Christmas Season 2009

Here are some pictures from the Christmas season. Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas!

Orr Family Farm Field Trip

This was Emily's first class field trip and she and I got to go to the Orr Family Farm. Even though I have passed by the farm for years now, I had never been inside. I was very impressed with all that they had to offer and Emily just loved the entire atmosphere. We will definitely have to go back and bring Callie and Theresa with us.

Fall Festival at Schwartz

The girls, I mean Tinker Bell and Ladybug, really enjoyed their first Fall Festival at Emily's school. Once they saw how everything worked they both really got into the games and activities. Of course getting candy at every stop helped a little. I just want to know when adults get to get that much candy in one night.

Oklahoma State Fair 2009

We almost didn't make it to the fair this year, but I'm glad we finally did. I had not been in several years and Theresa had never been to a fair here in Oklahoma. The girls were awesome the entire day and it was tons of fun.

Mom and dad came with us and I really think they enjoyed seeing the girls experience so many things for the first time. Emily kept wanting to ride a ride, but we were not too sure how she would do. Right before we left we let her ride one ride and she did great. She didn't look too sure about everything when they first started, but by the time they were done she was having a great time. By next year I'm sure she will be ready for more.

I always love the food and this year we had some really good stuff. Who knew pizza on a stick could taste so good? I also got to see a few friends from high school and college that I had not seen in several years. If we didn't have to spend some much for the whole experience it would have been perfect, but perfection is pretty hard to obtain. Here are some pictures from our day. Hope you enjoy!

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Sad News

For those of you who haven't heard, Theresa and I found out last Thursday that we actually lost our baby. This has not been an easy few days and I would hope that none of you ever have to endure this. Even though we have learned that the number of women who miscarriage is quite high, it still doesn't make things any easier.

We are so thankful for our loving family and friends along with a great church who have really supportive. Thank you all for your prayers and calls. I have heard several similar stories that really make me want to cry. I know that God has a plan for us and for every other unborn baby, but it still doesn't take away the pain. Just like Emily's favorite song, "Blessed Be Your Name," we must bless God in the good as much as during the bad. May He alone be glorified!

Meeting Emily's Teacher

It’s official. Emily starts school this Thursday and I still can’t believe it. Today we went to meet her teacher, see her classroom, and go over some basic orientation information. When we talk to Emily about going to school, we get two sides to the story. Some times she is extremely excited about being in preschool. Other times she says that she is not going to school and that mommy is her teacher. Today she finally said that she has two schools and two teachers. Hey, if this works for her then it works for me. We shall see what actually happens on Thursday.

I think today was really good for her because she got a quick peek into all of the fun and new things she will get to experience. At one point she asked me if she could go back to her class and play. That was a good sign. Everything we have heard about her teacher has been very positive. I think once Emily gets to know her, she will really thrive under her teaching. It may take a few days or weeks to get her adjusted to the routine of having to go every day, but I’m pretty sure that is normal.

Here are a few pictures of her checking out her classroom and with some friends from church that already go to her new school. We will keep you posted on this new adventure called preschool!

Family Vacation

We just got back from our annual Peck Family vacation. This year my family was joined by my parents and sister for a trip down to Sulphur, OK. Mom and Dad rented a cabin for us to stay in and it turned out to be brand new. I think they were a little cramped, but the four of us are pretty used to it and did just fine. Of course Emily and Callie were just excited to stay anywhere with Mimi and Papa and Aunt Jennifer. The first night it took forever to calm Emily down and get her to go to sleep.

Our three days away consisted of swimming, fishing, making some s'mores, and just relaxing. Because we didn't have access to a boat, we were confined to just fish from the dock. When other people would bring their boats in to go home, Emily was quick to say that we needed our own boat. I must admit it did look like more fun out on the water but so far I haven't figured out a way to pull one behind our little Honda Civic. Maybe our future upgrade to prepare for baby number three will have better towing capacity.

It was really nice to just get away for a little while and we couldn't have asked for better weather. Theresa is already making plans for future camping trips and I'm sure that the girls would gladly load up tomorrow if it meant later bed times, cookouts, swimming, and Mimi and Papa. Do you think the church would miss me if I didn't go back to work? Don't think I want to find out! Hope you enjoy a few pictures from our trip.

Emily loves her s'mores!!!

A little ice cream in bed while Papa takes a much needed nap.

Here is Emily using my old Snoopy fishing pole.

I can't believe it still works!

Can you see Callie underneath her huge life jacket?

Here is a link to the rest of our vacation pictures. Click here.

Jasmine Moran Children's Museum

Yesterday, our Children's Ministry took a trip to the Jasmine Moran Children's Museum for our Fabulous Friday. This was my first trip to the museum even though the rest of my family had already been. I can see why Emily really liked it. There were so many cool things for her to experience and do. We will definitely go back when we aren't in charge of 37 kids! Here are a few pictures from our trip.

I'm in trouble because both of my girls like to shop!

Here is Callie showing us what her big sister will look like in a few weeks.

Exciting News!!!

It's official! We are having baby number three sometime in March! I think both Theresa and I are still very excited but also still in shock just a little bit. Today at church several people gave me a hard time because we had recently talked about not having another baby so soon. On my way home from our mission trip last Saturday, I talked to one of my youth parents and said that we were very close to being 100% debt free and were still considering having a third child. Theresa and I had decided that we wanted one more, but we were not expecting to get pregnant right now. Apparently God had other plans! So, this youth parent reminded me of what I had said just a week ago and I had to laugh. That is because those were my plans and obviously not the plans of God. He definitely has a sense of humor. We really don't know any details yet, expect possibly around March 19th for a due date. As soon as we know more, one of us will post that information.

