US Warnocks

Bob's Blog

This lady obviously has kids

This has got to be one of the funniest comedy bits on parenting that I have ever seen. If you are a mom or have a mom (that includes pretty much most of us) you will recognize the pure genius.

Posted: 8/30/2008Comments (0)

Parenting for Slow Learners

A friend of mine, who is also my doctor, let two of his boys go for an adventure this summer. He allowed them to drive to California where they spent several weeks hiking and experiencing Gods handiwork. I have to admit that I was somewhat jealous. I would love to do that myself.

As I thought about how wonderful that must have been, I also thought what a blessing it must be to have kids that are teenagers that you can trust with such responsibility. Knowing his kids, I would trust their judgment. I couldn't say that about very many kids their age.

This got me thinking about my girls and how summer has been a bit of a struggle for me. I have a daughter that is about to head off to Middle School (Junior High for us old fogies). I can't imagine that this is an easy thing for any father to do. It is not made any easier by the fact that she no longer thinks that all boys are goofballs.

Anyway, I sometimes feel that I must be in God's remedial parenting class. After struggling with the middle school issue and alternating between stress and denial, I think that I have had a revelation. Everywhere I looked this weekend, God hand was at work.

Saturday, the girls participated in the triathlon and far exceeded my expectations (see my last blog entry).

Sunday, I saw the Brownfield boys and heard a little about their adventure. Then, came the message during our worship service. Our pastor was out of town so we had a guest speaker, Brian Sweeney. He did a great job delivering a message about God's Healing Grace. You can hear it by clicking here.

One thing that seemed kind of odd to me though was that at one place during the sermon he hit on the fact that sometimes parents can unintentionally hurt children by trying to tell them that they aren't capable of doing something that they aspire to. Then he repeated it a couple of times. Since I was the sound guy for this week, I got to hear the message again...and he made the same point again...it stuck out again... and he repeated it...again. Somehow though I didn't catch that he might be (not intentionally) talking to me. Remember what I said about remedial parenting...

We got home on Sunday and the girls informed me that they were working on a craft sale to benefit Little Victories Animal Shelter to take place the next day. I was not as optimistic as they were that a craft sale on a Monday morning would work; so I tried to make sure that they had realistic expectations and to not be discouraged if they didn't have a lot of business.

When I called them this afternoon they had folded up shop early...but not before raising $53 and some change.

When I came home, I couldn't have been any more proud of my girls. Then, I saw Makenzie's test scores from her proficiency exams and they were even better than I could have dreamed. By that point, it became painfully obvious that God was using Brian's words to talk to me. It is God and a willing heart that determine what we are capable of through Him.

You would think that this would be a clear enough lesson. After, discussing all of this with my wife this evening, we walked into the TV room where the kids were watching Finding Nemo on Disney. We walked in when Dory and Nemo's dad, Marlin, were inside of a whale and Dory is trying to convince Marlin that the whale is trying to help them and not eat them. The whale starts to swallow, and Dory says the whale wants them to move to the back of his throat. Marlin wants no part of that; so he grabs Dory with one fin to prevent her from being swallowed and hangs on to whatever he can with the other. She tells him to let go it will be all right. He asks, "How do you know something bad won't happen?" Dory responds "I don't" and lets go in blind faith. Marlin follows. Marlin and Dory are expelled from the whale's blowhole at his destination and he exclaims thankfully, "I'M ALIVE!!"

God has quite a sense of humor don't you think?

By the way, I am feeling a lot better. God is good!

Posted: 8/4/2008Comments (0)

2008 Kids' Try-a-Triathalon

Saturday, Kelsie and Makenzie participated in the 2008 Kids Try-a-Triathlon at Beech Fork State Park. The triathlon is in its 6th year and is sponsored by Healthy Huntington.org. It is a great event that is held to promote sportsmanship and a healthy lifestyle for young people. This year was the largest event yet and included over 90 kids from ages 6-14.

Kelsie Biking

This was Kelsie's second and Makenzie's first year for this event. I couldn't have been any prouder of the girls' determination and effort. They have trained really hard for the last month or so, and the results surprised even me. Kelsie improved on last year's 5th place finish by finishing 3rd in her age group and Makenzie won the 10-11 girls age group.

