Best of 2012

We had a rocking good time in 2012, thanks for all the good memories Annie & Boys!

Hawaii Vacation Lodging

Nice way to vacation in Hawaii. I found this flyer on the wall in the DFW crew room earlier in the month.

A Christmas Story

I received an email this morning from the executive director of Safe Families that included a nice Christmas Story.

Date: 12-22-2012
Subject: No Room at the Inn
From: Dr. David Anderson, Executive Director, Safe Families

I have to admit that I have never thought often about the Inn Keeper in the story of Jesus' birth. I've probably read the story hundreds of times. But this year I am intrigued. He could have responded like everyone else did to Joseph and Mary, No Room. His first response I'm sure was that the Inn was full. No one would have criticized him for sending them away. However, something caused him to stop and more deeply considered what he had to offer. I bet he somewhat sheepishly said, "There's no room in the Inn. However, I'm sure you don't want it but I do have a barn and a manager you could use. We could try and make sure you feel as comfortable as you can."

I often feel like our home is "full." Its not actually full. We have space but for some reason I am feeling full. Maybe because we are busy. Maybe because its hard to say goodbye to a child. Maybe because its inconvenient helping a child adjust to our routines. Maybe the child needing a home is too different than me and my family. However, like the Inn Keeper, sometimes we do have to reconsider our first reaction, No Room.

A family recently did just that. We received a surprise check for $10,000 from a hospital (North Shore University Health System) a couple weeks ago. We never get checks from hospitals. Obviously, it got my attention. A social worker, Nancy, said that she submitted a story to the employees of the hospital to vote on to bless a family or agency with a Christmas gift. Safe Families was chosen.

Here's the story. A young (19 and 20 years old - not much older than Mary and Joseph) couple had a new born baby that was born with complications. The parents had multiple jobs, were attending college, and lived on friends' couches. They had a beautiful baby but she had a life limiting illness. She had hydranencephally, a condition where the brain fails to develop and is primarily fluid. They were devastated and knew they couldn't care for her. The social worker called numerous institutions, agencies, adoption centers, etc., and no one would take her. No room. The last agency she called ask her to call back in 2-3 years. Then she thought of Safe Families. Although she knew of Safe Families, she never considered that we took children who had a limited life. Within an hour a family was found who cared for the baby only 6 more days until she passed away in their home.

Who does that? Who makes room for such a situation, knowing that her life was so short? Who says yes when everyone in Chicago says no. They were a Safe Family. They represent over 800 host families in Chicago doing that same thing. This family represents all of us, taking children whose parents can't care for them and no one else wants.

The thoughts of a 10 year old

Me: Erik, why did you set your alarm for 6am on a Saturday?
Erik: Because I like to wake up and go back to sleep again.
Me: Really?
Erik: Yes, I like to be half awake and half asleep.

This is soooo our kids

Kurt is elected to student council

Why you should vote for me for Student Council

Hi, I am Kurt Schnaubelt. I like to swim, play baseball, play football, wall ball at recess, and wrestling. I have been going to this school since Kindergarten. I have 2 brothers, and no sisters. I have one cat, a lot of fish, two birds, and I would like a well-trained friendly golden retriever dog.

You should vote for me for student council because I don’t care if you are a boy or girl, I am your friend. And we are all family in this classroom. If you give me an idea for the ABC countdown, I will go to the student council meetings and tell them your idea. I will remind you to do your class jobs. I will do my best to go to all the student council meetings, even if they are before school or during recess. I will be fair with the spencils, and will work hard to setup during the pancake breakfast fundraiser for charity.

Remember to vote for me for Student Council, and thank you for listening.

*He wrote this and read it to his 3rd grade class*

Brother Iker

Erik wins cardboard boat race!

Lindy's Landing on Bangs Lake had its 11th annual cardboard boat races over Labor Day weekend. It was the first time we made a cardboard boat, and we didn't know if it would float or even last one race, but it lasted 3 races, and Erik was the overall winner! Way to go Erik!

Great Cartoon

Annie and I both like this cartoon.

Bass Master Kurt

Kurt caught this monster large mouth on Honey Lake in front of the country club 5 minutes before quiten time.

Phoenix Poker Clubs

During our recent visit to Arizona, we made a stop at the Tilted Jack, a rather unique Phoenix Poker Club. These poker clubs are quite popular in the area, but operate in a legal grey area. The Tilted Jack, is operated as a Cooperative, which means it's owned by it's members. Players can relax knowing they are playing within the law. Unlike some of the other area clubs, which can be found in this Phoenix Poker list.

Congrats on 50 years Jim & Melinda!

We went to Tucson last week and celebrated Jim & Melinda's 50th wedding anniversary.

Daddy & Boys Campout

We got started about 4am, Peter & Erik went to sleep in the van the night before, and they woke up in Indiana. We had breakfast at the Rendezvous Family Diner in Grand Haven, walked the pier and went down the YMCA dunes. Then up to Ludington for 3 nights. Floated the river, fished in Hamlin Lake, sailed in Hamlin & Lake Michigan, went on several hikes, and had a blast. The last night was spent in Silver Lake, after we spent the day on the massive dunes there. Then we took the SS Badger across the lake on the last day. Kurt didn't want to skip the last 2 days of school, so we'll have a special little trip for him later in the summer.

This is how Kurt fell asleep tonight!

In his baseball uniform, feet on the pillows, pen in hand, doing his chess workbook.

Leader Dogs for the Blind

My friend Steve Alton is applying for a guide dog through the Leader Dogs for the Blind organization. The application required a video that showed him walking around, crossing roads, and talking to the camera.

Basketball Saturdays

Erik & Kurt are playing basketball this spring. We started the season with a candy bar reward for every 5 baskets they score. But we changed it today. Now they get a candy bar when they pass it and THAT person scores a basket. You should see the passing that is going on now! Loving it.

Next Report Card

Peter, if you get all A's on your next report card, I will buy this.

Like a River

Life is like a river. There are bends and twists and rapids to navigate, but it's still easiest to stay in the flow. Today I feel like I've picked up my raft and left that river.

Peter turns 11

I think Peter enjoyed his birthday this year. He started the day with breakfast at the Canteen, then school, then bowling that night. He got a new bike, these awesome skis (below) for his RC plane, and a little friend named Gavin to play with.

2011 Slideshow

The year 2011 was packed with fun, adventure, plenty of challenges, and lots of good memories.

Table tennis in the kitchen

We don't have the room for a normal ping pong table, but that is OK, this is just as much fun. Thanks for the Christmas present Annie!

Laptop Repair

Peter fixing my old laptop.

Thanks Donovan!

Annie's Uncle Don gave us a whopper of a New Years gift.