Getting Bigger

I couldn't get him to hold still for very long, he's always kicking and punching!!

Oh my goodness, how much do I love this little face??!!

I love this happy face even more though!

Gabe had his one month check up last Monday, August 30. He weighed in at a whopping 11 pounds 4 ounces and has grown an additional 2 1/2 inches in length (now 23 1/2 inches long). He is getting so BIG!!

We are pretty much always amazed by what he can do. He can lift his head, and really he's been doing that since he was born, he can smile and coo (the BEST!!), he loves to kick his legs and pump his arms. But I think his favorite things to do is eat and snuggle. This kid is eating every 2 1/2 hours or so during the day but will pretty much sleep thru the night. Gabe's a pretty amazing kid. The dogs love to watch him and investigate him when they are allowed to be close. Mostly they just lick his ears and toes, which Gabe gets a kick out of. It's so fun to see how good the three of them are together.

Being a mom is still awesome and I find that my time with him is flying by. I wish I could somehow freeze this period of my life because I know I will never get it back. Now I know what my parents were always talking about when I was growing up. You really do want it to just stop for a while so you can savor it a bit better. I just want him to stay little and snuggly forever!!

Big Blessings in Small(ish) Packages

There is so much to say, and I just don't think I have all the right words. I'll try but will likely fail to convey the emotional experiences of the last five weeks or so.

Gabriel Legion Lange was born on Tuesday July 27, 2010 at 8:00 pm on the spot. He weighed in at 9 pounds 12 ounces and was 21 inches long. He came four days before my due date via an unplanned C-Section. Turns out his sweet head was just too big for my body. I'll get into the details here in a bit. He is now 4 weeks old and we will have an update on weight and all that on Monday at his next appointment. But for now, Gabe is just as sweet and loving as can be. He sleeps for 3 or 4 hours at a time (longer at night!), rarely fusses and loves to be snuggled and loved on. He smiles spontaneously, loves to kick his legs and pump his arms. We predict he will be our "gentle giant," just a good natured, easy going kid. We are totally in love with this little boy!!

So the labor and delivery story....it was a doozy. Nothing too dramatic, it just didn't turn out the way we hoped it would. Doesn't matter though, Gabe is here and healthy and so am I and in the end that's all that matters. I was admitted to the hospital for a scheduled induction on Monday July 26 at about 3:00 pm. I needed some additional medication before we started the pitocin and it required an overnight stay. The Pitocin was started Tuesday morning and we were on our way to finally meeting our little man. Everything was going well, I had my epidural and was feeling great. I was dialating just fine, but Gabe's head just wouldn't move down. I labored til about 7:00 pm and that' s when the doctor decided that I wasn't going to be able to push Gabe out on my own. His head was stuck and wasn't coming out on it's own. Our only option was a C-Section. That was not what I hoped for, but based on multiple conversations with my doctor prior to delivery day, we knew that this was a possibility and most likely the reality. So while we were a little bummed, at this point in the day we were just exhausted and ready for the baby to be here. Off we went to the operating room. By this time I had had two epidurals and was ready for a spinal block. It was so difficult for me to stay awake during the surgery and I don't really remember a whole lot of what took place. I remember being very cold, shaking a lot, and the doctor and nurses being amazed at just how big Gabe was. I also remember the nurse stopping with Gabe to let me see him and kiss him before she rushed him into the nursery. After that, it's all very very hazy. Turns out, Gabe's umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck and he had some trouble breathing when he first came out. He required some oxygen in the nursery but everything was fine. They stitched me up and took me back to my room but it was a while before I actually got to see and hold Gabe in my arms. In the meantime, Andrew was with him, watching him get his first bath and all that. I finally got to see Gabe at around 10 that night. I was so happy to see his little face and kiss him!! I've never fallen in love so quickly! He was finally here, the squirmy little thing that had been kicking me for the last several months. I couldn't believe that he had fit inside my stomach somehow.

Babies are absolute miracles! I can't explain the emotions that I felt. It was all so overwhelming, the rush of love, the confusion of not knowing what to do, the amazement that he is yours and he's going home with you whether or not you're ready. Because of my spinal block I couldn't move for about 24 hours so Andrew had to do everything, change the diapers, bring me the baby, get me water. Fatherhood came to him so naturally, I was so impressed! He was the one who named Gabe. He said when he saw him in the operating room, he just knew he was meant to be Gabriel. And it's perfect. He's such a strong little boy and he needed a strong name. It was meant to be.

