No story behind this one - just a photo of me and Jay at the "I Am Lakewood" volunteer celebration last week.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Hometown Classics
During our trip to Chicago I got some much needed rest and relaxation. I left the lap top behind in Houston and for the first time in a while, I focused on doing much of nothing!
Although Jay wasn't lucky enough to accompany dad on the sidelines, he cheered the Bears on from behind.
Best of luck to Lovie, RT and the Bears. We will see you when you face the Texans on 12/28!
James, on the other hand, was quite busy. He had a mission of eating all of the hometown classics that he can't get in Houston (Harold's Chicken, Kenny's Ribs, I-57). As the visit came to an end, I was outdone by all of the ribs and chicken, and opted for a catfish dinner from I-57 on the last night. Simple right? Oh no.... Can I just ask my Chicago friends - is it really necessary to put bbq sauce on EVERYTHING? I mean, really...who puts bbq sauce on catfish? Fries? Bread? Apparently I-57 does!
James also spent 3 days at the Chicago Bears Training Camp. He was able to reconnect with coaches and players from his U of I days including Ron Turner, Harry Heistand, Luke Butkus, Brandon Lloyd, and even met and talked to Lovie Smith. I tried to convince him to break out the camera from the sidelines and take a picture for the blog. Of course that didn't happen, and instead all I got was a picture of his Visiting Coach name tag and this silly training camp refridgerator magnet!
Although Jay wasn't lucky enough to accompany dad on the sidelines, he cheered the Bears on from behind.
Best of luck to Lovie, RT and the Bears. We will see you when you face the Texans on 12/28!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Pool, Punch, Pudding, Puffs, Popsicles, Puke, and Poop!
Janai loves to visit Chicago for many reasons, but one reason stands out above them all - PaPa! Yes, PaPa. If you're ever looking for him, you can find him wrapped nicely around Janai's pinky finger. PaPa - the one who takes spoiling to a new level! PaPa - the one who has saved Janai from many a whipping! Oh... Papa! We love PaPa... and Nana too... but PaPa...
Within a few minutes of our arrival, Janai had stripped out of her clothes and made it into the backyard pool. Somehow she managed to convince Jay to weather the cold pool waters with her. He was thrilled... can't you tell?
In no time, the junk food began to flow- one after the other -Popsicles, Caprisun, Corn Puffs, Fruit Snacks, Pudding.... you name it, PaPa gave it... they ate it!
By 3:00pm, I convinced Janai to take a nap. (OK, maybe I threatened her). After 1.5 hours of resting, she woke up looking pretty pitiful. Her first words (of course)... "Where's PaPa?". She joins him on the deck outside, but she's still so exhausted (or maybe sick) from her morning of fun that she decides to finish her nap on the swing. It doesn't take long before all of the fun food makes it way up our of her little belly and onto the swing. A few moments later, Janai is doing the "I have to go potty" dance... and this take us nicely to the first Janaism on the blog.
"Throw Up Poop"
Definition: Something very similar to what grown folks would refer to as diarrhea.
Used in a sentence: "Mommy, I went to the restroom to go potty, and it was like throw up poop"
Thanks PaPa!
Within a few minutes of our arrival, Janai had stripped out of her clothes and made it into the backyard pool. Somehow she managed to convince Jay to weather the cold pool waters with her. He was thrilled... can't you tell?
In no time, the junk food began to flow- one after the other -Popsicles, Caprisun, Corn Puffs, Fruit Snacks, Pudding.... you name it, PaPa gave it... they ate it!
By 3:00pm, I convinced Janai to take a nap. (OK, maybe I threatened her). After 1.5 hours of resting, she woke up looking pretty pitiful. Her first words (of course)... "Where's PaPa?". She joins him on the deck outside, but she's still so exhausted (or maybe sick) from her morning of fun that she decides to finish her nap on the swing. It doesn't take long before all of the fun food makes it way up our of her little belly and onto the swing. A few moments later, Janai is doing the "I have to go potty" dance... and this take us nicely to the first Janaism on the blog.
