ICONOCLASTIC LOVE

Swimming Season, Moving Week, Mother's Day

Sarah washed the van a few days ago - and the kids decided that it was a perfect opportunity to get wet and swim in the street.  Shelby, Hayden, and our neighbor's youngest daughter Katie decided to take advantage of ... water.

Isn't that a hoot?

Did you ever swim in the street?

I swam in nearly everything else - but never the street.

It's like pulling teeth to get them in the bath tub these days.  They don't like getting in the bathtub unless it's in the name of swimming. 

But as soon as washing, soap, shampoo, or any form of cleaning-non-playing item enter's the water area - it's no longer fun.

Hey - but give them some some water in the street and they're happy for ours.

Kids are awesome!

I was invited to join them - but just had to pass.

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HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY SARAH!

This is the kids picnic table that stays on our front porch. 

It's also one of the few local gathering places for the neighborhood kids.

It's like the street thing.

It's hard to get the kids to come inside and eat - but if you put food on the pic-nic table outside - it becomes like ... street swimming in a way.

It's no longer eating lunch - it's an outdoors social gathering.

Seriously - Kids come over to watch out kids eat when there's food on the picnic table.

1000's of snow cones and popcicles have been consumed on the front porch.

We like front porch living!

It's interesting how kids transition though.  They don't fully understand the concept of moving.

All they care about is where they're going to get to play next and how close will it be to:

• The Ocean
• Fish
• Six Flags
• Wolf Creek Lodge
• ChuckECheese

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We're actually spending most of Mother's Day packing since our house closes this Thursday.  We still have a lot of work to do.  We hope to get 95% of finished today.

We're having dinner with several friends tonight and the kids are going to actually get to swim in a non-street pool - assuming the weather breaks 60 degrees today.

It's a gorgeous day and It's going to be a great week!

"Thank You God For the Police Talking to Our Car Today"

I got pulled over by a police today for letting Hayden ride in my lap in the front seat from Coleman Park to my house... 4/10 of a mile...

Ok - let me explain...

I decided to spend the day with Hayden today.  So we:

• Went to eat lunch with Shelby at school
• Went to Kids Kingdom and played for nearly an hour
• Went to Coleman Park and watched an older gentleman fish
• Played with Worms
• Walked in the cold creek with our shoes off
• Made boats out of sticks and tree bark and floated leaves down the waterfall creek
• Played on Imagination Mountain
• Chased Black Birds
• Headed Home

On the way home I let Hayden ride in my lap.

We had the windows rolled down and we were listening to Rich Mullins sing "Calling Out Your Name" very loudly.

We were free!

We were ALIVE!!!

We were LOVIN IT!!!

Until we turned the corner and a police officer was turning in front of us.

She gave me a warning after I explained to her what we were doing.

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So tonight - when I was tucking Hayden in for bed, I was holding him and thanking the Lord for all we did today.

Then it was His turn:

"Dear God - Thank you for mommy and daddy.  Thank you God for the police talking to our car today..."

I don't remember much after that - I picked him up and threw him in the air onto the bed and tickled him til' he couldn't stand it.

I'll let him finish the prayer tomorrow.

Connecting With Kids

One of the coolest things about parenting is finding out what clicks with your kids and then connecting with them in those things... if possible. 

I know the hobbies will change later on in life and it will be more difficult to connect with them as deeply - but hopefully we can connect well now and carry it on throughout life.  I pray...

For Shelby:  She's into Softball, Soccer, Gymnastics, Swimming, Riding Her Bike, Hannah Montana, High School Musical, Princesses, Math, Puzzles, Reading Everything she can, Dating Dad, Devotionals, Drawing, Journaling, Doing Girl stuff with mom, Painting...

My special times with Shelby are typically

• Eating out anywhere and talking (she likes to ask questions about God mostly.  She's pretty stinkin' deep for a 6 year old..)
• Reading together
• Coaching, playing, and watching her sports practices...
• Talking about anything
• Watching a Disney Princess movie together
• Fishing
• Anytime she calls me on the phone for any reason...it's awesome

For Hayden:  He's into almost anything that I'll do with him.  His most popular phrase these days is "Daddy, why don't you to come play with me?"  or "Daddy, are you ready to go _________?"

