Why do things happen?

I have been thinking alot about "why things happen?" The thing that i have been pondering is how much is "coinsedence" and how much is "supposed" to happen. I have tried to come to a conclusion and everytime i do I find a reason on why that conclusion can be false. I am by no means a spiritual giant, but i am a fairly religious guy and i do believe that god does play a role in our lives. But how much? And when? Other times i get the feeling that god doesnt really care what we do 99% of the time and that is why we are here, to make choices and learn and grow. Does god care where i work as long as i provide an honest living for my family? I dont know and that is the problem or question that i have been thinking about. I know people that pray about everything. I mean everything. It seems like everytime they get the "right" answer and yet they fall completely on their face or it seems to be the exact opposite of what they should do. So is it coinsidence or is it supposed to happen and that is how they grow? When I first began to consider a job change, Texas was only a thought. I was messing around on the internet and found a job that i was under qualified for in a city that i had never heard of. Yet i felt like i should apply and the rest for me is how they say history. However, since i began this job in June of 2008 I have had my parents, my brother and his family, my bro-inlaw and his family, my inlaws and another bro-inlaw family move to the small middle of no where texas. Each and everyone felt like they needed to move here or that it was the best option. I think i can say, and i hadnt really talked to them about this. But, I think all of them are better off financially and just love Texas. So i go back to was i supposed to move here or is all of this a coinsidence? I had job offers at Dixie State, University of Wyoming and BYU. And really the only reason we moved here was because we wanted to get out of the snow and move somewhere else. Yet now look at this situation. My father and father in-law are in the branch presidency. Im not sure i will ever have an answer on this question. But i would be interested to know what ya'll think.

Queen Kameha

There is something special about this girl. This is the girl that helps me understand how to be patient. She has many nicknames, "tons of fun", Maya, "stop that" and "what did she do now"? The things that make raising this girl the hardest are also the qualities that i enjoy the most. She is super independant. She can keep her self busy for hours at a time. We often wonder where she went at home only to find her doing something by herself. This is also hard because she feels like she can do it all by herself. Wether its climbing stairs or getting her own drink she has to do it by herself. If she has her mind set on going one direction and you try to get her to go another she will fight and scream to go the way she wants. I love that! despite all the times i have to chase her. Even at 2, she is very defiant, very defiant. She does the opposite of what we ask just because we ask her to do something. Tell her to sit down she stands up. Tell her to stay in the lines and she goes out of her way to make a picture look unique. While its a trial now i hope her defiance will stay with her and help her to question authority when its in the wrong and to not play second fiddle to men and those that wish to control her. Despite her traits of being a "super woman" she is also a cuddle bug. She loves to give hugs and to lay next to someone. Its amazing how she will hold you and let you know that she cares. This is a great girl with alot amazing.

This little angel

This is probably the most compassionate child i have ever met. Since she was able to walk she always cared about others feeling and circumstances. I have seen her plead with heavenly father to save a puppy that had passed away. I have seen people completely suprised when she says hi to them at walmart. She is so friendly. She makes our lifes at home so much easier. She loves church, school and white ice cream. Not a day goes by where she doesnt give me a big hug and tells me how much she loves me. Oh and she is in a 10 year old gymnastics class ans is only 4!!! And she can bat left and right handed. I have never seen a 4 year old hit like she can boy or girl. I am just so proud of her.

Bubbles

It seems like there is always something that gets under mmy skin and irritates me for a week or two. This week the thing that torkes me off a little are those that keep their children in a bubble and shelter them from all harm or experience. I am not sure where the line should stop and start when it comes to keeping your children sheltered. There is no doubt that you shouldnt let your kids watch "R" movies or drink a six pack of Mt. Dew in an hour. But come on (some family members and friends) let your children grow some wings and fly. One day wether you like it or not you will have to remove that bubble that you have placed around your child. If you wait to long you will have damaged them from social competency forever!!! I see it all the time with my "homeschool" kids. Home school, a topic for another day is not necessarily the de facto problem. Its that most people who home school do so to keep their kids in a bubble. Some do so without thinking of this fact and others do so with full intent. I have other kids (kids=my incoming freshman) who went to a regular school but for one reason or another basically lived under a rock their whole lives. Life is hard. Things in life can and will be "dirty". Children and people need to learn to make these descisions at a young age. Im sorry but people swear, tell dirty jokes and have problems. We cant hide these facts. but what we can do is help our children learn to deal with these things. When Keana swears (usually learned from Donna) we teach her that these words arent appropriate and learn from it. My students that have the hardest time adjusting to the social aspects of college are those that have been placed in a bubble. They are the ones that have the hardest time of letting go of moms hand and exploring the world. These kids sit in their dorms all day and read books and then when a problem with a roomate comes up they have no idea how to cope and then come and see me hoping that i will fix the problem for them. Just remember (and I dont clame to be a perfect parent)that your child is only a child once. Let them fall and scrape their knee. Let them stand up for themselves at school. Let them learn how to deal with other people's beliefs and opinions. Let them have that ice cream cone or extra slice of cake. While they we be your child for ever, they will only be a child once.

Those not familiar with Texas

For those of you not familiar with Texas, Brenham or Austin. Here are a few pics of my favorite places.



We live in "hill country"



This is my favorite place to relax. Lake Travis. This place is awesome.



This is a field outside of my college




This is where i work. Blinn College

Welcome to the world of Chad

I have decided to start a little blog. This will help me pass the time, share my thoughts on "STUFF" and just write a little. Please follow along if you wish to enter my world. Today's initial post will be about myself. I am an aging 29 year old with a wife and 3 kids, well two and 1 on the way. I work in higher education. My main objective at work is to help all college age kids succeed in life and school. Hence my title; Academic Counselor. I work primarily with student athletes and at-risk students. Some of you may be laughing, thinking to your self. How can Chad be incharge of someone elses academics? This would be a valid point. I did well in high school but in college a graduated with a 2.9. But, and a big but. I have learned from my errors and now i know the way to success.
I live in a tiny, fun filled town in Texas called, Brenham. We are situated halfway between Austin and Houston. And about 45 minutes south of college Station. I love Texas and in a later post i will tell you why. I have been married for 6 years to a young lady named donna. Since i basically "robbed the cradle" as some say. I am 5 years older than her. My oldest daughter is almost 5 and the youngest just turned two. I also have a son on the way.