Morgan basketball

Morgan started her first competitive basketball league this year. She also plays in a recreational league at our church called, Upward. She has really gained more confidence and skill in this new league and is doing very well. She plays the two guard positions and is a very good ball handler and passer. The Upward league will begin in a couple weeks while her competitive league will come to an end. I am going to be helping coach her Upward team this year.

6 months since the back surgery (double fusion)...

I had a great doctor appointment for my 6 month checkup (back surgery) and got the "all clear" for activities and exercise! I just have to be careful and use common sense moving forward. I will begin to exercise tomorrow and slowly work back into a steady routine. Also, I can begin to plan my ski trips with the kids and then when summer gets here, I will begin swimming and golfing again! Praise God! Thank you for all the prayers and encouragement. I have come a long way in 6 months and am glad to be where I am today.

Christmas 2009

Below are some pictures I wanted to share of our family Christmas this year. We were happy to have Jim (Betsy's father) join us for Christmas again this year. This was taken before our Christmas Eve service and dinner that we were treated too. Thank you Jim :)

Girls opening stockings from Santa and Lucy showing us that Santa brought treats in the stocking they left for Jesus.

Lucy excited for her new Leapster game. Morgan received a new Wii game for her to test daddy with, ha.
After our family Christmas we head up to Estes Park to my parents house with the rest of the Weber clan. Here some of the cousins are passing out gifts to everyone with grandpa joking in the background.

Morgan and Lucy checking out their gifts.

Merry Christmas!

“Jesus is the reason for the season and the reason for life”!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Christ Is Supreme

Our Men’s breakfast has been studying the men of Christmas this month and I wanted to share the devotion from today with you.

Paul’s words to the early church regarding the Man of Christmas

Colossians 1:15-20 (New Living Translation)

15 Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation,[a] 16 for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see— such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. 17 He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. 18 Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead.[b] So he is first in everything. 19 For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, 20 and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.

Merry Christmas!

RMCA Christmas program

RMCA (Rocky Mountain Christian Academy) is where Morgan and Lucy attend school and Betsy teaches. Here are a few photos from the event. Lucy is with her Kindergarten teachers and also performed a song last night with the class. Morgan also performed with her class.

1 Year Anniversary of The Weber Family Blog

I can't believe it has been a year since I started blogging. I started my first post with our children and so I thought I would start with them. I am very proud of my girls.

Morgan was very busy in sports in the past year. Here are a few of the activities: snow skiing, swimming, basketball, softball, golf and tennis. Morgan is in the 4th grade and has been doing very well. Her best subjects are Latin and Math (which were two of my worst subjects). Morgan is gentle in spirit and leads by example.

Lucy was also very busy and participated in the following activities: tee-ball, gymnastics, swimming and golf. Lucy is in Kindergarten and loving being around all her friends. She is very social and makes those around her smile and laugh. Lucy also lost her first tooth this year.

Betsy has had a great year thus far. Her 4th grade class is going well and is blessed with good friends around her. I am very blessed to have her as my wife. Betsy is a pillar in my life and my best friend.

I have been very blessed this year. I had my back surgery that was successful. I grew closer to God through it and praise God for it! I was very humbled to have been nominated and then later affirmed as an elder in our church. I thank God for my family and the many blessings that came from above this year.

DW

Christmas jar

What is a Christmas jar?

I saw this on Glenn Beck (Fox News) the other night and was very moved. This is from the "Christmas Jar"website created by; Jason Wright.

"A Christmas Jar is a pickle jar, peanut butter jar, Mason jar or whatever else you have around to collect your spare change each day.

All coins are dedicated to the jar, and during the week before Christmas you carefully select someone to give it too, anonymously. Was a neighbor laid off? Is a coworker struggling with health problems? Has a friend lost a loved one?

Simply put your jar on their porch, in their car, on their desk--wherever--and you could change their life for good!

$50, $100, even $200, you'll be surprised how much change you can generate and how much you can affect someones life.

