the Life of Ted

Eliza's first birthday..

2009-09-11T10:22:00.000-07:00

Well we had a little family type party at the house for Eliza's first birthday. We cooked out and had cake. Eliza was joined by momma and daddy, Mamaw and Granddaddy, Nana and Papaw, Aunt Eden, and Aunt Christan and Uncle Brock. We had a great time. Pictures to follow.

Pig Pickin 2009 and Eliza's Bday

2009-09-07T09:40:00.000-07:00

We went to the annual Pig Pickin in Lee County at Kristen's Aunt Judy's farm. They dig this big hole and pile lots of burning wood in it. Then they wrap up tons of meat and bury it over night. Then the next night we eat, and dance. Pretty awesome.

Kristen, Crystal, Christy, and Christan.

Eliza and Momma cutting a rug on the dance floor.

On the way to Judy's farm.

Eliza's birthday cake. With a puppy dog theme.

We sure do love that kid. Next year Daisy Kate will join us.

a post....

2009-08-19T16:22:00.000-07:00

Well it has been a while. Sorry to my faithful readers, especially Mary Jane. In the meantime we got a new van. A 2008 Dodge Caravan and we love it. It has built in car seats and tons of room. With two babies anymore it is hard to cram everything in. We think we got a good deal and it has low low miles. It drives really nice. And the best part are the built in car seats. So Eliza has been turned around and despite the look on her face in this picture. She loves it. She thinks she is a queen now that she gets to see everything.

And here is a picture of Eliza and Grandaddy doing their thing. Do you think he minds watching her during the week...we are very blessed to have such family. But I do think they like it...at least a little bit..

In other news I am CPR and first aid certified. Part of the orientation process in my new job. Hopefully I am a last line of defense in that matter. But I think I will like my new job even though I will miss my students. So many have emailed or facebook messaged me that they will miss me this year. But hopefully God has led me here for a reason to help others put their lives back together. Cheers.

Amber's baby..

2009-08-15T08:22:00.000-07:00

Kristen's friend Amber had been staying with us because her husband Brad had to start a new job out of town and Amber was still just a bit pregnant. (9 months to be exact). So we have grown to think of Amber as part of the Booth family. Well, on Thursday August 13, little Kaelyn Belle Cary arrived and we all were so excited. So here are some pics.

we are all excited about Eliza and Daisy getting to play with her someday soon!

2009-08-09T11:15:00.000-07:00

Eliza in her pig tails and jeans before church. Love that smile.

Eliza's 9 month pics are finally posted. Go to http://www.julierobertsphoto.com/blog/ and scroll down to where it says the Booth family. Once again Julie Roberts has outdone herself.

In the meantime I start my job on Aug 17. Very excited.

Eliza's new pj's...

2009-08-01T19:34:00.001-07:00

Love that kid. And come january she will have a baby sister..pretty cool...

Finally...

2009-07-30T13:35:00.001-07:00

I am employed. I accepted a job offer at Frontier Health in Johnson City doing mental health counseling. They made a pretty good offer and I think I will like being back in the counseling world. Thanks for all the prayers and well wishes and support. I start on Aug 17. I am very glad...and excited....:)

Even more pics

2009-07-27T11:44:00.001-07:00

Eliza had some fun at the beach but also at the pool. Love that smile.

She played ball with Mamaw and cousin Ross.

She's a lot of fun...

more beach pics...

2009-07-26T13:51:00.000-07:00

gotta love those sun glasses...

Mamaw and Eliza...

there she goes again...

Hilton Head...

2009-07-26T11:02:00.000-07:00

Okay, Mamaw Teresa begged us and at the last minute we were able to tag along with her, Nell, Arlis and their cousin Ross for a great little trip to Hilton Head. I have never been before and I must say that I already want to come back. We are on the ocean so it is so easy with Eliza. I can bring her back in give her a quick bath and back to the beach in no time. She sleeps on the beach in this little tent so well. And she shows no fear of the ocean so we definitely have to watch her.

Look at that smile....

she loves the ocean. It is so warm and awesome.

Momma and baby... and baby to be...

Daddy and Eliza.

There she goes...

She loves Uncle Arlis... last night we ate great seafood at this little place. I got blackened tilapia and shrimp it was awesome. We are having a great time. Coming back on Tuesday...Can't wait till next year and have two little cuddle bugs to keep up with...

2 years..

2009-07-23T14:02:00.001-07:00

Okay this post is at the approval of my lovely wife and to celebrate my lovely wife. It has been exactly two years since Kristen had bariatric surgery. Many people think this is a cosmetic surgery just to make not eating easier. We considered it after a lot of prayer, and many medical issues including ultra high bloodpressure, and even the possibility of having a baby. Well two years later Kristen has lost 97 pounds and has done so well. Her BP is awesome without medication and we definitely have not had problems having children. I am proud of what she did and how she has adjusted her own wants and lifestyle to her post surgery life. She has done so well.

First I must say that I have always thought my wife to be the most beautiful woman in the world. But I wanted to show some pictures of how far she has come (once again with her permission). The one on the left is from two years ago right after surgery. the one on the right is a recent picture of Kristen.

and here is a recent picture of our little fam....

Can't wait to see our next little cuddle bug as Kristen said she felt the baby kick today for the first time.

jobs...

2009-07-22T06:57:00.000-07:00

Well I have my second interview at Frontier on Thursday at 2 p.m. I hope it goes well and not to sound bad but I hope the pay is better than I expect. I realize it is pay and I should be grateful but with another little one on the way it wouldn't hurt to have a little more money. And Kristen and I aren't the best Dave Ramsey disciples. We try, we have no credit card debt but we just aren't paying off our regular debt as fast as I would like. Oh well. In the mean time we are waiting desperately on Julie Roberts to post our new pics of Eliza. Will give the link when it occurs.

jobs and stuff...

2009-07-17T08:31:00.001-07:00

Well I found out today that I didn't get yet another VA job. So far I am 0 for 3 but there were 8 people interviewing for my job so it is highly competitive to say the least. I am not too disappointed but I do want a job.

I interviewed with Frontier Health, where i used to work, on Thursday and they practically begged me to take the job. So I guess I am waiting for the lady to call me back for a second interview with the division director which might be next week she said. The pay is about half the VA but I think it will be something I like. So I will wait and see what happens.

Eliza

2009-07-09T05:46:00.003-07:00

We just had some new Julie Roberts' pictures taken and here is the one teaser we have.

The fourth of July...

2009-07-05T17:50:00.001-07:00

We took Eliza to Mamaw and Granddaddy's on the fourth. We had hamburgers and hot dogs and watched the fireworks. Eliza actually seemed to enjoy them. The loud noises didn't bother her at all. Before we watched fireworks, Eliza went swimming. She loves the water so much.

The zoo..

2009-07-01T14:39:00.000-07:00

Eliza, Momma and Daddy went to visit Aunt Katie and Uncle Aaron for a quick trip. While we were there we went to the zoo and Eliza loved the animals.

Eliza wouldn't touch the goat but seemed to like it.

The gorilla came right up to the glass and just stared.

momma and Eliza in her new hat. It was hot.

Aunt Katie, Uncle Aaron showed us around.

Eliza is a daddy's girl....big time..

In other news: A shout out to my loyal readers such as Nell, and of course Mary Jane... and I am sure countless other anonymous souls. I had a job interview on Tuesday at Indian Path and found out via email I didn't get the job but the lady called me back and wanted me to call her. I did but have not been able to reach her.

Had a job interview today at the VA again...and I think it went well but I was one of eight interviewing for the position. Here is hoping that I did well.

still waiting and writing...

2009-06-22T07:38:00.001-07:00

Well no official word from the VA yet but I am feeling good about this one. They have checked my references which usually is a sign that they are going to make a job offer. I at least hope so. But even if the lady did get all my references in on Friday, the VA is so slow in making a job offer I still might not hear anything for a while. But I am optimistic.

Trying to write on the dissertation today as Mamaw Teresa is here to help watch our little bug. Eliza is so funny. She loves to clap and sing and loves the song "Chicken Fried" and moves her head to the music everytime she hears it. She is pretty cool. Plus she is crawling big time now. That makes me realize how unbaby proof our house is as she has absolutely no fear. She loves our dogs too and any kind of dog or cat or animal that she sees. She giggles and claps.

waiting on a job...

2009-06-17T12:13:00.000-07:00

Well I got a call from Mountain States today to interview for a job as an Outpatient counselor at Indian Path Pavillion in Kingsport. I am interviewing on June 30th. They seemed really nice on the phone. I am still partial to the VA jobs (better pay and benefits) but I will take what I can get. I applied for that one online. I am still waiting to hear something back from the VA. They are notoriously slow.