When I respond positively - we typically go outside and do one of the following:

• Kick the Go Diego, Go bouncy ball as high as we can kick it and make loud noises
• Play Baseball or Football
• Hit plastic softballs on top of the house
• Swing Super d Duper high in the back yar
• Go fishing and catch worms
• Fix the lawn mower, mow, pick up grass, sticks,...
• And when we run out of things to do - we hit something really far or kick it really really really high

I'm not being mean or chauvanistic at all - but I'm really really worried about Hayden this week.  He will be all alone in a house of women and I'm frieghtened for him.

Please - some of my guy friends - come rescue the big man this week.  He'll need some male bonding.

I try to keep Hayden away from the girls in our family as much as possible.  Because this kind of stuff happens nearly every time I turn my head.

This Hairbow deal was mostly Sarah.  I'm comfortable enough with our masculinity to laugh - but the boys just don't put up with a whole lot of that stuff.

Another one of Hayden's popular statements to me is, "Daddy, we're the boys!  I'm the boy and you're the man!!!  Right, Daddy?"

"Yeah buddy!!!!"

One minute I'm wrestling with my son on the floor - the next minute he has on hair bows and then before I know it - Shelby has him dressed up in a Princess Belle Dress.  It's the battle of the sexes.  The girls are trying their best to threaten our manhood - but it can't be done!

We are men - hear us roar!!!

He'll definately grow up to be well adjusted and will know how to treat ladies.

He's a pretty special guy to handle all of the stress and women in the house.

For Kennedy:  Of course she has no hobbies except:

• looking cute
• wearing whatever we put on her
• eating anything we put in front of her
• opening cabinets and drawers and pulling everything out she can
• turning book pages and making cute noises
• following me around like a shadow saying "dada"

Babies are so much fun!  Especially #3.

It's true - going from 1-2 kids is the toughest transition.  Going from 0-1 was strange because I couldn't really find out what my role was. 

However - going from 2-3 was great - we all had a place in the family and each one of them is especially unique and captivating in their own little way.

It's all CRAZY - but in a good kind of CRAZY way.

I think we could have 4 and love it! 

At this point in the race - the more the merrier!

It's a really good kind of CRAZY!

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We're leaving this afternoon and I'm going to miss them while we're Gone.  Sarah's mother, Carolyn is here keeping them while we're out.

Carolyn is just awesome - and very BRAVE!!!

She has a special "meemaw" connection with the kids.  She read to Hayden last night and slept in Hayden's bed with Him and Shelby wanted to be in the room with them too - so she spent the past two nights on a pallet on the floor.

This is Sarah's dad.  We were with them a few weeks ago.  He's the one really suffering through this week without Carolyn.

Morris, Thank you for letting Carolyn come to Texas, wish you were here though, Hayden could use another male in the house to protect him!

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Mom and Dad - your blog post is coming up!

My Throat Hurts

Ok - this may be the funniest thing I've ever witnessed as a parent.

As we were leaving for Kidz Kingdom this morning - Hayden came running and jumping around in the living room screaming "My throat hurts - my throat hurts - my throat hurts!!!!!"

So Sarah and I took him to his room to look at his throat - but the way he was dancing around it looked like his privates were hurting.

Last night - He played outside and got wet - but kept playing for a couple of hours with some family friends.  When I got him cleaned up and ready for bed, I noticed he had a bit of rawness "rub".

Well -  this morning he was screaming because he had an "accident' and it pretty much lit him on fire!

He has now learned the appropriate terminology for his area of pain and he knows it's not his throat.

Too funny.

Sad - that he wants to take a nap now and doesn't want to go to Kidz Kingdom.

Must have burned pretty badly!

Ouch!

A Few Good Moments

I don't claim to have lived the most crazy adventurous life so far - but of the things I have experienced - there are three of them that I have to mention.

... I never experienced FREAKIN OUT THRILLING HOLY CRAP FEAR - until my wife delivered a 9 lb 2oz Kennedy Caroline Jenkins while standing up and pulling my arms off and screaming in our master bathroom with a midwife laying on the ground catching the baby!!!!!!!! 

