Christmas Presence

Growing up my parents helped make the Christmas season a special time of year for me. From the incredible decorations and tree put up with artistic precision by my father to getting Christmas cards sent out by mom to the wonderful smell of fresh baked apricot and nut cookies to delicious mushroom soup made by my father. The Christmas Eve service at a packed church with a beautiful rendition of 'Oh Holy Night' that took you back to the manager. Having friends and family over after service at my parents house was joyous. Cookies, hors d'oeuvres, drinks, music and laughter ruled the evening. Christmas morning was incredible. The magic of opening gifts wrapped with the utmost care by my father brought a big smile to my face. And when I got older the joy of giving mom& dad gifts equaled then exceeded what I received. Then I enjoyed going to church on Christmas morning. Later in the afternoon we would head up to my aunts with what one could only describe as a decadent feast. My aunt could out cook anyone on the Food Network. Ham melted in you mouth. The most moist turkey you ever had. Chicken soup with homemade noodles. Apple and pumpkin pies that made you always want a second piece. After we went home I always fell asleep with a smile on my face. I was blessed that all three of my children were able to experience this as well. With all that being said my parents always made sure the focus was on the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Fast forward to today. My parents and my aunts and uncles have passed away. Unfortunately the last time I spoke with my cousins was when my mom passed. I have resigned myself to the fact that we probably will never get together again and that saddens me a great deal.

In 2011 my life took the best turn possible when I met and married my soul mate Valerie Geis Horosz. Soon after that God blessed me with employment after looking for three years and in 2014 God saw fit to bless me with the best job ever in IT with Publix Supermarkets.

I can't say enough about Valerie's parents. I see both my parents in both of them and I am truly blessed to have them in my life. They really do make me feel loved and a part of the family.

My wife truly enjoys decorating the house for Christmas. Lights, decorations, garland, battery candles, and a beautiful tree with ornaments made by my dad. It looks fantastic !

In 2019 we had one of the most incredible blessings of our life as our granddaughter Eliana Grace Skaggs was born this past July. Words cannot express the inexplicable and unbelievable joy she brings to our lives - so much so we went up a few weeks ago to see my children and our granddaughter.

Three years ago in October I found out through a Facebook post that one of my cousins passed away. It really hit me hard. When I sent a sympathy card to her husband I remembered what he told me when my mom passed away - "we never hear from anyone anymore". It all makes sense now.

I wanted so desperately to recreate what my parents had. But I've come to the realization its gone. For one reason or another my family has splintered into their own units - with brothers and sisters only. Despite attempts to reach out to my cousins they have not responded.

It's up to Valerie and I to make memories for our children to enjoy and remember. Whether it's a phone call to Columbus to wish our children Merry Christmas or taking them out Christmas Day for a special dinner the message is always the same - we love you !

The best part of Christmas to me is not presents but presence - the presence of Christ in our hearts and in our home.

Merry Christmas !

Happy New Year 2018

Wishing all my friends a safe, healthy, and blessed New Years 2018 !

Use and practice these words more often in 2018: love, joy, peace, encouragement, gentleness, patience, kindness.

Pray without ceasing.
Worship wherever you are.
Read God's word.
Be a friend.
Enjoy family.
Encourage, support, and love your children.
Take care of the temple that God has given you.
Tell your spouse, children, and family that you love them.
Set attainable and realistic goals for yourself.

2017 Highlights.

In January had my fourth tooth extraction since moving to Florida.

Valerie and I celebrated our sixth wedding anniversary in February. Every day with my beautiful bride is better than the day before. I am truly the most blessed man in the world. 

February also saw me passing my FAA Part 107 exam and officially became a FAA sUAS Licensed Pilot. This will allow me to fly drones for commercial purposes. 

In June we said goodbye to Will and Peter as they moved back to Columbus, OH after living here for two years. We enjoyed their frequent visits for movies, Steeler and Penguins games and just hanging out. Excited that Will left for a better opportunity but miss both of them greatly. 

July saw my first real surgery as I had my gall bladder removed and umbilical hernia repaired. Recovering from hernia surgery proved to be a real challenge but I was back at work in a week.

We enjoyed several family get togethers for Mother's Day, Father's Day, Val's parents birthdays, Thanksgiving,  and Christmas Eve. Lots of good food and great laughs. 

I went through my first Hurricane in Florida in early September. The impact we had here in Tampa was not bad but other areas of Florida were not so fortunate including were I work over in Lakeland, Fl. We had a house full as Valerie's parents, Jessica, her friend, and four dogs under one roof for the night. 

