The XP of Toilets
On the way to meet with the church this morning Makayla overheard me talking to our setup people. After I hung up she said: Kayla: Daddy, what do you do for the church? You sound pretty important… Dad: I do a little of this and a little of that. I try to do whatever needs [...]
Snackage
I picked up the boys from wrestling yesterday at 5pm. Noah: Dad, did you bring us any snacks? Dad: Sorry bud, I didn’t even think about it. Noah: What kind of Father are you? Dad: Uh, well, I guess I just suck. <a minute passes and I hear crunching from the back seat> Dad: Are [...]
I’m Slowly Losing My Mind
Dad – What are you thinking? Son – I’m not thinking anything. Dad – You were in the middle of saying something, so what was it? Son – I don’t know what you are talking about… Dad – You do know what I’m talking about and now you are lying about it. Son – I’m [...]
A Humble Son
Jennifer and I were sitting outside tonight getting caught up on the day when Caleb came walking out. “Hey Dad, why do you have a picture of the Eagles running back on your blog?” Crap. I wasn’t ready to talk to him yet. I wanted to spend some time thinking through how to guide him [...]
The Power of the Pigskin
(An open letter to my son.) 1 John 5:18-21 19 We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. 20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are [...]
President Obama’s Impact on My Children
I was eager to hear about President Obama’s impact on my kids today, so as soon as they jumped into the truck I began firing questions. Nah, just kiddin. I had actually forgotten he was talking to them today…oops. Kayla: Dad, someone fell asleep during the President’s speech today during lunch…It was kinda funny. Dad: [...]
Secret Cabinets and Zippers
At last nights family Bible time we were going around the room answering questions regarding some of the things that we had been studying. We eventually came around to Caleb. Dad: How did God make the first people? Caleb: C’mon Dad, easy one. God made Adam’s body out of the ground and Eve’s body out [...]
Don’t Cross Me
Do you ever get tired of picking up after your children? Yeah, me too. Today I came home to find my 10, 9, 5 and 4 year old’s stuff dropped in the middle of the living room. Book bags, blankets, stuffed animals, lunch box, socks, shoes, half eaten snacks, etc. I am also tired of [...]
Ephesians 6 & The Chainsaw
Yesterday was a good opportunity to point the boys to Jesus, and then amazingly enough it was reinforced today. We had a big work party at our house (Big ups to the Gieglers and Ray’s for all their help!!) yesterday. We painted furniture, we hung pictures, we assembled cabinets, we mounted a tv, etc, etc. [...]
Compelling Hope, Exhausted Love
It is hope that compels me when my love has been exhausted. A few of the kids were putting lunch on the table today and everyone was gathering around…everyone except for Noah of course. Day 2 of the hunger strike was continuing. Jennifer asked me if I was going to call him to lunch and [...]
Back on the Crazy Train
John 12:25-26 – Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. I have been gone [...]
Daddy, Why Were You Talking to the Policeman? – Ana
Sigh….Here is the last post in my 4 part series to catch you up on our lives. Most of you who have followed our Ethiopian adoption journey know all about the ups and downs (if you are new to us, feel free to read through the archives to catch up). I have tried to share [...]
17 Hours
After a year of praying, planning, talking and dreaming – Jennifer and I finalized the last details to move our family back to the South after a 15 year absence. It honestly felt like we were moving to a new mission field and not necessarily moving ‘back home’ since we had never lived in the [...]
The Legend Continues
I have been amazed at Caleb’s quick grasp of the game of baseball. Being left-handed, his coaches wanted him to try out pitching. Caleb has not only done well, but has exceeded any and all expectations that we had for him. When he first told me that his coach wanted him to pitch I simply [...]
“Does Bitch Mean We’re Done?”
We have had a lot going on in our family lately and when that happens everyone gets neglected. Jennifer had been noticing that she needed to spend more time with the older 2 girls, so she planned a movie time. It was one of those cutesy romantic comedies that wasn’t too over the edge, but [...]
What is Wrong with Me?
(I just found this in my drafts to post, but I forgot to post it) It has been one of those weeks. A rollercoaster week, you know, ups and downs. We have ended on an up, but I really hate the downs. For most of you who have been following our lives, you know that [...]
Mommy, Whose Tummy Did I Come From?
We were eating dinner when the question came. I’m not sure what was said to trigger the question. Usually at the McConnell table there are several conversations going at once and you just sort of jump in if you want. Something was said and the question came. It wasn’t that we were unprepared for the [...]
One Day
One day a year, time stands still. One day. It is a strange day. There are smiles, there are tears, there is pain, there is joy. There are pictures, and songs, and memories. All in one day. It is a day that we pause in time. Breathing comes fast and sometimes not at all. It [...]
Ted, Be Strong for Jesus
A good friend arrived in ATL a few days ago and we were able to spend the weekend with him. Ted was a high school student when I first started discipling him at Valley Bible Church. We enjoyed some lively conversations because Ted is a deep thinker and does not settle for churchy answers. He [...]
Son, You Only Get One Life
After the Big Brother incident we rode in the van for a few minutes and then Noah asked a question. “Dad, do kids go and live with a new family with the Big Brother program or is it just for the day?” He looked a little disappointed when I told him it was just for [...]
Big Brothers?
When we arrived in Macon today we stopped at a Kroger grocery store to pick up a few essentials. As we were exiting a lady called out from a car behind us. “Excuse me sir?” I didn’t realize she was talking to us until she got louder. “Excuse me SIR!” I had the whole family [...]
My Little Sweeties!
I was cleaning off pics of my iPhone today and found this quick snapshot of the girls on their first day back at school. They are in the same class this year and are very excited for it. Bri gives us a detailed report of all of their escapades during the day as well as [...]
