Sunday, June 03, 2012

Heart of Texas Proves Great Getaway

We have officially had our first 2012 summer getaway in the Heart of Texas near Lake Buchanan.

To celebrate the end of schoool, we, along with my sister's family, and my mom and dad, made the quick 4 hour drive to this remote destintation Friday morning for some outdoor fun.

We fished, swam, boated, cooked out, watched a few movies, and even climbed to the top of Enchanted Rock and did some cave exploration of sorts. Such a blast.

For a cheap, relaxing weekend, no place beats the Burnet area, just west of Austin. It is so beautful and it proves my point - there really isn't any place better than Texas! We got it all!

For more details visit here: http://www.highlandlakes.com/resort/



Sunday, May 27, 2012

My Papa Jack

Every Memorial Day weekend, I make it a point to take the kids over to the little cemetery in Midlothain, Texas, so we can place a few small flags on my Papa Jack's grave.

Problem is our family lineage has a bunch of Jack's. George Jack, Charles Jack, Brady Jack, Jack Wroten Sr and Jr. Jack, Jack, Jack. All jacked up.

They get confused each year so I have to explain the same story time after time. My papa Jack died before they were born in 2004. He was their great Papa Jack. Their Papa Jack (Julie's dad, is still alive). Their other great Papa Jack died before there were born too (that's Julie's grandfather). Poor kids. Jacks running all over the place in their family history.

Regardless, I miss my papa. I really don't think a week goes by he doesn't come across my mind. I wonder alot at what he would think of his three great grand kids. His Asian grandson. What he would think of me and how I've done. I'm grateful beyond words that God kept him with us long enough to see me finally get married and get to know my amazing bride. He was probably wondering back in 2003 just what in the heck was wrong with me...

Papa served our country too which makes this weekend a perfect time to remember and reflect on his life and the lives of so many others.

Papa was the cornerstone of our family for decades married to my amazing Grandma Kat. He provided me with amazing childhood memories on his Ennis farm, taught me how to fish, garden, drive and even mow the fields. Underneath all of that was Grandma keeping everything in check, as she still does to this day.

I know Grandma can't wait to see him again on the other side as does my dad and the rest of us. Between now and then, we will continue to honor how he served his family and his country with our own little Memorial Day Weekend tradition.


Love you papa.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

End of School Update - Kindergarten

Well, the first year of "official" school is wrapping up with summer plans ready to explode the household. So, I figured I would start a new annual tradition in summarizing the year for the kiddos.

All parents know how fast time flies. I was just listening to the radio this morning when one of my favorite songs came on and I was promptly reminded it was from 1997. Geez.

Next year Chloe and Sidney will start first grade, but this year was truly their first year at Smith Elementary and yes it was emotional. It's truly crazy that they are now "little girls" and not babies anymore. Walking them in that day was somewhat surreal and yet they were so excited. Our big girls were starting the 13 year journey full steam ahead and our lives which once were routine-less, were now 100% routine based. That's the part I really hate...

Sidney was in Mrs. Aan's class. Her friends in class were: McKenzie, Payton, Kenny, Kyle, Brady, and Charolette. Her favorite thing about school was "choice time", recess, popping a balloon (which they do every day), doing the calendar, having surprise lunches with daddy, mommy, and others, PE, and art and music too. Her favorite subject was "reading group". She is a great reader and ahead of most others. (She is reading this as I write it now). What she doesn't like about school is computer lab (boring), when she has a substitute teacher, and workout world and when people get in trouble. One of her favorite moments was when she got to go to her book buddies class and read with her. She was also "Star of the Week" which was fun!

Chloe was in Mrs. Butler's class (Julie's best friend). Her friends in class were: Jaeylen, Olivia, Daniella, Kaylon and Brooke. Her favorite thing about school was "choice time", popping a balloon, art and music and of course recess and PE and "free day" in gym. Surprise lunches were a hit as well. Daddy driving her to school was a hit and the race to give dad a hug first was a morning ritual. She loved when I walked them in too. She did not like computer lab or having a sub. She only liked Mrs. Butler. She was "Star of the Week" first and was super proud of her poster! One of her favorite days was when she got to go to her book buddy's class and have snacks and her book buddy took her order.

Their combined best friend was no doubt - Lilan!

Both of the girls are somewhat reserved in class but have certainly come a long way in not being as shy. Chloe is a true comic and getting laughs out of everyone, and Sidney is like a little mother to those around her making sure every one is ok. Both of their teachers rave about them which makes Julie and I smile from ear to ear. We were blessed to have two of Julie's friends be their first year teachers!

It was a highlight of my week as their daddy to take them nearly every day to school and either walk them in or drop them off and wave bye. We either did it the "new fashioned" way or the "old fashioned" way depending on where they wanted me to drop them off.

