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Merry Christmas Everyone!

Since this will more than likely be my last post of this year, I just wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! It's hard to believe that a year ago at this time we were just getting settled in at home with our new little boy. Now he's growing like a weed and getting into everything! It's been quite a challenge keeping him away from the presents under the tree. He'll get to open his (and everyone else's I'm sure) in a few days!

It's been a great year this year. Our little boy is healthy and doing great. My job is going good, although very busy, and I couldn't have asked for a better family...all of them! Let's all remember the reason we're celebrating this year and make 2007 a great year.

Until next time...

Memphis, TN Here we come!!

Well, we just returned from our anniversary trip to NYC. I think I covered that yesterday in pretty good detail!! Now it's almost time to travel to another city I've never been to...Memphis, TN!

After another pretty good year for my Gamecocks in football, I'll be attending my first ever bowl game at the Liberty Bowl in Memphis. We'll be taking on the Cougars of the University of Houston. They're the champions of Conference USA, and although we should probably win, I know it won't be easy.

I am looking forward to the trip, though. Me, Ashley, Trey, and my mom and dad will be driving there next thursday for the game on friday. It should be a lot of fun. I've got to give big props to my wife, who although is a graduate of the disgusting unnamed school, she still likes to go with me to the Gamecock games, and even cheers on occasion! I think we'll all have a good time together, and I'm excited since it's my first bowl game.

Anyway, that's really all I have for now. I'll try to remember to give my Christmas send-off tomorrow, as I'll be off all next week!

Until next time...

New York, New York

Well, we just returned from our anniversary trip to New York City. WOW!! That's all I can say. For a country boy like me, let's just say it was a major case of culture shock. When we first were driven into the city from the airport, the lights of Times Square were amazing. The whole place was lit up like noon even though it was dark outside. I can't even put into words what it was like seeing it for the first time.

We had a really great trip. I was ready to come home after being there for 5 days, but we did have a blast while we were there. We were even pros at crossing the street and riding the subway when we left!!

Probably the coolest thing that happened was on saturday. We took a tour of NBC studios and got to see the studio where the NBC nightly news is filmed. We also saw the studio of the Dr. Keith show, and the coolest part happened....we saw the Saturday Night Live Studio. Just seeing it was cool enough, but the best part was that they were practicing for that night's show while we were there. We saw Justin Timberlake and the cast practicing the skit "Dry Eyes" during our tour. Now, I'm no Justin Timberlake fan by any means, but it was cool to see him that close (a celebrity) and to then see that skit aired on TV that night. We were there for practice!!

The two Broadway shows we saw were amazing as well. Phantom of the Opera and Chicago were amazing. I know as a guy I'm probably not supposed to enjoy that stuff, but it was really neat. The music (my passion) was outstanding and it was neat just being on Broadway in New York watching something like that.

Overall, it was a fantastic trip. I'd love to go back, although it won't be any time soon. Our hotel was fabulous, and we really enjoyed ourselves. Maybe in a few years we can make it back, but I'm pretty happy in little 'ole Pickens for now.

Until next time...

For my Mother-in-law....

Let's see, it's only been what?...like 4 months since my last post? Well, I just kind of gave up. I get busy and forget to post, or I don't have anything to say...and then 4 months has passed!

It's been really hectic at work. Our office worker left us after 9 years, which really added to my stress level here. Not that I didn't already have a lot to do, now it's about doubled.

Oh yeah, I had my gallbladder taken out on November 10. For those of you who have experienced this, you know what a relief it was to get rid of that thing. Wow, I've never hurt so bad or been so sick as I was when that thing would act up! Good riddance!

Trey is doing wonderfully. He actually took 3 or 4 steps by himself last night walking between me and his mommy. It almost brought tears to my eyes seeing him grow up like that! I can't believe he's already a year old. Time is just flying by!

I'm excited this week. Ashley and I are off to NYC on friday for a few days. We've both never been, but we're staying in a nice hotel and going to see some Broadway shows, so I think we'll have a great time. We'll miss Trey, but I'm sure he'll be fine with GanGan and Papa, and also Grandmom and Grandpa. He's eating like a little pig right now, and it's hard to keep him satisfied!

