Welcome to version 2.0

So I finally have switched this blog over to blogger beta. I think I like it...but I am not sure. For those of you whom read this on occation....you may have noticed not a lot of posting going on...but you aren't looking in the right place...cuz I have been posting. :o)

Long Time...No Talkie

I have been swamped lately with school, conferences, and other stuff. Thus no posting. I have had some interesting talks this week with people about stepping out in faith. I think God is using me in some realy unusual ways. I am a coach...sort of. He has been talking through me to encourage others not to be afraid, and to "Own It". It has all come about I think because I stepped out in faith and offered up my car back to God...another really long story...check it out here. So now he is using me big time and it feels really good. I am excited to see God move and am expected the impossible. This is kind of a change for me, that is, giving up things for God. I have a tendency to take from God and be really thankful...but now I am giving back and finding wonderful joy.

If you like running...you'll like these

If you like running...you simply must check these out!

Praise you in a Storm

On my way to school today I heard this song by Casting Crowns...and well it about sums up a lot of things.

Praise You In This Storm
I was sure by now
That You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth

Pissed off Detroit Tigers Fan!

I have wanted to see the Detroit Tigers play in the World Series since I can't even remember. I have been a Tigers fan since I could walk and talk. There are people out there who have World Series Tickets and don't give a rip about the Tigers. That just doesn't seem right! They are racking people over the coals if they want a set of Tickets just to make some money. I understand the value of these Tickets, but come on.....over $1000 for a pair of tickets to a baseball game. I love baseball and I love my Tigers, but who can really afford tickets at the price!? It really pisses me off! I was lucky enough to go see game four of ALCS at Comerica Park with Holly and it was stinkin' amazing!...but I think that Ty Cobb would be rolling over in his grave at the way people are capitalizing on shear luck of the draw by buying tickets to a Team and Game they must not love!

Update

Mom's surgery went well...she is walking now and can even climb stairs.

Grandma...is dealing with her issues well....seems to be in good spirits.

Surgery

Hey for those of you out there who pray....a couple of requests:

1) My mom went in for hip replacement surgery today...at 9:30A.M.

2) My grandmother has been having heart failure for some time. It is getting a lot worse. So pray that she comes to terms with it and has peace with God.

Ships

We recently started a small group with Chuck and Di...and some other people. We being Holly and I. It was really interesting because there was a wide range of ages in the group and a wide range of "ages" of Christians. Newbies..and Oldies. The topic of discussion was the Armor of God. Interesting topic all by itself, but Chuck took it a little further and made some comparisons. For instance...is the "Church" (that is the believing body of Christ) more like a Battleship or a Cruise ship? Or rather...which is it suppose to be? What are the parts of each ship and what is their purpose? I could go on and on. We really didn't conclude anything, but it got us all thinking.

My question is who is our enemy? Is it the person that we can't stand at work...or school? Is it the rude waitress at the bar? Is it the guy who takes your parking spot at the grocery store? OR....is it someone else. The Bible makes it pretty clear. Satan is God's enemy and since we are his bride...then he is our enemy too! Peter warns us to be prepared. Keep your eyes focused on God and walk with him and you will resist/rebuke Satan. Satan only has power if you give it to him. If you give him and inch...he will find a way to make that inch a mile.

So then how do we combat the enemy in our own lives...and help others to see that he is the enemy? It is no wonder to me that the Bible refers to the Armor of God as Armor. We do need it. I don't think we need to go looking for fights to do battle...most times the battles find us as Christians. But we must always be prepared. The ultimate fight is the Lords...but we must protect ourselves by staying sheltered in his shadow. But how do we do that? Some simple things...read your Bible and become familiar with the Word of God. Pray and have time with God. Take time to worship God and praise him. I mean everyday! Not just holidays and Sundays...but everyday. That is how we stay sharp as a Christain...that is how we resist the Devil and then by doing so God will shine so brightly through us that Satan can't touch us. If God is with us....who really can be against us....and win?!

