Thoughts of a Conrad

Now it's official.

2009-07-21T13:37:00.016-04:00

Alright, I'm officially and adult. I turned 30 today. How did this happen? One minute I'm 10lb 1oz bouncing baby boy, next thing I'm cruising through high school, trying to win the heart of a certain little lady and before you know it BAM! 30! I was thinking about it this morning, about all the craziness of turning 30 way before I expected to, and I wanted to share some thoughts I had.

1. Really...how did this happen. I was just eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and watching the new He-Man Masters of the Universe and next thing I know, I've been married ten years, turning 30 and eating PB&J and watching now 30 year old episodes of He-Man Masters of the Universe over Hulu.com. When did the whole 30 years old thing sneak up on me? Who took my micro machines away? How did I get from 6 to 30 so fast? What do you mean TIME?! If time moves faster as you get older, shouldn't we fix that? That sounds like a broken clock to me? I'm gonna need someone to explain this to me. QUICK before I'm 80!

2. I thought I'd be wiser by now. But, as a friend said to me today, I think wisdom comes when you become more comfortable with the idea of who you are, where you are and what you are in life and no longer think grandiose thoughts about the future. When you embrace the reality of life (in a positive way) and become stronger in your "role" is when you become wise. By the way, I'm not there yet.

3. I can no longer have the mindset of "I'll do that later. I'm only 2#." At 30, you really do have to realize you're not old, but you're not getting any younger. Retirement, savings, college for kids, health, fitness, life insurance...it's all getting more and more real, every minute. AHHHHH!! Okay, breath...just breath.

4. I'll no longer hear "you're only 2#?!" when I tell someone my age. People will now hear what they expect to hear. I'm 30 something. At least I hope they don't think I'm 40 something. That would be bad.

5. I have been for a while, but can now seriously accept the fact that I do not, nor will I ever understand the youth mindset again. I cannot relate when I mention things I grew up with. They don't know who Alf was, or the smurfs, or A-Team, or Knight Rider. They never saw an original He-Man toy or truly know what Transformers meant to my generation. They don't understand why I complain about MTV not being about music anymore. I find myself complaining about gas prices and saying I remember when it was only 99 cents a gallon. I am no longer on the cutting edge of technology or social norms. They no longer hear my advice as meaningful or relevant, but rather coming from a detached adult. A "parent" if you will. I am officially an adult to them. So, I plan to accept this role (see number 2 above) and constantly tell them to get off my lawn. Get out of the road and pull their pants up. I'm okay with this.

6. Is this the transition from dreaming to acceptance? From ambition to fortitude? We shall soon see.

Lake Ella...

2009-07-13T15:31:00.007-04:00

Today, the boys and I went for a walk around Lake Ella and fed some ducks. I tried to get a few pictures of them because it is always so beautiful there however...they really didn't cooperate. Here's a few!

Gabe

Noah

Joel a few days before his 2nd Birthday!!!

Crazy boys!

A weekend with no boys!!!

2009-06-20T17:49:00.008-04:00

Last Saturday morning, Jonathan & I drove to Blounstown to meet my Mom. My parents decided to take all three boys for the weekend since Jonathan and I had to be in Gainesville early on Tuesday morning. This is the first time I have been away from the boys over night since Joel was born and away for a few days since Gabe was born. WAY OVER DUE!!! Saturday was fun, we went to a Birthday party with no kids. It was great not being stressed about the boys and not sweating from chasing after them. We then went to a few stores that we wouldn't want to take three boys in. We just enjoyed the afternoon. Later we grilled steaks! After about 2 hours of being home it was just way too quiet so we went to Books a Million. It was so nice not to have to go to the kiddie section. We each got something yummy to drink and just sat reading our books. AAH!!!

Sunday, we skipped church. Sorry Pastor Matt! We slept in (very rare at our house) and drove to St. George Island for the day. It was wonderful. We enjoyed just sitting and doing nothing. Jonathan built a sand castle even with no kids around or bucket & shovel. We also got to see some dolphins not twenty feet from us. I tried to catch a picture but like kids...they move too fast. We loved not having to bring an entire car load to the beach and just enjoyed each other! When we got home we met up with Brad and June and went to Olive Garden (one of my favorites) which is way to expensive to take all three kids. Then the four of us went to Seminole Bowling. What a fun day & night!

The castle!

St. George Lighthouse

Monday, Jonathan had to work so I slept in, went for a walk and then took my time at the grocery store. I then put all the groceries away and cleaned a little bit. I think I even took a nap! I later went to the gym and just had a relaxing night of NO arguing, fighting, or whatever ever else my boys can do. (All which they are doing right this very second! HA!)

Tuesday morning around 4:30 we were off to Gainesville, which is a separate blog. What did I learn from being away from my boys??? That I love them very much and our life has become very noisy but entertaining. I enjoyed spending time with my husband. We could have grown up conversations and even do things without planning. I loved how we picked on each other like we used to and could even laugh when one of us said something really dumb and not have to explain it to a six year old that has to know everything. Jonathan did still catch me spelling out things even with no kids around. Overall, the most adult conversations I think we have had in a very long time. Thank goodness for Grandparents!

Kelly's Health News...

2009-06-20T16:13:00.005-04:00

Last Tuesday, Jonathan and I traveled to Shands in Gainesville to find out exactly how bad my bladder was and to confirm my IC diagnosis. After a few hours of waiting to be called back...it's finally my turn. The doctor explains that they are doing a "simple" procedure to find out the capacity of my bladder...the procedure takes 10 minutes but I have to be put to sleep because it can be painful. I wake up...in a lot of pain. The nurses give me tons of pain medicine to try to help me but nothing is helping. I finally am able to get up and go to the bathroom and find a little relief however now I feel like I am about to be sick. They get me back into the rolling recliner and finally wheel me to Jonathan. After several doses of nausea medicine and another bag of fluids...Jonathan then tells me the NEWS!

A normal bladder for a female my age should hold 1000 cc's. Someone with IC's bladder will hold around 750 cc's. My bladder would only hold 450 cc's. WHAT?!? The doctor was able to stretch my bladder to hold 500 however there is nothing he can do to fix the damage. Wow! No wonder I have been miserable the last year and had these problems most of my life!!! I go back in a few weeks, July 7th, to see what else there is to do and to be put on the only medication prescribed for IC. So, please just keep me in your prayers. It's great to know what has been going on but also not so nice to know you have a very damaged bladder!

Jonathan took my picture right before I went in for the procedure!!

Easter 2009 Pictures

2009-04-12T22:32:00.007-04:00

All three boys Easter Sunday!

Gabe's Baptism

Gabe was so excited & the water was SOOO cold!

Both boys ready before their t-ball games at the same time....different fields. The fun begins.

Gabe's Witness

2009-04-09T14:19:00.003-04:00

This morning, Kelly was dropping Gabriel off at school. You'll remember in my last post I said he is being baptized this week. Well, his teacher pulled Kelly aside and said, "Yesterday, Gabe told me he was going to be baptized this weekend." Kelly confirmed this and the teacher continued. "When he told me that, another little boy asked 'What does Baptized mean?'" The teacher told Kelly that she couldn't answer that question or talk about religion, so she just acted busy with her papers. The little boy then looked to Gabe. Gabriel told him what it was and meant. What happened next was amazing. The teacher said that the boy asked Gabe how you get baptized. Gabe's first reaction was "Well, you go talk to Pastor Matt..." I laughed when I heard that. But then he stopped and said..."actually, first you need to have Jesus in your heart." The little boy and Gabe apparently talked a little while longer and the boy responded by saying..."I don't go to church so I didn't know what baptism was, but now I want to ask my mom and dad if they'll take me to church so I can be baptized!" The teacher said it was awesome. She told Kelly that she couldn't have answered the boys questions any better. I was amazed at how quickly the Holy Spirit has begun using Gabe. He just had his first witnessing experience and God spoke through him. Praise God for surrounding Gabe and for speaking through him yesterday. I hope he continues being a light of Christ.

Gabriel's Baptism

2009-04-07T11:42:00.003-04:00

I am so very proud of Gabriel. Last night, he and I had a conversation with our Pastor and Gabriel is going to be baptized on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2009!! The Holy Spirit has been at work on Gabe for a couple of months. He has been asking a lot of questions and Kelly and I have talked with him at length about everything. After he started asking so many questions, I decided to walk with him through several versus in the Bible and really get an understanding of where he was. Then, one night after we'd talked, I was putting him to bed and he called for me. I went to his bedside and he said he wanted to ask Jesus to come into his heart. So, we talked for a few minutes and I made sure he knew what that meant and really understood it. I was satisfied with his answers and I helped him pray. That night, my oldest son became a Christian! We then went to visit with Matt, our Pastor and he asked Gabe some tougher questions than I did, admittedly. Gabe was not quite comprehending eternity and destinations, etc. completely, so Matt didn't think he was totally ready. So, we didn't push him and we just kept talking with him occasionally about everything. Then a couple of weeks ago, Gabe started asking and saying some very interesting things. Finally, when I asked him how long you stay in Heaven and he proceeded to tell me "Forever...well, at least until new Heaven..." (I never told him about new earth) and he continued explaining to me that he was referring to when heaven and earth come together (thank you Awana and G-Force) I knew he was ready. So, again...we went to see Matt and Gabriel knew and understood everything. Matt said he was ready and we are having a baptism service on Sunday!! I am really kind of beside myself with this. It all came about so fast and I can only hope I've been and will be a good Christian example for him. The road isn't easy and this is a journey that he is just now beginning. But, I know where the road leads and that Gabriel is with God.

Hulu and the Masters of the Universe

2009-03-16T14:10:00.002-04:00

Alright, so I've just recently (Superbowl ads do work) discovered Hulu and I must say...awesome! Having full episodes of your favorite shows virtually commercial free (they play VERY short ads occasionally) is just plain, well, awesome. However, it's also like crack, so be careful.

Anyway, I just discovered something about Hulu that I didn't expect. It has brought my sons and I together in a way that wouldn't have been possible without it. We now share a bond that will never be broken, for it was forged in the fires of Eternia; in the halls of Castle Greyskull. Yes, my sons and I have discovered full episodes of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe!!! And, I am proud to say that my sons wanted to watch episode after episode and I didn't just say yes...I said "I HAVE THE POWER!!!" and clicked play! It was AWESOME!!!

It was so cool seeing them glued to a little bit of my past and seeing what I probably looked like when I was glued to it in 1983! When I finally decided to make them go to bed...they ran to Gabe's room and grabbed the three or four surviving He-Man toys from my childhood (yes, I still have them) and we're going crazy as He-Man, Skeletor and King Randor. For the first time, they now understood why those toys are so DANG COOL! And, when I heard Gabe yell, "I have the powerrrrr!!" as he held He-Man aloft...there might have been a tear...and this time, I didn't cringe when they smacked them together...for now they understand the awesomeness of He-Man and The Masters of the Universe!

Gabe on the news.....

2009-03-15T23:13:00.002-04:00

http://ww2.wctv6.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?clipId1=3548576&at1=Sport&vt1=v&h1=11pm+Sports+3%2D14&d1=363300&redirUrl=http://www.wctv6.com&activePane=info&LaunchPageAdTag=homepage&clipFormat=flv&rnd=60344957

Gabe's class did a Fun Run on Saturday. Click on this link and about 3 minutes into the segment it talks about the race. He is on the clip about 3 times. He has a hat and green shirt on! Had to share!

Kelly

Joel...

2009-02-16T21:11:00.003-05:00

Well...I am getting a new cell phone hopefully tomorrow and finally figured out how to get these pictures off my phone without deleting them. I cry every time I look at them because of how we felt during this time. The emotions just come rolling back like it is happening all over again. I still haven't been able to watch the video we took for his birth. I know I am so blessed to have this sweet guy in my life, who makes me laugh and keeps me on my toes...it's just still so fresh in my mind! Just so blessed and thankful for this little bundle of energy! Can't help but to spoil him rotten!

Pictures for Angela

2009-02-08T21:26:00.005-05:00

Gabe on Friday after his school program.

Noah picking strawberries!

Joel in the bath tub fully dressed I think this was the 2nd time he did this.

My sisters & me with my sweet baby niece!

Songs that make me happy.

2009-02-06T16:21:00.010-05:00

You have to be ready to turn up the volume and enjoy these three. They aren't crazy...they're just some of my favorite songs to lift the spirits. So, if you're down...remember these songs as fun pick-me-ups.

1. I love this song. In fact...I've recently taken the step to call it my favorite song. There are more than just musical reasons. I'm a sucker for nostalgia and this reminds me of when I was little, hanging out at home in the afternoons with my big sisters. In the time frame between getting home from school and the absolute deadline to begin cleaning and have it done before our parents came home, they would force me to watch MTV. I would rather have been watching He-Man, Transformers and G.I. Joe. But, every now and then...this song came on and it made me laugh. It isn't He-Man...but it's almost as enjoyable to the 9 year old in me. It makes me happy. (Thanks for the memories Annmarie and Melanie)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=945FOiz7nMA

2. This song is just awesome. I like it. A lot. It is one of my favorites and the man singing it has a cool story. He died young, but touched a lot of lives and lived life happy, thinking of family, friends and community over himself. He was loved and at the end of this you'll see the kind of love people had for him at his traditional Hawaiian funeral. This song makes me happy and want to close my eyes and think of good things.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D68ymfjpw98

3. A classic. It just is. And it makes me happy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5IIXeR5OUI&feature=related

So what songs make you happy? The ones that make you smile when you hear them, no matter how your day was going before it came on?

I'm telling Mommy!

2009-01-26T21:39:00.006-05:00

A few days ago I decided to take a quick shower while Joel & Noah were playing. I came out of the bathroom and Noah said..."Mommy, Joel had your make up but I took it from him." I said well thank you Noah! However take a look at the evidence on his face! I couldn't help but laugh & laugh! He was tattle telling but was covered with the evidence! Kids are so fun!

Joel's New Bed!!

2009-01-26T20:54:00.015-05:00

Well, we've had lots of fun at our house lately! Joel has been talking up a storm and just does things to keep us laughing. He climbed out of the crib a few months back and we thought...here it comes, but to our surprise...he didn't do it again until about 2 weeks ago. He just fell out! He had this huge red mark on his head and I decided it was time to take the front off his crib and let him be a "Big Boy!" My other boys were already out of their cribs by 18 months and didn't mind us putting a full size bed rail on the side so they didn't fall out. In fact...they never touched it! However...Joel is a different story. He hates it! He pushed it off and just started playing all around his room. I let him play thinking he would get tired and just go back to his bed. WRONG! I decided to go check and this is what I found. Yes, sound asleep in the Thomas ball pit! The only way I found him was the toy in the ball pit made a noise and then I saw him.

