Brett can't keep from injuring something every time he gets on the field.

Today they deleted Randy Moss from their roster. (This was probably a good move... but doesn't do much for continuity)

The defense can't seem to stop anybody when it should be top 5 in the League.

I don't know what to think. Right now I'd be a safe bet to think that the Lions will finish with a better record.

We'll see.

Progress...

The passed few weeks have been pretty busy for me personally. Outside of taking a break when Samantha's folks were in town everthing else has seemed to be more of a "hold on and hope for the best".

Outside of being a dad and husband, having a full time job, coaching fall baseball, going to class one night a week; I've been very busy working on an administrative internship.

The internship hasn't been to difficult. Although I've experienced a few interesting stories overall it's been a good experience.

The internship basically consists of 300 hours split between Elementary and Secondary. I have till March or so to complete the hours. After tomorrow I'll have 40 done. That's not much. Considering that a majority of them are secondary.

I guess just hold on and hope I graduate in May.

Koren is growing well. He's now around 10 lbs. Hope to post up some pictures of the kids and Daryl, Janet and Ben's visit by this weekend.

The Secret of Parenting like a PRO!

Having Koren and potty training Tristan has brought back several not so distant memories on parenting.

Most of which aren't pleasant.

Their are many keys to proper parenting that we've had to subject ourselves to in the last four years.

1. Pooping and Peeing happens... deal with it.

2. You will eventually get to a day where you realize it's normal to have poop and pee on your hands. Just wash it off with soap. (I'm not yet to that day- Tristan proved that a few hours ago)

3. You eventually for some reason smell something funny and instictively bend over to smell your son's diaper to confirm your fear.

4. Kids usually have to eat, but never when you want to.

5. When they do eat it usually means you don't.

6. It takes twice as long to clean up after them as it did for them to eat.

7. Falling happens a lot. Let them figure out how to get up.

8. Crying happens a lot. Kids don't die from crying... (just all the blood from what they're crying about?)

9. You shouldn't actually do a touchdown dance everytime one of your kid uses the potty.

10. Getting up in the morning to a wife that's been up 5 seperate times in the night and slept for about 3 1/2 hours total will NEVER be a fun experience.

We've had a rough couple of days with potty training and keeping the house looking like actual people live in it!

I've pretty much given up on a normal sleep pattern. Not sure that it has anything to do with a new born, just my inability to shut the thing between my ears off.

On a good note... we sold a lot of stuff last weekend at our garage sale. 100x more than we had planned or expected. We sold every big ticket item that we had hoped to sell and for good money. Downsizing slightly has it's rewards.

We're still exploring our future in Gillette, downsizing is good if we decide that we need to move on in the future. At the same time we had stuff that needed to go anyways!

The pool table, washer and dryer and dining room table all sold. On top of that we parted with many other items as well.

We're currently moving mom and dad from one place to another. That's always hectic. This is their 2nd or 3rd move since arriving to Gillette.

Yippee.

Settling In!

~Visiting Koren in the Hospital~

Of Course these two were there! Mom and Dad finally got to see a grandbaby just a few minutes old! This one was taken on the second day.

Cousin Matias checks out this stuff! He was very handsy! Who could blame him, that little guy looks like he needs to be played with!

Uncle Christopher gets in on the holding action.

Aunt Rebeca has had a little bit of practice this past year at holding a baby!

Aunt Cheri came out from the Cities to check up on the latest nephew, and providing sitting services for the oldest two.

2nd Cousins Julie, Stephen and Maria stopped in to welcome the new baby. Make sure you notice Julie's new hat... she was sure to point it out to me! I like it!

Of course... big brother! No longer the little guy and happy about it!

No doubt it's been an eventful 6 days for us!

Life is slowly or at least attempting to find a little bit of normalcy... we think!

Isn't normal being up at odd hours of the night to the sound of a hungry baby? If it is then we're normal as we can be!

Koren right now is up 4-5 times. Which maybe we shouldn't complain! He usually decides that bed time is the perfect time to start his 1-2 hours of multiple eatings. This is about the time I kick off and Samantha gets upset!

Aundrea and Tristan are still happy we're home.

I've gotten a little dramatic with their nap schedule in an attempt to get them caught up with sleep. They were out tonight at 7:30. It'll be a good night sleep but will more than likely mean an early morning from Tristan.

Part of their early sleep was their behavior this evening. The rode along to my class tonight with the intent that they'd just be sitting still with one of the fifteen things we packed for them.

That's not exactly what they did!

I'm dissapointed not because they weren't perfect but more because they were SO bad. I'm pretty sure I had poop and pee on my hands for most of two hours.

When we arrived home, they were both confined to their beds, and imagine that, they both fell asleep within minutes of laying down.

We'll figure them out!

Koren has been pretty quiet in comparison to how he entered the world last Friday. Mainly crying when he's hungry... he also is quite the jabberer in his sleep, which is more funny than anything!

Samantha has experienced a few different symptoms stemming from this pregnancy. Some things she's watching and hopefully won't require much more than time to correct.

I've been busy continuing with the apartment. It's been difficult to keep up with the mess and laundry... on top of trying to figure out where things still need to be put away at!

