TravisLand

Moving

2010-12-20T15:37:00.002-06:00

I'm moving all my blogs into one website beginning January 1, 2011. Change your bookmarks and get ready. Join me at www.TravisAkins.com Easy enough right?

Reese's Pieces (Episode 3)

2010-09-08T14:18:00.001-05:00

Catch Up

2010-08-11T09:27:00.000-05:00

Wow. What a month. Busy around the 'ol house. We've had a TON of things going on. Laura is much better about chronicling our adventures. So, you can really catch up here at her blog: Simply La. She takes the pictures and doesn't let me use them for my blog. She says something like, "You wouldn't tell it right..." I don't know.

However, I did want to post something and let you know I have some vids and a new "Reese's Pieces" coming up soon. I love my family. They make me laugh and smile, really big.

Favorite Tom Hanks' Movies

2010-07-16T14:51:00.002-05:00

I am going to give you my favorite Tom Hanks movies. Why am I doing this? Well, TNT showed "The Green Mile" starring Tom Hanks last night. I forgot how much I really like this unusual movie. Well, it got me thinking of Tom Hanks' movies all together and that lead to me coming up with this idea.

So, this list is all Tom Hanks and I figure I'll have some other lists in the future and work my way up to my favorite movies period. Now, the key word in all this is "my." My criteria is based on what I like and how well I remember it. Here we go in David Letterman top 10 fashion...

11. The Burbs (1989)

-It's one extra but it's the first Hanks movie I remember. It's classic goofy "Bosom Buddies" Hanks.

10. That Thing You Do! (1996)

-I give him extra credit for writing, directing and co-staring in this. Catchy tunes are probably not his.

9. Castaway (2000)

-Any movie that has over an hour of one person on screen needs seriously good acting. He does it and a shame he didn't win an Oscar for this performance.

8. Big (1988)

-Classic. He's a kid that grows up.

7. Apollo 13 (1995)

-"Houston, we have a problem." Although it's not what was said in real life, it's what everyone believes because Hanks said it.

6. The Green Mile (1999)

-Maybe it's because I just watched it, but I am reminded of great acting with a great story. This is a great movie.

5. Turner and Hooch (1989)

-Can I admit that this was the first movie I cried in? His poor dog (and I don't like dogs)!

4. A League of Their Own (1992)

-Everyone learned the golden rule of baseball: "There's no crying in baseball!"

3. The Terminal (2004)

-An unusual movie that demanded a great acting performance to make it happen. He does it and I like to watch it.

2.. Forrest Gump (1994)

-This is the movie that set Tom Hanks on the track to being Tom Hanks. A remarkable performance.

1. Saving Private Ryan (1998)

-He has a great cast, but you can't deny this movie isn't about Private Ryan, it's about Capt. Miller doing something right in the midst of so much wrong.

Great Weekend

2010-07-05T11:34:00.000-05:00

We had a wonderful fourth of July weekend. My parents came in town to spend time with the girls and play around. Though it was a quick trip, it was great to have them in our home. We love having our family out here. It's special for the girls and for me and Laura to host them, especially since they host us so often.

On Sunday, we had a great worship time with the church. Sunday evening we headed to a members home and land where we had some great bar-b-q (what else) and shot off some fire works (of course).

Here is a short video of Reese enjoying the sparklers. Listen for a couple of things: 1) Laura having to tell Reese to "away from your head!" 2) a man saying "River your on fire buddy"

Observations of Small Town Living

2010-06-27T08:42:00.000-05:00

I once uttered the words, "I could never live in a small town." Dumb right? I've always heard the stories of others saying those kinds of things and they al.ways. end up happening. This is the very case with me.

Well, living in a small town has changed life obviously. In our few short months out here we have adapted and figured out real quick how to live small. Here are my first five months of learning:

1. RELAX. Seriously a wonderful lesson for me these past few months. There is very little to get worked up over. People and crisis is about the only thing to fret over immediately. I don't think the relax attitude is apathy but rather a rewarding reminder that the most important things in life are people and there is no sense being all stressed and worked over the little things.

2. SURE. I'm not sure I have met someone here that has said "no" when asked if they would be willing to do something. I'm amazed at the work ethic by everyone here. Everyone is willing to do whatever it takes, jump right in and get the job done. It's a rewarding atmosphere and energizing feeling when others simply say, "Sure." What I've learned is to jump in and not consult my calendar, emails or what time it is and just help out in any way I can.

3. SLOW DOWN. You may ask my wife and she would tell you that I have a heavy foot when it comes to driving. Maybe it's growing up in the Metroplex and years of surviving. I don't know, but I've had my share of tickets. Around here though, there is zero sense in getting somewhere fast. What's the point? How is 5 minutes earlier going to achieve, help or accomplish whatever it is? It's not. If we keep on rushing all over the place we may forget to enjoy the ride a bit more. And out here there is some beautiful views to enjoy.

4. THE GARDEN. Now, this has been a rewarding lesson for me personally. Everyone has a garden. Everyone grows their vegetables. It's great. Laura wanted to do this so she got a small area and started a small, modest garden. It's wonderful. I'm not keeping up with it and what not, but it has given me more motivation in our overall yard. I spend way more time outside now. Keeping up with plants, flowers and the grass. Just sitting. Enjoying the breeze or right now the heat. I give this a big reason why my tv show intake has been cut substantially. I would rather sit and enjoy the garden.

I'm sure there are more observations. In fact, Laura is reading this right now and is about to tell me other ones we've talked about and I undoubtedly forgot to write here. We've been here 5 months and it's so apparent to us that we are to be here right now. We needed as a family, and for me, these lessons. I may have once said I couldn't do it, but trust me: I can do it.

Last Night in History

2010-06-15T20:45:00.000-05:00

Last night we actually had to get up with Lucy. Middle of the night, baby type of stuff. And on top of that, we BOTH had to get up with her. We just looked at each other wondering what we were suppose to do. This just doesn't happen with this baby. Reese? Every night, two or three times.

Lucy? I'm not sure we've had to do that....ever? Hospital maybe?

The Big Question with the Honest Answer

2010-06-14T09:07:00.001-05:00

I want to ask the question you other parents are afraid to ask: is it OK if I don't like my child sometimes?

Here is the answer: YES.

Now, very recently Reese (our 3yr old) has been driving Laura and I bonkers (yes I used the word bonkers) at times. Not all the time, just during her peak moments of the day. But, I thought about this at dinner a couple of nights ago. I wasn't liking her at that moment. Not eating. Talking back. Non-stop talking. Dropping food. Running around the table. Complaining about the taste. Too hot. Too cold. I caught myself and thought, "Oh no. I'm the worst parent ever. I just said I don't like Reese right now." I cried inside for a moment. Not really.

The more I thought about this the more it makes sense. Especially at the her age, 3, it is very easy to not like her at times. Let us not go any further and have anyone (I don't care who you are) question my love for her in any way, shape or form. Don't go there and don't even think it. Since becoming a father I completely understand God's love for his children (you and me) more fully than I ever had in my life and now see the terrible torment God must have been in because his Son was on the cross. I can't imagine.

However, liking vs loving at times are completely different. I always love her. I choose to love her unconditionally just like Laura and Lucy. But liking? I can't claim that all the time. Sorry. She is 3 and whiny and bossy, and pushy and stubborn and irrational. I guarantee you that you don't like anyone who is like that most of the time. Whoever just thought, "That's not true, I like my stubborn, bossy, pushy, irrational friend all the time," YOU ARE LYING! HUSH.

I've been working on patience, not because I've been praying for more patience but because God gave me Reese. I love that girl, but ask Laura she is a mess sometimes. We just have to take a deep breath, remember she is only 3 and we are the adults and parents most of the time and we should let our love for her overwhelm the dislike at that particular moment.

Reese's Pieces (Episode 2)

2010-06-03T21:53:00.000-05:00

Another episode now in HD!

Hold Over

2010-05-31T07:56:00.001-05:00

I haven't forgotten about blogging. Just busy! Here are a couple of new pictures (taken by Laura) to hold things over and hopefully I'll get a new Reese's Pieces up!

Reese's Interview of Me

2010-05-14T10:00:00.000-05:00

Reese turns the tables and interviews me. Enjoy.

