Memorial Day Tirade

It was fun. What can I say? Like last weekend, we saw Leif, Cyri, and Kayle only this time they came here.

Some of the highlights were watching the Twins beat the Blue Jays, me not making Kayle cry, being treated to the Cheesecake Factory, spending time with family, me not making Kayle cry, Dairy Queen, watching Kayle be "so big", grilling out, and...well...me not making Kayle cry.

The lowlight had to be the way I "stormed out" of our living room while watching a movie.

(I got you interested didn't I?)

To somewhat briefly recap what I'm talking about: I like movies. Big suprise I know. But I like the "feel good" movies. Yea they usually aren't critically acclaimed or admired for being on the cutting edge story wise but that's not why I like movies. I like movies becuase it's an escape. We all know the world is full of horror stories that are true so why would I want to escape to a horror story that someone made up? There's enough garbage I fill my mind with and I don't need to put even more in there.

Sorry, back to my "storming out of the living room" story.

We were watching the movie Hostage. Not a bad movie compared to today's standards. I get emotionally involved in movies and when people's deaths are gruesomely showed, that REALLY gets to me. I don't know why. Anyway, the movie started out showing a mom and her son being killed by thier husband/father and not too long after it had a woman cop being brutally shot, then, another mother and son being kidnapped, next, two boys (who weren't innocent) shot. The last murders pushed me over the edge. I knew I had to leave as fast as I could.

Unfortunately I waited too long. I wanted the movie to get better. I wanted thier to be meaning behind the deaths but nothing. It just kept coming. I would later find out it was a good thing I left becuase of how the "main bad guy" killed himself. Yuk.

I left the room before the movie was over, no big deal right? Well, I left, but not without all but making a big show of it. Being loud, verbally showing my disgust, and basically just ruining my families enjoyment of the hollywood production. Just because I have a hard time with certain parts doesn't mean it effects everyone else the same way.

The next day Erin lovingly called me on my actions and I apologized to her as well as Leif and Cyri. I told them why I had to leave even though it didn't necessarily make sence to them. They gave me the "no big deal" and I felt better. Why is it that apologizing is NEVER easy?

The moral of the weekend? I don't know. Only that I need to recognize my trigger points and deal with them before I sin against others.

To leave you on a happy note, here is baby Kayle showing us all how big she is while spitting her tounge out at daddy.

—b

Isaiah 24:1 & 2

Wednesday, May 30th, 2007/Isaiah chapters 21–26

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
Behold, the LORD lays the earth waste, devastates it, distorts its surface and scatters its inhabitants. And the people will be like the priest, the servant like his master, the maid like her mistress, the buyer like the seller, the lender like the borrower, the creditor like the debtor. —Isaiah 24:1 & 2

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
This passage could all but sum up the book of Ecclesiastes. When it's all said and done, our earthly status makes no difference. We all have the same fate. I need to remember that when I get delusions of grandeur or am tempted to look down upon someone whom I feel has a "less important" job than I do.

Copyright 2007, City Vision / John A. Mayer
You can purchase a copy of the CityView Report here.

PROFILES OF IMMIGRANT GROUPS IN THE TWIN CITIES

32. Egyptian — Pop. 2,000

• Have been coming to the Twin Cities since the 1960s.
• Many hold professional jobs.
• Religion: Majority are Muslim, some Coptic Christians, and few Christians.

Joe DeRosa (Comedian)

Leif & Cyri Anniversary!

Star Wars: The Legacy Revealed

HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY STAR WARS!

It was 30 years ago today that Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, and Darth Vader were first introduced to the world. To help celebrate this geek milestone, the History Channel will be airing Star Wars: The Legacy Revealed on Memorial Day at 8 PM. History buffs and Star Wars nerds unite in this anticipated, two-hour documentary.

To quote the offical site:

Through interviews with politicians, academics, journalists and critics, we'll learn about the similarities between the tales of Luke Skywalker and King Arthur and Buddha and Yoda. We'll see how Star Wars' intensely compelling stories - borrowed from diverse traditions, from Greek mythology and American westerns to the Bible and even Vaudeville - force us to explore some of the biggest questions of our time.

