Just Another Fred

MOVING TIME

noreply@blogger.com (Fred) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 03:18:00 +0000

Thanks to all who keep up with our family through this blog.

I've moved it over to www.jafred.wordpress.com.

Please check out and bookmark the new site.

A Little Time For Us...

noreply@blogger.com (Fred) — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 15:53:00 +0000

For the last couple of months I (Fred) have been trying to plan an overnight getaway for Jen so that we could spend some time together without kids. My first two attempts were foiled for different reasons. Persistence paid off and yesterday we headed to Asheville for the candlelight tour of the Biltmore decorated for Christmas. Pics aren't permitted inside and when we finally finished our tour it was dark and foggy. But we took a few shots anyway.

We're heading back today to see it in the daylight. Sure I'll have more to say later.

Do You Ebay?

noreply@blogger.com (Fred) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 14:47:00 +0000

I have an "on again- off again" relationship with ebay.

Every six months or so I remember that it exists and start looking for things that I'm in the market for. I usually pick up a couple of items and then tire of checking my list of stuff I'm watching and dealing with last second bidders driving prices up.

Right now I'm in one of my active ebay phases.

How about you? Do you ebay?

As a buyer? Seller? Both?

What do you tend to bid on? Do you really save money?

What's the best deal you've ever gotten?

Any tips or learnings you'd be willing to share with the rest of us?

What's Your Favorite....

noreply@blogger.com (Fred) — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 21:23:00 +0000

...Christmas cd?

I've been thinking of getting some new holiday music.

What do you have playing to get you in the spirit of the season?

Getting Christmasy

noreply@blogger.com (Fred) — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 02:55:00 +0000

Today we went to the mall and Addy, Colston (& Jen) got to see Santa. Yes- the REAL one. Addy asked for an Eve (from Disney's Wall-E) and interpreted Colston's request for a "goof" a.k.a. a stuffed Goofy.

Tonight the girls in the family strung popcorn to put on the tree.

Here's the final result.

I give it a day before Colston starts using the tree as a snack source.

I Heart Mondays

noreply@blogger.com (Fred) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 13:42:00 +0000

I'm learning to look forward to Mondays. Really.

That wasn't always the case. I used groan like a lot of other folks when the calendar landed on Monday. I mentioned my appreciation for this often dreaded day of the week on Facebook and within seconds I got the response- "What's your secret?"

Good question. Had to think about that for a couple of minutes.

My response? I'm seeing Monday a bit differently.

Instead of thinking of this day as the beginning of a week of work- I'm thinking of this day as the beginning of my week of work.

Huh?

Like you, I've got a ton of stuff to get done this week. Some I really want to do. Some I need to do. Some I have to do. All of it needs to be done by Sunday (in my case).

I've finally realized that I'll never have any more time this week to get stuff done than I do today (Monday).

Today I'm at the beginning of the runway. The speed only increases and the distance shrinks from here on out. Monday ought to be my least stressful day of the week.

I'm also choosing to see Monday as my best opportunity to pray over, prioritize and order my week. No new info there- just trying to practice it.

So, happy Monday.

Breathe deeply.

Stretch a bit.

Thank God for today.

Nudge the throttle forward gently.

Enjoy your week.

Advent Devotionals

noreply@blogger.com (Fred) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:23:00 +0000

Looking for a way to stay focused on God in the middle of a busy holiday season?

Check out Following The Star. This online guide provides daily devotions (w/scriptures, music, reflections, & prayers) for each day between now and Christmas. This 10 minute experience could provide a lot of grounding in the next few weeks. Make sure you check out the “On your first visit” and “About the experience” sections the first time around.

Looking for something even simpler? Stop by the Waiting, Day by Day Advent Calendar. Click on the current day of the month and you’ll find a short poem, prayer or thought about our wait for Jesus’ arrival.

Santa Comes To Apple

noreply@blogger.com (Fred) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 20:24:00 +0000

Cane's Game- Great Seats, Disappointing Score

noreply@blogger.com (Fred) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 13:37:00 +0000

Last week a generous friend gave me 4 tickets to a Carolina Hurricane's game. (Complete with parking pass, I might add.) He had won them at a golf tournament and mentioned that he thought they would be pretty good seats.

Understatement.

We 7 rows off of the ice with a great view of the crease on one end.

It was pretty amazing to see the speed and size differentials of the players up close.

I've been to four NHL games since I've been in Raleigh and each time I'm stunned by the energy the crowd generates when the team is playing well.

The end result didn't favor our guys, but we had a great time anyway.

Here are a couple of shots. Sorry for the foggy pics. Guess all that lint in my pocket has found it's way onto my phone's camera lens.