Well, I'm sure much more has happened in the last 4 months, but that's all I can think of off the top of my head. I'll try to stay more regular, but you've all heard that before, right? Hehehe...


Until next time...

Trey's doctor visit

Well, Trey had his 9 month well-visit yesterday. We are always anxious for his doctor visits to find out how much weight he's gained and if he's still growing the way he needs to. He is!! He weighed in at 15lbs., 2 oz. By the way, God is good! Ashley and I prayed for 15 lbs, and he went over that by a bit! The doctor says he's doing fine and looks outstanding, so we were very pleased to hear that. He's been eating like a little champ lately, and his babysitter, Mrs. Robin, told me this morning that she would make sure to "fatten him up".

He's doing wonderfully at his new daycare. He doesn't cry or get upset when you leave him, and he loves being around the other children. He's starting to crawl all over the place now, and I love to just watch him crawl around to get things. Only bad part is, you really have to watch the little booger now because he goes everywhere in no time!

Sorry again for not posting in so long. I just get busy and distracted and forget to post anything. I'll try to stay more regular, but I make no promises. Hope everyone is having a great week!

Until next time...

Another long weekend...

Well, after returning from vacation and then being in Florida all last weekend, there wasn't much chance for any rest this weekend. The first item on the agenda was the wedding of one of my good high school friends and one of Ashley's best friends Kelley. We had a great time friday night at the rehearsal dinner and the wedding turned out to be a success saturday at "Pretty Place" in NC.

The weather was threatening and it rained a little, but it even cleared up enough right before the ceremony to enjoy the view for a while from the mountaintop chapel. The reception was a lot of fun, and I even got to get rid of the 8 to 10 mountain dew bottles I'd been saving up in my car to use as "decorations" for the groom's truck!!

Then came yesterday. Another all day singing affair. I left the house at 6:30 yesterday morning and got back home at 11:30 last night. Wow, what a day. We had two pretty good singings, and of course I always enjoy playing, but it was very tiring and I missed my wife and son. I felt like I hardly saw them this weekend. Next weekend is off except for Classic friday night, so I plan to do absolutely nothing then. Hopefully there'll be more time for rest for all of us!!

Until next time...

My Required Blog

Well, I know it's been a while, but we've been on vacation again, and work has been really hectic. But, my wife threatened me last night that I had better do a blog today. Why? I don't know. I don't think mine are that interesting, but for the sake of marital bliss, I'll jot a few notes.

We got back from the beach almost a week ago. It was another great trip, and Trey had himself a fine time in the sand and water. Speaking of Trey, he's just about to start crawling. He's already scooting all over the floor and getting into everything, but now he's really about to take off.

I was ready to come home about thursday of vacation week, which is my norm, but this time it would be a while before I could come home. I had to get up at 4:30 saturday morning and drive to Columbia to meet my group, The Melodyaires, for a road trip to Palm Coast, Florida. Needless to say, I was just a bit tired.

Luckily we have bunks on the bus and I was able to sleep a little while anyway. We had a great time in Florida with 3 great services. We even got to do a little fishing while we were there saturday night, though we stayed out way too late!! (we stayed out until 4 am)

Anyway, we finally made it back and I got to come home about 5:00 am monday morning. The rest of this week has mainly been spent recovering. Well, hopefully this will make Ashley happy :)!!

Until next time...

The Beach Trip

Well, we got back from Trey's first vacation to the beach on Sunday. We had a great time! Except of course for Friday, when I was laid up in bed almost all day with some kind of stomach bug. Yuck! At least it only lasted for one day, although my stomach didn't feel quite right until just the last day or so. Nothing worse than being sick on vacation!

Trey absolutely loved the beach and the water. He ate his requisite amount of sand and enjoyed sticking his hands in the saltwater and then putting them in his mouth to taste the water. I guess he's going to love salt like me and hear his mommy saying "Good Lord son, that's enough salt!!". LOL.

