a WeDDing, bAbY shOWER, and bIRF'day party!!!

This is what I've been up to....

My sand Kristen married Mr Steele on January 15th. She looked gorgeous and I'm so happy for them!

So pretty!

All of Radiance with the bride

Stuck between 2 Jolly Green Giants...they are cute though!

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My cousin Ray and his wife Shelly are having a baby. Little Asher should be here soon. If Mommy gets her wish, he'll be here next week

I'm squatting so Asher can be seen

Mom and I

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Our friend Kandis just turned the Big 3-0! Which really means she's fifteen if 40 is the new twenty:)  We had a ball at The Wine Loft!

The bIrF'day girl is in the purple

Jay looked like he was from Bad Boy records so I had to be trill wit him...

"Take that, Take that!"

*Kisses*



How do men know?

I have friends that are contemplating marriage. They are darn near on the brink of preparation to propose. These are good guys. They love their women, and they can be trusted to do the right thing in most* situations. I'm 28, and love being married. If you know my wife, you also know there is never a dull moment in our household.
However, these guys are asking me, "how did you know it was time"? Here is a secret ladies, we contemplate the possibilities at first sight. Some guys play very aggressive, and some sit back and observe. However, here is the order:

• Visual
• Communication
• Personality

First we look at your appearance and how you carry yourself. Second, a five minute conversation is usually all that it takes to gain interest. From there, we gage compatibility based on personalities.

Here is a another secret, it doesn't take a man long to make his interest known. He may not show it in the way that you desire. He may not know your love language yet. However, he will make his interest known. At week 2, he knows how far he wants to take the relationship. This may be shocking information, but it's not brain surgery. That doesn't mean that you wait two weeks and ask the man what he is thinking. In his way, he starts treating you the way HE thinks his woman should be treated. At this point, wheels are in motion and future possibilities are being discovered mentally.

My turning point for know that Torrie was the one came very quickly. After about 4 weeks, I couldn't wait to talk to her on the phone. I would wait for her free nights and weekends to hit so I could call and stay on the phone with her until 3 in the morning. It felt like I was in middle school, and my girlfriend went to another school. We only saw each other on the weekend. I was upset when Sunday left, and Friday didn't come fast enough. I realized once she moved to Birmingham, that I didn't remember life before her. That's deep because it had not been a long courtship. However, the turnaround was right in line with God's timing and the purity of the relationship was evident by the smell of spring in the air.

Women, he will come to you. If he wants you, he will do what is necessary to obtain you. Be smart. Don't fall for ignorance, however recognize sincerity.

The Love Guru

Choosy

At the beginning of every year, my church does a 21 day fast. It's the Daniel Fast; no meat, bread, etc. Basically you alot of veggies, grains and fruit. The first 5 or so days, I'm pretty angry. Mad because I'm hongry!!! (Yes, I meant to spell it that way). We pray for the city, other churches, family and friends, the nations, and yourself. Afterwards, my mind is clearer, I can hear God's voice clearly and I'm skinner.
At the beginning of 2009, I decided I was tired of the dating game and I was ready to settle down. During the fast, I prayed for my husband. I told him that I loved him and that I missed him and I couldn't wait to spend forever with him :) Remember, I had not met Branden face to face yet. I told everybody close to me that I my husband was about to find me. What I didn't know was 50 miles away during the same fast, Branden was praying for me. We were praying for each other. We had the same vision, same hope and dream... a family. By the end of the year, Branden and I were engaged. I am blessed that even before Branden and I shared a meal together, he was getting himself ready for me and being faithful to God.
All that brings me to the topic. A friend I grew up with has been dating a guy for 3 years. For two of those years, things were basically on his terms. When he was angry, they were angry. When he didn't want to talk, they did not talk, etc. She got tired and broke up with him. Eight months later, he's ready to be together. He's open-minded, willing to sacrifice and ready to settle down. It's been four months since he got his mind right and is ready to come back. Yet, she doesn't know if it's enough. She was ready to be with him forever years ago and now that they have and sometime apart she's not sure if he's "The One". Also, some of her family and friends are in her ear telling her 'He's a great guy now! Get over the past!"
Readers: What does this situation say about our male and female counterparts? ..Do you get the choice to choose or you do you have to be chosen?