He has been very fun! At night he goes right to sleep because it is dark and he can't see, but during nap time....it's an adventure. He's fallen asleep at the door on the floor after several minutes of yelling "Knock Knock Mommy"! The lastest today was just too funny! He was playing instead of napping and was having a great time. I decided to go back into his room to put him back to bed and when I got to his room, he had taken about 40 diapers and thrown them out of the basket they are normally in. I opened the door and he said..."Made Mess!" I couldn't help but laugh!

I know the Truth, but don't completely understand it.

2009-01-08T17:07:00.018-05:00

(Note: Please comment on this post with your thoughts. I'd love to have your insights and hear from other Christ followers. We understand things together.)

This is going to be another "controversial" post for some. Let me start by saying that I want my faith to be that of a child. I hear the questions my sons ask me. So sincere is their heart in wanting to understand God, faith, death. That's the way I want my faith to be. Pure, sincere, open and to the point. So I am going to be blunt with childlike realism. I have over the years (and a lot recently) been trying to get to the core of what I believe spiritually. At the core, I believe in God. I believe He hears us. I believe in His love for us and that He sent His son to die for us. This I believe. I have faith in that.

Now, let's get to the harder stuff. I truly believe in asking questions of God when you don't understand. I think it's good to question. I think He wants us to question. I think questions are okay. I think fear is okay. I think admitting that you don't have a clue or shred of understanding of God, His plan, His world or His heaven is okay. All of these are okay as long as you are seeking the answer. Don't let doubts turn your heart, but rather ask it bluntly and most importantly, be open to His answer.

Here are some of my biggest questions and I'm okay with saying I don't know or understand them. I'll even go as far as to say that sometimes I doubt them. But one doesn't learn without asking. I say these things out loud as David did and John the Baptist did. I ask these things of God quite frequently as God says we can. To ask is to learn. To question is to gain wisdom.

Why the game? Why this long game of cat and mouse with Satan? He could have destroyed Satan in the war in heaven. Why cast him down with humans? If I'm battling a snake in my yard, do I throw it in the house with my children? Why let him run the Earth? Why converse with Satan so casually about the suffering of one of God's children (Job)? Why not strike him down then? Why reveal Satan to us in scripture only to have us battle with his attacks, when in the end Satan's efforts are all futile. Is it simply to strengthen us through battle? Is it simply to force a choice for us? Is it because only through trial do we show our true loyalty? Aren't good people lost because of this game? People that would have chosen God if it weren't for the game? I don't understand this game. I don't know the rules. It's real time strategy, but I don't control very much of the map and I can't see the enemy. I wish I knew the gameplan, but I have faith in His leadership.

Prayer: Yes. Shock!! I don't understand prayer. Prayer has been proven, even by science to be good for you. It makes you healthier, happier, and less stressed. Sometimes, I can't help but to have questions though. Is prayer God's spiritual placebo? Does He really answer prayers? The fact that we can just dismiss an unanswered prayer as a "No" seems to easy. With some prayers being answered, many not and many we just forget about, I can't help but to wonder if it's all just coincidental. What if God wants us to pray because it's good for us. It helps us "give it to Him" because that's the way it happens anyway. He is a practical God. He gave really practical laws to the Jews regarding health and cleanliness. It helped them through the black plague. What if things just happen because that's God's plan and praying is just something to help us deal with it? Or, maybe He does answer prayers. I don't know. But I do pray, though not enough and I know He hears us and I know that in the Old Testament He did answer them and even changed His mind when Moses lobbied to save the Israelites. But, I'm no Moses. Regardless if it's for an answer or just for peace of mind, I pray and will pray...if for no other reason than a chance to talk to an awesome God and remind myself that He is in control.

Heaven: Yep. No clue, there. Don't know what it's like. Don't know where it is. Don't know when you actually go there (right when you die? or before, during or after the Second Coming?). Don't know what happens when you get there. I just don't know or understand anything about it and I also have a fear that when I get there they'll laugh and say "there's been some kind of mistake." Come on, I'm not the only one scared that will happen.

Earth and Creation:

(Big category) I'll try to keep this one short, but it has a lot in it. Dinosaurs (when, why, how long, what's the purpose, why before man)?

Is man really the only creature with a soul on Earth? Look, I'm not an animal lover. In fact, I don't like very many. However, it isn't hard to notice that there are other animals on Earth that are capable of immense compassion, complex thought, mercy, maybe even love (Great Apes come to mind). These animals feel and react to pain both physical and emotional. Are they soulless? Are they throw away beings? I don't think God thinks that.

How about those animals and how they got there. This is really hard to put out there, but I have questions about Noah. Every animal? Two of them? On a boat? Only survivors and just two of each species repopulated the entire earth? Genetically, it isn't possible for two to make a sustainable population. Researchers are trying to save species around the planet, but when they are down to two...it's over. There is no saving the species. So, either God stepped in (which could have been the case) or more animals survived the flood and Noah just had the best stock. The studs if you will. Who knows?

Finally, the big one. Adam and Eve. On the same note as above...we know two can't make a sustainable population. Incest, etc. come in there as well and that has always bothered me. Did God create more humans and it just isn't mentioned? Did he just make it possible for that time? We see the damage this kind of breeding can have. How did it happen then? How did it work for both Adam and Eve and Noah (who also had to repopulate the Earth)? I don't know.

I want to say again, that I am not saying that any of these are impossible or that I don't believe in them. I have faith in each of these. We are talking about a mighty God who can do anything. I'm just saying that these are topics I wonder about. Do we really have a grasp to understand this stuff? I am not one to just say "it is so because it is and to question it is wrong." I also believe these are major questions that seekers wonder about and to be dismissive of them and explain it away as "it's supernatural so deal with it" is something we can't do. I plan to try to get an understanding of these things through His word and His workers. I just wanted to share my questions and encourage anyone who has questions that it's okay to admit that. Seek Him in your doubts and He will show you the answer.

I...am blessed?

2008-12-17T12:48:00.009-05:00

I am blessed…and I don’t understand it. Tremendously blessed. Unbelievably blessed. Remarkably blessed. Disturbingly blessed. Sickeningly blessed. Do I deserve it? The question makes me ill for I know the answer. Not in the slightest. Not in the least. I am broken. I am pained. I am sinful. I am strained. I am prideful. I am lustful. I am greedy. I am stingy. I am boastful. I am weak. I am stubborn, and yet….I am blessed.

Why?! How can this be? It must be mistaken. It has to be blessings misplaced. Despite what I’m told, it can’t be just grace. I have children, a wife. I have cars and a home. I have a job, friends, and success in tough times. When others struggle, I await a bonus. When others worry about losing everything, I complain about my extra car having trouble. I see businesses closing and yet I can sell. I see children unhealthy and marriages fail. Mine thrive. Every day I wait in anticipation for a realization of this grave mistake. It can’t be meant for me. When will it end? When will the charade be over and the laughter at my expense begin. I prepare myself for the correction.

If these blessings are indeed meant for me, well that’s a whole other problem. How do you expect me to handle such gifts!? I don’t deserve it! I am broken! I am pained! I am sinful! I am strained! I am prideful! I am lustful! I am greedy! I am stingy! I am boastful! I am weak! I am stubborn! I am…Forgiven. I am Thankful. I am Blessed.

Long time no blog.

2008-12-01T12:08:00.003-05:00

Well, it's been a LONG time since I've written a blog. I could blame my schedule, or something else, but admittedly, I've just been blogthargic. Just a few updates, work is crazy, crazy busy, which is AWESOME! Things are going well there. Our family has been sick over the entire Thanksgiving holiday. Joel even ran 104.7 at one point and had to go to urgent care. Our van broke down again, which could be a blog in itself. Let's just leave it at, it's a Ford (backwards it spells Driver Returns On Foot) and we're just about done with it. It's only saving grace might be that we got bad gas, but if it's something else, like a fuel pump, well then this will give you an idea of my intentions.

The boys are doing great overall. Gabe is still doing well in school and Noah is a great big brother to Joel who refers to him as Wowah. Noah has continued to amaze us with his wit and humor. They are far ahead of his age. He visited his Nana recently by himself (first time any of them have stayed away for a weekend) and he was in the car with Nana waiting on one of his cousins, Samuel to get something out of the house. Samuel, who is at the clumsy stage, goes to enter the house and smacks himself in the face with the door. Noah doesn't miss a beat, busts out laughing and says, "Nana, did you see what Samuel just did...he went BAM and hit himself in the head with the door." as he continues to laugh out loud. Samuel even stopped crying because Noah was making everybody laugh, including him. Then, the other night, we were all at the dinner table and Kelly told Noah, who was refusing to stay seated, "Noah, stop getting up, you haven't touched your food!" Noah, then sits down...puts his index finger on top of his chicken and says, "I'm touching it Mommy." and laughs. Yes, he's a little punk.

Other big news, Kelly turns 30 on December 13th!! We are planning a party for her on the 12th. Fondue fun! The 13th is also a big event that I encourage anyone with small kids to come too. It's Movies in the Park at Tekesta park. Classic Christmas cartoons played on big screens outside with free hot chocolate and cookies for all!! It's pretty cool. So, I'm planning Kelly's party and that event. It's a busy, but fun, fun month!

For Grandmama

2008-10-28T18:18:00.001-04:00

Gabe's Scarecrow Homework

2008-10-22T20:50:00.004-04:00

Gabe had homework. The family had to help him decorate, name and write a story about a scarecrow! Here's our finished project! We had fun!

Samuel the Scarecrow

There once was a scarecrow named Samuel that scared all the crows away. He loved his job! He really liked living in the farmyard. His friends lived in the other yard and Samuel really wanted to play with them but they were stuck in the ground and couldn't move. At night when everyone was asleep all the scarecrows would get off their poles and go play. The End!

Written by Gabe & Noah Conrad 10/22/08.

For NOAH!

2008-10-16T20:58:00.015-04:00

I thought in honor of Noah turning FOUR years old this week; I'd take the time to blog about NOAH! Here's a picture of him on his Birthday (10/14/08) helping me frost the cupcakes...well...actually eating the frosting. It's the best part!

I don't know where the time has gone. Just seems like yesterday he was born and now he's FOUR! Well, I am really blessed & thankful for my Noah! He is so very entertaining! You never know what will come out of his mouth! You know the kid...that waits for the worst time EVER to tell your friends..."My mommy farted in the car!" You jokingly say...that Noah will say anything...hoping they believe you! The past few weeks, he's been on a soccer team. I wouldn't say Noah plays soccer because he doesn't. Maybe for a minute or two and then decides it's a lot of work to run and he is done! It's been very entertaining to watch 3-4 year olds play soccer and to think that kids that age can get it! Well, not Noah, but it's sure been fun trying to figure out ways to get him to play for a few seconds. He's coming around with two games left! HA! Sports just may not be his thing but it's been entertaining!

Noah is also a very hands on child. He thought he would finger paint on the computer, keyboard & printer with TOOTHPASTE. Also, after applying red lipstick to his cheeks and fingers thought my carpet would look better RED than tan...he rubbed his fingers in the carpet.(Red was not his color) Another time after watching Mommy clean out the tub he decided the carpet was dirty and had a blast making designs with Soft Scrub in the carpet. (Daddy was called home with this incident!) My favorite is when he was almost 2 years old...we had blue sand in the sandbox outside and Noah decided his diaper was wet and took it off. He was only wearing the diaper and a cowboy scarf so when he took off the diaper...he was naked with except the red scarf & blue sand all over his body! It's the funniest picture! Obviously won't post that one! Oh, sweet Noah! You are such a little explorer!

There is also such a wonderful sweet side to him. He constantly follows me around the house with his Thomas sleeping bag and Farmyard Tales book(by USBOURNE...great book!) asking me to read to him. (He says it's MY favorite book...but it's really his!) He likes to sit right beside you (well actually it's on top of you) and read books! I love his laid back personality! He is very easy going and sweet natured. He loves to help! He likes to unload the silverware from the dishwasher and when I go to the grocery store...he's the first out the door telling me he'll help bring them inside! So it's been 4 years since God blessed us with this ball of energy and I am so thankful! There is never a dull moment with him and I look forward to all the other entertaining things ahead! (I am a little nervous & scared though!) My little pumpkin, I love you very much!

Warning...Warning...

2008-10-04T20:59:00.004-04:00

So just want to inform you to NOT, I repeat NOT go the Southeastern Urology! As most of you know, I had a bladder sling and hysterectomy in July. While in the hospital, I was never seen by the urologist (Dr. Tran). I am only informed by my OB/GYN that he actually did perform the procedure. I had issues from him not visiting me in the hospital such as the nurses trying to send me home for the weekend with a cathetor and Jonathan & I calling the on-call urologist to get it removed. Next, he failed to send me home with antibiotics so of course two weeks post partum...I end up with the WORST EVER urinary tract infection. During those two weeks however I had called the office several times asking if I should have been given the antibiotics and the staff would never return my call. I called three times! Finally leave a message one night for the on-call urologist and he tells me to come in first thing in the morning that sounds like I do have an infection. UGH! I go to the office for the infection (with all three boys & have to WAIT forever) and get sent home finally with medicine and told to come back in a month. So...a month goes by and I am still having a little burning and getting up several times at night to go to the bathroom. I ask about that and am told that I still have white cells in my urine which could explain that but that Dr. Tran would like to run a culture and make sure. I am told that if I don't get a call in two days to please call his office. So, I leave the office without antibiotics and await a call. Two days later, I call! Two messages later I get a call back that the culture isn't back yet. Life goes on and I forget...I remember on Thursday of the next week, so I call and leave a message. Friday, I call and leave a message! Monday...I'm very annoyed! I beg the receptionist to help me find out the results. It's been almost 2 weeks and still no answer. She apologizes and leaves an email for Dr. Tran's nurse (apparantly she checks the email faster). Still no return call. I call again on Tuesday, TWO WEEKS LATER!!!! I get the same receptionist and she promises me she will get "Jennifer" on the phone. She does and I am told that she tried to call me at my home number twice. WHAT!? I haven't had that number in three years! Every time I have been in the office I have been given a sheet to look over and every time everything has been correct. Besides that the 10 times I have left messages I would tell her my correct phone number to call me back. The one time she returned my call it was on my cell. I told her that there is no excuse! She then proceeds to tell me that the culture did grow THREE organisms but she couldn't tell me if indeed I had an infection or not. Whatever antibiotic Dr. Tran gave me on 9/16 probably had taken care of it! WHAT!?! At this time, I am about to lose my short temper! I inform her I was not given any medicine and the symptoms were now worse. All she could tell me is that I would have to come back in and give them another urine sample so they could run another culture! ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I simply tell her no thank you and hang up! I am not about to wait another two weeks!

