rhyme or reason

Christmas and Beyond

2011-01-15T15:25:00.008-05:00

Audrey likes the camera these days

Lisa and Audrey

Jenn and Audrey

I got a new coat for ChristmasChris and Audrey

Ethan enjoying Christmas morning

Audrey and Great Grandma Kelly

Audrey wearing a play fruit basket on her head. I put it there, Ethan thought it was hilarious.

Ethan with Sarah - enjoying an iPhone

Ethan sledding for the first time - he called it his snow slide

More photos......

2010-12-22T20:21:00.005-05:00

We went to a lake in Columbia for lunch one of the last nice days in October.

Audrey Gallery (just a bunch of Audrey photos)

ICE at the National Harbor. this first one is when Audrey strayed on the other side of the rope (I'm not sure what it was there for). You can tell which pictures we took when it was 9 degrees.

A Pleasant October Day

2010-10-10T21:00:00.006-04:00

On Saturday we went to Larriland Farm (West of Columbia) and enjoyed some apple picking and tasty food. Above is Audrey and Ethan relaxing before our adventure.

Audrey likes to relax with her Apple Cider

The hay maze was a big hit, and Ethan figured it out pretty quickly.

Of course there was a hayride too

Vacation

2010-08-29T21:14:00.005-04:00

Vacation is more tiring than real life....but its a lot of fun too. Ethan doesn't use a crib or toddler bed anymore (he fell out too much), so we have had some late nights, but we are surviving. He has a big boy bed now.

Ethan likes to roll in the sand

Ethan in the water with Uncle Chris and Aunt Allison

Audrey likes taking naps on the beach

If you ask about my forehead I'll tell you a large marine mammal was involved, and he looks worse than I do. The truth is that I dove under a wave too soon and the sand got me.

Ethan and Audrey

2010-07-19T20:38:00.004-04:00

Some pictures of Audrey's first two months and her escapades with Ethan. She didn't get into the box, but she looked like she thought about it. By the way yesterday Ethan climbed out of his crib for the first time, so today we converted it to a toddler bed. His words yesterday were "it's not okay, but I climbed out by myself". Tonight, so far, so good, no escapes yet.

Bath Time
Fun in a box with foamy things inside

He thinks its a hug, she thinks it's a wrestling move

resting while wrapped

A few more photos

2010-05-21T16:33:00.003-04:00

She doesn't open her eyes much these days...but we snapped a few photos

Baby Audrey

2010-05-14T18:10:00.004-04:00

There is no doubt that Ethan loves Audrey- he couldn't stop smiling when she was born this past Wednesday at 6 lbs 4 oz. Here are some highlights:

3 Posts for the Price of One

2010-04-12T20:29:00.007-04:00

Ethan's Birthday - He got a tricycle

Everyone should have train cake for their birthday

Easter Egg Hunt

Ethan's big birthday present: his new swing-set (power tools still don't keep you from being sore after assembling it)

Ethan and Katie (neighbor) enjoying the slide
Ethan and Grandma Chin

....and More Snow.......

2010-02-10T20:29:00.004-05:00

Kind of like a Moonscape....

These pictures will be more impressive years from now, or maybe in the summer. Right now, it's pretty much the way it is everywhere...huge drifts and missing cars. The drifting makes it hard to measure. Crofton got 12.8" and BWI got 19.5", I would say we are somewhere in the middle.

Where did April's car go? It's somewhere under this snow in the picture above.

This was the glacier that was moving towards her car from the other direction. At it's height it is up to my chest, roughly 5 feet. It may have moved more by morning....

More Snow!!

2010-02-07T13:46:00.007-05:00

Ethan posing by the back door as the snow piled up higher than him (he's 33")

Official measurements using trusty yardstick:
Center of Backyard: 29-30"
Deck in Backyard: 34-35"
Front yard: 26-28"
(Not counting snow that was already on the ground before this storm)

Foot of snow on front porch

Neighbor across the street

Ethan got more into the snow than ever before!

Digging out (Ethan is next to the car)

His literal words: "Hat, away, hat, away" He wanted me to put it away so he could get to the instrument underneath.

Snow and Christmas

2010-01-16T20:51:00.007-05:00

San Diego

2009-11-07T15:24:00.007-05:00

Sunset on the return flight
Ethan Eating Chocolate

Sunset on Mount Soledad

Ethan facing off at lunch

Balboa Park

Mount Soledad (again)

The Star of India (an 1800's trader)

HMS Surprise Replica

Ethan on board a Soviet Sub

On a harbor cruise

La Jolla, where the seals are usually spotted (they were elsewhere on this day)

Cliffs at Torrey Pines State Park

SOUS (Seaweed of Unusual Size)

Pumpkin Picking

2009-10-22T13:40:00.005-04:00

Pumpkin carving is sort of a tradition (turned competition) for Brian, my sister and I. So, on Sunday (in the cold and rain) we went pumpkin picking at Queen Anne Farm.

Ethan pulling the wagon:

Ethan riding in the wagon (he's having a great time...really):

And, of course, the end result:

There is some debate over which pumpkin is the best. I'm partial to the ones on the first step up, but when I asked our 3 year old neighbor which he liked best, he said the pirate (sorry, but using a pattern is cheating) and the "cat." You decide :-)

And an incredibly cute picture of Ethan, just because:

As for Halloween, we will be in warm, sunny San Diego. Now, that's my idea of a happy Halloween :-)

~J

Late Summer Update

2009-09-02T20:13:00.004-04:00

Trip to Mobile, Alabama (Jenn and Ethan tagged along)

We visited Bellingrath gardens, a very nice, not so hot day to enjoy the outdoors.

Jenn took this great shot of a butterfly, in the "butterfly garden". Along the way we actually saw a snake, frog, some big fish, crabs, snails, and a lion made of stone. We wanted to see an alligator, but didn't that day. We did see one in the evening the day before we left though (outside a restaurant in the water), so the trip was complete.

