BE CARE FULL WHAT YOU ASK FOR….

--Opening the front door to greet the winter morn, proves to be a contest when jack frost has spent the night freezing it shut.
--When your finally able what do find? A snow drift that cover’s everything, and leaves you a little blind.
--Cutting a path through proves to be a task, but when you reach the stairs your amazed to find. The snow along your driveway has moved against the house and now there’s plenty of room for more. It’s then that you remember your comments from the night before. About how you hope spring comes soon because your running out room to put the snow.
--Well it seems the problem’s been solved, of that there’s no doubt. Maybe next time you’ll think before you speck, and be careful what you ask for….

RIDING A SPINNING TOP….

--It wasn’t much but it was just enough to show that progress was moving along.
--Can’t complain, any progress is better than not.
--As long as it’s a forward motion, you make the best of what you got.
--In the end that’s all that counts when the day is done. Even though sometimes it’s like riding a spinning top…..

PLUGGING ALONG….

--Putting aside what is, for what you wish was, can be very trying sometimes.
--Almost to the point of throwing your hands up in surrender. If your not careful and thankful you’ll find yourself with your back against the wall waiting for a fall.
--Sometimes it’s better to keep plugging along hoping and being thankful for what you get.
--At lest that way, when blessing do arrive we are not so preoccupied and are thankful when they come… 

THE HYPER ACTIVE WELCOMING COMMITTEE….

--There’s a lot that can be said about the first sight home after a long ride.
--Many thing’s seem to run through your head almost at once, relief, comfort and a warm feeling seeing the light on .
--It’s a good feeling knowing you’ve made it home, no matter what people may say. I’ve found it to one of the better feeling one can have.
--Just knowing that there’s a place, somewhere where your always welcome, no matter what time of day. And just inside the door is your own welcoming committee waiting for you in the form of a hyper active dog, is kind of nice to…..

SPRING FILLED CHEER….

--It’s almost time again, it won’t be much longer. Pretty soon this will all be melted and gone away.
--The ground will of course be a mess for awhile, but then the first few flowers will break through making it all worth while.
--Filled away as winter gone past, to be remembered as the winter we had a hard time with.
--But then it won’t really matter because spring will be here bringing with it spring filled cheer…

A SURE SIGN SPRING IS ON THE WAY….

--You can tell when spring is coming the cats, kittens and dogs all go whack a doodle.
--Running jumping from table to counter, to top of frig. Then to hang of curtains, and start all over again.
--The dogs are more reserved, when they go out to do there business they roll in the snow like it’s their last chance before it’s gone. Then wait to shake when they come back in, turning the kitchen into a skating rink the cats and kittens are more than happy to play in.
--I guess it’s one sure sign spring is on the way, or just a real bad case of cabin fever. Myself I’m not sure about either the way the temp’s been hanging, but is nice to have a little hope I guess…

HAPPY WITH A DRAW….

--One down one to go, and so the game goes.
--Another day another round, not knowing which way the game will go.
--You hope for the best, give it your all and let the chips fall.
--When the time comes, to see who won, your happy with a draw….

WINTER’S ALMOST DONE….

--The cold wind beats against the house, the floor creaks and the cat is waiting for a mouse.
--It’s the early morning hours and once again up, checking on all my little flowers.
--The cats, kittens and dogs give me a tired sigh, wishing I’d shut the light off it seems to hurt their eyes.
--Everyone’s asleep and it won’t be long and I’ll take another whack at getting forty winks. Winter’s almost done, it’s just having it’s last bit of fun, it won’t be long now and spring will have begun….

PUTTING AWAY THE FEAR’S….

--Even with your eye’s closed you can tell by the footsteps who’s walking where. Sometimes if your lucky you even wake up before they stand there and stare..
--Some night’s you make it the whole night through, without being awaken. Some night’s you don’t and that’s all right to.
--No one like’s to lie awake being frightened, and not knowing what to do. All it cost is a few moments sleep to put away their fear’s, and provide some needed cheer.
--It doesn’t seem like much, but that’s what parents do….

LENDING A EAR….

--It wasn’t much but you could tell it really meant a lot to them, so you took the time to listen to the how’s and why’s of what happened.
--When it was all explained , you tried to find the words to provide the needed comfort and try to relieve their pain. Watching as they walked away you hoped you helped but weren’t really sure.
--When your wife found you standing there in the middle of the isle looking of into space. She asked what was up and all you could think to say was ,” Just trying to figure out where we parked the car.”
--Walking away you can’t help but shake your head, and hope that who ever they were they felt a little better. And you might of helped out by providing a little ear to whisper their troubles out. It really wasn’t all that much, and maybe someday it’d work it’s way around to help someone else out….

HOW WE ENDURE….

--When things are running slow, your not left with many choices.
--Try to increase your pace and risk falling on your face.
--Or move with the flow, and see how it goes.
--Either way you pick there’s one thing you know for sure. The day will progress, it’s up to us how we endure….

THE DAY OF THE WEEK….

--You can tell the day of the week by the little things that pop up.
--It’s really kind of neat, the things that pop and get under your feet.
--If I didn’t know better I could blame it on the weather, but that would just prove that indeed I am a fool.
--Because you can’t blame the weather, when it’s the day of the week….

RUNNING OUT OF ROOM FOR THE UNINVITED GUESTS…

--Unfortunately it snowed all day, what can I say, sometimes it happen. Especially in winter you see.
--Putting the car in the snow bank well that was just pure luck, with a little bit old man Murphy’s touch.
--Spending 3 days waiting for the temp to come up, so trying to get unstuck could begin that was a blessing in disguise.
--When digging out could begin, well that was just a white nightmare. Because trying to find places to put snow when there is no more room, is pretty dang hard you see….

LONG NIGHT’S WITH BUG A BOO’S….

--A little song just a tiny tune, to help the night though.
--When it’s done, the waiting sun awakens you.
--Rolling chair, coffee fair and the day has begun.
--Don’t seem like much, but you do what you got to do…

GETTING ALONG…

--Ever forward should be the song I’d like to hear. None of this lets go back and rehash the past, that everyone likes to spout.
--It seems to me once the lessons learned why go back and dig up forgotten bones. For another look just in case there was something missed?
--Sometimes more trouble is caused and more time wasted .Playing with and trying to rewrite the past. Because we’re not happy with the way it’s recorded.
--Maybe if we just got on with our lives and accepted the lessons learned as part of life more thing could be accomplished today. Trying to impress this on four children in a world fixated on rewriting the past to justify life as seen through the vision of the me me me mentality has been a daunting task.
But like everything worth it in the long run…

RUSHING PAST THE BLESSING OF LIFE…

--The little thing’s that make life worth while are often missed when we pass by in such a rush.
--Like the smile from a little one, who realizes you’ve been standing there while they sing a little tune.
--Or the look you share when you finally make it home after fighting the a winter’s stormy night.
--But probably the one most often missed is when you bring that first cup of coffee, and hear that gentle bliss of the tasting of the first sip. Blessing all each and every one, but often missed because were in such a rush

A PRETTY PATIENT BUNCH....

--Making mistakes is how we learn. The trick is to try and learn from our mistakes so we don't keep making them.
--Raising four children I’ve tried to keep that in mind, and have tried to show them that it's ok to make mistake's. Nobodies perfect and nobody gets everything right the first time.
--Over the years we've all learned a thing or two about mistakes, and we've all tried to learn from our mistakes.
--Oh were not perfect, but we are a pretty patient bunch. Because I don't think anybody likes a I told you so especially after you've tried so hard to rectify a mistake......

LETTING THE PICTURE CLEAR…

--It probably could have been a lot worse, but really wasn’t as bad as it first looked.
--To look at thing’s with a clear head, instead of one filled with dread.
--Is actually the secret, that’s often kept from you and me. 
--Sometimes walking away for just a little bit, really helps a lot. Because when you do come back, and your head is clear, you find all your dread was for naught…

PROGRESSING ALONG…

--To be able to smile when everyone else is in chicken little mode, is the sure sign that your going to be ok.
--It probably won’t go over to well, and will probably be meet with scorn.
--Making it all the more of a sign that thing’s are looking up.
--Even if the chicken’s are in such a little huff, seeing a smiling fool often restores the cool . And the day can progress along a more even sort crewel….

