Weekend trip

This last weekend we decided to go on a end of summer vacation. We wanted to stay close to home and we wanted to spend less than $300 for the whole trip. It was a blast. It was exactly what i needed. We started off the trip on thursday going to lake travis with me parents.

After Wimberley we decided to go to San Marcos. This is where Texas State University is located and I have thought about working there so we decided to check the town out and the campus. Once again it was awesome. The river that goes through the town is beautiful and it had hundreds of people tubing down the river. We didnt have time to tube down it but we did play in it and had a great time hanging out with a group of hispanics. We are planning on returing in a few weeks to tube the river. It cost $4 to rent a tube to go down the river. We then visited campus and it was awesome. It is very well planned out.





We then went to our hotel and hung out and then on Friday we went to Barton Springs. This place was awesome. It is a natural spring fed pool in the middle of Austin. It has crystal cleer water and it was so fun. Total spent so far Lake Travis $6 per car load and $3 per person at Barton Springs.


We then went to a small town called Wimberley. It is located about 20 miles southwest of Austin. It is called the Pie capital of texas. We ate some pie. It was OK. But, the town was so quaint and cute. And it has a river that goes right through the small town. It is also in the middle of "hill Country" or the mountains as we call them. It was so fun.

After all that and we were pretty tired by then we decided to drive home but we drove home through bastrop, which is about 45 minutes from Brenham. This is where lost pines forest is located. This place is stunning. it reminds me of being in the mountains of utah, just with out the mountains. After we arrived home the girls crashed in their beds and we slept all day sunday. We did all of this for less then $300 and less then 2 hours from home.

Ps. Im not sure i did the pics right so they may be out of order. But you get the idea.

Welcome Baby Nic

Well it has been awhile since i last wrote. And since many of the people who read here also read donna;s blog i didnt feel it necessary to write. but i am bored at work so here it goes. Little Nic was born on June 2nd at 1:30 pm. He was our only child who didnt have a wied shaped head come out. He also has dark hair, the girls had light to blonde hair. He has been such a good baby. He just sleeps and eats and when he is a wake he just loves looking around. His sisters adore him and love to help out. So far having a boy isnt any different than having a girls. But i know that will change in a few years. We named him Nicholaus Dustin, after two of my friends. Here are their pics. Well im not sure where their pics will end up but somewhere on here. I have already started to get his arm ready for football and softball and we watched 3 hours of hunting shows the other night so he is well on his way to being on the right path. I love being a dad. It is so much fun, and its definetly alot more fun then it is hard and discouraging. i think that it helps that most of my kids are good most of the time. I think i have already described my dear little Kameha, she does say "go cougars" all the time. I have a co-worker, who says that she doesnt want kids, which is fine, no one should have kids if they dont want one. But, i think of all the good times i have and even the trials and think of how much she is missing out on. Ahwell her loss.

Sweet mother of del!

I just realized that i dont have to work monday. I love memorial day. I cant believe that i forgot. This weekend also starts the summer program at Blinn College, which means i only have to work 4 days a week and get 4 day weekends. I have worked so hard :). i need this. Just kidding i really dont work that hard, but i think i am do for the easy summer thats lies ahead. Have you ever forgotten something exiting? I do it all the time. Like this weekend, how could i forget? All i can say this long weekend will include lots of swimming, possibly the beach and going out to eat with a mission buddy that is in town. Bring on the summer!!!!!!

Tragedy strikes my office

Today at aproximately 8am one of my scorpions died. It was natural causes, that is if you think that. having them in a cage is natural. Two of them are still alive and kicking. and scare the bejeesus out of Donna and the girls. Which brings me to why i have them. It is the summer here in texas and summer for me means that no students are around. i go days and weeks of having no one come to my office. except co-workers. So i decided to get a few pets. Scorpions to be exact. My Bro-inlaw. Wayne found them at his work and gave them to me. I bought habitats and built quite nice homes for the little critters. They are fun to keep around. except for the one time i couldnt find one. and it scared the holy living hell out of me. turns out that they can hang upside down on rocks. and that is why i could see them. If i decide to get a tattoo one day it might be of a scorpion.

Nothing like a good inside joke

One of the most annoying yet fun things to do is have an inside joke. I love them. I also love seeing people say odd things and look at each other and smile. its usually between husband and wife or really good friends. I have some friends that would say something about a chocolate cake and that meant "lets get it on" I have a few that i will not share here. but they are fun. it builds relationships. i have inside jokes with my friends when we play sports little sayings mean different things. If i dont see someone for a few years and we had a inside joke it will still be there and its fun to remenise about those. I even have some inside jokes with my 4 year old. good times.