All part of the joys of a growing family! The two weeks off is a big help!

A garage sale will be a part of our weekend plans. We've sensed the need to downsize since we left Ellendale. However timing and location were distractions from folloing through with our intentions. Hopefully we can get rid of some of our bigger ticket items.

That mainly will help set us up to make a move next summer, should something happen on that front. Hopefully we're flexible enough and find just the right thing!

Introducing Koren Lynn Strong

One Happy Mommy! It's nice to know that 9 months of misery is worth it in the end!

You son are blessed to have the WEIRDEST dad on earth!

Koren doing what Koren does best!

The kids are smilling because they know they now outnumber Mom and Dad!

One HAPPY Big Brother! I think he's going to do a pretty good job!

Deciding that this Big Sister thing is actually pretty cool! She'll adjust!

The wait is finally over!

1:31 yesterday we welcomed baby #3 into our lives and family!

We gave HIM the name Koren Lynn. He was by far our lightest kid weighing in at 7 lbs 8 oz and being 19 1/4 inches.

Koren is a Latin name that we settled on a few days ago. Not really for the meaning (Spear) but just cause we liked it! Lynn is after my Dad and also makes him the third generation to carry the name.

Samantha is resting well and looks to be out of the Hospital by Monday. She's healing very well and is resting as much as possible.

Koren is sleeping the 20 hours at least that our kids tend to! He's waking up and eating every couple of hours.

Aundrea and Tristan are accepting their roles as the older siblings somewhat differently. We've long expected that Aundrea would be quite motherly and take to the baby rather quickly. We were pretty certain Tristan would take a little while to adjust to the newness of the baby and really get clingy to mommy.

As it turns out we were flipped completely. Tristan wants to hold him all the time. Aundrea was finally convinced today that it was ok to hold him! Crazy kids!

It's been a great day or two for the Strong Family!

A Night Out

As previously mentioned, we've had a busy couple of weeks.

All of the things we've done, between moving, preping to have a baby, work, classes, baseball 4x a week I have found that I haven't had a great deal of time to just spend it with my kids.

Tonight I changed that, if only temporarily.

Aundrea has really been activing out lately, mainly I feel, becuase I haven't been able to give her the attention she needs. Tristan has been more in a haze as he's not really understanding the move, or having the baby.

Tonight was all about them. I took them over to the Theatre for a showing of the "Dispicable Me". We bought pop, popcorn and two candy bars, all treats that they get very rarely.

The movie was ok, funny at times. But ultimately the kids enjoyed it! Which made it worth it. After that we went shoping at Wal-Mart mainly for a dog poop picker-upper and clippers for Tristans hair... not sure that those two are even closely connected!

It was such a great time for the four of us. I say four, because Samantha spent the night at home relaxing. Although she seemed to be a little more tense when we returned... maybe the baby is getting close!

It's so vital for me to spend time with the kids. Which every dad knows, it just seems like at stages I have a difficult time following through. I'd like to do a better job of that this fall and winter.

Aundrea told me tonight that she wants me to stay home now and not work. Pretty simple when a 4 year old understands the need to have daddy around. It's probably one of the best things Aundie has said to me. I know she desires my attention/affection.

Tristan has opened up to me a lot more in the last 2-3 months. He's still his momma's boy, but he's realized that dad can be a lot of fun to! That's gotten to be pretty cool. He's a pleaser more than his sister, he loves to be told that he's doing a good job or that he's a good boy!

It's difficult for me to imagine that #3 is only about +/- 36 hours away. On one hand I love Samantha and the kids more than anything on this planet, to imagine opening that up for one more child is difficult, makes me wonder if it's possible to open up that much more, yet I know that nothing will replace the feeling that I'll have when I see this baby for the first time.

The birth of Aundrea and Tristan has been to date the most EMOTIONAL experience in my life. Marrying Samantha was emotional, but much more excitting than anything! I can already feel myself slipping into that same set of emotions with this child. To imagine being able to call this life by his/her name for the first time is just absolutely incredible!

I'm having a difficult time just containing myself right now.

Aundrea in the pool this summer! It provided a chance to cool off and a chance to have FUN!

He may be freezing, but he's not coming out!

A New Roof

What a long, long week and a half!

We moved to Gillette, Wyoming (or Wynoming according to Aundie) on December 15, 2008. We're approaching the two year mark rapidly! We actually lived only about 5 miles North Savageton, Wyoming and 28 miles South of Gillette.

Savageton is complete with about 2-3 houses and a Bar. Making Gillette our postal residence.

We've found in the last 21 months that we enjoyed the quietness of our country home. The house/duplex itself was quite small. It was basically big enough for us and not much else! All the same the rent was reasonable, and I was handling the daily commute. What I didn't enjoy was getting home after 10 on some nights having left at before 6 that morning.

With that in mind and the number of trips we make into town on a weekly basis, Samantha and I began to look for a place in town about 2-3 months ago.

Gillette is pretty tricky. Your going to pay a bit more than you want to, but your ultimately not going to get the Ritz. For us, our budget was about $1000/month. I know, seems unreasonable, and yes you can buy a house for less than that per month, but you better know your staying in the area for a few years.

