Happy Birthday Jessica

No, this isn't our baby. Its a really good picture of Jessica and a cute picture also. So, Happy Birthday Jessica. I hope you have a great one!

Some pics

Jeremy and I took some time yesterday to drive around and take some pictures close to our house. Here are a few... This is at a marina about three miles from us.
This is picture was actually inspired by Bethany, who every time she comes to our house says "That's so pretty, you need to take a black and white picture of that." So I finally did. Thanks Bethany!
This is our driveway type thing that leads down to our house.

Really Cool Story

For the full story go to http://www.statesmanjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080430/SPORTS/804300483

I heard this story on the radio this morning and was very surprised. Evidently, this girl hit her first college home run. Then as she rounded first, she missed the bag. Realizing this, she turned abruptly blowing out her knee. So, if her teamates help her, she's disqualified. If the coach orders a pinch runner, then she only gets a single. So, without prompting, the ladies from the opposing team (Central Washington) pick her up and carry her around the bases. Western Oregon goes on to beat them eliminating them from the playoffs. WOW!

A Red's Vent

Every year Reds fans complain about Adam Dunn. Every year he hits 40 home runs and 80+ RBI's. Well, I still don't like him. I'm sorry, but he's paid 13 million this year. The same as David Ortiz, Derek Lee, and Albert Pujols. I would much rather have those guys on my favorite team.

The above picture is a picture of Josh Hamilton. I know the Reds got Volquez for him, but he's got 5 home runs and leading the AL in RBI's. I know its not my team and I'm no GM, but why is Dunn so untradeable? Why did they not keep this guys. The Reds lack an RBI producer and they let the best one they had go, to keep a money eating guy who will get hot some time this summer and knock in a bunch of home runs (with no one on and no one out) only to go cold again in the fall ending up with great stats, but not really helping his team.

Anyways, that's my take on Dunn. Hopefully, Walt Jocketty will work his St. Louis magic for the Reds. There's my vent.

On another note, the Reds bullpen has been worth the money. Wisely, Baker moved Affeldt to the pen. He, Weathers, Burton, and Cordero have been money. If only Cuento, Fogg/Belisle, and Arroyo would get with the program. I don't expect Arroyo to be a great pitcher (like the Reds organization would like him to be). There's a reason the Sox gave him up for Willy Mo.

Ok, there's my Reds blog. Have a nice day...

Stupid Things That People Say To You When You're Pregnant

So now that I am 5+ months pregnant I've had the joy of experiencing really bad things that people say to you when you're pregnant. I'm not putting them in a top ten list type order or anything, just laying them out there. If you're reading this and realize that you have been in fact one of those people who have said one of these things to me, don't take it personal, just roll w/it.

1. Talking about how much you are showing. Here are a few of the ones I've encountered: * Wow! You're already showing (The instant that you tell them you are having a baby.) * You're getting really big! (Like I didn't notice that when my clothes stopped fitting). * Are you sure you're not having twins? (I think this person said it as a joke but I'm not sure.)
It's not that this one is really all that bad b/c it is obvious that I'm going to get bigger, it's just that I never know how to respond. And it makes me paranoid that I'm too big for how far along I am.

2. "If you eat cold lunch meat you could kill your baby. Is lunch meat really that important to you?" Someone actually said these words to me. I know that you can't eat cold lunch meat b/c of lysteria (a weird bacteria) but I was asking about heating it up and this was the response I got from a co-worker.

3. Picture this - A child about two or three throwing a fit so bad that I'm pretty sure their head is going to start spinning around a la excorcist style. The parent everytime w/o fail looks at me and says "See what you have to look forward to." Again - how am I supposed to respond to this? Wow - I am so excited, thanks for the encouragement.

4. In a tone that sounds like I have a terminal illness asking "How are you feeling?". Here it's not the question that's the problem, it's the way that it's asked. Seriously people, I'm pregnant, I don't have cancer.

That's all I can think of right now although I'm sure that there will be more to come as time goes on!

