Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Am I Alone?
We had my parents over for dinner tonight to show them our new house with stuff unpacked. It was such a delight to sahre with them our blessings, many of which they helped us to receive. I was reminded by my mom of how enjoyable my blog was to her. And that is when I realized, I am alone. My mom is the only one who reads this. And you what? I am okay with that. Thanks for reading mom, this one's for you.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
What A Planner Does
Here is a flavor of what I have been doing at work; what planners often do. We promote and market the great places of our city. In some sense, we are all planners.
The music is courtesy of 6th Street. Check them out at www.6thstreetmusic.com/Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Thursday, July 8, 2010
New House, Renewed Patriotism
The past week brought many more blessings and joys to our lives.
On June 30, 2010 Megan and I happily closed on our first house together! It is a 1,400sf ranch in Hoffman Estates, IL. With a large living room, three bedrooms, 1.5 baths and nearly a .5 acre lot, we should have plenty of room when you come to stay with us.
It certainly has its quirks, like all first homes should, but we are coming to love them...or rip them out and fix them. In fact, our first project has been to re-tile and make over the bathroom. We thought it would behoove us to change the bathroom now before we officially move in, than to try and change it while we're living there (in which case we would be much stinkier as it is our only shower). Tour pictures to come.
My father has been a HUGE help in getting the house fixed up and in good shape. He's really been the one to re-tile the bath, replace doors, install a new water spigot, move the washer/dryer and add a sink, and replace ugly light fixtures. Wow, after writing all of that down, I realize he's done a lot. Thanks Dad!!!
We finally got moved in on Saturday the 10th of July. See some of the moving photos here.
While the house has been exciting we also had the opportunity to relax and celebrate the 4th of July weekend with Megan's family up at Lake Delavan. The weekend was complete with games, food, napping, fireworks, food, swimming, laughing, food and water skiing (beware of the pictures below - they are to come when we get internet).
Time with family is a blessing in itself. We spend so much time in our lives with people who love us unconditionally that it is a sad thought to think of those who do not know the feeling of being loved. It is that freedom to love and be loved without persecution which makes our county a great one. It's not the 'freedom to do what we feel like' or the strong 'go get-em' workaholic attitude or even the acceptance of all races, creeds and religions. No, its love and charity. Love is what we fight for and what we all desire to protect. Even when it seems like our society takes a turn for the worst and values vice over goodness, we must keep fighting for our freedom to love.
On June 30, 2010 Megan and I happily closed on our first house together! It is a 1,400sf ranch in Hoffman Estates, IL. With a large living room, three bedrooms, 1.5 baths and nearly a .5 acre lot, we should have plenty of room when you come to stay with us.
It certainly has its quirks, like all first homes should, but we are coming to love them...or rip them out and fix them. In fact, our first project has been to re-tile and make over the bathroom. We thought it would behoove us to change the bathroom now before we officially move in, than to try and change it while we're living there (in which case we would be much stinkier as it is our only shower). Tour pictures to come.
My father has been a HUGE help in getting the house fixed up and in good shape. He's really been the one to re-tile the bath, replace doors, install a new water spigot, move the washer/dryer and add a sink, and replace ugly light fixtures. Wow, after writing all of that down, I realize he's done a lot. Thanks Dad!!!
We finally got moved in on Saturday the 10th of July. See some of the moving photos here.
While the house has been exciting we also had the opportunity to relax and celebrate the 4th of July weekend with Megan's family up at Lake Delavan. The weekend was complete with games, food, napping, fireworks, food, swimming, laughing, food and water skiing (beware of the pictures below - they are to come when we get internet).
Time with family is a blessing in itself. We spend so much time in our lives with people who love us unconditionally that it is a sad thought to think of those who do not know the feeling of being loved. It is that freedom to love and be loved without persecution which makes our county a great one. It's not the 'freedom to do what we feel like' or the strong 'go get-em' workaholic attitude or even the acceptance of all races, creeds and religions. No, its love and charity. Love is what we fight for and what we all desire to protect. Even when it seems like our society takes a turn for the worst and values vice over goodness, we must keep fighting for our freedom to love.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Your Smiling Face
Here is one of the cutest videos I have seen in a while. It comes from my nephew Jacob who, when you ask him to smile, feels he would look his best with eyes closed and mouth wide open. He even adds an unprovoked, "Cheeeeeeese". Watch it once and smile. Watch it twice and laugh. Continue to watch it and continue to laugh.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Lord Stanley Presents His Cup
Congratulations to our 2010 Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks!!!
What a GREAT season it was. Thanks for the hard work and the good times; you deserve this.
What a GREAT season it was. Thanks for the hard work and the good times; you deserve this.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Memorial Weekend Joys
Memorial day weekend brought about some joyful times. It began with the wedding of our good friends Tom Spoden and Kristin Althoff. Megan and I were blessed enough to sing in the choir for the couple and it was truly a beautiful mass. It certianly brought back many memories from our wedding just 11 months ago and the joy of that day, and the many days which follow. A few pictures show the beauty of the mass and the new Mr. & Mrs. Tom & Kristin Spoden after the wedding and the reception which followed.
The reception hotel had some problems spelling Kristin's name correctly.
The meatballs that were served during cocktails were beyond amazing. I truly believe they were sent directly from God.
Dan gave the Matron of Honor's toast...as she was giving it. And Tom and I have the same ring - Real men wear rings like this.
The weekend continued with a trip up to Delavan, WI where Megan's family has a lake house. We had such a relaxing time with beautiful weather and got to go out on the lake to swim and do a bit of kayaking in the calmer parts of the water. Our cousins however decided to venture to a more central part of the lake. We decided to give them a little more 'fuel' to continue on. That fuel was in the form of a tasty cold beverage.
Anyway, we had a GREAT weekend full of many blessings. It truly was an excellent start to the summer.
The reception hotel had some problems spelling Kristin's name correctly.
The meatballs that were served during cocktails were beyond amazing. I truly believe they were sent directly from God.
Dan gave the Matron of Honor's toast...as she was giving it. And Tom and I have the same ring - Real men wear rings like this.
The weekend continued with a trip up to Delavan, WI where Megan's family has a lake house. We had such a relaxing time with beautiful weather and got to go out on the lake to swim and do a bit of kayaking in the calmer parts of the water. Our cousins however decided to venture to a more central part of the lake. We decided to give them a little more 'fuel' to continue on. That fuel was in the form of a tasty cold beverage.
Anyway, we had a GREAT weekend full of many blessings. It truly was an excellent start to the summer.
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