We toured a couple homes. Called on probably close to 100. Either to much or a home that I wouldn't allow the dogs to live in, let alone my wife and kids.

Eventually I shifted my focus from house to apartments. I had been adament that we will NOT live in an apartment ever again. I did it once in Ellendale and found the experience to not be overly excitting. However in Gillette it didn't appear that I had many options.

We basically settled on a three bedroom on the North side of town. The complex is fairly new and provided close access for school and about a 5 minute walk to the baseball field. Both were pretty appealing.

We're paying under budget which was another plus.

The most challenging part was actually packing and getting moved in.

I hate moving.

Anyways, we started on Labor day and are complete as of about 1:30 AM this morning. We have just a few items that we need a place for, but overall we feel confident that we're pretty much ready to weather the next storm.

The next storm of course is a new baby Strong.

We're scheduled for a c-section on Friday. I once thought that we'd see the baby before then, but I think this one is going to hold out on us!

We're both pretty confident we have a little girl on the way. We hope anyways! We've had the girl name set for 2-3 months and we're still back and forth on the boys name.

So at any rate, by Friday we will be parents for the third time. Odd for me to comprehend that.

Aundrea turns 4!!!

August 24, 2010!

Hard to believe that 4 years ago Aundrea entered our life! Around 7:30 in the morning!

Samantha and I have been busy decorating, wrapping, and CLEANING. The cleaning was the biggest part of the deal. We started decorating at about 11 and finished around 1:30. We get pretty excitted about birthdays!

Christopher, Rebeca, and Matias fly in today and them as well as mom and dad and some cousins are coming out to help celebrate.

Tristan seems to be as excitted as Aundrea! It's going to be a good night in the Strong house tonight!

There and back again.

As if a season of traveling wasn't enough, Samantha and I dropped off the kids and headed to Billings on Friday. We spent two days and a great deal of money. Yippee.
I'm now whipped and ready for bed.

One LOOOOONG Summer

It's been a long summer.



I thought when I signed up to teach I was supposed to sip lemonade next to the pool on these long months.



Ah Baseballl, yes that's right! Baseball has dominated our summer.



Quick update Samantha's somewhere between week 31 or 32. I have a tough time keeping track.



We have a girls name narrowed down to one. And we're pretty close to having a boys name. It seems to be getting more and more challenging. Both are great names!



Aundrea has grown a bunch this summer. I know have a young girl on my hands.



Tristan is losing most of his baby looks and is transitioning from baby to boy. This age is proving more challenging with him than it was for Aundrea. He's in for a shock in 2 months.



Riding my bike as often as possible. It's been my release for a season like this. I'm secretly considering taking a trip starting on Monday or Tuesday. I have an idea of where I'd like to go. Just gotta decide if I can run it by Samantha and get her to go for it. I just need a little R&R and time to think about my/our next move.

My body continues to remind me that it's not going to respond like it once would. I've done enough throwing to now have my shoulder about twice the size it should be. I'm afraid I've damaged some of what got repaired a 2 1/2 years ago. My knees ache, and I'm afraid the combination of the two has thrown my back out of whack. My neck doesn't rotate right now like it should. GREAT.

I'd say it's time for a break!

One date I'm really looking forward to is 8/6 as it marks our 5th wedding anniversary! We're not sure how we plan to celebrate. I have a good feeling we're going to wing it!

Back to baseball...

My team is now somewhere around 35-23 or 24. We've had a good season but I can tell these guys are starting to wear out. The end of the season on Sunday will be good for all of us.

Ok... off to practice.

Ejected by the Rejected

What a beautiful day for baseball!



85 Degrees, Sunny, with a sprinkle of clouds!



Started a "Big Stick" Tourney in Rapid City today against Sturgis, South Dakota. We won 9-2... the game wasn't that close though. The game however wasn't the "highlight" of the day.



In the top of the 4th inning, we had our second or third rally of the day in progress. Kid on third, Four hole hit's a fly to right, one of their kids come out and makes a pretty good over the head play on the ball.



My kid tagged up, waited till we knew the kid had caught the ball (typical... and difficult based on the angle. It was a good play mind you... I wasn't positive he made the catch and sent the kid once I was sure) He scored easy (don't let me forget that the umpire behind the plate was picking up our bat and not paying much attention to my guy tagging/scoring). Put us up 8-0, three outs and we end the game early.



There coach starts yelling at his kids from the dugout... "he left early, step on third." This is an old tactic, I've used it myself. Try and see if the ump was watching... heck maybe you'll get a call. In this situation I almost laughed... we had waited clearly past the kid having possesion of the ball... but whatever.



They throw it to third.



"Out"



"Huh?"



I jogged slowly to our dugout.



I admit I had a few words for the umpire.



Remember he was busy picking up a bat. I reminded him. It was a bad, bad call.



If you weren't watching don't make a call.



Whatever, we're up by 7. I was pretty sure everything would be fine.



I insert one of my young pitchers for the bottom of the 4th. As he's warming up Sturgis basically has their next kid to hit in the batter's circle. And most of their team out of the dug out taking practice swings.



The next batter is required to remain in the on deck circle. Not timing a new pitcher.



Common sense.



I've asked probably no less than 4 times for an ump to back up a player. Each has obliged. Even the players did so willingly.



I asked... and let me repeat EXACTLY what I said... "Sir, can you please back them up from timing my pitcher?"



I'm sitting on my bucket at this point.



He responded by asking me who was running the show...



I responded "Apparently their dugout"



He immediately says "One more word and you'll finish the game in the parking lot"



I respond, "Yeah, OK" (ZERO body language)



He responds, "That's it, your out of here"



At this point I picked myself up off my bucket, made my way to exactly 3" from his nose and proceded to get my money's worth! I got my money's worth... trust me!



What an ignorant OLD fool.



I would never imagine that I would get tossed sitting on my bucket.



Asking an ump for common courtesy, really?



This marks my second ejection this year. The first one it was 100% my intent after I was requested to let an ump have it.

I don't even know that I've exchanged negative words with an umpire outside of these two incidents. Silly stuff.

When SLEEP becomes a productive activity!

What a busy couple of weeks!

I've been done with work for two weeks yet me schedule hasn't slowed down until yesterday.

Immediately after work was done we began a 10 game stretch of games. Most of which were at least 2 hours away.

I am often surprised by people not in athletics. Coaching is more than just showing up for a game. For example. If I have a game starting at 5 in Rapid City. It means that I'm unlocking the clubhouse at 12:30 and pulling out with my team at 1:00.

A two hour trip has us at the field at 3:00, two hours of batting practice and pregame prep means the game starts at 5:00. A typical double header at this level last's about 5 1/2 hours including your break between games. That means at the soonest games end at 10:30. After a post game wrap, and guys loading up to leave, we're usually on the road by 11:00. Now wait a minute... it's 11:00 PM... I've had the guys since 12:30. They haven't eaten anything since they left their house... HELLO TACO BELL!

YUCK.

After a thirty minute stop, we're off! Putting us into the clubhouse at about 1:30. Figure 15-30 minutes to unload and wait for the last guys folks to show up and I start home at about 2:00.

That means I've had the guys for about 13 1/2 hours.

Don't forget... I live 30 minutes south of Gillette. Hopefully I'm in bed at 2:45.

Ah... you think I sleep till 11 and start the whole thing over don't you?!

Class for my M.A. start at 8. Crap. I'm usually up at 6:30.

They continue until I leave... for the next road trip.

Home games aren't much better. I usually don't leave the field until 2-3 hours after the contest is complete. Of course I've only had 6 home games (3 dates).

Lately, my biggest need is sleep. Trying to recover from pnuemonia, be a dad, be a husband, be a student, and be a coach has had it's moments over the last few weeks!

Thank goodness for TBC. Or something like that.

I am in the middle of my only five day break from baseball. The guys are 19-11 and we're just beginning to play to our ability level. We've beaten several very mid-level varsity's over our last stretch. I've enjoyed working with them!

On another note... Samantha is growing quickly. She's put on 15 lbs since the beginning and is rapidly growing especially over the last 4 weeks. The Dr. triple checked her numbers. Looks like we're in for another big 'un.

I am now announcing my prediction for the baby. It will be 21" and low 9 lbs... like 9# 3oz or somewhere close to that.

Today we set up the tent and the kids and I will sleep out there tonight... for whatever reason pregnant Sammy has declined invitation. Hmm?

I ain't no chicken...

Another helpless deal as a parent.

We're currently about 7 hours from home in Central Montana and my son Tristan isn't feeling very well.

It all started with Samantha noticing a couple spots that looked similar to rash, several turned into several more which compounded exponentially.

As you can imagine, bunches of red dots lead to only one thing... chicken pox. Tristan is now covered in them. Poor little body.

Aundrea is most sure to follow in the next week or so. Great.

Currently I sit in Lewistown, Montana with Samantha and the kids and my whole baseball team. We're currently part of a tournament of six teams.

So there isn't much comfort for Tristan and all's he can do is be miserable. We're dumping Benadryl down his throat and dabbed his spots with calomine lotion to ease some of the itching.

Samantha has been masterful at creating the best environment for him as she can. She's just done so well at understanding that I have 15 guys and a schedule to be responsible for and she's stepped in perfectly.

It's been a lot of fun having them here with me. I was dredding that they wouldn't be able to come. They've even riden on the bus which has been nice for us to have 13-14 hours additional bonding.

My guys are now 2-0 at the tourney and 16-10 overall, including a six game winning streak. We have 2 very tough games left to at least get piece of the the championship. We're also very tired. I'll be up in about 4 hours, the guys will be up soon after and they'll play at 8 am and 10:30 tomorrow. I better head to bed.

Schools Out!!

School has officially ended in Campbell County. I should be a free man.

Why do I find myself back in my office on Monday morning at 7:40?

Put me up for employee of the year. Then slap me.

I actually have arrived at this hour for a couple reasons mainly to finish a paper that I've procrastinated on for my class that starts at 9. I guess I should be doing that instead of blogging.

We're on the back stretch of a 10 game set in 6 days. This is probably he most difficult time that I've had coaching in my brief career. Purely coaching. Obviously Trinity's level of difficulty will never be matched.

It's actually been a lot of fun to be challenged as a coach. It makes me feel like I'm actually able to coach. To balance 15 kids... ages ranging 14-17 isn't easy. For 90% of them, they played Babe Ruth last year, which consisted of abour 20 games. That means in these 6 days we're playing 1/2 of that schedule, and we've already played more games than they ever have previously.

I've found especially lately that some of the skills that I developed/learned while banging my head against the wall at TBC have been especially helpful. For instance, I've been sick for about 4 1/2 weeks. Wednesday or so last week I finally broke down and went to the doctor.

I have pnuemonia in my left lung. Which would explain the extreme difficulty in breathing, along with other wonderful symptoms. I knew I was sick... not admit to the hospital sick... but sick all the same.

I did talk my way through not going to the hospital.

During that time, I operated on little sleep and felt/proved that I could be productive.

The other side of my learning curve for the coaching has been the psychological approach to my team. SO much of coaching is psychology. I knew that at the college, but was just trying to develop it at that point. This team has allowed me to really implement what I want and the players have responded better very well.

I think everybody in the world knows that coaching and athletics has something to do with motivation. Yet the average onlooker knows little of the challenges of a coach when it comes to crafting motivation. I'm absolutely still learning, it's just been nice to actually see result from players you've cultivated for three months.

Back to the 10 game stretch. I talk about motivationg... we're 2-4 so far since Thursday. Ouch. In that we played a 19 year old team on Thursday and dropped two games by a combined 3 runs. Friday we played terrible and lost to Belle Fourche's varsity squad in two games that were only seperated by four runs. Most my kids are 15, one is 16 and two are 17. I also have two 14 year olds.

Yesterday we basically played a team at the same age. Won the first one 7-5 and it was BY FAR the worst game they've played all year. Motivation happened after that game. We won the second game 17-7 in a 5 inning mercy.

We play a really tough squad today in Rapid. Then finish this streak up tomorrow at home against another tough Rapid team. Then Thursday we head to Lewiston, Montana for a weekend tourney.

On my off day Saturday Samantha and I went to my parent's subdivision to hit up some yard sales. There's probably somewhere in the neighborhood of 200 houses selling their junk on Saturday. I'll post up some pictures later and talk about our purchases!

Bachelorhood

Ah... life on my own. No wife and kids to worry about... the house is mine to roam naked and the cupboards are at my disposal.

Ok so that's just not true, but I can wish right?

Samantha, Aundrea, and Tristan picked up my mom on Thursday to head back to Minnesota for Jake's (Samantha's middle brother) graduation festivities. I firmly believed that it would be a good little break for me.

Maybe a chance to catch up on my sleep, do a project or two, you know, just relax!

I wish. I'm entering my third week of being sick. Between Thursday and Friday it's intensified dramatically. Tonight I coughed so much I feel more like vomiting not to mention the migraine I now have.

Baseball has really been a big part of my life. Not that it has been a bad thing, just demanding of my time. I've had a game Friday, two on Saturday, one tonight, and then two more in Torrington tomorrow. Part to blame is that I was with our varsity Friday and today, which hasn't really given me a chance to rest.

Up again in 5 hours to head back to town.

My guys are now 8-6 on the season. We're improving. Tough stretch ahead as we play 10 games in about 6 days then head into a tournament in Northern Montana. It will be important for me to balance the days ahead for my team and for my own health.

The busy schedule has led to one nice item... I've been averaging a meal a day since Samantha left... I might be a little lighter now!

Looking forward to getting my wife and kids back, this isn't the lifestyle that I was meant to live!

Way to long... and way to busy

Pretty dissapointed with my inability to blog a bit over the last month.

Much has indeed happened... well not much in the grand scheme of life... but a few things have indeed happened for our month.

1. Samantha is another month pregnant... we just passed up week 21 and the half way point. Her belly is more pregnant than ever. She seems to be going out a little faster this time around. Heard the heartbeat now on several occasions. Good and strong! Seems to be an active child! We have an ultrasound next Monday. It'll be nice to get some shots of the baby. We won't be finding out the sex.

2. A minivan has officially entered into our family. It was a quick/long development. We've had our finger's crossed on a particular make and model of van, just couldn't afford the typical price tag. One happened to pop up in Gillette on Craigslist. I emailed the folks that had it and Samantha and I were looking at it within 2 1/2 hours. We negotiated price just a little and are now the owner's of a 2005 Chevy Uplander. I would have had the van that day, except they had lost the title and we had to wait 11 days to get it all settled.

3. Tristan and teeth are not a good combination. The boy has taken FOREVER to cut his final five or so teeth. Now he's trying to cut them all at once=CRANKY. He's not felt lke himself which is understandable but no less frustrating on a pregnant mom and an in season edgy dad.

4. SICK SICK SICK. Samantha actually seemed to start it this time... maybe. Who know's. I didn't work most of Monday or Tuesday due to a sick household. It was nice in a way to be home. I got a lot of cleaning out of the way for Samantha and then spent time building her a 3x4x5 greenhouse that she can get to work in when she feels better.

5. Snow in MAY. We've now had two snow bouts in May. The weather here is stupid. On one hand it's 70 in January on the other it's in the 20's in May. Explain that.

6. Baseball. My team is 4-2 heading into a tough weekend in Sheridan, Wyoming and Miles City, Montana. We have at least been able to get some games in with this wacky weather. It feels nice to be coaching again. I've challenged myself in some different ways to become better. Ultimately I just have a great young group of hard working kids... makes the whole thing a lot of fun.

7. Great Grandma hit's Gillette. Amazing that one of the first people to visit us is an 80 something year old Great Granny! My cousin Don has accepted a position with the Wyoming Department of Corrections and she, and dog Cooley, tagged along for the trip out. Don is currently going through the training and then will be moving his family out to Newcastle... which is about an hour or so from Gillette.

8. School closing down. Getting close to the end of the school year. Yippie.

Crap it's 2 AM. I can't sleep and a dog just threw up.

At least SOMEBODY can get it right.

I'm impressed... not to impressed, but impressed all the same.

This weekend the Pittsburgh Steelers, in making their team a little worse, made it a little better.

How? Bye, bye Santonio Holmes.

Although he has a great deal of athletic ability, and one of the most memorable catches in the Super Bowl his inability to lead a productive life meant the Steeler's sent him packing. And they did it for a mere 5th round pick.

It's nice to see pro teams expunge garbage.

It's interesting to see that the New York Jets picked him up. The teams that don't mind trash seem to go after trash. They're trash.

This is part of the reason why I've lost all hope in the Lion's. Besides just being bad for SO long and not seeming to want to get better, they've created a "Bad Boy" image that started with the Piston's. Draft and sign players with character. I can cheer for that.

Ultimately I'm no Steeler's fan, although I have a good friend that bleeds Steeler football they're just not my team. I'm interested to see what they do with Roethlisberger, I expect they may end up keeping him unless criminal charges enter the picture.

At any rate... good for one franchise by taking a stand!

That's where I'm from...

Having now transplanted twice from my native Michigan, and having lived nearly a third of my life away from hometown it feels somewhat awkward when I am asked where I am from.

In Gillette it's a fairly common question since most everyone is from somewhere else. I can count on two hands the number of people I've met in the last 16 months that told me they and their family are native to Gillette.

There are many transplanted Michigander's in Wyoming, mostly due to an economy that's about as strong as a Mackinac Bridge made of popsicle sticks.

Typically when I tell people where I'm from in Michigan they immediately assume somewhere in and around Detroit... as if the whole state of Michigan is made up completely of the dirty city. It would be like assuming that someone from California just happens to be from Los Angelas. There's California and there's California. There's Michigan and there is Detroit. I happen to be from Southern Michigan's Hillsdale County. Officially my hometown is the Village of Waldron... all of 550 people strong.

There's a bit of a difference between Waldron and Detroit! A big difference!

Hillsdale County is one of the most rural counties in Southern Michigan we're dwarfed only be Branch, which is immediately to the West.

Starting to get the picture? Proudly, livestock outnumber humans!

This in turn made it no surprise when new's of a Michigan Militia group broke earlier this week. The "militia" is pretty popular in the Southern portion of the State. It's might be a little bit of our red neck nature, or it might be part of our heritage. I say heritage only because of the Michigan-Ohio War or Toledo Strip War (This has little to do with College Football)

The Michigan-Ohio War is a little known event in US History, but may help one to understand the bitter rivalry between the States. Michigan was a short lived loser in the "War" as we ceded the strip in order to gain the entire Upper Peninsula, which later proved very profitable for the State! Making the loss a victory in the end! It's not about who get's knocked down first, it's who's standing tallest in the end!

The Militia of today appears to be somewhat different. Absolutely it has to be dotted with radical's or better yet crazy's. Although by law Militia's are allowed to form, their actual role in doing anything is a little less clear... or non-existent. I doubt they do much more than complain about taxes and drink beer. Oh... and if Canada ever does invade Michigan don't expect many of them to be able to "march" to Lenawee County! Hillsdale County is exactly a portrait of men in great health!

I actually went to school with one of the nine arrested. He was a VERY odd duck in school. I am actually surprised that he's not a mad scientist for some pharmaceutical. He was very smart with the books. Who knows must be he decided to become "mad" in another way.

These Hutaree are really nothing different than any other crazy's I've heard about. They all claim something about Jesus and translate the Bible in to their own personal justification. I will say that I hope their is credible evidence of their guilt, if so, lock 'em up. What a bunch of crazy's! Check out their website. I think maybe the picture was taken at Will Carleton Park in Hudson!

Absolutely hit "play" on their video... it's more comical than "The Best of Will Farrell" on Saturday Night Live. Other places on the site include "Azuurlin's Blog" complete with two entries. He must have been to busy plotting how he and eight other ignorant individuals were going to bring down the US Government. Whoops.

I struggle with their name... I mean Hutaree? What in the world? Couldn't find a better name? Like how about "Rambo's Offspring" or "The Crusader's". But no, they pick "Hutaree". My kid's could do better than that. I'm all about people wanting to belong to something, I get that, but join the YMCA. Don't pretend to be some kind of commando and act like you're capable of anything more than shooting yourself in the foot. C'mon MAN!

Donogb or Aoife

We're now entering week 14 of the pregnancy.

Samantha has a little more stable stomach... and we're starting to adjust to the idea of being parent's of three, if only slightly!

This being the third pregnancy I hope that I am at least slightly more accustomed to the up's and down's during the 40 weeks of waiting.

Waiting for the birth of your child is one of the most taxing ideas God ever came up with. It's like knowing the Tiger's are going to win the Pennant in '10 but still having to play out the season to get there! Ok, it's a little different than that!

One of the most challenging items non-medical items during that time is trying to decide what to name your child! Samantha and I have been on the same page for both of our first two, yet have found the decision process to be more difficult each time.

We live by a few rules: we must select a first name that is somewhat unique and the middle name is to represent someone in our line.

Aundrea was a variation of Andrea that I've always liked. Marlene was in honor of Samantha's Mom and her Grandma Moon. We had this middle name picked before we had even tied the knot. This was our only choice for a girls name as it just worked!

Tristan's name was a late pregnancy decision that came from a baby name book (not "Legends of the Fall"). His middle name, Lloyd, is my Grandpa's middle name and Great Grandpa's first name. It to was preselected. The challenge was really to find a first name that fit. I believe when I said "Tristan" to Samantha her immediate response was "That's IT!" No question's asked... we were locked in!

This child is proving to be a little more challenging. We have a few ideas, although we won't be sharing them until after the baby's born. The problem is that we have SO few idea's and neither of us are sold completely.

Today I cruised the internet for baby names. I typically like to cruise the Celtic names as they often seem to ring with me. Samantha is a little more hit and miss, she starts at "A" then jumps to "J" and so on.

During my cruising I ran across Donogb and Aoife. I guess they're a "little" unusual! One is for a boy and the other for a girl... can you determine which is for whom?

The search will continue and no doubt that by September 20 or so we will have a name selected!

Finally something worth reading!

It's been a few months since I've had a good book in front of my face, soon I'll have several!

I believe the last book was William Craigs' "Enemy at the Gates" which was later, in part, turned into a movie. I always liked the movie, until I read the book, the movie does little to capture the true events of the war itself.

I have always been a fan of books on war, human survival, and events that changed history.

I have been a big fan of Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks "Band of Brother's" HBO mini-series. I have purchased several books written by Stephen E. Ambrose on the particular struggles of the unit and have read some of the books written by the men themselves.

The two have joined forces again for a new mini-series titled "The Pacific" many have said that it is incredibly realistic and is equal to the B of B. Tonight I watched a production flick on the movie and was introduced to two of the books that they have credited with helping with the plot of the series.

The first, Helmet for My Pillow: From Parris Island to the Pacific by Robert Leckie is a first person account of the war and is supposed to be one of the top reads on the war.

The other, With the Old Breed by E.B. Sledge is another first person account of the war. It has some ridiculous reviews from some very outstanding individuals.

With those two purchases I also made two more purchases! (I had to get the free super saver shipping!)

I picked up Undaunted Courage : Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West by Stephen E. Ambrose. Ambrose is one of my favorite authors, however the topic is a little different than my usual read. This book was recommended by my boss as a book I should read. We'll see how it turns out!

Last but not least is The Imperial Cruise: A Secret History of Empire and War by James Bradley. Bradley is indeed my favorite author. He penned "Flags of Our Father's" and "Flyboys" both are must reads. This book takes a very different twist and may change my perspective on Bradley. The book cover's T. Roosevelt era U.S. involvement in Asia. Teddy Roosevelt is my favorite President, however the book blames a great deal of his policies on an eventual Japanese aggression in Asia and Pearl Harbor. We'll see how it turns out.

I'll have plenty of time to get through these books during the spring and summer on some VERY long road trips for baseball. Looking forward to it!

Sammy turn's a year older...

Another year older, another kid on the way!

Number 26 marked a good year for Samantha... I think 27 will be just as good if not better!

Happy Birthday, Samantha!

We kicked off this weekend by heading to Rapid City spur of the moment at about 2 PM on Friday! We needed the break! I managed to score a great priceline.com deal at the Fairfield in Rapid. More importantly Fairfield is connected to the Watiki water park... better known as kid heaven!

Aundrea and Tristan rode to slides, splashed and got splashed! They loved it!

...side bar... Samantha's belly is getting big!

We ate out at Outback and managed to score about a $120 meal at 1/3 of the price thanks to a few screw ups! (Slivo's... I know what your thinking, but I didn't even say anything this time! This was nothing similar to Toby Keith's in Vegas!)

Saturday was filled with more swimming, a little shopping and just good ol' family bonding!

Samantha got a Bath and Body Works gift set picked out almost exclusively by Tristan... I think the boy smelled close to 20 different smells before he settled in on the perfect one for mommy!

Now that it's 9:30 on Sunday we're pooped and ready for bed.

Be older.

Happy Birthday Samantha!

Booger Beads and Super Dad!

When your child has something wrong with them all's you want to do is fix it. And quick.

Maybe they fell playing in the yard.

Perhaps they pinched their finger in the door.

They might have even touched something hot.

Any way you slice it... when your kid is hurting, you do what you can to fix it or to comfort them through the hurt.

I'm no different! I hate hearing my kids cry, especially if it's an "I'm really hurt" cry. It eats at me. It pains me. It even frightens me as I realize there is little I can truly to do help them.

Last Wednesday was a different story!

I officially inserted myself into the "super dad" category! (ok, not really, everyone knows you have to be nominated for this category!)

It was about 8:30 Wednesday night and I was looking forward to my last hour of class so that I could jet home and maybe catch Aundrea and Tristan before they went to bed!

It's important to at least say goodnight to your own kids! Especially when you haven't seen them all day!

Samantha called (crying) to tell me that Aundrea had a "bead up her nose".

"A what?"

"A bead."

"Seriously?" (I'm laughing)

"Seriously." (She's not laughing)

"What kind of bead?"

"A bead... does the kind matter?"

"Well just have her blow her nose!"

"I did... I did... it just won't come out... what should I do?" (crying)

"I don't know"

(At this point I wanted to say... "Weren't you watching her?" but any self respecting husband knows that a question like that is enough to send any wife into full blown hysteria... good thing I didn't ask that question!)

"Weren't you watching her?"

"%$#@ *&%$ @D#% $#@* &%$ @D#% $#@* &%$@ D#%$ #@*& %$@% $#@* &%$@"

"Ok, ok let me call you back!" (click)

(this was yet another mistake... never, never, never ever hang up on a crying wife... correction... a crying, angry wife)

(I "quickly" assess the situation... and hit the green button)

"Ok, I'm coming home, put an ice pack on her face, rock her and just try and have her relax" (this was brilliant... at this point Samantha is thinking that I just might have a plan!)

"WHY IN THE WORLD WOULD I PUT AN ICE PACK ON HER FACE? ARE YOU THE DUMBEST PERSON IN THE WORLD?"

"Look, I know what I'm doing!" (This was said with extra gusto to prove that I know exactly how to handle this situation!)

"I'm calling someone who actually knows what to do."

"Good idea! See you in twenty minutes" (Boy am I happy to be a MAN!)

(Arriving at home)

"Daddy is here... let's see what the problem is"

"The problem is she has a bead up her nose... I told you this already"

"Right, well... where's my flashlight?"

"We're taking her to the hospital"

"When?"

"Right now... Brandon the nurse said that if you stick something up there your going to make it worse. Do you really wanna take that chance?"

"Um, no! But I gotta see this!" (ok so I didn't quite say it like a forty year old surfer smoking pot... but I sounded pretty dumb!)

(Out to the garage... I'm trying to find one of my ten flashlights... waiting... more waiting... flashlight found in the dog's cage... probably time to organize... maybe I could build a really big shelf... I wonder what kind of price I could get on a 2x4... man I hate Home Depot... that place stinks... stinks... nose... Aundrea... bead... crap... I wanna look at this bead in Aundrea's nose... focused!)

"Ok, lay down here little girl let's see what you have up there" (it's always important to provide your child with all the confidence you can muster when they have something up their nose!)

"Daddy, I have a beeeed up my nose" (This came out pretty nasally)

"Right. Ok, well let's see what color it is!

"RED" (Samantha, Aundrea, Tristan, Angel and Daisy seemed to yell this in unison)

"Hmm... well, you absolutely have a red bead up your nose"

"I told you daddy." (more nasally sound)

"I think I can get to that!"

"Brandon, we're going to the hospital"

"Give me a chance!"

(Time to head back to the garage... wait a minute... what could I possibly have in the garage that would help me get a bead out of my daughter's nose? Miter saw? Nah, to messy! Vise grips? Nah... to clumsy! What about the air compressor? Sweet idea! I'll put the nozzle in one nostril and blow the bead out of the other nostril! Genius!)

"Samantha, this will be awesome!"

"Brandon, your a dumby." (crying) "Your going to blow compressed air in our daughters nose? Won't you pop her ear drums?" (a lot of crying)

"Hmm... good point." (once in a while... as a man... it's important that we give our wife a little time to do some creative thinking... this seemed like an appropriate time to me)

(Back to the garage... Hmm... Blow torch? We could melt the plastic bead! Nah... she won't hold still long enough. Allen wrench? Nah... to uncomplicated. At this point a little tool catches my eye, it's perfect for this job... a paperclip! Back inside.)

"Brandon, let's go to the hospital"

"I got this" (more confidence)

"You might be the dumbest person I know" (she might be right)

"Hold her down!"

"Are you kidding?"

"Hold her down"

"Daddy... NOOOOO"

"Trust me" (Or don't if you ever want to smell pizza again)

In goes the paperclip.

The crying starts again... first Aundie... then Samantha... then Tristan... finally me.

Deeper goes the paper clip.

The screaming starts... first me...then Tristan... then Samantha... and finally Aundie.

"I got it"

"YOU DON'T HAVE IT"

(Here goes nothing)

Out pops the paper clip... right behind a red bead... and followed by snotty blood.

Success!

Crown me Super Dad!

All is right in the world of Brandon and Samantha.

"I knew you could do it!" (Really?)

I love my family.