Shawn, Elisa & Jen

Some action at our end

Skipping Black Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Fred) — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 19:59:00 +0000

So for the first time in nearly a decade I (Fred) found myself asleep at 5am on the day after Thanksgiving.

You see, I've been out at that ungodly hour every Black Friday for nearly a decade. But not today.

Why have I been such a long-running, willing participant in the unbridled consumerism? Mostly because I've enjoyed the spectacle of it all. You never know what you'll see on Black Friday- but chances are you'll see something good. Of course, grabbing a great deal never hurt either.

So why did I skip today? To make a statement about all of the commercialism? No- although I agree things are out of control. Because of fears about where the economy is headed? Maybe a little.

Mostly I didn't go out today because we don't need anything. And at the moment I'm on a "Don't buy anything you don't need" kick.

And we're going to have a lower key Christmas this year.

And I figured I could use the sleep. Which felt great by the way.

So how about you. Did you shop today?

If so, did you see any interesting? Get any great deals?

If not, why not?

Vacation Update 5- Meeting the Mouse

noreply@blogger.com (Fred) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 02:22:00 +0000

Sorry it has taken me so long to post this. We spent the last week of vacation with my folks and I didn't have access to wifi. In addition to enjoying my family's company, one of the highlights of our time in Kissimmee was spending a day at Disney.

Originally, we were going to wait until the kids were both a bit older to take them for the first time. But we caved- figuring that Addy was old enough (4 years, 4 mos) to enjoy it and that Colston would at least get in free at his age (19 mos). As it turned out, we all got in free- thanks to a generous family member of a family member. And both kids had a great time. Colston was a bit grumpy due to a truncated nap, but I've seen him worse for the wear after spending a day at home.

Having grown up in Kissimmee and Orlando, I've been to Disney more times that I can remember. I thought that going with my kids would be a bit more memorable. I was wrong. It was magical.

Not only was it incredible to watch Addy light up as she saw the park, rode the rides and met the characters- but as a parent I really appreciated the effort Disney has put in to make it a great experience for families. Every cast member we encountered was polite, and many made an extra effort to help us have a great experience. There were plenty of healthy food choices for kids- and the meals were reasonably priced. For example, an individual kid's pizza with milk, grapes and applesauce was under $5. We pay more for less around town.

As you'd expect, Disney keeps the place looking immaculate. But they've also updated things as well. From the fingerprint scanners that link you to your ticket at the front turnstiles, to the Johnny Depp additions to Pirates of the Caribbean ride, to the changes to Tomorrowland that drug it out of the 70's- Disney looked and felt fresh to me.

I think we picked a fairly good time to go. The longest line we waited in all day was about 10 mins long. In all we fit in 13 rides/attractions, saw 2 parades and watched the fireworks. And we took our time. I'm not sure we'd have had nearly as pleasurable an experience if we had to endure significant heat or crowds. But the day was nearly perfect for us.

Here are some pics. I've uploaded more on Facebook, so take a peek there too.

Vacation Update 4

noreply@blogger.com (Fred) — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 20:24:00 +0000

Today we undertook one of the most trying activities for an extended family- the family portrait.

6 adults and 4 kids (ages 4 mos, 19 mos, 2 yrs 9 mos & 4 yrs 4 mos) got dressed up, waited an extra 20 minutes for our appointment and somehow got everyone still enough at the same time to take a few good shots. All in all the whole ordeal lasted an hour and a half.

Whew- that's over. At least for another year.

Here are a few of the results:

Vacation Update 3

noreply@blogger.com (Fred) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 19:02:00 +0000

Yesterday we hooked up with our family from TN and hit the zoo.

It was hot (85 and humid) but most of the animals were still pretty active.

The highlights included feeding a huge giraffe by hand, touching sting rays and seeing penguins and manatees.

Today we're taking it easy and hanging around the house.

Vacation Update 2

noreply@blogger.com (Fred) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:51:00 +0000

Spent some time at a great park yesterday. Took advantage of the wind to fly a kite. Hit the playground, had a picnic lunch and did some general frolicking.

Last night we got to have dinner with Matt, Charee & our nieces Sullivan & Isley.

Today we bumped around the zoo.

Pics of that maybe tomorrow.

Vacation Update 1

noreply@blogger.com (Fred) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 19:51:00 +0000

Jen, Addy, Judy & Colston spent some time working with play dough last night.

There's nothing like new, unsoiled play dough right out of the container is there? Yeah, we go all out on vacations in the Turner household.

Here are a few of Addy's creations:

Just in case you aren't used to this level of artistic interpretation- that's a parrot just above.

More updates to come.