Stuff Christian's Like

I found the link to this site on Jessie's blog. (Thanks Jessie). This guy has a blog dedicated to the things that Christian's often refer to that are sometimes funny or ridiculous. He's a Christian himself and just has a great spin on some of the things that you tend to hear a lot of in the church. It's hilarious, you've got to check it out. Here is is: http://stufffchristianslike.blogspot.com

Leo the dog

I took Leo for a walk at the park today. It was a very nice day today with a high of 83 and sunny! So, we walked around the loop twice (about a half mile) and Leo stopped looked up at me, like "I'm done!" What in the world? So I dragged him around one more time and came home. I just wanted the world to know that I have the laziest dog in the world.

Police Stakeout!

Hello bloggers. I had a pretty cool thing happen to me today. I got to the office about 8:45 this morning and there was a car with two guys parked in our parking lot. I didn't think much about it, because we get random cars hanging out in our parking lot all the time. Well, I forgot something at home and had to drive all the way back home. By the time I got back to the office it was about 10am. Well, now its 11am and they are still sitting there. Pretty weird. So, I went over to them to see if there was anything I could help them and they said they were working. The guy driving pulled out his police badge. They are undercover agents on a stakeout! How cool is that? I thought that only happened in the movies! Hopefully, the stakeout isn't towards me or something with the Church...

Some Sunday Pics

Here are a few pics that Jess took last week.



This is a picture of an ugly bush in front of our house. Obviously it isn't that ugly...so I think we might keep it.



Here is Leo, Gigdet, and Bumper hanging out together. They're best friends forever!

We're having a boy!

Here's a profile picture of the baby. He's healthy and was moving a lot this morning.



This is a picture from the bottom up. The nurse said its like he's sitting on a glass table.

Sorry we haven't blogged in a while...I'll do better!

New Firepit

Jeremy and I decided that we live in the perfect place for a fire pit and found one for a really great deal so we got it. Tonight was the first time we used it and it was great! Except- some of you probably remember Jeremy's tendency to build fires out of control so we had to wait a while for it to be approachable. He still has some bugs to work out! We can't wait till it gets warmer so we won't freeze as much. Anyways, here a couple of pics of our new little contraption.

Its time for a sports blog again

I haven't blogged about sports in a while...so I thought I would give my thoughts on the starting rotation for the Cincy Reds.

The top three are locked. Harang and Arroyo look great this spring. I think Josh Fogg will be a good number three starter. He's got experience and the Reds will be paying him too much for him to pitch in the minors. Number four and five are the question marks. I think Volquez has earned a starting spot. He has had a GREAT spring. If I were Dusty Baker, I would give the fifth spot to Johnny Cuento, who looked very today against the Tigers...and has shown flashes of greatness. I am really rooting for Matt Belisle...but I just don't think he's that great. Maybe they'll keep him at middle relief. The Affeldt experiment is going to be a flop and Bailey isn't ready. I am psyched about Cordero closing and Burton/Weathers/Coffey setting him up. Coffey has lost some weight and looks pretty good this spring. Great job Reds on picking up some strong arms to boost an awful 2007 pitching squad.

I'm really curious to see what happens with the lineup. Baker obviously loves Patterson, but Freel, Hopper, and Bruce are all quality guys out in CF. If it were my choice I would never have signed Patterson and would have given the job to Bruce. Freel and Keppinger are great utility guys off the bench...and Hopper would be a great DH. But, that's why I'm preaching on Sundays and Baker is coaching :-)

That's my thoughts on the Cincy Reds. Working on my NCAA bracket right now. Jessica and I are going head to head again. She loves the bracket! It cracks me up how excited she gets come March. YOU ARE GOING DOWN JESSICA! HA!

A Few Pics

Here's a cute pic of Leo. He got a hair cut the other day and appreciated it today when temps were up to 70! Crazy weather...



Here's a beautiful picture of Jess. I caught her after work the other day.



Here I am fixing some grilled cheese and soup for dinner. Fun times!

Knoxville's First Snow

Ok, its not the first snow here...but the first time it has stuck to the ground long enough for us to take a picture :-). I predict that by midday the snow will have melted away. Surprising enough, Knox County Schools are still in session. The whole city usually shuts down at the thought of snow!



Here's a great picture of Jessica beating me up in a boxing game on Wii. She's really good at boxing and bowling. She's really bad at golf. We just got Mario Party 8 and we LOVE it. We also got Rayman Raving Rabbids 2...its pretty cool...but not as good as the first one. The games are not as good (especially the dancing ones), but it does allow for four players to play a series of games to compete for a high score of your choosing. That part is WAY better then the first one. There's an older couple in the Church who also have a Wii...and love it. She's all the time bragging about the 250 she bowled. Its sort of weird to see even grandparents into this thing!



