My Greatest Gifts

Just to be clear as we approach Christmas day. God's hand of providence is abundant in my life. He is all and I celebrate Jesus' life and his gift of life to me. And each day he reminds me of His great love for me as I get to be a major player in the lives of these people. Thank you Jesus.

This is my beautiful wife Pamela. We have been married now for 16 years. I'm truly blessed to have her in my life. 17 years ago I fell in love with her simply by sitting down at Furr's Cafeteria and listening to her talk in an animated and delightful way. Nothing has changed. I love to listen to her. Psalm 37:23 says, "The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives." Pamela is a delight to me.



This is my oldest son, Tyson. He's 12 years old and began 6th grade this year. Its been a bumpy ride in his inaugural year of middle school, but he continues to persevere and work hard. He's discovering though that life isn't fair. Hard work doesn't always yield good times. He continues to amaze me on the soccer field. He is becoming a standout on his teams. When I played soccer as a kid I hung out on defense because I was more apt to wait for players to come to me. Tyson's coach can call on him to play any position and he plays each one well, even goalie. He's had some amazing saves this past season. He continues to make great strides in his saxophone playing. He is in Intermediate band and Beginning Jazz. Very proud of him playing a solo at the concert this month. But of everything, I treasure most his great and caring personality and wonderful smile. I continue to enjoy getting to know him.

This is Megan, the other beautiful girl in the family. For some reason Megan and I have had a sandpaper relationship over the years, but this past year things have been different. I honestly believe she's becoming daddy's princess. I'm honored. I love her hugs and the way she looks up at me for a kiss on the forehead. Going shopping with her, to breakfast together, and staying at her dance classes (instead of just dropping her off) have created great memories. She is enjoying her 5th grade status at school. She continues to be the friend everyone wants. I continue to enjoy coaching her soccer team. She is my go to girl for defense when we need to shut someone down or protect our lead. I love Megan.





This is Mr. D. That's Derek to you. Sure I miss the running hugs into my legs when I come home from work each day, but that has just been replaced with me running to him for a hug. There's something special about still being able to pick up and hold your child. He continues to be all boy. He's tough. A bruiser. I started coaching him as well this year in soccer and he's got that tenacity on the field that we all love. He's followed Tyson on his skateboard and at 6, is already becoming quite good on the board. We enjoy his loudness, most of the time. He even reads loud (as I've enjoyed working with him at night on this). This picture is when he had teeth. Currently, he has nothing up front which produces comical enunciations. Don't change D.

So, this is what its all about. I'm thrilled that everyone got my wife's beautiful smile. Merry Christmas crew. I'm really looking forward to the future. Thanks for bringing me along.