Part II of the blog

I have gone swimming for 3 straight days in our pool. needless to say my tan is looking hot and the parts that are sunburned look hotter. I love it being so warm and just go jump in the pool. If i continue to live in texas i will definetly always have a pool i love swimming. The girls love swimming. its fun to see them jump in and swim.

Am i weird?

I dont think that I am a weird person. Especially when I spend an hour at walmart or an afternoon at the mall. However, as a sat here. planning what i am going to do this weekend. I realized that i have some weird things that i do. Should i be institutionalized? probably not. But here are some weird things that i do that most dont.
1) I love reading the obituaries. About a year ago one of my best friends had a daughter pass away and since that day i have been hooked to reading obits. Everyday, in 3 seperate newspapers. I love reading what people accomplished in their lives, how many great grand kids they have and a glimpse if possible, on how they passed away. Sometimes i cry, sometimes i laugh and sometimes i am just amazed at what someone has been through. i then tend to think about what my own obit will say and if i should right my own or not. Weird, yea i know.

2) i bite my nails. as hard as i try i cant stop biting my nails. i do it without thinking about it. Its gross i know. i just cant stop.

3)I can watch 12 straight hours of football on any giving day in the fall. I love watching sports but in particular football. im sure by now my family hates football and the wonderful season of fall.

4)I will occasionally stick my finger in a fire ant hole just to see how long i can keep it in there. i dont like pain. I hate it and i often faint at the sign of blood but i like to be a little dangerous. Which may be the reason that i have broken many bones and i am frequently sick. Just call me danger!!!

5)and as donna says "You are as weird as hell for putting cheese on your speghetti"

Potty training

I know when potty training is in full swing at my house. I start saying things like "potty" "pee pee" instead of the usual not so nice "toilet" words. We are trying to get Kameha potty trained before the baby comes. because god help me if i have to change two kids diapers at the same time. Keana was potty trained well before Kameha was born. Which was wonderful. Kameha on the other hand is being very difficult. She will go for days at a time not going in her diaper and just to tick us off she will go in her pants. Kameha is very intelligent, its amazing the thought process that she has. Its also amazing to see at what legnths she will go through just to be defiant and differant. I have no doubts, at all, that she knows exactly what she is doing 95% of the time. To help Keana get potty trained we did the old "cold shower" method. Meaning that when she had an accident, we would give her a cold shower. I know its rather cruel. But, we were told that it works wonders. And it did. She only recieved like 3 cold showers and was potty trained. She has been wonderful. Well we decided to do the "cold shower" method with Kameha. So the story goes like this: Kameha, after a week of being perfect in using the potty decided to be a little trial and went in her panties. ( i feel odd writying that word) So we took her to the bathroom and she knew exactly what was coming. I turned on the water and she started to scream. we placed her in the bathtub with the water and her screaming. When she realized that she was going to get the shower and the cold water hit her. She did the opposite of what we thought she would do. As if on que, when the ice cold water hit her she started playing in it. she loved it. We were amazed she sat down and was having a grand ole time. And then she looked at me as if she was mocking me. Anyone that knows kameha knows she has a very cute laugh, but she also has a very sinister almost scary laugh. And thats what she did. so we let her play in the cold water. And when we tried to take her out she cried because she wanted to play some more. I have know idea what we are going to do to get her fully potty trained. And since she loves taking off her diaper and clothes. its always an adventure to make sure she gets to the bathroom without going on the floor. I have said it before, I love this girl and the way she acts. she can be a trial and very stressful at times. I however, hope she never changes.

This last week

This last week was good. I helped my inlaws move to their new ranch. Which is 7 miles or so from my house. But, and by butt i mean i did something to my left cheek. It hurts, it hurts like hell. I was helping unload a desk and i slipped. I felt something, something that hurt. I tried to be tuff and not let anyone know. I even played in two of my softball games, in which we are undefeated by the way. But, back to my butt. If i sit to long it really starts to hurt and believe it or not i have come to the conclusion that hurt butt cheeks can fall asleep much like your leg or arm can. I have no bruising. It just hurts especially when i go up stairs. I have come to the conclusion that i am getting old. I am still "in-shape" and i can hold my own in hoops or football. but im not 18. I dont feel bad. Atleast i am not horse or i would be dog food or glue by now.