Overall we had a great trip, finding hundreds of live sand dollars and starfish. They were everywhere; even to the point of my brother Ross and me having a "sand dollar fight". That's where you pick them up and throw them at each other like skipping rocks on the river. We went fishing and caught a bunch of sharks which was pretty neat, and Ashley and my mom enjoyed some shopping. In a little over a week we'll be back at Myrtle Beach with the Maxie Clan which surely promises to be just as fun a time.

I love summer vacations!!

Until next time...

Studio Session

Well, we were back in the studio last night recording vocals for our new project "Encore". This has been a strange project to say the least. We actually recorded the complete project last summer, but due to some problems with a moron in TR and his recording equipment, it wasn't the best that we could do. So, we decided to re-do the whole thing and start from scratch. We've got all the tracks done, so now we're working on getting the vocals down. We've got 4 songs complete so far. We only got one done last night, but we're really taking our time with it to make it right. I think it's going to sound outstanding when it's finished. It should be done in time for end of the summer or at least by Singing in the Foothills 2006. Well, that's about all for today. Hope everyone has a great humpday!!

Until next time...

To all my fans

I'm sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry for not posting in over a month. I just got very busy and haven't had much time for posting lately. Shoot me.

Not much happening in my world. We had a big slowdown at work over the last two months or so, but it's slowly but surely picking back up, so that's good. My little guy at home is doing great and still growing at a great rate, so we're thrilled with his progress. Other than that, there's just not too much to report. I'll try to be more regular with my posts in the coming days, for the few that may actually care.

Until next time...

Mother's Day

This Sunday is a special day...Mother's Day. This will be the 27th Mother's Day that I've experienced in my lifetime, but there will be something a little extra special about this one. Not only do I get to celebrate my Mom, but my wife is a new mother this year to our wonderful son Trey. Technically, she was a mother at this time last year, but this year it "really counts".

I can't say enough wonderful things about my wife. She's been above and beyond what I could have ever asked for as a mother to our child. She's loving, caring, nurturing, and so supportive of everything to do with Trey. I loved her more than anything before, and now she's captured my heart like I never could have imagined. To see her with her baby is enough to make you cry. There's just something special about a mom and child. I love you Ashley! You're a FANTASTIC mom!

And to my mom, all I can say is thank you. Thank you for being there for me through my whole childhood and even now. I couldn't have asked God for a better mother than I have. She's a wonderful loving person and has given me above and beyond what I have ever asked for. She's truly been a blessing and I love her very much!

Thank you Lord for a wonderful Christian mom and a beautiful and loving Christian wife. Let me never forget or underappreciate what I have in both.

Until next time...

Busy Weekend

Boy do I have a busy weekend coming up! Tonight the Melodyaires are at our usual hangout...the Classic Events. We'll have the Roy Knight singers with us tonight, featuring probably the best songwriter in southern gospel music, Sandy Knight.

We then get a small break during the day saturday before heading out at midnight to sing in Advance, NC Sunday morning. Should make for fun sleep on the bus and fun ride home Sunday afternoon. That's ok, though, we love the road trips, and hopefully the Lord will do something special at these concerts. You just never know when God will show up in a mighty way at a church and really touch people's hearts. Those types of services are when it makes all the long trips, long hours, and time away from family worth it. Hopefully this weekend will be one of those times.

Until next time...

Props to my Bro-in-law

I've gotta say a big thank you to Shon, who emailed me back and forth about 40 times wednesday afternoon talking about Quicken. Since taking over the financial responsiblities for our house (I was forcefully "nominated" by my wife...I love you honey!!), I decided to go with Quicken. My wife is a math whiz and can keep up with everything on paper, but not me. If I had to do the old fashion balancing in the register stuff, we'd be so far in debt it wouldn't be funny. I'm not as smart as her, so I'm going with the technology!

Shon was great at answering all my questions and tell me how it all worked. I appreciate it, and it helped me out tremendously. Just wanted to pass on my thanks for all the help!

Until next time...

Trey's Dedication

Trey will be dedicated at church this Sunday. We are so excited! The one thing we want more than anything for our son is for him to grow up in church knowing that Jesus loves him. We want to turn him over to the Lord for his protection and guidance. This Sunday will just be an outward expression of that desire. All the family is coming for dinner afterwards, so it should be a great time Sunday afternoon!

