Chrystal had this great idea to have a kids jammies party for Christmas. We invited a bunch of kids (and their parents) over to decorate cookies, do a craft, and have some food. The caveat was you had to come dressed in your jammies. All the kids got to eat Candy Canes and cookies before dinner, which went over well. We had four 2 year olds, a 5 year old, and a 5 month old. Lot's of chaos and great fun! Brody was bouncing off the walls at 9:00 pm, so he had fun, too!
Thanks sweetie for being such a great mommy and so creative. And thanks to all our friends that came over.
"I am crazy plate head boy, gimme some candy!"
"My hand tastes like cookies! Wanna lick!"
"If you knew I was going to jump from here, you wouldn't be sitting there holding that camera."
"Chug, chug, chug! Quick before they realize this has sugar in it, too."
Jammies Party!
Somebody Stole Baby Jesus!
We took Brody to the Santa Barbara Mission to see the Nativity yesterday. I was disappointed, though not surprised, to find that someone had stolen baby Jesus from the manger. Brody was pretty disappointed as well, which was really cute. "Somebody took baby Jesus?", he kept asking.
I can't help but make an analogy to how society in general has taken Jesus out of Christmas, just like some sad person stole baby Jesus out of the manger. He is the Reason for the Season!
Take a Chance...Be Outlandish!
My little sister turned 30 on October 31st (which makes me feel old). To celebrate she had a big costume party yesterday with friends and family. We drove to Phoenix on Thursday for the party and were really excited about our costumes (or at least my costume). Brody was a Nascar driver for Halloween (because he loves Cars), so Chrystal and I decided we had to build our costume around his.
This was the first costume party I'd been to in like 10 years, but leading up to a costume party I'm always thinking that my costume is dumb or that my personality is too reserved to make anything too funny work. But just like in business you can't get a payoff without taking a chance and risking. And with costume parties it can mean putting your own comfort level at aside, just like it can with business. Here are some of my favorites costumes that required people to take a risk.
Peter Pan Gone Wrong: Tammy (my sister) as pregnant Wendy, Jon (brother-in-law) as washed up daddy-to-be Peter Pan, and Malena (niece) as Tinkerbell.
Bugsy and Trixie - My parents as gangsters
Ulysses(U.) Daman: Andy as a former junior high basketball phenom who now lives at the YMCA in Harlem. Always ready for a game! And this really didn't require Andy to move out of his comfort zone...this is pretty much how he is.
Magnum PI: Mark showing some skin
He shaved his beard and glued it to his chest to sport the signature chest hair. It was all spotty and kept falling off.
Lightening McQueen Fan Club: Lighteing McQueen (Brody), McQueen's pit crew (Chrystal), crazy trailer park trash fan (me).
The short shorts boys
I had a ton of fun because a bunch of people didn't know who I was. My parents came back from getting ready at the neighbors house when I was in the garage. I was bending down behind the car looking for something and when I stood up they had no idea who I was. My dad's first thought was, "This guy looks crazy and am I going to have to take him out." And yes I am holding a 24oz Old English '800'. I tried to drink it but it was so gross I dumped it out and filled it with apple juice. It was funny though because everyone thought I was really drinking Old English. I even went and found some beef jerky chew (had to go to three stores) so it really looked like I had tobacco in my lip (but it ended up burning my gums which was a bummer side effect). Oh, and the mustache is totally real!
And I won most popular costume and got a $25 Starbucks card. So take a chance and be outlandish...you never know.
Family Matters
When it comes to family matters, family matters. It's easy to get caught up in work stress, traffic, to-do lists, bills, money, and the stuff in life that keeps you from enjoying life. This week has been such a blessing. I've the had the opportunity to work remotely from my parents place in Phoenix and I have had such a great time. Having the freedom to schedule my day as I want to spend it, still work a full day, and see Brody a lot more really has me looking forward to having a home based business. Four weeks and counting!
On Sunday I bought an underwater camera for eight bucks and got the film developed for five bucks. Check out the pictures of Brody and family swimming! For 13 bucks I'd say that is an awesome deal! I'm so impressed by this 2 year old Aqua Man!
Check him out...totally under water and loving it!
He gets the biggest grin on his face every time he goes under. Holds his breath and everything!
Brody and cousin Greg. This is one of my favorite shots! 
He loved all the bubbles right after he would jump in!
Me and my buddy.
Taking a shower (as Brody called it).
Proud Daddy
We're at my folks house in Phoenix for the weekend and since it's blazin' hot we go swimming twice a day. Brody discovered today he could hold his breath under water and that when he kicked his feet he would come to the surface. It really freaked me out at first, but under water he has his eyes open and a big smile on his face. I was so proud of him!