Reese's Pieces

2010-05-13T21:01:00.000-05:00

A new regular (hopefully) blog segment titled "Reese's Pieces." It's a candid interview with the one and only Reese Olivia. Enjoy...oh, stay tuned for another video. Reese's interview of me!

Mother's Day Weekend

2010-05-12T22:17:00.003-05:00

We had a great Mother's Day weekend. We headed to Arlington for the weekend to 1)pick up Reese 2)see my sister for her birthday 3)see my mother, grandmother and mother-in-law for Mother's Day.

Here is what Reese and Lucy got Laura for Mother's Day:

Laura loves it. She loves it so much she found it and bought it at an antique store in Abilene. She was willing to give up the surprise gift for this....so you know she loves it. You may have read it on Laura' Blog, but when Reese came home (we got this while she was gone) she was in awe of it and even asked, "It's for me?" She loves to plug it in every morning and take books out to read.

While in Arlington, I was able to spend all day Friday with the girls. One thing we did was ride our bikes! Ok, Reese rode her bike while Lucy and I followed. Reese has gotten very good at riding her Dora Bike.

Here is our fun, beautiful Friday afternoon:

We did 7 laps around the long drive-way and side walk. Reese's bike there plays Dora music and Dora will talk to her and what not. She loves it. On one particular lap Dora asked, "Where do you want to go?" Without missing a beat, Reese responded, "I want to go to the fiesta," and she picked up speed down the driveway. I had to stop pushing Lucy to laugh.

Lucy L.O.V.E.D. watching her big sis. We followed behind her and Lucy never...never took her eyes off her. It's so fun watching her be in complete and utter awe of her sister.

When Reese decided it was time to be done after only two laps, I had her park the bike and sit with me on the front porch to enjoy the weather. 3 seconds of that and Reese said, "Ok, I need to ride my bike now. Let's go Lucy." So up we got and rode some more. Great.Ness.

Back to Mother's Day weekend. Laura got to Baby register with my sister and we went to Cheesecake Factory for dinner that night for Birthday/Mother's Day dinner. It was fun, except I think Cheesecake Factory made me feel sick that night. Avoiding that place for awhile.

On the way home this happened:

She was literally in mid-chew and if I re-call correctly, mid-song when it went silent. She slept with a half eaten chip in her lap for 2 1/2 hours. Bliss.

Sunday morning Laura got a talking card from Reese and that surprise massage gift even though she got the book case. I know...I'm a great husband. I cooked Sunday lunch, just the four us and we took naps. I even got up with Lucy and let Laura continue the nap. I know....great husband!

It was a great weekend to celebrate and be with my blessing of a family!

My Child's Bed

2010-04-28T21:57:00.000-05:00

Have you looked in your child's bed lately?

Reese has gone back to needing more attention at night. Not sure why. But she is only a 3 year old and her imagination runs wild right now. Anyways, I've been having to go back in there lately to settle her and assure her sleep is not a bad thing.

So, a couple of nights ago go to settle her and decide the best course of action is to climb in bed with her. I climb in bed with her to find more than a pillow and her babies (blankets). This girl hoards things and this is the place she keeps it. Remember me telling you she hid a can of Febreeze in her bed? There is more.

First, you shouldn't climb into a bed, a three year old or not, and put your head on a wet, sticky pillow. It just should not be a worry. This pillow was just that as I placed my head down. I sit up picked the pillow up and found a stash of Tootsie Roll wrappers carefully placed under this pillow. The sticky part of the pillow was left over Tootsie Roll drool. Yuck.

I flip the pillow and move the covers to find shoes. It had to be every pair of shoes the girl owned.

"Reese, why are these shoes in your bed?"

"They are mine."

I couldn't argue with that. I moved some of them.

I found something else. "What is this?"

"My game!" It was a piece of a princess game she has and obviously the pieces were not in the box any longer.

"Reese, maybe we should clear some of this out of your bed?"

"No, no, no Daddy. This is mine and I neeeeeed it here. Ok?"

"Ok."

My Fingernail

2010-04-26T11:23:00.000-05:00

So, I'm a song away from getting up yesterday in worship to preach. I was scanning my notes one last time and noticed one of my finger nails. It was unclipped. Long. My left ring finger was the odd one with a nice long growing finger nail.

After I sat down with Laura again, I showed her. She laughed. I leaned back over and said, "The thing is, I clipped my fingers three days ago and I just now noticed it."

She made fun of me and called it "my girly finger."

I Love My Gift

2010-04-23T13:42:00.000-05:00

A daughter is a gift of love. ~Author Unknown

There is someone I haven't talked about on my blog before. It's not because I'm neglecting her, but since the last blog post, moving, etc. I haven't talked about her. So, this is long over due.

A precious gift was given to me and Laura last September in our little Lucy. She is awesome and at 7 months old is the complete opposite of her big sis. She sleeps. She doesn't cry. She has blue eyes.

No matter her personality, I know my little girls are going to be great friends. They love each other. Lucy will laugh at anything, I mean anything Reese does in front of her. I was discouraged the other day when I was trying to tickle Lucy and get a laugh. Lucy simply gave this stare of un-amusement. Reese walks up to ask me a question (about candy or something) and Lucy smiles so big. I tell Reese to tickle her and she touches her stomach and the biggest roar of laughter comes out.

It's fun now with two girls. When Laura was pregnant I hoped for another girl. I thought it would be great to have girls and they could be sisters. Now, Lucy is sitting and rolling (sorda) and starting to play with Reese. They are friends and partners now. It's great to sit here and watch them on the ground laughing, hugging and making high pitched squeal sounds.

Lucy came to us somewhat surprisingly. At the end of 2008, Laura and I began to pursue an adoption. We had been praying and talking about when and how to continue our family And the details are fuzzy on me, but something came over us (I believe a strong calling sense from God) to pursue adoption. We have some great friends in Arlington (where we were at the time) who adopted twice. We spent some time with them asking questions and experiences on adoption. We went to a orientation meeting that started us on the process with Children's Home of Abilene. During each step we grew more convinced that this was what were suppose to pursue. Our hearts grew more and more.....fond of the idea to take a child and love them and give them a home. Though I truly do believe God wanted us to go down that road, he gave us Lucy now. Will pursue adoption again? Probably. But for now we have this special gift.

I have two precious gifts that are blessings that grow each day. In no way did I deserve these remarkable little ones in my life. In no way was I prepared for life of all girls. But, Lucy came and I love Lucy...and Reese...and Laura.

three year old check up

2010-04-23T13:27:00.000-05:00

For a wonderful 'caption' of our little girl Reese, see Laura's recent post.

Click Here to visit Simply La

The Many Emotions of Lucy

2010-04-19T09:55:00.000-05:00

This Day in History

2010-04-15T23:07:00.001-05:00

Have you seen the 1983 movie "Mr. Mom" starring the great Michael Keaton? He is Mr. Mom for months, I however was on this particular day.

It was daddy and the girls on a rainy day all alone. We didn't have run away vacuums or ironed grilled cheeses or anything like that, but we did have a great day together!

First of all. Lucy is a momma's girl. Hands down. I'm thinking about the day and I'm not sure she smiled at me once. I kept getting looks that said, "Where you put Mom? You shouldn't do that. Where you put Mom?"

This look:

However, I think she had a good day. Anytime Reese is around is huge treat for her. She loves her big sis. So, the three of us played a lot today and I think Lucy may have looked past me sometimes to laugh with her sister.

Reese is my cooking helper. She loves to drag a chair to the kitchen and help me stir whatever we got going. She is an excellent helper. This morning she was right there with me on the big breakfast we cooked. Her speciality is stirring the eggs after I crack them. She is so good, I can crack the eggs and leave her to stir and they'll be ready for cooking in a couple of minutes.

Both girls slept well last night and today. The usual naps took place which gave me all of 45minutes to read and do nothing. When Reese made it known she was awake with her yelling, I went to open her door (her door sticks and she can't open it) and I was overwhelmed with the smell of Ocean Breeze Febreeze. Febreeze. I said, "Reese. Do you have Febreeze in here?"

"Yeah."

"Where is it Reese?"

