Goliath, the ever resourceful.

Chad here. Ria allowed me access into "our" blog so I figured I'd share a Goliath story from this morning. He never ceases to amaze. As I was cleaning his litter box, he walked into the room and became suddenly interested in the container of Fresh Step kitty litter that was sitting with the top off. He hopped his front paws onto the rim of the container and reached a paw into the box to confirm if this was indeed "litter" as he suspected. After a few digs in the sand with the front paws it was confirmed in his head that, though about a foot higher and significantly less floor space than his present litter box, this was indeed a viable potty. He literally began to climb the rest of his body into the open litter container to do his business, since his box was closed for cleaning. I pulled him out before he could begin the unloading process, but have no doubt the he would have been more than happy to soil the fresh litter right there in the container. Next time I clean the box I am going to see if I can get him to do it again, but will have a camera on hand to capture the event.

Christmas tree

I'm late in posting this, but we picked out our first tree as a married couple a few weeks ago. It's not a white Christmas, but we had fun.

4-4-4 Tag

I was tagged by my cousin Jen who gave me these instructions: Go to your computer where you have all your photos. Go to your fourth folder, then go to your fouth photo and explain that photo. NO CHEATING! Last, tag 4 people and have them do it.

I tag April, Beth, Jane & Kristy.

I actually could not explain this picture because I wasn't there. I got this from my mom's camera when I was home last b/c she did not know how to upload them on her computer. From left to right is my niece Raylin, Nyla, Willow (cousin's daughter) and Raquel with my Uncle Jim in the back. I would have to assume that it was someome's birthday...maybe Nyla? and my uncle must have had his piece of cake already b/c he sure looks happy. Willow must have had a huge chunk of icing b/c of her smirk. Raylin is probably thinking...I hope I get a piece of cake after this picture.

Invitation

I received this e-mail today and it really made me stop to think that we truly do need to accept this invitation:

As you well know, we are getting closer to my birthday. Every year there is a celebration in my honor and I think that this year the celebration will be repeated. During this time there are many people shopping for gifts, there are many radio announcements, TV commercials, and in every part of the world everyone is talking that my birthday is getting closer and closer.
It is really very nice to know, that at least once a year, some people think of me. As you know, the celebration of my birthday began many years ago. At first people seemed to understand and be thankful of all that I did for them, but in these times, no one seems to know the reason for the celebration.
Family and friends get together and have a lot of fun, but they don't know the meaning of the celebration. I remember that last year there was a great feast in my honor. The dinner table was full of delicious foods, pastries, fruits, assorted nuts and chocolates. The decorations were exquisite and there were many, many beautifully wrapped gifts. But, do you want to know something? I wasn't invited. I was the guest of honor and they didn't remember to send me an invitation. The party was for me, but when that great day came, I was left outside, they closed the door in my face......... and I wanted to be with them and share their table.
In truth, that didn't surprise me because in the last few years all close their doors to me. Since I was not invited, I decided to enter the party without making any noise. I went in and stood in a corner. They were all drinking; there were some who were drunk and telling jokes and laughing at everything. They were having a great time. To top it all, this big fat man all dressed in red wearing a long white beard entered the room yelling Ho-Ho-Ho! He seemed drunk. He sat on the sofa and all the children ran to him, saying: "Santa Claus, Santa Claus"... as if the party were in his honor! At 12 midnight all the people began to hug each other; I extended my arms waiting for someone to hug me and.... do you know...no one hugged me.
Suddenly they all began to share gifts. They opened them one by one with great expectation. When all had been opened, I looked to see if, maybe, there was one for me. How would you feel if on your birthday everybody shared gifts and you did not get one? I then understood that I was unwanted at that party and quietly left. Every year it gets worse. People only remember to eat and drink, the gifts, the parties and nobody remembers me. I would like this Christmas that you allow me to enter into your life.
I would like that you recognize the fact that almost two thousand years ago I came to this world to give my life for you, on the cross, to save you. Today, I only want that you believe this with all you heart. I want to share something with you. As many didn't invite me to their party, I will have my own celebration, a grandiose party that no one has ever imagined, a spectacular party. I'm still making the final arrangements.
Today I am sending out many invitations and there is an invitation for you. I want to know if you wish to attend and I will make a reservation for you and write your name with golden letters in my great guest book. Only those on the guest list will be invited to the party. Those who don't answer the invitation will be left outside. Do you know how you can answer this invitation? It is by extending it to others whom you care for... I'll be waiting for all of you to attend my party this year...
See you soon.... I love you!