Some of the interviewees will be:

• • J.J. Abrams (ABC's Lost)
• • Tom Brokaw
• • Peter Jackson (Lord of the Rings director)
• • Dan Rather
• and
• • Nancy Pelosci (But don't hold that against your viewing it.) ;)
  

Here is the offical "trailer" for the special:




Even if you don't plan on watching the special, I would encourage you to visit the website. It has video clips, downloads, literary connections, and for the true geek, you can "get a call from the Dark Side".

Have a safe and relaxing Memorial Day weekend!

—b

Isaiah 8:21

Friday, May 25th, 2007/Isaiah chapters 5–8

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
They will pass through the land hard-pressed and famished, and it will turn out that when they are hungry, they will be enraged and curse their king and their God as they face upward. —Isaiah 8:21

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
It's ironic how the people will look to mediums and spiritsts for wisdom (verse 19) but when hard times come, they blame God. Some things never change.

Copyright 2007, City Vision / John A. Mayer
You can purchase a copy of the CityView Report here.

PROFILES OF IMMIGRANT GROUPS IN THE TWIN CITIES

31. Guyanan — Pop. 2,100

• Most are in their 20s and 30s.
• Religion: Many Hindus and some Christians.

BUSTED!!!

Ah man! One day after I post about how pumped I am to start this discipleship group, I get busted going through an orange light. (Ok so it was red and I have no one to blame but myself.) Some Christian I am. ;)

The following are 2 views of the same situation

1. This morning started off as a "bad" day. It's raining. It's garbage day and I'm running behind already. I haven't gotten it ready and it's almost time to go. Argh! Now I have to pick up all of Bella's dog poop bags which are outside getting wet and we are already late to leave.

Sure enough, traffic is backed up. What, don't people know how to drive in the rain! Come on!

It's 8:16 and we still need to go to the post office to get STEM's mail. The light is going to turn red, but I can make it. What! Oh no, that cop is making a U-Turn! Crap! Pull into the post office's parking lot, and now I have to give this pig my licence and registration while rain is coming through the window. Fine, yea, thanks, just give me the ticket.

And we arrive in silence to work 30 minutes late. Today sucks!


2. I love the sound of rain in the morning. Relaxing while doing my Bible study. I have the windows cracked and a cool breeze is coming in.

Oh wow, time has gotten away from me. I need to get garbage ready and take it out. Man am I glad I keep Bella's poop bags outside, for a little dog they sure do stink.

Sorry for holding you up Erin. I just lost track of time. It's a good thing we don't have to be into work right at 8:00 since we have to pick up STEM's mail this morning. Traffic is slow but not too bad. It has definitely been worse.

Oops, that light didn't stay yellow as long as I wanted. Oh no. Shoot. "Do you know why I pulled you over?" "Yea, I pushed that red light." "Here's a citation, do you have any questions. No? Ok, drive safe."

Sorry Erin. I have no good excuse. I'm guilty.

———

So there was the 2 scenario's. I'd like to say I was 100% #2 but then I'd be lying to you. I was for the most part positive but my guilt and shame sure have made for a humbling morning.

For those of you who know me and my driving habits, this probably comes as no suprise. In fact you'd also probably say it was long over due. God has yet again convicted me and hopefully I have learned an expensive lesson.

—b

Isaiah 3:24 & 25

Thursday, May 24th, 2007/Isaiah chapters 2–4

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
Now it will come about that instead of sweet perfume there will be putrefaction; Instead of a belt, a rope; Instead of well-set hair, a plucked-out scalp; Instead of fine clothes, a donning of sackcloth; And branding instead of beauty. Your men will fall by the sword And your mighty ones in battle. —Isaiah 3:24 & 25

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
What are we putting our trust in? Possesions, which can be taken away? People who will eventually let us down? Ourselves who are dependant on so many things? Or God who is...well...God?

Copyright 2007, City Vision / John A. Mayer
You can purchase a copy of the CityView Report here.

PROFILES OF IMMIGRANT GROUPS IN THE TWIN CITIES

30. Serbian — Pop. 2,900

• Like the Lebanese, the Serbian's have have arrived in the Twin Cities in two waves. The first was in the early 1900s and the second wave started again in the 90s.
• Religion: Many are Orthodox and Catholic. Some are Christian and Muslim.

Brad Dexter (Actor most famous for his role in the Magnificent Seven.)

Discipleship

Ever since really taking my relationship with Christ seriously over a year ago, I have wanted to grow in my knowledge and faith. God has been working in me through His word, other Christians, prayer, and a lot of conviction. Last night was another step in becoming more "Christ-like".

