Bittersweet Victory

Our friends Mitch, Jawan, Jennifer, and John Ed

Had a great time Saturday watching the Sox beat the Braves at Turner Field. I'll have to admit though it was a little bittersweet. I've been a Braves fan since I was old enough to know what was going on. I loved Dale, Glenn Hubbard, Ozzie Virgil, and Bob Horner. And I remember being allowed to stay up late and watch Sid Bream beat the tag at home. My favorite pitcher was Steve Avery and favorite fielder was Mark Lemke. But after the Braves World Series beatings by the Yankees, I started getting into the Sox Yankees rivalry. Then I started pulling for the Sox just to see the Yanks loose. Then I started reading Bill Simmon's articles. I fell in love with the Sox. I loved how the underdog finally won. David finally beat Goliath. And now its Boston for me. I love how they overcame a 3-0 deficit for the greatest comeback in playoff history. I love how they might have lost in the past, but they always went down swinging. I love how their fans almost outnumber their opponents at away games. I love how they start anti-yankee chants at away games in another team's stadium. And I love being a Sox fan. Now that the series is over, I say go Braves again. But always, Go Sox.

Great things that happened:

Papi and my favorite player Kevin Youkilis both hit homeruns.

Papelbon came in and recorded a save.

Beckett looked awesome.

And of course, the Sox won.

Vacation Pics

Here are a few pics from our reunion/ vacation in St. Simons Island. We had a great time at the beach, the waterpark, and the lott cottage. Lots of fun!

Memorial Day

Wanted to share a little of what me and Chrissy enjoyed today. We cooked some really good steak kabobs and corn.


The second picture is of somebody wanting table scraps. Do you think she deserves scraps?

Funny shirt and an etiquette question

Isn't this a great T-shirt? I found it on chowdaheadz.com. There were a few other Yankees shirts that aren't appropriate, but they're still funny. By the way, those of you going to the Sox-Braves game June 17th, chowdaheadz is a great place to get your Red Sox apparel.

I read an article a few days ago by Bill Simmons on ESPN.com. A reader wrote him a question about etiquette at a baseball game. His response was: "You only have eight responsibilities during a baseball game: Take your hat off for the National Anthem; don't take your shirt off; don't bring your baseball glove if you're over 13; don't wear a jersey with your own name on it; don't run onto the field; don't reach into the field of play to grab a pop-up or ground ball if it could adversely affect your team; don't boo one of your own players unless it's absolutely warranted; and don't throw up. That's it. Everything else is up to you. " I've often thought about the glove comment. I have to agree with him. If you're too old to be in little league, you ought to be able to catch the ball with your bare hands. But thats just me. I'd never do it, but I'm not going to stick my nose up at anyone who does. I'd also have to add a few items: don't curse a lot (especially when kids are around); don't spill your beer/coke on others; and don't stand up if your the only person doing it. But thats just me.

Happy Birthday to Us

Me and Chrissy's birthdays were last week. For one day out of the year, she is actually 3 years older than me. I thought about getting her a cane, but I don't think she'd see the humor. She got me a great CD for my birthday by Jack Johnson (pictured above). It is great, mellow music. Good stuff. We ate pizza and threw sod on my birthday. The inlaws got me a meat thermometer and a gift certificate. Thanks guys.

On her birthday (the day before), I got her a cake decorating kit, Emma the movie (the one with Gwyneth Paltrow), and took her to a cool restaurant in Auburn called Cock of the Walk. Almost forgot, Maggie celebrated her birthday with us by eating a good tasty bone. Fun times.

Last Day of School

You would think that today being the last day of school I would be pumped. I am pretty excited about the time off but my joy is less because some of these kids will not be back next year. The kids in these pictures all are a part of the extended care program so I have had a lot of time to get to know them. One, possibly two will be back. I can't believe that these kids who have been so sweet to me and have meant so much to me I will more than likely never see again and never know how their lives go. I trust that God will be with them and protect them as they grow.