The dogs have taken to Gabe pretty well. They're a little confused as to why they can't play with him but overall they have done really well. Gabe isn't bothered at all by their playing or barking, which is great because it seems like they are always doing one or the other. They are very protective of their little Gabe and like to check on him wherever he is.

Like I said, Andrew has been a great daddy so far. Like there was any doubt. He helps with diapers and snuggling and is the official swaddler. Gabe loves it when Daddy swaddles him. He's a little burrito, so cute and warm. Andrew's other specialty is bath time. He is very gentle and sweet with Gabe, I just love it! The hardest part for Andrew is just leaving him every day to go to work. I know he misses Gabe very much and is always amazed at how much he's changed while he's at work. I try to send him pictures every day so he can see what we're up to at home.

Motherhood has been great so far. This kid is so easy to love and he is such an easygoing baby that it's been a very natural transition. I know it's not always going to be like this, so I am enjoying it while I can. I get a few more weeks off from work but I can't imagine leaving Gabe, so I'm trying not to think about it too much. I really am loving this motherhood stuff. I don't mind getting up once (sometimes twice) a night to feed and change him. I don't mind the smelly poop or the burp ups. It's all so worth it. We waited for SO long to get pregnant that it just doesnt matter! He's perfect to us, no matter what!!

Gabe has already brought so much love and joy to our home. He has a very sweet little spirit about him. He has been the best gift I've ever gotten and I am so grateful for him. We are so lucky that he is our son and that we get to be his parents. Gabe is such a miracle and we are so blessed.

The Plain Truth, whether you admit it or not.

Retired Border Patrol Agent Letter


LETTER FROM A RETIRED BORDER PATROL AGENT: This letter sent to Tennessee Senator Bill Frist from a retired border patrol agent,and it has more common sense than all the bull being spewed from the Senate,with the exception of a few sensible representatives.


Dear Senator Frist:

There is a huge amount of propaganda and myths circulating about illegal aliens,particularly illegal Mexican, Salvadorian, Guatemalan and Honduran aliens.

#1. Illegal aliens generally do NOT want US citizenship. Americans are very vain thinking that everybody in the world wants to be a US citizen. Mexicans, and other nationalities want to remain citizens of their home countries while obtaining the benefits offered by the United States such as employment, medical care, instate tuition, government subsidized housing and free education for their offspring. Their main attraction is employment and their loyalty usually remains at home. They want benefits earned and subsidized by middle class Americans. What illegal aliens want are benefits of American residence without paying the price.


#2. There are no jobs that Americans won't do. Illegal aliens are doing jobs that Americans can't take and still support their families. Illegal aliens take low wage jobs, live dozens in a single residence home, share expenses and send money to their home country. There are no jobs that Americans won't do for a decent wage.


#3. Every person who illegally entered this nation left a home. They are NOT homeless and they are NOT Americans. Some left jobs in their home countries. They come to send money to their real home as evidenced by the more than 20 billion dollars sent out of the country each year by illegal aliens. These illegal aliens knowingly and willfully entered this nation in violation of the law and therefore assumed the risk of detection and deportation. Those who brought their alien children assumed the responsibility and risk on behalf of their children.


#4. Illegal aliens are NOT critical to the economy. Illegal aliens constitute less than 5% of the workforce. However, they reduce wages and benefits for lawful US residents.


#5. This is NOT an immigrant nation. There are 280 million native born Americans. While it is true that this nation was settled and founded by immigrants (legal immigrants), it is also true that there is not a nation on this planet that was not settled by immigrants at one time or another.


#6. The United States is welcoming to legal immigrants. Illegal aliens are not immigrants by definition. The US accepts more lawful immigrants every year than the rest of the world combined.


#7. There is no such thing as the "Hispanic vote." Hispanics are white, brown, black and every shade in between. Hispanics are Republicans, Democrats, Anarchists, Communists, Marxists and Independents. The so-called "Hispanic vote" is a myth. Pandering to illegal aliens to get the Hispanic vote is a dead end.


#8. Mexico is NOT a friend of the United States. Since 1848 Mexicans have resented the United States. During World War I Mexico allowed German Spies to operate freely in Mexico to spy on the US. During World War II Mexico allowed the Axis powers to spy on the US from Mexico. During the Cold War Mexico allowed spies hostile to the US to operate freely. The attack on the Twin Towers in 2001 was cheered and applauded all across Mexico. Today Mexican school children are taught that the US stole California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. If you don't believe it, check out some Mexican textbooks written for their school children.