They truly love school and it's a joy watching them grow and learn. They both told me they are going to miss their teachers this summer and that lunch time will no longer be at 10:30!! Next year is 1st grade and we are all excited about this new step. But this year was sure fun and a true "learning" experience.

Quinn finished up another year at Ridge Kids pre-k and he has one more before he enters kindergarten. We are holding him back a year since he was born 6 weeks early. He loves school too and is doing well, though he is one active, never-sits-still child! Smith Elementary better get themselves ready for this one...his charm, smile and activeness is gonna rule the day!

For now, we enjoy another summer and get ready for the next year...


Sunday, April 15, 2012

Quinn's Forever Family Week...

Thought life was an adventure? Try having a family! Then adopt a child! Now THAT is truly an adventure and for us, our ride kicked into a new gear when we traveled to Korea to bring our son, Quinn, home in 2008.

This week we celebrate Quinn's "Forever Family Day" aka "Gotcha Day" to some though we don't like that term. It is the week in which we met him and he officially became a part of our family, forever. What an amazing journey and story it was and still is! From the first time we discussed the idea of adoption, to the day we landed back home with him in our arms, was one of the most amazing times in our lives.

Quinn was known by those who cared for him in Korea as "Mr. Smiley". He still is. He lights up a room with his Santa-like twinkle and his happiness is contageous. What an amazing example of the light of God in a dark, dark day.

Here in 2012, it is hard to believe how fast it is all going. He is now nearly 5 and his twin sisters are 6 and headed into first grade in just a few months. Life needs to slow down.

Adoption is one of the greatest gifts you can not only do for a child in need of a family, but it is one of the greatest events you can give yourself.

Quinn has a forever family and we have a forever Quinn.

Embrace, life is an adventure!

Thank you Lord for Quinny, our little pooh.

Monday, January 02, 2012

A Cowboys Ticket Holder Resigns

(sent to a Cowboys season ticket official from a ticket holder and fan)

I am greatly troubled at yet another poor season. As you know, I made it clear earlier this year that this was what I was afraid of and I predicted this was what we would get despite all of the hype Mr. Jones was giving us about the new Garrett regime but in the end I bought his spin as I have for years. I could send you a letter that was pages long, but knowing it would likely be a waste of my time, I will spare you my thoughts in detail.

However, I will say this, the Dallas Cowboys are a terrible 120-120 over the last 240 games. We have had just 5 seasons of 10 or more wins, only a handful of playoff appearances and only ONE playoff win since 1996. That’s 15 years of mediocre product. I no longer have any desire to pay for above priced tickets, outrageous parking and over priced concessions to get in return an average or below average product. Mr. Jones has made horrible business decisions these last 15 years as the GM and this is one fan that is tired of paying for it.

We have been a season ticket holder or suite renter since 2004, but 2011 will be our last year. I will not be paying for our seats in 2012. So before I am insulted with an invoice for 2012, just days after watching this terrible season come to an end, please make a note on my account that my tickets are available to someone else that wants to give Mr. Jones their money.

This is nothing personal of course, but I am not paying for Mr. Jones’ terrible product anymore.


Tuesday, December 13, 2011

2012 Year in Review

Blink. Here we are at the end of yet another year.
Wow. Un. Real. I think I’m gonna just start leaving our Christmas lights up all year…

2011 was full of many key moments as a family for us. It started with a bang as we were fortunate enough to take the kids on the family dream vacation to Disney World. Words and photos hardly do it justice but we hope you enjoyed some on our Christmas card this year. It was truly one of the most amazing trips ever. If you do anything for your family, do this one. Julie and I both still vividly remember our trips with our families when we were kids. To be able to do this for our family was an amazing blessing. We can’t wait to go back! Our annual trip to Galveston is always a great time of the year and it was this summer too, but nothing really compares to Disney!

The girls started kindergarten this fall! Big girls now! They love it and are learning so fast. They can basically read almost anything. It’s been fun watching them socially interact with new kids and friends. As identical twins some things just never change. They love being together all the time. We do have them in separate classes, but other than that they are inseparable. Even as parents I don’t think we will ever understand the identical twin thing. Sidney has become such a little mommy and a leader. Chloe remains comical and entertaining. Both are super sweet and just great, great kids. We could not be prouder.

Quinn is going to pre-K and he too has grown by leads and bounds. He even sings the girls school song! He catches on to things so fast. At 4 years old he acts like he is 6 in many ways. He’s all boy though, and for those of you with a boy, you know what we mean. He is a little class leader though and everyone loves little Quinn. He is the star attraction in his school, at church and really wherever he goes. People love him and kids want to be around him. We remain in awe of him and all that God has done to make our family complete.

