Live A Revolution... Every Day

I Love My Friends

Back: Daryl McMullen, Scott Verduin, Adam Callender, Me, Trent Runyon

Front: Tammy McMullen, Debbie Verduin, Becky Callender, Jami, Leah Hudson

I love our friends. I don't say it enough. This group of people that Jami and I do life with, who we are in relationship with, make me want to be a better person, dad, friend and husband. 

They aren't afraid to call me out. 

They are giving beyond belief.

They care about every aspect of my life.

They want the best for me and others.

They are passionate.

They are funny.

And they are, without a shadow of doubt, some of the greatest examples of Jesus living on this earth.

You should be jealous if you don't know these guys. And if you do have the chance, you should take advantage of every opportunity you have to get to know them. Because your life will be better for doing so.

I truly have great friends.

Reunion

I love this guy. Virgil, my old college roommate and R.A. partner. We got to catch up with each other's lives. A lot of things have changed - we are now fathers, we are losing hair. But one thing hasn't changed, we are both chasing Jesus. On the other end of that phone in my hand is John Thomas, a.k.a. Johnny Loco - another great college buddy. These guys make me smile, even when one of them is in Columbus, OH. I'm glad all three of us got to catch up!

My Name Is... what? My Name is... what?

 

Brody had a post a couple days ago asking what nickname you have or have had. That brought up some good high school memories of my Freshman/Sophomore years. One nickname I had, the entire baseball team gave me, including the coach: "Keebler" - after the dude above, the Keebler Elf. I had forgotten all about it until I read Brody's blog. I know it's hard to believe, but back in those days I was small and skinny. So it fit. And it's all good. No huge scars or mental trauma to speak of.

Out in the Hollar

I've got a friend from West Virginia who says he's from "out in the hollar" (insert the hick accent), meaning he lives in the sticks where there ain't nothin around. This weekend, I'm goin out in the hollar with Adam, Daryl and Trent - not broke back mountain style - manly, hunt big bears with our bare hands style - or, as manly as I can be. I'm not a big camper type. Camping to me would be getting a tent and sleeping out in front of Starbucks. But, after the last half of the week I had, I'm ready to get some place with no cell coverage. And yes, I specifically made the purchases above for this trip. Got to have an LED Headlight. Got to have goggles for ATVing. And got to have a first aid kit - I'm really looking forward to using the butterfly closures... but not on myself. Yeah. I'm a dork. But it's ok. Maybe we'll find Big Foot!

The Open Road Ahead

 In just a few short hours (about 9 p.m.), we'll be heading out for Myrtle Beach, SC for seven days... the Ruth's, McMullen's, Callender's and s.s.s.-seven kids. I can't wait. It's gonna be a blast... and I hear we've got CB radios too!

Are You Lookin At Me? Huh, Are You?

Count'em up. Five kids. I love it. We are watching the McMullen's three kidos while Tammy and Daryl are in Texas eating Chang's. What I love more, is taking five kids to the park and then to Dairy Queen. I love the stares we get because Jami and I look 22 years old. And you can tell people are trying to do the math and then thinking, how do these 22 year olds have five kids. It's freaking awesomly awkward.
Sorry for the quality of the photo... stinking camera phone.

We Do...

This is part of a photo I received in an email from a foster family I work with. The whole photo is of a student all dressed up for a semi-formal. The student who is placed there has made drastic improvements in life. Why? I believe the reason is because of the two individuals who have opened their home. They are the definition of 1 Thessalonians 2v8. Check it out:

We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us. 1 Thessalonians 2v8

It's ironic to me that I would see these statements hanging on the wall of foster parents. After all, God has adopted us as his children through Jesus (Ephesians 1v4-6). If you look at the photo closely, you will see the definition and outflowing of God through Jesus. How cool is that!? Let me answer it for you... it's freaking cool. The foster parents are freaking cool. This student is freaking cool. This will be in our home very soon.

Sizing Up the Manhood

The other night we were over at a friend's home when it happened - the my penis is big, yours is small. Ok. Let me clarify. This discussion wasn't between me, Daryl or Adam. It was between Carter and Tyler. I actually didn't think it would start until they hit their lower teen years. But no, at age three, Tyler says, "I have a big penis. Carter has a small penis." (Sorry Carter. Hope you're friends don't see this post in ten years.) Then today, while potty training, Carter says, "I have big testicles." Yeah. Priceless. And if he's like a normal man, he probably said that to make sure everyone knows his manhood is just fine.