September was #TheSocialEventOf2017 as I had the honor of walking my beautiful daughter Victoria down the aisle as she married Andy Skaggs who just happened to be Will's best friend. Tears of joy flowed abundantly that day in a picture perfect outdoor wedding in Ohio. 

Christmas day we celebrated by continuing our tradition of eating out by going to “Spinners” at St. Pete Brach – a revolving restaurant. Food was excellent and the views were magnificent. We enjoyed our time with Jessica that day.

Celebrated New Year's Eve by making a turkey breast and watching the movie "Dunkirk" with Valerie..

Some scripture I’d like to share:

“Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” Deuteronomy 5:16

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

“16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.” 1 Thessalonians 5:8

 “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13

Christmas Presence 2017

Growing up my parents helped make the Christmas season a special time of year for me. From the incredible decorations and tree put up with artistic precision by my father to getting Christmas cards sent out by mom to the wonderful smell of fresh baked apricot and nut cookies to delicious mushroom soup made by my father. The Christmas Eve service at a packed church with a beautiful rendition of 'Oh Holy Night' that took you back to the manager. Having friends and family over after service at my parents house was joyous. Cookies, hors d'oeuvres, drinks, music and laughter ruled the evening. Christmas morning was incredible. The magic of opening gifts wrapped with the utmost care by my father brought a big smile to my face. And when I got older the joy of giving mom& dad gifts equaled then exceeded what I received. Then I enjoyed going to church on Christmas morning. Later in the afternoon we would head up to my aunts with what one could only describe as a decadent feast. My aunt could out cook anyone on the Food Network. Ham melted in you mouth. The most moist turkey you ever had. Chicken soup with homemade noodles. Apple and pumpkin pies that made you always want a second piece. After we went home I always fell asleep with a smile on my face. I was blessed that all three of my children were able to experience this as well. With all that being said my parents always made sure the focus was on the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Fast forward to today. My parents and my aunts and uncles have passed away. Unfortunately the last time I spoke with my cousins was three years ago when my mom passed. I have resigned myself to the fact that we probably will never get together again and that saddens me a great deal.

In 2011 my life took the best turn possible when I met and married my soul mate Valerie Geis Horosz. Soon after that God blessed me with employment after looking for three years and in 2014 God saw fit to bless me with the best job ever in IT with Publix Supermarkets. We also were blessed with Will & Peter moving to Brandon and enjoy seeing them.
I can't say enough about Valerie's parents. I see both my parents in both of them and I am truly blessed to have them in my life. They really do make me feel loved and a part of the family.

My wife truly enjoys decorating the house for Christmas. Lights, decorations, garland, battery candles, and a beautiful tree with ornaments made by my dad. It looks fantastic !
But for myself the past couple of years it's almost been a chore for me. Decorating, music and the season felt hollow. Gifts are nice and my wife does exceptional with what she gets me. But something was missing.

Last year at this time I found out through a Facebook post that one of my cousins passed away. It really hit me hard. When I sent a sympathy card to her husband I remembered what he told me three years ago when my mom passed away - "we never hear from anyone anymore". It all makes sense now.

I wanted so desperately to recreate what my parents had. But I've come to the realization its gone. For one reason or another my family has splintered into their own units - with brothers and sisters only. Despite attempts to reach out to my cousins they have not responded.

It's up to Valerie and I to make memories for our children to enjoy and remember.

Last year we had Will, Peter, and Jessica over to exchange gifts, enjoy some great food, and watch several classic Christmas movies. It was probably one of the best Christmas Days we have had in a long time. But unfortunately that changes this year as Will and Peter moved back to Ohio. Very happy for them but that leaves a couple of empty places at the table and in our hearts as we miss them. 

This Christmas Day we will exchange gifts with Jessica then go out for Christmas dinner - we are blessed that she wants to share part of her day with us. 

The best part of Christmas to me is not presents but presence - the presence of Christ in our hearts and in our home.

Merry Christmas !

Enjoy this short video we made at Christmas last year  !

Happy Father's Day 2017 !

I would like to wish all father's everywhere a Happy Father's Day 2017 !

Here are the reasons that every Father's Day is a Happy Father's Day for me:

A Happy Father's Day would not be possible without my beautiful wife. Her love for her daughter and step children drives me to love my step daughter and children. A blessed circle indeed. It's capped off by her love for me and only eclipsed by her love for Jesus.