"It's right here daddy." She jumped on her bed and pulled out a can of Febreeze from the side of her bed. Stashed away in her little hiding place. I could only laugh.

I picked her up and she was drenched in Febreeze. Hair. Clothes. All of her. I said, "Whoa. That's strong." Her response, "I smell real good daddy."

A proud girl:

Laura called me at one point today. I picked up the phone and Reese immediately begins to talk at the phone. "Mommy! Mommy! Hi Mommy!" So, I gave the phone to Reese and she began telling Mom everything. At the end of her conversation Reese tells Laura this, "You coming home in a minute. Right?"

We were having fun too! But the way she said it was in a tone to let her mom know she is needed ASAP to salvage this day. I had to pick it up.

We made a pizza! I'm not sure I've ever done that, but we found some pizza dough package we had and we made a great pizza. I was really impressed with me and Reese's pizza making skills. Reese got to pound the dough, spread the sauce and put all the cheese on her pizza. We sauced and cheesed the dough too early. I told Reese, "We messed up. Silly daddy." Her reply, "No, no. Reese and Daddy are silly."

After dinner, I asked Reese if she wanted to slide. Can you guess her answer?

So I set this up:

And if I may say so myself, this was awe.some.

Lucy had fun sliding too:

Lucy's expression again is thinking "Mom wouldn't do this."No smiling.

It was a great day and we had fun being together. I love my two little girls and I love all the time I get to spend with them.

Mr. Mom day is over. Laura is home now and I very much appreciate her taking care of us in the special way she does every day.

I'm in charge

2010-04-14T22:18:00.000-05:00

Ok. I'm home alone with the girls tonight and most of tomorrow. Laura has left me alone with our children. Laura is not here and has left me in charge of our children. She is gone and while I'm here without her. The girls are looking to me for food, activities and safety. They are looking to me. Me.

Deep breath.

Where's the party?

2010-04-12T14:01:00.002-05:00

Jokes

2010-04-09T12:10:00.000-05:00

Reese is a jokester. LOVE. IT. She has been telling jokes for months now and she just turned three. I'm not biased or anything, just a simple observation: that's genius. They are simple jokes, but they are hilarious. Here are some of them:

"Knock, knock....pooh pooh pickles!" (she doesn't wait around for "who's there")

"What the toot say to the other toot? thrrrrrrrrrrrr!"

"What the orange say to other orange? BANANAS!"

"What the little toot say to the big toot? thhhhhssssss"

"What the whale say to the other whale? orrooreerrreooore (whale sounds)"

And my favorite right now......

"I love pickles.............JUST KIDDING!"

A New Travis

2010-03-24T11:04:00.000-05:00

Much has gone on in my life since I last posted. I will sum things up and try to do a better job of posting. I don't want to post frequently for the reader, my goal is to write for myself. If you read, thanks and I hope you enjoy a sneak peek into TravisLand.

I'm no longer a youth minister. It's a weird feeling, especially in these last few days. Pleasant Ridge announced Sunday their new youth minister, so I think it has become even more surreal knowing who is following me and taking 'my' teens.

Don't get me wrong, the decision to leave and enter into a new ministry was the absolute best decision for so many reasons, the biggest of which was God's guidance and leading here. But, my entire adult life and ministry had been youth ministry and those teens at Pleasant Ridge. I love them dearly.

However, I write now as a preacher. I saw the look of shock on your face when I said that. I've been a preacher now for a month. I love it. I enjoy the study, the prep and the speaking. I love our church. I love the people. I love how my family loves this place, the people and church.

The greatest thing in my short time here has to be the increased time I get to spend with my girls. I'm home. I'm home a lot and it's wonderful. Just like any ministry, I've been called out late at night and unexpectedly, but for the most part I'm home at night for dinner, I'm home on the weekends and I get to enjoy most of a Sunday with my family. Wonder.Ful.

TravisLand looks different now. Different is good. When I think back to the last few months, I am more convinced of God's leading hand to bring us to this place. The tears shed. The fear realized. The good-byes. They have all been part of this move, the journey to where we sit now. TravisLand is different now. The "big kids" are not around as much, but daddy is. The non-stop city life is gone, but amazing time with my family is. The stress of the office is gone, but stress of effectively sharing God's Word is. The time in the youth area is gone, but quality time with my beautiful wife is. Yeap, TravisLand is different, but a good different.

Ready. SetGo!

2009-07-02T15:49:00.003-05:00

June. Check. July....*deep breath*

Summer is busy. Extremely busy. More so than the previous 5 summers I've had at Pleasant Ridge. Three events are down and three to go.

But today... today was greatness! I took a long lunch and went swimming with my girls! Reese is an amazing swimmer, just like me. She wears arm floaties, just like me too.

We would swim around the pool and she would say, "come on daddy. lets go." I would follow her around the entire pool. She would often want to jump in the pool, which meant she would jump in from the top step of the pool and I would have to go to the diving board.

Reese, "Ready. SetGo!"

We jump in together and I would swim up and throw her in the air. FUN.

Another fun thing we did today in the pool was take water guns and shoot mommy! hahahaha

Those two hours right there made the day and possibly the weekend. I love my little girl.

Is Daddy Nite Nite?

2009-05-13T23:29:00.003-05:00

Me and Reese are tiz-aight right now. As Laura puts it, "They are best friends."

Laura knows this. We talk about it. Right now, Reese wants to play with me. Reese wants me to hold her. Reese wants me to feed her. Poor Laura can't do everything she has before and Reese knows that the new baby is always with Momma. So, with that Reese wants her daddy.

I, of course, am ok with this.

Tonight: we put Reese to bed in her big girl bed. We say our prayers. I do my signature tuck. We both get our nite nite kisses. Reese then says, "Daddy lay down please," and pats her pillow for me.

It's sweet. I love it.

I lay down for a bit and she is calm and getting into sleep mode. After a bit, I get up and kiss her goodnight.

A bit later, Reese begins to cry while I'm at the store. Laura goes in and tells her, "It's time to go nite nite."

"Is daddy nite nite?"

"Yes. Daddy is nite nite."

"Oh. K. Nite nite mommy."

Silent ever since.

A Little Fun in Downtown

2009-05-02T05:07:00.006-05:00

Please notice the time stamp on this post. I've beaten Laura to the punch! I have pictures of us before her!

We had our annual Senior Night Out event Friday into early Saturday morning. The first part of the evening was spent in downtown Ft. Worth at Texas de Brazil. Here are some snaps of me and my BEAUTIFUL wife (not so much the group or anyone else, just us):

Keys to the Kingdom

2009-05-01T10:52:00.003-05:00

This is why I am the "man of the house." This is why I am the one called on to stop any burglars in the middle of the night. This is why I am the one who checks on the creepy noises. This is why I always drive when we go anywhere.

Why? Because I can break into our house.

You are only visiting because you came from Laura's blog, so you have already got the story of us being locked out of our house last night. But the perspective I can share is much...a little...not very different at all. One thing I must say though, our house is extremely safe. I'm very happy about that. The only way in is to break the garage door (already fixed up again). I pried the door open and jammed it open by popping the latch off. Not an easy task when you don't want to break the door or the lock or the handle or anything else.

So, if you are a criminal wishing to break in, I just gave you the keys to the kingdom (or our home). But, I trust you will respect the blogger code: what is said in the blog, stays in the blog.

2009 So Far

2009-04-28T20:33:00.018-05:00

In January, Laura came out of our bedroom with a stick. It had this sign: +. She said, "I'm pregnant and it's your fault." Below is my fear and shock of this moment that had just unraveled.

I was venomously against any kind of hair-cut for Reese. In late January, I was convinced otherwise. My reasoning was there is no other moment in life where your hair could just grow naturally with no cuts. It was pure, shaggy and awesome. One afternoon during lunch, this happened:

For my Dad's birthday, we were going to reveal the big news of "big sis" Reese to everyone at his dinner. This was here cute shirt Laura made. We put a small coat over the shirt and when we were sitting at our dinner table, we took the coat off. As if we rehearsed, Reese stood up and my Mother looked at her shirt and read, "Big sis?" What shirt is tha.....ARE YOU SERIOUS!?" It was a neat moment.

