Maggie and Jeremy at play.

Tom's Birthday

Tom would be 46 today. Miss you, Bro.

Maggie plays Tennis!

If you think Maggie gets into her tennis, you oughta see her bowl!

Jeremy Said It

On our recent trip to see Bubba, I was driving down I-44 after dark and came upon a State Trooper and passed him. Now I was going about 2 or 3 miles over the limit, but so was the guy I was following.

The trooper sped up to get along side of us, then dropped back and got behind me. I couldn't se why he would want to pull me over, so I got over to get out of his way. He got behind me again, so I just waited for the lights to come on, and about 15 seconds later they did.

I got my license out and rolled down my window. As the trooper is walking up, Jeremy loudly blurts out, "We surrender!"

Turns out, the trooper saw Jeremy moving in the back seat and wanted to make sure he was wearing a seat belt. We all were, so without even checking my license, he let us continue on our way.

More Pics from Christmas

Putting up the tree

The dog had not yet been given this toy.



It is supposed to be a tree skirt.

I told you the earrings would come!

Paula's Mom and Dad

Christmas Pics

Maggie took this picture herself!

It's just missing the earrings. They will come later.

Maggie and Jeremy with their Aunt Mary

What a cute pair!

Maggie and Jeremy with Nathan in Joplin.

Merry Christmas

It has been a while since I have posted anything. Life can be so hectic at times, and now seems to be no exception.

It is Christmas Eve around 11:00, and we are preparing to head home after visiting with "Bubba" (our oldest son, Nathan). It is different since we have already opened our presents and will be on the road a good part of Christmas day. Christmas morning will consist of packing up the car and heading home to Grandma and Grandpa, Paula's parents, who now live with us.

Yes, it is different. No tree or lights or presents. My mom and Dad and brother Tom are no longer with us. But what is important is here, family. I am so blessed, we are so blessed. Not so much in the material sense, but in the sense that we know God, love him, and love one another. I do not wish for another kind of Christmas.

For those who happen on this blog, whether family, friend, or stranger, I wish you the same. Know God's love for you, love and be loved by family (and that includes the family of God), and have the peace and purpose that all of that brings.

Merry Christmas!

Don, Paula, and Family

GREAT NEWS!!!

Maggie and Jeremy were baptized (by their daddy) on October 19th.

As we sat in church, Jeremy could hardly wait. He turned to me at one point and started rubbing his face. I asked him what he was doing. He said, "See, no matter how hard I try, I just can't wipe the smile off my face!"

Maggie chose to do it before the church, when she could have chosen to do it privately. She was a bit intimidated that morning, but decided to go through with it, being willing to go outside of her comfort zone.

What a day!

Go Carting

We took Maggie and Jeremy out for a few laps around the local go-cart track. We enjoyed a few laps together, and they also had some cars that they could drive on their own.

Saturday Night

I was given a couple of tickets to see Aretha Frankin on Saturday night at Hoosier Park here in Anderson. It was an outdoor concert, and the weather was perfect. After dinner at BW's, Paula and I headed over for the concert. It was a great evening. I believe the clip below is the song that she started our concert with.