We love you, little sweet cheekies!!
(Allie turned 1 yesterday, and we took her to the zoo.)
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
He's Here!
Yesterday, Jennie and I got to see our good friends Dan & Jill Bahry in Akron - and welcome their new son - Caden Joseph Bahry - into the world!! He came 6 pounds, 8 ounces, 19 inches long, at 10:56am.
Jill was on bed-rest in the hospital for about a week, and Caden was "breech" - meaning he was positioned "feet down" instead of head down. While I plan to tell you more about how happy we are for them, and how incredibly cute and precious Caden is...
I thought I'd post some words that Jill wrote this past week, about how God has blessed and encouraged her and Dan over the past year... She wrote this, and Dan read it to their young marrieds group at The Chapel, and e-mailed it out to many family and friends. Even if you don't know them, I think you should hear this stuff!!
"The way that God has affected me this week is an incredible, unique answer to a pretty vague prayer. For about 37 weeks, Dan and I have been praying for God to help us be good parents to Caden when he arrives. We had no real specifics in mind, just knew that we really needed God to be a part in this big change in our lives. This week God has answered that prayer in lots of little and not so little ways. I think to explain it better, I'll use the chorus to one of my new favorite songs. (by Natalie Grant called HELD). "This is what it means to be loved, and to know that the promise was when everything fell, we'd be held."
Even though this last month of our pregnancy has not been at all what we expected, God has taught me so much. He didn't keep us from troubles, he simply (and lovingly) held us the whole way. He allowed me to feel a peace that passes understanding when I was told that I'd be admitted to the hospital. He told Caden to kick adn play while I was sitting on the side of the highway with a flat tire, just so I would know he was doing alright. He kept Dan safe as he traveled at warp speed to get to the hospital to be with us. And He has (most of all), kept us calm, close, and resting in Him the whole way.
Most people who have kids have already warned us how much having a baby will change our lives and to always expect the unexpecter. For me (being a "planner" by nature), this second part was going to be a bit tough. This week, God has reminded me that He is the Master Planner and that no matter how hare I try, I could never orchestrate a day as perfect as He can. What a great lesson for parenting. I would have never chosen for all of this to happen, but WOW- I'm so glad that the choice was not mine. This reminds me of a couple of verses that I'll leave you with...
"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughs." Isaiah 55:9
Even though we don't understand why God does certain things, our comfort comes from... Psalm 103:11
"For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him;"
It's awesome to know that for as much as we don't understand his ways, that's how much He loves us. His love for us is exactly enough to fill the gap. God is good."
Jill was on bed-rest in the hospital for about a week, and Caden was "breech" - meaning he was positioned "feet down" instead of head down. While I plan to tell you more about how happy we are for them, and how incredibly cute and precious Caden is...
I thought I'd post some words that Jill wrote this past week, about how God has blessed and encouraged her and Dan over the past year... She wrote this, and Dan read it to their young marrieds group at The Chapel, and e-mailed it out to many family and friends. Even if you don't know them, I think you should hear this stuff!!
"The way that God has affected me this week is an incredible, unique answer to a pretty vague prayer. For about 37 weeks, Dan and I have been praying for God to help us be good parents to Caden when he arrives. We had no real specifics in mind, just knew that we really needed God to be a part in this big change in our lives. This week God has answered that prayer in lots of little and not so little ways. I think to explain it better, I'll use the chorus to one of my new favorite songs. (by Natalie Grant called HELD). "This is what it means to be loved, and to know that the promise was when everything fell, we'd be held."
Even though this last month of our pregnancy has not been at all what we expected, God has taught me so much. He didn't keep us from troubles, he simply (and lovingly) held us the whole way. He allowed me to feel a peace that passes understanding when I was told that I'd be admitted to the hospital. He told Caden to kick adn play while I was sitting on the side of the highway with a flat tire, just so I would know he was doing alright. He kept Dan safe as he traveled at warp speed to get to the hospital to be with us. And He has (most of all), kept us calm, close, and resting in Him the whole way.
Most people who have kids have already warned us how much having a baby will change our lives and to always expect the unexpecter. For me (being a "planner" by nature), this second part was going to be a bit tough. This week, God has reminded me that He is the Master Planner and that no matter how hare I try, I could never orchestrate a day as perfect as He can. What a great lesson for parenting. I would have never chosen for all of this to happen, but WOW- I'm so glad that the choice was not mine. This reminds me of a couple of verses that I'll leave you with...
