Piercing

Forgot to tell you...

Madeline got her ears pierced on Friday. She was so nervous sitting in the chair as they prepped her. They did both of her ears at the same time. As they counted to three tears welled in her eyes. They pulled the triggers on three. Madeline smiled and said "That's it?!".

Peace-
Matt

Gobble

Angie's brother Kevin and his family came over from Indiana for Thanksgiving. It was very nice to see them, as always. The kids are growing and are a lot of fun. We went to Smitty's for tenderloins. I haven't been there for 20 years or so. It was damn good. Living in Cambridge, I forget the good stuff Des Moines has to offer.

It was near 50 here yesterday. Tonight we've got about an inch of snow on the ground so far. Iowa!

We went to the tree farm yesterday and picked out a Christmas tree. It was pretty cool. Sure smells good.

Parenting a teenage girl has been a very stressful ordeal for me lately. I need to talk to her but don't know how. I'm really stressed about it. Sounds stupid, I know, but it's real. Fatherhood hurts.

Peace-
Matt

Sevens

I can feel the holiday mood creeping up in me. Yesterday, I heard Christmas songs on the radio for the first time this year. The kids have started their Christmas lists. Advent begins in about 10 days. We've begun shopping. This year we'll be getting our first real tree. Angie and I haven't had real Christmas trees since we were children. We're looking forward to it.

I have spoiled my children. Last night I was told "You never buy me anything". I'm a mean prick. I won't buy her a car for Christmas. I want her to get a job. How can I live with myself.

Fried my first turkey on Saturday. With Scot's help, it went very well. We didn't catch anything on fire and it turned out delicious. The garage still smells like a fast food kitchen though.

My brother George and I are headed to a KC Chiefs game this Sunday. They're 1-9 this year. They've lost 6 in a row I think. They're due for a good game and a big win. I'm glad we'll be there to see it. Should be a fun time.

I've been having knee pain every time I run lately. I'm not going to make my 500 mile goal. Oh well. I think I'll take up bike riding for next year?

Peace-
Matt

PS - Read your kid's text messages. It can be very enlightening to say the least.

Speechless

Peace-
Matt

Hope?

Thank goodness Obama won. Now we can quit our jobs, send our kids to college, get our mortgage paid off for us, all on the backs of the working man. What a great country!!!

Peace-
Matt

Day of the Dead

The leaves have moved from our trees to our yard. It seems to have happened overnight.

Chuck Norris CAN believe it's not butter.

Peace-
Matt