#9. Although some illegal aliens enter this country for a better life, there are 6 billion people on this planet. At least 1 billion of those live on less than one dollar a day. If wanting a better life is a valid excuse to break the law and sneak into America, then let's allow those one billion to come to America and we'll turn the USA into a Third World nation overnight. Besides, there are 280 million native born Americans who want a better life. I'll bet Bill Gates and Donald Trump want a better life. When will the USA lifeboat be full? Since when is wanting a better life a good reason to trash another nation?


#10. There is a labor shortage in this country. This is a lie. There are hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of American housewives, senior citizens, students, unemployed and underemployed who would gladly take jobs at a decent wage.

#11. It is racist to want secure borders. What is racist about wanting secure borders and a secure America? What is racist about not wanting people to sneak into America and steal benefits we have set aside for legal aliens, senior citizens, children and other legal residents? What is it about race that entitles people to violate our laws, steal identities, and take the American Dream without paying the price? For about four decades American politicians have refused to secure our borders and look after the welfare of middle class Americans. These politicians have been of both parties. A huge debt to American society has resulted. This debt will be satisfied and the interest will be high. There has already been riots in the streets by illegal aliens and their supporters. There will be more. You, as a politician, have a choice to offend the illegal aliens who have stolen into this country and demanded the rights afforded to US citizens or to offend those of us who are stakeholders in this country. The interest will be steep either way. There will be civil unrest. There will be a reckoning. Do you have the courage to do what is right for America? Or, will you bow to the wants and needs of those who don't even have the right to remain here? There will be a reckoning.



It will come in November of this year. We will not allow America to be stolen by third world agitators and thieves.



David J. Stoddard
US Border Patrol (RET)
Hereford, Arizona



Please pass this letter on to everyone you know, including your senators and Congressmen. We must do something about this serious problem NOW!

25 Weeks and Counting.....

Victorious!

Just taking it all in....

Getting ready to hit the links

Watching Andrew slide on the slides was hysterical! Oh the fun things we have to look forward to as parents!

My brother, Dave, and his girlfriend, Kristina

See that little bump at the bottom of the frame? That's my baby boy!

Dave and Kristina

One of my birthday gifts from my awesome hubby!

Birthday dinner at the Outback. VERY tasty!

I am surprised at how quickly my pregnancy is flying by! I feel every time the little boy moves, hiccups, everything! And I love it! I've been so fortunate to have an easy pregnancy but I wanted to kind of document some of the things I've experienced so far.

I have only thrown up three times. I know, I know, I'm pretty lucky. Apparently baby doesn't like greasy food because that's what will push the vomit button. I never really had morning sickness but I do get some really terrible headaches. I'll take headaches over morning sickness any day though. :)

No really strong cravings for anything either. Other than maybe sweets. You know those gummy peach rings? LOVE those! And juice. Like fruit juice. That's about it though. In fact, there are more things that DON'T sound good than do. Which is weird. I thought for sure I'd have a lot of very strong cravings but so far nothing too out of the ordinary.

The only real "pregnancy" symptom I've experienced so far has been a couple days of swollen ankles and feet. But then I got smart and realized that the more I walk and the more active I continue to be, the less swollen my feet get. I'm very glad for this knowledge so early on, because those tree trunks for legs were really starting to scare me!

I guess the other "pregnancy" symptom is that I'm finally starting to really show and it's enough that random people will stop me to ask me when I'm due, what I'm having, if I have a name picked out, etc. Which is totally fun! I'm so glad I no longer just look fat. It's so cool feeling my stomach getting harder and bigger and my little buddy moving around. He's so active at night but it doesn't bother me. I just love feeling his little reminders that he's there and happy.

I really love how excited Andrew is to be a dad. Our next door neighbors just had their little boy on Friday the 16 and we went to visit them earlier this evening and watching Andrew get so excited over their little guy almost brought me to tears. He's going to be such a great dad to our children and an amazing partner to me. I am so blessed and grateful for all of him!

Oh, we are starting our childcare/birthing classes in a couple of weeks. It's crazy that we're getting close enough to the end that we are starting this stuff! I LOVE IT! I am so excited to do it all!

On another note, my brother David and his girlfriend Kristina came down this weekend for a couple of days. We loved having them here! They are a great couple and we had a lot of fun with them. They were up for anything and that makes life a whole lot more interesting. Friday we spent the day in Bisbee, AZ and down on the border. We even got an opportunity to take them on a little self guided tour of Andrew's station and I think it really surprised them how dangerous his job is.

