The day started with the pitter patter of little feet across the cold wood floor.  I awoke to the words of my son “Mom!  Mom! Mom! Mom! I have to go to the bathroom! “Just go buddy.” My wife says as her head falls back to the pillow, realizing our son is not in imminent danger.  His  tone would have suggested otherwise.

We are on about week 4 of having our own bedroom.  For one year, three months and ten days we shared a bedroom with our 2 kids who are now 2 and 4.  Can you imagine?  Its hard to imagine.  (pictures of before and after of our bedroom remodel to follow)

I used to journal my thoughts and I try to connect daily with God, in hearing his voice while I journal.  Now, I’m not in the Word EVERYDAY and I need to work on that and I’m hopeful getting my thoughts out there and having you, or anyone else read this will keep me accountable to keeping on track.  Maybe we’ll help each other? No?

I’m the husband to a wife of almost 9 years.  We have a 4 5/6 year old and a 2 11/12 year old.  For those of you who aren’t good with fractions … our son will be 5 in June and our daughter 3 in May. 

I’m an open book, a man who is called to love Jesus, love my wife and family, to protect, guide and take care of them who loves his church, his friends and who is trying to just take this life one day at a time.

My wife and I lost our daughter Kate, on January 8^th of this year.  She was stillborn at 7 months.  Such a devastating time and broken heartedness.  We still grieve, but joy in her memory and the closeness its brought to our marriage and our family.  Kate also helped put into perspective the important things in life.

Well, I’m home today for pizza party Friday, where we let the kids eat on tv trays and watch a fun movie during dinner.  Almost a 5 year tradition!  Afterwards will be some shoulder and face time with my wife and I think I’m going to work on sanding some of the mud I’ve put on the sheetrock.  ugh.  Dust.  My wife loves when I work, but the dust is another issue.

Oh, and if you’re wondering the title authentic.true.north its from my journey to authentic manhood in Jesus (a work in progress) that I’m true (honest, respectable, loving, kind) to my God, my wife and you (I wasn’t in the past very kind to my wife … stay tuned) and I’m from northern Minnesota, originally.  Land of lakes and really really good maple syrup.  So .. authentic.true.north

I hope you’ll stick with me on this, check back soon!