Other than that me and Eliza are hanging out. She is trying to crawl but mostly seems to go backwards for now and adds a roll in there when she gets stuck. She has pulled herself up a couple of times and really really wants to walk. We watched the CMT video awards last night and we sat with Eliza in the middle of us, everytime music played she danced and laughed and we had the best time ever. Can't wait to take that kid to the Carter Fold...I am blessed. Can't wait to see what little Booth number 2 is like. If it's a girl that will be awesome, if it is a boy that will be awesome as well. Either way our little family is so much fun.

A lot of people try to still your joy saying things like "wait till she walks" or "two is crazy" or whatever. But Eliza is a true gift from God, one I thought I would never see.

Psalm 40 says:
I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the desolate pit, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.
He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.

I wouldn't trade my years of waiting for one little day with Kristen or this new little bug of mine. Things work out in God's time and so far His seems much better to me than mine.

Booth, Party of four....

2009-06-12T15:16:00.001-07:00

Guess who's coming to dinner..around January 9?
Yes it will be Booth party of four. We are right at about 10 weeks but we couldn't wait to tell. The heartbeat is strong at 174. Everything looks good so far.

I am so excited about this Father's day. And I couldn't be more excited that technically I am already a Daddy for the second time. I already love that next little bug just as much. Some of God's best gifts are unplanned...Can't wait.

Now if I could only get a job...:)

We have come a long way...

2009-06-11T20:25:00.001-07:00

I know it has only been 9 months but it seems a lifetime ago that we first brought our little cuddle bug home. It is so weird to take a look at these pictures as she seems so tiny and she was eight pounds.

And now we see a little girl who loves to clap, laugh, sing and yes even dance.

we are very blessed...

Hanging with Eliza..

2009-06-10T14:56:00.001-07:00

Well I had an interview with the Rogersville VA office on Friday. I think it went well but I won't know anything for a couple of weeks. I have also applied for a few teaching jobs in Sullivan County and one in Kingsport. I would really like to have a job for the fall.

In the meantime here are some pics of the Graduation weekend in Lee County.
Eliza loved Aunt Katie.

our little family.

Teresa in the back and Nell's momma and daddy in the front. and of course Kristen.

Here is a picture of my day. Love that kid.

The Weekend..

2009-06-08T07:14:00.001-07:00

We went to Lee County this weekend to see Aunt Eden graduate and Eliza's cousin Ross graduate from high school. We also celebrated Eliza's favorite cousins Jacob and Jessica's graduation from high school. It was fun. We also got to see Mamaw Teresa, Jacob, Jessica, Uncles Aaron and Arlis and Aunt Katie. Eliza loved Katie and would follow her with her eyes when she left the room.

I spent a lot of the weekend working on Mamaw Teresa's lights around her house. Then on Friday night Aaron and Katie cooked steak for us. It was a great late night snack.

On Saturday we went to the first of our graduation parties. Mamaw Teresa threw this party for Ross, Jacob and Jessica. Lots of food, family, and fun.

Then on Sunday after a good meal at the Patio Drive in--Kristen's favorite we went to graduation and watched Ross and Eden graduate.

Eliza was looking to see who she knew at the graduation.

Aunt Eden getting her diploma.

Eliza cheering for her.

Later on Sunday evening at Papaw and Nana's we had a big time cookout with lots of good food and Eliza enjoyed hanging out with Papaw. She even went swimming. She got to see Uncle Josh too and of course loved to smile at him despite the fact he likes the University of Florida. Have no fear although she is holding a diet coke bottle, we didn't let her drink any. It was a fun weekend.

Eliza's new skill

2009-06-04T07:31:00.000-07:00

She can actually do it to the beat of the music as well.

Waiting..

2009-06-02T19:59:00.000-07:00

Well I did get a letter in the mail today telling me that I did not get the VA job that I interviewed for. But another one just popped up and so I took my application by for that one as at the VA you have to individually apply for every single job. Very tedious to resubmit all that. Is it any wonder our government spends so much money? I also still have yet another interview for a job at the Rogersville VA office on Friday. I still get paid till August but I would so love knowing I have a job to help provide for my family. Apparently I have heard that you usually have to interview several times as the jobs are very competitive.

On the lighter side...here is a video of little Eliza Mae at the beach. I know parents are annoying that seem to just love their kids so much. But truthfully I do. I think she is so funny and most of the time really really good. And she gets so excited when she sees me. I love my wife more than anyone but there is something different and special about the love of a little girl for her daddy. God has been far better to me than I deserve. My girls are so wonderful.

Edisto island...

2009-05-29T07:53:00.000-07:00

Well I got back to the US on Friday and on Saturday left with Kristen, Eliza, and my parents for Edisto Island. This was kind of a thank you trip for all their help in taking care of our little bug. So we are at the beach. here are some pictures.

Eliza and Daddy on the beach. I had such a great time with her.

So nice to be on a family vacation. Love my family.

I would take Eliza down to the water and let her sit between my legs. The ocean would come up to us and sometimes get her up to her legs a bit and she loved it. She would smile at the waves and loved digging in the sand. She only ate a little bit of it. she got a bit tired and would take a nap in a little tent we had. She amazes us at how good a disposition she has. She loves to dance, sing and laugh more than anything. IT is amazing that I can't even remember what life was like without her.

Daddy and Grandaddy played golf one day and the course was beautiful. It was hard though. I am not much of a golfer. But we saw an alligator and so decided not to look too hard for any of our golf balls that went into the rough.

I took this picture with my camera. I estimated the gator to be about 5 or 6 feet long. I am not as close as I look but this is just off the fairway. Adds a whole new dimension of difficulty to the course.

Edisto Island is beautiful and has lots of great places to eat. We have one more day here. We went to Charleston yesterday.

In other news, Hopefully in the next couple of weeks I will know that I have a job. I have another interview for another VA job next week. I still haven't heard back from the other interview but Kristen says the VA is notoriously slow. Cheers.

Last day in London....

2009-05-21T12:14:00.000-07:00

So i worked on the dissertation a bit this a.m. and then went to tour Westminster Abbey and got there a bit early so I could be early for their evensong service. For you non-liturgical types, Christians used to have six hours of the day reserved for prayer they are: matins, lauds, terse, sext, none, and vespers. Most monastics still keep this. The Church of England has combined a few of them so they only have matins in the a.m. and evensong at night. It goes back to the days when the Church calendar both yearly and daily marked how we lived our lives. It was only disruptive in the sense that it caused us to stop and remember God.

So I went to evensong. And tonight was a special one because it is the day that we celebrate the Ascension of our Lord into heaven. And Rowan Williams the current Archbishop of Canterbury presided and preached. I got there early and had an awesome seat. He preached on the ascension but talked about how in many ways our humanity which seemed ugly to us at times, Christ still took it on himself, even the ugly parts, and when he ascended took that humanity with him for fellowship to God. It was good.

They had a boy's choir which was awesome and then we took the Eucharist (communion). I actually was served by the Arcbishop himself. Then on the way out I was able to shake his hand. He is a great man of God and of peace and works for peace amongst the different faiths and tries to hold the Anglican communion together which is not easy.

Is it bad that I noticed he really needs to trim his eyebrows? I mean why would that be wrong they were huge! Someone needs to tell him. Maybe next time.

Tomorrow night I will be with Kristen and Eliza. Can't wait.

Feeling better..

2009-05-20T15:41:00.001-07:00

Kristen encouraged me to get out of the room and go see a movie. So I did and saw the Wolverine movie in Leceister Square. It was pretty good, not as good as Star Trek but good. Very violent. I am feeling better and tomorrow is my last day over here. In many ways it is great but I miss Kristen and my little cuddle bug Eliza so much. I love being a family man. Because on Saturday we go to the beach. Our first official family vacation and I get to see my little girl laugh at the ocean. Can't wait.

Tomorrow the Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams will be leading a special service at Westminster Abbey for evensong. Guess who will be there! Me. I am excited. It is ascension day and a day in the church calender where traditionally the ascension of Christ is celebrated. Seems like a big even to ascend to the right hand of God but we probably rarely mention it. I will go early to look around Westminster pay homage to the other woman in my life, Elizabeth I, light a candle for my family and friends in prayer and celebrate the ascension of Christ. Exciting way to end my trip here. Cheers.

Weary...