THANKS MOM....

--The day when miracles happen, and are brought forth.
--The day when were born ,and given life and freewill
--The day when we should thank our mother for just that little thing.
--Thanks mom for everything...

GOING IN AND OUT PLAYING IN THE SNOW…

--The outside temp’s been hanging at 20below, if I didn’t know better I’d say it’s frozen and waiting for spring you know. The wind it keeps flinging the snow about, filling my driveway of that there’s no doubt.
--The sun it’s been up and it’s now going on noon, been in and so often starting to feel like a loon. The driveway’s clear but the car’s stuck, it appears. Not going anywhere today perhaps tomorrow will be a better day.
--As the sun is going down I can’t help but smile, it’s been along day of that there is no doubt. But there something about going in and out and playing in the snow that gives you a kind of foolish glow.
--Maybe it’s just being to tired to really care, or maybe it’s the inner child braking out of there…

LAUGHING AND LEARNING…..

--The only shame in being made a fool of, is the inability to put the experience in prospective.
--Carrying it over into a resentment accomplishes nothing but loading you up with unwanted  baggage. It’s a lot easier to recognize the experience as just another learning lesson. Forgive the person or persons, and continue on without all the excess baggage to lug around.
--Yeah I know sometimes a lot easier said than done. Try explaining that to four children, as they try to navigate the high’s and low’s of life. It’s a hard thing to do. And especially hard for children. Nobody like’s to be laughed at. But the ability to laugh at our mistake’s ,and learn from them, is what make’s us or breaks us so to speck.
--Over the years we’ve all had plenty of chances to practice, laughing and learning from our mistakes. Over time it’s gotten a lot easier. And we’ve gotten pretty good at it. I guess you really can’t ask for anything more than that….

LOOKING BENEATH THE LABEL….

--Sometimes things are not what they appear,
--Nothing is as it seems,
--Obviously when that happens,
--What is visible can’t be take at face value, and must be looked at with a discerning eye….

REMEMBERING RATHER THAN FORGETTING…

--Sometimes things work out the way there supposed to not the way we want them to.
--It seems the older I get the more I’m getting a refresher course, in that one simple fact.
--Slowly I’m learning the wisdom of the words, even if at times there still hard to swallow.
--But like everything, it’s the hardest lessons that are the easiest to forget, and I’m starting to realize maybe it’s time to remember some thing’s rather than forget…

WORKING YOUR WAY THROUGH…

--Making promise’s are easy to do. Keeping promise’s that are made is a little harder. But that’s what parents do.
--When raising children you can’t have one without the other. Because sometimes if it wasn’t for promise’s we’d be left mishmash stew.
-- It seems it’s part of the process of living and learning. And trying to set thing’s straight, so when the children have their children the chain it will brake.
--Making mistakes and hanging in there working your way through. It’s not easy but it’s worth in the long run, and that’s what count’s. Because being a parent means you can’t just run out….

DOING WHAT I’M SUPPOSED TO DO…

--When they come to me with a problem, I try to help them find a solution. Because that’s what I’m supposed to do.
--When they sit back and ignore a helping hand, I wait patiently for them to figure out a way to get through whatever it is that’s bothering them. Because that’s what I’m supposed to do.
--When they appear to be floundering and about to be over whelmed. Even though I don’t want to I give them there room. Because that’s what I’m supposed to do.
--But when I see that no matter what, it’s not going to happen. The problem needs a extra whack. Well then that’s when I go and give them a hand, even if they don’t want it. And would rather that I’d not. Because that’s what a parents supposed to do….  

READING LABELS….

--I love reading labels to see what is within, the can or box or what ever the labels on.
--Some of the ingredients I know not what they are, but seeing them written out makes me feel better without a doubt.
--I try to limit my unknown’s to a certain amount. If there’s more that I don’t know than I do, then I put it back on the shelf. I figure this way I’m not filled with unknowns just ones I know about.
--It may not be sound, or even very smart. But when it comes right down to it, who really knows what’s in there. Just because the label says, don’t really make it true. And then the jokes on us because we believed that one to… 

TODAY WAS A GOOD DAY….

--You still continue on, doing what you must. Keeping your eye’s on the day trying to accomplish much.
--Back and forth you go, eyes always scanning. Searching for and often finding things that keep popping up.
--With all that going on, you even mange to hum a little song. It may not seem like much, but hey what are you supposed to do just sit back and give up.
--When the day is through and your about to rest your head. You whisper today was a good day, and no matter what tomorrow will be another…

WHAT A NIGHT…

--Finding the way home in the fading light is a test of patience when the snow is falling like a blanket crusted with bitter ice.
--The road becomes, a silent wall of white. With not much to guide you , but the tracks of others on the snowy night. Picking out little things, are about all that you can do. And hope that you were right.
--When you finally see the light from your house, you start to breath again. Until you remember you’ve still got one last huddle and then your journey is done.
--So carefully you point for your driveway and hope you’ve got it right. When you reach the end and realize you’ve made it home, you give a little sigh and whisper what a night….

WAKING A SLEEPING CAT...

--Resting on the back of the couch, one two and three. the kitten, the cat ,and the one in between.
--They've just spent the last hour running back and forth, going from one end of the house and back again in the blink of an eye.
--It's plain to see why it is their so dang tired, and now resting in a pile. a quick nap and they'll be up again in a little while.
--My she looks at me and says," their so qute." I whispered "be quiet you know what they say about waking a sleeping cat"

A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING…

--Everything has a place, where it’s supposed to go.
--It’s what keeps the world spinning don’t you know.
--Nothing just sitting about, without a place to be.
--What would become of all of this, if there were no boxes for things to be…

WHAT A DAY FULL OF MORNING LIGHT..

-- No longer crusted over with the darkness of the night, the windows are bright and full of the morning light.
--Oh there’s still a winter chill, but just see the light provides a little warmth on a winters morn.
--The days are moving closer, to spring and all it brings , for now I’m quite happy with the little thing’s.
--I know it doesn’t seem like much, but sometimes that’s all you’ve got….

THE JIGSAW PUZZLE OF LIFE..

--Necessity is the motivation we need sometimes to make the little progressive steps, that provide a little change in our lives.
--In a way it’s kind of fun, like a giant jigsaw puzzle. Trying to find the one way that makes everything work and still function. While mixing in a little bit of change into the mixture.
--If your lucky I’ll take one or two tries, if not it’s a continuous battle. With you usually taking to yourself and cursing the day you even started.
--But with a little patience it can be done, if you tell yourself it’s supposed to be fun….

THE QUIET TIME BEFORE DINNER...

--The wind is blowing you can feel it hitting the house, the cats are singing about spring and the dogs are waiting for the next hourly chime so they can join in.
--The children are off in their world's of world's you can hear the distance chatter.
--The morning and noon meals have come and they have gone.
--It's the quiet time before starting dinner and it all starts up again. a coffee cup a easy chair, and a few moments peace. Then it's back to the trenches to feed the little beasts....

THE FAVORITE SPOT….

--On the other side of the room in the middle of the floor is where he likes to lay.
--He waits until everyone is asleep and tucked in each night, and then he wonder’s over and stretches in his favorite spot where he likes to lay,
--I never gave it much thought, and didn’t think it strange.
--Until I watched him get up and go and check on all the little ones. It seemed his favorite spot was where he could keep a eye on all of us while we were asleep…

THE SMILING FOOL…

--Shame on you always hanging about, always quick with a smile or two trying to brighten a day.
--Don’t you realize that’s just not how the game is played.
--Be gone you smiling fool, find your own sandbox to smile about, cause it seems that this one is more than full.
--Well now that rules, have been explained there’s only one thing for the fool to do and that’s smile at you who think that’s how the game is played…

SIGNING FOR THE WHOLE PACKAGE....

