Happy New Year

Nothing sappy or nostalgic or forward looking here, but I hope everyone has a fun and safe New Years!!!!!

Christmas Catch Up ...

I hope that everyone is having or has had a great Christmas. My original plan was to do a bunch of small updates over the course of the week but I have failed at that task, so today I am going to play a little catch up.

I took the week off work. Actually, I've taken a lot of time off work lately. After spending the summer traveling, I maxed out on paid time off and needed to take the time off to prevent myself from losing future time.

Anyway, the week started with two new additions to the house. Which prompts an end of the year Green Tip of the Post ...

To begin with we got three new windows for the girls rooms. Here is a picture of two of the windows after installation. We went with insulated, low E (energy), windows from Windows World. The installation crew was very courteous and efficient. The total installation time took one and half hours for the three windows.

Before anyone leaves a comment, we know that we need to clean the brick siding in this area. This is the area where we extended the driveway, so the area in front of these windows was actually bushes, hence the dirt.

Looking at the picture below, you can see why we started with the girls windows. You could almost stick a finger through this window.

Now, the second part of the green tip of the blog is the new washer and dryer. We purchased these on the day after Thanksgiving and they finally came in on Monday. I blogged about getting these in a previous post. I spent the better part of the day picking them up, removing the old machines and installing the new ones.

Due to the big sale and the number of people buying these units, we were giving a Frigidaire set rather than the original Kenmore set that was on sale. After getting this set, I am convinced that this was a blessing. The pedestals have not come in yet, so they look a little low to the ground at the moment.

We are totally amazed at how little water and detergent is required for the washing machine, and how BIG a load of laundry that can be handled in a single load. Just eye balling the cycles, I would have to say that 65% less water used is probably true. This will not only save on the water bill (which probably isnt really going to get much lower now), but it will also help on the energy bill when using hot water.

Lastly, since the new washer has a high speed spin cycle at the end of the wash, the clothes are much dryer before going into the dryer so the drying time is greatly reduced.

The washer and dryer set were Big Es Christmas gift (by her choice), so she spent part of the afternoon Monday "playing" with them. She was literally watching the washing machine washing clothes, for hours!!!?? Strange.

Combine those two items along with getting new tires on the rear of my truck and you have three very busy and very expensive days.

On Tuesday evening, we allowed Jessica and Brook to open their Christmas gifts from us. They spend Christmas Day with their father each year and we had a big Wednesday planned already, so for the sake of our sanity this seemed best. I think each of them enjoyed the time and their gifts.

Afterwards, I looked at the pile of stuff and reflected back on how different my childhood and Christmas was compared to these kids. Amazingly different! Some might say that one is better than the other, but I prefer to think that it is just different.

On Wednesday evening, we had the annual family Christmas Eve gathering with Big Es family. This year we started at her sisters house for a little present swap. We had a lot of fun playing darts and watching the kids opening gifts.

Afterwards we moved on for the "main event", as the Worlds Greatest Mother In Law calls it. All of the adults gather for an evening of sabotage and treachery .... or maybe its dirty Santa? Anyway, we all bring a gift that we really like and take turns opening a gift. Then depending on what you get, someone else may decide they want it more and take it from you. Its fun. Mostly, its hanging out with everyone having some food, drink and fun.

Speaking of drink, JR you left all your empties in my truck and I had to take the heat for the number of empties!!!

For Christmas, Big E, Little E and I opened our gifts and spent the day playing on our new Playstation game, Lego's Indiana Jones. This game is awesome. We had a late lunch with some of Big Es family at the local Shoneys (the place was packed).

But the main event for the day was going to see the new movie "Marley and me". Elizabeth read this book a couple of years ago, so for Christmas, she wanted to go see it. All I can say is there wasn't a dry eye in the entire theater by the end of the movie.

Our dog is definitely a bad dog, but I think Marley may have had him beat. It was a good movie with a very sad ending. Overall, we had a relaxing day which we needed as we prepare for Saturday (Christmas with my family).

Until then, go out and exchange your gifts, spend your gift cards and help kick start this economy!!!! OR do like me and enjoy a cold one chilling with the family. As for us, I think we are going to go see a buddy of mine playing a little rock and roll tonight ..... ahhhh, chilling!!!!!!!!

Holiday Lust ????

The holiday season brings about a strange change in some people. Living with these four ladies, I've come to be very accepting of strange (at least to me) behavior but a recent event has left me stunned.

