One minute in the life of Roxy

By popular demand, a Roxy video clip. It is nothing extraordinary - actually pretty standard.

Mom time

My mom came to visit us Thursday through today. We had a good time, nothing really out of the ordinary, just enjoyed food, shopping, nature, and time together. Mom, thanks for making the trip - we appreciate it.

26

Again, not too many birthday pictures. These are the only two - the coffee shop two blocks from our house where we ate breakfast and cherry blossoms on the walk back. For Trish's birthday present we went to the Melting Pot. YUMMY!

2

Yep, Roxy is TWO. We had two parties to celebrate our 29 lb, 36 inch daughter who has never had a haircut, talks non-stop, and loves putting anything or anyone to sleep.

Sadly, we didn't get too many good pictures, but we still have the best toddler ever.

Just one of those days...

This was one of those days when you are compelled by the weather to spend some time outside. This park is about three miles from our house. We are blessed to live in such a wonderful place.
Happy Swinging
She already has skills
Almost there

Katie

My niece was born today. Let's celebrate!

Kathryn Grace Dinkins
7 lb 12 oz - 21 inches
March 5th @ 1:02 p.m.

Ring around the Rosies

Click to watch video:Ring around the Rosies.

Stories

I really should record more stories about Roxy here to help me remember. With that thought here are two...

Today Roxy was flipping through My First Bible and coming across a cartoon image of Moses holding a staff says, "UNCLE JASON!" Where that came from I don't know.

I was going through a list of "What does a _____ say?" When I asked her for the first time, "What does daddy say?" she pondered a bit and I braced for what could be a telling moment. She answered, "I love you!" and my proud heart melted.

ABC 123 Videos

Click here to see Roxy sing her ABCs.

And here to see her count.

ABC 123

Roxy is 23 months today and still amazing us. She sang her ABCs and counted to ten this past month all on her own. I think that makes her a genius, but I don't know.

From a recent assignment

Personal Mission Statement:
My mission is to employ business as a tool to facilitate economic, social, and spiritual well-being for individuals and entire communities. I will use my talents, experiences, and passions to do my part in bringing the kingdom of God to the here in now; specifically, God’s will that no person live in poverty. I will connect with communities stricken by poverty so that together we can harness the potential of business to reduce poverty and to advance of God's kingdom globally.

Reflection:
As a white male from the USA, I have a lot of power in the world. I do not say that arrogantly because in actuality I shy away from that power because of the responsibility that accompanies it. In addition, I do not like being identified with my “demographic” that is responsible for much violence and oppression in the world past and present. Regardless, I am what I am and with the born privilege comes power. I can choose to use that power to perpetuate or to change the systems that oppress. I want to change those systems. In particularly, I sense a calling to reduce the oppressive systems of poverty.
Poverty is the source or at least major contributor of many of the world’s problems such as preventable diseases, human trafficking, war, HIV, illiteracy, starvation, and the oppressive list goes on. If the problem of poverty is solved, many of these other problems would be solved or at least lessened as a result. Poverty is a complicated systemic issue that requires many different solutions. The most obvious solution to me and the one I feel equipped to apply is to help grow the economies of poverty stricken communities and nations. Carrying out this solution requires careful handling. Social, environmental, psychological, and spiritual development must accompany the economic growth. I want to work with others, rich and poor, to help figure out how to best grow together in all these aspects.

All Done

Wednesday was my last day at PDIC (my part-time employer). It was a mutual termination after our pre-established three-month probationary period because he was looking for someone long term to grow with the company. That person is not me. I hope that I gained helpful experience for my life to come. I feel relief from the job. So now what...

I have applied for a couple of paid internship/volunteer positions in mircofinance (a field I am highly interested in). Although I have been successful in making some good contacts/relationships with people in the field, it doesn't look like those opportunities will come to pass anytime soon. I also applied for an Admin Assist position at Starbucks in the International Dept and I have an interview on Thursday. I started off applying because it sounds like a good idea/opportunity, but as time goes on I am getting excited about it. We'll see...

Snow Day II

As seen in this picture, Roxy doesn't quite appreciate snow days like she should.

Urbana 06

Post-trip Report:
December 27-31 I attended Urbana 06 in St. Louis. It was attended by 22,500 people. Seeing and being around that many people passionate about missions was thrilling. Visiting or walking through the exhibits from missions organizations brought great joy. I talked with some amazing people and potential contacts. The relationships and networking that happens at Urbana is perhaps its greatest benefit.

I did the Business as Mission (BAM) track "for those who have a passion or growing interest in business and global missions. It will build, mobilize, and equip a multi-generational network of business practitioners who seek to harness the potential of business to contribute to the global advance of God's kingdom around the world." Mission accomplished. It was the first such track for Urbana and the largest gathering ever for BAM (1200 people).

I don't want to go on and on about the details, but finish with a few words: theater, ethnic diversity (I was a minority in BAM), sleeping on the floor, Bono (U2), poverty, calling, AIDS, exposure, and knowledge.

Christmas in St. Louis

Quick Trip

After Dave's wedding (see below), I drove to Florida to see my family. It was a really good trip. We basically had two "get-togethers" and so since I didn't have to drive all over the place to see people, it made for a more relaxing time. I had some good conversations with my family and enjoyed seeing them. Unfortunately, Trish and Roxy did not go on the trip and everyone missed them severely; especially me.
Leah, Ken, Jonathan
This is my brother Ken, his wife Leah, and nephew Jonathan. Also, Leah is pregnant and is due March 4th, the same day Roxy was due.

Presenting the McLaughlins

My friend Dave that I grew quite fond of while we were both in the Navy in Japan got married on December 16, 2006 in Savannah, Georgia to Erin Pozorski. I was honored to be a groomsmen. I was edged out as best man, by another dear friend from the Navy, Kyle Swanson. I am so happy for Dave. I believe he is going to live a much happier and fulfilled life with Erin. The wedding went well and I think fun was had by all. I also got the chance to get to know Dave's immediate family who I stayed two nights with in Dave's newly purchased home. By the way, Savannah has an awesome downtown that is full of character.
Paul, Dave, and Kyle

Jingle

This morning we did the Jingle Bell 5K with some friends. The run (not really a race) is downtown. Lots of people dressed up (as in costumes). Thanks to Karen for bringing the antlers. Roxy actually fell asleep during the race. We ran took the bus down together and then walked back and had some coffee. Good times.

Sarino's Trip

Trish's oldest sister Jen and her husband Jason visited us over the Thanksgiving weekend. We were very thankful they came to spend the holiday with us. We really enjoyed their company and the chance to show them around Seattle. They seemed to love it. We tried talking them into moving here. They were tempted.

Of note, we saw the Bodies Exhibit which is a fascinating look at the anatomy of preserved human bodies. We also saw the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit. No pictures allowed at either place though. We ate our Thanksgiving meal at the Clark's home. Besides that, we mainly did the free sightseeing stuff.

Proud Hubby

Trish ran the Seattle half marathon (13.1 miles). Obviously, that is quite a physical feat. One that she doesn't plan on doing again any time soon. I don't blame her. She ran most of it with her friend Jenn Clark. After hitting up Krispy Kreme (the race started at 7:30 am), Mr. Clark and I drove around to three spots on the course to cheer them on.