My children. I cannot be more proud of all four of them and in September welcome a firth as my daughter is getting married. Thank you for your love for each other and for Valerie and I.

"Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." Ephesians 6:4 NIV

"The righteous man walks in his integrity;
His children are blessed after him." Proverbs 20:7 NKJV

Will & Peter Are Moving Back To Ohio

Three years ago at this time Valerie and I were excited and making preparations for Will and Peter to move to Florida. Today we monitor their progress as they move back to Ohio. And while we are excited for them they are taking a part of our hearts to Ohio with them.

Will has been working at Wireless Advocates for almost the entire time they were here in Florida. You may not know them by name but they are the cell phone kiosks in Costco stores. Well he found out there was a managers opportunity at one of the stores in the Columbus, Ohio stores, applied for it, and was hired. Will has earned this by his had work, dedication, and love for technology. He has had by far the best mentor on a job his former manager Rob at the Costco here in Brandon. He took Will under his wing and had a great relationship. Will was very well liked by his co workers and customers. I have seen first hand how he treats customers - even at the end of the day. There has been such growth in Will and I could not be more proud or happier for him. He really has found his niche !

Peter has had over a year in his job doing food service at Hawthorne Village in Brandon. He enjoyed his co workers and the residents and rarely complained about his job. One of the perks was being able to take food back home after work. Peter was so well liked on the job his co workers took him out on his last day for dinner and presented him with a gift of $250. Understand these are hourly people and some not full time. They told Peter they would love to see him when he comes back to visit. His supervisors and co workers gave him glowing references. I could not be more proud of Peter !

They spent the better part of ten months living with us to help them get established. Not only were Valerie and I blessed but so were our dogs - especially Diogy. She loved the boys !

The apartment they had was in a ideal location for both jobs. It was only 15 minutes from our house.

Some random thoughts in no particular order:

Instead of a 15 minute trip to see them it will now be a two hour flight.

Instead of seeing them 2 to 3 times a month it will now be 2-3 times a year.

Throughly enjoyed having them over to watch the Steelers games on the weekends. Even had some of my homemade chili !

Loved having them over for the Penguins and Stanley Cup Playoffs last year and up until they moved.

They became regulars at Valerie's family functions and were well received and loved by them.

We enjoyed going to several movie premieres together including a Star Wars and Star Trek movies.

They became friends with Valerie's daughter Jessica Bailey and had a mutual love of science fiction.

We enjoyed a Christmas dinner at Spinners in 2015 - a revolving restaurant on St. Pete beach with a breathtaking view.

One of our highlights was Christmas 2016. Will and Peter came for brunch, opened gifts, watched a movie, ate dinner, watched two more movies, and enjoyed a lot of laughter. One of my favorite Christmas's of all time. And we wished everybody a Merry Christmas !

Valerie and I purchased three phones from Will during his tenure at the Wireless Advocates kiosk at the Costco store in Brandon, FL. If you are a Costco member in Central Ohio and need a new phone, please see Will starting June 13, 2017 at the Costco in Plain City. He will take great care of you (shameless promotion for me son lol).

A huge thank goes to my beautiful wife Valerie for all she did for the boys. She was way beyond a step mother and loved Will &  Peter as if they were her own children. Her efforts led to both Will and Peter getting their jobs here. 

We are already looking forward to Victoria's wedding in September and seeing all my children together and welcoming Andy into the family.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:28‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Our God wastes nothing. These three years helped Will find a good career and gave Peter valuable job experience. Seeing them succeed is incredible. But seeing them leave tugs at the heartstrings and will leave a void that only seeing them can fulfill. 

Please be in prayer for:

Will to do well in his new position.

Peter to find the right job in short order.

Will & Peter to find a good place to live that's not too far from work.

That they can get all the things take care of like driver's licenses &  car registration. 

For Valerie and I as this will leave a void in our hearts.

I close with a favorite song of ours - pray this blesses you as well.

Happy Mother's Day From Your Fur Babies !

Happy Mother's Day to the best doggie mom in the world my Valerie Geis Horosz ! Your love for your fur babies showcases your heart of gold ❤️

Happy Mother's Day To My Beautiful Wife !

Happy Mother's Day to my beautiful Valerie Geis Horosz. I love how you love your precious daughter Jessica Bailey and how you love Will Horosz Victoria Horosz and Peter Horosz as your own. They are all blessed to have you in their lives.