Finally, a picture of Leo and Belle getting along! The other day Belle jumped up in bed with Leo and us. She's really starting to warm up again to us and now she's warming up to Leo. But, don't worry Amberlee, she's still Satan incarnate :-).

A Change in Plans

We have withdrawn our offer on building a house. Last week I found a mistake on my taxes (which were already sent in), and so we've decided to go a different route. It was a difficult decision, but we both agree that it will be best in the long run. So, we're back to square one. We still hope to be in a house before the baby is born...so please pray for us as we seek God's direction for our lives.

In other news, Jessica had a high blood pressure reading last time she was in for a check up...so the doc put her on some medicine. Now, she's back to normal! However, she's still got the whole morning sickness thing going on. We'll know in 7 weeks or so the sex of the baby. You can be sure we'll post that pic!

We've had a sudden growth at CCC. Its been exciting, but that coupled with school has kept me off of blogger. I'll try to do better :-)

A Spending Spree

Hello bloggers! We haven't blogged in a while so here's a couple updates...

1. Jessica is doing GREAT! She had a little problem with her blood pressure a couple weeks ago and now she's taking blood pressure meds and Monday she went in and they said its back to normal. We were a little nervous there for a while.

2. We decided to build a house. Here's a picture of what its going to look like...



We put down our earnest money Monday and our tentative date for completion is June 30. So, it's just around the corner!

3. We bought a wii!!! I was at Sam's yesterday browsing around and I noticed that they were all out of PS3's and XBOX360's but they had some tickets for Wii's. So, I was like, "Do you guys actually have some in stock?" The lady whispered back, "Yeah, we got 25 in this morning." So, I got one for regular price (Ebay is selling them for like $100 more). I traded in my PS2 and games and got some money to buy some controllers and games. FUN TIMES! Anyways, probably not the best financial decision, but ultimately it was for the baby :-)

That's all our new news. Hope everyone is doing well. They should start breaking ground in two weeks, so I'll start posting pics of the updated house. I'm sure my posts won't be a cool as the Murphy's when they built their house...but I'll do my best!

We're having a baby!

We are very happy to announce that we are having a baby. The due date is Sept. 2nd. The Doctor said the baby looked and sounded healthy. We actually got to hear the heart beat! We are both so excited and appreciate the prayers and support we have received from many of you. I'm going to start blogging from the office now, so we can post more pics!

Thursday's Video of the Day

Great Song!

Thursday's Video of the Day

We still can't get our pictures to upload off of our MAC. I took a really cute one yesterday of Leo and Belle sleeping together on the couch. It was adorable. I guess she's finally used to him. Anyways, here's a fun video for your viewing pleasure.

Jeremy's Top Ten Movies of 2007

Please note that some of these movies are not family friendly.

In response to Justin's top ten list, I decided to do one of my own :-). Him and I have completely different tastes in movies and you probably do as well. But without further ado...these are the top ten movies that I saw this year and enjoyed.

Number 10 - 300. I found it very interesting how the Spartans carried on war tactics and how strong such a small number can be.

Number 9 - Departed. A lot of cussing, but very strong action/suspense.

Number 8 - Harry Potter. Not the best one in the series, but still a very good movie.

Number 7 - License to Wed. Incredibly cheesy, yet so much can be learned in this movie and it was a nice romantic comedy that Jess and I watched together.

Number 6 - Pirates of the Carribean. Also, not the best of the series, but still very good.

Number 5 - American Gangster. Not a family movie, but it was an amazing depiction and with Jess now working in substance abuse, very eye opening.

Number 4 - Oceans 13. I love the Oceans series.

Number 3 - Dan in Real Life. One of my favorite Steve Carrell movies and Jessica's favorite of 2007.

Number 2 - Bourne Ultimatum. My favorite of the three Bourne movies. Great movie.

Number 1 - Evan Almighty. If you have not seen this movie, go see it with your family. One of the best "Christian" movies I have ever seen.

Merry Christmas

Just want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas before we head out to the land of no internet (West Virginia). Merry Christmas everybody!!!!!

I LOVE PRESIDENT BUSH!

