Bigbear

One week ago.....

2008-02-28T05:29:00.000-08:00

The last week of my life has been one of the most difficult I have ever had to endure. In my own selfish nature I have been angry.

“How could this happen?”
“Why Kevin?”
“Lord, how could you take this man from his wife and children?”
“…and his friends?”

Then Sunday morning I went to church to support Suzie. The strength she has exhibited has been amazing through all of this. Joe asked that we all begin in prayer. And huddled with Suzie and Jen and Stacey and Linda I cried for my loss. As hard as I’ve cried in my life.

Then Joe began to preach. And somewhere during his sermon I felt something.
Something totally unexpected.

I felt envious of Kevin.

He was now standing in Heaven with our loving Father. He was in the presence of God. Is there a better place that any of us could be? I can only imagine the joy and happiness Kevin is experiencing now. He has the prize. I have no doubt that as he entered Heaven he heard “Well done, good and faithful servant”.

As I stumble through the days I get flashes. Memories hit me from no where like a ton of bricks. And then they are gone. How he approached his tee shot. How he stood when he was grilling. How his eyes lit up talking Hokie football. Him running around yelling after Santana Moss beat Dallas on a Monday Night Football game and half waking his house. Good memories.

I am sad and jealous. But I know in my heart that Kevin is in all his glory.

I want to live like there's no tomorrow

I want to dance like no one's around

I want to sing like nobody's listening

Before I lay my body down
I want to give like I have plenty

I want to love like I'm not afraid

I want to be the man I was meant to be

I want to be the way I was made

Chris Tomlin

Kevin Lawyer, my best friend, lived his life like this more than anyone I knew.

I love you my brother.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge

2008-02-18T08:42:00.001-08:00

More Lost speculation

2008-02-12T06:04:00.000-08:00

I think that Ben's contact on the Frieighter is none other than Michael. As part of his deal to get off the island, Ben told Michael to watch out for any expeditions to find the island, Black Rock, or Oceanic 815.

Looks like Thursday will be a great episode. Some spoilers out there suggest a couple of crazy reveals.

Lost Theory......

2008-02-08T03:45:00.000-08:00

I have a theory after last nights flash back episode featuring the Losties "rescurers". It was revealed that they are there for Ben Linus. And here is my theory.....

They were all in young Ben's class and have since left the island only to find out that Ben killed everyone they loved.

And I also think Sayid will be revealed next week as part of the Oceanic 6.

So there is it. Take if for what it's worth.

LOST

2008-01-28T06:17:00.001-08:00

It's finally here. Thursday begins the 4th season of Lost.

Who are the people on the Freighter?

What happened to Michael and Walt?

What happens to the those that get off the island?

Who did Kate have to get home to in the Flash-forward?

Did Charlie really die in the Looking Glass station?

What was the 4-toed statue about, and who built it?

Who is Jacob?

What does Ben really know?

The questions are endless, and from what we've seen in the past, the show will answer several of these questions by giving us more questions to ponder. With only 48 episodes left, how will this adventure end?

Let it begin......

You will not believe this.....

2008-01-03T09:04:00.000-08:00

So a friend of mine are walking through Arundel Mills Mall a couple of weeks before Christmas. We stopped to check out some of the stores and possibly do some Christmas shopping.

As we walk by the Starbucks in the mall, there were several woman sitting in the seating area with their children playing as they talked and drank their coffees.

This is a word for word exchange between my friend and I immediately after we walked by them....

Me - "Did I just see what I think I saw?"

Tim - "Yup"

Me - "That wasn't what it looked like, was it?"

Tim - "Oh ya. Can you say shrink in about ten years?"

As we walked by, one of the children, a girl, maybe 3 years old, was sitting on a

training potty with her pants down, going to the bathroom!

Now first off, the mothers were just talking away like nothing was out of the ordinary.

Second, the Starbucks is RIGHT next to the public bathroom. Not on the other side of the mall, within 10 feet.