We visited the USS Alabama (decommissioned battleship). Ethan had a great time. Here he is walking the deckplates and checking the integrity of the ship.

We took a look from across the Mobile river at the USS Independence (LCS 2), the reason for my trip (Builder's Sea Trials).

Summer Update

2009-08-10T05:14:00.004-04:00

Ethan after a night of food on the grill

This cloud above was way more impressive in person- it was so high that it was pushing through the high level clouds around it. I went out after a thunderstorm and it was kind of eerie.

Ethan and his truck. You can actually see a mosquito to the left of Ethan if you look closely. You can probably select the photo to zoom in. They are constantly following him outside, but its hard to say how many bites he gets, because of course he can't tell me specifically.

This scene was at a New Orleans style restaurant in Atlanta. I put a Crayfish in front of Ethan, and he immediately put it in his mouth. Here I am in action- about to pull it back out.

Atlanta. See the family in the foreground.

Augusta, GA- Ethan trying on some shades

Virginia Tech Visit / Spring Game

2009-05-29T04:55:00.006-04:00

Its been a while (it was April 26 that we went to VT) but better late than never.

Some Random Photos....

2009-05-28T21:53:00.006-04:00

This is a baby sunflower....they are much bigger now. Updates to follow.

National Arboretum

2009-05-28T19:09:00.006-04:00

Hoagie Comparison

2009-05-28T05:21:00.002-04:00

You may remember this picture of Ethan and a 2 foot hoagie at 3 months and 7 days:

Here is him with the same caliber hoagie at 14 months and 2 days. He's a little bigger, a little less chunky,and much more mobile . He definitely ate some hoagie too. I'll be honest, I think the first one was not the full 2 feet it was supposed to be.

Relatively New Photos

2009-04-22T20:49:00.007-04:00

I put a bunch of new photos up on my Photobucket site (see link somewhere on the right). Here is a preview.

Ethans Birthday

2009-03-20T18:54:00.003-04:00

Family Photo Time

2009-03-13T05:02:00.003-04:00

Tell Him What He Wins

2009-03-11T22:21:00.003-04:00

Our little Ethan turns 1 on Saturday...and what does he get? Tubes in his ears on Monday. Happy Birthday Ethan! ;-)

Ethan's had one ear infection after another for the past 3 months. The poor kid! Even though it's miserable, I must admit, I don't mind the extra cuddling :-)

My boys:

And in case you were wondering (and you know you were)...my hips actually fit in Ethan's stroller. Don't ask ;-)

Ethan Expressions

2009-02-25T04:58:00.006-05:00

Ice Storm Part 2

2009-01-28T20:59:00.004-05:00

Ethan liked to watch people outside shoveling. It was a little too slippery to take him out, though.

And since I am feeling generous, here is a little flashback for you, from July when Ethan was 4.5 months old.

Ice storm!

2009-01-28T05:39:00.007-05:00

this started as light snow, but if you live around here you know how it ended up. We have about a half inch of ice on the ground atleast. it may melt later, but for now the street is a literal sheet of ice. A little chunk of ice came unlodged as I walked near the car, and in a very slow way it slid all the way down the driveway....no friction at all out there. And of course, I almost slipped. okay, I did slip, and lost my flipflop. It wanted to keep going on the ice, but I caught it. I failed the slip test, so I'm not going to work today, good thing I brought my work computer home.

oh and guess what, people are driving out there. very slowly (and slipping). maybe, just maybe the main roads are okay, but those bridges and overpasses?

hmm, other than that, not really any new photos (besides a bunch of babies). I've been using my film camera, so gotta develop those first. I guess I could throw up an Ethan photo. He really enjoys hugging Santa, so Santa got to stay out past Christmas this year.

"Is he your brother?"

2009-01-20T16:21:00.000-05:00

Umm...no, he's my son.

This is the question I was asked by a 3 year old at the library today.

Ethan's First Christmas

2008-12-31T21:52:00.006-05:00

Ethan's first Christmas was SO much fun! Ethan enjoyed opening his gifts and "helping" other people open theirs.

Here he is helping his Aunt Allison open her big gift from my brother, a new digital Rebel XS.

The stuffed Santa in this picture is 1 of 3 that my mom made for my brother, sister and I when we were little. Every Christmas, these stuffed Santas come out of the basement with the rest of the decorations...however Santa hasn't gotten this much love in years!!! For whatever reason, Ethan LOVES to give hugs to Santa. It's something he just started doing on his own, but he also seems to know what "hug Santa" means. If you say "Ethan, hug Santa" he'll crawl over to Santa and give him a big hug. So cute, I'm considering keeping Santa around for a while!

Like father, like son:

So, that brings us to New Years. We decided to have a quiet night at home this year, since Ethan goes to bed at 7pm (and will still wake up at 7am, regardless of how late we stay up!)

Happy 2009!

Update

2008-12-03T11:25:00.002-05:00

This picture was taken about a month ago. I would post something more recent, but our recent photos haven't made it onto the computer yet (hint, hint, hubby ;-))

Anyway. Isn't Ethan cute? Looking at this picture makes me think of how much he has changed in the past month. He's still doing the army crawl, for the most part, but now he's pulling up to standing on everything! We even had to invest in our first baby gate. In other firsts, Ethan has his first ear infection. After a round of "yummy pink medicine," the pediatrician is still not happy with his ears, so today we start on a stronger antibiotic. Hopefully that will do the trick! Dr. G said that Ethan's teething probably isn't helping his ears at all. Can you believe our boy has 5 teeth already!!!

OctoberPhest!!!

2008-10-29T22:08:00.003-04:00

Philadelphia Phillies

2008 World Series Champions!!!

It's the Great Pumpkin(s), Charlie Brown!!!

Beach Baby

2008-10-04T19:23:00.007-04:00

The past 2 weeks have been full of "firsts" for Ethan. It was his first:

trip to the ocean
time eating cheerios
tooth (it's on the bottom)
cold (complete with cough, low grade fever & runny nose)
3 hour nap
and his first crawl!