It was a rather cold evening and I had started a fire to warm the house as Big E and I enjoyed a rare moment without any of the kids in the house. We had been out to dinner and were sitting in the living room enjoying the warmth of the fire and a good movie.

I was feeling a little tired and run down from my recent travels. Big E on the other hand was relaxed and absorbed into the mood of the moment. As the night moved on, she decided that we should take advantage of the moment!!!

Now, as I mentioned, I was tired and simply wanted to enjoy a little peace and quiet in the company of my loving bride. In fact, despite the early hour I was ready to retire to the bed for a long slumber (or snoring session depending on who you believe). However, Big E was not ready to retire and had other things on her mind.

She softly requested a little favor of me that I insisted was unnecessary and due to my present state I was not prepared to do. Moments later she whispered to me the same request as if her seductive manner would change my mind. Again, I refused her request with slightly more vigor.

A moment later, she was attacking me, ripping and tearing with a fervor that I haven't experienced before. Screaming and begging followed on my behalf as I tried to explain to her that I was tired and did not feel ..... dramatic pause ..... another log on the fire was necessary as I was planning to retire soon, but she would have none of it and insisted not only that I add another log to the fire but that I also stay up with her to watch yet another chick flick on TV.

Just look at this picture to see the devastation of the moment ..... I guess I should be more willing to watch chick flicks in the future?

Ha Ha Ha ... Get your minds out of the gutter people. Ya'll should know that this is a family blog!!

The picture is the result or inspiration for that little story. The jeans were my favorite pair of jeans but to be honest they were done. There were sections of those pants that were so thin you could see through them. After a day of shopping, while gathering the bags the pants ripped straight down the backside. Since the pants were officially history and since Big E despised the pants, she decided to ripped them further until they could not be sewn back together as I had done more than once with that pair.

I couldn't let me favorite pair of jeans die without a little eulogy. I have replaced that pair of jeans with a new favorite pair. I hope this pair is as good to me as the previous pair.

Editors note: Tell me what you think of this post, Big E found it embarrassing and Little E said it wasn't funny. I on the other hand find this one to be very funny and a perfect ode to a perfect pair of pants.

AC/DC in Atlanta

I mentioned briefly in an earlier post that Big E and I went to see AC/DC this week. If you are not familiar with AC/DC, then you can check them out here. Warning, if you dont like rock n roll, dont check out their website.

AC/DC is one of my top two of three bands of all time. Heck, they are the top band most of the time.

For those that read often enough, you know that I really like music and love going to concerts. In a few previous posts, I have described some of my concert exploits. This was my sixth or seventh time to see AC/DC over the years but it was Big Es first time to see them. In fact, it is only the fourth concert that I have been willing to take her to see (mainly because we dont see eye to eye on music). Luckily, Big E recognizes some of the bands songs and actually enjoys them too.

Since the concert was in Atlanta, I decided to trade in some of my well earned Hilton Honors points for a free night at the Embassy Suites directly across from the Phillips Arena. This location happens to be centered in the middle of downtown Atlanta within walking distance of The Olympic Park, The Georgia Aquarium, The World of Coca-Cola, The CNN Center, and the Georgia Dome. To say we were in the middle of everything is an understatement.

Before the show, Big E and I went to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse for dinner. If you are going to make a night out, might as well make it big. After dinner, we enjoyed the managers reception at the hotel before going to the show.

Once at the show, it was everything that we expected and more. We concert itself was awesome. In addition, it provided for a great opportunity to people watch. People watching is a favorite past time of ours at events of this nature. For this concert, it provided a special opportunity to people watch individuals between the ages of 6 and 60 in the same location. All I can say is that some people might want to consider dressing their age.....!!!!!!

Below are a few pictures from the show ...

A picture from our room overlooking the Olympic Park, at night.

A picture of the stage at one point during the show.

Another picture of the stage during the show.

A fun photo of the Legal Seafood resteraunt which sits next door to the Georgia Aquarium. We thought it was funny that those two sit side by side.

One of the explosive moments during the show.

All in all, we had a great time. The next day, we spent a couple of hours at the Ikea store in Atlanta. We purchased a few things at Ikea, so if you get them for Christmas, we got a great deal!!!!

I hope everyone is ready for Christmas. We are not fully finished yet, but we are having fun getting there.

A Morning Post ...

Good Morning! A few quick notes:

1. Sunday evening we went to the Pine Level United Methodist Church Christmas Special entitled the Cradle. My mother-in-law sang a solo (very good one) during the presentation that included live actors acting out the story of Christmas. I very good production especially for such a small congregation. I took some photos but my skills with a camera are limited and the pictures did not turn out.