--I often hear of the need for a little fun, for time to unwind when all the work is done. a little time to be alone, to just go away and be where no one will bother.
--The little thing's are not part of the package, that was signed up for on that special day.
--So please just try and understand it has to be this way. Because quite frankly I just don't want it any other way.
--I feel kind of sorry for you my friend when this attitude you do take. Because it's kind of like just eating the icing and throwing out the cake. No greater satisfaction have I ever found than getting up doing when I’d rather just sit down. There's something to be said for giving when your just about half dead. For finding that little spark and continuing to push on. It's all part of the package that I signed up for on that very special day so very long ago....

SOMETIMES THAT'S ALL YOU'VE GOT...

--Maybe if it was easy we wouldn't have such a hard time. But then again if it wasn't hard we probably would forget it as soon as we were done.
--Maybe that's the reason, or maybe it's not. All I do know for sure is two many questions are like to many cooks stirring a pot.
--Sometimes it is just better to follow along and do, and save all the question for later when there's more time then what we've got.
--I know it's sounds a little strange in this day and age, but sometimes that's all you've got..

PLAYING THE GAME….

--Could you please tell me who stated this game. Cause I’m not really having fun. It seems we've been playing it for long, no knows how to stop.
--Maybe if we just get up and slowly walk away, we'll be out of sight before it calls us back, to play once more.
--Oh what a relief it would be not to hear the shaking dice, the crash and rolls and the clicking round the board.
--But maybe that's what it's all about. to play the game each and every day, so at the end of the day we can get up and say well it's not who wins but how you play the game...

TRYING NOT TO END UP A KITTY SNACK....

--The way it's going it won't be long now. you can almost feel the tension in the room building with each click of the clock.
--It's not as if they can tell time but it does make you wonder, how they know when it's time to start dinner.
--Maybe it's in your footsteps, or maybe it's in your stance.
--Or maybe they to can hear your stomach growling, when you open up the door. They run for their box, hoping that they'll make before whatever it is that growls like that decides to make a kitty snack…

CHASING OFF THE WINTER FOOLS....

--Looking out the bathroom window, is such a spooky sight. Especially when you realize that the snow has drifted up to just below the window frame, some 5ft of the ground.
--It makes you realize that winter is far from over, and in fact when spring finally does get here .they'll probably find you sitting in your kitchen chair, recuperating from all the shoveling you've done since winter had begun.
--Looking out the front window, where your yard used to be, you realize. What used to be a drive way is now a play ground for a snow drift or two. It wouldn't be so bad if it was only one but this time they seem to have brought a friend or two in there winter fun.
--As you get dressed to go out and chase off these winter fools you take a look at the calendar and shake your head because you no darn well winter's far from done...

MOVING ALONG WITH YOUR DAY….

--To sit about and contemplate all that could go wrong, is like replaying the same old song.
--Although the tune a pear’s to  rejuvenate and make your feel better, you find instead your in for a bout of stormy weather.
--Perhaps what's needed instead is tune of your own to hum , as you move on .
--Leaving your head quite clear and full of good cheer as get along ....

HUMORING THE CAT....

--The first thing I see when I opened my eye's is the cat staring at me.
--He gives a yawn, and gives me a look that say's come on I took the first watch, now it's your turn. Well I don't really want to get up, but if there's one thing I’ve learned.
--When cats want you to get up they don't have patience to burn. Instead of a gentle pat on the face the next one will be quite severe.
--It's best to just humor them and get up off your rear...

NICE WAYS TO START THE DAY…..

--The pitter patter of rain drops on the roof, is said to be kind of soothing.
--A gentle breeze after the rain, is kind of nice.
--But what really relaxes me, is coffee waiting in the morning when I get up.
--Either way there all nice way’s to start the day, and waiting well that just make’s you appreciate them more when they finally do appear at the start of your day…

FINDING PLACE'S FOR THING'S THAT DON'T FIT....

--Sometimes things are just what they seem. I know it sounds kind simple in this day and age where everything and everyone has a hidden agenda. and maybe it is.
--But sometimes things are just what they seem
--A helping hand when in need, a offer of comfort when sad, a welcome smile from across the room and a little tiny sticker given by a child. all simple thing's on the face of it or so it would seem.
--Perhaps the trouble lies not in thing's being out place, but in us trying find place's for thing's that are just what there supposed to be...

LENDING A HAND….

--Pointing fingers is so easy to do, it’s kind of like tying shoe’s.
--But so much easier to get down on hands and knee’s and help the little ones to understand.
--So when they do get stuck, your not standing above them looking down.
--But right there next to them to lend a hand. And that’s how you get them to perceive so when the time comes they can teach their little ones….

BLUE SKY KIND OF THINKING…

--Coming round to a clear blue sky kind of thinking is hard when walking through a stormy day.
--But like all thing’s it is possible if we don’t take our eyes off the prize, and become bogged down in the storm clouds that hang overhead.
--It’s seems the blue skies must start somewhere and what better place than from within.
--With this thought in tow it makes it possible to go, until they are on the outside looking in…. 

A FOOL AND HIS SHOES...

--Only a cat would think it's funny to leave a dead mouse in your shoe, when he was through playing with it.
--Only a dog would pee on your shoe while you were wearing it, and look hurt because you didn't seem to appreciate it.
--Only a kitten would make a game out of clawing your shoe up, if you made the mistake of leaving it out where he could find it when you weren’t wearing it.
--And only a fool would think any of this was funny, but you got to admit in a weird way it kind of is...

LITTLE DOG BLUES….

--Waiting by the door each day for you to get ready to leave, he knows this will be his last chance to say how much he loves you, until you once again return to him.
--You try to get ready as quiet as can be, but it doesn’t really take much you see for his love to feel your getting ready to leave.
--You almost make it to the door, when up with a jump he starts to shout with glee, how much he loves you and wishes you wouldn’t leave.
--You try to calm him down, you pat his little head, you tell him everything will be all right. And off you quickly go leaving behind that little dog who lets the whole world know just how much he loves you and hates to see you go….

EVEN ANTS DESERVE A CHANCE…

-Two children rushed about trying to divert a tiny stream. It was plain to see it was heading for a ant hill in it’s way.
--As quick as they tried it seemed the water had a mind of it’s very own. It was then that mother nature did intervene and provide the little ants a helping hand.
--A gentle breeze knocked loose some leaves and covered the hill so very neat. So when the water did arrive they were covered and didn’t get wet.
--The little children sat back and sighed, real glad to, you see. Because even ants deserve a chance….   

PRETENDING NOT TO CARE....

--I knew he was watching I could feel him sitting there staring, but I didn't take the time to look. It's not a good idea when your chopping things to cook, so I just continued what I was doing. And for me that was real good with fingers all in tack.
--With the chopping done, I turned for just a peek. And sure enough sitting in the chair was the little kitten watching me . I tried not to show I’d seen him, because then he would run and pretend he didn't care.
--So I went back to cooking and getting the rest of the meal ready to be cooked. Every once in awhile casting a side long glace and sure enough he was still there watching.
--When everything was ready I put it in the oven, and went and sat down in a different chair.
It didn't take very long before I felt a tugging on my leg, and sure enough when I looked down the little kitten was sitting. Looking up at me with a look that said I won't tell if you don't tell and promptly went to sleep on my lap...

MEMORIES YET TO COME…

--The room is cold, the air is quite crisp. Bringing back memories of other rooms, in other places, and other times. Just about but not quite like this. The same yet so different. But how can this be.
--Like a painting seen in different light that’s the tricks, of memories. Like pages of a giant book blowing in the wind, they flip. Leaving in their wake whatever it is that was written for the future to compare.
--So many times forgetting was it was that made them shine, or to dark to ever want to go back there.
--The spark of life is never what was but what is, and that’s found in the light of each new day. Where the seeds of memories yet to come do lay...