We took Reese to the Zoo for the first time in February. It was a blast. She was in awe of all the animals. The best moment was when we got to the lion den. This lion was laying down. I was holding Reese and we were standing right in front of him. He got up. Looked right at us. Opened his huge mouth and roared as loud as I've ever heard. It was powerful and awesome. Reese got a bit scared and made us step back a few steps. Fun day.
Reese turned 2. *tear* My little girl had another awesome birthday. On her actual day, Laura and I picked her up after school and took her to a movie. Her first movie theater experience. Monsters vs. Aliens. She really enjoyed it, but has no idea what happened at the end. She fell asleep. As the first birthday proved, Laura threw an awesome celebration for out little girl.

Baseball season is a great time. Game #3 of the season, we were invited to a suite for a day game. It was a blast (as any game is) but to be in a great place with my girls was fun. We enjoyed the game, the beautiful weather, the food and very nice suite.

Well, most recently we found out what we've been guessing since January. Boy or Girl? And since you are only reading this because you came from Laura's blog, you know we are expecting a girl. I'm excited about a girl. Reese is going to have a sister and I think that is great. We took Reese to the sonogram appointment and she was right there with us when we found out. The sonogram guy checked the health of our baby and then, with Reese standing on the table where Laura was laying, looked at Reese and said, "Reese. You are having a.....sister!" Reese looked at him. Looked at me. Then wanted down. Ha.

I Yelled and Even Flashed My Lights

2009-04-24T13:19:00.002-05:00

Let's be honest. We all hate stupid drivers. Even if you are one, you don't like others. I'm the same way. It's maddening to be on the road when someone changes lanes for no reason. Or a car decides they would like to cross two lanes of traffic and a solid white line to exit. Or when someone does not grasp the concept of yielding. Or they are sitting at the Pleasant Ridge/Green Oaks light and can't seem to understand there are two left hand turn lanes and they each have their own lines and you can't just go back and forth between far left and right whenever you want! *sigh*

Well, last night we are driving home from Mansfield. I'm in the right lane on 287 when out of nowhere, all of the sudden an older Toyota Camry comes flying past us on the shoulder! I got hot fast. I yelled. I even turned my brights on just to show this person how mad I was. This car was flying at 100mph easy.

Then I look in my rear-view mirror and see these flashing red and blue lights. This cop car was coming up behind me and he was booking it. It immediately hits me....HIGH SPEED CHASE. I get over to let the police car by and my first thought was, "We should help!" I'm not sure what I could have done or how exactly I would have helped, but I just knew I wanted to gun it and get involved in getting this guy. But, I was mature *cough* and decided to just drive at legal limits (or 5mph over) and let the on duty professionals take care of this guy.

Grand Re-Opening

2009-04-24T12:46:00.002-05:00

Welcome to the all-new, re-designed (thank you Laura), well thought about TravisLand. It's been awhile since I've done my own personal blog. Over a year in fact. But, I. Am. Back. I've been inspired and I think I have a lot to say and share.

I enjoy telling crazy stories about my 2yr old wild child. I have a new daughter on her way in September and therefore have pregnant Laura things to share. I'm always around teenagers and there is bound to be some good stuff there. And, I often have ideas and thoughts to share too.

Read this. Don't read this. I'm going to have some fun and share what is going on in TravisLand!

Thank You

2008-04-07T21:51:00.005-05:00

I want to thank my beautiful wife.

Laura loves parties. Birthday's in particular. I don't like a lot of emphasis on my birthday. Nothing wrong with that, just not a big deal for me to 'go all out.' Laura on the other hand is crazy about them. They are national holidays. They are life stopping days. They are planning, preparing, going all out to celebrate, honor and get everyone together days.

I love her.

When our little girl graced us with her presence last year, Laura began planning her first birthday. Really. Literally.

I can remember one night when Reese was somewhere around 3/4months old. We were laying in bed when all the sudden Laura pops up and says, "I got it!"

"What?"

"Reese's first birthday party. I know what we are going to do. It's been bothering me that I haven't thought of something I like. But I know now."

Laura went all out for Reese. I love it.

The only reason you are on my blog is one of two ways: 1)it's an accident 2)you came from Laura's blog. So, I don't have to re-cap the extravaganza. Laura has broken the party down in great detail. Click Here.

I simply want to say "Thank You" to Laura. She thought of everything for everyone. She wanted this part to be perfect. Not for herself. Not for me. Not for the grandparents. Not to impress anyone. The only reason every detail was thought out, every detail was worked on for two weeks, every detail was coordinated precisely was because she wanted our daughter to experience her first birthday.

We both know she won't remember the day. But I have no doubt our girl will always know how to celebrate because of her momma.

Thanks Laura.

Reese the One Year Old

2008-04-04T21:30:00.009-05:00

Some pictures from Reese's birthday.

[I got Reese this Princess balloon. She enjoyed it.][that face is sooooooooo Laura]
[Pretty girls]
[my little housekeeper with her new vacuum]
[she is obsessed with cell phones...geez]
[she's already 1 and too cool for me....]

The Weekend

2008-03-09T08:56:00.004-05:00

When Laura and I found out we were pregnant, we received countless amounts of advice, tips, heads-ups and got a parent manual to help. NOTHING...I mean NOTHING from any of you people prepared us for this past weekend.

Background...last weekend I was on a JH retreat. On the way to our retreat center I hear one of the boys calling my name. Then the entire bus of JH boys and girls called me. I went to the back of the bus to find out that one of our boys stuck his head out of one of the windows and blew chunks. Nice image huh? I said, "Why didn't you tell me you were feeling bad, I would have gotten you a trash bag."

His reply, "No big deal. I stuck my head out as far as I could."

Nice...instead of just being sick we could have lost the boys head which would be harder to explain to the Dad. Though, I am thankful he thought that quickly to let it go outside on the side of the bus rather than inside the bus. That could have been disastrous.

Anyways, this young man was sick. He stayed sick and finally we made the call that he needed to go home after a night of continual sickness into the trashcan. You want to come on a JH Retreat don't you?

Well, I get sick. I went to bed Sunday night felling fine. Woke up at 2am not feeling fine. Monday was bad. Tuesday was not much better. Guess what? Laura got it! She got sick Wednesday. Better Thursday and sick again Friday.

So...Friday Reese and I are feeling fine. I decide that we'll go run some errands and let Mom have the house to rest for a couple of hours. I dress Reese. I load Reese. I get gas in the car. I get on the highway. I hear this sound: "blaaaahaaahaahaaaa"

"Reese? What you doing back there?"

I smell this: grossness.

"Ah man! Reese....you ok?"

I find the nearest exit and make a u-turn home. I call Laura and tell her, "I'm bringing home a sick baby. It's bad. Get the sink ready!"

I hear this: "blaaaaaahaaaaahahaaaaa"

"Again? Try to keep it in your car seat. You ok?"

Now this is one of those moments that I was never prepared for and it would have been nice to have gotten a heads up:

I open the back door to find my daughter covered in her throw up. I also find the back seat covered. My poor little girl looks up at me with the saddest face that slowly turns into a smile of joy to see me. Problem #1 is the fact that the buckles are covered. How do you get a baby out of the car seat when you don't want to touch the buckles? Answer: You don't. Solution: get your hands dirty...I mean dirty. Problem #2 is how do you not get any of this on your Texas Rangers jacket? Answer: Carefully. Problem #3 is how do you carry a child that is literally covered in her own liquid? Answer: like you do any other time. Reese wanted to cuddle and hug me on the way in. I think she was traumatized.

The next 20 minutes were something that was left out of the parent manual too:

I'm de-robbing Reese in the sink. My hands are covered in the baby food eaten an hour earlier. Reese begins to play with dishes. I begin to gag. I get the clothes off of her and Laura takes her to wipe her down re-dress her. You guessed it...more! We give her some water. Yeap. More! The kitchen, the hallway, the living room, the front of Laura. Didn't matter. Those 20 minutes were "Throw Up 2008 with your host Reese Olivia."

You want feel helpless? Have your 11 month old daughter puke all over the house then just lay helpless in your arms the rest of the day. Reese, who never just lays in your arms. Reese, who can't stay still for more than 2 seconds was just helpless and lifeless. Laura and I were too. The night was much better when she finally got to sleep. The next day was another roller coaster.

