It's over

For almost 3 years I've wanted to type: "I'm done working at Big Brothers Big Sisters". Well, I'm done working at Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Man of the Month: Bing Crosby

Road Trip...
It's almost been a month since we last posted...it seems like a lot of blogs are struggling to update more than once a month. With Thanksgiving, Christmas, and all the travelling in-between...life enters warp speed.

Since our last post, we travelled to Marion, Indiana to celebrate Thanksgiving with both sets of my grandparents and extended family. We look forward to this trip every year...our family is fun.



Last Month...
When December 1st came, that meant I was officially in my last month at Big Brothers Big Sisters...no words explain the good emotions we're all feeling about this.

Unexpected News...
Many of you know this, but a couple of weeks ago my mom was diagnosed with cancer. Shocked...stunned...scared...sad...shocked again....all emotions we've felt. Now, we know that cancer is unfortunately a part of life for a large majority of people. We also have a peace that our Lord is a part of these circumstances and He'll definitely take care of my mom, but that doesn't erase the natural emotions of fear and shock that anyone would feel.

We're in the "waiting period"...wondering what is next in regards to appointments, treaments an solutions. Many of you have e-mailed and called...some calls I haven't returned just yet...give me some time :)

So...please pray for my mom.

Horizon Award...
The Kansas Department of Education has an award given to a first year teacher who has shown outstanding perfermance. My wife just received unofficial news that she will be one of the recipients of the award. In February, she'll travel to Topeka so she can recognized for being the best teacher in the entire world...yeah...the entire world. (To me, anyway!). If you look at the numbers, Katy has been deemed one of the best new teachers out a pool of thousands of teachers!

Parties...
I believe we have 5 or 6 Christmas parties...is that weird?

I hope you're enjoying the season...if you're like me, you've got the "All Christmas Music" station programed in your car...you've doctored up your MySpace to reflect snowflakes...and you've already had more Christmas cookies and candies than you'd care to admit.

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas,
DK

Wow!

Time cherishing every minute of it! Hayden has continued to amaze us with his countless words and neverending chatter that makes our hearts leap with excitement, and he is (finally) out of the pull-ups (during the day, anyway), and loving his THOMAS the TRAIN undies! His favorite things right now (other than preschool and his new movie CARS) include lining his cars up on the fireplace, riding the Gazelle, being a handyman and jumping in leaves! He's also very proud of his new big boy bed! :-)

a good read...

Check this out "In Touch with Jesus" ... HERE

Make sure to leave a comment about the article here on our site.

The Season

It's 9:20 pm here on my couch (and many other places). I just turned to ESPN to catch the last quarter of the West Virginia - Louisville football game (two incredibly good, undefeated teams playing each other). Katy is with a co-worker/friend getting fitted for a bridesmaid dress and Hayden is in bed. Abby (our dog that I wish would run away) is asleep at the other end of the couch.

Everything seems normal, doesn't it?

Let me rewind about 140 minutes to what I believe to have been a monumental moment which will culminate in April...yes, just over 2 hours ago my beloved Kansas University Men's Basketball Team launched their season of inevitable triumph against a local university. Folks, college basketball is here!

Rather than systematically break down how incrediblely good my Jayhawks are this year, I believe this year's statement will be made as my team takes over the world. However, because of some recent taunting by family and friends, I think it's necessary to directly address some of you who have been led astray by evil.

UNC Fans - You define bandwagon...you're probably a Lakers or Bulls fan too.
Hoosier Fans - Candycane pants...seriously, I'm hurt for you.
KSU Fans (that's Kansas State to everyone outside of Manhattan) - 3 words: Little Man syndrome

I think that covers everyone who has yet to see the light of goodness.

There is one key concept to grab ahold of if you wish to enjoy some of the greatest things in life. If you want the best pizza, go to where it was invented. If you want the best buffalo wings, go to where they were invented. If you want to watch the best basketball in the world, go to where it was invented. Where was basketball invented, you ask...at Kansas University by Dr. James Naismith. We invented it and perfected it. North Carolina, Indiana and everywhere else...all you can do is learn from us.

I welcome any comments, questions or theological debates about this issue. Please know that in the end, I'm right.

Rock, Chalk, Jayhawk...Go KU!

Trick or Treat!

We had a great time on Tuesday ... Hayden went to a pumpkin patch with his preschool, and then we went to the mall to show off Bob the Builder! Hayden got some great treats in his little toolbox!






















Here some more pics from our visit to Kerby Farms!

Kerby Farms

A few weeks ago we enjoyed a morning of fun at the Kerby Farms, my aunt and uncle's exciting fall business with a pumpkin patch, corn maze, craft shop and even hay rides! Hayden had a great time playing with cousin Liz!

ABC's

It's official. Katy will start her Master's in Educational Administration and Leadership in January at the "Teacher's College."







Katy was recently awared the "Horizon Award" from her district of 6,500+ students! The award is a Kansas State Department of Education program that recognizes "exemplary first-year teachers who complete their first year in a way that distinguishes them as outstanding!" She will represent her district as her nomination is considered by regional selectional committes that correspond to the state's congressional districts. How cool is that!?

Jayhawk Basketball

On Friday the 13th we let Hayden spend an evening with Papa and Nana and we headed to Lawrence for LATE NIGHT IN THE PHOG! We got a pretty incredible "seat" right in front of the locker room, and then in one of the "tunnels" leading into the gym! David got autograph's of EVERY guy on the roster, and even got to meet the "man" himSELF! It was incredible, and perfect for the #1 fan! We're pretty sure Coach Self will be calling David up for some tips this season! :)

Pumpkins!

We enjoyed another tradition of ours ... pumpkins! We went to the Eastside Market in Manhattan and got our little pumpkin family for the fall!