Rubiks Cube

Taylor and Christian each got a rubiks cube for Christmas, and they have been trying to figure it out. I had one when I was kid and the only way I was ever able to solve it was by tearing it apart (cheating) and putting it back together. It was always a mystery to me, so as I sat and messed with it alittle bit and I decided I wanted to be able to solve it. So, I went to...youtube and typed in rubiks cube. I got a number of matches but decided on a young man who was teaching how to solve it by using algorithms. Now, being a math teacher, that was right up my alley. I sat and listened to him for about an hour taking some notes and learning the series of steps and patterns that you must follow. It took me about 45 minutes the first time I solved it, but now I have done it around 30 times and can do it in about 10 minutes. (Hey, I am not bragging...there are guys that can do it in less than a minute with one hand) I guess my point is though...what I learned...is that with today's technology there is really nothing that we can't accomplish if we set our mind to it. If we need to know the answer to something or if we want to buy something, we have instant access to it on the internet. I realize it is just a puzzle, but it is pretty complex. I like to challenge myself to figure things out. What have you always wanted to be able to do? There is nothing stopping you from doing it...except yourself...and a little determination.

Best Christmas Ever

We had such a great time this Christmas. The kids were so much fun and we got to spend a lot of quality time together. We were also glad to be able to spend time with our extended families. We are so blessed to have so many special people in our lives that care about us. This was also a special Christmas because Missy's sister Pam and her family came home from Oklahoma. It was really cool hanging out with them and I know it meant a lot to Miss. It was sad to see them go back, but now it is our turn to go back to Oklahoma again.

Taylor finished up his YMCA basketball season on Saturday. I coached his team and it was alot of fun. The kids improved so much and the parents were really appreciative after the game. Taylor had a good game scoring 6 points and I was able to get Christian in at the end and he scored a basket. It is so laid back compared to what I am use to. I am not complaining about that.

My Dad died from cancer when I was 15 years old. Tonight we went over to my Mom's house and had a special Christmas get together with my Dad's sisters. I am very thankful for the relationship with them because they are a connection to my Dad. I miss my Dad so much this time of year. I would have really liked to see him with my kids, especially Emma, I think she would have him wrapped around her finger. My Dad did a lot of funny things and played jokes on us when we were kids. I have been doing what I can to keep some of those things alive with my own kids.

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Ice Skating

I am now officially a blogger. Yes...it is a proud day.

I thought I would share a picture of our family trip to Pittsburgh last Saturday. We went ice skating at PPG at an outside rink around a 60 foot Christmas tree. It was beautiful. We had such a great time and we decided to make it an annual event. I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful family. The kids didn't want to leave, but Miss and I knew we were going to feel it the next morning.

I am learning to cherish times like this because the kids are growing up so fast.