Christmas...

It really does not feel like Christmas.... just work, sleep, work... stress stress stress.

No idea what is going to be happening what with statements and backpedaling....

I just want a break...

Precious Little...

It feels like precious little time remains win a cuddly little man who looks with adoring eyes to his mommy and daddy for everything he needs. His independence grows as fast as his height and daddy kissing him will be awkward rather than a reason to squeel in delight.

I try to savor every moment and yet it seems impossible to appreciate it as much as it should be.

He moves so much, wiggles and giggles and talks and plays... and my desire just to grab him in a hug and never let go grows.

I am so proud of him, and yet reluctant to see him learn so fast. I love you little buddy.

Little Dude with a big tonuge...

So for whatever reason Sammy has been going around with his tongue sticking out. He keeps it that way unless he is talking, grinning, or crying.

Or well chewing I guess LOL. He is a growing ball of energy and onry to boot. But still cuter than he has any right to be. Jenny and I are pretty much nearing desperate for a day off, but things haven't been going bad.

There is so much to figure out around the holidays. When to see what family and how not to miss anyone. It becomes stressful planning our days off. Well either way it will be all good.

Pictures with this cell phone are proving to be somewhat difficult. The shutter speed is blazingly slow. But I get a few fun ones, and with the help of Photoshop Mobil they are even somewhat fun to share.

Limitations...

We all have to live with them, and who knows, sometimes they even cause us to live better. Perhaps with my phones in ability to post the high quality photographs I am used to posting, I will improve other parts and offer some snap shots to boot.

Jenny and I have a lot going on anymore. Yes, our schedules are busy, but its even more than that.

To be honest, there are many times I feel we just get swept up and lost in the fray. It is very much like a frantic fight just to find time to date even on our time off. I love Jenny so very much, and Sammy too, but being around each other almost all the time and not being able to spend time actually with each other is difficult.

If anyone has some good advice on how to fit something in please let me know.

Some Fall Foilage

So I am still trying to see if I can post my larger photos by phone... so far not much luck.
This will be my second attempt at it so I figure, rather than all 4 pictures at once, I will try one at a time. It will give me more reasons to post anyway, which I am totally OK with.
The Children's Home has become a big blessing to Jenny and I. We have both girls cottages now and the stress level and dread to going to work has gone significantly down.
Speaking of down. I didn't need a jacket at all yesterday and now they are calling for snow this evening... yay Tennessee weather.
Well enough random from me here is the first sampling of fall foliage all for you!

Trouble

I am having some issues getting the phone to post the larger quality pictures... I will be looking into what I can do about that.

Working with what you've got...

So we are still without internet, but my cell phone camera does OK for snap shots and I thought I might share a few of those. Of course most of my snap shots are of Sammy so you will just have to bear with his ultimate cuteness.

Jenny and I took the girls on one of our cottages to Ober Gatlinburg so they could ice skate and such. As you can imagine I spent a good amount of time looking after Sammy while they played.

Its OK though, we all had fun and I got this snap shot of the little man playing drums on a wooden bench.

Internetless

As the title might suggest we are without internet, thus the long silence. I am actually making this post by my smartphone, which I just discovered I could do.
I will attempt to add a picture to this post as well but fair warning, its just a cell phone snap shot.

Our little man is growing so very fast. He sits on his own, claps his hands, stands, and even walks when you let him hold your fingers. He is so smart and happy, it just feels crazy that he is growing so fast.

Whole Lot A Rollin….

 

So it has been a while, I know. There has been a lot going on, not that it is a good excuse, just a simple truth. You know how the every day of life can kind of get you all rolled up in itself and you loose track of doing much actually helpful?

 

Yeah so I could kind of be there at times. Lots of being sick, working, and trying to unwind from the other two.

 

Here recently I have been reapplying to some more churches and Jenny has been applying to a ton of schools. Still is not looking good for finding a job.

 

We just are not sure what else to do really.

 

Anyhow, I got Sammy out to the park today for some pictures at about the 3 month time period. I’ll post a couple of my favorite and then let you look at the gallery on your own.

 

 

 

Samuel Elijah 3 1/2 Months VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

A Prickly Situation…

 

I read a news report on what one professional football player had to say about celebrations surrounding Bin Laden’s death. In the long run the sports piece was a simple political piece, but it did make me think about one thing.

I am sure you have seen the mass amounts of reaction on Facebook, twitter, etc. around the days when the operation was revealed. Many people posted melancholy reminders that they would never be happy someone was dead, delivering the tidbit as if lowering the moral character of all those who reacted positively. While some seemed to take the celebration in the wrong direction completely.

It is hard in such a difficult situation to decide what exactly is the correct response, and yet something stood close to my heart. The news media and many, many cushy sudo “world aware”  individuals have always come down hard on the military. I really would not expect this to be different. And while I could bring up Biblical example and precept, the question that really comes to mind is; If we cannot celebrate with the victory of those who sacrifice their lives for us, and struggle with them through their defeats, how will we continue. The answer seems obvious to me… We can not… Not as a nation, culture, or people.

