The Bear's Den

Thoughts During a Run

2009-12-21T20:38:00.002-06:00

5:15 pm - Guess I'll go run; 5:30 - This isn't so bad and it isn't as cold as I thought it'd be. 0.9 miles - I'm finally warming up, legs are loose and I feel good. I think I'll run 2 tonight, just to get something in. 1.2 miles - dang, I'm not sure I want to do this tonight. It is getting dark. Oh well, here come some walkers, I better pick up the pace. 1.5 miles - ok, I'm going to run 2 then turn back home. 2.1 miles - Oh, I passed 2 miles, I better go for three - ooooo, look at the Christmas lights on this street. I really like that twinkling red and white tree. Almost to 3 miles - good I'm almost done. 3 miles - well, I'm turning around, and I don't feel like walking all the way back home, that will take too long and it's dark now. I'll at least try to run to Olympia. DOG! Stand your ground - good he's just a barker - little punk! Well, I made it this far I might as well run all the way back home. 3.6 miles at the corner of my block - I can't come this far and not finish a 4 miler. I'll just go around my block. Pick up the pace! 3.9 miles - surely it will be 4 miles by that light pole. Dang, not quite. Sprint to next Pole. Come on almost done! OK almost to the next light pole. Done! 4.1 miles! Sweet. I feel so much better for doing that.

Now on to cook dinner for the family.

The Day in the Life of the Bear Clan

2009-04-14T16:13:00.002-05:00

Star Date 2009.04.04 (Saturday)

0500 Rene' is up and headed to a training ride for the MS 150.
0700 The clan is up eating breakfast, watching cartoons.
1030 Headed to fields to pick up baseball equipment from David's baseball manager, then headed to practice. Warmed him up. Rene' got home from his ride.
1100 Headed home; made lunch.
1200 Headed to David's practice to pick him up, so he and Rene' could go to Father/Son Paintball event through his youth group at church.
1215 Rene' and David headed to paintball.
1415 Eleanor and Jack headed to Quillian to get Summit Softball underway for the day: drop off balls, score cards, signup sheets, etc.
1600 Rene', Eleanor, David and Jack met at home and got changed to head to Jack's baseball practice.
1640 Family headed back to ball fields for Jack's practice. We had the best practice ever!
1900 Practice ended and family headed home.
1915 Family scarfed down some food and headed to Quillian for Rene' and Eleanor's coed softball games.
2100 Rene' and Eleanor played two co-ed softball games; boys took the dogs and they had a blast!
2330 Finally got home, cleaned up and unwound.
0100 Beddy Bye!

ALARMS

2009-02-08T19:12:00.004-06:00

Last week at church, a woman pulled the fire alarm. The piercing noise evacuated all the singles playing volleyball in our church gymnasium to the parking lot. The fire department showed up…and swept through the building finding no fire and no danger. We were given the all clear and allowed back in the gym.

So we entered the building only to discover the alarms were still blaring. The noise lasted over an hour. Our young singles persevered and no one complained. Finally, the alarms were turned off. What a relief.

Then I started wondering in my demented way, “What if we had alarms? Spiritual alarms. What if we had spiritual alarms that everyone could hear around us?”

Can you imagine? The sound would be deafening. For instance-“We have a lustful thought in the gymnasium. Yes! He gave her the up and down!” Do you know how many guys would be running for cover?!

I often think back to that Far Side cartoon with the guy exiting the bathroom into a crowded restaurant. An alarm goes off announcing that he didn’t wash his hands. Yikes.

What if alarms went off when we weren’t being obedient? Take tithing for instance. Our Pastor very rarely talks about money. But when he did could you picture all the alarms going off announcing those in the congregation as NON-TITHERS!

(A word on tithing-I don’t understand how precious people don’t trust God with the income He has allowed them to have. My goodness! He fed 5000 people with a Long John Silver’s value meal. God is concerned with the birds of the air…wouldn’t He be able to provide for us financially. Okay…enough of that.)

We do have alarms. Our alarm is the Holy Spirit who resides in us. 1 Corinthians 6:19 reminds us of that. Within us...our alarm is conviction. The Holy Spirit is dwelling within us and I am His. And the by the grace of God or His infinite wisdom no one around us can hear those alarms when they blare conviction into our minds, souls, and/or ears.

On a normal day, I’m a 911 dispatcher’s nightmare.

Last Sunday, the alarm blared for over an hour because the authorities at the church did not have the proper key to turn it off. But we have keys to turn off the alarm of conviction and avoid sin. Those keys are God’s Word, Prayer, and Grace.

2 Timothy 1:14 reads-

Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

Once again…I’m called to be authentic in my walk. I've been entrusted with an expensive but free gift of salvation. The title Christian will follow me until I die. How I present myself could influence those to Christ or far from Him. I will fail and I will win. Alarms will be present. But hey…I have the keys and I’m glad when the alarms go off…they are there for a reason.

Status

2009-02-08T09:30:00.007-06:00

Status. Profiles. Flair. Friendship Requests. Ignore. All words associated with Facebook.

I love Facebook. At this point...I'm updating my status.

FB is a tool. A connection point. And to those who don't like it...a waste of time. And to those that like it...it's still a waste of time. FB allows you to put on a good face online. FB can let you present yourself better than you really are. Wasn't it Brad Paisley who sang-

Online I live in Malibu
I pose for Calvin Klein, I've been in GQ
I'm single and I'm rich
And I've got a set of six pack abs that would blow your mind
It turns girls on that I’m mysterious
I tell them I don't want nothing serious...
Yeah, I'm cooler online

In Matthew 16, Peter declares Jesus as the Christ. The Son of the Living God.

"He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter replied," You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven."

Jesus' Profile is clear. He was God. Not a prophet. Not a good man. Not a teacher. Jesus had those characteristics...but He was God. Jesus came to save the World...not condemn it.

His profile can't be ignored because He is the Son of God..The Messiah.

As a Christian, I won't be perfect. My goal is to be authentic in my walk with Him. That means I will fail and I will win. Jesus' profile is my guide. His word is my map for life.

Barry Won't Give Up Cell Phone

2009-01-17T10:04:00.005-06:00

Here is a new argument for teenagers who have had their cell phones taken away from them. Your parents don't have an argument anymore. Our new leader refuses to give up his crackberry despite a Federal Law. Barry is above the law or is he just being the moral equivalent of a teenager?

Breitbart.com reports the following : BHO did not divulge just how he will overcome legal constraints, given the requirement of the post-Watergate Presidential Records Act of 1978 to keep a record of every White House communication.

So first Bubba teaches our children the benefits of cigars, interns, and a desk...now we have Barry usurping Federal Law to keep his crackberry. No wonder he can't stop smoking.

Small Victories and Defeats

2009-01-12T20:20:00.003-06:00

Happy is the one who endures testing, because when he has proven to be genuine, he will receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love him. James 1:12 NET

Brad Lidge, Colt McCoy, and Tim Tebow gave credit to God-specifically Jesus Christ-when the microphone was thrust into their face. All three were victorious in their respective sports and gave credit to 'their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ'.

Brad Lidge had just completed pitching in a World Series Victory. Both Tebow and McCoy had just brought their teams from behind to win their respective Bowl games. Tebow's win insured a National Championship. All three credited Jesus for their success.

On hearing this...I was proud that someone had given credit to God...but specifically claimed Jesus' name in the National Spotlight as the reason for their accomplishment. Nothing wishy-washy about that...no anonymous congratulatory god credit...no two-fingered jab at the sky…but a full blown thank you to Jesus Christ.

Friends and family were IM'ing me with joy. One wrote..."God honors his people.'

Now...wait a minute, I thought. I'm sure there were Christians on the losing teams as well. Didn't the Lord Jesus Christ get them to that stage as well?

I will never throw a touchdown in a National Title Game. I will never throw a wicked slider in the World Series. I will, however, face victories and defeats on a daily basis. Publicly and privately, I am obligated because of His kindness to thank Jesus Christ when those times arrive.

I must be genuine. I'm not questioning these amazing athlete's' authenticity or disparaging their achievements. I'm elated for them. Our character is tested far from the microphones...away from the cameras. Our character is proven when no one is looking.

Then the Crown will be awarded to those genuine. And that is worth more than any World Series Ring or National Title accolade. Tebow, McCoy, and Lidge know this and that is why they thanked their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Houston, We Have Snow!

2008-12-10T21:53:00.004-06:00

So it's not much, but it's been snowing off and on about 6 hours and we finally have accumulation on the car, mailbox, grass, trashcans, etc. It started about 3:30. That's snow on the boys' clothes, not big flakes of dandruff!

It's been neat - cold - about 36 degrees all day. And our front door has been open all day because we are remodeling a bathroom, so it's cold inside too!

Snopes!

2008-11-20T11:04:00.002-06:00

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
-Matthew 13:44

We’ve all gotten the emails with outlandish stories about fraud, viruses, dead atheists trying to take away freedoms, people waking up in bathtubs full of ice...urban legends.

We roll our eyes when friends with credibility forward this junk email to us convinced that it is true. We throw our hands up when family send us the same email and we wonder how we are related to such gullible people.

We confirm the story through a website that we consider a reliable source. Snopes! Most likely, the story is false. So we send out an email full of wisdom comparable to Solomon.

BUT…every now and then…Snopes verifies a story as TRUE. And we accept it. No questions asked…and we pass on the email. We are the enlightened ones. Our job is to get the word out. So we click-“SEND”.

Would our lives be easier if Snopes listed the Bible as True. The statement: “Jesus is the only Way” was preceded by a green dot of truth. That Hell is a real place. What about Heaven? Would we be more inclined to pass that story along if Snopes had it listed as TRUE and validated our walk with Christ?

Off the Record

2008-11-15T07:32:00.000-06:00

Off The Record

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
-1 John 1:9

You have heard the phrase “off the record.” You may have used it.

