Friday, January 30, 2009

Long, short week!

With work, funeral, and work some more this week has gone by fast and short all at the same time! I was in bed at 7pm last night. Along with the ticket I got in Florida I caught a cold. It is MUCH better today and I will be glad when it is all gone.

We have 23 days to go until Corban arrives. That is, again, if he gets here on the 22nd of February. Jennifer has informed me that this weekend she will be packing a bag for the hospital just so it will be ready. I am sure she will be adding to it each day. I might as well get the HUGE suitcase out so she can fill it up. :)

Not too much happening this weekend. I am hoping to get all the leaves out of the yard tomorrow. It isn't suppose to rain so I should be able to accomplish that. Other than the leaves, I hope to be resting! You would think I would be getting as much rest as possible before Corban arrives but I seem to be going the opposite direction from sleep.

We might possibly do our taxes this weekend to get it out of the way. Hopefully we will get some money back so I can tuck it away in savings. Last year we spent our money on the cruise we took. Which was a good thing since Corban is on the way. If you remember, it was during the cruise in June 08 when Jennifer told me that she was pregnant. How time flies!!!

Have a great weekend!

Thursday, January 29, 2009

I fought the law...

...and the law won!

What do you get when you are driving 51mph in a 35mph zone? Give Up? A ticket!!! To the lovely(ha!) sound of $206.00!

Yup! You read correct! While driving home yesterday from Florida I got off the interstate at exit 130 which connects me to Hwy. 231. I was driving through Marianna, FL, with the "flow of traffic" I might add, and I never even saw him until he was behind me.

I can't be mad at him, but I want to be. It is my fault but it disgusts me to no end to think that I have to spend money on a ticket.

So, your question to me probably is, "Have I learned my lesson?" The answer would have to be...YES!!! I will be driving the speed limit. I cannot afford to pay tickets!

My question to you though: "What is the most that you have had to pay for a ticket?"

Monday, January 26, 2009

Dust Free...

I posted on Friday of all things that I had to do on Saturday. The only thing that didn't get done was the raking of the leaves. It was raining when I got up and rained for a few hours so the leaves were all wet so they will have to be cleaned up another day.

The house on the other hand is dust free. Really! I dare you to come to my house and find any dust. EVERY nook and cranny was dusted, wiped down and vacuumed and the kitchen, dining room and bathroom floors were scrubbed on my hands and knees. So you can also eat off my floors!

Yesterday our friends had a baby shower for Jennifer. I know she has said Thank You to everyone personally and on her blog but I wanted to say THANK YOU too. We love everything that has been given to us since we found out that we were going to be parents and love each of you that are helping make this soon to be new addition to our family wonderful! 27 days!!!

In other news: You all remember me telling you that I went to visit my birth father who was diagnosed with Metastatic Disease. Last Thursday my Granny called and said that hospice had come in and last night she called to tell me that he passed away. I will be heading to Florida this afternoon. Please keep my Granny in your prayers. This was her only child and he was only 52.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Flash Back Friday

Fridays, on WDJC starting at 10am-3pm they have a session on their program called "Flash Back Friday." This is where they play older christian songs. It was during this session where I heard a song from Andre Crouch called "Take Me Back!" That's when I asked Jennifer for the cd for my birthday in September and got it.

Anyway, they played a song this morning on "Flash Back Friday" from his cd titled "Jesus is the Answer." Now, I know you know the song but it was a sweet reminder that Jesus is the answer for the world today - Above him there's no other - Jesus is the way!

Weekend Chores

Usually Men get a "honey-do" list from their wives that tell them what has to be done. Well, I create my own and here is "My" to-do list this weekend starting this afternoon:

1) Wash dog (tonight)
2) Clean bathrooms
3) Wash bed linen and all other laundry
4) Clean house - including dusting and sweeping and mopping the floors
5) Rake leaves - get assistance from neighbor boys who will drive their four-wheeler over with a yard sweeper hooked to it. (makes it quicker and they love it!)
6) Cover "crawl space" vents outside with stronger wire to keep any animals or rodents from getting under the house; the wind blew previous mess wire
7) Possibly wash car(s)

From the sound of it I bet you think I am "nesting!"(getting ready for Corban) HA! This could be, but the fact is, it needs to be done anyways!

