Moving

I'm moving all my blogs into one website beginning January 1, 2011. Change your bookmarks and get ready. Join me at www.TravisAkins.com  Easy enough right?

Reese's Pieces (Episode 3)

Catch Up

Wow. What a month. Busy around the 'ol house. We've had a TON of things going on. Laura is much better about chronicling our adventures. So, you can really catch up here at her blog: Simply La. She takes the pictures and doesn't let me use them for my blog. She says something like, "You wouldn't tell it right..." I don't know.

However, I did want to post something and let you know I have some vids and a new "Reese's Pieces" coming up soon. I love my family. They make me laugh and smile, really big.

Favorite Tom Hanks' Movies

I am going to give you my favorite Tom Hanks movies. Why am I doing this? Well, TNT showed "The Green Mile" starring Tom Hanks last night. I forgot how much I really like this unusual movie. Well, it got me thinking of Tom Hanks' movies all together and that lead to me coming up with this idea.

So, this list is all Tom Hanks and I figure I'll have some other lists in the future and work my way up to my favorite movies period. Now, the key word in all this is "my." My criteria is based on what I like and how well I remember it. Here we go in David Letterman top 10 fashion...

11. The Burbs (1989)

    -It's one extra but it's the first Hanks movie I remember. It's classic goofy "Bosom Buddies" Hanks.

10. That Thing You Do! (1996)

    -I give him extra credit for writing, directing and co-staring in this. Catchy tunes are probably not his.

9. Castaway (2000)

    -Any movie that has over an hour of one person on screen needs seriously good acting. He does it and a shame he didn't win an Oscar for this performance.

8. Big (1988)

    -Classic. He's a kid that grows up.

7. Apollo 13 (1995)

    -"Houston, we have a problem." Although it's not what was said in real life, it's what everyone believes because Hanks said it.

6. The Green Mile (1999)

    -Maybe it's because I just watched it, but I am reminded of great acting with a great story. This is a great movie.

 5. Turner and Hooch (1989)

    -Can I admit that this was the first movie I cried in? His poor dog (and I don't like dogs)!

 4. A League of Their Own (1992)

    -Everyone learned the golden rule of baseball: "There's no crying in baseball!"

3. The Terminal (2004)

    -An unusual movie that demanded a great acting performance to make it happen. He does it and I like to watch it.

2.. Forrest Gump (1994)

    -This is the movie that set Tom Hanks on the track to being Tom Hanks. A remarkable performance.

1. Saving Private Ryan (1998)

    -He has a great cast, but you can't deny this movie isn't about Private Ryan, it's about Capt. Miller doing something right in the midst of so much wrong.

Great Weekend

We had a wonderful fourth of July weekend. My parents came in town to spend time with the girls and play around. Though it was a quick trip, it was great to have them in our home. We love having our family out here. It's special for the girls and for me and Laura to host them, especially since they host us so often.

On Sunday, we had a great worship time with the church. Sunday evening we headed to a members home and land where we had some great bar-b-q (what else) and shot off some fire works (of course).

Here is a short video of Reese enjoying the sparklers. Listen for a couple of things: 1) Laura having to tell Reese to "away from your head!" 2) a man saying "River your on fire buddy"

Observations of Small Town Living

I once uttered the words, "I could never live in a small town." Dumb right? I've always heard the stories of others saying those kinds of things and they al.ways. end up happening. This is the very case with me.

Well, living in a small town has changed life obviously. In our few short months out here we have adapted and figured out real quick how to live small. Here are my first five months of learning:

1. RELAX. Seriously a wonderful lesson for me these past few months. There is very little to get worked up over. People and crisis is about the only thing to fret over immediately. I don't think the relax attitude is apathy but rather a rewarding reminder that the most important things in life are people and there is no sense being all stressed and worked over the little things.

2. SURE. I'm not sure I have met someone here that has said "no" when asked if they would be willing to do something. I'm amazed at the work ethic by everyone here. Everyone is willing to do whatever it takes, jump right in and get the job done. It's a rewarding atmosphere and energizing feeling when others simply say, "Sure." What I've learned is to jump in and not consult my calendar, emails or what time it is and just help out in any way I can.