Until next time...

New Furniture!

We finally got some new living room furniture!! Woohoo!! I've waited a few days (we got it on Saturday) to talk about it because I wanted to make sure I really liked it. I do!! We got bomber jacket leather couches (sofa and loveseat), and I got a new leather recliner that I absolutely love! It's a little noisy right now, but veeery comfortable! We're tickled with it, and when our lamps make it in at the end of the month, we'll have a whole new living room!

Until next time...

Spring Yardwork

Well, it's that time of year again. Time to do the mulching, grass cutting, hedge trimming, yadda yadda yadda. I must admit, I'm not much of a yard freak, and I'm not keen on spending all day long in the heat getting stuff done. Although I do love the look of a great yard. I just can't seem to get mine in that kind of condition.

This year we're going to try a different approach. I'm going to pay somebody to do it!! I'm looking for someone to do a little landscaping and mulching for me to see if we can't make our lawn a little more pretty to look at. Hopefully this will be the year we'll make the cover of Better Homes & Gardens....yeah right!!

Until next time...

My TV pick for tonight...

Since I don't have a lot to write about lately...

8:00-- Flip This House on A&E..check it out...great show!

And at 9 or 10-- The Apprentice...I've really gotten into this one lately.

On another note, Trey is not feeling well again. I think he's got some bad allergies like his mom, or he's getting another cold. Poor guy!!

Until next time...

Survivor tonight!

Thursday night is here! That means Survivor! I know, I've already said on here numerous times that I'm a dork. I can't help it, I just love this show!

On a side note, check out the show American Inventor on ABC at 9. That is a really good show too! Kind of the nerd version of American Idol. It's produced by Simon Cowell, so I guess that makes sense. But, it must be good, cause it's pulled me away from CSI to watch it, so give it a shot!

Until next time...

Inspiration for the day

Just a quick scripture for today:

"Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see." --Hebrews 11:1

Why must we struggle so much with faith? I know my faith has been strengthened immensely in the past year, but it's still a struggle. We should all aspire to have more faith.

Until next time...

Props to College Baseball in SC

Wow, can anyone argue that college baseball in South Carolina is tops in the land? As bad as I hate to give Clemson credit for anything, you've got the Tigers sitting at #9 in the country and coming off a weekend sweep of #19 Miami. Then, of course, you've got the Gamecocks at #5 in the country, also coming off a sweep...of #15 LSU. Both teams swept top 20 teams...ON THE ROAD. Now that's good baseball.

The Gamecocks and Tigers always field good teams, and it's nice to have a sport where both teams are really good and the rivalry can really mean something. For example, there was nothing better than beating CU twice in Omaha at the College World Series to send them home. Now THAT was fun!! The way these teams are playing so far this year, we just might be looking at another future Omaha matchup.

Until next time...

Stomach bug

I've got to tell ya, there's nothing worse than a sick child. The helpless feeling of wanting them to be well but being able to do nothing about it is about the worst feeling you can have. If you'll remember, I was up in arms over a little cold Trey had a few weeks ago. Well, that was nothing...

Last night we got our first experience with the stomach bug. Trey got sick last night and this morning, but hopefully with some PediaLite we will fight this thing off. I hate to see that little boy sick!! He's so precious, because even after throwing up, he still will just grin at you from ear to ear! Bless his little heart!! Anyway, we're just keeping our fingers crossed that he'll be able to keep this PediaLite down and won't have to go to the doctor tomorrow or get dehydrated.

Until next time...

Really cool web browser and email client

Just wanted to share something I discovered yesterday. I had heard that the web browser called "Mozilla" was really neat and better than Internet Explorer, so yesterday I decided to check it out. It's an easy download, and it's free, and it is awesome! It's a much more user-friendly web browser, and I love the way it's set up.

After I installed the web browser, I decided to also check out their email program. It's awesome too! Much more user-friendly than Outlook, and works great! So I've switched both applications over, and I love it! The best part about both is that when you install them, they will automatically import your favorites, your contacts, old email messages, everything! Everyone should try it out and see if it's not better! Check it out at www.mozilla.com. The web browser is called "firefox" and the email program is called "thunderbird". You'll love it!!