Then Saturday we went to the Pima County Fair and had some pretty interesting adventures there. I'd never been to any kind of a fair before at all, but as soon as I saw all the food stands, I knew this was my kind of place. :) We had great weather and a fun filled day. The only downer was that some crazy fair employee got a little carried away with his golf cart and ran over Kristina's foot! Literally! She's doing fine but the jerk wouldn't get out of his cart to check on her or take her to the first aid station or anything! I was so mad! The fair directors were very kind and wanted to make sure everything was alright after Kristina got checked out by the EMT's and have been following up with us since we left.

After all that excitement we decided to make Sunday a little more relaxing so we let the boys go golfing. Kristina and I tagged along, mostly so we could drive the golf carts. :) The course was very pretty and we had a good time. I think Andrew ended up winning by like 2 strokes but after probably 2 holes I don't think they actually kept score all that closely. The important thing is that Dave and Andrew had fun and based on the length of the naps when we got home, I'd say they had a blast!

So now we are back to our normal lives for a little longer. The end of July will be here before we know it and we'll be posting pictures of our son. (That's almost weird to say, but in a good way!) Until then we have lots to do and hopefully a baby shower in Utah to go to! We're still working out the details but I'd love to make it up there for a quick visit and to be able to spend time with family and friends.

I guess I should own up to the fact that I turned 28 recently as well. Andrew was SO sweet to me and made it a very special birthday. When he first started asking me what I wanted for my birthday all I could think of was stuff for the baby. He went with that idea and decided to build the nursery for me. He designed it and was going to have it totally finished without me knowing (girlfriends were supposed to keep me out of the house for a day or so) but I kinda ruined that plan without knowing it. But it's the thought that counts and I can't think of anything more thoughtful! So besides breakfast in bed, he bought me several Bath and Body Works candles, lotions and bubbles. LOVE it ALL! He's such a good husband! After dinner at Outback the finishing touch was Andrew's homemade birthday cake. I seriously can not believe him sometimes. He really is my Superman! Love you baby! You made turning 28 pretty great! Can't wait to spend the rest of our birthdays together.

It's like Christmas, only much, much better!

Right now I can't help but feel extremely excited! We have finally learned that we are having a little boy. I am not really sure why, but knowing the sex of the baby has made it seem more real to me. I was excited before, knowing that we were pregnant, but now, I am much, much more excited. It's like Christmas is coming, in like 4 months, and I already know what I am going to get. I can't wait. Now we can finally pick out colors for the babies room and start buying stuff for the baby. A while back we went to Babies R Us and I have to admit I got a little overwhelmed. The fact that we were in there for over 2 hours didn't help. I mean Annalise won't even let me stay in an Electronic store for over an hour. This is also our first baby so we have absolutely nothing to begin with. And walking through the store, looking at everything you can get (not all of it is needed, I know) but looking at all of the options and realizing how much that you do need started to overwhelm me. So Annalise let me use the register gun to try to keep my interest peeked and maintain a participation from me. But if any of you know how I like to shop I like to compare products and make sure I am getting what I want for the best price. I like to print out or write down features, look at buyers comments, research the heck out of what I am going to buy. Annalise knows this and many times won't have anything to do with me when I am making purchases, (remember the TV honey?, or the entertainment center?) Good times for sure. Anyways, there was no way that I was going to be able to do all of that with the amount of things that we need, and truth be told I couldn't see the difference between a lot of the products either, so how do I choose? That and when I started to realize how much all of this was going to cost us I have to say I lost my appetite, and that almost never happens.

Then came yesterday. What a great day. I am working mids shift still and try to get my sleep in during the day. I say try because a lot of times it doesn't happen. I end up starting projects, or at this time of year can't help but watch the basketball games. Then my wife comes home from work and I want to spend time with her so I end up getting like 3 or 4 hours sleep before going to work. Yesterday I have to be honest, I was a little excited, ok, a lot excited. I love basketball and there were so many options of games to watch, and ok, I have to say, I couldn't help but keep thinking that in a couple of hours we had a doctors appointment that would change our life. I won't give you a play by play of my day, but I will tell you about the best part of it. Standing in a darkened room, holding my wife's hand as she lay on a bed. Both of us staring at a monitor showing an absolute miracle on the screen. My little boy as he stretched and rolled around. Covering his face with his hands, and denying us the privilege of seeing that he was a boy for like 45 mins. Stubborn little guy already. As I watched him open his mouth I couldn't help but add up the days until I could meet him. Hold him close and tell him how much I love him. That I will do anything and everything I can for him. He has yet to even take a breath of air, to open his eyes to the wonders of the world, to simply learn how to hold a bottle, yet already he holds my heart.

