Four Years Arky - VISION

Sheena and I have officially lived in Arkansas for four years now. Crazy to think its been that long, and yet somehow it seems like its been longer. In those four years we've had four different mailing addresses. There's a fun fact for the day. I can't say it's been the easiest four years of my life, but I can say its been the most blessed. I have grown a lot spiritually and don't plan on slowing down the pace either. In fact, I have more anticipation AND vision about this year than I ever have before. God has placed specific things in my heart that I am to walk out this year.

That last sentence has created so much excitement in my heart, and I believe it is a result of increase in my time in praying in the spirit. God is showing me exactly how I am to focus on my job, and my position at my local church. Obeying Him in these things requires less "me time" but wow the rewards of doing so are great. By committing to obey and pursue the things He has placed in my heart, God is giving me more. I believe the spiritual mandate this year is "turning the corner" and with that, I am not going to sit back and watch things happen. I am going take action and obey what God shows me. I greatly anticipate looking back on this year later, and reading this post only to give God glory for all that He has done.

Vaccinations

I recently asked one of my friends his reason for not being a believer in getting vaccinated for things such as the flu, hep b, etc:


“I am a firm believer that my auto-immune system was designed by God, and as such has been designed in a superior fashion to defend me from infections etc. I don't believe you "grow stronger" due to your exposure to all viruses. AIDS is a virus, why don't we have immunizations for that? That is an oversimplification I know, but that is the general point. A supporting point is the fact that western medicine has had many huge "uh oh" moments in the past, blood letting, leeching, etc. The medical industry itself states that they double their knowledge every 8 months - a year. This has the opposite from intended consequence for me and my confidence in them. If they doubled what they knew 8 months ago, and they know so little now, they sure seemed confident for knowing so little back then. And if that is the historic trend, I think they know far less than they attempt to suggest. When they stop discovering so much all the time, and stop having drugs with side affects worse than the problem they allegedly cure, I might re-evaluate my position.”

I decided to put this up on my blog so that people can have a fresh look at the subject… a view that doesn’t really exist in the media. There seems to be a lot of push right now for vaccinations, and I HATE IT.

Techno Tuesday

Ya, It's Thursday... what's your point.

If you've never heard of this website, and you're a texter, and you are like me and need a reminder about stuff every now and then, then check it out. No need to explain all the details since it's pretty self explanatory, but basically with this neat little website you can enter as many reminders as you want. Put in date/time or reminder, your phone number, and your message.
At that exact time, you will receive the text you asked for.

I use this site often. You could also use it to remind your significant other about upcoming events so they don't forget. Just sayin' :-P

Snow Day

The office closed on Friday at 2pm due to the MN-like snow coming down. And let me tell ya, it really came down. I think we got about 5 or 6 inches total. The J-ster and I built a snow man today. He's about 7 feet tall.. you can't miss him if you drive by our place.

I expect that this is only the beginning of snowy memories with my kids. Hopefully snowmobiling and snowboarding will come upon us before too long. You can't have a true appreciation for snow until you experience both!

Techno Tuesday

I figured I'd mention the latest tech news that excites me. Well, the news hasn't transpired yet, but nonetheless I am very anxious to find out what Apple is going to announce tomorrow. I love how they hold events just to announce a new product that they've created, and will later sell. There's a ton of speculation out there that it will be an Apple Tablet computer. Check out the flyer:



Considering that Apple posted a Q1 profit of $3.38B should tell us all something: they know what they're doing. Another cute little fact: 70 percent of the Fortune 100 companies and 50 percent of the FT 100 companies are actively piloting the iPhone for enterprise use.

That's what gets me anxious about these events. It could be a device that changes EVERYTHING! haha ya right.
Maybe I'm just a NERD.

Blessed

Big Brother Party

My wife is so creative; I love it. She threw out a neat little idea and we made it happen. At the end of the night J was pretty wound up. Enjoy:

Isaiah Andrew Breaths First Breath

Here we are only a day after our second son was born. The short version of the story is this: About a month ago we scheduled Sheena to be induced for the birth of Isaiah on 12/18. Sheena began having small contractions the day before and leading up to the appointment. She was admitted at 6:30am to labor/delivery room and was dilated to approx 2 cm. Mona and Cortney came to support her for the whole day, while Evan hauled Jeremiah to and fro and kept wonderful watch over him, also supporting "The Sheen" at the hospital. By approximately 10:30am she was at 4 cm. A little after noon she was ready to push. Everyone immediately became ecstatic. I got my text message draft saved and ready to send. The nurse coached Sheena through her sequences of pushing. I stood proud and supportive at her side. The doctor was quickly called in, and after only a couple more pushes, beautiful Isaiah was laying on momma. It could be said that my breath was taken away as Isaiah's was given.