Will you pledge to give away a Christmas Jar this year? "

We plan to help a family this year. What a better way to get the kids involved and lead by Christ's example.

Christmasjars.com

Joshua 1:9

"This is my command- be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Where's the Thanksgiving Turkey?

I know the wife bought a turkey. But where on earth did she put the bird?
Perhaps the question should be - 'Who is the Thanksgiving Turkey?'

I wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving!

I am wondering...Where has Thanksgiving gone?

In the stores everything went from Halloween to Christmas!

I was commenting on a facebook post (above) from a friend of ours and it made me think; where has Thanksgiving gone and what will the media and retail chains do to Christmas this year?

The social media and retail stores want us to think about Christmas to stimulate our spending and skip right over being thankful for everything God has blessed us with. Never mind that they also will not acknowledge Christmas for the birth of Jesus but, instead say happy holidays or something similar. As Christians we can not follow the patterns of this world but be bold and break away! Remember the Thanksgiving holiday as a time to thank God for all the blessings but also remember when Thanksgiving is over not to conform to the world by saying happy holidays but instead; Merry Christmas!

I dare you...

To just read the Bible, attend church, and avoid “big” sins—
is this passionate, wholehearted love for God?
—François Fénelon, The Seeking Heart

I challenge you to read the book; Crazy Love by Francis Chan and see if it changes your life!

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all
your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and
greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love
your neighbor as yourself.” (Matt. 22:37–40)

Will you take the dare? This is a short read but will have you examine your life and take the scriptures to heart in a dramatic way.

http://www.crazylovebook.com/

Derek

Halloween

After we (Betsy) dug us out of the snowstorm the sidewalks melted and we were able to go trick or treating :) We were joined by our best friends for some chili beforehand and then went out with the kids.

Here is Morgan and her best friend Abby. They were dressed as little kids...

Then there was Lucy and her cat outfit (Grrrrrrrrr...)

2 days before Halloween...

It is still snowing and we have 20 inches of snow on the ground. The girls and the neighbor kids decided to build a snow fort in the backyard.

Let it snow...Let it snow...Let it snow...

Our first big snow of the year and we are heading out to the golf course for some sledding!

Did you see God today?

I just walked down the street to the coffee shop had to take a break I'd been by her side for eighteen hours straight. I saw a flower growing in the middle of the sidewalk pushing up through the concrete like it was planted right there for me to see. The flashin' lights, the honkin' horns all seemed to fade away in the shadow of that hospital at 5:08. I saw God today.

Chorus: I've been to church. I've read the book. I know He's here, but I don't look near as often as I should. Yeah, I know I should. His fingerprints are everywhere. I'd just slow down to stop and stare opened my eyes and man I swear I saw God today.

I saw a couple walking by; they were holding hands. Man, she had that glow yeah I couldn't help but notice she was starting to show. I stood there for a minute takin' in the sky lost in that sunset a splash of amber melted in the shades of red.

I got my face pressed up against the nursery glass. She's sleeping like a rock. My name on her wrist wearing tiny pink socks. She's got my nose, she's got her mama's eyes. My brand new baby girl. She's a miracle. I saw God today. ------George Strait

Funny story about Lucy...

Lucy received her first flowers from a boy in her kindergarten class. Why you might ask, well she was playing a game where you had to have a password to get past Lucy and the boy was not allowed through since he had the wrong password so he decided to hit Lucy in the stomach. This will teach Lucy to play fair but the boy, who Lucy has known since nursery, decided he wanted to use his own money to purchase these flowers for Lucy to say he was sorry. He showed up the next morning with the flowers and a card to apologize.

1st day back to school

Today we sent Lucy off to Kindergarten! She is growing up too fast but will always be our baby :) Morgan is in 4th grade this year and has mommy for her teacher. This will be interesting but I know they can both handle it.