And lastly, what does the mother do when her child is finished? Does she then walk into the bathroom and dump?

Why is the world soooooo messed up??????

You know this year is special when....

2007-12-13T04:40:00.000-08:00

unreal.........

2007-10-09T05:27:00.001-07:00

Could this be a special season?

More Photos from the Nice Bridge......

2007-09-14T05:43:00.000-07:00

Who says you can't have fun while you're working....

Here is a shot of our safety boat. The Captain of the boat's name was Diane Morgan......Yes, Captain Morgan. Our poses above the bridge were a tribute......

NFL 2007

2007-09-04T09:34:00.000-07:00

The Cowboys will finish 11-5 and win the NFC East.

Bridge Inspections

2007-09-04T09:30:00.000-07:00

Several people have asked me how things have changed to me after the Bridge collapse in Minnesota. We are now in the process of inspecting the Nice Bridge over the Potomac in Southern Maryland.

Don't look down......

7 Random Facts

2007-07-26T05:11:00.000-07:00

I have apparently been tagged. So here goes.

1. When I was younger, my brother and best friend across the street would spend hours in the woods building forts. When a house was being built across the street, we "borrowed" some bricks to make a patio on the roof of one of our forts. The fort was a pile of rubble within 24 hours of completion of the patio.

2. I am a superhero junkie. I love them all. Superman, Spiderman, Batman. The whole Hall of Justice from saturday morning cartoons.
2a. I also love the Transformers (the new movie is a must see for fans), and when the original cartoon movie came out in 1986, I took my little brother with me so I could see it, and told everyone I went because he wanted to see it.

3. I once kicked a 60 yard field goal during the halftime of a college football game. Why can't I be the one to kick for the $1,000,000 during the NFL Pro Bowl?

4. Growing up, my favorite music was R&B. New Edition. Bobby Brown. Johnny Gill. Luther Vandross. Keith Sweat. Bell, Biv, Devoe. After 7. You name it, I had it. And knew all of the words.
4a. Amy, I love the Bee Gees too.
4b. I know all of Barry Manilow, Kenny Roger, Neil Diamond, and Elvis Presley songs because my dad would play them on EVERY road trip.

5. I have jumped off of a 10 meter platform. Man it was high up there!

6. I've touched the Pacific Ocean. And I brought back a rock and shell as proof.

7. I don't like tomatos. Yet I like everything that is made from them.

So there it is. I guess that's really 10 random facts, but it's my list, so deal.

And I have no one to tag because all of my blogger friends have already been tagged. Looks like I need some new friends.

Future of Life Point Drama

2007-06-04T14:19:00.000-07:00

After my boys saw the amazing LPC Student/Children Ministries Sunday Service, they decided that evening to give us a concert of their own. Complete with music, dance, and costumes. I wonder if they'll be the Dan Tangerine of 2017.....

Memorial Day Weekend.......

2007-05-30T04:48:00.000-07:00

Friday Night at the Orioles Game.......

Here's a view from our first seats.....

Then our next seats.......

Then our last seats.......

Then a little play time......

Then the post game fireworks.......

A sight for sore eyes.............

2007-05-16T08:09:00.000-07:00

Offense

Defense

LOST.......how will this season end.....

2007-05-09T06:41:00.000-07:00

Here are my thoughts......

- There will be several deaths in the season finale. Ben, Charlie, Sayid, and Kate.

- Dharma is coming, and they are bad news.

- Penny's dad or Tom is Jacob.

- They are not dead.

- There is no cloning going on.

- The monster is there to protect the island.

Francis Scott Key Bridge Part 2

2007-04-26T05:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was up on a bridge again. This time it was the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. It is a large Truss Bridge with a suspended center span. I walked the catwalks under the Truss section that you can see in the photo.

This is a photo from the first pier we were on. The main suspension span is 200 feet above the water. The pier we are on is approximately 180 feet up.

This is a shot looking down the face of the pier.

Don't worry Jen, I wasn't going to walk out over the edge....