And here are some pictures from our first family vacation (Ocean City, MD). Enjoy!

We ate at a restaurant called the "Hobbit," the waiters were short men with hairy feet...jk ;-) It was actually a very nice restaurant with a great view.

Here Ethan is eating pears for the first time. He actually liked them quite a bit, after getting used to them.

Above is a picture of the sand piling up in the dune crossing when a huge low pressure system was churning up the coast (kind of like a mild tropical depression). We got 40 mph wind for about 2 days straight. It piled up 3-4 feet in the crossing, and also eroded much of the beach away. These rocks below were NOT there for our first days at the beach. The sand will return naturally though...that's the way the cycle works.

Nappy nap time!

PS...this is a collaborative post. Can you guess who made which captions? ;-)

Is it a Bird? Is it a Plane?

2008-09-03T09:48:00.003-04:00

Nope, it's Ethan! :-)

Too cute for words, don't you think? We can't believe he'll be 6 months old in week and a half. His newest tricks include rolling himself across the room to get to a toy that he wants, crying himself to sleep at night, and eating homemade baby food (carrots & sweet potatoes so far, next week...bananas!)

Happy Anniversary

2008-08-18T17:10:00.005-04:00

...to us :-)

Tuesday is our 2nd anniversary. Many things have changed over the past 2 years: we married, both of us changed jobs (twice!), we moved, had a baby, and--in case you hadn't noticed--I've unofficially taken over the blog (no worries though, I'm sure Brian will be back) ;-)

Anyway, Happy Anniversary sweetie!!! I love you!!!

Please Sir, May I Have Some More?

2008-08-14T17:37:00.007-04:00

Ethan is 5 months old today, and lately has been wanting to nurse A LOT. We started him on rice cereal this morning and he LOVES it! The video is just under 2 minutes long and it's worth it to watch the whole thing. I have to admit, I laugh every time I see him gag himself with the spoon ;-)

And for comparison...this was Ethan at 2 months. As you can see, he has changed a little ;-)

Mommy's First Post

2008-08-03T16:55:00.006-04:00

Aren't they just the cutest!?! Ethan and I have been hanging out with Anna during the day while her mom is at work. Anna was born 3 days before Ethan and is SO sweet. I love watching the two of them interact :-)

In other exciting news...

I tripped and fell down the stairs today, while holding Ethan. As you can see...we lived to tell the story ;-) Ethan is fine (luckily, my body broke his fall). I have a few bruised/possibly fractured ribs. Not much to do other than ice and the motrin-extra-strength-tylenol routine that I know so well from after Ethan was born.

Anyway, here are more pictures of the little cute ones...enjoy!

~Jenn

A little more Ethan

2008-08-01T04:53:00.005-04:00

Here is a quick video of Ethan is rolling onto his belly. This was on July 2, so he was about 3 1/2 months old at the time.

Here are a few more recent pictures that didn't make it into the last post. Ethan loves his Bee/Mirror friend. Here he is all ready to go for a walk in his stroller on July 4. He was hungry though, so that didn't last too long.

Here is Ethan in the bouncy seat type thing...it makes jungle sounds.

Update on Life in General

2008-07-30T08:01:00.006-04:00

Ethan is actually about 4.5 months old now! I have some good photos of him having fun recently. His napping/sleep habits are sometimes difficult for us, and hopefully we'll get through that, but he is definitely a fun baby when he is awake and playing. At his recent appointment (July 24) Ethan weighed 18 pounds! He is a good sized baby. Keeps us in shape.

Here (above) Ethan just woke up. It's hard to say what he's really thinking.
This one Ethan is in the middle of rolling over, from his back to his stomach. He always starts that move off by throwing his legs over. Pretty smart kid. I'll have a video on that soon.

This is Ethans chair for hanging out with us at the table. He doesnt eat there yet, he just chills most of the time and is definitely fun to have at dinner. Its nice to be eating at the table again, rather than at the coffee table.

At work things have been very busy, for a number of reasons...makes sense I guess that when things get busy at home, they get just as busy at work, so my life is just busy right now. Prior to March, I thought I was busy, but now I am actually swamped, I have enough to do at home, at work, and personally, that there might be enough time in my life to accomplish it all, as long as I didnt sleep at all, and thats not an option. The challenge is not letting work clash with home, because each of them could easily run over into each other. Its hard to not be able to give 100% to something (because of factors beyond your control), makes you feel like you could always do better. Perhaps thats a good motivational point, that helps me strive to work harder. Anyway, heres the good news about work, our ship (The FREEDOM, LCS 1) is undergoing trials now, so it has officially set sail. It wont be operational in the Navy for a while, but its making good progress.

Philadelphia

2008-07-01T05:03:00.006-04:00

Ethan Really likes Hoagies (this was his first in Philadelphia a week and a half ago). He discovered that hes got them beat in size. This is the "whole" at Primo Hoagies. It was somewhere around 20 inches or more, not sure....we were impressed.
Ethan also likes stealing our pillows so he can be as comfortable as possible....here you see him with atleast three....and he looks pretty relaxed too.

Oh, and if you were wondering what the next Mazda 6 is going to look like, here it is. Should be out sometime in July.

Almost Three Months Old!

2008-06-11T21:30:00.005-04:00

This Saturday Ethan will be 3 Months old...he's definitely more talkative and fun, but still quite a challenge. He's definitely getting a little chubby.

Also, I was checking out my recently planted foliage around the yard...and found a baby praying mantis hanging out. Pretty cool. (can you see him?)

Ethan Getting Wrapped

2008-05-25T08:03:00.004-04:00

We started using some wraps that secure with velcro, but he can still break out sometimes. this was him being wrapped last night.

Babysitting and Ethan Smiles

2008-05-19T21:27:00.010-04:00

We baby sat our friend Walker on Saturday night, he's a little over 1 year old, it was fun...he ate dinner for about an hour and a half.

Also...Ethan has started smiling!