"Throw Up Poop"
Definition: Something very similar to what grown folks would refer to as diarrhea.
Used in a sentence: "Mommy, I went to the restroom to go potty, and it was like throw up poop"
Thanks PaPa!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Hurricane Dolly
Hey Folks! We made it to Chicago safely yesterday morning. Since many of you have called, emailed, or sent text messages, I thought I'd drop a quick entry on the blog. Hurricane Dolly made landfall yesterday near the Brownsville - South Padre Island area. This is about 5 hours due south of Houston - near the border of Mexico. We were on the wet side of the storm. But aside from all of the rain, thunderstorms, and an occasional tornado, all is well in H-Town! Thanks for the thoughts and prayers. We'll catch up in a few days.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
A Dream Deferred
So, here we go! We have entered the blogosphere! Four and half years ago when Janai was first born, I had plans of starting a blog for our friends and family to follow the latest happenings in our life in this strange land far, far away called Texas. Now that you guys have missed all of Janai's milestones, and there is a new kid on the block (James M. (don't ask) Williams, III), the dream once deferred is now finding life!
I am inspired by Christy Gupta, the wife of my graduate advisor, and the queen of blogging. My posts won't be nearly as entertaining as hers. But I will do my best to keep you up to date. Please post comments and tell me what you think. And more importantly, please hold me accountable to keep this thing going.
It's been a while since we've talked to some of you. Unfortunately, we have a 6:30am flight to Chicago tomorrow morning, so here's my best attempt at getting you up to date quickly:
James, Jr.: Once again, the brother has a new job - the third one in 5 years. I'm not complaining. James joined the staff at Hightower High School this summer where he is the Defensive Coordinator. As we approach the football season (y'all, please pray for me!), you will hear more about how the team is doing. He is also serving with the Sanctuary Security ministry (often referred to as Joel Osteen's Secret Service) at Lakewood Church.
Alveda: I am still working at The Dow Chemical Company in Freeport, TX, now the largest specialty chemicals company in the world (whatever that means to you). I am also a Region Leader in the Ushers Ministry at Lakewood Church, the largest church in the country. We do everything big in Texas!
Janai: Now 4.5 years old, daddy's little girl and indeed the "mouth of the south". I'm sure she'll be the subject of many blog postings to come. Janai will starting Kindergarten at Silverline Montessori School this fall.
James III (hereafter referred to as "Jay"): 8 months old in a few days. A true mama's boy. One tooth... crawling... and pulling up on everything in sight. We'll talk about his hair later!
I am inspired by Christy Gupta, the wife of my graduate advisor, and the queen of blogging. My posts won't be nearly as entertaining as hers. But I will do my best to keep you up to date. Please post comments and tell me what you think. And more importantly, please hold me accountable to keep this thing going.
It's been a while since we've talked to some of you. Unfortunately, we have a 6:30am flight to Chicago tomorrow morning, so here's my best attempt at getting you up to date quickly:
James, Jr.: Once again, the brother has a new job - the third one in 5 years. I'm not complaining. James joined the staff at Hightower High School this summer where he is the Defensive Coordinator. As we approach the football season (y'all, please pray for me!), you will hear more about how the team is doing. He is also serving with the Sanctuary Security ministry (often referred to as Joel Osteen's Secret Service) at Lakewood Church.
Alveda: I am still working at The Dow Chemical Company in Freeport, TX, now the largest specialty chemicals company in the world (whatever that means to you). I am also a Region Leader in the Ushers Ministry at Lakewood Church, the largest church in the country. We do everything big in Texas!
Janai: Now 4.5 years old, daddy's little girl and indeed the "mouth of the south". I'm sure she'll be the subject of many blog postings to come. Janai will starting Kindergarten at Silverline Montessori School this fall.
James III (hereafter referred to as "Jay"): 8 months old in a few days. A true mama's boy. One tooth... crawling... and pulling up on everything in sight. We'll talk about his hair later!
I have attached a not-so-recent picture of the kids.
Thats all for now folks! Til we meet again...
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