I was trying to explain to Jilly that she has "The Look" in this picture.

"What do you mean 'The Look'?", she asked.

Help me out here guys. There are times when she's trying to get my attention. Then, at other times, you catch a glance that really does get your attention.

You men may think your wife is the prettiest woman alive, but she will have to take second place to my Jilly. It's funny that it's like this after 22 years of marriage. We often talk about our belief that the long term success of a marriage is based more on commitment than feelings. But we're white hot right now. And I like it.

Our journey so far has included times where we couldn't stand to be apart for the day as well as times of difficulty that rocked our relationship. We spent many years in religious oppression that dampened passion in both of us. Unspeakable trauma within our house brought one of the most trying times. The death of one of our daughters could have driven a permanent wedge between us. False accusations have been made against us causing unbelievable stress. But we resolved to hang on.

That resolve is paying off. I can't explain it, but Jilly is more beautiful and exciting to me than ever.

If your marriage is not going well right now, then start praying. Then tell your spouse that he or she is NOT the enemy. And re-affirm your commitment to them by saying, "if you decide to leave me, let me know so I can go with you", or "if you want rid of me, you'll have to shoot me, because I ain't leaving."

Thanking God for "The Look" and that I caught it "on film".

God Bless,

Dadofmykids.

--
Andy Brasfield

"Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me" Mark 9:37 (NIV)

Twelve Days of Brasfield Christmas

Twelve days vacation.

Eleven loads of laundry.

Ten Twitpics pictured.

Nine sleepless nights.

Eight Happy Children.

Seven stocking stuffers.

Six Facebook users.

Five wrestling rings.

Four twitters tweeting.

Three fury dogs.

Two loving parents.

And a crutch in a pear tree.

Merry Christmas!!

Dadofmykids.
 

--
Andy Brasfield

"Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me"  Mark 9:37  (NIV) 

WWII hero wrote this letter to Pres. Obama

Verified by Snopes.

"Dear President Obama, 

My name is Harold Estes, approaching 95 on December 13 of 
this year. People meeting me for the first time don't believe my age 
because I remain wrinkle free and pretty much mentally alert. 

I enlisted in the U.S.. Navy in 1934 and served proudly before, during 
and after WW II retiring as a Master Chief Bos'n Mate. Now I live in 
a "rest home" located on the western end of Pearl Harbor, allowing me 
to keep alive the memories of 23 years of service to my country. 

One of the benefits of my age, perhaps the only one, is to speak my 
mind, blunt and direct even to the head man. So here goes. 

I am amazed, angry and determined not to see my country die before I 
do, but you seem hell bent not to grant me that wish. I can't figure 
out what country you are the president of. You fly around the world 
telling our friends and enemies despicable lies like: 

" We're no longer a Christian nation" 

" America is arrogant" - (Your wife even announced to the 
world,"America is mean-spirited. " Please tell her to try preaching 
that nonsense to 23 generations of our war dead buried all over the 
globe who died for no other reason than to free a whole lot of 
strangers from tyranny and hopelessness.) 

I'd say shame on the both of you, but I don't think you like America, 
nor do I see an ounce of gratefulness in anything you do, for the 
obvious gifts this country has given you. To be without shame or 
gratefulness is a dangerous thing for a man sitting in the White 
House. 

After 9/11 you said," America hasn't lived up to her ideals. "Which 
ones did you mean? Was it the notion of personal liberty that 11,000 
farmers and shopkeepers died for to win independence from the British? 
Or maybe the ideal that no man should be a slave to another man, that 
500,000 men died for in the Civil War? I hope you didn't mean the 
ideal 470,000 fathers, brothers, husbands, and a lot of fellas I knew 
personally died for in WWII, because we felt real strongly about not 
letting any nation push us around, because we stand for freedom. 

I don't think you mean the ideal that says equality is better than 
discrimination. You know the one that a whole lot of white people 
understood when they helped to get you elected. 

Take a little advice from a very old geezer, young man. Shape up and 
start acting like an American. If you don't, I'll do what I can to 
see you get shipped out of that fancy rental on Pennsylvania Avenue. 
You were elected to lead not to bow, apologize and kiss the hands of 
murderers and corrupt leaders who still treat their people like 
slaves. 

And just who do you think you are telling the American people not to 
jump to conclusions and condemn that Muslim major who killed 13 of his 
fellow soldiers and wounded dozens more. You mean you don't want us to 
do what you did when that white cop used force to subdue that black 
college professor in Massachusetts, who was putting up a fight? You 
don't mind offending the police calling them stupid but you don't want 
us to offend Muslim fanatics by calling them what they are, 
terrorists. 