THE COMFORT OF THE LIGHT…

--The comfort of the light flowing through the windows out into the cold dark night, was enough to inspire us along.
--We each were cold and tired, many of miles had we trudged through the cold white sludge.
--But the warmth of light breathed new life into our cold old bones.
--When we reached the front door I stopped and patted old red once again, as tired as he was his tail wagged and then we went in….

MOVING SURE BEATS STANDING STILL…

--Ending up one step ahead and two behind seems to be a predestination of mine.
--I’d saw it makes for slow going but I don’t like to whine.
--Instead I just try to keep moving, doing the best that I can.
--Because sometimes as long as your moving, is what it’s all about…

THE DAYS TILL SPRING..

--Right away when I started reading I knew it was more info than I was needing.
--The last thing I wanted to hear, sucking out of me any good cheer.
--But like a fool wading through the drool, I kept going, my for longing just a growing.
-- After I was done, I felt rather stunned, but couldn’t help but smile because spring would be here in just awhile. And that would be my cheery thought for the day….

SEARCHING FOR THOSE WORKER BEES….

--Oh will you tell me please just what it means when they say I’ll be right back, and leave you standing there waiting, staring off into the space, and searching for their smiling face.
--When after a bit you get tired of waiting and go off instead. To snag another of those mysterious worker’s who walked around with smile’s pasted to their heads.
--Slowly you walk because you don’t want to spook them, their very skittish you see. If they see you coming they’ll take off running, and you’ll be back where you started.
--Searching for those worker bees….

THE OLD FADED DOLL..

--The little doll was old and quite faded, but it was loved like gold and that couldn’t be graded.
--It was carried about, by the little girl as only a friend such it could be.
--Over the year’s it had been fixed and repaired, and given new life each time it was needed.
--Because it was loved like gold and that just couldn’t be graded….

THE BEST WE’LL MAKE DO…

--To slow down in a world spinning so fast shouldn’t be so hard, all it take’s is for one foot to get off from the gas.
--The rest will come while we coast for awhile and slow down. Taking a peek at what we’ve been missing for so long. When race from place to place barely chancing to speck.
--What a day that could be, if for just a few minutes we could get the lead out of our feet.
--Maybe someday I guess but hopefully not to long from now, in the mean time the best we’ll do. In this world spinning so fast under our lead filled feet…. 

THE LITTLE ISLAND IN STREAM…

--Caught in the middle, being pulled from each side the little island in the stream has been. Since the beginning and is still standing strong to this day.
--Oh once in awhile a pebble may come loose and float down the stream to be replaced by another. Because that’s the way it’s always been on the island in the stream
--A place of great beauty, the little island in the stream has proven to be. For all who take the time to tie up on it’s shore’s before continuing on down the stream.
--To go back and sit on those shores will be such a nice thing once more on the little island in the stream.

THE LITTLE TINY KITCHEN….

--The tiny kitchen is dark but quite warm. The heat provided by the old wood stove more than enough for such a tiny little room.
--The smell of fresh coffee swirls around inviting all to come and partake. And watch the morning sun when it does come to the little tiny kitchen
--The cats dogs and kittens are asleep, and except for a tired sigh and quiet sip of coffee the room is quite quiet  for such a tiny room.
--When the morning sun finally comes, there can be heard a tired yawn because it won’t be long and the day will have begun in the little tiny kitchen once again….

FRIDAY THE THIRTEENTH….

--Before you begin the first of many steps on a day such as this, you might want to keep in mind of just what is.
--It’s the last day of the week, that of which we speck.
--It’s the day before the weekend we’ve all been working for.
--This day called Friday the thirteenth….

THE OLD WELL…

--The old well stand’s where it’s always been, providing for all  it’s cool clear water’s from deep within.
--Never asking question’s, or warning of excess, just standing firm on it’s old foundation providing for all from deep within.
--Some would say what a shame, there wasn’t more of these old well’s, so that all could be helped. By the cool clear water’s from deep within.
--Perhaps there were at one time, all across this great land. And perhaps they ran dry with a sigh of regret. Because even old wells need time to refill from the stream that lie’s deep within…

A SKIP IN OUR FAVORITE SONG…

--How often do we sit and wonder what it is that’s wrong, it’s almost as if there is a skip in our favorite song.
--Even though we might try give it just a little nudge to move it along, the end result is something that doesn’t quite belong.
--So grin and bare it is what we really must do, instead of course of hitting it with a old shoe.
--But what else can you expect when trying to communicate with your loveable little bug a boo’s…

BLESSING CAN BE FOUND IN THE MOST AMAZING PLACES...

--No one knew who started it and to be honest no one really cared. All that mattered was that it was a welcomed distraction to such a dark and gloomy day.
--Standing in the checkout you could almost hear it making it's way through the crowd.
--From off to the left and off the to right till finally it landed up high where we were standing . Just above our heads.
--Each of us in turn looked up and what did we see?
--Two little small flinches as happy as can be. They shook and they fluttered and off they did go. Leaving behind a soft little glow in each of us that amazingly did grow.
--We all looked at each other, a smile on our faces, it just goes to show you blessing came be found in the most amazing places...

LITTLE DEVILS CALLED WORDS…

--I wish someone would tell me when it mattered not what was said, but what was heard in the words that reached the ear’s on each head.
--I guess words are such little devils to be, that when they reach ear’s they become not what is but what is perceived. 
--Its another of the mysteries of life, these little devils called words, how they are really chameleon’s it seems, when moving about.
--Oh what a wonder it is and oh such a fright, that such simple words can be such a devil to hear right. 

JUST ENJOYING THE WALK THROUGH A GOOD DAY…

--Each day is filled with mysterious  sights, some good , some sad and some that give you  such a fright way into the night.
--Seeing is believing, or so they do say.  But as for me I’d rather just enjoy each day.
--Leaving all the rest for others to ponder, and wonder about if they must.  It seems only fair, and I do so like to share.
--Argue not about what is, or what’s not, and just enjoy the walk through the day.

ENJOYING WHAT YOU HAVE…

--Oh will you tell me please when was the first your bubble did burst and spoil your fun.
--Oh I wish I could have been their to take your little hand. To hold you and console you and say there, there little one. Be not afraid.
--Oh I do wish thing's had been different but what can I say, worry not about what happened but try to enjoy today,
--Oh I know it’s not much, but what else can I say, the day only last for such a short time. And sometimes it’s best to enjoy what you have instead of sitting around and pining for what you don’t…

A LITTLE OVER 38 MORE DAYS....

--There's without a doubt, a warmness in the breeze blowing across the driveway slowly filling with slush. Spring is whispering in the air I'm on my way.
--Taking snow shovel in hand it's back to the trenches I go for it's a little over 38 more day's and were just about there....

CHICKEN BONES AND CATS…

--As long as I live I’ll never be able to figure out the power chicken bones have over cats.
--You can have a box of sleeping cats in your kitchen walk out with a plate of chicken bones and all of a sudden your surround by a pack of hungry little gremlins all wanting a piece of what ever it is your carrying.
--All trying desperately to make their case for why you should give it to them by walking back and forth in front of you.
--After years of trial and error I’ve learned to never look down while carrying a plate of bones, because there is  something about the back and forth motion that gets me dizzy every time. And as a result I end up spilling the dang bones.
--So usually I try to just wand though as best till I can and make it to the icebox, where I can store the bones till morning. When they can be tossed in the garbage on the way out the door to the can.
--The cats of course remember the bones are there and will spend the rest of the night plotting on how to break in.
--Every once in a while you’ll hear a crash, from the kitchen and have to get up and go look only to find a bunch of cats making a be line back to their box.
--My wife of course thinks it would probably be easier to give the dang cats the bones. And just clean up the mess in the morning. But as I so very quietly like to point out of course you do your not the one who find them in his boots when their through with them…..

