Shortest my hair my wife has seen on me

I got a hair cut today...a "Man's" hair cut as the hair cutter put it. I actually got it cut up and around the ears (your welcome dad). Maribeth is freaking out a little--including pulling on my hair encouraging it to grow. And it will. I'm sure when it's pretty long again I will cut it short once more, then let it grow out...it's a cycle I hope doesn't end (counting on my mom's genes not my dads!) So here it is:

Putting on my running shoes

Yesterday I bought new running shoes and registered again for the Disneyland Half Marathon. It is only 8 weeks away and I haven't been training for it at all, so I am a little freaked out. But I am excited about exercising and with my new eating habits maybe losing a few pounds! So far I have run two miles, and already have my first blister!! Good for the body--bad for the feet!

I will run with the mouse!

The day that's not supposed to be a big deal...

"Happy Father's Day!" I've said and heard those word several times today and it's only 8:23 am.  I never thought it would be that big of a deal.  I mean, it's cool to honor fathers and all they do in our lives, but let's be honest...Father's Day was created so we could be politically correct, right?  Mom's love Mother's Day, and we had to have that, so we figured we'd throw ol' Dad a bone and have a Father's Day too (I'm sure Halmark had something to do with it too).  I've always thought of my Dad on this day and gotten him some cheesy card...probably something to do with his ability to love me, care about me, and credit for my flatulence skills.  I always knew it was a big deal to my dad, but I never got it.

Not

Till

Today...

Today is my 1st Father's Day.  Yet, today my daughter and wife are 3 1/2 hours north of me in a whole nether county.  Last night and the days prior to it I thought, we could just celebrate it another day, my daughter doesn't even know what day it is anyway.  But when I came to church this morning and everyone keeps wishing me a Happy 1st Father's Day, I just want to hold my baby girl, but since I can't I shall quote my daughter and say, "WHA!"  Every time people congratulate me my heart is tugged on, and my eyes feel like they are want to get all emotional.  It wasn't supposed to be a big deal....but it is.  I'm not trying to be all self-absorbent and throw a pity-party, but I am super proud to be a Dad!

I have the most amazing little girl, and I bearly know who she is!

I can't have a conversation with her, I have to fight for her attention with everything else around me, and again she doesn't have a clue what day it is...or even that there are days.  

But I do know her smile.  I do know her "Coos."  I even know her cries.  I love how she stretches throwing her hands above her head  stretching every muscle when she wakes up.  I love her little frown and her single "WHA" when she's not hungry or dirty, but just down right frustrated.  I love the face she makes when I gently blow in her face.  I love the amazing giggle I have heard 3 times (that so far she has only given me)!  I love who I am quickly seeing her become.  

I love my little "Char-Bear" "Char-Berry (my favorite little jelly bean)" "Munch" "Munchkin" "Princess" Charity Joy Serene!

And I get it...Father's Day is an amazing day.  Thanks to all who keep reminding me of how proud I am to be a Dad.  I may be sad to not be able to hold my little one, but I'm happy to know this sadness due to the fact I have a little one to hold! 

Next year I will guard this day on my calendar for my little girl and me!

Came home to my ladies!

So I got home from camp last night! Camp was great, but I really missed my girls!! Whenever I leave Maribeth I always miss her, but this time was different.  I was worried that I might miss something by not seeing Charity for a week.  But she reassured me that she would save the best moments for me last night.  When I was holding her and kissing on her, Charity smiled at me and then made one of the sweetest sounds ever....she giggled.  Only for a second, but it was definitely an on purpose giggle!!  Made the whole week worth it!  Glad to be home!!

First draft of magic videos

So I shot a bunch of footage of my magic this week for a future promo video.  Here's a first look at how it might be edited.  Thoughts?:

My daughter's new game

Charity is finally being able to recognize my wife and I and sometimes will smile at us!!  It's a fun game to smile at your daughter and have her smile back.  Here's some pictures of our first game

Relationship: Last week of the Con

I have loved this series!  It's definitely one that I will keep and possibly turn into a retreat or something later!  Tonight we are doing the last part of the Con.  The Con is: My Boyfriend completes me.  (it can also be my girlfriend completes me)

We will look at dating from both a practical and spiritual side.  What we will bring it all down to is that in order to have a good relationship you must first find your identity in Christ and are fully satisfied in that Him!

Here are the things I am titling:

"Things that will only cause drama"

Getting too serious too fast!!!!
You completely change
Getting too physical
Being too exclusive
Thinking you must be in a relationship
Not trusting God
with relationships
Not having God at
the center of relationships

And here is the final Con video.  Something I did not anticipate when I did this on Monday night for the Jr. High was that some of the 7th graders covered their eyes during the kissing scenes because kissing is "Yucky."  Something I didn't expect.