Janice Corey Jude

Revelations

2011-03-22T16:20:00.000-07:00

I've been learning things about myself lately. if you would have confronted me about them, I would have denied it. But I have discovered literally over the last several days, how far I've drifted from God and I had no idea. Not foundationally by any means. I'm confident at any point in my life, I could never be swayed to believe anything other than what i know to be true. That Christ died for me, I'm forgiven, a new creation....apart from Him, I am nothing. I pray, I attend bible studies, and I attend church. I love the Lord. Shouldn't that be enough? I allowed myself to be deceived that it was. And gradually, without knowing, seeds of doubt and fear were planted in my heart. I accepted those fears, praying over them, yes, but not rebuking them. Not absolutely refusing to allow them to be a part of my life. And without even realizing it a slow, crippling habit began to form. Life and all it's difficulties became something to react to, to fight off, to put blinders on and plow through hoping nothing touched me or my family. Other people's sad stories became possibilities for my own life. I began to put myself in their position...What would I do, How would I react? I couldn't find any joy in the everyday. This wasn't and isn't, me. It's not who God intended me to be. It's not the wife my husband deserves and it's not the mother my son needs.

How could this have happened?

It turns out there is a difference between praying throughout the day, attending church, and participating in bibles studies..and actually being so full of Jesus and God's word there is no room for anything else. There is a difference between living in peace hoping my circumstances stay pleasant and knowing they won't stay pleasant and still being joyful. Peter talks about this a lot. Suffering. Accepting it. Being joyful because of it. Behaving in it's midst to where others take notice and want what you have. As I read it, the Lord revealed again no one is exempt from hardships. He is keenly aware of what our future holds. Not only that, He knows the end. And if He knows how things end, He must provide the means to arrive at that end. And so He carries me through.

But the key is spending time in His Word. As a result it will trump every doubtful, negative, anxious, prideful, ugly thought we have.

So that's where I begin. Ephesians 6: 13-18. The Armor of God.

Where the time goes...

2011-01-23T22:57:00.000-08:00

Wow. Nearly, seven months have gone by and so much has happened. Nothing revolutionary. Just life. Here are the highlights:

Jude turned 1 on June 28, 2010! We celebrated with a beach ball pool party at my parents house and had so much fun!

Getting ready to sing happy birthday to our little one year old. His cousin, Joy snuck in for a better look at the beach ball cake!

Winnie the Pooh train from Grandpa and Grandma...a favorite!

Swimming with my sweet Jude!

At a water playground on his actual birthday.

After the Birthday celebrations were over, we took on our yard sale, which is where i left off last summer. We couldn't believe the amount of items donated to us. It was unbelievable. We ended up holding two sales. We had great friends, family, and neighbors helping us pull it together. Between the two weekends we were able to bring in around $3500 dollars--a nice little start to our fund!

Our Backyard! There was more in the front yard, driveway and garage!

In August we made a trip to Wallowa Lake...a beautiful place. Unfortunately, it rained so our camping trip became a cabin trip! The first night we planned at a Bed and Breakfast. Very fun and quaint. Jude did not do well in a strange place and cried and cried until 1am. oye. The other guests were kind enough to say they didn't hear a thing, but....i find that hard to believe! The next night was scheduled at the campground, but it was cold and raining so hard we opted for a cabin at the last minute. Thankfully, one was available.

Jude at Wallowa Lake..he spotted a bird.

My boys on the Lake!

At a coffee shop in Joseph, just down the road from Wallowa.

Spiderman for Halloween! The mask didn't go over well, but we liked the muscles! We didn't visit any houses, but Jude loved running to the door and handing out candy. This year we had over 200 trick or treaters!

A windy day for the church harvest party!

Christmas was fun this year and included lots of time with our cousins: Paul (4), Joy (2 1/2), Claire (2 1/2), Shepherd (14M), and James (13M).

Before Christmas Eve mass.

There we go. The last 7 months in a very small nutshell!

What Do You Expect?

