OH! I remember

There are days when you can't quite figure out why you had children. You sit and ask yourself what posessed you to do this? You really don't have an answer either. There is no logical reason why any human would want to stop sleeping for a 1-9 month period, lug around 35 extra pounds of gear, spend every last dime you have and for what? You cant quite get yourself an answer.

I remember when we had our first. As new parents we took so much gear with us everywhere we went, the United States Marine Corps Infantry used to laugh. By the time we had our 5th, we were throwing Dr. Pepper in a sippy cup and using my pants to wipe up snot. You have a tendancy to relax a bit.

Last night was not one of those nights. I spent the evening with the West Jordan High School Marching Jaguars. We are a musical little family, drums, trumpet, flutes, clarinets, guitar, keyboards, saxaphone, we play music, its in our lives.

I watched last night as the Jags competed against 4 or five other schools, we then stayed to watch the bigger 4A and 5A schools compete, then an exhibition from the BYU marching band and drumline. Needless to say it was impressive.

I always try to make a point when I blog, which is why I dont blog about useless or trivial items. The point I am trying to make here, and to tie in my beginning statement is simply this:

There is nothing, and I mean nothing, which makes me happier than to see my children perform. I cried last night. I teared up with joy and pride watching Lauren and Kyle out there on the BYU marching band field at LaVell Edwards Stadium perform. I watched as they gave everything they had worked for.

Now, for those of you NON-MARCHING BAND folks, dont kid yourself. These kids work as hard as any athletic team. I mean YOU try to go out and cover 7 yards in 5 steps while playing music, staying in step, not running over the person in front of you, not being run over, dodging those flashy flag girls and watching the Drum Major for timing queues. Its tough.

Last night watching my kids perform, it made me realize how wonderful it is to be a Dad. I also realize my wife had more to do with how these kids turned out than I ever will, but at least I can say they are mine.

The band didnt win anything. No awards, no mentions, no place, show, good job, better luck next time, good effort, thanks for playing, pass go, you rolled doubles, roll again, NOTHING. What did my kids do? They cheered. They applauded the winners.

Life was good last night, and I remembered why it was I decided to have kids. I tease and joke with them, probably too often about how I had kids so we could get the lawn mowed and the trash taken out. But last night it was all becuase I love to see my kids succeed, even when they lose. Its nice to know your children will all grow up to be a better person than you could ever hope to be.

Nice job Jags! No matter what the judges say, you are always 1st place in my heart.