Praying With 4 Year Olds

Today I subbed for the K-4 class. At the begining of class we say some pledges and then pray. I asked if anyone had any prayer request and a few hands shot up. The first one wanted me to know that her great great great great grandmother died. The next few also told me about someone that they have never known dying. Then the next request was by someone who wanted us to know that his dog died but that it was okay because he now has a cat that he likes ( this also happened a while ago ). Seeing that this was getting out of hand I stopped tham all and said that for today we only need to pray about things that are happening now. Amazingly enough the next request was about someone that had died years ago. I ended up saying my own prayer just asking for us to have a good day and to live to bring glory to God.

Going to the birds

The last few times we've come through the front door at night, a bird has just about hit us. He's nesting under the overhang of our front porch. I've destroyed his nest the last 3 nights in a row, yet he still comes back and rebuilds. Chrissy wont let me kill it. Any non-fatal ideas? I think there has been some bats under there too.

And another thing; is it illegal to shoot a rifle in your backyard if you live in a neighborhood? The guy down the street sure doesn't think so. The thing that is really scary is that there are houses behind his house and a road. Besides the danger, the noise isn't really considerate. Whatever.

We Finally Won!

I know that the Red Sox have won plenty of games this year but every game that I watch they lose. I was begining to think that I was a jinx, thankfully last night that changed. It was so much fun watching the Yankees get beat. I can't wait to watch the next game.

Spring Fling

Today we went to watch Olivia play tee ball, she was great. It was so much fun watching the kids play. After that we went to our church's Spring Fling. Caroline and Olivia had a great time jumping on the moonwalk, I enjoyed playing in the cake walk and winning a cupcake, and Chad had fun trying to convert all the little kids to being Red Sox fans.

Why won't they listen to me?

Wily Mo: 269 avg., 1 Homerun.

Bronson Arroyo: 3-0, 3.04 ERA. 2 Homeruns (HIT!! He has hit more homeruns than Wily Mo)

Why didn't Theo listen to me?

I saw the Sox D-rays game a few nights ago. I know Coco will be back soon, but I really like seeing Youk hitting leadoff. It was amazing how many pitches he saw. I think he's going to be around for a long time. He'll never be a superstar, but he'll be a asset to any team.

Will Josh Bard learn how to catch the whiffle ball? I hope so. I know it took Belli a long time too.

Go Sox

Easter Weekend

We had a very busy weekend, we celebrated my grandfather's birthday and Easter. We went to our old church Sunday. It was so nice seeing everyone again. I was amazed to see how much the kids have grown, it made me realize how long we've been gone. I had a great time hanging out with my cousin Lily. She is cute, she just turned 3. Chad and I hid the Easter eggs for her. I am sorry to say that we hid one so well no one could find it. We are all hoping that it was one with money or stickers in it. Here is a great picture of Chad teaching Lily a bad habit.

GO FAITH!!!!

Yep,

As Chrissy so wonderfully explained in her last blog, it is baseball time again. Sorry to say, after a year in the big leagues (actually the C League of Oxford Alabama's church softball league), I've had to retire based on lack of performance and moving away. Anyways, I'd like to wish the reigning champion softball team good luck in the upcoming season. May your bats be strong and your defense be stingy. GO FAITH

It's Baseball Time!

For those of you who don't know baseball season started last night, Chad is very excited about this. Football is my favorite sport so I can't say that I am as pumped as he is but baseball is growing on me. I'm just not so sure that it will continue to grow on me if we watch every televised game. Last night we watched part of the game and tonight we watched the Braves-go Braves- and right now we are watching the Padres and Giants - neither team I care about but I am rooting against Bonds, even if he hasn't done roids he's just not a nice guy. Well Chad and I need to go walk Maggie before the championship game starts. Go Gators!

New clock

This is the clock we got as a wedding present from Chrissy's grandmother. Pretty cool huh?