That was THE most memorable moment of my life.  I know there have been some freaky yet awesome moments in many of your lives as well.  I bet we could go on for ours about those "did that really just happen" moments.  They're toooooooo cool!

... I never really experienced unbelievable college football until I miraculously stumbled upon and got to experience the atmosphere of two LUCKY national championships in 4 years  - both being played in LSU's back yard.  Those two nights were probably two of my top ten nights in my life. It's just thrilling being in that type of atmosphere and WIN!!!!

... Parenting really gets fun and crazy when you have a child in little league sports.  Soccer was fun - but I was the coach.  What's more fun is attending the games and watching Shelby's team play softball.

Of course I spend 3/4 of the time helping Sarah with Hayden and Kennedy.  For instance - we were wrapped up in the game Monday night and weren't really paying great attention to Hayden and Kennedy - since they were right beside us playing with sticks and dirt.

But we turned our head for about 30 seconds too long - and Hayden decided to take Kennedy for a walk to the skateboard park 200 yards away.  Sarah caught them half way into their trot. 

From then on it's just eating one snowcone after another and letting them be kids.

As long as you have an even tempered coach and nice weather like today - it's just awesome.

I like what Crystal Rush had to say about little league baseball - she pegged it!

Today is picture day and practice follows.  We're actually going to pick up a new helmet for her because her hair doesn't fit really well in her current helmet and it takes forever to get her ponytail through the hole in the back.  Talk about 'delay of game'

Our second real game is Monday night.

Last week - Shelby hit a home run, a double, and a tripple and couldn't have had a better time doing anything else.

We're headed off to kidz kingdom to let the kids play and pratice hitting with Shelby.

Days like today are just priceless!

Saying Goodbye to Uncle "A"

Friday morning while I was working at my parents in West Monroe, Sarah called and told me that her Daddy's brother,  Adrian Bandy "Uncle A", passed away in Kentucky.  He was 81.  So, I left West Monroe around 2:00 and met Sarah and the kids in the Little Rock area and we drove to Kentucky Friday night.

We arrived around 3:30 a.m. Saturday morning and spent all day Sat. with her family.

It was pretty powerful to hear of Sarah's dad saying goodbye to his brother of 71 years.  Words can't express what those moments in life are like.  "I'm gonna miss you" "I love you"  "I enjoyed growing up with you" "Thank you for everything" "I'm gonna miss you".... tears - kisses - hugs - pats on the head - ...

What can you say after so many years at the end of a brother's life.

Brother's are just special.  Witnessing close long term relationships is sobering.

It was a special honor to witness their close family celebrate Adrian Bandy's life of 81 years.  I was touched.

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Tonight, we're visiting with some close friends whom Sarah grew up with.  We're planning a beach trip for Fall break.  Should be a fun one.

We're at the Brewer's house - Jimmy Brewer was our dentist when we lived here in 2000-2003.  I think I had a filling fall out - so.... Jimmy thinks I need a root canal!!!!   

We're gonna find out tomorrow morning and then we're planning on heading back to Texas tomorrow afternoon.

It has been a great trip - and we should be home late tomorrow night.  Looking forward to lot's of dora, backyardagains, High School Musical 2, Hannah Montana, Elmo, and Mcd's tomorrow.  I'm also looking forward to paying $3.30 for Kentucky gasoline in the a.m.

Moving My Parent's ... Stuff

Well, it's obviously an interesting moving season with the Jenkins families.

A few weeks ago, my brother - Jason, sold his house in West Monroe and is closing May 15th.  They're moving to another house in West Monroe.

A few weeks ago we sold our house and it is closing on May 15th. 

A few weeks ago my parnents sold their house and it is closing today at 1:00.  My Dad retired 2 years ago and spent 1 year traveling and staying home with mom.  I think it drove him a little crazy.  He's only 59, so when a company called him and offered him a Site Inspector job making 3 X's as much money as he was making before - he got out of retirement, put his money back to work, bought a 5th wheel - and moved to the lake near his new work site.