Until next time...

NIT Champs again??

Wow, my Gamecocks completely blow my mind sometimes. A basketball team that looked utterly clueless through much of the regular season has somehow reached the NIT Championship Game...again! This team has the uncanny ability to drive me up the wall like no other. Where was this quality of play in the regular season? Sure, we beat Florida twice (a final four team, no less). However, we lost to lowly Clemson and twice to terrible Georgia. Huh??

If Dave Odom could get the boys to play like they're in the NIT starting in January, he'd be in the NCAA tournament and making a huge run every year! Here's hoping the maybe next year we'll be back in the "real" tournament and make a little noise when we get there.

Until next time...

My Wife

I just wanted to make a post about my beautiful and precious wife Ashley. She is the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me. Without her I wouldn't have my son Trey, and I also wouldn't have the love of my life. Sometimes I fail to tell her or show her how much she means to me, but there's never a day that passes when I don't appreciate her and all that she does for me and means to me.

She's a wonderful Christian mother and wife who takes care of her family and loves them. She's the bright spot in some of my worst days, and the highlight of some of my best days. I can't imagine going through the rest of my life without her, and I love her more with every passing day. So honey, just know that I love you more than anything in this world, and I look forward to spending the rest of our lives together. I love you!

Heart Walk was a blast!

This past weekend we walked in Falls Park in Greenville for the AHA's Heart Walk. What a blast! I know I'm several days late in posting this, but I just wanted to let everyone know what a fun time we had! The course wasn't too difficult, and was actually very pleasant as we followed the river most of the trail. Trey's family was well-represented, and we all had a great time! I'm already looking forward to next year's walk.

Until next time...

Heart Walk

Tomorrow is the big day! The Heart Walk for the American Heart Association is tomorrow in downtown Greenville. We've got a great team walking with us in support of Trey, and to everyone who has made a donation, a sincere thank you. I've always heard of these events and thought they were great, but it really strikes home when it's your son who is affected. I'm looking forward to getting out tomorrow and having a good time walking with our family and friends.

If you'd like to make a donation, it's not too late. Donations will be taken for the next couple of weeks. Email me at michael@tmatools.com and I can give you directions on how you can donate securely online. Once again, thank you very much on behalf of myself, Ashley, and especially Trey for donating and joining us in this effort. You are greatly appreciated!

Until next time...

Spring Football

Spring football practice is in full gear now for my beloved Gamecocks, and even for the hated Tigers. This time of year is tough for us college football junkies as the offseason seems to last an eternity. However, spring practice serves as a small, albeit very small, oasis in the middle of the offseason desert. We get just enough information, depth chart news, and progress reports to keep us from losing it until practice starts in August. Whoever came up with the idea of spring practice should be given a medal! Go Cocks!!

Until next time...

NCAA "Bracket Fever"

There's a new medical epidemic popping up all over America this week. It's the same flu bug that seems to go around every year about this time. It's called "bracket fever". It starts as a cough or congestion on monday, and by the time thursday rolls around, basketball fans across the country are calling in sick. It's time for March Madness!! Just think about all the lost productivity this week! Too bad my Gamecocks aren't in it, but maybe next year if we can get a new coach.

Until next time...

New bed....!!!!

Well, we finally got a new bed! I'm talking a king-size pillow-top monster!! You talk about comfortable!! Wow! I never knew how the rest of the world was sleeping. We've been sleeping on the same mattress I had since I was 5 years old. That's 22 years if you're counting! Let me tell you saturday night was wonderful! There's nothing like crawling into a giant king-size bed that feels like a cloud and going to sleep! Love it!!

Until next time...

Happy Birthday to ME!!!

Well, it's my turn. Today's my 27th birthday. Hard to believe, really. It seems like yesterday I was just a 10 year old kid without a care in the world. Where does the time go? Now I'm almost 30 with a wife and a new baby boy...wow...never dreamed back then I'd be so lucky and blessed like I am! God is good, and he's given me so much more than I could ever ask for!!

Until next time...