We must learn that rejoicing in death itself is morbid and misdirected, but if a man can not rejoice in justice, then he must conduct a seriously inventory of his own character.

Love which refuses to rejoice in the greater good of those unable to protect themselves, however sad the consequences of that justice… doesn’t love.

 

Now I do not write this to indicate that all should hold or attend parties on ever Bin Laden death anniversary, nor that we should chant and shout as if attending a sporting event. Rather I find that we must be able to rejoice with justice, to promote a focus on the good and positive over the sad of a wasted life now lost. There is always time to mourn the ravages of sin, but the worker his due his wages, and a soldier needs the support of those he serves and protects, this includes laughing when they laugh and crying when they cry.

 

To add image to title, these certainly represent the prickly situation at hand…

 

 

 

Working For Who?

 

Today was a rough day at work. I got injured a couple of weeks ago moving an item at the store. Ever since people have treated me differently, badly. It is really starting to get on my nerves. I still do far more than most anyone else in the department, I just can not lift, push, or pull more than 20 pounds of weight or risk further injury.

 

Today was particularly frustrating because my boss keeps asking me to do things which will include lifting or pushing and pulling considerably more than 20lbs. Not only was it asking me to ignore my injury, it was pulling me off the sales floor where I could no longer make sales (the only way I get paid). I made one comment about it and I find out later from another co-worker that people I thought of as friends are talking bad about me behind my back because I am apparently just lazy and do not want to do anything. Again, I was running around doing things and they were sitting on their butts….

 

It just really upset me… and I was explaining it all to Jenny when she asked why I do so much more than everyone else. Including other’s work. All I could answer was that when I start thinking about simply refusing like the others I hear one question in my head. “Who are you serving?”

Even if it is not required I always try and do better and more because its right, because it is what I want my character to be…

I know I should do everything without complaining, but I am not there yet.

Anyway, as I came home I went into the room with my computer and sat for a moment or two in the dark when Jenny came in… I came to my computer because I wanted to be calm, quiet, and alone. Strangely I didn’t mind her being there… or not so strangely. I am blessed to have such a wonderful wife that I find such a great comfort.

 

And so I wanted to share a picture of her, Sammy, and her Granny.

 

Hard Tripping…

 

Samuel got to take a tour of the eastern US. We went to see Jenny’s family and to go to her graduation. It was an extremely encouraging trip, other than the many hard hours on the road. That being said, it is taking a while to recover from the trip so tonight’s post is going to be very short.

The following image was actually taken in our ‘back yard’. I have been told it is an Egret, feel free to let me know if I have heard wrong.

 

Sleepy Head…

 

The past couple of days have been a little harder on me as far as the twitching goes. We still do not know why it happens, but at least these bad days are no where near as frequent. Hopefully these days will calm out and I will get back to doing well. I really want the energy to get back to taking some pictures. Now that I have a forum of people willing to give some good tips at popphoto.com I want to go attempt the pictures of the cactus again. I think I can start looking for some of the things to really make the image pop.

On really good news, Jenny and I feel like God is working on our situation. We still do not know what exactly He has in store for us, wish we did, but we can just tell He is working.

It has been a long time since I could tell you much other than I needed to be better at seeking Him… yet with so much up in the air with moving, work, and all it is exciting to feel like God is working.

Jenny said she feels like something big is around the corner, I agree. I believe when we find out what it is that it will make one heck of a testimony. Right now I am trying to enjoy what time I have with Sammy and Jenny and keep my focus straight.

I promised some more pictures of Sammy, so here is one of a little sleepy head.

 

Harsh Man…

 

So for some time I have been frequenting a photography forum where you have the ability to post pictures for appraisal. Sounded awesome, except that it seemed like only a few actually got suggestions or comments and almost everyone else was dismissed. At the same time I often looked at images being raved over and wondered why they were given a second glance.

I finally concluded that there must be a significant cultural difference and have since changed forums. I regrettably did not leave on the best terms as I let the forum know why I left… probably not the best choice.

 

I did post these before I left… was told they were not worth much but an attempt to be different… what do you think?

 

 

 

Finally A Day Off…

 

So I finally got some time off, and wow did I need it. I had a really rough week sales and emotionally. I am guessing it takes a while before the whole we had a baby thing calms down.

I need to get out and do some more photography and I am hoping I can do so tomorrow, but I wanted to share another from that air show.

 

I know that as far as actual image quality goes this one isn’t a money shot, but something really pulls me to it. It could just be my love for this plane. Hey, let me know what you think.

Le Sigh…

 

Ever had one of those times when you feel blue, but you don’t really have anything to peg it on? I guess I am there right now. Have not had much time to self lately with work and the baby. What time I have had, well no one is around of course and when I get on the game I play no one is on there either.

 

It is ok, just a little blah. I have not been feeling well either, which certainly makes a big difference. Sales at work have been abysmal as well. God is good though, if I could be half as faithful to Him as He is to me, we’d probably have the most awesome relationship ever.