Thursday, January 22, 2009

NAP...

That is what I need...a nap!!! Zzzzzzzzzz! BUT, it's not going to happen.

I have 10minutes until I get off from work, then I have to take the dog by the vet. I am sure she is going to love me after that. Then I am going to go look at a dog fence/pen that someone in the city is selling to see if it looks good enough to buy. The size is 20x40x6 and the price they are selling it for is $350.00. I have searched around and Lowes is selling one for $219.00 that is a 7 1/2x13x6. WAY smaller for about $100.00 less.

I like the first size because we have a big yard and Zoe likes to be outside. When it starts warming up I want her to be able to stay outside during the day and I want to give her enough room to run and to use the bathroom and not have to sit on top of any "mess" that she makes.

If you are wondering, "Why don't we just fence in our yard?" The yard is BIG and we would probably have to take out a second mortgage to fund the project. HA!

Oh well, time to shut everything down and hit the door running!!!

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Counting down...

We are currently 35 weeks and 2 days pregnant with 33 days left to go!!!

Jennifer had an appointment yesterday and all went well. The doctor said she was right on schedule and the only thing she needs to do is watch her salt intake since she is swelling, which is normal, she doesn't need to eat things that add more to the swelling.

We have been enjoying watching Corban push, play and roll all over the place in Jennifers stomach. I am going to putting my hand on her and feeling him move all around but we are ready to have him here in person so we are getting more and more excited everyday.

His due date again is Feb. 22nd, which is a Sunday. I have been talking to him though and have been encouraging him to come on the Friday afternoon before his due date so we can spend the weekend in the hospital so that way I will not have to use some personal days for him because I know I will need to save as many as possible later on.

Something to leave you with...I am thinking of what my "birthing plan" will be. I will let you know soon!!! :)

HOW?

Please explain to me how a City, Birmingham-AL, Jefferson County, which ever it is, CAN NOT pay a sewer debt that is going to make them go bankrupt and cause all of the state of Alabama to pay for it, BUT they can spend $50,000.00 PLUS to put on an event so that people can take off from work and watch the inauguration of our 44th president? HOW?

Don't get me wrong, an inauguration is important BUT, how STUPID can one City/County be??? STUPID, VERY STUPID!!!

I bet I know what they are hoping for? They are hoping that if they do this they will be able to be part of that whole "redistribution of wealth" that Obama has campaigned about this whole time. HA!!!

In my opinion, everyone involved in this sewer ordeal and who let it get this bad should be FIRED!!!

Monday, January 19, 2009

Mexican Ambulance


You know you are laughing! I don't know which is worse, the lady that was already hurt or the one that fell out of the truck with her?!

D-O-G

DOG...That is what D-O-G spells and that is what Jennifer and I got on Thursday afternoon.

Here is a Picture of Zoe:

Key Points about Zoe that made me decide to adopt her:

Loving, gentle, and HOUSE BROKEN!!! She also minds very well.

Her breed is half beagle and possibly lab or retriever or terrier? All I know, is we couldn't have picked a more perfect dog to adopt, or did she adopt us, to get before Corban gets here and will be a great dog for Corban.

Jennifer has been wanting a dog since we got married but we stay busy and having to get a puppy or a dog that we would have to train, etc. was too much. Then along came Zoe. She can dance on her hind legs too!

Friday, January 16, 2009

Week of Death...or is it LIFE?

A blogger friend posted last week about having a "week of death." A few people she knew who had passed away. Since last Thursday it has also been one like that for us.

First, Joy's brother was killed in Afghanistan fighting the war we are in. (I hope you always remember that MANY were killed for your freedom that you experience each day.)(see Jennifer's blog for more info.)

Second, a coworkers father passed away Wednesday night and early this morning one of our church members passed away.

It is always sad to experience death but one thing that is comforting is that I know each of these people knew Jesus as their personal savior and is now at home with their Father in Heaven feeling no more sickness, no more pain!

So, it may have been a "week of death" here on earth but it was a "week of LIFE" in Heaven!!! Praise God!

When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus we will sing and shout the victory!

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Asking Permission?