Settling In

We're here! Finally, we've settled into our new house. Instead of going home to a hotel room every day, I come home to our very own house. It's been pretty interesting so far. I've been asked a few times if I'm happy to be out of the hotel. I'll have to say it is nice. It's much quieter out here in the sticks. We go for walks late at night some times and we can look up at the stars. I've got to cook out steaks and burgers a few times too. Didn't Chrissy do a great job picking out our area rug? There are also many new responsibilities. I've got a yard to cut again. I've put my blinds up, installed towel racks in the bathroom, installed pergo flooring, seeded the yard, and a few other home improvements. I'm actually enjoying doing all this grownup stuff. I especially enjoy the grilling out.

In other news: If you scroll back into the archives about 3 or 4 posts, you'll see a long blog about Bronson Arroyo. I commented on how refreshing it is to have a player who doesn't just play for the money. He's loyal to the team. Well, he's now a member of the Cincinatti Reds. I'm definitely bummed about no more corn rows. Things change though. As they say, all's fair in love and baseball. In return for a decent pitcher, we picked up something I'm not sure we need; Another outfielder. I guess Trot Nixon is absolutely terrible against lefties because they always like to have somebody to replace him with when playing a southpaw pitcher. Evidently, we can expect a bunch of strikeouts and a bunch of huge homers from Wily Mo Pena. I've got to admit, he's got a cool name. Papi said he has amazing power. I just hate we had to loose such a great player to get him. Good thing my loyalty is to the team, not the players. Go SOX!

Life in Salem

So far living in the new house is great, even the long commute isn't that bad ( I do wish that I had a CD player in my car though ). Maggie loves being able to go outside and run around the back yard, she also enjoys the walks that she is getting again. I am happy to have more than one room to be in, I was getting very bored at the hotel. Don't get me wrong it was nice living there with free breakfast and dinner and housekeeping, but it is nice being in your own home. Chad is happy to be getting home cooked meals again. The only downside to living in Salem is the fact that our cell phones do not pick up here very often and we do not have a home phone yet. Our laptop has been acting funny lately. It makes a clicking sound and then freezes up, if any of you are computer gurus and have an idea of what it might be let me know. Right now we are having to use Chad's work computer which means I can only get to a computer during the weekend, yuck!

New House Pics

Here's the master bedroom. You can see the beautiful floors that Chad and our Dads put down, I think that they should start there own business.











Here's the living room.











The kitchen.












And the other side of the kitchen.

A New Red Sox Fan?

I don't know if Chad has clenched Andrew's affections for the Red Sox but he sure is trying. I just hope that Mitch and Jawan don't mind since they are Braves fans. Maybe the Sox can be Andrew's second favorite team.

On a different note we close on our new house March 7th. Chad and I are going back to the house today to finish putting down the thresholds and quarter rounds. I will try to take some new pictures and put them up tonight.

SOLD!!!!!

Yep sports fans. Its true. We finally got an offer on the house. We close the end of March. God is good.

Ramblin Man

It is now day 41 here at the Residence Inn. Looking back over the past five years, I've lived in three different states, 10 different houses/apartments/hotels, and I'm still not home yet. We're closing on our new house on the 28th of February. I guess we'll be settled in after that. I can't really remember what that feels like. I haven't lived anywhere for more than a year since I was in High School. I always figured I'd be the type to settle down somewhere and never leave. I wonder if that will ever be me. I think it will finally happen here in Columbus, but that was what I thought in Anniston too, and Jacksonville, and West Palm Beach. I'm surprisingly very happy where I'm at right now. That probably has something to do with the girl sitting across the room from me watching the Olympics (GO USA!). I know I could think of a few things going wrong right now, but there are so many good things in my life right now. I've got a wonderful wife, a great dog, a good job. I have an awesome Church/Pastor/Church family. I root for an excellent baseball team. Ryan's finally breaking up with Marissa (hopefully). Life is good.

Rocket Homecoming?

I was reading the Dirt Dogs website this afternoon, and the last few columns were all about the possibility of Clemens returning to Boston. Its rumored that the Sox were even putting a video together of Sox fans asking him to return to Bean Town to finish out his career. I can see the positives and negatives to Roger returning.

