Another Let Down

Today, the judge surprised us all with a declaration that the trial would conclude today and potentially a ruling received. That sent us all scrambling at times throughout the day. But, if you've followed this closely, you know each time it appears to be over, it is not.


A sixth court date will be mid-day Friday, and is designated for closing arguments. Let's hope that means something like a final court day. Please continue to provide your thoughts, prayers, and well wishes. I realize I might not be able to ask for those again this life time, but I'm willing to use it all up for this! ;o)

On a brighter note for those not in Bloomington, I understand there's 4" of snow and counting as a added obstacle for New Year's traffic!

Happy New Year to all.... Here's to a great '08 filled with wonderful new beginnings.

Blog Updates

Quick updates to the wacky world of the Internet.

First, I'm playing around with keeping a Stars / Sports blog running. Basically, there's very little hockey in Virginia, and I've found myself reading a lot, so I made space to post my thoughts. Guess if there's no one to talk to, I'll just publicly talk to myself!! :o)

Check it out by clicking "My Stars Site" on the left side of this page.

Also, Robin is now offically able to post here. Not that there was a reason she couldn't before, but I actually didn't know you could co-author here. So, be on the look out for updates from either of us!

Hope all is well, and more than likely, I'll talk to you next year! (corny, I know)

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas 2007!

Hope that this finds everyone happy & healthy!

Here's to a great 2008!

From Thanksgiving to Christmas

Yes, the blog has been quiet. I apologize to the few who are loyal viewers.

Thanksgiving was great. I spent a weekend in Chicago with Robin & her family. She was able to come here for the long holiday.

Right after that, her dad gave us a scare, but he’s here with us for another Christmas.

December was a return to court, and continues to be. One date remains this year, that much I can be sure of as it is a full day on New Year’s Eve. Beyond that, we haven’t planed as there are various possibilities. All of the continued thoughts, love, well wishes, and prayers are needed and appreciated.

For now, we’re setting about enjoying the holidays to the best of our ability and minimizing our thoughts and conversations about the things we can’t control.

Although I haven’t been punctual with all of my updates, know that more news, as we have it will be posted here.

Merry Christmas to all!

Stars Win

A follow up to last night. Modano was key in a big 3rd period come back & win. Here's a link to DMN's highlight video of last night's presentation.

Not often you see a 20 minute pre-game tribute. It's boiled down to about 3 minutes here:

http://www.dallasnews.com/video/dallasnews/sports/index.html?nvid=195212&shu=1

One sports entry

Yes, this is the family blog; however, from time to time, we all need our own little entry.

In just a few minutes, the Dallas Stars will honor Mike Modano as the greatest American born hockey skater. On November 7th, Modano broke the record for points, and last season he achieved the same mark for goals among Americans. That night he scored two great goals, second of which became the game winner in a 3-1 victory in San Jose.

The Dallas Morning News had a great fact filled pdf, which I’ll link here so long as it is active.

Amid a disappointing Bears season, and while the Stars shake things up to try to better their own slow start, this is a great accomplishment to celebrate. It’s unfortunate that Dallas will not fill the house on Thanksgiving eve to see it done. I know that mom, Blaze, & I will all be watching!

Congrats to Mike (like I know him or something!) &

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Wounded Nuts!

Firstly, since the dog is sometimes more loved than I am, let me start by saying HE'S FINE!

That said, Peanut has a cut on his paw pad. He's been licking it like, well, it was going out of style. We managed to see a vet today, and while wonderfuly clean, it was never going to heal if he kept at it. So, until Monday he's a pink-footed basset mix, who's milking his bandages for all the milage he can!

You see how he posed for these pictures, but actually, the minute we got back from the vet, he ran, found a squirl, and brought it to me for some fetch. Then I got the camera out, and suddenly, it hurt soooooo bad! Who says he's not a kid like any other!

Just Married!

Finally, right?

It was an amazing weekend in Chicago, and from the feedback I’ve received, everyone had a wonderful time.

