The more things change, the more they remain the same.

Yesterday was a very important day for my family. Honestly, I can't think of anything I have ever wanted, wished, prayed and begged for in my life. The adoption is final and we are proud to introduce our son, Jordan Steven Stockton! Words can not express how much he means to us and how happy we are to have this whole chapter finished. I'm very short on time, but don't think I won't fill you in on Jordan's courtroom performance. The kid's a star, what can I say?

I am as far from ready for Christmas as I have ever been, and my mind is everywhere but where it needs to be. This time of year has been tough on me for the last two years. I guess I'm starting to keep tabs on myself and my progress (or lack there of). Last year right around the 1st, I did a little blog on some sort of new year's resolutions. I thought to take up some space, and get my mind ready for next year's list, I should keep you all up to date on my progress: 1. Do what I say I am going to do. I made major attempts to stick to this resolution. In doing so I realized that it's ok to say I'm not going to, or going to be able to do something. That's just the way the cookie crumbles. 2. Play more guitar. I played a lot of guitar in 2007, and even purchased my first capo. (I know, really impressive.Oooo, Aaaah.) I learned a few simple songs and chord progressions, so hopefully it will all just snowball from here! 3. Become a better blogger. Sorry. 4. Budget a...

Office Christmas parties... Long story short: I previously won $50 at work for being able to recite our companies mission, while the company as a whole was in the middle of a meeting. If you have a husband or wife you understand that it's hard to suprise each other, but this was my chance. So I didn't tell my wife I won the $50 because I wanted to suprise her with something nice. I MADE SURE TO LET EVERYONE KNOW THAT I WAS KEEPING THIS FROM HER, STATING : DO NOT TELL HER AT OUR CHRISTMAS PARTY. All the other presents she get she's expecting, ya know. We have a shared bank account so she can see when I make a purchase. Fast Forward After a great steak at the company Christmas party, the last ones standing decide to gather around a table and shoot the shit. Next thing I know someone says something about "why don't you buy us this with the $50 you won??" This creates two big problems. 1. I don't lie to my wife. 2. Now I am in a pickle because we are broke. We...

I wouldn't recommend waiting until Dec. 18 to get your holiday greeting cards started. However, if you do find yourself in the situation that I did, follow my lead: 1. Call up anyone who can hold a camera. 2. Find a neat spot in your house to do the shoot. 3. Lighting is key, so get lit up. We were lucky enough to have the track lighting above our fireplace to angle down at the family. 4. Photoshop it up. I took my face from one shot and worked a little magic to get the end result. 5. Remember to have fun...'Tis the season and all.

I've been at a loss for words lately. Life goes fast. Recently I touched base with an old swimming friend of mine, and it's thrown a whole different group of thoughts into my small brain. Visit his webpage at www.adammania.com to learn a little more about him. It's awesome to see someone living out their dreams. Success is great at any level, but competing as a world class swimmer...come on. I can't wait to see how he does at the US Olympic Team trials in Omaha this upcoming summer. What are my dreams? What am I actually doing here? Where did my drive and passion go? I digress. In other news, my Dad called me one morning last week at work to let me know my cat Jasmine died. You see, my current landlord doesn't allow us to have cats in our duplex, so they've been staying with my parents for the last year. We noticed she wasn't feeling good last Wednesday night, but I was waiting to get paid before I could take her in to get checked out. Friday morning she pas...

Inspiration can come from the oddest of places...Like a sketch I found in a dusty old box in the corner of my garage. Thanks Jon.

Today at work I was looking for an image of a dinner menu on a table, and this image was on the list. Seriously I did a double-take and realized what it said. He he.

Money; I need more of it so I'm getting ready to ask for a raise. Before I get too deep into this subject let me tell you a previous experience I had when asking for more money: I had been working at the art college for almost two years and my recruiting was going well. We had filled the school to the owners request so I thought I deserved more money. When we were meeting I said something along the lines of, "Well honestly if things don't change by this fall I'm going to have to step out." My boss' response was simple and one that I'll never forget. He said, "Well if you have intentions of leaving, let's just make today your last day." I choked down my disgust and thanked him for everything. An hour later all of my belongings were loaded up in my car and I was unemployed. Yeah. So fast-forward to now. Again, I really don't feel like I should have to ask for some reason. Maybe it's because I'm told regularly of the value of my work...