We have tried for awhile now to get pregnant and are so blessed that we finally are. And I say we because with the sympathy weight that I am gaining I am sure that we both look pregnant. It's weird but I think I have had more food cravings lately than she has. Anyways, we are so excited to be able to have the chance to be parents and raise more than just puppies. Don't worry Tobey and Baxter, we still love you. We also love all of the family members that have shown us support and encouragement. A many thanks to all of you. I am sure its a wild ride ahead, but we look forward to it all. Especially our Christmas in July!

Patience

I have always been aware of a few of the traits I need to work on. Patience would fall into this category. Ever since I can remember I've never been one to wait. For anything. I have told Andrew on several occassions that if he is planning any type of surprise he shouldn't tell me about it because 1) I'll bug him about it til he tells me, or 2) I'll snoop around til I figure it out on my own. Someone should have passed this information on to my doctor and baby. I have been waiting patiently for the last 16 weeks to find out what we are having and now that we are about 36 hours away, I don't know if I can stand it! (I know I am childish and I don't care at the moment. HA!) Now that I know I am far enough along that we'll be able to see all the parts, I am dying to get in there and see what's up. I am so excited to see the baby and make sure that it's healthy and growing and happy in my belly. There's just so much to look forward to! 2 o'clock on Thursday just can't come fast enough!

On another happy note, Andrew has about finished his midnight shift. Let me tell you what a blessing this is! He's been stuck on this zombie shift for the last six months and it's not been our favorite. While we've enjoyed seeing each other at night, he's found it extremely difficult to work all night and then try to sleep during the day. Shocking right? I just don't think humans are meant to sleep while the sun is up. Hence while we call it the zombie shift. He never feels totally rested and he gets maybe 3 or so hours of sunlight a day. He is happily switching to a day shift in about two weeks. We'll be glad if we never had to go to mids again but chances are he'll do it again next year sometime. Other than the crappy work hours, work for Andrew is going well. We've had a few interesting experiences over the last few months that have caused some stress but fortunately all has worked out so far. This has been a great change for him and I know he is much happier here than anywhere he could be. That alone makes all the garbage that goes along with it totally worth it.

The dogs are, well, they're dogs. :) Tobey is still a puppy and he reminds me of that fact almost daily. He has the potty training thing down pat now, but he also likes to go outside only to torment the neighbors dogs. So his adventures outside are a little more restricted than they used to be. Baxter is still recovering from having two healthy teeth extracted. He broke both of them on the cinder block wall (tormenting the same dogs mentioned above) and unfortunately he broke off enough tooth that the vet pulled both teeth. He seems to be adjusting well, just a little more wary of playing too much tug-of-war with Tobey. He's our little couch potato and loves to snuggle. Tobey is crazy and Andrew says he's on "perma-crack." He just goes and goes and goes. They keep us busy and laughing. It's going to be an adventure bringing a little baby into this chaos, that's for sure. These two have tried my patience multiple times, but I have a feeling I haven't seen anything yet!

Well, the next update should be about the baby's gender! As long as this little one cooperates and shows us what God gave him! :)

I'm so lazy..but I have a good excuse

I've been meaning to post some pictures from our Utah trip for the last couple of weeks, but it seems like everytime I sit down, I fall asleep. lol. I didn't realize that I would be tired the entire pregnancy. Anyways, just a random sampling of some things we did while in the land of Zion. Ate at Wing Coop with the Baty fam, got a good reminder of what real snow was like, did some bowling, ate at Cafe Rio (which sounds SO SO good right now, this picture is KILLING me!), amongst many hours of playing games, hanging out and laughing. We had a great time and are so grateful to the generous people who made our trip out there happen. It was great to see family and share our exciting news with them.



Oh, Cafe Rio pork enchiladas, how I miss you.

Debbie (Andrew's Dad's wife), Mitchial, Andrew and me bowling at Fat Cats

Andrew....I don't know what to say!

We went with Jeff, Wendy and Austin to a little ghost town called Ophir. It was covered in snow but really pretty. Don't miss snow.

Eating at Wing Coop, Andrew's favorite UT restaraunt. This was right after we told my siblings and parents about our pregnancy. Me, Krista, David, Erik, Karyn and Andrew. Good times!



We're almost 19 weeks along now and everything is going really well. We have our next appointment on the 16th so we'll be finding out soon if it's a boy or a girl. The baby's heartbeat at our last appointment was 156 beats per minute and everyone I've talked to said it's a boy based on that number. Whatever. I just want a happy healthy little one.