"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughs." Isaiah 55:9
Even though we don't understand why God does certain things, our comfort comes from... Psalm 103:11
"For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him;"
It's awesome to know that for as much as we don't understand his ways, that's how much He loves us. His love for us is exactly enough to fill the gap. God is good."
Beautiful Kids!
Over the weekend, Jennie had the chance to pick up some maternity clothes from her good friend, Jamie Fuller. I couldn't resist posting this picture of the two Fuller girls, Chloe and Claire. John and Jamie Fuller also have a son - who I think is 8 months old now - named Jack. He is also very cute!
Why, I ask you - WHY?
Some people use their blogs to confess their problems or their sins online. Well, I guess it's my turn.
One of the things I cannot resist is making stupid faces when people are trying to take a picture. Especially when I'm in a group of guys, and lots of cameras are flashing.
This picture is a perfect look at my imperfections. Here I am, with longtime friends David Ward, Jamie Kozick (and his new son Jayson), Chadd Sommers (and his new son Noah), and me - in what I thought was a cool shirt I got on our vacation.
Anyhow, if you enlarge this friendly photo, you'll see the worst side of Gary coming out. I want to publicly apologize to Aimee Kozick and anyone else who has to look at this picture.
Sometimes, I justify the faces as a method of stretching out my cheeks and preparing for the next actual smile. It gets tiresome posing and acting happy for the camera. Okay, I truly WAS happy, and it was great to see these guys.
Ward? I've known Dave since 2nd or 3rd grade, and he remains a good friend from Lake, lives in Copley, and works for Diebold. He's also a Penn State grad, probably waiting for Paterno to retire before he can be proud of his school again.
Kozick? I've known Koe since 2nd grade, and we have tons of memories and inside jokes together. We shared the rap music phase and the Ohio High School football phase (which is still going on), and also were involved in each other's weddings! We were in Akron to celebrate the arrival of he and Aimee's new son, Jayson. Koe lives near Washington D.C., and I'm not supposed to tell you who he works for.
Sommers? I've known Chadd since junior high at The Chapel. Chadd didn't go to Lake High, except on nights and weekends. It was a blast living close to Chadd for our four years in Akron again, and great to see his son Noah doing so well!
I think all of these people have boys just trying to impresss Allison. Get in line, gentlemen! And wait 25 years. =)
One of the things I cannot resist is making stupid faces when people are trying to take a picture. Especially when I'm in a group of guys, and lots of cameras are flashing.
This picture is a perfect look at my imperfections. Here I am, with longtime friends David Ward, Jamie Kozick (and his new son Jayson), Chadd Sommers (and his new son Noah), and me - in what I thought was a cool shirt I got on our vacation.
Anyhow, if you enlarge this friendly photo, you'll see the worst side of Gary coming out. I want to publicly apologize to Aimee Kozick and anyone else who has to look at this picture.
Sometimes, I justify the faces as a method of stretching out my cheeks and preparing for the next actual smile. It gets tiresome posing and acting happy for the camera. Okay, I truly WAS happy, and it was great to see these guys.
Ward? I've known Dave since 2nd or 3rd grade, and he remains a good friend from Lake, lives in Copley, and works for Diebold. He's also a Penn State grad, probably waiting for Paterno to retire before he can be proud of his school again.
Kozick? I've known Koe since 2nd grade, and we have tons of memories and inside jokes together. We shared the rap music phase and the Ohio High School football phase (which is still going on), and also were involved in each other's weddings! We were in Akron to celebrate the arrival of he and Aimee's new son, Jayson. Koe lives near Washington D.C., and I'm not supposed to tell you who he works for.
Sommers? I've known Chadd since junior high at The Chapel. Chadd didn't go to Lake High, except on nights and weekends. It was a blast living close to Chadd for our four years in Akron again, and great to see his son Noah doing so well!
I think all of these people have boys just trying to impresss Allison. Get in line, gentlemen! And wait 25 years. =)
Take 2.
Here's a successful photo with a group of friends, where I actually smile and don't ruin the memory. Notice the "new guys" Jayson Kozick and Noah Sommers, both just a few months old.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Getting a look at Allie.