(Have I lost ya yet?)

At 6:00 pm I dropped off Erin at J-Bone's so those two could celebrate his birthday with a meal courtesy of Old Chicago. While they were celebrating, I had a meeting scheduled with our pastor (Chris) and two other guys from church. At the very least, the meeting was the start of a discipleship group. But what we are praying for is that meeting was the beginning of another God growth spurt.

Pastor Chris, Spencer, Chad, and I will meet twice a month (initially anyway) for three hours at a time. During this time, we will devour God's word, pray, keep each other accountable, do work in the community, and have fun! Yea, believe it or not, we will have fun.

Anyway, as you can probably tell, I'm really looking forward to this steep learning curve. I have been thirsting to know our heavenly Father better and this will be one more thirst quencher!

(Ok so that last part was pretty cheesey but you get the point.) :)

—b

Isaiah 1:16 & 17

Wednesday, May 23rd, 2007/Isaiah chapter 1

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
"Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Remove the evil of your deeds from My sight Cease to do evil, Learn to do good; Seek justice, Reprove the ruthless, Defend the orphan, Plead for the widow." —Isaiah 1:16 & 17

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
As followers of Christ (having accepted his free gift of grace by His death and resurrection) we are called to be active in righting wrongs. Kind of a Batman of Christianity if you will. We are told to "learn", "seek", "reprove", "defend", and "plead". Being a Christ follower isn't one hour on Sunday, it's obeying Him and acting on His behalf 24/7.But don't forget the first part of the passage where we are to repent and flee from evil.

Copyright 2007, City Vision / John A. Mayer
You can purchase a copy of the CityView Report here.

PROFILES OF IMMIGRANT GROUPS IN THE TWIN CITIES

29. Lebanese — Pop. 3,000

• Have been arrived in the Twin Cities in two waves. The first was in the early 1900s and the second wave started again in the 90s.
• Religion: Majority are Muslim, many are Catholic and Orthodox, and some are Christian.

Tony Shaloub aka. Monk

Happy Birthday J-Bone!

Erin's Pregnant Playlist

A few friends from church KNOW their music. They are able to critique a song and are actually educated enough to back up their opinion with more than the usual, "I like it just becuase" answer. I am NOT one of those people. If you were to look at my iTunes library, you would see everything from Barry Manilow to Led Zeppelin, Mozart to t.A.T.u, even Keith Green to Pantera. What can I say, I like variety.

Back to the subject at hand. One of those friends from church (Petey) has created a couple of playlists and posted them on his blog. So I was thinking of making one but with a theme...Erin's pregnancy.

The following list was put together by both Erin and I.

• ERIN'S PREGNANT PLAYLIST
  
  1. Baby, Baby — Amy Grant
  For obvious reasons.
  
  2. All I Need Is A Miracle — Mike and The Mechanics
  It took an obvious miracle for us to get pregnant.
  
  3. All Summer Long — Beach Boys
  Yep, Erin will be pregnant ALL SUMMER LONG!
  
  4. Wake Me Up, Before You Go, Go — Wham!
  Luckily her bladder wakes her up before she has to go, go.
  
  5. Hurt — Johnny Cash
  Wow has she had some pains! She hasn't even gone through birth yet.
  
  6. Hot, Hot, Hot — Buster Poindexter
  While she is hot, hot, hot outside, we make sure it's Vanilla Ice cold inside.
  
  7. Until It Sleeps — Metallica
  Erin can't sleep till Brevin sleeps. That little guy is active at night!
  
  8. Big Girls Don't Cry — Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons
  Women have a higher threshold for pain and Erin is no different. Thank you God that men don't have to give birth becuase the human population would have died out long ago.
  
  9. Hungry Like The Wolf — Duran Duran
  Get outta her way when she's hungry!
  
  10. Sleeping In My Car — Roxette
  One of the great places to nap since Brevin is rocked to sleep by the Jeep's motion.
  
  11. Round and Round — Ratt
  Well...what can I say? She keeps getting more round.
  
  12. Beautiful — Christina Aguilera
  Despite having fun with her belly, I have loved how Erin has looked while pregnant. She just glows.
  
