Look who has NFL Fever!

JONES SODA!!!!

Yup, the same Soda Company that brought you Turkey and Gravy soda have now taken their love for football to a whole new level....maybe too far.

You can now quench your thirst with sweat or maybe some dirt soda!!

As the company is coming out with a five-pack of sodas with flavors taken from an NFL locker room.

They're Dirt, Sports Cream, Perspiration, Natural Field Turf and Sweet Victory.

And according to their spokeswoman, Clare Bowles, Perspiration Soda tastes kind of salty with a twist of stinky football sock. Gosh, that sounds so delightful.

Be on the lookout for them. They won't be hard to spot. Each bottle also has picture of an NFL player on them, and will be in stores in a few days.

MMMMMMM....Sweaty!

CH

You Make The Call

If you think you know your TV...

For instance what will go well, and what will flop this season.

Then, you ought to try your hand at a new online game called... TV Big Shot!

The game works a lot like a fantasy sports league---You Sign up, and you get a budget of $300 million to create a fantasy TV network.

You can buy and sell shows in hopes of gaining points via press coverage, ratings and more. At the end of the season, the network with the most points wins.

I got dibs on Sunday Night Football, and House!! LOL!
CH

The Fan

You and your husband may be huge fans of a sports team or two...the Colts, the Red Sox, the Vols...I could go on, but I won't...

I've known some pretty devoted fans in my lifetime, but I am amazed at this level of fandom...

Paul and Terri fields just welcomed their son into the world, and both are extreme Chicago Cubs fans! So much so that they named their child...Wrigley Fields...
Just in case: Wrigley Field being where the Cubs play their baseball games.

However, just before you think...awww...poor kid...Paul and Terri gave him an out. They say that he can go by his middle name when he's old enough to decide.

His middle name is Alexander...

CH

PS- I've attached my own "fandom" picture. I recently received a "Jays" cap from my wife. I am not a Toronto Blue Jays fan at all, however, with my son's name being, Jay...It was too cool to pass up on trying to buy one. Guess you could say that I am a JAY fan. Proud Papa that I am!

A Weekend of Firsts

Before I get to my quick stories, just wanted to say "Thank You" for your support during last week's 3-Day Sharathon event. We ended up raising $209,169. If you missed your chance to pledge during Sharathon, not to worry, just drop by WCQR.org, and you may make a gift. Thanks!

Now back to my regularly scheduled blog:

This weekend was a lot of fun for the Harper family, especially for our son, Jay.

We traveled to see Meredith's cousin, Leah, at Maryville College in Maryville, TN (and there is still discussion on how to say that city, because I grew up hearing nothing, but Mare-uh-vul...however, while we were at the college...the football announcer, the fight song, and a couple of people said it was Mary-Ville College. Now, I'm totally confused. Do you know?)

One of the things we did while at Maryville was to go see the football game! The "Flying Scots" (Maryville's Mascot) were 3-0...the best start and most wins in a season they have had since 1985. Wow!

So, we took Jay to his first football game!! The neat thing was that we were able to get really close to the action since it is a NCAA Division III school. Actually, a couple of time, we had to jump up and get in front of Jay's stroller, just to make sure the ball didn't come flying in on him. He had a great time, and so did we...and the Flying Scots are now 4-0 after defeating the Greensboro College Pride 24-7!!!!

Sunday, it was exciting to see you at Freedom Hall as Tobymac came to town. Thousand-Foot Krutch and Barlowgirl opened for him, and it was Jay's first "professional" concert. Jay got to see Daddy play at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center in Greeneville not too long after he was born, but that doesn't count as "professional."

We had his little ears wrapped as best as possible, and he pretty much slept through the whole thing! However before the music started, Jay was really the hit of the concert. Not to worry about who was going to be on stage, many of you wanted to meet Jay for the first time face to face. I'm glad you did.