2010-06-15T23:05:00.000-07:00

Corey was dragging his feet at my idea of a yard sale to help raise money for our next adoption. But friends and family have been so generous, showering us with all kinds of items, that he's changed his tune! A few of the items we have collected: two couches, a recliner, two computer desks, a microwave, a queen mattress, a sofa table, four lamps, nightstands, toys, a total body workout machine (similar to the chuck norris), a TON of girls clothes, and much more! When you commit whatever you do to the Lord, your plans will succeed (Proverbs 16: 3)...so what did we expect? Since I've never done a yard sale before, I've appreciated all the tips from friends! You can tell Jude and I don't know where to start with our organizing. Many things will go on craigslist so we can get a higher price..but also to make room in our garage. It's very exciting. We're already praying for our baby. Health and safety. We're not gender specific in our request to the agency. The Lord knows what we need. But my heart is full of all things pink. But I love blue too. That's why I'm thankful the Lord chooses. Perhaps He'll send us one of each...in that case, I'll need to hold several more yard sales.

2010-05-28T22:51:00.000-07:00

Among other things, we're holding a Yard Sale to earn money for our next little one! We're looking forward to seeing what God has in store for us and Jude...a new little brother..or sister...?

Disheartened

2010-04-17T23:15:00.000-07:00

Well, i recently discovered (again) there are those in the world who can take the most wonderful situations and turn them into a sad, terrible things. I came upon an adoption blog written by a very bitter birthmother. She must have a lot of bitter followers, too. On her most recent post, there were 21 comments. Curious, I reviewed them, and shouldn't have. Things that were said SHOCKED me. As an adoptive mother I posted my own comment (I couldn't help it and I was pretty gentle!) and received a nasty one in response. For Corey and I to be happy with our new family, there certainly had to be a loss on behalf of the mother. While we know she is lost and searching for the Peace we all seek, we think so highly of her and the decision she made. There is no greater act, nothing more selfless than giving your child to another, knowing it is for their well being.

Corey and I spent several years praying and beseeching the Lord with so many questions about this journey. While I guess you could say we were often overwhelmed with where our path was taking us, (not knowing your future can do that) Jesus was always at the core. No one understands the deep recesses of your heart like our Lord, so we continually took our burdens, hopes, and dreams to Him...laid them at His feet, all the while trusting He had our very best in mind and knew the desires of our hearts.  We often prayed for the birthmother..that she was staying healthy, that she was making the right decision to adopt her baby, and as she was reviewing the faces of possible parents for her baby that she would choose us if it was right. I'm confident that God, in His infinite wisdom, orchestrated all the roads that brought us together.  God was all wrapped up in this adoption.

So with the Divine miracle that is our family, it's hard to imagine there are those who feel there is a negative side to creating families through adoption. But, as I write this, I'm not rattled by their comments for my own sake, but by the bitterness they carry over the loss of their children and the adoptive parents who have them. So with that, I pray for these women who hold tightly to the resentment, bitterness, and anger that is shaping their lives. May they know the sweet release of forgiveness, rest in the freedom of His peace, and find new joy that their children are being raised in loving homes, which they provided, through adoption.

Jude's First Easter!

2010-04-09T20:35:00.000-07:00

We were surprised to see snow on good friday...enough to cover the ground! By the end of the day, it was warm and sunny.

                                      Hunting for Eggs!

Learning to stand

2010-03-15T22:25:00.001-07:00

Jude wants to play fetch with Espn!

Six Grandkids!

2010-03-15T22:19:00.000-07:00

Joy (2yrs) Paul (3yrs) Jude (8mon) Claire (22mon) James (3 1/2mon) & Shep (5mon)

Don't cry Claire!

2010-03-08T20:27:00.000-08:00

I went running late this afternoon with corey pushing jude in a stroller. we have a st.patty's day race this weekend..6K. I don't run so it's especially challenging for me! Several members of my family will be joining us, so it should be fun. I won't be setting any records though...Top o' the mornin' to ya!

2010-03-08T08:34:00.001-08:00

As I continue to read this book, I've been caught up in the idea of "visioncasting." Our words can so easily influence that of others..our family, friends, those we come in contact with. With a sentence we can inspire someone to be greater than they thought they could be...or shake their confidence enough to change the course of their life in a less than positive way. The author, Andy Stanley, quoted Larry Crabb:

"What would it be like if we had a vision for each other, if we could see the lost glory in ourselves, our family, and our friends?"

Lost glory. Do you ever wonder what you could be? What you were destined to be? Hopefully we're all living the lives we imagined we would...and we're right where we're suppose to be. But if not, how do we get there? How do we discover who we're meant to be? How do you influence and encourage others to take hold of their God ordained destiny? What is God's vision for all of us?

