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Showing posts with label JD. Show all posts
Showing posts with label JD. Show all posts
Monday, May 26, 2014
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Happy Birthday JD!
This year we had the opportunity to give JD another baby on his birthday. And once again, it didn't happen. But we still had fun celebrating our favorite daddy/husband on HIS special, non-shared birthday.
Good choice with the strawberry cake. Yum! And, of course, we watched a little football on TV. Anything for the birthday boy!
I'm so thankful for this guy. I wouldn't want to do life with anyone else!
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Surprise of a Lifetime
JD and I haven't had a date night in a while. We are thankful that we have friends who offer on occasion to keep the kids while we get away. When they offer, we say yes!
JD had a secret date planned. I knew it was an out of the ordinary plan, but he wouldn't tell me what we were doing. After a few random statements from him, I figured out that it was about a 2 hour drive from home for our dinner and activity. I thought it was crazy, but I had no idea just how crazy it would be.
Our friend arrived at the house and we headed to Charlotte to have dinner. We had a gift card to Maggiano's and ate there. We had great conversation over dinner, talking about this new baby boy but I also got to play 20 questions to see if I could figure out our after dinner plans. I had nothing.
After dinner we headed next door to pick up dessert at The Cheesecake Factory. If you haven't tried Adam's Peanut Butter Cup Fudge Ripple, you are missing out. So so yummy. JD likes Oreo Dream Extreme.
We were stuffed from dinner, so JD said we could eat it at the next location. We drove into downtown Charlotte. I would have never in a million years guessed where we would end up. The Ritz Carlton. Yes, the Ritz. I was stunned. The valet opened my door and I didn't know if I needed to get out because I was just confused. And I figured we were just going to eat our dessert in the lobby until I saw JD pull my suitcase out of the car. WHAT?!?!
Yes, I was surprised.
Let me say this. JD and I NEVER get away. Date night dinners in town, yes, but the last time we had an overnight without the kids (not work related) was before Lily was born. That was over 8 years ago. So this baby-moon surprise was just what this momma needed!!
We got all checked into our room, I mean suite. It was huge and beautiful.
This is one of TWO bathrooms we had.
Yes, there was a TV in the mirror (Can you tell this was a splurge?).
When you don't get out much and you go to a fancy hotel, you go exploring. Found the "aqua lounge."
We then had someone come by for "turn down service". Excuse me? "Not right now thank you." Quick Google search to help us out. Then we gave them a call a bit later to come back. We talked with the guy that came for about 15 minutes, asking him all kinds of questions about the company and about the guests (lots of professional athletes) that frequent the hotel. He was a nice kid and we were thankful for his enlightening us.
About 11 o'clock, there was a knock at the door. It's the same guy, but holding a plate of cupcakes to say thanks. Just one way the Ritz makes you feel like the most important guest there.
The next morning, we had breakfast delivered to the room. That hasn't happened since our honeymoon! It was delish. (Seems like there is a theme revolving around food. Ha.)
JD had scheduled a day of pampering for me. Woot! Prenatal massage, mani and pedi!! It was divine. They even came by with smoothie samples.
He was able to have some down time by the aqua lounge and get some writing done. Once all the pampering was finished we checked out. In the lobby they had a gelato station set up. Isn't it the cutest bit of gelato ever??
What a blessing this guy is! I loved being able to spend an uninterrupted 24 hours with him in a swanky hotel. Truly a once in a lifetime opportunity for us. One I will not forget.
But it just gets better!!
On the way home, this pregnant momma needed to stop. As we drove into the gas station, there was a homeless man with sign in hand standing at the entrance. I thought nothing of it but being on a church staff and encountering homeless people often, JD had other plans.
Once we got back into the car, JD said he felt like he needed to give the guy some money. Especially since we had just spent money on ourselves, it was the least we could do to give him some cash. But when he pulled his wallet out all the money was gone. Yikes. BUT we found it. Shew.
We drove out and stopped to give him the money. Let me tell you, this guy was such a sweet man. He had a mouth void of teeth and ragged clothing. He never once looked at how much we gave him. He was so gracious and kept thanking us over and over and said 'God bless you' over and over. JD mentioned that he was different than other people he'd helped in the past. Most of the time people are very much 'what's in it for me' in their speech and actions. This guy was far from that.
We then said good bye and left. JD suddenly looked at me and said, "I'm going to see what his name is and if it's Michael, I'm going to loose it." I had no idea what he meant. JD rolled down the window and yelled across the street, "What's your name?" And low and behold "Mike" came from his lips.
What in the world?
JD recently had a conversation with a friend who had helped several homeless men out. And each time their name had been Mike or Michael. He believed the Lord was testing him to see if he was willing to help these men during their time of need.
Hebrews 13:2 says "Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it."
Was the Lord testing us that day after we had just enjoyed an amazing experience? Maybe. I know one thing. We both feel that we were in the presence of an angel that day.
