No need for trumpets...

I've always been a big fan of Terry Pluto...not only do I think he's an extraordinary sports columnist, but I especially admire his perspectives on faith/ Christian living as he writes his weekly spiritual column in the Akron Beacon Journal. His article today in the ABJ was one that simply made me stop in my tracks and say, "Wow..am I guilty of that!" In a nutshell, his contention is that while living our lives, Christian charity should be an extremely important part of our lives-without the fanfare. I guess that it's just human nature to want to receive some kind of recognition when we accomplish something of significance, but Pluto contends how greater the reward would be for all of us if we simply did things out out of habit than always wanting something in return. I couldn't help but try to think of the last time that I performed some kind of charitable act anonymously...I shamefully admit that it's been longer than I care to admit.

Pluto quotes a Christian author who claims that Christian maturity means that we don't need to congratulate ourselves because we've gotten something right...We've come to see that giving really is better than receiving, it no longer looks extraordinary to us -- it just looks sane.

Blogging about what I should do to address this issue would obviously be a blatant act of hypocrisy...But Pluto has certainly made me realize that this is not the time nor place to receive a reward for being a good person...instead, we should all look to the day when we get a pat on our backs from the One- who matters the most.

A dinnertime siesta

Hey, when you're tired, you're tired. Evidently, our conversation for the evening didn't hold little Sarah's interest much.

A Birthday Slumber Party

So far, so good...It's about 11:00, the girls are still going strong...but the noise level is tolerable, and most importantly- they seem to be having a good time.

Marie has so been looking forward to this evening. She asked us about a month ago if she could have 6 of her closest friends spend the night for her 12th birthday, and they all said "yes" They really are all great kids- a few of whom play on Marie's volleyball team and will also be coming to Hoban with Marie in a few years.

I was very surprised (and proud) how Marie included Josh this evening. He's so funny. Just like Sarah's party from last week, he gets so excited when there's a party- regardless of who it's for! Anyway, he certainly wasn't shy hanging with the gals tonight (the games, Karaoke, pinata, etc...) and again, Marie was very sweet to include him.


I'm guessing that by midnight, they all will decided to call it an evening and fall quietly asleep for the night...yeah, right!

Happy Birthday Marie...I love you!

A Kid at Heart

I'm not sure if Cindy shares the same enthusiasm in decorating for Halloween...but I love this holiday...and of course, I simply do it for the kids!

We've lived in this house since 2000, and each year that I've taken Marie and Josh to Walmart/ Target...invariably, some new decoration beckons us from its shelf to be purchased.

The standing joke is that there's been a friendly competition with the guy who lives across the street..and I refuse to lose to him! So, needless to say, I'm not completely finished yet.

Both Josh and Marie already have their costumes...both of whom are going to dress as Pirates with little Sarah tagging along as a ferocious bunny rabbit.

A special day for little Sarah

Pastor Mike Castelli presided over a baby dedication for Sarah this morning. What a wonderful job he did of including both Josh and Marie when speaking about the family's job of replicating a Christian home for our little girl.

At the risk of boasting too much, Sarah not only has a wonderful mother who undoubtedly loves her little princess to no end...but she also has two great siblings. Both Marie and Josh idolize Sarah Kay, and I just know that the two of them will continue to look after their little sis and make sure that she not only feels loved in our family, but will also help to bring her closer to Christ as she grows older. When you think about it, it is such an awesome responsibility that we are all given, as parents, when it comes to raising our children. God knows that I'm not the perfect Dad, and all too often my patience (or lack there of) is not something that I'm always proud of, but listening to Mike's message today really reaffirmed my dedication to my kids...they're my life...and I love them all so very much.

Akron Marathon


Quite simply, this race experience was phenomenal. Waking this morning, I was a bit nervous about running the 5th leg (7 1/2 miles). The hardest part about the race, though, was simply waiting around until it was my turn to take the snap bracelet and begin my portion of the run. It was pretty cold this morning with a light drizzle, but once I started the run, the weather didn't bother me at all- it actually was perfect.

Our team (Emily, Maureen, Dave, Tony, and I) finished at 4 hours, 13 minutes, 54 seconds. That put us at #466 out of 663 relay teams. Not too bad, in my humble opinion. We finished a couple of minutes behind our beloved pastor and his team, but we'll get him next year for sure!

My race leg began up on Revere Road by Fairlawn Country Club and then proceeded to Firestone High School, Stan Hewett, Highland Square, and then down Market Street to Canal Park. For me, it was a real emotional high running through the ball park and past what looked to be a couple of thousand fans cheering us all on. It was awesome!

I really felt as if I could have run a few more miles, so I'm going to train this winter for the Cleveland Marathon in May and aim for running 1/2 a marathon- all 13 1/2 miles of it. Tonight, though- no thought of running- I've got a date with the TV and my beloved Buckeyes!

Through the Years

I remember all so well the day I took Marie to get her picture taken here when she was about a year old. Eleven short years later...well, it's so hard to believe how quickly your kids grow up right before your eyes. I still think she'd look cute in a white bonnet!

Big Sis, Lil' Sis

22nd Annual Labor of Love Run Results

Well...I could have done a lot better. Out of 348 runners, I came in at #252. (46:20/ 9:15 per mile). For my age group though, I was 22nd out of 28...but, I still had a blast running the course, and am definitely looking forward to next year's event.

I've got one week until the Akron Roadrunner Relay Race. Funny, but I still have never run more than 5 miles and I'm suppose to do a 7 1/2 mile leg. I guess I'll just run the last couple of miles on adrenaline and a good prayer! The good news is that my part of the race appears to be just a gradual descent down Market Street heading towards the downtown area. I've joked to a couple of folks that I'll just wear a pair of those tennis shoes that have the built-in skates inside of them, so then if I get too tired...well you get the idea.

Actually, next weekend should be awesome because in addition to the race, Ms. Sarah Kay will have her baby dedication at church. We're going to have the ceremony after the second service, and then a short reception immediately following in the atrium of the church. Plenty of pictures will be taken!

An afternoon siesta

And who said Pre-K was easy?

This has become somewhat of a common occurrence each afternoon as we arrive home from a long day at school.

I was in the kitchen getting some stuff ready for dinner, and within minutes Josh crashed on the sofa- just minutes before he asked me if I wanted to see what he made at school today. His proud art project never even made it out of his bookbag before the little guy fell fast asleep.

Rising each morning at 6:00 and going strong until 3:30 has been somewhat of an adjustment for Josh. His teacher does designate about an hour for "nap-time", but I don't think most of the kids sleep soundly during that time.- afraid they might miss something!

I'll let him catch a few more winks before I wake him for dinner.