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.

Thanksgiving in Anniston

Change of plans. We were supposed to go to Jacksonville for Thanksgiving at my parents, but Chrissy's Great Aunt Sarah passed away so we're in Anniston instead. We went to the funeral today. I only met Sarah twice. She had many friends, and I know she was a special lady. We had Thanksgiving lunch with Chrissy's family. Great food, good times. I had some excellent green bean casserolle. If anyone wants the recipe, they can get it from Chef Chrissy. We're staying at Chrissy's parents so we don't mess up our house which is still on the market. Our agent said the week after Thanksgiving is usually a good week to buy a house so be praying for that. The possibility of two mortgages is my biggest worry right now. Like Chrissy keeps reminding me though, I gotta let go and trust God.

Beckett To The Olde Towne Team

October, three years ago, I was going through a rough time. I had just been dumped a few months earlier. I was working in South Florida, away from all of my family and friends. Things were not going well, but when I woke up each morning, the terrible feeling in my stomach didn't come from being away from home, or from being dumped. The nauseous feeling was a result of one swing of the bat by Aaron Boone. The Yankees and Red Sox had just played one of the greatest playoff series in baseball history. It was the best series I'd ever seen (until the next year). Boone's extra inning home run was a crushing blow to an already crappy year. I moped every day for weeks; except one. In the last game of the World Series, 23 year old Josh Beckett pitched a complete game shutout and beat the Yankees. It put a smile on my face to see this kid beat them IN Yankee Stadium. Yesterday, the Red Sox and Marlins agreed to a trade to send Beckett and struggling Mike Lowell to Boston for three minor leaguers. Why was Lowell included in the trade? I assume the only way the Marlins would let Beckett go was if the Sox would take Lowell and his hefty salary as well. Beckett is a big game pitcher that will help the Sox next year. Hopefully, the injuries that have plagued him will no longer be a problem. Beckett also adds another goofy looking goatee/facial hair to the team. He pitched in 29 games last year. I think he'll be a good pitcher for years to come. I think management made a good decision in getting this guy. Its always good to have Yankee killers on your team. Welcome to Bean Town Mr. Beckett.

Warm Springs not so warm

Me and Chrissy went to Warm Springs, Georgia this weekend with some of my coworkers and their families. Warm Springs is a small town north of Columbus with a great restaurant called the Bullock House. The Bullock House was a buffet with fried chicken, dressing, corn, green beans, biscuits, and really good chocolate cake. The town also had some little Christmas stores. It was fun, but would have been better if it wasn't so cold. All in all though, it was another great evening with my wife. Saturday, I worked all morning and we went to Auburn in the afternoon. We didn't go to the game, but we spent some time with Chrissy's parents and brother. Church was good today. Mitch (the pastor) talked about being thankful. He told a story about a friend of his who is teaching English to college students in China. He was telling them about Thanksgiving and the history behind it. He said one of the students asked him who we were thankful to. It is amazing that some people don't even know. Sometimes I catch myself just being grateful for all I have, but forgetting about the God who has blessed me so. We're going to dinner with some friends tonight. I'll work until Wednesday and then we're heading to Florida for Thanksgiving. Good times. 

Wow It's Cold Outside!

My goodness it's cold. I took Maggie out this morning and nearly froze to death, thank goodness for coffee. Poor Maggie goes crazy when it's cold like this. She jumped around and started running back and forth almost yanking my arm off.

In Trouble

Friday night Chad and I went to the Inquirer's Class so we can join our new church. Although I was paying attention to what Mitch, our preacher, was saying I drew a picture on my paper. Chad saw it and decided that it would be a good idea to scribble over it. I couldn't believe he did that it was so mean. In retaliation I drew a mark on his hand. He then felt the need to draw on my arm. Again I retaliated and drew another mark on his hand. For some reason he couldn't believe that I did such a thing so he drew a mark on my jeans and then started laughing which made me start laughing. We couldn't hold our laughter in so we interrupted the class. I felt so bad, as I am sure that Chad did, for disrupting class like that. We're sorry Mitch.

MVP?

Does this look like an MVP? Somehow, the bushleague thirdbaseman for the pinheads in pinstripes was voted the AL MVP today. I guess the voters just don't understand that MVP means the most VALUABLE player. When your teams up by 9 or 10 runs, he's the guy you want at the plate, but when the games on the line, you can count on him to ground into a double play (check out the last play of the Yankees season). On the other hand, they could have picked the most clutch player that I've ever seen. Now, granted, I'm not that old, but I've never seen a player perform in the clutch like the Big Papi. Granted, he only played a few games of defense and Arod had a decent year in the field (4th in the AL in fielding percentage). I guess I just see value a little differently than the experts. Well, my MVP is Papi, the people's MVP. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go stair at the Monday Night Football game with a pouty look on my face.