Quinny Update

I am still blown away by our little Quinny. I got to spend some good one-on-one time with him last weekend as we had a few "daddy days" in a row since the girls were out of town and I truly enjoyed it.

Yes he is two in all sense of the word, and yes he is a boy which compounds his troubles. But, this little guy is a bundle full of joy too. He makes everyone around him smile (always has). Everywhere we went he was waving at people and saying all kinds of stuff. He is such a talker. He can say his ABCs, the pledge, his night time prayers, and tons of other stuff. Basically, at two, he can talk nearly as good as his sisters who are 4 and he says everything he hears too. He is one smart cookie though. Few things get past him and you can see his mind racing in his eyes when you try and fool him.

He is the only on in our famiyl who is a morning person. Most days I get him out of bed and the first thing he does is go in and wake up his sisters with a big happy "Good morning!". Then he quickly heads downstairs to climb into bed and bumps heads with mommy and pulls on her saying "time to get up!". Does it nearly every morning. LOL.

Soon it will almost be two years since we first saw his cute little smile and felt God's tug to add little Seong Wook to our family. I cannot even imagine had we not responded. Life just would not be the same - for all of us.

My favorite thing? The way he says "daddy". Nothing is cuter.

Over the Years

I was thinking the other day about how our family has grown and changed over the years. Started with just me and Max back in 1999. Then Julie came along and rocked my world and soon Sam came into the mix. It was just us and "the boys" (http://maxandsam.blogspot.com).

A few years later that all changed with Chloe and Sidney. Then all things were completed when Quinn made us a family of...well 7 when you count the boys, and yes, we have to count them!

There really isn't anything greater in life than family! See photos on facebook!

Quinn Reunited with Foster Mom

Last weekend, Julie and Quinn flew to Phoenix for a Korean festival/reunion with Dillon parents and families. His foster mom was one of the Korean women that flew in to the States to visit. It was a rare opportunity to see her again and though we could not all go, it was important for us that Quinn get to see her again.

She was very emotional in seeing him and gave our family plenty of Korean gifts we will cherish forever. She is truly an angel of God and has fostered over 25 little babies over the years.

I am sure she was shocked to see how big and active the little Seong Wook has become!

Weekend Full of Memories

This was one of "those weekends". One in which old memories were brought back to life and new ones were put into memory.

Julie took Quinn to Arizona to see his foster mom that had come to the States from Korea. I wanted all of us to go, but with today's travel expenses it was just not feasible right now for us.

So, I decided to take advantage of a weekend with the girls to myself and we headed out of town Friday afternoon to "stay at a hotel" and "see daddy's school" as they excitedly proclaimed. Yes, it was homecoming weekend in Brownwood, Texas, at good ol' HPU. It has been years since I have been and I really didn't want to miss another year. So glad I didn't too.

I decided we would stay just outside of Brownwood in Eastland at a new La Quinta. So we headed there Friday and boy were the girls psyched up. Along the way I made the decision to stop for dinner at the old "SmokeStack Cafe" just off I20 in Thurber - an old Ghost Town of sorts chopped full of big time Texas history. We admired the old smoke stack still standing but no longer in operation and enjoyed our dinner in the 100 year old building. All of these years driving down I20 I had seen this place but never stopped. Now the girls first memory of the smoke stack will also be mine. I love that.

A few miles later we pulled over to our hotel, headed to Walmart (sorry Clint) for some needed items and "surprises" and then back for a "stay up late fest" that included Disney Channel hits and more. Around 10 we hit that sack.

The next morning we arrived in Brownwood and promptly visited the fellas old friend "Achmed" and his donut shop. He was shocked to see me and nearly in tears to meet the girls too. His donuts were fresh and hot! AND GOOD. The fellas used to spend many a late night in his donut shop giving him a hard time and listening to him dish it right back to us.

The HPU parade followed that along with meet and greet with tons of old HPUers such as: Barry Carter, Shane Davidson, David Marsden, Brad Pletcher, Greg Bowman, David Curlee, Morgan Bush, and Steve Camfield - all with their respective wives and kiddos. Others were there as well, including a small, but vibrant group of current HPU DeltaPi members. After touring the campus and showing the girls the old hallways and classrooms, we headed over for lunch at Underwoods - which of course nearly made us all cry with joy (is anything better, really?). Then we toured the old Club J area and downtown (takes about 47 seconds) and headed over to Gordon Wood Stadium to watch the Yellow Jackets play.