Usually it’s said in some movie script between two characters in a tense scene. Or you hear some sports figure defending what he said by mentioning that his quotes were “off the record.” Or colleagues at work begging forgiveness because what they said was wrong and “off the record.”

Well, just for the record, when a Christian comes to Christ with a repentant heart and asks for forgiveness for sins…God cleans the slate. He purifies us and makes us clean. The sin never happened. It’s off the record.

Caution…the verse is not a free pass to sin. It is a calling to live righteous and pure.

It's Darker Sooner

2008-11-14T16:37:00.001-06:00

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven
-Ecclesiastes 3:1

No more Daylight Savings. The sun drops from the sky sooner and it grows dark much earlier. Most likely, fatigue sets in sooner because of the early ending of daylight.

You may find yourself yawning, double-checking your watch, only to discover that the time is much earlier than the darkness reports.

Eventually, our bodies will adjust and then Daylight Savings time will once again be in effect.

The Bible says that there are seasons and times for everything.

God's way may appear to keep us in the dark. We may feel uncomfortable when we accept them and adjust His ways into our lives. We may find ourselves double-checking our intentions. Fatigue from our sin may set it.

But God controls the sun. His ways don’t adjust to our schedule. And in the end, His ways will refresh us and glorify Him.

8 Seconds

2008-11-07T10:45:00.001-06:00

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2

In 1989, Greg LeMond won the Tour by a mere 8 seconds, the smallest margin of victory in the history of the tour. LeMond overcame a 50-second deficit to defeat the favored French rider, Laurent Fignon in the final stage of the race.

A race analyst watched the race and studied every aspect of it to understand how LeMond came to win by a mere 8 seconds. In his study, he noticed that the French rider had a pony tail whipping in the wind during the final race. He determined that if Laurent Fignon had tucked in his tail…he would have ridden 10 seconds faster. Greg Lemond would have lost the Tour by just 2 seconds…the smallest margin ever.

Question-What do you have in your life that’s keeping you from running or riding in the Tour of life victoriously?

Desk Job

2008-11-06T10:12:00.001-06:00

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.-Ephesians 6:12

A young recruit found himself being yelled at by the Drill Sergeant. “Now, you will remember my words as your eating dust in Iraq!”

“Iraq,” thought the recruit. The recruit stepped out of line. He foolishly mentioned that his recruiter promised him a desk job.

The Drill Sergeant laughed, got in the recruit’s face and yelled, “That’s what they always say!”

You don’t try out for team to sit on the bench. You don’t interview for a job for the glory of sitting in a cubicle all day. You want in the game. You want to be the feet on the street making things happen.

And any soldier who just wants a desk job…only wants the G.I. Bill. A soldier wants in the fight.

As a Christian, we all have certain gifts and talents. And it may feel like we are on the sidelines. But we are all in fight. We are in a war.

How many of us would have enlisted in God’s army if we had only been promised a desk job?

Good Grief!

2008-11-05T07:47:00.003-06:00

Well, we didn't turn on the tv last night because we didn't want to watch the election results. So we woke up to a newer more liberal America. I love the USA regardless of who the president is. We are still the greatest country in the world, and we'll survive even THIS new president elect. For me it was reminiscent of 1992 when I was a Freshman at Texas A&M University - waking up to find out that bill clinton had won - the only difference is that I'm not surprised this time around. I know liberals outnumber conservatives by a huge margin.

My kids are taking it pretty badly, so this has been a great lesson in politics. Jack is the most devastated. We're doing our best to mold them to think for themselves and give them a conservative base to step off from. We've told them if they ever become bleeding heart liberals, we'd cut them off! (Just kidding.) We told them to measure everything against the bible, even political candidates, because God's word is the ONLY TRUTH we have.

My hope is in Jesus Christ! I await His return more fervently now!

On Tuesday

2008-11-04T08:33:00.001-06:00

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!-2 Corinthians 5:17

On Tuesday, change is coming. Whether you believe it’s a political slogan or understand the rhetoric…change is coming. It’s inevitable.

People are sensing change. Governmental and Financial experts can’t give guarantees. But they know things are changing. It’s inevitable.

On the field at Reliant Stadium, a conversation was overheard. The Texans VP of Sales, commented to a colleague: “There are no guarantees in this building. No guarantees.”

In this world of constant change, our Lord and Savior is constant and consistent. He is our only guarantee.

The Bible states that when you are in Christ, you are a new creation.
Change has happened. And the process of change continues.
It’s inevitable.

Now, that’s change you can embrace with a guarantee.

Yankees Won Again

2008-08-07T22:20:00.003-05:00

The boys played in their 7th Summer Ball game.
We won.
It has been a wonderful time coaching the boys this year in Little League.

The Storm is Over-rated

2008-08-05T12:27:00.005-05:00

Well the Bear family hunkered down for Tropical Storm Edouard.

The storm is a strong rainstorm. We need the rain.

Nice quiet day indoors.

Thank goodness for the moisture.

Children's Camp: David lapping in the Pool

2008-07-03T16:20:00.002-05:00

2008 Children's Camp: TB screaming Zip Line

2008-07-03T16:14:00.005-05:00

The Risk is still the same...the liability has increased!

Children's Camp: TB at the end of Zipline

2008-07-03T16:09:00.004-05:00

2008 Children's Camp: David cutting up at the Pool

2008-07-03T13:23:00.002-05:00

2008 Children's Camp: David prepping for Zip Line

2008-07-03T08:09:00.002-05:00

2008 Children's Camp: Camera video

2008-07-03T07:40:00.003-05:00

Davi d on zip line. David is on the left.

Children's Camp: David on Zipline

2008-07-03T07:38:00.001-05:00

David having a blast!

2008 Children's Camp: TB on the Zip Line

2008-07-03T07:28:00.003-05:00

Lord Jesus Help Me!

Mark and Dolores Got Married

2008-06-16T11:25:00.003-05:00

I'm so glad to announce that Mark and Dolores were joined together before family and close friends in marriage. It was a delightful ceremony complete with all the Catholic calisthenics.
Actually it was very sweet. We are happy for Mark and Dolores.
My Mother-in-Law looked beautiful. But my wife was absolutely stunning.

Here are a few words from my Father-in-law-

This morning Eleanor called me to wish a happy father's day. I told her that my father's day present was Dolores' wedding and the family oriented party for Dolores' and Mark's wedding last night.

Before I walked down the aisle with Dolores to give her to Mark, she and I was in a room with Father David. Dolores and I had a few moments to reflect on our 28 years together. I was thinking -- "what do you say to your baby daughter on her wedding day when you only have 2 or 3 minutes to say anything?" I told her was to be a good Catholic -- i.e., a good Christian -- because everything she may face in life would be overarched with her faith in God. I had learned that early in life growing up attending Sunday school weekly and especially in surviving the turmoil of Vietnam and 14 months separation from Nancy and Brian. Plus dealing with the public and political/government problems for 30 years in city government taught me to pray daily. God should come first, then wife and family, and then everything else. So that is what I told her.

Then when we started walking down the aisle, a big lump came in my throat and I hoped that I would not cry.

As far as last night's party, It was great to see friends and family together having a happy and friend time. There was plenty of socializing, visiting, dancing, food, and drink to go around. No matter where I looked, there were people having a good time.

Watching the two grandsons, David and Jack, dance for the first time was a pleasure. Observing Nancy, Brian, Helena, Eleanor, the Boys, etc. on the dance floor doing the YMCA was just plain fun. Hearing Brian, Rene, Jack, John, etc sing was just pure pain . . . . I mean fun.

Listening to Eleanor give her little sister some worldly advice that stressed the importance of God's life in married life made me so proud. Having children who know the importance of God, church, religion, and living the Christian life makes me realize that they understand what life is all about.

Thanks to Dolores and Mark for a great wedding and to all of you for a great party ---- and a Father's Day Present.

Recital

2008-05-27T11:05:00.003-05:00

Today we attended David's and Jack's musical recital. Jack played Boogie Woogie Goose and the Darth Vader Theme on the piano while David played Mission Impossible 3 on the piano and Canon in D on the guitar. I would imagine that they are nervous but they handle it very well. If you want to feel good about America, you should take a look at the music students who participated in the recital today -- they are truly a melting pot of the USA -- here are a few last names: Witten, Shokri, Briceno, Busby Nguyen, Leenheer, Chang, Buchsbaum, Bousehri, Jamison, Koch, Fotovat, Goodarzi, Borujerd, Mirhasheme, Dore, Butler (finally one I can pronounce), Sood, Gulati, Cao, and Ngo. In fact, they remind me of my classes at UH where I can pronounce only one or two students names.

Jack's little league team won their first game in their end of the year tournament. Their next game is Monday night. he got 3 hits.

Saturday morning David earned two stripes in his martial arts training.

Fred and Dora were here for the weekend and got to take everything in.

Dolores says that over 140 people have RSVPed for the wedding on June 14. Mark is hosting a fishing trip out of Freeport the Thursday before the wedding but I declined because of susceptibility to seasickness. Heck when I was looking up remedies for seasickness on the internet, I got clammy just reading about it.

Back from Big Bend

2008-05-27T10:59:00.002-05:00

Well, we are back after 6 days on the road. We visited my cousin, Le Ella Dean, in Pleasanton, Mike and Judy Garner in Uvalde and former mayors John Harrell (now the city mgr) and Bill McWhorter and long time councilmember Lecho Quiroga in Uvalde (by the way, Lecho was just defeated after serving for 36 years on the council!). On the way back, we spent a night at the Kincaid's on the Rio Grande Ranch between Del Rio and Quemada -- he is the ranch manager for 55,000 acres along the Rio Grande River.

We spent 3 nights in Big Bend and rode our tandem 20 miles into the desert. We hiked one 5 mile hike and then the next day I took a 12 miler to the South Rim overlooking the desert and the Rio Grande River. Nancy was worn out from the bike ride and hike all in one day.

