What if Austin?

New Blog

2009-07-20T16:47:00.001-07:00

I don't visit this blog that often, however, if you want to keep up with our family then go to: www.austinchurchplanting.com

It is a blog that has been recording the events of starting a new church in central Austin. I am sure we will pick this blog back up in time, but until then the aforementioned website is a better place to check in.

Thanks!

Tucker

2009-04-07T07:50:00.001-07:00

This is my son, Tucker. I love him so much. He loves footballs, soccer balls, basket balls..basically he is just a balla! Ya, he has red hair, two dimples, a little chubby, and kind of shy, but he is awesome! First, his name is Tucker. It took us three days, after his birth, to name him, but it is perfect. His big sister calls him Tuck and I call him Tuckerooski!

The best part of the day is when I come home and I can hear Tucker from inside, before I get to the door, calling out, "Dahd-dy, dahd-dy". It is awesome. He will come and give me the longest hugs. The kind of hugs that are like, "Where have you been all day...don't ever leave again."

So far he is dominated by his sister. She has hit him, sat on him, pushed him, thrown things at him so much that just when she comes toward him he screams out loud and falls to the ground in a duck and cover position. Son after his dad's own heart. That's how I made it through Jr. High.

So Ya, he gets dominated by his sister but he is only 1.5 and his sister is 4. He already out weighs her and when he learns he can use his weight she will be running from him the rest of their childhood. Until then she just sits on him and giggles, as he cries out for help. "Dahd-dy, elp"

Poor guy :)

How Focus on the Family Ruined the Gospel?

2008-02-24T19:08:00.000-08:00

On their website Focus on the Family states their vision as, "Redeeming families, communities, and societies worldwide through Christ." They state their guiding principles as evangelism, marriage, children, etc., however, it is possible they might be hindering the gospel more than redeeming culture through Christ.

Simply stated, they are calling culture to focus on the family. Seems it is going in the wrong direction right out of the gate. Obviously they came into existence in response to the 1980's when families focused on work, accomplishments, and climbing the corporate ladder. You can't fault that generation really, because they were a product of parents who went through the depression, World War and they were the first generation in the United States to do significantly better than their parents. They were college educated, women had rights, duel income families, and purchasing items through credit was becoming the norm. They could have bigger houses, bigger cars, greater vacations, and they left the home and the raising of their children to baby sitters, latch keys, and television. As a product of the 80's it really wasn't that bad. Between the hours of 3:00pm - 6:00pm I got to do whatever I wanted, and I thought that was great. Nevertheless, this cultural trend left a void in the family, an absence of morals, and an avoidance of church.

In recognition of this cultural trend Focus on the Family, as well as others, began to wave the family flag and fight cultural trends for the last 30 years, and now those kids of the 80's have families and children and are looking for direction. They experienced a family that was consumed with consumerism, therefore, they are making some changes. Making less income, living in smaller houses, and driving smaller cars so they can be with their family. Avoid the mistakes made by the previous generation. They are going to do it different. They are going to focus on their children, their activities, their education, their friends, their clothes, their music; heck they are even going to listen to their music and dress like their children. They devour magazines on parenting, shows on raising children, read books, seminars, anything they can get their hands on to be better parents to their children than their parents were to them. The only problem is that they leave Jesus out of the equation.

Oh, don't misunderstand, they want Christianity for what it can do for their children. If it helps their kids avoid drugs or not get pregnant then they are a fan, but Jesus is often secondary, if not tertiary. Jesus is great for safe activities, finding good friends, and not hanging out with the "wrong people." The problem is that their children are seeing the gospel elevated in their family, but not lived out. Parents aren't consumed with consumerism like their parents, but they are consumed with their children instead of the gospel. They make decisions with their money, their marriage, their future all based on what is best for their children, when it might be better to consider how those areas of their lives could be best lived out for His glory and kingdom. What if our families were challenged, educated, and inspired to "Focus on Christ" instead of focusing on the family, which is ultimately focused on self, but doesn't sound as bad?

I am not saying the family should be abandoned, children should be neglected, or marriage is insignificant, but possibly it shouldn't be the "focus." Now those who are offended will contest, "Of course, we want people to focus on Christ, it is implied" and I am just getting caught up in semantics. Obviously, I disagree. Parents of today are consumed with their children. Changing schools, churches, neighborhoods, all for their children, to the point their identity is defined by their parenting. Again, please don't misunderstand, I love my children. Look at them! How could I not? But I think the greatest message I could send to them is that Christ is my greatest affection. They grow up seeing their mom and dad devouring scripture. They see people in their home that their parents are pouing their life into. They not only read about God's transforming power in scripture, but they see it lived out in the lives of their parents, themselves, and the people around them. I wonder what a difference it would make if Instead of our children perceiving that they are at the center of our lives, our routine, and our day, but instead they see it is Christ. Now I could use a radio show, magazine, books, articles, and seminars that would help me learn how to do that.