EVEN DIM BLUB’S HAVE THEIR MOMENTS…

--The things that run through your mind, as your falling down into a snow bank after a long tiring ride in the car on a cold night are to say the lest many.
--But once you land, and realize you did keep your face somewhat free of snow. As you take a moment to thank the power that be. And then of course try to get up before the cats that are slowly advancing down the driveway for a game of climb on the mountain.
--It is then that you realize when you were shoveling the driveway you made a bowl that’s kind of hard to stand up in when your on the lip between the edge of the drive and the rest is filled with car you were trying to work your way along when the side view mirror threw you off.
--So you do the only thing you can do you crawl while sliding along the car. Mean while the cats being what they are find this totally unexpected on a cold dark night, and a welcome distraction start running towards you.
--Reaching the end of the car you figure you made when low and behold become tangled in the cats under and around your feet and down you go again. Only this time you have company. All wanting your attention at once.
--Well what can you do you sit there for a moment and give each a little pat and explain to them while you’d really like to sit here and chat the snow is starting to soak into your clothes and you’d really like to avoid that Surprising they seem to understand or maybe they don’t want to get squished if you fall again. But they back up and watch as you get to your feet.
--Making your way to the house with the cats following along you realize even furry little dim bulbs have their moments.
--Reaching the house and climbing the stairs, you pat each of the cats sitting on the rails watching as you pass by. Thanking them again for their concern…

EVEN OLD FOOLS CAN LEARN A THING OR TWO..

--Riding in the car the other night taking our daughter home from work I had one of those moments when you realize you probably shouldn’t have said that. It seems the older I get I seem to be having more.
--For some reason I said I was going to kind of miss winter. As soon as I said it you could have heard a pin drop in the car. I mean I think even the car was a little offended because it seemed to get quiet to. Which I can kind of understand being that it had been fighting for the last 40 min through a sea of slush.
--My wife gave me one of those side looks that meant she didn’t want to hear another word out of me or I was going to find myself sitting by the road enjoying my friend winter charms.
--And my daughter well lets just say she inherited her mother ability to say a lot while not saying a word.
--Needles to say the rest of the ride was a lot quieter, and uneventful.
--It just goes to show even a old fool can learn a thing or two. Especially on a cold dark night riding in a car filled with two galls who have had their fill of winter..

ONE OF THE LITTLE BLESSING OF PARENTHOOD…

--After all these years I still love watching and listening to my children explain things the excited about, usually because they become so animated they start taking with their hand and what not.
--Of course this becomes a little dicey if they happens to be driving, as my wife is quick to point out from the front seat quite calmly while I sit in the back watching the world fly by.
--But it’s still something to see and even though I’ve seen it many times over the years it’s something I’ve never gotten tired of. One of the little blessing of parenthood I guess…

BE HAPPY AND JUST LET ME BE…

--I once had a conversation in my head with one of those people who go though life doing just enough to by. And let everyone else pick up the slack. It went something like this…
--“Excuse me could you answer a question for me? Why do you do just enough to get buy?”
--“I know I really should do what I’m supposed to do, but I really don’t want to and that’s just the fact’s.
--I know there are other people who will pick up the slack, while I just sit back and relax.
--And how do I know this you might ask? Because that’s the way it’s always been as far as I can look back.
--Oh sure there have been times when I’ve had to get up and pretend to go along. But they never lasted to long, because all I would have to do is start the same old song.
--Something like this has always worked for me, ever since I can remember no one has ever liked me. Like dirt they always treated me. So please oh please won’t you feel sorry for me. And just leave me be. I’ve had such a hard life with this hanging over me. Can’t you see it’s taken so much out of me. And that is why I just need to relax. So please won’t you just let me be.
--It work’s without fail and it’s not like I don’t do anything, I do go to work. And once I did check the mail.
--I really don’t understand all of the fuss. Because without me to take care of so many people would have no purpose in life. They’d be just wandering around wondering why they were here. They should be happy they have me, and just let me be.”
--Well what could I say? I mean having it all explained, now I understood. The problem was with me. So I just shook my head and wondered back to reality..
--My wife gave me a look as she put the car into gear saying not a word because we both knew that there’s a time to talk and a time to just enjoy the ride….

PUTTING THING’S BACK ON TRACK…

--Trying to put thing’s back on track after being side tracked for so long is like trying to tread a needle while standing on your head. Oh you’ll probably get it after awhile but it’s sure to be a pain the neck…

FINDING PLACES TO PUT THE SNOW…

--Funny thing about shoveling snow sooner or later you run out of places to put it. I mean it’s not like sweeping the floor, find a dust pan dump it in the garbage can and your good to go.
--My son looked at me like I was crazy when I told him we needed to move the snow bank along the drive way back a few feet. Apparently he thought I meant move the whole snow bank. Forget one little word and have to spend the day getting dirty looks all after noon.
--Of course shoveling the top a snow bank wasn’t much fun either. But at lest now we’ve got some place to put the snow….

WAKING UP TO REALITY….

--Watching the temp slowly rise in a room is very comforting. Especially when the outside temp seems to have been frozen in place for the last few hours.
--According to the calendar spring should be here in about 39 more days, so close yet so far. But comforting never the less. Especially when the first light shining through the window reveals a winter wonderland in full bloom in the front yard and beyond.
--It really is amazing all the things that run through your mind while drinking that first cup of coffee in the morning….

WINTER ONE OF THOSE MYSTERIES WERE FORCED TO ENDURE…

--There's something about the smell of a winter morning that sends my heart all a flutter. Maybe it’s the crispness is the air that you'd swear you can almost taste. Kind of like a fresh hot donuts without the heat.
--Oh it only lasts for a second or two and then little thing's start popping up to ruin the mood. Like driveways filled with snow, and roads that are a three circus filled with whack a doodle clowns.
--But if I was really forced to admit it there's something about winter I kind of like.
--Don't ask me what it is, because I’m really not sure. Maybe it's just one of those mysteries your just forced to endure....

WINTER IS THE SEASON THAT’S FILLED WITH ALL THE FUN…

--Watching the snow fall slowly to the ground, I can't help but shudder, it seems like just yesterday I cleaned up and cleaned out that old driveway you see. Now here comes another storm to pester me.
--I shouldn't complain, even if my back does protest. What other season gives so much frosty delight and very little rest.
--Spring is filled with the rains, summer has the heat, and fall well that's just a treat.
--Winter is the one that's filled with all the fun. ...

BLOWING AND DRIFTING….

--Blowing and drifting snow can be a pain in the neck when it’s on the road your trying to travel on. When it’s in your driveway, and you have an appointment it’s downright disappointing. Because you know your going to have to move it before you can move the car.
--When it’s in the form of behavior in your children, it can be downright mind blowing. Because not only do you have to take it in hand before it gets out of control. But you have to once again reaffirm what growth there was before it began.
--It makes for trying times, but with patience and a good shovel it’s possible to get it all cleaned up and back on track…..

EACH DAY’S A NEW BEGINNING….

--In the beginning there was chaos. So much to do so little time.
--Then came the settling in and the growing began, everything slowly working out.
--Next came the first of many tiny steps, and of course everything went straight heck. Having to relearn what we knew, and replace it with what we were told by the ones who were paid to be so very bold.
--The years of having to endure and eat manure were next. While watching with tied hands those who should have done the job's they were paid pretend and look the other way.
--Along the way the untangling of all that was in need of a fix. Let me tell you what fright that turned out to be.
--And now it's back where we started once again. The only difference of course is that we no longer have to worry about them or their minion’s. What a relief that turned out to be.
--Each day’s a new beginning for my family and me...

COLD WINTER NIGHTS…

--On a cold winter night, there’s not much to do, crawl under the cover's and try not to turn blue.
--There’s a chill in the air, to remind you I guess, winter is here so you best get your rest.
--Sleep for a bit and then check on the children and wife. Make sure their all covered and their not getting a chill. Check the heater's in each room make sure their working just fine. Boy I tell it's enough to blow your mind.
--Head back to bed, remembering to pee. because the older I get that's important as can be.
--After two hours or so start all over again, only this time starting the coffee before heading back to bed.
--When the coffee is done go quietly off to have that first cup and wait for the sun.
--Got to love those cold winter nights with not much to do...