This is the ladder down to the main piers. About 60 feet.

This is a view up from one of the main piers.

This is a view of the inner harbor from the bridge.

We saw this guy at one of the piers. There were 4 eggs just behind the ladder.

New York City in April.....

2007-04-26T04:49:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, Jen and I traveled up to New York City for our 12th anniversary. I was the first trip (longer than an overnight) we've had without the boys. We stayed with my friend up near Central Park.

We did some site-seeing on Friday, the World Trade Center site and the Seaport, and met up with my brothers for dinner at Tony's. If you're ever in the city, Tony's is a great Italian restaurant on 2nd Ave just south of 86th Street.

We got up Saturday and headed downtown to do some shopping. I surprised Jen with a "What Not To Wear" shopping spree. We hit a couple stores and walked the town for all of Saturday.

It's amazing how large New York is. And how many people there are. Until you visit, you really don't get the full affect. And the weather was AMAZING! 75 and sunny every day.

I think I can speak for Jen when I say I'd go back this weekend if we could. It was just so great to be adults again. I think it was one of the best anniversary's we've ever had.

Being in the city with the person you love the most was truly a great experience. I thank God every day for bringing Jen into my life. It's been the best 16 years of my life.

Random thoughts....

2007-04-10T08:04:00.000-07:00

- Someone needs to explain to me why it was 35 degrees with snow flurries on Easter

- What a great idea to move Daylight savings ahead 3 weeks

- What a truly amazing skit during Easter Service at Life Point Church. I am so glad we found this church 9 years ago

-Lacrosse is really growing on me

- Do you ever wonder if you are really doing what God wants you too be doing?

- NFL Draft is only 22 days away

- Man, I really wish it was football season

- Yes I realize it is Global Warming!

- Sanjaya........PLEASE STOP THE MADNESS

- The God of the Universe sent his Son to die for me.........Amazing

- Time spent with friends is time well spent

- Do something for your significant other and expect nothing in return

- I can't wait to go golfing this year

- When is the last time you spent an extended period of time with your spouse without the kids?

- When is the last time you spent an extended period of time with you kids alone, one on one?

- I don't remember the last time I went to the movies

- Yes, I admit it, I am looking forward to the Transformers Movie this summer

- And Spiderman 3

- What would you do if you won the BIG lotto?

- Man, I wish it was football season

Francis Scott Key Bridge in Washington DC

2007-03-13T12:08:00.000-07:00

I am in the process of inspecting this bridge. It was built in 1925. It is really a beautiful structure. Because the bridge was built so long ago, the means to inspect the bridge were added after the fact. We climb ropes and use ladders on the bridge to inspect it. Here are a few shots of from our inspection today.

This is me climbing up the first part of the arch.

Here I am at the top of the first ladder.

Now I'm looking back down at Tim from the top of the first arch (notice that the ledge I'm on is like 12" wide)

There I am at the top of the ladders at the piers (this is the highest point of the bridge, probably 80 feet).

And here is the view down from the tallest ladder.

Lke I said before, if someone told me 5 years ago I'd be climbing 80' ladders I'd have bet them anything they were wrong. It's amazing what God can help you accomplish.

Well, I've got a few more days on this bridge. Hope I don't slip........

Dancing in Westminster

2007-03-08T04:58:00.000-08:00

Last night, Jen and I began our training for Dancing with the Stars. We are taking ballroom dance lessons at Dancing Made Easy in Westminster. Our class is for an hour and a half, and we are learning foxtrot and swing. Our class has about 10 couples.

It was really interesting to "people watch" during the class. And it got really funny when the instructor had everyone switch partners during the moves. Sufice it to say, several of the students who were nervous got REALLY nervous.

I would have to say it was a fun experience. Jen and I both thought it would have been great if some of our friends were in the class too (Lawyers, Burches, Fullens). Maybe the next time.

Jason and Lance, I will say, that the dance instructors have nothing on the BoiseMen group.

