Different Kind of Lens - Post for February 15, 2010

Well, I am going to incorporate a different type of lens into my picture blog. I have recently been working hard on learning as much about video editing as I can. I don't have a good video camera in fact it is my point and shoot in movie mode. It is a great place to start though. I am hoping to take the techniques that I learn and use them in ministry. Although the primary goal is church planting, media can be a tool to reinforce what we are teaching. Anyway . . . hope you enjoy.

Arrrrrrrrrr! Watch Your Booty! - Second Post for February 14, 2010

Today the boys got pirate regalia from Grandpa and Nana Kuhns for Valentines day. They both loved it, but Luke really took it serious. He loves pirate stuff. He was walking around all day saying "Arrrrrrrrrr". They are complete with hats, patches, hooks, and earrings (just little clip on ones). Anyway, I had wrestlemania with the two little pirates tonight before they went to bed. I even pinned them down and tickled them to help them burn some of that pirate energy.

Valentine Surprises [rollover picture] - Post for February 14, 2010

Ok, here's another rollover picture for you. Rollover your mouse to see my reaction when my wife told me . . . just kidding! Don't worry, I haven't been holding back information. I just found out less than an hour ago in a Valentine card from my wife. According to the instructions on the package for the test if there is even a faint second red line, we are expecting baby Sykes #4. Now for a few specific instructions for all of those involved:

1. Mom, if you are viewing our blog before church shame on you . . . just kidding. We are telling Sarah's family tomorrow at lunch and you will be getting a phone call at the same time! I posted this in hopes that Becca would be able to find out at the same approximate time as everyone else.
   
2. Becca, if you are looking at this before church . . . shame on you too . . . just kidding. If you talk to mom please don't tell her until we have a chance to call her this Sunday afternoon.
3. Anyone else reading our blog . . . please wait till after lunch on Valentines day before sharing the news with anyone to give us a chance to share the good news with both sets of parents. We posted it on the blog to give my family in Africa an opportunity to share in the surprise at approximately the same time as everyone else.

Am I excited . . . YES! Am I freaked out . . . YES! Do I live in a single wide trailer . . . YES! Have I already seen God take care of us in so many ways . . . YES! We will be updating you on our journey all the way to October.

Pirates Sleep Too! - Post for February 13, 2010

Well, just in case you were wondering, pirates like to keep their feet warm too! This is the picture that greeted me when Luke woke up this morning. His grandpa makes regular trips to the thrift stores and is always finding treasures for the boys. This winter, for instance, Grandpa has found pairs of coveralls for the boys to play outside in. They are getting ready to go outside and play in the snow in their coveralls in just a few minutes. These slippers were definitely a welcomed addition to Luke's recent interest in pirates. I am sure we will be seeing more and more of them (especially because they are a size or two too big)!

Sling Shots and Stitches - Post for February 12, 2010

Here are a couple of pictures of Sam's most recent mishap. The boys love our missionary display table! In fact, we have to keep constant vigil because they like to take the stuff for themselves. A couple of months ago the boys took a Venezuelan sling shot from the table, and we figured we would just let them play with it. Well, Sam decided to play with it the other day and so he grasped the wood handle in one hand and pulled back on the surgical tubing with the other. The only problem was that he let go with the wrong hand. The wood "y" came back and hit him in the face and put a hole in his lip (completely through). Usually we try not to worry too much about bumps and bruises because boys will always be boys, but as soon as I heard Sam scream I knew something was wrong. I ran out of the office and Sarah already had a blood-soaked towel on the fresh wound. Sam was a bit hysteric for a minute or so at the sight of all the blood, but he calmed down pretty quickly. As soon as Sarah pulled away the towel, I started getting ready to go to the hospital because even though the hole was not very big, it was gaped open and would not stay closed. Less than 5 minutes after it happened, Sam was totally calmed down and he watched a video all the way to children's emergency. He was such a trooper through the whole thing and never cried once even when the doctors and nurses were messing with it. They numbed his cut with a jelly-like paste and gave him two stitches. He didn't even cry when they started sewing his lip. He is one tough little cookie. Anyway, there were only 2 stitches and they are only in for about 5 days. They are supposed to dissolve on their own and they are very light colored so that they do not stand out too much!

Happy Feet - Post for Februray 4, 2010

This was a quick snap picture after we arrived at home. Jude is always a smiling subject. He loves to play with his feet. I wish I could do with my feet what he is doing with his, but I am definitely not the flexible. He is a little turkey and loves to keep the family smiling.

On the Road Again - Post for February 3, 2010

When you are a missionary, scenes like this become common place. Jude is laying in mommy's seat as it doubles for a changing table in this instance. This kid pretty much smiles not matter where he is. Shortly after this picture we began our 3 hour trip back home that evening.