3. SLOW DOWN. You may ask my wife and she would tell you that I have a heavy foot when it comes to driving. Maybe it's growing up in the Metroplex and years of surviving. I don't know, but I've had my share of tickets. Around here though, there is zero sense in getting somewhere fast. What's the point? How is 5 minutes earlier going to achieve, help or accomplish whatever it is? It's not. If we keep on rushing all over the place we may forget to enjoy the ride a bit more. And out here there is some beautiful views to enjoy.

4. THE GARDEN. Now, this has been a rewarding lesson for me personally. Everyone has a garden. Everyone grows their vegetables. It's great. Laura wanted to do this so she got a small area and started a small, modest garden. It's wonderful. I'm not keeping up with it and what not, but it has given me more motivation in our overall yard. I spend way more time outside now. Keeping up with plants, flowers and the grass. Just sitting. Enjoying the breeze or right now the heat. I give this a big reason why my tv show intake has been cut substantially. I would rather sit and enjoy the garden.

I'm sure there are more observations. In fact, Laura is reading this right now and is about to tell me other ones we've talked about and I undoubtedly forgot to write here. We've been here 5 months and it's so apparent to us that we are to be here right now. We needed as a family, and for me, these lessons. I may have once said I couldn't do it, but trust me: I can do it.

Last Night in History

Last night we actually had to get up with Lucy. Middle of the night, baby type of stuff. And on top of that, we BOTH had to get up with her. We just looked at each other wondering what we were suppose to do. This just doesn't happen with this baby. Reese? Every night, two or three times.

Lucy?  I'm not sure we've had to do that....ever? Hospital maybe?

The Big Question with the Honest Answer

I want to ask the question you other parents are afraid to ask: is it OK if I don't like my child sometimes?

Here is the answer: YES.

Now, very recently Reese (our 3yr old) has been driving Laura and I bonkers (yes I used the word bonkers) at times. Not all the time, just during her peak moments of the day. But, I thought about this at dinner a couple of nights ago. I wasn't liking her at that moment. Not eating. Talking back. Non-stop talking. Dropping food. Running around the table. Complaining about the taste. Too hot. Too cold. I caught myself and thought, "Oh no. I'm the worst parent ever. I just said I don't like Reese right now." I cried inside for a moment. Not really.

The more I thought about this the more it makes sense. Especially at the her age, 3, it is very easy to not like her at times. Let us not go any further and have anyone (I don't care who you are) question my love for her in any way, shape or form. Don't go there and don't even think it. Since becoming a father I completely understand God's love for his children (you and me) more fully than I ever had in my life and now see the terrible torment God must have been in because his Son was on the cross. I can't imagine.

However, liking vs loving at times are completely different. I always love her. I choose to love her unconditionally just like Laura and Lucy. But liking? I can't claim that all the time. Sorry. She is 3 and whiny and bossy, and pushy and stubborn and irrational. I guarantee you that you don't like anyone who is like that most of the time. Whoever just thought, "That's not true, I like my stubborn, bossy, pushy, irrational friend all the time," YOU ARE LYING! HUSH.

I've been working on patience, not because I've been praying for more patience but because God gave me Reese. I love that girl, but ask Laura she is a mess sometimes. We just have to take a deep breath, remember she is only 3 and we are the adults and parents most of the time and we should let our love for her overwhelm the dislike at that particular moment.

Reese's Pieces (Episode 2)

Another episode now in HD!

Hold Over

I haven't forgotten about blogging. Just busy! Here are a couple of new pictures (taken by Laura) to hold things over and hopefully I'll get a new Reese's Pieces up!

Reese's Interview of Me

Reese turns the tables and interviews me. Enjoy.

Reese's Pieces

A new regular (hopefully) blog segment titled "Reese's Pieces." It's a candid interview with the one and only Reese Olivia. Enjoy...oh, stay tuned for another video. Reese's interview of me!

Mother's Day Weekend

We had a great Mother's Day weekend. We headed to Arlington for the weekend to 1)pick up Reese 2)see my sister for her birthday 3)see my mother, grandmother and mother-in-law for Mother's Day.

Here is what Reese and Lucy got Laura for Mother's Day:

Laura loves it. She loves it so much she found it and bought it at an antique store in Abilene. She was willing to give up the surprise gift for this....so you know she loves it. You may have read it on Laura' Blog, but when Reese came home (we got this while she was gone) she was in awe of it and even asked, "It's for me?" She loves to plug it in every morning and take books out to read.

While in Arlington, I was able to spend all day Friday with the girls. One thing we did was ride our bikes! Ok, Reese rode her bike while Lucy and I followed. Reese has gotten very good at riding her Dora Bike.

