There are times when two things are irreconcilable, it is in these times that there is a right and wrong and the right must prevail, whatever cost.

Could I have done...

I had a thought today about parents, I have often heard some parents of grown or wayward children. They often are heard saying, If I had only done more. A correcting thought entered my mind, a scripture for my life, a thought that will guide my interactions. The only regret I will have will be in saying, I could have loved them more. We are free to choose, that can never be taken away, but our choices seem less clear when we don't feel loved. 

My Coaching Debut

So pictures will be coming but I had to blog about my first coaching experience with sports. I coach all day long in the computer/tech sector but sports? Yes, sports. I couldn't believe it either, and we won (16-10)! I have to admit I needed some help on making sure I was calling the right positions at first, but I am quick study. It was so much fun standing there at the sidelines watching the patterns they were running and trying to analyze how we can get them to improve. It really does come down to basics and running the best patterns, the right patterns. The boys always had a big smile when you would yell out their name and let them know they were doing a good job. I think we are all probably a little like that.

I will post some pictures when Brandi has them downloaded and has sent them over.

Who needs to TV??

So here they are, my prodigies. I couldn't resist taking this picture it made me so proud that my kids had traded in staring at one screen for hours for an interactive one. I have tried for years to get them to learn programming but I will take playing with Webkinz for right now, well at least the oldest two, Sadie is "typing letters", oh so close.

I guess you know where my priorities are, but I don't let these teaching moments slip away. Diversity awareness is very important to me. I took the time to introduce them to an entirely new experience of using a MacBook.  I did ease them into using the more energy efficient netbook first, I wanted them to really understand responsible computing first and then how to embrace change and differences.

Disneyland at 30+

Disneyland is great. It feels like it hasn't changed in the 15 years since I last visited. It feels like I have though. I don't remember my feet hurting this much. $20 felt like a million, now it feels like $20. The rides went faster and lasted longer. If I bend down so my eyes are at exactly 42" off the ground it all changes, the rides are just as big and fast as I remember and the treats are just as sweet. Its fun to see Disneyland through the eyes of my kids. 

Peter - Sent from Mobile (G1)

Our first lunch to Disneyland

So here we sit, enjoying a round at the Training
Table. This is one of Brandi's home town favorties. The ride down from Idaho was snowy and we saw at least 14 accidents. We will be careful but the way down should be clear from here out.

Day 1 is half way through...

Peter - Sent from Mobile (G1)

Last Days of Summer

This week the kids start going to school again. Its hard to believe that the summer is over. Brandi would remind you that it doesn't really end until the last weeks of September. The air has already started to cool (even thought temperature will most likely spike once or twice again) and the night are getting cold.  Today it feels like the fall and I guess that is why I am refelctive and borderline melancholy.

Things I did this summer (in no particular order),

Changed to oil with my own hands (haven't done it in years)

Built the swing set and anchored it down after it fell apart within the first week

Officially got burned out from my job

Took a nice, long, lazy vacation

Put spinklers and sod in on the north side of the house

Started training for a triathlon

Supported Brandi in her preparation for a half-marathon

Tried to swim in Rigby lake but about died

Successfully swam at the college pool but ran out of steam

Drove to Mesa Falls and saw them, well one of them

Planted a couple of trees and cut the sprinkler line...and then fixed it

Matthew caught a fish we put it back, someone gave us a replacement and then I gutted and cleaned it myself with no help, we ate it too

Celebrated 3 of the 4 kids with the oldest turning 8

10 years from the first date with my wife

Planning really works

Things really do get better with age

I now love my wife and kids more than I did at the beginning of summer, overall time well spent

Peter - Sent from Mobile (G1)