  13. Cruel Summer — Bananarama
  By the time we reach August, it will have been a very cruel summer.
  
  14. Push It — Salt 'N Pepa
  Nuff said.
  
  15. Sweet Child O' Mine — Guns N' Roses
  That's what we are looking forward to, our child. At this point, Brevin doesn't even have to be "sweet".
  
  16. We Can Work It Out — The Beatles
  Raising support, Erin being a stay at home mom, and only having one income, it's only because of God that We Can Work It Out.

If you want to download Erin's Pregnant Playlist, click here.

—b

Song of Solomon 7:10

Tuesday, May 22nd, 2007/Song of Solomon chapters 5–8

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
"I am my beloved's, And his desire is for me." —Song of Solomon 7:10

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
Does my life tell Erin that my desire is for her, and her alone? The way I treat her and speak to her? Ephesians 5:25 comes to mind: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her,".

Copyright 2007, City Vision / John A. Mayer
You can purchase a copy of the CityView Report here.

PROFILES OF IMMIGRANT GROUPS IN THE TWIN CITIES

28. Latvian — Pop. 3,000

• Have been coming to the Twin Cities since the late 1990s.
• Most are in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.
• Religion: Some are Christian.

Buddy Ebsen aka. Jed Clampett

Victor Von Doom (Dr. Doom) comes from Latveria, does that count?

Relaxing With the Eidsmoe's

Last weekend, Erin, Bella, and I took advantage of the $3.39 per gallon gas prices to visit the Eidsmoe's. A theme that both Leif and I prayed for, both at different times, and without each of us knowing, was relaxation. We both prayed for a relaxing weekend. Thankfully God granted that request.

We arrived Friday night and after I scared Kayle to the point of her bawling, we vegged out on the couch talking, downloading CD's, and relaxing. I always love, after a long road trip, just sitting down and catching up with whomever we are visiting. It's always a reminder that life happens outside of my little circle.

Saturday I had my morning time with Christ (which doesn't always happen when I get out of my typical routine) and Bella was where she always is which is on my lap eating a bone. Only this time she wasn't interested in eating her bone. Every once in a while, she would hear Kayle make a baby noise and Bella could not eat. She would jump off my lap with her nose stuck to the basement door knowing that baby Kayle was on the other side. That's a first. I used to think the world could end before Bella wouldn't pay attention to a rawhide.

The rest of the day continued to be our theme of the weekend, relaxing. We put in a chick flik (Because I Said So) for the girls while Leif and I burned CD's to listen to later. Relaxing. After the movie we headed out to a park, with Kayle looking like Sir Elton John to enjoy some Wendy's burgers and warm weather. Relaxing. Next we dropped off BK (baby Kayle) at grandma Johnson's and the four of us headed over to Shrek the Third. Relaxing. After enjoying the movie which was fun but not as good as the previous two Shrek's, we gave our patronage to Dairy Queen. Relaxing.

Sunday was more of the same. After church, Leif grilled us some burgers and we sat on the couch eating and watching TV. (Do I need to say the "R" word again? I think you get the picture.)

It isn't very often that Erin and I come home from a trip feeling relaxed. But we both really enjoyed our time and although we have come back to a busy work week, we are feeling relaxed.

Thank you God.

—b

Song of Solomon 4:7

Sunday, May 21st, 2007/Song of Solomon chapters 1–4

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
"You are altogether beautiful, my darling, And there is no blemish in you." —Song of Solomon 4:7

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
When was the last time I told Erin how beautiful she was? The bridegroom has told his bride she is beautiful at least once in each of the first four chapters.

Copyright 2007, City Vision / John A. Mayer
You can purchase a copy of the CityView Report here.

PROFILES OF IMMIGRANT GROUPS IN THE TWIN CITIES

27. Brazilian — Pop. 3,000

• Have been coming to the Twin Cities since the mid 1970s.
• Most are in their 20s and 30s.
• Religion: Majority are Catholic and some are Christian.

Luciana Souza (Singer)

Ecclesiastes 3:12 & 13

Friday, May 18th, 2007/Ecclesiastes chapters 1–4

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in one's lifetime; moreover, that every man who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor—it is the gift of God. —Ecclesiastes 3:12 & 13

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
I really enjoy the book of Ecclesiastes because it puts life in perspective. It shows us that no matter what we do in our lifetime, God is in control so we need to "rejoice and to do good" in the name of the Lord. Ultimately, it doesn't matter whether we are wise or foolish, rich or poor, attain high job status or work for minimum wage, in the end we all die. We will all be judged. So enjoy life! Realize that this life is fleeting. Take pride in whatever you do and thank God that life on earth isn't permanent and those of us who have accepted His free gift of grace will be with Him forever!

