My kids, part 3

Jordan Alan Coyne joined our family in the Fall of 2004. Although, we did not plan to have another child, we cannot imagine life without him. He is "all things loud"!!!! He began speaking clearly at about 2 years old and has not stopped since. Tons of personality, articulate, comedian all shoved into a little body.

He does really well in school and practices "first time obedience" with others...not always with us! I would rather have him act better with others! At pre-school (3 mornings a week) he is a leader. The other little boys want to do what Jordan is doing.

All three of our children are amazing. I thank God that I share life with them. Lori and I take seriously our role to help lay a foundation, teach them good work habits, teach them how to handle money, how to listen and communicate and how to be successful in this life.

My kids, part 2

Austin David Coyne was born February 1999! He looks more like my wife's side of the family than mine! He is one of the easiest going young men you will ever be around.

He is energized by being home or with family and close friends. Austin does not like being the center of attention., His mind is always racing in some creative venture. He loves to create things, he loves music (plays keyboard and drums), he has a good voice and, like most boys, he is full of GAS!

We call him "buddy" most of the time and that's what he is! Everyone loves him! He played baseball last year and loved it (he's a lefty) and now he is in Basketball. Like his sister, he is great student and works hard with homework! In many ways, he was an answer to prayer for Lori and I! He brought so much peace to us!

My kids, part 1

Maddie (Madeline Renee Coyne) arrived on December 10th, 1995 in Newport Beach, CA!!!

She, from the beginning has been determined and loves people. Today, she has become an excellent student. By this I mean, she works hard to understand her lessons! The Middle School she attends strives for excellence in Character (I love this). During her first year at Mile Hi Middle School, she received the only character award for the entire 6th grade class!

Lori and I were blown away by this honor knowing that our parenting laid part of the foundation, but ultimately, Maddie had to choose what type of person she would become! Our parenting with her has moved more to "coaching". Some of my favorite things about my daughter is her love for others! She, like her mother, knows the value of people in her life. She gets heartbroken over relationships that are torn!

Maddie, I am so proud of you. You are joy to parent and I am proud to be your dad!

My how times change!

This picture is an approxmiation of the size of hair that I had while in High School! Now, after you finish laughing at how much of an idiot I was, I am trying to make a point (okay, I have to laugh hard myself...just a minute)

Isn't it odd that I was once known for having LARGE HAIR and now I barely have any? I suppose it means that we are all changing slowly into newer, hopefully better people.

What were you known for? Is that still true today?

During the same time in High School I was voted "Best Personality" (ironically, so was my wife)! To this day I still remain a person who is easy to speak with and generally likes people. I hope that this part of me is not LESSER, but perhaps GREATER then ever!

How are you getting better? As always, it boils down to character issues that are timeless and the most beneficial! Build those traits and you will enjoy your life much more. Plus, you honor Your Creator by building on characteristics that He build inside you!

You just keep moving

This picture was taken about 4 hours after finishing a marathon. We had driven about 90 minutes home so needless to say, Greg and I were both very stiff, but we still had to get out of the car.

Do you ever feel that way? Of course you do! There are moments, days and even years that you just have to "get up" and keep moving! Not sure if there is anything spiritual, but as for me, I often pray, take a deep breathe and get going again.

My encouragement for you is simple: Just keep moving forward! I look forward to seeing you keep going, and if you pass me on the road, just remind me of the same!!!!

Talking at dinner

Parents, I would like to challenge you to 1 meal/week as a family! In our busy lives, it's a rare thing to sit down together and have a conversation, but if we don't practice this art it will be lost to our children.

I know one of the biggest hurdles is having something to talk about that is appropriate for your entire family. Let me suggest a few simple ideas.

1. What was the best/worst (choose a topic) or your high/low from today?
2. Where did you see God today?
3. What or who inspires you?
4. Tell your kids something you read or heard recently and ask their opinion.
5. Ask about their thoughts on recycling or issues regarding the environment.
6. Talk about things your family can do to help a neighbor (rack the yard, etc)
7. Go do #6!

Refresh someone

Yesterday I was challenged by this thought. What does it mean to "refresh" someone? You know people in life who bring value to your day and uplift your spirit. In fact, you can define this by looking at people who do the opposite of refreshing. Some people in our world "suck life" right out of you when they enter the room.

I, probably like you, want to be someone who brings "refreshment" to those I come in contact with. For me it begins by having a home that is welcoming. It's not always clean, but our home and family works at trying to make this place friendly and inviting.

There needs to be more! In a world with so much electronic communication, we need more personal touch and time to be different. If we are going to refresh someone then it need to be in person if at all possible. Anyone can write a quick email or text, but few people take the time to sit in front of another person to bring life, joy and refreshment.

Do you want to?