Here is our fun, beautiful Friday afternoon:

We did 7 laps around the long drive-way and side walk. Reese's bike there plays Dora music and Dora will talk to her and what not. She loves it. On one particular lap Dora asked, "Where do you want to go?" Without missing a beat, Reese responded, "I want to go to the fiesta," and she picked up speed down the driveway. I had to stop pushing Lucy to laugh.

Lucy L.O.V.E.D. watching her big sis. We followed behind her and Lucy never...never took her eyes off her. It's so fun watching her be in complete and utter awe of her sister.

When Reese decided it was time to be done after only two laps, I had her park the bike and sit with me on the front porch to enjoy the weather. 3 seconds of that and Reese said, "Ok, I need to ride my bike now. Let's go Lucy." So up we got and rode some more. Great.Ness.

Back to Mother's Day weekend. Laura got to Baby register with my sister and we went to Cheesecake Factory for dinner that night for Birthday/Mother's Day dinner. It was fun, except I think Cheesecake Factory made me feel sick that night. Avoiding that place for awhile.

On the way home this happened:

She was literally in mid-chew and if I re-call correctly, mid-song when it went silent. She slept with a half eaten chip in her lap for 2 1/2 hours. Bliss.

Sunday morning Laura got a talking card from Reese and that surprise massage gift even though she got the book case. I know...I'm a great husband. I cooked Sunday lunch, just the four us and we took naps. I even got up with Lucy and let Laura continue the nap. I know....great husband!

It was a great weekend to celebrate and be with my blessing of a family!

My Child's Bed

Have you looked in your child's bed lately?

Reese has gone back to needing more attention at night. Not sure why. But she is only a 3 year old and her imagination runs wild right now. Anyways, I've been having to go back in there lately to settle her and assure her sleep is not a bad thing.

So, a couple of nights ago go to settle her and decide the best course of action is to climb in bed with her. I climb in bed with her to find more than a pillow and her babies (blankets). This girl hoards things and this is the place she keeps it. Remember me telling you she hid a can of Febreeze in her bed? There is more.

First, you shouldn't climb into a bed, a three year old or not, and put your head on a wet, sticky pillow. It just should not be a worry. This pillow was just that as I placed my head down. I sit up picked the pillow up and found a stash of Tootsie Roll wrappers carefully placed under this pillow. The sticky part of the pillow was left over Tootsie Roll drool. Yuck.

I flip the pillow and move the covers to find shoes. It had to be every pair of shoes the girl owned.

"Reese, why are these shoes in your bed?"

"They are mine."

I couldn't argue with that. I moved some of them.

I found something else. "What is this?"

"My game!" It was a piece of a princess game she has and obviously the pieces were not in the box any longer.

"Reese, maybe we should clear some of this out of your bed?"

"No, no, no Daddy. This is mine and I neeeeeed it here. Ok?"

"Ok."

My Fingernail

So, I'm a song away from getting up yesterday in worship to preach. I was scanning my notes one last time and noticed one of my finger nails. It was unclipped. Long. My left ring finger was the odd one with a nice long growing finger nail.

After I sat down with Laura again, I showed her. She laughed. I leaned back over and said, "The thing is, I clipped my fingers three days ago and I just now noticed it."

She made fun of me and called it "my girly finger."

I Love My Gift

A daughter is a gift of love.  ~Author Unknown

There is someone I haven't talked about on my blog before. It's not because I'm neglecting her, but since the last blog post, moving, etc. I haven't talked about her. So, this is long over due.

A precious gift was given to me and Laura last September in our little Lucy. She is awesome and at 7 months old is the complete opposite of her big sis. She sleeps. She doesn't cry. She has blue eyes.

No matter her personality, I know my little girls are going to be great friends. They love each other. Lucy will laugh at anything, I mean anything Reese does in front of her. I was discouraged the other day when I was trying to tickle Lucy and get a laugh. Lucy simply gave this stare of un-amusement. Reese walks up to ask me a question (about candy or something) and Lucy smiles so big. I tell Reese to tickle her and she touches her stomach and the biggest roar of laughter comes out.

It's fun now with two girls. When Laura was pregnant I hoped for another girl. I thought it would be great to have girls and they could be sisters. Now, Lucy is sitting and rolling (sorda) and starting to play with Reese. They are friends and partners now. It's great to sit here and watch them on the ground laughing, hugging and making high pitched squeal sounds.

