Been Better

Hello all.  I haven't posted in quite a while.  Been Busy, but Been Better too.  This may be my last post for a while as work is ramping up again and probably won't quit until the new year.  Even then, I don't know if I'll be back to this when I do get some down time.

J

Coming to an end

Today is our last day of vacation, or our "staycation".  We've enjoyed hanging around the house, doing some odds and ends, our day trip to Austin, the Apple Store, the Lego Store, lunch at California Pizza Kitchen, and Chuy's with Russell.  It was a lot of fun mixed in with some relaxation and rest.


We would've loved to gone to Vegas and seen all (or as many as is humanly possible) our friends and family.  Oh the places we would've seen:

• The Las Vegas Strip (new hotels and lights)
• The shopping (outlet malls, Big malls, and of course, Target)
• The Restaurants - Macayo's, Metro Pizza, In-N-Out Burger, Settobello, In-N-Out Burger, and many, many more
• The Hoover Dam
• The big Dinosaur on I-40
• Big Brown Mountains

We would've had Sonic Route 44 limeades without the weird tasting water.  We would've had Papa Murphy's Pizza with stories and fun times.  At Bert and Alisa's we would've watched the kids frolic in the pool saying "watch me Uncle Jim, I can do this, and this and" you get the picture.


We had great plans to visit our old Ward.  To see Cardon and Karen, to see Janae, and Debra, and Jimmie Perry Jones.  It was to be a great whirlwind tour of the valley.


Instead, we ate sandwiches, bought a new bedroom comforter set, going to buy paint for the bedroom, we ate peanut butter on crackers, watched movies - the last airbender, Killers, Salt, The Sorcerer's Apprentice, The Hangover, Valentine's Day, A Single Man, Everybody's Fine, and a slew of HGTV, Food Network, and DIY along with some HBO.  We ate with the Mock's and the Lackmeyers and had a great visit from Russell for the day.


Princess slept in every day until at least 8:00 AM - she was in Heaven.


We cared for our Sasha, who is making small progress towards feeling better.  The vet said it could take up to a month or longer, poor thing.


We are truly blessed and thankful for friends, families, and good times.  Tomorrow we are back to work, it's going to be a long hot week here in Central Texas with temperatures above the 100 F mark all week.


I'll post some pictures later from our "staycation".


J

Our Staycation 2010

As you know, we cancelled our trip home due to having a sick little puppy.  Boy are we glad we did.  Here are some of the highlights of our past week.


We went to the movie theater twice, saw about 6 DVD movies, and even ventured to Austin for a day outing.


Sasha threw up on me on Sunday (insert ewwh gross), then again on Monday, and again last night.  We took her to the Vet again yesterday, and we are still watching her, giving her a low fat diet, and monitoring her bodily functions (you know the peeing and pooping parts).


I did accomplish weeding all the planting beds, then turning over the old mulch to add new fresh mulch to keep the weeds at bay.  We also settled on a new comforter for our bedroom, now we've got to decide on paint so that we can freshen that room up with the new bedding.  We're thinking a bold color behind the headboard, and then a more neutral color for the rest of the room.


While we did miss all of our family and Vegas friends, we're certain that if we would've tried to make the journey home with Sasha ill, it could've turned out worse.


Winding down our Staycation, we are trying to make the most of the next two days, cause then it's back to the grind of everyday living.


Thanks for your thoughts, prayers, and support.


J

Household Happenings

It was all planned out.  We would leave around 4:00 AM, getting a jump on traffic, making our way through west Texas, into the Land of Enchantment, across the Grand Canyon state, and on into The Greatest Snow on Earth state.  We were expected on Friday, the day after Spenser would get home from his adventure serving a Mission in Tampico, Mexico.


Like all good plans, life happens while we're making them.  Clue Monday night, Sasha, whimpering and yelping in pain, ALL NIGHT LONG!  Tuesday - vet visit - keep watching her, Tuesday night - call the vet - Wednesday more tests - Lots of $$$ later - antibiotics, pepcid AC, and a pain shot.  Thursday, our d-day (departure day), and another visit to the vet - Sasha had Pooped twice, stomach clear, feeling better.  Poor thing has confirmed pancreaitis, caused by too much fat in her diet (Us, we are guilty).  Decide to head to home with counsel from Vet.


Us, racing to get gas, then pack the suitcases, car, puppies, prayer, and we pull out at 1:27. By 3:30, we were on our way back down Highway 6 to Waco.  Sasha couldn't handle all the motion and bumps, she was too sore.  Arrive back home at 5:30, unpack (really a lot faster than packing btw), have some dinner, and collapse in bed.  What a day.