-Jesus-
~ Merry Christmas ~

Holly Jolly

To get into the festive mood, Goliath helped us with the decor by graciously allowing us to dress him up in his Christmas best. Who do you think he looks like: Dancer, Prancer, Dasher or could it be RUDOLPH?

He wanted his dad as that calmed him down.

You would be fooled with this picture...could he indeed enjoy this?

Nope, wrong! He's trying to take it off. Poor guy. Is this considered abuse?

Well he didn't mind the jingle bell collar. Oh so cute.

Weekend

The first weekend back on the boat since the new motor was so nice after having been without it for about 3 months. We went out early in the morning with our fishing buddies, Cliff & Denise on Saturday and could have gotten a few fish, but ended up with only 1 king fish. We lost 2 others. ;-( Oh well, it was a beautiful day nonetheless and the motor ran smoothly. It was super quiet and extra fast. On Sunday, it was only the two of us going out looking for sailfish, but no luck. We only went out for a couple hours as we just wanted to be out on the water again.
Meet Suzuki-san.


Radio check...loud and clear Captain

Our dream house....Unbelieveable house that spans about 200 yards.

Even though we are far from having this house, we are incredibly thankful for being back on the boat. Hope our readers don't get bored with boat stories.

The boat is in labor

Well our baby went into labor today to get a brand new 300hp motor. Most of you know that the boat has been out of commission for several months and it has been torture for Chad. No more crying at night b/c today it went into labor and we'll get it back this Friday so back on the water. Hopefully, we'll be able to post more interesting pictures once we get it back into the water. BTW, the picture should be rotated, but I still don't know how to do that so if anyone knows how to, please call me to walk me through it. ;-)

3 turkeys + 6 people = 9lbs of weight gain

The smoked turkey didn't photograph well, but it was delicious as was the baked & fried ones. Yeah, that's right 3 turkeys for only 6 people...well 5 adults & Nyla.

Hats off to the chef. He made all 3 turkeys along with all the sides which amounted to 6 different dishes. Yummy!!!

Each turkey brought down 1 chicken: Ria, Nyla & Rayana. Great nap. I'm so thankful for all the blessings given to us.....and I pray for those who have very little to be thankful for.

Torture or Love?

Nyla, Ray & Bui came to visit us this weekend and we went to the Miami vs. Patriots game and then hung out at the house. This is what Nyla was up to. I don't know if she was loving on Goliath or torturing him. Either way, he was so good about it. I love the middle one where she tries to pick him up, but I guess he was too heavy for her to lift.

This is what happend after G-unit called in for back up. Below is what got his dad to give Nyla a session of torture.

Dolphins vs. Pats

Although, I wasn't going for any particular team I have to admit that I was a little upset that the Dolphins didn't pull off a second win against the Patriots. I know the Pats are a better team, but I feel like the Dolphins deserved a victory over them. This is Ria speaking and not Chad, of course. I hope my in-laws don't read this. haha It was a fun day with the sister & family. The bottom right hand corner was a machine made for Dolphin tail-gating and it was nothing I've seen before. People had lobster tails, filets and all the food anyone could ever want & more. Ray wanted to stop at several tents to ask to buy a plate of food....it all looked so good.

1 Month Anniversaries

After we got married a good friend of ours, Jessica, suggested we make a fun 1st year out of our monthly anniversaries and do something little each month to have something to look forward to. Of course since we like any reason to celebrate we decided to give it a go. Yesterday marked our first month anniversary and we had a wonderful dinner with a nice bottle of wine. How we became such foodies, we don't know.