2 Month Appt

2008-05-16T11:20:00.002-04:00

Ethan got measured today and the doctor confirmed that he is a pretty big baby. He weighs 13 lbs 15oz, and he is 22.25" long. Thats apparently way above average for both, so I guess he just doesnt like to be normal. He's a very healthy little (big) guy!

BathTime (Before and After)

2008-05-11T11:36:00.005-04:00

Here are a few shots of Ethan's bath this morning. He is 3 days away from being 2 months old! He seems to mind the baths less than he used to, but he doesnt totally enjoy them yet.

Some more pictures

2008-05-07T13:52:00.002-04:00

Ethan Puts His Head Up

2008-04-13T10:17:00.002-04:00

Watch This Video! This was at just over 3 weeks old.

New Photos

2008-04-12T23:39:00.002-04:00

I have updated my photobucket site, so by the time you read this there should be a bunch more Ethan photos there (see the link to the right).

Around the House

2008-04-08T19:26:00.005-04:00

The moods of Ethan (at one week old)

2008-03-23T16:01:00.007-04:00

More Ethan

2008-03-23T13:18:00.007-04:00

Ethan Michael Wolf was born at 8:58 PM on March 14, 2008. It was his due date, exactly. Only 5% of babies arrive then, so he is already pretty special. He weighed 7 lbs, 14.7 oz, and was 20 inches long. We arrived at the hospital around 4:40 AM that friday, so it was a very long day. Here are some more photos.

I will be uploading a bunch of photos to my photobucket site at some point soon, where you could just go and browse Ethan photos and more. I'll post an update here when they are up there (there are already photos there, but no recent ones)

Ethan!!

2008-03-17T18:04:00.009-04:00

Lunar Eclipse - Feb 20 2008

2008-02-21T11:36:00.002-05:00

I took a bunch of pictures of the lunar eclipse, and definitely learned about "shooting the moon", because I havent really tried before. Its definitely hard to focus in the later phases of the eclipse when it gets much darker. The regular moon is actually bright enough that you can probably shoot at night without a tripod (you can get up to 1/400 of a second shutter speed, or more). If you want a sequence, you definitely want to use a tripod, though you have to keep moving the camera, because the moon moves (of course).

flashback

2008-01-03T15:04:00.000-05:00

I ran into this photo and thought it was fun. This was in Poland circa 2005. Yes, thats a real bug/beetle. It was a dare, and I could not back down. The bug actually got stuck on my tongue (it had little barbs on its feet). My son probably has no idea what he's getting himself into, with all this manliness he'll have to live up to (although, Kevin Antlitz had a frog in his mouth at one point during the trip. I dont think I could do that).

Christmas

2007-12-26T08:54:00.000-05:00

We enjoy nice frosty, windy December days. This was after the Navy Band Christmas concert at Constitution Hall.

Recent Happenings

2007-10-29T11:30:00.000-04:00

I'll be updating my photo page soon. Here are some highlights:

Paul and Vashti's wedding in Birmingham, Alabama

Our Trip to Ocean City, MD in September. Friendly Seagulls (imagine that)

Here is our new house (thats me trying to get in)

Our Trip To Boston in June

Baby Blogs

2007-10-22T09:41:00.000-04:00

Lots of people are having babies these days, and ours is coming soon. Here are some recent ones if you want to check them out. We might put a few pics up when the time comes, but I'm not sure how much we will journal about the whole thing.

Tom and Brooke Clarke:
www.theclarkefamilyspot.blogspot.com

Adam and Jessica Grievell:
http://ilovelladro.blogspot.com
http://tortfeasorg.blogspot.com

If I get motiviated, maybe I'll throw a pic or two up here of our recent adventures.

Changes

2007-09-14T05:58:00.000-04:00

Its been eons since I've posted and stuff. Mostly because I actually do stuff at work. So, we moved to Gambrills, and my job is changing (working in DC permanently now), and now we'rehaving a baby in March. So lots of stuff goin on. Its very exciting though. I guess I could throw a few pictures up, but I dont have any on me. With the whole move I havent really done much with my cameras or my home computer for a while. I did start using facebook at lunch sometimes, thats pretty cool. Anyway. not too much interesting to report right now....but ask me for our new address if you dont already have it.

Snow!!

2007-01-22T12:01:00.000-05:00

accident

2007-01-19T13:04:00.000-05:00

my dad was just in an accident in his van where a large amount of lumber went through his windshield, and entered the van. It tore the passenger seat in half and kept going almost to the back of the van. He was the only person in the van. He's very fortunate, he only has a few scrapes on his hand and his shoulder is sore. I dont know if I should post a picture of the van because its kind of disturbing....but we're very thankful that God protected him!!!!

more than life size

2006-11-03T09:55:00.000-05:00

I just read that at a recent AARP (american association of retired peoples, or something like that) convention, they had a giant, inflatable, walk-through colon. I guess when you get old you have to worry about colon cancer...so they wanted to make it very apparent what it can look like. When the aged visitors walk through, they get to see examples of healthy colon, then examples of not-so-healthy colon with polyps, which are apparently bad.....

and here when I first saw the picture, I thought it was a moon bounce....

something new

2006-11-02T11:02:00.000-05:00

I learn something new every day....yesterday I learned that the Dead Sea in Israel is at the lowest point of dry land on earth...at 1,200 feet below sea level. Interesting.

Today I learned that the Brontosaurus wasnt really a dinosaur, Its discoverer had put the wrong head on a body that had already been discovered...with the proper head on it can be identified in the family of Diplodocus. Whoops...

Hallowweeen

2006-10-31T17:37:00.000-05:00

Don't hug swiss cows

2006-08-30T06:21:00.000-04:00

this is a bizarre article about a phenomenon in Switzerland...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14570685/?GT1=8404

the weekend

2006-08-28T08:54:00.000-04:00

If somebody asked me what I did this past weekend, one of my instincts might be to respond with "well, I had my arms nearly pulled out of their sockets, I was stung by jelly fish, and I had the skin on my hands sanded off until I bled. But before that I had large objects dropped on my toes." It almost sounds like a torture chamber, but it all happened...

