We have to admit that we have not been soccer fans or followed the World Cup recently. BUT – we are huge, crazy, out-of-our-heads U2 fans and they are the major endorsers of the games. These videos where U2 and ESPN partnered with South African Soweto Gospel Choir are not only awesome to listen to, the cinematography and editing are excellent, and I’m (Alysa) a former editor. Please watch and keep giving to the RED campaign.

“Magnificent”

“Get On Your Boots”

“Where the Streets Have No Name”

Ok, so the last thing one should ever expect to see is pictures of us. Even on vacation, we may turn the cameras on each other 3-5 times. We just forget. But this Christmas we knew that it was about time for an ADP Christmas card – and that would REQUIRE us to do it. So we got out a tripod, set ourselves up with a composition we liked, set the intervalometer and danced around like monkeys until we were happy. I think it turned out ok! We’ll post a picture of this year’s Christmas card, done by our lab. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Atlanta Adventist Academy (AAA) hosted a golf tournament at Orchard Hills Golf Course in Newnan, GA. I am proud to have been a sponsor and take some photos of the events of the day. The course was in great shape and the weather was great until about the 14th hole. The lightning came out and we were called back to the clubhouse, but not before we were drenched on the drive back to the golf cart garage. I don’t think I’ve ever been so wet in regular clothes. We had a great time and raised money to help pay for the school’s athletic department needs.

Putting competition.

Prizes and giveaways.

The shock after his 60-foot putt for $10,000 hits the pin and ricochets out! We were all stunned at the incredible putt and couldn’t believe our eyes. He’s my hero.

A friend of mine is selling her wedding dress that has never been worn, other than just trying it on. She bought it before her wedding but then decided to go with a different dress for her wedding. I thought that I could help her sell it here on my blog. Please leave a comment on this post if you’re interested. She’s selling this dress for $1,400 – I can accept cash, check, or credit card via PayPal or Google Checkout.

This unique San Patrick (Pronovias) dress is straight from Spain and never worn. 2007 Collection- Halter-style, drop-waist, off-white hand-made Spanish lace, extra long (bride is 6′-0″, but could be taken in at most alterations shops), gorgeous detail. SEE PHOTO GALLERY FOR DETAIL PHOTOS OF THE DRESS.

The dress is a size 18 – Please see San Patrick or Pronovias sizing chart. Brides often wear a much smaller “street” clothing size than wedding dress size. Please note that I found this chart on the internet and am not responsible for its accuracy. Pronovias size chart: http://netbride.com/exclude/sizecharts/pronovias.htm

About a month ago (wow, time flies!) I went to Washington, DC with my dad. He was there to do a concert at the Pentagon prayer breakfast and then sing a few songs at the U.S. Senate staff luncheon. In between those two appearances we did some touristy stuff and walked around town. I took a bunch of photos as we walked and here are several of my favorites.

On Saturday night we went to an awesome concert featuring two of our favorite bands, Switchfoot and Third Day.  The concert was at the Lakewood Amphitheatre and we had some relaxing seats on the lawn.  When Switchfoot came on, Alysa and I moved up to some empty seats a little bit closer so we could see the guys better.  I’ve seen Switchfoot in concert at least 5 times now, and Alysa and I actually met for the first time at a Switchfoot show.  This tour, Music Builds, was also sponsored by the One Campaign – which is an organization that has set out to “Make Poverty History.”  If you want to see a great concert and support an important cause, see if they are coming to a city near you and go!

Here are two photos from my iPhone, since they wouldn’t let me in with my big camera.

On Saturday night I was able to go to an Arena Football Game featuring the local Georgia Force team with my buddy Matt and my dad. I have had limited exposure to AFL games but have caught a few games on ESPN. The games are always high scoring and high energy and this game didn’t disappoint. The game came down to the absolute last possible play, 4th down and goal with 2 seconds on the clock. The Georgia Force were down by 6 points and miraculously were in the position to win due to a defensive interception and long return into close scoring position. They ran several plays inside the 5 yard line but were unsuccessful and had one last shot. The previous play was a quick draw off-tackle which was unsuccessful. The final play was genius, in my opinion – a naked QB bootleg to the opposite side of the field. The quarterback nearly tripped over one of his own linemen but was able to regain his balance and run untouched into the end zone. But, this only tied the game at 55 but the extra point was good with 0:00 on the clock. Georgia Force won the game and now holds their division lead with 3 games left in the regular season. Go Force!!!