"Remember that happiness is a way of travel, not a destination.". - Roy Goodman -

I received the information that Blogger is now allowing us to upload video, so watch out! The video I'm posting is an old one...I made it just shortly after Jordan came into my life...I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do.

This has been one of those 'moments'. By 'moments' I mean a significant point in my life, and for the first time I can recognize it. Here are a few pictures for you all to enjoy!] This beautiful kitchen you see is the result of about 3 hours or assembly (probably around 50 pieces).

The other day I received a new project for the local symphony; an opening night invitation. In doing some research I found an amazing couple of videos on YouTube.com. I was told to think 'Bolero'...Bowhato? Luckily my homegirl Gidget filled me in. :) So I did some googlin' and found out that it's a one-movement orchestral piece by Maurice Ravel that was originally composed as a ballet in the 18th century. What I found most remarkable about the movies is the difference in European and American culture. The crowd roared after performance, but as soon as the conductor took his bow and turned back to his orchestra the crowd would become completely silent. There were young children sitting completely content as these beautiful sounds invaded their ears. Sometimes I wonder why I chose to be a graphic designer, and it's because I am constently learning. Each new client proposes a new set of material that I need to learn about in order to create a successful job. When I sto...

Isabella turned one last week, and along with a boat load of presents came a rush of anxiety and uncertainty. Will I be able to provide my family with all that they need? What am I going to do when the kids turn 16, when they move out? Regardless, I found this video and it sure is beautiful. To be continued...

Today is Isabella's first birthday! As cliche as it sounds, this year has went way too fast. I feel like we were just telling my parents the news, now we are celebrating a birthday! I've got plenty to say, but no time right now. Stay tuned, and meanwhile enjoy a few new photos!

Over the years I’ve seen a lot of stock photography. Stock photography is defined as: Images that are not photographed for a specific client or use, but are catalogued for review and selection by someone who may have a use for the image. I thought it’d be fun to show you a stock shot that I ran across the other day that absolutely killed me. Here’s what I came up with for a tag, comment back and let me see how sick and creative you all are! Photo Copyright Burg Studios P.S. Happy Birthday Mom!

As the following week gets closer, I feel like I'm waiting in line for a roller coaster. I know what's coming, and I just keep telling myself it'll be ok. On Thursday, my fiance and daughter are flying out to Texas with her mother and niece. They're going to spend a weekend visiting her sister. What makes this so rough is that I haven't spent that amount of time away from Bella, let alone Sum, ever! I hate the thought of being away from them, which is why I have to find some sort of salvation. Enter Benjamin Wagner & The Nadas. As I'm sure you've read, I dig both The Nadas and Mr. Wagner. Put them in the same town, which happens to be about 200 miles from my pad, and you know I've got to be there! I can't really describe the overall nervousness which consumes me at this point. I guess I'm afraid when I meet BW I'll turn into that crying girl from American Idol this season! Hopefully not, but I'm just sayin'.

I don't need no one to tell me about heaven I look at my daughter, and I believe. -Live

What a weekend...I had way too much fun! I'll sum up the nights: :: FRIDAY :: The Nadas played an awesome show and the place was packed! Last I heard there was about 250 that had paid at the door-which if you know anything about The Nadas-you know that things could get a little crazy. After the show I found myself on the bus, across from Mike and Smitty (see below picture). Then, we ended up parking at their destination for the night; a hotel located not much more than a mile from my house. Jon was passed out, Mike and the rest of them were in back, so I decided to walk to my place. I said the goodbyes and off I went. I stopped at my parents on the way, took my dad's Schwinn and cruised. In the buzz of things I was tempted to continue on, however I wisely resited. :: SATURDAY :: The wedding was short and sweet, and everyone looked great. The reception was held on the 12th floor of the Clarion in downtown Sioux City, which made for a killer setup. The food was great...