Kenzie Run

The olympics may have world-class atheletes, but I think that I would just as soon watch an event like this. Every participant was cheered in by an enthusiastic crowd of supporters who recognized their determination and heart. No big name sponsors...no chest thumping...just a bunch of youngsters pouring out everything they have and maybe surprising themselves in the process.

Kenzie Swim

Posted: 8/4/2008Comments (0)

New Horizons

This week marks the 8th anniversary of my employment with State Electric Supply. Hard to believe, because it doesn't seem that long ago that I started. Yet, so much has happened since that time.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at State. The management does a great job of cultivating a family atmosphere and I couldn't ask for better co-workers. But, after careful consideration and a lot of prayer I am changing jobs. I will miss seeing my friends at State on a daily basis, but I look forward to the challenge of the new job.

Our owner, Art Wiseburg, has been a real inspiration. I have learned quite a bit from watching him. He is still a key part of the day to day operation of State (and Service Wire our sister company) although he is in his eighties. I don't think he would ever consider retirement because after 55 years he is still having fun, doing what he loves. I wish I had half of his passion, intelligence and charisma.

To all of my friends at State, I hope that God continues to bless the employees and company as a whole.

To Art, John, Clarence, Gene, Charlie and Randy, thank you for the opportunity; it has been a good run.

Posted: 7/9/2008Comments (0)

Happy Father's Day

Tomorrow Is Father's Day; so, I'm giving Dad the day off. I can't wait to say Happy Father's Day to all the fathers, mostly to my Dad. He is the one that helps me with lots of things (of course Mom does too). He has taught me how to do math, ride a bike, play basketball and soccer; but, the most important thing that he has taught me is to love Jesus. He is the best dad in the world. I could never have a better dad!!!

Love Kelsie

Posted: 6/15/2008Comments (0)

Snakes and Gators and Bats, Oh My!

I finally managed to get out of the hotel today. Rosen Shingle Creek is a pretty impressive place. The hotel has 230 acres in Orlando (I can't imagine what the property taxes on this place must be). I found out today that they have a nature trail, which circles the hotel, golf course and swampland on the property.

Anyway, I finished dinner and decided to take a walk and check it out. This is the start of the trail.

The scenery was beautiful, lots of dense woods, egrets, Spanish moss, and other things that you don't see every day in West Virginia. As I walked along the sand path, I was amazed how it could be so close to the artificial world Disney has created with its crowds and noise. I took some time to stop and reflect on the amazing diversity of God's creation. I wish I had more than a cell phone camera because the pictures don't do it justice.

After a while I also began to notice that the sun was starting to set; so, I started back. As I picked up my pace I thought further "if I was a reptile and it was starting to cool off, wouldn't a nice warm sandy path feel good to lay on?" Sure enough the trip back was complete with a few surprises.

When I got back in view of the hotel, I stopped to enjoy the view for a second...

As I turned to start back, I stopped right away because I wasn't the only one on the path.

It was actually a very beautiful snake and didn't seem to be bothered too much by my presence. I found this picture of a similar looking water snake on the web.

After the initial surprise, I wished him well. Giving him wide berth, I went on my way.

About fifty yards up the path I saw this little guy. I think he went about five feet. Of course, where there's babies, there's moms and dads.

That's about the time the bats started feeding on the bugs that were finally starting to appear along the path. One swooped down and almost hit the gator.

All in all it was a very enjoyable walk; however, if I go tomorrow you can bet it will be a little earlier in the day.

Posted: 6/4/2008Comments (0)

Greetings from the Gang at Shingle Creek

Hola to all. It seems that my entourage is forever expanding. I just hope they don't get caught sneaking back home on the plane.

It has been a busy week for me but the gang seems to be keeping occupied. I did squeak in an opportunity to shoot a picture of everyone in front of the hotel. It took a couple tries 'cause the monkey kept blinking.

da gang

Posted: 6/4/2008Comments (0)

Greetings from my Monkey in Florida

Kenzie,

Just thought that you might want to know that my monkey is having a great time in Florida. He has made some nice monkey friends and is trying to pretend that he misses your monkey.

my monkey

Last night was our EdFest and they had acrobats from Circque Du Solei there to perform during dinner. It was amazing! I don't know how they do some of the stuff that they do.

