The Hairesy of 2008
October 4, 2008 by Ryan
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Here’s some cute pics we told of Jeremy & Kimberly. You’ll notice their hair has been “done up” because we took them in conjunction with what I am referring to as The Hairesy of 2008!
Beth wanted to get her hair cut, and it had been a while because like any good husband I’ve resisted, for her own good. What? I’m a fan of long hair!
So finally I relented and gave her the green light. She posted to get suggestions on how she would get her hair cut. The consensus came back for the Feb ‘08 haircut and the deed was done about two weeks ago. She’s finally getting around to posting the results but I thought I’d link up and post the kids pics along with her update.
For the record…I think you look beautiful baby!
AFV Candidate?
October 4, 2008 by Ryan
Like I previously posted, we haven’t been the best at getting the pictures & videos we take of the kiddos up so everyone can see. That said, we’re going to try to post something every weekend.
I’ve wanted to get these last two videos up for like a week, so you get two this weekend!
We went to Walmart late one night because we needed milk & bread…apparently we went a little too late! Kim was so cute as she struggled to stay awake. I shot this from my phone, so forgive the pixelation. This is one of those essential America’s Funniest Videos. It’s no “Shake Hands” (Miller home video that most unfortunately got erased, Sorry Mom) 
but I’m glad I caught it!
No Remedy Like Laughter
October 4, 2008 by Ryan
If you are down about the mess with the economy, frustrated with the election, and depressed about the Cubs & Angels losing, let me offer this to cheer you up!
One night we were just playing as a family and Jeremy started crackin’ up when we’d toss this little beanbag. We’re not always good about getting it on video, and even worse about getting from the camera on to YouTube or our blogs, but we’re gonna try to be better!
How I Got My Heart of Stone
September 24, 2008 by Ryan
No one quite knows the reason.
It could be perhaps that his shoes were too tight.
It could be his head wasn’t screwed on just right.
But I think that the most likely reason of all
May have been that his heart was two sizes too small.
- Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
I have been indoctrinated.
I admit it. From the time that I was born, I have been raised with a specific worldview. Primarily, I believe what I believe because I was raised that way and I vote the way I vote because I was raised to vote that way.
Have my ideals been challenged? Definitely. Have I defended my views? Absolutely. But being challenged and defending a worldview when it has been so thoroughly ingrained doesn’t necessarily indicate that you have evaluated and internalized those values. After all, “talking points” are called “talking points” for a reason.
Why do I believe what I believe? Maybe it is because my shoes are too tight! Or worse! Maybe, because I have been raised in such a callous, greed-driven, privileged environment, I am actually heartless? Let’s look at the factors that contributed to my values. Which elements give credence to the criticism that I have been brainwashed, or at least, have a very limited perspective on the world?
Serenity…In Life’s Challenges
July 29, 2008 by Ryan
Our experience with Jeremy’s spina bifida has been a trying time in our lives: learning the worst-case scenarios, not know the extent of the paralysis or problems, moving only two days before Jeremy was born, the harrowing race to the hospital, watching him go through surgeries to close his back and place his shunt. People that have been under similar kind of stress know what that pressure is like. Luckily, we had tremendous support from family, friends, doctors, nurses, and work. I really needed to talk about it. Sorry to those that had to listen, but it helped to relieve the burden I felt.
One of the many lessons I’ve learned from all this is that everyone has challenges that they are going through! My eyes were sort of opened to the situations around me. One situation that was very close in timing with our experience is that of Phil Burns’ daughter Serenity. I read one of Phil’s posts about Serenity’s chemo and it tore me up because my Kimberly is the same age! Phil has dedicated himself to fighting cancer however he can. One way is a blood drive. It’s tomorrow and I know most of you wouldn’t be able to make it, but it brings to my mind the importance of giving blood. I hate it, and my wife is much worse with needles, but it’s more important than that. It really is a shame how few people donate.
If you can make it, wonderful! But if you can’t, make it a goal to donate in your area. I’ve chatted with Phil a few times about the frustrations, fear and anger a father feels when he can’t protect his child. Hopefully, I’ve been able to share his burden those few times we’ve talked. Do the same. Take the time to notice suffering around you and offer a helping hand, or even just an understanding ear.
Little Angel
July 20, 2008 by Ryan
We recently went to an Orem Owlz game, and we went all decked out in Angels unis (The Owlz are the Angels’ Single A team). We were taking pictures and in these pictures it looks like Jeremy might have some red in his hair! It’s actually not too surprising because Papa Ottley had red hair.
Kim had a blast running all around the outfield grass seating and on the huge playground. She had a pink Angels jersey and wore here Daddy out.
Go Angels!
I Got a Mini-Me!
July 1, 2008 by Ryan
Pop quiz: Which is me? Which is Jeremy?
Crazy, huh?!
Rockbabies!
June 23, 2008 by Ryan
We got Rockband today! Lots of fun for the whole family. It was actually a present for my wife, she wanted it for her birthday!
Maybe you’ve seen Guitar Hero, and it’s that plus drums, plus a mic to sing on! What I really like about the Rockband guitar is there are two sets of frets to play on (one at the top and one on the high strings). Apparently, you can download more songs to play on Xbox and Playstation, but on the Wii you can’t, at least not yet. I imagine they’ll add that down the road.
As you can see Kimberly wanted to do it all. We had her cousins over, Alexa and Ayla, and we had our own little Rockbabies Rock Band!
The Wii: Bringing Husbands & Wives Closer Together
June 3, 2008 by Ryan
So I was watching Last Comic Standing and one of the female comedians was making a joke about how Halo 3 destroys relationships…something about how her boyfriend spends all day with a headset talking to little boys online. I tried to get my wife to play Halo with my friends and I but she inevitably ends up spinning in a corner staring at the sky.
Then came the Wii.
Hopefully, you’ve all had a chance to do the bowling. And I do mean all of you because even my grandparents have Wii bowled with us. The beautiful thing about the Wii is my wife loves it! I can play video games and not only is she okay with it, she plays with me. We’ve recently come across some new games that we’re kind of excited about:
We’re Home!
March 11, 2008 by Ryan
We’ve had Jeremy home now since last Friday and it is wonderful! Obviously, much more comfortable to be home and to be together with our little girl too. She has been so sweet to him. I can’t believe how well Jeremy is doing! He’s an eater! We’ll get Jeremy TV back up and running here soon. Thanks to everyone for all their love and support!