My ride

Why yes i do ride a scooter. I love it. I get 90 miles to the gallon. and my insurance is $90 every four months. I am really tempted to upgrade to a real motorcycle but im not quite sure yet. I can get my scooter upto 60 mph. I go everywhere on it. Its perfect for a small town like brenham, with lots of country roads. The main negative about riding a scooter (besides getting hit by a truck) is that when i dont wear my helmet i will sometimes get bugs slamming into my face. And just like Loyd Christmas on dumb and dumber i have almost swallowed a june bug!

I relapsed

I'm addicted. I need help. Pray for me and my family. It is true i relapsed again this last weekend. I just cant stay away from Mt. Dew. That sweet citrus tastes makes my mouth water. Can anyone make MT. Dew. better? Why yes, yes you can. I once by accident put a lime slice in a mt dew drink. pure heavenly Bliss. Then one day at the store i noticed code red mountain dew. Once again prefection can be improved. Since i have been married i have quite the dew no less than 5 times. I have never had the "shakes" or head aches. I just miss the taste. Is it the caffine? Is it the fact that Mt dew got me through college? Im not sure. I just no that i cant get enough of it. I am not rendured useless if i dont drink it. I function fine. So am i addicted or just enjoy drinking it? I love pizza and try to eat it when i have a chance, but that doesnt make me addicted, does it?
As i type this I am reminded of another question/problem i have. Why do some people think that caffine is against the word of wisdom? I once, do to a conversation with a friend about said question asked a member of the seventy, that was also a proffesor of mine at the time. He told me that he is not sure how it started but he assured me that plenty of members in the quorum of the twelve and first presidency enjoyed their cokes. He also mentioned that the church owns quite a bit of Pepsi Cola. If you dont want to drink a product with caffine in it that is fine. Just dont claim its because it is a sin or the church is against it. THE CHURCH ISNT AGAINST CAFFINE!

Is that good cheese or bad meat?

Dont look at me like that. You act as if it never happenend to you. You are sitting there in a meeting and you start thinking man that guy next to me reeks of something fierce. Then later in the quad a student comes up to you to talk about school, but all you can think about is why dont college kids shower more, this guy smells. Then when you are sitting in your office contenplating wether you want to take a nap or do more work. you look around because that same stench is there again. you think to yourself is someone playing a joke on me? did i step in something? Then as you let out a big yawn, you raise your arms high in the air to stretch and it hits you like a ton of bricks. Tears come to your eyes. You throw up a little. YOU realize YOU forgot to put on deoderant. You are the one who stinks of great oder. Everyone should be offended at YOU. Well,i sit typing, trying not to pass out or raise up my hands. I cant believe i forgot to put on deodrant. That is something i do every day. I have definetly mocked those that i could tell forgot. Now i have no room to speak. Its still 2 hours to lunch when i can go home and take care of this little mix up. Until then i hope i dont make someone lose there appetite. But dont sit there and judge. i know you have also done this before. Or if you claim you havent, you will. And i will no longer laaugh at you.

Why do things happen?

I have been thinking alot about "why things happen?" The thing that i have been pondering is how much is "coinsedence" and how much is "supposed" to happen. I have tried to come to a conclusion and everytime i do I find a reason on why that conclusion can be false. I am by no means a spiritual giant, but i am a fairly religious guy and i do believe that god does play a role in our lives. But how much? And when? Other times i get the feeling that god doesnt really care what we do 99% of the time and that is why we are here, to make choices and learn and grow. Does god care where i work as long as i provide an honest living for my family? I dont know and that is the problem or question that i have been thinking about. I know people that pray about everything. I mean everything. It seems like everytime they get the "right" answer and yet they fall completely on their face or it seems to be the exact opposite of what they should do. So is it coinsidence or is it supposed to happen and that is how they grow? When I first began to consider a job change, Texas was only a thought. I was messing around on the internet and found a job that i was under qualified for in a city that i had never heard of. Yet i felt like i should apply and the rest for me is how they say history. However, since i began this job in June of 2008 I have had my parents, my brother and his family, my bro-inlaw and his family, my inlaws and another bro-inlaw family move to the small middle of no where texas. Each and everyone felt like they needed to move here or that it was the best option. I think i can say, and i hadnt really talked to them about this. But, I think all of them are better off financially and just love Texas. So i go back to was i supposed to move here or is all of this a coinsidence? I had job offers at Dixie State, University of Wyoming and BYU. And really the only reason we moved here was because we wanted to get out of the snow and move somewhere else. Yet now look at this situation. My father and father in-law are in the branch presidency. Im not sure i will ever have an answer on this question. But i would be interested to know what ya'll think.