Then he sold his home and made a great profit.

Now - they're living in the 5th wheel - keeping their stuff in storage - and looking forward to the next big inspector job.  He's pretty tickled about the next one - the offers keep going up and up and up for him.

He's like a kid again - giving like crazy - working hard - taking care of mom - and shrinking his life down considerably.

Looks fun Dad!

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Jason got the contract to move my parent's stuff and called me to help him with a very short notice.  So I left yesterday morning at 5:45 for West Monroe to help move all of my parent's stuff out of their house with only 36 hours of time.

Ok - this is a phenomenal way to get perspective on life... moving your parent's stuff without them being there.  Most people don't do this until their parent's die - so I guess the Lord is giving us the privilege of preparation. 

We packed stuff, moved stuff, burned stuff, sold stuff, and collected stuff for 12 hours yesterday.  We're finishing everything off this morning.

This is the home I grew up in.  We moved to 400 Trace West Road in 1979.  It's an average sized home on 3.5 acres in the boonies.  So, practically all of my childhood memories are related to this house - my old home place.  Pretty theraputic stuff to move your parents after 30 years of residency.

It would take 12 hours just to begin writing about all that went through my mind and heart yesterday.

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It'll take the next several years to begin writing about what's going through my heart as I anticipate moving my own house and close this chapter in my life in Sulphur Springs, Tx.

It will one day be a memory - but for now, it's a pretty raw reality.

I think moving is a very tedious thing - but it's just so.... God.

It feels and seems unsettling - and that's just so .... missional.

It makes me feel like I'm just not going to be here very long - and that's just so .... temporary.

It reminds me of God's tabernacling presence in the OT .... very "Resident-Alien" like.

I do find value in staying in one place, though.   I want to settle and live my life "out" from one location.  Because of my wife and kids - I feel that this is best... but God may want us in several places in our short life span.

I thought I was in that place, but it was only another training/mission ground.

I had an assignment and a purpose - I didn't like the ending - but it looks like the purpose was fulfilled and hopefully it's a launching pad for greater things for everyone.

Today, I have more moving to do - and I want to try to be home for dinner tonight, so... gotta go!

Peace!

Awesome Easter Weekend!

We really had an awesome Easter weekend.

Saturday evening, we went to Gateway Church; Pastor Robert's message was one of the best Easter Messages I've ever heard.  I loved how he just dove into the text and let it rip.

He preached Easter from John 14 - You'll have to listen to it here.  It was great to be in that atmosphere.  Engaging in the whole worship experience was powerful.

Hayden sat in the sanctuary with us and was mezmorized by all the words on the screen and the walls.

He kept saying:  "Mommy, there's a "D"!"

There's an "E"!

One time he screamed, "Look, there's an AAAAAAYYCh!!!!!  AWESOME!!!!" 

"he just said Jesus, mommy!"

Sarah said, "Hayden speak a little quieter; all of these people can hear you."

So he whispered, "Look there's an e".

It was funny.

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After the service, we took some easter pics in the parking lot: 

After we finished taking pictures we went to eat at Edohanas.  Sarah and I ate at Kobe Steakhouse in Maui on our honeymoon and have been hooked on the Hibachi Grill since then.

Hayden was in awe of the fire and the "Magic Cook".  

This morning, I went for an 8 mile run.  I felt the Lord was leading me to make a few stops on the run.  Each stop was significant for my heart.

We went to have lunch and hunt Easter Eggs with some friends around 1:00.  Our kids are really at the perfect ages for Easter.  Everything is just so thrilling for them - so new - so fresh. We had a great Easter Celebration.  God is good!

Kennedy--too cute

  Okay, this third child is just too cute and we're blessed that she's part of our family.  I wanted to post her time line on here plus a couple that were taken tonight.  Come on, humor me, I'm the mom and I'm taking over for the sake of my children!  Or at least one of them this time.  So, this post is for MY friends who look at Jeff's site!! 