We stayed inside for some of the concert, and then, decided to make our way outside to give his ears a rest. Mommy Meredith took great care of him for a good while, and after I was "off duty" from WCQR, we were able to let Meredith go watch some of the concert while I held onto our sleepy boy. We also got to meet a handful of families, one in particular...had a little girl named, Isabella. Isabella thought Jay was cool!! She's 1. :) We thought her family was cool, too.

So, there you have it, we made back just in time for Daddy Chalmer to watch a little football, and then, it was time to hop up and get back tot he weekly grind.

Hope you are having a blessed day!
CH

Sharathon

Up until Friday night at 7, we are in "fundraising mode" at WCQR. Every six months, we make an appeal for all to help support the ministry by their prayers and financial contributions. It's a really exciting time!

Just a reminder that...if you've not made a pledge...please feel free to do so at www.wcqr.org or by giving us a call at 1-888-477-5676. Currently we are over the $100,000 mark on our way to $275,000. Your help is needed and appreciated :)

In other Sharathon news, my son, Jay, got to be the youngest Sharathon volunteer!!! My wife, Meredith, and Jay came by to help answer phones and take pledges. Meredith did most of the talking...Jay is only 10 weeks old (today!!!) I will say that Jay was probably more of the youngest Sharathon distraction....instead of volunteer. Most wanted to spend some time with him (and I understand why...he's a cute kid..not that I'm biased or anything!) rather than answer phones. LOL!!! Good job, son. HA!

Hope you are having a great day!
CH

It's Football Time In...

PITTSBURGH!!!

Yup, now that football season has officially arrived. There are must watch games from Friday evening to Monday evening, and there's a chance that on Sunday, you pull out the gold and black garb to root for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Turns out that Pittsburgh has the most female fans of any NFL team...Green Bay was second...while Buffalo was third. And the Steelers know exactly how to keep you loving the game and their team. This goes way beyond Women's apparel, too.

The Steelers host a simulated Training Day, just for you! Where over 300 women gather to learn blocking and running drills, spend some time in the training room, and even offer a course called, "Football Knowledge For Women."

I'll bet lesson number 1 from that "Knowledge..." course is how to properly use the Terrible Towel! LOL!!!

Happy Football Season!

CH

(Photo: MSNBC.com)

Inside Me

Yesterday, I had a ball waking up and spending a little time with Meredith (my wife) and my son, Jay.

For several minutes, Jay and I were bonding our relationship as I said things that sounded silly, and Jay would smile or coo back. It's really incredible how much that truly means to you as a new Dad. And Jay is getting to the point where he is be coming more and more responsive. He is truly a little man, and it's fun to watch that person come to life!

Since it was so fun, and wonderful, at lunch time, I left the office and started driving home. I HAD to see my family. There was this innate desire to be there with them. I didn't want to be away from them. I couldn't stand it any longer.

So, I drove, and on the way there, I talked to Meredith, who didn't know that I was coming home for a quick lunch. When I was about 5 minutes from the house, Meredith said she was getting ready to go inside, and all I could say was, "Do you mind staying outside for a few more minutes?" "You're almost here?" she asked.

I arrived, and we had a wonderful time holding Jay in his new "favorite" spot...underneath the maple tree in the back corner of our yard. It kept him shaded and cool while he looked around, and continued to discover new things. Flat out incredible. I was only there for 20 minutes, but it was 20 minutes that I will remember for a long time to come.

I love being a husband, and a Dad.

CH

Chocoholics Unite!

If you've ever uttered or heard the phrase, "I'm a chocoholic."

Then you understand that resistance to the candy is pretty much futile. However, put your mind to rest!

There's good news!

Turns out that such sweets are not truly addictive!! Even though, researchers say that there are certain compounds found in chocolate as evidence that it does cause addiction. Many of those compounds also exist in higher levels in other foods such as avocados or cheese!

And personally, I don't know too many many people who say..."I have got to have an avocado!!"


