Jake Rinard» Family

Why am I Excited for Christmas?

Jake Rinard — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 20:43:04 +0000

I am very excited about Christmas in 2012. Why? Multiple reasons. Our family has had a rough couple of years with the birth and subsequent death of our son John Carter Rinard in 2010, then a miscarriage, followed by a twin pregnancy that ended in the result of beautiful Claire Rinard going home to Heaven, and Marlo Joy an amazing miracle born 14 weeks premature, and fighting for life. Today Marlo is home with us in Texas, and making her presence felt! My parents were involved in a horrific car accident and survived. The list goes on, but why does that make Christmas special in 2012?

Christmas 2012, is on a Sunday. What a great day to celebrate the birth of Jesus. So, we celebrate new life, the life of our Savior, and the new life that is ours for the asking. This Christmas, I will celebrate with my entire family, all my brothers and sisters. All of us! This is the first time in 16 years all of my siblings were together for Christmas! Another reason to celebrate new life!

I am celebrating the life that gives life to all this Christmas.

If you are in the Fort Worth area, please consider joining us for a brief and memorable Christmas service at 10:30 celebrating the greatest gift we all have been given. Click here for location details for Christmas 2012.

Peeking Around the Corner

Jake Rinard — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 02:41:18 +0000

I have been enjoying every minute of this time with the family. I have had fun times with each of the kids and my wife. The new addition of Marlo to the household has been very exciting. I find myself awake most hours of the night, just wanting to watch her as she sleeps.

She is struggling with some of her eating. We were told this is a common issue with micro-preemies, and sure enough it is for Marlo, the one who the nurses always commented read the book on preemies. Even with her eating and her spitting up, she is a delight for us all. None of us can get enough of little Marlo.

I know I am not updating often, and neither is my wife, but if you check both sites you may get a couple of updates each week. Her blog is Adventures in Mellowland.

Please keep us in your prayers as we seek the Lord’s will in our lives. We feel that something is right around the corner!

Celebrate and Road to Recovery

Jake Rinard — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 15:10:02 +0000

We are spending some time at the San Diego Wildlife Park. Last year we took the family there as one of the first things we did on our path of getting busy and back on track after Johnny died.

It was a good day last year, and today a day of remembrance while we celebrate our our little Marlo.

Life can be so very tough, but take it a step at at time, focus on each other and hold tight!

Great to be Home – Not To Trade

Jake Rinard — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 23:23:53 +0000

It is great to be back with the family. We have just been enjoying each other and getting caught up on sleep. Well, not catching up with a newborn, but well wishing we were catching up on our sleep.

I wouldn’t trade this for anything in the world.

Long Awaited Day Has Arrived

Jake Rinard — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 23:28:46 +0000

I am not sure I have read very many posts that are more exciting than the post I am going to send you to momentarily. Long Awaited Day Post

All I really need to say is this:

“Oh, Marsha.” I heard from the hallway. “Do you want to go home today?”

and this:

Ready to go home after passing the big test!

Finally, in the car on on our way home, talking to Daddy on the phone

Read the entire exciting post here: The Full “Long Awaited Day post.

Now of course mommy has all the work of a newborn, but even more a preemie which is much more work. She has the older kids to take care of, schooling, and selling/packing all the household goods, cars, the house, and a lot more. Wow, what an amazing lady. Truly, an amazing, gifted wife, mommy, and friend.

John Carter Rinard – Happy 1st Birthday

Jake Rinard — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 00:23:41 +0000

I am blessed beyond anything I could have imagined, a I have 2 beautiful daughters, 2 beautiful sons, and 2 more daughters on the way. My youngest son was born one year ago tomorrow (Sunday April 11, 2010), and passed away when we was 8 days old.

This past year has been one that no one should ever go through. It is not something I can explain, or expect anyone to understand.

Each week on Johnny’s due date – birthday, I sang Happy Birthday to Johnny while he was in his momma’s tummy. His mommy would help me out when the tune wasn’t going so well. The older kids joined in, when they were around. The day he was born, with all of us around, we sang Happy Birthday Johnny. Being just a few hours old, we all could tell that he finally recognized something in this strange new place. He looked around, and even let out a squelch of emotion when the song was over. We have a video of this precious memory to each of us.

Little Johnny, your brother and sisters are as proud as can be. Your mommy, daddy, and siblings prayed to have you for a decade. You are an answer to our prayers, and you are so loved from before we even knew you.