The Mom,

Sarah

Michael Buble and Amber Rose Conference

Michael Buble was in concert last night at the Nokia Theater in Grand Praire, Tx.  Sarah and I bought tickets a few months ago.  At that time, we decided that it would be our Christmas, Anniversary, Happy New Year, Valentines Day, Mardi Gras, and "whatever else" presents to each other.

So, we made the most of it.  We had a great drive over, a great quick dinner at Olive Garden in Mesquite, and a wonderful drive home.

The concert was the best we've been to.  We went to alot of shows in Nashville when we lived in Kentucky, but this one was the best we've been to in our short 10 years together.

Here's What I liked:

• HE SANG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  ... and when he did talk - he was funny and it had a purpose.
• HE ENGAGED THE CROWD ...  He actually walked into the 6,000 member crowd and took pictures with people especially the toddlers.
• HE SANG ALL OF HIS BEST STUFF ....  Most shows we go to involve someone who arrogantly owns the show and puts on a demo of their newest stuff or whatvever - Buble did his best stuff and made it stick really well in the end with the way he closed.
• HE CLOSED WELL...  He actually put his mic down in the end and sang acapella without a mic while standing 5 feet from the edge of the stage... nice touch.

Sarah and I needed a fun night together.  It was really great - I loved every minute of the night.

Wednesday - Friday

I'm looking forward to the Amber Rose Conference this week.  I attended the conference in 2006 and it deeply changed my walk with Christ. 

Bill Johnson is one of my favorite teachers.  I listen to him almost every week and I've read all that he has published.  He has had a significant impact on my life, ministry, and faith.  The other speakers and Tom Davis are awesome as well.  I'm really looking forward to this experience.

Happy Birthday Kennedy!!!

Today, our youngest daughter, Kennedy Caroline Jenkins is 1 year old.

Wow what a year Kennedy.

I can't wait to hang out with you and share with you what the Lord did in you during your first year on this earth.

You're amazing and we love you!

Kennedy's First Steps

Things are really getting exciting around the Jenkins house.  Kennedy has officially started walking.  And - she's our first Youtube celebrity.

Go Kennedy!

Welcome to McDaddy's

Our kids are really growing up fast.  Shelby is turning out to be a wonderful Big Sister to Kennedy.  She still gives Hayden a lump or two on his rear - but she's really becoming alot of fun to watch grow up.

She has learned tooooo much from Hannah Montana - and we're trying to filter a few things there - but nothing serious.  It's all cute so far.

Kennedy is just adorable and soooo easy.  What a joy she is.  I remember all the people who told us we were crazy for having 3 kids and that it was so much pressure to raise 3 kids and be in ministry.

All I have to say to that is come to our house and get you some of Kennedy Jenkins and you'll wonder with us why God blesses people with beautiful awesome kids.

Maybe we'll agree with those people in a few years - but right now - we're eatin it up!!!

Speaking of eatin' it up - Hayden is just too much.  I couldn't imagine being more in love with a little boy.  We're crazy about Hayden and he's crazy about everything.

Literally - He has soooooooo much passion!  He's infectuous. 

We're crackin up watching him learn about language and putting sentences together.

He pretty much just eats up anything as long as someone wants to do "anything" with him.  What a joy.

Sarah is still getting to stay home with Kennedy and Hayden.  She's a great mom and has really done and is doing a great job of balancing so many things at home.

OK NOW ABOUT MCDADDY'S:

Sarah is at a women's Bible study tonight.  I'm at home with the kids.

When I got home - Hayden and Shelby met me in the driveway so excited about "McDaddy's Night".

McDaddy's is a cool restaurant in Sulphur Springs where my kids love to eat dinner, play games, eat popcorn, and watch a movie.  It's so much better than McDonalds.

The good news is that you can start your own McDaddy's today.  It's not a franchise - each location is uniquely owned, operated, managed, and programed by you - if you're a daddy.  And if you're a daddy - then you can start your own McDaddy's.

Next time your little ones are begging to go to McDonalds to eat a bite out of their cheeseburger and play for 30 minutes - you can save money and gas by creating a more appealing alternative - Mc Daddy's!

For our family - McDaddy's is open every night that mommy is away!

It's gettin' to be a really fun stage of parenting.