I was moving furniture, and of course what goes up, must come down. That's enough to explain what happened to my toes. The rest....basically I was getting used to the idea of wake-boarding behind Jeff's boat. It takes lots of practice.....and I'll get up on plane next time I try. I'm sure of it.

apparently, this blog has gone dry. perhaps I'll start a Xanga again, and point people here....

Cameras

2006-08-12T09:25:00.000-04:00

Jenn and I both have new Cameras now...mine from my dad...and hers from me. She really loves hers!!

fear

2006-07-03T10:15:00.000-04:00

thought of the day....

Its okay to fall, its not okay to stay down, to not rise back up. When we fail or fall, we learn how to succeed. We learn through failure, mostly about ourselves. Failures destroy illusions. Don't fear failure. Use it to your advantage.

Tuna

2006-06-29T06:11:00.000-04:00

My thoughts recently have reverted to those of practicality (in times of great stress or struggle, we tend to dwell on methods of survival). So, for your benefit, and my own future reference, please consider the following:

Rule #1: Do not prepare tuna while wearing newly cleaned pants
Rule #2: Do not prepare tuna while wearing a tie
Rule #3: Do not prepare tuna before 6 in the morning
Rule #4: Failing to bring the proper utensil for lunch can be horribly frustrating

This last rule is not from my own experience, but I'm thinking clearly enough now to be smart about it:
Rule #5: Do not ever attempt to eat tuna with your hands

Eqyptian Discovery

2006-06-02T06:50:00.000-04:00

sorry if the spiders overwhelmed you....I know after a while they started to bother me. Anyway, moving on. I used to love reading about Eqypt while growing up, I still do, theres just lots of other stuff going on too. I have a nice big picture book with historic places in Egypt in it...very cool. Even cooler is that they recently discovered another tomb in the Valley of the Kings, very close to where Tut was buried. Its named KV63 (Kings Valley, 63rd tomb discovered). Theyre even having a special on the Discovery channel soon. This is big stuff, like the biggest discovery over there since Howard Carter discovered Tut in 1922.

I also found a really cool mapping site that lets you see aerial shots of Egyptian ruins. It works best on faster computers, with fast internet connections.

Follow these cool links to check it out:

http://www.kv-63.com/

http://www.thebanmappingproject.com/

more spider pix

2006-05-24T22:16:00.000-04:00

yep, he was a big one. I guess leaving a dirty sink is one way to find these guys (this is the actual spider in my sink)

Disposal of the Biggest

2006-05-24T07:07:00.000-04:00

I dont know why, but I am repeatedly called on to clash with nature head on around 5am a lot these days. This time....a wolf spider in the sink. Seriously, this boy was 3 inches wide. No joke (about the size of the one in the pic above, see the scale). Somebody left a pot with water that perhaps it enjoyed drinking from..I dont know. It was there, next to the pot in the sink. It was dark, you see, then I turned on the light and there it is. That will really wake you up.

I took a picture and a short video clip that would probably remind you of the Blair Witch Project (I was scared), and then I approached it armed with a pitcher of water, and I flushed it. I was not sure what it would do, but I overturned the pot on it, and then added my pitcher water to the mix, and down the drain it went. Then I turned on the disposal and hopefully took care of the problem. I dont know. I repeated this about 3 times with more water and more disposal action. I think its pretty nasty, but I didnt know what else to do.

restaurants

2006-05-18T08:26:00.000-04:00

I posted this a year ago, but after a discussion of favorite restaurants last night, I need to again. the two that I told last night arent on the list...its hard to capture them all...should I update the list with new favorites?

-Pizza Nova, Harbor Drive, San Diego CA
-Huck's Waterside Cafe, Pascagoula MS
-Busara (Thai), Tysons Corner VA
-Yama (Japanese), Chain Bridge Rd, Vienna VA
-Grace's Fortune, Bowie MD
-Rivermill, Draper St, Blacksburg VA
-The Homeplace, Catawba VA
-Steamers, Chincoteague VA
-Squatters Seafood, Indian Beach NC
-Old Town Mexican Cafe, San Diego CA
-El Guadalupe's, Blacksburg VA
-Anthony's, Harbor Drive, San Diego CA
-Pot Belly's, Harbor Center, Annapolis MD (also in Crystal City VA)
-Burrito Brothers, Rte 7, Mclean VA
-Bottoms Up Pizza, Richmond VA

Eventful weekend

2006-05-15T08:00:00.000-04:00

We had a good weekend. Saturday Jenn and I wandered over into Virginia for a meal tasting at the place our wedding reception will be held...very good, we're happy. Now we can decide what food options there will be. We also talked to a flower person.

The interesting part was that we collided with both ends of the funeral that was held at McLean Bible Church for the cop that was killed last week in Fairfax. The story isnt online anymore, I dont think, but she was gunned down in the police station parking lot. Anyway, about 4,000 people attended the funeral, and we came across the procession as it was heading to the first part, in the morning. There was a line of cop cars all with lights on, that was miles long, and as 270 and 495 came together, they were all there, and all of us poor cars that werent told what was going on were left to figure out how to get to our proper exits and what not. It was a bit confusing. Jenn guessed it was a funeral. They all got off the first exit on the toll road.

Then, as we began to make our way back home at around 1:30 or so, route 28 was real backed up just past the toll road, and we hop on the toll road, to find that there are TONS of cars on the other side of the road pulled over, with people out just watching the road, even with cameras ready. As we continue every overpass contains a firetruck, ladders up, with firemen lined up standing in salute on top of their vehicles, and there are helicopters every mile. Seriously. We really didnt connect the mornings events to this, but then we started seeing policemen lining the side of the road as well, then we see people on our side of the road pulling over. Then we guess it must be the same thing. We turn the radio on for information. Then we came across the procession, 100's of motorcycle cops, and then cop cars, then the bulk of the funeral procession. The radio confirms what is going on, and I found out later that they were actually heading out to Warrenton, VA to lay her to rest.