DAYBREAK

2007-03-05T10:16:00.000-08:00

One of the greatest shows that you will never see. If you have a good internet connection, and some free time, it will be completely worth your while. Go to ABC.com and go to the "watch on-line" link . You won't regret it.

A day on the side of a mountain.....

2007-02-06T07:59:00.000-08:00

Monday afternoon, I took Grant to Ski Liberty for an afternoon of snowboarding. I used to ski when I was in High School, but I have never snowboarded. Grant got a snowboard for Christmas, and we finally had a chance to go.

Aside from the temperature not going above 18 degrees, it was a great time. Grant did a great job for his first time ever on a snowboard. He was great at going straight, but could use some work on turning. But all in all, I think he was a natural. Here is a picture of him.

As far as I was concerned, I left the mountain with all bones in one piece. And I think by the end of the day, I was getting the hang of it. I would definitely go again, and as Cole has a snowboard too, I will be going again. Here is a photo of me.

You never think it will happen to you.....

2007-02-06T07:45:00.000-08:00

Sunday morning was the culmination of months of hard work. And it would have to say that the hard work was totally worth it.......

I have to say that accepting the Inaugural Sabad Trophy as the Champion of the LPC Fantasy Football League has been a dream come true. It's something that you just never think will happen to you.

I would like to thank my loving wife Jen, who was there through all of the long nights of preparation and the tough decisions. And my boys, who gave me endless support and advice.

The opportunities that it has opened for me are too great to name. I would just like to let my friends know that this will not change me. I will be the same person I was before this.

He will be back.........

2007-01-08T08:31:00.000-08:00

"The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising Again after you fall"

It's all over....

2007-01-02T09:34:00.000-08:00

There is no way a team that expects to do anything in the playoffs can lose to the Lions at home. NO WAY

I would like to undo my previous prediction. The Cowboy will not make it to the NFC Championship Game. They would do well to stay within 21 points of the Seahawks. The Cowboys will lose in Seattle and end this sham of a season, 38-24.

Disgracefull is the only word that can describe the last 2 games.

Disgracefull!

Random thoughts....

2006-12-20T10:26:00.000-08:00

- Is the week before Christmas (with a week vacation following) the longest week of the year?

- How in the world can it be 74 one day and 44 the next? Global warming????

- Click was a really good movie. Not at all what you would expect from Adam Sandler.

- Does anyone else prefer to buy presents for people than to recieve them?

- If I had 1/4 of the energy of my 3-year old........

- The Cowboys will win the NFC East and play in the NFC Title game.

- Which is easier, snowboarding or skiing?

- Why is it so hard for people to think of others before themselves?

- If I only had the imagination of my 3, 6, and 8 year olds.........

- Which is harder? Getting to the top or staying there?

- Who else knows the theme songs for the Heat-miser and the Cold-miser? Come on, admit it.

I'm Mister Heat Blister, I'm Mister Sun

I'm Mister Green Christmas........

I'm Mister Icycle, I'm Mister Snow,

I'm Mister White Christmas.......

- How great is it to watch the old Christmas specials with your kids? Thanks ABC Family

- Lost is the best show on TV

- Followed by Smallville and Daybreak

- What one super power would you want?

- I will be taking a road trip to the new Cowboys stadium when it opens in 2009.

What I do during any given week day.....

2006-12-20T07:17:00.000-08:00

If someone had told me 10 years ago that I would be hanging off the bottom of bridges I'd have told them they were crazy. But alas, there I am, hanging off a bridge in Washington DC.

I think I probably should have used my harness for this.

Don't tell Jen about this.........she wouldn't be happy.

You have to be kidding me!!!!

2006-11-27T10:16:00.000-08:00

22-29 for 309 yards and 5 TDs

Tip? At McDonalds???? HUH?