One more thing. I realize you never served in the military and never 
had to defend your country with your life, but you're the 
Commander-in-Chief now, son. Do your job. When your battle-hardened 
field General asks you for 40,000 more troops to complete the mission, 
give them to him. But if you're not in this fight to win, then get 
out. The life of one American soldier is not worth the best political 
strategy you're thinking of. 

You could be our greatest president because you face the greatest 
challenge ever presented to any president. You're not going to 
restore American greatness by bringing back our bloated economy. 
That's not our greatest threat. Losing the heart and soul of who we 
are as Americans is our big fight now. 

And I sure as hell don't want to think my president is the enemy in 
this final battle. 

Sincerely, 

Harold B. Estes"

This man served during the same time as my recently deceased father in law, who would have agreed wholeheartedly with Chief Estes.  I also agree.  

Wake up Mr. President!!

God bless,

Dadofmykids

--
Andy Brasfield

"Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me"  Mark 9:37  (NIV) 

A tribute to Jill's dad.

Jill put together this video tribute. It was excellent. See for yourself.

It's a fitting tribute to the man who gave us Jilly.

God bless,

Dadofmykids.

Thanksgiving 2009

To say it's been a crazy week would be an understatement.

My father in law passed away this week.  It's been tough, but there's still been some good times.  Jilly and Mickey, my mother in law, cooked the most amazing thanksgiving meal today.  The kids played outside some.  That's Riley and Asher wrestling on the trampoline, and Tucker wearing a wrestling hoody.  Tonight, Jilly opened her new board game based on the Twilight movie (pictured).  We played it together with Molly and some of the kids while sitting on the den floor.  Mitch called about the beef we're buying from him.  He offered us his largest one so we should get maybe 100 more pounds of meat this year.  Jilly and I have been working on a video tribute to her dad. 

Daniel got into some kind of altercation with a pit bull and ended up having surgery on his foot.  He's gonna be fine, no permanent injuries.  We went to see him at the hospital.  He should be discharged tomorrow.

Our friend Diana has arranged for the Patriot Guard to mobilize for Papaw's funeral.  The funeral will be this Saturday.  The Patriot Guard is a group of motorcyclists who go to funerals to help honor veterans.  They escort the funeral procession with American Flags on the backs of thier bikes. 

My heart goes out to our friend Mike who's brother passed away this morning.  We love you.

My parents are driving over from Memphis tomorrow.  It's always nice to see them.

We have tons of friends, both local and online.  You may be one of them.  Thank you for praying for us.  You are a huge encouragement.

Tough times, but we'll make it.  It isn't easy, but we'll stick together and help each other through.

Even in tough times, good times are still here. 

Happy Thanksgiving Everybody.

God Bless,
Dadofmykids.

 

--
Andy Brasfield

"Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me"  Mark 9:37  (NIV) 

I am thankful for my mother and MIL.

What a rich heritage I owe to these two ladies.

My mom raised me and three brothers, by herself for most of my childhood. She lives Christ in front of me. She preached some, too, but mostly lived. Whatever, she did, I ended knowing that I could be whatever I wanted to be.

My mother in law, "Mickey", raised me a wonderful wife. And now, we share a home. So she's helping with our kids, too.

Thanks to them both for making my life so much greater than average. I love them.

God bless,
Dadofmykids.

I am thankful for my Father in law.

Tonight, he is in the hospital.  I don't think he really knows what the doctor said about his condition.  That's today.  But there've been over 80 years leading up to this day.

During those 80+ years, he survived the depression by helping his mother fish for food, he picked blackberries, delivered milk, lied about his age to join the army, served in WWII, kept the hosiery mill running,  and fathered my Jilly.  Anybody can be a sperm donor, but it takes someone special to be a dad.  And Dad is exactly who he is to my Jilly.

He helped raise her to become my wife and the mother of my children.  I can't tell you how many times Jilly has told me that girls marry men who are like their fathers.  If she means I am like her Dad, then I take pride in that.  I hope to raise my girls to be as good of mothers as my Jilly.  Not just mothers, but whole women.

We usually call him Papaw, nowadays.  He lives with us since his heart bypass surgery.  I am thankful for him.

God bless,

Dadofmykids.

--
Andy Brasfield

"Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me"  Mark 9:37  (NIV) 

I am thankful for my job.

Sometimes, it's hard for me to believe it's been twenty years.  A lot has changed in the business and the industry.  But, thank the Lord, we're still here, doing what we do.

Obviously, the pay check is important.  I am thankful for that.  But, there is certainly more to a good job than the money.  Who I work with ranks high on my list, too.  We have a very strong and faithful team assembled here.  Most of our people have been here for years.  We have a couple of newbies too.  

Speaking of the people here, I am thankful for my partner, Jim.  We founded the company together when we were just kids...well, I was 21 years old.  It didn't take long to see that we were different and each brought our own talents to the business.  Partnerships often fail, but we have been blessed.