JD had a secret date planned. I knew it was an out of the ordinary plan, but he wouldn't tell me what we were doing. After a few random statements from him, I figured out that it was about a 2 hour drive from home for our dinner and activity. I thought it was crazy, but I had no idea just how crazy it would be.
Our friend arrived at the house and we headed to Charlotte to have dinner. We had a gift card to Maggiano's and ate there. We had great conversation over dinner, talking about this new baby boy but I also got to play 20 questions to see if I could figure out our after dinner plans. I had nothing.
After dinner we headed next door to pick up dessert at The Cheesecake Factory. If you haven't tried Adam's Peanut Butter Cup Fudge Ripple, you are missing out. So so yummy. JD likes Oreo Dream Extreme.
Yes, I was surprised.
Let me say this. JD and I NEVER get away. Date night dinners in town, yes, but the last time we had an overnight without the kids (not work related) was before Lily was born. That was over 8 years ago. So this baby-moon surprise was just what this momma needed!!
We got all checked into our room, I mean suite. It was huge and beautiful.
This is one of TWO bathrooms we had.
Yes, there was a TV in the mirror (Can you tell this was a splurge?).
When you don't get out much and you go to a fancy hotel, you go exploring. Found the "aqua lounge."
We then had someone come by for "turn down service". Excuse me? "Not right now thank you." Quick Google search to help us out. Then we gave them a call a bit later to come back. We talked with the guy that came for about 15 minutes, asking him all kinds of questions about the company and about the guests (lots of professional athletes) that frequent the hotel. He was a nice kid and we were thankful for his enlightening us.
About 11 o'clock, there was a knock at the door. It's the same guy, but holding a plate of cupcakes to say thanks. Just one way the Ritz makes you feel like the most important guest there.
The next morning, we had breakfast delivered to the room. That hasn't happened since our honeymoon! It was delish. (Seems like there is a theme revolving around food. Ha.)
JD had scheduled a day of pampering for me. Woot! Prenatal massage, mani and pedi!! It was divine. They even came by with smoothie samples.
He was able to have some down time by the aqua lounge and get some writing done. Once all the pampering was finished we checked out. In the lobby they had a gelato station set up. Isn't it the cutest bit of gelato ever??
What a blessing this guy is! I loved being able to spend an uninterrupted 24 hours with him in a swanky hotel. Truly a once in a lifetime opportunity for us. One I will not forget.
But it just gets better!!
On the way home, this pregnant momma needed to stop. As we drove into the gas station, there was a homeless man with sign in hand standing at the entrance. I thought nothing of it but being on a church staff and encountering homeless people often, JD had other plans.
Once we got back into the car, JD said he felt like he needed to give the guy some money. Especially since we had just spent money on ourselves, it was the least we could do to give him some cash. But when he pulled his wallet out all the money was gone. Yikes. BUT we found it. Shew.
We drove out and stopped to give him the money. Let me tell you, this guy was such a sweet man. He had a mouth void of teeth and ragged clothing. He never once looked at how much we gave him. He was so gracious and kept thanking us over and over and said 'God bless you' over and over. JD mentioned that he was different than other people he'd helped in the past. Most of the time people are very much 'what's in it for me' in their speech and actions. This guy was far from that.
We then said good bye and left. JD suddenly looked at me and said, "I'm going to see what his name is and if it's Michael, I'm going to loose it." I had no idea what he meant. JD rolled down the window and yelled across the street, "What's your name?" And low and behold "Mike" came from his lips.
What in the world?
JD recently had a conversation with a friend who had helped several homeless men out. And each time their name had been Mike or Michael. He believed the Lord was testing him to see if he was willing to help these men during their time of need.
Hebrews 13:2 says "Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it."
Was the Lord testing us that day after we had just enjoyed an amazing experience? Maybe. I know one thing. We both feel that we were in the presence of an angel that day.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Back to the Manger
This year JD and I were so excited that Lily would be in the children's ministry (which is making us feel old now) and would be able to participate in the musical at Christmas. Amazing how fast kids grow up. We really can't believe she is old enough to be up on stage for more than an hour. She has come a long way since her skirt lifting days of K3.
In preparation for the big event, we told all our family that they could watch live online. Lily has worked so hard learning songs and motions we wanted everyone to see the work she put into it. Her daddy even had a part in the event.
Unfortunately, the afternoon of the dress rehearsal, she started to complain of a headache and belly ache. That only means one thing in our house--strep throat. I took her into the urgent care that afternoon and the doc agreed that it was strep. And that confirmed that Lily would not be able to participate in her first musical. She was so upset! But since Daddy still had a role to play, I let her come out of quarantine and watch the live streaming event.
He did a great job. Yes, this scene did take place in 1978. Nothing like a little Disco in the church house.
In preparation for the big event, we told all our family that they could watch live online. Lily has worked so hard learning songs and motions we wanted everyone to see the work she put into it. Her daddy even had a part in the event.