I then make an appointment with my primary care physician for the next morning. He listens and tells me if there is still white cells in my urine I probably still have the infection and will prescribe me an antibiotic. He will then run a culture and if I need a different antibiotic, he will call me one in! I did still have white cells in my urine and am currently on CIPRO.

So all this venting to say...don't go to that office! Please also pray this infection finally goes away. It hasn't gotten better yet and I been on the Rx a few days so we'll see!

New Decorations?

2008-10-02T22:19:00.002-04:00

The other night I asked Gabe & Noah to get ready for a bath while I put Joel to bed. I was walking back from Joel's room and heard lots and lots of laughter coming from the bathroom. I get in there to see both boys, NAKED and hanging from the towel racks. Noah was on the towel rack on the wall and Gabe was right beside him hanging from the one in the shower. I couldn't help myself so I just stood there and laughed. Gabe's response was, "Mom, we're wall decorations!" I did run and get my cell phone to take a picture however I can't post due to nudity! HA! So if you need new wall decorations, just hang your kids on things....just be sure they are dressed.

These are the days of my life...

2008-09-18T21:01:00.002-04:00

So it always seems that when Jonathan is out of town...things happen to make me go nuts. This week has been no exception.
Jonathan left Sunday to fly to California for the week. Monday afternoon I am informed that our check (which should have been deposited at 12:01am) had not been deposited. WHAT?!? I spent money thinking it had been electronically deposited like it always is and well...it wasn't. The company Gina uses deleted our payroll and we were not going to be paid until Wednesday. Needless to say it's been a nightmare. The bank was kind enough to delete half the charges and the Hallams are paying the other ones since it wasn't our fault but what a mess it's been! We ended up with 6 $35 overdraft charges! Wow does that add up!

Tuesday...I go to my follow up appointment at the Urologist to find out the reason I am still going to the bathroom a lot is b/c I may still have an infection. He ordered a culture because my white cell count was still high. Should know tomorrow if I will be put on antibiotics again or not. FUN! The other fun thing that happened was after getting the boys out of the bath, I walk into the kitchen to find bubbles all over the kitchen floor....the dishwasher was overflowing! UGH!!!

Wednesday...Besides starting to get a cold the day seems pretty normal. I go to MOPS at Killearn Methodist and then we all go to the boys soccer practices. It was 3am when I am awakened to some odd noises coming from Joel's room. He had thrown up all over his crib and had to have a bath. When I finally get back to bed after cleaning up everything...I turned my head just right and pulled my neck. OUCH! Which brings us to Thursday...

Thursday...I normally drive Gabe to school (just the two of us) and I wait on the playground for the bell to ring and then he gives me a hug and goes to his class. Well b/c Jonathan is gone...everyone has to go which is a little stressful. This means everyone has to get dressed and have eaten before we leave. However since Joel had thrown up...I didn't want him around all the kids so we had to drop Gabe off (which he wasn't very happy about). We then get to spend over an hour at the pediatrician's for Joel's well visit. He gets two shots along with not feeling well and pretty much sleeps the rest of the day. Typical Thursday we host a small group at our house but since Joel was sick...we had to cancel so...I had to call everyone to let them know we wouldn't be having it.

Thank goodness my boys have been great this week and for chocolate! HA! I am quite thankful that Jonathan will be home in a few hours and I can finally rest! WHEW! Being a Mommy sure is fun!

Classic Noah

2008-09-10T22:11:00.002-04:00

Noah has a great personality. He's just a funny guy and always has something up his sleeve. The other day he was at church with a babysitter while Kelly was in a meeting. He asked the babysitter if they could go outside. She was new and had Joel and another little guy named Gavin. So, she explained that she didn't feel comfortable with that and that it was best to just stay inside for now. A few minutes later he took his compass over to her and started showing it off, etc. He then said, “do you see my compass?” and she said she did. He pushed it closer to her face and asked if she knew what it said. She said she had no idea, but he could tell her, so he immediately responded with a witty “it says YOU SHOULD TO TAKE ME OUTSIDE!” She busted out laughing, which of course meant that he continued to come to her with a different approach to the same problem. Classic.

Fay

2008-08-24T19:55:00.004-04:00

Here is a picture of our yard when we arrived home tonight curteousy of Fay! We went to Panama City for a wedding and came home to some yard work. It will have to stop raining for more than 5 minutes for us to clean all that up! Glad it wasn't anything major!!

Gabe's 1st Day of School

2008-08-18T15:21:00.004-04:00

Gabe had a good 1st day! He got a little scared on the bus but when he saw our neighbor get on he was better. The only other thing he told me before running off to the neighbors to play is that the twins from his preschool class were there too. I guess no news is good news!

Here he is standing outside his room!

The Heart of a Child

2008-08-04T22:20:00.008-04:00

Lately, I've had a similar conversation in different situations. It's the kind that you eventually realize is God working on you; Growing you, pruning you or teaching you. Recently, I had a discussion with a friend about faith. The topic seemed to go straight into the common question of "Why does God allow suffering." In any conversation on this topic no answer is good enough and is always dismissed as a "nice response." You just can't convince anyone about a loving God when they ask this question. They are already committed to the fact that He is a harsh, unloving, uncaring God and "life" proves it. If He even exists that is. At the same time, my Pastor has been going through a sermon series on Job. A book focused on bad things happening to a good and holy man.

Tonight, I ate dinner at a friends house with a huge group of all of our friends. When I got there, the door was opened by a friend I hadn't seen in a very long time. Jay and Joanna Mitchell (Jay was the Student Pastor at Canopy Roads when we first joined nine years ago) were in town visiting. It was great to see them and their family. After we ate dinner, Jay told all of us how God has called him to plant a church in Greensboro, NC. This is very exciting and I know, just hearing him speak that he and Joanna are destined to do big things for God. It was inspiring. My son Gabriel sat listening to Jay's story. He was being great and just playing silently while Jay spoke. I had no idea he was listening. Jay began to speak about the struggles and pains that have come with the decision to start a church. It's a reality that I found both scary and refreshing. Scary that, yet again, God has allowed serious struggles for a true follower of Christ (starting a church no less), but refreshing in Jay and Joanna's unbelievable attitude of faith in God's plan. I was inspired. But not ready for the conversation on the ride home.

Gabriel apparently was listening VERY intently the whole time. When Jay was speaking, he had mentioned that one of their struggles was needing to find a house and not knowing how they will sell their current house, etc. Gabriel leaned in and whispered "do they need a home?" I responded, rather dismissively, "They're just looking for one, buddy." On the way home, Gabriel wanted much more clarification. WAY more than I expected. He asked me again about Jay and Joanna's home. "Daddy, that man that was talking...does he not have a home?" "Yes, he does, buddy." I said. "He's just moving and following God. He's starting a new church and needs a new home. He needs us to pray and he needs money to do God's will. It costs money to start a church." Again, I thought that took care of it. Then from the back of the car came a very sincere sounding, "Daddy." "Yeah, pal," I said. "I'm confused about three things." "What do you mean," I asked. "One, (yes, he counted them out) I don't understand why tree limbs fall on people, like when you were camping." (Explanation...I went camping one time and had a "widow maker" limb fall two feet from my head as I slept. This disturbed Gabe.) Two, I want our city to be good. And three, why didn't that man have a home?" Confusion central for me..."What?" I said again. "What do you mean?" He then went on the clarify and I kid you not..."I just don't know why bad things happen. I don't want people to get hurt (at this point he started tearing up and his voice started shaking). Why does that man not have a house and I just want my city to be good." I was floored. It was one of those..."did my child just become a philosopher all of the sudden" moments. He was talking about suffering and why bad things happen to good people.

Yet again, I was faced with a conversation about suffering, but this time, it was with my five year old son who is struggling to understand life, pain and even death. His next statement was even more deep. "Daddy, I don't know why people have to get hurt and die." I said, "Well, buddy, sometimes things happen and sometimes people get hurt, but we just have to keep living and keep helping people and just be happy. We can't worry about stuff like that. You don't have to worry about that. Okay?" I said. He still continued, still upset, "Like my great, great Granddad. I wish he didn't die. I wanted to see him." he says. (I mentioned my Grandfather a month ago and Gabriel wanted to know where he was. I had told him that he had passed away. That's the last we spoke of it until tonight.) Then he truly starts to cry, though trying hard not too. "I don't like it when people are hurt and die. I don't want you to die, or mommy and I don't want to die." Noah chimed in at this point "Or MOMMY!!" he said in agreement. Gabe continued, "I just want everyone to be good and not have anything bad happen and not die." I was truly amazed at his empathy (realize that all of this came from his serious concern over Jay and Joanna's home situation) and I began to realize the degree in which he was becoming aware and fearful of realities of life. Specifically, that pain and death happens to everyone. Again, I just reassured him that we're okay and even if bad things happen, we just need to stay strong and help each other and other people (what can you tell him?????). I just kept telling him that he doesn't need to worry about that. "God says not to worry," I told him.

Later, as I was putting this wonderful, innocent five year old to bed, I worried about his little mind racing with thoughts of suffering and I was saddened. I don't have an answer. I just don't. Then he rescued me in a way that I couldn't for him. He was chatting as he got into bed. This is his favorite time to bring up "heavy" conversations. But, this time, it didn't feel like he just wanted to stay up. Again, he asked about Jay's home. I said, "He's got one, pal. He's going to start a church and needs us to pray and needs some money for the chruch. That's all." I then turned out the light and in the darkness, without hesitation, I heard him say, "Daddy, we should pray for him now." "You're right..." and before I could say anything else, he prayed his own prayer for Jay and Joanna. He asked for them to find a home, to be safe and to have "all they need to make a church." I'm very proud of him and I have learned more from him tonight than any intellectual conversation. Just pray with your heart and the innocence of a child and let God worry about the why.

9th Anniversary present

2008-08-01T10:34:00.003-04:00

Jonathan wrote me this for our 9th anniversary! I wanted to share!

Just the Beginning

We have a story, you and I.
A book to be written, a sonnet to be sung.
Evidence of our destiny to be one.

When we met, our dates never included roses and fine dining, and not even as much as the occasional flirt.
Instead we spent our time, at age 5, playing tag and sitting in the dirt.

I often wonder and delve into memory,
And I think the answer is yes, even then, I knew what you would mean to me?

In that time of celery sticks, games and freeze tag winning,
Who was to know that it was just the beginning?

It was forever apart, it seemed, before we were found.
Middle School was our new playground.
Tough times for me and good ones for you.
And yet, our friendship somehow stayed true.

I think it was your touch, your smile and your face.
A good conversation every morning, in the same place.
I don’t think you know how you left my head spinning.
And somehow I knew it was just the beginning.

Again I left you for another two years.
I had to get away from all of the fears.
I had no idea that when I saw you again
It would be in a whole new way, so much more than a friend.

It started very slowly, an occasional glance your way.
But then by tenth grade, I thought of you every moment of the day.

Again, it was your touch, your smile and your face.
But most of all, a good conversation after lunch, everyday in the same place.

I remember the day that I realized the truth.
I was so in love, and in your hands was my fate.
Yet, I was too good of a friend for you to date.
And so I impatiently decided to wait.

For three more wonderful years we grew closer as friends.
For those same terrible years I had to hear of your boyfriends’ sins.

I wanted so much to hurt anyone who put tears on your face.
Yet, I was glad that you came to me for hard conversations in a safe place.

Time went on and not to take credit or say that “I won,”
But our love and life together, had just begun.

In college you were finally ready to roll the friendship dice.
I have to thank some of your friends for giving you that advice.
On New Years Day, Nineteen Ninety-Eight,
My dream finally came true and we began to date.

There are no words to describe my emotions that night
I woke my sister to tell her “I kissed Kelly Argenbright.”
It sounds so funny, but it’s true.
I was astonished, amazed, scared and excited about a future with you.

Here we were, just barely twenty, and all our hopes on each other we were pinning. And yes, it was only the beginning.

Nine years have now gone by since you became my wife.
What we’ve experienced in that time could fill a life.

The first 3 years brought us a home, two degrees, a dog and a child. We were never exactly considered wild.

Year four was rough and not what we expected.
But sometimes God leads you through the desert to give perspective.

Year five was another wonderful year.
We came back home to friends and a community we hold so dear.

The blessings kept coming as we added another son.
Now we had two and this was going to be “fun!”

Years six and seven went by extremely fast.
It’s so hard to believe all of this is in the past.
In year eight we had another boy, who wasn’t so light.
But to our surprise and sadness, to come home safe he would have to fight.

Year nine has not been easy, but what makes it okay,
Is coming home to you and our family each and everyday.
We’ve had new challenges, jobs and choices.
We’ve listened to advice and friendly voices.

We’ve gotten through it together and the future is very bright.
And still I look forward to seeing you each and every night.
After nine years, it’s still your touch, your smile and your face.
But also, a good conversation each night in the same place.

Thank you for being my friend and my wife.
I love you.

Make you laugh...

2008-07-30T21:22:00.005-04:00

We have had a lot of visitors the past week. My mom, Jonathan's mom, our nephew Ethan, my sister and her three kids...Justin, Kristen & Sarah. The kids have played long and hard and are exhausted. Today after everyone had left we were left with my kids & I and my nephew Justin. He is going to stay with us a few days to help out and Joel loves him (they share birthdays...15 years apart). He follows Justin everywhere. He was even just sitting in the rocking chair with him...not moving. If you have met Joel...he doesn't sit still. I was talking on the phone and you could hear Joel crawling superman fast across the floor and Justin laughing. Then Gabe added to the laughter. As I get off the phone...Justin says, "Aunt Kelly watch this!" He proceeds to throw a toy across the room and Joel on all fours crawls to get it and brings it back to him. I am thinking...is my child really being treated/acting like a dog? Then Justin says but wait...he acts like he threw the toy and Joel goes crawling away looking for it. I lost it with laughter. As I was laughing, I told Justin to throw the baby the toy. Makes you wonder...are dogs like humans or humans like dogs?