Love, Dad

Posted: 6/4/2008Comments (0)

Memorial Day Thoughts

I spent this Memorial Day weekend working on our landscaping. Kim had other tasks that she was attending to; so, I spent a lot of time thinking about the meaning of the holiday.

One of the things that I noticed is that those who stop to consider the price paid by others, don't often spend time thinking about the original patriots who not only were willing to risk their lives, but also paid the price of fighting a war on their own soil, among their own homes and families.

Think for a moment what might drive you to feel a need to do likewise. To place the lives and livelihood of your family on the line is not something that a sane person would do without believing wholeheartedly in what you are committed to.

Our Declaration of Independence spells out the reason for this determination in its introduction and preamble:

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Many liberal, so called open-minded, people are quick to say that the soldiers in harms way are serve to give them the right to protest as they choose (I don't think that I have ever heard anyone say that's why they enlisted though). Yet in spite of the fact that our own Declaration of Independence states in no uncertain terms that the basis for a free and independent United States is founded on rights provided by our Creator, try teaching something other than evolution in a classroom. The concept of a Creator, even as a theory, is not tolerated. So much for open-mindedness.

Please don't forget to pray for the leaders of our country, regardless of party affiliation.

Posted: 5/26/2008Comments (0)

Great Day for a Great Cause

LSMR 2008

May 17, 2008

One of the events that my family looks forward to every year is the Luke Simon Memorial Ride. The Simons are great friends of ours, and they lost their son Luke to cancer. He was a wonderful young man, and they continue to honor him by reaching out to the families of local children who themselves are fighting serious illness.

The effort and planning that they put into this event every year is amazing, and I am always impressed by the generosity and compassion of the riders. Thanks to all of the participants, sponsors and volunteers for another wonderful event.

CHECK OUT THE PICTURES AT: http://www.warnock.us.com/LSMR.html

Posted: 5/18/2008Comments (0)

Our prayers are with you

This past weekend, I attended a memorial service for two precious young ladies, Haley and Zoey, who were about the same age as my girls. It really made me appreciate the opportunity that I have to share time with my girls. They grow up way too fast.

I want to thank the young people that participated in the service. Several of the girls' classmates shared letters to Haley and Zoey as well as stories about the good times they had together. At the end of the service the children were encouraged to write messages to the girls on balloons that we all released together. Later, my oldest told me that she had encouraged them to look up her great-grandmother and her grandfather. To help identify them she said "he will be by a lake fishing and she always has cookies".

Posted: 5/1/2008Comments (0)

Cleveland Rocks?

Monday 4/21

Once again I find myself on the road for training and it seems that my stowaway friend has brought some company. While I am back at the room this evening doing emails and such, it appears our duo has scored Cavalier tickets. Go Cavs!

I wonder how they scored seats that good??

Go Cavs!

Tuesday 4/22

The stowaways were in for a little sight seeing today. Seems they made their way down by the lake at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Can you believe they didn't even get me a t-shirt?

rock and roll

Wednesday 4/23

The stowaways said they figured they would just hang around the hotel today. Somehow, Im not quite sure that's how it worked out. Does anyone in this picture look familiar?

indians

Posted: 4/21/2008Comments (0)

Swim meet results

The girls competed in a USS swim meet in Charleston this weekend. Makenzie picked up her 24th best time of the season and qualified for team honors. Kelsie was competing in the 7 and Under category and picked up a trophy for High-Point in her age bracket. Both of the girls are constantly improving and it is amazing to see the progress in just one year.

Posted: 4/14/2008Comments (0)

Adventures of an Affectionate Stowaway

I have been traveling for a training class this week. Before I left Kelsie packed a stowaway in my luggage.
While I have been in Powerpoint Purgatory, Love Bear has had a very active week.
Here are some pictures of the fun.

The Continuing Adventures of Love Bear

Turns out that I am glad to have company. Love Bear and I had our flight canceled and are stuck in the airport for 12 more hours. Thought that we would share a few pictures of the fun.