Shave and A haircut! - 2nd post for February 2, 2010

Today was haircut day here in the Sykes household. Boy, were we overdue! For years and years we have been going to the same barber shop in Ringgold Georgia. I decided to keep the tradition alive with my boys and so about once every other month we go down for a haircut. Today I asked if it would be okay if I snapped a picture or two while they were cutting the boy's hair. Both of them consented and so what you see is what I got. Both of the boys do excellent as far as sitting still in the chair. In fact, nearly every time I go I get compliments from someone there. They really are good little boys. I could not pass on the opportunity to share just a few more pictures from today. I hope you enjoy!

Where's Waldo - Post for February 2, 2010

Ok so here's another Rollover picture for you. I was in my office this morning when I heard the cry "help me"! It was not a frantic cry, but one that needed attention nonetheless. When I arrived at the boys room this is what I found. This is kind of like the where's Waldo game where you find Waldo somewhere in the picture. If you roll your mouse over you will get a general idea where Luke is. Sarah cleans the boy's room at least 3 times a week and in less than 10 minutes they can have it back to this condition. We are working on making them clean on their own and they do a pretty good job, but it is as time consuming for parents as it is for children because you have to stay in their room the whole time and keep them motivated. After this picture I sent the boys in to clean their room and they did a pretty good job.

Little Shoes for Little Feet - Post for February 1, 2010

Last night we were sitting at dinner and I could not help but to snap a picture of Jude's shoes. They are so little! Due to our small dining situation, Jude sits in a foam chair on the top of the table (supervised the whole time). He is a little cutie and adds tons of fun to our meal times.

Arrrrrhhhhh Matey! - Post for January 31, 2010

Today's picture will probably be the end of the snow pictures for now. Most of the snow you see here was gone just a few hours after this picture was taken. I had to get one good picture of this snowman though because they boys had a great time building it with my father-in-law. The snow was soooooooo wet that it did not take any time at all to get this guy together. It is also funny in that it is a pirate snowman because Luke is enamored with pirates at this time in his life. He loves to have sword fights with Sam. They are aggressive yet surprisingly gentle with each other. It has been such a fun week for my boys. I am so glad that they were able to enjoy the snow like they have.

Redneck Sleigh Rides - Post for January 30, 2010

Well, it was another incredibly fun day for the Sykes little boys. Their grandpa went to work in the wood shop and took some scrap wood and made them a sled. His first intention was to pull them behind the lawn tractor. Unfortunately, the snow was too slushy so he had to resort to plan "b" which was to pull the sled with the 2001 Grand Caravan Sport. My boys laughed, giggled, and laughed some more. They had an absolute blast. It was one of those moments when I truly mean I wish you could be there. I captured a few moments of their fun below on low quality video, but I assure you that to have been there in person would have taken the cake. Sam is developing quite a throwing arm. He kept launching snow balls from about 15 feet back and nailing me while I was sitting in the back of the van. He is more accurate than his 35 year old father.

Snowball fights with the boys! - Second post for January 29, 2010

Well, as I suspected I am back for another post for today. It is snowing here today and I had an absolute blast with my boys. You can tell by watching the video below. Samuel's grandpa bought him a new camouflage snowsuit, and he has been itching to put it to use. In fact, I just had to stop editing my post because my wife called me to the door. It is nearly a white out. This is the most snow we have had in a long time. As soon as I'm done with my posts, I think I will go out for another round of play with the boys. Who knows, I may be back again with another post for this evening we will just have to see.

Little Missionary Man - Post for January 29, 2010

Okay, so I am sure you can see why I could not wait to post this picture this morning. Being a missionary, this picture holds even greater significance. Luke came into my bedroom this morning just as you see him here in this picture. I want to bring special attention to each part of this picture. First, you will notice the Gideons New Testament clutched under his right hand. I am not sure who he is planning to evangelize but he seems to be serious about the ordeal. Second, you will note the large menacing cobra underneath his left arm. He does not seem to be afraid of what this lethal animal can do to him. Third, you will note the English style dagger he is holding his left hand. This most likely explains his confidence in holding such a wild animal. My fear is that he will use it in his evangelization efforts as well. There is a strong possibility that I may post another picture for today, but I certainly could not pass on this picture for obvious reasons.

Bird Feeders for Big Boys - Post for January 28, 2010

This may not look like much, but it is the cat's meow to my little boys. Grandpa Kuhns came over and picked Sam and Luke up today to make something special with them. This is what they made. To look at it, it's not much. A little wood, a little plexiglass, a little paint. It is what you don't see that is where the real value is. My little boys love to spend time with their grandpa, so to go over his house and build this little bird house is like building the Taj Mahal. I am glad my father-in-law spends lots of time with my boys. He is not only fun for them to be around, but he is constantly reinforcing what we are teaching in the home, especially on the spiritual level. Today's exercise with the boys was simply to get them chilled out to the sound of power tools and it seemed to work. Tomorrow we will hang our little (actually it is pretty big) bird house from the tree and I am sure my boys will be checking it regularly to see it in use.