I know there are a lot people who wish they had a job right now.  This post is not meant to rub it in your face.  It is meant to express my genuine gratitude.  I hope it also encourages you to remain faithful, even if you are stuck in a bad job.  It will get better.

God bless,

Dadofmykids.

 

--
Andy Brasfield

"Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me"  Mark 9:37  (NIV) 

I am thankful for my children.

Needless to say, I have a lot to be thankful for.  

In the early years of marriage, we had many miscarriages.  We often cared for children of others, like Laken, Brooklyn, Danielle, Brittany and more.  Then, we started with foster care, which led to our full house.

Daniel
We some times refer to him as "Number One" because he is oldest.  I made lots of mistakes in my arrogance with him, but he always keeps his high  spirits and positive attitude.  

Sean
Such a good boy.  Easy going.  Laid back.  Everybody who meets him likes him.

Tucker
A sweet and loving boy.  Loves animals.  Is growing up too fast.

Riley
Always wants to please.  Likes to "rassle" on the trampoline.  Loves sports.

Tilley
The junior mom.  So smart and beautiful.  She looks like the perfect blend of Jilly and me.  Reminds me of her Mama Hardy.

Asher
A real gift from God.  He likes hugs and going to school.  Our friends at LensCrafters love him.

Kaymie
A pretty and smart computer whiz.  She can sing like Hannah Montana.  Loves cameras.

Levi
Aka "Bubba".  Aka "Leroy".  He has rhythm, and humor.  He can eat more spaghetti than me.

Georgia
She beat us all to Heaven.  What a sweet little baby.  She had the whole family wrapped around her little finger.  We only had her for three months, but what a wonderful time we had.

I am thankful for each of my children and pray they will all be blessed with such wonderful kids as mine.

God Bless,
Dadofmykids.

Giving thanks for my beautiful & caring wife.

Jilly.  I am so thankful for her.  She is beautiful inside and out.  Thoughtful.  Caring.  Loving.  Giving.  Smart.

Though she lives many days in pain, she makes life worth living for me and our kids.  She always puts the needs of others before her own needs.

Her loving, compassionate and mothering instincts draw people in.  Somehow she knows how to comfort the hurting, feed the hungry, laugh with the happy and straighten the crooked.  She lives to give.

Have you heard her laugh?

I know God had me in mind when he made her.  Thank you Lord for my Jilly.

I pray that my sons will be blessed with wives like her.

Jilly, I love you.

Dadofmykids
 

--
Andy Brasfield

"Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me"  Mark 9:37  (NIV) 

Thanksgiving Theme Tweets and Posts

Since Thanksgiving is just a week away, I want to express my thankfulness.  To do so, I will tweet or post at least once daily for a week about something or someone for which or whom I am thankful.

Yeah, yeah.  You think I am corny.  I don't care.  I didn't force you to read this.  I know a few will read the promised posts.  

Get ready.

God Bless.

Dadofmykids

--
Andy Brasfield

"Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me"  Mark 9:37  (NIV) 

Beale Street (and some other stuff) on my mind.

Friday night we're gonna be walking with our feet ten feet off of Beale. Jill, Mollie and I plan to "do" Beale Street together. We are excited. But first, I have to actually GO to Memphis. Jill and Mollie are already there with Conner, Tucker, Riley and Tilley.

They went over on Sunday. I stayed behind with Papaw, Sean, Asher, KK and Levi. Asher, KK and Levi (AKL) will be out on fall break Thursday and Friday. So we're gonna go over and join the fun.

I haven't been to Memphis in a few years. My mom has been so patient. She lives there.

That's Friday. This is Wednesday. Yesterday...well that's another story.

Yesterday, Asher called me from school. He was sick. I had forgotten to give him his alergy meds and so he was breaking out. I couldn't get ahold of Sean to either take him his meds or to pick him up. So I went to get him. However, I did get Sean before I got there. He went to get Asher for me. I was not happy.

I took Papaw to the Dr. in the afternoon. He's been getting sick for some time. It finally got bad enough that he would agree to see his doctor. It took about one minute for the Dr. to determine that Papaw was sick enough to go to the hospital. I took him to the emergency room. He was admitted with pneumonia.

Then Linda called and said that Nettie had another baby.

I was NOT expecting that.

This means six of our kids have yet another biological sibling. It does NOT mean we are getting another child. However, it IS possible that we could be asked to take the baby. We just don't know what's going to happen.

We are praying that we will not have to make a decision about taking the baby. The main thing is for the child to go to a loving and capable family. I know we could love and care for a child, but we have a pretty full plate already. I don't know if I could say "No" to a baby. So I am praying that we won't have to face that decision.

Please pray with me. Pray for the baby. Pray that whatever happens will be best for both the baby and it's siblings in my home.

How's that for one day?

Memphis, here I come!

