Coughing

Just when I think we have a grasp on keeping up with Ian, he does something new and unexpected. Apparently he figured out a few days ago that he gets Mommy and Daddy's full attention right away if he's coughing. So now he intentionally coughs when he wants us to look at him or give him attention. He even laughs about it and thinks it's funny.

Travel Week

It feels a little weird at the house alone. You don't realize how much you enjoy and take for granted an average day until something changes. Miriam and Ian flew out yesterday and will be visiting family in Louisiana for the week.

I will be leaving out on Tuesday to attend a conference for work in San Diego. I'll enjoy being out of the office for a few days but will look forward to getting back and seeing my babies.

re:mix Music Review

It's been a while since I've posted a music review. Leave me a comment if you have any creative ideas of what I could title music reviews in the future.

Below you'll find a number of new CDs that I have worn out lately. I've listened to my fair share of new CDs and tracks and these are the ones that I keep going back to. I'm still trying to find the best way for me to format a review and what information may be helpful to you as a reader. So here's my feeble attempt by providing some quick notes about each of them for you.

3 Doors Down - 3 Doors Down (Rock)
Favorites: It seems that the best ones are on the first 1/2 of the disc
I can't say that I've really given much of a listen to any of their previous material but this CD somehow caught my attention. I find myself listening to it over and over again. There are CDs with only one or two really good tracks. This is not one of them. Lots of strong tunes.

Elevation Worship - We Are Alive (Worship)
Favorites: All Things New, We Are Alive, All Around The World
I actually visited Elevation Church (Charlotte, NC) for the first time when they released this CD. I picked up the CD and figured I'd give it a listen. I'm glad I did. Most of you have probably never heard of them because the CD is not a major label release. It was released by the church itself. I suppose I like it as much as I do because it's in the same vein as other modern worship music that I like such as Hillsong United, Desperation Band, and Healing Place which leads me to...

Healing Place - Epic (Worship)
Favorites: I Love, The Creed
Another church release (Healing Place Church, Baton Rouge, LA). I have every CD they have ever released and will probably get every new one from here on out. This is their first release that was from their youth worship teams. Isn't it sick when a church can put out a CD this good by their youth worship teams? There's some sick talent in that house!

Re:Zound - Abandoned To You (Christian Rock)
Favorites: Beautiful, How Amazing Are You, I Will Bow Down
I guess more than anything the lyrics of the songs on this CD jump out at me. Many Christian releases these days aren't as forward as Re:Zound is with these songs. Like the 3 Doors Down CD, this one has had lots of replay value on my iPod.

The Afters - Never Going Back To OK (Christian Rock)
Favorites: Ocean Wide, Myspace Girl
Although not as forward in their lyrics in expressing their faith, listening to this CD just puts me in a good mood. Some of the hooks just got stuck in my head and couldn't find their way out. There are a range of styles of songs on these CD but for some reason they remind me of Weezer. It's no wonder that The Afters have garnered their fair share of mainstream success also.