It's encouraged me to take hold of the hope that God has great things for me and those around me...a destiny I try to imagine, but, for now, it's hard for these eyes to see. no lost glory here.

2010-03-07T22:24:00.000-08:00

Corey and i have been discussing what a difference Jude has made in our lives. There are the obvious changes...our schedules, me staying at home, changing diapers, not eating out, getting up for that night time feeding at 2am (still). But aside from all that, we've decided Jude is a promise, a tangible answer to our prayers. We love him like all parents love their children, I'm sure, but we also see him as confirmation that the Lord hears and answers our prayers. This difficutle season in our lives, not only resulted in a family, but sealed in our hearts how loving and gracious our God is.

One of my favorite scriptures is Ephesians 3:14-20

14For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15from whom his whole family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

My favorite verses are 19-20....he who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine… a reminder that God is beyond all of our circumstances and troubles, beyond time and our worries, sees past what we are and instead sees who we can be, who we will be, in Him...

2010-02-08T22:15:00.000-08:00

Jude Thomas

2010-02-08T20:57:00.000-08:00

Well, well, well...look who decided to start blogging again! i wasn't very good about doing it before...so we'll see. I picked a great time to start up again...just as one of my favorite shows, 24, is starting. I guess i can type during commercials.

We adopted our little boy last summer! Jude Thomas officially became a Heitschmidt on January 22, 2010. He is so precious and continuously makes us smile. I marvel at how far we've come over the last couple of years. A wide range of emotions; fear, anxiety, a lot of anger, a lot of questions, deep sadness, loneliness, hope, happiness, and joy. While we started our family through adoption out of necessity, we realize now what a spectacular example it is of God's love. We've been chosen by Him, adopted into His family, pulled out of the ashes and consecrated for His glory. We anxiously await the next addition to our family, knowing the Lord has all these things in His hands.

I've been reading a great book lately, Visioneering, by Andy Stanley. If you've ever had a vision about what your life should be spent doing, if you've ever had a deep passion for something, if you've ever felt the world as you know it should be different than what it is, you should read this book. It discusses the difference between good ideas, which fade, and God given visions, that require His leading.

Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-29T22:06:00.000-07:00

We spent Memorial Day weekend at Long Beach Washington. A fantastic break and time to see Janice's family as well as let Espn swim in the ocean. That dog had such a fun time jumping all over the surf and waves.

The Golf Membership...

2009-05-16T22:36:00.000-07:00

I got it again. I talked Janice into letting me get the golf membership at Canyon Lakes again. However, this year it came with more of a price. It now costs the membership + new patio furniture + her manicure/pedicure on Sunday...This was much easier last year when I was just able to get the membership.

So, tomorrow, I'll be on the greens while she's getting the manny/peddy. Then in the afternoon, we can enjoy drinks on the patio.

More good news...Espn hit her 2nd birthday May 15th. Janice got her a new bed and a new pink collar. I don't know why we can't get more of a cool collar, because the pink just doesn't say coolness when I take her to the park for some dock jumping.

2009-04-12T20:09:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter!!! In mass today we were reminded that Good Friday is ALWAYS followed by Easter Sunday! Regardless of who we are, we can now approach His throne with confidence. Jesus' death and resurrection tore the veil from top to bottom and we have the ability to approach the Holy of Holies without fear. While Good Friday has perhaps resembled darkness, fear, loneliness in our lives....we can now receive the light, hope, and joy that comes with knowing Christ and what he has done for us! For in Jesus there is no darkness...NONE.

Our circumstances don't necessarily changed because of this, but our reaction to our circumstances does...we now have someone who is above all things and can help us navigate through all of life's trials...someone we can approach freely, lifting up prayers knowing there is a God who hears and feel the peace that is ours because of His sacrifice for you, me and the entire human race.

He is Risen!

Good Friday

2009-04-10T23:04:00.000-07:00

Today is Good Friday. It's a special day, representing the core of our faith, the reason we get up every morning and are able to face the day.

There are moments of life we all face...dark, sad times that make us feel wobbly, uncertain of who we are and what our purpose is. Life takes us down roads we don't understand because we never expected to be there. We question the fairness of what we face, mourn over bad decisions, wonder "why them and not me?" We watch our world crumble around us or those we love. We cry and pray and hear only silence in return. The ground we walk on suddenly feels like shifting sand beneath our feet. Relationships fail and people disappoint us. The valley is deep and the shadows are long. All the while we long for a light and for peace, but it never seems to come. We're always searching, always longing, always wondering. Any room for hope is squelched by the fear that moves through our heart.