The Nadas are in town which means one thing: P.A.R.T.Y. The first time I saw the Nadas was a little over 3 years ago. I had just turned 21 and we were in Okoboji for the weekend with family. My dad had hosted the guys several times at the Attic (R.I.P.) and he heard that they were going to be at Whiskey Dick’s, so we headed out. That night of live music seriously changed my life. I remember the opener was a pretty young gal, I think her name was Stella. By the time she finished her set I was about 3 Jager bombs deep, and in prime condition to lose my Nadas virginity. Their song ‘Hold On’ was stuck in my head for weeks, maybe even months after the show. Since then, I’ve attended every single Nadas show I possibly could, and I’ll continue to go see them for years to come. TONIGHT AT THE CHESTERFIELD - THE NADAS AND MOTHER TRUCKER On another note, one of my good friends gets married this weekend. I’m looking forward to it, but there’s a bit of a story behind this all; let me explain. Juni...

In a perfect world... People wouldn't have to avoid saying how they really feel, in fear of consequence. In the real world... I MUST sit and bite my f-ing tounge.

Reason #123,045 to love life:

No one likes a quitter...especially this guy. With that being said I'm going to stay on board the 22goingon7 train until it crashes. Plus, I've got a few encouraging words from you readers so I feel like I owe it to you :) So much has been going on in my life lately, and I feel like I just can't keep up. I've been in a coma like state of depression for about the past month or so and I just can't seem to figure out why, or what to do to break the mold. I've got plenty to be happy about: • A beautiful family that loves me • A great job • Good health (for a change) All that aside I just don't feel right . Everything is changing and the world I once knew is no more. Innocence is gone. Money is tight and the pressure of providing for a family is one like I've never felt. Between rent, student loans, car payments and insurance, food, GAS, daycare, diapers, formula, and about 20 other expenses each month, I feel like I'm struggling to keep up, let alone get...

This is the end of the road for 22goingon7 for several reasons: I’m twenty four, not twenty two. I wouldn’t read my blog if I was you. The 30 weekly readers can spend the 8 seconds they average at my site much more productively elsewhere.

"OH FUCK! I'M SHOT!" Not the four words you want to hear from your best friend. Especially when I was sitting directly behind him in the car. The night in Omaha was doomed from the start. The $500 party bus we rented was over an hour and a half late (1st sign). We headed off after loading up the huge bar loacted in the back of the bus with $200 dollars in liquor, beer, pop and ice. The bus only stopped at two bars, the 4 hours went by pretty fast. Alot of drinking takes place at this point in time. At 2:30 a.m. we headed off on a 10 minute drive to my friends house, at which we were planning on crashing. Kiko, my best friend, was riding shotgun-Jon, another close friend, was driving-Brandon, yet another, was sitting backseat driver side-I was sitting behind Kiko. Kiko and Brandon were arguing, or I should say screaming at each other from the time we got off the bus. When a car full of young punk white kids pulled up next to us throwing up their hands, Brandon snapped. ...

This morning I felt a little tickle in my throat, and sure enough, two white spots have made themselves a home on my left tonsil. My throat isn't actually soar, it's just slightly swollen which makes it annoying to try and eat or swallow anything. If you remember, just a few weeks back I had my ass kicked by strep throat while on the first 'vacation' we've been able to take in years. I was pissed then, but I'm even more pissed now. I need to get a tonsilectomy...Like yesterday.

I try hard to take the time everyday to see the beauty in a world full of so many ugly things. It's not easy... As usual, I read Benjamin Wagner's blog this morning, and he quoted a passage from his recent interview with Bo Lozoff-founder of the Human Kindness Foundation. Go figure, another amazing post by Mr. Wagner...The guy IS amazing. Regardless, the quote reads as follows: "If either of those two kids thought there was a single thing in the world -- a word, an idea, a song, a rock group, a movie, a bird, a person, a religion -- if there was a single thing in the world that either of those kids thought was beautiful, noble or sacred, they never could have done what they did." He was referring to the acts that occured in Columbine, CO...And he's right. I believe the thought is dead on for the recent tragedy at VT as well. As a new parent I am clueless and somewhat afraid. What can I say to my children to explain the world they live in? How to I help them unders...

It seems we are at the point of 'potty training' J. He started out doing pretty good, but things have taken a turn for the worse as of late. When he turned two years old we got him a Royal Potty. He started using it every so often, and would recieve a sticker when he actually went. Recently our daycare provider has taken it upon herself to get serious with the whole deal. Yesterday it was 75 and sunny all day long...Absolutely a dream for a kid to play outside. Jordan sat inside because he wouldn't go potty...ALL DAY LONG! While the other kids were out playing he had to sit and try to go to the bathroom. I'm sure that I'm a little biased towards the situation but it hurt me to visualize the poor guy just sitting and watching the other kids play. I'm sure some of you are saying, "It's no big deal, he'll learn this way that if he wants to play outside he'll have to start going to the potty like a big boy." . My answer is yeah he'll learn,...

