#2 Minister

Max is learning to serve. However, I have to say it’s a service that’s not always wanted. Seems he’s building a ministry of sorts within our house, traveling from one bathroom to the next. Yes, he’s a #2 Minister.

If you have to “take care of business”, he often times magically appears and pulls up a stool to keep you company. He even brings his own books as to not make you uncomfortable or self-conscious. Although, he often asks you to read because you are a captive audience.

I’ve seen his ministry flourish with his older brother. It’s not uncommon to see Max retrieve books, toys and even remove his brother’s socks upon request all while Luke is… er, um… pre-occupied.


So, the next time you invite us over and you need to excuse yourself to use the facilities, beware if the door cracks open. It may just be our young pastor of poop calling, doing a little outreach work. -- Merk

Atlanta - Part One

In an attempt to break out of the winter doldrums, I'm going back a few months to our trip to Atlanta. We go there every fall to visit my family. The boys love it. Here are some highlights from the trip.

These are real pictures. We were the last ones off the plane in Atlanta and the pilots invited them to sit in the cockpit. I thought the hat was a nice touch.


They actually have fall in Atlanta and the Luke couldn't get enough of it. Here he is admiring a tree.


My Gran has a great backyard. This is the swing that my Papa built for me when I was a little girl.



Gran reading to the boys. She's so special to me. Luke and Max love her as much as I do.

I've Got Nothing

I don't know where I've been for the past two weeks, but it obviously hasn't been on the Internet. I don't know what happened or how I let so much time go by. So, in an attempt to put something on my blog I came across these pictures from early January. Notice the shorts and t-shirts. Hard to believe, considering how cold and dreary it's been lately.

Anyway, these are some pics from when my Dad and Karen came for a visit.

More presents.


The boys adore my Dad and this picture is pretty much what went on all weekend.


I don't know for sure, but I think he secretly likes playing with their toys.


What a sweet twosome. Max wouldn't take a nap that day because he was afraid of being away from his Grandpa. He finally passed out in Dad's arms.


This has nothing to do with my dad's visit, just Max being silly. Notice the sunglasses are on upside down.

A Few More Christmas Pics

Cousin Harley giving Max a haircut.


Ready to join America's Team.


Tired lion.


It's hard to find a place to sleep at Babbie's house.


Luke and Max with Gran.

Animal Planet Gone Wrong

Have you ever watched a seemingly harmless show on Animal Planet only to realize a little too late that the beautiful lioness that you were pointing out to your children is about to do something terrible to a poor, unfortunate animal? You know how it goes…you’re watching and then all the sudden you’re scrambling for the remote while at the same time jumping up to stand in front of the tv so your children don’t see the bloodbath that’s about to happen.

Well, we had a real-life showing at our house this afternoon and my children had a front row seat. Here’s how it went down.

We were playing in the den when we heard our dog Scout making a lot of noise on the back porch. Obviously I went to the window and just as I pulled back the curtains, there’s Scout grabbing a rat in her mouth, twisting and shaking it as she is doing the death dance. I screamed at the kids to move back, but of course they didn’t. I ran outside and made her drop the rat, but I was too late. The poor thing was seriously hurt and it was clear, it wasn’t going to make it.

We called Animal Control and they took it away. Of course, Luke was standing in the windowsill to get a better view of the recovery. Then he asked for a better look at the now-dead rat in the cage as it was being carted out of our once peaceful home. He asked the guy, “Is it dead?” He said, “Sorry buddy, I think he is.” Then Luke said, “Okay.” And that was it.

I’m still not going to let my kids watch Animal Planet unsupervised, but they seem to have a better grasp on the circle of life that I thought they did.

As for Scout, she’s gained newfound respect from Merk. He’s so proud of her. Finally, she got her dog card.