Yes....we all go through days like Good Friday, where the only sound that breaks through the silence is the sound of defeat and heartache....darkness settles over us. And all hope is gone.

Almost 9 years

2009-02-22T20:46:00.000-08:00

On our great Disneyland trip, we realized that this year will be 9 years of Janice and I being married! Holy Cow! 9 years? What the heck happened? We were just on our honeymoon at Disneyland, and bam, 9 years later we're back visiting some friends on a business trip...When did we grow up? I might as well start telling stories saying, "Back in my day..."

Disneyland in the Rain

2009-02-21T20:53:00.000-08:00

Janice had a convention in Los Angeles last weekend, so she had to fly down for the weekend. Naturally, she can't go alone so I went with her. The weekend started off fantastic as we got bumped into First Class. Even the water tastes better. I didn't feel bad at all as I watched all the peasants file by to ride in storage class. :)

It was the LA Times Travel and Tourism Convention in downtown. So, on Saturday and Sunday, she worked and I checked out all the places I'll probably never go, unless I win the Lotto.

It was really nice in Downtown LA and we ate at some great restaurants. We just lived it up.

But on Monday, we decided to hit Disneyland for the DAY!!! It rained like crazy, which was fantastic to keep the lines short. Disneyland must have a conspiracy with the weather because we bought the $138 for tickets, $15 for ponchos, and $40 for hats and we had just walked in the gates...I guess we were trying to recover the economy on our own in one shot.

We got to meet up with two of our fantastic friends from college, Derek - Hailey, and the cutest little girl in the world, Miss Vivian. She met Janice and asked her, "Are you Cinderella?" Then, after a couple hours hugged my leg and said, "I love Mr. Corey..." I have to admit, she is so cute that if she asked me to rob a bank I'd say, "Just a second sweetie, let me get my coat!" It's so great to see Derek and Hailey who'd drive 90 minutes to see us at Disneyland in the rain. Although it rained until they got there, stopped and turned into great weather. But as soon as they left it started raining again! Talk about incredible friends!

We hit all our rides and never waited more than 5 minutes. The walk to a ride was longer than the wait! In fact, at the end of the night, we stayed on Splash Mountain for three trips straight. The girl said, "No one's in line. Want to go again?" After that third time, the Brer Rabbit song kinda gets annoying though...

Dad-hogs Day

2009-02-02T22:12:00.000-08:00

Every February 2 is Dad-Hogs Day. My Dad's birthday occurs on this famous day. Not every Dad gets his own holiday. He walks out in the morning and looks out his porch. If he sees his shadow it results in six more weeks of winter. Well, today, He saw it again. I tried to tell him to sleep in, but we must keep with tradition. Happy Birthday Dad! If you're still on dial up, this page may load by your birthday next year!! :)
Speaking of, here's a pic of my Dad when he was in the service and Darren's basic pick from a long time ago who is currently in the service and heading back to Iraq...uncanny. Apparently the looks ran out by the time I got here, so I rely on humor as a defense mechanism.

Super Bowl with a Soldier

2009-02-01T22:17:00.000-08:00

Corey, Todd, Darren, Grams, and Pops

My brother is home on leave for 15 days from Iraq. Today, we watched the Super Bowl at his house with his family and my nieces. It was nice because my Dad & Mom were there, Aunt Joan, my Grandma, and an some other family members I haven't seen for years. It was a great day to spend some time and see him and hear some stories from Iraq. He's a soldier, and serving his country. It's amazing to hear firsthand of things that are happening and what you hear on tv or news. He shared how there is a constant smell of trash and stench and burning smells, and a poverty that you could never imagine until you drive through the streets. There are many incredible things our soldiers do over in that country that do not get credit or noticed. My brother was able to share some pictures from Iraq that he's captured and it makes me glad to be living in America, and to have the freedoms and life we live because of soldiers who protect our rights, and others. He heads back on Monday to finish the rest of his tour with the 81st from Washington.

This is my brother's "limo" as he calls it, in the bottom right. He drives it for his convoy missions. He said it's not a tank, but it's a monster.