By Kelly

Surgery Update

2008-07-27T21:06:00.009-04:00

Well, I have survived the dreaded surgery. I don't remember a thing! Ha! I remember them giving me some medicine and me asking if I was supposed to feel sleepy and then I woke up in the recovery room telling some guy that "YES! I was in pain!" I was then informed it would take at least 30 minutes for the medicine to work. What a fun way to wake up. As for the hospital stay...I slept a lot....sometimes in the middle of someone talking to me I would randomly fall asleep. If that was you...I apologize. I had nice nurses until the last day when upon being discharged they couldn't decide if I was supposed to be sent home with the Foley catheter or not. So...we went over them and called the urologist on call and got the answer we knew was right. Which was no catheter! So then I just had to pee enough to go home. I kept chugging water just so I could go to the bathroom...which I found ironic since that's I why I had the surgery to begin with. I finally got home around 2pm on Saturday. My mom was at the house with the boys and I enjoyed the entertainment. I started having some pain so I sent Jonathan to get the RX filled. It made me so sick to my stomach and very light-headed. I decided to deal with the pain (which feels the same as giving birth and I handled that w/out pain medicine). Today, however I had this uncontrollable urge to cry. It's been quite amusing to me b/c I am not that sentimental and I hardly ever cry. I cried today because I was in pain, I cried because Jonathan took the boys to church and I really cried when my mom went home. Upon giving birth to the boys I was like....I'm fine...no I don't need anything.... thanks..see ya later and today I was a human waterfall. I've been fine just taking motrin but very very bored! I did go to Target with the family and rode around in their motorized wheelchair. At least I got out! So as for help...Jonathan's mom is coming tomorrow and Tuesday and my nephew will be staying with us Tuesday afternoon through the weekend so I will have help with the boys. If you get bored during the day...you are welcome to come and bring your kids....I would love the company. I do not do well being on "house arrest." If you are bringing us dinner...Thanks so much in advance! We really appreciate it! If you'd like to come and eat it with us...that would be great too. I promise to not fall asleep on you again! Just pray that I will survive "house arrest" and not be too bored out of my mind, we have no more crying issues and the pain stays managable.

Thanks!

And The World Was Never The Same

2008-07-21T11:25:00.005-04:00

On this day, twenty-nine years ago, my parents were building a home on Deerpoint Lake, in Panama City, Florida. It was a day well planned. The cement trucks were scheduled to arrive in the morning with 40 yards of concrete for the foundation of their new home. My mother was pregnant and due on the 23rd with their 3rd child. The night before, my father looked at my mother and bravely said, "Joy, all I ask is that you not have the baby tomorrow." This was a big request, not only because she had no realistic control over the situation, but because my father was taking his life in his own hands by making such a suggestion. This pregnancy had not been easy for my mother. It was complicated by the size of the baby and she had spent many a day in the doctor's office being monitored.

Regardless, the trucks were scheduled and it was imperative to get the foundation of their new home laid that day. So again, "Joy, all I ask is...not today." My mother agreed that this day would not be the most desirable time and they went to bed. At 2:00 a.m. on Saturday morning, only 2 hours into the very day they had agreed would be "labor free," my mother's water broke. This child was setting a precedent. However, as any good parent would, my parents refused to give in to the child and my mom sat in full labor as the cement trucks rolled in one after another. Occasionally, my dad would look to his strong, committed wife and ask "are you doing okay?" Her responses were either silence or "I'm fine."

My mother stayed in touch with the hospital personnel, who were not happy that she was on Deerpoint Lake, at least 30 minutes from them. "You have to come in now!" they told her due to the complicated pregnancy. "Don't PUSH!" was another common statement. Finally, around 1:00 p.m., my parents headed to the hospital. The doctor was contacted as he was finishing a game of bowling at Bowlaire. My mother recalls that his first statement when he walked in the hospital room was "I'm glad it's you." This was again in reference to the pregnancy issues.

Finally, at 6:31 p.m. the doctor, using his knee to support the weight, caught a 10 lb. 1 oz. bouncing baby boy! Actually, there was definitely no bouncing. More like the doctor saying "Oh jeeze, my back, somebody take this!" My parents were very surprised. You see, they had two girls and were expecting another. They didn't even have a name for a boy. It was supposed to be Rosemary Elizabeth (shutter). I hadn't heard this part before, but my mother remembers looking up at my father in the delivery room and noticing him tear-up as he looked and realized he had a son. They decided that this baby, being of sound stature and much fat needed a big name. So, my father thought of Jonathan. To continue a family name, they chose Austin after my father's uncle (whom he is named after as well).

So, at 6:31 p.m. on July 21st, 1979, after a story I couldn't have made up, Jonathan Austin Conrad was born to his loving parents, Ted Hiram Conrad and Ina Joy Conrad and two pestering sisters (okay, I love them too) AnnMarie Joy Conrad and Melanie Katherine Conrad. Thus started a really, really wonderful life for me and I thank them all for 29 very cool years.

6/17/2008

2008-06-17T15:01:00.006-04:00

Today has been eventful! Today Joel is officially 11 months old! Sniff! Sniff! (His party will be July 19th @ Maclay! FYI) Gabe went to VBS @ Wildwood and had a blast. When he got in the car he had this HUGE smile on his face and immediately I noticed...HE LOST HIS FIRST TOOTH!!!!! It's been loose for a few weeks and it just fell out today! He was so excited!
I then ask what he learned today and he proceeds to tell me about the story at VBS. He says, "Lot's wife wasn't supposed to look back and she did and she turned in to PEPPER!" (Not Salt or Dust...PEPPER!) At least he got the message that she wasn't supposed to look back! HA! Then at lunch Jonathan tells Noah, to eat his cheese quesadilla. Noah responds, "I don't want my cheese diarrhea." We lost it! I'm laughing still as I type this. First Lot's wife turns to pepper and now we are feeding our boys cheese diarrhea. We go to leave from lunch and Jonathan tells me that yesterday while he was changing a dirty diaper of Joel's, Noah was just chatting away and says, "Spiderman will take care of that poop (add sound effect of web slinging here)." So now, not only does Spiderman fight crime...he fights poop too! What a busy guy! Well...I think that's all the fun stuff I had to share for now. Until next time...

Kelly Surgery???

2008-06-09T15:27:00.002-04:00

Just wanted to let those of you know that YES, I will be having surgery next month. I think Jonathan spread the news last night at Men's Group and I felt I should explain that it wasn't a secret! I've been nervous about it & have just put it off in my mind until there was a date. I needed time for it to "sink" in and didn't want a lot of questions. I will be having a vaginal hysterectomy & bladder surgery at the same time. Since Joel was such a large baby, I have a prolapse, bladder & other issues. It was to the point where it was affecting my daily life & felt it's time to be taken care of. I want it done before school starts & my sister has her baby (so I could possibly get a little help from my mom). The dates will be decided by the hospital but look like 7/22 or 7/24. Right now I would love prayer for peace!

Will keep you posted!...

The Worst Day EVER!!!

2008-05-07T21:42:00.003-04:00

I can not remember any time before we were out numbered (3 to 2) where I had moments feeling I was about to lose it. Unfortunately, it happens from time to time. Well, this past Tuesday was one of "those" days. As Jonathan posted earlier...we've had a rough week. We finally think everyone is doing better when Sunday afternoon, Joel runs a fever of 102. Monday, he is SO fussy, I can barely manage him. I call the pediatrician to make an appointment for Tuesday morning to see what is going on, however Gabe has orientation at Killearn Lakes Elementary at 9am. Well...there were other plans....here's what happened......

Wake up to Joel screaming and covered in poop. Then after cleaning up his bed & him, I went to put stuff in the van and our garbage was all over our yard. (Someone had hit our can and put a huge crack in it and some animal got hungry during the night.) I load the kids and head to the doctor. I noticed there was a lot of traffic that seemed getting worse. So at 8am (when I was supposed to be at the doctor and after sitting on the over pass through 3 lights) I see there is an accident at Raymond Deil. I reschedule the appointment and decide to turn around and just go to the orientation, however the traffic is backed up going the other way all the way past Chick fil a. I end up making a very long trek back and get on Bannerman at 8 :35. Gas light on & Noah has to go potty. We make a brief stop at the Petro and head to the orientation. Luckily Jonathan met me there b/c it was not organized & very overwhelming for us & for Gabe. Finally get home, eat lunch and it's time to head to the doctor AGAIN! At the doctor, I go to get the diaper bag out of the van (when your kid is pooping a lot...you need it) and it's not there. I handle all three at the doctor and with no diaper explosions, we head home with the diagnosis of yet another virus. YEAH! The kids were as tired as I was and they all fall asleep on the way home, I go put all three in their beds and lay down myself to 10 minutes of quiet when Joel is awake again! UGH!!!

The day did get better instead of worse thank goodness! Jonathan made a few calls and called a friend to see if she would take me out for a break! Lisa & I got to go to Olive Garden for a nice quiet dinner & a stop at Books a Million. I am so glad I have such a great husband that knows when his wife needs a break & makes it happen! I am blessed to have a such a great family even though at times...I need a break!

The Shirt That Says It All

2008-05-07T20:31:00.004-04:00

Kelly found this shirt and it described our boys so well, she had to get it. She only bought one shirt...just to make it fun (see #1).

Conrad Sanatorium

2008-05-02T10:41:00.012-04:00

Medical Status Report: 2nd May, 2008

Gabriel: Temperature of 104
Noah: Busted lip, vomiting
Joel: Black eye, vomiting
Kelly: In need of vacation for mental instability
Jonathan: In need of vacation due to wife's mental instability and thus his safety

As of late, our house has become a hospital (for our children) and mental institution (for us). I believe they use to call these places sanatoriums? Joel (at 9 months) has his first black eye. He decided he didn't want to be in the car seat as he was being buckled and rolled out of it, fell on the floor of the van, hitting Gabe's baseball bat. Not a good moment. Noah followed suit that night by wrestling with Gabe until he fell face first on the hardwood floor, busting his lip and hitting his tooth. Shortly following both, Gabriel developed a 104 temperature. Later THAT night, Kelly and I heard Joel crying (strangely) and went to check on him. He was throwing up...A LOT! As we were cleaning Joel and his bed, Noah wakes up...walks out of his room crying and threw up. Every 10 minutes the rest of the night either Joel or Noah were heaving and Gabriel still had 102+ fever. The next day, they all seemed better...until bed time. After seemingly having gotten over everything, all of them regressed. We put Joel to bed...he threw up. We put Noah to bed...he threw up twice. We put Gabe to bed...got a scream in the middle of the night and he is back to 104. So, at this very moment Gabe has 104, Noah has a busted lip, slight fever and is throwing up and Joel has a black eye, slight fever and is throwing up. Kelly is nearing insanity and I am waiting for any one of them (or all of them) to break down mentally and attack me when I arrive home. Thus, we may be padding the walls in our house soon, if anyone wants to help. Hazard pay will be included.

Update: Kelly is now throwing up and I am officially the last man standing. If you don't hear from me in 48 hours, the battle is lost and I have been committed to the Conrad Sanatorium.

My Inner Dr. Cox

2008-04-24T14:14:00.003-04:00

You know, the funny thing about Dr. Cox (from Scrubs) is that all of us, at some point or another experience a moment where we "re-he-he-he-heally" want to let our inner Dr. Cox out to destroy those around us that annoy us...so...very much. I experienced this on the plane to Chicago last night. Let me tell you that even thinking back on it makes me want to explode with a tirade. The flight to Chicago was around 2.5 hours. I knew I was in trouble the moment these two ladies sat down, across the aisle from each other and began to talk...across the aisle, in front of me. At take off plus 2 hours...it still hadn't stopped, even for a breath. I'm telling you...the food cart came by and they talked OVER IT! OVER IT!!! COME...ON!!!! There was no silence...none. I couldn't sleep through the annoying chatter. I couldn't ignore it as they were right there beside me. During the flight, I finally found myself seeking refuge in my inner Dr. Cox. I was thinking what I would say if I had his freedom of expression. Here is what he was saying.

"Excuse me ladies, but I gotta tell ya that af(laugh)ter 2 hours of listening to you go on and on andonandonandonandon...and ON about how your boss, BOB doesn't appreciate you and how Peter seems to always rely on your help to succeed and how David is just a funny...kinda...guy....I'm seriously considering switching with the gentleman in the emergency exit row...THAT way, when you start talking again...and you will...I can pull the handle and throw myself out the door with the hope enjoying 30,000 feet of silence before I die...but, since I can't do that without probably sucking the two of you out with me...and Lord knows that would ruin the aforementioned silence...since I'm CERTAIN you would still be talking the En..TIRE way to your death...I've decided to just ignore that fasten seat belt light, go into the lavatory and drown myself in the reused, bacteria filled, sludge they call water..."

If only I had the freedom to say it. But, just typing it makes me feel a little better.

A good one from Easter!

2008-04-03T09:20:00.004-04:00

PIZZA

2008-03-26T15:12:00.006-04:00

This blog is all about our sweet Joel! He loves food! He will eat ALL DAY LONG! We will feed him dinner and then the rest of us will eat and he wants to eat what we are eating. He no longer wants baby food...he wants the real stuff! With no teeth I was being careful what I gave him, but he will grab it from you! He reminds me of a hungry dog (sorry but he does!) Yesterday, I put some leftover pizza (from lunch) in the garbage to clean up the kitchen and I put Joel in his walker. I went into my room to change my clothes. I was only gone for a few minutes and saw him in the walker at my door with red stuff all over him and the biggest smile. I freaked for a second thinking he was bleeding but upon further examination I noticed the entire slice of pizza in his hand almost demolished. He was a mess! I went to take it from him and he screamed! He had eaten the majority of it anyway so I just let him enjoy the rest. To calm any fears from the pizza being in the garbage...it was sticking out on top of papers b/c the garbage was full and it was only in the garbage probably 5 seconds (you know the rule...5 seconds!) before he grabbed it out! In the past week I have taken leaves, Easter grass and a puzzle piece out of his mouth! When it comes to food or anything he can put in his mouth...it's fair game to Joel! That's one hungry boy! HA!

Our First Major Launch

2008-03-21T10:27:00.000-04:00

Updated: Project Terminated

2008-02-23T09:52:00.013-05:00

Updated Official Notice: Original Report Issued (on this forum) June 2007.

Update: As of February 23rd, 2008 the Conrad Experiment in Militia Building by Natural Means has official been terminated. Top Secret equipment used in the creation of Version 1.0 (Code Name "Gabriel"), Version 2.0 (Code Name "Noah"), and Version 3.0 (Code Name "Joel") have been removed and disabled. "Gabriel," "Noah," and "Joel" will continue being trained and monitored for future impact.