Our living room is a mess. We've done countless loads of laundry. I've cleaned the back seat of the car. The car seat was hosed down. Oh, and we've thrown out that parent manual and any tips that were once given to us.

No Time Like Bath Time

2008-03-04T20:45:00.003-06:00

There is no time like bath time...for Reese. She loves it.

It's very funny. We've gotten in a little routine where after dinner is bath time. Reese has picked up on this routine. And knows it.

When dinner is over she begins to look around the corner. She wants to see down the hall. The hall where the bathroom is.

The best part is when she can hear the running water. Pure excitement! A scream...a squelch...a yelp...whatever you call it, it comes out of this little 20lb girl. Her arms begin to flail and she bounces up and down. She wants in.

I love bath time. She gets in and begins to crawl back and forth. Splash. Throw her ducks. Oh...and she loves it when I pour water in her face. Laura hates it. I laugh. Reese smiles.

It truly is a highlight of my day.

Excitement

2008-03-04T20:41:00.003-06:00

Sometimes it is the little things....

We were waiting for our baked potatoes to be done...baking when I saw a commercial. I hate commercials. Yet, this one grabbed my attention. I think it was the guy that flew through the air.

Yeap...Clark Kent...Lex Luthor...hated Lana Lang....SMALLVILLE. It's back. Next week.

I'm sorry. I got really excited when I saw that.

Birthday Pictures

2008-02-29T11:21:00.011-06:00

My birthday was last week. As always, my beautiful wife created a celebration. She LOVES birthdays. Here are some pics from my 'big' day. THANK YOU LAURA FOR MY GREAT DAY AND ALL YOU DID! I LOVE YOU.

I Can See Clearly Now!

2008-02-29T11:13:00.003-06:00

Well...I've had a big week.

Monday: I sat in a meeting from 10am to 3pm. Exciting huh?

Tuesday: I went to a feeding frenzy at Sam Houston High School. Then, Laura took me to an eye doctor where they proceeded to shoot lasers in my eyes.

Wednesday: I woke up seeing 20/15 vision!

Thursday: I went to work.

What? Oh...Tuesday...yeah...I had lasik! What a great birthday present.

President for a Day

2008-02-13T21:27:00.004-06:00

The 12th President of the United States was Zachary Taylor. Maybe he should be noted as the 13th President...

Inaguration day use to be on Sundays. In fact, the inaguration was to take place at noon Sunday, March 4, 1849. However, the President Elect did not want to take the oath on a Sunday. He wanted to wait for Monday. There was problem with his plan. President James K. Polk.

The 11th President, Polk, was done. He was not sticking around for another day. So, the line of sucession left David Rice Atchison who was the president pro tempore of the Senate as the next man to be President. So, for one day in our history Atchison sat behind the desk and 'ran' the country in the absence of Polk or Taylor.

Here is what Atchison said about his one day of Presidental power: "it was the most honest adminsitration this country ever had."

In the News

2008-02-12T20:56:00.006-06:00

A couple of...um...interesting things I read today.

Let's say your 89 years old...imagine for me...your old and you've accidently locked yourself out of your house. Oh no! What do you do?

Gerry Palmer of Durango, Colorado had this very problem. Locked outside in her patio area. A locked back door and pile of snow on the other end keeping her there. I'm thinking if I'm turning 90 years old this weekend I might just call it a 'good game.' It's been a fun almost 90 years. 8 decades isn't bad. Or maybe I would just yell for my neighbors [if I liked them and all]. Or maybe I would pick up the phone in my hands! Whatever my choices may have been...I don't think picking up an axe and slamming through my back door would have been my choice. An axe!

I have a couple of questions in my head with this. One...where did a 89 year old woman find the strength to hammer through her door in four swings? Secondly...why does this woman have an axe on her patio? I have like a broom and a barbeque grill...not an axe.

In any case. Gerry Palmer is awesome in my book. I just pray that when I'm 89 I can axe through things...I will at least try.

The second story:

I wasn't ever a big fan of getting up early and going to school. I was always dragging and trying to find a way to get some sleep. Remind me...I'll tell you about the pillow I use to take to class in High School. Anyways...I might have enjoyed going to school if something like this ever happened.

Students showed up to school in Philadelphia on Monday morning to find 50 chickens running around. HaHa. The school doesn't know where the chickens came from but because of droppings and just plain chicken filth all around the school....the students were sent home. HaHa chickens at school.

Jericho Returns

2008-02-12T20:47:00.001-06:00

I'm so excited! Tonight my favorite show...right next to Smallville....returns after months. Jericho.

This is the show that was cancelled after a clifhanger season finale. People were mad. Upset. I admit...I sent a email voicing my complaint. Well, the network made others more mad than me and people began sending in bags...then barrels of peanuts to the network. The last episode had a line..."nuts"....in reference to a fight. Well, people sent tons of peanuts [litteraly] to the network. They re-thought their decision and are finally starting the second season tonight.

I'm glad...I like this show. It's the small things you know?

President's Month

2008-02-02T21:09:00.000-06:00

I enjoy history. Particularly I enjoy Presidential history. February [the greatest month all year in my opinion] has three Presidential birthdays. I share one with a President. February 5th is Ronal Regan's, February 12th is Abraham Lincoln's and February 22nd is George Washington's.

For years [you can ask my family] I have declared February "President's Month." Why? I'm weird.

Did you know...John Hanson was the first President of the United States?

Really. During the years of the Revolutionary war, the newly formed government, under the Articles of Confederation [our first constitution] elected John Hanson as President.

Did you know...after George Washington was inaugurated, the Senate took a month debating how to refer to the President?

There were strong feelings that the President should be referred to as something more than 'President.' In fact, the favorite of George Washington himself was "His High Mightiness." To avoid further debate, the topic was dropped and "Mr. President" stuck.

I find things like this fascinating. You may not. Sorry. I'll dab my blog with things like this all month in celebration of "President's Month." I will also have a couple more videos of my little girl that has nothing to do with Presidents.....yet.

Super Bowl of Mess

2008-01-29T21:49:00.000-06:00

Did you know the Super Bowl is Sunday? Man, I was hoping I missed it this year. Can't win them all.

I remember when the Super Bowl was fun. You know what finally made me realize that I don't care? It's not the fact that the commericals have been more entertaining to me than the game [which should be a clue] or news like FOX Sports will have more cameras at the stadium than all of the planet combined or the fact that Vegas has a line on what the Patriot's coach will be wearing at the game or the fact that the lead story on SportsCenter was that some crazy lady proposed to Tom Brady at media day! No, no, no....it's this tid bit of news I found out: Ryan Seacrest will be hosting the pre-game red carpet show before the game.

Yeap....I know....I said the same thing...

RED CARPET!? RYAN SEACREST!? FOOTBALL!? HUH!? I'M CONFUSED! WHAT!?

In the News

2008-01-29T21:26:00.000-06:00

This was in the news and here are my thoughts about it.

A dating service, similar to the Dr. Phil approved Matchmaker or whatever it's called, has a new take on matching people to their true loves. Oh, you'll go through your standard questionnaires so your not paired with any 'ol loser, but it's the final testing that stands this love bird service apart from the others.

This guy who claims to be a scientist says that the reason people fall for each other or even stay together is their smell. Yes, I said your smell. The odor you give off. Attractive huh?

This company will test your "major histocompatibility complex" and that will lead to your true love. In fact, this guy Eric Holze will predict a higher success rate. Predict. It's not like this company is boasting it's proven success rate...it's only predicting higher numbers of success so you will spend the money.

Speaking of money. You have $1,995? Ha.

Listen. If smell is a big deal to you in the dating process [which at times it should be], do this: go on a date. at the end of the night don't worry about a kiss or even a hug. When you say 'goodnight' go in and smell that person and see if you find that person repulsive. If you do, I might suggest that you don't call them the next day. And if it took you the entire date to figure that out, we have other problems.

Drive-Thru Manicures

2008-01-28T20:03:00.000-06:00

The funniest things always happen in the evenings. I love my life for small moments like this:

Laura and I are playing with Reese on the floor. Laura decides that she wants to 'work' on Reese's walking. So, I have sit in front of Laura so Reese can walk back and forth to us, holding on of course. One thing though: Reese refuses to stand. Every time Laura stands her up she immediately yelps out and sits down. Every time. 8 times in a row. I wish I had the video camera to show you. Very funny.