Kennedy: Round 1

2008-01-31T07:37:00.000-08:00

Round 2

2008-01-31T07:04:00.000-08:00

Kennedy: Round 3

2008-01-31T06:38:00.000-08:00

Kennedy's Singing Debut

2007-12-23T20:56:00.000-08:00

6 Weeks and Smiling

2007-12-03T18:53:00.000-08:00

Well, we are 6 weeks into this and it seems like we are just getting into a routine. Routines are big for us and sometimes we find more comfort in our routine than in our relationship with Jesus. Needless to say these last few weeks have been challenging.

It is in the midst of our routines that we find comfort, control, stability, and it gives us the illusion we are making progress. I like progress. This doesn't mean routines are bad, however, it can show us when we are taken out of our routines where we might be placing our security. I am not sure if this has been resolved as much as we have been reminded that our circumstances can be deceiving in the midst of comfort or chaos. If I could pick, I would always err on the side of comfort but it is in the midst of chaos when our faith is being deepened and broadened for Him.

As for Tuck, looks like he is enjoying some comfort. Got to love those dimples!

Getting Ready For Thanksgiving

2007-11-20T09:19:00.000-08:00

Ya, we put up some Christmas lights. They are a little linear right now, but we are just getting started. Our goal is to re-create the house on Christmas Vacation. I love that movie.

How cute is Tucker? A couple of weeks ago he was diagnosed with severe reflux and the doctors thought he might need surgery if the medicine isn't helpful. We are on our second attempt at medicine and it is better but he seems to still be in a lot of pain. Hopefully it will keep getting better. He looks pretty happy here! I have found a little Jack Daniels around his gums does wonders.

Kennedy doesn't seem to be handling the crying too well! She has suddenly picked up a favorite pass time of listening to music through her head phones. I am not sure what this says about her feelings toward her little brother :).

Getting Ready For Bed

2007-11-10T17:28:00.000-08:00

How cute are they? They are like little rappers, "Kick it over here baby pops!"

Getting them ready for bed is the prelude to the sweetest hours of my day! Too bad Tucker is going to wake up in two hours to eat again! These first six weeks is what I affectionately refer to as the "Six Weeks of Death". You are so tired, exhausted, on edge, emotionally spent, and seem to argue with each other just for fun that it feels like it would be better to die. Okay, I know that is a little dramatic but it seems to capture those emotions.

Tucker has really been doing great. Holly has been doing a great job of avoiding foods that cause gas and he is gaining weight. Even though Kennedy is constantly harassing him he seems to be happy. The other day I told Kennedy that she needs to be gentle with Tucker because one day he is going to grow up and be bigger than her and her response was, "Ya, right!". This is going to be a lot of fun.

I have been getting over bronchitis but I think I am on the upside of it now so hopefully it just keeps getting better. Holly has been a trooper. She is made to be a mother. Her balance of love and discipline is amazing.

First Week Home

2007-11-02T18:18:00.000-07:00

We have made it the first week! There was lots of crying, eating, and sucking thumbs and that was just between Holly and I. I know that was a cheesy joke, but it seems funny to me right now. Tucker is doing great. We just can't stop looking at him. We started giving him a bottle feeding Wednesday and he seems to go back and forth pretty easy, we found some gas relief at Whole Foods that seems to work okay, and Holly has been going on some walks to get out of the house. It has been a good week to help her get into a routine.

Kennedy is doing pretty good as long as you keep her busy. We mainly work on our hot routes, take trips to Wal-Mart and Target, and go to the park. We think she might have a urine infection so that should be a lot of fun, especially when you are out in public and she can't stop saying her privates hurt!

Holly seems to be doing great. Last night she got 6 hours of sleep so I think that helped a lot. Our new dryer comes tomorrow so we are going to catch up on laundry all day!

Happy Halloween!!

2007-10-31T18:21:00.001-07:00

This had to be the best Halloween ever! She was so excited to dress up she wore her lady bug costume all day and when we went out at night she would get scared by the pumpkins, scary music, and scary lights, and she would sheepishly say, "Daddy, you better come with me." We loved it and Kennedy made out like a bandit. It was sad to tell her she couldn't eat any of the candy. Just kidding. But we did only let her eat 3 pieces and each peace she picked had about a dozen pieces inside. She's pretty smart!