Train Engineers and Hide-n-Seek - Post for January 27, 2010

Last night was a couple of quick clicks from the camera. The first picture is Sam hiding from me. Usually he cannot hide too well because he is giggling so hard his laughter gives away his position. I snapped this picture right after I jumped around the corner and yelled "BOOOOO". If you know Sam, the facial expression is truly him. He lives in the moment.

Luke on the other hand was not sure what to wear for career day. It looks like he started off with skateboarding shoes, followed by army pants, followed nicely by a hip t-shirt accented by a corduroy blazer. His ensemble is completed by a train engineer's hat and scarf. He made sure to wear his watch so that no matter what job he is going to today, he will be on time. He is also the one leaving mud all over mommy's floor, because he had ridden his tricycle outside earlier in the day.

Candid School Shots - Post for January 26, 2010

Here are just a few pictures from home school today. Sam and Luke are working in their coloring skills and Jude is just chilling in his chair. They do a very good job. Sam seems to really enjoy his pre-kindergarten studies.

Rub-a-Dub-Dub - Post for January 25, 2010

Mommy called me into the bathroom for tonight's picture. The three amigos in the tub. Looks like they were having a good time. I was a little nervous about Jude sitting up by himself (since he did fall over at one point), but being sandwiched between his two brothers, he did just fine. They loved their bath time tonight and made for a really cute picture.

MIT (Missionaries in Training) - Post for January 24, 2010

Well, I am back from a couple of days without pictures. I don't know what my deal was, I just kept forgetting to take my camera along with me. I am glad I remembered to take it today though. These are our little missionaries in training. Samuel and Luke are the ushers at our church when we are not on the road traveling. The both do a great job, and honestly I am very excited that they get to do it. It gives them a ministry niche right away. They love to serve, and our atmosphere is not so formal that they cannot participate. It will also help prepare them for the field. I don't have to worry about ushers for a while because I already have 2 good ones. There are a few things I would like you to notice about the picture though.

1. Check out Luke's hair (he had just woke up from a nap)
2. Check out Luke's boots (he was prepared for the rain)
3. Check out Sam with his eyes wide open while his brother is praying for the offering.

Certainly there is more training to do, but overall they do a great job and they love it. Not to mention that the people at our church love it too!

Family Traditions - January 21, 2010

Every Thursday our family goes out to eat. This has been a tradition for quite some time now. At least a few years. Where we go is special too. We go to Piccadilly cafeteria for several reasons. First, Mimi works there and it is an opportunity for the kids to see their Mimi at least once a week. Second, due to the fact that Mimi works there we can feed our whole family for about $10. You can't beat that. Obviously Jude enjoyed his visit with Mimi tonight, Luke on the other hand looks like he might have a bit of an attitude. Sam was somewhere else in the restaurant helping another waitress clean and work in their section. He has become know for his hard work and desire to help. Sometimes he even comes home with money in his pocket from "working".

All Aboard the Giggle Express - Post for January 20, 2010

We were on our way home from church tonight when I told Sarah that I forgot to do my picture for the day. She had taken Luke's choo choo hat and put it on Jude's head for a pretty good match with his overalls, so there it was my picture for the day. Jude was certainly an easy subject. Sorry about the Darth Vader breathing, we had just walked in the house after carrying in things from the car.

Speaking of Villans - Extra Photos for January 19, 2010

Tonight was funny at our house, so I had to share the fun. The boys decided to dress up in their crime fighting costumes and sword fight all through the house. The poor neighbors must have been wondering what all the "boom, boom, boom" was on our floor, but if you live in a trailer you realize that the sound carries for quite a distance. The first picture is staged. I asked these two arch enemies to stand together on the chair for a picture of them together. The second is them in the heat of the battle. (It looks like Sam might win!)

This third picture is Luke looking as evil as possible. He is a tough little 3 year old pirate! So watch out our he'll make you walk the plank.

These last two are Sam the Wolverine posing for the camera. You can see that he wanted to communicate how tough he was in one of the pictures, while he shows his unmistakable smile in the other. I am not sure what the deal was with holding his leg, but every time I told him I was going to snap the picture he grabbed his leg to pose. We had fun watching the boys "save our trailer" tonight.

Chillin like a villan - Post for January 19, 2010

Mommy didn't feel too well this morning so Daddy corralled the boys and we watched Nim's Island. Jude was pretty happy to just sit and chill out with his daddy. He is a pretty laid back little dude. In fact, while I am writing this, I can hear him in the background just singing away.

