Wrestle Time
Nothing better than blowing off a little steam at the end of the evening by taking out daily frustrations on Daddy.
The Circle of Life - or at least the Lifecycle of Enthusiastic Activity
This is a song Corbin learned for the letter "H" at kindergarten. As he will show...singing is really hard work.
First Haircut
We took Emily to get her first haircut tonight. She had a great time watching "Melmo" (Elmo) and she did a great job of letting Ms. Sharon cut her hair.
Needless to say she looks stunning. Video below (about 8 minutes long) and pictures here.
A Special Video for George
There's a LOT that we love about our cousin George. Here are just a few of our favorite things about George:
We love you George!
Love,
Corbin, Emily, Auntie Kim & Uncle Kevin
A Special Story for George
Corbin wanted to read George a special story. This is a new book we just picked up today and Corbin thought he would share...
Things I've Learned from a Kindergartener
Here's a random list of things I've learned thus far from our kindergarten experience:
- Backpacks are really cool...even if holding only 1 small folder
- Daily stamps are a good reward for a good morning's work (especially a Mickey stamp)
- Drop-off and pickup procedures may require a masters degree (for God sakes, don't go IN the OUT area!
- Ms. Gregg knows a lot...sometimes even more than mommy and daddy
- Education is an experience that can and should be shared...and education comes from every facet of our day. Reading center, learning about other countries, or learning the subtle differences about the buses that take the kids from Primrose to kindergarten.
- Education involves the entire person (Mind, Body, Heart and Spirit) and creating educational experiences that engage not only the facts but the feelings of self and others creating collaborative learning that is fun for all.
I'm sure this list will grow and change. I'm sure Corbin will do the same. And, for that matter, I know I will keep changing as well.
I am thankful that we're sharing this kindergarten experience with our son. All are lessons that I need and appreciate.
Labor Day Fun
We've had a great Labor Day break. Lots of playing, singing, eating together, more playing, a bit of napping and lots of laughing, hugs and kisses.
Go Car Go
Go Car Go
What is Church?
Today in children's church the kids were asked to draw what they would do with our new building...how would they use the space to serve God, the community and others.
Corbin's church had the traditional markings. A steeple, doors, windows, etc. But that's where the similarities ended. On the far right side of Corbin's church was an overhang with a red cross. When asked about this portico Corbin responded, "That's the entrance to the emergency room where people can come who are sick or hurt."
Underneath this structure were a series of what were obviously wheels. When we asked Corbin about the circles under his church he replied, "those are wheels that can take the church to where the people who need us are."
Yes son, the church is a place where sick and hurt people can come. Come to find strength, to find joy in the eternal and to find a family of people who desire to, as Job's friends so powerfully demonstrated, simply sit and let the stillness minister to the wounds of the heart. And yes son, the church is mobile with those same people carrying their spirit and joy into their lives ministering to all around them merely by their presence.
Here's to the church as emergency room. To the church on wheels. To the church who continually redefines what church is to meet the needs of a changing world.
I am the church, you are the church, we are the church together.
Corbin's church had the traditional markings. A steeple, doors, windows, etc. But that's where the similarities ended. On the far right side of Corbin's church was an overhang with a red cross. When asked about this portico Corbin responded, "That's the entrance to the emergency room where people can come who are sick or hurt."
Underneath this structure were a series of what were obviously wheels. When we asked Corbin about the circles under his church he replied, "those are wheels that can take the church to where the people who need us are."
Yes son, the church is a place where sick and hurt people can come. Come to find strength, to find joy in the eternal and to find a family of people who desire to, as Job's friends so powerfully demonstrated, simply sit and let the stillness minister to the wounds of the heart. And yes son, the church is mobile with those same people carrying their spirit and joy into their lives ministering to all around them merely by their presence.
Here's to the church as emergency room. To the church on wheels. To the church who continually redefines what church is to meet the needs of a changing world.
I am the church, you are the church, we are the church together.
Ice Cream
I don't want to write too many words here...I'll ruin the fun of the pictures. Here's a sample. Check out the rest here:Family Blog
Meanwhile Emily enjoyed a little chocolate and vanilla ice creams. And when the spoon stopped feeding her she took matters into her own hands...
Five Years Ago Today
Five years.Five years ago today.
Five years ago today our lives changed.
Five years ago today we thought would be just an ordinary day.
Another trip to the doctor.Another request to be patient.Another week waiting.Another week wondering.
Five years ago today we learned that you were coming.
Five years ago today God blessed us with a glimpse of his joy.
Five years ago today you started teaching me.
About how to be a Daddy.About how to enjoy the beauty of the breeze.About how to wonder at God's creation.About how to love.