8 weeks

Today is 2 months since the surgery. I am so glad to be on this side of recovery now. I am doing great and I went back to work this week. At this point, I just need to be patient (for the bone to fuse) and be careful not to twist, bend or lift too much. By Christmas the bone should be growing and making my back stronger.

Golf lessons

Both of our girls took golf lessons this summer and want to do it again next summer. I am so happy and hope they continue to enjoy the game. I would love to be able to play with my daughters as they grow older. Our course in Vista Ridge is called the Colorado National Golf Club and is home to the CU Buffs golf team. In 2010 they will host the Big 12 championship which should be exciting! Here are a few pictures...

Happy 9th Birthday Morgan!

Morgan had a great birthday party with friends. First, we went bowling and had pizza. Then we came home for cake, ice cream and presents. Last, we ended up at the pool to cool off. Below are a few pictures of the fun event. Morgan has some really good friends and Betsy and I had a great time because they were so good!

Lucy actually came in 3rd place and she is only going to Kindergarten! Way to show up the big girls, ha. Notice the bumpers on the side help a bit.

Say Cheeeeese :)

Morgan snuggles with one of her favorite presents; a fluffy light blue blanket for watching TV.

1, 2, 3 ready jump; no you jump first...

5 weeks

I returned from the doctor this morning and everything is looking good. I had an x ray done and they looked good. There was no bone growth yet but that is not expected until the 3 month mark; which is when my next appointment will be (September). The incisions in both front and back were healing and no swelling was present. I am to continue walking both in the pool and on ground and be careful not to bend, twist or pick up weight greater than 5lbs until my next visit. The swelling and surgery pain is getting better each week and I am planning to be back to work on August 17. I am very thankful for family and friends encouraging words and prayers during this time. I am especially grateful to my wife and children as they put up with me and take on extra work around the house. I am encouraged as I get stronger and make progress each week. God is good!

Morgan's 1st of 3 birthday parties

We were up in Estes, over the weekend, to celebrate Morgan's 9th birthday with my family. Her next party is with her friends next Thursday and then her official birthday is August 8.

Morgan and my favorite; peanut butter pie!

Afterwards, grandma took the kids to the rainbow slide for some fun.

New pictures of the girls

Here are a few pictures of the girls before the Taylor Swift concert in Cheyenne last night.

Morgan taking golf lessons. I see a scholarship in the future...:)

Our little ham. How can I deny that face?

4 weeks

Today it has been 1 month since my surgery. I feel so much better than I did just 2 weeks ago. I have to be very careful not to push myself and continue to rest. Yesterday, I was out helping clean the garage and paid for it afterwards. I swelled up and was in bed the rest of the day. I need to remind myself, that even though I may feel like doing more, I need to be careful. I am back to putting Lucy to bed and helping with small chores. A quick update on the rest of the family. Betsy is back to preparing for the next school year. Morgan has been participating in golf lessons and will begin tennis next week. She is also enjoying sleep overs with friends. Lucy is also doing golf lessons and participates in a cheerleader camp. Tomorrow, Betsy, the girls and one of our close friends will be heading to Cheyenne Frontier Days for the Taylor Swift concert. They have been having a good summer while I continue to rest and heal. Thank you to all my prayer warriors out there. I appreciate it! DW

3 weeks

Today is the third week of recovery. The internal swelling must be going down because I feel the screws and rods in the back and it is not comfortable. I am still trying to walk further each day and am anxious to try the pool but may wait until next week or the weekend. Tonight, I was to to take Betsy to the Keith Urban concert but am not ready. Morgan will go instead and I will rest at home. The back is pretty sore again and the front is uncomfortable as clothes rub against the scabs. It is a roller coaster of feeling better and then back down again but I was told to expect this and know that each week my body is healing for the good.

Lucy's first missing tooth

Lucy lost her first tooth. I thought it was pretty early for her since it is the summer prior to kindergarten but with Lucy I think she will be doing everything earlier than Morgan.