Here is a link to a few pictures.

The emotional impact you experience when seeing your child take their first breath of air cannot be put into words. Period. Just know that is very emotional and special for us.
We are so thankful to our Heavenly Father, that He would entrust us with this child. Sheena and I are committed and dedicated to raising him up according to the standards of God's word. His Word is first place in our family.

Isaiah Andrew 12/18/09

Isaiah Andrew Schlegel
Born December 18th, 2009 at 12:47pm
6 pounds, 13 onces
19 3/4 inches long
(click for larger version of cuteness)

Techno Tuesday

I'm going to start a new blogging series: Techno Tuesday. Hopefully this one pans out. Becky gave me the idea, and I like it. It will most likely include anything and everything techy. I know, broad subject...but the goal is to offer tips and tools to assist in living an increasingly tech-healthy life.

To launch this series, I'd like to mention one of Google’s services: Google SMS. If you don’t mind paying for text messages, then this may become one of your best resources when you’re on the go. I used it the other night to get the phone number to pizza hut. If you do not pay for text messages, then skip to the last paragraph.

When you're out and about and need some quick info but don't have time to access the Internet or phone a friend, send a text message to 466453 (GOOGLE) and you will receive a text reply immediately with your request, free of charge. Here are some of the things you can get while on the go:

-Your weather forecast: text “forecast 72921” and Google will send the current weather and forecast for that zip code

-Text your flight number: Google will send you the status (on time/delayed) gate info, etc

-Text a business name or restaurant plus the city or zip code, and you will receive the phone number and other info.

-Text: "alma to fort smith", and Google will provide directions for you

There are all sorts of other things you can text to Google to get information while on the go. Check out more details here.

If you don't pay for text messages, you can get business/restaurant info by calling goog 411. It's basically an automated version of 411, and it's FREE! Try it sometime: 1-800-GOOG-411

Jeremiah Meets Baby Shower

We were blessed with a baby shower by some of my colleagues at work last week. Even JJ scored some gifts. It was a BLAST! Well, about as fun as a baby shower at work could be, I suppose.

Candid shot of a happy face and curious kid:


Munchin and lunchin in the Diva Den conference room:


Gifts n goodies, doo-dads and diapers, foot lotions and secret potions.
Except for the secret potions:


aww


cake and decor:




It's a blessing to have friends at work. I hope they will throw me a motorcycle shower in the spring.. I have the gloves. Just need the bike, helmet, and jacket.

Kids Rooms Update

One of the items we were able to cross off the to-do list was getting the boys' rooms finished. I carved and painted a sign for each of them to go above their bed. Each one matches their room/bed theme. And for Isaiah's room we painted all of his furniture espresso brown. Turned out pretty good, I'd say.

JJ's car theme:


close up hot rod made of styrofoam and paint and hot glue


Isaiah's jungle friends theme:


close up styrofoam sign


painted the rocking chair, crib, and changing station/dresser all espresso brown

Waffle Head

Aww, look at that family picture, how cuuute.
Our son Isaiah will be here before the end of the year, which will make us a family of four. In this busy holiday season, I'd like to try and predict what is going through each of our minds in relation to the baby.

Jeremiah: Isaiah is a ball inside of mommy's tummy. Mom and dad keep telling me I will love Isaiah, I will be a such a good big brother. I want a treat. Can I play toys? Hey. Where'd my choo choo train go? Wait a sec. I thought I hid that chocolate under this shoe.. its gotta be in here somewhere. I wanna go outside.

Isaiah: who's making all that ruckus?

Sheena: Ok, let's see. Isaiah could come today. Will he? I hope so. I'm excited. My to do list is almost completely eliminated. Jake's is growing. Did I buy enough burp cloths? should I pack Jake a brown belt for hospital? Did I fill my Jeep up yet just in case he comes tomorrow? I can't wait to hold my baby. I'm excited to show friends and family our baby.

Jake: Do I have extra time tonight to work on list? Do I have extra time tonight to work on list? Do I have extra time tonight to work on list? Do I have extra time tonight to work on list?

It's been said that men think like a waffle. Right now, my waffle is smothered in to-do list syrup.

How Big is the Internet?

I read this article at gizmodo.com. Someone said it best: "basically an entire small country is added to facebook every day." Click the image for larger version.

Random Monday Night Video

Although it may seem like it; I didn't create this video as a result of boredom. I needed a moment of weirdness. I did this to get myself away from my looooong to do list. I'm sure you all can relate. Especially around this time of the year.

I also just wanted to get myself on camera catching food in my grill. Enjoy?

Who's up for a grapes-in-grill throw down?