Take me out the ball game...

Today, at Oklahoma Christian, was the baseball field dedication to long-time coach, teacher, AD, etc. of Max Dobson. Before the ceremony, we had an alumni game. There were about 40-50 alumni players in attendance... only about a handfull of us were after 1990, though. It was really a good day and to see all of those players that once put on the OC(C) uniform and represented the school on the field. I got to see a couple of people who I hadn't seen since 1991 or so, and also got to rub elbows with a lot of older guys who were catching up themselves.

On to the game... we all (the players) arrived around 9:30 to the field with the same question, "how is this going to work?" As we checked out the field and began to warm-up in left field, the current OC baseball players were in the practice tops and shorts watching us. "Are we going to play them?" We all thought. Once all of the alumni was in the dugout, Coach Chuck White asked US how we wanted to do it; just take batting practice or play. WE WANT TO PLAY! was the unanomous decision by all. OK... so where do we all play? Catchers? We have a few of those, great. Position players? We have those covered. What about the pitchers? We have a few. Since that was the only position I really ever TRUELY played at OC, I told Coach White that I could throw a few innings if there weren't enough to go around. I ended up throwing about 4 innings! It was a lot of fun, but took me about 10 pitches to even get into the catcher's glove. Haven't thrown a baseball since my last year at Deer Creek and that was just for batting practice. Needless to say, a lot of guys got some really good hits and impressed all of those families in the stands. It was a good day. If I ever get some pictures, I'll post them. I'm just thrilled that my arm isn't sore! Guess all of that working out I'm doing with the basketball team is paying off. OH! What about my lone at bat, you ask? I grounded into a double-play (I was really safe at first though). Enough of that.

OUCH!

Tonight we went to a birthday party at the Edmond Bowling alley. Joel was doing well... and so was Lindsay... until... dum dum dah dum... Lindsay ate it. She was on the lower step and stepping up to the boards with her bowling ball and miss-stepped--landing lower-chin first on top of her ball. She had a pretty good sized gash on there and Jeanise and I had to take her to one of those pm doctors. They gave her 4 stitches and she was a real trooper. It hurt a little, but by the time we got dinner and got home, she had her second wind. She's ok, but it is still a bit sore.

She got her t-shirt a little bloody, and I think that she was more concerned with how "dirty" her t-shirt was than her "owwey".

Another one bites the dust

Well... Another week in the books. Think that we've been in school about 3.5 weeks now? It's been a pretty good year, so far, and I am slowly getting into the routine now. The biggest and hardest thing to change is the whole homework and discipline forms thing. In 11 years... teaching computers and business... I didn't give homework (really) because kids can't exactly take a computer home with them. Well, now I give homework just about every night and have to look it over and grade it all. Thank goodness I don't have more than about 18 in 2 classes (which that may all change in about 8 weeks when my classroom changes to the newer part of the building... thus a BIGGER room). I'm staying on top of it rather well... but the 3, 4, or 5 different detention, tutorial, after school study hall, lunch study hall, forms are enough for a guy to spin his head off of his shoulders. I figure that I'll get that down oh... in about another year!

This picture is a few months old... but I thought it was pretty cute. My mom dressed Joel up in my 5 year old Halloween costume (which is fitting, since he'll turn 5 in less than 1 month). Mom made my brother and I Batman and Robin costumes. We were so into that TV series and he's always been my favorite superhero. I think that Joel looks pretty good in blue...

THUNDER-Struck!

OKC THUNDER is what we are! The announcement came today in a press conference and the color-scheme is pretty cool. I like the thought that was put into it and the logo. Haven't seen the uniforms yet (aw...) but I hope that they're cool. I may just HAVE to get a jersey. Check out this video opening. It's THUNDEROUS! What do you think?

Let the good times roll (The Cars)

Ok... so tonight... Pre-season and my Redskins are getting beat and my Mets are trying not to have a repeat performance of last year's choking.
Been in school alittle over a week and I'm still liking it. It's been a real challenge with the subject change, but I've got good people who I work with and have given me some great advice and have also been there to support the decisions that I've made. I'm feeling pretty good today... yesterday, however, I had 4 out of 35 kids pass an Algebra 1 quiz (review of last year's stuff). That was disappointing, but can be fixed. Basketball is going well. It's been going late (which isn't the most beneficial for picking up the kids), but hopefully it'll get better now that tryouts are over... yea!
Getting ready for that 3 day break and I'm looking forward to it!