Personally, it didn’t start out wonderfully, but a bad starter in an airplane, caused an extra, unexpected delay to my Bloomington connecting flight. That made it possible to make the trip in one day as my first flight was delayed many times over due to earlier weather issues.

Luckily enough, I was traveling well ahead of the wedding & to the best of my knowledge; no one else had any travel issues.

Another great story from the weekend is the 12:30 AM wedding day fire alarm. I have vague memories of it, but hey, it was my last night, err, early morning of freedom! The wedding party & family did a great job stepping in to ensure that bride and groom did not meet. My understanding is that Robin was less than thrilled about the interruption to her beauty sleep, but by the ceremony, you’d have never guessed she missed a wink!

On the more serious side, the weather was perfect, six months of planning fell perfectly into place, & all went well.

Thank you to everyone who was able to spend part of their weekend with us, it meant the world to us both.

We finished our weekend at the Lazy Cloud Bed & Breakfast. I’ll have more wonderful things to say about them in a future post, but just know that we completely expect to spend another fall or spring weekend there and completely recommend it as a great get-a-way location. (Tell them we said so if you go – I’m all for some marketing kick-back!!)

We do not feel that the World Wide Web is the appropriate location for our wedding photo album, but have no fear, pictures are still accessible to any of you who want to check them out. Please let me know via email or a comment to this post if you would like to be on the picture distribution list. (Many of you have, and if so, no need to do so twice, the list has already started.)

Also, if you have pictures to share, please send them my way. Along with doing so, let me know if you are just sharing with me or want me to pass them along to the distribution list mentioned above.



Finally, a thank you to Phil, Weezie, & Tom Pitts for making the wedding night all the more memorable! :o)

School Pictures

Ok, yes, these should have been up before the wedding, but, um, well, I was planning a wedding.....

Looking Ahead, Not Back....

Tonight I’m printing programs. Sometime this week I need to solve the mystery of printing vertical business cards to fill the place card holders. Together and via email we’re making a Santa-like RSVP list.

Sound like the tasks of the last 11 days before the wedding?! Who knew there was so much work!

(No joke, as I type, my iTunes on shuffle mode queues up “Eye of the Tiger.” What’s a guy to do?!)

All of this to say that Robin and I are focusing on the wonderful day in our near future. We both look forward to seeing friends and family, bringing everyone together, and most of all, publicly declaring our love for each other.

Keep an eye out here, because this will be your spot for photos. Robin & I will have our camera through the weekend, there will be disposables on every table, & a photographer too! Guess I need to clear some time in my schedule for sitting here posting things…

(iTunes has a real sense of humor tonight, now playing, Dr. Hook, “I’ve got a couple more years on you baby.” Sorry babe, but I’m thinking my old Gateway was sending that one out to you!)

More than likely, this is the last pre-wedding post. The next one will either be a celebration or a statement that she came to her senses. Keep your fingers crossed for me that she doesn’t.

(Final song for the posting time, Brooks & Dunn “More than a Margarita.” Not sure of the significance, but I had to keep the play by play going, I mean seriously, I couldn’t have made up the last two – or timed them better – if I tried.)

Again, no resolution

The stall tatics of the bad guys are well in play. Thank you to the many well wishes received today before, during, and after. I got the personal pleasure of two solid hours on the stand. We only had 2:30 of court time booked. We now have additional half days December 6th and 11th.

To those who Robin or I owed a call Wednesday night, our apologies, it wasn’t a night for long conversations or constant re-discussing it. More news to come obviously.

On a serious note....

Hello all -

Many of you know that Robin & I are apart due to more than just work and relocation issues. Firstly, I want to thank everyone for all of the positive thoughts, prayers, and kind words. I have definitely felt the positive energy that all of the above have created for us.

I’m confident that our actions have been just and honest at every step of the way over the last five months and we will be rewarded accordingly.

I do request a favor. Our court date is one week from today, Wednesday, October 10th. Your continued and amplified thoughts, prayers, and well wishes can only strengthen our cause.