I know it must be weird to hear a minister talk about struggling in that area, but we do. Everyone does from time to time, just need to kick my own butt and do something about it.

Anyway, I really did not log on to mope. Just wanted to share some more images from the air show.

 

 

 

 

That’s one big engine…

Off…

 

Did you ever feel just a little off? I kind of do today. So I am sipping on an IBC and listening to some Toby Mac while I blog. Heh, lots of feel good stuff.

Jenny and I are considering moving back up to Tennessee. We are not sure yet. Still have a bit of praying to do. It just seems to make the most sense right now… It feels a little scary though, the idea of just jumping out there on faith, WITH a baby…

I don’t know, that’s just more intimidating than the idea that I just have to look after my self, or me and Jenny. It is also really hard to leave my family again.

 

Either way this is not near as easy a decision as moving down here was. I want to make sure we make the right decision for all of us.

 

I have enjoyed my time with my family… I missed them a lot when they moved to Texas. I really keep pulling for them to move up to TN with us… but they must do what God leads them to as well.

 

But seriously wouldn’t you move for this little guy?

 

 

Anyway, a blessed day to all, and keep us in your prayers if you will.

What A Bird…

 

So Samuel Elijah was dedicated at church today. Of course, I have no pictures as I was involved… So what I do have is pictures of the WWII air show that I went to today.

Jenny and Sammy were both taking a nap so I went alone. That was a weird change of pace. I haven't really done anything alone but work, for a long time. Still I had fun. It has always been a dream of mine to fly in a WWII era plane. That was a dream I did NOT get to realize today, and probably wont ever given the price!

I still had a blast pouring over the planes. Absolutely beautiful. Now, as I do not have a wide angle lens yet I did the best I could….

 

This was my absolute favorite; an aircraft carrier based dive bomber.

 

 

 

 

 

Good bye!

A little bugged…

 

I’ve been working my tail off the rest of this week trying to get my sales high enough to have a nice pay check. There is only so much you can do though.

The baby has almost constant tummy troubles and so we are worried about him. Jenny and I are facing some big decisions and aren't positive as to the best option.

On top of all of that, my twitching has gotten worse the last couple of days. It had been so much better that I was feeling pretty good about it, now I do not know why it is picking up again.

It is ok, I know God is moving and at work in my life, and for that I am very grateful. Therefore, I will hold on with hope and anticipation to see the God of Glory show Himself strong once again.

The following were taken outside the Aquarium… I knew I had to take some pictures as soon as we pulled into the parking lot.

 

 

First Aquarium!

 

So we took Samuel Elijah to his first Aquarium. The Houston Aquarium is small, but it really wasn’t bad. Jenny and I had a lot of fun just being out as a family and doing something special. Funny enough, even though we didn’t do much, we were more than ready to go home when we got finished.

Sammy slept through all of the Aquarium, and most of the trip. He didn’t even wake up to eat. We were still happy we got to go, it was a really neat trip.

I can not wait until he is old enough to really get excited and learn about it. I love where he is at now and look forward to future stages too. It is a tall order being a Dad, or Mom, but I do look forward to trying my best.

 

Here are some pictures from the Aquarium trip.

Having Fun…

 

So I am excited about today because I get to take Jenny and Sammy to the Aquarium and there are penguins! For those who don’t know they are my favorite, I even wrote a children’s book on them when I was about twelve years old.

In the mood for fun I wanted to post some images I chose just for the fun. I hope you all enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

The top two are my favorite, but I just had a ton of fun with all of them, let me know what you think!

Busy!

 

Who thought having a baby would HAMPER your photography?!? I guess I should have expected it, and in all fairness I have been taking the pictures, just not processing them.

Well, as you probably guessed, things have been insanely busy. Work, the baby, and Jenny have kept me going.

It is simply amazing to look at him. Even wondering if he looks much like me, I am still so wrapped up in him. He is growing WAY to fast, but he is SO precious.

I’ll never forget coming in from work and watching my sisters fawning over him. I felt somewhat dejected at being gone all the time, like He would attach to everyone but me. Yet while they fawned he wiggled his way to where he could see me. Locked his eyes on mine and just stared, until even my sisters were aware he was ignoring them.

I almost cried. He loves me already… Lord only knows why. I could tell in that moment that if I just took care of him and his mom, he would always love me. Wow what a feeling.

Well enough of the new father blabbing… here are some pictures of my pride and joy.

 

The most beautiful baby ever!

Little Man, Big Week…

YAY!! My baby boy Samuel Elijah Zwakenberg was born 2/26/11 at 2:19 am, weighing 7 pounds 12 ounces and measuring 20 inches long.

Needless to say, he is perfect. It has been an insanely crazy week, and I believe we are STILL trying to figure out where we are, but one thing I do know, you can get lost just staring at him.

The following pictures are here because my computer is finally working and I have been threatened if I did not. These are a fairly good sample, but I haven't spent much time at all working with them.

 

We want to introduce to you our little Sammy Eli;

		Samuel Elijah VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

 

Please leave your comments, blessings, and best wishes!