Halloween

noreply@blogger.com (Fred) — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 01:44:00 +0000

Sorry to take so long, but here are a few pics from all hallows eve. This was Colston's first ever go at Trick or Treating. He marched right up to our neighbor's doors and helped himself when they held the bowl to his level and invited him to take some. A week later I don't think he's eaten any of the candy, but he carried it around in his pumpkin for days afterwards. Good times.

We're starting a family vacation tomorrow, so I'm not sure how much I'll be posting.

Blessings!

Fun With...

noreply@blogger.com (Fred) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 03:13:00 +0000

Wikki Stix.

October Recap

noreply@blogger.com (Fred) — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 01:04:00 +0000

Early in the month we took the kids to a pumpkin patch where we picked cotton and corn, fed goats, went on a hayride and got pumpkins.

In the middle of the month we celebrated Jen's 32nd birthday.

Last Sunday we put the kids in their costumes and took them to a huge festival at a big local church. Addy hit the bounce house and the giant slide while Colston got his first ever taste of cotton candy. Both kids rode ponies.

This week we carved our pumpkins. The kid's handled the gutting while Jen and Judy got all artistic.

And tonight we trick or treated. Pics to follow.

Today Colston Discovered....

noreply@blogger.com (Fred) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:53:00 +0000

That he REALLY likes Ketchup.

Yet another example of how different our kids are. At 4 years and 4 months Addy still hasn't even wanted to taste ketchup. It was all we could do to pry Colston's cup of ketchup out of his hands so we could leave Five Guys today.

Church & Money

noreply@blogger.com (Fred) — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 20:08:00 +0000

Today our faith community gathered around the idea that God is trusting us with the money that we have. As the teacher it was my job to lead our folks in a conversation on this important, but sometimes uncomfortable topic.

Not that I need ideas since the teaching is done, but I'd love to know how you feel about your experiences with churches and money.

Where have you seen churches get it right?

Where have you seen them blow it?

Do faith communities discuss this topic too much? Too little?

What do you want/need to hear/learn about money?

Poop! (and Poop)

noreply@blogger.com (Fred) — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 02:16:00 +0000

A couple weeks back we put Colston on his little potty- just for fun. When he got up there was a nice puddle of tinkle. Surprise and cheering soon followed.

Ever since we've been putting him on the potty whenever we change a diaper. Tonight I (Fred) was in charge of his before bed prep. I put him on the potty and could tell he was doing a bit more than #1. (The grunting was the clue.)

I peeked and found.....a little bit of poop in the potty! Naturally I called Jen in to celebrate.

There was much rejoicing. (If you don't understand this, go buy me a few boxes of daipers- Pampers size 4- and you'll get the enthusiasm over a toddler using the toilet.)

Colston sat a few minutes more and when he got up there was a good bit of poop in the potty.

We cheered.

Then he smiled and backed his bottom right into our white, terry cloth shower curtain.

Oh....poop.

Addy's First Open House

noreply@blogger.com (Fred) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 20:49:00 +0000

We went to Addy's preschool a couple nights back for our first open house as parents of a "student".

While it was fun to enter her learning environment and watch her interact with the other kids and adults- it was also a bit surreal.

I had a moment where I kind of fast forwarded and imagined her in different grades for the next 13 years. Yikes!

The best part of the night was going to music class and hearing all the songs they've been learning.

Here's a pic. Addy is in the purple shirt just to the right of the teacher.

I love that girl!

Fall Is Here....DUCK!

noreply@blogger.com (Fred) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 13:02:00 +0000

The weather in Raleigh has finally caught up with the calendar. The leaves are starting to manifest the hues of the season and are beginning to detach and drift downward. But leaves aren't the only things falling from the sky in our neighborhood.

Our streets are lined with majestic, mature oak trees that are trying to secure their legacy by releasing acorns. These suckers bounce about 4 feet high when they hit the road- and make a serious thud when they find the roof of your car. Drive by at the wrong moment and you'd swear it is hailing.

On the positive side, now the teenage boys in the neighborhood have something to throw at each other. Oh to be young again.

Please Pray For My Friend Jared...

noreply@blogger.com (Fred) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 15:50:00 +0000

He's in his mid 20's and is having some kind of swelling in his brain. He just had a specialized MRI this morning (Monday)- which should help the docs get a clearer sense of what is going on.

Ask God to continue to send peace, wisdom, great medical care and healing.

I'll post more on this later.

Sneak Peek

noreply@blogger.com (Fred) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 01:15:00 +0000

Tonight Addy & Jen struck gold and found Addy's costume for Halloween/the Fall festivities (depending on your ideology).

Most 4 year old girls would want to be a princess, Dora or a ballerina.

My girl wanted to be an Emperor Penguin.

I love her!