Little Johnny, we miss you. Our heart aches for you, but we push forward, excited about the day we will be reunited with you. For now, we try to comfort ourselves knowing that you are in Heaven, hopefully playing baseball with your Uncle Phil, and hanging out with your Grandpa John (among others). We would give anything to have you back in our arms, and sitting in your high chair so we can sing Happy Birthday on your 1st birthday.

I assume you would be walking by now and beginning to talk. Your brother and sisters had so much to show you, and your mommy and daddy wanted to watch you grow.

I am not sure how to push forward everyday, but we do. Sometimes not so successfully, and other days I feel like we are making it, one step at a time. Sometimes a step backwards (mostly for your daddy), and then your mommy pulls me back into shape.

I am sitting here looking at your picture. You are a handsome boy, and tomorrow we will sing you Happy Birthday with tears in our eyes.

We miss you, Johnny.

Working, Speaking, and Learning Oh yeah and Life

Jake Rinard — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 17:46:43 +0000

The pressure is on! I have been extremely busy with work, speaking at Highland Community Cross, doubled up my Master’s classes this semester, and somewhere I am fitting my family and life into the mix.

Fortunately, I have just a bit over 4 weeks till one of my courses is over, which will free up a little time, but that is just before I jump into the next class.

Without a doubt things are busy, and we are preparing for the 2 new Baby Rinard Girls! Our precious and most wanted sweet little girls will be here so soon! If you haven’t guessed their birth date, or entered for your chance to help pick their names, you should do that now by clicking here or here or here or even here. Remember – there are prizes!

That is the Micro update for now! Till next time!

Almost Home

Jake Rinard — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 20:43:00 +0000

After a week in Houston and Dallas, it will be nice to be home and celebrating my youngest daughter’s 12th birthday! The trip was a good one, getting work done as well as seeing some family. Always a good time with family.

Suffering

Jake Rinard — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 15:47:27 +0000

Losing a baby is tough. I know, that isn’t groundbreaking. What makes it tougher is the roller coaster of emotions.

You don’t only have to worry about yourself a bit, but you have to be focused on those around you. Everyone experiences this tome after the death of a baby different.

It is very hard to handle this and at times even though I am trying, I am not as good as I want to be at recognizing and helping others go through the healing process.

I know that fortunately we have God who is there to comfort, and this is a promise we must lean on, not only for our self, but those around us who are suffering as well.

Dreams I Never Had

Jake Rinard — Sun, 30 May 2010 00:52:43 +0000

It has been a difficult 6 weeks or so. Definitely not something anyone could plan for and for sure not something you would wish on anyone else. Losing a baby is not something I could fathom before now, and hope to never feel again.

Day by day my emotions change. In fact you never know from minute to minute what I may be feeling. Sorry for Marsha, but she is stuck with me and my ways.

We are choosing to move ahead, and remember the good times. We don’t ever want to forget our little son, John Carter Rinard. He was so beautiful and so desired. I doubt a person could ever be wanted more than my son.

I long for the day to hold him, and I long for the days of dreaming about what he will be when he grows up. I miss the planning that I did, where Phil and I would take little Johnny camping and teach him how to fish.

You see, we had plans, we had dreams. What I am living was never part of those dreams.

I am definitely living a life I never wanted to dream.

Tribute to My Son – John Carter Rinard

Jake Rinard — Sun, 09 May 2010 04:57:54 +0000

John Carter Rinard – “Johnny” (April 11 – April 19, 2010)

My Beautiful Son – I love you.

-dad

Another Birthday

Jake Rinard — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 06:57:43 +0000

Today was my birthday and it was a pretty fun one. My brother and his wife and their new baby are here from Idaho. Also my sister from San Diego drove up. We hung out most of the day and played some cornhole! We went to Lamppost Pizza in Corona for some pizza and trivia!

My wife made a wonderful pumpkin cheesecake! It was delicious. Tomorrow or should I say in 4 minutes is Thanksgiving.

I am thankful for another year of growth, not as thankful for the physical growth, but the growth towards one another.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

End of Week and Travel to Texas

Jake Rinard — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 06:12:11 +0000

This week was pretty busy. I was able to accomplish a lot of things at work which of course is food. Unfortunately I have a short weekend and leave for a business Development trip on Sunday. I love working in Los Angeles. The atmosphere is definitely different than a small privately owned company where I was the vice president, but it is a good place.

I really like the work and the team we have in place is an excellent team.

On a side note my wife is 13 weeks pregnant. Time is flying by. I was informed today that they baby is already the size of a peach and all organs are fully functioning. Crazy that this is only 11 weeks past conception and it if a real life human being. Life is a miracle.