2. I got an early Christmas present recently ... Little Elizabeth will be coming to live at our house full time. We are all really excited about this change in the household, and as one of our girls pointed out it should provide more opportunities for blog worthy moments.

3. Tonight is the big AC/DC concert. I am really excited about seeing and hearing the guys rock the house tonight. We are planning on going to the IKEA store also. Mom is going to be hanging with the girls for the evening which should be fun for everyone.

4. Only nine days left till Christmas!!!!

I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season. I know that I am happy to finally be home with no other travel plans in the future. I almost feel like I can relax a little and enjoy the season now.

Guest Blog - Numero Seven

I received a special guest blog today. First, its mom and you can't get more special than that. Second, it is a sign of the times!!! My mom and dad finally upgraded to a broadband (or high speed) Internet connection last week. Anyway, here is the blog ...

This has seemed to take forever; one day I'll get the hang of it all---ha ha ha! Anyway..

Congratulations, Stephen, on your 1-year anniversay of "blogging". Who in the world thinks up these words? I know I'm a little behind the times, but there is no way I would put myself out there the way you do. Of course, there is the whole thing about having nothing to hide.

Editors Note: To learn more about the term blogs and a history of blogging, click here.

I still prefer hand-written notes, "real" Christmas cards sent through the mail and "real" homemade food. This, of course, is the reason I am so behind in the technology department. Editors Note: It is also the reason for the roundness of my father, who gets to eat all of those awesome homemade meals. I do promise to try to do better.

You are and have always been a blessing to this family and I will love you always, no matter what. That is part of a mother's job, but in your case not a hard one.

Mom

Guest Blog - Numero Seis

Check out the peice that I just found in my inbox this morning....

Hey! It’s Elizabeth … the little one. :)

I’m probably the last one to write a guest blog – sorry, dad – but writing isn’t my better subject and I definitely cannot write under pressure – DAD!! It takes me a little while and I have to ruminate about what I want to say. (Haha. Yeah, that was a vocab word a few weeks ago.) But anyway, here it goes …

I can’t believe it’s already been a whole year since you started this thing. Time flies! Everyone says it goes by faster as you get older, but it’s already wayyy too fast for me now. I’m a junior (‘010!!!) and scared to death of leaving high school. I kinda, sorta know what I want to be when I grow up – well I at least have it narrowed down to two choices and I have chosen the college that has both majors.

Work in a Crime Lab.
Be an Elementary Teacher (Kindergarten – Second Grade)

Now, before I state the college I would PREFER to attend … Yes, I know that these are two completely different things. But hey, who really goes to college and knows exactly what they want to do? Anyway, I’m actually taking a “class” that might help me decide whether to major in Biology or Elementary Education.

The Sheriff’s Department downtown offers all kinds of different Explorer Programs to help high-schoolers determine their major and whether they are really interested in it or not. The one I go to now is a Forensics class. It’s mostly hands on stuff so that you can really get the feel for it. As my dad has previously mentioned this includes dead bodies. No, we don’t actually physically see or touch them, but there were some pretty graphic pictures. And as for us actually getting to take the pictures (which actually I didn’t get to go that Tuesday) it wasn’t of real dead bodies. We were only going to practice proper angles at which to take pictures and what to take pictures of at the scene. Other lessons of the class include Ballistics, Evidence Collection and Fingerprints. They are also trying to set up a tour of the Crime Lab in Montgomery, which is where I would like to work – not as a CSI Photographer as my Dad wrongly mentioned.

On the other hand, teaching little kids would be so much fun!! Especially at a Christian private school because then I could not only teach them their ABC’s, but also about Jesus. :) Besides, I feel more led by God to teach.

The University of South Alabama offers both majors -- Biology and Elementary Education. So this would be the college of my choice. It is 177 miles from Montgomery and it takes about three hours to get there. An estimated cost of tuition per year is $5,500. This would be commuting of course. Editors note: commuting 177 miles each way per day is not an option. I guess I need to check into the on campus living costs. I could also apply for the Presidential Scholarship which ranges from $2,500 to $10,000 each year.

Now off the subject of my college options and back to the real reason I am writing this. Thanks, Dad for writing this and keeping up with what goes on around here. Yes, some things may be embarrassing, but I really appreciate it. I love you.

Love, Little E.

P.S. Sorry this is so long and that most of it is about me. I promise I’m not really that conceited.

