photo album

We have a few more photos Josh sent to add to our collection. These photos of Brielle were taken at her first birthday party on Saturday.

could not have said it better myself

Some of the interesting articles I have read this week on the web include this perspective from foxnews.com's Laureen Green, the new religion correspondent, titled "The Inaccuracy of Kathy Griffin's Remarks on Jesus"

The freedoms we enjoy in this country to speak freely and to live freely are directly related to that man who died on a cross 2,000 years ago. So, you see, Kathy Griffin, Jesus has everything to do with you winning that award. You live in a free country where your abilities can be recognized if you're willing to work hard enough.

An article posted this week at sharperiron.org and written by Aaron Blumer and is a well written article concerning a debate going on in Christian circles about the upcoming presidential election. Simply titled: Would You Vote for a Mormon President?

In any case, given our highly specific understanding of what a true Christian is, it’s unlikely that we’ll have one to vote for in 2008. Just by the law of averages, most candidates for high office will not be persons with a genuine faith in the biblical gospel of grace.

Once more, the Colonel comes through as Ollie North writes about last week - Democrats' Blatant Display to Impugn General David Petraeus

What happened this week to Gen. Petraeus — and less directly to Amb. Crocker — was far worse than what transpired two decades ago on Capitol Hill during the Iran-Contra hearings. When Adm. John Poindexter and I testified, we weren’t in command. By the summer of 1987 the admiral and I were simply staff officers, summoned to testify about past events. That’s entirely different from the smear that took place this week.

Happy Birthday Brielle

Guess who turns 1 year old today?

Yes, Brielle Michala was born one year ago! We hope she enjoys the toys and book we sent her. Mam-ma tried to find a last minute "cheap" flight, but to no avail. So we will miss out on the birthday party tomorrow in Pennsylvania.

What a difference a year makes!

Ollie North and the truth about Iraq

With President Bush speaking to America tonight about the status of the War on Terror in Iraq, I was reminded of this article posted at foxnews.com a few weeks ago by Colonel Oliver North. I think the President may have listened to the Colonel. Below is an excerpt from that article and you can read the entire article at this link to Colonel's Corner by Ollie North

This is the time for President Bush to seize the moment and go before the American people. He needs to go to Iraq — meet there with General Petraeus — and see for himself what magnificent young Americans are doing on the battlefield.

During World War II, Winston Churchill went to where his troops were fighting to encourage them and make a dramatic point. This is such a moment for President Bush. It may be his last chance to rally the American people to win a war we dare not lose.

Happy birthdays for today!

Wishing a happy birthday today to two people in our families.

On my wife's side of the family, Douglas Baggett, who lives in California, has a birthday today.

And then on my side of the family, my mother's brother, Uncle James Rice, who lives in Charlotte, NC, celebrated his birthday today.

Patriot Day, 2007

Congress has designated September 11 of each year as "Patriot Day" (joint resolution approved on Dec. 18, 2001)

click link below to read proclamation by President George W. Bush:

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

September 11, 2001, was a defining moment in American history.

paradoxes of Scripture

I have added to my sidebar the link for the Institute for Creation Research web site (icr.org). They publish a devotional booklet called "Days of Praise," but you can also read each day on the web. This article was for August 20, 2007 and was written by the late Dr. Henry Morris titled "Paradoxes of Scripture" (summarized below) but you can read the article at this link...

1. To really live, we must die.
2. To save one's life, her or she must lose it.
3. To be wise, we must become fools.
4. To reign, we must serve.
5. To be exalted, we must become humble.

keeping up with the local players

The ball games always seem more interesting when someone from your home town is playing in a game. Last Saturday was unique in that way because three guys with ties to Jacksonville played in games broadcast that day, one in pro baseball and two in college football.


Chipper Jones

Of course, we have been watching Chipper Jones since he graduated from the Bolles school - playing for the Braves right out of high school. Now at 32, he has more aches and pains but still knows how to hit the ball.

Tim Tebow and Coach Urban Meyer

Riley Skinner

Then after watching the Gators play with Jacksonville native Tim Tebow at quarterback, I watched a little bit of the Wake Forest game where Riley Skinner, the quarterback, is also a Bolles grad. Even though I am not living in J'ville now, I still try to keep up with these and other hometown guys.

Brian McCann

Jeff Francoeur

Mark Teixeira

I just learned recently that Atlanta Braves catcher Brian McCann graduated from Duluth High School in Georgia (my new home town.) Right fielder Jeff Francoeur is also a local native (Parkview High School in Lilburn, GA) and Mark Teixeira who was recently traded from the Texas Rangers (July 31), played college baseball at Georgia Tech.

Happy Birthday to Kim and Christina

Happy birthdays go out to:

Kim (Baggett) Alexander in Texas celebrated her birthday on Monday, Sept. 3rd.