Kennedy Turned 3

2007-10-29T20:33:00.001-07:00

Kennedy's birthday was awesome. Thanks to all those who have dropped by, given presents, and slapped high fives. She loved it. After the last few days being focused on Tucker I think we gave her more sugar and sweets on her birthday than her whole life combined.

I think Kennedy is at the perfect age. We love her so much. There are times when I think I want to have a dozen, and then she falls on the floor screaming and we are confronted with reality. She really is a lot of fun. Today we went to Lowe's because our dryer broke and as we walked in the door she saw Christmas trees and it was so fun to see it through her eyes. She wanted to touch them, smell them, and just be close to them. It was awesome. There are times when I am with her and we just look at each other and start laughing. I love it.

Tucker is doing great! A lot of gas, and we are trying different things with Holly's diet, but it might just be part of it. Right now Holly is surviving on 3 hours of sleep intervals. I don't know how she does it!

Tucker's First Day

2007-10-26T19:18:00.000-07:00

Tucker Thomas Dennis

2007-10-25T18:34:00.000-07:00

It took longer than expected, but we have finally named our little boy. Tucker Thomas. We love him and his name.

They have told us that we get to go home tomorrow and we are ready. If you live near by be sure to come by and see us.

Kennedy turns 3 this Sunday (October 28) and Tucker was born on the 24th so birthdays should be fun. We will be celebrating her birthday this Sunday and have tons of presents for her.

Start Him Young

2007-10-25T11:52:00.001-07:00

How amazing is that! Throw a little gel in his hair and football spirit and he is ready to roll!

Dimples

2007-10-25T05:29:00.000-07:00

This is the best picture we have of his dimples. He has one on each side and you can barely see them.

First night went great! We are tired but having fun. He is scheduled for circumcision today in the next hour - ouch!

Great Day!

2007-10-24T18:03:00.001-07:00

It has been a great day. Baby and Mommy are doing great! Daddy is exhausted. I am not sure what I have done but you have no idea!

Baby is feeding, has great hair, and an 8lb. stud! So I guess we are a little partial. Kennedy Kate has been with her grandparents and loves her little brother, and even though we don't have a name for him she refers to him as "goofy."

It is 8:06pm and we are going to lay it down for the night. It has been an amazing day and we need to feed him again in 3 hours!

Thanks to everyone who came by.

Family Pictures

2007-10-24T10:09:00.001-07:00

Got Him

2007-10-24T10:01:00.000-07:00

8lbs 3oz, 20 1/2 inches long, born at 11:05am! We are doing great. More pictures coming!

America Voted...

2007-10-23T20:16:00.000-07:00

We tallied the votes and at 10:17pm here is the total:

Ethan = 9 votes
Tucker = 8 votes
Lincoln = 7 votes
Hayden = 7 votes
Kendrick = 4 votes

There are still almost 2 hours to vote. Voting lines will be open and standard text messaging rates apply. America, if you want your name to win then get online!

We are going to bed because we have to get up at 4am!

5am

2007-10-23T08:47:00.000-07:00

We are set for 5am on Wednesday the 24th! We are really excited. We have prepped Kennedy, walked her through the hospital, looked through her baby pictures, and given her the job of taking care of Dignan while we are gone.

Keep voting!

You Pick The Name

2007-10-15T12:08:00.000-07:00

Okay, we have a couple of names on the board. Below are the top 5. What do you guys think? Put in your vote and your choice might win the prize of getting to name our baby boy! (Names listed in no particular order and voting ends October 23rd 12:00am)

1. Lincoln James Dennis (Lincoln Dennis)

2. Tucker Thomas Dennis (Tucker Dennis)

3. Ethan Joseph Dennis (Ethan Dennis)

4. Hayden Joseph Dennis (Hayden Dennis)

5. Kendrick Cole Dennis (Kendrick Dennis)

Baby Room is Ready!

2007-10-14T19:55:00.001-07:00

We set up the baby room in a Dallas Cowboys theme. I didn't really feel comfortable with this but it seemed to make Holly happy!

Kennedy went poo poo in the potty so we celebrated!!!

2007-09-07T19:07:00.000-07:00

Looks like a thumb on the left...

2007-06-16T14:00:00.000-07:00

Baby Boy!

2007-06-13T12:29:00.000-07:00