Guest Blog - Number Cinco

I finally got one of the key guest blogs that I've been hopiong to receive. I was going to edit the post but I figured if I left it alone, I would make a point that others have been giving me some grief about. I love you babe and really appreciate your putting up with me!!!

Season Greetings from Big E!!

Yes, I have finally gotten around to sending in my Guest Blog. I would like to go ahead and warn everyone that I am not as witty at writing as my wonderful, loving, caring, sympathetic, stud of a husband!! HAHAHA, Ok maybe I got a little carried away there with the …….sympathetic part. Remember he is the one who kind of blew off the whole Brook getting her head cracked open thing and trying to play it off like he didn’t know what had happened. I did tell him that her head was busted open before we left, he just gave me the usual “OK” answer. I have learned that a quick “Oh OK” means I heard that you said something but I don’t know what it was and I don’t care so I’m going to pretend that I understand in hopes that you go away and not interrupt my TV time.

There is soooo much that I would love to discuss in this blog, however, I don’t think that there are enough Megabytes in the world to allow me to express my many thoughts of Stephen and the blog. Editors note: I love this woman!!!! I have to admit that I do enjoy reading his take on things within our little section of the world. Though I do find myself wondering where in the world he was when some of the action was taking place. The girls and I have come to expect the quote “Now that’s going on the blog” whenever something of interest occurs.

I feel as though I need to defend myself (and tattle) on Stephen. I mean what fun would this be if I didn’t, right? The Frat Boys post!!! I can’t believe he told that. Even though Jessica and I rolled on the floor laughing as he walked into the bathroom, and to here him exclaim my name in a bad way seconds after, I mean that was classic!!! I really didn’t think that would make the blog. I mean my mom and mother-in-law read this. BUT lets be real, if you really know me, were you really surprised that I did that? I do believe that Stephen forgot to mention that he soon returned the favor. Editors note: HUH? See he didn’t tell you that part did he? Lets just say that you read how much he enjoys his “adult beverages” so it wasn’t a walk through the rose garden, if you know what I mean.

I have to admit I enjoy pulling pranks and scaring him every chance I get. I’ll hide behind the corner of a wall or the door and then jump out and say “arrggh” and then he’ll jump!! I love it!! Every now and then he will get me back.

The latest game around the house is well it is a car game. The object of the game is to smack a person in the vehicle with you everytime you see a yellow vehicle. Stephen hates this game, and why do you think he hates the game,……………..because he sucks at it!!! Editors note: All of the girls wear rings that hurt! That’s right, this would be what he refers to as a “chick” game, a game that he is not good at.

Anyway, the other day (Editors note: It was Thanksgiving Day, A day of family and love!!!) I had popped him like 6 times, to his popping me once. I mean a yellow bus, really how hard is it to see and wait his one pop was a yellow dumpster that was in someone’s driveway. So I got that pop back!! HA (I guess it is a good thing he is getting that eye surgery done)

Well, I think that I have rambled on long enough so I will wrap it up with saying, Stephen I think you are awesome and I love you so much, even when you rat out my not so lady like side!!!

Love you babe, Big E

Editors note: I think this explains it all. We are perfectly matched. I love my "not so lady" like wife and all of the fun stuff that she and the girls create around the house. My life would be boring and lonely without them. Of course, I probably would not drink the "adult beverages" or have this blog without them. Nothing is perfect except our love for each other and our girls. I dont say I love you to the girls often (or as Jessica might say, ever!) but I really do and I know their mother does do. It is that love that makes these stories so awesome and fun to share. I love you girls, all of you.

A Sunday Evening Post ...

I hope that everyone is doing well. I really appreciate the guest blogs and hope that anyone else interested in contributing a little something will do so.

This is one of my favorite times of the year. The seasons have changed and the first waves of really cool weather are starting to come through, football is in full force, the cats want to spend more time in your lap, and the holiday festivities are in full force.

Friday we lit the first fire of the season. Regretfully, I lit the first but didn't open the damper for the fireplace. This created a little fun in the house as the fire had been going for several minutes before I finally realized the mistake. Of course, by that time, the house was half full of smoke. At this point, we began the frantic search for a flashlight (so I could double check my ignorance) and to find a pair of gloves to protect my hand from the hot metal to open the damper.

The good news is that I managed to fix this little problem without burning myself. The bad news is that we had to open the back door, lower half the windows in the house, and turn on every ceiling fan just to get the smoke out of the house.