Sasha continues to have little bouts of pain and discomfort, but it is less and less.  Our little Princess has had a rough week.


Vacation is flying, driving, sailing somewhere.  Stay cation is working on projects at home, catching up on work and seeing some movies.  Stay cation is not as fun as vacation, but can be a bit cheaper.


And that's our week in a nutshell.  


J

America

This weekend has been pretty great.


I spent a little over a week at home in Vegas and one day in SLC for work.  I was able to see family, friends, the in-laws, and get work done at the same time.  I did however get very little sleep and I'm trying to catch up on that now.


Thursday night, we had date night.  Dinner out and then to see Eclipse at the theater.  We both loved it and met some new locals, accountants and teachers (shout out to Angela, Jessie, and Angie) while waiting in line for the movie.


Both Princess and I had a ton of stuff planned, but the weather did not cooperate with us.  We had rain, more rain, and even more rain again (it did get warm enough today for me to edge and mow the wet grass), so we had a relaxing Friday, Saturday and Sunday.


What a blessed land we live in here in America.  Freedom to pursue a job, religion, life, all without the threat of a dictator or other maniac threatening to jail or kill us for how we believe.  I'm grateful for all the service men and women who have made this country so great, and those serving today to keep us safe and protect us from harm.


I'm grateful that we can choose to mow on Sunday, or let the weeds take over until we are motivated to mow them (although, that's just not my style).


I'm thankful for family, for good neighbors/friends, for a job that I love doing.  I'm thankful that I can fly the American Flag today and any other day of the year just cause I want to!


I'm thankful for a merciful God, A Heavenly Father who loves each and every one of us and who weeps when we weep, and smiles when we smile.


I'm thankful for purple mountains majesty, for great plains, and rolling hills.  I'm thankful for piney forests and for gulf coasts.  I'm thankful that we have a government that is elected by the people, for the people, and not the other way around.


Happy Birthday America!  Let us not forget our duty!  Stand tall!  Be Brave!  Lift up the downtrodden!  Work hard!  Have Fun!  Shake the hand of a soldier in the airport and bless him/her from the God on High!


Happy  Birthday America - Land that I love!


J

To Dads

Happy Father's Day!

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I'm not sure what your wives got you, but I got this from mine! A 64G Wi-Fi iPad! This weeks travel is going to be awesome!

For my Dad:

We wouldn't be here without you, we wouldn't be who we are. For all you do and have done, I give thanks for everything that I am because of you.

For Bill:

The greatest Dad-in-law you could have, even with the white hair and beard, I'm grateful for the things you have taught me.

For Rich:

Miles apart in distance, close in hearts, grateful for my older brother

For Bert:

Distance means nothing, hearts and spirits entwined, grateful for the example you are in my life

For Russ:

Wonderful little brother, great step dad, great future dad.

Have a great Father's Day

J

Funk

*Warning*  This post definitely contains some whining!

Yeah, I've been in a bit of a funk for the last two weeks with the blog.  Maybe that's why it's been a while since I posted.

You see, there is lots going on in our world.  First, I've been down two team members since January 1.  I've had some help from them doing some part time work, but it's not the same as having a full team to distribute and carry the load.  As such, I've really been travelling a bit, and trying to keep peace on the home front at times feels like I'm burning the candle (for the first time) at both ends.  (yeah, I know I need some cheese to go with the whine... I warned you).

Also, next Saturday markes the 2nd anniversary of my Mom's passing.  I've missed her a lot lately.  Pressures from work.  Pressures from Church.  I could really use her counsel right now.  She always knew how to help calm my fears and open my eyes to ensure the I could make choices correctly.  I certainly do miss her right now.

I leave for Vegas for a week and a half.  I've got some work to do there, taking some time off while there to visit with some friends and family.  Hopefully that will help recharge my batteries and get the funk off my back!

Princess and the girls are good.  Both the girls had dental cleaning and had to be put to sleep, and Sasha had some moles removed from the back of her head.  Poor thing is spotty where they shaved her hair and then had to stitch her up.

We're all doing well otherwise, no health issues, our jobs are good, and I guess that means the world is still spinning correctly.

J

Home

This past week has been pretty relaxing.  I didn't travel cause we were having Lynn, our friend from Texas who lives up north and was back for a visit.


A couple of days in the plant working and having people ask who the new associate is (meaning me cause I'm always travelling), then Thursday and Friday off to spend time with Lynn.