2009-05-20T03:53:00.000-07:00

I know that if you read my posts most will say oh my gosh the opportunity to do what he is doing would be awesome. However, as my friends know I need human contact, conversation, and fellowship. I do fine for a couple of days and get excited but the fact that I cannot come home to Kristen and Eliza and yes even the dogs makes me weary. I have two more full days in London and then come home on Friday. I am having trouble getting motivated today. I am trying to write but I am weary of the big city, public transportation, the crowds, etc. I miss my beautiful wife and lovely little girl. Can't wait.

More from the city of Bath...

2009-05-19T14:35:00.000-07:00

Here's a little video about my trip to Bath the other day. sorry still no music for the background.

Cheers.

The Day at Cambridge...

2009-05-19T14:14:00.000-07:00

Well I am back in the room after an exhausting day. Long walk then 1 hour train ride, then 40 minute walk to library. Then I wrote and researched a bit. And the Cambridge library was huge. I know no one (especially Christy) will be suprised but I actually got lost in the library. A couple of times. I got to check out some 16th century manuscripts and it was a good experience overall. Nothing ground breaking to my research but I did some work.

Cambridge is a university made of various colleges all over the town. Here are some pics of the buildings.

Here is a couple of pictures of the library.

Then I came back and took a nap then got some more Indian food. The food is so expensive if you go to a half way nice restaurant you can easily spend 30 or more dollars per person without blinking an eye. It sounds better in pounds but their pound is equal to 1.50 of our dollars. Good thing I have a fellowship so I can eat. Because I do get tired of KFC or burger king.

At Cambridge..

2009-05-19T03:57:00.000-07:00

Finally made it to the library. I had a map but really didn't realize how far a walk it was from the train station. Now I am an official reader with manuscript privileges at the second oldest university in the English speaking world. I am also a reader at Oxford the first oldest. But this is where Erasmus taught theology. So off to do some writing. Cheers.

cambridge...

2009-05-18T15:10:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow I travel to the medieval city of Cambridge to visit their library and gaze upon their manuscripts. I have never been there so I am excited. The university is 800 years old and is the second oldest in the English speaking world (Oxford was first).

Also I did hear from the VA in that they want me to interview for another job. I am doing that in a week. It is for a different supervisor so it doesn't mean I didn't get the other jobs. I hope I get something.

Here's a little attempt at movie making. I didn't put music to it yet so don't be mad...I used windows movie maker and it is of my clips of stonehenge.

writing..

2009-05-18T09:44:00.000-07:00

Nothing exciting today. Just trying to write. I wrote a bit in the library then went around London a bit to take a break and then came back to my room to write. I have heard via Kristen that now the VA wants me to interview again for another position. This doesn't mean I didn't get the other ones I interviewed for as I applied for a couple of different jobs under different supervisors and apparently supervisors have to do their own interviewing. So i have been trying to call this person back to schedule a time to meet when I come home. So I guess it is good that they keep calling? Wish they would simply just hire me. :)

Well back to writing on the dissertation as I tend to look for any distraction to stop my progress. Have written about 15 pages since being here. It is slow going but I think going pretty well. Will keep you posted. And By the way for anyone out there who reads my blog and never blogs themselves...Please blog some. I get great joy from reading about my friends especially when I am way over here. Cheers.

Day Tripping...

2009-05-17T12:27:00.000-07:00

Well all the libraries are closed on Sundays so I took a day trip from London to see the ancient Roman City of Bath, the cathedral of Salisbury, and Stonehenge. These were all things that I talked about with my students at Milligan in humanities. So I was excited to see them for the first time.

We first went to Bath. It is called Bath because there is a natural hot mineral spring there and so the Romans who liked to be clean built a bath house over it. It had hot, tepid, and cold areas for bathing and was actually kind of a social recreation club. It was thought to promote good health. It kind of got buried over and forgotten and then they rediscovered it in the 18th century.

Bath is also a city where they only let people build buildings out of stone. So it looks really cool.

They also filter some of the water and say that it has healing properties.

Then we went to Salisbury Cathedral. It is a medieval Gothic Cathedral. And has the tallest spire in England (402 ft). We didn't get to see as much as I would've liked as it was a Sunday and they were having services. I got to stay in a bit of one service and heard the boy's choir which was awesome. We were leaving early so I couldn't stay.

Then we rode on to Stonehenge. Interesting place. Just off the road. I didn't feel any psychic vibrations or messages from aliens or anything in case anyone was wondering.

The Ripper tour...

2009-05-16T15:49:00.001-07:00

Well i got back from the Jack the Ripper tour. I had fun because I did get to see a lot of London on the nice bus. We walked around the area of London called Whitechapel where the murders took place and saw all the spots where the bodies were found. Mainly it was a story telling type thing by our guide and a lot of walking. so it was okay. We drove by the place on Fleet Street where Sweeney Todd used to make people into meat pies. Actually some lady made the pies supposedly unaware that it was human meat she was using. The ghost part of it was a bust. It was kind of like here's the most haunted house in London. Okay, let's move on.

But I still had a good time. Now I am about to go to sleep and on Sunday where no libraries are open I am going on a little tour to Stonehenge, Bath, and Salisbury Cathedral. That should be really awesome. Tuesday I go to Cambridge to visit their library.

I wrote about 10 pages today of chapter 3. Feel like that is a good start. My plan is to have it done by July. My advisor wants it done by December. I think I can move faster than that. My goal is to graduate next summer. Dissertations are so disheartening. But I feel like there is a tiny light at the end of the tunnel. Cheers for now.

London...

2009-05-15T15:53:00.001-07:00

Saw the new Star Trek movie over here today. It is now my official all time favorite movie. It was awesome. Then I walked around London at night tonight and saw some beautiful sights. It was a little rainy and so beautiful for some reason. I used my camera timer on these.

These are from Trafalgar Square. Since it was a bit rainy tonight, hardly anyone was out and about. It was a beautiful night in the city. This night tells me why I love London so much. I just stood and stared at some of the buildings. Especially Westminster Abbey. A huge structure built simply to glorify God.

I know there are a million arguments over spending money on church buildings. But the one thing I can say is that we don't build them like we used to. No matter how cool our church's new building is (we just got into a new sanctuary at Grace Fellowship) it does not inspire awe, devotion, wonder like the great Gothic cathedrals that reach to the sky. I walk in there and gaze up and see scenes of the life of Christ and almost shudder. When I had my students study church architecture from the Middle Ages I would always ask them what will it be like to study Church architecture in the 20/21st century? We will look at gyms. Lots of multi-purpose buildings. It may be a better way, but it does not inspire the awe. Those architects made their buildings as a very offering to God showing how great he was and how big he was. Sorry I got distracted there...

But I would rather be home with my girls.

Tomorrow I go back to the library to try to do some heavy duty writing. My advisor keeps talking about when I get my book published. I just want to get the thing finished first.

Praying a lot over here. Looking for God's will in a lot of areas of my life right now. Most of which I won't share. But most people know I am looking for a job. It is interesting that most people don't realize that God's will is not always comfortable and doesn't always make sense. I guess we forget that sometimes His will actually involves a cross (maybe not death hopefully) but at least at times self-denial. I am not always good with that. Milligan was my dream. I thought I felt called there. Called to teach. To show his love. I excelled there. Didn't matter. Now I am gone. Already replaced for the fall semester. I thought I actually might be hard to replace. nope. Before the semester was out all my sections were accounted for. How's that for thinking that they couldn't live without me?

But I will still trust God to lead me through. He has led me through worst times than this.

For those struggling with God's will here's a great thought.... If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done. God's ways are as hard to discern as the pathways of the wind, and as mysterious as a tiny baby being formed in a mother's womb. Be sure to stay busy and plant a variety of crops, for you never know which will grow - perhaps they all will. Ecclesiastes 11:4-6

In the meantime here's the joy and hope God has given me...Remember how Jesus said we must accept the kingdom of heaven like a little child...now I know why:)

Some more video

2009-05-14T16:16:00.000-07:00

I just finished Ch. 1 I think. So now on to Ch. 3 tomorrow. Don't think that a dissertation is this fast. I have been working on Ch. 1 and 2 for a year or more actually. Just putting some finishing touches on them. Should have four in total. Not counting the introduction and conclusion. Hopefully I will be done writing by December. That is my goal.

This is some video from the other day. It takes so long to load that is why I didn't put it all up at once. This is of Westminster Abbey in London. A great medieval Gothic Church where Elizabeth I is buried.

