First Birthday!!!

At first Jorja wasn't too sure what to think of the hat, but once we started singing and she got a tast of the cupcake, she was all smiles.


Dad writes: "It really stinks having a tempature of almost a 100, so you can't really participate in the festiviities. But, it was a fun day. And puddin' has been such a blessing and joy to our lives for the past year. It seems like yesterday we were in the hospital awaiting her arrival.

Mom writes: "Praise be to God! He blessed us through our first year with our precious Jorja. She is a delight and we love her so much. The day was full of rollicking birthday fun. She enjoyed my lousy cupcakes and please note that the huge candle continually played happy birthday in a super annoying tone."

Puddin' Hugs & More Puddin' Firsts

Puddin' is getting tired of "baby" food, so she's starting to eat little pieces of cheese.




Puddin' has started standing on her own. Tonight dad counted to nine before she had to use his leg for balance. No, she doesn't stand sideways, dad just couldn't figure out how to flip the picture for the post.

Puddin' has learned to give dad a hug when he asks for one and sometimes she will give one without being asked. Dad thinks Puddin' hugs are the best!

Update on Dad's Goal and Prayer Requests

Dad's been trying hard, he still needs the 42 points, but this week could be a good week (prayerfully). Dad has been working with some clients that through their business they could provide 5-8 points. And then God blessed dad with a case this weekend that could provide 9-10 points that dad wasn't counting on...and there's some other things in the works. So, hopefully in the next ten days dad could get 15-20 points. His goal was to have 30 of the 40 points by the end of November and then see if God chooses to bless the rest of the way in December.

Also, pray for dad in the following areas. He needs to hire two people before January to get promoted to manager, and he has five potential good candidates, but they need to accept the offer to work for dad and past some security exams. And also, dad has helped develop a seminar on the basics of estate planning from the Christian perspective (with an emphasis on custodial issues with children), a local minister is interested in allowing dad to do the seminar with about fifteen couples with children. Pray that more opportunities to speak on this subject will open up, it's been dad's passion, especially since he now has a little puddin' to care for.

Jorja's First Halloween

We did not let Jorja participate in the haunted garage across the street, but we did have a nice time watching one of mom's favorites.

The Wait Begins

If you haven't seen "Flywheel" or "Facing the Giants" I would highly recommend viewing them. Both of them have been our family favorites and a source of encouragement over the past year. They were both produced by the Kendrick brothers, ministers at Sherwood Baptist Church, in Albany, Ga. Well...it's finally happening...they are working on their third film. You can find a synopsis of it at the following link
http://www.fireproofthemovie.com/synopsis.php

Also, check out this link. It is an upcoming film written and produced by a member of our church
http://www.treasureblind.com/movie.php?id=synopsis&cat=1

Sunday Outing

After church we took Puddin' to the park and played on the swing and watched the other children. Then we went to the riverwalk and mom and dad got their favorite treat...gelato.

One Last Goal For 2007

We have a system at work that if we get a high enough score, we win a trip. This year it is to Orlando. If I reach this goal it would also qualify me for membership into the Million Dollar Round Table (No, that doesn't mean I made a million, back in the day you had to write a million dollars of insurance to qualify and hence the name). Also, if I reached this goal mom could get a Honda Pilot for her an puddin'. So, today during a "boring" meeting I figured out what it would take to get there. I need 42 points, I can see 20-30 points, but I've decided to go for it. So, each week I will update the blog and let you know how close I am. It will help me stay focused. So, can Howard do it? Stay tuned to find out.