Note: At this time, the "Parent" Coordinator (Code Named "Jonathan") is "not thrilled" and "very uncomfortable" with the way in which the project has been terminated. In his final report, he stated, "I am personally very hurt and pained as this project comes to an end. I feel as though something has been taken from me. In this process, I've gone from pain, to simply feeling numb, to wanting to be more numb, then feeling cold and icy and now I just hate the gravity of the situation."

As to the soldiers, Gabriel is concerned and asking many questions as to what has happened to the equipment and why. He has been difficult to please with simple answers and is demanding information to which he is not yet privy. Noah is aware, but unconcerned. However, he continues to stumble on the very location in which the equipment is being protected, to the dismay of project coordinators. Joel is unaware and unconcerned.

End Classified Report.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T13:48:00.004-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day from the Conrad Family

Few Pictures of Joel

2008-02-13T16:30:00.005-05:00

I can't add fun pictures of Gabe & Noah and not add some of Joel too!

Taken today 2/13/08! He's so cute!

Take @ the mission but he wasn't impressed. I even tried bubbles.

My favorite! Joel & I were getting tickets from Gabe & Noah. They were playing police men!

Mission @ San Louis

2008-02-13T15:45:00.015-05:00

Here are a few fun pictures from a few weekends ago!

Noah looking at the hole in the roof. He just stood there for a few minutes. It was really funny!

Noah was inside this looking up!

Gabe trying really hard to ring the bell.

Boys in the Friar's house!

Mouse remains after it had been eaten by an owl!

Personal Presidential Debate

2008-01-28T22:24:00.000-05:00

Alright...after much thought and review I've decided on Mitt Romney. That is until Chuck Norris finds me and hits me so hard I go back in time and change my vote. This has been one of the most difficult election decisions for me in a while. I liked different things about each candidate and disliked others. However, I came to the decision based on:

-His economic policies and limited taxation
-His healthcare policies
-His belief in smaller government and fiscal constraint
-His experience in both corporate America and government
-His moral standing and social policies

I will admit my concern over his Mormonism, however. Yet, this is my only issue and I feel it is not a major concern. That's my intention. Sorry, Huckabee. You were close, but you had to go and raise taxes, spend tons of money and even accept a few too many gifts. Chuck Norris almost made me forget that stuff, but I can't vote for you (looking over my shoulder...waiting for the roundhouse kick to the face).

Profoundi-talk

2008-01-23T18:40:00.000-05:00

I’m always thinking of things to say or do that are profound and will make my friends and family think, “Wow…that’s deep.” I think you do that too. I think we all do that, especially in the Christian community...and I think it's bad. I’m a relatively young Christian and there are many things that I believe we say (to sound profound) to non-and new believers that are setting them up for disappointment. Other Christians may judge me (another topic for later) for the honesty I’m about to share and they may even question my faith. But this is what I believe we ALL struggle with and we should speak up about it and be honest. Here are some things that we Christians say that I think are just profoundi-talk.

“It’s so nice being a Christian. I just have a peace about everything, because God is in control.”

This is one that I really struggle with and can’t imagine how it impacts non-believers. I’m sorry; I’d love to have a “peace about everything,” but it just isn’t so. Don’t get me wrong. I believe God is in control and I believe things happen for a reason, but that doesn’t give me super human ability to detach myself from the harsh realities of life. I have debilitating fears. I’m sometimes nearly paralyzed at the thought of my sons’ being hurt or killed, my wife’s safety, our health, and our finances. I worry about work, my house, my parents, my sisters, LIFE. Frankly, it bothers me, even as a Christian, to hear the whole “I’m at peace with the world” comment. I’m not at peace. I’m rarely at peace. I have an understanding and will get through things because I have faith in God’s control, but that does not mean I’m at peace with seeing a father of two small children killed in a car accident on his way to work. I can get through it and watch how God uses it, but the last thing I would feel is “peace” about it. Let’s be honest and just say, “Life is hard and sometimes terrible and it really helps to be able to trust that God is in control. It’s not the way He planned the world to be, but I believe He’ll use tragedy to bring good. However, I still worry and struggle. I just TRY my best to give it to God and I do my part to help.”

“I’m not afraid of dying. I’m saved and will be going to heaven.”

Alright, I don’t know if this makes me less faithful or not, but I’m petrified of death. I thought about this on the way to work this morning. I was in traffic in Miami on the expressway and passed by a horrible accident where two people were killed. Right there! Right there in the very spot I’m passing by and the crushed cars were still there. I kept thinking, “I wonder if he was a dad? A husband?” If I had been 30 minutes earlier, it could’ve been me. Morbid thought? Not very “peaceful” thinking? Dang right! Look, I don’t believe that people are totally cool with dying. So stop saying you are. Nobody believes you. My thoughts? I’m scared. I don’t know what to expect. I am a Christian and I do believe that Jesus has taken my sins away. But, if I’m really being honest, I’d say that I’m really worried that I’m missing something. You know that feeling you get when you turn in a test and you’ve gone over it a thousand times, but you still have this terrible feeling that you forgot a section or totally failed a portion? What if I get to heaven and God says, “No…I don’t have a reservation for you. Are you sure you know Christ?” Again, I’m being as honest as I can. I fear this. Also, I think that we should be careful not to claim we know exactly what will happen when we die. We don’t. The bible isn’t crystal clear on everything (“…the dead will rise first.” has always confused me. Aren’t they there already?). I’d much rather hear Christians being honest and saying, “Death is gonna suck. Nobody wants to die. But, I believe that Jesus died so that I could be with God and once I’m in heaven, it’ll be wonderful. But again…not looking forward to the dying part.” It’s kinda like getting a shot when you were a kid. I don’t care how much candy or ice cream I’m getting after the shot…the shot still stinks.

“Oh, just pray that God shows you His plan.”

Look…God is driving this car we call life and we can’t see the road. He has told us the destination and how He wants us to act along the way and even how to interact with others during the trip. But, in terms of the which roads He’s taking, what they look like, whether or not they have pot holes and what the weather’s like…let’s just say He’s not sharing any maps. I have no clue…you hear me…NO CLUE what God has in store for me. I don’t even believe in praying that he show me His plan…cause it ain’t gonna happen. He’s the navigator, pilot and co-pilot. All He lets me see…is the rear view mirror. That’s how I know God was, and is in my life. He shows me the roads I’ve been on and I get to keep guessing on where we’re going next. That’s okay with me. I’m okay with Him driving and I think it’s cool that he reveals to me where I’m at, and where I’ve been to show me just how good a driver He is. I may hate the bumps in the road once in a while, but He’s got it on cruise and we’re making good time. So, let’s be honest with people and just say God likes to navigate and frankly…He hates backseat drivers. So, you’re not gonna know His plan until you see it in the rearview.

The reason for this post is that I have been thinking a lot about Christian straight talk. Just say how you really feel and not how your dad, pastor or priest might say it. Don’t speak in King James and don’t act like you have it all figured out, 'cause I don’t buy it and neither will seekers. Being a Christian doesn’t give you super-human uderstanding of the world, amazing wisdom, keen insight into life and death, or clairvoyance. It doesn’t make us better or smarter than anyone else. The only difference is that we’ve accepted the grace and mercy of Christ, which we need because we are NOT better than anyone else. I would love to hear more Christians tell people, “Listen, I’m terrible. I’m not even close to being what I should be. In fact, I’m probably worse than you are. But, I believe that Jesus was a perfect sacrifice for me and an example for both of us. If you believe that, then together we can try to be better.” It’s that simple.

New Pictures...

2008-01-13T16:36:00.000-05:00

Joel will be turning 6 months old this week (sniff) so I wanted to add a few pictures of him. He is such a sweet baby!

Family Update

2008-01-09T14:09:00.000-05:00

Man did 2007 end with a BANG for us. Our front door handle broke...no big deal we used the garage anyway. Well then the garage door broke; the dryer broke and to top off the list... we were rear-ended on Meridian Rd. So we are really looking forward to a better year!

On a updated prayer request...Gabe will no longer be going to preschool. I will be teaching him at home for the rest of the year. A few issues came up in December that really made us stop and think that this school wasn't the best idea! So far it's been the best decision. He's doing great & we have our Gabe back!

Noah had an ear infection from Thanksgiving until the end of December. Was on THREE antibiotics in a month...but is finally better! He's such a sweet boy! He definetly keeps me on my toes. There isn't a day goes bye I don't ask...Where's Noah?

Joel had an ear infection was put on an antibiotic. Didn't clear up the ear or the cold which lead to wheezing on Christmas Day. He was put on another antibiotic and prednasone. He's finally better. He's finally sleeping through the night again! He is such a wonderful baby! He weighed about 15.9 the end of the month! He's doing great!

Jonathan's work is going well. He'll be traveling about once a month for about a week, which is really hard for me but is getting easier each time. He got his first commission check! YIPPIE!

As for me...I'm trying to keep the house cleaned, raise my sweet boys and be the best wife & mother I can!

Hoping for great things in 2008!

Should we try to fix or just listen?

2008-01-09T13:42:00.000-05:00

I recently read a book for small group leaders at our church and came across a section that really hit home to me. Here's the text from the book "You can double your class in two years or less." By Josh Hunt.

"We can only fix ourselves. An atmosphere in which we are constantly trying to fix each other will quickly squelch honesty. I do not want a group that is constantly trying to fix me. It does not matter how well-meaning the group is in this. Fixing kills honesty.

I have seen this happen in groups from time and time again. One person will bravely share something that is not working. Someone else will say, "You just need to pray more."Another will tell the person,"Just forgive and forget." ...

If they will hear one another, really listen to the feelings as well as the facts, and bring both together to the Father, the group will find healing. But as long as we are trying to fix each other, God isn't allowed to do much fixing."

In James 5:16 it does not say "Confess your sins, do your best to fix each other."

In different settings, Jonathan and I have recently experienced this where we've asked for prayer and received everything from "Why did you do that?" to "Well, what I do is..." to "Why don't you just..." Granted, many of our friends are our accountability partners. But, there is a very thin line between accountability and judgement. We're guilty of the same thing in our home team and other small groups. It is easy to fall into "helping." This book helped me see that we need to build each other up in Christ not squelch the honesty and make everyone just like ourselves. Please pray for guidance when others ask for prayer! Together God can fix/solve our problems!

Paul and I

2008-01-09T13:13:00.000-05:00

14We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[c] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

21So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22For in my inner being I delight in God's law; 23but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. 24What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? 25Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Romans 7:14-25

Happy New Year

2008-01-08T15:23:00.001-05:00

I haven't written a blog in so long, I though it necessary to at least get back on here and tell all of you Happy New Year. There will be ups and downs this year; successes and failures, joy and stress, monotony and new adventures. Regardless of what this year brings, let us embrace each and every experience. Bring on 2008!

Happy New Year, everyone!!

These are the days of my life...

2007-11-13T22:20:00.000-05:00

Having three children is a lot of fun but can be very stressful. Here's a glimpse of my life for the past week. Gabe's had a cough for a few weeks so last Wednesday I take him to the pediatrician and we're told it's asthma. (No big shocker...Jonathan & I both have it!) The two older boys also get FLU shots at this appointment. I think it's worse having the older kids get shots than the babies any day. To make a long story short, Noah goes first and screams his head off. Gabe watches Noah get his shot and is terrified, so I have to hold him down (have a nurse hold Joel) and have Noah screaming all at the same time. A very stressful event! At which all three fall asleep on the way home! We give Gabe the inhaler (as prescribed) but he gets worse and not better. Sunday, after we went to church and ate lunch with some friends I noticed his eye was red. You guessed it...PINK EYE! At this point Noah now has the same cough and a runny nose. So...Monday morning we all go to the pediatrician's office AGAIN! Gabe is treated for Pink Eye & both boys are given cough medicine. With the nurse practitioner is still in the room, I go to hand Joel to Jonathan and we look at him with GREEN stuff coming out of his nose. He gets checked too and all is well. This brings us to Monday afternoon...Jonathan leaves to go out of town for the rest of the week and now Gabe is running a fever. His fever was around 102 all night. Today he was fine until this afternoon when he started running a low fever again. (You know Gabe doesn't feel good when he takes a nap...a 2 hour nap!) Noah is feeling fine! Joel however has been running a low fever all day and now has Pink Eye! Of course being that he is only 3 1/2 months old he can't use the same drops as Gabe so tomorrow morning we are headed back to the pediatrician AGAIN! Can I just say...PLEASE PRAY FOR ME!~

Bad Aim

2007-11-07T21:43:00.000-05:00

Well, Julie posted about the Poop Cycle so I had to share and inform about MY current problem. I thought I had it all figured out when Gabe was potty training...put an old burp rag or towel at the back of the toilet so when he has "bad aim" it would catch it and not drip down the sides of the toilet onto the floor. However along comes Noah...He waits until he is just about to wet his pants to go and then it drips down the front of the toilet (he isn't tall enough & is in too much of a hurry to lift the seat). He just pees EVERYWHERE! I normally have to spray their bathroom down everyday with bleach so that it doesn't stink, but even when I've just cleaned it, I will go to bathe them and still smell pee! I will add that I have a two air fresheners one plug in and one behind the toilet & they don't help!! I guess this will be a never ending problem at our house and I'm sure it will get worse when Joel gets bigger. Just had to share my frustration and warn all of you that have boys that this will happen to you too! P.S. Don't use ammonia to clean it up...it only worsens the problem!

Talking with God

2007-10-29T00:00:00.001-04:00

The other day Gabe was waiting for our neighbors to come home so they could play. He was sitting at the edge of our drive way with his bike just waiting patiently. I went outside to play with him while the other boys were napping. I asked him what he was doing and he said he was talking with God. I was caught off guard a minute and asked what did you say? He said that he was asking God if He was okay because He was hurt on the cross. I told Gabe that it was great to talk with God and God really likes talking with him. He's really been asking some wonderful questions about stories he's learning from school & church! What a great feeling to know he's listening & processing stories about our wonderful Father!

Conrad Pictures

2007-10-28T23:45:00.000-04:00

Wanted to share a few fun pictures from this week!

Gabe had his Fall Festival at school on Friday! Noah only likes a few bites of Cotton Candy and it's a good thing. He'd be so sticky! Cute picture!

I tried & tried to get Joel to smile to get his 3 month pictures...He'd smile and by the time my slow camera would snap...he was back to being serious again! I thought this one was really cute. I think I took about 20 pictures; good think we're digital.