Copyright 2007, City Vision / John A. Mayer
You can purchase a copy of the CityView Report here.

PROFILES OF IMMIGRANT GROUPS IN THE TWIN CITIES

26. Bosnian — Pop. 3,700

• Have been coming to the Twin Cities since the 1990s.
• Most are in their 20s and 30s.
• Religion: 60% are Muslims, some Catholic, some Orthodox, and some Christian.

Proverbs 29:12

Thursday, May 17th, 2007/Proverbs chapters 28–31

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, But happy is he who keeps the law. —Proverbs 29:18

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
The sterotype of keeping God's law is one of constraint and having to miss out on all the fun that those who don't follow God are having. But contrary to what the world says, those "fun" things end up leaving you more empty inside. A temporary high if you will. But the one thing that will never dissapoint or let us down is following and obeying Christ. The verse even says when we obey God's commands we will be happy!

Copyright 2007, City Vision / John A. Mayer
You can purchase a copy of the CityView Report here.

PROFILES OF IMMIGRANT GROUPS IN THE TWIN CITIES

25. Japanese — Pop. 4,500

• Have been coming to the Twin Cities since the 1960s.
• Highly educated.
• 53% of Japanese families in the Twin Cities have obtained home ownership.
• The average Japanese household size is 3.1 people.
• Religion: Majority are Buddhist and Shintoist, and some are Christian.

Noriyuki "Pat" Morita

US Soccer Coach

Congrats to US Soccer's interim coach Bob Bradley on landing the head coach position. Despite what ESPN's Soccernet says, I think it was a good move and I'm hoping US Soccer can get back to where it was in 2002.

—b

Proverbs 25:12

Wednesday, May 16th, 2007/Proverbs chapters 24–27

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold Is a wise reprover to a listening ear. —Proverbs 25:12

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
This verse says something about the reprover and the reprovee. First the reprover had enough courage and love to instruct the guilty party. Second, the one who was being reproved was humble enough to take the instruction with a "listening ear" and the reproof he/she was receiving was for their own good. After all, who likes to be told they are doing something wrong? Plus the beginning of the verse says the wisdom that is being given and received is that of gold!

Copyright 2007, City Vision / John A. Mayer
You can purchase a copy of the CityView Report here.

PROFILES OF IMMIGRANT GROUPS IN THE TWIN CITIES

24. Czech — Pop. 4,500

• Have been coming to the Twin Cities since the 1990s.
• Most are in their 20s and 30s.
• Religion: Most are Catholic and Christian.

Secret Detractor

7:51 PM last night, Erin and I arrived at the Fine Line Music Cafe in downtown Minneapolis to see Secret Detractor perform. Secret Detractor is a band in which two of our friends from church are part of. The Friendly Stegosaurus triumphs on guitar while "Mohawk" Dave dominates the bass.

The atmosphere almost brought me back to my high school days of seeing metal concerts with friends. It had the same all-black painted interior, multicolored lights, and of course, the smoke machine. The main difference was, well, instead of a metal band playing for a bunch of kids dressed in black, it was some Christ followers playing what has been described as:

"...a synthesis of Static Prevails era Jimmy Eat World and Audioslave. The intensity of Post-Emo Rock, but without the whiney attitude. The power of Hard Rock, but without the ego trips."

Basically, the only difference was Christ is involved. A very big difference and yet to a casual onlooker, an almost invisible one.

The guys up there looked like "normal" rockers and not "Christian" rockers. One had a Venom t-shirt on and leather pants and the other was sporting a mohawk. They love their wives and was even pointed out onstage as the lead singer did introductions, he couldn't help but point out his "beautiful, pregnant wife" sitting in the crowd. The lyrics were uplifting even if you couldn't always understand what they were saying.

During the show, other friends from Hiawatha church periodically came in. It was fun seeing everyone not in their Sunday best. 8:47 PM rolls around and Secret Detractor has finished their set. We briefly talked with friends while trying get used to the sudden lack of loudness before heading out.