Here is some video for Larry who said last time all I talked about was where I ate. This is from the other day as well. Today I actually ate at KFC and McDonald's I hated to but it was so much cheaper than anywhere else. Tomorrrow I think I will eat Greek again. Love those kabobs. The great thing about staying in London is that you burn 100000000000000 calories a day. The sad thing is that you want to eat that much as well. I have fallen in love with Starbucks again.

Did I mention that on Sunday I am taking a Jack the Ripper/Ghosts of London tour? It's at night and they actually take you to the places where Jack the Ripper murdered the prostitutes and also tell you about how haunted London is. I am so excited. I have hunted ghosts at Gettysburg and now in London. Be jealous.

Exhausted...

2009-05-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

So went to the British library today and put what I think are my finishing touches on Chapter 2. I am going to work a bit more on Ch. 1 tonight and hopefully continue Ch. 3 research tomorrow. I left the British library and went to St. Paul's Cathedral. Haven't been there in many years.

I totally forgot how awe-inspiring it is. Christopher Wren designed it and he did some good work. It is massive and overwhelming with beauty.

I hiked up the stairs to the whispering gallery (259 steps).

You can hear whispers across the room. I really didn't. It was awfully crowded though. Then I hiked up another 119 steps to the Stone Gallery. This was on the outside of the Dome and you could most of London.

Then I went to the Tower of London just because I wanted to go to their souvenoir shop. Then I made it back to the room after a "back breaking" day of carrying around a laptop. Now I am going to rest up a bit, get a shower and get some grubb! On another note I feel like Beowulf and Monty Python all rolled into one. I bought a bottle of Mead and a bottle of Elderberry Wine. Cheers.

Long walks...

2009-05-13T12:41:00.000-07:00

Well I wanted to get in shape. So how about a huge walk before you eat at a Chinese buffet. I ate at Mr. Wu's. He didn't seem to remember me at least the one that I think might be Mr. Wu. Mrs. Wu was as cheerful as ever. Food was good though.

I tried my hand at some movie making so here goes. I was suprised that some famous people were there because of a movie premiere.

Here is a pic of what I believe to be a Jonas brother. My niece Emma should confirm. There are cameras pointed at him. Sorry I had to blow it up to get a pic. Look closely I know one of them has to be in there.

This is part of the crowd screaming to see them. I did not scream.

Cheers.

Looking for Elizabeth in all the wrong places...

2009-05-13T06:20:00.000-07:00

Well much of research sadly is looking, looking, looking and finding nary a thing. I perused the Cecil Papers this a.m. and found nothing of use. It is a 24 volume work so I thought that it would have a lot in it. Sadly only about small bits of 2 volumes cover the time of Elizabeth. There is plenty in there about her, just not exactly what I was looking for.

I did do some fill in type research and am going to look at Henry VIII's will in just a bit. For those who don't keep up with this kind of thing, it is the 500th annivesary of Henry's rule. So They have all kinds of stuff going on in London about Henry. The British library has an exhibit which I will go to in a bit.

Missing my wife and baby girl. I am a bad loner. When I get back though we head to the beach for a family vacation. Kristen and I have been places together before, but it feels more like a family since I get to see little Eliza Mae dip her toes in the ocean. Can't wait. Off to write and research some more.

a few more pics...

2009-05-12T14:08:00.000-07:00

my favorite London spot. Trafalgar square.

St Martin in the Fields. After the Great Fire in London in 1666 they rebuilt a lot of the city showing the English version of the Baroque. It is quite a contrast to more gothic cathedrals such as Westminster or Cantebury.

the inside showing the organ of St Martin in the Fields.

More of the inside.

I ate Indian tonight. It was so good. I now officially worn out. I need to look up what books to order for the British Library tomorrow and then off to sleep. After using Skype to talk to Kristen and Eliza. I miss them.

In London...

2009-05-12T05:44:00.000-07:00

Well I am finally here. Actually have been here for a while. I tried to check into my room at 8 a.m. and they told me to come back around 1 p.m. That's after an all night plane ride. So I walked around London for a few hours. Actually went to the National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, by Westerminster Abbey and Parliament, and a few other little spots like Trafalgar square. After some great Greek food for lunch I came to the hotel where I am just about to pass out. I am so tired.

The flight over was awesome. We all had our own little tv screen and had about 15 movies to choose from. I watched Yes Man. It was funny.

Here's a couple other pics.

the horse guards

The National Gallery--has awesome art in it.

My room. I will be in the bed in just a minute. Cheers.

Monday I will be in England...

2009-05-09T15:06:00.000-07:00

Well lots of news to tell to my faithful readers, but I will only give you a bit of it. I had a great meeting with my advisor about my dissertation and she is convinced that I am on my way and can finish in the next year or so. My goal is to have it completely written by December of 2009. For those of you who might say..why's it take so long. It's like writing a book. My dissertation will be about 300 or so pages long.

Also on Monday I fly out to London to try to finish up some dissertation research. I really don't want to go but I got a substantial fellowship from UT and I need to consult a few more sources. Normally a trip to the UK (my fourth) would not be a bad thing but I will miss Kristen and Eliza a ton. I am going to spend most of my time at the British library and take a trip to Cambridge University as well. I might try to take another side trip and maybe go see Stonehenge and Bath.

No word yet from the VA but they told me it might take 2-4 weeks. So hopefully I will hear something during my trip to London.

still waiting

2009-05-05T17:44:00.000-07:00

Well I am still waiting to hear something from the VA but they might take up to a month. And on Monday I am heading out to England again. I won't be there that long but I will update the blog on my activities and hope to take some time off when I get back. Hopefully I will be starting a new job as well.

Eliza trying to crawl

2009-05-02T12:45:00.000-07:00

She is trying. She is an expert on rolling over now and rolls over to get where she wants to go.
In other news, no news on the job yet. But I did get a small fellowship for study in England so I am leaving the Monday after Mother's Day and staying for 10 days. I hope to get a bunch of dissertation research done while over there. Kristen and I also would love to go to the beach when I get back to take little Eliza Mae and see her dip her toes in the ocean.

waiting...

2009-04-29T20:11:00.000-07:00

Well the semester is almost over and I have interviewed and I am still waiting. The VA is notoriously slow about hiring so I am not very worried. But I realize it is highly competitive. I am working hard on the dissertation this week as most of my class prep work is done. Wish I knew something.

The deed is done...

2009-04-24T10:19:00.001-07:00

Well i think the interview went well. Apparently they have to keep straight faces and just read the questions on the page. I got to look at the questions about 15 minutes before so that helped. I feel pretty good about it but don't really know. But I am glad it is over. Might not know anything for a few weeks.

Also got an email from my advisor and it didn't make me cry so that is good. She said my ch. 2 was a "substantial improvement." but still of course needed some of her wise correction. She is quite thorough with her comments. But I appreciate it. ALso Eliza has learned to roll on her side. She lays on the floor and I try to tickle her and she laughs and laughs and rolls away from me. She is hilarious.

Feeling at peace...

2009-04-22T07:32:00.000-07:00

Well since Eliza has her own blog now I might bore some of you with news about my thoughts etc. I think I have resolved to myself that I want to be a social worker again. I also feel like that I can still be a historian by teaching a few classes here and there but mainly concentrate on being a social worker, a husband, a dad, and a volunteer at our church.

I had an impromptu meeting with some of the history faculty at Milligan and they support wholeheartedly my being included as an adjunct faculty member in the future teaching a class every so often that interests me. I feel affirmed by them with this and it is something that I think will be good for me.

The point is I don't want to move my family anywhere, no local colleges are hiring, and I think I might like to be a social worker again so I feel good about this decision. I still want to finish my dissertation, I hope my advisor understands my decision not to pursue teaching full time. So anyways I hope that my interview goes well. It would be so nice to be able to provide more substantially for my kid's future.

It other news someone turned me on to this savings program for your child's college through the Tennessee Best Program. A short synopsis is that you buy units that are invested and the idea that is that you pay for your kids' college in today's dollars. Here is the website that explains it more fully. http://www.tn.gov/treasury/best/index_1a.html

I know one friend who used it to help pay for two of his children's schooling. Even despite the stock market crash these investments gained ground. So Kristen and I have signed Eliza up for and will begin contributing into it. It also has coupons that you can give to relatives etc if they want to buy a unit for Eliza as a gift. It may sound weird but it really seems like a good investment for your child's future. Anyway, those of you with youngin's in Tennessee should look at it. It is also a tax free investment. Cheers!

I got an interview...