2 weeks

Today marks two weeks since surgery and I feel that I have turned the corner for the good. I am feeling better throughout the day and am getting my strength back. I am beginning to walk outside and try to go a bit further each day. The night time is the most uncomfortable as a try to sleep in a comfortable position. I am feeling very hopeful at this point and know the worst is behind me.

I am still here!

I went into surgery around 8 AM Wednesday morning and woke up around 7:30 that night in my recovery room. I was able to come home on Sunday afternoon and was glad to be home! The hospital is not a fun place to stay for more than a few days. I am pretty confined to my room but make it down when I can to stretch and see my family. Today was pretty hard as my incisions were causing a lot of pain.

I want to thank everyone for your thoughts and prayers. I ask that you continue to remember me in your prayers as I battle through the pain and begin to feel better. I have had a lot of friends pray with me, send cards, support my family in other ways and provide meals. I also want to thank my parents for staying with us and being their for all our needs.

I know that with God by my side and my friends and families support I will get through this.

Derek

Surgery tomorrow

I would be lying if I said I was not scared of my surgery. I am nervous, today, about what will happen. I have a peace knowing this is the right thing to do and fully trust that God will be watching over me and the doctors but, as a fallen human, I am nervous. Please pray for the doctors and my family. I hate having to have others wait on me and feeling as a burden to someone else. I have a lot of people praying and supporting me and I am very thankful for everyone. Grace and Peace to you!

500 Hits...

on my Blog site that is, ha. I am looking forward to a nice weekend for Father's Day. I am going to hang out with the kids at the pool on Saturday and then go up to Estes Park to be with my dad on Sunday. My brother and his family will also be up there and mom always cooks a big meal after church. This will be my last weekend before the surgery and want to make sure I take advantage of it.

I Love My Wife

I too often forget to take the time to tell Betsy how much I love her and how much I appreciate everything she does and how proud I am to have her as my wife. I try to tell her but I get too busy in the daily routine of life. I think the thoughts in my head and I know how lucky I am but I am not always good at communicating it out loud the way she needs to hear it. I believe in God's plan for marriage that if a husband would love and cherish his wife then he will be respected by her and that is what we need as men is to feel respected and wives want to feel loved, protected and cherished.

I notice what Betsy does in a day like running along side Lucy while she learns to ride her bike feeling exhausted but doing it not for herself but our daughter. Betsy has great patience for children. She will allow our oldest daughter, Morgan to help cook dinner in the kitchen and learn valuable skills for later in life. I would just get frustrated because of the mess it would make and get mad. Betsy is also a Godly Christian woman who tries (everyday) to do the right thing and be an example to those around her. Betsy is faithful to me and trustworthy. I am very lucky to have her as my best friend and wife.

This is what I want her to know; that you are beautiful, I love you and I am proud of you!

Derek

T-Ball

Time to rewind the clock and start again with Lucy. It seems like yesterday when I was teaching Morgan how to throw and catch and now she plays fast pitch softball. Here are a few pictures of Lucy's first season of T-ball. She wants to be just like her big sister.

Good catch!She also wants to be a cheerleader; hence the outfit.

You go girl! Show all those boys how to play.

You can do it Lucy!

Lucy learned to ride her bike last weekend without the training wheels. She has no fear! Lucy wanted to do it and was not going to to stop until she did.

Early Fathers Day for Grandpa Grogg

Since Jim is in town we thought it would be a good opportunity for Betsy and the kids to let him open presents early. Here are a few shots...

Morgan Softball 10U

Morgan loves three sports or activities; skiing, softball and basketball. Here is Morgan in one of her games this season for the 10U Erie Tigers... Don't watch me, watch the ball!...Morgan playing 3rd base.

Morgan is one of two pitchers for the team. This is her favorite position.

Great batting stance; just like her daddy, ha :)

Our spunky child

Cute picture of Lucy doing who knows what, ha.

After the storm

Here are a few pictures of a beautiful rainbow left after the storm and tornado; God's beautiful reminder to never flood the earth again. Look close and you can see a double rainbow.