Dylan was asked to go to the prom by Mandy. He was really sweet and thoughtful as the headed out. I wonder if he knew how unusual it was for a freshman to go to the prom with a senior, even if it was only as "just friends"?I've really been impressed by how courteous he can be. Of course, that courtesy usually isn't directed at me, his sisters, or his mom - but he really seems to be sincerely courteous most of the time, especially when making a first impression. It surprises me how important that I've come to feel this traight is to learn. Erastus Wiman writes, "Nothing is ever lost by … [Read more...]

Peace of MindA Duke University study recently came out with suggestions to increase your peace of mind:- Don't nurse grudges- Don't live in the past- Don't fight conditions you cannot change- Stay involved in society even when you feel like withdrawing- Refuse to indulge in self-pity- Cultivate love and humor- Don't expect too much from yourself- Find someone bigger than yourself to believe in (self-centered people always score lowest on happiness tests) Many of these rules seem to be self-evident, but I'm surprised by how many people, even close friends, who do not. Now I'm not going to make … [Read more...]

The kids, and especially Emily, have been beating me over the head all month to take the to the Renaissance Fair. It's always tough to find the right time for a number reasons. The first and biggest reason for me is mud. Yes, we've had a rainy spring here in middle Tennessee and since the Renaissance Fair is spread across many acres of open field and rolling hills, the mud can potentially be hip deep.The second reason is simply where the kids are at on any given weekend. That can be tough to coordinate. For example, Dylan was hard at work on set construction for "Bye Bye Birdie" for the first … [Read more...]

They're just so cute! I have to post more pictures of them. It comes with the job of being dad!They have new nicknames by the way. One is Silvertooth and the other is Snaggletooth. Can you figure out which is which?John Brown once wrote, "There's something like a line of gold thread running through a man's words when he talks to his children, and gradually over the years it gets to be long enough for you to pick up in your hands and weave into a blanket that feels like love itself." I hope these little critters feel cozy and warm in the blanket I made for them. With all of the bickering the … [Read more...]

I was in the creek with the girls a few weeks ago and slipped. I went straight down on my tailbone and heard a "CRACK!" I've been barely able to sit and unable to work out at all since then. In fact, I've had to use this danged thing not only for routine computer work but also for the two business trips I've taken since I broke my tailbone. Aaaaagh!BTW, everything you've heard about being unable to do anything about the pain - it's true.-Kev … [Read more...]

This is one of my favorite poems by William Butler Yeats. As a child, I always felt out of place. I felt like I should've been stolen away and replaced by a changeling. And then, perhaps, I might find some solace in the Faerie Kingdom. Sometimes I'd wonder if it was me who was the changeling and that some other kid was off in wonderland. When you read this poem, what do you think the child's new life among the Faerie Folk will be like? What do you think his old life among his family was like?-KevThe Stolen ChildPoem lyrics of The Stolen Child by William Butler Yeats.Where dips the rocky … [Read more...]

I just recently came across this article by Martha Brockenbrough about all of the crazy traditions that we have embedded within our marriage ceremony. (The original source, btw, is Encarta on-line.) There are so many tranditions that I'd never really knewn the full story about. Some are pretty darn interesting...Evil spirits and bridesmaids' dressesThe typical North American wedding is just bursting with meaningful traditions--if you know where to look. Take bridesmaids' dresses. They're not just evil looking; they're evil-repellent.If you've ever wondered why bridesmaids all dress the same, … [Read more...]

Now, I'm not a big sports fan but I am a fan of good stories. And I think this story from AllProDad is worth hearing. The only thing is - I'm not sure you of what the moral/lesson of the story is. Give me your two cents.Houston Astros' pitcher Roger Clemens was down at spring training in Kissimmee, Florida. As pitcher, he was throwing batting practice with his team. He also decided to try out some of his legendary heat against his oldest son Koby - a third base prospect for the major leagues.On the first pitch, Koby slammed his dad's fastball over the left field fence. What to go Koby! So … [Read more...]

Now that I've lost so much hair, I try to just keep it short and simple. (This is me at Anna Lynn's birthday party.)Dylan and Emily, on the other hand, have the long and luxuriant hair of the young. They really surprised me by asking me to take them to get their hair cut. When I dropped Dylan off at school, one of his buddies cried out dramatically from the steps of the school "Dylan, your hair?!? NoooooOOOOOooooo!!!" Dylan had a good reason for the haircut. He has several small roles in the upcoming school play, "Bye Bye Birdie", that required a short haircut. Despite cutting off his lovely … [Read more...]

Kelly worked hard to put on a good time for Anna Lynn. We had a really nice time at a place in Hermitage called The Jumpy Place. Everything in there was padded and inflated.Emily the Barbarian lost a round of king of the mountain to Baily. Dylan was a great big brother and playmate to the little kids. He mostly chased them around acting like a zombie or a monster. They loved it!The cake and ice cream was a lot of fun. There were lots of little goodies waiting in the seats for the kids when they came in for cake after play. Naturally, most of them gobbled up the candy and got stomach aches. … [Read more...]