Happy Birthday Tyler - 16 years old!

16 Years ago TODAY I was introduced to my first son … August 22nd 1992 … William Tyler Samuel Brister was born. Weighing in at 5 pounds 6 ounces (or something like that) he was bound and determined to let us all know that we needed him more than he needed us. He didn’t like to be held, he preferred being wrapped in a blanket and left alone. If you tried to pick him up, he would scream and well … not much has changed in 16 years.

You should see the agility in this young man when I (or my Mom, Dad, Dawn, anyone) tries to give him a kiss. Evidently, these days its sooo not cool to let your dad hug and kiss you. I am glad I was not this difficult when I was 16 … its also refreshing to know that I had it so much more together than Tyler does now. *smile*

What an amazing 16 years this has been with Tyler. I am so proud of him as a young man, his maturity and his ability to carry on a conversation will take him far in life and his heart is soooo caring. Its been said before that Tyler and I are identical (although I would probably guess that most would say I was the better looking one) … I think I would have to say that I am proud to call Tyler my son … I am proud to introduce Tyler to my friends and I am never, ever concerned about what Tyler is going to do, say or how he will behave. Tyler is an AMAZING role model for his brother (however, his grades could use a little help) but who am I to talk about grades? All I can do is support him and guide him.

Another thing I am proud of is the relationship Tyler and Dawn have developed. From the first time they met Tyler greeted Dawn with open arms and a huge smile. Since then they have grown closer and have become pretty tight. Its pretty cool having so many people love and cherish your kids ... the coolest thing is Dawn's family and how they have included both Tyler and Bryan in their lives.

Here is where it all started ... the first time Tyler and Bryan and Dawn met. December 2004 ... Thank god they all liked each other (secret is I threatened them with bodily harm if they didn't like Dawn! *grin*)


















Here is a picture of Tyler @ Epcot during.























Another picture @ Epcot























Yea - Driving - I know - Dont remind me!























Tyler and Bryan @ the airport - heading home from a wonderful visit!

Its amazing to see how much they have changed in only 4 years ... I can not wait to see the next 4 and the 4 after that! I am VERY blessed.

Excuses are like ...

How many times have I said I am going to focus on posting to my personal blog? How many times have I told both of you (I would be surprised if I had more than 2 readers - ha ha)? Ok, once again, I am going to put my blog on my "To Do" list and commit to posting at least ONCE A WEEK! So, what I need from anyone reading this stale and stagnant repository of personal content is if you see me go more than 7 days without posting - send me an email and ask me why I dont care enough about my friends to keep them updated on my wonderful and exciting life! ha ha ... we'll see how that goes.

To catch you all up to speed, Dawn is in her final days of her 9 day Singapore trip ... she flies home on Monday, arrives @ 8pm and turns around Tuesday afternoon to fly to Dallas for 2 days. She is going to be destroyed when she gets home next week ... My plan next weekend includes drawn shades, calm music, a massage and NO plans. She has had a hard trip this time ... in 5 weeks, she will have been home 7 days! Thats right ... out of 35 days, my poor wife has spent 7 nights in her own bed. I think she deserves and has earned a nice Spa day ... dont you?

For me ... I have been working, playing and posting (www.dailydeke.com) yea, I know ... the "other" blog. I am also 3 months into learning and playing Hockey! So far, it has been beyond GREAT ... it has been incredible and insipring. I am having sooo much fun learning how to play the sport I love so much. I'll be talking more about my lessons and the skills I learn.

I am in the red - ready for the faceoff!

Ready for the break away ... rushing the net!
















We spent 9 wonderful days in California with my parents and the boys ... Tyler and Bryan spent 3 weeks in July with the Grandparents and then Dawn and I joined them for the last week. It was non-stop ... Dawn and I were ran into the ground by the time we got home, but it was awesome hanging with the boys and my parents. So - for now ... till next time!

Welcome Home!

Dawn gets home from a 9 day trip to Singapore and I must make sure I
have her favorites available - yea, I'll be here too!