Well, the thing Reese wants right now is to get back to her little car. She can sit on this toy and she likes us to push her around while she plays with the things on it. So, she crawls over there and wants on. Laura puts her on. She plays. She is happy.

Laura grabbed something out of the cabinet and pulled Reese and her car around. It was Reese's finger nail clippers. Reese sticks her hand out in the girly way...you know, "Heeeeyyyy!"

Laura says, "Drive-Thru Manicures."
I said, "For those in a rush!"

Funny to me.

A New Diaper?

2008-01-15T20:20:00.000-06:00

Another short video of Reese's new diaper? You just need to watch.

The Cereal Puff Challenge

2008-01-15T20:04:00.000-06:00

Enjoy this short video of Reese's Cereal Puff Challenge. We go for a world record.

A Quote from My Wife

2008-01-08T21:19:00.000-06:00

Scene: Dinner. Laura and I were eating an apple at the table. Reese was standing up holding on to Laura's leg. Reese began to yell at Mom.

I said, "Our daughter is a very demanding person."

Laura said, "You think? I actually prayed today that our next child would be better."

[I knew exactly what she was saying, but it was funny how she said it. I love Laura quotes.]

Greatest Show Ever

2008-01-08T21:08:00.001-06:00

So, there is a new show on tv. My tv. It titled...uhh..."Baby Sleeps. Baby Wakes." Very good show.

For Christmas, my parents got us...mainly Laura this wireless camera, security system. Their reasoning: while I'm on trips and what not she'll be more safe. So, I have to rig these two wireless cameras up so Laura will be safe while I'm on trips.

Anyways, we got anxious and wanted to see how it was. Ok...I got anxious and wanted to play with wireless camera technology. So, I rigged [taped] one of the cameras to Reese's crib. By the way...these things have night vision. Perfect.

I set it up. We couldn't wait for Reese to go to bed. I think we put her down like at 4pm or something that night...just kidding. We got her down and immediately turned on the tv, flipped over to input 2 and there it was....Reese sleeping.

Ha.

We literally watched for 20 minutes. Her butt wiggled a little bit, but other than that there was nothing going on except a tired, sleeping baby. But, for us it was entertainment.

An hour or so later Reese began to whimper [wanting to finish her bottle] and we stopped everything we were doing and turned the tv over to input 2. We watched in awe. Reese was moving and rolled over. She rolled back and began to stand up. Ha.

It truly is the greatest show ever.

Turn them off

2008-01-04T20:26:00.000-06:00

Ok people...it's over. Time's up. We are passed it. Turn them off then take them down.

Laura and I were driving home from dinner. Christmas lights were still up! I don't mean they were up on the house or in the yard turned off. I can understand that. There is a grace period for people and work and family and whatever...but what we saw were lights on! The whole thing. All of them. Like Christmas was tomorrow. This wasn't just one house or one street, but several houses all over the area. It's over! Please, at the very minimum...turn the lights off.

2008 will be Awesome

2008-01-02T22:53:00.000-06:00

Here is how I know 2008 will be great:

Laura and I had a great date night New Year's Eve. We dropped Reese off at my parents and had the entire night to ourselves. Yeah!

First, it was dinner together. Then it was a movie. A movie! Aftewards, we went home and played Guitar Hero and rang in the new year. We were in bed by 12:30 and slept the entire night with no baby.

However...it was great when we got to spend the rest of Day #1 of 2008 with our little girl. She was tired and so fun to play with. We played. We napped. We played.

I know 2008 will be great b/c Day #1 was with my beautiful, fun girls. When the first day is this great, the rest of the year must be.

Coming

2007-12-08T21:59:00.000-06:00

I know...I know... I haven't been on in awhile. I'm sorry for all the ones who are enthralled with my life.

I'm coming strong this week.

Blog About Nothing

2007-10-30T20:55:00.000-05:00

There is one show that is a classic in my opinion. Seinfeld. The classic show about nothing. I say that because this blog is about nothing specficialy. It's the blog about nothing.

So guess what I did at work today? Well, did many things but one thing I'm thinking of. I cleaned off my desktop. Laura can't stand a 'messy' desktop. I can tolerate it to a point but then must clean it out. It's amazing what you build up over a few weeks on your computer.

I'm nervous. I'm nervous because my co-host for the GodPod has moved to Midland. We started this podcast last year for teenagers and we have been doing it every week since December last year. It's a blast to do a 20 minute show with prank calls, weird news, scripture sneak attacks, random games and whatever else we think of. It's more fun because of Steven. He's a good friend of mine and is 4 hours away. Got to figure something out.

I broke the pumpkin. Yeap. We were carving this awesome skull on the pumpkin last night. We were cutting the the middle nose part and as I tried to break that piece away...the right eye came off. Ruined the whole hour of me and Laura carving. She was upset I know, but didn't show it. She had been looking forward to it for a long time. But we came up with the one eyed crooked smile pumpkin. Weird.

She fell. I looked away for two seconds and Reese was on the ground. Reese likes the new game of 'throw whatever I have and see Dad pick it up over and over again.' We were playing this with the remote while sitting on the couch. I looked up at the weather for two seconds and Reese went looking for the remote head first. Ouch. She cried. I felt horrible [still do]. I was able to breathe easier when she looked up at me and smiled her awesome smile at me.

>We had a great High School devo this past Sunday. After our evening service our High School group went to a members home for dinner and a devo. I always enjoy sitting back and singing with our teens. You can just listen and tell they love to sing. It's an awesome thing to experience. I also think we all left encouraged to fill the empty feelings in life with Christ. "Come to me all who are weary..."

Some pictures to enjoy:

Public Service Annoucement

2007-10-25T14:49:00.000-05:00

Don't Do Crack.

2 Years Ago I Had No Idea

2007-10-23T20:49:00.000-05:00

Two years ago I had no idea.

I had no idea...

-that I would be 100x more in love with my beautful bride.
-that I would have the most beautiful daughter
-that I would own a home
-that youth ministry would only get more awesome
-that I would see a Rockies vs Diamonbacks NLCS
-that the Rockies would make it to a World Series
-that I would buy Laura a car while on a date
-that I would love spending evenings on the floor with Reese teaching her how to crawl
-that I would get upset when Laura doesn't say 'I Love You' after I do
-that my lawn would be this awesome
-that Smallville would probably be my favorite tv show
-that I would run to Reese's room to pick her up from a nap first
-that I would have a daughter named Reese
-that I would be this willing to paint and re-decorate our home this often

-that I really wouldn't miss the midnight

Sportscenter
-that I would become the official minister of a radio show
-that I would co-host a podcast
-that I would miss Abilene
-that I would miss my friends this much
-that I would be here looking back at October 22, 2005 thinking that day was the day that started my truly wonderful and blessed life with my amazing, loving, caring and goregous wife that led to our beautiful little girl.

-that I would have a blog

My Afternoon with Reese

2007-10-16T20:52:00.000-05:00

Yesterday Laura had a Dr's appt. I had the honor and privilege of watching Reese for the afternoon. Fun.

I got home about 2pm. Reese just had a nap and was finishing a bottle. Laura left. We were alone.

What to do? Play? Eat? Go to the Ballpark and look at all the cool stuff and get a glimpse of the field?

So, we took a nap....not really. We went to the ballpark.

I did have a motive. I wanted a Colorado Rockies hat. [side note: they are the hottest team in sports history. unbelievable.] So we arrived at the ballpark in fall. We walked around the store there at the ballpark. We looked at everything [except Yankee junk they sell]. Reese enjoyed pulling on the shirts, holding the bats and putting the toys in her mouth. Lots of fun. We were walking around, talking when we went to the back and noticed that the entire field was torn up. No grass. Tractors digging holes. Weird site to see. We marveled at the site....ok I marveled.

After our stroll through baseball heaven, we stopped by Boss's office. This is my Dad who is wanting to be called Boss. How cool. We played with boss for a bit at his office. After her lesson in walking from her Boss, we headed home.