A real tear-jerker....

Did anyone else hear the story of the autistic boy who scored 20 points in a high school basketball game a few weeks back? I heard his coach on the radio this week, and then found a link to an ESPN clip that aired on sportscenter about it. Wow. Truly inspirational and a real tear-jerker to be sure.

The boy was the manager for his high school team, and during their last home game of his senior year, his coach put him in the game with 4:00 left in the game. He then proceeded to shoot 7 for 13 from the field, including 6 for 10 from 3-point range for a total of 20 points in less than 3 minutes. The crowed was going nuts, and the students had made signs with his face on them because they heard he might play. I must admit it brought tears to my eyes! Do a google search and watch the video. It's well worth the time!

Until next time...

Bactrim is the devil!!

I won't go into this whole story, but I'll just say that the antibiotic known as bactrim is from the devil. Made 100% in hell by all the little "make life miserable" demons. Just thought everyone should know that.

Until next time...

Just so we're all clear.....

I'm leading the chase for the fantasy NASCAR cup on Yahoo. Yep, that's right, even with my driver who dominated the whole freakin' race only to blow up with 50 laps left and finish 42nd, I'm still in the lead. Getting a little heat from my bro-in-law, but not to worry. It's a marathon, not a sprint, and my race team hasn't even broken a sweat yet. Now if I could only get my wife's team out of the cellar....just kidding babe!!

Until next time....

PS> One week and counting until my birthday. 27 years old. Doesn't seem like that could be right. The dreaded number is getting closer and closer.

PPS> No Lori, you don't have to comment every single day...just giving you a hard time. But it is quite sad that you and my wife are the only people to read this, so basically I'm just spewing a bunch of nonsense and taking up valuable bandwidth. Oh well...

Another "first" in daddyhood..

Well, my little boy is sick. Kinda. He's got a cold, and has some nasty stuff in his throat. No big deal, right? Well, normally it wouldn't be, but see my first post to understand why this is a big event in my life. I worried sick about him all day Sunday and Monday, but he was much better yesterday, and the doctor said he was fine today. Woohoo!! Hopefully he'll be getting better soon and will keep up the good eating!

PS> I'm mad at my sister-in-law. She promised to comment on my blog. When she doesn't, it make me look like a total loser, and I don't like that. We'll see if she even reads this!! J/K Lori!

Friday

Don't you just love Fridays? Seriously, is there really a better day? You've worked all week long, and finally it's Friday. That means the weekend!! Sleeping in, going out, having fun....it's just awesome. I personally vote for adding a day to the weekend. Wouldn't that be nice?! Thank God it's Friday!!

Until next time...

Random thought for the day....

Nothing quite beats the feeling of a fresh haircut...

Profound, huh?

Until next time...

Just a big kid....

I have a confession to make.....I LOVE video games! Really, I'm a 27 year old (almost) husband and father who plays Playstation 2 with the best of them. I can't help it. Every year for Christmas I usually get 2 new games (all of them sports games, mind you). Yesterday I bought the online adapter so I could play against other people online. Haven't got it to work yet, but it's there.

Why do I like it so much? I honestly couldn't tell you. I've thought about it, and the only thing I come up with is it's just plain fun. Maybe one day I'll get over it or grow up or something, but it's not looking real promising for me.

I know, I'm a dork.

Until next time....

Taxes

Holy crap, it's tax time again....

Does anyone else out there do their own taxes? I'm not the type to take the old return down to H & R Block and pay somebody to fill in the blanks, so I always file our taxes myself. That is, until this year...

This year I had to have a professional accountant do my taxes due to my partial ownership in my father's company. Before, doing taxes was easy. Really, you people should try it. Now, not so easy! There are so many additional forms for things that nobody but the government and accountants know what they are, and I think it's ludicrous. I mean really, it's all just a scam for the government and accountants I think.

The backbone of this country is made up of small businesses, and how does the government repay them? Tax them to death and then make it next to impossible to understand the taxes you're hitting them with. If somebody with enough CAHONIES would run for office on the platform of eliminating the personal income tax and instituting a national sales tax, they would have my vote in a second.