We made a B I G Road trip from Waco to Brenham, home of Blue Bell Ice Cream.  Yes, we did take the factory tour, well worth the five dollars because at the end, you get a scoop of ice cream of your choice!  Education and sweets, now that's what I'm talking about!


From Brenham we made our way to Austin (I did forget one little detail, it rained like cats and dogs all the way from Waco to Brenham to Austin) for a little shopping and some Cheesecake Factory time.  After dinner, we headed to Costco to buy some bulk essentials, only to be turned away.  Seems they had some problems the night before when lightening struck their transformer.  The young man told us it had been fixed, but with the earlier rains, it had gone out again.  Rats!  Bummer!  Yeah, cause we really needed two years worth of Honey Nut Cheerios! 


We did make it to Pottery Barn and purchased some drapes for the living room.  I like them quite a bit.  Princess really loves them.  If you want to see, you are going to have to come by and check them out for yourself.


Today it is decorate Sydnee's cake, cupcakes, and then to bake Jenna's birthday cake - these kids need to stop having birthdays and growing up.


J

Spring Cleaning...

A little late that is.

Yes, I know it's still May, but my travel has been so hectic that I just couldn't bring myself to do the cleaning when I was home last weekend. Knowing that this is a three day weekend to honor those who served, and our ancestors who worked so hard to make this country the great nation it is! So, I got up early and decided to clean.

Before I get into that, I want, no need to thank the many Military Men and Women who valiantly and with much dedication serve our great country! God Bless You All! You are in our prayers each night for protection for you and your families.

Now, back to the cleaning. I started with the closet in our home office. Gone are the 7 plus years of Martha Stewart Living Magazines. Gone are many, many tote bags, duffel bags, and a huge piece of luggage we just don't use anymore. And in their places, are a much more organized and neater closet with room to walk into! Imagine that!

Next, I tackled the Mickey room closet. You couldn't open the door for fear of STUFF falling out and hitting you. Not anymore! You can step inside the closet, look for the other STUFF that's left and not have fear to open the door! Princess woke about the middle of this closet and helped me finish. Now we have a bazillion empty plastic magazine holders that are going to Goodwill along with the duffel bags.

Then we went out and pulled weeds from the front flower bed. Next, I think I'll run and rummage through my closet and send some of that STUFF that is being worn to Goodwill also.

We're off to the movies this afternoon, some shopping/errands, then home to relax. Lynn will be here tomorrow and we are just ecstatic!

Happy Memorial Day! Be safe!

14

Two weeks, 14 days, or 336 hours.  That's how long Princess and I will have been apart when I return home on Friday.

I gotta say it, I'm missing my girls, Princess, Sadie and Sasha.  It's been a very productive two weeks on the east coast, lot's of good food, great laughs, and a lot of work accomplished.  I have had this car for the past two weeks.  It drives good and EVERYONE at work has been oogling it!

I can't wait to get home to see the flowers, work on the flower beds with mulching, and just relax in my own chair!

The funny thing is that I'll be back here next week for another series of meetings.  Then I'm home for a week cause I've got a couple of doctor's appointments, so I've got to be home!  Thank Goodness!

Jim

More Happy Mother's Day

This was what the front looked like before

After I surprised Princess for Mother's Day

I planted five Daylilies (red blooms) and seven Gallardia

This is one of the Gallardia, Arizona something or other

This is the other Gallardia, I don't remember it's name

Lessons learned

1) It's good to surprise your wife while she out of town on business

2) Pick a day when it's not a sweltering 92F and your house faces due west

3) I'm old, fat and out of shape, trust me, my body is killing me

4) I only plant perennials, I want to do it once and then maintain

5) I'm the luckiest man in the world. Princess loved them and was super happy.

To Mothers

On this day, the second Sunday in May, officially designated by the U.S. Government, set aside to honor our Mother's, I wish all Mother's everywhere a Happy Mother's Day!

How quirky is that?!

We owe everything that we were, are and to be in this lifetime, to our Mothers and they should be celebrated and honored every day of our lives.

In my life, I have the following to be thankful for:

My beautiful wife. Although denied Motherhood through her own body, she has positively affected and influenced the lives of countless children through her service to them at Church and in her daily life. She is the most beautiful of women, virtuous, honest, righteous, and the most Christ-like person I have ever met. She is intelligent, musically talented, crafty in the good way, and the best cook I have ever met (trust me, my waistline and multiple chins show it). She is "Aunt" to many, many children that we have come to know and love. She has served surrogate Motherhood to many missionary that has crossed our threshold. She is a precious gem, and one that I am privileged to know, love, and cherish. Yes, I am the luckiest of all men.