Positives:
1. 1.87 ERA last year.
2. It would be nice to see him stick it to the Yankees.
3. With Wells probably leaving, it would be great to have another starter if Arroyo or Clement go into a slump.
4. He is known for his excellent work ethic.
5. If he doesn't go to the Sox, the Yanks are looking at him too.
6. Great role model for the youngsters (Pap, Beckett, Hansen)
Negatives:
1. He's 43 years old.
2. His ERA hasn't been as good in the AL.
3. He was paid 18 million last year and he'll probably be asking about the same.
4. He hasn't exactly been well liked in Boston over the last few years.

In my opinion, I don't think he's a great pickup. There is no telling how long his arm will hold up. It will also be tough to root for him after seeing him play for the bad guys for so long. I've also heard that he received special treatment in Houston that he'd probably expect wherever he ends up. We just have to trust that the Theo will make the right decision.

A Birthday, Baseball and the Super Bowl

This past weekend was Olivia's 6th birthday. Chad and I had a great time being there. It was a bowling party so we helped the kids bowl and helped serve the pizza and birthday cake. The kids in my lane did a great job. They bowled better than I do with 4 spares and 1 strike. I was a little jealous. The cake was done by Winn Dixie and it was delicious. Chad and I went to the Auburn baseball game after the party. It was freezing, even Chad got cold and he's never cold. I think the weather helped the other team to win since they are from Virginia. I wanted to get my picture taken with Aubie but there was no way that I was going to get out from under the blanket and 2 jackets I had on. Sunday we went to the church Super Bowl party. Yet again there was a lot of great food and we ate too much. Someone made a great strawberry dessert that I need the recipe for. The party was a lot of fun especially since most everyone there were Steelers fans ( someone even brought their terrible towel with them ). I was just happy that the game wasn't boring.

Happy Birthday Mom !

I just wanted to tell Mom Happy Birthday again even though it was Saturday. I love you!

Coo Coo for Coco Crisp

I'm not really that excited about him, its just a cool title. If you haven't heard yet, the Sox picked up Coco Crisp from the Indians. He will replace outfielder Johnny Damon in Centerfield and will probably be hitting leadoff. He hit 300 last year with 16 home runs. He's fast, young, and he has improved as a player every year since entering the big leagues.
The more I think about it, the more excited I get about the 2006 team. I think Theo and Co. are heading in the right direction. We've got good starting pitching: Arroyo, Wakefield, Schilling, Beckett, Clement, and possibly Wells. We've got an excellent bullpen: Timlin, Tavarez, Papelbon, Riske, and a hopefully healthy Foulke. We still have Tek behind the plate, Nixon in right, Manny in left, and Papi hitting DH. I'm also excited about Loretta, Grafanino, Lowell, Youk, and JT Snow. Defense and pitching wins championships. With a few aces, a great pen, and a good defense, I think we got a good shot. This could be the year. At least I hope so.

Arroyo made my day

Meet Bronson Arroyo, the anti-Damon. The new king of cool in Bean Town. I was surprised to read about him accepting a new deal to play for my beloved Red Sox. He actually took a big cut from what the league thought he was worth. And why did he do that? I'll let him tell you: ''simply for the reason I want to play in this town. I love being a Red Sox. I wouldn't have signed this deal in any other [city]." I love it.
Now, to Damon's credit, if I get a 25% raise to play for another team, I'm probably taking it. But loyalty still counts for something. It definitely counts for cool points in my book.
I work for the U.S. Government. If I got an offer from a private industry for a big raise, I'd definitely consider it. If however, I got an offer to work for Cuba, or North Korea, I don't care what the raise is. I'm not taking it.
Obviously Johnny Appleseed doesn't think of the rival team as an enemy. But at the same time, you see his loyalty lies in his wallet. Bronson shows that he cares about his city. He cares about his teammates. Anyways. Here are a few reasons you should be pulling for this guy:
1. He was named after Charles Bronson
2. He wore corn rows. And he's white.
3. He has his own band. They kind of sound like Creed, except they're cool.
4.. The loyalty.
5. He wore corn rows. And he's white.
6. He has a cool windup.
7. He was involved with the girly slap incident with Arod, CLASSIC.
8. He is annually at the top of the list in hit batsmen.
9. He also beaned Arod starting the fight between Rodriguez and Varitek.
10. HE WORE CORN ROWS. AND HE'S WHITE.
I understand its possible that he'll now be traded or get hurt in spring training since I'm writing so many nice things about him. I just hope he has a long, successful career in the city he loves;' on the team he loves.

