The Kitty at the Hemphills

Sam and Grace at the Hemphill's April 2006.

Rick and Becky watched the kids while we investigated the house for sale next door to them. Alas, the price tag was too high although we did like the house and loved the idea of living next to such a great family!

Self portrait, 2006

Hello world.

My parents weren't perfect

circa 1982 (vintage isn't it. I think I still have that classy v-neck sweater.)

top left-Matt, top center-Marc, left to right-Christin, David, Michelle, Jerry (dad), Carol (mom)

(By Matt)
Ever assume your parents were born parents and never had any troubles raising you? My parents had me fooled. And then one day you hear a story about them that made you realize they were only human or mere kids when they were having kids. I guess it's a good thing kids don't remember much when they are 5. Heck, I was so clueless I thought their were still prisoners on Alcatraz island when I went for a visit with my college buddies.

I've been told that one night my mother threw some dishes on the floor in the kitchen after arguing with dad and then she took off for a few hours to blow off steam. I never knew it. I must have been sleeping hard that night.

I also heard that my dad, as a small boy, got together with a few neighborhood friend in the rural New Mexico town he was raised in and cornered a cat in an empty lot by his parents home and torched it. MY DAD! wow. Not one of his finer moments no doubt. I don't think he was too proud of that one.

My mom dated a guy in college that had a little German-made convertible sports car. I saw a picture of him and my mom one time and I wondered what I would look like if HE was my dad. Probably I would have blonde, wavy hair and drive a cool car.

Fence-eating Dogs and Puppy Pancakes

I used to have a dog. Chucky was his name. He ran away. He was an outdoor dog. Guess he didn't like the accommodations. Especially in winter. One day we found him eating his way through the fence. And then he tried tunneling under. Never found out how he got out. He probably got hit by a car. Oh well.

Then we had an old blind dog named Buffy. A little poodle. Well, she didn't start out old or blind...she just got that way. Anyways, she was my favorite dog growing up. We got her when I was probably 2 or 3. She was a fun little pup. I guess you could say I grew up with her. I watched her have puppies. We actually crawled into the doghouse to witness the birthing process first hand. She didn't like that. There's nothing quite as scary as a poodle baring his teeth and growling. It was like she was possessed all of a sudden and forgot all those fun times we had like pushing her down the hot slide in our backyard and dressing her up in doll clothes and yanking her chain on walks when she stopped to smell the flowers. On one cold winter's day, my mom backed out of the driveway to take us kids to school and we heard a little yelp and a crunch under the tires. One of those puppies got out and that was it. Just a red stain in the white snow really. It was sad. My mom didn't tell us younger kids until a few days later. More puppy chow to go around I suppose.

And then there were the older years when she got blind and started running into things and you could see her ribs through her skin cause she wouldn't eat any more. I gave her ice cream and the best stuff off my plate (vegetables) to try to fatten her up but to no avail. I don't even really remember how that dog died. I guess my mom waited a while to tell me about that too. That's probably for the best.

I love dogs. Especially ones that don't shed.

Saturday morning thoughts (pics from fall 2007)

(By Matt)
I stayed home sick yesterday. Had the squirts. Something I ate I think. Not sure. But it was cool. I was ok by about noon and I was not working so life is great. Was nice to spend some time at home even if I was sick. I saw my wife Katie in a new light, all the stuff she does at home while I'm at work is a bit overwhelming. Not sure how she does it all. I know I couldn't. I love that woman. With a 2 yr. old and a 4 month old she is ALWAYS running around. Crazy!! Yet she still found time to make me breakfast and bring me blankets and make calls for me and all with a smile on her face.

God help me to be so gracious. I love that woman.

Ain't life grand!!!

Dave and Matt in front of Crestone Needle 7/29/2007


Dave and Matt taking a rest on our way to the summit of Crestone Peak 7/29/2007


Just the good old boys!...after a rock climb near Fraser, CO


On the summit of Crestone Peak, 14,294 ft. on 7/29/2007
Description of Crestone Peak

(By Matt)
I'm an artist. My brother Dave is a computer geek. In a crazy world like this it just might work. Us getting along I mean. We always have. Gotten along that is. Well, other than a few scuffs every family has...you know. We both work at the Christian and Missionary Alliance in Colorado Springs. Sometimes we play ping-pong. Sometimes I let him win. Most of the time we work though. But one time we played like 8 games in a row. That was cool.

Have you seen that cell phone commercial where that guy is singing the Dukes of Hazard song and saving it as his ring tone? "Just the good old boys.....Never meaning no harm...." That's us. I love that commercial.
Love ya bro!

–Matt


Dave nearing the top of the class 4 NW Couloir approaching the summit of Crestone Peak 14,294 FT