33 Weeks/Finished Brodee's Room

Alrighty then, sports fans! We've made it past 33 weeks and still counting. Neena is still doing really well and looking VERY good! Brodee is more active than ever (hope that's not a sign of things to come). Health-wise, everyone's doing perfect. Brodee's room is complete...now we're just waiting to the little guy to arrive!! I belive that Neena mentioned in her blog that we've started going to the 'baby classes' to get us ready for the delivery and taking care of our little guy. The classes are VERY educational...we laugh a lot, but it's more of that nervous laugh. Neena mentioned that she'd rather be surprised, I on the other hand, get a kick out of watching everyone squirm at the site of a baby shooting through the brith canal...it the shoulders popping out that get me. OUCH!! Below are a few new pictures of Neena at just after 33 weeks and Brodee's completed room. You'll notice that we've purchased our glider/rocking chair and a couple of book shelves to display our John Deere 'stuff' and books. Everything looks great and we're really excited about his room. Enjoy!

Only 2 More Months!!!

So here's the Neener Beener with just a few more weeks left:

Brodee is really starting to get big! At our last visit on Wednesday Brodee weighed in at 4lbs 11oz, so his est. birth weight at 40 weeks will be 7.5lbs to 8lbs and between 19 to 21 inches!! Thats pretty good-sized baby boy. The room is lacking one more piece of furniture, maybe two/three more if you throw in a table and book shelves. Here's what we have:











In case you thought we were kidding about Brodee taking over!

In Case You Were Wondering

I AM
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OPTIMUS PRIMETake the Transformers Quiz

Dems and Gay Issues

I read the article below this afternoon and it left me with mixed feelings. I have wrestled for a long time with the institution of marriage and who has most say in it. Is marriage an institution of the church or state? There are some very good arguments for both camps. With the 2008 Presidential election fast approaching, the gay issue is beginning to take center stage. My fear is that it's for votes and not a belief or values issue in the eyes of the candidates. If it was beliefs, how come there's not a homosexual candidate running or being pushed to run?

I'm a supporter of heterosexual relationships, BUT that doesn't mean that hate homosexuals. I love the person, I think what they're choosing to do is wrong. If two people of same gender decide to get married, I don't think I have much power to stop it, and regardless of the level of their relationship...I WILL CONTINUE to love them and CONTINUE to NOT support what they're doing. If they need help, they can call on me. If they want a friend, I'm here. If you're looking for a vote in support of allowing same-sex marriages...I will not.

This has me torn because I feel like if I don't support the issue, gays will shut me off and out. I don't expect people to support everything I do, and when they don't, it doesn't affect my relationship with them. So read the article and leave your thoughts. Remember...this blog is about peace, understanding, humility, walking in the way of Christ, and playing nice with each other.

Also, please note that the article is written by a human being with cetain beliefs etc. You'll notice that very shortly into the article. It sad how some people react. it also seems sad to me that the candidates won't fully support the issue but lead people on as if they do...again, feels like a vote capture than expressing values and beliefs...it's the same as telling a lie, to me. There are some very interesting quotes that will push several people's buttons.

"Five years from now, the marriage issue will be a non-issue."

That was a promise from former U.S. Sen. Mike Gravel, a supporter of same-sex “marriage” and one of six Democratic presidential candidates who appeared Thursday night on a homosexual cable TV channel, answering questions from a panel of homosexuals in front of an audience of homosexuals.

One by one, the candidates pledged their support for the homosexual agenda and same-sex unions during a forum broadcast live on MTV's LOGO network.

"I have a track record of working with the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community," said Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, who went first. He stopped short of supporting same-sex "marriage," as did the other frontrunners, N.Y. Sen. Hillary Clinton and former Sen. John Edwards.

"Those rights should be available to gay and lesbian couples," Edwards said. He also said he wants public schools to teach young kids why some children have two mommies.

Clinton called the proposed federal marriage amendment "a terrifying prospect," "mean-spirited, divisive" and "a strictly cynical political ploy."

In the only surprising moment of the evening, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson was asked if he considered homosexuality a choice, and he said he did. Panelist and singer Melissa Etheridge suggested he didn't understand the question and asked it again. Richardson repeated his belief that it is a choice.

Richardson later elaborated in a statement issued by his campaign: "Let me be clear — I do not believe that sexual orientation or gender identity happen by choice."

It was the first time presidential candidates have devoted a debate to the gay community and gay issues. It was sponsored by the homosexual-activist group Human Rights Campaign. The broadcast was sandwiched between the programs Small Town Gay Bar and Freddie Mercury: Magic Remixed.

"The fact that this debate even took place reflects the wildly disproportionate extent to which a very few super-wealthy homosexual activists have commandeered the political machinery of the Democratic Party through their contributions and influence," said Caleb H. Price, research analyst for Focus on the Family.

Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, said, "These candidates would be better served accepting our invitation to reach thousands of values voters through The Washington Briefing, which, unlike this event, highlights issues that a majority of voters support — faith, family and freedom.

"If the Democratic contenders believe so strongly in their positions regarding same-sex 'marriage,' then why not attend our event and defend those beliefs? Or is it that Democrats have completely written off those who hold traditional values?"

Welcome to the US

Regarding my last post...I bet more people were happier about Beckham's MLS debut than they were about Bonds eclipsing Hammerin' Hank's record.

Tonight at 5:45 MST David Beckham made his MLS debut in the LA vs. DC game...in the rain (classic English style). LA was beaten 1-0...in the rain.

Just in case you were asleep: Barry Bonds hit #756 on a 3-2 pitch in the 5th inning, about 453 feet into Right-Center field. Way to go Barry...way to go. Bonds hit the 4-bagger off of Nationals' pitcher, Mike Bacsik

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I don't know how I feel about this: http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/story?id=3452900&page=1. The founder of Dominos Pizza builds his own community, in Florida, primarily around his catholic beliefs. I'm torn and don't really know why yet. Any thoughts?

We're Close...Really Close

Oh my, 10 weeks from today...that is if Brodee comes on his estimated due date. It's 70 days, which sounds like a lot, but the past 30 weeks have blown by...with hurricane force! I've been completely impressed with Neena during this pregnancy...She looks SO STINKIN' GOOD! With all the minor glitches, summer heat, work, grad. school, ministry/church stuff...she's really made me look bad, but that's my life. That's what happens when you marry over your head.

It's also been a tremendous blessing to watch her transform from little Neena, to little momma...she's going to be so great. Brodee is incredibly lucky that his mom is so great! And SO STINKIN' CUTE, just look at her!!! I really can't believe that we're about to have a baby. I get made fun of at least once/day for being so excitied, but I can't help it. I'm also totally scared to death. I really love our lifestyle right now of being laid-back and really happy-go-lucky...able to pick up and go wherever, whenever. But now, I couldn't imagine anything different than being a parent. I can't wait to see this guy, to love on him, teach him cool stuff, watch him learn, grow, etc. This is my life now and I don't want anything else...just a happy, healthy baby boy...and my hot lady!

Please continue to be in prayer for Neena and Brodee. We're, as you can tell, in the final stretch. Pray that we're ready, that we're good parents, that Neena finishes this pregnancy safe, healthy and normal, and that Brodee is safe, healthy and normal. Thanks in advance! More later.