It was a lot of fun and something I hope we can do again. After all, it was Erin and my first concert together. Even Brevin got into it as "he wouldn't stop moving". Rock on Brevin, rock on!

—b

Secret Dectrator Sites:
Official
Last.fm
Myspace
Facebook

Proverbs 23: 4 & 5

Tuesday, May 15th, 2007/Proverbs chapters 19–23

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
Do not weary yourself to gain wealth, Cease from your consideration of it. When you set your eyes on it, it is gone. For wealth certainly makes itself wings Like an eagle that flies toward the heavens. —Proverbs 23:4 & 5

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
Why do we have jobs? Is it for money only or for God's glory as well? If our soul purpose is for money, than we will surely leave the important reasons for life behind. (Family, friends, and our own well being and satisfaction.)

So what then should our focus be? Proverbs 22:4 points us in the right direction. "The reward of humility and the fear of the LORD Are riches, honor and life."

Copyright 2007, City Vision / John A. Mayer
You can purchase a copy of the CityView Report here.

PROFILES OF IMMIGRANT GROUPS IN THE TWIN CITIES

23. Kenyan — Pop. 5,000

• Have been coming to the Twin Cities since the 1980s.
• Most are in their 20s and 30s.
• Religion: Muslim, Christian, and Catholic.

Sammy Wanyonyi (SWIM)

College Grads

Aunt Robin, Mom, Emily, Aunt Ruth, Cousin Jenny

Whew! Erin and I are still trying to catch our breath from our graduation weekend. Both my brother (in-law) and sister graduated from college this weekend. Way to go you two!

Thursday Erin and I took off almost directly from work to make the trek to Moorhead for Emily's graduation. When we got to my parents place, we were greeted by my dad's new toy...a sound system from Bose. My parents have a 5o-some inch widescreen tv and dad had to make me jealous by displaying the power of his new surround sound with Star Wars Episode I.

It was funny getting scolded by Mom and Erin for it being too loud. The volume was at zero. Yea, zero! I don't know how Bose has their volume measured but we had to watch the rest of the movie at negative ten. (Quite the opposite of Spinal Tap's "11" amp.) ;)

Friday I got to hang out with my dad as I waited to get my hair cut at Fargo's mall. We walked over to Best Buy where we got to add to our "it will never happen wish list". Later on that day my Mom's sister's Ruth and Robin came up. Jenny, Ruth's daughter also tagged along for the ride from Hastings, MN.

That night, we all packed up in the minivan and headed out to the Fargodome to see Emily's graduation. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a major in History at North Dakota State University (NDSU).

Saturday Morning, Erin, Bella, and I packed up and headed back to Shakopee. We arrived back to our townhome and were greeted by Erin's parents. Kevin and De had arrived the day before to see their son's graduation.

After we said our "hello's", took off in their minivan to Baby's R' Us. Erin and I had picked out a crib and changing table/dresser the weekend before. The highlight of the trip had to have been Kevin's quote:

"I have never seen so many pregnant women in one place at the same time."

...nuff said.

After heading over the Dick's Sporting Goods trying to regain whatever manhood we had left, we headed home to tackle the "easy assembly" of the changing table/dresser. (Actually I need to be honest, everyone else did the work. I took a much needed nap. Thanks everyone!)

After church and a grilled cheese sandwich lunch the next day, we headed out to the campus of the U of M to see J-Bone graduate. He was graduating with a major in Communication Studies and may go back to get a degree so that he can become a basketball coach. (Look out Tubby Smith!)

The temps read 90+ but thankfully there was a strong breeze so everyone who wasn't pregnant was fairly comfortable. While the hundreds of grads were getting their pictures taken, Goldy even made an appearance. (If you click on the picture, you can see our college graduate holding his diploma upside down. That's my boy!) :)

Being that everyone was now graduated out, we grabbed J-Bone's best friend and fellow graduate Snake and headed out to Chili's to celebrate. It was really relaxing sitting and talking while the Chili's staff quickly scrambled to replace the two plates of ours they had dropped on the floor.

Congratulations Emily and Josh on your accomplishment! You two earned it.

• More photos of Emily's graduation can be found here.
  
• More photos of J-Bone's graduation can be found here.

Last but not least, a happy birthday goes out to my brother Leif. (He's the big kid on the right.) He turned 27 on Mother's Day. HAPPY BIRTHDAY COCHESE!