Quick Take 1

-1-

WORKING OUT:  I have been getting up at 5am to workout. This I'm happy and married weight ain't cute. (Branden says I'm skinny but that is what he's SUPPOSE to say.)  I ran 3 miles on Sunday and Monday. On Tuesday my body was like "Oh no ma'am! You trippin'!" so i took the day off. Wednesday I did 20 min on treadmill and 20 min on elliptical. Thursday night is Zumba. I love love love ZUMBA! I take it at Just Dance AL in Trussville. Marta is awesome. Tonight I'll do weights. I wash my hair on Thursday night so doing on Friday take forever. Tomorrow I'll do pilates. I am 12 pounds from my goal weight so wish me luck :)

-2-

EATING RIGHT:  The Mr and I are suppose to eat no meat 3 nights a week. Grains, beans, veggies, that type of stuff. We did ok on 2 nights but Tuesday we had oysters, peeled shrimp, and Branden had chicken wings. It was DE-LISH! We shall see how this progresses each week.

-3-

WEATHER:  Dear Mother Nature, I live in the south. So, as far as I am concerned ice, snow, and slippery hills should not be an issue. Thanks!

My job had a delayed opening Thursday due to the weather. I didn't mind coming in at 10 but man! I hate being cold. Mother Nature, do me a solid and roll spring on in. Gracias!

-4-

2011 WEDDINGS:  We are invited to 5 weddings so far this year starting next month through August...I think. Branden is not in any of them. He was in like 6 last year. I am looking forward to my friends and loved ones tying the knot.

-5-

I WANT A DOG:  ....like really really want one. Branden said he will buy me one but I have to pay the $500 pet fee...............ALL LIES! I want someone to play with!

-6-

CLUB STREAKS:  So. Our first Christmas together, B asked for a wireless X Box controller. He would sit in his black bean bag chair with the super long cord to the controller in the floor. I happily agreed. What tripped me out was during his game uploading or saving, he would get up, get a golf club and practice his swing. Ya'll...it's hilarious. After he eyed his aim, he would swing the air with allllllllllllllllllllll his might...and scuff up the ceiling. Bad. I thought it was funny to see him doing this last night but he couldn't scuff up the ceiling due to our spiffy chandelier in the dining room.

-7-

MORMON RECAP:  I was in Wally World shopping when I got a call from Branden. He was whispering asking when I was coming home. "Why are you whispering?" ...."Cause the Mormons just came by and I didn't want them to spot you walking in the house and follow you."      What am I gonna do with him!??

Happy Friday

Torrie

Japan Bound

~ I could have used Mr McCain's last post as a reason to go into my spill about stuff he does around the house that makes me wanna take off running into a brick wall....However, I'm a bigger person and will save that for another day. (2 points for me!)  I have other important stuff to discuss.

I met Holly through my now soror Amanda in the spring of 2005. We became fast friends when she transferred to UA in the fall. I immediately loved being around her because she was so positive, optimistic, always full of joy and could she the light in any situation. The next year in August, I gave my life to Christ and got baptized. My family didn't really go to church growing up so I had no idea what to do next. Holly grabbed my hand and showed me how to walk this thing out. The more she taught me, the more I understood where her joy came from and how she could always stay hopeful....~"The world did not give to me so the world can't take it away".~ Without her teaching me about God and his son Jesus, I don't know where I would be. I am so grateful that her family gave her that knowledge so she could make it known to me. If Holly's family is not sure of anything else in the world, they should know that they molded her into an awesome human being.