The first of many

The first week at my new school (well, first 3 days) went pretty well. Here's some "it's toughs"... for my first week.
First of all, it's tough to get back into the routine... even if you've been at a school for some time.
Second, it's tough to get into the routine of a new schedule.
Third, it's tough to get into a new subject area that you haven't taught in quite a while.
Fourth, it's tough to get into the niche of how things go and how people operate at a new school.
Finally, it's tough to have to do lunch duty again. :-)
All-in-all, it's been a good week. I was definitely ready for the weekend though. On Friday, the coaches scrimmaged the boys. We played from 2:40 until I left around 4:30 (they were still playing when I left). Needless to say, the coaches never lost! Now is that to say that the coaches are just that good? or that the players just aren't up to the ability as the coaches? Don't know. All I know is... I WAS PRETTY DARNED NEAR DEAD when I got home. I did have to take a couple of games off. Just not in shape... PERIOD! I was winded and tired... still took some really good shots (a 3 pointer to win the 4th one over a 6'7" kid coming at me) and got some really good rebounds. The tools are there... just a tad too rusty. :-) It's going to be a good year.

In Moments Like These...

Well... this last week has just been a whirlwind, but it all came out in the end. For the last 2 days, I've been in teacher professional development, training, getting-to-know-you stuff, etc. and it has been a blast. I commented to a couple of teachers today that I don't think that I've had as much fun or have ever seen a faculty have so much fun going over the faculty handbook since I've been teaching. We played games, had contests, and a few other things to keep the fact that we HAD to be there more fun and enjoyable.
As I walked out of the building today around 3:45 I just thanked God for blessing me and allowing me to be at the school that I am and that I pray that he use me in the position to glorify Him and to be a light to those who come around me. I have a lot to do... the person who occupied my room last year, just moved his stuff out today, so I'm already behind the 8 ball and will probably have to go in sometime this weekend to at least move my stuff into the room. Lucky for me that I only live about 5 minutes away from the building. :-)
I was pretty tired today when I came home... have to get used to the teaching thing and standing up kinda of thing again. That's ok... I've had 3 months of rest. :-P

Shall we gather at the river?

After days like this, you always come out of it with something that you've learned.
1. I am NOT in control of my life... GOD IS!
2. Don't be pridefull.
3. Pride leads to being too cocky
4. Being to cocky eventually leads to disappointment
5. Disappointment leads to bitterness
6. Bitterness leads to being moody and no-one wants to be around you.
7. Being moody leads you to your knees.
8. Getting to your knees leads you back to #1... and maybe you'll take a different road next time.
Today, I reported to Deer Creek teacher meetings... waiting to hear from Santa Fe's principal. I didn't hear anything until about 12:30 today, that the math teacher DID resign officially. Now I just had to do my part... resigning from DC. So now it's official... I have resigned and am waiting for them to fill my position (they had a business interview 30 minutes ago). So I think that I'm secure. I'll write more later, but I am so relieved right now... and know that when I get out of the way and let God do His work, things always work out the way they're supposed to. Gotta go celebrate! Thanks for all of the prayers!

A Funny before bed...

Jeanise has me hooked on this site: wordspy.com
I found a word that describes me! I'm not a big fan of soccer... I played 1 year (3rd grade) and coached 1 year of HS boys. They're just a different breed of cat... but anyway, I found this definition (sorry for you soccer people whom I offend... but oh well).


anti-foot adj. Describes a person or group that actively dislikes soccer (football), particularly the France 98 World Cup tournament.