Christina (Blackstock) Williams celebrated her birthday in Arkansas on Weds, Sept 5th.

the Pipers, missionary update

We are happy to hear that our friends, Garth & Lynette Piper, will be home on furlough from the mission field in New Zealand. As you can read below, both Lydia and Garrett will be attending Faithway Baptist Bible College in Ontario, Canada. We wish them well and hope we get to see them while they are in the states.
Also, you might want to read Lydia's blog at myshowersofblessings.blogspot.com

Click on the photo to enlarge or to print
a copy of their latest newsletter below.

sign of the times?

Never thought we would see this - a gator and buckeye in the front window of Brandon's 4-runner - it must be true love!

Braves fans doing the wave

more fun at the Braves game on Labor Day - watching the fans do the wave as the Braves beat the Phillies 5-1

7th inning stretch at the Braves

We went to the Braves game on Labor Day, and always look forward to the singing "Take me out to the ballgame"

Braves game, Labor Day 2007

We enjoyed having company in our new home, so what better way to enjoy Labor Day than by going to a Braves game. It was fun to watch them win again, beating the 2nd place Phillies 5-1!

feeling like home

After living in Jax for the past 30 years, the move to GA was quite emotional. I began working in Norcross, GA on June 18th. We took our time finding a place to live in the northeast suburbs of Atlanta. God led us to the "perfect" house for us in the sense that both of us liked the house, the location, driving distance from stores, church, doctors, etc. By August 1st we had signed a lease to rent the house for one year. That same week, my employer paid Armstrong movers to pack up our belongings and move us - all done in the space of 4 days. Then I proceeded to have the utilities turned on - water, gas, electric, cable, phone, and internet. Finally, last week we were able to complete our changes with car insurance, drivers' licenses and car tags. Cindy's 1983 Chryler LeBaron convertible passed emission inspection and this is the last year for that car. Next year we can get an antique car tag for the convertible. We have unpacked all but one room of boxes, so it is starting to feel like home.

We are looking forward to having our first visitors today as Brandon and Rachel will be staying with us for the Labor Day holiday. We appreciate your prayers for us - I broke my right little pinky over a week ago, so I should be one-handed for another two weeks. Cindy is still working on a new job and she is doing a great job nursing me. (Now I know why she does not have a job yet.) And also pray for patience for me, this is very frustrating - even typing this blog with my left hand - everything is hard when you are right-handed and it feels like your good hand is tied behind your back. I must say though I make a good "back seat driver":)

Today we joined Berean Baptist Church which is in Lilburn, about 30 minutes from Duluth. The church is larger than Victory in Jax, but there are many opportunities to minister and the church is very traditional, with good conservative music and sound, biblical preaching.

One-Handed 3x3x3 Rubik's Cube solve (20.09 seconds solve)

While looking for things I can do one-handed, I found this video

Happy Birthday Rachel!

Wishing a happy birthday to Rachel Doan who is engaged to marry Brandon (March 29, 2008)

family photo album, Mom's birthday

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Wishing another Happy Birthday to my mom today, August 26th. We celebrated with lots of family yesterday at "the Junction" restaurant in Spartanburg. Thanks to cousin Judy for arranging it! I will post photos another day as it is hard to blog with one arm in a sling!

DCI broadcast

The Drum & Bugle Corps World Championships will be televised this year on ESPN2, Sept. 5th. Not sure why they chose the 10pm time slot for this two hour broadcast - I will have to get the old VCR ready. read more...

spark for the Braves

The Braves organization is very smart when trading players. The latest trade involved Mark Teixiera (pronounced "Te-shear-a") who was acquired a few weeks ago from the Texas Rangers (2003-2007.) Fast becoming a fan favorite, this graduate of Georgia Tech in Atlanta is having a great start as a Braves player. He already has 9 home runs in just 18 games and has definitely added a spark to the Braves lineup. Not to be outdone by Jeff Francoeur who has his "Francoeur's Franks" in the stands, Teixiera now has a ballad tribute performed by a couple guys from Auburn making the rounds on youtube.com. Those two guys were even featured tonight on the pre-game show on SportSouth cable channel. (See video posted below)

Mark Teixeira Tribute

Enjoy this tribute to the newest Braves player

we miss our little girls!

It has been almost a month since we ended our vacation. We miss our little girls!

Meredith with a happy smile

Brielle with a playful smile

Natalie doing some serious eating

homer-sized

I'll have to ask BK if I can have this banner when they are done with it!

Happy Birthday Carl!

Wishing a happy birthday to Cindy's brother, Carl Baggett, down in Texas! Hope you have a great day today and someone grills you a T-Bone steak! (This photo was taken during the hike up Sugar Loaf Mountain in the summer of 2006.)

trip to meet the parents

Brandon and Rachel left Friday night for "her vacation/his meet the parents" trip - flying all the way to the country of Uruguay. Rachel's mom and step-dad are missionaries in that country. Brandon has met most of Rachel's family in Ohio. Hope they have a good trip, enjoy the scenery and also be of help to the missionaries while there.