Call me Iceman

2009-01-31T14:23:00.001-08:00

I drove combine for a local farmer during the summer, and he promised to take me up in his personal fighter jet. Today, we did! I dont' know which is better, flying at Mach .82 and seeing the ground fly by, pulling 4 G's, or the barrel rolls...but it's the coolest experience. We flew to Prosser in about 5 mins, did a flyby over the airport and pulled straight up. Then toured all over Tri-Cities and the Snake River Canyon area. He has years of flying experience, which makes you very confident as you see the horizon of the Earth and Sky switch. It's very surreal as you feel gravity literally turn upside down. There's a reason I call him Maverick. So if anyone in Prosser or on the freeway between Prosser and Tri-Cities saw a yellow jet doing barrel rolls and banking, that was me, Iceman.

90 degree turn

Prosser

Housel Middle School

As for getting sick, yes. Trying to remain as cool as possible (and macho) I never did say that I was feeling queezy...until about the last 10 mins...then I said, "I'm not sick, but straight lines are nice." What else could I say? It's like saying "uncle." Sitting there, I'm thinking if I do have to ditch the food, it has to go down my shirt...Luckily, I was strong. But when I got back on ground and home I started to feel my stomach disagree. I never did hurl, which I see as a victory. I can't wait for Janice to go up!

The Three Amigos!

2009-01-17T23:19:00.000-08:00

Janice and I have been busy looking through a bunch of old photos for a "special" project we are updating. In the process I came across this gem. It's my cousin Matt Boast, Brett Steen, and me as we did a Three Amigos skit at College Youth Group. We sang, "My Little Buttercup," just like the movie...and we are wearing a table cloth and drapes we bought at Goodwill! (our best

costumes!)Once I saw this picture again, I just started laughing so hard. It's funny how you can be instantly transported back to a time with a photo. There are 4 guys from college who are more like brothers to me.
Derek (I'm stilly embarassed about falling asleep at your parents house during Apple Blossom)
Barry (My roommate who hated my snoring-snooze button, but his hedge hog, Corey, loved me!)
Matt (My cousin, best man, and a brother in all senses of the word)
Brett (Incredible breakdancer, childhood friend, and a great lazer tag sniper)

As years have gone by, it's always tough to keep as close, but years can't ever erase the great times and how close they will always be to me.

This picture is Janice and I on August 7, 1999. It was the original day we planned to have our wedding, but we ended up postponing it to July 8, 2000. This picture was at the time we were supposed to be married, but we were on a family vacation and deep sea fishing excursion. We postponed it since we were both fresh out of college and we decided to wait and earn some extra dinero and solidify some plans. Truth is she was rushing me...and I can't be pinned down like that. ;)

Sometimes evil wins...

2009-01-03T22:45:00.000-08:00

In real life, sometimes evil wins. Take the game Janice and I drove to Pullman tonight to watch... It was the classic struggle between good and evil. WSU and UW. Unlike movies, sometimes evil comes out the victor...

It was still great to go see the game and be in the Coug gym. One of the best moments was when Janice asked for a starburst candy I had bought. After handing it to her, she immediately popped it in her mouth, only to realize she hadn't taken off the wrapper. It took about 4 bites before she spit it out and said, "I thought it tasted funny..."

We were given tickets by Steve Thonney, who happens to be quite good friends with Robbie Cowgill. He played for the Cougs and graduated last year. And is the tallest man Janice has ever met. She only came up to his knee caps. An extremely nice guy and they could have used him tonight. Oh well, as my Grandpa used to say, "Even the sun shines on a dog's rear someday."

Pooch 'n Pal Run

2009-01-01T17:27:00.000-08:00

Every year on January 1st, Tri-Cities has a Pooch and Pal run. It's a 1.5 mile, 5k trek in a sagebrush field for dogs and their owners. This is the second year we did it. Last year, we ran it. This year, Janice's parents brought their dogs and we all walked as a group. After the race, they serve chili and pie and pass out awards. The rain did not stop us, we forged on. Janice's parents came down from Yakima this morning and said it was snowing like crazy up there. Here...rain. Dang it. School starts up. How am I supposed to cope with going back to work a full week? The race was fun at least. We beat some people.

Yogi Hollis Espn

Espn makes friends very quickly...

New Christmas Camera!

2008-12-29T18:35:00.000-08:00

I got Janice the coolest camera for Christmas! Actually, I got me the camera, but she ok'd the decision. (Like she had a choice...)

