Surprise to anyone who made it back here. I feel sorry for blogs. Now that Facebook is around, blogs seem to be going the way of 8 track tapes and rotary phones.

December was my last post and here we are in August. It's been a fine year, with a new house, 2 kids demanding much attention, a job that keeps my head spinning and a total of 3 trips to Disney with DVC points. Went in May with the Duncans and had a blast. 32 days and counting for a trip with just the wife and then the week after Thanksgiving, our annual trip down for the Christmas spirit and this time we get to stay in Treehouses at our home resort, Saratoga Springs. The Denny's will be joining us..no relation to the fine food chain.

Hope those that find this again are well. Life is a blessing...watching little ones is a blessing, especially when they're yours and are a part of you. Love up!

December

Since I blog so often, I'll just title these by the month now. ha. It's been a crazy month! Started with a terrific trip to Disney with my parents and niece along for the ride. We stayed for the first time at our new Disney Vacation Club property - Saratoga Springs. Much bigger accomodations than the normal rooms you get elsewhere. We're going to enjoy that little investment, I believe. Main thing I came back with from that is it's a lot more fun when others are making decisions. But I'm ok with leading the troops there. Looking forward to going back for a couple of nights in May with the Duncans.

Then, I had to get prepared for a trip to London with a team from work. It was a one day meeting we put on over there but we were lucky to get there a day early so we could do some sightseeing. It'd been 16 years since I'd been there on campaigns out of Harding so it was neat to see it again, with a bit more money in my pocket this time. A great trip, both adventure-wise and then business-wise. Bad thing is I missed Emmy's Christmas program and her leading a prayer at the little party afterwards. Heather's pretty good at taking care of them when I'm gone...thankfully.

Christmas is history. Now for 2009. I turn 39 in March. Yikes! Time is flying. Looking forward to a prosperous, healthy and happy new year. Need to work on healthier.....

Cheers!

thanksgiving

It's been a while. What keeps me busy is what blesses me most. Heather and I both like to stay inside. We're not the type that always needs to be around other people..doing things. We have to make ourselves get together with friends sometimes. But as it gets colder, and now with two little ones running around the house, cabin fever can start to set in. The next 2 months will be eventful. Thanksgiving in Missouri, the next week at Disneyworld, back in a week, then off to London for a 3 night 4 day work thing. Then, back a week and Christmas.

I'm fortunate to have a job. I think the next year will be a difficult one for many people. I'm very thankful to God about how things have worked out career-wise. I shake my head wondering how a guy who couldn't pass the CPA exam ended up selling services to fortune 1000 companies and getting to go to London. I believe you make your own luck, but life is full of it..both good and bad.

Always remember...there's something around the next corner. Don't necessarily plan for it, but be prepared for it, by accepting it as the next phase in this crazy thing called life. And when I don't feel like I'm doing anything to promote my God and savior to others, I look at the sweet faces of Emmy and Eli (especially when they're asleep) and realize I'm doing something for God with the two of them. Love em dearly. Can't get enough of them. And yeah, I get a big kick out of my son looking just like me.

Ramblings for the day. I'll post about our trip to Florida. I'm praying for good weather and health, for those going and those not.

Have a blessed week...

sidetrack

Enjoyed church this morning, more than I seem to have in a while, which I'd like to say is due to getting 2 kids ready to go in the morning and dealing with the grind. But that would be what we call an excuse, now wouldn't it? My buddy Phillip led worship and included an oldie "His Grace Reaches Me." Don't know the last time I sang that but my mood lifted the instant I saw it on the program. Love the new praise songs but an oldie every now and then seems to lift my old soul.

My sister also recently mentioned the difference between a winter christian and a summer one. I know which category I fall in. That's been on my mind a lot lately too. And, one of the stories in the lesson this morning was about Peter walking on water. I thought it even before Tim mentioned it in the sermon. We concentrate on the fact that Peter's faith began to waiver, therefore he sank. But what was he thinking stepping off a boat in the first place! What trust. Wish I had that kind of trust.

It was a good day today. We got a new used golf cart and Emmy just loves riding around in it. She was good today about taking a nap so we took her out for dinner and ice cream. I'm creating a monster on the ice cream front I'm afraid. We also had a wonderful night last night with the neighbors in a little block party. We do love where we live. If we could only find a yard.....

One last thing..back to Disney. We're a little over a month away from our December trip with my parents and my niece Madison. We can't wait. We also recently made our reservations for a trip in May with the Duncans. That will be a blast...2 of the days will be at Vero Beach, then over to Orlando for 2 nights at the Boardwalk Villas and a day at the park.

Life is good...as long as I don't check my 401K! That will come around too.

And yes, mom...Grandpa was a democrat. But he was an old democrat. Not sure if he'd be one today.

Just so you know...

Walt Disney was a Republican.

Walt and dogs

As a follow up to yesterday's post on Arthur, I did want to make mention that Walt loved dogs as well. There are many stories that evidence this fact, none more interesting than when he bought his wife Lillian a chow one Christmas and had her in a box with a ribbon around it. Yes, just like the scene in Lady and the Tramp, which he resurrected to commemorate that moment. You had Pluto and his traditional non-speaking role and Goofy, who for some reason, got a voice....but is still a dog. Haven't come across the reason for that really, other than the fact that Pluto is Mickey's dog and was first to make an appearance and is therefore a secondary character. Goofy was a primary character so I guess they needed to give him a speaking role. Pluto got the short end of that thrown stick!

You see dogs all throughout Disney movies, from Lady and the Tramp, to the Shaggy DA, The Fox and the Hound, Old Yeller (we're feeling that one right now), 101 Dalmations. Can you think of any others??

Peace to all
Scott

Arthur

A very heavy heart while I write this. Arthur was Heather's dog when I met her and he came with the package deal. He had seen her through some rough times so I knew I was getting both of them. Over the years though, I became to think of his as mine as much as Heather did. We kind of had a shtick in our household and I was the one that always acted like...why do we have a dog? But, I'm confessing today. It was all an act. I loved that dog and have tears in my eyes right now thinking about it. I miss him. Yes, part of it is from seeing the love of my life hurting....but it's more selfish than that, to be honest. He was a wonderful dog, always ready for love and scratches, very obedient, was great with our kids and was always so happy to see us. Yeah, he shed and was at your feet while you ate, but that's what dogs do and I'd give anything to clean up that hair and see him at my feet. I was out of town yesterday when he took a turn and didn't get to say goodbye. I'm so glad Heather had the special time with him before she took him in. She was very brave and I'm so proud of her.

We're dealing with quietness and reminders today. I've already noticed an emptiness. Too quiet. We lost a part of the history of Heather and Scott.

Emily says Arthur's in heaven, and we know he is, but I think she thinks it's only a temporary visit, which is fine. I'm glad she knew him. And I look forward to telling her and Eli about this wonderful dog that I got as a bonus.

Arthur, I would take back all the times I scolded you if I could. I know you loved me...hope you know I loved you too.