2006-11-27T06:12:00.000-08:00

I would like some opinions on a situation that Jen and I have disagreed on. Yesterday we had a birthday party for Tyler (3 years old) at a local McDonald's. The place has a large play-set and a seperated area. We invited 10 other 3-year olds and our two older boys. Several other siblings came, but they were not part of our party.

When we arrived, our "helper" told us that they didn't have the correct gift bags for the ages, but that she would try to find something age appropriate. She then seemed confused that we wanted a cake (we had requested this in advance). She told us what the kids could eat and drink. We were 15 minutes early, so we waited for the guests as the boys played in the tunnels.

Here is where is gets bizarre. Our "helper" then launches into this speech, and I'm paraphrasing, but not by more than 3 words.

"I don't know how to say this, but the party I did yesterday had 10 kids and they tipped me $10. And a party I did last week had 25 kids, and they didn't tip me ANYTHING!!! I brought out the food, and swept up when the party was over."

And then she walked away.

We had the party and during it I asked her if I could get some drinks for the adults. She told she would get to it in a minute. 15 minutes later.... no drinks. The kids then got their food, and no drinks. 10 minutes later, they got drinks. Still no adult drinks. So I proceeded to the counter and ordered them and brought them out to the adults. When the "helper" saw that I had done this, she stopped me and said she was going to get to the drinks, and showed me a list she had made. Mind you, I hadn't told her what any of the adults wanted. The list was the kids drink list.

Then she brought out ice cream, with no spoons. So I got the spoons. She then asked Jen for the plates for the cake. (Jen had called before the party to make sure that we didn't need plates, and they said no). We told her that and she said that she would get some.

Out comes the cake. The icing is melted, and the plates are the ones they use for pancake breakfasts. And.....no forks. So I get the forks, and the kids get a 2"x2" piece of cake on a 8"x12" plate.

The party ends and I pay. But no tip. Who tips at McDonalds????? Jen thinks I should have. I do not. Please advise.

Suffice it to say, that is one party that we (and the adults) will never forget.

21-14........How 'Bout them Cowboys!

2006-11-20T10:43:00.000-08:00

19-23 for 226 yards

Disrupting the Best

Is the Future now?

2006-11-08T06:20:00.000-08:00

THE INCIDENT REVEALED

2006-11-03T07:20:00.000-08:00

I led my team toward the Giant Tree swing at RVR. The day was partly sunny with a cool breeze. But the woods seemed angry that day. Like an old man sending back soup at a deli.

We turned the corner and came face to face with a black bear! He was 12 feet tall if he was a foot.

I stepped in front of the group. Putting myself between the kids and the bear.

I yelled for him to leave, but he just stood there. He stared at me and I stared back. He lunged toward me. I yelled for the group to run!

I tackled him and we rolled over down a small slope. Shell shocked, we both stood back up . He charged again, and this time I tried to kick him. As my foot headed for his huge jaw, he raised his paw and swung at my leg. He grazed the back of my leg, but didn't slow it down enough. My foot connected just to the side of his nose. He howled and ran off into the woods never to be seen again. I only wish that I did not have to hurt the giant beast, but the safety of the kids always comes first.

We continued on to the swing and finished our retreat without any further incidents. It is a day that I will never forget.

Life Point Church ROCKS!!!!

2006-10-31T06:07:00.000-08:00

To be apart of a church that had the weekend that it just had is truely amazing.

First off, the BreakAway Retreat was incredible. Gary was a great speaker, the weather was great, and the kids had a great time. Aside from my "incident", it was a great time. (if i can figure out how to upload photos, i can show you what happened)

The Hunt 2 was also a great time. I participated in the entire Hunt this year (unlike last year when a car accident took me out). I was a Goon, and spent the night trying to through off the teams from their goals.

I think of how fortunate I am to belong to a church where the student/kids ministries are so incredible. I wonder how different my life would be had I had a BA Retreat or Hunt to be a part of when I was younger. As a church, we are truely blessed to have the leaders in place that we have. They ALL do a great job.

And to think, we will be having our first service in the new facility in less than 2 weeks!!!!!!