Mom says, "DON'T DRINK THE WATER!" (just ask your brother, Josh)

more vacation photos

These pics were taken at Clark's Fish Camp in Jax. We joined my coworker, Bob and his wife, for lunch on Sunday afternoon. It was a "farewell" dinner, you might say. I still talk to Bob by phone or email as we work for the same company.

family vacation photos

Our friends, the Terrells, were kind enough to let us use their lake home for the week at Island Lake in Orange Springs, Florida. The lake is only about 1 1/2 hours south of Jax, so it was perfect for this year, especially with our move to Atlanta in progress. We enjoyed the lake, boating and swimming, and also took a trip to Ocala on a very hot Wednesday to visit Silver Springs. Many movies have been filmed here over the years. Recently I watched a movie ("Hoot") and noticed that some of the scenery was actually filmed at Silver Springs. And, of course, the Tarzan movies were filmed at this location in the 1930's.

It was great to have all the sons and families together again for the vacation. Cindy and I especially enjoyed the grandkids.

View our vacation photos

Happy Birthday, Peyton!

Wishing a happy birthday today to Peyton McDonald, one of Brandy's daughters in Texas.

The BIGGEST Gator Fan

College football season is just around the corner - "GO GATORS!"

eagles' wings

We have learned to wait on the Lord - He has taught us that "they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, and they shall mount up with wings as eagles."

Our journey to Atlanta is complete. We have found a house which will become our home, and all 30 years of our stuff will fit in. I moved my ping pong table and there is plenty of room to play on our screened back porch. I brought along my "first" stereo which I bought with my own money in high school. I also brought my broken antiques, and my music collection of printed music, Cd's, tapes AND record albums - even though Cindy asked me about 15 times if I was sure I wanted to take all of that to GA! AND OTHER STUFF! No one ever told me that when I became a grandpa, that I would be buying pack-n-plays, strollers, and high chairs! It is all here and we are loving it!

God has been good to us and has blessed us with providing a wonderful relocation package. It is amazing sometimes to think how God takes care of us, in his time. We just have to wait on the Lord.

never a dull moment

As you can see, there is never a dull moment around my three sons.

Of course, what would a vacation in Florida be without gators?

Happy Birthday, David!

Happy Birthday wishes today go to Uncle David Baggett in Arkansas. Hope you enjoyed the day and we wish you many more!

Happy Birthday, Noah!

Happy Birthday to our niece Brandy's youngest son - Noah McDonald. He celebrates his 2nd birthday today in Texas! This photo was from Christmas, so I bet he doesn't use the pacifier now!

photos from our vacation

Stephen almost talked Natalie into riding the Polaris


Stephen, Leah and Natalie had a front seat for the wilderness ride at Silver Springs


Natalie in a serious conversation with the Terrells - nice view of the island lake scenery!

Natalie finally rode in the boat, thanks to Curtis

Brielle enjoys her floating turtle






Brandon and Rachel feeding the giraffe


That's Brielle touching the baby gator.








Just a few photos to remind us of our fun in the sun last week.

Happy Birthday, Joann!

A late happy birthday to Aunt JoAnn in Arkansas. We were at the lake last week with no access to the internet, so I am just now posting this birthday blog! Hope you had a good day and ate a lot of cake. The movers are coming tomorrow and we hope Cindy will be flying to her new home this weekend.

the journeys continue

Things are coming together for our move to GA. We found a ranch style house to rent for awhile until we can decide where we really want to live. This is a huge place and we really like the NE Atlanta suburbs. The house we will rent is in Duluth, in a nice quiet neighborhood. My company will be moving us by the end of the month, so there is a lot to do to get ready for that. We still have temp housing provided thro Tuesday, Aug 14th.

Now I am getting ready to head back to Florida for our family vacation. (Been a long time since I thought about going to Florida for vacation!) Janelle and Brielle arrived Monday afternoon, so Cindy has enjoyed spoiling her, especially since Janelle was sick the last few days. Josh will be flying in tonight and I just found out that my mom and dad are coming with April today to enjoy a long weekend with all the great-grandkids. Stephen and family will be flying into Orlando Friday night, and I am flying in tomorrow afternoon. We are looking forward to a full house and lots of fun for the next week. I have been so busy adjusting to my new job, new location, etc. that I have not had time to even think about vacation plans. I guess I will leave it all up to the kids this time.

there's nothing like a birthday, especially the first one

I think Caden enjoyed the cake, as you can tell by these photos

The Cadets 2007 warmup to Philip Bliss "It Is Well"

It is the middle of summer and we are in the midst of DCI competition. Logon to DCI.org to find the locations, as somewhere every night there are drum and bugle corps competing. Last night the Blue Devils competed against the Cadets in Allentown PA for the first time this season. In the meantime enjoy this warmup by the Bergen County (NJ) Cadets playing "It Is Well"

Happy Birthday, Stephen!

Our middle son, Stephen, turns 28 today! Happy birthday! This photo was taken when Natalie finished swimming lessons.

Happy Birthday, Caden!

My sister Loretta's grandson is one year old today! Happy birthday Caden!

An American Anthem

Happy 4th of July to everyone as you celebrate America today!