Pumpkin Fun

Click on photo for close up of Morgan's face.

Quote of the Day

And the quote of the day goes to...

Abbey Callender: "Is that the Mississippi River?"

Her mother Becky: "No honey. That's the St. Joseph River."

She is precious... and let's check the school she's attending please.

Apple Festival Parade Fun

Enjoying the parade with friends... Scott, Debbie and Lexi.

The Line-up

Jami and I were getting ready to set up Morgan's pack'n play in our friend's daughter's room when we popped on the light and saw the dolls all lined up on the bed, some with clothes and some naked. Jami and I just laughed because we know that's what we've got to look forward to... just hopefully not with Carter!

Showered with Gifts

This photo doesn't begin to do justice to the amount of love that was shown to Jami and new Morgan Grace Ruth. Thank you to all of our friends who were able to participate. Your love, grace and friendship has made a huge impact in each of our lives.

P.S. I just read Carter his Our New Baby Book. He's still in denial.

Fall Fun

I'm Superman. That's my friend Dawson. He protects me from kryptonite and I use my x-ray vision to find his brain.

Wow. What kind of treasure lies behind this door?

The cute trick or treating family... before the melt down.

It's just me, and my pumpkin.

I love my mommie!

And my daddie. Don't tell him he looks like the pumpkin.

Ummm, what am I suppose to do with this? This can't be normal?

Ok, I'm ready to model. I can't hold this pose for long. Hurry up and carve that thing.

Maybe I've got a career as a brain surgeon.

Look, I'm growing like a tree.

Leaf-sit 2006.

What Carter's Been Up To

I've been at the Apple Festival way too long... and it's only been an hour. Look how giddy I am.

Not sure what it is with this age group. But both Carter and Tyler feel the necessity to stand for the photo even when strapped down.

Carter before the fireworks.

Carter during the fireworks!

Go ND!

How you like my Touchdown Jesus impression?

Ok, seriously. I know what this looks like. It looks bad. It looks like I'm eating my own poop. Stop. Relax. I'm not. My mommy left me alone with a piece of chocolate. Seriously. It's not poop.

Random in the Dells

As we were taking photos, waiting for Adam and Becky and the other kids to arrive back at the hotel, this random kid decides to meander in our shot. Carter literally doesn't know he's behind him. Tyler, well, Tyler knows who belongs and who doesn't belong. We later learn that his parents are in the middle of "checking" in – thus, not "checking" on their kid.

Just before this shot, we finished up eating at one of the great pizza shops in the WORLD, called Unos. Ok, that may be an over statement. Let's just say, the world – lowercase. In any case, the adults decide that everyone gets treats after dinner. And in deciding where to go, we literally have a full conversation between two vehicles in the parking lot on making the decision to have a treat and where to go to have the treat by spelling out every word. I think we created a new language called, splanguage, where you talk in s-p-e-l-l-i-n-g. I guess that's what happens when you have two car loads of kids who know what the word "treat" means but can't yet spell.

Weekend At the Dells

You. Me. Pool. Now.

 

This looks like fun!

 

Whoaaaaa!

 

I can't see. I can't see.

 

Look at me. I'm here!

 

Three Amigos.

 

Are my legs suppose to spread this far?

 

It's Oreo time!

 

Dude, you wanna take a drink?

 

What's up with the elephant behind me?

 

Typical photo. Tyler laughing and showing off. Carter sitting and staring.

 

Not sure where Adam and Jacob are. But they should be in this shot too.

 

And... out!

Tonight was Communion at GCC. Most of the team that went to Mexico got a chance to serve it to about 1,000 people. This ranks near the top of my list. It was a giant priveledge to look person after person in the eye and speak life into them. My role was to serve the cup. So I had the opportunity to remind person after person, "This is Christ's blood shed for you." What an experience. What an honor to be able to remind people of Jesus' sacrifice. What an honor to do it with a team of high caliber individuals whom I had the chance to serve with in Mexico.