I am feeling movement down there and it is one of the most amazing things ever! I complain about being tired but feeling the baby move makes everything so worth it! I can't wait for Andrew to be able to feel the kicks and jabs. He'll love it. :)

We're going to get started on a nursery soon so if anyone has any suggestions, we are definitely open to some ideas. Please share! We're headed out this weekend to pick up a crib and changing table/dresser and a couple other pieces. YAY! It's getting more and more real all the time.

On a side note, our little Baxter dog will be losing a canine tooth tomorrow. Sometime yesterday he broke his tooth all the way up to his nerve bulb, causing the tooth to die. It has to be extracted and he's on pain meds right now, leaving him tired and pretty clingy. It's just sad to see our little buddy hurting so bad. And it's making Tobey crazy that Baxter won't play with him. So hopefully after this tooth comes out tomorrow, Baxter will be feeling like his old self. We can hope. :)

Big News (for us anyways!)

While we were in Utah this last week we finally got to share our exciting news! Andrew and I are expecting our first baby at the end of July! (Sorry the pic is kind of blurry, we couldn't get the settings quite right.) Andrew sewed that little patch on the shirt for me. Isn't he sweet?

We found out that we were pregnant on November 20. We saw the sac a few weeks later (a big relief!), saw the heartbeat on December 17, heard the heartbeat on January 28 and have another appointment on February 18. That one will be our 16 week check up so we might be finding out if it's a boy or a girl then. We are both leaning towards a boy but will be just as happy if we're wrong and it's a girl. I haven't been too sick yet, which is great because neither Andrew or I do well with vomit. I have been pretty tired and moody, more of that to come I'm sure, but overall feeling pretty good. We just feel like this is our little miracle. You don't realize how hard it is to get pregnant, stay pregnant, and have a healthy baby. I am so excited to go through this journey and am lucky enough to have my best friend to go through it with. Andrew is going to be an amazing father and I am so happy that I get to make his dream come true. We have wanted this for so long and it's finally happening! There's been a lot of heartache and disappointment, frustration and sadness, but at the end of it all, we are going to have a beautiful child that we created together. We know that no matter what, we are a family and this is just the beginning for us.

And a Happy New Year!

Alright, it has been way too long since I have contributed to our blog. No excuses, I don't believe in them, although if I did I would have to say I can create some of the best. Guess it's a good thing for Annalise that I don't believe in them. I can also create amazing new words on the fly as for definitions for them and already existing words. Some day I will write a book about them so everyone can learn the truth about the world and what things really mean, I am extremely talented in being able to tell what someone really means compared to what they say. Except for one phrase that my wife uses. She says "You exhaust me." And if used at certain times I would know exactly what that means, but she doesn't say it then. (I do all the work anyways) But she says it at what seems random times to me. Usually towards the end of a day where we have spent all day together. It can be shopping, cleaning, walking the dogs, like I said, random. And then she follows it up with a "How are you not tired all the time?" I shrug, perplexed by the absolute depth of the question and decide to finish off my mug of Jamba Juice (2 energy boosts included) before I respond. "You my lovely wife, give me the strength. You are my reason for living. My love, my life. So technically if I bug you its your fault."


Ok, I have been talking about how busy I have been painting the house etc lately and have yet to show you any of the fruits of my labor. Don't worry, I don't show anyone my fruits. Just the fruits of my labor. Well I decided to be a productive part of society today, my wife likes to ask me that on my days off before she goes to work. "You going to be a productive part of society today? Or just sit around watching football and playing video games all day?" The first time I heard this I took it as an honest question, and an obvious choice was in that question. As obvious as the question was it was even more blaringly clear what my choice would be. I have now learned to apply my previously mentioned talent and know that it is not a question at all. But a statement. Decoded it says, when I come home today I better not find out that all you have done is sit around playing video games and watching sports. So, like I said, I have been working on trying to get things done around the house.


Well today I started off my productive day by taking some photos of the progress. If everything goes to plan then you will be looking at the photos now. And then I can go watch sports center. Because blogging counts as being a productive part of society. I checked. As for the pictures, sorry for not cleaning up the house better before taking them. I have yet to finish the trim except for the island in the kitchen, and the doors will be the same color as the trim as well, Caramelized Onion. You will see our new Christmas gifts in the pics, the couch, fireplace, and rugs. Even threw in a couple before and after pics.
Enjoy.