The blessing that goes with all of this is that I’ll get five days with my family in the next week, and I do plan to make the most of this time.

I want to also let everyone know that I will post the verdict once it’s known. We do not expect to know something immediately, and minimal “how did it go?” questions would be appreciated.

I look forward to putting this behind us, focusing on the celebration that goes with our wedding 18 days after court, and all the last minute planning and re-planning that goes with it. :o)

Again, thank you all for your love and support.

(And, yes, Chris, I typed this from the living room, just because I could! Thanks for your help!!)


On a lighter note (no post is valid without at least one) – the Bears’ season may be over, but it’s ok, the Stars' first face off just happened, & the Cubs are in the playoffs, so I’m now fully distracted and need to sign off. More to come soon!

Three Dog Household????!!!!!!

...... Not a chance, however, a house without a dog also isn't a home.

So, as an animal friendly solution to our current living situation - Robin & the kids have become a foster family (see defination of foster: Temporary, Short Term, and/or "not the mama!") for a very cute Shar-Pei named Fred.

They have saved him, at least temporarily, from doggie death row, and he will be a great friend to Jillian who misses her Peanut greatly as well as Jackson and Jordan. He'll also be there to keep Robin company after the kids are in bed.

If you'd like to adopt a cute, loveable Fred and give him a life long home, call me. (Please??) :o)

Maybe Better, Maybe Worse

Okay, so I did some playing with the blog tonight. Two of the pictures are .gif files, but not playing, so if you know more about a computer than I do, advice is welcome. Otherwise, if you like the changes, I'll take your honest feedback. If not, no need to share!! :o)

As always, more to come as the time & motivation strike the same place at the same time!

Decorating Weekend

Robin and I got a much needed weekend together over Labor Day weekend. Part of that time was spent on some decorating decisions about our new home together, some of which I was able to put into play this weekend.

All of our “free” art found a home and is now hanging throughout the house.

Also, prior to Saturday, our front door was an open invitation to look right in. That’s no longer the case. While I won’t discourage anyone from using the window clings sold at Lowes and Home Depot, give me a call before you do. I have some lessons learned that I can share from my wonderful experience. (Anyone sense the sarcasm?) The final product does look pretty good though, and privacy is given along with UV rays blocked out!

Here’s the link to view my handy work, next week its blinds for the back door and other projects!

http://www.fotomat.com/home/TBIRD879/1V6A6H0R2J7R0P.EZP

Forgotten Move Pictures

Cleaning out my phone a little, I found two forgotten pictures from our ride here. While they shared the back seat most of the ride, Peanut is used to sitting up front, so I eventually gave in to his requests, and he sat by my side as my trusty co-pilot.

Bobo on the other hand, was passed out on the cooler most of the trip, which I felt was a priceless picture.

Enjoy!

1/2 Moved

Just checking in, I know it’s been a while since I’ve added anything.

The first part of our move was a great success. Mom and I moved a FULL UHaul safely, and nothing was found to be in pieces. We’ve got some great neighbors here, and the dogs have really taken to the house. So, for now, Peanut, Bobo, & I are taking care of the yard, making new friends, and preparing the house to be full as soon as possible.

I’ll throw in a couple pictures of the boys below just for kicks. Peanut LOVES the fact that there are some windows his height (to the floor) so that he can survey what’s going on. Bobo sleeps, but that’s what a Bobo does.

Robin came to see the three of us over Labor Day. We got some much needed time together. We were also able to pick the location for some art, some additions, and some deletions, which should keep me out of trouble the next couple months!

For those who haven’t gotten it, the new address is 41 Seminole Circle, Stuarts Draft 24477.

Hope everyone has a great fall and back to school season, more to come as the wedding draws near!

New Home!!!

I'm no photographer, and somehow, I forgot to take a picture of the swing set, but Robin & my week in and around the Charlottesville area did result in a new home contracted for purchase. Follow the link below to see some pictures of the five bedroom home that is actually located in Stuarts Draft, VA.



http://www.fotomat.com/home/TBIRD879/1E6Y4QGSIRIEIY.EZP



We're both busy this weekend in catching up with our households from a week away, so I'm going to say more to come, and sign off for now....