As some of you know, our daughter Allison turns ONE in a week. In response to several requests (mostly from grandparents!), here is a link to Allie's latest video footage.
It may take you a minute or two to load that page, but it will be WELL worth the wait. It's the latest (as in, THIS MORNING) of Allie walking, talking, making cute noises, and falling on the ground. Enjoy, and post comments if you like.
Also, with my previous posts, did I go overboard on Mothman paraphernilia? Did I also misspell "parephernilia"?
Thanks for stopping by!!
It may take you a minute or two to load that page, but it will be WELL worth the wait. It's the latest (as in, THIS MORNING) of Allie walking, talking, making cute noises, and falling on the ground. Enjoy, and post comments if you like.
Also, with my previous posts, did I go overboard on Mothman paraphernilia? Did I also misspell "parephernilia"?
Thanks for stopping by!!
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Strike a Pose.
Allie is the cutest baby in the world. She turns ONE YEAR OLD a week from tomorrow. June 22.
Can't believe it!
She's walking now, by the way. Very cute. Great balance. Doesn't mind falling on her behind every now and then. Tries to drink a bottle WHILE walking, and is actually pretty good at it.
She says "doggie" a lot, especially when a dog is around.
Can't believe it!
She's walking now, by the way. Very cute. Great balance. Doesn't mind falling on her behind every now and then. Tries to drink a bottle WHILE walking, and is actually pretty good at it.
She says "doggie" a lot, especially when a dog is around.
Farewell Feast!
On our way out of South Carolina, we stopped at the Fuddruckers in Myrtle Beach. I love Fudds. Usually for the great burgers.
But in Myrtle Beach, they have a huge plate of Chicken Nachos Supreme, that you can add ANY toppings to from their veggie & sauces buffet. Of course I had to get a picture. Maybe I'll take this photo down to the Fudds in Worthington and "educate" their menu options.
But in Myrtle Beach, they have a huge plate of Chicken Nachos Supreme, that you can add ANY toppings to from their veggie & sauces buffet. Of course I had to get a picture. Maybe I'll take this photo down to the Fudds in Worthington and "educate" their menu options.
Scenic Route?
On our way back from South Carolina a couple of weeks ago, Jennie and I stopped in the noteworthy yet forgotten town of Point Pleasant, West Virginia.
Noteworthy? Well, I guess it's noteworthy to us because we were hungry for lunch. But it is also famous because of Richard Gere, Laura Linney, and somebody named Indrid Cold.
Forgotten? Well, the town - and the legend - are not familiar to those of us who haven't heard of the Mothman legend or seen the movie - The Mothman Prophecies.
Let's admit that most scary movies are either too dumb, too gory, too poorly acted, or too "out there" to be worth watching. Gere, Linney, and company are guilty of none of these mistakes.
Let's admit that some people like to be scared, in suspense, and thrilled by a movie, and some don't.
If you like suspense and mystery without gore and stupidity, than you might like The Mothman Prophecies.
I did.
So, here is our video collage of our 42 minutes in Point Pleasant on Memorial Day.
Noteworthy? Well, I guess it's noteworthy to us because we were hungry for lunch. But it is also famous because of Richard Gere, Laura Linney, and somebody named Indrid Cold.
Forgotten? Well, the town - and the legend - are not familiar to those of us who haven't heard of the Mothman legend or seen the movie - The Mothman Prophecies.
Let's admit that most scary movies are either too dumb, too gory, too poorly acted, or too "out there" to be worth watching. Gere, Linney, and company are guilty of none of these mistakes.
Let's admit that some people like to be scared, in suspense, and thrilled by a movie, and some don't.
If you like suspense and mystery without gore and stupidity, than you might like The Mothman Prophecies.
I did.
So, here is our video collage of our 42 minutes in Point Pleasant on Memorial Day.
Point Pleasant Bridge...
Looks like just your average beautiful day in West Virginia, doesn't it? Looks like just another well-constructed bridge over the Ohio River, doesn't it?
Well, it is.
Unless you've seen "The Mothman Prophecies."
Well, it is.
Unless you've seen "The Mothman Prophecies."
Silver Memorial Bridge...
Here's the Memorial Bridge in Point Pleasant. I believe the bridge collapsed a couple of decades ago, and they rebuilt this fine bridge in its place. Jennie and I got chills driving over this bridge.