It was almost like being in a scene from Independance day, or War of the Worlds, where everybody is stopping to get out of their cars to look at something, and you have no idea what it is, and you feel dumb because you dont know, but traffic is getting all weird and stuff. People were waiting for a while out there...and the procession was phenomenal.

Then, we got home and had a cook-out. I'll let Jenn tell you about that.

oh deer

2006-05-11T08:02:00.000-04:00

yesterday was interesting, it had its ups, downs, and corkscrews, yeah, it was pretty much like a roller coaster. The highlight was my Bible study that was sort of a little party for me since I'm stepping down from being a leader. So, that was very nice, very encouraging.

Earlier in the day (very early, like 5am), I had a run in with a deer in Davidsonville. Its hard to say who won, but I'm still alive, so I guess you could say I did. Really, it wasnt a bad "accident", but the damage to the car looks to be more than the car is worth. I was driving my reliable Grand Am, so I'm glad it wasnt my Mazda.

So, a few plans were changed, and now we're dealing with what to do with the car. It may turn out to be perfect timing, since I just pulled my good radio out of the car to give to my dad (two weeks ago), and there really are a number of things wrong with the car. Well, its not that they're wrong, its just that they arent right. Heating, A/C, defrost, they just dont work. Turn signals are finicky, not always working. Exhaust is rusting out, very loud (kinda cool). Sometimes it leaks when it rains, and I have to perform emergency towel action (I had like 2 inches of water in the floor of the car once). The interior light doesnt work, the electric door locks dont work (but the auto lock which isnt supposed to engage until the car is moving, it sometimes locks me out). There's a 2.5 foot crack in the windshield. It performs very well though, and its been faithful to me for 8 years.

I'll probably take the money if the insurance company decides that its totaled. Believe me though, I will be a little emotional. I'll keep you updated....

verse of the day

2006-05-03T07:06:00.000-04:00

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer"
-Romans 12:12

(3(5+1))+((20/5)+5)

2006-05-02T08:08:00.000-04:00

Thanks to everybody who made my birthday special :-) I got to see most of the important people on my actual birthday: My sister, my Grandparents, my parents, and Jenn. The trip to NY was a success....I'll put some pictures up when theyre ready (might be a while).

Owl Update

2006-04-26T07:10:00.000-04:00

Wow! I cant really fit everything in here, or it would take too much. Well, just wanted to say that I never imagined it would happen the way it did, but I actually saw the owls! Yeah, there's atleast 2 of them. Jenn and I were walking through the woods behind my house around dusk last night and noticing that lots of birds were making noise in the trees (more than usual), then we heard the owl. We stopped, and then I realized that 10 feet away just a few feet above eye level another owl was sitting in a small tree looking at us. So close!!! It wasnt making noise though, its friend up in the trees was making noise. When Jenn saw it there was only a few seconds more before the close owl decided to get some distance, but it only flew a little further away, we watched it, and saw the larger (probably male) owl up in the trees moving around. We watched them fly back and forth and make noise for a bit. They would sit up there and just yell. Not sure if its because we were there, or because of the birds, or they were hunting.....but it was so cool. Face to face with an owl. I love nature, can you tell? (and yes, it was definitely a Barred Owl)

sleep deprivation

2006-04-25T11:04:00.000-04:00

I've had trouble sleeping recently, and in the process have been enjoying the company of one of my wild friends, a Barred Owl (strix varia) thats been prowling around the woods near my house, and even the tree outside my window. We got a glimpse of it yesterday evening before dusk actually, though Steve saw more of it than I did. I actually saw it in the darkness later on as it flew past my neighbors white house. Pretty cool, it's a big bird and made absolutely NO sound at all as it flew. Listen to the "typical call" found on the following web page (thats what I heard for about an hour and half straight last night)

http://www.owlpages.com/owls.php?genus=Strix&species=varia

I cant tell if I'm staying awake because of him, but he's certainly been noisy.

April 20

2006-04-20T06:18:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday Jenn!

....

2006-04-19T13:03:00.000-04:00

ever have one of those days where you just can't get ANYTHING done? Not because of laziness...but because it seems like the whole world is conspiring against you (or they all seem like they're out to lunch).

Wake up!

2006-04-18T06:43:00.000-04:00

It's time for a healthy breakfast!

Darkness

2006-04-14T06:08:00.000-04:00

Matthew 27:1-2
When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people plotted against Jesus to put Him to death. And when they had bound Him, they led Him away and delivered Him to Pontius Pilate the governor.

22-26
Pilate said to them "What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?"
They all said to him, "Let Him be crucified!"
Then the governor said, "Why what evil has He done?"
But they cried out all the more, saying, "Let Him be crucified!"
When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, "I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it"
And all the people answered and said, "His blood be on us and on our children."
Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified.

Mark 15:33-34; 37; 39
Now when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus crited out with a loud voice, saying "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" which is translated "My God, My God, why have You Forsaken Me?"
And Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and breathed His last.
So when the centurion, who stood opposite Him, saw that He cried out like this and breathed His last, he said, "Truly this Man was the Son of God!"

Prayer

2006-04-13T06:02:00.000-04:00

Mark 14:32-36
Then they came to a place which was named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, "Sit here while I pray." And He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and he began to be troubled and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch."

He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. And he said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will."

Judas

2006-04-12T06:50:00.000-04:00

Mark 14:10-11
Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Him to them. And when the heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. So he sought how he might conveniently betray Him.

The Greatest Commandment

2006-04-11T06:10:00.000-04:00

Mark 12:29
Jesus answered him, "The first of all the commandments is: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God will all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength' This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these."

The Temple

2006-04-10T07:51:00.000-04:00

Isaiah 56:7
"Even them I will bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer.
Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on My altar; For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations."

