Father's Day--100 Words

Father’s Day.

Most important day of the year.

Just ask any father!

It is a time to reflect upon our own fathers.

And, the job they did. Or, the job they did on us.

It is also a time to reflect on our own years of being a father.

To learn lessons discovered the hard way.

There’s no textbook that comes with our children. No owner’s manual.

Basically, shortly after birth, the doctor bundles up the screaming little child and says, “This belongs to you now.”

Honestly, that was one of the most frightening days of my life!

Still is.

Correction--100 Words

Correction.

I don’t heart that word. How about you?

I don’t like it. I don’t want it. I rarely think I need it.

From my employer, friends, from my spouse.

Even from God.

But, I need it more than I care to admit.

My two-year-old son has been struggling with a few issues this week. It’s not been a good week for him.

He needs and has received correction.

He doesn’t like it. Want it. Or, thinks he needs it.

But, for his good, he is corrected by his loving parents.

Could it be that’s what God does with me?

Pleasure--100 Words

Pleasure.

So many meanings to that word. Some can’t be typed here. Others bring a warmth to our soul.

Today, I’m thinking about simple pleasures. Things that don’t cost a dime, but leave memories for a lifetime.

Yesterday, I took a blanket and spread it across some chairs and made a “tent.” Evan thought that was the greatest thing he’d ever seen. He sat. Laughed. For minutes at a time, he didn’t say a word—he just smiled and clapped his hands. Simple pleasure.

As we get older, why do we think pleasure only comes from things that cost money?

Weekends Are Made for Pancakes

The other weekend, I made pancakes for Tonya and Evan. While I think Tonya enjoyed them, her reaction paled in comparison to Evan's reaction!

Let's just say, Evan, pancakes, and blueberries were just made for each other!

I wish I could return to the day where I could enjoy my food like this!

Sadly, I think those days are over for me!

But, thankfully, not for Evan!

The Works of a Man's Hands

Last week's furlough will be burned in my mind for a long time. Many lessons were learned, and much work around the house was accomplished.

I am most proud of one accomplishment, building a toybox for Evan. As promised, here's a picture of the final work.




My father-in-law said I might could consider going into business and building these for a living. After the hours it took to build this toybox, there's not a chance in the world that that's going to happen!

A Great Reason to Get Out of Bed Today

Enough said!

A Few Lessons Learned

Last Wednesday, Evan turned one year old. What a ride this last year has been! He is such a fun kid and brings so much joy into our life.

Over this last year, I've learned several lessons as I have watched Evan grow.

* If you turn your back for three seconds, Evan can be in the next room or halfway up the stairs.
* A box is just as good as a present. At Christmas, Evan spent more time playing with the wrapping paper and boxes that his presents came in than he did playing with the presents themselves.

* I don't know what it is about cords, but Evan loves electrical cords. Thick cords, thin cords, long cords, short cords. It really doesn't matter what type of cord it is, Evan loves to play with them. So, if you turn your back, if he's not in the next room or halfway up the stairs, he's found another cord to pull on. Or, to try to eat!

* Evan has decided that he totally loves the food we are eating! At first, Evan wasn't too sure about "real" food. Now, he's very taken with it! I don't think he has found a food that he doesn't really like! He eats fruit, veggies, and meat. He especially loves chicken! Which is good because we rarely eat red meat. So, it's a good thing for him to like chicken and fish and seafood.

* Evan rarely stops smiling! About the only time he isn't smiling is when he is laughing. And, he loves to laugh.

* It is so much fun to walk into a room and watch Evan's face light up! He really does enjoy being with his mom and dad.

* Evan rarely meets a stranger. He enjoys meeting people at church, at daycare, and the mall. Especially the mall. Evan really likes to go to the mall and just sit and watch people! Then again, I like doing that too!

* The first year has gone by fast! It's hard to believe it has been a year since he was born. While I want him to grow up, I sure enjoy the innocence he has.

* Evan is fearless. Absolutely. Totally. Completely. Fearless! He isn't afraid of climbing off the bed. He isn't afraid to try to go up or down the stairs. He isn't afraid of strangers. He isn't afraid of our dog. He's not afraid of experiencing new things. Evan just isn't afraid! What do you think? Good trait? To some degree, I sure hope this trait doesn't go away any time soon. I hope he remains fearless about life!

* Just about all of life is good for Evan. People take care of all of his needs, feeds him, changes him, baths him, puts him to bed at night, and showers him with love and affection. Not a bad life for any of us, is it? It might be a better world if we all had people caring for us like that.

* Even at one year old, Evan knows how to express himself well. If he is wet, dirty, hungry, or sleepy, you know it. If he is tired, you know it. If he doesn't like something, you know it. There is no pretense with Evan. He is who he is. You know, I hope that trait doesn't go away any time soon!

I'll try to show a few more pictures of Evan over the next few weeks, and include a few pictures of his birthday cake, etc. I'll try not to be that irritating parent who shows off hundreds of pictures at the drop of the hat. Then again, it's my blog and I can if I want to! :)

Thanks for stopping by. I look forward to your comments and words of wisdom.

Happy Birthday Evan!

Today is a special day around our house.

One year ago today, my wife and I were at the hospital, going through labor (ladies, please don't correct me here--while she went through physical labor and I am not downplaying that in ANY way, I too went through unbelievable labor pains just watching, waiting, supporting, not getting in the way, and not having my hand squeezed off!).

One year ago today, Evan William Heartsill made his grand entrance into the world--9 days early--at 3:43 PM.

What a beautiful baby he was! And, how full of life he was from the very first moment of life. He immediately looked around the room, as if to survey his new environment, to determine whether he liked it or not. While he was getting cleaned off by the nurse, he held onto my finger, as if to say, "Dad, as long as you are here, I'll be okay." I think in that moment, while his hand was wrapped around my little finger, what was really happening was that he was wrapping me around him.

Evan's birth was fairly uneventful, as far as births go. Everything went by the book. And, within three days, we were home. Introducing Evan to Peanut (our dog). And, we settling into our new life.

These months have passed quickly. Well, the first two months are still a blur of little sleep, going to work, and trying not to fall asleep in meetings. Feedings every few hours, dirty diapers, regular crying, and total dependance on us was all expected, but certainly exhausting. But now, oh what a joy! Evan is now beginning to eat table food, he is laughing all the time, and the only thing he does more than eat and laugh is smile! There's hardly a moment when a huge smile isn't on his face! He loves people, going to day care, going to church, and he especially loves to go to the mall and just sit and watch people go by! He flirts with all women, smiles at the men, and gets excited when anyone talks to him.

Now, the biggest new adventure for Evan is that he is now walking (see the video below for one of his first attempts at solo walking)! Well, stumbling is probably closer to the truth. But, he's trying. And, he is so proud of his accomplishment! He loves to walk between Tonya and I and then plop down on his rear end. Then, he's back up and ready to go again.

You know, at my age, babies generally don't come along--unless we are talking about grandchildren. Evan doesn't seem to care about my age. All he seems concerned about is playing with his mom and dad and puppy. And, seeing what new adventure he can discover today.

Happy Birthday Son! I hope you never lose that sense of adventure! And, I hope you never lose that smile you have when you see your old dad across the room.

I love you!

Christmas is Just Around the Corner

How can you refuse a face like that?

Create A Caption

Let's all play along. Here's a picture of my son taken last Friday. Give it your best shot. What caption would you give to the photo?