Me & my sweet boys at the pumpkin patch! Joel wasn't very happy! Gabe has a Cowboy Dress up Day on Wednesday at school and wanted to try it out!

This is what happens when you are the youngest. Big Brothers do silly things to you and everyone laughs without you knowing why!

Cars & Trucks and the thing that makes them go...

2007-10-02T16:26:00.001-04:00

When we all got into the car today, I noticed that the gas light was on in the van. I told the boys we were going to have to put gas in the car on the way home. Gabe then asked Noah, "Would you like to know why cars need gas?" Noah didn't respond so he continued anyway. I eagerly listened while he proceeded..."Cars have to have gas or they will not work and if they don't work, you have to walk. You don't want to walk because your legs will get tired and hurt. You want your car to work so you should put gas in it. Remember the time Mr. Vance didn't put gas in his car and we had to help him. Mommy, why didn't Mr. Vance put gas in his car...doesn't he know it will not work without gas." I added that Mr. Vance knows that cars need gas, but his car was broken and he didn't know it was out of gas. This happened months ago and he still hasn't forgotten!

Gabe has frequently asked why he can't ride in the front seat beside me. I've explained about air bags and how they can hurt him if I was in an accident because he isn't big enough yet. We had this conversation a few days ago, but realized today that he got to ride in the front seat of a car. He reminded me that he got to ride in Vance's truck because there is no back seat! He was quite satisfied knowing he got to ride in the front afterall! Vance you've been redeemed! HA!

Holy Moly

2007-09-05T22:18:00.001-04:00

Today Gabe came home from school singing,

"Open the eyes of my heart Lord,
Open the eyes of my heart, I want to see you"...he continues until he gets to the Holy, Holy Holy part...he sings..."Holy Moly, Moly!" I corrected and said it was Holy Holy Holy and he said that was fine but he was going to sing Holy Moly because he liked that better.

Too Fun! Had to share!

Kelly

Action!!

2007-08-30T15:14:00.000-04:00

My friend Christopher and I have had this conversation before. But, lately I've really been thinking about my frustrations in life and most of them are in some way related to an inability, unwillingness, or refusal to take action. That isn't new. We all get frustrated when we want to act and can't, don't, won't. What has got me blogging about this, is that I just recently (in a moment of inactivity, mind you) started thinking about the fact that I am just as aggitated at constant preparation for action. Some would say preparation represents a series of important actions taken to lead up to a bigger action. I say that preparation, in many cases, is a stall tactic or a way to waste time until action is needed. I hate talking about acting and thinking about acting and studying how to act and deciding when to act. And, in the middle of my action (when it happens) I don't like to stop to talk about how it's going and what should change and why and when. Just let me get something done! That is a weakness, perhaps. Great leaders will tell you that a key of leadership is the willingness to read, study and prepare yourself on a regular basis and to evaluate your actions. I hate that. I don't want to talk about it, especially while I'm in the middle of trying to execute the action. I guess this all stems from my current position in a "start-up." I feel like there is soooooo much planning that goes into everything and then a lot of talking about the planning and a lot of planning about the talking about the planning and then, maybe acting, then talking about the acting and planning for reacting. And thus, you have seen my worst fear. A cycle of insanity. Solution: We need to win a contract.

Life Is But A Dream

2007-08-28T11:27:00.000-04:00

Recently, I taught Gabriel how to sing a round of Row, Row, Row Your Boat . He's pretty good at it. I was surprised at how easily he picked up the round part. He amazes me. He is now going to school. Well, preschool anyway. I know it's old hat for our parents and others. We always hear, "they grow up fast." Yet, just like most things in life (like "Don't touch that it's hot!" or "Brakes don't work on wet roads at high speed.") you have to experience it, before you get it. That's where we are now, as parents. Gabriel is growing up and I am experiencing the speed in which that happens. I know most of my friends are going through the exact same stage of parenting. We're watching all of our oldest children become more independent and self-sufficient. We are having serious conversations with them that don't revolve around PBS characters or silly stories. We are answering real-life questions and I'm amazed at the desire and drive they have to gain knowledge. Sometimes, Gabriel asks me to sit with him and just tell him about something. Seriously! He just says, "Daddy...will you tell me more about something?" And I'll ask, "What would you like to know about?" And he'll say, "Tell me about the people who don't have toys." or "Tell me about Jesus. When do we get to go to heaven? How did Jesus come back to life?" "Tell me about (insert any subject)." No kidding! I'm struck by this. These aren't light subjects and he isn't just trying to avoid going to bed. Well, sometimes that's the reason, but mostly he truly wants to know what we have to tell him. He listens intently and asks questions about my answers to questions. He has also been very focused on Joel, our newest addition. He is proving to be a wonderful big brother. He is loving and wants to hold him and care for him as much as he can. I've already seen Gabriel grow up a lot, since Joel's birth. He is more loving to Noah and has really assumed the Big Brother role very well and seems to take great pride in it. Another sign of his growing up too fast, and the scariest one, is that when asked why he plays with a particular girl in school, his response is "because she's pretty and has pretty hair." WHOA! Too early to deal with that, so I'm leaving it there. Gabriel will be five in October. Part of me says, "he's only five" while the other says, "he's already FIVE!!!??" He is so young, yet now is when he'll learn the most...and what he learns will impact him most. I just take refuge in the fact that after I insufficiently answer one of his "how does the world work" questions, he and I still have time to sing a round of Row, Row, Row Your Boat and pretend that "life is but a dream" for a little while longer.

Windex Clean

2007-07-09T20:58:00.000-04:00

I'm sure everyone has seen the commercials for Windex where the birds fly right into the window or glass doors or the even the most recent one where the man runs into the glass doors and the birds laugh. I always thought the commercials were were silly and wondered if that really did happen because I'd never seen it happen. Well...it does! While leaving church this morning, I opened the glass doors and saw a helpless bird on the ground, lying on it's side. Upon first glance he appeared to have been badly injured and missing a leg. I called for one of the men leaving to please help the little bird because it was badly hurt and still alive. I was feeling quite sorry for it, wondering what could be done to help it. I then pulled my very curious boys away from the poor animal and headed to the van to leave. The men thinking they were going to have to put this poor bird out of its misery and dispose of it were shocked when it stood up and proceeded to fly away. The silly bird was perfectly fine and had just flown into the door and knocked himself out. Upon coming too...he flew away. I was quite relieved the bird was fine and had to laugh at it once we all realized what had happened. I now really think the ads are funny knowing it really does happen. What a funny way to start the day for us and the bird!

Exact Change

2007-07-05T19:06:00.000-04:00

Well, Gabriel decided to be a human cash register today. At nap time, he thought it would be a good idea to hold on to his money by putting it in his mouth. Of course, this goes against the many times that his parents informed him not to do such things. But, alas, he put it in his mouth and quickly discovered how sometimes you can involuntarily swallow at any given moment. The interesting thing is hearing him describe how it happend. "I was playing...and...and...I..the quarter...I put the quarter in my mouth...and I...then...I swallowed it." According to Gabe, he then bent over, mouth open and hoped it would "fall out." To his disappointment, it didn't. So he called his mother in the room. At this point, he is panicking and saying how he wants it out. Of course, Kelly calls the doctor to make sure this isn't a problem and they instruct observation. When she got off the phone, he asked if the doctor was coming over to get it. Kelly calmly explained the laws of nature and how the body works when you swallow something. Having the patience of his father, Gabriel immediately goes to the bathroom and sits on the toilet...waiting....watching. Unfortunately, NO SALE. Once he finally accepted that it would be a little while, he gave up and took a nap. It's hard work being a cash register. Just between you and me...for the next two days, I plan to make "Cha-Ching" noises everytime he goes to the bathroom. Builds character.

Project Termination

2007-06-27T09:30:00.000-04:00

Official Notice: The Conrad experiment of militia building by natural means will come to an end, effective July 2007. The experiment, code named "we-ad-a-baby-itsa-boy" has been deemed a tremendous success. This project, spanning only 4 years, has provided our nation with three super soldiers capable of wearing down ANY enemy in only minutes. The information below is classified.

Version 1.0 - Code Name "Gabriel"

Gabriel is an exceptional warrior with keen awareness and adaptation capabilities. He is quick to embrace new technologies and strategies through observation and training. As with most 1.0's, he experienced focused, one-on-one training and protection for the first 2 years of his service. He shows natural leadership abilities with 1.0's from other programs around the country as well as newer versions. Note: Though he is showing growth and control, it is unwise to employ 1.0's at this stage of training to command or control newer versions from the same facility. Hostility from newer versions and the 1.0 may occur.

Warning: Gabriel has the unexpected ability to change personalities exceptionally fast. He is gifted in the art of negotiation and has the ability to combine personality change with this skill to gain control of any situation. Our scientists, known as "Parents" were sometimes slow to understand this phenomenon. However, a laboratory has been created to solve this issue. Called the C-MACC or Counter Manipulation and Attitudinal Correction Center, this facility is affectionately called the "room." Gabriel also displays a cunning ability to wear down opposition with a technique called, "Hounding." This technique shows great strength of will and determination whereby Gabriel besieges the target and remains focused on one mission, sometimes for hours, slowly eroding defenses.

Version 2.0 - Code Name "Noah"

Noah is a gifted soldier and has shown remarkable abilities to observe and learn from version 1.0 and the Parents. He has proven himself exceptionally gifted in covert ops with stealth capabilities. When captured, he uses natural gifts to morph himself and convince his captors of his innocence and peaceful intentions. He is also adept at incorporating version 1.0 into his plans, sometimes without his knowledge. He is known to use 1.0 as a smoke screen to escape and accomplish his goals undetected. He is a determined warrior and will achieve his mission, at all costs.

Warning: Noah has shown the unexpected ability to focus, without distraction on tasks not sanctioned by the Parents. Once an unsanctioned mission has begun, Noah will disregard any command given from the Parents to halt his advances. Noah has adapted and is virtually unaffected by the C-MACC lab. On occasion, Noah will also become hostile to version 1.0 and without Parent interaction, damage to the facility and both soldiers will occur.

Version 3.0 - Code Name "Joel"

Unknown - Project Underway. Observation and training to begin July 2007.

God Is A Car Guy

2007-06-22T09:16:00.000-04:00

Alright. I have rediscovered my blog and I am making my return. I haven't posted since last September (blowing the dust off my screen as though I've found my old blog in the attic). Kelly has been posting some great stuff and I feel the need to get back to it. I wanted to share with everyone the experience we had at the first annual DadFest Car Show at our church. First things first...confession. I doubted. I was very concerned that this event would not work out, especially at 10:00 a.m. when it was scheduled to begin and we only had one car there (not including our members...thanks Vance and Rick). I must also confess that I doubted so much that I took things into my own hands and began "working" the issue. Calling around and finding out who, what, when, where and why. It was a test of my faith and I went down in flames. One hour later, I was all "God is awesome!!" But, between you, me and the world...I had an early moment of "this event isn't going to happen." On the way home, after an amazing event with life changes happening...I literally slapped my own face, looked up to God and said..."There. I did it for you."

Okay, with that said I do have a story to tell. At the event, I went to say hello to a couple that came by to see the show. Joanne brought Brian as a surprise. She saw in the paper that his favorite car EVER (1966 Shelby GT 350) was going to be there. We talked for a while and they were very nice people. We spoke of our church and they expressed thanks for holding the event. We talked of church pasts and I encouraged them to feel free to explore the campus and go inside if they'd like. "No...I'm not dressed for church." a humble Joanne replied. "It's not about your clothes," I said, "God doesn't care what you're wearing and neither do we. It's about you being here." After that, we talked for a little while longer and they went on their way looking at cars. Around an hour later I was wondering around the event and Joanne and Brian flag me down. "I'd like to ask you if I can get your phone number." Brian said. "Sure." I replied, with curiosity. It seems Brian and Joanne did go inside our church. They listened to Matt (our preacher) on the monitors and spoke with people inside for a few minutes. They walked out of the building with new friends, some excitement and a new, plastic wrapped bible in hand. They found me to ask if they could have my phone number in case they had questions. "It's been a long time." Brian said, "and I know I'll have a lot of questions when I read this over. Can I call you?"

Well, it turns out that God had several reasons for having Brian and Joanne at DadFest. Two days later I got a call from Joanne. She was in tears and wanted to ask if we would be willing to pray for them. Brian's brother, in a Michigan ICU, was dying of kidney failure and Brian got the call to come and say goodbye. She asked for prayers regarding many important things related to this situation.

When I look back, I'm in awe of God. You see, He used a car to bring them to a church. It was not a accident that it was Brian's favorite car at the center of our show. Or, that it was mentioned in the paper Joanne read. Or, that we had a chance to meet and talk for a while. Or, that they got a bible and wanted a phone number for help. Or, that she felt comfortable calling me (after getting to know me ever so briefly). Or, that Brian was seeking, for the first time in years, to get closer with God. No...God brought them to DadFest because he knew that in a few days, they'd need a phone number to call, courage to share their faith with a dying brother and a church family to lean on during this time.

Bed Rest

2007-06-15T12:27:00.001-04:00

Well I've almost survived the three weeks plus of bed rest. It's really been a hard thing for me to deal with. I'm so independent and want to do everything myself. I don't like asking for help or having to rely on others to do things when I'm capable of doing them myself. Not like anyone reading this didn't already know that. The hardest part for me is to rest when I don't really feel the baby is in danger. I understand I "could" have the contractions again and go into labor but with the baby measuring a few weeks bigger (estimated 6 lbs two weeks ago)....I think he's going to be just fine. So...much to my disapproval, I've tried my hardest to do what the doctor and my husband tell me and sit on my rear. I have had a rough time with the baby pushing on my pelvis and giving me major back pain, cramping and keeping me up 3-4 nights out of the week because of the pain. I am eager for his arrival since I'll be awake all night then anyway and will at least have something to do/take care of. Now, I just go to the couch and stare out the windows of the french doors and toss and turn. I can't get up, because I don't want to wake up the boys or make Jonathan think one of them is awake so I just stare. This morning I actually got up and folded clothes quietly and baked muffins for breakfast all done before 6:30am. Well...I guess enough blah blah, feel sorry for pregnant me. I will take this time to also praise my wonderful husband who has gone to work everyday, come home for lunch to make lunch so I don't have to, cleaned the house and completely takes over the boys when he comes home. He is so great! I'm lucky to be married to such a guy! He hasn't complained a bit! Also to all our friends that have brought us dinner, gone to the store or even come over and let me have adult conversation with them during the day. We have wonderful friends too! Well...it won't be too much longer now. 34 weeks and two days. Hopefully Joel will arrive soon so everyone can meet this little porker and see whose been causing all this trouble! Thanks to everyone for their prayers for my patience...I wouldn't have made it through with them!

