August 2008


I can’t begin to capture the roaring laughter that Kerri and I shared after I came back downstairs after tucking Katie in for the second time.  It’s not unusual for her to wake up, come down to see us, then go back to bed.  Yeah, we’re softies.  But tonight was different…

She came into the living room and obviously had put bright pink lipstick on.  It was spread carefully on her lips and strangely on the tip of her nose.  Fearing parental rebuke (she didn’t go to bed with lipstick on…), we ended up having a conversation tonight about lying.  But that’s not the funny part.

In the attempt to “get at the bottom of it” and discover what kind of lipstick-bearing alien might have entered her room and afixed the adornment to her face, she quickly folded and told me what happened.  Her confession and my observation were simultaneous.  You see, she has several posters of the Jonas Brothers hanging on the wall next to her bed.  Her favorite one is a solo image of her sweetie, Joe Jonas.  The confession:  Yes, she had put lipstick on in order to kiss her poster.

There it was.  Pink lip prints all over Joe’s face.  And a noticable “hole” in one of the pink images — where her nose had rubbed against the poster and thereby unknowingly adorned another portion of her face!

The girl had lipstick on her nose from kissing her Joe Jonas poster.  I could hardly contain myself while tucking her in (yes, after the talk about trust, telling the truth, and how I will love her no matter what she tells me).  I came down the stairs, turned the corner into the living room, and busted a gut telling Kerri the whole story.

My life as a father.  Who’d have ever imagined?!?

A week ago was Katie’s party and this past week was the beginning of 2nd grade.  Lots to write about and pictures to post, but I had to capture this conversation.  My mom left last night after being with us for all the fun.

Me to Katie:  “I’m going to call Mamaw, do you want to talk to her?”

Katie to me:  “I’m too tired Mom. Mamaw wore me out.  She did baby-sit me for that one day Mom!”

I know that will come as a surprise to my mom and I sure hope she had a couple of good naps today!  Love you Mom!

We really can’t belive that Katie is now 8. We were in Montreat for her birthday (not the first time she has celebrated her bday in Montreat!). What a great day. After opening gifts (restaurant order forms, new pens and pencils (with her name on them!) and a guitar!) we hiked Lookout Mountain. This was Katie’s first time and she did great! The plan was to go swimming after but the pool was closed (darn chemicals!) so we did some rock-hopping, enjoyed some ice cream at the Huck and then went to Mellow Mushroom for pizza. Here are some pictures – enjoy!

Hannah Montana watch out!

May I take your order?

Starting the trek to the top of Lookout Mountain

Yes, she is hiking in a skirt!

We made it!  Assembly Inn in the background

Big smiles!!

Taking in the view