Sunday, July 11, 2010

A Day of Fishing

Diana and I took the boys fishing for the first time this year and Chase caught his very first fish. It was a full day because we went to two local lakes, one in the morning and one in the late afternoon. Here are some pictures of our day.


Frisco Lake (A.M.) - Olathe
Brian & Chase

Spencer & Andrew

Chase, Spencer, Andrew & Brian

Andrew, Chase & Brian

Brian

Heritage Park Lake (P.M.) - Olathe
Heritage Park

Andrew, Chase & Spencer

Andrew, Chase & Spencer

Andrew

Chase, Spencer, Andrew & Diana

Chase just caught his very first fish!
(small largemouth bass)

Spencer removing the hook from Chase's fish

Andrew & Chase

Spencer caught the last fish of the day
(small perch....yes, that is really a fish)

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Happy Mother's Day / Spencer's 14th Birthday

Recently my posts have been the rantings of a sports mad man and I know that everybody is not a sports fan, my wife included! So, Diana and I have decided to dedicate this site to our family and the special events surrounding us as a family. You will notice a new look and feel from here on out. In the beginning this was a project that I started to keep my family updated as to what the boys were doing, but I kind of got away from that and went my own direction. Diana and I will both be making posts and hopefully you will all continue to check in from time to time. We do appreciate the comments.


This post is dedicated to my wonderful wife Diana, my mother Connie, and to Diana's mother Cheronne

"Another Mother's Day is here, Bringing joy and pleasures new. On this special day, Mother Dear, I want to remember you. I cannot give you costly gifts, And I've told you this before, No matter what I give to you, You give back much, much more. I'm giving you a pure, sweet rose, Gathered in the early morn, This rose you planted in my heart, The day that I was born. In kindly, loving thoughts of you, And with the faith you still impart, The rose I give to you today, Is the love that's in my heart." - author unknown

Today is Spencer's birthday and he was asked to speak in church. He included this poem and did a great job!


Happy Mother's Day Diana

Ever since Kathy introduced me to Diana I have loved her. She is the rock in our relationship and has always been a great mother, wife and friend. We have been together for 15 years and have four wonderful boys. If you stop and think about it, family is the greatest gift of all, and that is not possible without mothers. Thank you for all that you do sweetheart. I love you, and the boys love you. Happy Mother's Day! - Brian


Happy Mother's Day Mom
(Connie)

It's funny when I think back to when I was a child and realize that some of the happiest times were with my mom. We (my siblings and I) had a special relationship with mom because the hardships we endured brought us closer together. After our parents divorced, the six of us kids lived with mom in a small town and times were very tough. Mom worked two, sometimes three, jobs to support our family and she worked herself ragged. Kathy and I did what we could to help but we were still in school and couldn't do as much to help as we wanted to. Sometimes we lived in the dark, or without water, but mom always found a way to take care of us. I look back now that I have kids of my own and sometimes have to wipe away the tears. I can't imagine how scared and discouraged she must have been. But, we were okay because she was our mom, and mom's can do anything! Mom was our rock growing up and did the very best that she could. I love her for that! Over the years we have all drifted apart and don't keep in contact like we should, but we are getting better. I love you mom! -Brian



Happy Mother's Day Mom
(Cheronne)

Mom, I just want to say thanks for everything! No matter our situation when growing up, even when you were a struggling single parent, you always made us feel good about ourselves. I appreciate how upbeat and positive you have always been and for making me feel like a little princess as a child. You never complained about our situations and I appreciate your example. Most of all, I appreciate the fact that you are always YOU and I love you for that. Love, your little naner bug Diana.

 




Happy 14th Spencer
We Love You!

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Visit from Brandon & Emily

Brandon and his family stopped by for a couple of days on their way home to Minnesota from Utah after visiting family there. We hadn't seen Hazel yet so it was fun to see her, as well as how big their other kids have gotten. It was a nice visit.

Anna, Brandon, Hazel, Emily, Emma, Ivy and Isaac

Preparing to leave our house

Chase, Anna and Emma

Visited the Liberty Jail Visitor's Center in Missouri while they were here


Friday, April 30, 2010

Scouting

Scouting has always been a big part of our lives. Diana and I have been Cub and Scout leaders in the past and have been active in the scouting effort. Diana is currently the Wolf Den Leader in our ward and Spencer and Andrew are pursuing their Eagle badges. Chase will enter Cub Scouts in August and he is very excited to do so. Jordan was on his way to Eagle when he got sidetracked by girls and cars. Here are some pictures from last night's Court of Honor:

Andrew and Spencer

Spencer (Asst Senior Patrol Leader) and Andrew (Patrol Scribe)
Andrew was voted to be his patrol's new Patrol Leader after the Court of Honor

Andrew (Tenderfoot Rank)

Spencer (Life Rank)

Spencer (future Eagle Scout)

Spencer receiving awards

Andrew received his Second and First Class ranks

Monday, April 12, 2010

KUtopia

Lawrence (home of KU) is about 20 miles or so from Olathe and we recently took a Sunday drive there to look around. I am a big Jayhawk fan and the campus is such a beautiful place to visit. It sits up on a hill and you can see it for miles. Another draw is that the Jayhawks play basketball at Allen Fieldhouse. Coincidence? I think not! I am looking forward to football season and hope to attend a few games this year. Rock, Chalk, Jayhawk!

University of Kansas (Jayhawks) Campus - Lawrence KS









Andrew got his hands into the picture




Yes, that is Chase in the red shirt



Memorial Stadium (Big 12 football)
The track was being painted so we couldn't get too close









Allen Fieldhouse (Big 12 basketball)



Statue of Forrest Clare "Phog" Allen
The father of modern basketball coaches
played at KU under James Naismith, the founder of basketball

Andrew, Spencer and Chase


Hoglund Ballpark (Big 12 baseball)


For additional KU sports teams information visit