Our lives are 100% about kids right now. We live in a cul-de-sac and it has become the hot spot for the kids each night. We literally will have a dozen or so out in the front playing, riding bikes or playing some type of sport. We sit out on the driveway catching up with friends on Facebook or playing Words with Friends. In this crazy world we live in, it is kind of nice to have some of those old “front porch” ways visit us from time to time. We are trying to enjoy every second because so many have expressed how fast it all goes. Our lives were so self-centered and selfish before we had kids. God has taught us so much about love, forgiveness and putting others first which is really what life is all about, isn't it? It’s not easy, but there is nothing more rewarding.

Hey, how about our Dallas Mavericks and Texas Rangers huh?!?! Still cannot believe Dirk and the Mavs finally joined the other two Texas teams with rings! It was such a fun ride and the kids really got into Dirk madness! They would just laugh like crazy when we would hoot and holler at the TV during the playoffs. Same thing with the Rangers too. Probably our greatest times each year are being a “Rangers family”. We buy the JR Rangers package (highly recommend!) and go to 5-7 games a year or more. Kids love, love, love Rangers games. Some of my greatest memories are with my dad going to Astros games, so I am thrilled to do the same with my kiddos. Julie loves it too. We cheered them on like mad during their 2nd World Series appearance this year too. Such a heartbreak, but they should be good for a long, long time and in 2013 my Astros join their division! What about the Cowboys you ask? Well, nothing replaces football and it looks like the Cowboys might (and I say might) do something this year. Our fingers are crossed. But either way, the Mavs start up again soon, the Stars are looking pretty good and baseball is just around the corner. Yes, we are a sports family!

We have helped start an orphan ministry at our church this year called “Embrace” with another adoptive family we are friends with. We will officially kick things off in 2012 but we are excited about the chance to reach out to kids in need and help people adopt children. Every child deserves a family and our prayer is more Christians will step up to the plate. Please LIKE our Facebook page! www.facebook.com/wrbcembrace We will keep you posted on how you can help us help orphans!

Julie has been busy this year on two fronts. One, she started her own baking business this year making amazing “cake balls” and it is doing great. Our house always smells like cake! Needless to say, I have NOT lost any weight this year….those cake balls are so stinking good too! She also started a new jewelry business called “Crown Jewels” with my business partner’s wife, Rebecca Novinger. They do 2-3 “Gold Parties” each week and help people get cash for their old unwanted gold and silver. She loves it! We plan to expand in 2012 so if anyone wants to host a party and make some money just contact her! It’s easy and super fun.

No doubt about it our toughest challenge this year was losing our beloved 10 year old boxer Sam. We still miss him every day. He was just the greatest dog ever and his sudden death was so tough. But we knew the kids would have to experience a new puppy and after 10 years of having a play mate, our little dog Max needed another dog to help him stay young. Plus, once you have a Boxer, your family just isn’t right without one around. So we adopted little “Charlie” who is now about 5 months old. He has helped us tremendously and is one of the sweetest, loving dogs ever. Some nights he rotates sleeping in the bed with one of the kids (nearly pushing them out) or us and he loves, loves, loves the kids. He is a tall, lanky boxer with huge ears and a very wrinkly face. He is just great. His favorite toy? Any of the kids stuffed animals. He drags them out all over the place nearly every day and made one his own that we all call “kitty”. It is so funny. It has helped us all move on though our hearts will forever be tied to our Sammy too. I believe he may have had a hand in directing us to little Charlie!

We hope to hear from you as well. Send us your blog update, a letter or something! We wanna know and yes we actually read those we get!

God bless you in 2012 and may He shine His light of grace, mercy, abundance and love on you this next year!

Brady, Julie, Chloe, Sidney, Quinn, Max and Charlie!



Thursday, November 24, 2011

Ahhh....Another Thanksgiving

Family, Football and Food. Need I say more?

Thank God I was born an American. FOR. REAL. To all you haters, what would you be doing in Zimbabwe right now?

This holiday season I am certainly thankful for my faith, my family, my kids, my wife, my friends and so much more. But it's the little things I wanna list that I need to give some shouts out to:

- the ability to avoid Black Friday shopping and do 99% of my shopping online
- my iPhone
- Foo Fighters
- the fact they are building a ChickFiLa less than a mile from my house
- the Astros moving to the American League in 2013
- Phineas and Ferb
- Charlie (our new boxer) and his big ears, long legs and wrinkled face
- Stryper's "Winter Wonderland"
- the price of gold
- Wireless service on certain airlines
- Angry Birds and Words WF
- The "Occupy" protestors (pure entertainment)
- Mazzio's Pizza

Surely this isn't an exhaustive list, but you get the idea. Life is good. Real good. I'm just thankful each day I get a chance to run the clock another 24 hours.

God is good, isn't He?