The desert cycle ride was tough, because I had an asthma attack on the first steep incline and I didn't have my inhaler. Nancy told me that I was sure breathing hard going up the hill from the Rio Grande flood plain, but I dismissed her comment with "I always breathe that way when exercising hard." About a mile later when I couldn't recover my breath, I knew that we were in for a hard difficult ride. We made it another 7 miles before I had to turn around and return to the truck. To give you an indication of the grade, we covered 10 miles at about 10 mph climbing, but coming back we were averaging a little below 30 mph. We didn't achieve our goal of 40 miles but we did okay. We try to make this ride because it helps us mentally (and physically) for our 100 miler in Katy in July. My asthma is usually exercise induced, but Wednesday there was something in the air. I usually always have my inhaler when exercising.

Our hiking was less eventful except that it was hot hiking down to the "window" which is the outlet that drains the Chisos Mountains basin. Needless to say, the window was dry -- usually it has a little water. The next day I hiked to the South Rim and it was much cooler -- of course, I was climbing to 6,000 and 7,000 feet so it is supposed to be cool. The wind was blowing hard out of the south and gusting to 35 mph. On the South Rim of the Chisos Mountains overlooking Mexico and the Rio Grande, I couldn't have jumped if I had wanted because the wind was so strong. I ate my lunch on the edge of the South Rim -- well, a good 20 feet from the edge because it is about a 500 foot drop. When I opened my Vienna Sausage can, I needed to drain the water somewhere and I didn't want to do it there where other hikers or campers might gather. So, I crawled over to the edge of the South Rim and held the can out to drain the water. However, the wind shear off the cliff was so strong it blew the water all over me -- it was the same as trying to pour water out of a cup while holding it out of a car window at 50 miles per hour. It was embarrassing and sloppy but fortunately there were no other hikers to laugh at me.

Our vacation was a pleasant break from our everyday routine and enabled us to maintain our connections with friends. In July we are headed to Minnesota for a wedding party for Dolores and then in August to Nashville for an Army reunion and perhaps a little Smokey Mountain hiking and biking.

My Mother is Voting for Hussein

2008-05-19T15:34:00.004-05:00

My parents were visiting with us this week to enjoy a weekend with their grandchildren.
Everything was going well until my Mother let it slip that she was voting for Barrack Hussein Obama.

I came unglued. I couldn't believe my ears. My mother who raised me to be self-dependent and appreciate the country I was born in was endorsing Obama.
I argued like a stir-crazy liberal...I sounded insane. I was seething and basically lost the argument and my composure. My Father, bless his heart, just sat quietly but I think he was ready to punch me out.

My mother had no reason for choosing for Hussein Obama. She just didn't like the Bush war anymore....that was news to me...just a few months earlier she was passionately defending our President. I brought up his Messianic portrayal, his lack of experience, his anti-Semitic leanings, his weird unpatriotic wife...and his socialist views. I asked her to name ONE thing he has accomplished since being a Senator. I was waiting for her to say...walking on water.
She proceeded to defend Barrack and just deny his anti-American/anti-White and Socialist rhetoric. Oh it was bad...Queue CNN talking points.

We went to the Recital and things were okay. During the recital, my Mother mentioned that she only was choosing Obama because he was handsome and cute.

I responded very calmly, "Mom, that's the very same reason the Nation of Israel chose King Saul. Because he was handsome."

My mother conceded that was the best argument she ever heard. She'll still vote for Obama. She said what I wanted to hear and she appeased her CRAZY son.

Thank God, we live in a great country where you still can vote your best choice. (Oh and Mom...those freedoms are under attack.)

BUT that's why I love my Mother...it is that same passion that beats through her heart that beats in mine. Now...I know where I got it from.

David's Birthday

2008-05-07T15:42:00.002-05:00

Today is David's Birthday. Happy 11th.

Their flag is Red, White and GREEN...Really?

2008-05-07T10:13:00.004-05:00

FoxNews has a story about the trash left by 'crossers' of the Arizona desert. I wonder how long it will take for the Bleeding Hearts to get upset about trash being left behind by illegal immigrants.

Oh they probably won't get upset because:

1. The 'crossers' don't have a choice. The U.S. should provide garbage receptacles for these 'crossers'.

2. The 'crossers' do not come from a country of production...the U.S. of A. is a just raper of resources and the largest consumer of Earth's resources. So we deserve it.

This probably won't get noticed by the liberal media

Yellow Car Game

2008-05-01T20:42:00.000-05:00

Check this out...the official Yellow Car Game Blog!

I got shotgun. Yeehaw!

2008-04-30T15:50:00.002-05:00

An exciting day with Team Texas High Performance Driving School. My company HP sponsored some brave clients to a glorious day at the Texas Motor Speedway with an opportunity to drive a Sprint Race Cup Series Stock Car.

In this video, I'm riding shotgun with a driver named Buddy. This time we were in a pack of 4 cars zigzagging amongst each other. My buddy Robert is in the Number 20 Car. I think we were going alot faster than when we were cycling to Austin.

Tailwind, please?

2008-04-19T09:49:00.001-05:00

'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.' Jeremiah 33:3

Last weekend, the MS 150 Bike Ride took place. The purpose of the bicycle ride from Houston to Austin is to raise funds to find a cure for Muscular Sclerosis.

Many folks ride the ride because the challenge is difficult. Unfortunately, this year’s 150 mile ride was plagued with 12-15 mph headwinds. Riders gave up.

After seven hours on my bike, I found myself wondering what in the world I had committed myself. The wind was awful and I was saddle sore. I had fought cramping in my right thigh for the last 40 miles. I couldn’t feel two fingers on my left hand. Gatorade and bananas tasted like sand. To add to my mental anguish, this was only Day One and I was eight miles from the halfway point and my speedometer read 13 mph.

I was not going to give up…but hopping a ride to Austin sounded really good. I knew this moment would pass. The pain I felt paled in comparison to having MS. So I uttered a prayer. “Lord, please do something about the wind.” I continued to peddle and then something happened…

WE TURNED! The wind was now a TAILWIND. My speedometer read 26mph. I rode into LaGrange strong and victorious.

Silly, eh? No, God had placed me 92 miles from Houston on April 12th and He knew exactly when I would call His name for help. God knew exactly where I would be and His timing is perfect and His provision is enough.

Where are you standing today? God knows.

I took the MS150 Challenge

2008-04-15T16:39:00.006-05:00

I took the MS 150 Challenge this year with my buddy, Robert. The MS 150 is a bike ride from Houston to Austin. The goal is to raise money to cure M.S. Over 17,000 riders participated in the ride and raised close to $19M dollars.

This year's ride was considered the most grueling to recent date because of a strong headwind.

I took the challenge because it wasn't going to be easy...I had no idea it would exceed my expectations.

At the end of the day…I rode for a gentleman I've never met named Gordy. He is the brother of one of my counterparts. He was recently diagnosed with M.S. Though I endured a tremendous amount of pain and discomfort it pales in comparison to M.S. My prayers are with him.

At the end of the race, Robert and I went to pick up our certificates of completion. We were taken aback by the fact that only a few volunteers were handwriting the riders' names on each certificate. Our technical minds went into overdrive. "There has to be an easier way." HP Printers…database lookup, etc.

When I got to the front of the line. I gave the woman(Joyce) my name and she filled it in and then she wrote a "Thank you" note to me. Joyce has had M.S. for 18 years. She was so grateful of our effort that she was willing to handwrite each certificate.

That made the ride worth every mile.

Jack's Baptism

2008-03-25T21:53:00.002-05:00

Jack got baptized. He did not pick his nose!

Full Metal Family Friend!

2008-03-25T21:49:00.002-05:00

Vic M, our great friend, doing a spot for WoW. Love this guy! See you on the ballfield, Vic! Hooyah! The Bear Likes!

What's Happening!

2008-03-03T14:12:00.005-06:00

This is a tough one to explain. There are fond memories that family members have. My wife and I will pick up a quote from a sitcom or event and it will hang with us forever. A running joke within the family. It can be a popular quote or something obscure and it becomes a 'inside joke' within the family. Strange humor...but I guess everyone reading this may be able to relate.

In the early 70's, my family lived in Germany because of my Dad's Military Service. Television was NOT what it is today. Armed Forces Entertainment would broadcast shows for entertainment only 4 hours a day (if my memory serves me right). Any chance to see American Television was awesome.

One show that I would watch was "What's Happening"? We didn't have video tape recorders so I would record the sitcoms on audio cassette because I liked the show so much. Tape recorders were huge back then. One of my favorite episodes was called "Give Me Odds". Here's the recap-

How do you defeat a fool-proof system? Find a moron. Dwayne's secret trick
for picking football winners seems a sure thing, so Rerun passes a "hot tip" to
his brother-in-law, who lays down big bucks with a bookie. Blind faith in
Dwayne? C'mon Rerun!

To this day...my Mother and I will split our sides by just mentioning this episode and the one liners that came from it. "Helmets!"

Anyhoo...enjoy.

Jack Turns Two!

2008-02-29T11:28:00.005-06:00

Today is Jack Ryan's Birthday.
Even though he has been on this world for 8 years this is only his second birthday.
Jack was born at 10:14am on February 29, 2000.

Jack will also be baptized this Sunday, March 2nd.

Happy Birthday, Jack Ryan. We love ya!

Mama Bear-Another Birthday Milestone!

2008-02-27T10:03:00.003-06:00

Today's Nor's Birthday.
We had fun this morning, by going on a Scavenger Hunt for her gifts.
I didn't tell the boys anything about what I got her...they have a hard time keeping a secret.
In her Birthday card...I inserted a clue that read:

Some gifts are in plain sight. The bookcase by the door is your first
clue. My cover is green and these abs are for you.

Hidden in the bookcase was the book "The Abs Diet for Women". We are eating healthier and we really like this plan. Nor snided that I was giving her a hint. In the book was the second clue.

We may lose 10 real fast. But we may gain them back. Look
behind the portrait of the smiling Jack.

After some searching, Eleanor found the only portrait with Jack Smiling...and found her second gift. Her favorite movie-How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.

