New City, New Blog Design

I decided that since moving back to Hampton Roads, it was time for a fresh start with the template, so that's why it looks different! It's been interesting to adjust to the new area, since it's not the Beach but rather a city near it, and so it's not really like we're "back" in that sense. Hopefully we can get the house closed back in the Valley and move forward with looking for something more permanent here.

I really can't believe I slept until nearly 9:30 today, but it felt pretty good. I strapped Josiah on my back and we mopped the ENTIRE condo floor (the only place that has carpet-like flooring is in the kitchen...we'll be getting a rug for that area for sure!). It took eight or nine of those swiffer pads and let's just say I'm glad it's clean now so we can let our little one crawl around without thinking about how dirty it is.

Hopefully we can finally get around to getting some substantial groceries today so that we can stop eating out. We ate at Moe's Southwest Grill last night, was quite a tasty meal--I'd never eaten there before. It was fast and quite good.

Monday will get here soon enough and hopefully Saturday the move of the rest of the stuff (at least what we need for now) won't take that long and with the help will be easy.

The place we're in has a doorman. A doorman! Our little guy has taken a liking to the morning doorman, though it's no surprise since he's an older gentleman, graying hair, etc (he's a softy for these types).

We may try out the zoo tomorrow, depending on how little J is feeling...should be fun!

So, Yeah, a Few Things Have Happened...

I haven't blogged in a few weeks, and quite a bit has happened. We finally finished the childbirth classes we were taking, had a baby shower (with several family members staying a day or so and then going) and I decided to paint my back deck.

The baby shower filled the crib with numerous gifts, all of which we are very thankful to have, though we do have some things still to get (car seat, chest, CAR!, etc.).

I painted my back deck and it went pretty well while I had my neighbor helping me, but when I got to the actual deck part (he had helped with all the railings and detail parts) and the steps, time constraints and the fact that had been weather and sun-beaten so bad made the end result, well, "spotty" to say the least (I may take some pictures to show my great "artwork.").

The cool thing is that a buddy of mine that lives near the Beach has a job interview here tomorrow and we'll be going to lunch. Should be fun.

(Oh and I can't forget the AMAZING dinner I had Sunday night with some friends we know from church--I ate a LOT of crab legs! I'm sure they were probably getting concerned I might turn into a crab! ha!)

Big Meeting

Today I invited my boss out to dinner since this Thursday marks two years with my law firm (amazing how time flies, isn't it?). We ate at Outback, which was great food, and it was a lot more relaxed than if we met at the office to discuss my standing with the firm.

I think it went pretty well, and I'm sure I may have showed my hand a little, but I prayed fervently before the meeting that God would grant favor with my boss and that God would be honored in it all.

For those that have prayed, thanks! Do continue to pray as everything hasn't been stated or ironed out yet, so we'll see where it ends up.

I'm just glad it's over!

A Thank-full Thanksgiving

Wednesday night my parents came into town and it has been nice to have them here--we're a little closer to them than we were when we were at the Beach, so it's good for them to come and not have to travel so far. My wife unfortunately had to work today even though I did get a rare day off.

It's amazing to think that another year has passed since the last Thanksgiving when they were down here, and much has changed. My dad, who had a job last year, finds himself unemployed now and having to look for work at age 57, which is tough for him. But, in another way, it has allowed him to do four (!) devotionals each morning as he prepares for his day (sometimes God wants to get your attention, yeah?).

I'm thankful for family, and for the strong Christian roots I've been blessed with--not only on my side of the family, but my wife's as well. I'm thankful for being able to work and having a job, as well as a reliable car and good house to live in. We have a wonderful dog and food to eat. And we have a great church with a great group of believers to fellowship with on a weekly basis.

But while being so thankful my wife and I realize there is a deep desire that we both have (to have a child of our own) and we wonder (constantly) if/when that will happen. We have prayed and groaned and it has made us weary (wondering if there is something within us or within that desire that is wrong?)--but it is in this that reminds me how marriage and the love within it is based on a decision that must be made daily. I must wake up and decide that I will love my wife, no matter what may come, and she does the same towards me. When I say that I love my wife, it runs deeper than cutesy hearts and cupid arrows and chocolates on Valentine's Day--I am committed to being the person she needs, now and forever, until the Lord Himself relieves me of that duty.

People often wonder why the divorce rate in this country is the same between Christian and non-Christian homes. A person once said (I can't remember who?) that love is finding your happiness or joy in someone else's happiness or joy. Did you hear that? Your deepest joy should be in making someone else happy--and the end game of your actions should simply be their happiness. Not to get a promotion, to feel good about yourself in giving them a certain gift (so as to pat yourself on the back for a job well done), or puff yourself up, but simply bringing them joy.

Most people don't see love in this way--they use it to get something for them--if it isn't useful to them, or can't give them an advantage, why employ it(though they would NEVER outwardly admit this)?

Be thankful on this day that you cherish Christ and that Christ is the center of your marriage (with the gracious help of the Holy Spirit), and if it isn't, plead in your prayers to Him to convict you in this.

We've Come a Long Way, Baby

Last night was the 10th anniversary of my wife and I's first date. Ten years ago, my wife and I attended a social function at our college called "Artist Series" where the college would bring in theatrical or music acts for an evening, so that folks would not have to go anywhere (Lexington, KY was not far away, but not much to do in Wilmore!) The theater company performed Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing and we had a blast.

Fast forward to last night, and you'd think we'd go out and have a big dinner, right? Nope. We're easy to please--we got Chinese takeout (about $40 worth--it's the ONLY way to go. it's like having your own buffet!) and watched TV that we had saved on our DVR. Sometimes it's the simple things in life that are the most satisfying.