My Mother-in-law. If there were a merit badge in Heaven for super women, she would hold one. Over the last twenty plus years, she has stepped in and been Mother to me with advice, counsel, and love, such that usually comes from your own Mother. How grateful I am to have been blessed by her presence. She is all that is manifested in her daughter and more. She was born of modest means in Emery, Utah. She learned hard work at an early age, caring for the housework and some outside chores. When she was a mere 16 years, she moved with her family to Murray, Utah, just south of SLC. There she finished high school went to BYU, where she met the man of her dreams and they were married. They were blessed with two daughters and have been subsequently blessed with 4 grandsons, 4 granddaughters, and now one great-grandson. She is a pillar of faith, walking in harmony with the teachings of our Savior. I am lucky to have and to hear her counsel. She is another precious gem.

My Mother. It has been nearly two years since you were called from this earthly life, to allow your body, ravaged by disease a time to rest. There isn't a day go by that I don't think of you, long for your embrace, the soft stroking of your hand against my face, and the warmth of your breath. You were in my lifetime the most wonderful of women, cherished, loving, nurturing, giving and giving. You taught me the example of charity, both physical and emotional. You raised six children in modest and sometimes meager means, but through it all, you turned scraps of wood and material into doll furniture to sale, or into craft projects that became cherished gifts. Your talent for sewing, cooking, baking, and craft making are legendary still within our family and community. Your love and faith in Christ was evident throughout your life. You instilled service to your children, and loved and prayed for them that strayed. Mom, I am honored to be your son. I am privileged to know your example and to work to put it into my life.

My sisters and sisters-in-law. How blessed I am to be surrounded by such greatness. Two sisters, and four sisters-in-law that bless my life, and the lives of our entire family. What great women you are, in service to your children, jobs, communities and Church. How lucky are we, the men who have been graced by your abilities, love, compassion and examples.

So again, on this "official" day, may I echo the throngs of husbands and children as they greet you and say, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

J

Somewhat Normal?

Yeah, this post is about me...again!

So on Tuesday I underwent the drill to the tooth. Yep sure enough, it was dead and abscessed. The Dentist was stymied and I was stymied as to how a tooth with no problems just ups and dies, causing so much misery and discomfort. Now for the horrific part, because I was so swollen, and so infected, the dentist could not numb me. How is that possible I ask you? Human, Human tissue, NOVOCAINE, should equal numb! Apparently, when you are so swollen and infected, you can't really get numb, so the Dentist just drilled away.

She's no dummy this Dentist of mine. She knows I can not tolerate an iota of pain and forewarned me of the impending drilling with no NOVOCAINE. I hunkered down in the chair, grabbed the arm rests and held on for dear life. And guess what? That Dentist with all her schooling and knowledge was right! I almost didn't feel a thing. There was still some discomfort cause the ligaments and gum tissue were so inflamed, but no blood curdling scream escaped my lips while she drilled.

And now here I sit, returned home from a trip to Chicago, down to my last antibiotics, and no pain medication since Tuesday morning when I woke up! Again I reiterate the title of this post - I'm somewhat normal?! Yes, we all know what that means, especially when we reference me, myself, and I!

Now Princess and I are in for the night, we're having some leftovers and planning the menu for Saturday and Sunday. We've got some movies to watch, "It's Complicated" and "The Young Victoria". Yep, this weekend it's a chick flick happenin' place at the old homestead. Hope you're all doing well.

J

Talk About Luck

This past week I was at our corporate offices in NJ for meetings, my meetings.  This happens once every six months with my group and another group for strategy purposes.


The meetings went well.  Everyone from both teams presented and we even worked through a crisis that happened while we were together.  All week long, I was feeling tender on my upper left jaw.  I dismissed it saying to myself "Oh you're just stressed and you're grinding".  This went on all week long, and Friday morning came for me to leave NJ and I knew something was wrong - teeth related.  See, I inherited allergies and teeth from my Mother.  The allergies I've dealt with all my life and I'm currently undergoing allergy treatments on a monthly basis to build up my immunity.  


I have also dealt with my teeth all my life and I'm usually much better at realizing that I have one dying...not this time.  By the time I got home on Friday and arrived at the Dentist office the only thing they could do was take X-Rays, give me some pain medication, and give me some antibiotics.


Then on Saturday, at 2:00 AM I woke Princess up to this!

Yes, that is me in all my glory, check out the left side of my face!

Another shot!  Look at that lip!  I'm tellin you I was in pain!