On our way home we made one quick stop for candy corn. Laura LOVES candy corn. Saying she loves candy corn is an uderstatment. When it is halloween time, it's candy corn time. Since she had to go to the dr. we got her a treat: a pumpkin full of candy corn.

We walked in the door, Reese showed her the treat and we all three hugged. Reese was most excited to see her mommy after a whole afternoon away. I love my Reesey time.

I Told My 6 Month Daughter...

2007-10-13T20:37:00.000-05:00

Laura sat Reese down in our rocking recliner. I was sitting on the couch. Reese looked over at me and smiled. Beautiful.

She then squirmed from her sitting position and twisted herself onto her belly. Nice move.

She began to squirm around the chair. The chair began to rock and her head faced forward. It was almost as if she was getting off the chair to do something. I lean over to her to 'catch' her if she squirmed off the chair.

This is what I told my 6 month old daughter at this moment....

"Reese. Don't get in a position to go anywhere when you can't go anywhere. It's dangerous to get ready to go somewhere when you can't go anywhere. So be careful and don't go anywhere because you can't go anywhere."

Lord, help me in the next 18 years.

This Just In...

2007-10-12T17:21:00.000-05:00

I have just come across this 'long lost' video of a joyous moment in my life. Many of you have heard the story from Laura and her blog back in July. Let me explain....

We go to this camp called Sooner Youth Camp. For many die hard Sooners, I just grabbed your attention. Last July we went to Sooner in Ardmore, Oklahoma for the long, hot week. Its great.

One day I went down to the lake during boy swim time. I was swimming and what not. Then I started goofing off on the dock. I was goofing with a camper named Jared Jordan. We were wrestling on the dock when all the sudden I hear this 'ding,' 'ding.' I look to see Jared lunging for a ring bouncing on a dock. My first thought: ha...you lost a ring. I look at my hand immediately and notice I don't have my ring on. Weird...I had it on when I went o the lake. Dang.

I lunge forward for the ring bouncing towards the water....I missed it by two inches. I can still see the entire 'bounce' in slow motion in my head and seeing it sink fast in the muddy, dark water.

I leap in the water and dive to the bottom. Nothing. Wewe, Steven and me spent the next 2 hours diving and looking.

In fact, when we finally left the lake we went up to the mess hall. Wewe and Steven were kidding around with me about telling Laura or not telling Laura. Ha. Funny. I have at least two more days before I see her. I'll come up with something by then. Nope...Laura came up for a surprise visit. I was shocked. I had to tell her. I wouldn't say she was mad...but not happy. Wewe, Steven and I spent 2 more hours in the water during dinner. Nothing.

Laura told me to forget it. Its just a ring. Her parting words as she left that night to go back to Arlington were, "I'm not married!"

The next day was harsh. I mean, you accidentally lose your wedding ring and people take that as a invitation to make fun of you. Geez. It was all day. It was constant. It was from everyone.

Well...that night at dinner, table 5 'got' table 1 with their elbows on the table. "Get your elbows off the table, table 1!" "Do a skit for us table 1...do a skit for us table 1!"

"Hey Travis, you have to see this."

I thought geez....not again.

This is what happened.

This is Aaron. He spent 15 minutes in the water and found it!

The Akins Family Motto

2007-10-10T21:19:00.001-05:00

The scene: dinner at Khakis with Laura and Reese.

We just began eating so Laura placed Reese in her car seat next to her. Reese immediately sits up. She doesn't want to lay back in her seat.

I say, "Look, she doesn't want to sit back and relax."

Laura says, "Leaning back is a sign of weakness."

"Oh really?"

"Yeah. We Akins never give up....unless we're tired, don't feel like it, think it's worth it or see the point."

"Oh really? That should be our family motto."

"It already is."

Other things we discussed at dinner:

-our blogs and my lack of hits lately

-how awesome we are

-how funny it is we let future Travis and Laura handle things that we don't want to handle now

[seriously...this is what we talked about...seriously]

We Akins never give up....unless we're tired, don't feel like it, think it's worth it or see the point.

6 Months

2007-10-07T22:27:00.000-05:00

This is my precious little girl. Now 6 months.

Play by Play

2007-10-06T11:19:00.000-05:00

As I sit here, Laura is feeding Reese rice cereal. Yummy!

This is a LIVE play by play account as I sit and watch.

Reese looks 'put out' that she has to go through this process of eating. Where is the bottle?

Reese is looking over at me...wondering probably why I'm sitting here typing. She just gave me a look that said, "leave us alone dude."

She seems more interested in anything but the spoon.

Now, Laura is teasing her daughter. She is holding the spoon in front of her. Reese leans in as far as she can. Not far enough. Laura just holds it there while Reese sticks her tongue out...leaning further and further. Mean mom! ha

Reese swallows. Immediately opens her mouth ready for the next bite. Very cute.

I'm not sure if she likes the meal, but she is really getting more excited with each bite. She can't take her eyes off the spoon now.

The food has spread from the lips area and is ALL OVER the face. I'm not sure how that happened and I've been sitting here watching.

Reese may be done with this. She is making noises like "I want out!"

Laura just said something to me and Reese got upset. She wants Mom's attention at all times.

I just figured out why Reese puts the food all over her face. She just stuck her tongue out and grabbed some more food off the side of our mouth. Smart baby. I didn't learn that till college.

I think she is done. She 'yellped' 'moaned' and gave me a pitiful look. She began to eat her hand, spreading the banana flavored cereal even more. I'm not sure the food is going down anymore. The food goes in and she immediately 'eats' her high chair.

I think I'll go save her. The noises are becoming more frequent.

Is Your Wife Around?

2007-10-03T22:51:00.000-05:00

Let me set the stage...

It's 10:30pm and the Padres are playing the Rockies. It is one of the most awesome things that rarely happens in baseball. An extra game to the 162 game season. Sudden death. Winner moves on. Loser goes home. The 163 game of the season. This of course interest me but not Laura [and maybe not you for that matter]. So, Laura goes to bed. I stay up to watch the end of this game. *Awesome game by the way. 13 innings. Amazing.*

As soon as the extra inning game is over Reese cries. I'm up and so I feed her. It's almost midnight and I slip into bed. I get under the covers. Laura leans over to me and says, "Is your wife around?" [in a seductive voice]

What? Huh? Excuse me Laura? I was baffled. What does that mean? Did I hear that correctly? You are my wife!

"What did you say?"
"Nothing."
"I think your asleep."
"I'm not asleep."
"Yes you are. You won't remember this conversation"
"NO. I'M NOT ASLEEP."
"Ok. You're not. So, what did you say?"
"I was saying that the baby ahibkldie dhbewoe...."
"Oh...ok."
"Night."

Laura got real close to me and I was afraid to push her away. I fell asleep wondering if sleeping Laura would say anything else interesting.

I asked Laura about this the next morning. She remembered nothing. I remember her being very angry at me. Night!

[this is Laura when she is awake]

Silent Pictures Are Full of Sound

2007-09-28T15:18:00.001-05:00

As I write this, my newphew is eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in front of me. He is wiping his hands all over me. His hands are covered in peanut butter and bits of jelly. My niece is here as well. She is coming up to me and stopping with her big smile. Her mouth is full of choclate chip cookies. I came home a few minutes ago from some retreat packing...Reese up and obviously tired. Laura said she wouldn't go to sleep. She cried till she came out and played with her cousins. Funny girl.

"Slow down everyone your moving to fast. Frames can't get you when your moving like that." -Jack Johnson

After every summer I always have this big notion that 'things are going to slow down for a bit!' Wrong. I'm probably less busy, but I feel like things have not slowed down. With the exception of Galveston, everything has been moving 90mph. Now, don't get me wrong. I enjoy what I do and love every minute of everything I do with the youth group or with my family. But...slowing down is important. I've realized even more this summer that I have to be much more intentional about slowing everything down.

Why slow down? Everything around us is fast and has been built to be done, given or completed fast. I taught a high school class a few weeks about creation. Something that always sticks out to me is that God slowed down. He created. He made. He rested. Wow. To me, slowing down means balancing my time with Laura, Reese and family. To me, slowing down requires taking time to sit still, in silence before God. To me, slowing down is taking a deep breath, concetrating on stillness and moving forward.

