Baltimore aquarium

On Friday night my wife and I surprised our oldest daughter with a trip to the Baltimore aquarium. We had a great time. I was surprised to watch my youngest daughter get so excited to see the all different kinds of fish. She would run up to the glass, point and say "oooohhh". She was too cute. Our oldest daughter had a great time too. I am pretty sure she loves that place! If you are ever in Baltimore then please go see the aquarium. You won't be disappointed. Here are a few photos of our trip. (I think the Jellyfish were the best. They are a new temporary display)

Thanks for reading

~Justin

3 years

Many people use the 1st of January to mark a new year. Practicing Jews will use the Rosh Hashanah to mark their new year. January 26, 2009 was the Chinese New Year. Well my mark for a new year would be November 21. Three years ago, my life was changed in a dramatic way. My father passed away very suddenly, and ever since I am learning more and more about what it means to be a father.

I have felt God invade my life and draw me closer to Him. He has showed me that I need to be more like a Son in order to be a better father. The more I allow myself to be controlled/ruled by His will, the better father I will be to my children. This past year I have learned that God's grace is sufficient for me in all situations. I don't believe in the statement "He doesn't give us more than we can handle" because we can handle ALL things through his Grace!

I believe that He gives us things that push us towards Him. He allows situations in our life that only He will gain Glory through. I believe that God allows situations to happen to us that we can only survive through His grace. So I can say that I "survived" another year, and I look forward to God's grace in the coming year. I pray that He shines into your life, in ALL your situations!
I think Jason Upton puts it best by saying...

"In the company of Jesus there are no experts there's are only beginners and necessary followers. Because in the company of Jesus no body knows where they are going"
~Jason Upton

Thanks for Reading
~Justin

ARE YOU READY??? For some football?

Last night my daughter (Abby) wasn't tired so she wanted to watch football with daddy. So we did! My daughter is in that stage in life that she has to know how everything works and why it is that way. So here is our conversation:

Abby: "Daddy, what are they counting for?"
Me: "Oh that is the end of the period" (i didn't want any confusion between football and money so i so didn't say quarter)
Abby: "What's a period?
Me: " There are four periods in football, period 1, 2, 3, 4 and each period has 15 minutes in it" "So there are 10 minutes left in the period. Then they will go to the 3rd period."
Abby: "What are they trying to do?"
Me: "they are trying to score" "they have to get the football in what is called the end zone, that is how you score."
Abby: "Why?"
Me: "Those are just the rules, made up since the beginning of time."
Abby: "okay"

And so we enjoyed a little father/daughter monday night football. I won't even begin to tell her how much the Buffalo Bills have broken my heart... That is a story for when she is older. Please enjoy the pictures.





And thanks for reading
~Justin

Veterans Day

When I was a kid I used to go to a couple of parks with my dad. There was one park that was special to my dad. You see, in this park was/is a F9F-6P Cougar Aircraft. I used to love going there mostly because I got to play on a jet. Which, let's face it, it is basically every little boys dream. It was special to my dad because my dad would always say "This is OUR aircraft. This is OUR park. We have to take care of it and make sure it is safe." I never really understood back then what He was referring to.
My dad was in the Navy for 10 years. He always looked at that experience with a sense of honor and pride. I remember seeing tears come to his eyes when he would talk about his "family" (other service brothers & sisters).
Well, this past August that very park was restored and dedicated to honor the members of the NAVY who have fallen in battle. Below are some photos from that service. (The pictures are provided by my mom...)








In addition to the post about this park, I have decided that since today is Veteran's day I would take a moment to express my thanks to any and all veterans. Thank you for you service and dedication. Your sacrifice has provided me and all other Americans with a freedom that we very often take for granted. The price that you and your family have paid may never truly be understood. However from the bottom of my heart today I say "Thank you for a job well done." May God bless you and keep you safe. Below are some photos of the veterans in my life. Please enjoy and more importantly, if you see a veteran today please hug them and say "THANK YOU!".


To my cousin Stephen Thank you for your sacrifice and dedication to this nation as a Marine.


To my friend Noah P. Thank you for your service and dedication to this nation. May God bless you and your wife richly!



To My Uncle Richard. Thank you for your service in the Marines



Thank you Opa for your years of service and dedication. This nation and more importantly your family owes you a debt of gratitude.




Thank you to my brother Jamie and his family. Thank you for all you have done and your support. May God bless you richly today.


To Uncle Mike... Thank you for all you have given to this nation. To my mom thank you for raising us children while Dad was away in the service. You both have done a wonderful job.


To my dad: I have no words, but Thank you and I miss you!


This is my Grandpa Heim. He served in Italy during WWII. Thank you grandpa... We miss you!


To my grandpa Schlenker served in the Army during WWII .
"Thank you Grandpa and Grandma and we miss you"



Thank you for reading
~Justin

A PRINCESS PARTY

Fun had by all!!!!

Last night was sister-in-law's princess birthday party (her actual birthday is today). My oldest daughter basically designed the whole get together. Abby was so excited!!! And we had a blast. Not bad 4 year old. Happy Birth Day Sarah!!!!!
Please enjoy the pictures.


Thanks for Reading
~Justin








Fun had by all!!!!

Last night was sister-in-law's princess birthday party (her actual birthday is today). My oldest daughter basically designed the whole get together. Abby was so excited!!! And we had a blast. Not bad 4 year old. Happy Birth Day Sarah!!!!!
Please enjoy the pictures.


Thanks for Reading
~Justin

Every Princess Has Her Prince?

So on Friday night I had the pleasure of my first Daughter/Father Date Night.
I took Abby to see Disney on Ice here in Baltimore. WE had a blast.
She was so excited and really only got scared once, during the "Disney Celebrates Halloween." So I decided that we should wait out in the lobby until that scene was over. The next scene was the only true reason why she wanted to go in the first place.

Disney Celebrates Valentines Day:
All the Disney Princesses and Princes came out to do their little gig. She is really into being a princess, so this was the highlight of the night. I just enjoyed watching her eyes light up and seeing her edge forward on her seat... It ended with this little statement "Every Princess has to have a Prince"

I was reminded of what God must be like when WE receive something that we have been waiting so long for. He must love the glow in our eyes and the giggle in our voice. I think that this is what it means to have a "child like faith". My daughter has no fear of me doing something to hurt her. She has no fear of me giving her something that would harm her in anyway. She has complete faith that we (my wife and I) will take care of her. So if I am suppose to have a "child like faith"...

Why do I have a problem with showing Jesus that same faith and trust?

He hasn't ever let me down. Even when I don't get what I want. He gives me what I need!
Jesus, please help me to understand you and your ways more. Please enjoy the photos.



We are waiting for the show to start.



Every Princess has her prince...

Then when we got home.. Mommy and Abby had some dress up fun time




The next day we went out for Trick or Treating... Abby is the princess and Madi is the Lady bug!


They stole the show... SO CUTE

Thanks for reading
~Justin