Taped to the DVD case...was her third clue-

This next gift will help with trimming and a fine cut. Go to the
dark corner of our car-dwelling hut.

Nor went to our garage and found a much-needed Hedge Trimmer for her gardening. Ironically, the Hedge Trimmer was in the garage for 2 weeks...unnoticed.

Lastly, the final clue was attached to the box, it read:

So there is no confusion. Your final gift is in the trunk of my
Fusion.

I think the kids were more excited to see Rock Band for XBOX360.

Nor says I spoil her. I just think she is easy to please and content with what she has. I never want to take her for granted.

Happy Birthday, Eleanor.

Bulldogs dash Mustang title hopes

2008-02-27T09:40:00.001-06:00

By Dave Lewis With The Meteor

For the second year in a row, the Crockett Bulldogs ended Madisonville's basketball season, this year in the regional quarterfinals, as they came away from Tuesday night's game in Huntsville with a 70-52 verdict.Although Coach Brian Thurmond's first year at the Mustang helm ended on a down note, he assured family and friends after the contest, "We'll be back. I'm glad I'm in Madisonville."The Bulldogs used full and half-court pressure and attacked the basketball almost from start to finish, scoring no less than 14 easy points off Mustang turnovers in the back court.The Mustangs didn't play with the fire and quickness that had served them so well throughout their 26-6 season this year and the Bulldogs simply took advantage of the opportunities they were given.The game's outcome was still uncertain with just 6:48 left in the fourth period when Madisonville held a 49-48 lead. With just over 6 minutes left, the score was knotted at 50-50, but from t here o n, it was all Crockett.Over the final 5:39, the Bulldogs put together a 20-2 run that took the air out of the Mustangs and sealed the deal.
Bulldogs Tracy Cooper, Lonnie Bacon and Naquan Lee combined for eight back-to-back free throws in the last 2:12 of the game. For the night, Madisonville was just 5-for-16 at the foul line. Thurmond has said all year that poor free throw shooting could lead to Madisonville's undoing, and Tuesday night's performance proved to be an example.For the second playoff game in a row, Jacorey Gilbert led the Mustangs in scoring with 24 points, and was the only player to score in double figures.Howard Harris finished with 9 points, Chris Whaley scored 6, Brandon Stubblefield score 5 and Rob Nellums, Alonzo Whaley, Brock Taylor and Chris Young each scored 2 points.Lee Martinez paced the Bulldogs with 18 points while Cooper finished with 13 and Bacon added 12.

Jack to be Baptized

2008-02-26T11:33:00.003-06:00

Jack, our youngest, is going to profess his faith in Jesus this Sunday by getting baptized publicly. Pastor Don is going to do the honors and 'dunk' Jack Ryan this Sunday. Pastor Don asked us to send him some data on Jack's conversion.

The following is from Jack when we grilled him about his faith and decision. He felt faint but the light bulb in his eyes made him fess up! Or maybe it was the sleep deprivation.

"How did you get saved?"
Mom and Dad told me about Jesus. The Bible
taught me that Jesus died my sins. I wanted to go to heaven and be Jesus'
follower.
"And/or what does getting saved mean?"
I get to go to Heaven. No dark can get into the light. The Lord lives in me. No demon can get inside you…they can only pick on you on the outside.

So simple, eh?

No wonder Christ said we should become like children...it takes that simple faith to come to Christ.

I'm one proud Father.

Brian's team wins Area basketball

2008-02-25T19:19:00.002-06:00

We saw an exciting game in College Station last night.

Madisonville upset favored Hutto 78-74. Madisonville was down 17-2 to start the game! Madisonville scored only 2 points the first 5 minutes of the game. They couldn't do anything right -- they couldn't get the ball in with Hutto's full court press, they couldn't shoot, they couldn't defend, and they couldn't buy a referee call. But they didn't get down. They started hitting their shots and pressuring Hutto full court. They climbed back to within 9 points at end of first quarter and then had tied the game at half time 34-34. Brian made an adjustment on getting the ball in against the press.

With a little over 3 minutes to play, Madisonville had an 8 point lead 72-64, but let Hutto score 8 straight points off turnovers to tie the game -- during that brief Hutto flurry of points, I don't believe that Madisonville ever got a shot at the basket! It was a straight set of events which reminded me of the first 5 minutes of the game. With 22 seconds to play the game was tied 74-74. With 13 seconds to play Madisonville had a 1 point lead and with clutch free throw shooting (2 out of 5 which is great for Madisonville who average about 50% in free throw shooting) pulled out a 78-74 win. The gym was packed with standing room crowd. It was so much fun and so hard to believe that a team could come back like that.

Next game is against Crockett at Sam Houston on Tues in the regional semifinals.

This is a good birthday present for Brian who is 38 on Monday.

Bo, Dad, James, Boogie
Madisonville 78 Hutto 74

Area Champions

Record (26-5)

Madisonville 12 22 25 17 78
Hutto 21 13 20 20 74

“Down 17 to 2 to start game”

Chris Whaley 15 rebs 2 steals 2 blocks 11 pts
Brock Taylor 7 rebs 1 block 12 pts
Chris Young 7 rebs 2 blocks 0 pts
Brandon Stubblefield 3 rebs 3 steals 9 pts(3 pointers)
Howard Harris 5 rebs 3 steals 2 asst 6 pts
Rob Nellums 6 rebs 5 steals 5 asst 9 pts
Nelson Veliz 2 rebs 2 steals 2 asst 3 pts(Freetrows)
Alonzo Whaley 6 rebs 3 steals 1 asst. 3 pts

Next Game Tue @ Sam Houston State 7:00 or 8:00 vs Crockett Bulldogs

Regional Quarter Finals

Madisonville Wins

2008-02-20T10:27:00.003-06:00

Last night, Brian coached his new Madisonville Mustangs to a Playoff win in 3A Basketball. Their first playoff win under Brian's coaching.

The evening started early. The whole Bear clan jumped into the SUV and drove up to Huntsville where the game was played. Nancy, my Mother-in-law, joined us and we had dinner at El Chico. While munching down on fajitas and chips, James, my Father-in-law showed up after a full day at Texas A&M.

We drove over to Sam Houston State and endured a gut-wrenching, badly officiated high school basketball game.

The final score was 75-74 Mustangs over the Hudson Hornets.

Congrats to Brian!

Sign me up!

2008-02-19T15:12:00.003-06:00

A church in Florida is recommending a 30-day challenge in the bedroom for married couples.
A church in Florida has issued a 30 Day Sex Challenge, asking married couples to engage in sexual activity for 30 days and unmarried folks who are active to abstain.

It may be harder than it looks.

Covenant Marriage

2008-02-19T14:59:00.002-06:00

Just wanted to share with you what happened on Sunday Morning after David Self's Sermon on Communication in Marriage.

David, my oldest, turned to us and said "I would like to invite my Aunt to next week's sermon because she is getting married and she needs to hear the sermon on Covenant Marriage." David is ten-years old. Shock-n-awe to say the least at his boldness and innocence.
Yesterday, he followed through and called his Aunt. She tentatively accepted because she was going to confer with her fiancé about attending.

I asked David why he wanted to invite his favorite and only Aunt.
He replied, "I just want her to know what commitment she is making to Mark, Dad."
Uh...I think he gets it.

Thirsty Turns 39!

2008-02-17T13:52:00.003-06:00

Today we took Rene' out to a birthday breakfast at Le Peep before Sunday School and church. We all got our fill and are now enjoying the beautiful Texas weather! He's come a long way from flower pants in Austin in 1970!

Someone Lied

2008-02-14T10:51:00.000-06:00

I wonder who?

Bad Enough

2008-02-12T18:50:00.005-06:00

This Sunday I returned to the teaching circuit. I was a substitute Bible study teacher for a Singles Class at my church.

During the lesson, I mentioned that I had recently dealt with a sin that God had been bringing to my attention. My response to that sin and His conviction was to remain silent and hide it. I shared that I had confessed it to God, repented, and felt free and restored. I went further and even confessed it to my wife.

Following that disclosure, I read the faces of those in the room. Looks beckoned me to share more...their looks told me they wanted to know the severity of the sin. Maybe I could delight them with some details of my failure. It appeared I had lost credibility as a teacher.

I responded flippantly, "It wasn't anything bad. But God was convicting me of it." Relief and smiles came to their faces.

Convicted of how easily I dismissed the sin, I quickly added-"But it was bad enough that Jesus had to die for it."

And there it was. A moment of lucidity. I was struck at how easily I could rationalize the severity of any sin. As if I was the Judge and could grade sin on some scale.

"Well it was a white lie. .No one died. It hurt no one. That was a 2 on the Sin-o-meter."

But clearly...that is not the truth.

Truth is-The wages of sin is death. Romans 6:23. Not just a few sins...all sins lead to death and it took a perfect sacrificial lamb to pay for all those sins. That Lamb was Christ.

Good news! The apostle Paul testifies of Christ's sacrifice to those seeking repentance and absolution of sin in Romans:

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 kjv.

Just a word of caution...the sin we so easily dismiss or omit carried a heavy price. Sin, no matter how small, was bad enough that Christ died for it.

Matte Addresses Calvinism

2008-02-08T18:21:00.001-06:00

Houston's First Baptist Pastor Gregg Matte addressed Calvinism in his multi-part sermon series on Salvation. I consider it one of the best sermons our leader has ever preached.

I have friends on both sides of this issue. Smart, intelligent friends...we don't see eye to eye on this but we still fellowship according to scripture. I've found it to be very divisive. I've seen friends become isolated in their pursuit of knowledge over this subject. I miss them.

In my experience, I've found proponents of Calvinism to be adamant for all to recognize the subject and address it. Pick a side...draw a line...hunker down and quote Piper! I choose to accept what scripture says and maintain an authentic walk that I may draw men to Christ. How God does it...is the mystery of our Saviour. I'm at peace with that.