My Boy

It just doesn't feel like my blog could possibly be complete without a few random shots of my boy, so here you go. This is Peanut. AKA "Nuts," "Mr. Nuts," "ButterCup," and just plain old "son." He's been my little pound puppy since March 2005 when I rescued him. Enjoy these, and know that I have hundreds more!

Bud Light's "Real Men of Genius" & "Real American Hero"

I've heard a few of these ads on the radio, but I have to give Kurt credit for sending out this link. There's literally pages of these things here, and, much like a chip, I bet you can't listen to just one!

Enjoy!

http://arc.diis.net/cache/page/budlight.html?story=budlight

Cruise Blog!!!!

So it took me a few days, but here’s the cruise blog.

My grandparents included the whole family in the celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary aboard the Carnival ship ‘Ecstasy.’ The trip also corresponded with my grandmother’s birthday, Robin & my exams and engagement, and my uncle’s new job, so everyone had something to celebrate.

The trip was fantastic. Four days away at sea, and one great day in Cozumel. On board, the staff took a ton of posed and candid shots which are available for purchase. Mom went a bit overboard with those, but that's okay with me as it gave me plenty to share here.

The food was fantastic, we had a good weather, and the escape from reality was very welcomed. From Tom, who runs the art gallery to Rolie who took care of us at dinner each night, the staff on board were tremendous.

Also, I became more active with my camera than I’ve ever done. I don’t think the pictures do justice to the amazing blue of the sea in and around Cozumel. While there, Robin & Mom parasailed while Tom and I went 105 feet under the sea in a tiny submarine (no, it wasn’t yellow, but they did play that song!). The girls got done first, but as you’ll see, they found a way to pass the time.

Enjoy these pictures as well, and if you ever get a chance, a cruise is a vacation I highly recommend.


That’s all for now, talk to everyone soon!

May Birthdays!

May brings two birthdays to our family. Jackson turned five, and his mom made him an ice cream cake that was excellent!

If you asked Robin, she turned a year younger last month as well. I'm not quite sure how to make that happen, but she did get her Happy Bunny cake at work. That made the day better!

Pictures of both are below. Vacation starts in the morning, so the next entry should be have a ton of pictures from that.

My First Blog!!!

This is my first run at doing anything like this, but Liz is my hero in the blog world, so I'll do my best to make her proud.

First up, the two big announcements... If you don't already know, Robin and I have been engaged since mid April, and will be getting married October 26th of this year. Linked to this (if I do it right) is the first of two engagement picture settings.

This was the volunteer effort of JR, who I cannot thank enough for his time and efforts. JR gave up two hours on a Saturday to hang out with the five of us and take a variety of photos. He still had a CD with over 100 pictures in my hands on Monday.

We used multiple locations too, for which we have to also give huge thanks to Herb & Pam Eaton who gave us the run of their home, yard, and studio in Bloomington.

Obviously, you'll hear a lot more about all of the comings and goings of the wedding here.

Secondly, Robin & I each completed a designation this week. I'm happy to say that we managed to both take an exam on the same day, spend the weekend studying together, and didn't kill each other! I've now completed my Chartered Property & Casualty Underwriter designation (CPCU) and am thrilled to say that I plan to take at least a years break from exams to focus on the wedding, family, and everything else that is going on.

I said that once I completed the exams, I would also start a blog (again, inspired by Liz, check out her work!!!) and keep it going. So, here goes. Please send me feedback to help make it better and come check it out often!

The blogs will get better, I'm sure. I will email this out to anyone I can think of that might want it, and most likely some of you who would rather not... Please feel free to forward it on if you think someone else would be interested and also let me know if you would rather not receive email updates. I get plenty of email myself and will not be offended if you would rather not receive these updates.

Have a great weekend ~ More to come later in the month!