Bush signs foreclosure relief measure into law

WASHINGTON - President Bush on Thursday signed a measure to provide financial relief for financially strapped homeowners facing foreclosure or bankruptcy.

The bill gives a tax break to homeowners who have mortgage debt forgiven as part of a foreclosure or renegotiation of a loan. No taxes would be owed on the value of any debt forgiven or written off. Currently such debt forgiveness is taxable income.

For those who are not aware, Jessica and I had to negotiate a forgiven debt in order to sell our home. Well, we have been scraping and checking under the cushions in the couch to save up for the taxes that would have been owed for this forgiven debt. Well, my accountant is currently checking, but it looks like we may have just caught a break. Hopefully this new bill applies to us!

Just some pictures

We haven't posted any pictures in a while. I'm taking a sick morning this morning (doctor's appointment) so I've got some extra time to post some pics. Here are just a few...

Well this is what I posted five minutes ago. But for some reason, Blogger is not uploading any of our pictures. Really frustrating and this is probably why Jessica hasn't posted in a while. Facebook takes like two seconds to upload pictures, but Blogger is a pain in the neck...so I'll have to post those pictures later. They were really nice...sorry you won't get to enjoy them today.

Jeremy's Power Rankings

Here's a quick look at the power rankings. The Steelers fell off with an awful loss to the Pats, while the Seahawks are slowly moving back up the rankings.

Number Five - Seattle Seahawks. I told you early on in the season that they would quietly win their division and make the playoffs. One of the few predictions I got right.

Number Four - Indianapolis Colts. Their offense looked bored Sunday...but then again the Ravens looked tired.

Number Three - Green Bay Packers. Looks like Favre is OK.

Number Two - Dallas Cowboys. Romo looked like a seasoned Veteran Sunday with that comeback win. Very well done.

Number One - NE Pats. Why is it every week they have a chip on their shoulder like the world is out to get them? Don't cheat and stop running up the score and maybe you can win some friends back :-). They'll win this week, but watch out next week...cause Miami will surprise everyone winning in Boston. Just watch....you'll see.

Thursday's Video of the Day

This one is for Jessica. She's feeling sick and it will make her smile to see and hear her favorite Christmas song :-). I love you Jess!

Jeremy's Power Rankings

We just had a great weekend at Dollywood. Hopefully we can get some pics on here tonight. Last week was CRAZY...without a break...so hopefully this week will slow down and we can post more! Onto the rankings...

Number Five - Pittsburg Steelers. The Steelers moved back into five with a win against an uninspired, lazy, undisciplined Cincy team...but they are the only 9 win team in the NFL...so they switch with the Jags who lost against...

Number Four - Indianapolis Colts. Starting to get healthy and their offense is starting to click again. Watch out!

Number Three - Green Bay Packers. Everyone knew they were the second best team in the NFC. Its too bad Favre got knocked out so early, but probably his injury kept the Packers from getting demolished. Sorry about the early bandwagon pick for Favre...I guess I just don't want Brady to get it :-)

Number Two - Cowboys. TO is leading the league in reception yards. He's happy and playing well.

Number One - NE Pats. They can lose tonight and I still would keep them here. They have nothing to win for and they have proved in 11 games that they are by far the best team in the NFL. The only hope for the rest of the sorry AFC is that they become lazy and content and rust up before the playoffs.

Jeremy's Power Rankings

Number Five - Very difficult this week, because there are two 8 win teams and one will hopefully lose this week and the other hasn't looked very convincing the past couple weeks. So I'm going with Jacksonville. They're on a good winning streak right now, while Pittsburg hasn't looked GREAT the past couple weeks. What a boring game last night! HA!

Number Four - Indy Colts. Manning really needed a good game going into the Jacksonville game...and he got it!

Number Three - Green Bay Packers. If they win this week's game, they should just give the MVP to Brett Favre. He has been lights out!

Number Two - Dallas Cowboys. Still has an edge over Green Bay and they'll be tested at home this week.

Number One - NE Pats. Close game this week. It seems they struggle the most against offenses that feature the running back. Look back at their game against the Colts. Addai did the heavy lifting, until the fourth quarter when NE finally shut him down. Philly is useless without Westbrook and gained a lot of 3rd down conversions because of him. Chances are the Ravens won't figure this out and NE will be 12-0. The real question is, how motivated will they be to become 16-0...now that they are a lock for the playoffs?