Here’s the tying TD.

…and the ensuing pandemonium.

Steven Curtis Chapman is one of my all-time favorite musicians and song writers. I learned today of a tragic accident that killed his daughter Maria. My heart hurts for them right now and my prayers go out to the entire Chapman family. I don’t know how I would handle something like this and I’m not even a father.

You can read the Star-Telegram article here.

Here is a video clip of Maria and her dad washing dishes that I found on the “In Memory of Maria” blog. Maria was obviously loved and cherished.

My cousin, John, graduated from Ozark Adventist Academy this past weekend. I was able to make the trip from Atlanta out to Gentry, Arkansas to cheer for him as he marched. John was one of the top of his class, graduating with High Honors and a member of the National Honor Society. Southwestern Adventist University was there and awarded him a very substantial scholarship for his academic achievements. The scholarship will pay for nearly all of his tuition all four years of college. Alysa and I are so proud of him. Congratulations again John!

Today is mother’s day and I just wanted to say how much I love my mom. She is a wonderful person and a great mom. She would do anything for me and I know she’s always praying for me. She even still picks up after me and makes me food when I’m hungry. Thank you so much for everything.

Yesterday, Alysa and I took her out to Olive Garden to celebrate her and then I took a few pictures of her for this adpblog post. Here are two of my favorites. Isn’t she pretty?

And not to be forgotten, my California mother, my mother-in-law Mama Shepherd. Alysa and I both want to thank you for all that you do for us as well. We love you very much. Here is one of the only pictures I have of her and she’s with Papa Shepherd, Dr. Mike. We can’t wait to see you both at the wedding in about a month.

I am a huge Switchfoot fan and also really excited about the new Narnia movie coming out in a few weeks called Prince Caspian. Switchfoot has a new song that will be on the Motion Picture Soundtrack and they just finished a music video. Everyone should go see the movie – it’s released to theaters on May 16. For now, enjoy the music video below.

Hey there everyone. Alysa and I landed in Chicago this morning – we’re here to shoot the wedding of our good friend Larry Turner. Today, we were fortunate to have some time to enjoy the gorgeous weather and visit the Lincoln Park Zoo. Their zoo here is great – it’s FREE (however they charge a bundle for parking, but it only cost us $16 for the time we were there). We really had a great time with our cameras in the Lincoln Park Conservatory, taking pictures of some beautiful flowers and also did our best to capture the sheer size of a massive gorilla.

Here’s the Chicago skyline from the zoo.

One lonely chimp. (hint… he’s in the top left corner.)

I shot this from my waist so as to not freak out the kid’s parents. I think it turned out great! That gorilla was huge!

Over the weekend a few more tulips bloomed in our front flower bed and I had a new camera to play with. So here’s a shot with the new D300.

Back in December, Alysa’s mom sent her a box of tulips bulb for her birthday. So, on a cold December morning we went out to the front flower bed and planted about 60-70 tulip bulbs. In the past few weeks they have started to grow and a few of them have small buds and 2 of them now have bloomed. We planted an assortment of colors but the multi-colored ones bloomed first.

ADP is pleased to recommend World Vision, an international rescue and aid organization that saves the lives of thousands of children around the world each year.

Shortly after Alysa and I got married we felt the urge to do something important with the blessings that God had given us. My father, Steve Darmody, has been an Associate Artist with World Vision since 1992 and my family has sponsored children through the organization for as long as I can remember. Now it’s my turn. While thumbing through a stack of child profiles in our office, I came across a familiar birth date. George from Lebanon was born on our anniversary date, June 18. And on top of that, I just couldn’t resist that FACE! (Could you?)

Now that we have made this commitment save a child’s life for a couple of dollars a month, ADP is dedicating itself to challenging others to this goal as well. If you have not heard of World Vision or simply wish to research more about their mission and business practices, please visit their website here or click on the link at the bottom of this blog. We’ll be talking more about our new son and World Vision in general in future blogs, but in the meantime, please take the time to pray about your possible involvement in the life, health and education of a child you don’t know…and should.

If you aren’t familiar with World Vision, here is some information about them from their website.

Who World Vision Serves

World Vision helps transform the lives of children and families in need in the name of Christ. Our assistance extends to all people, regardless of beliefs, gender, or ethnicity.

Why World Vision Serves

World Vision is a Christian relief and development organization dedicated to helping children and their communities worldwide reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty.