I just had to write about a few happenings surrounding the State Fair this year. We typically go every year as a family tradition. In the past, we have normally taken off a Wednesday or Thursday that are less crowded. However, this year school is more difficult for the kids so we took their normal fair day to go and fight the crowds (yes, even on a Monday).
Here are some brief notes:
* When I asked Caris (3 year old) what animals she wanted to see at the Fair, she said "horsies and hippos." I'm not sure where she got "hippos" from, but I assured her that we would accomplish half of her goals.
* Caris was deathly afraid of Big Tex . . . until we got home, then she talked a good game. We kept reminding her that he's just a big puppet and can't move.
* People-watching is too much fun at an event like the Fair, but it sure challenges me to not be judgmental -- you can't judge a book by it's cover.
* We missed the Marine Corp band this year for the first time in awhile. So, I didn't cry at this Fair.
* We got the traditional turkey leg and corny dogs, but missed the homemade root beer and funnel cake.
* We spent just over $50 for tickets, parking, and food. We skipped the midway (rides and games) as usual but we normally spend $50 or more just on food so we did really well this year.
* As a family, we love the Creative Arts section, my grandmother got me into quilts and there are always some great one's at the fair, my wife likes it all, and Cooper likes the drawings, pictures, and everything creative. Heather has got to enter some of her scrapbook pages next year!
* I am always amazed at how rude people can be in crowds and busy places. Just watch where you're walking and if you do step on someone or bump into them, then say "sorry" or "excuse me!"
* The Jonas Brothers were in concert during the afternoon. Disney is brilliant at marketing. Dude, can young girls scream!
* We watched some pigs being shown just for the flavor of the Fair. They use this riding whip looking thing to direct the pigs where to walk -- smack 'em on the right side of the face and they turn left and vice versa. One pig wasn't buying into this plan and the 12-year old girl basically punched the huge animal in the snout. The pig finally realized that he was bigger but that girl could cause more pain. We told the kids that looked like a good idea and we should try that method at our house but they buy into that plan either.
When I was a kid, I remember going to the Fair and eating corny dogs and playing surprisingly competitive games of tic-tac-toe against a chicken. The fair grounds haven't changed significantly so it's fun to take my own kids on less traveled paths behind the barns. If you are from out of state or have never been to the State Fair of Texas, you can check out www.bigtex.com but only being there will give you the full effect.
Monday, October 08, 2007
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Attack of the Midges
With a busy week finally over (meaning all the kids were in bed Friday night), my wife and I snuggled on the couch for an evening of brainless TV. We checked in on the playoff baseball game going at the time between the New York Yankees and the Cleveland Indians.
At first, I thought that maybe it was snowing in Cleveland already but that didn't seem right. After watching a little more, we realized that there were bugs flying all around the field and getting all over the players! It was crazy! I don't know that much about Ohio but I wondered why the umps didn't call for a brief delay to figure out what to do. I found out this morning that the bugs are called midges and they swarm occasionally in the area. It worked out for the Indians since the Yankee pitcher was so distracted that he let a run score and the Indians won the game in extra innings.
In an article by Dan Wetzel of Yahoo! Sports, he wrote the following classic few paragraphs:
At first, I thought that maybe it was snowing in Cleveland already but that didn't seem right. After watching a little more, we realized that there were bugs flying all around the field and getting all over the players! It was crazy! I don't know that much about Ohio but I wondered why the umps didn't call for a brief delay to figure out what to do. I found out this morning that the bugs are called midges and they swarm occasionally in the area. It worked out for the Indians since the Yankee pitcher was so distracted that he let a run score and the Indians won the game in extra innings.
In an article by Dan Wetzel of Yahoo! Sports, he wrote the following classic few paragraphs:
Perhaps, after all these years and all these Cleveland losses, God decided to become an Indians fan. He certainly couldn't have picked a better time or the better Old Testament vengeance for fouling up the Yankees.
Drought, mildew and famine would have lacked the immediate impact. Pestilence would have been too mean; fire mixed with blood too messy; grasshoppers, probably too obvious.
The midges were just enough.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Our Kids Commission/Allowance
With the beginning of the school year, we decided that our boys (my girl is too young at this point) were old enough to start learning some monetary responsibility. We looked into the allowance thing and ended up going with a commission plan. In other words, we aren't allowing or giving them anything. Just like us, they have to earn their money.
So, we put together a list of 3 basic daily chores and two additional weekly chores. After finishing their "job" we check it and allow them to put a check on their sheet. Every Saturday night, they add up their checks and get paid accordingly up to $5 per week. Of that $5, we are teaching them to give 10%, save 10%, and allocate the rest according to what they think (not just "spend").
We are discussing with them the ideas of delayed gratification, impulse buying, sense of accomplishment, etc. When talking with them about a long-term savings goal, both boys agreed that they wanted to save for a Nintendo DS and pool their money for it. Shortly after the discussion, you could tell that Cooper's (the 6 year old) little brain is spinning. Then he blurts out "hey, I just want to go scrambling in Vegas. That's how [my gr-mother] got $100! That would buy me a Nintendo DS." The child's mind is truly amazing -- forget saving up for it, let's just go to Vegas!
So, we put together a list of 3 basic daily chores and two additional weekly chores. After finishing their "job" we check it and allow them to put a check on their sheet. Every Saturday night, they add up their checks and get paid accordingly up to $5 per week. Of that $5, we are teaching them to give 10%, save 10%, and allocate the rest according to what they think (not just "spend").
We are discussing with them the ideas of delayed gratification, impulse buying, sense of accomplishment, etc. When talking with them about a long-term savings goal, both boys agreed that they wanted to save for a Nintendo DS and pool their money for it. Shortly after the discussion, you could tell that Cooper's (the 6 year old) little brain is spinning. Then he blurts out "hey, I just want to go scrambling in Vegas. That's how [my gr-mother] got $100! That would buy me a Nintendo DS." The child's mind is truly amazing -- forget saving up for it, let's just go to Vegas!
Thursday, September 20, 2007
My Collin
We got homework from Collin's 3rd grade teacher — can you believe that!! We had to write up a description of our son in a million words or less. Since my wife is a better writer, she tackled the job and here's the outcome . . .
In a million words or less
A million words isn’t enough to describe the wonders and complexities that are Collin.
I am so happy to have the opportunity to tell you about Collin. He is a treasure to our family. From the time Collin was a baby, he has been so even tempered. He would sit and play by himself for hours. His temperament remains the same now. He is not easily angered or flustered. He is generally quite “go with the flow.”
Collin is a hard worker, and has always expected a lot from himself. He caught his mom’s perfectionism, unfortunately. What he may lack in natural talent or skills he more than makes up for with his effort and determination. He is the child who jumps out of bed and makes the bed immediately. In pre-K and kindergarten, he did not test well because he would not answer a question rather than be wrong. He has gained more self-confidence since then. However, we continually work with him that trying his best is all that is needed, and mistakes are learning opportunities. Verbal affirmation seems to help build his confidence and fill his “love tank,” as well as one-on-one time.
We discovered long ago that Collin is a deep thinker. He will mull something over in his mind for quite a while. Once he finally verbalizes his thoughts, we realize how long and how deep he has considered it. He definitely tends to internalize things, and at times, we’ve joked about how we are raising an old soul. He looks beyond the surface of things and people.
I think the other main character trait about Collin that is noteworthy is that he is very caring and sensitive to others. His very nature is to seek out ways to help other people — seeing a need and wishing to meet it. He gets this from his dad. He will help out his sister with anything, even before I notice her needs. He loves to just serve other people — whether it is emptying out his piggy bank to help our friends we met from Hurricane Katrina or opening a door for his mom.
Collin is more reserved in nature, but very outgoing when he is comfortable with someone. He loves math and science, anything Star Wars, anything military, reading, building with legos, and learning new things. He has surprised us with how he has tackled things like snow skiing and other new experiences. He is a daddy’s boy and adores his father. From my limited understanding of learning styles, he seems much more manipulative than visual.
Obviously, we adore our son. He is just beyond description, but hopefully, I’ve somehow done him justice in this letter. Thanks for the opportunity to share him with you.
In a million words or less
A million words isn’t enough to describe the wonders and complexities that are Collin.
I am so happy to have the opportunity to tell you about Collin. He is a treasure to our family. From the time Collin was a baby, he has been so even tempered. He would sit and play by himself for hours. His temperament remains the same now. He is not easily angered or flustered. He is generally quite “go with the flow.”
Collin is a hard worker, and has always expected a lot from himself. He caught his mom’s perfectionism, unfortunately. What he may lack in natural talent or skills he more than makes up for with his effort and determination. He is the child who jumps out of bed and makes the bed immediately. In pre-K and kindergarten, he did not test well because he would not answer a question rather than be wrong. He has gained more self-confidence since then. However, we continually work with him that trying his best is all that is needed, and mistakes are learning opportunities. Verbal affirmation seems to help build his confidence and fill his “love tank,” as well as one-on-one time.
We discovered long ago that Collin is a deep thinker. He will mull something over in his mind for quite a while. Once he finally verbalizes his thoughts, we realize how long and how deep he has considered it. He definitely tends to internalize things, and at times, we’ve joked about how we are raising an old soul. He looks beyond the surface of things and people.
I think the other main character trait about Collin that is noteworthy is that he is very caring and sensitive to others. His very nature is to seek out ways to help other people — seeing a need and wishing to meet it. He gets this from his dad. He will help out his sister with anything, even before I notice her needs. He loves to just serve other people — whether it is emptying out his piggy bank to help our friends we met from Hurricane Katrina or opening a door for his mom.
Collin is more reserved in nature, but very outgoing when he is comfortable with someone. He loves math and science, anything Star Wars, anything military, reading, building with legos, and learning new things. He has surprised us with how he has tackled things like snow skiing and other new experiences. He is a daddy’s boy and adores his father. From my limited understanding of learning styles, he seems much more manipulative than visual.
Obviously, we adore our son. He is just beyond description, but hopefully, I’ve somehow done him justice in this letter. Thanks for the opportunity to share him with you.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Awesome Mark Schultz Concert!
We just got back from seeing Mark Schultz in concert in Sulphur Springs, TX! Yes -- that is an hour and a half from us. Yes -- it was worth it!!
He was awesome! Some singers sound great on their CDs but not as good in person -- Mark was just as great if not better in concert. He has such a great personality and sense of humor that really comes through well in concert. Of course, the music is awesome. My boys listen to his Stories & Songs CD almost every night when they're going to sleep and Collin loves his music. We went with two families from our church and we took Collin and one of his friends.
After the concert, my hands hurt from clapping, my voice was scratchy from singing, my eyes were red and puffy, and my body was dehydrated. Those last two items are because his songs tend to make me cry (He's My Son, Letters From War, She Was Watching, and Walking Her Home especially)!
One advantage of going to a concert in a smaller town is that we got to meet and greet afterwards. I got a run sheet or "set list" off the stage after the show and got him to sign it.
He was awesome! Some singers sound great on their CDs but not as good in person -- Mark was just as great if not better in concert. He has such a great personality and sense of humor that really comes through well in concert. Of course, the music is awesome. My boys listen to his Stories & Songs CD almost every night when they're going to sleep and Collin loves his music. We went with two families from our church and we took Collin and one of his friends.
After the concert, my hands hurt from clapping, my voice was scratchy from singing, my eyes were red and puffy, and my body was dehydrated. Those last two items are because his songs tend to make me cry (He's My Son, Letters From War, She Was Watching, and Walking Her Home especially)!
One advantage of going to a concert in a smaller town is that we got to meet and greet afterwards. I got a run sheet or "set list" off the stage after the show and got him to sign it.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Collin's Baptism
Well, yesterday sure was special and we are very proud of our son! The only problem was that the microphone was not turned on so some of the congregation could not hear very well. Attached here is the video! Since the mic was not on, I added subtitles to the video (and the text below also). Feel free to turn your speakers up to hear better, but you may want to turn them down right after the baptism since the crowd went wild!
If you have a high-speed connection, here is a higher resolution version.
Here is what I prepared to say (but it's not exactly what I ended up saying):
Church family, this is my son, Collin Enright. A few years ago Collin realized that, like all of us, he is not perfect and he was separated from God since God is perfect. Collin believes that Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection was God's perfect plan to make him Holy so that he could have a relationship with a Holy God now and forever.
So Collin, today I want to ask you: Do you believe that Jesus paid the price for your sin and do you want to follow Him as the Lord of your life? YES
Then Collin, based on your public profession of faith, it's my honor to baptize you, my brother in Christ, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We are buried with Christ in baptism . . . and raised to walk in a new life!
Church family, this is my son, and I am very pleased with him!!
If you have a high-speed connection, here is a higher resolution version.
Here is what I prepared to say (but it's not exactly what I ended up saying):
Church family, this is my son, Collin Enright. A few years ago Collin realized that, like all of us, he is not perfect and he was separated from God since God is perfect. Collin believes that Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection was God's perfect plan to make him Holy so that he could have a relationship with a Holy God now and forever.
So Collin, today I want to ask you: Do you believe that Jesus paid the price for your sin and do you want to follow Him as the Lord of your life? YES
Then Collin, based on your public profession of faith, it's my honor to baptize you, my brother in Christ, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We are buried with Christ in baptism . . . and raised to walk in a new life!
Church family, this is my son, and I am very pleased with him!!
Friday, September 07, 2007
Getting to Baptize Collin!!
I just found out for sure today that I will get to baptize Collin on Sunday!!
Collin has been a Christian for a few years but never felt ready to be baptized until now. We met with our children's minister 2 weeks ago and penciled in Sunday the 9th. But just this morning Collin confirmed, for sure, that he's ready for it. I can't wait!! It was approved for me to perform the baptism and it's a dream come true for this day to come and for me to get to serve in such a special role. More to come . . .
Collin has been a Christian for a few years but never felt ready to be baptized until now. We met with our children's minister 2 weeks ago and penciled in Sunday the 9th. But just this morning Collin confirmed, for sure, that he's ready for it. I can't wait!! It was approved for me to perform the baptism and it's a dream come true for this day to come and for me to get to serve in such a special role. More to come . . .
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Heather's Bible Study -- Truth or Dare
Today was the first day of my wife's Bible study that she wrote! She is now presenting her study "Truth or Dare" for our church ladies each Wednesday morning and she felt led to include an optional daily Bible study also for those who are interested in diggin' deeper.
She even has ladies who can't make the morning sessions ask for the materials so that they can go through the study as well. The Lord has blessed her with this insight and it is fun to see how He is working through her!
Here's the study description . . .
Truth or Dare: Passing on Spiritual Discernment to our Kids
We train our children’s behavior through discipline techniques. We train our children’s socialization skills through playgroups. We train our children academically through preschool and school attendance and educational games. We even train them physically through sports involvement and nutrition. BUT, what do we do to train them spiritually? How do lay the foundations of faith in our little ones? Where do we begin to make them disciples of Jesus Christ? How do WE become more spiritually discerning in a post modern culture so that we can teach our kids to do the same?
Truth or Dare is a 10 week Bible study where we will examine what the Word has to say about living in the world but not of it, and applying these truths to our lives. But, this relevant study is not just for you—it includes step-by-step instructions on how to impart these truths to your children in a fun, hands-on way. Come and be transformed by His Word, as you seek to see your children do the same.
She even has ladies who can't make the morning sessions ask for the materials so that they can go through the study as well. The Lord has blessed her with this insight and it is fun to see how He is working through her!
Here's the study description . . .
Truth or Dare: Passing on Spiritual Discernment to our Kids
We train our children’s behavior through discipline techniques. We train our children’s socialization skills through playgroups. We train our children academically through preschool and school attendance and educational games. We even train them physically through sports involvement and nutrition. BUT, what do we do to train them spiritually? How do lay the foundations of faith in our little ones? Where do we begin to make them disciples of Jesus Christ? How do WE become more spiritually discerning in a post modern culture so that we can teach our kids to do the same?
Truth or Dare is a 10 week Bible study where we will examine what the Word has to say about living in the world but not of it, and applying these truths to our lives. But, this relevant study is not just for you—it includes step-by-step instructions on how to impart these truths to your children in a fun, hands-on way. Come and be transformed by His Word, as you seek to see your children do the same.
Reading Questions for Harry Potter
Well, my research in preparation for any questions my kids may ask me about Harry Potter kind of back-fired on me. Collin (my 3rd grader) saw me reading the books, his teacher has a poster on her wall of Harry, and the first book is on her bookshelf. So, of course, the first week of school Collin came home with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (the 1st book in the series) after checking it out of the school library!
I told Collin to pray about whether this was the right time to read the book and I told him that I would be praying about that also. My instinct when I first read the Sorcerer's Stone was that Collin could probably handle it well, but I would want to read through it with him. As we prayed for wisdom and discernment regarding the book, we felt that it would be appropriate for him to start reading it as long as we have a good discussion after each chapter.
As I started to work out what that would "look like," I decided to type up some questions for Collin to guide our discussions. I thought that this would be good to post here since several folks I have talked to seemed interested in it. There are so many themes to discuss such as reality vs. fantasy, breaking rules, making friends, making enemies, death and orphans, peer pressure, and much more. These questions are not necessarily all that we will discuss obviously, but I think that it is a good starting point.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Reading Guide
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Reading Guide -- update
Disclaimer: This is just one Dad's attempt to guide a discussion of the book with his kiddo. I do not have a degree in either literature or childhood education/development so take this with a grain of salt! If you do want to use it with your family, please copy these questions and personalize them or change them to your own purposes. If you use this for anything other than for your family (as if . . .), please provide appropriate credit consistent with copyright and intellectual property provisions.
If you have any trouble downloading these reading guides, then please e-mail me.
I told Collin to pray about whether this was the right time to read the book and I told him that I would be praying about that also. My instinct when I first read the Sorcerer's Stone was that Collin could probably handle it well, but I would want to read through it with him. As we prayed for wisdom and discernment regarding the book, we felt that it would be appropriate for him to start reading it as long as we have a good discussion after each chapter.
As I started to work out what that would "look like," I decided to type up some questions for Collin to guide our discussions. I thought that this would be good to post here since several folks I have talked to seemed interested in it. There are so many themes to discuss such as reality vs. fantasy, breaking rules, making friends, making enemies, death and orphans, peer pressure, and much more. These questions are not necessarily all that we will discuss obviously, but I think that it is a good starting point.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Reading Guide
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Reading Guide -- update
Disclaimer: This is just one Dad's attempt to guide a discussion of the book with his kiddo. I do not have a degree in either literature or childhood education/development so take this with a grain of salt! If you do want to use it with your family, please copy these questions and personalize them or change them to your own purposes. If you use this for anything other than for your family (as if . . .), please provide appropriate credit consistent with copyright and intellectual property provisions.
If you have any trouble downloading these reading guides, then please e-mail me.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
The Beauty of Math
I do like math and this is interesting . . . thanks Robert in England for forwarding this to me!
1 x 8 + 1 = 9
12 x 8 + 2 = 98
123 x 8 + 3 = 987
1234 x 8 + 4 = 9876
12345 x 8 + 5 = 98765
123456 x 8 + 6 = 987654
1234567 x 8 + 7 = 9876543
12345678 x 8 + 8 = 98765432
123456789 x 8 + 9 = 987654321
1 x 9 + 2 = 11
12 x 9 + 3 = 111
123 x 9 + 4 = 1111
1234 x 9 + 5 = 11111
12345 x 9 + 6 = 111111
123456 x 9 + 7 = 1111111
1234567 x 9 + 8 = 11111111
12345678 x 9 + 9 = 111111111
123456789 x 9 +10= 1111111111
9 x 9 + 7 = 88
98 x 9 + 6 = 888
987 x 9 + 5 = 8888
9876 x 9 + 4 = 88888
98765 x 9 + 3 = 888888
987654 x 9 + 2 = 8888888
9876543 x 9 + 1 = 88888888
98765432 x 9 + 0 = 888888888
Brilliant, isn't it?
And look at this symmetry:
1 x 1 = 1
11 x 11 = 121
111 x 111 = 12321
1111 x 1111 = 1234321
11111 x 11111 = 123454321
111111 x 111111 = 12345654321
1111111 x 1111111 = 1234567654321
11111111 x 11111111 = 123456787654321
111111111 x 111111111= 12345678987654321
Now, take a look at this . . . 101%. From a strictly mathematical viewpoint:
What Equals 100%? What does it mean to give MORE than 100%?
Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%? We have all been in situations where someone wants you to GIVE OVER 100%.
How about ACHIEVING 101%? What equals 100% in life?
Here's a little mathematical formula that might help answer these questions:
If:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Is represented as:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26.
If:
H-A-R-D-W-O-R- K
8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%
And:
K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E
11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%
But:
A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E
1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%
THEN, look how far the love of God will take you:
L-O-V-E-O-F-G-O-D
12+15+22+5+15+6+7+15+4 = 101%
Therefore, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that:
While Hard Work and Knowledge will get you close, and Attitude will get you there, It's the Love of God that will put you over the top!
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will direct yourpaths." Proverbs 3: 5-6
123 x 8 + 3 = 987
1234 x 8 + 4 = 9876
12345 x 8 + 5 = 98765
123456 x 8 + 6 = 987654
1234567 x 8 + 7 = 9876543
12345678 x 8 + 8 = 98765432
123456789 x 8 + 9 = 987654321
1 x 9 + 2 = 11
12 x 9 + 3 = 111
123 x 9 + 4 = 1111
1234 x 9 + 5 = 11111
12345 x 9 + 6 = 111111
123456 x 9 + 7 = 1111111
1234567 x 9 + 8 = 11111111
12345678 x 9 + 9 = 111111111
123456789 x 9 +10= 1111111111
9 x 9 + 7 = 88
98 x 9 + 6 = 888
987 x 9 + 5 = 8888
9876 x 9 + 4 = 88888
98765 x 9 + 3 = 888888
987654 x 9 + 2 = 8888888
9876543 x 9 + 1 = 88888888
98765432 x 9 + 0 = 888888888
Brilliant, isn't it?
And look at this symmetry:
1 x 1 = 1
11 x 11 = 121
111 x 111 = 12321
1111 x 1111 = 1234321
11111 x 11111 = 123454321
111111 x 111111 = 12345654321
1111111 x 1111111 = 1234567654321
11111111 x 11111111 = 123456787654321
111111111 x 111111111= 12345678987654321
Now, take a look at this . . . 101%. From a strictly mathematical viewpoint:
What Equals 100%? What does it mean to give MORE than 100%?
Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%? We have all been in situations where someone wants you to GIVE OVER 100%.
How about ACHIEVING 101%? What equals 100% in life?
Here's a little mathematical formula that might help answer these questions:
If:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Is represented as:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26.
If:
H-A-R-D-W-O-R- K
8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%
And:
K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E
11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%
But:
A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E
1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%
THEN, look how far the love of God will take you:
L-O-V-E-O-F-G-O-D
12+15+22+5+15+6+7+15+4 = 101%
Therefore, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that:
While Hard Work and Knowledge will get you close, and Attitude will get you there, It's the Love of God that will put you over the top!
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will direct yourpaths." Proverbs 3: 5-6
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