I grew up in an era and a place where it was customary to spank someone on their birthday. And after tonight’s thrashing of my team by the Hamilton Southeastern Bulldogs I was wondering if it really was my birthday after all. You do not play well every game, and tonight that was certainly the case. But in a week that we play 4 top 10 teams in a row with just Sunday off, and tonight being the easiest of those games, it seems we need to adjust and adjust quickly.

No, not really, but I am still behind. I do hope however to catch up by week’s end. What that means however, I do not know. As clergy, I am never quite sure how to define the week. Biblically, the week’s end is Sunday….a day of “rest,”…….right!

Yep, I would say she missed us. When the cat climbs into Scotty’s un-unpacked suitcase, it is a clear sign she intends to not let us leave again. And of course the dog’s return this morning was like a scene from a movie. I would love to think it is me that they miss, but quite honestly I do not think I am on the radar. Maybe in time I will work myself back up in the rankings…..you can’t always have a great year.

Yep, we finally left Stephanie and Missouri behind today and I am typing this from my office at home in Indiana. It is so hard to say goodbye, and each time it doesn’t seem easier, but harder. Steph has a great life in Missouri and WONDERFUL friends. That is good too, since her friends in high school were wonderful too. But I just do not like having to miss her so much.

Today we watched as Lindenwood knocked off the University of Michigan, and Steph played most of the game. It is hard just watching, and it was doubly hard in that it was perhaps the worst refereed contest I had ever seen in my entire coaching career. Fortunately, it all worked out for the Lions.

Being a tourist is something I do not do very well, but my family sure does…..especially Ben. And today we gave him the opportunity by taking him to a place that makes good sense for a 3 year old, his 17 year old brother, and his 17 year old girlfriend……a brewery. That’s right, we toured the Anheuser-Busch Brewery (yes it is mandatory it is capitalized because we are in St. Louis…..the churches here serve Budweiser for communion).

Okay, it is not the best picture, but had I not traded my (better) phone to Steph it would have been better. But the picture is a significant moment for me. The field is Lindenwood’s Hunter Field (their main stadium field) and Steph is out there just after taking the draw. And, it is the first time I have ever watched Steph play as a college player.

Yep, Scotty and Amanda think they are funny, but they are messing with FIRE I tell you FIRE. We are on a short jaunt to see Stephanie play a game and after we stopped in Effingham (Indian for pork no one likes apparently) Amanda and Scott did something to the back of my car. It was only 2 full hours later that I discovered what it was. That’s right, my caring and devoted family put a magnetic bumper sticker on the back of my car telling people I was not wearing any pants. I was mind you…..I am just thankful I wasn’t driving in my clerical collar.