Almost looks like Princess took her cast iron skillet to my head!

And at 10:00 AM just before going to get the tooth drilled so it can drain!

So now, I've had the tooth (#11 as Princess and the Doc call it - for you and me it is my left canine) draining in my mouth for about 24 hours (and they did this without any anesthesia)!  Princess has irrigated it with a warm bleach solution, and the swelling has gone down to about half of what you see in the photos!

Good Grief!  I'm just lucky I have a DSW who works for a Dentist that would come in on a Saturday and drill into my head.  So for now, it's take a pain pill and wait until I'm unconscious, then eat something, then sleep!  Tuesday I've got an appointment to do a root canal on the tooth!  Yippee!

J

Tranquility

The house is empty!  Gone are Momma, Poppa, and the four extra dachshunds that have populated our humble abode for the past 9 plus weeks.  They left early this morning.  Van loaded to capacity with every treasure they've purchased during that time, and the four pups.


Both Princess and I got up early, showered, dressed, and were ready to have morning prayer with them before they left.  We all laughed and we hugged.  We checked bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchen for anything left behind.  We said our "I love yous", and we watched as they drove down the driveway and into the early morning light.  About now they should be somewhere in New Mexico, exhausted from a day of driving, looking forward to a good dinner and a well deserved rest.  They're good folks my outlaws and we're going to miss having them here with us.


I worked from home today.  The quiet in the house was uncanny.  It's always good to have company come and visit and it's always good to see them go, but always with a pang of sadness that we won't hear the laughter and the jokes, the happy times and the frustrating times.


I've been a bit blue the last week or so.  Missing my Mom.  I remember last year right after Easter and the ads start coming out for Mother's Day, makes my heart yearn to hear her voice and to tell her I love her.  So grab your kids, hug them, kiss them, tell them you love them, don't let a single moment to do so pass you by.


J

Breaking or Sad News?

You be the judge.


Momma and Poppa had another appointment at the oral surgeon's office and then the dental office.  One more check up and if all goes well, they're on their way back home.  Now, who's happy and who's sad at my house?  Is it me or is it Princess?  Is it Princess or is it me?  Is it Momma and Poppa?  Mmmhhh?!


What's your thought dear reader
A) I"m happy they're leaving?
B) Princess is happy they're leaving?
C) Momma and Poppa are happy they're leaving?


No matter the outcome of the vote.  It's gonna suck not having family here after they are gone.


Just so ya know


Jim

It's Been Real...

But has it been real fun?  I guess that is the question of the day.


I returned home from Mexico and Guatemala with a stuffed up nose, head and chest.  The good news is the trip went really well.  Bad news is I'm headed back out to Central America on Monday.  Oh the fun never stops.


The Old People are still with us.  As you recall, I asked for a vote from you dear readers to help me with a new nickname for them instead of the "Old People" that sounded so harsh to my dear sweet mother-in-law.  So two people voted for option 6 - dinlaw and minlaw, one for option 3 - momma and poppa, one one for option 5 - Willy and Ruthie (although that vote CLEARLY is biased and therefore does not count.  Hence, I get to decide (still my blog, and I can still use words like "hence").


Drum roll please...the winner is none of the above.  Henceforth (again my blog, my use of the English Language as I see fit), I'm going to refer to my dear sweet mother-in-law as dsmil and my dear sweet father-in-law as dsfil, they are both abbreviations of the term, and follow along with other tried and true blogging abbreviations I have seen over the past four years I've been doing this.


So - Old Woman is now DSMIL, and Old Man is DSFIL (although I still reserve the right, my inalienable right) to refer to them as Old People which I have done for the past 22.5 years I've been married to Princess and which comes from a very warm spot in my heart.


My parents will be referred to henceforth as DSD and DSSM (Dear Sweet Dad and Dear Sweet Step Mom).  Hopefully these resolutions will serve to avoid hurt feelings with my DSIL's!


Oh HOLY CRAP!  This is too confusing - In laws are going to be Momma and Poppa, my parents are going to be Dad and Step Mother!  Ignore my early Saturday Morning ramblings! I must be out of my mind to try and remember all of this!  


Have a great Saturday!


Jim

What's In A Name

Soooo, this post is to announce the selection of nick names for my in-laws.  The nick names that people posted were not (no to offend anyone) inspired.  Therefore, I'm posting a list and asking you to vote in the comments section, cause I'm a lame-O and don't know where to go to get a survey for the blog.  Anywhoo, below are the options I've selected.