There will be some that read this and think just because my Pastor said it...that I follow blindly and accept it. Not the case! My spirit is at peace with the sermon and position of my Pastor Gregg Matte. His articulation of his position based on Scripture lines up with my belief. I found freedom and release in this sermon. It is an answer to prayer for me.

And the end of the day...God still moves.

The following is the Listening Guide/Notes from Gregg Matte's Sermon-The Tulip of Calvinism
Acts 8:26-40

Total Depravity-Is Man unable or unwilling to come to God? John 5:39-40 (Unwilling-TB)
Unconditional Election-Salvation is not earned. Ephesians 2:8-9
*Does everyone have a chance to respond to Christ? _____ (TB believes YES)
2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:4; John 6:37-47
*"Not all men are created with similiar destinies, but eternal life is foreordained for some;
eternal damnation for others." John Calvin INSTITUTES, Book 3, Chapter 2.
*The Bible teaches both God is sovereign and man is responsible for his choices.
1 Chronicles 10:4; 13-14
Limited Atonement - Is Christ's death limited in provision or application? (TB believes application.) 2 Peter 2:1 & 3:9; Hebrews 2:9; 1 Timothy 2:4; 1 John 2:2; Exodus 12:3-4, 7, 12

Irresitible Grace - Forced, made willing, or invited to respond? John 6:37-47
(Invitation-TB)

"God created human beings with free moral agency, and He does not violate this even in the supernatural work of regeneration. Christ does not rudely bludgeon His way into the human heart. He does not abrogate our creaturely freedom. No, He beckons and woos, He pleads and pursues, He waits and wins." Timothy George, Amazing Grace p. 74

Perserverance of the Saints-If you could lose your salvation, you already would have. John 10:27; 1 John 5:13; 2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 8:35-39 (AMEN! TB)

"Words like called, chosen, election, foreknowledge and predestination are in Holy Scripture. We should embrace them, examine them and seek to understand them. Words like believe, evangelist, go, preach, receive, and repent are also in the Bible. Biblical balance requires that we embrace and affirm these as well." Daniel Akin, President of Southeastern Baptist Seminary

"You can ask me to reconcile the two. I answer, they do not want any reconcilement...Both are true." Charles Spurgeon-August 1, 1858

(TB-Greg ended his sermon by claiming to be a 2.5 Calvinist. Pretty amazing stuff.)

Go God!

Thank you, Pastor Gregg.

Listen for yourself at:

http://houstonsfirstorg.actsgroup.net/audio_sermons.htm

Two Teeth Lost

2008-02-08T14:47:00.000-06:00

The boys both lost a tooth this week. Jack woke up one morning and told us he had yanked a tooth out during the night! Yesterday David was chomping a on piece of candy and walked into the office to inform me that he thought his tooth was loose. I turn around in time to see him crack his tooth out of his head! Amazing!

David Wins District Free Throw Contest

2008-02-08T14:07:00.000-06:00

David took first place in the 10 year old boys' competition held at St. Theresa's Catholic Church on Sunday, February 3. It was the best of 25 shots. There were 3 boys in his division. He was the second to compete and made 10 out of 25. (The first boy didn't make a one, poor thing.) The third and final boy also made 10 out of 25. They had a 5 shot shoot-out. The other boy went first. He made 1 out of 5. David took his turn. He made his first shot, missed his second, then made the third to claim first prize!

It was all very exciting, especially when we learned that only the first place advances to the next round. David will be competing later on in February at the Diocesan level in Pasadena. He was so excited after winning the first competition that he bought basketball shoes and has been practicing just about every day!

David wins three throw contest

2008-01-30T09:34:00.000-06:00

Today I took David along with me to a Knights of Columbus basketball free throw competition at the Stafford High School gym. I was working the event and brought David along to get him out of the house. I asked him if he wanted to compete, he said "no."

After we arrived, David changed his mind and entered the contest. In his group there were 5 ten year olds -- all of whom played in the Stafford Youth Basketball League. David looked out of place in his street clothes. However, he made 8 out of 15 shots and won his age group. He was so proud and happy.

David qualified for the Regionals on Super Bowl Sunday.

Top Verses for the Christian Walk?

2008-01-04T11:17:00.000-06:00

So I was walking through a bookstore and saw a book entitled-"The Top 100 Bible Verses". I started thinking about my lack of Bible Verse memorization and thought what verses would get me through a year if I didn't have my Bible available.

What verses would I meditate on if imprisoned and isolated from Believers and the Word of God? What verses are essential in defending the faith? What verses period!

So my question...What top 5 verses would you say were essential to a Christian and the their walk with God?

Guitar Hero Baby

2007-12-30T08:28:00.000-06:00

Check out TB's cousin's baby head banging!
He's precious!

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-23T19:44:00.000-06:00

The Bear Clan in a Nutshell 2007

Trips: January found us in Winterpark, CO. for a week of skiing and snowboarding. In August, we hit the road to Charlotte, NC with a stop in Auburn, AL to visit friends. We saw Darrin’s new home and caught up with the Samplaski’s. The Clan even caught a minor league game in Charlotte and saw the MLS Champ Houston Dynamo win a game last fall.

Sports: Jack continued his passion for Baseball. He played first base and managed to hit the fence several times from the plate. David tackled gymnastics. Both boys competed in soccer and have taken up martial arts-Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Eleanor continued to dominate in softball...playing left-field and subbing on several teams. She dabbled in Flag Football.

René maintained a strong presence on the mound by pitching in softball. Together Eleanor and Rene were on 3 Championship Softball Teams. SEAL PT is still in Rene’s daily regimen. The whole family participated in the President’s Fitness Challenge in the spring through their home school co-op and faired very well! In 2008, the MS150 is Rene’s next challenge.

Cub Scouts: David is a Webelo II and is one activity pin away from being a Super Achiever. He is also working on the Arrow of Light which is the highest achievement in Cub Scouts. Jack completed his Tiger Badge in the spring and is now working on his Wolf Badge.

The Boys: David is a natural leader as he coaches his fellow teammates on and off the field. His leadership qualities are very apparent during scouting events where he helps all the younger scouts with their uniforms and Bobcat requirements. David (10) is in 5th grade and studying the Eastern Hemisphere Countries this year. Jack (7) will finish 2nd grade (World History II) before Christmas. Both boys play piano. David switched from guitar to piano for a change of pace. He plans to resume guitar after the Spring recital.

Work: René is in his 7th year with HP.

René and Eleanor have become the Intramural Coordinators for the singles at Houston's First Baptist Church. They organize and plan various adult sporting events such as flag football and softball seasons and one day tournaments. They love it!

René and Eleanor celebrated their 13th wedding anniversary!

Annual Camping

2007-12-23T19:30:00.001-06:00

Last Thursday night, the Bear Clan went camping at Brazos Bend State Park about 30 miles south of Missouri City on the Brazos River.

It appeared the weather was going to be unseasonally warm but it turned out perfect getting down to about 45 degrees that night. Perfect? Well, perfectly cold. The boys were unprepared. They brought only short sleeved shirts. We shared our winter clothing with the young 'uns. The moon was bright...flashlights were not needed to travel to the restroom.

I barely slept. The coyotes were howling and the air was bitter cold.

The following morning had an early start with David, BoBo and I huddling around a raging campfire. I burned my foot and melted my shoe because I dozed off too close to the flame.

Eleanor and Jack slept in but were quickly up once they heard the bacon sizzling over the fire.

The boys went riding with Bobo and didn't see any alligators that morning.

Yellow Car!

2007-12-23T18:45:00.001-06:00

My family and I 'created' this little game while we drive as a family in our car around town or on long trips. We call it Yellow Car.

The rules are simple. The goal is to spot and call out as many yellow cars in one trip before and more than the other passengers in the car. Each yellow car is a Point. At the end of the trip, the passenger with the most Yellow Car points wins. Very simple.

Ironically, I spend mucho time in the car and I have incorporated yellow car into my phone conversations. So much so my coworkers have wondered why I call out 'Yellow Car' while I'm talking to them. I've shared the game with many friends, clients, and coworkers.

Believe me...I've been cursed alot by sharing this game. Try it. You'll notice every Yellow Car on the road.

Here are some guidelines-

1. Each yellow car is worth one point.
2. No Caterpillar Tractors count.
3. No DHL Trucks.
4. No Taxi Cabs count.
5. Semis-with yellow cabs count.

Options-
1. Yellow Corvettes, Mustangs, and Hummers are worth 2 points.

The Boys and Alligators

2007-12-22T19:07:00.000-06:00

Yesterday the Bear clan and I camped out at Brazos Bend State Park on the Brazos River south of Houston. After setting up camp, the boys and I went biking on the trails throughout the park. Little did we expect to run into so many alligators enjoying a warm and sunny December afternoon.

We have seen alligators before but never so many large ones and never so many laying in the middle of the trails.

Alligator #1 was the first one we came upon -- we took a while to make up our mind, but eventually rode around it since it was half way in the water.

The 2nd alligator was out of the water and its head was pointed toward the water, so we rode around it also.

However, the 3rd one was completely blocking the trail and when we approached it, it raised its head, looked at us, and relieved its bladder. We didn't know what that meant but it was good enough for us to turn around and find another route. However, we were not in the clear, because in the meantime alligator #1 had turned around and was now facing the trail and out of the water. We didn't get a photo of it because we were too busy deciding how to get around it. For a while I thought we might be trapped on the trial (which is on the top of a levee or dike between two lakes or swamps). Fortunately we made our way around alligator #1 and felt very relieved. Later we came across more alligators and had a chance to ride a little bit further to see a 15 footer, but the boys had enough excitement for the day and wanted to get back to camp.

Another fun day with the Boys.

Vader Did You Know?

2007-12-22T17:34:00.000-06:00

Our Family friend, Vic, gave us a ring and asked if we had any Star Wars Action Figures. Is Anakin Luke's Father? Of course, we did. Vic asked if he could borrow them for a video he was producing.

Well, the Boys obliged and Vic produced an funny spoof of the Christmas classic-"Mary, Did you know?" Vic is so talented...and more importantly...a great friend.