An early Birthday Present

I turn 28 on Saturday. I would like to ask for an early birthday present from all who read this blog...buy me an easy Pick MEGA Millions ticket for tomarrow 9/15/06. The jackpot is $163 Million. Seriously....hook me up...I will share the wealth if I win...they are only a $1. :op

Well...even if I don't win the lotto...I still plan on having a good day for my birthday.

The Story....

So let's back up to 1994....

I am riding a bus on my way to a wrestling meet (I am a freshman) and there comes along the cute (senior) wrestling manager and she asks if she can sit with me...my reaction...heck ya!

She is older, but I keep my cool....and then the radio plays one of the best songs ever.... "John Deere Green", by Joe Diffie. I, of course, sing the song to said girl and she thinks I am oh so sweet and cute...hmmm. But her reply is "oh...you'll grow out of country music someday..."

Speed ahead to 2005. Said girl and I go to a concert..."What concert was it professor?!!" Well kids..."It was a Joe Diffie concert!"

That's right...Joe Diffie almost 12 years later... and I will be danged if that song wasn't played again and of course I had to sing it to her again..and by the way...I was wearing the same cowboy boots I was wearing in 1994. Hmmm...oh so interesting.


This bring us to the story at hand...

Holly and I have been dating on a off for the past almost 4 years. Our history obviously goes back even further. Well, after dating someone that long...and patiently waiting for God's lead...I decided it was time to ask her "THE QUESTION" for real (not pretend...like I had so many other times)...but how to do it? For almost a month I had to plan it all out as I waited for the ring to be made. I struck a deal and helped design a webpage for Wheat Jewelers in exchange for some custom ring making(....that's a whole other story). As I waited for my creating to come to life...I had plenty of time to come up with the perfect plan. What more fitting, but to build our favorite song and make it come to life. I decided to design and build( over the next two months) a 7 foot mini-water tower...but why the water tower?

(You see, in the song "John Deere Green" Billy-bob loves Charlene so much he climbs on the towns water tower and paints a ten foot heart and writes Billy-bob Loves Charlene in John Deere Green paint. The whole town thought he was nuts for using that color, but it was the thought that counted for Charlene. )

So I plan it all out...her family built and owned the Lainsburg Golf course...she even helped put in the second 9 holes....so I figured that would be the perfect place....on Labor Day...but how to get her there. So her dad and I came up with a plan...I "needed" golf clubs and her dad still works there so we could go see him and barrow his...right?...

Holly decides to go see her friend Kate in Traverse City...for the weekend...and won't be home till Monday...but she surprises me by showing up Sunday...which I think sets up the stage perfectly for Monday...I have her dad call her and make the arrangements to get her to the course with me....but she is too smart for the "trap"...but goes along anyways...and it is all I can do to keep my cool and not give it away too bad. So the next morning I get all the arrangements done...Pete and Jenny set up the tower at the golf course and I pick up the Bride to Be...hopefully...

As I pull in I notice how upset she is...she goes on for the next 40 minute car ride explaining a terrible nightmare revolving around not being ready to be married and an ugly ring that I gave her in the dream that looked like it was wrapped in tin foil or something...and inside I start freaking out! I keep thinking in my head...oh crap...abort mission...abort mission...but God keeps me cool. I calmly listen and trust God. To compound matters more...it was the same day Steve Irwin died...the croc hunter....which also made us both upset. As we get Laingsburg, I decide to give her an out..."we can get the clubs another time...let's go home..." To my surprise...she says.."No let's just go see what my dad wants." Keeping my cool worked! God rocks! I couldn't believe it. I was so nervous I could feel myself sweating as we pulled into the golf course parking lot and down toward the work shed where we might find her dad. We get out and look around....no Chuck B. Which is exactly according to plan...but not according to plan was Frankie...a kid that Chuck B had as an accomplice.

Holly to Frankie: "Have you seen my dad? Chuck Beavers?"
Frankie: "He is over working on number 18...over that hill!"