Queen Kameha

There is something special about this girl. This is the girl that helps me understand how to be patient. She has many nicknames, "tons of fun", Maya, "stop that" and "what did she do now"? The things that make raising this girl the hardest are also the qualities that i enjoy the most. She is super independant. She can keep her self busy for hours at a time. We often wonder where she went at home only to find her doing something by herself. This is also hard because she feels like she can do it all by herself. Wether its climbing stairs or getting her own drink she has to do it by herself. If she has her mind set on going one direction and you try to get her to go another she will fight and scream to go the way she wants. I love that! despite all the times i have to chase her. Even at 2, she is very defiant, very defiant. She does the opposite of what we ask just because we ask her to do something. Tell her to sit down she stands up. Tell her to stay in the lines and she goes out of her way to make a picture look unique. While its a trial now i hope her defiance will stay with her and help her to question authority when its in the wrong and to not play second fiddle to men and those that wish to control her. Despite her traits of being a "super woman" she is also a cuddle bug. She loves to give hugs and to lay next to someone. Its amazing how she will hold you and let you know that she cares. This is a great girl with alot amazing.

This little angel

This is probably the most compassionate child i have ever met. Since she was able to walk she always cared about others feeling and circumstances. I have seen her plead with heavenly father to save a puppy that had passed away. I have seen people completely suprised when she says hi to them at walmart. She is so friendly. She makes our lifes at home so much easier. She loves church, school and white ice cream. Not a day goes by where she doesnt give me a big hug and tells me how much she loves me. Oh and she is in a 10 year old gymnastics class ans is only 4!!! And she can bat left and right handed. I have never seen a 4 year old hit like she can boy or girl. I am just so proud of her.

Bubbles

It seems like there is always something that gets under mmy skin and irritates me for a week or two. This week the thing that torkes me off a little are those that keep their children in a bubble and shelter them from all harm or experience. I am not sure where the line should stop and start when it comes to keeping your children sheltered. There is no doubt that you shouldnt let your kids watch "R" movies or drink a six pack of Mt. Dew in an hour. But come on (some family members and friends) let your children grow some wings and fly. One day wether you like it or not you will have to remove that bubble that you have placed around your child. If you wait to long you will have damaged them from social competency forever!!! I see it all the time with my "homeschool" kids. Home school, a topic for another day is not necessarily the de facto problem. Its that most people who home school do so to keep their kids in a bubble. Some do so without thinking of this fact and others do so with full intent. I have other kids (kids=my incoming freshman) who went to a regular school but for one reason or another basically lived under a rock their whole lives. Life is hard. Things in life can and will be "dirty". Children and people need to learn to make these descisions at a young age. Im sorry but people swear, tell dirty jokes and have problems. We cant hide these facts. but what we can do is help our children learn to deal with these things. When Keana swears (usually learned from Donna) we teach her that these words arent appropriate and learn from it. My students that have the hardest time adjusting to the social aspects of college are those that have been placed in a bubble. They are the ones that have the hardest time of letting go of moms hand and exploring the world. These kids sit in their dorms all day and read books and then when a problem with a roomate comes up they have no idea how to cope and then come and see me hoping that i will fix the problem for them. Just remember (and I dont clame to be a perfect parent)that your child is only a child once. Let them fall and scrape their knee. Let them stand up for themselves at school. Let them learn how to deal with other people's beliefs and opinions. Let them have that ice cream cone or extra slice of cake. While they we be your child for ever, they will only be a child once.

Those not familiar with Texas

For those of you not familiar with Texas, Brenham or Austin. Here are a few pics of my favorite places.



We live in "hill country"



This is my favorite place to relax. Lake Travis. This place is awesome.



This is a field outside of my college




This is where i work. Blinn College

Welcome to the world of Chad

I have decided to start a little blog. This will help me pass the time, share my thoughts on "STUFF" and just write a little. Please follow along if you wish to enter my world. Today's initial post will be about myself. I am an aging 29 year old with a wife and 3 kids, well two and 1 on the way. I work in higher education. My main objective at work is to help all college age kids succeed in life and school. Hence my title; Academic Counselor. I work primarily with student athletes and at-risk students. Some of you may be laughing, thinking to your self. How can Chad be incharge of someone elses academics? This would be a valid point. I did well in high school but in college a graduated with a 2.9. But, and a big but. I have learned from my errors and now i know the way to success.
I live in a tiny, fun filled town in Texas called, Brenham. We are situated halfway between Austin and Houston. And about 45 minutes south of college Station. I love Texas and in a later post i will tell you why. I have been married for 6 years to a young lady named donna. Since i basically "robbed the cradle" as some say. I am 5 years older than her. My oldest daughter is almost 5 and the youngest just turned two. I also have a son on the way.