The girls were fascinated with the band and "Buzzsaw" - the mascot - and had a smile on their face all day long. I did too. As we sat at lunch and talked about old times, shared funny stories and discussed old friends and current happenings, it just sank in that this was one of the times to relish and put away forever. Sure we talked about how we would all stay in touch via the wonder of Facebook, but nothing will ever replace the face-to-face experience of being together.

I love creating memories because they are there in tough times to recall for a little bit of joy. HPU still is a place I cherish and will always be blessed to have been a part of from 1990-1993.

And this weekend I think I planted that first HPU memory into the minds of the two things I love more than life itself.

If only Quinn and Julie had been there...

I'm 40

Yep. I'm old. Read my thoughts here:

http://nobonesaboutit.blogspot.com/2009/10/omgosh-im-40.html

Counting it down...

Less than 4 hours....

40th Bday Extravaganza Kicked Off

My 40th bday extravaganza week kicked off yesterday with a family day to the State Fair and then rounded off with a huge birthday party hosted by my wife at Splitsville in Arlington. In attendance were the Curlees, Greg H, Franklins, Harris, Shermans, Ruzekas, Irmish, Jensens, Novingers, and the Devlins – about 20 or so. Scott and Jen could not make it, but he dropped off an Obama chia-pet for my enjoyment so he was there in spirit. It was exactly what I wanted for a party – Julie did a great job and our amazing friends did the rest! I am truly amazed and blessed by our friends. You learn as you get older how important true friendships are….

Jam Out to Some Stryper/Boston

Happy Chuseok Day! (Korean Thanksgiving)

Today is one of the big annual Korean holidays - Chuseok. Essentially, they don't mess around with waiting until nearly December to have their Thanksgiving feasts and fun!

Being proud to share in the Korean way, our family will likely take some time out today to honor Quinn's homeland with a feast of our own!

For more you can read here: http://www.korea.net/News/News/NewsView.asp?serial_no=20070921035

New Business Launched Today

My days of dealing with the headaches of selling health insurance are going on pause for a while - at least for the most part.

As of today, we launched a new division - EMI - that will offer small businesses advertising on Google at unreal rates. We have struck a deal with a company called AdzZoo and Chris and I are fortunate enough to know and have direct connections to the owners and executives involved in this new company. Thanks to a long-term business contact, this opportunity has been made to us just at the time when we were getting really tired of the healthcare rat-race.

We will still offer health and life plans, but it is now about 10% of our overall production strategy.

If anyone wants details on how you can use this service for your own business, OR want the opportunity to start a business with us, please see the link below and I will personally be glad to train and show you how. It is truly unlike anything I have ever seen!

New Income Opportunity

Quinn Loving MDO School

Our little Quinster is quickly coming into his own during his two days a week at our local Mother's Day Out program. It is so amazing to see him progress and jump into things, following his sisters every steps.

He is learning the songs, enjoying play time, making some new friends and really coming out of his shell - not that he was ever in one! LOL.

He had a few rough days in the begining but as long as his little "Howie" is with him, he just loves it!

Big Day for the Brady Bunch

Yep, it sure is going to be a big day!

1. Girls start school and will be separated for first time.
2. Quinn starts Mother's Day Out! Should be a little crazy but he will love hanging out with some boys for a change. Maybe it will get him away from those purses and high heels!
3. Julie starts PTA!
4. Brady's new office opens up - new era for Equal Health!
5. Brady and Julie get back to the gym! I need it way more than her!

Final Summertime Fun

Well, the summer is offically over now. It ended with a bang yesterday as we took the kids to Hawaiian Falls one final time. Such a great day outside too. Now for the next 9 months we will have to explain how the waterpark is closed every single time we drive by - which is alot since we live down the street!

Potty Training Isn't That Hard

Ok, so Quinn is a one of a kind child.

Two days ago, out of nowhere, he takes off his diaper and decides he wanted to go potty - in the potty. Julie rushed to get him his little toddler potty and sure enough, he sat down and went teetee all on his own according.

If I could bottle Quinn up I would be a zillionaire!

Now, let's see if he can figure out the "aiming" side of this thing once he learns he needs to pee standing up!

Fellas Entering Era of Turning 40

This fall the fellas will begin their collective decent "down the hill" as many begin turning 40. I of am now leading the pack, as Tercek is far ahead and left us in the dust, with Clint and RJ quickly behind. After that, the likes of Greg, Scott and Michael will soon follow.