FUNDER?!?

2007-06-15T12:14:00.000-04:00

Last week we had an afternoon shower and it thundered a little bit. Gabe being a little afraid of the thunder, woke up and came running to my room. Every time it would thunder, he would tell me to put my hand on him to protect him. This went on for a few minutes...I enjoyed being the "protector" and we just laid there for a few minutes. Not long, Noah (who calls thunder...funder) came running in my room. "The funder scare me in my room," he said. He then climbs in my lap and wants to be held and protected. Gabe being the wise older brother (and now calm and not afraid) then tells his little brother...."The thunder won't hurt you Noah, there's nothing to be scared of."

I guess we all need to be the protector from time to time.

Updates...Updates...

2007-05-22T10:26:00.001-04:00

Since it's been awhile...we are 100% having our third son! We are very excited and his birth is soon approaching. We've finally decided (tired of not agreeing) his name will be Joel Asher Conrad. It's great to finally know so I can get his room decorated and wash his clothes (or buy him new ones)! He's measuring two weeks bigger than normal right now and is expected to be around 8.5 to 9lbs if born around due date. Hoping he comes early!

Currently things are a little slower with the BIG boys. They will start swimming lessons the end of June (pending Joel's arrival) and are having fun asking me daily when the baby is coming out. Noah keeps asking why he can't see the baby and lifts my shirt to see my belly. Gabe's going to be a great Big brother again. He's been reading stories to Noah from his little red New Testament Bible like the story of Noah and the Ark. We've read him about Gabriel telling Mary she's going to have a baby and how Noah built the Ark. He's great at retelling them. He's asking important questions about Jesus and some we don't have answers for. Lately the big question was..."Did Peter die on the cross like Jesus?" Where did that come from? Upon asking the Matts at church I gave him the answer that yes he did, but upside down because Peter didn't feel worthy enough to die the same way as Christ. Man...things you can learn from a 4 year old.

Well, I think that's about it for now. Need to go check on the boys they are playing! Hopefully will post pictures of Joel soon!

China Boys

2007-04-24T15:28:00.000-04:00

Jonathan visited China Town while in California. He brought the boys back some cute clothes, which they love! Wanted to share the picture!

Busy Week!

2007-04-21T12:02:00.000-04:00

Well we survived a long week of Jonathan being in California! From a trip to the hospital for more monitoring, to glucose testing, a doctor's visit, painting the baby's room and the end to T-Ball. Wow....it's been a week! I was having some pains and contractions but all is well with that and according to a test that was done...at least I am not going into labor the next two weeks. The baby still is not playing fair so we can't get a definite 100% on the sex. Which leads to painting the baby's room a nice neutral tan. I want to get the room painted and clean while I still have some energy to do it. (The boys helped...Noah painted the closet doors, the walls and the back of the baby's dresser too!) Today we finished T-Ball with the last game and went to the church for Gabe to get his first trophy. He's so proud!

Growing up

2007-03-06T22:10:00.000-05:00

Recently I've come to the discovery that Gabe is growing up...much to my dislike. A few of his comments/conversations lately have blown me away. Some observant, like tonight while reading him the book Toy Story 2, he sees Andy's van driving away and in the book, it's red. For those of us who have seen this movie over and over...the van is blue. Gabe said, "Mommy, that's not Andy's van because it's not red, it's blue. It must be someone else." I just told him he was right. I wouldn't have caught the error...ever.
Another was while leaving a resturaunt the other night, he said he had a secret to tell me. The secret was that the little girl that opened the door for him was pretty. Boy...sure not ready for this one.
The last most important grown-up conversation we've had, was today. He loves the Disney movie Peter Pan. It came out today so I bought it for him (cheaper at Target). After watching the movie he asks if he could meet the "real" Peter Pan, not the character like at Disney. Then asks if Peter Pan's house is in the sky next to Jesus's house. To the first comment...didn't know he knew the characters at Disney weren't real. Which lead to explaining that characters from movies are not real, but Jesus is. It's fun to see the characters at Disney, but they are not real, they are just characters from stories or movies. For the second comment about Peter Pan and Jesus being neighbors....may I just say thank you Disney. I got the chance to explain to my son that only Jesus is real and lives in Heaven, and one day we will meet Him, but that Peter Pan is not and does not live in the sky. It's just a story. What a discovery and perfect opportunity to share with Gabe about Jesus. All from watching a Disney movie.
Not sure if I'm ready for more growing up...

Tee Ball

2007-03-03T15:20:00.000-05:00

Gabe had his first tee ball practice/game today! It was so fun to watch the kids play. When the ball was hit, they'd all run for the ball tackling each other to get it. Just wanted to share a photo of Gabe! He had a blast! It's so hard for me to believe that my son is old enough to play sports now!

Baby # 3 is a .....

2007-01-30T12:04:00.000-05:00

We found out today that we are having another BOY! Just wanted to share the news and the picture. The second picture shows the legs, bottom and boy part!

Alley's House!

2006-10-31T20:59:00.000-05:00

Here's a picture from last night at the Alley's Fall Festival! Can you believe we have all those children?

2006-10-29T22:04:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to share our Halloween Pumpkin!

Happy Halloween Friends!

Remember Me?

2006-09-25T01:06:00.000-04:00

Remember Me?

Ever feel like you are standing still while time is spinning? You wonder, what lesson is God trying to teach me and hoping you'd catch on soon enough so you could get to the top of the mountain and sail to the valley? Well, that's how I've been feeling. Where do I fit in? What is my purpose? Am I doing what I'm supposed to be doing? Lately my faith has been a struggle. It really made me think on my drive home from ladies night last night...Do I really know how lucky I am. I have a wonderful husband who loves me, two cute boys, a roof over my head, food to eat and clothes to wear. What else do I need? A song played on the radio...Mark Schultz...Remember me! At first I was thinking...YES God, remember me? I'm the one praying for our lot to sell, for my health situation, to find where I need to serve at church, for Jonathan's job situation......And then I actually listened to the song.....Remember Me, when the children leave their Sunday school class with a smile, when a church is quiet with prayer...Oh!...It's not about ME?...It's about YOU! Thank you God, for giving me a husband who wants to give 10% to you and does, even when the numbers don't add up. Thank you God that somehow, all of our bills are paid and we still managed to give the kids a Birthday party. Thank you God, for helping me remember that life isn't about me at all...it's about YOU! Thank you friends for listening and praying for me! I appreciate your friendship!

Interesting Week

2006-09-13T10:07:00.000-04:00

Last week was an interesting week for our family. On Monday night, Kelly received word that her Grandfather, Jim Argenbright, had passed away. She had been told that he was ill only hours before. We were taken aback at the news that he had succumbed so quickly. Kelly immediately began preparations to travel to Viriginia for the funeral. In all honesty, there are many levels of emotion regarding this situation. The family in Virginia are...well....a challenge to say the least. On Kelly's heart were so many thoughts and concerns. For her father, who had only recently healed his relationship with this man and who would be the Executor of the will. A position unenviable even in the most devoted families. For her Grandfather, whom she will miss. For the dread of dealing with an extended family whose greed, dishonesty and drama was easily predictable. For the pain of leaving her children at home for 3 days (husband too). All of this weighed heavy. However, there were positives.

Kelly's grief and anticipation of the trip turned into quality time with her sister and family (immediate that is) and a chance for me to spend 3 days as Mr. Mom. It was a really cool and needed experience on my part. Gabriel, Noah and I continued home schooling and daily routines. We went to the library and on field trips. We kept the house clean and I was still able to work some from home while the boys slept. It was great! I got to be a Consultant, Teacher, Maid, Cook, Punching Bag, Bus Driver, Window Washer, Toy Mechanic, Mediator, Father and Referee. It was an amazing week and we had a blast! Yet, let us be honest. Of all the roles I got to play, Punching Bag and Father are the only ones I claim to fill. Okay, maybe Toy Mechanic. Other than that, I'm a poor substitution. Simply put...the boys (ALL the boys) slept better the night Mom came through the door.

The Memory to Remember

2006-08-25T08:33:00.000-04:00

Well, for the first time, I have experienced my son being better at something than me. For those who don't know, we are not speaking of a teenager here. He's not even four! I didn't achieve true victory over my father in a game until I was almost driving. Though the only game we really played in competition was Chess. Anyway, last night our family had a wonderful evening. Our small group was cancelled which gave us an opportunity to seize the night and declare it "family night." We took a trip to Target, saw Vance hanging out in the parking lot waiting on Michelle to jump his car off; All was normal.

When we arrived home, Gabriel wanted to play the game Memory. So, I put some blankets on the floor and our family crowded around the game and settled in to play. Little did I realize, I was being hustled by this four year old Memory Shark. He tied me the first game! The next game I won by one. Looking back, this would have been the opportune time for Gabe to encourage me to start playing for money. I can hear it now. "Man, Dad! You're good at this. Too bad we aren't playing for money."

After a while, Kelly took Noah outside and Gabe wanted to play a few more games. Mana a Mana. Double or nothin', pride is the bet. Again, we tied. Then, alas...the final game was a two pair victory for Gabriel. The Archangel of Memory. He defeated me. No help. No taking it easy on him by his old man. He just beat me.....and defeat has never been sweeter.

All work and no play makes Jonathan go crazy!!

2006-08-24T09:26:00.000-04:00

Well, you may have noticed that I haven't been blogging much lately. I have had ideas. Yet when facing the prospect of typing them out, I found a lack of time and energy. I have been pretty busy across the board. Between work, church, work at church, church at work, family, etc., I have found myself shying away from blogging, which I enjoy. So, I'm back! I have found the time (though in a brief moment at work...forgive me) to blog. Here's what is happening lately:

Still trying to sell our lot...(anybody...anybody?)
Been to a REALLY cool Willow Creek Church Leadership Conference
Have to write an article based on this leadership conference for my work
Cool, fun opportunities on the horizon (can't give much detail yet)
God is working on really great stuff at our church. Primarily in the following areas:

Outreach Team
Small Group Ministry
Leadership/Volunteer Organization

Been having and will have a lot of meetings on these subjects
Gabriel has begun home school preschool and he is doing awesome! He really enjoys school and is like a sponge.
Noah is discovering everything, everywhere and putting all of it in my living room.
The project I am on has picked up in pace. Lots to do.
Our Small Group is going well. It is stable, relationships are growing and we are going through a new series on marriage.
God has been working in my heart, mind and soul and in my family. He has given me clarity on many issues (including a new vision for our Outreach Team which I am really excited about), while also stretching my faith and truly challenging me in many ways. All good, yet difficult and taxing.

I have noticed in the past couple of months that my energy and morale is waning. Thus, the title of this blog. One of the topics of the leadership conference was learning to understand what charges your batteries and what drains them. All of the above items I LOVE doing. I feel great about God working in my life and feel alive when serving. Yet, when the meetings are over and I come home late, it's quiet. My walk to the door is dimly lit by the porch light left on by my wife. My boys are already in bed and a "bedtime calm" has fallen over my home. At those moments, when there is nothing to do and my RPMs drop, I feel the strain. It isn't bad. We all feel it. And thanks to this conference, I think it is healthy to notice it, acknowledge it and find a way to recharge. That is my next mission. Should I choose to accept it. And you should do the same. :)

THE BIG BOYS!

2006-08-21T10:49:00.000-04:00

Yesterday afternoon I took Gabe to Celebration Baptist Church to participate in their Awana Program. He acted like a typical three year old on the way there...timid. "Mommy, will you stay with me?" I promised I would!
We get there and I register him and then we sit down in the gym on the floor. Meanwhile there are tons of other children running around the gym playing with balls and just having a great time. Gabe asks if he can play too. I said sure! He gets a ball and starts playing and this older boy comes and tries to take it from him. Immediatly the mommy in me is thinking "You better give my kid that ball back!" But, I just sat there for a minute to see what was going to happen. Ended up, Gabe and this boy had a wonderful time. To the boy's surprise, Gabe could snatch the ball and chase after him as well as he. They played for awhile and then....other BIG BOYS started playing keep away from my baby. Again...mommy instinct kicks in and I tell them that playing keep away isn't nice and they should play together. Gabe just kept chasing them. He didn't care. Gabe actually ended up with the ball at one point and ran for his little life. A mean BIG BOY pushed him down right on the gym floor. My brave son got up and just kept on chasing them. Gabe taught me that he is big enough to take care of himself even when BIG BOYS play keep away from him. I left the gym feeling so proud of my little guy for standing up to those boys!
On the way to his class he quietly looked up at me and said, "You're not going to leave me are you?" Just kind of made it sweeter~

Fear Factor

2006-08-08T21:54:00.000-04:00

Well, if I hadn't already been admitted to the "Official Motherhood Club" I was this week. My boys have passed around this wonderful 24-hour bug the past two days and I think now...I can officially handle anything Fear Factor can dish out!
Gabe woke up Monday with a tummy ache so he sat on the "potty" to go to the bathroom. Little did he know, nausea means something different. He threw up all over himself! Being the nice Mom I am...I grabbed the garbabe can...then came the pee! As he got sick, while sitting on the potty, he started to pee. The garbage can became a catch what I could! Just when I thought I was in the clear; it was now Noah's turn...

Thinking I was having quite a normal day, I decided to go to Comcast (all the way across town) and about two minutes before we got there Noah just screamed. When I turned to see why...you guessed it, he got sick. All over the car seat, himself, and the car! Luckily I had extra clothes and plenty of wipes! I put Gabe in the booster seat, Noah in Gabe's carseat and back home we went! So...Fear Factor here I come!

The One

2006-08-08T11:36:00.000-04:00

I love my wife.

She’s the one I have loved so desperately since the age of fifteen.

She’s the one whose love I have craved, desired and needed every moment since that day.
She’s the one whose voice fills a void I had never known existed.
She’s the one whose pain I feel, joy I strive for, happiness I long for, passion I desire, encouragement I thrive on and life I will protect with my own.

She’s the one whose laugh, whose love, whose smile….whose very being drives my existence.
She’s the one to which all that I do, all that I have…all that I am I give.
She’s the one to whom my children come when hurt, happy, excited or scared. As do I.
She’s the one from which our children will grow stronger and wiser.
She’s the one who gives me strength and yet is my greatest weakness.
She’s the one for which I do not need a commandment to love.

For she’s the one.

To my wife of seven years…you have always been the one.