On a side note, Cincy and San Diego showed just how good they are this week. Why are both teams underachieving? Neither teams can really blame injuries. They both are stacked with talent. My guess is motivation and discipline and both fall in the laps of their coaches. Maybe its time to rethink Lewis and Turner. That's my thought for the week. Man I love football!

Happy Thanksgiving!

For our 300th post we want to wish everyone a happy thanksgiving!

Pictures from Halloween

Its taken us long enough...but here are some pics from Halloween!


Jessica made some really cool cupcakes!


Someone dressed their dog up like a hotdog. How cool is that?


Halloween Twister.


These two guys in our bible study built this castle and a train that goes around it. Then the kids shot at the targets to get points and candy. Pretty cool! I think the adults enjoyed it more then the kids :-)

Jeremy's Power Rankings

Bill Cower put Ben RothlessICANTSPELLHISLASTNAMEburger ahead of Brett Favre and Tony Romo in his list of the top QB's right now. Seriously? His top three were Brady, Manning, and Ben. It should have been Brady, Romo, and Favre. Check their stats and you'll see three things. They limit their mistakes, they carry their team, and they have a flippin awesome offensive line. Yesterday, I watched as my favorite QB looked like he had the talent of Alex Smith as his beat up offensive line continually allowed Manning to be pressured. Teams cannot say enough about the need for a strong offensive line. Big Ben is good not because he has extrodinary talent, but because he limits his mistakes and has a good offensive line. The biased Bill Cower made a crucial mistake of jumping on a bandwagon too soon (as I did with the Detroit Lions a couple weeks ago). Big Ben looked very average yesterday, as Romo and Favre shown as they have consistently done all year long. Anyways, that's my rant about a horrible piece that CBS put together. On to my rankings.

Number Five - NY Giants. Passed Pittsburg this week by beating a very good team and continuing their winning streak.

Number Four - Indy Colts. The only 8-2 team. Although they looked pretty bad yesterday offensively, defensively they continue to shine. 10 points allowed is pretty good, especially compared to last year at this time.

Number Three - Green Bay Packers. What happened to the AFC? Three teams in the top fine this week from the NFC and all very good.

Number Two - Dallas Cowboys. Squeaked out a win yesterday. They have a "turnover" style defense this year. The Bengals had it that one year they did well. As long as they cause turnovers, they win. Their problem this year was when they played the Pats who don't turn the ball over.

Number One - NE Patriots. Hopefully, for me that is, they follow suit with San Diego and Indy and fizzle out before the playoffs hit. That's basically the only chance that anyone is going to beat them.

Thursday's Video of the Day

This is for Jessica who made fun of love of Christian Rap. :-)

Jeremy's Power Rankings

Another emotional loss this week on a team that is already physically beat up. I hope the Colts can come back this week against the Chiefs at home. I'm also upset that Detroit loss. I jumped on that bandwagon too soon :-). -13 yards rushing? Come on, what was I thinking putting them in the top five?

Number Five - Pittsburg Steelers. Big Ben looked really good yesterday and the week before. Can he keep it up and challenge the Colts and the Pats in the end?

Number Four - Indianapolis Colts. Big loss last night. The best QB and the best Kicker in the league let the team down. However, the defense held the Chargers to 0 points in the second half and only 10 points all game. AND they contained LT. Job well done (on the road mind you) on their part.

Number Three - Green Bay Packers. Favre is on steroids. Is he really 60 years old? Seriously, he looks great! Who needs a running game?

Number Two - Dallas Cowboys. Big win last night against the Giants. So far, they look like the favorite out of the NFC.

Number One - Pats. WOW did you see that win last week against the BYE. Brady, Moss, Vrabel...need I say more!