Chad is known to really dislike board games or any variation thereof so along with this gift, he promised to play it too so that was actually more of the gift. haha

Chad gets a year's subscription to Saltwater Sportsman magazine so he can catch more fish. Oh which by the way, we are getting a new motor for the boat since the original one has been out of commission for a couple months. It was a great day!!

Halloween

I know I'm late in posting this, but I wanted to post a pic from Halloween where I dressed up as a washed-up bride....people thought it was too soon for me to be one, but that's the best I could do.

Here's another one of G-unit

This was taken about 3 1/2 years ago when poor Goliath had flees when we were renting a villa where he stayed outdoors on a covered patio. Poor guy thought he could escape the little buggers by staying in the sink. How cute!

Go BOYS...

Who watched the game last night? Phewww that was close. It's about time they get it together. They are a much better team than they've shown in the last several games. Let's pray that Romo's pinky stays in good shape....

Is he a cat or a person?

Meet Goliath. You have to really try hard to convince him that he isn't a cat. From top: thanking me for a lovely swordfish dinner...freshly caught by his dad, sleeping with his favorite person (kicking his mom out of the bed), the last two is what he does on the weekends...oh wait no that is what he does ALL the time

Honeymoon

Yeah it worked! I was hoping I'd be able to navigate the collage application. It is fairly easy, Jen! Thanks! These are a few pics from our first day on our Honeymoon. We went to an all-inclusive, after much research, in Mexico called Excellence Resorts in Playa Mujeres. We definitely left with an impression of their name and know why they chose to name it that. The top 2 are views from our rooftop terrace, bottom center is a view of the pool and the rest are pics from our room. We spent a week in heaven. More stories w/ detailed pics to follow. We highly recommend this place for anyone who lives on Earth......maybe Mars too.

She said she didn't do it

Good cake?

Do you see someone trying to sneak a taste of the cake?
Darn...she was hoping no one caught her.

Fun times

LET THE PARTY BEGIN....... The children were the highlight of the party. They loved it.

Laughs, tears and more laughs

What a speech! My uncle, who walked me down the aisle, made a speech that had everyone in tears and smiles. We heard so many good things about him.

Mr. & Mrs. Jernberg

From this day forward we are Husband & Wife.

Wedding weekend

We had to say a few words of Thanks at our Rehearsal Dinner..I

think I shed some tears.

Our wedding weekend was more than we could have asked for. It started out with a beautiful rehearsal dinner hosted by Chad's mom, Pam. She put on a fantastic event from the location, food, decor and the sweet video she had made of me and Chad. Saturday: The ceremony flowed so well and we don't think we've ever heard so many compliments of a Priest, Father Harris. He made it so personal and light-hearted that everyone actually enjoyed the ceremony. The weather was impeccable with blue skies all around, a nice light breeze throughout the day and as the sun set, the air got a lil cool which was nice for the northerners. It was a fairly small crowd, but it allowed us to actually enjoy our wedding day. Of course we would have loved to spend more time with each person; however the dance floor was calling out to us the whole time. We heard that our families made up for the socializing, though. We've never heard so many nice things about all the guests there as there were comments made of everyone. Our DJ even said our family & friends are wonderful & his quote is "I am at a lot of weddings...but you guys were special..the vibe was really fun and nice - I truly enjoyed your wedding as well!!"

A big THANK YOU for all the well wishes, hugs and kisses.

This is from a disposable we set on the tables so as you can see, not the greatest pic.

Why Blog?

Well for the longest time, I've been envious of my twin cousins' blogs because they clue me in on what is going on in their lives and our families and every time I'd visit either of their sites, I'd say to myself "I need to start a blog." Well the fire has been lit since we just got married so now is the perfect time. Hopefully, Chad will play a big role in making our site intriguing since he is better at this stuff...and most other things too. ;-) Please stay tuned for pictures and stories of the Life of Ria and Chad...........