Actually, I got chills because I had seen the movie. Jennie got chills because she had the window down and was taking pictures.
Actually, I got chills because I had seen the movie. Jennie got chills because she had the window down and was taking pictures.
Lost in Point Pleasant...
The actual movie "The Mothman Prophecies" is about a writer for the Washington Post who keeps getting lost in this small West Virginia hamlet known as Point Pleasant.
While I concede that I sometimes like movies that have to do with the supernatural and the unexplained, I also cannot explain why this movie didn't get more acclaim. Very unique and mysterious plot, great acting, and terrific, chilling effects. Sure, it's not Jennie's kind of movie - here's the plot summary:
When John Klein, a respected Washington Post journalist, and his wife Mary find the dream house they have been hunting for, life could hardly get better. Then on their joyful ride home the dream is shattered when Mary crashes the car and is killed. While removing Mary's possessions from the hospital, John discovers a sketchpad covered with odd drawings, variations of the same eerie apparition. John is haunted by the unsettling images. One night, while driving from Washington, John loses his way and ends up on a deserted country highway in Point Pleasant, West Virginia -- four hundred miles from where he thought he was. When John decides to stay in Point Pleasant to explore the reports of unexplained phenomena in the town, he soon realizes that they may all be related - not just to each other, but also to the strange sketches Mary had been obsessively drawing just hours before her death.
If you like suspense, with a little shock, a little romance, and a lot of human drama and the growth/emergence of a great lead character, then this is your kind of movie, even if Point Pleasant isn't your kind of town.
While I concede that I sometimes like movies that have to do with the supernatural and the unexplained, I also cannot explain why this movie didn't get more acclaim. Very unique and mysterious plot, great acting, and terrific, chilling effects. Sure, it's not Jennie's kind of movie - here's the plot summary:
When John Klein, a respected Washington Post journalist, and his wife Mary find the dream house they have been hunting for, life could hardly get better. Then on their joyful ride home the dream is shattered when Mary crashes the car and is killed. While removing Mary's possessions from the hospital, John discovers a sketchpad covered with odd drawings, variations of the same eerie apparition. John is haunted by the unsettling images. One night, while driving from Washington, John loses his way and ends up on a deserted country highway in Point Pleasant, West Virginia -- four hundred miles from where he thought he was. When John decides to stay in Point Pleasant to explore the reports of unexplained phenomena in the town, he soon realizes that they may all be related - not just to each other, but also to the strange sketches Mary had been obsessively drawing just hours before her death.
If you like suspense, with a little shock, a little romance, and a lot of human drama and the growth/emergence of a great lead character, then this is your kind of movie, even if Point Pleasant isn't your kind of town.
strange occurences...
Jennie and I stumbled upon the McDonald's in Point Pleasant. I was treated rudely by the cashier girl, and then in the parking lot, I caught a glimpse of a very disturbing sign.
Seems like the place is still haunted after all.
Seems like the place is still haunted after all.
Sunday, June 12, 2005
Movie Review: Mr. & Mrs. Smith
Friday night, Jennie and I had a friend offer to watch Allie as a favor. After some terrific eats at Ruby Tuesdays, we went out to see the new action-spy movie Mr. & Mrs. Smith, starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.
Incidentally, for a great blog discussion involving Brad Pitt's fight against poverty, click here. Add your comments too!
Anyway, since I have wanted to do a movie review sometime on this journal, I figured now would be a good time to tell you a few of my impressions of Mr. & Mrs. Smith...
John and Jane Smith are have been married for five years and experiencing some problems in their relationship. They keep a lot of secrets from each other, not the least of which is the fact that each one of them works for some sort of CIA/Spy/Secret Hit-man unit. Eventually, as you know if you've seen the previews, they discover the truth about each other, and are apparently "hired to kill" each other.
I don't want to give away what happens in the movie. I'll just give you my amateur review on some of the key components of the movie.
Since the movie is from the same director as The Bourne Supremacy, you can expect some action, some intrigue, and some nice spy weaponry. If you're out for action, suspense, and a fast-paced plot, I think you'll like this movie.
For acting, they probably could not have picked better actors to fit these roles. Originally, they tried to get Nicole Kidman to play Jane (Mrs. Smith), and that would have flopped. Angelina plays the tough girl with some serious attitude.
