My Brother

Wilshire, Stephen Craig Steve went home to be with his Lord on Saturday morning, May 23, 2009, at his home in Plano after working his Friday night shift at Kirby's Steakhouse in Dallas. He suffered from an extreme case of gout which proved to not only be extremely painful and debilitating, but ultimately fatal. Steve was born in Wichita Falls, Texas, on August 8, 1966, the third child of Roy and Carol Wilshire. He graduated from the University of North Texas in 1990 with a degree in management. He worked his way through college at various positions at Chili's, and then spent his career in the food service industry - including management positions at Chili's, Snuffers, and Cici's, followed by his service as a professional waiter at Kirby's, where he developed a loyal following of customers and many friends. His career allowed him to be available to spend significant and quality time with his two daughters - Kirby and Shelby. He was married to his best friend, Wendy. Not a day went by that he didn't think of this, his very special girl! She brought such happiness into his life and their marriage was one that was so strong for over 17 years. Steve was a soft spoken man, but when he talked, you wanted to listen. His heart was full of compassion for others. Although prone to losing things like his keys, wallet, or cell phone, Steve never lost his sense of humor or his love of life. His courage and laughter, in spite of his illness or tragedies, brought family and friends joy and hope. He was a gentle soul, a Christian, and a member of The Heights Baptist Church in Richardson. He is survived by his loving wife, Wendy (Wolfe), his daughters, Kirby (14) and Shelby (10), his brother, Mark Wilshire of Plano, sisters, Nerissa Silva of Dallas and Andrea (Andi) Crumrine of Simi Valley, California, along with parents, Roy and Carol Wilshire of Plano, and his grandmother, Lucille (Whitten) Watson of Mansfield. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, J.N. Whitten, and Orin and Myrtle Wilshire. He will be deeply missed by a host of family and friends, who all rejoice in knowing that he is in his heavenly home, where there is no more pain and suffering. Services will be held at The Heights Baptist Church Chapel on Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at 10:00 am with burial at Restland Cemetery. Visitation will be at Restland Cemetery on Tuesday, May 26, 2009, between 6:00 and 8:00 pm.

I love you, Steve!

And the award goes to. . .

Carson - for working through and completing 2 books in AWANA this year. . .

Calleigh for working through and completing one book in AWANA this year!

The kids started in an AWANA program in January, and they LOVED every minute of it!  It was a time of fun, games, friends, and learning scripture.  In order to complete a book, they had to memorize a ton of scripture and the books of the Bible.  I've never seen my kids so motivated to learn.  It is awesome to know that they are committing scripture to memory at such a young age.  So tonight we celebrated their accomplishment with dinner out and an awards celebration.  Congratulations, kiddos!

Bee protection while swimming.  Always a good idea.

Calleigh's Big News. . .

. . .she lost her very first tooth last night!  Now she can write her name on the giant tooth in her classroom.  She is so excited!

Sex Education by Carson

I had one of those "mommy moments" the other day.  One of those moments when you realize you are now entering uncharted territory and your child has entered a new stage in their development.  I had the privilege of navigating this milestone without any backup (aka - Michael), and overall it went really well.  Before I share the details, I must warn you that this is for grown-up eyes only.  Sorry kiddos, you must wait and read once you've entered this stage yourself.

Carson - Mom, you know the outside lunchroom?  Someone spray painted graffiti on the wall.

Andi - That's pretty sad.

Carson - They wrote S - E - X.  (head nod, little smirk on face)

Andi - That's unfortunate.  (trying to hide a giggle)

Carson - I know what it means.  (really big head nod, bigger smirk on face)

Andi - REALLY?  Please, tell me what you think it means.

Carson - (leaning in to whisper in my ear) It's when a boy and girl make out naked.  (very large head nod, very large smirk on face)

Andi - So, what is making out? (a little amazed, a little terrified of where this might lead, a lot curious)

Carson - Kissin' and stuff.

Andi - Well, actually, your definition is very close to the actual definition.

So after a little more discussion about how making' out naked is something God created and is a wonderful thing for husbands and wives, the topic was dropped until bedtime.  Then Carson decided to pull out his "let's talk about this a little more" card.  And this is what happened. . .

Carson - Mom, is it true that a husband and wife make out naked?

Andi - Yes, it is.

Carson - That's GROSS!!!!!!!

Andi - Well, it may sound gross, but God created it so He can make babies.

pause.................(dot's are being connected)

Carson - So, you and daddy had sex twice?!?!

pause.................(oh crap)

Andi - (trying so hard not to burst out laughing) Yes, Carson, your daddy and I had sex twice.  And now I have you and Calleigh.  Isn't that wonderful?!

A little more discussion transpires about how this is something all boys and girls need to talk with their mommies and daddies about, and he needs to refrain from talking about it with his friends.  There was also some significant emphasis on not talking to anyone about mommy and daddy having sex twice :-)  Meanwhile, Carson is giggling throughout this discussion.

Andi - Why are you laughing??

Carson - Your saying s-e-x!!!!!

Andi - (sigh)

I'll save round two for Michael.