GO SOX

The New House!

We finally decided to get a house. It will be finished at the end of February. Until then, its the Residence Inn for us. We still haven't sold the old house, but we're hoping to do that soon; God willing. Anyways, on with the pictures:

The living room

The kitchen

The back yard

Christmas with the Totherows

This weekend we went to Anniston for Christmas, I know it's a little late but it was the best time for everyone to get together. Mom made spaghetti and my grandparents come over to eat and open presents. It was so much fun to see everyone. In the picture Maggie is wearing one of Chad's favorite presents. Aren't they cute? 

Christmas Pictures

We spent Christmas in Jacksonville visiting my family (Chad). One of Chrissy's presents was a new digital camera. Here are a few pictures we've taken so far. Here are the newleyweds and nearlyweds. Eric and Nanette's wedding is set for June 10th. Can't wait!!!!
Here are the four knuckleheads. From left to right, Caroline, Owen, Olivia, and Noah. We are blessed with a great family, especially our nieces and nephews.
If you're wondering why I've got that confused look on my face, it is because I'm trying to decide who the most stubborn of these three are. (Owen, Olivia, JD, and Chad).
I figured I'd include this picture of my Dad because I like taking pictures of him when he's in mid-sentence.
Here are four beautiful girls (Olivia, Chrissy, Caroline, and Maggie)
Here is Maggie's buddy Packer. Isn't he cute?

Sweeter Victories to Come

At first, I couldn't believe it. Johnny Damon, the face of the Sox, joining the dark side. But then I started to think about the past. This is really nothing new. I remember driving home from the 04 World Series Game party and thinking that we're finally equals, only to be brought back to reality after the Johnson signing that winter. It was only one battle in a really long, onesided war. The trade and negotiations war hasn't been any better. Arod, Vasquez, Contreras .... all the way back to the Babe, the Empire has been able to get the man they've wanted. The Sox are, and always will be the consistent underdog.

Some say that Damon is a traitor, a sellout, a (woman of the streets) for sale to the highest bidder. No matter how you look at it, 52 million sounds much better than 40. I can't say I blame him for taking the money, but it still hurts. Damon once stood for most everything I liked about the Sox. He was funny, scraggly, and laid back. He was the anti-Yankee; a rebel. Now he is starting to sound like everything I hate about the Yankees. Click on Boston.com or ESPN.com to read some of his comments on his new team. Do I think he's a sellout? Yeah. I see now he was just playing the game. He was on a team of rebels with beards that played jokes on each other, so he met the status quo. He is already fitting into the mold of a Yankee player. In the business world, it works. He'll be dressed for success with a business attitude and a business perspective. But in the sports world, that isn't who I want to root for. I like the underdog. The scraggly rebels that have a good time and stick it to the man (except in football, gooooo Pats!).

So what do we do now? Where do we go from here?. To be honest with you, I kind of like it better this way. Yeah, I'd rather have the Damons and Johnsons and Jeters and Scheffields and Arods (at least their talent), but I'm glad I will not be rooting for a team of stiffs. I remember when Arod was practically stolen from the Sox and the Nation was in panic mode. Schilling made a great point that when we beat these guys (which we did), the victory would be that much sweeter. And it was. We stuck it to the man. The blue collar team (comparitavely speaking) beat the suits. David sleighed Goliath. So Sox fans, don't be down. Enjoy the games, and trust that the good guys will win in the end.

Chrissy Jawan and Baby Luke!

New Baby, Allegories, Pats, and the best Real Estate Agent Ever

(We didn't sell the house)

Not So Deep Thoughts by Chad McLeod

1. Congratulations to Mitch and Jawan on the birth of their second kid. To see pictures of the newest Mcginnis, check out Jawan's blog under Links on the left side of the screen.

