Today was a pretty intense work day. A yard sale, tree’s being cut down, and a fire of all fires that as of now 10:45pm is still burning strong. I am going to say it will be burning for another 24 hours. I would guess over a ton if not two tons of wood was burnt today, impressive. So that brings me to what I wanted to write about. I had some help today, Mr. C and Emmett both helped me a lot today in the yard, but there was a few things that really impressed me today with Emmett that I wanted to share.

1. His work ethic of hauling logs and following directions when placing them into the fire was excellent. A fire that big was not something you wanted to stand near, it was dangerous and hot, and he understood that from the get go. I did not have to tell him to get away from it or quit goofing off or poking it, ect….. he understood the seriousness of it and that showed a lot or maturity.

2. His manners today towards me were respectful, it was Yes Sir, No Sir, and Thank You Sir every time.

3. Right before he left for the day, he gave Papa and myself a hug, but today it was different, it was the hug from a child who meant it, he has hugged me before, but today it was different. It really stuck with me the rest of the day, it was sincere. It may be just me my emotions all heightened from having a boy of my own on the way, who knows. All I know is today I was very proud of my nephew and God Son. He is going to make an excellent role model for all the ones behind him that follow.

In following Kelly’s idea I let him take some pictures with my camera, I wanted to get some pictures of the fire as it was going. I am not use to being in front of the camera, always behind it. So when I was going through them tonight, I came across this one, and I think it has to be one of my favorite pictures of me. So thank you Emmett, for snapping this I love it.

I call this picture, Man O Fire!

This is Emmett’s Comic Book, I cant wait to find out what happens next!

 I know what’s going in your stocking!!

For about six months now a war has been brewing between myself and the wildlife of my backyard. I have not resorted to violence in anyway, just methods of diversion. That is about to change. Sunday I went outside to fire up my grill to make myself, my wife and unborn child a tasty hamburger. I turn the gas on, hit the igniter a few times, nothing happens, which is not uncommon because it tends to be faulty sometimes. Thank God it was today! I lean under the grill and see a hole chewed into the hose and the GAS is pouring out of it at full throttle. One small spark and it would have been bye bye Hogan! So now I need to get Mid evil on those little nut jobs!

Last night was the big bash for Nana and Papa Jennings Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary! Here are some pictures from the evening. It was a fun evening and turned out very nice indeed! Here are some highlights.

Suprise! We did not forget about you!

Cutting the Cake!!

How is that for a fine looking bunch! Us guys sure are blessed!
Total color coordination too, very nice!

The Jennings Gang!

This happens every single morning. He is soooo predictable. Cute little monkey dog.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3PKuqiZZdo[/youtube]

Today is “Talk Like a Pirate Day” so bee shure to make a right arse of yourself to your fellow pirate. Thank you Jackie for reminding me, and bee shure to find yourself a nice Arrr Seeee Cola to choke down. Scooter you play they part well. Now if we can just mount scruffy on your shoulder.

I think I am giving up paying for StarBucks. That’s not to say I wouldn’t want to take a free one when offered. I am just making a statement that on my Florida trip a few weeks ago I purchased my last one. They are just too expensive! So if you want to buy me one, thanks, but save your money, unless you insist. Then I will take it and suck that delicious treat down into my belly.

I love the baby so much! Its so weird, I will just sit and stare at Jackie’s belly all the time, waiting, and wanting him to move or something! He has been moving a lot, but mostly he stops when I put my hand there. I think he is tormenting me. Little stinker! We talk sometimes at night when he is up moving around. I tell him to go back to sleep. He usually does. I cant believe it has been over 6 months now! Time is flying by. I cant wait to meet him. he is already cute.

My mom has entered the world of hi-speed internet, ya mom! Welcome to the real internet. It will be lots of fun, VOIP, Webcams, Instant Messaging, Youtube! the possibilities are endless. I installed Google earth for her over the weekend, she found Nana’s house in Ireland on there, that is pretty neat. I told Nana about it, I think she thinks if she goes outside and waves up at the sky I will see her. She told me to send her a picture. She is too funny sometimes. I miss her, and cant wait to see her in December.

Here is a picture of myself and Dad while down in Florida. I didn’t catch any fish, but had fun anyway. I like being on the water. I guess that is why I am a pieces. I do not like the sun and heat though, no thanks.

Naming a child is a big deal! I mean, this is the name he will have for the rest of his life!!! Everyone will know him by this name. People will yell it! Crowds will cheer it! The world will sing it! Ok, I am getting a head of myself. In keeping with tradition, the name will not be revealed until our little boy makes his appearance into the world. Also, no suggestions of names either. Jackie and I have it all under control :)

So what’s in a name? I have been looking at Irish names a lot because I want my boy to know where his Dad, Auntie and Grandparents came from. So lets examine the current little ones of the family, most of which are Irish names.

Benjamin, Son of my right Hand which is Hebrew, but there is an Irish translation in there also, Benjamin the short form of Benedict from the Latin meaning “blessed”. Benedict is anglicised from the Gaelic Maolbheannachta meaning “hoper of blessings”.

Aidan in Gaelic means “little fire” which is so fitting for that little rascal.

Emmett, but is spelled Emmet in Ireland is from a famous Irish rebel Robert Emmet who lead a rebellion against the British. Way to go buddy!

Dylan, The Gaelic version is spelt Dillon and comes from dealan means “a flash of lightning” or from an Irish word for “faithful, loyal.” Which is fitting for him as you will see how that fits with his little sisters name.

Daniel, the Gaelic forms are Daineal and Dainia, which means “attractive”. The song Danny Boy is one of my favorite songs that I love to sing when no one is listening. How much more Irish can you get with that name?

Ivy, well Ivy being as you are the girl you threw a kink in my whole Irish theme, your name is English, no amount of googling was going to change that. Your name means “faithfulness”. This so true because you are faithfully cute every time I see you.

So as you can see we have our work cut out for us. All those names are wonderful strong names, and have an Irish meaning to be proud of. The pressure is on to find the right one. God knows what it is. God, can I have a hint?

Dear Jackie,

I wanted to write you this letter, but I also wanted to share it with everyone because when you are in love with someone, you shout it from the mountain tops (or your domain name). Yesterday we reached a memorable mile stone in our lives together. It was also a personal mile stone for me. We felt and saw our baby kick. I know you have been feeling him move for a week or so now, but for both of us to witness it together made it complete. I have been waiting to feel my baby kick for as long as I can remember, long before we were married or dated. We have gone from friends, to lovers to best friends to husband and wife, and now soon to be Mom and Dad. Seeing the baby move made that so very real for me. (I am hardly crying, as you like to say). I am so proud of you. What you are doing and carrying is miraculous, God sent and breath taking. Half way into this and I grow more in love with you both every day. I also know our little boy loves his mom. I know this from feeling his gentle little nudges and flutters from outside his little home inside you. It was him showing us he has your gentle soul and caring touch, and he knows we are out here waiting for him.

I love you both with all my heart, and look forward to the many more milestones we cross together as a family.
xoxox
Greg

Today is big sis Danyelle’s Birthday! Be sure to wish her a Happy Birthday!!