Being a Dad is priceless.

This week we celebrated Annabelle's 9th birthday so I am especially nostalgic since we just celebrated  it a couple days ago. It really does seem like yesterday that we brought her home for the first time. When she was born everyone would tell us that "time would fly" and that before we know it she'd be graduating high school. While I don't want to fast forward things we do want to prepare her for what lies ahead.

I try and treasure every single moment that we spend together as a family and especially those times we get to spend just the two of us. Anyone who knows me knows that our daddy-daughter days are priceless to me. When we first were married, Danielle and I thought that we'd have lots of kids. We have grown and learned that our plan is not always God's plan. We are so thankful for Annabelle each and every day. She has truly made our family complete. When someone tells you, "...they grow so fast...", you better believe it! Happy Birthday Annabelle!

"A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty." ---Unknown

Why Wait?

I know that everyone at one time or another has lost someone they love. Whether it is a parent, sibling, grandparent, or cousin, it has happened. Grief is a terrible thing and it seems when the anniversary of their passing comes around, the sting of the pain of their death inevitably strikes again. God promises us that "weeping may be for a night, but joy comes in the morning" (Psalm 30:5). Although the pain of their passing eases as time goes by, the hurt really never goes away for good.

We lost a young cousin in my wife's family almost three years ago and the pain and sorrow still comes at times. Sometimes unexpectedly. I know that she is in better hands, as the Natalie Grant song says, but it doesn't mean that we don't miss her being here with us. She's missing so much, too. Watching her young son grow up. Seeing him step into kindergarten for the first time this year. Big school. Living life to the fullest. There are things I wish I would have taken the time to tell her, but because she was young I didn't think it was important or urgent. I also didn't think that what I had to say to her would make a difference. If only...

This month she would have turned 29 years old. I hope that she's dancing in the streets of heaven today. I just wish I would have told her the things I had to say to her. But I cannot. Hopefully, one day. Happy Birthday Miranda! We love and miss you.

Is there someone that you've been putting off talking to that you haven't seen in a while? Or perhaps there is someone in your very own household who you need to talk to, but keep putting it off. What you have to say may be exactly what they need to hear.

Why wait?

Hi. My Name is Barrett. And I am a perfectionist.

Dictionary.com defines a perfectionist as someone who demands perfection from him or herself and others. It defines perfection as the state or quality of becoming perfect. I think that is an accurate description of myself.

Just when I think I'm laid back and easy going, there it is. The desire to be perfect. I think I'll always be this way. I set pretty high standards for myself. And if I don't meet them, I beat myself to the ground. I sometimes push these so-called standards onto my family, especially Annabelle. Expectations that I have no right to establish. Epic fail if I don't reach that certain standard is how I feel. I am trying to improve on not stressing over little things, but it doesn't always work as planned. I understand that I am not perfect. At all. But I am working on it. If this sounds crazy to you then you obviously are not a perfectionist. If it makes perfect  sense then welcome to the Crazy Club.

In my endeavor to be "perfect", I don't always drive the speed limit. Sometimes my road rage gets the best of me. I sometimes cut people off in traffic and I'm a very offensive driver. In driver's ed  they taught us to be defensive. Oh well. I also will drive for 15 minutes at times just to get the closest parking spot, including stepping on the gas to get it before someone else. I don't always let the person with just a few items to cut in the front of me in the grocery store either. I even have turned my head when I see a man begging for food by throwing out his pride and holding up a sign hoping someone will help him. I'm not perfect.

I know that God wants us to live in His perfect will so being a perfectionist isn't bad at all as long as we are in striving for His perfect will. I try very hard to live by God's rules in my life, but it's not easy. Thank God for His grace and mercy and for having patience with me. I am a (piece of) work in progress. Striving for perfection. Every day. And it's OK. Cause He's not finished with me yet.

"For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus."  Philippians 1:6

We're Halfway There

My employer began a wellness program 6 weeks ago. We were given a choice to lose the weight on our own via diet, exercise, etc. or join an at-work Weight Watchers program. I decided to join Weight Watchers since my wife was already on the program. It was intended to last 12 weeks and the end result would be cash money for the top three biggest losers who have the highest percentage of weight loss. While the prize money would help us a lot, my goal is to go beyond the 12 weeks and make this a lifestyle for myself and my family. With everyone at home on board, it is a lot easier. I really like that there is support at work, too, because it is not only motivating, but I feel everyone is looking to see the results. I like the accountability factor. I am not focusing on past setbacks either because I can't go back in time. Thank God.

I met my 5% weight loss goal last week. I set my original goal at 5% because I knew I could do it. Now that I've lost almost 6% of my original body weight I am shooting for 10%! That is incredible considering I do not starve myself. I am rarely hungry. I eat "regular" food, but I make healthier choices (at times). I even eat fast food and at many other restaurants. There are healthier alternatives everywhere you go. You just have to make that choice when reading a menu. I also exercise whenever I feel like it. And that ain't often.

I am in no way a spokesperson for Weight Watchers or weight loss, but all I know is that I feel GREAT and I want to keep this going. It feels real good to be a loser!