Unfortunately, the afternoon of the dress rehearsal, she started to complain of a headache and belly ache. That only means one thing in our house--strep throat. I took her into the urgent care that afternoon and the doc agreed that it was strep. And that confirmed that Lily would not be able to participate in her first musical. She was so upset! But since Daddy still had a role to play, I let her come out of quarantine and watch the live streaming event.
He did a great job. Yes, this scene did take place in 1978. Nothing like a little Disco in the church house.
Monday, October 8, 2012
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Summer of the Deck: Completed
Since May 28, most of JD's free time has been spent outside working and working and working. It has now paid off 18 weeks later! Isn't it gorgeous?!?!
Let's take a look at the before
And the new deck.
Oh wait. I need a different lens. The new deck.
With the weather being cooler we can enjoy kicking our feet up and watching the kids play. This is the life!
I cannot tell you how proud I am of my husband. A lifetime of learned skills--design, drawing the plans, the carpentry work--all gifts given to him by the Father. What a blessing to be able to use these gifts for our family and friends as we fellowship together!
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Summer of the Deck: Weeks 9-14
The progress isn't as fast as it was early in the summer, but we have no deadline.
JD has spent many days up high.
All to get the pergola finished!
And now we can relax in the hammock too!
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Summer of the Deck: Weeks 6, 7, & 8
After the big shin dig, JD took a break from the deck. Then it rained for a week. And then it rained some more. Every afternoon.
Finally, he had a buddy come over to put up the pergola posts. And then he started to hang the connecting pieces. How's that for correct lingo?
Here we are at the end of week 8:
Finally, he had a buddy come over to put up the pergola posts. And then he started to hang the connecting pieces. How's that for correct lingo?
Here we are at the end of week 8:
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Summer of the Deck: Week 5
Framing passed inspection, but JD was at camp until noon on Friday. He headed home and endured the record high temps (105+) to get the decking completed before the party on Saturday evening. Several guys headed over around 3pm to get to it. Things were going great until about 8pm. At that time we learned that you can OVER hydrate. Who knew? A quick trip to take a friend to the ER informed us that indeed you can. Water alone + high temps + lots of sweating = sodium depletion. An IV to restore the poor guy's sodium made him mucho better.
JD worked again all day on Saturday. At 5pm this is what he had accomplished.
Awesomeness! Let's party (with water AND Gatorade, of course)!
JD worked again all day on Saturday. At 5pm this is what he had accomplished.
Awesomeness! Let's party (with water AND Gatorade, of course)!
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Summer of the Deck: Week 4
So far, I have seen lots of time go by and not much progress. I know all the details and time consuming stuff has to happen before you can pull out the hammer and nail (or drill and screws in our case), but I guess I was expecting this to go a bit faster. Max is enjoying the piles of wood that are still lying around.
Check out all that drool
Daddy taking a break to play
Let's back up a bit. We had planned to do the deck this summer earlier in the year. But then we decided we wanted to have Max's birthday party on this new deck. From D-Day, that gave JD exactly one month to get it all done. And 5 of those days were at Summer Spectacular and 5 more at camp. Nothing like a bit of pressure.
JD had more friends over to help drill into the brick and screw in the ledger board (the support the deck will screw into to give it stability). Here are a couple of pics of the beginning stages of framing the upper deck.
Lily helped move the mountains of dirt so the boards would fit level on/in the ground.
JD would let Lily help. A lot. I was so proud of his patience with her. One afternoon she helped him drill in a good number of screws. She never complained and was a champ. I cannot tell you how thankful I am that he never shrugs her off and tells her not now. I need more of that.
Here is what we are looking at the end of week 4. Inspection on Monday.
Check out all that drool
Daddy taking a break to play
Let's back up a bit. We had planned to do the deck this summer earlier in the year. But then we decided we wanted to have Max's birthday party on this new deck. From D-Day, that gave JD exactly one month to get it all done. And 5 of those days were at Summer Spectacular and 5 more at camp. Nothing like a bit of pressure.
JD had more friends over to help drill into the brick and screw in the ledger board (the support the deck will screw into to give it stability). Here are a couple of pics of the beginning stages of framing the upper deck.
Lily helped move the mountains of dirt so the boards would fit level on/in the ground.
JD would let Lily help. A lot. I was so proud of his patience with her. One afternoon she helped him drill in a good number of screws. She never complained and was a champ. I cannot tell you how thankful I am that he never shrugs her off and tells her not now. I need more of that.
Gotta love the red clay.
Here is what we are looking at the end of week 4. Inspection on Monday.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Summer of the Deck: Week 3
After the footings were inspected and passed with flying colors, it was time to pour the concrete. Have we mentioned how incredibly thankful we are for friends? Seriously couldn't have been done without each and every one of these guys!
It needs to sit for about a week before putting weight on top, so we (and by we I mean JD) wait.
And there may have been a bit of playing in the backyard during the week.
It needs to sit for about a week before putting weight on top, so we (and by we I mean JD) wait.
And there may have been a bit of playing in the backyard during the week.
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