2009-04-20T06:37:00.001-07:00

Well I talked to the social work supervisor today at the VA and I have an interview for Friday at 10.45 for a mental health social work position. I am excited but also nervous. (those who know me are not suprised). I might have to work on Saturdays but hey it is a full time job and my foot in the door. They have performance based interviews at the VA so they actually grade you on how well you answer questions. Yikes. It's like a pop quiz, you have to answer each question with specific experiences from your past. So say a prayer for Ted because I would really like to have a job. thanks.

possibilities...

2009-04-17T18:21:00.001-07:00

Well I got a phone call from a social work supervisor at the VA today. I was in class so she left a message to call her and when I did I think she had already gone home so I left a message for her. But anyway that is kind of exciting because there is really no reason for her to call unless they want to talk to me about interviewing for a job. They just email you when you don't get an interview..I know because they have emailed me a couple of times about a couple of jobs. So I am excited that something possibly might work out.

Easter pictures..

2009-04-15T11:27:00.001-07:00

We spent Easter in Louisville with my sister and her kids. Here are a few pictures of Eliza's first Easter.

Papaw and Nana stopped by before we left to give Eliza some Easter presents. One of the bunnies was from her Aunt Jeanette.

Here's a pic of Granddaddy and Mamaw and all the grandkids. Eliza is in her easter outfit.

Here's the Booth family right after Church. It was a great service.

On the way home we stopped by to see Uncle Aaron and Aunt Katie. Eliza was most fascinated though by Aaron and Katie's pet rabbit Darla. Eliza did so well travelling in the car. We are so thankful for all that Easter truly means with the resurrection of our Lord.

Our spring pictures..

2009-04-05T11:06:00.001-07:00

We went to see our good friend Julie Roberts who is also an artist with the camera. She took our 6 month pictures for Eliza. The weather was so beautiful. Here is a tease...

Waiting..

2009-04-01T18:17:00.000-07:00

Well now it is getting closer to the end of the semester and I am waiting to see what kind of job I may have in the fall. I haven't heard anything yet on the three jobs that i have applied for but I feel hopeful. I have been thinking of taking some of my books home from Milligan and putting them in my home office. It seems a bit sad to do that but I have to get all those books home.

Eliza is a little under the weather with a cold but just passed out. I carried her upstairs in my arms to her bed. I know that will be an awesome memory that I will always cherish.

Ok Ok Eliza's got her own blog..

2009-03-29T18:48:00.000-07:00

Kristen is going to try blogging again and gave Eliza her own blog. Seems like this was Crystal's idea...:) So please check it out but don't forget the original...... www.elizamaesday.blogspot.com

Me and Eliza...

2009-03-28T13:22:00.001-07:00

Today Eliza and I hung out a bunch as Kristen was doing some PRN work at the nursing home. We had a lot of fun. Not too much happening on my employment front yet but that is to be expected. I hope that I get a job at the VA. Going back into social work will be different but I am sure that I will like it. I did once before. I love teaching but right now the economy has forced most colleges to implement a hiring freeze. Although if one certain college hires another full time coach I may croak. I guess we all have money for the things we want.

Had my birthday yesterday, not too traumatic. Spent time with friends, it was fun. Tonight helping to celebrate my mom's bday by going out to the Riverfront restaurant in Kingsport. Truly we could not take care of our child without my mom and dad. They help us out a ton. I have only seen Eliza act excited to see someone like she really knew them--Kristen of course, me, and my mom. She is a good judge of character...

today

2009-03-25T18:42:00.000-07:00

Well today I went to the social work career fair at ETSU and got 5 continuing education hours. The workshops were okay. It is interesting to be getting back into the mindset of a social worker. I think I made some good contacts though. The supervisor and a few others from the VA were there and I got to put a face on my name. I think it went well. I got to talk to the lady who will do the hiring about my experience and passion and hopefully did well. I am kind of excited about this as the academic market is very slim picking these days. We shall see.

Now it's official

2009-03-12T19:04:00.000-07:00

Well as of today I have officially reactivated my LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) for all you people who don't know. I have applied for two jobs at the VA as well. I really want to be a teacher but there are attractive things about social work--I like the people interaction, I like the helping people, and I like the better pay and benefits. I still want to finish my Ph.D. in history and hopefully in the next year or so. I am trying to trust God to open some doors and see where I might end up. It feels at least exciting to have possibilities of places that actually want you.

Eliza's first real food...

2009-03-10T17:12:00.000-07:00

So here are some pics and a video of our little angel eating her first taste of rice cereal. We think she is so funny. How do you like her "Diva" bib?

New horizons...

2009-03-07T08:50:00.000-08:00

Well on Friday I attended a 6 hour training on TBI (traumatic brain injury). What's a medieval historian doing in a place like that? Well I needed 6 more hours to reactivate my LCSW (licensed clincial social worker) in Tennessee. SInce I can't find a teaching job I have started to look in the area of social work, my first career. I am still working on the Ph.D. but it does me no good to just stand around and pretend to have a teaching job. I have applied for tons of them but most schools just aren't hiring. I hope this economy gets better soon. I mailed off my reactivation forms and proof of continuing ed today so I hopefully I will be Ted Booth, LCSW again by the end of the week. I actually found my LCSW certificate framed in a closet and brought it out and dusted it off.

A little bit of Eliza....

2009-03-05T18:55:00.000-08:00

Here's a bit of Eliza and Daddy at Target. Eliza felt like she had something to say.

Eliza, friends, and stuff

2009-03-01T11:23:00.000-08:00

Well no real big update on jobs yet. I get a paycheck till August at Milligan. I am a bit saddened by the idea of leaving the place I love, but I am encouraged by the job possibilities that await out in the realm of social work. So I am busy working on applications. I plan to still finish the Ph.D. and to hopefully teach when I can, but I need a job to pay the bills.

In other news here's my little princess, with another princess on her shirt that I admire. The shirt says "Well behaved women rarely make history." That is so true.

Here's a picture from our trip to Nashville. I got the flu down there but did have a little fun. This was Eliza's first ever swimming experience. She did so well.

Picture of Eliza laughing at momma.

I love that kid.

Two of my favorite people.

Eliza and her best bud Callie Faith.

God is good.

Update on my life...

2009-02-26T18:24:00.000-08:00

Well apparently I have had a few requests for an update on my life. Here it is. Basically it looks pretty certain that I am not coming back to Milligan in the fall. They have asked me to teach some classes adjunct which basically means I would be doing most of the same amount of work for about 80% less pay. So that is not going to happen. So come August I am out of a job and paycheck. It has to do with the economic downturn and the college trying to shave about 600,000 dollars off the budget. But it is a big time bummer and disappointment for me. Teaching at Milligan was a dream come true for me.

So I am in big time search mode. I have applied for jobs all over including some in Georgia. I hope that I can find a teaching job somewhere but I am looking even in the social work world. For my avid readers who don't know, I have a Master's in Social Work and did clinical social work for several years. I feel led in the area of teaching but I need a paycheck. So we shall see.

I am trying not to be bitter or too disappointed. God has led me through tougher waters than this. Lots of people get really bitter when bad tragic things happen to them. I have seen what that does to people and refuse to have that happen to me. I have a beautiful wife, an awesome little princess of a daughter, and Jesus as my Savior. He will lead us through somehow. But I do appreciate your prayers.

the flu...

2009-02-17T07:17:00.000-08:00

Guess what? I have the flu. Maybe I should've gotten the flu shot after all. The hard part is that I can't hang out with Eliza till I am not contagious.

maybe this is boring but this is my life..

2009-02-11T16:38:00.000-08:00

Kristen found a new front loading dryer on this thing called Craig's list for a steal. We got the dryer and two pedestals. (they didn't have the washer). I have been wanting a new washer and dryer for a while as I bought mine in 1993. Probably not energy efficient. We asked Kristen's dad if he could help us as he has a truck and he did.

Papaw and Nana came and visited with Eliza, but Papaw really helped me a ton. I love having a father in law who knows things. He went with me to get the dryer, we had to get a new outlet for it, and then we installed it together. Plus he suggested that we go ahead and replace the laundry room floor while we were moving stuff out. I wasn't going to ask for that as I knew it would be a huge job even though it was just ripping up a vinyl floor and putting another down. But the laundry room had tons of stuff in it.

So we unloaded our entire laundry room into the kitchen and replaced the floor which looked horrible. We put down a sheet of vinyl that looks like ceramic tile but it looks so nice. Our laundry room is just an old part of the house but the new floor makes it look awesome. We then put everything back after a bit of cleaning out. and on top of that the new dryer turned out to be much better than I imagined. It was a top of the line model that this lady just didn't want. She had already returned the washer, so we will get a new one of those later, but this was a great deal now. It has wrinkle control, sensor heat, ability to dry without tumbling...my old one had an off and on button.

