It bugs me when...

My students are journaling right now, so I thought I would do the same. Our topic is about what bugs me. Mostly, I think the biggest thing that bugs me is when I get in trouble for painting too much. It's difficult to balance all the hats I wear: husband, father, teacher, and artist. And they have to go in that order. If I love my wife then I show my son how to be a good husband. Teaching and art seem to take a back seat when you have a grumpy son or a sick wife. When I paint my mind is elsewhere, and that's hard on both Amy and Ben. Just yesterday, I was getting a piece ready for a local show. I just wanted maybe 30 minutes to clean up the sides and little spots, but Ben gave me about 10. After minute 11 he needed his daddy. He was pushing me away from the painting wanting me to spend time with him. So yeah, I was bugged. But his needs come before my own.

Thank you

Amy asked for the phone book, and I was busy pouring myself a glass of milk. Little B. was with me in the kitchen asking for a "mookie," so I decided to put him to work. The little guy took the phone book to Mommy and told her thank you...Can you believe this kid!? It seems like yesterday we were running back and forth from the hospital waiting for our 30 minutes to feed him. He's walking and talking, and I can't remember where the time went.
We just found out my brother's wife is having a girl! This little girl is going to be spoiled!

Study in Cherry Blossoms

Cherry blossoms are friggin sweet! They pack quite a punch with such powerful colors, and their blooms stand together quite abundantly(`` adfa2)sorry, that was my son Ben helping me type.=) The first flower I was drawn to in art was the cherry blossom. They cling so closely to the branch they originated from, so emotionally, we can categorize these flowers as a bunch of clingy girlfriends...buh dum, ching.=) What is it about these flowers? Simply said, I think they're beautiful flowers, and a lot of them, so how could you not be drawn in by their beauty?

Study in Columbines

What I love about the about the Columbine, let me count the ways...These flowers stand so boldly on there own. Like a person, they don't seem to hide their problems very well. They hang out their laundry for all to see. Yeah, their leaves are a bit beat up, but look at how beautiful they are! Kinda like those old pair of jeans you can't seem to part with.

Discipline

For whatever reason, my son became upset when I didn't want to sniff his binky. Apparently, that is a sign of disrespect in the toddler world. Benjamin is only 18 months, but he's quickly learning how far he can push his boundaries. Although, Ben is a "people person" in every sense of the term. He's also listens very well, but it takes several redirections to make an impression.
Growing up as an army brat, I always knew the importance of discipline. But as the baby of the family I think I received the least of it. I want to show discipline in my life just because Ben will emulate me in the future. I know the success of my finances, my health, my walk with the Lord, and my art all rest upon my ability to discipline myself. I also think the success of Ben's future also rests on my own ability to show restraint. Does that get any easier? At 27 I feel far from it.