I coudn't believe it...as I turned and walked toward 18 I could see my creation (a seven foot wooden based white water tower with the big green letters and heart JOEY LOVES HOLLY)...but Holly doesn't see it. This kind of releives me...so I start walking across the fairway, but Holly calls me back...we can't just walk across the fairway....we need to walk along the tree line and over the hill. So I turn and head back up the hill...and as I walked toward her...she sees it behind me!

PAUSE STORY...I can't explain to you just how cute and shocked her grin was....as she exclaimed..."what's that?!!"...and my calm response..."what's what?" She was smiling ear to ear and she didn't know what to do...it was so awesome!

RESUME STORY...

"What's what?"...

"That!!" Pointing toward the water tower...over my shoulder.

My response..."I don't know...maybe we should go see. I think it's ok...let's walk over there across the green."

I take her hand and we walk hand in hand across the fresh cut grass toward the rose lined path that led to the tower...as we get closer I reached in my pocket and pressed play on the hidden remote control I had been carrying...and you guessed it..."John Deere Green" comes on over tiny speakers I had mounted on the tower. She was so shocked...and was grinning...and kind of crying...not knowing what exactly to say or do.

"What's going on? What is this?"..she asked

...I took her hand and looked into her eyes and and got down on my knee..."Holly...I know I love you and I want to be your husband... would you marry me...I promise the ring isn't made of tin foil...and I opened the box...slipped the ring on her finger and she said....."ok" ;oP It was so cool. We even got a congrats from people who teed off on the hole about 5 minutes later. She was so surprise...at the way I asked. We spent the rest of the day visiting friends and family...and even a friend in jail...but that is another story.

God Rocks...and now I get the marry the most smartest, wonderful, beautiful girl in the world...

Holly Marie...I love you!

So yes it is true...I am going to be marrying St. Holly Fantastic!...a bonified super hero! ;o)

Big Changes keep a' comin'!

Ok...I am going to let the you guys guess what the change is...some of you already know...some of you don't. I don't wanna give it away...so you hafta guess.

**hint** It is really awesome!!!! And it revolves around a modern day "super"hero ;o)

A sad day...

I will miss the Croc Hunter...he was one of my favorite TV personas...and a fellow educator. His shows always made me smile and I know that it won't be same without him showing us the awesomeness of God's wonderful creatures. The students at school are all talking about the accident with Steve like he's not really dead. it is kind of strange that so many of my students have grown up with the Croc Hunter as one of their heros and now he is gone.

We will miss you Steve. We will miss you.

Big Change #2

To recap...the first big change in my life was selling my house in Mason. I should be closing on it here in a week or so. That was my first big life change.

Second big life change:

I would like to announce that I no longer teach at Mason. I resigned from my position....


However...I did get a new job. Actually two of them. I am now a part time professor at Alma College teaching Art Education, and I got a new teaching job at Holt! Go Holt Rams! That's right I am teaching in the district I graduated from. I am totally excited and can't wait. I actually have to be back next week...so much for summer.

Cedar Point

Took a three day vacation to Ohio this weekend. It was a blast. Holly and I took her niece and nephew. We stayed with her aunt and uncle. We spent yesterday at Cedar Point. It was so fun. We met up with her step-sister Fawn and her husband Darren. So there were 7 of us cruisin' the "Point". It was a day of first. Bradley (Hol's nephew) rode his first upside down roller coaster. Her niece rode her first roller coaster ever and cried riding on the Gemini but faced her fear. We were so proud! Like I said...good times.

Moving Party

If you want to be a good friend....then you should show up at my house around 1 pm on Sunday and help me move to my parents...there isn't that much stuff...but the more the merrier. If you want to be a super duper friend...then you will come over on Saturday and help me pack :o)

I hope to see you all there...let me know if you are coming so I can order enough pizza ;o)

Prayer Request...