Example Citation:
"Thousands of football-haters have teamed up in 'Anti-Foot' cells dedicated to resistance, ridicule and escape from the World Cup fever sweeping France."—Susannah Herbert, "World Cup widows join the French resistance," The Daily Telegraph

Daddy day... part 2

[Sorry Grandma... this one has a bunch of pictures] On Friday, I took Joel for his Daddy-Day. We went to breakfast (McDonalds) and then Joel went over to Grandma Morton's house to play. Grandma taught Joel a new game... Go Fish. And Suprise, Suprise... he won. He's pretty good at games. Mom and I are going to just have to team up on him someday. After Grandma's, I took Joel to the Firefighter Museum in OKC. It was pretty neat, but you really couldn't touch anything inside, and Joel wasn't too thrilled about it. But he listened to the guy showing the group around and then we got to go off on our own. Here are some pictures:

He did a good job. The museum had just finished (the prior week) adding a fire-house-like playground outside. Joel liked to run around and check out all of the things. He really liked the slides.

On the job front... no new news really. Just waiting for the phone call from the new school letting me know if they've received the teacher's resignation letter yet. As soon as that happens, I'm sending my letter to my school. I decided last Friday to just wait it out. It's better that I have a job either way, than to resign and HOPE for something to maybe happen. Have to do the responsible thing and to think of my family first. Just hope that I get a call soon... I'd hate to get that call in the middle of my meetings tomorrow. But I think that's what is going to happen. Oh well...

Bobby Murcer

My mom and I attended the funeral for Bobby Murcer today. It was the most moving funeral I have ever been to. Memorial Rd. Church was almost completely filled with people and the 2 hour service was a celebration of this man's life. A very down-to-earth person who didn't have a bad word for anyone. After 62 years, he's now on heaven's team. A smile that never quit. A celebrity who wouldn't allow himself to be thought of as one. A kind word. An Okie in an Yankee uniform. As I sat there for the 2 hour duration, I just thought of the things that I could do in my life that were demonstrated thru his.

On a separate note... as I got into the car to go home, I had several missed calls. 2 from Edmond Schools. I got a call from Ed. Santa Fe about a Math position! Only thing... will DC let me out of my contract when we have to report on Monday?!?!?! That is in the works and I ask that everyone just pray for what's best. I'm excited that there is FINALLY an opportunity to be there... just hope it works out. Wish me luck!

Daddy Day part 1

Today, Lindsay did not go to school... instead she went to breakfast with daddy, then went over to her grandma Morton's house to play. We had a great time at... you guessed it... McDonalds and then headed on over to grandma's. Lindsay had a great time and went to hide when daddy showed up to pick her up. She just didn't want to leave grandma's house. She cried and cried and talked about going back to grandma's, but we had lunch plans with mommy.
After lunch, we came home to take a nap... but Lindsay took her 20 minute nap on the way home and didn't go to sleep when we arrived. Oh oh... guess that means that she'll go to bed early tonight, huh? She watched tv all by herself for about 30 minutes in mommy and daddy's room.
Segue: After about 30 minutes... I hear the door close. Lindsay has shut the door and... LOCKED IT! I looked around for a key and tried to get her to unlock the door, but she just wouldn't do it. After getting a quarter out and unlocking the outside of the door, it opened. I have to tell you though, that there came a refreshing smell before the door opened. Lindsay had gotten a hold of Jeanise's "refreshing smell" auromatheropy lotion and had it all over her hands and belly. Said her "belly is all better now." Oh oh...
And just when you thought it was over... about 10 minutes after clean up... she came into the study and said "Daddy, I didn't do anything." :-) RED FLAG ALERT! When your kid strolls in and says that... what is going thru YOUR mind? Anyway... she had just knocked off her clock. FUnny moment and just a classic moment of what is YET to come.
Gotta run and check and see what she's in to now!

It's my party and I'll cry if I want to...

Today is #36! That's right, I'm officially a year older. Had my father drop the news that he was 36 when we were on our way to JAPAN. Kinda' funny how the last 7 or 8 years that I've been comparing my age change to where he was in his NAVY career and what grade. Interesting. Had a wonderful party at mom and dad's last night, with my family and my brother... and now I don't know what I'm going to do today. Oh I'm sure that the spirit will move me somewhere... :-)

Photos, photos, photos

We got new pictures of the kids... I may be a bit biased, but I think that I just have 2 of the cutest kids on the planet. I'm not going to post them, because Jeanise has them on her blog site.