Tomorrow should be a relaxed day. I will pack my bags for Galveston, and finish a few things around the house. Other than that, I will watch some college football Go Boise State and USC!!

Work Trip and Family

Jake Rinard — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 21:42:46 +0000

It has been a fun week. I have been in L.A. all week and had some meetings. Everything went well but I hope things speed up!

In an hour or so I will leave to San Diego to see my sister. Can’t wait. My dad is here with me and he will be going down to S.D. as well. It is always fun visiting Bek.

Tough Times | Bless Others

Jake Rinard — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 03:58:22 +0000

Life is crazy! Everywhere I look I see people wondering about their job, their house, and their families. Life is tough for so many people. So many changes, so many rough times in the lives of my friends and family.

It is times like this where we need to remind to look around and see who we can help. Your life may be tough but someone may need you more than you need you. I am challenging myself to look around. Look at the people that come into my life each day and look for little things that can bless them.

Who knows what impact you will have. You may never know what comes of it but you can be assured that it will change lives.

Cornhole Board and Bags

Jake Rinard — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 05:41:23 +0000

My Cornhole board and bags should be here by the end of the week. I was told it would be shipped today via UPS. It is coming from Ohio, so I would hope that it arrives by Friday so we can play it this weekend. The kids are going to love the game.

Have you ever played cornhole? I have only played 1 time and I love it! It is a great family and friends game.

Love your Kids : Get Purpose

Jake Rinard — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 16:23:10 +0000

I want to think about what is important in life. If you are a sport’s fan, think about that. If your work is your life, think about that. If you are a small business owner, think about that. For me sport’s is easy to think about.

Imagine a winning team. Imagine a team that doesn’t just win, but they win regularly. You know they will be in the running for the pennant ever year. They will not finish with the regular season but will continue on in the playoffs year after year. If it is college football they will consistently be ranked. they will be in a bowl game, and will win a national championship more than others.

What drives a winning team? Is it passion? Many would agree with this. Is it luck? From time to time maybe this is the answer, but you can never count on luck consistently.

What drives success on and off the field? If you look at winning teams, you will find 100% of the time a coach that is PURPOSEFUL. Not some of the time, not most of the time, but ALL the time. This constant drive of purpose flows down through the assistant coaches, onto the players, and it floods the fans.

A winning team is purposeful in everything they do with everyone in the organization. If you want to be successful with your wife or husband, kids, work, finances, church, or anything you have to find this purposefulness.

Finding purpose is being intentional in what you do. In your marriage you have to choose to love your spouse EVERY day. You have to be intentional to prove that love everyday with your kids. At work, at church, and in all relationships you have to be intentional.

If you want a better life you must be intentional.

Why is this drive to be purposeful important? Well I will say this. Being intentionally purposeful can have a huge impact on those around you.

If you are not intentional you will hurt your kids. You will not only hurt them today, you will hurt them for all of life. If you show them what it means to have a life of purpose you will not only impact your kids today but you will instill in them what it takes to have a better life. You will create a lifestyle of success. Success that will help eliminate divorces, pain, suffering and will replace this with wonderful marriages, success at work, and a good life all-around.

Friends, this is important. Be purposeful with your life because your kids will reap the results.

Corn Hole – Baggo

Jake Rinard — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:42:40 +0000

While I was in San Diego for my sister’s graduation form PLNU, my brother mentioned a game he called Corn Hole. It sounded pretty interesting and lately I have been thinking of something I can play with my kids in the backyard as well as with the church youth and college group.

Corn Hole is a game similar to horseshoes, but with bags that you toss in a hole. My bro says he likes Corn Hole (also called Baggo) much more.

I am considering making my own Corn Hole set. Haven’t decided yet. Anyone ever play Corn Hole? If you live near Houston, we should get together. Although let me warn you. Still today I have never played. Soon, very soon. Now is you time to beat me. It won’t last.

Here is what the game of Corn Hole is all about:

Cornhole is 2 boards, 8 bags, and two teams of 2 (can be played single). It’s like horseshoes with ‘cept with a bit nicer on the noggin beanbags. Teams of two stand at opposite ends of sloped boards and take turns “tossing corn” toward the hole in the opposite board.

A bag in the hole, known as a “cornhole”, is worth 3 points. A bag on the board, a “cow pie” is worth one point. Miss the board “sally”, is worth zero points.

The first team to 21 points wins. But because players can cancel opponents point values by earning the same amount of points in a single turn, the score can and does go back and forth. In other words, things get prett competitive, which makes Corn Hole sound like a great game.

Sound fun? Sure does to me. A great group, family game.