I have a couple of big events happening in the next week or so. I just wanted to ask that those of you who feel compelled to pray that God doesn't let me into a situation where he doesn't want me to be...that he protects me from getting in over-my-head situations...that I don't go chasing rainbows and looking for fools gold. Some of you know what I am talking about and some of you don't. I won't post all of the situations that I am about to face...but one of them is moving...into my parents basement for a few months...the rest...I will get back to you on them. One is happening August 8th at 9:00am. I will keep you all updated and in suspenseful prayer...hopefully! ;O)

Flippin' Sweet Hot Tubs

My dad is now selling Hot tubs at his furniture store! They are sweet!!! and of course cost a lot less than other stores...the best part...they are about 1/2 of the retail value! They are factory direct with all their warranty and all that jazz! Mill Creek Depot Rocks!

Changing Dog food...

I have a finicky dog...and his name is Titan. He eats his frickin' food one nugget at a time. It is crazy...100lb yellow lab that eats like a dainty little old woman. My other dog scarffs his food down in less than two minutes...with Titan you have to literally sit there so he'll eat. He has anxiety or some stupid thing...it is ridicules! So I decided maybe it is the food.

I mixed some of his old little nugget food with some new Big nugget food. It was amazing, he just picked around the other food to ate the new food all up...and eventually all the food. About six hours later...it hits!

Holl..."Joey what the heck is that smell...."
Me...."oh my gosh...**gagging**...that is the most rank stentch ever!"
Holl.."Which dog is that?"
Me..."it's gotta be Titan."

It was totally Titan. He had/has the worst gas I have ever been sudjected to me all my life. It literally makes yours eyes water.

Me.."Let's take them for a walk"
Holl.."ok, but let's take bags in case of # 2's"
Me..**reluctant**"ok...it is the right thing to do...right?!"
Holl.."we need to be responsible pet owners...."

Ten minutes later...Cain takes a dump...I have to clean it up...should've left it, but I didn't...Holly and I both start gagging uncontrollably...it was pretty gross and funny at the same time. We were laughing at how pathetic we both were because other people always do this...and we had just decided to do this for the first time...it was kind of hillarious. When we finished laughing, we put the poo in the nearest trash can and proceeded.

Ten minutes later...a couple is walking behind us with a kid...Titan decides he need to defacate...and I am like damn! Sure enough...wretched stentch and runny nasty crap...and I have to clean it up.

As I am trying not to puke...

Couple..."Ahh...the joy of having dogs."

Me..face beat red and trying not to vomit..."yah...it's great!"
Holly...trying to not laugh at me histerically..."Dogs are great!"

As they pass...it is all I can do not to spew chunks on the sidewalk and I speedily get rid of sed dookie suprize into the nearest dumpster. Let that be a lesson to all you who want to do the right thing...sometimes doing the right thing stinks!

Koi Pond Fish Party

Hey...one last hurra here on Saturday before I start moving....so you all are invited to grill out on Saturday. Bring your own meat and your favorite beverage and we will have some other food for you all. If you are coming...let me know. Also, if you are going to Church on Saturday....just come after church ;o)

Moving...

Ok...I need some help...literally. I am going to be moving soon because I have sold my house. It was only for sale 2 1/2 weeks and I got an offer....now we are setting up a closing date. The big issue is that I am moving in with the folks for awhile to see if I can save some money and get rid of any debt I have.....The bigger issue...I NEED HELP MOVING! So if anyone of you who reads this wants to lend a helping hand...let me know. I can start moving anytime....but I want to set a moving date to maximize the move all at once. I could also use boxes. Again...God Rocks!

New Car...

I bought a new car awhile back. I would post a picture, but Holly has it. I let her take it so she could keep some miles off her lease. I really wanted a GM car but my uncle just never came through. So instead I went with Japan made...I got a Mazda 6. The car is really sweet. It is fast and good looking....not to mention I got a sweet deal on it. I prayed for a new car for a like a month at least...and THE BIG MAN finally put the right car in place. It was like it was meant to be...sounds a little goofy...but I really believe it's true. The first thing the guy I bought from and I started talking about when I checked out his car was God and being Christians...it was so sweet. He came down on his price and I got a nice car from a nice guy. God Rocks!