As a parent, I would say the violence and shootouts were too extreme, sometimes overdone. Not graphic violence, just relentless shooting. It gets old. I get tired of movies where the good guys seem to dodge a zillion bullets while their one shot hits the target every time. The "pastor in me" would just say watch out for some of the violence and sexual innuendo. It is PG-13.
But the movie fan in me got exactly what I expected. Two hours of great action, spy drama, and intelligent, witty dialogue. Everyone knows Brad Pitt (Oceans Eleven, 12 Monkeys, etc.) is capable of entertaining comments.
Let's just say it was an intelligent, well-acted, fun action movie. I've seen too many worthless action movies with bad dialogue and unintelligent plotlines (like Sahara and National Treasure) to even want to see another. This was definitely better.
The movie actually says some pretty profound things about marriage, which was an enjoyable surprise.
Overall rating: 3.0 stars.
Incidentally, for a great blog discussion involving Brad Pitt's fight against poverty, click here. Add your comments too!
Anyway, since I have wanted to do a movie review sometime on this journal, I figured now would be a good time to tell you a few of my impressions of Mr. & Mrs. Smith...
John and Jane Smith are have been married for five years and experiencing some problems in their relationship. They keep a lot of secrets from each other, not the least of which is the fact that each one of them works for some sort of CIA/Spy/Secret Hit-man unit. Eventually, as you know if you've seen the previews, they discover the truth about each other, and are apparently "hired to kill" each other.
I don't want to give away what happens in the movie. I'll just give you my amateur review on some of the key components of the movie.
Since the movie is from the same director as The Bourne Supremacy, you can expect some action, some intrigue, and some nice spy weaponry. If you're out for action, suspense, and a fast-paced plot, I think you'll like this movie.
For acting, they probably could not have picked better actors to fit these roles. Originally, they tried to get Nicole Kidman to play Jane (Mrs. Smith), and that would have flopped. Angelina plays the tough girl with some serious attitude.
As a parent, I would say the violence and shootouts were too extreme, sometimes overdone. Not graphic violence, just relentless shooting. It gets old. I get tired of movies where the good guys seem to dodge a zillion bullets while their one shot hits the target every time. The "pastor in me" would just say watch out for some of the violence and sexual innuendo. It is PG-13.
But the movie fan in me got exactly what I expected. Two hours of great action, spy drama, and intelligent, witty dialogue. Everyone knows Brad Pitt (Oceans Eleven, 12 Monkeys, etc.) is capable of entertaining comments.
Let's just say it was an intelligent, well-acted, fun action movie. I've seen too many worthless action movies with bad dialogue and unintelligent plotlines (like Sahara and National Treasure) to even want to see another. This was definitely better.
The movie actually says some pretty profound things about marriage, which was an enjoyable surprise.
Overall rating: 3.0 stars.
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Close Call...
Yesterday, I had lunch with a fellow "Gary" at Bob Evans here in Delaware. On my way back to the church, I grabbed the cell phone and started to call my wife.
Meanwhile, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a stray tire on the other side of the highway, a ways down.
Well, that stray tire bounced and rolled its way towards me, probably at 25-40 miles per hour. I was headed towards that tire at 45 miles per hour. Though I swerved to avoid the tire, the tire CRASHED into my Accord, striking the left front-quarter panel, and apparently bouncing back into the road.
Officer Steve tells me that stray tires often cause fatal accidents. Looking at that $2,700 damage done to the front and side of my car, I should be grateful to be alive. If I hadn't swerved to the right, that tire would have easily smashed my front windshield, and who knows what after that.
I was definitely shaken up for the rest of the morning. Still am, as I think about it. I can still picture the tire coming towards the car, and it felt like in a video game, trying to avoid oncoming obstacles.
I thank God for His protection, and that no other cars were involved.
Fortunately, a few minutes after I called the police, I saw a man slowly walking northbound on the side of the highway. He had come to claim his tire. The tire had fallen off a flatbed truck, apparently toting a modular home. Dude has insurance, but so far they are not much help. With a name like "Love Insurance," you'd think they'd have arranged a rental car by now. Might be time to ask my "Good Neighbor" for a little help in getting this guy's insurance to cooperate.
Meanwhile, I'll try to avoid oncoming objects while driving.
Meanwhile, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a stray tire on the other side of the highway, a ways down.
Well, that stray tire bounced and rolled its way towards me, probably at 25-40 miles per hour. I was headed towards that tire at 45 miles per hour. Though I swerved to avoid the tire, the tire CRASHED into my Accord, striking the left front-quarter panel, and apparently bouncing back into the road.
Officer Steve tells me that stray tires often cause fatal accidents. Looking at that $2,700 damage done to the front and side of my car, I should be grateful to be alive. If I hadn't swerved to the right, that tire would have easily smashed my front windshield, and who knows what after that.
I was definitely shaken up for the rest of the morning. Still am, as I think about it. I can still picture the tire coming towards the car, and it felt like in a video game, trying to avoid oncoming obstacles.
I thank God for His protection, and that no other cars were involved.
Fortunately, a few minutes after I called the police, I saw a man slowly walking northbound on the side of the highway. He had come to claim his tire. The tire had fallen off a flatbed truck, apparently toting a modular home. Dude has insurance, but so far they are not much help. With a name like "Love Insurance," you'd think they'd have arranged a rental car by now. Might be time to ask my "Good Neighbor" for a little help in getting this guy's insurance to cooperate.
Meanwhile, I'll try to avoid oncoming objects while driving.
Friday, June 03, 2005
Expecting Something?
Why yes, we are!
I guess the blog is one way to announce it, right? Here are the raw details:
Jennie is currently almost 11 weeks pregnant. The doctor says 10 weeks, 2 days. Jennie says 10 weeks, 5 days. Some of you know that both are right, or either could be. I guess both couldn't be right, cause they are actually different time lengths.
Baby's due date is December 25, 2005.
We don't mind it being close to Christmas, not one bit! Many of you know of our miscarriage and all that we learned, and we're really not picky about when our baby is born.
And now, trying to anticipate all your possible comments and questions...
Yes, we're going to find out what gender this child is. The doctor said yesterday at our ultrasound that it's too early to tell anything conclusive.
Yes, we're going to name him or her pretty much right away.
No, we aren't considering names like "Lebron," "Peja," "Wailer," "Gitgan," or "Commish."
No, this will not prevent us from doing our normal Underwood things, like blogs, drafts, or quicktime movies.
Yes, we are excited, Jennie is tired and hungry. Gary is also feeling all of these things along with his wife.
Yes, Allie looks very cute in her two "I'm a big sister" outfits.
No, we are not getting "fixed" after this child. We'd like to have at least one more kid, if God allows that.
Yes, we were hoping to get pregnant. While this was a pleasant surprise, it wasn't really a surprise if you know what I mean.
Yes, you know what I mean.
No, we are not ready to have two kids under the age of 1.5.
Yes, we've known for about six weeks.
No, that picture does not show all the pregnancy tests Jennie took. She actually took five, and - since 3 out of 5 is a majority, we figured she might actually have a baby on board.
Yes, this is a pretty exciting time for the Underwood clan, and the hits just keep on coming. Let's re-cap the last 12 months in Underwood land, shall we?
June 2004: New baby, Allison Joy Underwood
October 2004: New job, Gary = Senior Pastor
November 2004: New home = Delaware, OH
December 2004: New digital camera (not really a big deal, but this blogger benefits from it, so I thought I'd give the EasyShare Camera it's props).
February 2005: Gary and Jennie go out for a nice Valentine's Day dinner, and also celebrate Jennie's birthday before that!
February 2005: Will Smith releases new movie, "Hitch."
February 2005: Cleveland Browns get new coach, Romeo Crennel.
March 2005: Cavs fire head coach Paul Silas.
April 2005: New baby on the way!
April 2005: Gary gets new grill to cook out.
May 2005: Underwoods vacation in South Carolina.
June 3, 2005: This blog entry finally ends.
What an amazing year!
Thank you God, for this great news! Thank you, readers and friends, for your encouragement and comments.
I guess the blog is one way to announce it, right? Here are the raw details:
Jennie is currently almost 11 weeks pregnant. The doctor says 10 weeks, 2 days. Jennie says 10 weeks, 5 days. Some of you know that both are right, or either could be. I guess both couldn't be right, cause they are actually different time lengths.
Baby's due date is December 25, 2005.