Thursday's Video of the Day

Family Force Five for Katelyn who is no longer with us on Blogger :-(

Secret Sound

Those of you who know me know that in the past year and a half I've won two radio contests. The first being "Guess What's In Holly's Purse", I won a Blockbuster gift card. The second being "The Prize Pyramid Game", I won four CDs. I also won two radio contests when I was in junior high and high school. Now I am on a mission to win the Secret Sound...for those of you non Knoxvillians here is the run down: The radio plays a snippet of a random sound, you have to call in and guess what it is. The prize starts at $1,000 and for every wrong guess they throw in another $100. The prize is now up to $10,600!! The radio station even helps everyone out and posts the incorrect guesses on the website. Here's the deal...I KNOW THE DANG ANSWER!!!! I can't tell you what it is b/c then I would have to kill you. Without a shadow of a doubt I know what this thing is but I can't get in!! They give you a chance every two hours so I am religioulsy listening to be able to call in. However, I can't because the phone lines are jammed w/idiots who are too lazy to get on the website and see the answers. There have been 74 incorrect guesses, doesn't it make sense to check what's been guessed before you call in and give an answer that is stupid to begin with and has already been guessed!!! O.K. I'm done ranting, just FYI if you are from Knoxville and are trying to win the secret sound check the website! But on the other hand, the more stupid people that don't check, the more the pot goes up for me when I win. If you want to see the incorrect guesses go to www.wivk.com

Jeremy's Power Rankings

Here's this week's power rankings...I'm still mourning the Colts loss...

Number Five - I wasn't sure if I should put the Giants or the Steelers, because they both are looking good...but I'm going to jump on the Detroit band wagon this week and say the Lions! I'm drinking me some Kitna Kool-Aid.

Number Four - Green Bay Packers. I can't see me predicting that this far into the season the Lions and the Packers would be in my top five power rankings! What is wrong with this world!

Number Three - Dallas Cowboys. Still the best team in the NFC. I'm starting to man-crush Romo...forgive me Jessica.

Number Two - The "I can't play four full quarters at home" Colts. Enough said. I'm still upset.

Number One - NE Patriots. Besides being a cheater, Belichek did a great job adjusting and stopping the run in the second half. Very well done Pats...good job.

On that note, NY Daily News reports that Don Shula (of the undefeated '72 Dolphins) expressed that if the Pats go on and stay unbeaten they could put an asterick next to the record like they are talking about doing to Bonds. Interesting. Bonds...never found guilty of cheating...Pats...250k fine and loss of 1st round draft pick for cheating. Hmm.

Thursday's Video of the Day

How did I not find this earlier? Here's the original...

Jeremy's Power Rankings

We'll count down from our number five this week to our number one!

5. Green Bay Packers - HEART. A recipe for their success this year. That and Favre is finishing this season as one of the toughest and best QB of all time.

4. Dallas Cowboys - Bye week...so they are still good.

3. NE Pats - Um, I'm nervous about Sunday vs. Colts.

2. Indy Colts - 12 wins in a row and still one of the best defenses in the league. BIG test next week.

1. Boston Red Sox - Ok, I admit I cared more about the World Series this weekend then football. That's a first!

Have a great week!

Thursday's Video of the Day

Anybody plan on voting for Colbert in 08?

Jeremy's Power Rankings

A great weekend of football and not much changing on my rankings.

1. Indianapolis Colts - FACT: Indy is 2nd in defensive yards per game. FACT: Indy is 4th in defensive points allowed. FACT: Indy is 1st in defensive passing yards per game. FACT: Indy is second in offensive yards per game and 3rd in offensive points per game. FACT: Indy is also undefeated. They lead the pack in defense and offense, and yet NE is the one who is going to go undefeated? Stop your man-crush on Brady ESPN! NE has the hottest Offense right now, but Indy has the best TEAM.

2. NE Patriots - The best offense by far in the game. Looks like he'll probably break some records this year. This week they go against a very tough and steady defense. Let's see how they hold up against Washington. Better yet, let's see how they fair the following week against the defending world champions at home! Can anyone tell I'm a Colts fan? :-)

3. Dallas - Still one of the best offenses in the game and leads the pack in defensive turnovers. Tony Romo looks like he's headed to Hawaii again!

4. Green Bay Packers - I really like this team. Let's see how they respond out of their bye week.

5. NY Giants - Hottest team in the NFC right now.

Nashville is a fun place...