Anyway we had a great visit with Papaw and Nana and Eliza just laughed so much at them. They stayed way late helping us out. It was so nice and so awesome. I love working with someone who knows what they are doing. It is great to have family.

In other news, Eliza had her shots today. I was with her by myself and we had to wait a total of 3 hours at the doctor's office. She did so well though. Better than me. She has the best disposition. She only got upset with the shots and screamed pretty loud but just for a little bit. A few minutes after sobbing after the shots she managed a smile at me. And I just checked on her as she is in her crib talking to herself very loudly and when she saw me, she jumped and smiled so big. I love that kid.

the danger of Sunday afternoon naps..

2009-02-09T05:44:00.001-08:00

Kristen, Eliza and I all took a Sunday afternoon nap. Sadly, then Kristen and I had the hardest time falling asleep that night. Eliza sleeps like a champ so no worries. But I am sooo tired today...

what a difference a year makes

2009-02-06T06:22:00.001-08:00

Here's the handsome couple just a little over a year ago...

Here's a shot from the superbowl party 2009.

a closer view of Kristen....

and lastly my fav picture of me and my princess....

Obviously Kristen has lost some weight. She probably hates for me to talk about it. I have only lost 23 pounds and want to lose more (I am in the it's really hard stage) because of my recently diagnosed hypertension and type II diabetes. Apparently I have bad genes....who knew? But I feel a lot better and hope that I get to see that little girl grow up to be the beautiful woman that her momma already is.

Need I say more...?

2009-02-02T13:49:00.000-08:00

Got to love that kid of mine. Plus she looks a whole like her momma which is really nice!

Taxes, weight and other stuff

2009-01-31T14:35:00.000-08:00

Finished up the taxes today and now we wait on the refund. Dave Ramsey says we should pay it all towards debt but I bet we will only pay off our credit card. We would like to continue renovating our kitchen a bit but we aren't getting a huge refund so we might have to wait on new countertops.

I think this whole Dave Ramsey approach to debt is good. I don't agree with everything he says (i.e. he is against whole life, he hates student loans, etc.) But I think that with some discipline Kristen and I can pay off our debt. But I think it will take some effort and the learning of new ways.

I have been trying to lose weight since November and since I learned I had type II diabetes. I have now lost about 23 pounds and have about 15 more to go. I am now at my pre marriage weight but would like to be a bit thiner. Kristen of course is smaller than ever. And today I wanted to show a picture of our little girl. I really love hanging out with her.

Just thinking....

2009-01-27T11:16:00.000-08:00

Went to the doctor with Eliza yesterday. She apparently is all better and does not need any more breathing treatments. She still coughs a bit but her attitude is amazing. She laughs, smiles and never seems to get upset unless she is wet, tired or hungry. I think she is going to be a cool person.

Kristen and I were reading this book about marriage called "The Love Dare." One of things in it is that you can't say anything negative about your spouse to your spouse. You can't complain basically. I have a bad habit of complaining about stuff--the weather, poor service in restaurants etc. So I thought I would try not to complain at all. It was hard! I was afraid I wouldn't be able to speak.

I got to thinking about complaining or saying negative things in general. It is kind of selfish. It all concentrates on me--about how I was wronged and about how awful someone has treated me. Imagine if we all tried not to talk poorly about anyone. Even those that have done us the most wrong. Wouldn't the world be a much nicer place. Sadly most people love to say and hear negative things better than good. Seems like that forgiveness is something that heals us as much as others.

I hope to teach Eliza that she needs to concentrate on peoples' strengths and not their sins. If it wasn't for Jesus we would all be in trouble. That's all just some random thoughts on negativity. :)

today..

2009-01-23T19:33:00.000-08:00

Today Eliza and I hung out while Kristen went to a birthday party with some friends. We had a pretty good time. She helped me with my dissertation and then I put her in bed. She wouldn't sleep. She has found out how to work her little light up fish tank music box. she pushes the button and watches the show and then pushes it again and turns it off. She chatters the whole time. It will be amazing once she starts using words to see what comes out.

She is feeling some better. Her cough is not as bad but there are times she still sounds like a smoker. In other news, my back hurts so bad. I think it is a muscular problem because it helps to stretch it but I have some kind of knot in it. School is going well. No definite word yet on my job for next year but I continue to receive encouraging signs.

historic day...

2009-01-20T13:31:00.001-08:00

Eliza is sick. She has RSV. It is amazing the disposition she has. I stayed home with her today and we laughed and danced and sang and except for the occasional cough or runny nose, you could not tell by her attitude she was sick. I am so glad that she has such a great personality.

But today was kind of cool because Eliza and I started a tradition possibly where we watched the inauguration together. It was so historic to see this even happen. There is so much hope and excitement and I hope that he is able to get some stuff done and heal some problems. I think his election has done a lot already. As someone who likes travelling in Europe and is probably going back this summer, I am kind of glad they like us a bit better again. I do think that Bush has handled the transition with a lot of class. It must be hard to be replaced by someone with a rock star type excitement.

Well I hope Eliza feels well soon.

Eliza laughing...

2009-01-14T19:13:00.000-08:00

we think she is really cute.

Eliza in her winter hat....

2009-01-14T19:00:00.000-08:00

read the book...

2009-01-10T08:50:00.000-08:00

Last night and early this morning I read the book by Rob Bell Velvet Elvis. I truly believe that it is the best book I have ever read. It is a book of theology and questions and imagination and so many other things I can't even explain. You need to go buy the book today and read it. If it doesn't change your life, you aren't alive. Truly, it is awesome.

Check it out. http://www.amazon.com/Velvet-Elvis-Repainting-Christian-Faith/dp/0310273080/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1231606372&sr=8-1

Almost time to start the semester..

2009-01-08T21:15:00.001-08:00

I have been going in and working and I feel like I have a big jump on the semester. I feel more prepared for this semester than ever before. I hope to finish up some stuff tomorrow and then spend Monday and Tuesday on the dissertation. Wednesday is the first day of school but it is just the hand out syllabus day so that is easy.

About half of my students are new so it will be fun to meet more students. I really enjoy the interaction and have become a lot more comfortable in the classroom. I lecture but I think I have a conversational style and I like to tell stories and make it fun (as best I can).

Still no word yet on my full time fate next year but I remain as hopeful as I can. At least things in the dissertation world are looking optimistic.

Today..

2009-01-06T17:14:00.000-08:00

Well today was a good day all the way around. I met with my advisor in Knoxville and had the best meeting ever. About all she had to say short of some structural issues in my chapter was good stuff. She believes the article I am working on for publication shows great insight and will be published in a major journal. Plus she believes my dissertation will be published and even said that I should possibly consider the academic presses of Yale University for one. I was a bit blown away to say the least. Plus in my box at UT, I had a letter from Cambridge Scholar's Press in England inviting me to send a proposal to them about my dissertation for a publishing contract. I was like, I haven't even finished writing it yet. But they heard about the title of my work and sent a letter of inquiry. My advisor says that intellectual works on Elizabeth are sought after so I should expect this.

I Just want to finish the thing and think about publication later. But it made me feel like all my hard work is beginning to pay off.

Tonight I attended a rehearsal for TGIF :Thank God it's families at Grace Fellowship Church. I am the "credible" host for the Kidstuff program. I liked the cast and we seemed to get along well. I actually had some fun. I couldn't believe that the short amount of time we have been at Grace that I got asked to help. I still feel like we barely know anyone. But it is fun to help out again. I can't really imagine going to a church and not helping.

Well school starts soon and I feel like I am almost ready. I have a little more prep work to do this week but I am ahead of the game. In other news.. here's my little scholar.

a little news for the new year...

2009-01-03T10:04:00.000-08:00

Well I have officially been diagnosed as having type II diabetes. However, it does not appear extreme and the doctor feels that for now I can manage it with diet and exercise. I have lost 19 pounds so far and have basically eliminated sugar from my diet. It really has helped me not to be so moody as apparently some of my moodiness was caused by sugar fluctation. I also got put on high blood pressure medicine which I was the only one from my family who wasn't. Now I am on the team. I hope to start exercising some when the weather warms.

I have been working on the dissertation and it is always discouraging for me to get a chapter back. I work so hard and it gets shredded. Well not totally but I wish for once my advisor would read it and say Oh my gosh that is awesome. She did write excellent a few times in the chapter but it needs some work. I so want to graduate.