Weight loss tip of the day:
"Never trust a weight loss program that requires you to omit your favorite foods."

Greenish Thumb

My Dad was the best gardener. I would dare say he was a Master Gardener. Everything he tried to grow would multiply beyond even Miracle Gro's expectations. I think he should have been on their advertisement. I used to help him, but never could quite pick up interest in it. So the "help" I would give was to pick the crops and eat them. Or I would make something with them in the kitchen for everyone to enjoy. I personally think his best work was growing tomatoes. He had several different varieties. He even knew the acidity level in each variety. He was awesome at this hobby.


I have tried for many years to grow a garden like his, but have not even come close. Although I have grown some plants that have produced well, it still could not compare. I've had plants that were taken over by bugs, killed with too much poison or Miracle Gro and my plants last year were eaten by a neighbor's goat! This year, I decided to change my method. I am growing only one tomato plant and one cucumber plant in two 5-gallon buckets. I even bought cheap topsoil from Lowe's. Setting my expectations high, but without the cost. One of Annabelle's "chores" is keeping them hydrated so that is her job besides helping me plant them. They are taller than me, but have not produced yet. Annabelle and I found a cucumber yesterday and we are so excited to watch it grow.

I don't know if your thumb turns greener as you get older or Annabelle has some mad watering skills, but I know my Dad is proud of us for not giving up. And again, making some good memories. I think I've found the perfect location for the ones we'll plant in the fall. Finally, moi le pouce vert is starting to show!

Farmer's Market

One of my favorite things I enjoy about living in a rural community is their local farmer's market. In the spring, summer, and fall there is always an abundance of homegrown produce there along with homemade sweet treats baked by our local cooks. Every year, I look forward to the fresh tomatoes. Tomatoes immediately remind me so much of my Dad and his garden he would tend when he was alive. Everyone would come around for miles and take what they wanted and pay him later. He loved sharing his crops with everyone. You can also find cucumbers, tomatoes, eggplant, squash, and even pickled quail eggs. And the prices cannot be beat, even by Wal-Mart!

This year, Annabelle had an idea. She decided she wanted to start her own "business" by baking brownies, cookies, and cupcakes then selling them at the market. So my wife took her shopping, helped her bake for hours, then we set up our shop.

At the end of the day she made a good profit to bake more at a later date. Not only was it fun, but it taught her responsibility to some degree and how to start a business. We really passed a good time, especially listening to some chank-a-chank, including Jolie Blonde, provided by one of our local bands.

If you are ever able, please support our local farmers and find a market in your area. There is nothing like bringing their hard work to your dinner table and enjoying it with your family. Bon Apetit!

Southern Fried Fourth of July

This 4th of July we spent our day at my brother and sister-in-law's, Cody and Leah's, new house in Henderson. My Mom, Diana, has always wanted to fry chicken outside like her mother-in-law (my Dad's mom, my Maw Maw) taught her many years ago. She got her wish because the weather was perfect. Although it was hot, we had fans blowing and set up underneath an old crepe myrtle in the shade just like in the old days. We had all the fixin's including homemade mac & cheese prepared by my sister, Vicki and rice dressing cooked by me. I also brought fresh cucumbers & tomatoes and broccoli slaw.

Later in the afternoon I was able to pick about 3 gallons of figs with Annabelle. That was a fun learning experience for us. We finished off the day with watermelon on the porch and a fireworks display provided by my brother and my brother-in-law, Tim.

As I went to sleep I couldn't help, but dream of Mom's fried chicken.

Building a Relationship

One of the best things about being a Dad is being able to do fun things with your kids that take the focus off your every day work life. There is nothing like fun activities that just make everything else seem like small stuff. We enjoy spending time together as a family, but more importantly I treasure the moments I get to spend with just Annabelle and me.

One of our favorite activities is building things at the Lowe's Build and Grow Workshop. It is a FREE service that Lowe's offers on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 11:00am. In the spring it is every Saturday, but in the summer and the fall it is every other Saturday. On the first Saturday of the month, Home Depot also offers a free workshop from 9:00 am to 12:00 Noon, so almost every Saturday can be a project day for you and your child. Annabelle and I have been attending these workshops since she was 3 years old. We have attended both the Lowe's and Home Depot workshops, but I personally prefer Lowe's. The people that host the workshop treat the children as if they were their own. Annabelle says she just likes spending time with me so I'll take that!

A few Saturdays ago we were unable to go there and build a dog treat holder due to extremely bad weather. When we went to Lowe's later that day, I asked one of the employees if there were any leftover project kits. He excitedly went look for one and gave it to us. Regretfully, there were not any project patches left to put on her apron (they give you an apron, goggles, hammer, and a patch or at Home Depot, a pin). I emailed Lowe's later that evening and her patch arrived in a few days. I guess that gives me a reason to prefer Lowe's, but it is not really about the project or the place it is built.