Check out his work!

Alvin and the Chipmunks-2/4 Stars

2007-12-22T17:21:00.000-06:00

Eleanor and I took the boys to see the new chipmunks movie.

Cute film for the family...nothing to concern yourself for small eyes.

I know I used the word "cute".

It's a great family film and I'm glad Jason Lee, successful actor, did a kid-friendly film.

The characters are endearing and you find yourself as an adult entertained while your kids are smitten with the famous Chipmunks.

This movie won't be a classic but you will be entertained. I give it 2 out of 4 stars. My two boys gave it 3/4.

The Boys' Fence Project

2007-12-22T17:16:00.000-06:00

Last Friday the Boys, David and Jack, spend an entire day helping me to remove the side yard 6' privacy fence and start installing the posts and bracing. The old fence is 90' in length and had cedar planking on both sides so it was quite a chore to remove it.

I had the boys to sign the following agreement:
Being of sound mind and strong muscles capable of performing fence work, I, David, and I, Jack, do hereby agree to the following terms of employment with BoBo:

Remove old fence planking;
Remove nails from the old fence planking;
Remove old fence posts;
Remove 2 X 4 bracing on old fence;
Help dig post holes -- remove dirt as BoBo digs the post holes;
Level the ground by removing excess soil and vegetation;
Install plastic temporary fencing to keep Abby Thurmond in the yard;
Collect pieces of lumber, posts, etc. for disposal;
Help BoBo with setting the posts and preparing the concrete;
Follow instructions from the project manager, BoBo;
Work in a safe manner; and
Other chores and tasks as directed by BoBo.
For performing the above work in a satisfactory manner and following instructions, you will be paid $3/hour. The project manager reserves the right to adjust pay up or down according to the quality of your performance.

Tools required of you -- hammer, gloves (if you wish), safety goggles, and common sense.

Rest breaks are allowed every 45 minutes.

Lunch break is from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM.

I also had the boys to sign a time sheet each time they started work and took off from work. I told them that inside the house I was BoBo but outside on the job, I was their Boss!

Well, as you can see from the attached photos they earned their money -- a little over $21 for about 7 hours work. They removed the planks with hammers and crowbars, they removed the nails from the planking, they torn down the 2X4 bracing and some of the posts. They also helped me to mix concrete for setting two posts and install some 2X4 bracing.

My assessment of their work performance:

They are both good hard workers.
They do as they are told.
They work pretty good as a team -- they took turns with the chores.
A lizard, bugs, or wasps can distract them from the job.
During rest breaks they do everything but rest.
They eat a lot.
More invaluable time spent with the Boys!

Saw "I Am Legend" 3/4 Stars

2007-12-14T22:40:00.000-06:00

Visit the Official I Am Legend Website

David and BoBo Camping

2007-11-19T16:15:00.000-06:00

Friday night I camped out with David, 5 other Webelos Cub Scouts and several Boy Scouts at Brazos Bend State Park. The weather was very cool Friday night and the camp fire felt good, but with the cloud cover Saturday morning was warmer and humid.

David learned a lot from the Boy Scouts about camping out and camp rules. He learned not to run in the campsite -- several times he had to go back to where he started and walk to his destination. He learned how to prepare breakfast for a troop of boys -- he helped to crack the eggs and then he cooked one batch of scrambled eggs. He learned how to pull KP duty -- he washed and rinsed the pots and utensils used by the scouts. He learned the 5 W's of hiking (why, where, when, who, and something else that I can't remember), and then took a 3 mile hike where we saw 2 large alligators. After hiking 3 miles we had hamburgers prepared by the boys. Then he played flag football for about one hour before we had to leave. He caught two passes, made two good runs, and scored one touchdown.

Friday night I cooked for him and me because the Boy Scouts did not arrive until about 8 PM. I prepared chili and beans and lasagna from my backpacking dehydrated food. David ate everything I put out for him.

Saturday morning we were the first to get up about 5:30 AM. I made some hot coffee and some hot chocolate for him. Then as I sat there and relaxed, he was busy building a fire with the embers left over from the previous night. One good thing about fires, they will keep young boys busy. No one else got up until 7 AM.

I was impressed with the Boy Scouts because they did not play Mr. Big Shot with the Cub Scouts. They treated the Cub Scouts with respect and tried to teach them about camping out and the patrol system. Some of the Cub Scouts lack any discipline and do not follow instructions, but that did not seem to faze the Boy Scouts. David is a good scout and he will make a very good worker and leader in the future -- he obeys the rules, accepts criticism, is not afraid to work without being told, and he speaks his mind when others are not obeying the rules.

Observing the Boy Scouts in action, I recalled that I learned much from my scout master during my 6 years in scouting, 1958 - 1964. I was learning teamwork and how to lead without being aware of it.

2007 Summit Soccer Extravaganza

2007-11-17T23:34:00.000-06:00

Nor and I coordinated the first ever Summit Soccer Extravanganza for Houston's First Baptist Church Summit Singles. The day couldn't have been more perfect.

We had six teams, 48 players on 3 fields in overcast skies. The players endured 4 thirty minute games each with only twenty minutes rest between.

What a blessing! This was such a pleasure to coordinate. We received so many thanks and heartfelt gratitude from every player.

8 Seconds

2007-11-17T21:05:00.000-06:00

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2

In 1989, Greg LeMond won the Tour by a mere 8 seconds, the smallest margin of victory in the history of the tour. LeMond overcame a 50-second deficit to defeat the favored French rider, Laurent Fignon in the final stage of the race.

A race analyst watched the race and studied every aspect of it to understand how LeMond came to win by a mere 8 seconds. In his study, he noticed that the French rider had a pony tail whipping in the wind during the final race. He determined that if Laurent Fignon had tucked in his tail…he would have ridden 10 seconds faster. Greg Lemond would have lost the Tour by just 2 seconds…the smallest margin ever.

Question-What do you have in your life that’s keeping you from running or riding in the Tour of life victoriously?

Fishing, Falling, and Cooking

2007-10-26T10:23:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I went to Texas City for my second annual Cub Scout Fishing Day with the boys -- Eleanor and Rene were present also. Well, it turned out to be a "falling" day for David. It was low tide and the low water had left a slippery algae type growth on the large granite boulders. After about 45 minutes of fishing, David was trying to unhook his line from a rock and he slipped on the algae. He cut his hand in two places on the sharp rock and also the back of his head. None of the cuts were deep but they were ragged from the sharp uneven rock edges. He bled a lot and we were not too sure if he had a concussion or not. He had, understandably so, lost all interest in fishing. So, Rene took him home about 10 AM.

The rest of the day, Eleanor, Jack, and I spent feeding the fish in Galveston Bay. I caught a little croaker like fish, David did also, and Eleanor caught two. For the first time, I watched Jack actually spend two hours doing something without getting bored. Once he caught the fish about 12:30 PM, he stuck with the fishing even as we trying to pack up to leave. That was his second fish to ever catch. Jack did eat two cans of beanie weanies, a candy bar, and lots of other stuff.

Today the Boys were over for their weekly visit and escape (while Eleanor and Rene play softball). Jack prepared, mixed, and cooked a pizza while David did the Jack thing and played video games. In other words, they switched roles this week. However, earlier David did build an Army vehicle with his Erector set.

Titans and Texans

2007-10-25T17:27:00.000-05:00

My Father and I went to the Texans Game on Sunday and enjoyed a Historic game. The Texans scored 4 touchdowns in the Fourth Quarter but were outscored. The Titans' Place Kicker hit 8 field goals for an NFL record and victory for his team.

I had a great time with my Father. This is a great memory.

Update on the Boys from Bobo

2007-10-03T09:36:00.000-05:00

The latest on the Boys:

Last week I took David and Jack over to the Sugar Land dirt bike trail with all its humps, bumps, and curves. Jack took his little battery operated motorcycle man and played with it for about 20 minutes -- it could make it over the humps, but it frequently was high centered with its wheels just spinning. David took a bike but after one round, he said his hurt toe (he had recently lost a toenail) was bothering him and he took about a 3 mile ride on the asphalt trail along Oyster Creek.

When David returned, he gave the dirt bike trail another try and felt okay. By this time, Jack was bored with his motorcycle so they started taking turns.

We were there for over 2 hours and we saw lots of kids come and go. The Boys rode with all them and gave them plenty of free (and I might say unsolicited advice) on how to ride the humps so that you cleared the ground. They drank three bottles of water -- we had only one so once Jack walked about qtr of mile to refill the bottle and the next time I did. One boy about 10 years old and his sister came up on good looking bikes. On his second round, he turned over on a hump and landed flat on his chest. At first he didn't move and I thought he was dead -- but he had his breath knocked out of him. I helped him up and he immediately took off for home with his sister. If that had been Jack or David, I would have encouraged them to keep riding and not let a fall keep you from competing.

Thank God for the Boys.

Finally...

2007-10-01T07:41:00.000-05:00

An Email by BoBo-

Yesterday we spent all day in Aggieland for the Aggie-Baylor game, tailgate parties before and after the game, and most importantly to celebrate Dolores' engagement to Mark McMahon.

She was totally surprised. We were in on it because Mark had invited his parents from Minnesota for the special occasion. So, we were all there in the aftermath -- we were not there for the actual proposal!

Mark proposed to her at the "engagement oak tree" next to the Academic Building. It is a beautiful large oak tree with a little bench under it. She didn't know we would be there or Mark's parents. She was moaning and groaning about getting up at 6 AM for a 11 AM football game. (When this was planned, we thought it was gonna be a night game.)

Oh well, all worked out. We had a great time.

Mark is the athletic trainer at Manvel High School between MoCity and Alvin. He is getting his masters at UH.

2nd Place is the First Loser

2007-09-25T13:55:00.000-05:00

Our Sunday evening Team, Play It Again Sports, advanced all the way to the Championship Game only to fall short by one run. Our softball season was plaqued by rain-outs and inconsistent batting.