A friend asks you to go somewhere with them. (i.e. movies, dinner, etc.) Your response is, "I have to ask my spouse, I will let you know."

Now, you know that you do not have current plans together to do anything and your spouse hasn't informed you of any they have and he/she is available to watch the children; if there are any.

Question: Do you ask for permission from your spouse to go and do something when there is nothing else going on and all conditions will still be met when you go and do?

The way I feel: I do not agree with having to ask permission to do anything if there is nothing currently scheduled between Jennifer and I or I have other obligations that I have committed to. I do however think one should inform the other person that, "Since we have nothing already planned, I am going to go out to dinner, movie, etc. with so and so."

What is your take on this? Please comment!

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

I can live with that!

During pregnancy the woman develops cravings for different things.

Jennifer's cravings set in about a month ago which isn't too bad. Another thing that isn't too bad is what she is craving. The two things that she wants the most are:

French Fries, any style and Pancakes.

When shopping the day after Thanksgiving we went to Target where I saw they had a griddle on sale. I am REALLY glad I bought it because it has gotten its use already with those pancakes.

She also likes chips and cheese dip from the mexican restaurant and there has been one time that I had to actually go get some for her. And yes, of course I got some for me too. Remember, she is not in this all by herself. We are in it together...and my pants are letting me know! :)

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Trusting the Lord!

Do you trust the Lord with everything? Think before you answer? Do you, blog reader, TRUST, the Lord, your Father, with EVERYTHING?

My first response to this answer for myself is yes, I do trust the Lord with everything. If I do then, why do I find myself many times worrying about this, that and the other? I mainly find myself worrying about financial stuff. Is God going to provide? Lord, I pray that you will provide! Lord, you know what is ahead, please provide!

Now, if I truly trusted God I would not worry about this, right? Jennifer and I are good stewards of our money. The only debt that we have is the house, one car, and Jennifer's student loans. If we use a credit card for a purchase it is paid in full when it is due. Other than that it is the normal utilities, day to day stuff, etc and we do not just spend to spend. We do tithe which is first, a commandment of God, but it is also something that we believe in and know that God honors.

Each time I start to worry I make myself remember all the things that God has provided for in the past and know that He is not going to forsake me now. That He does know our EVERY need and if he takes care of the birds of the air then I know he will take care of me.

So blog readers, I say to you what I have to say to myself many times, "Trust the Lord your God with ALL your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in ALL your ways acknowledge Him and he will direct your paths!"

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

The Florida Air...

So, I went to my birth city this past weekend. Perry, FL. The reason for my trip is as follows:

My birth Father, Edward, is dying of Cancer. The cancer is known as Brain Metastasis or Metastatic Disease. You can follow this link: "http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/338239-overview" to read more about it. He has obviously had this for a while and didn't know it but it took a major blow to him about the end of October when he couldn't get up one morning and walk. That is when they took him to the doctor and they ran tests and scans and diagonosed him with Brain Metastasis. The thing it though, it effects all of your body. It is from his brain all the way down to his legs.

I have never had a relationship with my birth father but I have always had a close relationship with my Granny, which is his Mother. I went to spend some time with my Granny because she needed some family around her and to see my birth father because one of his wishes was to see his two Sons before he dies. (this is my Granny's only child).

Though I have never had a relationship with him, I love and respect my Granny enough to grant him his wish. Plus, there has never been any hard feelings, grudges or bitterness toward him because I never knew him. It was just like visiting someone you just met.

The doctors have only given him about 8 months to live. Granny has been running crazy dealing with doctors and everything else that goes with it. We had a wonderful visit and I know she was glad that I came down.

Remember my Granny in your prayers as well as Edward. And to my cousin in Tally...I hate I couldn't stop by for a visit but I know you understand. Next time for sure. Even if it is just for lunch as I pass by the exit.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Remaining the same!

Just incase anyone wants to ask here is your answer:

No, the Justice Department has not allowed us to take office yet. It is frustrating to say the least. I am praying that they will give us an answer this month. Of course I want the answer to be that we can be seated but it would be good just to get an answer.

Getting bigger all the time...

These were taken yesterday.(01-05-09). We have 47 more days to go until Corban arrives. According to the doctor's appointment yesterday, Jennifer is right on schedule!