**REMEMBER WHEN**
...I went to the Kappa party during homecoming with my boot on
...you thought you the couch was swallowing you
...we went to all the football games!! Roll Tide!!
...me and Chrishauna came to eat at your apt and we ate all the rice
...Judy demonstrated Tyra's bobble head while we were in Bryce Lawn
...Grandma Bett cooked us shrimp, chicken and fries at midnight
...you hated me singing "Show Stoppin'"
...Victoria would eat one fry and make us feel fat
...I bought the coloring books so we could take a mental break from boys
...I had those frames piled up broken in one corner in my living room...."Wanna talk about it?"
...you bawled when I told you the military would be good for you
...Josh referred to someone as "geek gone greek"
...we saw the Flava Flav look alike on the strip
...you scrapped me off the floor when I didn't make line the first time
... you realized Ryan was "The One"

Holly, you and me have been through alot of storms together. But it's all sunshine and rainbows with Mr Wonderful! I will admit that I am kinda sad to see you go but I am so excited about what God is going to do through you and FOR YOU! The both of you are world changers! You and Ryan have been called to touch the nations. Remember God does not send everyone but He has handpicked you...."Hollery, we're gonna miss you~!" Don't cry ;)

Torrie

The incredible, unedible egg

Torrie usually rises before I do.  So this week she has been eating eggs for protein.  I think it's great that she works out at 5 in the morning.  I think it's awesome that she has added energy throughout the day due to her diligence.  However, on Monday she went out to eat with friends and I stayed home to clean.  I became hungry, so I decided to fix an egg sandwich.  I opened the carton of eggs and there are three empty egg shells in the carton.  As I'm preparing the meal she walks in the door.  I call her over to the kitchen and pointed at the carton.  She apologizes and says "I'm sorry, my mama did it, and I started the habit as well."  This isn't the first time we've had the conversation about the egg shells.  However, I now have a medium to discuss my unbelief. 
This morning I go to boil a couple of eggs for breakfast and to my surprise, I find three more empty egg shells.  We had this conversation on Monday, it is now Wednesday.  Additionally there is only one egg left in the carton.  Did I mention that I found this out after I started filling the pot with water?  Now after this post, she will probably forth and mention things that I do that she is aggravated with as well.  For example, hair in the sink, leaving the toilet seat up, and etc.  I am well aware of these faults and I am working toward becoming a better man. 
However, don't trick me into to thinking I have eggs and break my heart when I find out the carton is empty.  It's like finding out Santa Clause isn't real all over again.

Branden

Heaven Sent

Branden is not like any other man I've dated. He's funny, *Handsome*, hard working, and soooo sweet. (Ego Stroke!) I am not kidding when I say my husband's cooking hangs with Grandma, Auntie, and nem! He cleans...He listens... He consoles... He TOLERATES ME! (It's not easy at times) He gets me. Branden lets me do my thang and doesn't try to change who I am. He used to look at me crazy when I talked to myself and screamed randomly but now he doesn't even bat an eye. He motivates me....Branden makes me a better person. He makes me want to do better than the day before.
Everything I mentioned about Branden is great. But there is one thing he does that nothing else compares to. He prays for me. I remember a couple of months into us dating, I texted Branden and told him "Thank you for praying for me. I feel the walls coming down." I was on my way to work. Me and a couple of co workers were commuting at the time and I just felt a sense of peace about us. Branden asked how I knew he was praying and I responded "Daddy told me."
Our pastor said that no one can pray for your spouse the way that you can. You two are now one.  When we bow our heads and touch in agreement, I feel the doors of heaven open up. It can be for guidance, healing, reassurance or whatever. After he does, I feel hopeful and so blessed that I have married  a man that knows the power of prayer. I am thankful that Branden prayed for me "then"....because he did, we have a "now".