In the middle of ministry. In the middle of family. In the middle of marriage. Slow down.

Galveston: Memory Lane

2007-09-12T22:05:00.000-05:00

I'm sorry I have not blogged in a few days. On the other hand...I'm not. I've been on vacation. Away from here. At the ocean. With my family.

I did not realize how much I needed a vacation. It was great time to get away and be less responsible than usual. We had a great time in Galveston with my parents, grand parents, sister, uncle and aunt and two little cousins.

A couple of stories from our week:

Monday Night: Laura put Reese to bed and we weren't tired...more excited...so we stayed downstairs to hang out. Well there was a little soccer ball down there that my sister got. I began to kick it around. I kicked it to Laura. She kicked it back to me. I dribbled it up to her and tried to kick it around her. She takes it and kicks it between two chairs and says, "I scored and have a goal." WHAT!? I didn't know we were playing. Well, this started a game of soccer in the living room around chairs, tables and even down some stairs at one point. Ha. At one point...it was getting pretty intense because I was winning...I kicked the ball and it flew threw the air across the room where my mother and grandmother were and crashes into a lamp. Light goes out. Lamp goes down. Awesome. For the record: I won the game.

Wednesday Night: We had been at the Strand all day. My dad, grandfather and I went and checked out some historical things in Galveston, while all the girls shopped. We came home from a long...very long day of shopping. We got home, ate dinner and were eating some fudge we had bought earlier in the day. We were just talking. You know...the usual stuff....weather, sports, old memories. My dad begins to talk....he begins to tell how to make fudge. He then references a time he made fudge at home and how difficult it is to make. He says, "I was beating it and it got hard fast." My mom laughed. My sister laughed. We all laughed.

Talk to you soon!

Historic Moment

2007-08-30T22:09:00.000-05:00

It was four months ago when I last put Reese to sleep. She was one month old and I was the only one she would allow to put her to sleep. Somewhere down the line I was no longer 'good' enough to put her to sleep and only Mom could sooth my baby to sleep the proper way. But tonight marks an historic night in the Akins' household: Reese allowed me to put her to sleep!

Reese is a lot of fun now. I know I'm ridiculous thinking my little girl will never 'grow up.' I would prefer if she stayed the smiling baby that laughs at my crazy dancing. Ha. But, she grows more fun everyday. I got up with her at 4am this morning. I was mad. I was tired. I made a bottle in the dark being mad and tired...went to her room and she was laying on her back looking up and smiled when she saw me. Shhh...don't tell Mom, but we played a bit before it was back to bed. I couldn't remember stumbling out of bed and into my dresser. I couldn't remember putting my glasses on upside down. I couldn't remember dropping the bottle. I could only smile back at my little girl as she talked to me in her coded language.

I've been asked a lot, "How does it feel to be a dad?" The answer: the most amazing feeling in the world! I can't describe it and I don't want to remember what it was like before.

It was only 5 months ago we were a two person family. But the Lord has given Laura and I a true blessing. My little girl.

Countdown

2007-08-27T22:19:00.001-05:00

I'm in 'countdown' mode. This time next week I will be far away from responsiblity with a break from everything. Yes! I can't wait to take off with my awesome family. Because I'm so excited about vacation...this week seems so long already! Ha.

I'm not sure how useful I will be with blogging this week. So... enjoy some pics!

The Prayer Labyrinth

2007-08-26T21:56:00.000-05:00

I had a great weekend. I didn't leave town and spent time with my family.

Let me tell you about our Youth Group classes this morning. We had an experiential prayer labyrinth. It was a neat time for the teenagers to fully spend time in prayer. I locked up most of the Youth Area and had a dark, quite area with 20 prayer stations for them to move about and pray different prayers. Our church has done a similar thing and we have done something like this at a camp before.

I think its important to remember how powerful and needed prayer is. It’s a challenge being a Youth Minister and trying to instill the whole idea that God is listening and talking in our prayer time. I think we often jump into things and God is an after thought. Think about it. We all do it and probably do it all the time. We really wanted to focus in on praying before something big. I want to strive and pray more. I love Laura because she challenges me to pray more and to not forget to pray.

By the way...my beautiful wife spent 4 hours with me at church Saturday setting up the Prayer Labyrinth. Thank you Laura!

The Silver Anniversary

2007-08-24T22:52:00.000-05:00

It was my parents 25th wedding anniversary. We celebrated with a fun night to Reatta Restaurant in downtown Ft. Worth and then our house for cupcakes. It was a great night. I love my parents and am very thankful for them.

Our night in pictures...

reTREAT

2007-08-24T16:15:00.000-05:00

It has been a very...very busy few days. Since my last post: I've had a different kind of busy on a Sunday morning, staff retreat and a retreat with my wife. It has been a good few days with no time for my new blog.

Our staff, our ever changing staff took a two night retreat to East Texas to look ahead for our church. I always enjoy retreats. I enjoy getting away from the norm and being with the group.

I had a special, impromptu retreat with Laura last night. We decided to see if my mother would want [like there was any real doubt] to keep Reese over night. She said yes and Laura and I got a hotel in town and we had a entire night to do whatever we wanted. AWESOME.

First we dropped the baby off. It was very hard for Laura but we said goodbye quickly and didn't talk about Reese till later in the night. Next step: check-in! Yes, we got a hotel in Arlington. Didn't go far, but just being in a hotel made it feel like a vacation. Our next activity was awesome...RANGER GAME! Laura actually wanted to go to the Ranger game. Just me and her and we sat front row center field right next to the bullpen. It was fun...although they lost [shocker!]. Then we did what anyone does in a hotel....rented a movie. Followed by sleep...glorious sleep with no Reese wanting to eat at 5am.

I love retreats. I especially love retreats with my wife. It was great for just the two of us to be 'away' with each other. It was a TREAT.

When It Rains...It Pours

2007-08-17T20:45:00.000-05:00

I'm sure I'm the only one who has ever had this problem: you wash your tuck and it rains. I mean...come on. It's one thing if its June and it rains every single day at the exact same time. But we are in August and have not seen rain for weeks. I figured, "Doesn't look like rain. Probably good to wash it." Geez.

I feel helpless and good at the same time. My little girl [Laura has recently pointed out to me that I call Reese 'little girl' a lot] does not feel good. She has been congested and we think has some kind of ear ache. I feel helpless. I can play with her and make her smile more than anyone else the last couple of days when she feels bad. I feel good.

Isn't it amazing I can have two very different feelings? I mean...she is sick. She seems miserable at times. Yet, the fact I can have her stand on me, make some weird noises with my lips and she smiles and laughs makes me feel like all is right. I want to help her. I want to do whatever I can...but I can't. The best thing I've done besides get child's medicine that she can't even take for like 2 years, is make her smile and laugh.

Oh sure it's raining...but it could be worse. It's only a truck. The truck can be washed again. It's only congestion and MY little girl wants me to make her smile.

It's not so bad when it rains.

Flip that House

2007-08-16T22:37:00.000-05:00

One of our favorite things to do [assuming Reese will allow us] is to watch TLC, HGTV or the likes. We love to watch shows about homes, flipping or decorating. A favorite of our is 'Flip That House.' Well...I think Laura has grown tired of only watching people fix their homes up. She is taking her knowledge from these great shows and whipping the home into shape. She has big plans for many areas of the home that, honestly I have no problem with. But, I have been informed on many occasions that our home 'needs more color.' So color is what we are getting!

Thursdays in the summer are great. For one particular reason: Prayer Lunch. This is a time where we invite the teens to the Youth Area, they bring their own lunch and then we spend time in prayer. That's it. That's the reason. Today we had 14 teenagers come up, eat and pray. How cool is that?

I'm not sure what I will blog about each time, but I hope I can add 'color' to the home. A big challenge for anyone is to constantly be setting our focus on Christ. Remember the challenge from Colossians 3 to 'set your hearts....set your minds on things above.' Thats a big order that requires 'flipping' everyday.

Welcome to the Greatest Place On Earth

2007-08-16T17:41:00.000-05:00

Hello. Welcome to my land...travisland.

I accept all major credit cards, sorry no checks. Please come in and join me for the ride. Lets see where we go!