It was fun yesterday getting to tell everyone the news. We were going to my parents' house and we wanted to let Emily tell them. So, we told her as we were pulling into the driveway and she immediately told my mom, dad, and sister. I don't think they knew what to think when she first said it. Emily has made it very clear before that she would like us to have more sisters and definitely a brother. This was a very good surprise because today is my mom's birthday.

God always keeps us on our toes and we trust in His timing. Maybe this time He will give us a boy. We shall see!

Emily's Birthday Pool

The Teleprompter Prez

I still find it very ironic that many claim what a great orator our new president is when he obviously cannot function without his teleprompter. Maybe if I want to be such a great speaker I need to haul a teleprompter in for my Wednesday night Bible studies with my students. I'm sure that would really grab and maintain their attention.

I recently discussed with a pastor friend of mine who has been reading a book about "Preaching On Your Feet." In this book, pastors are encouraged to not use notes when they are preaching. I completely understand that a president must make numerous amounts of speeches and it would be impossible to memorize them. However, pastors must learn how to engage their audience and use proper oratory skills. Is that too much to ask from ummmm..... ummmm.... our president?

Build A House For Jesus!

Spread the news around!

Do I Have To Be Inside?

I don't know about the recent weather where you live, but here in the great state of Oklahoma, the weather this week has been absolutely beautiful. This is when I really wish I had an outside job instead of having to be stuck inside peering out my office window at all of the sunshine. I was very jealous of my family today because they got to go to the zoo with another family from church while I was slaving away at work. That's okay because my turn is coming one of these days.

Needless to say, I'm starting to get the itch for summer to be here. If you aren't aware, summer as a youth pastor is just plain awesome! Yes, it is extremely busy and chaotic, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. Don't get me wrong, still have plenty to do before I'm ready to head off to our camps and mission trip, but I am really looking forward to this summer with my students.

Here are a few recent pictures of the girls. Hope you enjoy.

Here is Emily and her friend Eli at the zoo.

Callie trying on her new life vest.

Callie being Callie.

That is all for now. Soon I will be uploading more pictures from the last couple of months and from our camping trip. Until then, enjoy the weather!

Feeling Helpless, but Not Hopeless

Ok, I'm tired of it all. What am I tired of you may ask? I am sick and tired of hearing about all of the poor choices elected officials are making that will not only determine part of my future, but also the future of my girls. It seems like every day I hear of politicians spending huge amounts of money when our economy is doing so bad. I just don't get it. If all of these large corporations need bailouts and now we are in need on a stimulus plan that most likely won't stimulate anything, then why aren't they cutting back and trying to save money in every way possible? Instead, they still have expensive parties, take expensive trips, fly in private jets and 747s just to sign a piece of paper, come on! On top of all of this, many of the newly chosen members cannot even seem to pay their taxes. If I don't pay my taxes this year doesn't that qualify me to go live in Washington and spend money that is not my own like crazy?

As I hear about this, read about this, and see this unfold, I do feel very helpless. While I have usually kept up with the happenings of the world, thanks to the Internet (and my wife), it seems like I am being more informed than ever before and I don't like what I am learning. It does make me helpless because I did my part. I didn't vote for this and yet I have to sit back and take it. However, I am not without hope because no man can secure my future. No matter how bad our new president and his crew mess things up, this is not our home and one day none of this will matter at all. God is still in control and I find my hope in Him alone. I'm afraid that I will be frustrated for a very long time, but now is the time for the church to rise up and provide hope the those who do not know where to turn. How will the church respond? I really don't know, but I do know we will be held accountable for our actions or non action.

We are all in this together and if you have Jesus in your life, then you are not without hope!

Is It Still January?

The reason behind this post is the current state of our weather. On Thursday we got a rare treat; beautiful weather. It was way too nice to be inside all day and if I could have skipped office work trust me I would have. For the first time this year, we actually got up into the 70s which is very unusual for an OK January. It was a much needed break from the colder temperatures and I know welcomed by many. We even had a guy from our church stop by and tell us that he couldn't stand it any longer so he got out his motorcycle and went for a ride. It was that kind of day and I was lovin' it!

I really don't know how people who constantly have colder weather handle it. Last night Theresa and I watched a show called "Extreme Homes of the Frozen North." Very cool houses but there is no way I want to live in the frozen North. The people on the show just loved their weather and I'm happy for them because I much prefer our weather. I love being able to experience all four seasons even though it can be a stretch at times here in Oklahoma.

I remember when I was in junior high we had several snow days in a row. By the third or fourth day of being cold and inside, I was about to go crazy. When the sun did come out it felt so good. That was Thursday for me. I love to be outside and the nice weather really made me ready for Spring. (Not to mention the fact that warmer weather is much easier on our heating bill!) My wonderful wife very quickly reminded me that we still have two more months until Spring is officially here.

Today Theresa was making her shopping list and said "this month has been so long." I think the weather has a lot to do with this, but it is also because we have started a New Year, had Callie's birthday, and our anniversary all within these past few weeks. Even though this month isn't quite over, it has been a great start to 2009. Hope you enjoy whatever weather you are currently experiencing. If not, maybe it will change soon.