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Merry Christmas

A lot has happened in 2018. Our Christmas Postcard shares titbits of that. Our love for nature is evident…the geese resting peacefully near a running brook captured our senses. We pray and hope and wish everyone, the same kind of beauty and tranquility in 2019.  

We had our first ever road trip in Summer 2018. Driving from New Jersey to Texas. We had stops in Maryland, Washington DC, New Orleans, Georgia and finally Texas. Having a AAA membership was an extra accessory. Not only did AAA map out the road trip and stops for us, they gave us valuable Tour Books of the 5 states that helped greatly plus also discounted tickets. The Tour Books had ‘events you can do in a day.’ These were so helpful in maximizing our time. In addition, we spent ample time with friends who made the road trip even more memorable. The family picture was taken in New Orleans, Louisiana (NOLA). The State had its 300th anniversary. 

Nature and especially flowers get a lot of attention from us. We love flowers. Roses being number one and the list is endless. The intricate details of these two “Lovebirds” is complex. The two flowers are happy to co-exist together irrespective of their individual needs. Our prayers for our friends and family are thus said that we may all co-exist in peace, love and harmony.

Angel (The Cat) played her cards right and ended up being a new additions to our family this year. The kids named her Angel…May 2019 be full of such beautiful surprises and mystery. https://www.drandkids.com/the-cat-that-loved-us-still-does/

The month of May – June blossomed with a lot of wonderful events that wiped away the tears. From Confirmation to birthdays, graduation to recitals, you name it…we had it. It was a time to celebrate LIFE. And LIFE we continue to celebrate onwards ever since then and with a more meaningful way. May 2019 be likewise for us all. https://www.drandkids.com/confirmation-birthday-mothers-day-life-celebration/

This last box is dedicate to all of you, friends, family and fans. We at DR&KIDS cherish you, your support and friendship. The message in the sand says it all…I love U. Merry Christmas, and a prosperous 2019. God bless you abundantly.

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Rock, Paper, Scissor, Shoe

In an effort to teach our children to be responsible, we asked them to take turns to clean dishes after dinner. Naturally, I expected the kids to ask us (parents) to pick someone to do it on the said day. Instead they sorted the agenda fairly quickly.

I heard them play the game Rock, Paper, Scissor, and Shoe. In a minute or two, Martin lost the game. Hence, with no further ado,  he headed to the kitchen sink to clean the dishes. Their simple act on such an important decision got me thinking. I mean, am married, and trust me decision making is not as simple as the kid’s game.

Often,words like compromise, have it your way this time, you get a pass for this time, are just but a few of the choices in decision making by couples. Now if only we can take a lesson from the kids especially during this holiday season!?

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We Wish You…A Happy Thanksgiving

It has been a very interesting year for us here at DR&KIDS. Indeed, we must admit that God’s hand has been over us. For we have seen and witness events and amazing support from friends and family alike. Thank you.

The year started with a looming deadline on a government matter that could not be ignored. Yet, the person we hoped was going to help us address the matter dropped the ball. We had to scrabble and get a replacement with less than 45 days to meet the deadline. Our Prayers were answered in the nick of time and the rest is history. https://www.drandkids.com/home/

A few weeks later as we were still sipping and tossing to the victory of a deadline met, a sports physical for our daughter turned the tables. This was the biggest temptation of our faith. For suddenly, a child who had walked herself to her pediatrician and consequently referred to the Emergency Room for a quick ECG (EKG) was now in a cardiac intensive care unit, laden with wires and machines. The diagnosis made my wife and I, look at one another like, “THIS CAN’T BE REAL…OR TRUE. THE DOCTOR MUST HAVE MADE AN ERROR!”

Once again, your prayers and those of many others were answered. She pulled through. Needless to add, we had started another interesting chapter in our lives, we know now, we have a ‘heart warrior’ child. Our new chapter of ‘heart challenge’ (Many like to call it heart disease…but I do not see it that way). Heart challenge because, ‘she shall overcome.’ And overcome, she has. She would go on to graduate high school, Salutatorian, despite missing a couple weeks of school, start a trade and is now in High School. She had High Honors for her first marking period.

It’s Thanksgiving. We are grateful to God. We are grateful to our family and friends who came through for us during our greatest times of need. You know not how much your support helped us, and has helped us. We at DR&KIDS take this moment to pray for all of you and wish you all a blessed and joyful Thanksgiving. Thank you for your kindness, generosity and prayers.

 

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Are You Happy Being A Daddy?

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My children have grown up with the TLC from both my wife and I. As time has gone by, they have gotten used to ‘daddy the fixer.’ My kids image of a father, is one who also fixes what is broken and solves challenges (Problems as some refer them too). Name them, from Tooth Fairies that got late to show up, to simple toys or gadgets that mean something to the kids. https://www.drandkids.com/preach-and-do-likewise-daddy-the-fixer/

It comes as no surprise then that whenever anything is broken or not working as it should, it is brought to my attention. I admit, my handiness is partly because growing up I observed my dad fix a lot of thing. Indeed, if there is anything I am really grateful for as far as my dad is concerned, it is this talent of being able to fix things…he nurtured it without him ever knowing it…

My latest project was rather big. I decided to replace a broken shower stall. While it was not so difficult, it was rather cumbersome. I had recorded the measurements of the broken stall and bought a ‘similar’ one from Home Depot. Only to get home and realize, there is a difference between the inside and outside measurement of a shower stall. I ended up having to order the precise size online and wait for it to be delivered to Home Depot…that saved over $50 in shipping charges.

When I finally picked up the unit, I immediately got to work replacing it. Every now and then, a little frustration showed up and unbeknownst to me, my youngest daughter was keeping tabs. During one of those moments, she walked up to me to offer a hand. Looking straight into my eyes, she asked, “Are you still happy being a dad?”

Taking into account that her question was really important, I cheerfully answered, “yes, I am!” I added that the fact I have them (children) and my gorgeous partner, I was certainly happy being a dad irrespective of all the ‘fixing’ I have to do. In her thinking, being a mum was more appealing since that role requires no ‘fixing’ experience. Well, what would you have said?