Jeremy and I had a great time in Nashville. We only got to spend one night but we still had a great time. We stayed with Jason and Deanna who are on vacation so we got to experience Esther's first vacay! On Fri. we ate at Bucca Di Beppos which was basically a lot of good Itallian food. On Sat. we visited the Opryland Hotel and then went shopping at Opry Mills Mall. We ate at Rainforest Cafe before we left which was very fun. The entire inside really does look like a rainforest complete w/moving animals! Here are the pics... This is Jeremy and I at Bucca. Yummy Yumy!
This is at the Opryland Hotel. All of this is actually inside even though it looks like it's outside. They have a boat that rides down the canal. It's very cool!
Esther wasn't too sure what to think of the elephant at Rainforest Cafe.
This is a snake tucked in the wall of the restaurant. There were lots of butterflies and different things like this everywhere you look.
This is the sign at the entrance. If you ever get a chance to visit on of these you should go!

Nashville, HERE WE COME!

Jessica and I are taking a quick trip to Nashville this weekend with some friends. Should be a blast! We're eating, shopping, sleeping, shopping, eating, and then heading back to Knoxville. We'll take some pics and post them later. Have a great weekend everybody!!!!

Thursday's Video of the Day

TOO CUTE!

Foothills Fall Festival

We went to Foothills Fall Festival this weekend. It was very fun! We all know that Jeremy hates concerts so for three straight days of them he did o.k. The line up included REO Speedwagon, Bucky Covington, Jamie O'Neal, Trent Tomlinson, Big and Rich, Little Texas, Kellie Pickler, and Sara Evans. Kellie Pickler and Sara Evans were my favorites. I'm not normally a Kelly fan but she was really cute and genuine. Don't listen to what Jeremy said about her. A lot of the concert pics didn't turn out so here are a few that did. This Esther rockin out to REO Speedwagon at her very first concert!
At what age is pleather pants inappropriate on musicians?
We played Spades during Bucky Covington, nuff said. This is Tim getting into the moment during Trent Tomlinson - who was my least favorite. I think he thinks that the K-Fed image is coolThis is Big and Rich on the jumbo-tron. They were good - somewhat inappropriate at times, I think that Big was high. But it was still entertaining.

My Friend Vince...

O.K. Folks, Here is the much requested story of how me and Vince Vaughn are practically B.F.F. Last week I had dinner w/some friends from work at Downtown Grill and Brewery in K-Town. We were sitting at the outside patio. When I got there I heard that I had just missed Vince Vaughn by 10 min. He had eaten there and was in town for a premiere of The Wild West Comedy Tour at a brand new movie theater down the street. So I was a little bummed that I missed him but excited about eating at the same place he did. So as we were sitting there a woman came by w/a press badge and yellow wrist bands. She asked our table if we wanted to go to the movie premiere! So we said said sure. We walked into the theater and the guy at the front said that Vince had come through the back and was going to be speaking. Now call us all crazy but none of the girls I was with wanted to stay for the movie! So we walked into the theater and were talking to the staff about if he was speaking before or after the movie. If it was before we were going to stay for that and then leave. As all of this was being decided I heard an unmistakable voice whiz by and dun-dun-dun-dun it was Vince Vaughn!! So I stood there stunned and then he turned back around and walked through our circle. His jacket brushed my arm and he said (here it is verbatim Justin) "Excuse us, Excuse us" and we watched him take his seat. So that was enough to satisfy us and we left. Stupid, I know. He wasn't speaking until after the movie anway. He looked very professional, he was in a suit and looked more put together than he does in the movies. He is very, very tall and was very polite. So, there you have it - what famous person did I run into??? IDK my BFF Vince.

Family Camp!

O.K. I know this post is a little late, but better late than never. Family Camp was so much fun and I am so glad I got the opportunity to go. I feel so blessed to have life long friends in Indiana! Here is Alan. Oh my gosh he is so cute!

Amberlee and Justin - I'm not really sure what's happening in this picture. I just thought it was funny.
Me and Bethany. She makes me so happy!
What time is it??? Jailbreak time of course!

Jeremy's Power Rankings...but not really...

Ok, the picture of Kelly Pickler has nothing to do with my rankings this week. The rankings are the same and I'm too lazy to retype them. However, I thought I would take a moment to give my impressions on a fun weekend before Jessica gets a chance to :-)

We went to the Foothills Fall Festival this weekend. Something like 15,000 people cramped in the small town of Maryville, TN. There were some good bands like, REO Speedwagon (Yes, the same band that started in the 70's). They were really good and put on a good show even though the lead singer is like 85. HA! The next couple days we saw a bunch more bands. I'll highlight a few...Bucky Covington was better then I thought he would be...not nearly as annoying and bad as his days on American Idol...very southern rockish. Jamie O'Neal did a good job. Trent Tomlinson is gay...very very gay. Cowboy Troy was embarrassing. Big and Rich were innappropriate in a many different ways, but they put on a great high energy concert. Little Texas was great. Kelly Pickler was incredibly annoying, but she sings very well. When addressing the crowd she sounded like a high school girl in the mall on her cell phone...but she was talking to us...I almost shot myself in the face. Sara Evans closed out the event with some great songs.