Transformers the MOVIE!!!!!!!!!

Life just got so sweet for all us Transformers fans! Not to mention the fact my toy collection is probably going to help me pay off my student loans if this thing is as stinkin' sweet as the trailer.

This really was my favorite part of Pirates of the Carribbean II!

PS. All the links go to one place...you have to click on "Watch the Exclusive Announcement Now" link to see what I am really talking about.

Review of Pirates

Movie had great special effects...would be kind of scary for little kids...good story that included all the characters from the old movie...I liked it.

Down side...really really long. Over done with the special effects a bit and fight scenes get drawn out. I would recommend seeing the movie only to really die hard fans...otherwise it would be a good movie to rent. But hey its your call.

Calling All PIRATES!!!

Who wants to help me find me friend Jack's buried treasure??? My first mate and I are goin' treasure hunting this here weekend!

Chicago Trip Part 1

Holly and I went to Chicago over the weekend and watched the Tigers beat the Cubs....but that is another later part of the this story. (This whole thing actually happenedtwo weeks ago....I just forgot to post this)

Part 1
Our first adventure in Chicago was walking the two miles from the train station to the hotel. It wasn't too bad...but the 90 plus degree heat was too much for my suitcase. We ate at Cereality...really cool...you must try it...and then we contuniued to the hotel.

You know how suit cases have those rollie wheels to help you cart your heavy luggage around...well the heat of the pavement completely melted one of mine off! No crap...it literally melted the frickin' wheel right off and I had to drag that dang suitecase a good four blocks at least! Tired arms and sore feet...but we finally reached the hotel and were sweat drenched...yuck! I had go to check in....we needed a break from walking....but Satan likes to tempt....Lucky for us...God is on our side ;o)

Desk clerk lady..."You are a gold star member and get a free upgrade...would you like it?"
Me..."Really?! What's the upgrade?"
Lady..."from your normal average two double bed room to a king sized single bed jacuzzi suit!"
Me in my head..."God keep me from temptation.....but wait...ummm jacuzzi suite would feel nice about now...stinkin' Satan...God to me> I am watching you :o)"
Me to Friendly desk clerk lady..."oh that's ok...my room will do."
Me in my head..."DANG!"..."Thank you God"

So we head up to the room and decide we need to visit the beach....which takes us to part 2 of Chicagoland story....

Chicago Trip Part 2

Ya so we head to the beach...it was only a couple of blocks a way...really close in big city terms...right by the navy pier. We set up our little beach camp near some interesting people. Holly and I tried and tried to figure out the wierd relationships between these four companions...

A skinning guy who looked like a 80's Guns and Roses fan and his lady friend...reminded me a bit of total opposites attracting...she was a larger woman.

Their companions were a black guy (who looked like he could be 35-40) with a tatoo "Chosen One" enscribed across his shoulders...kind of freaky...and his white "girl"friend who look like she was maybe at best 18. Again..opposites attracting. The weirdest part was the the "Chosen One" seemed to be the leader of the group....at one point 80's guy and chosen one went on a stroll which looked as though they were discussing the meaning of life. Maybe it was a "David Kuresch" thing going on...but after awhile...it appeared that they were maybe just some ordinary people....until....

Me to Holly..."we have to go right now"
Holly to me..."Why?"
Me back..."the "girl"friend is under the sheets being a little too friendly to the "Chosen One"....we have to go"
Holly too me...."Gross....no way!....are you sure...sick!"
Me...."Chosen One" handed her a bottle of water and an napkin.....we have got to go now!"

The most disturbing thing besides we were only about 10-15 feet away was that the beach was loaded with kids and families...and they were not keeping their business behind closed doors in the least! I had nightmares and it almost made me barf!