I really cannot believe I will be 40 in just 60 days. But, trust me, I am already working on all I plan to say about that big day! For now, I have to get to bed. It's 10:22pm, WAY past my bedtime....

Quinn Becomes U.S. Citizen

Today our little Quinny became a real American as he was given his citizenship certificate via a neat ceremony in Irving. He was such a good boy too (compared to some others) and grinned from head to toe waving his little American flag while in the process of destroying it.

It was a wonderful moment to experience this process with him and now we can celebrate American with the rest of us!

The other great news - no more adoption paperwork! The 2 year process is complete!

(see our photos on facebook!)

Big is Not a Big Enough Word

Last weekend I attended my first game at the new Cowboys Stadium, the 1.2 billion dollar home financed by the city or Arlington, but mostly by owner Jerry Jones.

It took me thhhiiisss long to forget about my sentimental strongholds to Texas Stadium.

Wow!

Jerry did it. God has made many incredible things and He certainly gave Jerry (whether he knows it or not) the creative ability on this place too! It is unreal.

As long time season ticket holders I was somewhat nervous about what games would be like in this new JerryWorld. Much to my surprise, it was more than talked about. Sensory overload for sure. From the fun tailgating outside to the cushion seats, to the megaTVboard, to the concessions and bathrooms that were so numerous that there were still no lines even with 80,000 people there.

If you haven't gone yet, get a party pass at the least and test it out for yourself. All I can say is Go Cowboys!

Girls Turn 48 Months

Forty-eight short months ago our lives changed forever when our girls, Sidney and Chloe were born at Arlington Memorial Hospital. About this time in the morning we became parents of two incredible little (and I do mean little) beautiful girls!

Over the last 4 years life has been crazy yet fun all at the same time. The sad thing about having a baby is that one day the baby becomes a small child and gone are the days of telling people "she's 19 months" or he's about to be "6 months". For some reason, once they turn 2, we start reporting their ages in years.

Well, I am changing the tide. My little babies are going to be aged by months from now on. I want it back. It's just going too fast.

"How old are they?", I can see someone asking me down the road.

"Oh, they are 480 months," I answer as I stand and cheer on the Cowboys Cheerleader group they made at 20 years old during a game, "Good job Chloe! Good job Sid!"

In the mean time, we enjoy the moments of them turning our world upside down! 48 months later our world is still spinning!

For slide show click here: http://www.photodex.com/sharing/viewshow?fl=3123977&alb=117305

A 4 Year Old Trapped in a 2 Year Old Body

Ok, maybe I am just a tad one-sided in this affair, but I am not exaggerating (for real) when I say our little Quinners is one smart dude. I mean, the girls are smart too, but he is so far ahead of them at his age compared to when they were two it is not even funny. The day we first saw his photo we knew he was special. His attitude, personality and smile rival any I have ever seen.

Yet, little did we know, this little 4 year old trapped in a 2 year old body was created to soon rule our world

BEFORE he turned two he:

- could basically count to 10
- could sing parts to almost any song he heard (including many on the radio)
- studies how anyone does anything and attempts to duplicate the act and in most cases succeeds
- can play with the Iphone
- speaks in complete sentences (he can put words together better than they can pronounce them - his brain is ahead of his tongue)
- he comprehends EVERYTHING he hears (i.e. Julie and I could be having an adult conversation about going to the mall for some reason, he will hear us talking and then ask when we are going to the mall)
- he can nearly swim and willfully and happily goes under water holding his breath
- he was running way before 18 months
- he practices going potty (I swear if we took his diaper off he would plop down on the toilet, do number two, wipe his own rear, get up and wash his hands and come out saying "Do NOT go in there!")

- he takes off his own diaper (to mom's horror) and calls himself "Stinky McFly"

- he has been eating with a fork and a spoon since he was 12 months old (he is still a disaster when we eat however and it gets everywhere)

- he has never used a passi

- he drinks from an adult cup and has been now for months

- he has been sitting in an adult chair since 18 months old when we eat shocking many waitresses (he has never sat in a booster seat)

- he can nearly say all of his ABCs

- when I get home for the day and ask him what he did today he gives me a complete, honest run down of all of his activities and I understand them all (sometimes I get more from him than Julie)

Surely, he has two sisters to emulate and copy and he certainly does that, all day long. Yet, this child is amazing.

In more ways than one.