CH

Dinner on the Run

I read this quick "fix-it" article, and found it a great resource. Meredith and I have just started the journey of children, but we ALWAYS have trouble planning for meals, and then, it just takes too long. Maybe this will help....I hope will help you, too.

(Yahoo.com)
Having kids means that you are not only constantly on the run but also that you want to provide the healthiest meals you possibly can. I know exactly what you are thinking — how can I make great home-cooked meals when life is so hectic? Let's go over some tips to help you prepare nutritious meals more quickly.

Kids can eat what adults eat. Don't plan to be a short-order cook each night. Instead of making two different meals, save time by serving your kids what you are eating. And if the kids declare that they won't eat what you're serving, then don't worry about it. Young kids won't starve themselves, and they may eventually learn to eat something new.

Create "planned-overs" (not leftovers). Always keep future meals in mind so that, when you have the time, you can cook a double or triple batch. For example, cook enough chicken for two meals and have baked chicken and mashed potatoes one night, and chicken and pasta salad another night that week.

Cook on the weekends. This will save you time during the week. Meals can be frozen and then thawed (in the refrigerator) on the day you are going to eat them.

Buy prepared foods. So many foods now come ready-to-eat and these foods save loads of time. Choose pre-cut fruits and vegetables, prewashed salads, frozen vegetables, cut or shredded cheeses, skinless, boneless, trimmed meats, or precooked meats.

Keep your pantry stocked with quick-to-fix foods. These include pasta, rice, canned or frozen fruits and vegetables, canned tuna or chicken, and seasonings and condiments that will add more flavor. Keeping such foods on hand will save you time and trips to the grocery store.

And last, have your kids get involved in the kitchen. This can become a time saver for you and also help your kids learn about cooking.

Bon Appetite!
CH

Give Back

In remembrance of the tragedy of September 11th. You have the chance to give back to the community, and even the nation.

Bristol Motor Speedway is hosting their second annual Blood and Bone Marrow Drive tomorrow, 10am til 6pm. it's in affiliation with the national NASCAR drive as well as the Hendrick Marrow Program and Jimmie Johnson Foundation.

Come donate a unit of blood and join the National Bone Marrow registry, and you could save a life.

The first 150 donors get a BMS goodie bag (lots of Speedway cool stuff and driver souvenirs.) Plus, they're not going to let you starve, you will be offered hot dogs, chips, and drinks. And although that is an incredible offer...if you are a donor, you will have the chance to drive your car a few laps around the Speedway Track! (That track also has new pavement. Should be a lot of fun, and quite smooth. )

So, consider giving the gift of life in two ways!

Hopefully, a unit is not one of those gas tanks they use to fill up the cars with... :)

Thanks,
CH

Is that a...CHICKEN?!??!

This just doesn't happen everyday.

This afternoon, I was at lunch at Taco Bell in Gray with my friend, Jason Sharp, and all of a sudden he says, "Dude, that guy just set a HUGE chicken outside the door!!"

There was a LARGE chicken outside the door (Rooster to be exact.) His owner came into Taco Bell, and ordered a couple of cups of ice as we over heard him say that the chicken was getting warm in his cage, and needed to be cooled down.

We continued our conversation ...kind of...because it turned right back to the chicken. We just didn't get it.

So, Jason saw the guy going to get the ice, and asked, "Is that your chicken?" The guy perked up and said, "Why, yes, that is the famous Mr. Clucky!"

We were at a loss...because we had never heard of the FAMOUS Mr. Clucky.

He continued, "Mr. Clucky has been on the CBS National News, and we are on our way from New Hampshire to Miami/South Beach. He rides on my bicycle handlebars and he's done commercials and movies. The people in South Beach know exactly who he is and even wave to him when we ride."

"You didn't order a chicken quesdilla, did you? Cause that would be wrong! LOL!"

"Nope. I've been a vegetarian for 37 years." (Smile from him.)