The next day....was better

Chicago Trip Part 3

Tigers and Cubs...what a game. I got Nate Robertsons autograph....the place was packed with Tigers fans who almost drowned out the boos that came from the Cub fans. We had a blast...and met up with Andy after the game for a beer to celebrate the Tigers victory.

We went to Navy Peir that night and it was a blast...I had never been. So it was a cool experience. I love that girl...she is so much fun. We had dinner at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company and had a very cool waiter. Chicago is fun...so much to do....nice place to visit...but kind of expensive...like the $30 I paid for two generic glasses of Merlot for Holly and I....what a rip off! But we still had fun :o)

David "Elsewhere" is my hero

So the guy who does all those crazy robot moves I love so much is named David Elsewhere....search him on YouTube.com and you will find some sweet videos like this and this and my new favorite beer commercial and the VW GTI commercial and this

Baby Got Book

Ok...this puts a whole new meaning to bible thumper...it is frickin' hillarious.

So you think you can dance?

Ok....check this out...watch the whole thing...the guy who goes last is just insance. I have someone to aspire to now....insane http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSoVKUVOnfQ


Here is the same guy doing some other insane moves....

Crazy Coincindence

Went to Germany....came home with a lay over in London...wanted to see London...but stay in the airport. Couple days later....terrorists blow up the train system.

Just got back from Chicago...was close the Sears Tower....some other wack jobs were arrested for plotting to blow the thing up!


Maybe I am not going to travel anymore....hmmm.

House For Sale

It's official. My house is for sale. I listed it today with Red Carpet Keim G/K of Holt. I am asking $133,000...it appraised at much more. I am just ready for a change...I have lived here for 4 years and I would like to change my surroundings. I have been praying a long time on this one, and I think that this is what God wants me to be doing...so if anyone wants a cute house in downtown Mason...let me know.

School's Out

I survived another year of teaching. I don't know what God has in store for me, but man I don't know if I can handle another year like this past one. Too much stress. However God taught me how to love my enemies and man it was really hard. Satan attacked from all directions, but I just tried to focus on God. Satan tried to hurt me while I coached, taught, and personal life....But God kicked his butt.

Teaching is so weird anyways...I mean you just can't call in sick like other jobs...You have to prepare the day for a someone else to do your job. Most jobs you would just call in sick and that would be that...Not teaching. And then you can't just be sick...You stress if the sub is doing what they asked or if they are doing their own thing...Which means more work for you when you get back...playing catch up. I think teaching is like being a CEO....you are in charge of a ton of people (kids) and have to solve all their problems. But it has it good sides too. I get to help other people, and teach them. I get summer to unwind, and vacation time. I get good health coverage. No complaints there....

Now for summer...time to relax and renew...I really need it. Maybe even have time to start blogging again :o)

Break Dance Lessons

I am thinking about taking some real lessons. Holl's told me about a guy who teaches it, and we are about the same age. She told him about my love of breakin' and he got excited...maybe he hook me up with some free lessons...but not likely. Anyways...I will let all you know if that happens.

Break Dancing Transformers

This is sweet...especially for any of your Transformers fans!!!

Noel...you should show your kids.

Jenny...get this song and let the break dancing begin!

The Evolution of Dance...AKA Sweet Skillz

Thanks to Eric for knowing my love of dance and finding this one for me. Take a minute...turn on your speakers...and enjoy the killa dance moves "Inspirational Comedian" Judson Laipply in a six minute video....so sweet!

Hard Knocks

Life on the home front has not been easy lately. It seems like when it rains...It pours. We are suppose to live in this world and not be of it...But man..there are so many temptations and I am constantly wanting to be un-Christ-like and it is hard. Satan hates it when strong Christians make impacts on others. He hates it so much, that I am convinced he throws anything and everything in our way to prevent us from feeling successful in God's eyes and instead left to feel only discouragement. Well it has kind of been like that for me lately...But I am learning to reach up and snap Satan's pointed little finger in half as he tries to point doubts in my direction and just stand firm in faith and God sovereignty...and you know what I have found? A different kind of peace and I worry less. Even when things get really stinkin' crappy....and it has been lately...I don't worry as much because I am trusting God. He showed me some awesome comfort last night in Psalms 2-4. You should read it and see how much God really cares.

Cool Yo! Luke 18.10-14

So check out this pic. Holly told me that Eriv linked it as a background...sure enough...she was right. Cool yo!It is a painting of Luke 18.10-14 The Pharisee and the Tax Collector that I did for Riverview's Artist series...it was pretty cool...that God would actually let me have the ability to do something like that! He Rocks!

You can check out the Podcast of Noel's sermon here!

Luke 18.10-14
From the NIV

10"Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11The Pharisee stood up and prayed about[a] himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'
13"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'
14"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Cool yo!

Check out my sweet dance moves at the Riv ONE service. It was before the service started and they played some "Yo Vanilla....Kick it one time Booooooyeeee!"  

Being a Dad

This weekend I got to sort-of experience fatherhood. Holl's and I watched our friends' daughter Jillian for Sat. & Sun. She is only 15 months old...but man does she have a ton of energy. She can walk and sort of talk...it was so much fun...but tireding! When she fell asleep on Sat. we both looked at each other and said "What time is it?"...it was only 8pm but it felt like 12pm! We were both so tired.

The next day we were late for church...or rather really early...we forgot to set our clocks ahead and ended up showing up late to the 10:00 service. We took Jillian to her nursery school...and I was kind of surprised that it was kind of hard to leave her there. I thought I would be so excited to get a break...and I kind of wasn't. So strange. Maybe I am not ready to be a dad...but then again...maybe I am. When God is ready for me to be married...I will be.

Baseball

I hate coaching and love it at the same time. I am learning that you can't please everyone nor should you try unless you want to just go crazy. Leading is hard...especially when you are new at it. Being the Varsity head coach carried a lot more responsibility than I originally bargained for...but it is a good thing. So far I am 0-2 as a coach. It is frustrating, but that win will come soon enough. If the weather would just warm up a little I think that would make life better for the players and me. I hated playing in the freezing cold. Global warming my eye....it's been this way forever.

Anyways...prayers are welcomed...it has been a little more stressful than I anticipated.

Selling the house

If anyone is interested in a three bedroom, one bath house with a 2 1/2 car garage, basement, fully updated from windows to walls, new kitchen and bath, newer roof, central air, new plumbing and electrical, awesome landscaping with fenced in back yard, 1100 square feet, first floor laundry, walking distance to all three schools in Mason (elementary, middle, and high school)....around $130,000 and it appraised at $138,00 so let me know. I am selling my house very soon. Not sure where I am moving just yet...but in this area. Maybe sticking it out with the folks for a few months till I find a new house.

I have my reasons for moving...but mainly want to move out of town, and get some more space.

Quote of the Week...

So I was reading my favorite blog...and came across something intriguing...it was about compliments. HMB stated it so lovely. Here is the quote..

"All I need from you is affirmation that I'm getting things right or correction when I'm doing it wrong. Praise is fine but please, don't put someone else down if you are trying to build me up."

Have you ever thought about the way you build someone up? If you are tearing someone else down...(comparing how bad they are to how good someone else is) are you really building them up? Remember everyone is an image of God...so be very careful not to ruin his image.

Crazy Winds and no Power at School

So today we had some super severe winds...and about fifth hour at school...my room with no windows goes into total pitch darkness. I couldn't even see my hand in front of my face. No emergency lights in the classroom and no flashlight...but I did have a candle. The kids were going nuts and they finally calmed down...once I got some light in the room. I quickly learned that a huge tree had fallen on the main power line to the school, and the sudden electrical surge caused a main transfomer to explode. I thought for sure they were sending us home early...but no go. It was too close to the end of the day, and so we stayed and hung out in the gym for an hour.