Jeremiah 7:11
"Has this house, which is called by My name, become a den of thieves in your eyes? Behold, I, even I, have seen it." says the Lord

Mark 15-17
So they came to Jerusalem. Then Jesus went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changes and the seats of those who sold doves. And He would not allow anyone to carry wares through the temple. Then he taught, saying to them, "Is it not written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it a 'den of thieves'"

the times they are a changin

2006-04-04T05:56:00.000-04:00

my last few weeks have been quite a ride....back and forth, up and down....let me see if I can explain.

-the weather just wont make up its mind....its cold, then hot, cold....back and forth (weather can definitely mess with your head sometimes)
-I've been to two different hospitals and two other clinics helping Jenn solve the great mystery of her appendix-like pain (shes "okay" right now). I've taken more than 5 days of sick leave in the last two weeks. It always gets worse on wednesdays, so I havent been able to connect with my smallgroup for a while.
-despite the setbacks of hospital visits we've managed to get out to Virginia over the weekends for wedding stuff. We have been over in Virginia each of the last 3 weekends for appointments in Reston, Ashburn, Herndon, Fairfax, Vienna, and Springfield. The comforting part is that we're actually getting things done.
-I have a constant list of people I need to get in touch with. As the more important things happen, I dont always call who I need to....I'm missing some of my friends that I don't see all the time. Buddies from college, or from just last year....that's just weighing on me hard right now.

What I've learned: Jenn is always there, no matter how crazy things are...she's always there to support me (its funny how she helps me support her too). We've learned we can really make a kickin breakfast together...that's always fun.

If I were a cat....

2006-03-31T13:14:00.000-05:00

I would totally want to be treated to a nice stroll outside in one of these. You can pick one up at Bed, Bath, and Beyond. I guess this is covered under the "Beyond".

Guerilla Gardening

2006-03-29T08:38:00.000-05:00

Apparently its been around since the 70's. I had no idea:

http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=1751324&page=1&CMP=OTC-RSSFeeds0312

keep praying for Jenn...back to the doctor either today or tomorrow.

thanks for praying

2006-03-27T06:46:00.000-05:00

Jenn is out of the hospital and did not have surgury. Thanks for all of you that have been praying. Continue to pray that she will not have surgury and that when she goes back for more tests in two weeks they can pinpoint what the deal was, or tell her shes 100% ok. In case you didnt know...they told her she had appendicitis....then we found out (upon further review) that they weren't sure. The last word from the doctor is that he's pretty sure its not the appendix. I'll let you know when we find out what the deal is.

the vastness

2006-03-21T09:57:00.000-05:00

God created a world for us that is just SO HUGE, and so full of different things...its hard for me to know how to fit it all in. Its a good thing that its so big and variable, because obviously we are all different, and have different tastes. I guess you could say that he's allowed our different tastes to turn the world into what it is today..with so many resources available for us to use, or so many ways to apply our knowledge or interests. Here's a short list of what I really enjoy learning about, or doing. Its difficult to fit it all in though...(there is no order to this)

- learning about plants and gardening
- learning history (reading, watching documentaries, visiting places)
- Learning my own family heritage (part of history, for sure)
- capturing the world on film (photography)
- Learning how to Love more
- Learning about God more
- Spending time with those that I love
- Spending time with those that NEED love
- Discovering new music (new to me atleast)
- Seeing great music performed
- learning more about my job (how to build ships, what theyre made of)
- Reading for pleasure...more than just history
- Keeping in shape (in different ways)
- enjoying nature (hiking, camping...)
- Finding exciting restaurants I didnt know existed
- visiting exciting restaurants that arent too expensive
- Seeing the world I live in (traveling)
- keep in touch with important people that have been a big part of my life
- making Mix CDs for people...with my favorite music
- learn how to apply my money wisely
- learn how to be tactful in conversation (part of the love....)
- learn more about nature..(weather too)
- Learn how to cook more things, and better
- in the midst of all this...learning how to live a simple life with good balance

So......I probably missed something...but these are all desires that I have.....

awakening

2006-03-16T05:57:00.000-05:00

Quiz: How painful is it for you to get up on an average weekday morning? (on a scale of 0-10, using the handy guide below)

0. Waking up turns me on. I have trouble falling asleep just knowing that I get to wake up the next morning
1. I don't even think about it, I just get up.
2. It's not my favorite thing to do, but its better than going to the dentist.
3. Its not so painful, but it would definitely feel better to keep sleeping
4. I'm generally unhappy that I have to get out of bed
5. Yeah, it definitely hurts
6. I'd rather go to the dentist
7. I feel like I've been hit by a Mack truck
8. The pain that courses through my veins as I try to wake up causes me to fight and often lose great moral and emotional battles in the 10 minutes that it normally takes me to decide whether to take a sick day or just get up.
9. I'm pretty sure that brain cells are dying the first hour or two that I am awake in the morning.
10. This must be what a migraine feels like. to infinity. Anything but sleep is evil
11. I feel mostly dead. That life sucking machine from the Princess Bride must have felt good compared to this.

Note that 9-11 also usually include the battles spoken of in 8. And...7-11 are all very similar in degree, I'll grant that. A mack truck just may leave you mostly dead. (yeah, and don't get me wrong, I love my dentist. I just know that I'm one of the few that do...)

re-entry

2006-03-07T07:12:00.000-05:00

I think by tomorrow I might be used to the fact that I have to get up so early for work...it always comes as a shock after the weekend. The problem is that by Thursday the tiredness of the week starts to set in, and it becomes more difficult to get up again. I think wednesday is the easiest weekday to get out of bed. I'm pretty sure.

This past weekend was filled with nice relaxingness. John came up and we had some fun...acted like true 80's weirdos at an 80's party. We did some exploring near massive radio towers, caught a fish, and did lots of chatting and so forth...exchanging of gifts, etc. I don't see John enough.