Funny story...I was getting some food for Jess and I while Little Texas was performing Sunday and I had to eat my Gyro real fast so that I could free up my extra hand to pay for some popcorn and while shoving this in my face, and grease and ranch dressing falling down my arm, Kelly Pickler walked by and said hello to her fans that were standing next to me. I just bowed my head and pretended not to exist...so embarrassing. Not an impression I want to leave with someone famous. Maybe someday here in the next week or so Jessica will tell you all about her experience running into Vince Vaughn...

Have a great week and hopefully we'll get some photos on here soon.

Jeremy's Power Rankings

Here's this week's power rankings...

1. Indianapolis Colts - Looked great against a very good team and missing 5 starters.

2. NE Patriots - Looked good against a mediocre team and they got their cheater back (Rodney Harrison). What makes me hate this team so much. Ironically, they are playing a team next week that I hated while growing up.

3. Dallas Cowboys - Good news...they are still perfect. Bad news...they are playing the Patriots next week. A big opportunity to show that they are legit.

4. Pittsburg Steelers - I don't understand this team. They go up against Cleveland and get slaughtered...then play a very good Seattle team and slaughter them. I just can't figure them out.

5. Green Bay - Just missed staying perfect. Still the second best team in the NFC right now.

Thursday's Video of the Day

Great worship song!

WARNING: This post contains adult content!

Let me set the scene for you. This morning at approximately 9am, I (Jeremy) was in Walmart shopping for some allergy meds. An older man (probably in his 60's) walks up to me like he's going to say something...

Old Creepy Man: The word of the day is spread.

Jeremy: What?

Old Creepy Man: The word of the day is spread.

Jeremy: Um...Ok.

Old Creepy Man: So, it's time for you to spread your legs...HAHAHAHAHA! (Creepy laugh)

(Jeremy forces an awkward chuckle and then exits quickly feeling very dirty.)

Thought I would share my sexual harrassment experience with you. Hope you enjoyed. Now I'm going to go take a shower and cry.

Camping

Jessica and I went hiking and camping this weekend. Here are a few pictures from our adventure.


We had to raise our packs up high to keep them from the bears.


This is the beginning of the hike. Beautiful!


This is the pack I carried.


Jessica enjoyed her MRE...noodles and chicken.


UGG FIRE!


So, Jessica didn't sleep at all that night. It's a small tent and my snoring is awful!

Jeremy's Power Rankings

Here is this week's power rankings...

1. Indianapolis Colts - I was tempted to move them down this week because of how impressive NE has been, but I'll explain next. I was very impressed at how the defense adjusted Sunday. They gave up over 100 yards rushing in the first quarter alone. But, they didn't give up and adjusted their game plan and stopped Denver through the rest of the game. Impressive.

2. NE Patriots - Another impressive win last night. They have a very dominant team, but they haven't played anyone yet. But, Jeremy, they played Chicago and San Diego. Yes they did and both teams are really struggling this year with only one win a piece. In fact, all of NE's opponents are 1-3. I would suggest that both Chicago and San Diego were over-rated going into the season and until they beat a hot Dallas team in two weeks or Indy loses, they aren't moving anywhere.

3. Dallas Cowboys - Tony Romo has been very impressive this year and I'm glad he's on my fantasy team. In fact, he and Brady have carried my team so far! Let's see how they do when they face NE in two weeks.

4. Green Bay Packers- The Surprise team this year. I don't know how far they will go without a running game, but I'm impressed so far.

5. Seattle Seahawks - Like I said earlier this season, they will quietly win their division and make it to the playoffs in a very weak NFC.

I love this CD

I just got this new CD and I LOVE it! The guy's name is Amos Lee and he is fantastic - he has a very soulful bluesish kinda sound. He has a couple of CDs out but I think the best is his first self-titled debut CD. If you like that kind of stuff you should definately check it out!