WINDSHIELD WIPER BLUES…

--In the winter I like to take special care when cleaning the windshield off. Especially the dang windshield wipers.
--There’s nothing worse than to be going down the road and finding out you forgot a little clump of ice, and as a result you can only see through a little hole the size of a muskmelon.
--Forget about pulling over to try and get it, because usually by then you've got about half a dozen whack a doodles riding your rear who think a turn signals is an invitation to get ready to pass. So they speed up and wait for you to get the Sam hill off the road.
--So you scrunch down in your seat and do the best you can all the while praying a dang Mack truck won't go by and catch you in there slip stream.
--When you finally get where your going the first thing you do is clean the dang windshield wiper's and refill the washing fluid. And then go off to find your wife.
--My wife has spent years trying to change my behavior, but finally just accepts it I guess. Because that's what you do when your married to a old fuss bucket ...

JUST KEEP GOING…

--Going back and forth has never been my strong suit. I never could figure out the need for backtracking. Oh it's not to say there haven’t been times when I probably should have. And as a result spent some very long night’s trying to figure out how to find my way as a result.
--But through it all I’ve always maintained the attitude that as long I kept moving forward sooner or later things were bound to get better. That’s not to say I won't take breaks now and again to get my bearing‘s. and maybe there are days when big steps become baby steps. 
--I guess I never was much good at following the norm. Which seems to be go forward until it gets a little rough and then go back and try a different approach. Forgetting about all the time and effort and sacrifice you put into the first attempt.
--Me I’d have to say I'd rather remember the time and effort and sacrifice. Learning from my mistakes along the way and just keep going.....

PARENTING PHYSIC DETECTIVE ACADEMY…

--Trying to find a answer to question’s that hang in the air, is without a doubt got to be one of the most mind numbing thing's that I’ve ever been forced to do.
--But apparently when your a parent that's what your supposed to do. Sit back and use your physic and detecting abilities. Because after a certain age is reached words can no longer be used for communicating and that’s all you are left with.
--Oh you can try, if you don’t mind the eye rolling, shoulder shrug’s, and blank stares. But you could probably get more information out of a rock with a feather and with a lot less effort.
--So you sit back and try to the best of your ability to figure out what is wrong. Using everything you’ve learned at the parenting physic detective academy where you earned your degree’s over the years.
--Usually with a little effort and patience you can work out the clues and find the answer’s and solve the case. That’s what make’s parenting so much fun the mystery of it all… 

CHOOSING YOUR BATTLES…

--Walking away is sometimes easier than putting your foot in a minefield of stubbornness that really isn’t going to do either parties any good to play in. After years of working around the big S, to bring order and reason. It’s kind of become second nature to do this. Choosing  the battles that must be fought, and letting the tiny skirmishes go by the way.
--Such are the trials of being a parent I guess. In the end it’s worth it, if even a little progress is made….

THE FOGGY DAYS…

--Where did the morning go? I'm pretty sure I don't know.
--Been stumbling round since quarter past 2, blindly following a routine like I always do.
--Now sitting here in kitchen chair and taking a min to contemplate how it is that it got so late.
--The answer it seems is nowhere about. Guess that means to keep stumbling on I must go. At lest until it's time to put this day to bed.
--Maybe by then I’ll remember before I rest my weary head just what this day was all about...

WHEN THINGS BRAKE DOWN…

-As weird as it seems when things go wrong it usually happens in groups of three’s. I used to think this pure hogwash. But after years of being subjected to the formula. I’ve been forced to become a convert. Time and time again, it never fails.
--My wife of course thinks this is one of my many wild theories, but I secretly think she’s starting to come around.
--When two thing’s brake down we’ll spend time looking around waiting and wondering which one will be next . And sure enough within a few days number three happens and we each breath a sigh of relief. Because the waiting is over and now it’s time to rebuild or replace. Before the next bout happens..

PEEKING BEHIND THE SHEET….

--After all this time you would think that people wouldn’t be surprised when what was staring at them all the time, turns out to be not what they thought they were getting. But the truth wrapped in a blanket of misdirection’s and pr fabrications disguised as new directions.
--It’s a funny thing about the truth, no matter how well kept, or hidden it usually finds the light of day.
--And when it does we all seem so surprised. When if we’d really bothered to look it was right there to be seen before our eye’s.
--Maybe next time instead of being swayed by what was said, we’ll think about the words left unspoken. Because it is there my friend you’ll usually find the truth waiting and hoping. For someone to take a peek at what lies behind the sheet….

ARE YOU TALKING TO ME?…

-- No matter how many times you tell a cats to get down from the counter, they always give you the same look,and then proceed to lick themselves. Oh you know the one. The one that says are you talking to me?
--My wife thinks I’m over reacting of course, and tries to humor me. Because that’s what you do to calm down grumpy old overreacting men. Especially when they go into a mafia movie scene complete with sounds effects everything a cats jumps on the counter at our house. Sometimes it's like night of a 1,000 stars in our kitchen.
--The children of course love it and I’m getting the impression the dang fool cats are enjoying it too...

RECHARGING A DAY….

--I like watching kittens when their going just plain whack a doodle in one of their many bouts of playfulness during the day. The amount of energy they throw into having fun is amazing.
--It puts the bounce back into my step, and provides me with a much needed recharge when a day is in a downward spiral….

ENCOURAGING THE LIGHT…

--I love listening to my children talk when there excited about something that’s important to them.
--Even if I’m unsure about what it is there talking about, like a computer game or something along those lines.
--I try not to interrupt because I don't want to unintentionally dampen the fire in their eyes when they get going.
--Because quite frankly I love seeing the passion they have for what ever it maybe there talking about.
--As a parent I’ve always tried to encourage my children and support them as much as I can. Especially in their passions what ever they might be…

THE FINAL SCORE…

--Used be you knew who won the game by the final score at the end. Winner and losers shook hands at the end said good game and walked away happy.
--Now it seems the losers will devote the rest of their lives to trying to have the out come either overturned or at the very lest rewriting the history of that fateful day…

THANK GOD FOR CHATTERBOX’S….

--I’m always amazed when something totally unexpected happens that goes so against the norm that I’m stunned. More or less snapped back into focusing on just what in Sam hill it is that I’m trying to accomplish.
Usually before I get to distracted and end up having a stupid accident.
--Take today for example. I’m out shoveling my driveway. Trying to ignore a crow chattering on the phone wire above my head. Who keeps getting more and more excited. Finally I guess he decided enough was enough and pooped on my coat. Well needless to say I was not pleased and stood up to yell at him when I noticed the car coming down the road really fast. Which was heading right for where I was standing. Well I ran down my  driveway just making it in time before the dang fool slid right though were I was standing and kept going.
--When my heart stopped trying to bust out of my chest I looked up at the crow and he was walking  back and forth bobbing his head as if to say  I tried to tell ,you big fool.
--What could I say. He was right. He had tried to warn me. And once again I’d been too distracted to listen. I thanked the crow and decided to take a break from shoving for a few minutes, mostly because my legs were shaking. But when I did go back out the first thing I did was look for that crow. He was there waiting and sort of hung around until I was done  , which was kind of comforting.
--Sort of makes you wonder.  But over the years I’ve grown use to things and try to never look to hard at a blessing.   Just accept it for what it is and be thankful that it showed up.
--I know the first thing I’m buying when I do finally get dug out from all this dang snow.  Is some bird food for the empty bird feeder in my front yard. Just to sort of say thanks again. With my luck I can use all the help I can get….

YOU CAN’T KEEP A GOOD MAILBOX DOWN…..