No real news yet as for my permanent desire to teach. I have a possibility working for me which I will not go into full detail yet. Hopefully it will work out. I also was asked by the staff at our new church to help in their version of Kidstuff. THey want me to be the credible host which is the guy who basically plays the "straight" person against the "goofy comical" character. I was worried about being at a new church where I really didn't know that many people that I would not be plugged in very easily. Kristen and I also are going to do the Financial Peace University program at church. We do many of the concepts already but I have a feeling this will streamline our budget a bit more. Prepare for pain!

Not sure what we are going to do today,but I hope it is something fun.

Some Christmas pictures.

2008-12-24T12:49:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, Julie Roberts is an artist with the camera. I personally am a fan of the art of the renaissance so this picture of the hand of the Creator reaching down to the created (Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel Ceiling) was always one of my favorites. It inspired me to suggest something for our photo shoot kind of in the same vein.

Little Eliza loves to latch on to my thumb or finger when she feeds. This close up reminded me of how Kristen and I got to participate with God in the creation of this little beauty. It is amazing to think that is what we did.

Here is one of our Christmas angel.

one of my favorites. My two best girls. What a blessed man I am!

A great reason to celebrate Christmas. I don't need any presents. Really. Okay maybe a completed dissertation...but that's it.

I may be only a little biased but....

2008-12-16T14:56:00.000-08:00

I am pretty sure that besides the best looking wife ever, I am in the running for the cutest baby ever. If you don't believe that Photography is an art, you my friend, have never met Julie Roberts. She is more than a Photographer, she is an artist and someone we know as a friend and she makes my family, especially my baby...look good. So take a moment and see why I smile everyday....

just some thoughts...

2008-12-10T10:30:00.000-08:00

First I have the prettiest and best wife ever. Kristen is the only Christmas present I need. She understands me, cares for me, and overlooks most of what I do. Plus she thinks I am funny and handsome? And by the way not to brag but I think my baby girl is the cutest thing ever. She is so much like her momma. Except she is a bit more of a morning person than Kristen. I love it in the morning when I change her diaper and she smiles so big that her eyes close. Now people can steal her away from me. But I can't wait till the day that she runs to me with a big smile because I am raising that child to be a daddy's girl. It is weird and humbling sometimes when I think that my relationship with Eliza will affect every male relationship she ever has. I hope that I can make her feel loved, valued, and protected so she grows up strong and secure and of course sassy.

In other news, I had my glucose tolerance test. No results yet. But I have been dieting about a month before it and have lost 15 pounds. Only about one person has noticed. Usually you have to lose about 30 before someone goes...dang are you losing weight? But I can tell. My shirts fit better and so do my pants. I am trying to get healthy not only to cure my possible problem with sugar but also my sleep apnea snoring issue. Plus I do feel better. and to end this post is a little movie of my princess. Her momma is the queen.

Christmas...

2008-12-05T07:41:00.000-08:00

It is so exciting that I get to share my first Christmas with Kristen and our new little bundle of joy Eliza Mae. I love that kid. I really think that she is present enough to be honest. I know that she will be more interested in the paper and lights than any gift we get her but it will be her first celebration of the birth of Jesus with us. I hope that is what she always takes away from Christmas that it is about Jesus and not gifts.

In other news, Kristen and I saw this movie FireProof. It was pretty stirring emotionally and about how to "fireproof" a marriage. In the movie a guy tells his son to do the "love dare" it is a book that his wife wrote and has 40 days of trying to do things for your mate to draw yourself closer. Well the people in the movie actually published the book and it is on sale here http://www.amazon.com/Love-Dare-Stephen-Kendrick/dp/0805448853/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1228491917&sr=8-1

It is a 40 day devotional where you read about an issue, you pray about it and then you have an action item. For instance the first lesson is on patience, and the first item is that you have to go one whole day without saying anything negative to your spouse. Then each day you add a different task on top of that one. It is hard but it puts all your energy into valuing your spouse. How many arguments would be avoided if you can't say anything negative? So far so good. I have been blessed with a beautiful woman who loves me and a wonderful child whose smile reminds me of her momma and teaches me that God is love. Happy Christmas early!

the help of family..

2008-12-02T15:18:00.000-08:00

Kristen and I are so blessed to be around family that really love our baby and want to help us so much. Many of you my faithful readers will know this next lady very well....Teresa aka Mamaw or Big Momma. Whatever the name she is crazy....about our child...and when she can she helps us so much. She cooked Thanksgiving for us, a huge spread as Teresa only knows how to cook for a hundred people. It was soooo good.

Plus sometimes when she has a day off she comes down, babysits for us (giving my mom a spell) then cleans our house, buys us groceries and does our laundry. She once asked Kristen if I minded if she did my laundry. As the laundry person in the family...I was like what are you kidding me? But we just wanted to give a big shout out to our favorite ER nurse who has a crazy side that you have seen, (and will see again) and a great loving generous side which we see all the time. Just wanted to let Teresa know how much we (that's me too :) ) appreciate and love you and thank God for all you do for us and our little bundle of joy.

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas...

2008-12-01T19:47:00.000-08:00

Tonight Kristen went to the store to shop for our Christmas party for our student small group tomorrow night. So Eliza and Daddy put up the Christmas tree. Actually Eliza watched from the comfort of her bouncy seat but as i put the tree up and added more lights, she would jump and smile and make happy noises which I interpreted to be that's awesome daddy. It was a great tradition to start.

our tree our first Christmas as parents of Eliza Mae.

I think Eliza had fun...

momma and her babies...

Some pics..

2008-11-28T18:43:00.001-08:00

So our good friends Christy and Larry needed to borrow our house to have some awesome Julie Robert's photos taken. So Julie the awesome photographer that she is decided to give us a few photo shots for free for our trouble...even though it was no trouble at all. So here are a few of what's coming. I love my family.

our sweet girl....and she is daddy's girl...

a rare moment..but I swear this is the cutest....

the family..

I have got a lot to be thankful for.

Thanksgiving

2008-11-25T10:49:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted in a while. Sorry. Excited about thanksgiving I have much for which to be thankful. However, it is uncertain what my future holds at my current job. I have not been renewed officially for next year due to budget cuts, however, there is still a possibility something might work out. Not sure. May not know for a while. In the midst of everything great in my life, this is the one bad. Well I know God has brought me through worse times before. I have till August 2009 to find something to do. I would love to continue teaching full time at Milligan but with the financial scare they are cutting back and it affects me.

I am going to apply at nearby colleges and see what shakes loose. I don't want to move anywhere although Charleston, SC does sound nice. Kristen has a great job and I would not want to move away from that and our families. Hopefully I will get my dissertation done before summer and that will help in my employment searching. Please pray that something opens up.

But we are excited that we get to see Crystal, Andrew and Finley and they get to see Eliza Mae our princess. So happy turkey day..

a visit to see Eliza

2008-11-15T05:19:00.000-08:00

Papaw and Nana came to see us on Friday night. I mean to see Eliza. Eliza has started smiling a lot and I have got to tell you it is the most wonderful sight when she does. Here is a picture of her smiling at Papaw.

Uncle Arlis came, even though he needs a hair cut, and Uncle Josh and Aunt Eden came as well. Josh loves to give me a hard about UT football and his first words to me were "So what do you think about Phillip?" Meaning Phil Fulmer. He is very funny.

Nana got a suprise when Eliza decided for the first time to hold her own bottle. It was amazing. I am sure she is gifted...:)

In other news still uncertainty about my job for next year. Also apparently I have a condition known as "pre diabetes" it is when your blood sugar isn't quite bad enough to require insulin but usually because of extra pounds it is much more sensitive to sugar. My fasting blood sugar this a.m. was 116. I have a glucose tolerance test on Dec 9. But today starts day one of my new life where I will try to go low carb, no sugar, and lose 30-40 pounds. No problem right? This can help take care of the pre-diabetes thing. But I have to watch what I eat big time.

Well that's about it for today..

Uncertainty...

2008-11-12T09:37:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow I meet with the Academic Dean at Milligan to discuss my future. I have a year to year contract as a non-tenured track Visiting Professor. So if the budget is tight which it is, if they need to cut someone they start with people like me first. I am a bit anxious about it and am trying to trust that God will take care of me no matter what but I also want to be some sort of provider for my family.

I would say there would have to be a good chance I was staying simply because I teach three sections of humanities a semester and that would displace about 64 students a semester that the other teachers would have to absorb. Plus one of the history profs is going on sabbatical next year. That would leave 5 open sections of Humanities in the Spring. So hopefully I can stay.