Got back yesterday from a day trip to Newton, KS to play Sand Creek Station golf course. It was a lot of fun and I enjoyed playing with my uncle, my dad, and Lee (a friend of dad's from church). Being the younger "lad" of the group was kinda interesting. Conversations were fun, educational, and shared some areas of interest that I had no idea that I'd ever be a part of listening to. Take for example: Yesterday morning, on the way to eat breakfast, topic of conversation was my uncle's hearing aids. Dad chimed in with the fact that he was probably going to need to get some. The Lee said that he too would probably need them soon. Other than the fact that Jeanise would probably tell you that I've needed hearing aids for the last 14 years! (ha ha)... I couldn't believe that this was a conversation that we were having. I guess this is what guys 55+ in a vehicle talk about? OH NO... THAT WASN'T IT! Then they passed around one of the hearing aids to try it out! :-) That was kinda' funny. Odd... but an interesting story for the trip. Guess that I'll also admit that eventhough it was a bit strange... I was rather curious to experience the hearing aid thing myself. But then that would have given in to the fact that "I don't hear too good." :-)

Yesterday was a great time... 75-80 degrees (overcast) in the morning and it didn't get hot until about 12... we were done just after 1:00. Not too bad considering it rained for about 5 hours off and on the night before.

Have a great week!

Drumroll please...

Well, tonight I received a phone call from the principal at Ed. Memorial High School... and I have an interview at 8:00 am tomorrow! YEA! Don't think that there are any coaching positions with it, but I'm going to try and see if there's something in my big 3 (basketball, baseball, volleyball) that I can be a part of. Wish me luck!

On the other side (literally), I may have an interview at Edmond North high School on Monday. They said that they were going to begin the interviews on Monday and I'm assuming that I'll get a call tomorrow or Friday (probably Friday) to set that up. The positive thing there is that there IS a baseball position open and the coach knows who I am (from a great reference from a former mentor-coach-friend of mine) and wants me there! Tough situation on what to do... but guess what?... I GET TO MAKE A CHOICE (hopefully). I know that God will enlighten the situation and place me where he knows that I can make the biggest impact and biggest difference for Him and His glory. I'm excited about these opportunities and hope that it all works out.

On a lighter note... I got my new golf bag! (It's Kahki and Black -- really nice I think) I'm so stoked about it. It's bigger and holds more stuff and it's pretty. Dad and I bought matching golf bags, except his is blue, and we're going up to Newton, KS this weekend to play Sand Creek Station Golf course. I'm pretty excited about the trip and will get to see my uncle Mike. He's pretty good and I like playing with him. Might even get to see grandma and have dinner with her. Who knows... but I GET TO PLAY GOLF!

Al-la Peanut Butter Sandwiches...

Ok... so you have to be a fan of Sesame Street to remember the magician who used that term as his magic words.
Tonight, we had David Allen (magician) come to church tonight and perform for our VBS subistitute. He was great and even had a christian message at the end of his performance. The kids in the audience really enjoyed it... Joel even got picked to help with a trick! YEP, you read that right! He went up on stage and did EXACTLY what was asked and answered all of the magician's questions! Jeanise and I were so proud and it was SUCH a huge step for him. Didn't even matter to him that about 200 or so pairs of eyes were watching him. I hope that there are some better pictures of this later, but I'll post a few for now. We're so proud of him...

On the other side of the hallway, Lindsay is about potty-trained! Jeanise made the decision to go cold-turkey on her last Monday. During school, she came home dry 3 days and had a 1 day where it was just bad... but all in all, she's been doing pretty well with it.

This is too fun!

I found this on a coaching web site I surf... try these two sites out and see what your score is out of 100!

http://www.theprogramkc.com/toolbox/CollegeFootballHelmetQuiz.xls

http://www.theprogramkc.com/toolbox/CollegeFootballHelmetQuiz-2.xls

I got 76 out of 100. Not too shabby...

And the hits just keep on comin'...