It does a bunch of cool things, most of which I require a 12 year old to show me how to use it. It removes red eye if you need to after the picture was taken, it has a program to make people smile (which we had some fun with) and night vision! How cool is that! I'm going all over the place snapping shots at night! I'm two steps away from being a spy.

Although, this is my favorite picture of Janice, she didn't appreciate the comment, "This camera makes you look prettier..." as much as I thought she would. Huh.

ESPN's gift from my nieces. She loves it.

Nieces Takeover Photographs

2008-12-22T20:36:00.000-08:00

Here's some pictures from the weekend.

Kellie

Madison
Karlee

Geordan
A shot of the four standing still...
Surprised it was caught on film.

Sledding down the slide

Espn diving for her decoy...

...or trying to dive for freedom.

Nieces Takeover Day 3

2008-12-21T15:47:00.001-08:00

After all that snow, the nieces were wondering if they might have to stay another night. Luckily, my skills as a US Post Office Driver come in quite handy. Nor rain, sleet, snow...shall keep me from my nap. However, the three hours it took them to pack their stuff almost did...Seriously...you get one packed, another is out the door, another is unpacking their bag to find that one pink glove so they can go outside too, and the fourth is fiddling with the DVR remote. So, after returning home I sat down with Janice to watch Christmas Vacation...I noticed my DVR had just finished recording 14 episodes of "Paid Programming: Infommercials..." I should have just told them what channel the cartoon network was on.

We had a fantastic time with them this weekend. The dog is asleep and could be in a coma...not sure what treats she was getting this weekend when my back was turned. Janice has returned the house to normal while I drove the little gippers home to Yakima. I have pictures to post, if I can find the camera...maybe it's under the couch cushion where the remote was...along with that pink glove.

Nieces Takeover...Day 2

2008-12-20T21:33:00.000-08:00

Still alive here...Let me explain...No, there is too much. Let me sum up:

AM: Not morning people, breakfast should be called breakslow, darn near breakstopped. Showers = I will not go last again...brrr. Instant Message their Dad in Iraq (that was cool).

Shopping to try clothes on...is it legal to leash up kids? How about leaving 2 in the car at a time? Is that legal? 4 is darn near impossible to manage...How did that bag of chips make it into the cart anyway?...

Sledding Carmichael Hill. $50 for sleds = 20 mins of fun. Take dog to park, freeze, coyote...

Evening dinner, open presents, watch Wall-E, about to pass out. Teaching has never been this hard.

I will say that Janice is the best with these kids. She knows how to talk to make them listen. (this does not work on me however...)

Nieces Takeover...Day 1

2008-12-20T00:01:00.000-08:00

Ok, Janice and I have my 4 nieces for the weekend. 7th, 6th, 3rd, 2nd grades...I'm so tired right now. Parenting must be hard because Aunting and Unceling is tough enough. Here's a quick low down on the night:

1. Pick them up - Can they talk any faster, louder, and all at once for the entire drive from Yakima to Tri-cities?

2. Dinner was great. Janice had it ready and they put forth their best manners...including saying excuse me after every burp...

3. The plan for cookies was awesome. By the way, how do you get frosting off the ceiling...the table...the bottom of the table...and oh yes, dogs really like frosting. I never did get a straight answer if that plastic knife was double dipped after the dog 'wanted to try it...'

4. We did have a fantastic time talking and drawing pictures to send to their dad who is in Iraq for convoy support...and oddly enough crayons do leave marks on Janice's table, but come up very easily.

5. Espn got her first bedtime story, which was a 15 minute story about a King named Corey and his Queen Janice and his house of gold. I liked the part where the King wanted to tax the peasants for more gold...

6. The word 'Bedtime' means you have engaged the 2 hour countdown timer where you must monitor every step. Problem is there are 4 of them and 2 of us. We can't go man-to-man against these kids. A zone is the only option but leaves too many holes for them to exploit.

I imagine being at a dam when a water leak starts. You plug it, another goes. You plug it, another...pretty soon, you're out of hands and feet.... I love my nieces and am having a blast!

Also, these kids are growing so fast! I think some of the Christmas gifts we bought will no longer fit them by tomorrow.

Gotta Love a Lab!

2008-12-14T19:33:00.000-08:00

It's cold outside, freaking cold with the wind and snow. We took that pup out to the park, as she loves fetching in the snow. After awhile, we walked toward the river. She went and gt right in, not holds barred. She stuck her head underwater as she usually does when she gets to the river. She wanted us to throw a stick, so we threw it a couple times, fairly close but she kept swimming around. I took pictures, but my hands were so cold I couldn't hold the camera still. After getting out, she ran up to the grass and rolled around in the snow. I firmly believe that Labs are the best bred dogs out there, or incredibly dense in the head.