The importance to me is making good memories for us. I want her to build with me for many years to come. I am so glad that we have this opportunity to spend time together and while it doesn't cost a dime, it is priceless. This weekend, neither place held the workshop because of the holiday so we decided to finally build the treat holder at home. What memories are you making each day with your kids? All I know is that I enjoy this time with my daughter more than anything in the world. For more information you can visit http://www.lowesbuildandgrow.com/ or http://www.homedepot.com/ (search for Kids Workshop).

Let's Get Cooking!

One of my favorite things, other than eating good food, is cooking. I come from a long line of great cooks and actually started cooking at a very young age. I think I was born with a cooking spoon in my hand. Before I started my career in Clinical Nutrition, I worked in several restaurants around Lafayette, including Copeland's, Alcide's Restaurant (now known as Nash's) in Broussard, and Hub City Diner. I helped create the menus and develop recipes for a few restauants in town, too. I was a guest chef on both Passe Partout and Good Morning Acadiana. Winning The Daily Advertiser cookbook competition used to be a goal of mine, but making the finals only one time discouraged me. Maybe one day! My culinary skills are mostly self-taught, but I learned from some culinary masters right in my own family.

One of my favorite Cajun dishes is of course, GUMBO! I enjoy it so much that I will even brave the heat (and crank up the A/C) and eat it right in the middle of July. My wife has become quite the cook since we are married, so she does most of the cooking in our house. I am proud to say that her meals are very delicious and healthy for us. She has altered several recipes to cater to our healthier eating habits. She created a gumbo recipe a few years ago and we've been eating it this way since that time. I will occasionally cook a pot in the winter that is filled with chicken, jalapeno sausage, tasso, and "real" roux. However, I enjoy the recipe that she uses because I can eat more of it and not feel as full. I also use brown rice so my hunger will not return as quickly.

A couple years ago in the middle of winter, Annabelle and I decided to have a picnic. It was about 40 degrees, so we thought it was a great idea. We bundled up and packed TV trays, bowls of gumbo, file, drinks, and even hot sauce. We moved everything we had onto the porch with our rocking chairs and we had the best picnic ever. Although it was a little windy and cold, we had a lot of fun. I will always cherish this memory.

Another memory I have with gumbo was when our entire family was outside enjoying our new fire pit and a mouse ran across my sister's foot. She then kicked it onto me and my cup of gumbo went flying into the air onto my mom! The next day I found gumbo and chicken & sausage dried onto the side of our house. We still laugh about that today!

DL's Gumbo

1 c. Tony Chachere's Instant Roux

2 c. water

1 onion, chopped

1 bell pepper, chopped

2 stalks celery, chopped

2 tsp. minced garlic

1 can cream of chicken

32 oz. (1 box) chicken broth

10 cups water

1 pkg. sausage of choice

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Green Onions, chopped

Cajun Seasoning

Prepare roux with 2 cups water according to directions on package. Saute' onions, bell pepper, & celery until tender. Add garlic; do not brown. Stir in roux/water mixture & cream of chicken; mix then add broth & water. Bring to boil then add chicken; simmer for about an hour. Add sausage then simmer until sausage is done. You may simmer until desired consistency is reached.

WW Points: 1.5 points per cup of juice

*Note: We recommend Butterball turkey sausage or Hillshire Farms Light Smoked Sausage.

You will need to calculate how much chicken and sausage you consume in order to figure the WW points.

Gumbo tip of the day: Your gumbo is not complete unless it boils over at least once. My Dad used to say that if it boiled over twice that would be your best gumbo ever.

...Encourage One Another

My employer started a wellness program at work 5 weeks ago so I decided that after trying Weight Watchers two previous times, the third time would be for life. At times it is easy, especially if I'm around other losers, but it gets rough when you're around those who would love to see you fail. Yes, there are "those" people. With the strength that only God could give me (and lots of sweat and hard work) I hope to make a life change. My wife joined first so the support we give each other helps a lot. Even my daughter has exercised with me making it even easier. Having the support of your family makes a difference. But it's not easy to ignore negativity.

As I faced the scale this week I was handed a choice. Should I walk away with negative thoughts of what I just read or think about how good it is that I've come so far in such a short time? Or should I walk away with negative thoughts of others that shared their weight loss this week or be encouraged that the program is helping me and my co-workers whether we lose or not? I tried to take the high road, but my car had a flat tire. Our leader shared a story about a man who lost 80 lbs. and what a success he had become. I truly heard my name in that story, but couldn't help think, "Whatever..."

In this world it is very easy to become self-centered and negative, but when we move our focus to serving others by offering encouraging words or just a smile, then we realize where I reward lies. It is not in ourselves. It is giving of ourselves. When you pass someone in the hallway or in the grocery store and say, "Hey, how are you doing?" Do you really want to know how they are doing? Probably not and they probably don't either, but you may have just made a difference in their life because you smiled and showed interest. When is the last time you actually encouraged someone by saying a kind word directly to them? I would guess it would be easier to think of something you said about someone while they were not around.

Lord, please help me to remember that it's not about me. Help me to keep going forward and only let me listen and absorb the encouraging words. And help me to give it back to others.

"Therefore encourage one another, and let each one help to strengthen his friend, as in fact you do." I Thessalonians 5:11