Since the last post, we've been pretty busy with family, traveling and just "stuff." We got back last Monday from our July 4th trip to Alb., NM to visit John (brother-in-law) and his family. It was the first time that I've gone down there with Jeanise and the kids and Steve and Lisa in 2 years. I haven't been able to go due to basketball going on, but since bball is over the end of June (and I'm not coaching it next year) I got to go. We had a nice visit and took Steve and Lisa's RV down and back. It was nice... kinda' like traveling in a house. :-)
As of yesterday, I'm still at Deer Creek (teaching) and unsure about my coaching situation. I'm going to have to wait another year to do basketball, because the jobs just aren't out there. Something may come up in the last couple of weeks of July, but it's highly unlikly. If it's God's will, it'll show up.
On a more "family" note... we went to the zoo yesterday. And although it was a little warm, we had a good time. Joel and Lindsay both got to see the animals that they wanted to see and we saw several animals that we typically don't get to see, because we were there early enough in the morning that it was cool for the animals to be out and "seen." We they took the kids to the movies... dum dum dum dum... to see WALL-E. It was fun and cute. Joel enjoyed it, but not too sure that he understood all of it. He watched the whole thing and laughed and payed attention (YEA! We can go see movies again!) Lindsay LOVED the previews and the cartoon at the beginning. About 20 minutes into the movie, she took her nap and woke up about 20 minutes left of the movie. She was pretty cute laughing at some of the stuff outloud and everyone in the theatre laughed with (at) her.
Joel is really growing up. He's a little boy now. It's really hard to believe! We have pictures all over the living room with his baby pictures and such and those memories are so vivid in my mind that I can't believe that he's a little boy. He's a lot of fun to play with and is just silly. He's starting to talk to other kids (very outgoing it seems) at the pool or in his classes... and stuff. It's a big step for him from where he was 10 months ago. It a pretty neat thing... and he'll go to Pre-K this year and we're so excited for him. I think that he'll just rock the house (room). I'll try and post pictures later of our zoo excursion.

Names (from my cousin's blog)

Ok... so I stole/borrowed this from my cousin Cheryl's blog site and thougth that it would be funny. I guess we'll see.
1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME (first pet/current car): Brady Avalanche (that's a rockin' name)

2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME (fave ice cream flavor/ favorite type of shoe): Mint Chocolate Chip Basketball Shoes (somehow, just NOT that mean-sounding...)

3. YOUR NATIVE AMERICAN NAME (favorite color/favorite animal): Blue Elephant

4. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME (middle name/city where you were born): Allen Midwest (City)

5. YOUR STAR WARS NAME (the first 3 letters of your last name/ first 2 of your first name): MortMi (that's too funny)

6. SUPERHERO NAME (2nd favorite color/ favorite drink): Maroon Mountain Dew

7. NASCAR NAME (the first names of your grandfathers): Russell Robert (I could do it the other way, but that would end up being my brother's name)

8. STRIPPER NAME (the name of your favorite perfume,cologne or scent/favorite candy): Tommy 3 Muskateers

9. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME (your 5th grade teacher’s last name/ a major city that starts with the same letter): Sammon San Francisco (that's gay...)

10. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/favorite holiday): Fall SummerBreak (the NEXT James Bond?)

11. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit/ article of clothing you’re wearing right now): Watermelon Shorts (that's a good one)

12. HIPPIE NAME: (What you ate for breakfast/your favorite tree): Shake Cherry-Blossom (can't get anymore "hippie" than that, I don't think)

...

13. RADIO DJ NAME: (last name/ mother's maiden name) Morton Stout (I think that's what that was...)

Please just pray for me...

Been sitting here for about 3-4 minutes trying to come up with some clever or funny thing to write about... when I just need prayers for peace. Peace about what I'm doing in my career... peace about not getting the job I wanted... peace about the unknown future about my job/career... peace that I'm making the right decisions... or more like, peace that I'm doing/going where God wants me to be/go.
The kids were watching VeggieTales the other day in the car and the story of Jonah came up. Reminding me that God is going to be faithful and guide us where he wants us to go. I've been blessed by the doors that have been opened for me and walking thru those. Now I've experienced doors opening that I'm not getting to walk thru, and that's rather troubling. Maybe I was just a bit "over-confident" and "cocky" and the doors closing is the result of my actions. Who knows? It's a humbling experience and I guess that I'm sitting in the belly of the whale waiting for the next door for God to open for me. Please pray for me for peace of mind and peace of heart...