The Capitol

2006-08-04T08:33:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I had a chance to take the boys for an outing. It was just us guys, since Kelly was at a doctor's appointment. I will admit that this kind of outing doesn't happen enough. It is something I must strive to do more. So, for that reason I wanted to make the most of it. Gabriel wanted to go to the "Red and Blue" place to eat. Having missed this conversation he must have had with his mother, I was at a loss. Kelly was able to figure out his logic and we deduced that he was referring to KFC. So, after some good chicken and yummy biscuits, the men were off for an outing.

I decided to take the boys to the Capitol. I actually wasn't sure if they would enjoy it or not. I was taking a gamble. To my surprise and joy, Gabe was REALLY excited about going to the "big building" (as described driving up Appalachee Pkwy). So, excited, in fact that I thought he was going to drive me insane when I couldn't find a parking space right away. "Daddy, you missed the big building! We have to go back! You can park there. How about there? Can you park there, daddy!?"

I first took them both to the 22nd floor observation deck of the new Capitol. As soon as the elevator doors opened and they could see for miles in every direction, they went crazy! They loved it! They both climbed up on the ledge beside the windows and leaned on the glass to look down on the city below. "Daddy, look at the little cars!" "Hey, I see a yellow car!" "Whoa! Daddy, is that your work way over there?" It was a lot of fun.

We then went into the old Capitol and checked out the Governor's office and some of the cool artifacts they have in each room. It was an opportunity to teach the boys some cool history. Again, they really seemed to enjoy it and Gabriel wanted to go into every rooom. Unfortunately, we couldn't stay long. Mommy's appointment was over and we had to go meet her. I told Gabe "we shall return." Apparently, he begged his mom to do just that. "Mommy, we didn't see everything. Can we go back now?" YES! My boys like history!!

On a closing note, I have to share my favorite moment. It was when we first arrived on the 22nd floor of the new building. I wanted them to have fun on our little outing and hoped they would enjoy the view and the history as much as I do. After playing and looking out every pane of glass, Gabriel spoke to me in the most childlike and sincere tone. "Wow...this is cool!...Daddy, thank you for bringing me here." Going back to work has never been harder.

You're in My Space

2006-08-03T08:33:00.000-04:00

My Space. Hmm.....To join My Space, is to lose my space. Here are my thoughts on this new and rapidly world dominating new social site. I'm just not a fan. Honestly, it isn't that I don't like it. Well, yes...yes it is. I don't really like it. Maybe it is just the way I am. I have never been one to want to go to a high school reunion or chat online with random people. I'm much more of a face to face socializer. And since My Space is a 24 hour 7 day a week high school reunion and online chat room with random people....naah...not for me.

Something else I struggle with is a little more philosophical. Friends come in and out of your life as you grow older. Life moves forward and changes. You change. This is really necessary, in my mind. What My Space does, is to provide a way for which everyone who has ever known you can stay in your life. It means people that in the past would have played their role in your life and moved on....now find you again and try to pick it up where you left off. Is that healthy? Can you keep up with friends...past, present and future and still move forward in life? Okay...so that's deep, but I have considered it.

Then there is the whole "I see you and you can't see me" aspect of it. I heard a radio discussion about the success of My Space, recently. It struck me when one of the individuals said that it's success is due to the fact that it is voyeurism. Before you get defensive, I'm not calling you a pervert. My Space simply provides a chance for you to check out what's going on in someone else's world, view pictures of them, see discussions between them and their friends all without interaction on your part. Having always been the "Close the blinds!" kinda guy...I don't like the idea of posting my pictures on the website so someone else can go..."I found Jonathan Conrad's My Space site....he looks so ______." Whatever the blank is there....I would rather see you face to face than have you click into my life, judge it and move on.

Kelly recently signed up on My Space. Which is why I am thinking about it. She enjoys it a little more than me. She has had several high school friends check in, posted pictures of us on the site and searched out many of her friends. She's had a lot of fun with it. She might win me over eventually. However, currently I am still unsure. But for now....you too can be invade My Space.

"Run for your Yikes!"

2006-07-25T15:57:00.000-04:00

This afternoon a storm passed over Conradville! Gabe was opening the back door and "BOOM!" He and Noah were in the living room and I was on the computer. At that moment, Noah screamed with terror and both boys darted for me. Upon their arrival, Noah was holding his chest. His little heart was beating so fast I thought it was going to beat out of there. After reassurance from Mommy that everything was okay, the two brave adventurers decided they would try and open the door again. They continued their adventure several times running from the back room to the living room and opening the door. Gabe told me, "Mommy, we're trying to scare the thunder!" Each time they would run back to me, Gabe would yell to Noah, "Run for your YIKES!" Hope you enjoyed their adventure as much as I did!

Circle of Life...

2006-07-21T11:10:00.000-04:00

Now that you're done humming the theme to Lion King, let us proceed with my thoughts. Today is my birthday. I'm now officially in my late twenties (We pause now for every person over 30 to groan). I have been thinking of my parents in realtion to this day.

I am the youngest of three. The only son. I wondered to myself what they would have been like 27 years ago. Two children. Pre-Jonathan. What a different world that must have been, eh? No! You can't go back! Here is the scary part. They were both my age. How weird it is to realize that I am officially half of my parents age. I'm sure they'll love reading it when I put it this way....they've doubled in age since my birth!! (Sorry, guys.) I have that affect. People seem to age significantly in my prescence.

Anyway, I have been wondering how different they were then, if at all. My parents have always been the source of wisdom that I rely on. Yet, when I was born...they were only 27 year old parents wondering what the next day would bring. It is so hard to think of your parents as...well...you. It makes me realize, as a 27 year old father of two, that I have big shoes to fill. So...what will I be like in 27 years? July 21st, 2033...here I come.

The Three Conooges

2006-07-12T09:31:00.000-04:00

When we had a son and then another, I immediately began dreaming of the days of football fame; baseball stars, even soccer (if they REALLY had to play it) champions! What I didn’t anticipate, however, is you must first go through the “Stooges” years.

I first discovered this when Gabriel, at just over a year old, walked right into the garage door….as it was opening. “Son, come on. You’ve gotta wait until the door opens.” But, alas, there was my boy…clothes lined by the garage door. Then he was climbing the Mount Everest of our bar stools. Brave; Yes. Yet, this Everest falls over. One busted lip and scar later, he was off again and the fun continued.

Then, Noah (or, Larry, if you will) was born. Poor, little guy never had a chance. With Curly knocking chairs over on him and those pesky garage doors (yes, he did it too. The same thing… “Come on, son….”) he was doomed from the start. He has now busted his lip for the second or third time (we lose count), broken his arm, scratched his face, been smacked countless times with various objects by his big brother (Curly) and he is just beginning the “Stooges” years. He’s not even two yet!

We all remember the “Stooges” years. We all had them. Maybe your enemy wasn’t the garage door. Perhaps it was that step you never could remember was there. Maybe that chandelier your grandmother refused to hang higher than four feet from the ground. Maybe it was always forgetting that you should stand back when your friend is swinging the bat. Whatever it was, we were all there.

Now, I must to tell you something. Kids, sons especially, cause some sort of mysterious degeneration. Though never graceful by any means, I have noticed that I have to be careful not to come out of every day bruised. So, consequently, my wife gets to deal with the Three Conooges.

Fathers, a word to you. Though, the time will come when our children will be coordinated, graceful and show unlimited common sense, they must first gain an understanding of gravity, the importance of looking forward….when walking forward, the fact that they grow taller and countertops don’t and the timing of a good garage exit. Until then, good luck to us all…nyuk, nyuk.

Signed,

Moe

The Night of the Ninjas

2006-07-07T09:59:00.000-04:00

It was a dark and stormy night. A heavy storm had covered the peaceful neighborhood of Killearn Lakes. Menacing thunder rolled overhead as brief flashes of lightning brightened the sky. As a fellowship of friends concluded their time together a cloak of darkness descended on their home. Was it the storm that disabled the power? Perhaps; Or might it have been something more?

We were hanging out in our Home Team last night and had just concluded our study, when the power was knocked out by a heavy storm. In minutes Kelly had candles up and I had the flashlight out (cause men need powerful beams of light...not that sissy candle stuff) and we were all laughing and having even more fun than when the power was on. The kids had fun with the flashlights and all was well. Gabriel, however, was wise to what was really happening. We adults were so naive. He kept his wisdom to himself as he pretented to play. All the while keeping a close eye on the dark shadows.

First thing this morning I received a call at work. It was from Gabriel. He wanted to tell me about the power going out. It was all he had talked about since waking up. He quickly informed me of what he knew to be the truth. It was no accident. "Daddy, last night...when the power...the power went out because of the Ninjas knocked it out." It was the Ninjas all along!

That's my boy!!

What Happens Next?

2006-06-27T13:24:00.000-04:00

The times I've looked away from you,
You've made your path apparent.
Why is it so unclear now,
In the midst of your presence?

I see your work, in retrospect.
The path already given me.
It is beautiful to see.

I could spend my life walking backwards;
Studying your great work.
What a fool I would be.

To gaze upon the perfect past
Is to miss the perfect plan.

What happens next, my God?

The path behind me,
So wondrous and so clear.
Yet the path before me shadowed.
Shrouded in mystery and uncertainty.

Father, let us whisper now.
What happens next?

My eyes are shielded, perhaps with doubt.
Poised, my foot lifted, I am ready to take a step.
Which direction shall I go?

If this knowledge is to be withheld
Until it comes to pass,
Then bless my mortal patience, Lord.

Forgive my constant questioning.
For I wait anxiously to know,
What happens next?
In which direction should I go?

Walk a Little Slower...

2006-06-20T13:11:00.000-04:00

I received this poem from my family on Father's Day. As I was rushing off to church, I made it a point to stop and enjoy the breakfast that Kelly had made for me (with help from the boys). I was then presented with this poem. It hit me more than Kelly expected. More than I told her. It reminded me of the father I want to be. Of my responsibility to not only do things for my children and take care of them, but to teach them how to take care of themselves. It isn't about telling my children what time it is. It's about showing them how the watch works.

To each of my sons, I say this. I want to walk a little slower, son. And so, I will. I promise.

Walk a Little Slower Daddy

"Walk a little slower, Daddy."
Said a little child so small.
"I'm following in your footsteps,
and I don't want to fall.

Sometimes your steps are very fast.
Sometimes they're hard to see.
So walk a little slower, Daddy,
For you are leading me.

Someday when I'm all grown up,
You're what I want to be.
Then I will have a little child
Who'll want to follow me.

And I would want to lead just right;
And know that I was true.
So, walk a little slower, Daddy.
For I must follow you."

Wisdom and Ambition: Incompatible?

2006-06-15T09:11:00.000-04:00

All of us have seen the Christian “Fish” bumper stickers. Most of us have seen a Darwin version eating the Christian version and another “Truth” version eating the Darwin. I wonder. Could we apply the same illustration to wisdom and ambition?

We equate wisdom with peace, knowledge and stability. We equate ambition with energy, risk, and instability. If we are ambitious, do we blow by and miss the peace and knowledge? If we focus on wisdom, are we too caught up on peace and stability that we miss opportunities in life? Are these two traits incompatible? Does wisdom eat ambition? Does ambition prevent wisdom?

This question is one of relevance to me as of late. I look into the eyes of my sons and see the determination, the energy, the youthful edge that all children have. No fear. That, ladies and gentlemen is ambition at it’s purest. Children have it. Oh, so much more than you or I. Afraid of nothing…..until they grow wise. A child will conquer the furniture by the time they are two. Climbing up to the summit of Mount Leathercouch, the heroic Noah plans to prove his superiority to gravity by jumping, sans parachute, to the base below. No fear. And he will have no fear, until the moment dad isn’t there to catch him. One time is all it takes and he is immediately “wise.” He will then tell other preschool superheroes “Think not, young ones, of jumping from Mount Leathercouch. For yours will not be a successful landing.”

A young boy runs to his grandfather and claims, “Papa, I am going to be President when I grow up!” The grandfather responds, “That’s great, my child, but first you must register to vote. Once you’ve registered as a Republican, you need to run for local office. Establish yourself in politics for a few years. After that, we send you to the Senate. It will require a lot of work and we’ll have to sell a lot of lemonade to get you there, but it can be done. Finally, we raise a few million and you’re off to the White House. Great idea!” We all know that isn’t how it goes. We feed ambition at a young age. We all tell our children, “You can be anything you want to be.” At what point did our elders stop encouraging that ambition and begin calling it “youthful arrogance?”

Here is my struggle. I thrive on being ambitious. I sit here under the fluorescent light of my office and wonder what’s next. What couch can I jump from and how will it end. I can’t wait for the excitement!! Then I realize that I’m not a child any longer. I find my ambition waning in favor of stability, for that must be the wise decision. Is this true? Must I truly give up ambition for wisdom? And if so, wisdom is just a consolation prize?

Road Not Taken....

2006-06-09T11:33:00.000-04:00

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference."

Today I was pondering my decisions in life. I'm young. I know that. Yet, I have been blessed enough to have made several life decisions that many my age will not make for a while. Most of those decisions have been the "one less traveled by" and praise God they "made all the difference."

Kelly and I are currently making several big decisions that will guide our future together. I thought today of Robert Frost. It has been years since I looked upon his words. The last I read the words of The Road Not Taken it was with the eyes of innocence and naivety. I took it as any 17 year old boy would in high school. He meant "Be risky! Go for it! Be different! Take the road less traveled and damn the consequences!" (sorry, but in high school that's what I would have said) I read it much differently now.

As a father; a husband; the leader of my household and only income my decisions impact much more than they ever have...and they aren't just my decisions anymore.

So, I return to his poem.

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference."

Wow! My heart races when I read it. Without a doubt, I want to take the one less traveled by! But...is it wide enough for my minivan? Does it have rest stops for the kids? Do they have security? Gas stations? Have we budgeted for the trip; for this road may be a little longer? Dang! I lost Noah's pacifier! They better have a Wal-mart on this road! Much more to consider these days.

And yet, as a driven, stubborn, determined and admittedly opportunistic man, I can't tell you how much I thrive on the idea of claiming "I took the chance and I was right." I desire to be the hero. I long to make that decision; choose the road that gives my family the life I desperately want to give them. Not material, but Freedom; Protection; Security. I guess, perhaps I haven't traveled as far from the 17 year old boy as I thought.

Coming Onboard

2006-06-09T11:28:00.000-04:00

Alright. The world stage will never be the same. There is a Conrad blogger. (Hey! Where did everybody go?)