1 - Old People
2 - Old Woman/Old Man
3 - Gramps/Grams
4 - Poppa/Momma
5 - Willy/Ruthie
6 - dinlaw/minlaw

The survey is only going to be up until Friday and then the one with the most votes (well, really, ultimately I will decide - JK) will be chosen.
Jim

Old People

This post is for my Mother-in-law, who regularly reads this blog, and who happens to be staying with Princess and I (for which we are extremely grateful).


Seems that my in-laws have taken my calling them Old People as a sign that they are getting on my nerves while they are staying here.  This is in fact FALSE!  I only use the term Old People, Old Man, and Old Woman so that I am not revealing their true identities.  I viewed it as a term of endearment, that has now gone awry.


So dear blog readers, since Princess and I don't have any children, we don't call them Grandma/Nana/Nonna/Abuela, Grandpa/Gramps/Grandad/Abuelo.  HELP me here!  If there is a name or phrase that will help me identify them without causing harm, I'm all "ears" to suggestions.

Cool Blogger

WOW!  
**Warning**  Sorry I'm so geeky with this post, and I haven't even began!


Blogger has added some new cool features to their dashboard, resulting in my awesome, soon to be copied by everyone on the net, layout!


Can't wait to play with it some more, but this one kind of suits me what with the travel and all.

Edified

My heart is full, and my spirit edified by attending Sacrament Meeting today. Because next Sunday is General Conference, we had Fast and Testimony meeting a week early.

A gentleman in our Ward is battling cancer. This is not his first time at bat with the disease. He is far too young to be experiencing all that is happening to him, his beautiful wife, and their four beautiful daughters.

When we moved here to Waco almost 9 years ago, this man, Brother J, asked where we were building our house. We told him Hewitt, and he told us that his estimation of us just went up. We laughed. That year at our first Christmas Ornament party, we invited Brother & Sister J. The friendship has continued to grow over these years. Brother J is a very talented man. He is humble, kind, hardworking, dedicated, diligent, prayerful, and I look up to him as any son would a Father. He is exemplary in the duties of his Priesthood at Church.

Through his battles with cancer, he has never complained or whined in my presence. He has just held out hope and faith in his Savior Jesus Christ, and that he Brother J, was humble and willing to do the bidding of our Heavenly Father. He has unconditional Love, something I believe he exemplifies from his faith in Jesus Christ.

We do not know the outcome of Brother J's battle with this horrible disease, only God can know that. I do know that I love him, that my heart is full of compassion and empathy for him, Sister J, and their family. He truly is a giant among men, and a powerful witness and testimony of the Savior.

Thank you Brother J for being my friend, for welcoming Princess and I into your home and your hearts. You are in my prayers, my thoughts, my mind, and my heart.

J.

Oh There's Sunshine

Yes, we've been enjoying just a tad of sunshine. We've had our share of rain, boy did it ever rain on Wednesday night! Lot's of thunder, lightening, dogs barking, wind and rain - our little rain gauge said a little over 2 inches.

Thursday afternoon we had the house measured for rain gutters, one estimate down, two more to go. It will be nice to get rain gutters up and quit having my mulch washed away each time it rains.

Princesses parents have taken a road trip this weekend. They've been with us since the 9Th of February and it appears like it will be a couple more weeks until all his dental stuff is completed. They have been a blessing for Princess what with my travel schedule and all. OK, they're a blessing to me too, Linda likes to iron, so I give her the clothes basket and she irons. We joke when I'm home that she's earning her keep. They're good fun. Bill has even mowed the yard a couple of times. Thankful for that what with all the rain.

Still, tomorrow we're probably going to look at some shrubs to replace the ones we lost about a month ago to some virus. Then do some other errands. Have a great weekend everyone.

Jim

Forever Strong

So yesterday Princess, myself, and the old folks, her parents :-), watched a great movie. It is called "Forever Strong".

Many of you know that I know absolutely nothing, zip, zilch, nada, zingo, about sports. It doesn't matter, this movie about a young man, his rugby playing, and choices he has made, is awesome! I highly recommend it for everyone (at least 12 and up cause there is some drinking, which helps drive home the point around choices).

It was very well done and very well written. Go rent it. Enjoy!

Jim

Welcome Spring

As IF!

Yesterday it was 74 degrees, sunny with a light breeze. The Outlaws are still here with us (Princesses Parents) as Bill continues his dental transformation, we went out to dinner at Mama Baris and had a lovely time. Today it has rained (yes, we're like 2 plus inches ahead from last year at this time, just for March), the wind has come in from the north and the temperature is about 40 degrees. What a swing!