With that little disaster avoided, we managed to have a perfectly uneventful evening until ... If you half close the fire place screen it creates a funnel effect that allows the smoke to escape up along the mantel. I managed to forget this little fact and for a little while smoke was escaping up the mantel until we finally realized that our eyes where burning for a reason. Once again, we found ourselves opening doors, windows and turning on fans (at 11:00 o'clock at night).

Its not bad enough that I managed to smoke out the house twice in one evening but I managed to make one more really stupid mistake. The smoke left a nice trial of blackening along its escape route on the mantel. Since I was stuck letting the house air out, I decided to go ahead and clean the mantel of the smoke discoloration. The problem is that I didn't consider the heating effect on the stone portion of the mantel UNTIL I touched the stone with nothing more that a slightly damp cloth between the stone and my hand. Being my third strike of the evening, I managed to say a few words before being reminded of the opened doors and windows.

What a night!! To top it off, I got to listen to my beautiful bride tell me about how her eyes burned, etc. I guess I really deserved it though.

Reality TV break .... Nick and Starr are the official winners of the Amazing Race. Who chose them to win?

Speaking of Friday, Jessica turned 18. I can't believe that we have a daughter that is 18 and graduating from high school this year. For her birthday, Big E and I bought her a hope chest. Now, not being a female, I don't fully understand the hope chest concept, but it seemed really important to Big E that we find one. As Big E explained to me that purpose of the chest, I finally came to the realization of why it is called a hope chest. Imagine the first fathers who built these chests for their daughters, why would they have done this? Without doing any real research into the subject, my guess is because the father was going to fill the chest with items and hope that some good man comes and takes his little girl. Of course, that is just a joke. We are really proud of Jessica and all that she has become and look forward to seeing even more growth from her in the coming years.

With that said, the battery is running low and I need to complete the laundry before I leave for Mississippi tomorrow. Have a great week.

Guest Blog - Numero Cuatro

I got this one in this morning. I included her intro because I love the way she introduces the topic of the post. I will set this one up by saying that this guest blog stems from a phone conversation last week in which the blogger actually had to "call me right back" to handle a little situation.


Hey!
Sorry it took so long...been a little distracted by the sudden urge to craft :) I see how short and sweet your other guest posts are so I hope you don't mind a long one. It's just so hard to narrow down the Pee Pee subject! Congratulations on a whole year!! As we previously discussed …. Here it is:


For my guest blog I thought it would be interesting to cover the subject of Pee Pee. For a moment I thought it might be a bit inappropriate but then I remembered that this is your blog and there has already been quite a bit of potty talk here anyway!

On the subject of Pee Pee I tend to consider myself an expert. In my little corner of the world with two 4 year old boys it seems that life is really just about seeing it, smelling it, talking about it, finding it, cleaning it. Potty training was an interesting task and I just assumed that once we figured that out we would be golden (no pun intended) when it comes to Pee Pee. What I didn’t realize was that potty trained would just mean that they now had control over when and most importantly WHERE the Pee Pee would go.

Now rationally thinking the Pee Pee goes in the potty of course but in a toddler mind … it counts as long as it’s IN the bathroom. There are so many things to distract them that they may or may not pay attention the entire time the Pee Pee is coming out. It may be on the floor, on the shower curtain, splattered in the trash can next to the potty or anywhere else relatively close. This of course means that those proud moments of “Mommy, I went potty all by myself” are quickly followed by not so proud moments of “crap…now there is, at the least a smattering and at most an ocean of Pee Pee to be cleaned up”. Before you know it, your cleaning up Pee Pee while talking on the phone, taking a second look before you sit down yourself, rushing to be sure it’s all gone before your company comes over and in general on 24/7 Pee Pee watch!!

That’s my life at the moment all summed up in Pee Pee terms!

Congrats again on the anniversary .…. keep it up ….. I enjoy reading about what’s going on with everyone!!

Heather

Guest Blog - Numero Tres

Another kind word ....

Great job Dude! Yeah I read it. Like reality T.V. cant miss!So Long and Thanks for all the Fish!

Guest Blog - Numero Dos

Got another little diddy today ...


love this blog bro-in-law u make it so much fun to read. quick wit. keep it up!

love ya'll
the jr's

Guest Blog - Numero Uno

I received this little diddy in the email today ...

Happy Aniversary to you
Happy Aniversary to you
Happy Aniversary to themtgylees
Happy Aniversary to you.

Favorite Mother - n - law

Thanks for the post!