We don't mind it being close to Christmas, not one bit! Many of you know of our miscarriage and all that we learned, and we're really not picky about when our baby is born.
And now, trying to anticipate all your possible comments and questions...
Yes, we're going to find out what gender this child is. The doctor said yesterday at our ultrasound that it's too early to tell anything conclusive.
Yes, we're going to name him or her pretty much right away.
No, we aren't considering names like "Lebron," "Peja," "Wailer," "Gitgan," or "Commish."
No, this will not prevent us from doing our normal Underwood things, like blogs, drafts, or quicktime movies.
Yes, we are excited, Jennie is tired and hungry. Gary is also feeling all of these things along with his wife.
Yes, Allie looks very cute in her two "I'm a big sister" outfits.
No, we are not getting "fixed" after this child. We'd like to have at least one more kid, if God allows that.
Yes, we were hoping to get pregnant. While this was a pleasant surprise, it wasn't really a surprise if you know what I mean.
Yes, you know what I mean.
No, we are not ready to have two kids under the age of 1.5.
Yes, we've known for about six weeks.
No, that picture does not show all the pregnancy tests Jennie took. She actually took five, and - since 3 out of 5 is a majority, we figured she might actually have a baby on board.
Yes, this is a pretty exciting time for the Underwood clan, and the hits just keep on coming. Let's re-cap the last 12 months in Underwood land, shall we?
June 2004: New baby, Allison Joy Underwood
October 2004: New job, Gary = Senior Pastor
November 2004: New home = Delaware, OH
December 2004: New digital camera (not really a big deal, but this blogger benefits from it, so I thought I'd give the EasyShare Camera it's props).
February 2005: Gary and Jennie go out for a nice Valentine's Day dinner, and also celebrate Jennie's birthday before that!
February 2005: Will Smith releases new movie, "Hitch."
February 2005: Cleveland Browns get new coach, Romeo Crennel.
March 2005: Cavs fire head coach Paul Silas.
April 2005: New baby on the way!
April 2005: Gary gets new grill to cook out.
May 2005: Underwoods vacation in South Carolina.
June 3, 2005: This blog entry finally ends.
What an amazing year!
Thank you God, for this great news! Thank you, readers and friends, for your encouragement and comments.
Thursday, June 02, 2005
A Single Thought...
Okay, so I'm preaching through a series on RELATIONSHIPS, and I get to the week (Sunday, June 5) where I'm preaching on singleness.
I remember being single. I had a love-hate relationshi with being single. I loved to hate it. Actually, it wasn't as bad as it seemed sometimes. Anyhow, straight to the point - as I try to be with all of my posts!
What do you think married people (75% of my audience) need to hear about singleness?
Do they need to be reminded that being single is OKAY, sometimes even preferable? Do they need to be reminded of how often the church culture treats singles as "less than" married people? Or the stupid things people say, like, "when are you going to settle down?" Or "My cousin's niece would be great for you. She's got a great personality."
Since I have such a discerning group of readers on my blog, I'd like your thoughts on what thoughts, scriptures, ideas to share to married people - and to singles - this weekend.
That means you, Josh, Coop, Danny, Knavel, JEAOURE, Lee, Melanie, Derrak, and of course you, Rob Hardy! Let me hear your thoughts! And if Eric Robertson or Steve Chapman drop by, we'd be more than blessed. Everyone's invited!
I remember being single. I had a love-hate relationshi with being single. I loved to hate it. Actually, it wasn't as bad as it seemed sometimes. Anyhow, straight to the point - as I try to be with all of my posts!
What do you think married people (75% of my audience) need to hear about singleness?
Do they need to be reminded that being single is OKAY, sometimes even preferable? Do they need to be reminded of how often the church culture treats singles as "less than" married people? Or the stupid things people say, like, "when are you going to settle down?" Or "My cousin's niece would be great for you. She's got a great personality."
Since I have such a discerning group of readers on my blog, I'd like your thoughts on what thoughts, scriptures, ideas to share to married people - and to singles - this weekend.
That means you, Josh, Coop, Danny, Knavel, JEAOURE, Lee, Melanie, Derrak, and of course you, Rob Hardy! Let me hear your thoughts! And if Eric Robertson or Steve Chapman drop by, we'd be more than blessed. Everyone's invited!
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