This morning, Princess and I made the trek to Target for the TWILIGHT: New Moon sequel. We're probably going to see it AT LeAsT ONCE this weekend. I'm also looking at booking our flights for Labor Day weekend with Lynn. Getting excited already for that.

My body is still adjusting to Central time from New Zealand. It's been tough, but I'm working on it to readjust.

Rachel and Josh and their kids are coming tonight for burgers and hot dogs. Princess is making potato salad, pasta salad, rice crispy treats, and an orange pound cake for desert. We're are feasting I'm telling you.

I hope you're having a wonderful weekend too.

Jim

NZED Twenty Ten

My official post from the land next door to the land down under! I'm on my last day, it's Thursday 11 March 2010, and I head home tomorrow. It's been a great trip, seeing some beautiful countryside from the car and from the sky.

Yesterday on our drive to the bay of plenty, we drove by the town of Matamata, which is the site of the "SHIRE" from the Lord of the Rings movies by Peter Jackson. We didn't stop, didn't have time, but you could see the hills that formed the rolling countryside.

I went to Church again in Hamilton, this time to the Claudelands Ward, and not the Hamilton East Ward. I met some really nice people, and had a really great Fast and Testimony meeting. Boy can the Saints sing in Sacrament meeting - their voices were bouncing off the walls - it was awe inspiring.

I'm a little sad to go home cause it is so beautiful here, but I'm happy too, cause I get to see my Princess and my girls! It's been a long two weeks.

I'm grateful to my Heavenly Father for safe journey thus far, and for having such a wonderful loving wife to put up with the five minute phone call and the occasional post on Facebook. See you all in the Lone Star State.

Jim
'

Excitement

Not really around our house, we lead boring lives here in Central Texas. The biggest news is that Princesses parents have been here for almost two weeks for her dad to finish up his dental work. They will probably be here for a couple more weeks which really works out cause I leave today for NZ for two weeks.

Last Friday night, our friends the Blackhursts called at around 1:20 AM needing assistance. Lindsey is/was pregnant and her water broke. I was third on the call list, I answered, and within about 7 minutes, was dresses and driving like a mad man to their house. They got to the hospital and everything went according to normal plans, Lucy Christine was born at 8:32 AM, 19.5 inches long, with pretty brownish hair. She is a cutie-patootie!

Ava and Sydnee woke up, walked down the hall and then I called their names back to the play room/guestroom/computer room, and they were surprised and shocked to see me! We had cereal and juice for breakfast, then we watched some cartoons, played go fish, and played Barbies - that Barbie thing was quite an experience! Those girls have great imaginations. Princess came over to relieve me so I could shower and get my haircut.

Later we took the in laws and visited the Hospital where Mom was exhausted, but gracious, and we got to see our newest Blackhurst! A-Adorable!

So there you have it, Boring life, Boring, Boring, Boring - but a very nice all the same.

Jim

Happy Valentine's Day

For Princess:

Whether lounging on Vacation

Crafting in the den

Dressing up for the Witches Ball

Or PlayingWii with Jenna;

These are just some of the things that

I Love about you and make my

heart go thumpety ThumP!

To the greatest Woman on earth I know

Happy Valentine's day Sweetheart!

Thanks for 22 1/2 years of Love!

Mexico

Hola!

My poor wife! I know, many of you say this because she is married to me (and me not knowing why-LOL), but I just returned home from a week long visit in Mexico, and I've already had a hard time communicating because my feeble mind wants to continue speaking to her in Spanish! It's just too funny that I have to stop and start speaking English with her cause my mind wants to go a million miles an hour in Spanish. Poor thing!

I was with several co-workers in Mexico this time and we had quite the experience driving around the Mexican countryside. The van we rented from budget, halfway up a mountainside, it's brakes failed! We still had to go down the other side! Then work all day, and then find a way back to the city with the airport! Budget would not send another car, so we left it in the little town and they were going to have it towed. Ahhh, the joys of travel! Makes my life so interesting I can't stand it!

While I was slaving away in 102F weather in Mexico, Princess only had to work three days this week. The one Dr. was out on Thursday, so Princess has a four day weekend, while I only get two days before heading out to the Dominican Republic. I know, isn't that the same island as Haiti? Why Yes it is! Even with all the earthquakes, aftershocks, etc, I'm still going there for work. It's going to be a very long day on Monday, and a very long week.

When I return from the D.R. as we call it at work, I'm heading to NJ for the weekend and the week. I've got some business in NJ & NY on Monday and I didn't want to travel all day Friday and then again all day Sunday, so this is a two-weeker trip.