Lucy came to us somewhat surprisingly. At the end of 2008, Laura and I began to pursue an adoption. We had been praying and talking about when and how to continue our family And the details are fuzzy on me, but something came over us (I believe a strong calling sense from God) to pursue adoption. We have some great friends in Arlington (where we were at the time) who adopted twice. We spent some time with them asking questions and experiences on adoption. We went to a orientation meeting that started us on the process with Children's Home of Abilene. During each step we grew more convinced that this was what were suppose to pursue. Our hearts grew more and more.....fond of the idea to take a child and love them and give them a home. Though I truly do believe God wanted us to go down that road, he gave us Lucy now. Will pursue adoption again? Probably. But for now we have this special gift.

I have two precious gifts that are blessings that grow each day. In no way did I deserve these remarkable little ones in my life. In no way was I prepared for life of all girls. But, Lucy came and I love Lucy...and Reese...and Laura.

three year old check up

For a wonderful 'caption' of our little girl Reese, see Laura's recent post.

Click Here to visit Simply La

The Many Emotions of Lucy

This Day in History

Have you seen the 1983 movie "Mr. Mom" starring the great Michael Keaton? He is Mr. Mom for months, I however was on this particular day.

It was daddy and the girls on a rainy day all alone. We didn't have run away vacuums or ironed grilled cheeses or anything like that, but we did have a great day together!

First of all. Lucy is a momma's girl. Hands down. I'm thinking about the day and I'm not sure she smiled at me once. I kept getting looks that said, "Where you put Mom? You shouldn't do that. Where you put Mom?" 

This look:

However, I think she had a good day. Anytime Reese is around is huge treat for her. She loves her big sis. So, the three of us played a lot today and I think Lucy may have looked past me sometimes to laugh with her sister.

Reese is my cooking helper. She loves to drag a chair to the kitchen and help me stir whatever we got going. She is an excellent helper. This morning she was right there with me on the big breakfast we cooked. Her speciality is stirring the eggs after I crack them. She is so good, I can crack the eggs and leave her to stir and they'll be ready for cooking in a couple of minutes.

Both girls slept well last night and today. The usual naps took place which gave me all of 45minutes to read and do nothing. When Reese made it known she was awake with her yelling, I went to open her door (her door sticks and she can't open it) and I was overwhelmed with the smell of Ocean Breeze Febreeze. Febreeze. I said, "Reese. Do you have Febreeze in here?"

"Yeah."

"Where is it Reese?"

"It's right here daddy." She jumped on her bed and pulled out a can of Febreeze from the side of her bed. Stashed away in her little hiding place. I could only laugh.

I picked her up and she was drenched in Febreeze. Hair. Clothes. All of her. I said, "Whoa. That's strong." Her response, "I smell real good daddy."

A proud girl:

Laura called me at one point today. I picked up the phone and Reese immediately begins to talk at the phone. "Mommy! Mommy! Hi Mommy!" So, I gave the phone to Reese and she began telling Mom everything. At the end of her conversation Reese tells Laura this, "You coming home in a minute. Right?"

We were having fun too! But the way she said it was in a tone to let her mom know she is needed ASAP to salvage this day. I had to pick it up.

We made a pizza! I'm not sure I've ever done that, but we found some pizza dough package we had and we made a great pizza. I was really impressed with me and Reese's pizza making skills. Reese got to pound the dough, spread the sauce and put all the cheese on her pizza. We sauced and cheesed the dough too early. I told Reese, "We messed up. Silly daddy." Her reply, "No, no. Reese and Daddy are silly."

After dinner, I asked Reese if she wanted to slide. Can you guess her answer?

So I set this up:

And if I may say so myself, this was awe.some.

Lucy had fun sliding too:

Lucy's expression again is thinking "Mom wouldn't do this."No smiling.

It was a great day and we had fun being together. I love my two little girls and I love all the time I get to spend with them.

Mr. Mom day is over. Laura is home now and I very much appreciate her taking care of us in the special way she does every day. 

I'm in charge

Ok. I'm home alone with the girls tonight and most of tomorrow. Laura has left me alone with our children. Laura is not here and has left me in charge of our children. She is gone and while I'm here without her. The  girls are looking to me for food, activities and safety. They are looking to me. Me.

Deep breath.