--Well it seems once again somebody has seen fit to take out my poor old mailbox again.
--It was found at the scene of the crime cast down and spread out in my driveway.
--After a careful investigation. It was inconclusive as to just what happened. And has been ruled as an unexplained accident.
--Right now the poor old thing is mending its’ injuries and plans to be back on the job within the next few days.
--When asked about maybe retiring the poor old fellow and perhaps bringing in a younger fellow to take over. It was quickly pointed out to all concerned. That not all wrinkled old things were so easily cast aside so don't get no fancy ideas....

MAKING PLANS...

--My wife and I always encouraged our children to set goals for themselves and then of course try to achieve them. Leaving plenty of room for the Murphy factor. Because if there’s one thing that will derail a when made plan faster than anything it’s a visit from old man Murphy. And the resulting discouragement is sometimes hard to recover from.
--I don’t know how many times over the years I’ve seen well made plans broken down over the Murphy factor. It’s always good to have a backup plan just in case, and sometimes maybe a few waiting in the wings..

QUEEN OF THE OPEN FLAME…

--When it comes to cooking outside my wife is king and has made it quite clear she has no intention of relinquishing  the throne.
--What can I say one incident with chicken and a six foot flame [see Dino Burgers  post for reference] and your doomed to play the court jester.
--The children of course are quite happy with this arrangement. Mom can do no wrong when it comes to cooking out.  In fact when they smell wood smoke in the summer the first thing they do is start looking for condiments and buns.  It's about the only time it seems they are interested in helping with dinner.
--And as for my wife well for some reason she seems to find playing with food over a open flame relaxing. go figure.
--Usually when she heads out to burn some meat, it's my job to make the salads. it's a crazy arrangement but it seems to work for us and I guess after all that is what counts....

THE BUDDING ARTIST….

--When all the children were little we gave them coloring books and crayons to color with. It seemed like a good idea at the time.
--They’d spend hours coloring a picture and if they were especially proud we'd put it up on the icebox with letter magnets.
--One child was so proud in fact she decided to work on other thing’s besides coloring books. walls, window, toys, and there was one incident with markers and her sister I still hear about from time to time.
--Needless to say we tried everything to explain to the child that crayons were for coloring on paper not walls windows toys and especially her sister and brothers. Who I might add after seeing what happened to their sister maintained their distance whenever she was sitting down with a box of crayons.
--We tried everything we could think of. We counted crayons before during and after coloring. We searched her and the house for crayons. but we couldn't put a stop to the little artist adventures. Finally is desperation we banished crayons from the house.
--Which was fine until school started of course. But after such a dry spell she apparently never found her desire to go at it with such vigor again. In fact the school would often complain that the child just didn't seem to be interested in coloring, and we might want to have her tested. Because this was not normal. and we all know how that one goes.
--It wasn't until years later when we were putting down a wood floor in the living room that we found were our little budding artist was hiding her crayon stash. We must have found thousands of crayons under the carpet.
--I don't know who worked faster picking up crayons my wife and I or her brothers and sister....

THE BEST TEACHERS I’VE KNOWN….

--The conversations I’ve had with my children other years have been quite the delight. I’m happy to say.
And for everything I’ve tried  to teach them, there have been twice as many things  that they and my wife of course have taught me. And I’m not ashamed to admit it. In fact if push came to shove I’d say that my wife and children have been some of the best teachers I’ve known.
--Being married with children has been nothing but one extended learning experience after another.
--Oh there have been highs and lows over the years. But mostly it seems because of the preconceived shackles of just what it takes to be a man in the today world and where your place and role should be in the natural order of things. When in doubt don’t upset the norm, seems to be the male manifesto.
--For me taking 4 children to the store to pick up something was just a everyday thing as far as I was concerned. Yes one was in a baby carrier strapped to my chest, another was riding in car seat fixed shopping cart and the other 2 were walking along side so I guess we might of made quite the parade at the time.
--From the looks I got from some of the people we met you’d of thought we were dancing  and singing about the joys of life on the other side.
--Needles to say it’s been and continues to be some of the best moments of my life. Being Married with Children…

WHEN THINGS GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT….

--I have  never understood the fascination some people have with watching what I guess they call horror movies. Myself I call them perfect feeding ground for my over active imagination. Which I might add really don't need much for engagement. A scrape or rattle in the middle of the night and off it'll go for a stroll, especially if I’m over tired to begin with. So needless to say I try not feed what I don't want running Willy-nilly off on a tangent every time things go bump in the night. Especially in a house full of cats who seem to think the time to go whack a doodle is when I’m trying to sleep.
--I try to keep it pretty simple if you fill your head with garbage, then that’s pretty much what will end up coming out….

WHERE IN THE SAM HILL DID I LEAVE IT….

--I've gotten to the point that when I'm looking for something I'll spend a far amount of time looking and then I  just go ask my wife if she knows where it is.
--This didn't just happen over night ,but has taken me years of trail an error before I've realized that this is the best thing to do. and of course endless searching.
--How my wife knows or how she’s able to keep track is beyond me. But each and every day I just thank god that she does it because I'd be still looking and never be able to get anything done other wise....

WHO’S BEEN KNOCKING AT MY DOOR?...

--One night a few years ago. I spent the night good part of the night trying not to hear our dog, the Jack Russell Terrier barking and growling, at what ever it was getting him going.
--I guess I better explain this dog will stare off into space and growl at nothing. In fact he does it so much I have always figured he saw the spirit of pets that has passed away over the years.
-My wife of course thinks this is just another of my hair brain ideas I come up with just for her amusement. Until I went on to point out, see the way he backs his butt up and scratches it and then growls That’s is just the way Wilber the 400lb comedian used to do it.
--Of course she humors me because sometimes that what you do with whack a doodles, so they'll calm down.
--Regardless I got up and went out into the kitchen to find out what was what. Waffles was staring at the door growling and whining. I was about to tell him to be quiet when I heard the scratching and then the tapping on the outside of the door myself.
--Well realizing I had two choices and the first one about calling 911 wasn't going to happen. Because with my luck I would be spending the night answering question about calling 911 emergency numbers with hair brain ideas of fun. I decided to just go and open the dang door and find out what was out there. All the while trying not to think about axe swinging bug a boos and what not.
--I opened the door and there was a big old possum sitting there starring at me. When he saw the door was open he started to come in. Well I quickly closed the door and told Waffles to be quiet. And went back to bed.
--when I got back to bed my wife asked, What was up. I told her it was a possum wanting to come in. She asked did you let him in.
--I shook my head and said no dear I did not let him in we don't need anymore nuts in this house....

PARENTING LIVING ON A SWING SET…

--Sometimes I feel like I’m living on a swing. Everyday is a constant back and forth , .faster and slower. The harder you pump the higher you go. Until you get tired and start coasting to a low and then you have to start all over again, to regain the height you lost by coasting.
--In a lot of ways I guess that’s what being a Parent is all about...

NEVER FORGETTING WHAT CAME FIRST...

--Sometimes the simplest things are the easiest to forget. Maybe because they are so simple, and over looked for that fact. Or maybe because for some reason the big things are  what take up so much of our time. Not leaving much for the little things.
--My wife and I try to cover all the bases as best as we can. Working together as a team.
Not always agreeing but trying to never lose sight of the main goal. And we've done pretty well over the years doing this. we've had our share ups and downs but threw it all we've managed to keep it together. Mostly by remembering what came first….

WOOD SMOKE IN THE MORNING…

--There’s something about the smell of wood smoke on cold winter days that brings back memories. Some good, some bad, some happy and some sad.
--Like the pages of a book blowing in the wind they flutter in the minds eye all in the course of a few seconds with that first whiff of smoke.
--On days like that I enjoy the moment and then try to stay on track because as nice as it is sometimes you just can't go back.
--Going back for a visit from time to time is ok I guess, but like everything else shouldn't be done in excess.
--Most often you end up stuck and oh boy what a mess.
--There are so many things to focus on today. That being distracted for to long looking back at what was .Your libel to trip over what is, and end on your head instead of your feet….