Five years ago today God introduced me to a love I cherish more each day.
Five years ago today you were born.
Happy Birthday Corbin.
Corbin & Emily vs. "The Slide"
Well last night we again lost control of our living/dining room for the next few years. I say that like we had control...the space is already anchored by a train table and a 5 foot giraffe. Now we've completed the trifecta and added the slide.
Emily of course was on it immediately and within minutes was climbing up the slide.
We may have lost some "adult" space, but we've gained "fun" space for our children to create imaginative memories.
Emily of course was on it immediately and within minutes was climbing up the slide.
We may have lost some "adult" space, but we've gained "fun" space for our children to create imaginative memories.
A Day with Thomas
We took Corbin to our early Thomas outing yesterday. This was our 4th. As usual he had a ball...looking at the model trains, getting Thomas tatoos, seeing Sir Topham Hatt and of course...riding on Thomas.
Xander (along with Robin and Derek) joined us on this beautiful day. A few clips are below. You can also see some pictures here: http://picasaweb.google.com/kev.richardson/2008ADayWithThomas
Giddyup
Giddyup 2
Waiting for Thomas
Here Comes Thomas
Fun on a Thomas Day Part 1
Fun on a Thomas Day Part 2
Behind the Music
There's always a story behind the story of the music. This is a simple story of volume, percussion and the love and joy of noise and discovery. Enjoy!
More Steps
Emily is walking with the aid of Mommy and Daddy's fingers now...and is very proud of herself about the whole thing. Here are a few moments we captured.
Here's part deux
Here's part trey
Here's part deux
Here's part trey
Snow Day
A really unusual snow in Fort Worth on Thursday...3-4 inches. And it was the good snow. Packing snow. Snowball/snowman snow. It was calling to us to play. Begging us to bundle up and brave the cold and wind and endure the red cheeks to make some memories.
And make them we did. Enjoy the videos.
Simple Pleasures
Emily has really taken to walking behind her push toy. I need to realign the tires...looks like it always pulls to the right. She's got the walking part down...now we need to work on the turn.
Grace Defined
HSO (Hot sports opinion) warning:The Tour de France is the greatest sporting spectacle on earth. And, cycling the most exciting sporting event on the planet. Now, hear me out before you tune me out.
Facts:
- Cycling has been desimated by doped up idiots who think the only way to win is to dope
- The world community has given up on cyclists being honorable people
- The UCI (world cycling body) is reeling from several gut wrenching scandals and is trying to get back on its feet
- The world community has no respect for American cyclists (Andy Hamptsten, Greg LeMond and Lance Armstrong are reviled)...by the way, there are 10 tour victories between them.
- It is grace defined.
- Best teams win in cycling. If you doubt that statement, watch a stage of the tour with me this year and I'll show you. It is the consummate team sport. Armstrong will be the first to tell you that it was his domestiques that made the difference for him.
- The riders temper their competitiveness and enthusiasm with an elaborate but unwritten code of conduct. When possible, a rider is allowed to lead the race through his home village or on his birthday. It is considered unsporting to attack a leading rider delayed by a mechanical breakdown or other misfortune, one who is eating in the feed zone or one who is satisfying un besoin naturel (roughly translated to "a natural need"). Not sticking to these customs can lead to animosity. Unless the final stage is a time trial, or the gap between the top two is extremely close, riders generally do not attack on the final stage, leaving the leader to bask in the glory of winning.
2008 Projections
I'd say watch for Alberto Contador to defend his 2007 win. But Contador won't be riding. It's a long story. It's an unfortunate story. I agree with heavy payment for past crimes...but this is sad...simply implicating and keeping a team out because they share the same sponsor as a team from 2007 that was a part of a major doping scandal. Over 60,000 people have signed a petition sent to the ASO (which owns the Tour de France) asking for these young men (including Contador and Levi Leipheimer) to be able to ride in cycling's grand sport.
So, we move on. This year's Tour has only 5 main mountain stages (including Alpe d’Huez, Col du Galibier, and Col de la Croix de Fer...40 miles of climbing in one day alone!) This short but important stint in the mountains also brings Michael Rasmussen to the forefront as a legit contender in the general classification. And, don't count out Cadel Evans, last year's runner-up in the overall classification, although he is better in the time trials. This year the tour features only two individual time trials (18 miles and 33 miles) and the length and placement of those stages will make it difficult for Evans to make up more an a few precious seconds he loses in the mountains.My pick...Evans...assuming that Team Astana can't race.
So where do you watch this exciting 22 days of racing? Check out Versus (formerly OLN) on your cable network of choice.