We made a good run.

Halo 3

2007-09-25T10:46:00.000-05:00

Okay...we didn't stand in line at midnight to get the latest Halo release...but we did get the Legendary Edition with the helmet. Yes...we are geeks!

The boys can't wait to play it...even Nor wants to blast a few aliens.

Houston Dynamo

2007-09-22T08:29:00.000-05:00

On Sept 8th, our neighbors gave us four tickets to a night game of the Houston Dynamo. The Dynamo are the current MLS champs. We showed up late to the game but found ourselves 4 rows behind the goal and in the middle of the action. I had agreed that soccer is too slow and boring and ultimately a tool to bring down the American way of life. But since this game, I have a new opinion of soccer...it's fast paced and exciting. Do I still believe it's a tool to bring down this great country? YES!

Anyhoo...We saw the Dynamo score 2 goals. We had a wonderful time. It was an absolute blast.

Full Metal Movie Event

2007-09-21T11:53:00.001-05:00

Last night, the boys and I were invited by our long-time friend, Vic to attend the World Premiere of the FullMetal Alchemist Movie in Houston.

We had a ball. Jack, David, and I ran into Vic and a mutual friend at dinner prior to the movie and then met up with other acquaintances to enjoy the digitally enhanced film.

Vic is the voice of Ed, the lead character for the Japanese Anime film.

http://www.fullmetalalchemist.com/

Blo leads Sunday School Class to Flag Football Victory!

2007-09-19T20:37:00.001-05:00

Blo, my Thinklings friend and brother, led our Sunday Bible Study Class to two victories in Flag Football. His leadership was undaunting.

"The class has come alive and I feel good about the wins," exclaimed Mark concerning the two victories.

David's first essay of 5th grade

2007-09-19T18:12:00.000-05:00

David turned in his first essay this year. It was on courage. I really like the curriculum we are using this year for writing composition because it outlines the writing process very well. According to the directions, he did pretty well at his intro, body, and conclusion; or I should say he answered the questions well that they prompted him to put in his essay. This particular essay only allowed for a first draft and one revision. (Mafutu is a character in a book he just read. And "Courage, the Cowardly Dog" is a cartoon character!)

What is courage?

Courage. The quality of mind or spirit that enables one to face danger or hardships.
It is a brave action. It is also is a hard action. It is known to defend against great odds.

You may ask,” Is it a good deed? What does it mean? What or how is it used?”
It can be used as a good deed or a bad deed. An evil person can win a battle and be courageous. In the book “Call it Courage” Mafutu’s village understood courage to be extreme hardship, separation from the village, and killing a hammerhead shark or a wild boar. It can be used as a name as in “Courage the Cowardly Dog.” He is not always courageous.

I leaned that people think it is a high honor to be known to be courageous. It can be used in a good and bad way, and that it doesn’t always mean you’re brave.

David Rivera

Win-Loss Record

2007-09-17T09:59:00.000-05:00

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,” James 1:2

In Auburn Alabama, there is a tree called the Toomer Tree that is decorated with toilet paper every time the Auburn Tigers win a football game. The tree is left bare when the Tigers lose a game.

On the outside the tree looks healthy. But recently, the tree was discovered to be dying from the inside. Ironically, the tree’s decline has been attributed to the frequent rolling and the clean-up required afterward. Sometimes our lives can be viewed the same. We can look good on the outside when the wins are in our favor while in reality we are dying inside.

Jesus wants the “full measure of His joy to dwell in us” despite our win-loss record and especially when the other team and world is against us. (John 17:13-14)

Do you find your life measured by a win-loss record? Does a loss steal your joy or do you persevere and find joy?

In Case You Didn't Get It the First Time...

2007-08-27T20:58:00.001-05:00

Ohhhh Yeah!

David and Jack Cooking

2007-08-27T20:51:00.001-05:00

From the Email of BoBo-

Last night Nancy didn't feel too good so David and I went to Wal-Mart to buy supper. Jack wanted Kids Cuisine. David wanted to cook his own meal and he had it already planned out. I was not too sure about David's receipt, but he said that "I will get back to the house and throw it together."

His receipt was cabbage, chicken broth, stew meat, red bell pepper, and cilantro. He did all the work and cooked the mixture for one hour. Then we ate. I was thinking that I would give it a little taste and then beg off and eat a sandwich or something, but it was very good. I liked it because it was so tasty. He has some inherent cooking skills.

As far as Jack, he just wants his frozen food because, as David says, "Jack doesn't have the patience to wait one hour for food to cook." So he ate his Kids Cuisine and read the newspaper cartoons.

Ooooooh Yeah!!!

2007-08-25T21:11:00.000-05:00

A picture is worth a thousand words!

Boys Make the Paper

2007-08-17T13:56:00.000-05:00

I think this is the first time the boys have had their picture in the newspaper. We helped pick up trash on Cartwright Road in Missouri City. The picture is hard to see so I've included the actual photo.

Passing it on

2007-08-15T19:47:00.001-05:00

Great-Grandma Bertha teaches David a new knitting method. David caught on quickly. Bertha is wearing her scarf because the San Angelo Summer Days are chilly.

Notice Dora watching on. David later taught her the method on the drive

home to San Antonio.

Alumni

2007-08-15T19:43:00.001-05:00

Mom and I returned to Angelo State University to relive our college days.

GO RAMS!!!

San Angelo

2007-08-15T19:29:00.000-05:00

During the week, the family went to San Angelo, TX to see my Grandmother and Grandfather. I grabbed my video camera and photo scanner to capture some much needed memories.

My Grandmother searched the whole house and produced photo after photo of family members.

Amazing photos of my family history.

Later, the boys recorded her on video sharing how she met 'Nato. Then my Grandfather...still sharp as a tack...retold his story of conversion.

We laughed and got lumps in our throats over all the photos. Amazing stuff.

And I would drive 930 miles...

2007-08-15T19:20:00.000-05:00

From Bo Bo-

Nancy and I drove 930 miles on Sunday from Louisville, Kentucky to get back home so that I could do some school work on Monday and attend a city committee meeting Monday night.

We had a very eventful week in spite of driving 2,300 miles in 6 days.

We visited Joe and Claire in Marietta, Georgia Tuesday afternoon.

We rode the tandem 11 miles in Cades Cove in the Smoky Mts Wednesday morning -- this is an old farming community from the 1830's and there are still old homes, a mill, and several churches. It is a short ride but there are plenty of steep grades. This was our third time but with the heat wave it was much more difficult. We didn't see any bears this time.

Wednesday afternoon we hiked about 6 miles -- first to Andrews Bald at about 4,000 and then to Clingman's Dome at 6,000 feet. The bald is unique in the Smokies because it is open and you have a good view. This is more like the Texas mountains and we enjoyed that. We took the rough route to Clingman's Dome -- which has an observation tower. For the regular tourist there is a paved path climbing about 500 feet in half mile. This is where you can see how bad shape many people are in -- they are grasping for air, they are sitting down at every bench, they are stopping and turning back, etc. It was extremely hot and perhaps we are accustomed to the heat, but Nancy and I came in off the Appalachian Trail and looked a little rugged compared to most of the people.

Thursday - Saturday we were in Louisville for my 2nd 7/17th Air Cavalry Army reunion.
Friday morning Nancy and I rode 18 miles along the Ohio River and then a little into the city when the trail was blocked by construction -- we connected with some locals who knew how to get around the blocked trail.

Friday night Nancy and I had dinner on the Belle of Louisville and we took a 3 hour trip on the Ohio River.
Nancy knew more people (wives) at the reunion this year and visited quite a bit.
I have some very good war stories to tell -- they are truly amazing -- things that happen that soldiers on the ground don't know until it is over.

I visited with several of the young Cav soldiers from Fort Campbell -- they will be redeployed to Iraq or Afghanistan in 2009. In the next few months they will be deployed to the Mexican border in California -- it will be interesting to see how they handle that.
The weather in Tennessee and Kentucky was over 100 degrees every day -- it felt just like west Texas. In fact, it would have been cooler in Big Bend than in Townsend, Tennessee!

When we were leaving Texas last Monday I got a call from the University of Houston asking if I could teach Comparative Public Policy due to the instructor taking emergency leave. I am already teaching one class and trying to finish up my dissertation, but I decided to agree since teaching is my second career. If I make myself available to help out when they need help, perhaps it will help me along in my career.

13th Wedding Anniversay

2007-08-07T14:11:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we celebrated our wedding anniversary. It has been 13 years since we took the plunge. It doesn't seem that long, but it must be because our oldest son in 10! I am not a big celebratory type person. Parties are fine, but making a big hoo-rah-rah out of every little occasion just minimizes the actual days I want to celebrate (like an anniversary). Now I would love to have a big "to-do" over our anniversary, but I'm just too practical. We are taking a cross country road trip later this year, and would rather save money for that, than spend it on one fine night of dining!

As it turned out this year, we didn't have anything planned, just because neither one of us is high maintenance. I even tell Rene' not to buy me flowers or cards or candy. "Save the money," I always say. So he bought me a really nice office chair, which I can enjoy for many years. (Now this is substantially more expensive than a card, but it is much more practical than me sitting on the floor! Plus, we had just finished painting the office and wanted to finish off all the furniture to bring it up to date.)

We did have a lot of fun the day before by playing in two softball games and winning! Rene' pitched two great games; only walked one person; and he hit very well. I had fun, too. I had an on base percentage of 86% and even had an in-the-park homer. To top it off I collided with short stop (I play left field) going for a pop fly. He's hurt worse than me, though probably because I saw it coming and he didn't. I have a bruise on my knee and my neck was sore yesterday. I'm fine today, and am even planning to play in a softball game tonight!

We've Been Comcast-icized!

2007-08-01T11:55:00.000-05:00

Not to be confused with circumcized, but painful none the less. Comcast has taken over Roadrunner and many folks I know are experiencing email difficulties. Thankfully, I am not one of them at this point, but I have yet to notify every person in my address book of the change to my email address!