Whitie Tightie and Pajama Warriors - Post for January 18, 2010

My boys can be fully dressed at the beginning of the day, but if they decide to play swords you can rest assured that they will be down to their whitie tighties. Nothing holds a sword better than their undies. You just use the waist band and the leg hole and you are good to go.

4 times the fun - Post for January 17, 2010

Well, I could not resist the desire to post more than one picture today, but hey when it's your own blog you can take those types of liberties. The first picture looks very big, but it is actually very small. This is one of Jude's little penny loafers. It is so adorable because when you see them on him you would think you have never seen shoes so small. Sarah loves them because they stay on very well and they go with most every Sunday outfit.This second picture is just Luke at his finest. He was just having so much fun playing with this toy roach and this picture seemed to catch him in the moment. Next is Jude enjoying some time with Santana. She is a young lady at our church. Our boys (as well as us) love Leticia and Santana. Jude seemed to enjoy spending time today being carted around church.Last but not least is a close-up of Sam playing with the toy roach. From this perspective it looks almost real, especially when he held it up like it is in this picture. He certainly got a reaction from the ladies at church.

You might be a Redneck if . . . Post for January 16, 2010

Well, deer season is over but hunting is still in our blood. Sam and Luke spent the evening at Papa and Nana's house and he promised to take them squirrel hunting today. I could not pass on an opportunity to go hunting so I accompanied them. This picture was taken after our hunt when we got back to the car. Unfortunately, the squirrels have a very sophisticated preemptive communication system and got the memo out before we even arrived. We did not even see one squirrel. The boys had fun though and got to shoot their bb guns (supervised of course). I am sure we will try to take them out another time or two before the season is over at the end of February.

Say Cheese! - Post for January 15, 2010

Today's picture is none other than Outback Steakhouse's world famous cheese fries. I know that these exceed any possible metering in regards to calories or fat, but they are good. Sarah and I don't get a date night very often (the more kids you have, the more difficult to find babysitters). Sam and Luke spent the night at Papa's house and Nana watched Jude for a few hours while we enjoyed our date at Outback. Maybe I'll post another picture of cheese fries in another 6 months or so.

Extreme Makeover Lunch Edition - Post for January 14, 2010

I couldn't help but snap a couple of pics of Jude today. He was just the cutest! You might also call this "before" and "after". Below is a short video I took at lunch. The video is dark because Jude is backlit by our blinds. It is clear enough to enjoy fun with him though.

One Hot Mama! - Post for January 13, 2010

Today's picture focus is on my wife Sarah. We celebrated her birthday tonight at her family's house and I convinced her to let me take a picture of her. I am a very lucky (or I probably should say blessed) man. She is an awesome wife and incredible mother. God has given me the greatest gift in my wife and I am thankful for her. I think my boys are pretty thankful of their mommy too. Tomorrow is actually her birthday so she gets two days of celebration. I am glad to have the opportunity to focus today's picture on my honey!

Cable Guy to the Rescue! - Post for January 12, 2010

Tonight presented me with a unique opportunity. I had my camera with me all night, but I couldn't seem to come up with anything creative. Finally it came to me. For two days my cell phone has been in the pocket of my winter vest, and worst of all it has been on vibrate. I have not worried too much because I usually don't get too many calls, and usually people know to call Sarah if they cannot reach me. Unfortunately, my grandmother had called me twice. She called once last night and once today and I missed them both. I felt like a heel. The situation was no big deal, she simply needed a little technical support with her cable remote. The cable remote is universal for the TV and the cable box, but sometimes she bumps the wrong button taking them out of sync. Well, there I had it! She was my photo subject for the evening. To be honest, I was kind of excited once the idea hit me because Grammie is an important part of our family and she continues to stay sweet as she gets older. She is in great health for her age. She even bowls a couple if times a week and drives herself around when the weather permits her to drive. She also has become a permanent part of our Thursday night voyage to eat at Piccadilly. In fact, the other day I took Samuel on a "daddy date" and we went to Piccadilly. As we pulled in the parking lot he told me he didn't want to eat there with Grammie. Well tonight was fun. I am glad I was able to capture this small moment in time. The picture below is kind of cute. Grammie is writing down instructions on what to do in the event that her remote messes up again. She was diligent about her notes!

Scenes from supper - Post for January 11, 2010

Giving Jude some yum, yums!

Sam giving an eye to the camera

Luke just enjoying his dinner

Open wide!

Sleepy time!

We didn't get an opportunity to venture out on the town, so here are a few "scenes" from our dinner tonight. I had fun taking candid shots as everyone ate their dinner. You can really see the personalities of the kids in these pics.