Ok, I feel better now. Until next time......

P.S. Sorry for the delay in my postings, but I was very busy friday and yesterday. Shoot me.

Music, music, music

I love music!! Since I was a kid, I've always been around music. My dad plays mandolin in a bluegrass group, and he also plays guitar. I can remember as a child going to hear my dad play. It was in those early years that I really fell in love with music.

I play a little of everything myself. A dab of piano, a little drums, some guitar, but mostly I'm a bass player. I know, a different cat. Everybody wants to be a guitar player. Why? I guess cause it's supposedly "cooler", but not for me. I love bass and everything about it. I started playing about 4 years ago, and it is one of my favorite pasttimes.

I have a recording session tonight, so I guess that's why this came to mind today. The studio is one of the most fun places I can think of. The thrill of taking a song and each individual instrument and molding it into something that sounds good....well, that's just magic for someone like me. If I were good enough to be a full-time studio player, that's what I'd be. Oh well, maybe someday. Until next time, hold down the low-end.....

Outback Lady Rant

Holy cow, I can already tell that this blog is going to be all over the spectrum as far as what I talk about. Today's topic is Outback Lady (if I can call her that) driving the BMW last night. Here goes....

It was Valentine's Day. My wife, son, and I were on our way home from Greenville after picking up an awesome giant chocolate chip cookie my wife ordered for me for Valentine's Day. We decided to call in an order for pick-up at Outback Steakhouse to eat at home. When we got there, of course the place was packed, and all the carry-out parking spaces were taken. We waited in line to park like the nice civilized people we are, and when it was time for me to pull in to the next available space, out of nowhere comes Miss I'm Better Than You in her BMW convertible. She comes from the opposite direction and just whips right into MY space!! I could have got out of the car and rung her neck right there in the parking lot, but I restrained. I won't mention the word I called her, as it wasn't very nice, but at least I didn't make a scene.

The moral of today's story.....be nice on the roads and the parking lots people!! (Especially when I'm anywhere around!)

Thrills of "Daddyhood"

Well,

My new son Trey was born on November 18, 2005. But, Trey's birth was not your normal birth. See, Trey was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect called Truncus Arteriosus when my wife was 20 weeks pregnant. I'll never forget that day--July 6th. When you're expecting your first child, this is not the type of thing you expect to hear at the appointment where you find out the sex of the baby. One of the most exciting days of my life turned into one of the most devastating days of my life in the span of about an hour. If not for the grace of my savior Jesus Christ, I don't know that I could have made it through that time. We met with a wonderful pediatric cardiologist named Dr. Ben Horne who actually, get this, prayed with us after he told us about the defect!! We were amazed and touched in a way that I'll never forget. Dr. Horne's compassion and concern for us will be cherished my whole life.

After working through the initial emotions this kind of news brings, a plan was put in place to induce labor one week early at MUSC Hospital in Charleston, SC...about 4 hours away from home. When the time finally came, Trey was born weighing 6 lbs, 13 oz., 21 inches long. He was the most beautiful baby I had ever seen. He amazingly didn't look sick at all. No blue color, no need for the ventilator, nada. You would have never known there was anything wrong with him. We had prayed for this, and God answered our prayer by allowing our baby boy to be in good health upon arrival. Ten days after his birth, Trey underwent successful open-heart surgery on Nov. 28 to repair the defect. Again, but for the grace of Christ, there's no way I could have made it through that day. When we finally recieved word that he had come out of the surgery and was doing well, all I could do was cry. What a blessing and miracle!! Again, we are forever indebted to Dr. Scott Bradley, the most gifted cardiac surgeon around!!

After finally coming home on December 13, I have had almost two months now in "daddyhood". I can honestly say that it has been all I thought it would be and so much more. I can't imagine loving another person as much as I love my son!! He's my miracle baby and a true gift from God. Every time he looks up at me and grins, my eyes begin to water. I can't wait to teach him things and do things with him like I did with my dad. I only hope I can be as positive an influence on my son as my father was to me. Sorry for such a long post, but this is something I've wanted to type out and express for a while. I'll try to post often, and please feel free to leave me feedback!!