Tuesday, February 28, 2006

Butterfly Kisses...

A few years ago, a singer wrote a song that became the "daddy's dance" number one hit at weddings across America. It's a tender song about daddy's girl and the butterfly kisses she gave...it recounted all the special moments growing up and now he has to let go of his little girl but he'll always have butterfly kisses...

I've come to the conclusion that this dude was either not home and involved in his children's life or he was hit by a bus and forgot everything except the wedding rehearsal.

Or maybe I'm just different.

My charming daughter was liberally passing out kisses the other night at the dinner table. I was sitting next to her at the time, so I was the beneficiary of the puckered up "hmmmmmm..." as her sweet face came close to mine.

Nothing like the slimey kiss of your daughter with a cold and runny nose. Not butterfly kisses...boogger and snot kisses!

Which is why I get to enjoy my own sneezing and runny nose today...thanks, daughter for your butterfl...scratch that...your booger and snot kisses.

Not sure the song is as sweet...but the kisses sure are! I love 'em!

Monday, February 20, 2006

not much to say...

The lack of posting is an indication of just how busy things are around here these days. When the kids are sick, Heidi and I both kick into survival mode (not equating my situation with hers, who is home all day, just saying that I kick into a similar mindset). It takes about all my energy to work, come home, help, and then crash as the kids drift off to sleep.

They are all feeling better now, so I think the fog is lifting...

We went to Ikea today...yup...all of us! What a trip! Izak loved going up and down the elevators. Libby was doped up on decongestant, and Levi loved the special nursing room! It was a little overwhelming, but fun...

Last night we met with our new small group for the second time. It was a great time together. I'm thankful for this group.

I'm at a loss for words...not much to write other than a quick update.

Peace,

M@

Saturday, February 11, 2006

2-minute drill...

- super bowl 40 was a let down. every team that i rooted for this postseason got beat. sorry seahawks...it was my fault. but...i got to spend some time with new friends from northwest until half-time, then we came home, put the shortest furr to bed and enjoyed the second half just us...the best of both worlds!

- kevin and sara had their baby. liam a little football of a kid...i forget how small they are when the first come home from the store. it also means that kevin's been out of the office the past couple weeks. i like it better when he's there...

- got a few kind cards on my year anniversary. northwest people have done such a great job welcoming me and my family. it's a good community to be a part of. they have let us feel the tenderness and hurt of leaving such close friends and have loved us well. thank you...

- heidi still loves working. she's working tonight. that means it was DADDY DAY!!! no fieldtrips today since lib is working on the flu that izak had since wednesday. it's a pretty nasty virus, which means that mommy and kids will probably be at home sunday morning...i miss them when they don't come.

- it's golf season...somewhere in the world...but not in chicago!

- when izak transitioned to a twin bed (out of the crib) we put a child-proofing device on the inside of his door so that he couldn't escape. well, he's getting older, so we decided to take it off. he was very surprised to find me in the hallway when he opened the door...and on the stairs...and in my bathroom...and in levi's room. yup...that daddy guy is magic! but it's quiet now, so i think sleep has overtaken the thrill of escape.

there you go...you're up to speed now. nothing too thrilling these days...work, drive, dinner, diapers, tubbies, bed, deep breath, work, bed...and it's all good.

Peace,

M@

Friday, February 03, 2006

stepping out...

Tonight was a big night for me (and though it probably was for Heidi, too, I'm only speaking on my own behalf here). We launched a new Small Group.

In short, a Small Group is a group of people who commit to share life together with the purpose of moving closer to Jesus. It's a place of safety and transparency and growth. Over time, these relationships often become the core relationships in a person's life.

That's what happened for me in New York. Several young couples set out together to shafe life in a Small Group. At that beginning point, I had a vision of what could be when people take their commitment together seriously. And that group of people became the core friendships of my life. You've read about them many times here...and the pain we've felt in leaving them to move to IL.

Tonight begins another chapter. I can't pretend to know for sure what it's going to look like. But I have high hopes for this group of friends...people who are willing to embark on a risky adventure with us. I'm thankful that they are willing to create a place where I am just Matt (not Pastor Matt). I'm thankful that they are willing to share their life with me. I'm thankful that they will help me become more like Jesus.

It feels a little like a first date after a breakup. It's a bit scary and intimidating. But also dynamic and fresh and alive. I guess that's the good stuff of life.

This new group of friends doesn't diminish the significance of our New York group. It's just another opportunity that God has given me to add to the circle of those who walk closely with me. A gift.

Thanks, guys. The first date is done. And onward we go...

Peace,

M@

Wednesday, February 01, 2006

frisbee...

This morning I was running a bit late...at least later than I wanted to be. After going to the gym (stop snickering), I got cleaned up and was heading out the door to get a jump on the day.

Thinking that he was going for a ride, Izak put himself into his big, red winter coat and was ready to go with Daddy. Nope...not today, son. But you can go play in the back yard.

That seemed to do the trick. He ran out the back door and grabbed the blue frisbee from the patio. As I hurried around the kitchen, picking up the trail of things that I try to keep out of reach, I saw him standing in the back yard by himself, holding the frisbee.

Frisbee is a two-person game.

So I was a little late getting to the office today...

I'm a pretty task-oriented guy. I like to win. I like to work hard...sometimes too much. Once in a while, it's good to stop and play a little frisbee with a toddler who thinks I'm great...

Love that kid...