Bassinet vs. Crib....wow what you learn as a future father...

So these posts normally get written by both J and C...not this post. I must say I am very excited for September. I do not normally like to look past summers but this one could run by quickly and I probably would not blink. Sunday I spent the day as an almost father. As a son of a dad (I know CRAZY how that works out!) I had always spent this day revering and looking up to my dad. I still do for the record. However, this is the first year I got to truly see it from a different perspective, that of father-in-waiting. My day was spent relaxing while shopping (yes an oxymoron). See C and I went shopping for baby furniture, which I would normally hate.

However, this year I spent my day mostly thinking about the future and anticipating what is to come in the coming days, weeks, months, and years. The thought that I will be half responsible for the life of another finally struck me. What an awesome responsibility. Most men would probably be freaked out by this, and I too am a bit scared. Questions like how will we pay for daycare, diapers, and formula frequently run through my head. On a side note they usually strike me at very akward times (like the middle of meetings or in the shower). However, for the most part I get excited about the fact that I get to leave a legacy (God willing). I have a son/daughter (we did not find out and I have zero idea!) who I can impart the same wisdom, values, responsibility and life lessons that were bestowed on me by my family.

For example, I look forward to teaching my son or daughter about the value of hardwork. In today's society emphasis is often placed on the quick fix or the right now deal. I was lucky, I had parents who taught me that what happens quickly and without effort usually is not worth the short time it takes. In other words, good things come to those who put in the effort and time to do them the right way. Also, I have a family who taught me the importance of family. I still cherish the times I get to spend with my mom, dad, and brother. Just this last weekend I spent some quality time on the golf course with my brother (for the record I was one stroke better than him after hole number 10 on Saturday). We golfed and chatted and basically just hung out. It was a great time that I learned to cherish by my family's emphasis on being a family.

In short I hope to live up to my family's namesake and I hope I can bestow some of these same values on my children.

J

P.S. The latest news from the catnip kids is that we are moving. When C and I cleaned out the office to start making room for baby furniture the looks on their faces were classic I am certain they thought we were moving again!

Aint no cure for the summer time blues!

Summer is officially here! C and J went camping last weekend and it was wonderful. J got his obligatory sunburn and C got in here obligatory smore roasting. They upgraded this year though using the airmattress, C being pregnant and all. They went camping at Beaver Creek Recreation area about 60 miles South of Bismarck on Lake Oahe. The scene was great. Last year they went camping at this site and the water level was at least 20 feet from the original boat ramp and the only water in the bay was a small winding path through weeds and trees. This summer the bay is full of water all the way across, a welcome site. The weather was also beautiful and they did not have to use the rain gaurd on the top of the tent which allowed them to fall asleep looking at the stars!

The theme for this summer is baby wedding. C and J have events almost every weekend this summer that are either friends weddings or baby preparation class. Starting this weekend C heads to Williston for the Wenko/Schubert open house. This is the finality of the Shawn Wenko and Kim Schubert wedding series. It has been real, it has been fun, it has been real fun! Especially when J had a dance off with Kim's brother Jeramie at the reception in Rapid City two weekends ago. J is off to be a counselor at Boys State for year number 7.

Then in June there is the Heide (sp?) wedding. Their friends Jerry and Erin are getting married in Mandan. In July they have childbirth classes, Conrad and Angel's wedding, and the state fair. Also, J will be traveling to Philadelphia for work for NDEA.

August is Brad and Kodi's wedding and on the same day J and C will be taking baptism courses. They just realized today that they have to pick God parents. One thinks they should pick based on who they would want to take care of the child if anything were to happen to them (J). The other thinks we should pick someone religious (C). So they will be taking applications. Please submit a resume and three references to jj4_4@hotmail.com. E and Shawn don't even bother with the applications we have already ruled you out! :)

Anyway, love you all and keep in touch!