Grandpa Bif was a hoot and his brother-in-law, my Great-Uncle Charlie was a character, too.  If I remember correctly, Uncle Charlie and my Grandma Julia were 2 of 14 siblings whose parents emigrated to the U.S. from Finland.  What I've never understood is why these people would come all the way from the bitter, harsh, and cold of Finland only to settle in the bitter, harsh, and cold of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  For Heaven's sake, this is America, pick a new climate!

I find the whole "same sex marriage" issue confusing.   I guess it's human nature to want what we don't, or can't, have.  If you're gay, and really, really wanting to "make it official," I invite you to consider the wisdom shared by my grandpa to us grandkids: 

"Marriage is a wonderful institution, if you want to live in an institution!"

And if you do manage to attain this Abraham's Bosom on Earth?  Just remember, if I may borrow a bit of profundity from President George W. Bush (albeit in the context of foreign policy.  But then again, sometimes it will seem like your spouse is speaking a foreign tongue...):

"It's hard work!"

Think about it.

We took the boys to the Ringling Bros. circus today at the Frank Erwin Center.  It was enjoyable and especially fun to see the boys' excitement over their first circus.  Never mind that we were in section 78, row 12; starting in row 13 they include binoculars and oxygen masks.

It started at 1:30 in the afternoon and by now it should be no surprise to you that we were driving up to the doors at 1:30 in the afternoon.  Of course, there's no parking that close to the center at 1:30 in the afternoon so Chuck asked if I'd jump out and get the tickets while he and the boys parked the car.  (Advance purchase for us means buying the tickets for a 1:30 show at 1:30.)

Yesterday, out of the blue, Chris walked across the room toward me holding his latest piece of artwork, a treasure map.  He stopped in front of my chair, looked me in the eye, and said, "I found the treasure!"  Then he gave me a great, big bear-hug.   Next, Alex took the map, walked around the room a little, came to me and exclaimed, "It really does work!"  Then he gave me a great, big bear-hug.

I can't fathom the breadth of God's grace that He would bless a wretch like me with these two precious boys.  Thank you, Father, because if Heaven is better than the experience of my child's honest and unconditional love, then I'm going to be a blubbering puddle at Your Holy feet.