I hope you are enjoying the heat as much as I am. I was sweating all last night after our first FULL day of sunshine. I think our house was freaking out because our a.c. ran all night long. We have had so much rain and cloud cover, I almost forgot that it is summer and supposed to be hot! We've had 12.5" of rain just for the month of July...whew - wee. Our back yard is covered in fungus and mud puddles. The dogs love it because we threw some sand down just to eliminate some of the sticky mud and sinking up to our ankles when we were in the backyard. Well, they've been scratching it up and lying in it - rolling in it, bathing, so to speak. Carly, our blond dog, looks as if she has black stripes from all the rolling in the mud she does. Silly dog!

Indifference...Why?

2007-07-23T19:21:00.000-05:00

On my way home today, I came across a car blocking traffic on a busy road. I felt convicted to help this woman. I went out of my way and single-handedly pushed her SUV out of traffic. (The SEAL training is paying off.)

Sonia informed me that her alternator was out and she was just 4 blocks from her destination.
We jumped her car and she went about her way.

I just don't understand why no one offered to help her. Such indifference towards her. The looks on people's faces as they had to change lanes to continue their journey. So put out...so annoyed that someone blocked their way home. The downright nasty looks I received.

Yes. I went out of my way. Yes...it was dangerous pushing a car in flip-flops down a major thoroughfare. But in the end...it cost me nothing to help Sonia out.

Chess, boar coons, and The Boys

2007-07-22T18:14:00.000-05:00

Thursday night The Boys spent the night with us. We played chess -- I defeated Jack in a close match by staying on the offense and having two fronts. However, he was only one move behind me in checkmate if I had faltered. I was feeling pretty good until I played David -- he overwhelmed me! He defeated me with basically five pieces-- 2 pawns, 2 knights, and 1 rook. He didn't not lose a piece. I can't believe. I made the first move and from there on it was downhill for me as he led with his knights. I told him that I wanted my chess book back so that I could read up on some chess moves.

The Boys slept in separate beds because David was not feeling well, and they really liked it. David had the foldout coach in the living room and Jack had the bed in the guest bedroom. Jack placed a big pillow at what should have been the side of the bed and he slept in that position.

Other high lights include Jack eating a whole can of olives -- he asked me to open a can of olives and I was thinking that he would put a few in a small dish and eat them. No, he wanted to take the entire can into the bedroom and watch tv with it. Well, he did and he ate the whole thing. I was wondering if he would be full for supper or get sick. No, he ate pizza and sherbert and wanted more. David ate tomato soup and crackers because he did not feel well.

The Boys boar-cooned up the bedroom when they were watching TV and playing video games (see photo). (Boar coon is how my father used to describe my room when junk and stuff was scattered everywhere.)

God blesses us with wealth when he gave us The Boys.

BoBo and Nanna

The Riveras

2007-07-21T20:59:00.000-05:00

Ever wonder what you might you like if you were on the Simpsons?
Well go to http://www.simpsonizeme.com/index.php and find out.

Jack

David

Mama Bear

Thirsty Bear

100 Miler Accomplished

2007-07-17T10:42:00.000-05:00

My Father-in-law and Mother-in-law continue to amaze the AARP crowd. The following is an email from Boogie-

Yesterday Nancy and I rode our 12th annual Katy Flatlander 100 mile bicycle ride -- well, we really rode 103 miles but that is another story.

We hoped that Sunday would be like Saturday -- i.e., no wind and overcast. However, our hopes were in vain. 10 minutes before the start of the ride, it started raining and then it started downpouring. A large number of riders left without riding, I spoke with one of the UH professors today who was supposed to ride with 2 other professors -- they never got out of their car due to the rain, did not pick up there packets, but drove over to Denny's for breakfast. He couldn't believe that we had ridden -- especially 100 miles.

We were stubborn and started in the downpour and were immediately detoured out of the way by 3 miles. Gosh, I told Nancy that I was already tired after three miles and technically we were just beginning the 100.

Nancy and I both agree that we want to do one 100 mile ride annually. If it isn't Katy, then it is something else. After mentally preparing for Katy and after getting up at 4:30 AM for the ride, we weren't gonna let a little rain stop us. As I told her, "it is either today or later in July or August." So, it was a go for us from the moment we got there. Did we like it? No, but challenges like that make you appreciate the comforts of modern living.

We were soaked and wet for the first 25 miles -- by then it had stopped raining and was clearing. In fact, for us it was clearing too much because for about 3 hours we had no clouds but were in the sun. By the way, our socks were soaked most of the way. It is miserable to have wet feet while pedaling for about 40,000 stokes (believe me, I counted them!).

The thunderstorms were playing havoc with the wind so we would have a strong head wind and hope that it would help us out as a tail wind when we made the turn back to Katy. However, wouldn't you know it -- as a headwind it was bending over the weeds in the bar ditch and slowing us down to 10 mph but as a tail wind it died and we could go only about 15 or 16 mph.

John Gregorcyk also rode the 100 miles (well, 103 miles) and finished about one hour ahead of us.

Thanks be to God for giving us the ability and bull headed[ness] to do the 100!

Hose Them Down!

2007-07-09T17:56:00.001-05:00

With all the rain...the boys were itching to go out and play. At the end of my rope, I sent them out to play.

Within a few moments-our oldest boy knocked on the back door and announced that we were NOT going to be happy with what we would find. Goodness!

DH!

2007-07-06T17:14:00.001-05:00

Our good friends Lee and Sharon had their first child.
I was waiting for a great photo of the proud dad with child.

Dustin Hayden

Born: 06.29.07 @ 5:11pm
Weight: 7lbs 14oz
Height: 19.5"

www.lee-sharon.com

July 4th and the L-Astros

2007-07-05T22:41:00.000-05:00

So what do you do on a rainy Independence Day? Go to an indoor stadium, enjoy Dollar hotdogs, and root your team on to victory? No. Our poor Astros only mustered 3 runs and lost.

It was great to spend July 4th at Minute Maid Park.

A whole lot of fun

2007-07-04T08:20:00.000-05:00

Okay...most films don't measure up to the hype. We as moviegoers have been disappointed by the terrible "Part 3" films that have hit the box office with a thud. But Transformers exceeds expectations.

The movie is an adrenaline rush from the opening sequence to the final act.

Shia LeBeouf owns the film. It's a difficult task with the silly storyline. Silly? Yeah. Remember the plot is based on Hasbro toys. Not to mention the only humor attempted is based on ackward teen male humor references reminiscent of American Pie. Shia also competes with incredible special effects. All in all,LeBeouf shines.

You want a thrill ride? You want action? You get your money's worth.

Potter 2005-2007

2007-07-02T18:47:00.000-05:00

Potter, the beloved dog of Dolores(Mama Bear's Sister), passed away today. The little Yorkie never recovered from surgery two weeks ago to remove an obstruction from his intestines.

The family buried the smallest of the clan in the backyard of Dolores parents' home.

See ya later, Potter.

One then Twooth

2007-06-27T12:01:00.000-05:00

Earlier this month Jack pulled one of his upper front teeth. A few days later he got the other one while we were watching t.v. Now he looks like your average 7 year old toothless wonder!

Nancy Drew

2007-06-23T17:52:00.000-05:00

The day was cloudy and threatening rain in Houston...a perfect day to take in a movie. So the Bear Clan went to see the only family film we hadn't seen this summer: Nancy Drew.

Very pleasantly surprised. Nancy Drew was a delightful movie with no cursing, no sex, no disrespectul attitude, very limited violence. It was a respite from all the super-hyped "Part 3" movies that have yet to yield the classic summer movie experience.

The producers of the film played with Nancy's flare for traditional dress. There was a chance for the film to be mean-spirited toward Nancy but thankfully moviegoers were spared that predictable storyline.

For those who grew up reading Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys, the film respects the character and treats her entrance into the 21st century with class.

As a Christian I see no issue with recommending Nancy Drew.

By the way, I have two boys and they loved the film.

Additional movies that are 'SAFE'-
Surf's Up
Fantastic Four-Rise of Silver Surfer

downhere

2007-06-20T18:21:00.000-05:00

I was scanning cable stations and bumped into this video.
The group is called downhere. The song is call "The More".

A very catchy song with powerful guitars and vocals reminiscent of Queen.
Great message in the lyrics. Enjoy.

20th High School Reunion

2007-06-04T20:21:00.000-05:00

2007 will mark 20 years after my graduation from High School. I started thinking about how much I enjoyed those days.

Especially one in particular...

One day in High School I forgot about a presentation I had to present concerning Libraries.
I was assigned to describe what was in a Library. What you would find in a library, etc. I had to present this to my Senior English Class at Judson High School.

I was totally unprepared. I left my desk and proceeded to the front of the class to give my presentation. I took a deep breath and pulled something out of my behind.

I began.

"The best way to understand what is in a Library is to breakdown the word-LIBRARY. Let's break it down, shall we?"

The only response I received came in the form of a gasp from the class and deer-in-the-headlight looks. I, also, received a frown from the teacher, Mrs. Marbach. Oh boy, I thought.

"The first 3 letters. LIB...stands for Life in Books. Everything in the library, fiction, non fiction, periodicals, film, etc. describes Life in books. Human life, animal life...the only subject you'll find in the library reflects and encompasses life."

"Next...we have RAR. Usually this stands for Rest and Recreation or it's the initials to my name. But in this context...the library is a place where you can Read and wRite. Or Write and Read. Read what you wRote. Or Rest and dream about Reading. Or Rest and Read about Recreation."
"Y. Why do we need to know what are in libraries? Well, so you won't be totally unprepared as I was. And that's the Library. Thank you."

I got a B for presentation. And one huge, "Oh my gawd" from the class clown. And the admiration of Janine E., who I had a huge crush.

It was legendary.

Season is Over

2007-05-24T16:20:00.001-05:00

Enjoy the following from the Jack's season in Junior Machine Pitch Little League.