A bright screen makes everything else that much darker.

I'm renaming this blog- "My World".  I'm the one who posts, no one else.  It's from my perspective, my poor grammar and spelling.  It's my vision, my thoughts and my stories.  I even take the pictures and that too is my "eye", creative shot and where I am at that moment.   It's my memories.

I sit here at 11pm on a typical work night.  I smell a strange plastic smell next to me and realize its from Avery's baby doll.  That's some stinky plastic!  I can't sleep.  I've just learned of another friend's wife losing her battle to cancer.  She's gone.  Her facebook page is still there and it is strange to see posts from her to others and for her to be gone.  She did it right.  Her husband did it right.  All glory to God.  There lives were and will continue to point to Christ.  What else is the point?  Many would say I'm a good person who married a good wife and will most likely raise good kids.  That's just not enough for me.  I have far to go and sometimes don't know why I don't have cancer or why I've been spared.  I do so much wrong yet it is grace that I have been forgiven and continue to bask in that Truth.  It spurs change and transformation.

I hear noises from outside.  Kinda right by the outside of the house.  I wait for more noises and they come.  I try to place the source.  Did I lock the downstairs windows and it's the wind?  Rodents?  I get up and throw on shorts.  After all, if theres an intruder I want to be dressed I guess.   I snap three times, quietly from the kitchen for Leila careful to not wake Avery...or Kate for that matter. She comes quickly from her bed.  I begin down the steps and then sheepishly send Leila first.  She darts down the steps and "huffs/growls" as some of you know her to do.  She thrives in confrontation as if to say, "Why are you here?" "When are you leaving?" and "Do I get a treat when this is over?"  All is well in the basement.  Leila returns up the stairs and I hear her claws on the hardwood above my head leading to the bedroom eager to warm her bed.

I'm learning much these days.  I heard it said this week by a pastor. "Going to work is first shift.  When you get home and are on the floor with the kids, that's second shift.  Third shift is after the kids go to bed, the conversations start about your wife's day and thoughts.  When is your time? Five AM.  If you don't like that then stay single."  So much about my day is sacrifice.  I don't want it to be, I want it to be about ME.  They say marriage it supposed to make you holy not happy.  Let me tell you, Katie unintentionally will pull out my weaknesses.  No be mistaken, she definitely makes me a "better person."  But it's those challenges that brings forth life change and enables me to be a better husband, father and man.  So I go on.  Placing simple reminders in my head on a daily basis that my family is my priority.  I'm finding that my family thrives when I am selfless and when I have a servants heart.  I need constant reminders of this!

Now it's 11:30pm.  I think i've got it all out.  I will still manage about seven hours.  Tomorrow I have six patients.  Some of which are dying and are refusing to accept that fate.  I fear I will be with them until the end attempting to remove some sort of joint pain that hospice can take care of in a matter of minutes.  Some swear they can breath better after I work with them.  I don't claim healing hands but often wonder if I even understand the power of prayer- as I often do in secret for these individuals.  I didn't ask to be pulled to the end with them.  But I will do it.  I don't know why.

Tomorrow Avery will wake up at 7am almost to the minute.  I celebrate life at 7am.  She will request her bottle before I get a hug and kiss.  The dog will demand a walk and Katie will put together my lunch.  It is now that I am reminded how good I have it.

A long time waiting... my sorry attempt at catching up.

Well, since my last post I have discovered what it is like to be busy.  I thought I knew busy but I didn't.  I've had to check my priorities and yes, I will admit that I have failed multiple times.  It's a good thing I have Katie to remind me!  

Ok, so here is my attempt to briefly catch you all up on our last few months.  

Mountain runoff from the Rocky Mountain range makes for great views of downtown Spokane. 

My parents visited from Ohio in April.  We had a great time hiking, eating, golfing, and just sitting/walking with Avery. 

We saw this guy on our hike.  

 We headed to Birch Bay for Mother's day.

At 13months, Avery was in the 90% in height.  Now she's almost 16months and the rest have caught up putting her right at 50%.

 Since she has discovered walking we have had to keep an eye on her at all times.

 Clam digging has replaced bird chasing as Leila's favorite beach activity.

 Katie gave her approval for me to drive south for the night to visit this group of all-stars in Seattle.

 When we aren't playing we are working.  This is my greeting party when I return home.  It's the best.

I've never worried about her running away but we did put in an invisible fence around the main fence to keep her from barking at walkers.

Avery's doctor thought she had something wrong with her eye so she referred her to an ophthalmologist.  Here she is in the waiting room happy as a clam.  No problems found and it probably could have been avoided honestly. 

 Rockin' the one piece for life!

 "Panda" attempting to revive himself from my childhood.

 Avery and I in Liberty Lake.  Her first kayak ride.

 I was blessed with the privilege of baptizing a good friend Dan.  He then proceeded to  baptize two others.  Baptizing big dudes in shallow water is not recommended!

 Sunday morning.

 She loves her bike trailer!  Here we are after an eight miler.  She can't handle much more than that yet but we are working on it.

 Rockin' the hoodie!

 Above, Avery loving on Leila.  Below, Avery annoying Leila.

 Dinner at our place with the Koziol clan.

Golfing on the course just down the street.  Nothing better than long shadows on a golf course.

Summer has been great.  August and September will be busy and full of fun.  October will be split in half w/ almost two weeks in Ohio.  I will post more.  I still have 4th of July pics to post. 

Happy Birthday Avery!

I knew this day would come.  They said it would come fast.  Because of that, I savored every moment. I got home from work early.  I held her as much as possible.  I made her a priority.  And here we are...she's one year young. 

The festivities began and we waited for her to take a shot at the candle.   She did it!  Out it went and the room erupted with cheers which caused Avery to be concerned what all the commotion was about.  

Anticipating her cupcake!

That didn't stop her and she dug right!  Like a pro, she stuffed that chocolate cake like it was her first meal of the day. 

Katie did a great job planning this party- balloons, desert, invites, etc.

Afterwards was the gifts.  Toys, clothes, and more.  We appreciate everyone's gifts and will be thinking of you when we distract her with your toys to get a couple more precious moments of personal time.

Katie and Vivian doing what they do. 

 Nothing like a get together for an excuse to play corn hole and spend time in this awesome back yard. 

Happy 1st birthday Avery June!