By Erik France on 12/18/2007 4:55 PM

We had Carter's party this past weekend and, even though both sets of grandparents could not come, we did have a good time.  Carter was really excited about becoming three on Saturday, even though his true birthday was Friday.  I guess that goes to show you really do not become "older" until you think you are "older".  Hmmm ... does that still work at my age?

The kids were able to play outside in the snow Saturday afternoon.  Yes!  Snow!  Julie says the "big kid" had the most fun and I am sure she is right.  I was able to use my snow blower twice on Saturday.  It is so much fun being outside on a cold, snowy, winter morning.  There is a calm and stillness in the air like no other time of the year.  It is magical.

Then again, people always have said I am crazy.  But back to the party.

After a bit of supper, Carter was able to unwrap gifts.  We learned Hailey is going to love Christmas because she played with wrapping paper for most of the evening.  Carter, like most little kids, would open one gift and say, "Wow! Cool!  What next?"  Then he ran to get the next present.  Little kids are so honest.

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By Erik France on 12/18/2007 4:48 PM

I went over to Shawnee Mission Park during my lunch break yesterday.  I had never been to the park, but I found a reason to totally enjoy this park -- they have a DISC GOLF COURSE!  In doing some research, I found out the new course has only been around since about September 2007.

Since the park is less than five minutes from the office, guess what I will be doing over my lunch break more often?

By Erik France on 12/14/2007 6:28 AM

Julie and I try to plan Carter's birthday party to happen at least one week prior to his birthday for multiple reasons.  Living in the mid-west, we figure the weather can be bad around mid-December, so having a party earlier in the month is good; plus you tend to avoid the Christmas parties and other activities which happen later in the month.

We had planned to have Carter's party on December 8th but postponed it until this weekend because the weather was going to be bad.  Ice, cold, and bad road conditions did not sound like a good combination to us.

Last night, while watching the news, I learned this weekend is supposed to bring three to eight inches of snow between Friday and Saturday.  While this is great for people who love snow -- like me -- it is not good for party planners -- like Julie.

We are having Carter's party, no matter what; because he deserves to celebrate his birthday.  Sure hope you can make it.

By Erik France on 12/6/2007 10:04 AM

Ahh ... what a wonderful time of year.  It is, afterall, almost Christmas!  What is there not to like about this season?  Weill, there is one thing: all of the junk mail telling me of "Holiday Sales".  Can they not say "Christmas Sales"?  I guess not.

I usually try to ignore these sales ads and other avenues which try to take Christ out of Christmas or try to water down the miracle of Christmas.  That is, until this year.  Now, when I get the mail, flyer, e-mail message, catalog, etc. I simply say, "Merry Tossmas!".  Learn more about Tossmas and may you too enjoy this festive season.

By Erik France on 12/6/2007 10:02 AM

I looked out my office window (I know, I know.  It is good to have a window!) and I saw a wonderful sight.  There are great big snowflakes coming down.  And lots of them!

The forecast for the metro area is to get up to four inches of snow by the end of the day.  In one way I hope we break that goal.  But, since Carter's birthday party is this weekend, it would be nice for his relatives from Nebraska to be able to travel.

Then again, it's Thursday and that leaves plenty of time for the road crews to do their work.  So COME ON SNOW!!!

By Erik France on 12/3/2007 1:51 PM

Speaking of GodTube.com, you should see this skit.  I agree with many of those who commented on the site -- this is a very well done skit.  I think you will feel and see how Christ longs for each of us to simply ask for Him to enter our lives.

My friend, Nick, shared this with me today.  I guess in my own way, I needed to see this video as much as anyone.  Thank you, Jesus, for being with me today.

By Erik France on 12/3/2007 1:48 PM

I had never heard of this site until this afternoon.  I have only begun to look around, but it seems very good.  Take a look at GodTube.com.

By Erik France on 11/26/2007 5:14 PM

We were driving to the church this weekend and the boys were getting bored.  Carter asked if we could turn on the radio.  I decided to inform Carter that we had a short distance to go and we did not need the radio.  So I said, "No.  We have got 25 feet ..."

"I got two feet!" he chimed in.

Yep.  You are correct.  And the score is now Dad: 0, Kids: 2

By Erik France on 11/26/2007 5:11 PM

This past weekend we all went to Edmond, Oklahoma, for the baptism of Julie's nephew. It was fun to see everyone and get a chance to meet Christopher. He sure was cute. I had forgotten how small and fragile newborns can be.We left Saturday morning in a light snow storm. I was a bit disappointed because it was finally snowing well at home and I had to leave. Oh well, some things are more important than snow ... a few things.The trip went really well down to Edmond. It took a little over four hours and the boys refused to sleep. I think they were too excited.Once we arrived, the kids had a few hours to play with Jessie and Zach -- Christopher's older siblings. They are good kids and a real joy to be around. The boys simply loved getting to play with Jessie and Zach. Justyn had been talking about playing with them for about four days prior to the trip.We all went to Saturday night mass at the church and then Christopher was baptized after mass. It was very interesting for me to see the Catholic baptism again as there...

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By Erik France on 11/18/2007 11:29 PM

We have been working with the boys and really stressing how we need to use our manners. Simple things like saying "Please" and "Thank You". As well as slightly more complex things like how to be a gentleman and hold the door open for people. You know ... manners.

This morning Carter had the best line I have heard in a while. He asked for some more juice to drink. When Julie did not give him any, he repeated his question but added "Please?". Now he could get his juice. He then said, "See, Mom? I use my manners. Manners means you don't say 'poopie' or you get your mouth washed with soap."

Well, yes, he used his manners. Yes, Julie and I do not like the "P" word being used. And yes, we have told the boys to speak nice or the soap comes out. But to hear him put all of these together and tell us that is his definition of manners ... after I finish laughing, I'll try to teach him better.