James 5:16 "

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

Torrie

Branden is so extra

Ok. We were sitting on the couch discussing our day. Someone knocked on the door. Now what Branden said about not having visitors much is true. I figured maybe I left the lights on in my car and a neighbor was letting us know. (It happens, gotta do better) So I went to the peephole and glanced. All I saw was that the guy was short and he wasn't a familiar face. I went and sat back down on the couch.
First of all, I had no idea he was a Mormon. I didn't look at his clothes nor notice anything on his hands. I also did not see his amigo through the peephole. They probably decided it would be best if one of them hide around the corner and appeared once people opened their door. Secondly, Branden didn't fibb, he straight up lied to them folks! I guess his word selection of fibb is suppose to make it better....NOPE! He was like "Hey man, me and my wife about to eat. Could you circle around and come back to us?" Now Branden knew he was not gonna open the door if they came back. Next, Branden told these folks his name was Darryl. And I quote from straight from his words "I don't know why I chose Darryl..." Uhhhh, that's my Dad's name.
I did not set him out. He lied to the Mormons. Shame on you Branden. The next time they come to the house and they ask for Darryl, my whole face is going to twist up. "Sorry sir but nobody named Darryl lives here."

Torrie

You ain't gonna believe this...

We have all been awakened on Saturday morning by the sleep conscious Jehovah Witness.  They should be commended on their faithfulness to spread the gospel and recruit others to their clan.  However, as we grow older and wiser, we learn how to not open the door. 
Because we live in Trussville, we rarely receive pop up visitors.  So this evening, we're sitting on the couch recapping the day, and there is a knock at the door.  My wife runs to the door and looks out the peep hole.  She turns to me and says there is some short guy at the door.  I go to the door and the Mormons are standing in the breezeway.  There are two things that strike me about this situation. 
First of all, one of the guys is of African American decent.  It was the first time I have ever encountered a Black Mormon.  I guess Al Sharpton will have to eat his words in reference to Glen Beck.  Secondly, these are the guys that ride around on bikes.  It was raining like crazy today.  I'm dedicated to Jesus, but I would think he'd understand if I didn't want to ride the bike out in the rain. 
So after surveying the situation I feel bad.  Once I realized they were Mormons, I immediately fibbed.  I told them that my wife and I were about to eat dinner, and we couldn't talk at the moment.  We hadn't even ordered the pizza yet.  The guy asked my name and I immediately belted out "Darryl".  I don't know why I chose Darryl or why that name was even on my mind, but it just came out. 
Finally, my wife didn't think it necessary to tell me that they were Mormons so that we could ignore the knock together.  Now my helpmate sent me to the door to talk to the guys instead of letting the knocks go unanswered.  She set me out.  Under pressure I folded and lost all religion.  "Jesus, please forgive me for lying to the nice young gentlemen".  Lesson learned:  You better call before you come, or else we ain't answering the door.
Branden

How I met your mother follow up

Everything written in the previous post is true for the most part.  However, at that time, I was tired of dating the wrong women.  Each woman I encountered had something a little off about her.  There was always one little qwerk that happened to be a "deal breaker".  Examples: Worship choices, lack of evolving style, and self esteem issues.  I'm sure you're questioning the concept "lack of evolving style".  Women always question why men talk to them when they're not looking up to par.  Women should take these experiences as a complement.  If he thinks you're gorgeous while you're not at your best, the general mindset is that it can only get better from here when you're trying to look good. BTW, self esteem issues are not always "deal breakers".  Dwelling on past events that lower self esteem is a "deal breaker".(Side note)
However,  we are newly weds.   there are times when I watch this woman get dressed and I feel like the luckiest man in the world.  (Even if it does take 5 hours).  There are other times when I feel like putting a muzzle on her mouth and setting the release timer.  (I kid, I kid) 
We are from two different places.  We are learning how to grow together and understand the other's belief system.  The funniest thing about this whole process are the people that we encounter.  It's similar to when we were in college, and everyone you talked to asked you "how's school'.  The generic response was "it's fine".  You could be going through all hell at the moment, and wouldn't let on to anything being wrong.  Well, married life is similar.  All of your single friends ask "how's married life", as if I'm going to respond with negative aspects.  However, the genuine individuals will ask to gain insight into situations in their own life.  We're having fun.  We're going to go through something things.  But this is the best move I ever made.

Branden