We watched a new movie last night called Gamer with Gerard Butler. It was kinda Sci-Fi/action/shooter type movie - pretty bloody, but interesting. Plans call for a cooler weekend and we're hanging at the house, gonna do some errands, some cleaning, and maybe see a movie - oh and I'll be catching up on a last week's work! HA!

Jim

Birthday Weekend

We had the Hugginses over the weekend, well until this afternoon. It was Devin's birthday on Friday, so they drove down on Thursday night, and we ripped and skipped all weekend.

We ate at Chuy's, and then at Rosatti's pizza, then they ditched us while we did errands (just kidding) and went to Leal's for lunch on Saturday. On Saturday night, the Jacobsens came over and we had pulled pork, stuffed potato skins, green salad, jello salad, two different kinds of rolls, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, and sweet potato souffle. It was almost better than Thanksgiving.

Sadly, after Church, Devin, Jana, Elliott, Curtis and baby Azure loaded up and headed home to Longview! It was good to see them, have fun with them, veg and watch some movies together, and just plain have a great time. Here's looking to the next visit, either us in Longview, or them back to our humble abode.

P.S. I did pull out five dying bushes on Saturday, so hopefully the neighbors won't kick us out of the neighborhood. Any suggestions on what type to plant? These were flowering Hawthorne's and they got some kind of spotted leaf virus and so they had to go. Let me know people. the front looks a little bare without them.

Jim

Good Intentions.

Quote from Linda - "good intentions are like crying children, they should both be carried out"!

So, yesterday, we went and saw Avatar - if you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it! It is Sci-Fi and I love Sci-Fi, but the movie has a really good story line. We opted to see it in 3D, although I had reservations cause usually 3D makes me queasy. I would see it again in 3D cause it was cool, not like the 3D of my childhood.

On our way home, we stopped to get Princesses car washed. BIG MISTAKE! $21.00, 2 hour wait, and a bad wash job to boot! I won't be going there again.

By the time we made it home, all my good intentions around cleaning the kitchen and home office were blown out of the water. We did do some straightening up, vacuum, a little dusting, but not the good elbows in the air cleaning like Mom made me do in as a kid. Sooo, I'll be doing a little bit of cleaning each night after work, so the house is presentable on Friday when The Hugginses come for a visit.

BTW, It's still cold here, this morning it was 13F and now it's hovering around 39F. We'll see if the forecasters get it right and the temp gets up to 48F today and then down into the 20's tonight.

Jim

BRRRRR!

Baby it's COLD Outside! I mean Cold!

Last night Princess and I went out for date night with the Mocks. The car was reading 24F and then add the windchill...BRRRRRR! The temp outside right now is 10F!!!! We live in the south for cryin out loud! Seriously.

Usually in the winter, Princess sets the thermostat at 60F, just so the girls don't freeze while we're at work. So far, she's kept it at 63! I'm looking forward to next weekend when we have the Hugginses come visit us, the heater is gonna be on overtime! Of course, the ten day forecast says that we'll be in the mid 50's next week during the day and 30's for nighttime lows. Still, I'm thinking it's going to be the warmest this house has seen since August.

Today is a lazy day cause we did laundry and some cleaning. I'm going to work on my desk and the "office" and Princess is going to work on the Kitchen! I'll post before and after pictures I promise!

We're going to go see AVATAR today, wish me luck, 3D movies make me a bit nauseous. What are your plans for this fine Saturday?

Jim

Twenty Ten

Get it, 2010!

It's a brand new year, Lot's of opportunities, activities, wants, desires, wishes and yes of course there'll be challenges. Can't have life without challenges.

We had a quiet New Year's Eve celebration. Fun games and great food with the Lackmeyers and the Mocks, of course I party pooped out and we were home in bed by 10:30. I just can't make it to midnight anymore, I'm getting too old (of course, having a nap and not busting my behind all day would've been very nice too).

We're having a cold snap here, the temperature is a cold 28F with wind chills down into the 16 to 17F range. Feels like Chicago weather to me. That didn't stop Todd and I from walking around the building in a 24F wind chill during lunch time! We bundled up, gloves scarf, ear warmers, heavy coats, and hoodies. Then we walked very briskly, and boy do I mean briskly!

There was some debate in my cubicle today about how to refer to this decade. Is it "0 ten" or just "ten"? I said twenty ten or two thousand ten. What's your preference for this new decade? One thing I'm looking forward to is my birthday. The date will be 10/10/10! I'm stoked! This is going to be a great year!

Be safe and Warm out there this weekend.

Jim