God is great!!!!

And so the Romo Era Begins....

2006-10-24T06:23:00.000-07:00

Only time will tell......

As Fall arrives..........

2006-10-23T11:58:00.000-07:00

- Is there any better time of year than fall?

- The BA room is 95% complete. We have a few little details to get done before the 12th. The skyline looks amazing. And the entrance came out better than I could have ever hoped.

- It doesn't seem real that in 3 weeks, we'll be in our own church building. God is great!

- Big Game for the Cowboys tonight. Giants coming to town. With a win, they move into 1st place.

- The BA Retreat is this weekend. As is the Hunt 2. I'm going to both, but I'm not sure my exact roll in the Hunt (hint hint Lance/Jason). I should find out tonight as I plan on watching a BIG Cowboys' win with the guys.

- Men's Fraternity is going REALLY well. It feels like the speaker is talking directly to me. I think it will change my life if I let it.

- Every couple needs at least one night a month out, without kids.

- People need to laugh more.....me included.

Getting back to God.....and some random thoughts

2006-09-26T10:51:00.000-07:00

-I just finished listening to the first installment of the Men's Fraternity Bible Study. And it looks to be all that is was advertised to be.

I have somewhat fallen away from a good study time, and this looks like the real deal.

The meetings are 7-8:30 on Saturday mornings, so please pray that I have the strength to get up and go every weekend. I'm pretty motivated as I know I need to for me and my family.

- The boys are into their soccer schedule. They are on the same team, and both are playing really well.

- The BA room is getting there. We are planning on working tomorrow night and then on Oct. 6 and 7.

- Jason and Rach.....you best call us the next time you're getting WINGS!!

- I need to get a bike. Or at the minimum, and elliptical.

- Does anyone besides me really love the smell of a good fall day?

That is all.........

The Weekend

2006-09-18T11:44:00.000-07:00

Friday we got somethings done in the BA room. We put up almost all of the back row of buildings. I forgot my jigsaw, so we couldn't cut the openings for the outlets, so that's why a few didn't get put up. We hung the screen, but everyone decided it needed to be higher up. So we'll move that the next chance we get.

Rach....the paint is still the same. I think we are going to darken all of the colors. We'll see......

Saturday I played golf at Oakmont Greens in our Company Golf Outing. Our team finished 3rd. We could have easily finished first, but 2 holes killed us.

Sunday - Church was really good. Joe is such a great preacher. And BA went well. I was in a skit that I thought went well. Some people were concerned about the content (witchcraft/demons) for the 4th graders, but I thought the skit that Kim wrote was great, and Debbie had a great talk.

We got home and I repaired the tractor and got topsoil and seed for the yard (Jen has been wanting to do that for months). We spent the afternoon weeding and placing topsoil and seed. I hope it takes.....

In the evening, Jen and I went over some things for the BA Retreat, and then Lance called to watch the Cowboy/Redskin game. I had told Jason that he and Lance could watch it at my place, but Lance wanted to watch it as his place. I figured big screen...I'm IN!

The Cowboys did not disappoint. 27-10, and I didn't think it was that close. I think the Skins are in trouble. Sorry Kevin. The Boys still have a way to go, but they did play well.

Back to work today. I'm not too tired b/c the Cowboys won.

I'm playing in a charity golf tournament with Kevin tomorrow for YFC. Should be fun.

See ya....

BreakAway Room

2006-09-14T08:36:00.000-07:00

I was at the church office last night for a couple hours working on getting things ready for the work night on Friday. Rob Zabik and I got the screen ready for installation and got almost all of the back row of buildings cut.

We should be able to get all of the back row a biuldings up tomorrow night and then Jen and the ladies can get to painting them.

The room is going to look incredible when it's done.

Can't wait........

Football.....what a great game!

2006-09-11T08:36:00.000-07:00

2006-09-11T08:17:00.000-07:00

I figured since my lovely wife decided to be a blogger, I should as well. So I'll give it a try