THE MIDNIGHT RIDE…..

--Come and listen my children and you shall hear of the midnight ride I had on my derriere.
--It all started quite simple enough oh please won't you go see what has the dogs in such a huff. Being the one called father I am ..It  was up to me to full fill the plan, mumbling a bit about children that don't grow, while shaking my head off I do go.
With a flashlight that blinks more than shines I try to navigate the craters the gopher dogs has seen fit to leave behind. After a few near misses and one close call I find the source of the midnight madness that has upset de children and de misses don't you know.
Wilber the 400lb comedian has broken out of pen and has been raiding his food can. eating all that he can
--Try as I might and indeed I did try .For some reason it is hard to pry a pig head out of a garbage can filled with food , until he's full and does sigh.
--When it seemed he would empty the can before I could save any he sat back and let out a big sigh.
Well being not a fool, I grabbed the can and ran back to his pen almost slipping in drool clutching can for dear life. I stumbled along as fast as I could go, which is really quite hard with all the craters don't you know.
--As soon as I left Wilber sneezed twice and rose from his butt, and with a mighty squeal of delight gave chase. It  seems the dang fool thought it was a game were playing.
--As for me I was just running and praying I found his pen before it found me. Because in my hurry I'd lost the dang flashlight that was acting so squirrelly.
--His pen I did find and was just pouring food in his dish when who should arrive but Wilber knocking me down on my behind.
--As to the rest well you can plainly see by the amount of mud that is now covering me. Wilber is back where he belongs, safe and quite happy. As for me if you'll excuse for a bit I need to change my clothes and take a shower. Because quite frankly I'm starting to  itch .
--Who knew rolling in mud and having straw stuffed down your pants could be such a dang bother. But I guess that's what happens when your the one called the father....

FORGETTING TO KEEP IT SIMPLE…

--I try to look at all of the  sides before I form a opinion about something. Whether it's a argument, or a broken appliance, or whatever.
--I can usually find the solution in the events leading up to the problem doing this. And there by solve the problem if it's possible. Sometimes I can't. for any number of reasons I guess. And in cases like that I try to learn from what ever went wrong and make sure to do things differently so I don't end up in the same mess again.
--Now that being said, there are some things that no matter how you look at it are constantly going wrong. And no matter how many different ways you try to do it, still it ends up going wrong. When those things keep happening I put them under the heading of maybe it's not something I really want to devote the rest of my life to trying to get it to work., and try to find a simpler way of doing whatever it was I was trying to do.
--Usually by doing that I find that what it was that was going wrong was in the process I was using to try to get it done in the first place.
--The solution is usually something that was staring me in the face the whole time. But I was to distracted to remember to not over think things to see it…

HARDEST LESSON TO LEARN…

--I love how when presented with a problem it's usually the most simplest solution that ends up solving it.
--I know in my own case if I forget that, I'll end up driving myself whack a doodle trying to follow the so called simple directions for an answer.
--But like everything else in my life it seems I'm forever being provided with opportunities to learn the same dang thing again and again. Sometimes I feel like I'm trapped in a groundhog day movie moment.
--I will say one thing, sometimes the hardest lessons to learn, are the ones that are simplest  to forget...

INCONSIDERATE BEHAVIOR…

--I have  never enjoyed inconsiderate behavior because it's just as easy to be considerate. Oh  it might take a tad more effort. But  it seems like everyone I meet lately is in extreme conservation mode. Which I think is such a shame
--There  is so much more to life then running Willy- Nilly about, full filling your needs while stomping all  over the needs of others. with total disregard that at times makes people leap the Sam Hill out of the way for fear of being ground under foot in the stampede of selfishness that these me me's project. 
--Life would be so much easier if people would just think about some of the things they do.
--But I  guess that is what makes the special moments, so special. They give us strength to endure more of the me, me, me, cult we seem forced to share this planet with.
--In a way I feel sorry for these people their missing out on all the little blessing that life has to offer each day. Hopefully they'll realize it before life comes collecting it's dues...

Rainbow colored poo.

--One day while taking care of my children I found myself in for quite the shock. With four kids I'd thought I'd crossed every hurdle in the poo department. Just goes to show you what I knew.
--It was changing the third diaper that I noticed something was wrong. The poo was rainbow colored.  That sent me in a spin. I mean I didn't know what in the Sam hill was going on but I figured I'd better find out in a hurry.
--I ran to the phone in a panic, and called my wife at work.
--When she picked up I explained about what happened, and asked her if I had to rush off to the hospital or call 911,or what. Of course my wife being the constant smart Alec that she is sometimes, when I'm in chicken little mode, started laughing like a nut.
--I stood there glaring into the phone wishing very much that I could reach out and touch someone. When she finally took a deep breath and said I'm sorry dear it's funny. I shook the phone and said well I’m so glad I could make your day. now what about the poo. She says check the crayon box.
--Well I figured my wife lost it and wanted me write a note. I grabbed the crayon box and found 3  little crayons out of a box of 12. I looked at the child and she looked back as if to say  what. I went back to the phone and she's telling coworkers about what happened. Of course I had to wait until they all had a good laugh. After a couple of minutes she gets back on the phone, gasping for air, and asks what I found. I told her the child has ate like 9 crayons, did she think I should take her to the hospital or what. She said no their non toxic. which is why we always by them. I say well why didn't you just tell me that in the first place. And she says well then we all wouldn't had such a good laugh. I said well I'm glad we can help and hung up shaking my head and mumbling to myself. Little did I know that this was the first episode of the great crayon adventure with this child....

Things are looking up...

--When I  glanced out my window this morning it was snowing. I quickly closed the curtain, it was just to dang early for what was going on out there.
--When the weather forecast came on the TV, I shut if off. Like I said it was just to dang early.
--After I had my coffee I went back to bed because quite frankly after spending most of the night tossing and turning I was tired and the coffee I’d drank  was putting me to sleep.
--Well when I woke up I was surprised to find that every curtain in the house had been opened by my sunlight loving whack a doodle wife. Who apparently was trying to see if I was going to bust into flames, or just stumble around blind until I tripped over a piece of furniture she'd managed to rearrange while I’d been sleeping.
--When I finally was able to crack one eyelid enough to look out the window I was pleasantly surprised to find that it had stopped snowing and the sun was shinning.
--My wife looked at me and whispered just don't look at the temperature, it'll spoil your mood. She was right of course, just seeing the sun meant things were looking up. And that is all I really cared about....

Good Intentions..

--It seems I am forever trying to undo what others have done. With so called good intentions.
--It's not that they don't understand what it is they are doing, it's just that their so wrapped up in trying to help that they forget what the problem is their trying to help with.
and as a result the problem becomes bigger.
--Not that I don't appreciate the help, I really do. It's always nice to know that people have not totally surrendered to the me, me, me  attitude of this day and age.
--It's just that when it's all said and done, what needed to be fixed is still waiting patiently for a solution. But I guess that’s part of life learning to accept things as they .are. And not as we wish them to be…

Were going to have a baby...

--I remember when my wife first told me we are  going to have a baby, believe it or not I cried. There was a ball of emotions running though my body that was very hard to explain. Joy, love, euphoria, fear, everything you could think of. Then it slowed down to a slow march, and slowly retreated to the shadows. While the realization of becoming a parent was slowly sinking in.
--Probably what threw me wasn’t the fact of parenthood per say. Because I had been responsible for taking care of  kids since I was 9 yrs. old.  In fact, people use to say I would make a good parent one-day. Because apparently to find somebody so young being so responsible, was unusual at that time.
 -- I think what threw  me was this was going to be my child. My responsibility.
 -- Like every other time in my life, when faced with something  I needed to learn about I hit the books. I read everything I could on children. Of course thinking this ultimately would prepare me for the adventure of parenthood.
 --The problem with the books I read were they all seemed to be written by people who had never raised a child or forgot what they had learned and replaced it with intellectual nonsense…