Janny's Glasses!

2008-12-14T19:10:00.000-08:00

Ok, hilarious story today. Janice got her glasses yesterday and we were standing in line getting groceries today analzying her vision. We were looking at signs across the store and moving the glasses up and down to decide if they really make her vision that much better. An older lady behind us commented that Janice was too young to be having bad eyesight. After some chit chat, she said, "How old are you? 40? 41?" I almost spit out my coffee I was sipping because even I know you don't say something like that! Janice stayed calm, but when we got through the line she was NOT happy!

The earful I got was, "Listen here little miss smokey smokerson, Number 1: I don't look anywhere NEAR 40. I'm 32. Number 2: You should quit smoking so much because not only is your skin making you look older, your eyes must be going bad also. and Number 3: I'll rip that eye piercing out of your eyebrow. You look too old to act like a kid with that thing."

Yeah, here's a pic of Janice with her "J-Lo" name brander glasses. I told her she's a glass snob, but I'll never tell her she looks 40!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-07T18:45:00.000-08:00

Every year, Janice and I have the discussion. This year, I (won) convinced her that a fake tree was easier. We have a small skinny tree that we usually put in the dining room corner with just lights. This year, it's our tree! We have a busy couple weeks with school wrapping up, basketball, her job stuff, being gone over Christmas anyway, and of course we felt this would be easier! She relented. It's almost too easy. At first I felt bad, like I had tricked her into it, but then I thought No pine needles, no watering, no worries about the air vent drying out one side, it's smaller. It just makes Christmas nice! I was going to try to wait her out this week and see if she'd cave and put the decorations on, but she made me today. She was starting the wrapping of presents and my job wasn't to watch TV, which I tried to convince her it was. So I decorated the tree. One thing I must say I've always liked is how she has a blue and silver theme for our trees. When we first got married, she found these really nice decoration balls and a ribbon to match. She made each of the ribbons. So instead of having a tree with several colors, it has a nice simple look to it.

We usually do a much more fun tree hunt. We like to drive up to nowhere, hike in the snow, and find that perfect Griswald family Christmas tree. Bring it home, sap, squirrels, and all. But this year, it's just not as much snow and fun. They've been questionable, and sometimes downright scrawny...But it makes great memories!

Stealing her thunder...

2008-11-23T18:21:00.000-08:00

Ok, In the wake of Janice's TV appearance, I made a little appearance myself. While she was content to stay with the local news, I roll with the international crowd. Janice's press release says the FLW Outdoors TV show has 81 million subscribers in the US, and 425 million in Europe, Africa, and Asia. That's a lot of viewers who were able to see my international debut! Right now people around the US and globe are wondering, "Who is that red-headed man of mystery?" I'm just gonna have to start forgetting some of you little people when the Queen calls. Heck, I bet Obama's on the phone looking to reach me to fill a cabinet spot. Hope he gets used to disappointment!

Rich & Famous

2008-11-22T17:20:00.000-08:00

Janice was on TV last night for the news article. She's huge in the fishing world. During the finals, while filming they had her come up on stage and talk for a minute or so. She rattled off like a professional announcer about the tournament in front of hundreds of people. It there's one thing she can do, it's talk. ;) Sometimes I wonder how we stay so humble...She works hard to bring the FLW tournament to Tri-cities and FoxNW is going to air the show tomorrow at 11 am. Yep, the TV offers, fame, and forutne will be rolling in then. I can feel myself changing already!

On a cool note, this was us riding in a Army Chinook Helicopter during the tournament...something about flying with a backdoor open is just so cool. It's even better when you get to look over the edge like this!

http://www.kndu.com/global/video/popup/pop_playerLaunch.asp?clipId1=3163529&at1=News&vt1=v&h1=Tri-Cities+Bass+Fishing+Tournament+to+Be+Air+on+Fox+Sports+Net&d1=47400&redirUrl=www.kndu.com&activePane=info&LaunchPageAdTag=homepage&clipFormat=flv

My Brother, The Soldier

2008-11-15T17:31:00.000-08:00

I have two brothers who serve this country. One is in the Navy for almost 12 years and has traveled to more places than I can name. He was in Iraq before the war boarding Iraqi ships with security teams to inspect their cargo. His stories still can make me shiver. He is a soldier.

