Congrats Ethan Monster!

Ethan graduated from Pre-School today.. he will start Kindergarten in the fall. Just wanted to share his special day with you all.

We had graduation and then we went to see WALL-E with a few of his friends. It was so darn cute. You all have to go see it!

Move it!

In order to get my kids to step up their activity level, I got them each a pedometer. They've been dying to go to King's Island, so, I informed them that if they could walk there, I'd take them. So, now even when they are watching TV, or need something to do, they run in place, they run up and down the stairs over and over, they even argue about who gets to take the dog for a walk. Ali runs in place while she watches TV, it's been great! The best part of it is that when bedtime approaches, they are exhausted! I love it! It's the best purchase I've made all year.
The pedometers were more than affordable---only $2.99 each--- they are multicolored so they all have their own color, Ali's is pink, Zach's is white and Tay has a black one. Go to Amazon.com and type in pedometer, it's the 3rd one down I believe, "Multifunction Pedometer with Steps, Distance & Calories." I decided that I'm going to continue on with this too! I'm going to have a prize, or a benefit of some sort for each week, or maybe each month--like a date with daddy, or maybe a hike with mom---something that still has to do with activity--perhaps bowling or swimming---anyway, I wanted to share with you my success in getting my kids moving! They fight less, they play more! What more could you ask for??? (Besides a million bucks so you can fill your gas tank).

birthday boy.

So today is six months from Christmas, which in turn means that a certain boy turned 1 today...Hurray for dante! strange to think that I have a son at all, let alone a one year old.
So Dante began his morning at three (he has been sick). We brought him into bed and there he proceeded to pinch the crap out of me and Alyse. He spent the rest of the day with his mom, till she had to work then he got to see his grandparents. Mom and Dad are the best..well they are free so what else could I ask for. (they really are the best) On the way home from Elk ridge he got to face the front for the first time. (car seat rules are that he cant be facing forward til he is one) He loved it. Then for the next few hours he ran around screaming, bitting, crying and eating.
Alyse got home and Brought him some cake. he went at it with both hands and destroyed all the frosting, the cake found the floor. It was a huge milestone in life for me to have a kids birthday, I remember zachs first and thought then that i thought it would be cool to be the dad, I was right what an aswesome feeling.

I will end it here but I love that kid more than I ever thought I could and I look forward to a million more birthdays with him.

chance

Break a leg

Well today is not a good day for me. I was at work and coming down a set of stairs when one of the cement stairs that are set in rebar broke loose and I went through it. I managed to twist as I fell and absorbed most of the impact on my wrist and other ankle as my leg went through the gap. My leg was cut up pretty bad but I sure showed those stairs it will be a long time before they mess with me after I got myself extracted and managed to stop all the bleeding. I cussed them out so good they are nice and afraid of me. So after the doctor visit he told me I have a badly bruised left wrist, a huge bloody mess of scratches on my left leg that are turning a nice purple color, a badly bruised right leg and an extremely badly bruised left leg, and ankle. I don't publish all this for simpathy (but feel free to give it to me) but because after it was over and even though it hurts I thought about how it could of been so much worse and what would of happened if I had fallen even worse and broken my neck or something I worry about what my girls and wife would do. Then it came to me in the middle of my freaking out, a nice warm feeling came over me because I realized that even if something did happen I had my own family that would help my children and wife if they ever needed it. This was quite a comfort even though I was really hurting. It just goes to show that it sometimes takes something shocking to make you realize all the good your family does for you.

Love you all
Justin

Bryce's Little Guardian Angel

I was watching the news this morning and thinking (yep! I do that once in a while), Bryce must have his own little guardian angel. Do you all recall how many times he's been in the path of what could potentially be a deadly situation, and he comes out unscathed? Disaster seems to follow just behind him, I've decided he can never come to my house--as soon as he leaves my house will get blown away in a tornadic frenzy (just kidding Bryce--I'd love for you guys to come). I'm grateful today for the safety of my family, wherever they might be. I'm so grateful the Bryce and Christy Hayes family have returned to the states. Although it's not the safest place in the world, at least we have each other.

With so many disasters and scary things happening around the world, I feel like our family is coming closer together, that we've overcome any petty differences we may have had as kids. I am amazed at the awesome family that I have and I take every opportunity to tell people what a great family I have.

Bryce--I hope that all your friends in the Philippines are okay, I know you must be worried about those you left behind.

Parental Job Description (taken from Ann Lander's column)

Position: Parent
Job Description: Long term player needed for challenging, permanent work in chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work evenings an weekends and frequent 24-hour shifts. There is some overnight travel required; including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities. Travel expense is not reimbursed.
Responsibilities: Must keep this job for the rest of your life. Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily.. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule. Must be willing to tackle stimulating technical challenges such as small gadget repair, sluggish toilets, and stuck zippers. Must handle assembly and product safety testing, as well as floor maintenance, and janitorial work. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars, and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and levels of mentality. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute and an embarrassment the next. Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of end project.
Advancements and Promotions: There is no possibility of either. Your job is to remain in the same position for years; without complaining, constantly retaining and updating your skills so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you.
Previous Experience: None required, but on the job training is offered on a continually exhausting basis.
Wages: None, in fact you must pay those in your charge, offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 and attend college. When you die, you give them whatever income you have left.
Benefits: There is no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options. However, the job offers limitless opportunities for personal growth and FREE HUGS FOR LIFE.