2. Go see The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Awesome movie. Only one question, what's up with Santa Claus making a cameo? I don't remember that being in the book. You'll know what I'm talking about when you see it. Lewis (the author of the book the movie is based on) was a genious. I also learned a new word from Chrissy because of this movie. According to Webster, an allegory is the representation of abstract ideas or principles by characters, figures, or events in narrative, dramatic, or pictorial form. The movie/book is an allegory of Jesus. It was PG too so its OK for the kiddies.

3. How 'bout them Pats. Last time I wrote a blog about them, they got whooped by Peyton Manning and Co. so if they get killed in their next game, sorry Pat's fans, I shouldn't have said anything. I just caught the last 30 minutes of the Patriot's dismantiling of the Tampa Bay Bucs. Looks like they're back. Do I think they're better than the Colts? No way. Do I think they could beat the Colts in the playoffs? I think so. Some may call me optomistic, just don't call me late for dinner. If anyone could stop the Colts, I'd put my money on the Pats in Indy. Wouldn't be shocked if it was the Seahawks either.

4. Still haven't sold the house, but had a good reminder from my brother in law this afternoon. He said when you're trusting in God and praying about something like this, its kind of like Jesus is your real estate agent. It's a good feeling to know He is in control; especially for a worry wart like me.

Merry Christmas Charlie Brown

Chrissy and I watched the Charlie Brown Christmas story tonight. I highly recommend it. I was surprised when near the end, Charlie asks if anyone can tell him what the meaning of Christmas is and one of the kids said he knew and started quoting Luke 2, the story of Jesus' birth. I was actually kind of startled. I know this movie still comes on TV every year, but it surprised me. Chrissy (who is much more interested in politics and world events than I am) tells me a new story every other day about some teacher changing stuff about Christmas to stuff about being just a holiday. I have no problem with public schools teaching what different religions believe and the holidays they celebrate, but CHRISTMAS IS ABOUT JESUS. I don't have a problem with kids learning about Muslim or Jewish holidays, but if they are, Christmas should be taught as well. That is the way I learned it and that is the way my kids will learn it as well.

House Hunting

I'd like to vent a little frustration. I'm now trying to buy my second house, and it isn't easy. We spent all afternoon driving around Columbus. I don't know if its like this in every city, but every house I liked was either too expensive, or in a rough neighborhood. And Mapquest doesn't always get it right either. It was pretty tough finding the houses we were looking for. Always at the front of my mind is the problem of selling our old house. What if we get stuck with two mortgages? A bunch of things are going right though. Though we haven't found a house, we really feel at home here. We've found some friends and we have a great church. We're also learning our way around the city. I enjoy my job here more than any job I've ever had. Chrissy also found a job. She is teaching art at a local school. I always told her I thought she was autistic (get it?). So even though there are many things I could worry about, there are also a lot of things I can be thankful for. I'm sure I'll look back at this blog one day and realize that it all worked out. It always does.

More Pics

Weekend With the Nieces

This is Caroline and Olivia, aren't they cute? Saturday morning Chad and I went and picked them up and they stayed with us until Sunday afternoon. Saturday morning we went to the Auburn Christmas Parade. It was very cold but it was worth it. The girls entertained us that afternoon by taking pictures and us teaching them how to play spider solitaire. That night we had some great food from CiCi's Pizza and then we rented Because of Winn Dixie. (It is such a good movie, I highly recommend it if you want to see a sweet feel good movie.) The girls were so sweet and so fun, Chad and I both had a great time with them.

Our first tree

It might be a little small, but it works. Notice what Maggie's doing? Yep, she's a trained dog. Not really, but she does know how to sit; at least when you hold up a treat. Monday, I officially started work for the Savannah district, Ft. Benning Resident office. What does that mean? We get to stay in an apartment/hotel for free for 2 months and all our food is paid for. Needless to say, Chrissy has gotten to go out to eat every day this week. We still haven't sold our house. Things are good though. Just have to keep trusting.