My oldest brother is now in Iraq. This is the vehicle he is driving. His mission is for convoy support and security. He heads on mission driving across a country that is across the world. A country I will never see, yet holds so much political clout it dominates conversations, politics, and bumber stickers across America.

My brother is a Soldier. Plain and simple. He has people's lives in his hands, and his life will no doubt be in someone else's hands. I have not always agreed with my brother in things we've done in our lives, but he is still my brother, a father of 4 beautiful girls, and a Soldier. I'm praying for my brother's safety, he needs it.

This Veteran's day really made me think some things. Our country is founded and maintained by these men, many times, boys. Soldiers have a bravery most American's can only dream of and may never have to prove. Most people are content to sit in a chair, second guess every decision ever made, and spout off at the top of their lungs against the freedoms these men provide for us...and for other people.

Either way, I'm praying for his safety and for all our soldiers. No one deserves more honor and respect than our Armed Forces, past and present. It makes me proud to be an American.

The "Look"

2008-11-02T19:50:00.000-08:00

Janice and I were looking through some old photos and found some gems we completely forgot about! I love the dog jumping one, because it shows the 'glare' every husband gets at some point for flat out not listening to their wife! I was getting the dog jumping and apparently Janice was not impressed.

Then there's the farmer photo. It's a classic.

Followed by the favorite beach photo we forgot about! It's the family shot...Someone has got some hairy legs!!!

Tricked for Treat?

2008-10-31T19:42:00.000-07:00

This was a long halloween! 6AM Bball practice - 8-3 teaching a bunch of kids hopped up on sugar like rabid chuahuahuas' - 4 pm come home and answer the doorbell every 14 seconds. Last year, I wore my Optimus Prime, which put me in the Halloween Costume Hall of Fame. I even had to pose for a couple pictures with kids and a couple of parents... ;) ! Ahh, the life of a celebrity...I did, sadly, make a couple of the little ones cry...

I had a different approach this year for some fun with the greedy grubbers...wearing my WSU Cougar shirt, I told them they had to say "Go Cougs!" or no candy! It's amazing how fast the husky fans would sell out for a mini-snickers! An average night with over 120 trick or treaters...$21...Getting over 12o kids to say "Go Cougs!"...Priceless!

Kids are entertaining!

2008-10-30T20:30:00.000-07:00

Ok, this is the reason our family had little kids! Is this not one of the cutest pictures ever! This is my lil niece Claire! She's ready for her first Halloween!

Another Season in the Books...

2008-10-28T19:14:00.000-07:00

Thus, Monday ended another Volleyball season. It's in the books, and finished. We pulled off 3 wins, 7 losses. But, the bright side of this rainbow is we push for 3 hits (bump-set-spike) instead of a one-hit chuck over the net. Those don't make anybody better. Sure, we might have one another game or two, but in the end, there are no trophies in 7th grade. It's about getting better and becoming ready for that next level...(I keep telling myself this.)

Next season: Thursday - 7th Grade Boys Basketball! No rest for the weary.

Weekend Update

2008-10-25T19:21:00.000-07:00

Corey and I went out to the park with our pup today. She thought it was cold today, as you can see in the picture, and instead tried to run on the water. He went golfing in the morning (yeah, he said he's been "sick" this week...) and I got some stuff done around the house. I'm beginning to think for all his jokes about me cleaning the house, he's got me tricked into to doing it. I think I might need to get revenge by going shopping!

Ruined Weekend?...Maybe.

2008-10-19T11:06:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I'm sitting here sore throat, coughing, hacking sick. Dang school kids coughing all over people...

On the good side, I've been able to milk this sicky thing for the whole weekend. Laying on the couch, football on HD, sending Janice to the store for more Sprite...made her go get ice cream last night to 'sooth' my sore tonsils. She's upstairs folding laundry right now.

I tell ya, this sickness could last awhile!

Janice, Corey, and Espn

2008-10-17T21:32:00.000-07:00

This is our family. Janice, Corey, and Espn.

New Beginnings!

2008-10-16T21:58:00.000-07:00

We're trying a new thing. We never thought we'd "blog" but it's been addicting seeing what other people do. And what a way to share stuff. So, here's to new beginnings! We've got some great adventures ahead and hope to keep everyone posted!