Anyway, I want a fish. Any helpful anecdotes on owning a fish?

anti-freeze

2006-03-03T12:54:00.000-05:00

right now my car is thirsty for anti-freeze...but apparently people like it too. I heard about this a while ago...check it out:

http://www.slate.com/id/2103821/

the truth

2006-03-03T09:59:00.000-05:00

ok, I admit it, I have blog-envy. It seems that quite often other people have more interesting posts than I do, or they actually express my very thoughts, before I can. Oh well.

winter

2006-02-27T09:48:00.000-05:00

I'm hearing it already...people are sick of winter. You don't often hear that before Christmas...I guess people are looking for the next big thing (as usual), and sometimes change can be fun, or maybe theyre just plain cold. I for some reason never get tired of winter, I mean, I enjoy being able to put clothes on, layering (I have more options), and bundling up under my covers. Its about this time of year that I actually consistently remember to put my coat on, or my gloves, and I actually remember to make time to scrape the ice from my car in the morning. I'm also one that for some reason or another, doesnt always take change as easily as i could. I love mixing certain things up, but others are harder for me to deal with. Its sort of odd. So, I'm used to winter now, comfortable with it.

For the record Spring and Fall are my favorite times of the year. I dont generally get down in the winter though. I love snow, I dont mind the overcast days. I stare at winter's big pointy teeth and laugh. I should show you pictures of when I went to the top of a mountain in 20 degree weather and there was ice all over the trees. I didnt warm up for about 8 hours even after getting back in the heat. But...I loved it. I loved sleeping in a tent on the side of the road in West Virginia (about 20 yards off the road, so not so sketchy), and waking up with frost on my pillow. Seriously. Just make the most with whats in front of you, thats all. Ever notice how the night sky is clearer in the winter? Its either that or the stars are just better....I dont know. Anyway...enjoy it while it lasts, spring is soon.

pix

2006-02-21T21:08:00.000-05:00

new pix up on my site (link is to the right)...and more soon

Jenn and I

2006-02-17T10:39:00.000-05:00

I love this picture! more pictures soon...

thoughts on PNG

2006-02-15T12:48:00.001-05:00

Papua New Guinea is quite an interesting place...after going there two years ago I'll probably always be interested in going back. Here are some quick facts about the country:

the word "Papua" is derived from a Malay word describing the frizzy Melanesian hair, and "New Guinea" (Nueva Guinea) was the name coined by the Spanish explorer Yñigo Ortiz de Retez, who in 1545 noted the resemblance of the people to those he had earlier seen along the Guinea coast of Africa.

The Per Capita income compared to the United States:
Papua New Guinea: $556 (164th)
United states:$39,496 (3rd highest)

Wow, thats average income per year, per person. So.....they make a lot less money over there. I guess they probably spend a lot less too. They're money is called Kina, and each coin has a hole in it.

As with many South Pacific islands, the Japanese occupied portions of it during WWII, and left a number of unexploded bombs. They were buried in time, and each year many accidents occur as a result. I heard one story of somebody simply starting a fire on plain dirt, not knowing what was right under the ground there. It was bad. I've actually read a pretty good book on that sort of thing..the remnants of war. It was very good. Called Aftermath. I'll post some pictures from my experiences.

Napkin Skills

2006-02-10T10:25:00.000-05:00

yes, yes, you all are asking, you all want to know...how do I end up with so many napkins? It's an art my friend. Let me pass on the knowledge of my ancient art. Basically, whenever you are anywhere that napkins are present, grab a bunch. You'll use a few probably, but then, ah, there are some left at the end. Fold them up, put them in your bag, in your pocket, in your purse, in your glove compartment, anywhere. The key is this: take them with you. Then, later on can have two ways to enjoy your napkins. 1. you can store them up in a depository at home where your diverse array of napkin colors and styles will impress guests to no end. 2. Napkins will be coming out of the woodwork throughout your day, because you'll keep finding where you hid them. Who has ever had too many napkins? I dont see any hands...

So, cherish your napkins, protect them. Ensure them a long life, and that will ensure you that you will never, ever actually have to buy a napkin. Now, you must keep in mind. These places are giving their napkins away. They seriously are. They actually plan for people coming in and taking them. SO...we are given full authority to take them. This is in no way a questionable moral area, because I'm not saying take like a massive stack, just a bunch. Its give and take just like any well-balanced relationship: I give them business, they give me napkins.

Also amusing...I was at a Carl's Jr. in Saltillo, Mexico back in high school...and they had a huge sign on the wall inside the place that said "Free Napkins". I guess maybe there was a shortage at one point or something. Napkin rations must have been imposed. "Sorry ma'am you're only allowed half a napkin. Nope, you're just going to have to live with that mustard right there"

Is the milk still good?

2006-02-09T06:21:00.000-05:00

In other news...the case about the guy who was killed by the flying shrimp (as his attorney describes it) was finally determined...the shrimp was not at fault. Seriously, do you remember that? It must have been a few years ago the whole thing started because the guy wrenched his neck dodging a shrimp at a Japanese steakhouse. Not sure how long the link will work, but check it out:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11245302/

Oh, back to my first thought. I dont think I'm very good at applying the sniff test to my milk. How long is too long? Historically I would drink milk that was questionable and be okay. If it says Tuesday, is Thursday okay? I dont think I have the right senses to be able to determine if its still good. I was going to eat a bowl of cereal this morning, then I poured it out in fear, because...well, I'm not sure if I can handle it like I used to. I mean it didnt smell bad, but it did taste a little different. Not BAD though. I'm afraid because i know that if I drink lots and lots of milk (2 glasses or so), that doesnt work out too well for me. So, I'm scared that drinking what John calls "funny milk" or even slightly funny milk....may result in the same misfortune.

I mean seriously this Gouda cheese I'm munching on tastes more questionable than the milk. Cheese is like that though...with its sharpness. You know? I guess thats why its Cheese, and not milk. I do know one thing. When you have cheese in your milk jug, its time to throw it away.

By the way, the Gouda is fine. I dont eat bad cheese. I think right now Pepperjack may be my favorite though.