Unfortunately this was also the first day of my role as head varsity baseball coach...and tryouts week. We were only able to have about a half hour practice...due to the sunlight disappearing from the gym sky lights. We finished practice in the middle of the gym floor in near total darkness. It is a first day of practice I will never forget. It was so awesome in a way. It was almost like a poem of something. We started in the darkness so we could find our way to the light. I am excited to coach baseball this year. A lot of responsibility, and a lot of prayer will be needed. I hope that I please God in this role as the head coach.

Happy Birthday Holly!

That's right...today is Holly's Birthday...wanted to give a big shout out to my favorite girl!

Sick of being Sick

So I have been running a fever now of 100 or more for the past 4 days. I have gotten blood drawn 3 times, and still no one knows what is wrong. Running a fever for so long is really wearing on me. They checked for mono, strep, and a variety of other things with no success. I am beginning to wonder if I have caught Dan's mysterious bird flu :op Seriously though...if you get a sec...pray for me...I need it.

Just a small sampling of the Who's who that attended such a killa party! 

Super Bowl Partaaaay

So we threw a little Super Bowl party. You know...you invite like 30 people thinking only about 15 will come if you are lucky....unless you are me! It was so awesome. Everyone came...we had so much fun! People were everywhere in my little house. We had three TV's going and tons of food. Although...some of my friends were teaching their children to start drinking a little too early...I mean shouldn't you be able to walk before you learn to drink? Hmmm....maybe it is better that way though...I mean at least you can't stumble around...right? Anyways...good times had by all!

Banana is so cute! 

I win the Super Bowl XX party of the Year!  

Aren't I cute? 

The row of genious! I mean that in a good way...you guys rock! 

There's no more room at the Inn...but looks like we're all friends here...right? 

Hey Dad can I have a sip?

Hey Look at my cool Beer...it even has its own shirt. FYI...Ben you look bitchin'! 

Actually give me the whole thing!

Anatomy of falling down the stairs.

So I was in a hurry tonight and raced up the stairs to find some dress shoes. As I came back down the stairs....I had a little spill. I slipped and fell...grabbed a banister railing and it snapped...and continued tumbling down the stairs to my doom.

Luckily I wasn't seriously hurt....I am still really sore, and I still have a charlie horse in my thight, but nothing was broke...other than my banister.

While it was happening it wasn't so funny. But luckily for me....Holly thought it was hillarious and managed to convince me to reinact it for you all to see.

Her response...to my initial fall.

"Are you...hahahahaa......ok....hahahahahha?!"

So nice to know I am loved so deeply. ;o)

The remains....

The Bi-product...

The fall....re-inacted...but very accurate!

The landing....notice the lovely vaccum that cushioned my fall! Actually I hurt myself in the reinactment too! That grimise of pain is real. No matter how many times you think a vacuum will cushion your landing...it never really does!

#1 vs. #2...and the winner is....

Lakewood was defeated 31-39 by the Mason Bulldogs keeping them on top. It came down to the very last match and the Bulldogs win with a pin! Talk about nerve recking....no wonder I am getting gray hair and going blad :op

New Year's Resolution

I am tired of not telling the truth in full. When I was a kid my dad would tell me bits and pieces of the truth....he didn't lie to me...just didn't tell me everything ya know?! I think he wanted to protect me from being disappointed or from getting frustrated, but in reality it made me more upset. Well...I must confess...I have been doing a lot of that to people lately. And to all of you, I am sorry. Take it from me...it is way better to tell a person the whole truth and deal with the initial upsetting of their feelings than letting it fester for months and months...only to have the truth finally surface and have to deal with it anyways. It always happens....it is just a matter of when....maybe not till after you die...but other people will find out.

So my resolution for the new year is to be honest with everyone around me if they ask me a question about my life I will answer them honestly...in a kind way. Even if they ask me something that may hurt. For instance...if you ask me if your new hair do is cool, but I think it is ugly...I will tell you that isn't my taste in haircuts...ya dig?