"People just aren't the same in person as they are in letters, you know?" Sum said. "What do you mean?" I replied. "I mean, people are more likely to share emotions in a letter or a blog" she stated, " way before they want to share their feelings in person. It's hard to I guess." It's true, sad, but true. I think the biggest reason is because you can always just throw away the letter, close an email, or shut off the monitor you know? The fear of confrontation, failure tells can make a person go mute... I think that's what she meant.

As you've probably noticed, I am messing a little bit with the look of 22goingon7. I will be doing several things to make this a more legitimate blog (like posting regularly) so keep an eye out! I feel like my blog isn't the only thing that needs a make-over. I've sported my shaggy hair for the past 10 or more years, and I'd love to spice things up a little bit, but I'm a little hesitant. It's not that I am overly concerned about what others think, it's what I think. I don't want to look like an 6th grade boy again, so for now the hair stays. Quickly approaching is the 5 year anniversary of the day that Summer and I first started dating, April 4th. Last year we got engaged, so this year I have some pretty big shoes to fill. I just want to do something to let her know that I appreciate the fact she has put up with me for 5 years, and if I'm lucky enough I'd love a lifetime more. I'd love to have some elaborate night planned, but with the hecti...

After reading my last post I thinks its important I state the following: Some people have all the guidance and support in the world and still end up in trouble, or worse. I'm not trying to say that the reason all of the women there were in prison was because they were neglected, and if anyone misunderstood the statements I made I apologize. Here are a few pictures. Good day :) Talk about guilty! He's so busted.

It turns out the Texas trip was desperately needed. I think sometimes we all need a reminder of how bad things can get before we realize how good we actually have it. Not only do I have a whole new appreciation for my freedom in general, but also for good health. A two-fer if you will. I've also gained a new appreciation for opportunity and support. My parents have went to every extent possible to provide me with countless opportunities. They always put us kids first and make sure we are taken care of well before thinking of themselves. When we visited the prison last week and saw that only about one hundred of the one thousand inmates had visitors it makes you think...Have they ever had anyone's support. Did their parents show up for parent teacher conferences, coach baseball teams or organize a local church youth group? Did they get shuttled from school to sporting event to friends to home every day, just to do it all over again the next? Did their parents work endless days ...

We're back from Texas safe and sound! It was so great to see Andrea and the camp where she's been at for about 2 years. It was a very nice place that was a college prior to being a prison camp. At the front entrance where there was regular steel 6' fencing and just a traffic bar like you'd see at a railroad track crossing. There was 20' fences with razor wire at the top around the rest of the camp. When we asked her sister about the fences she said it wasn't to keep the inmates in, it was to keep intruders out! She told us stories of women that would have someone meet them to have sex, exchange drugs and just about any other thing you could imagine! The inmates know they can walk out at anytime but they'll get caught, and then the luxury of being in a minimum security prison camp would be gone. I did notice that this prison camp is really structured to help the inmates progress. Example, in the two years Andrea has been there she has recieved her GED, and wi...

I can't remember the last time I was this creatively challenged...It hurts. Creativity has always been a part of my life, and hopefully always will be. I have a certain routine that I go through that usually leads to my most creative thoughts and works. Well for the past week now, that strategy is producing nothing but ordinary, uninspired work. This is problem, because I am working on a HUGE project right now for our company. I called in reinforcements. Yesterday I received two new books in the mail from my friends at Amazon. The first book, The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life by Twyla Tharp is a New York Times best seller, and from the two chapters I've read I think it should be a great read. The second book, The Elements of Graphic Design; Space Unity, Page Architecture and Type by Alexander W. White is more of a back to the basics shout for me. I spend so much time reading online tutorials and blogs that it's nice to revisit where this whole ride started. O...

I woke up last night, soaked from head to toe in my own sweat with a killer temp. Now my joints feel like they are resting bone on bone. I was fine when I went to bed last night, seriously...Where did this come from? I hate being sick. Unfortunately I was born with an Urkel-like immune system, thus the fact I get hit hard everysingle year with some mean virus or infection. For some reason I've been sick way more this year than the last few. The good part is my lover is a nurse, and she takes good care of me. Regardless, I'm off to take another 600 mg's of Ibuprofen and head back in to work. Wish me luck.

