Here is some pics from our vacation...One more day to go but it's all driving.



It was a great week.

Smile, today could be your last.

This morning, I prayed that my children would grow big and strong, and that they would each live to be grey old men.

Just like their Great-Grandfathers.

Love you more than you know Coop.

Love you more than you know Mr. Knox.

Enjoy life. It goes fast, and you never know...Got the news yesterday that Andy Vonstein was murdered in Twin Lakes. Sad.



I will continue to pray that they catch the son-of-a-bitch that did that.

You are a coward.

Smile, today could be your last.

Having a great time in Hilton Head. We drove down with Jeff and Cheryl and stopped for a night to see Dean (Jeff's Dad) and Edie. Had dinner with them at "Fatz" and spent the night in a $47 a night hotel. Quite a bargain. Got up and said goodbye, and then off to Hilton Head...about a 4 hour drive from Shelby.

One with Cheryl, and the other with Jeff...hey, someone has to take the picture, right?





Saturday night we met up with Wendy's friend Erin and her new boyfriend Tad. Had some drinks and dinner outside.



Got up this morning and went to the beach for a while. Then I walked to a sports bar called Wild Wings and watched the Browns lose to the Chiefs (another game that they should have won). While we were at the beach, Wendy took some pictures of this European chicks ass. She thought it was funny and gross. I emailed them to Dean earlier tonight. I hope he enjoys them.





Tonight Wendy and Cheryl and I walked down by the docks and saw a beautiful pink and purple sky as the sun set behind the ocean. We walked into some shops, and then back to the condo. Wendy and I got into the car and drove down to The Salty Dog to get a pizza. Brought it back, ate, and played some card game called "Nickels".

More later...With tomorrow being Monday, and several days of vacation to go, I am glad that Wendy and I get to relax this week.

I miss the Cooperman and Mr. Knox.

Love you both more than anything.

Smile, today could be your last.

I would have to imagine that if Bubba were still alive, we would belly up to the bar from time to time and have a beer or six. We would discuss how the world should be, where we are at in life, his nephews, the Cleveland Clowns, the latest band he is following, our students, his cats, my dogs, the weather, time wasted, time well spent, things that have happened, and things to come, and many, many other things that I would need all night to type.

He would wipe the last of his beer on his shirt sleeve give Vince a high five, and say something like, "rock n roll" before heading for the door.

As he walks out, I would continue to realize that while we may not always agree, there is someone in the world who has my back unconditionally.



Take a look at your life, and do not let anger get in the way. There is always a better way. Learn to forgive...not always an easy thing to do when you think someone else is wrong.

Time is limited, and we are all only temporary.

Smile, today could be your last.

"Taki" the big fish died yesterday. That makes zero fish in the tank now. Wendy and I told Coop that the fish went to Papa and Mammy's house so that we could clean the tank.

Here is a video of Coop counting to ten and then launching himself off of the table and onto the couch.



Nothing much else to report. Leaving on vacation on Friday, and I'm already missing the Coop and Mr. Knox. It should be a nice break, but always tough to leave your kids for a week.

Smile, today could be your last.

Money and Fine Print

So, I get this letter in the mail over the weekend letting me know that my 5-year license renewal has been declined because I didn't sign the first page. Really? I called and talked to some lady from the State, and she just about could have cared less. So I will re-apply. The school I work for is not happy, and now I am not sure what is going to happen. Not going to get fired or anything, but they are un-happy.

There is no one to complain to, and I have to bitch at someone so here goes:

"The problem with the world today, is that we are more concerned about money and fine print than people. I submitted this thing over two months ago, and just now get a letter in the mail. Not to mention that the price of applying for a license went from $60 last year to $200 this year. Shouldn't that mean that they should have three times the staff to help process applications. Fuck no. It means that someone, somewhere is putting money in their pocket. Maybe Frank Russo. Maybe Joey DiMora. Maybe some president of the office of licensure. What complete bullshit.

I'm fucking fed up with people in charge(and politicians) who are incompetent and get big dollars (public tax payer dollars)to fuck things up (yes-I used the word "fuck" twice in that sentence...oh wait that makes three times...oh fuck!). My check is sitting in a file drawer in a file labled with my name on it, while I sit here waiting on them. I don't have time in my life to pussy-foot around with people that are incapable of doing things the right way. Fine Print and Money, and Money and Fine Print. This world is in trouble."

Anyway, I made a special point yesterday to spend time with my family. I need to go talk to the pricipal and then get home to hang with Mr. Knox and the Cooperman. Cooperman got some fish last week (Wendy's idea). Since then, most of the fish have gone into the eternal sleep, and we are now just down to the one big one named "Taki".




Extreme Close-Up!



Hallway Wrestling:



One Beautiful Baby:



Smile, today could be your last.

Wednesday last week, we took the boys to Chuck E. Cheese. Coop and Knox had a ball. We ate pizza, played some videogames, and laughed a whole lot (much needed). Here is a vid of Knox going for a ride:


Mr. Knox hanging with Bob the Builder:


Coop enjoyed playing a game and wanted mo' money...hilarious.





Pizza Time!


Coop and Mr. Knox on a ride together...


Coop just horsin' around:


Make a point to stop what you are doing this week and spend time with your family. Life gets busy, and we all forget from time to time how important this really is. I love you boys.

Smile, today could be your last.

So, I was going through some old videos and these really stood out to me. I guess you could call them "The Best of"...at least over the last few months. These videos had me laughing so hard that it hurt (especially after surgery). Well they say that laughter is the best medicine, so enjoy the dose. The first one is of Coop dancing. Hillarious. That white boy has some serious moves. Rhythm to the umpth degree.

John Travolta ain't got nothin' on me.

The second video is from TJ's wedding. TJ and Jason show off their moves in this one... and decide to have a dance-off. You decide who the better dancer is.

I wonder if alcohol had anything to do with this one???


Here is one of Coop at the Randolph Fair. The sheep went "Baaaa" and Coop was taken aback by the whole thing. It's super funny to me. He takes about three steps backwards...then imitates him. Instant classic!



Here is Knox starting to walk, and giving a high five at the end. Unbelieveable! Some of my favorites over the last few months. Just a reminder that life is good.



Smile, today could be your last.