Jason and I got up to go see him, the guy handed us each a Mr. Clucky card. It read, "Mr. Clucky loves you" and gave the rooster's web address.

I pulled out my phone and recorded a quick 30 second blurb of his appearance at Taco Bell. (Lord knows that doesn't happen everyday.)

So, now, we have met Mr. Clucky, and his owner (don't know his name) and here is my video. I took it on my cell, so, sorry for the quality, but I HAD to capture the moment.

I think that's as random as it gets. But I'm glad Mr. Clucky loves me, and he loves you , too.

CH

www.mrclucky.com

A Musing

You can plan, and plan, and plan...and somehow (in my experience) things don't often work out how you planned.

Now, that is not always a negative thing. Acutally, it can be quite positive to see where your blind spots are...or how God can work something amazing out of something you think is unsalvagable. The past few days have been a series of events in that vein.

-The Wii Story that I told you yesterday.

-My wife and I had to switch phone numbers, because of things we didn't understand in our wireless plan. Probably something we didn't read in the original contract. Again...didn't work out the way we planned.

-I sent a package to my Dad yesterday. Asked for Next Day, early morning delivery. Hasn't arrived yet. He really wanted to send it today.

-Our dog chews up part of our kitchen floor that needs to be replaced, but now REALLY needs to be replaced. Unplanned expense.

(Per comment: We will replace the kitchen floor. Not the dog. She's too cute, even if we have to replace the floor. LOL! Thanks, John!)

-However, God has resurrected a song for our praise band that I haven't played in a while. Love Song by Jason Morant. We played it during Communion last week. I feel the congregation liked it a lot. But God is using the song to bless our band, bring a passion for playing to them, and to fall in love with God, more and more. Incredible! Not planned, but Thank God for Grace.

So, let me encourage you...things don't always work out the way we see them, but something will be around the corner- an answer. God is that Good! Hang in there.

"Strength Will Rise As We Wait Upon The Lord." -Everlasting God, Benton Brown

CH

I Could Go On...

My wife is the hardest person to surprise!! Had it worked out the way I planned, then last night, I would've made a big spectacle about what I had gotten her for her birthday...in front of our friends as we shared Bible Study, and then partied in celebration of Meredith!

But alas, it didn't work that way...rather, we got a few days extra to practice up on her new gift before everyone came over. Yup, I was able to nab a Wii for Meredith. Here's the story:

I was trying to be a good husband and find Meredith something for her birthday that she really wanted. That would be a Wii (not to mention- it isn't such a bad thing, because I would get the chance to play, too. Bonus!) The two of us had been searching for some time for the system, and every time we'd try, the store would be out of them. So, we stopped looking for a while, and then, picked back up again, after playing at our friends' house (Thanks John and Denise!)

After some major calling, I found a store that had one. took my lunch break, and bought it!!! Woo!! I had the PERFECT Present. The next night, we were at John and Denise's for Bible Study, and I told them. Don't say anything, but bring your controllers next week for the party. Meredith has a surprise coming. Little did I know 24 hours later, the surprise would be no more. LOL!

Meredith had gone with our son, Jay, to the Mall for a "Cooking for Life" class. so, after having the Wii on our mind again, she stopped into the store to see if, by chance, they had one. They didn't, BUT...the new store by the new Wal-Mart might. So, the clerk called. Yup! they had 2 systems. Meredith puts her name on it, and leaves for the store.

In route, she calls and says, "Hey..the new game Stop has a Wii. I'm going to get it right now!" I didn't know what to say. So, I said something ridiculous like, "uh...I really really want to be there when we get it. that's a big purchase. I just want to be with you when we get one..." It didn't work. So, I had to divulge. And the surprise ended.

Although, it helped because she was able to pick up another controller and game...Since then, we have had no problems playing, playing, and playing. Meredith is really awesome at Wii bowling, and we like my Mii, because it really looks like me. LOL! Next up, downloading Super Mario Brothers for some ol skool gaming!

Peace,
CH