God Bless,
Dadofmykids

Ryne Sandberg Bobblehead Doll at TN Smokys

It was hot, but we got there early so we'd be sure to each get one. At the time I am writing this blog, the game was about a month ago. I don't think any of the bobble heads have survived. But that's ok. We got some good pictures.

A weekend to remember.

What an amazing time we had at Mike's 50 birthday celebration!!

You wouldn't know Mike was fifty years old. He neither looks nor acts old. Thankfully, he invited Jill and me to his party.

The party was held at America's Packard Museum in Dayton, Ohio. What a cool place! And he invited everyone to dress in 1920's outfits to match the cars there. Every one looked great, especially my Jilly.

The dance floor was special for us. Jill and I had never danced together, thanks to religion. Can you believe anyone would say that dancing is sinful? We danced slowly as well as, how would you say, "fast"? It would be great to do more of that. Is there somewhere in Knoxville with that kind of atmosphere?

Thanks again, Mike and Donna for inviting us.

We met some special friends, including Larry and Deanna Shrodes.

God Bless.

Asher broke his glasses, Again.

It's hard to pin down exactly how he broke them. When I ask Asher how his glasses get broke, he acts like he can't remember or like someone else broke them while he was sleeping.

After supper, we went to our favorite eye-glass store, Lenscrafters. If they ever transfer Kari Rogers to another location, I'll be mad. Countless times, she has repaired, fix or replaced his glasses. Never a complaint.

Going to Lenscrafters is a lesson in customer service and how it leads to customer loyalty. There are cheaper stores, no doubt. I've bought glasses at some of them. But none has matched the quality and service of Kari Rogers, Bill and all the others at Lenscrafters.

I wonder if Asher is harder on glasses than others.

God is into emails, too.

I posted a question about an article I wrote over on the SE Laser Blog. Many of my friends replied, evenly split on the appropriateness of the article. Then, this verse, from a daily Bible verse site, comes to my email:

My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:1-5 (New International Version)

This verse didn't answer my specific question, but it sure spoke to me about my search for an answer.

It's cool that God is into emails, too. He knew what would be going on today.

BTW. I am going to delete that questionable article.

God Bless,

Dadofmykids

What's wrong with this printer?

The smallest fish I've ever seen bite a hook.

Another boy caught a fish, too. He yelled and they all crowded around as he reeled it in. They ran up the hill as one unit, like something you'd see in a cartoon, to show the men.

I stood, quietly observing. "That's what I was supposed to do", I thought to myself. I chose not to participate in the celebration. My fish had been larger than his. But now, nobody would believe me. I didn't even say anything when I caught the bass just minutes before. I didn't know I was supposed to say, or do, anything.

It was summer camp. I was about ten years old and hadn't been fishing since my dad died five years earlier. I kept it to myself, only telling one friend that I had also caught a fish, "but", I added, "I know that no one will believe me since they didn't see it." He agreed.

That day stands out to me as one example of what it meant to have no father in my home. Whether it's fishing, hunting, working on the car, or whatever, our boys need us to spend time with them. This is how they learn what a real man looks like.

Yesterday, Tucker caught the smallest fish I've ever seen bite a hook. He insisted that I take his picture with it. He knew, somehow, that the size of the fish wasn't the point.

Men, be a father to your sons by spending time with them. Do MAN things together.

This is your legacy.

Who is it? Tell me who it is.

Daniel was at work when he heard there were cops at our house. He rushed home. When he got there, he knew someone had died. He simply said, "Who is it? Tell me who it is."

I said, "Georgia".

The next four kids, by age, had spent the night with my mother-in-law. When they got home, I had to tell them, too. "I have some very bad news about Georgia," I said. "She went to sleep and didn't wake up. I tried to wake her, but she's gone. Her little spirit is in Heaven with Jesus now."

This scene from March 10-11, 2006, replayed in my head while I was driving to work today. I didn't ask for it, expect it, or even want it. But there it was. Emotion and everything.

I have worried that I had become too numb to feel that anymore. But I am grateful to know that my heart is still tender enough.

It is sad, I know. But, the story doesn't end there. My life didn't end with Georgia's life. I survived. We survived. You will survive.

The Hope of Eternal Life in Jesus Christ, and my beautiful wife and eight remaining children kept me going. Time has allowed the wound to heal. I am scarred.

Life is full of change. Good and bad. Be encouraged. You will heal in time.

Water-flavored coolaid.

Looking into the cabinet where the coolaid mix is usually stored, one of my boys asked what flavor of coolaid we should have. But, there was none left. So, I said I would make “water-flavored” coolaid. Some of the older kids just grinned, but Asher wanted to know how I make it. I said “You have get the right mix of ice to liquid” while filling a glass with ice water. When I passed the glass to Asher, I asked him if it tasted like water.

He said, “Yes, it's good.”