Have you ever seen a product hit the shelves that is extremely simple, yet effective? I do. Today's miracle product: My new Reach toothbrush with tongue scrubber. I brush my teeth, gums and tongue everyday just like the rest of the world. It wasn't until I used my new toothbrush, with the tounge scrubber on the back of it that I realized what I'd been missing, literally. If you don't have one I strongly urge you to give it a shot...If not for me, do it for your significant other ;)

Last night Summer spent a good hour filing out Valentines for the kids to take to daycare. Again, another one of those things that we forget about when we get older. I remember building the coolest Valentine's Day box out of an old shoe box in 3rd grade. I was so caught up in the memories that I was half tempted to build one to take to work. I declined however, figuring that might knock me down a couple notches on the credibility pole. My Valentine and I are spending our evening eating at Bev's on the River (http://www.bevsontheriver.com) , a newer restaurant right on the beatiful Missouri river. A nice place, but not overly nice for a reason. A few years back, while still living in Omaha we made the mistake of visiting one of the elite joints, and ended up leaving after the waiter said well over ten words that I have never heard before. We did tip him after we picked up the tab for the $25 bottle of Merlot (that would have cost me $7 at the local liquor store). I felt like som...

My son calls my dad 'Papa', and my mom 'B'. Papa I understand, but B? We don't really know where that came from, but I guess it works. Thursday night my parents came over for a while to see the kids. Jordan and my dad were upstairs in the kids' room, and the rest of us were down in the living room. Jordan loves to watch movies and read books in his room. He has a DVD player and a VCR and he can only stop and start them for the most part. When I walked into the room I saw both of them hunched over the DVD player and TV. They looked awefully serious. "You guys need some help?" I said. "No hewp" Jordan replied...Of course he did. He is at the stage where he wants to do everything him self. I didn't get an answer from my dad, he just looked puzzled. After watching him for a few more seconds he looked up at me and said, "I can't find my glasses, I know they are here somewhere." He had put them down at some point when he was tyrin...

My two kids go to daycare at the same location I once went. Last night just before dozing off I started thinking about all of the memories from Rita's (daycare provider) house. The times I was required to sit alone in the kitchen with my food because I refused to eat it. The countless hours building forts and tearing them down. The day I tried to pull a Dukes of Hazard move and jump through the window of the playschool house, but instead scratched my back badly enough to soak through my shirt. It was a time when I didn't think about what my current position was in life, I just lived. Now, in the 'real world', every day throws a new handful of situations. For cryin' out loud, I'm already learing about different options and techniques to set up a successful retirement plan! Which leads me to my next worry fit. For the first time I am thinking alot about life itself. And about death. Someday I'll be gone, and it makes me panic with some uneasy sense of urgency ...

In an attempt to strike up some sort of interesting conversation I made a comment to my co-worker about my disgust with the today's media and advertising. I brought up a recent commercial from Kleenex, where a gal is upset and crying about the loss of a friend or family member to Hurricane Katrina. At the end of the commercial, she wipes her nose and up comes the Kleenex logo. Another perfectly sick example of how everything is used to try and make a profit. Huge tragedies such as Katrina and 9-11 are used as marketing fuel. Chevy did it with the whole "This is Our Country" commercial spree and showed clips of the world trade towers. So the message is...what exactly? My job as a graphic designer is to envoke a feeling about a product or service, and to creatively communicate that product or service to the world. I'm not supposed to look out for the welfare of mankind or the human race. I love the challenge of coming up with a brochure or an advertisement, but I don...

What a weekend! We made time yesterday to go sledding and it was a blast! My father, Jordan and I went over town to Grandview Park to hit the slopes. Also, I've finally found a minute to get some photos together for this post. There are pictures from Christmas, The Josh Davis Band show, Jordan's birthday and much more. I hope everyone enjoys! Happy Monday everyone. Wondering why I'm showing my deodorant? This is what a bite out of deodorant looks like. How about the Nadas t-shirt eh? Gotta start 'em early! And how could I forget? My little angel Isabella got her ears pierced Friday afternoon! Here are a few pictures from Jordan's birthday party last night, I think you can see them in one of the photos!