Valentine's Fun

Well Valentine's Day was a little bit different this year. My younger brother, Terel, had the opportunity to wrestle in the 3A Arizona State Championships Friday 13th and Saturday 14th. He won all four of his matches on his way to taking the championship. I was so proud of him. He has worked so hard at the sport of wrestling and he has got a lot of talent to boot. Terel is our second State Champion wrestler in the family. Ty was the State Champion wrestler a few years back in his weight class. He went on to Nationals and did very well. I will be honest, with Ty's recent passing, these State Championships were a little tough to handle. It was hard not to have him there with us. I found out that Terel actually wore Ty's State Championship singlet. So, that is a pretty neat story. I know Ty would have been (is) very proud of Terel.

It is kind of funny when I think about Terel being a State Champion. He is the baby of the family and for some reason even though he is as tall as me and much more musclular (ok, actually only a little bit. :) ), he is and will always be the baby. It is hard to believe that he is actually 18 years old. And I just have to say, while we are on the subject, he is the nicest kid. Honestly, I think he is the most tender hearted and caring one out of all of us. He definately has a lot of potential! Here is a pic of Terel holding his championship bracket -Anyway, the whole point of the story is that Lisa and I didn't get to do the traditional valentine's stuff (whatever that is). Unfortunately, we couldn't find a babysitter to watch our kids all day on Saturday (plus the girls had soccer). So, I had to go to the wrestling match alone. I did however write her a cheesy poem. She said I could post it on the blog. It was a a stream of consciousness poem and contains no edits and there are some "inside" references or spellings. :) Anyway, take it for what you will.

It has been eight years

Since I got down on one knee

And asked you, this beautiful, vibrant young woman

If you would marry me.

It was raining that night

Though I was not cold

My mind, heart, and soul were focused

I was striving with all my energy to be bold.

You see, you weren’t just some typical girl

At least not to me.

The Lord showed me your heart

Your immense capacity to show charity.

Sure, I was blown away

By your beautiful eyes, long brown hair, and curves galore

But inside, beneath your tough girl façade

The Lord revealed to me that there was much much more.

You are a beautiful daughter of God.

You are my Queen.

I am so grateful to the Lord

That with you I will spend all eternity.

Although you plucked me, a wildflower

From a world of seeming freedom

Where the sun constantly warmed my petals

A place I could call my own personal kingdom.

You took my rugged raggly roots and all from that domain

Without a moment’s hesitation

You knew we were meant to be,

You unabashedly declared this proclamation.

Over time, with great love,

Lots of patience and devotion

You opened my eyes and I was shown

A glimpse of heaven.

We have created a family

Three beautiful girls and one studly son.

What a great responsibility you and I have

I feel that my cup has over run.

When I look into your eyes,

Hold your hands – you pull me near.

I cannot hold you close enough

How can I show you how much I love you, how much I care.

I know, I know, “just take out the garbage.”

Perhaps, it is that simple, perhaps it is that clear.

Well, I know I am not perfect, in fact

Into perfection’s window I cannot even peer.

BUT, I know you love me anyway,

You see in me something better

Like I said, you have this amazing ability to love

And for “this” I am indebted to you forever.

You are my very best friend

It is with you I want to share

My every thought, feeling, and emotion

And although you don’t realize it – a friend like you is very rare!

Ok, so I rambled a bit – actually quite a lot

But you know this is nothing new.

I guess all I really want to say with this poem is;

My love, “My Enternal Sweetheart,” I love you.

Pretty cheesy - eh? What can I say, I am a cheesy guy :). I hope that it made up a little bit for Lisa having to stay home all day with all the kids, who, as it turned out, all got sick. Yeah, that went over well. :)

We got the girls these little doll necklaces and balloons. I am curious as to what age kids lose their attractions to balloons. My kids love-em to death. Seriously? I don't understand it but, I am definitely willing to embrace it (mostly because they are cheap! :) ).