I so enjoy teaching at Milligan but I am making good progress on the dissertation. Once I get my Ph.D. I can look for other jobs as most schools won't hire you without it. I really feel like I do a good job at Milligan and have excellent rapport with the students, but I don't know if that will count for much. If I got a job at another school it might involve moving and Kristen has the ideal job at the VA. So I guess I could try to teach high school but would a school hire someone with a Ph.D.? I guess i should start looking. :(

If you are my friend just say a prayer for me. The family thing is working great and I am sure that somehow God will show me the way through it all. In other news here is the latest pic of my sweet daughter...

Mondays....

2008-11-10T04:39:00.000-08:00

Well today Kristen goes back to work. Pray for her. She has really enjoyed being at home with the kid but sadly I make a teacher's living so we really need her income. And she has decided of late that truly God's ministry for her is her job and she feels good about it. I am glad. She really is a bright ray of sunshine in those people's lives.

But this is also the first day I dropped Eliza off at mom's. It went well of course. Eliza was smiling so much I barely wanted to leave. She is a cutie like her momma. In other news we got a new car. Our volvo began having transmission problems so we traded it before it died. We had spent so much on that car fixing it. We got a 2008 Honda Civic and the payment is almost the same...although the payoff date is a bit farther out in the future. But at least it runs. And it gets great Gas mileage. So we are happy.

Other news. I have finished two chapters of the dissertation and submitted them. No word yet but it feels good to be making progress. I have about 2 more to go. Hopefully by summer I will be Dr. Ted.

We also have been visiting at different churches lately. Nothing against our old church we just have a huge drive, and we want Eliza to grow up at a church with people she goes to school with. We have visited many and found some great and friendly churches in Johnson City. Right now we are visiting with Grace Fellowship. This is the church that kristen went to before dating and marrying me and I think she has always missed it. Their worship is incredible and the teaching there is so insightful, intellectual and engaging. Yesterday's sermon was on the persecuted church throughout the world. Grace has missionaries that are in countries that persecute Christians and we prayed for them collectively. They also talked about how we sometimes love the world more than we should and how we are so attached to it. It was very challenging. So we shall see what happens.

Off to teach Beowulf. Here's a pic of my daughter.

Eliza's first halloween

2008-10-31T18:00:00.000-07:00

The outfit we had for Eliza was a bumble bee so Kristen decided that we all together would be the Bee---ooth family. So we were bumble bees. We went to church for trunk or treat and we hosted a trunk to help Christy's program out. We had a lot of fun and Eliza did pretty well. She got a bit sleepy at the end and it was cold.

we stopped by Mamaw and Granddaddy's first. They were very excited to see our little "bug" Eliza.

It seems I have seen this face before. On her momma. Love them both.

Eliza in the office

2008-10-22T11:55:00.000-07:00

Eliza stopped by Daddy's office today to hang out while Momma ran an errand. So she helped me with my Dissertation a bit. I really loved having her here with me. I don't ever want her to feel like she is an interruption to what I am doing. I want her to feel like she is the reason for whatever I am doing. I am a blessed man.

Writer's block

2008-10-22T09:43:00.001-07:00

I am at school and have the whole afternoon mapped out to write. So that means of course that I have that tendency to want to blog, or check facebook or walk down the hall or whatever instead of writing. But in an hour or so my girls will come visit me at work and Eliza and I will hang out here in my office. I love the idea of Eliza coming to my office and hanging out. I am sure once she gets here I will be inspired but will still not want to write..

Eliza's pictures

2008-10-17T12:20:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, including those at Lee Memorial Hospital, look at this site http://julierobertsphoto.instaproofs.com/ and click on Eliza Mae to see a slide show of the prettiest baby ever. But I might be a tad biased.

Also took Elvis, one of our dogs, to the vet today. Bill was 200 dollars. Wow. He needed some flea medicine and lots else. Hopefully this will fix him for a while. He was really good at the vet and laid on the table and didn't whine too much. Going to a football game tonight to see one of my good friend's dads inducted into the Science Hill Athletics Hall of Fame. Kristen and Eliza are in Lee County, the first time they have been away from me for the night. miss them already.

Some more pics

2008-10-13T17:18:00.000-07:00

Here's Eliza in her little outfit before the game started. Momma gave her a head band so she wouldn't look like a boy. She is the cutest little vol ever.

Eliza and her daddy and our good friends Michelle and Josh and Moma all watched the UT game together. Eliza was all decked out and cheering for the Vols. But she did begin to yawn and fade as the game went on...much the way UT did.

Here I asked Eliza why the Vols lost? She wasn't sure...

Eliza even had a little burp cloth that said, "I spit orange." I imagine if that happened. That would be bad. So for you Lee County OR people, that means she likes Tennessee not that she has some kind of weird disorder....

And a final pic of Mamaw and Granddaddy. They really love having a grand kid that is close by. Eliza loves to hear them sing off key to her.

By the way, she keeps asking when is Papaw coming over...Hint, Hint....

First day at church and some more....

2008-10-11T09:29:00.000-07:00

We went to Papaw's church in Jonesville to show Eliza off. Seems I had mentioned this on a previous post but apparently the entire medical and nursing staff of Lee Memorial read my blog and have been asking for more pics. So a big shout out to those of you who work in the OR or other places. If I ever have to get my galbladder out you guys are my first choice....

My two favorite girls. I love that from the beginning Eliza will know the name of Jesus. It truly makes me want to be a better man than I am knowing that she is here. God has blessed me a ton with these two ladies and I love them so much.

This is from our professional photo shoot from http://www.xanga.com/JulieRobertsPhotography If you go there you can see a slide show of her pictures. I just remembered that apparently wellmont in its wisdom blocks that site so write it down and look at home. It will be worth it I assure you. Julie is an artist with the camera and of course with my girls she has a lot to work with. More to come so don't get impatient with me....Thanks for peering into our lives....

My two girls....oxford style...

2008-10-08T18:16:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of Kristen and Eliza in their matching Oxford shirts that I bought when I was in England this summer. While I took a break from the Oxford library looking at 400 year old letters I decided to buy KRisten and Eliza matching outfits, even before Eliza was born. They look really cute and smart in them.

Eliza's says "Tiny Oxford." She is already our little scholar. I love that kid and her momma so much I want to bust sometimes. God has been so good to me beyond what I deserve. Everyday of my life is a great day.

My little girl...

2008-10-02T19:52:00.000-07:00

Well the Braves didn't make the play offs but Eliza still looks awesome in her Braves PJs. Next year we will take her to a game. Can't wait. I so love this girl and of course her very cute Momma.

Eliza's first Sunday at Church...

2008-09-28T11:35:00.000-07:00

We went to Eliza's Papaw's church this morning and it was Eliza's first day in Church. She did really well but did drift off to sleep during the sermon. It was so nice to be able to show her off. Kristen's dad was so excited to see us that he forgot to introduce us--he just introduced Eliza. that's okay we like her too.

Then we went to Pizza Hut to eat and Eliza seemed to be very happy about the whole thing. Christy says that little babies are smiling because they can see Angels that we can't. Sounds good to me. The thought of my little girl growing up in Church, going to VBS, attending Church camp, going on mission trips, makes me feel like my life has added some value to this world. I really love this kid and her momma. I love being a family.

Just because...

2008-09-26T06:42:00.000-07:00

Well I found a website called http://www.makeaonesie.com/ where you can make your own onesies and upload pics, text, etc. So I have made one for Eliza and can't wait to show it off to you all. I know that especially Ruth Cook will be proud of it. I am excited.

Eliza saying hello

2008-09-23T07:53:00.000-07:00

I recorded this so Crystal and Andrew could see Eliza up close. My new phone I got from ebay recorded it. I love this kid and her momma so much.

best friends....

2008-09-17T18:18:00.001-07:00

Here is a picture of Callie and little Eliza. Callie is Uncle Larry's and Aunt Christy's youngest child. Eliza and Callie are already best friends and are wearing matching outfits given to them by Aunt Crystal and Uncle Andrew. Kristen wanted me to post this picture as soon as we took it so Crystal could see.

Of course Karisse had to mug for some face time herself. We love these kids so much. We are so blessed by God to be able to have a hand in watching these kids grow and learn how to love Jesus.

I have a hard time going to work in the morning because I miss Eliza and her momma so much while I am gone. I showed all my classes pictures of Eliza before I even started class. God has blessed me beyond what I ever hoped or dreamed. I have the most beautiful wife, who is also my best friend and my partner, and I have the most beautiful child who is the gleam of joy in my eye and I have the most wonderful friends. God has blessed us so much. Thank you God for all you do even when we don't deserve it.