gaines-lampi blog

Missin you guys

2011-09-25T23:41:00.002-04:00

sunday in mexico city with my wife daniela

IT's SO ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!Moe Ager Productions - Forever I'm a Spartan

2011-08-31T19:06:00.000-04:00

Care-away Street

2011-06-23T20:38:00.003-04:00

Random thoughts as I was putting grey to bed tonight. Can anyone remeber the names of the following characters of our favorite kids ministry when we were little... Care-away street?

What was the name of the character of

Kathy Tait-
Rick Tait-
Norm Lampi-
Paula Stiles-
Tom Stiles-
Joe Saminski-

Bonus question: Who was the most terrifying "crowd monitor" (adult who makes sure kids are watching)?

Pinckney Graduate takes first steps in front of classmates

2011-06-06T10:03:00.002-04:00

not a dry eye

Eugene Peterson

2011-05-17T20:55:00.002-04:00

Watch the full episode. See more Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly.

This is awesome.

it could have been any of us....

2011-05-06T20:22:00.001-04:00

That's My King Dr. S.M. Lockridge - [OFFICIAL]

2011-05-03T18:49:00.000-04:00

Love Revealed by Steve Lampi

2011-04-26T19:37:00.000-04:00

HAPPY 90,000th person in the mission field SETH!

2011-04-18T21:08:00.002-04:00

To commemorate AIM's infamous SETH 90,000 sendee into the mission field - JROSE was asked to share a story and a pic - This pic says so much about mission work, with both characters.

Poor Sparty

2011-03-21T00:02:00.005-04:00

Classic tournament - so many good games!

SPARTY looked so embarrassing - someone please

get them a player!

Michigan killed Tennessee,

and then was one shot away from knocking off Duke.

And, of course, my girl (GRANT HILL BARBOSA) is way up there on the leaderboard.

Sorry to all you guys!

Andy

New Addition to the Gaines/Lampi Family

2011-03-12T13:01:00.002-05:00

Becky, Jackson and I are happy to announce that the Gaines/Lampi family will be adding a new boy to the mix. After a nearly 2 year wait, we were matched with a 3 month baby boy from Ethiopia. He is healthy, weighs 8 pounds, was born in South Ethiopia and was named after his grandfather. Although we cannot post his name (Starts with a 'M'), nor picture yet, he is the cutest little baby!!

As soon as we can, we will update with a picture, but wanted you all to know before the facebook world does.

From here on out, we wait for our doctor to go over the health records, accept the baby, get submitted to court (in Ethiopia), travel to Ethiopia for court (hopefully this summer, but could be after), then finally go back to Ethiopia a second time for an Embassy date and to bring our boy home!

Fab Five

2011-03-09T21:49:00.002-05:00

Anybody else aware of this documentary?

I think in our lives there were 3 sports moments that brought most of Michigan together:

FAB FIVE

1997 Detroit Red Wings

1997 UofM Football

Possible MSU title run in 2000 sliding in their at 4th.

Somebody please tape this for me?

Shea talks with another legend...(and doesn't care)

2011-02-26T09:47:00.002-05:00

So Shea is renown for meeting and talking with my life's icons. Not long before he passed away, shea talked with Ernie Harwell a our local glenn's market. he was up here with the loons doing a signing day. they talked about grandkids briefly and ran into each other in the check out isle. Now I find that she had a phone conversation with none other than Drago....yes, thee Drago! He owns an indoor soccer complex in Midland and Shea is trying to book it for a night and she talked with him. I think i might ask her to invite him to come and play when he calls her back. Dude, what the heck! She of course is clueless to who this is, so I am trying my hardest to explain how awesome he is....not working though.

CLASH OF THE TITANS!

2011-02-12T15:42:00.003-05:00

Last night lived up to the hype. After PCHS won the first on a three at the buzzer in Double OT, this one didn't disappoint. Even Mark Carrow, one whose been a part of and seen a lot of sports in life (to say lightly) was caught, jaw dropped saying, "Jeff, this is what it's about. I don't think I have seen in a long time high schoolers play with ICE in their veins like this, hitting incredibly gutsy shots. I have got my hs basketball fix in for a long time."

It happened in front of a packed crowd and standing room only (including the likes of former dawg ballers like Luke Addis, etc) and ravenous student sections (PCHS dominating that factor). The Lampi-Carrow posse was in full form with a lil cameo of Jorge Reck. Add to the mix a random enormous MEXICO FLAG being swung from our student section????? it was electric. And after another OT (and an inappropriate "HUEVOS" gesture from yours truly following PCHS' Drew Stephens-pictured-3 ball to go to OT, BHS frickin sank like 10-in-a-row free throws to make it official.

Unreal. Here are some pics, one of B-town's D-1 prospect Superman Ben Kills (#10) showing his mad hops. Jake, wish you were there. And maybe, if they clash in Districts (very likely) Bill can use some frequent flyers. Wes come up. Steve-o welled up. My dad, fist pumped and yelled in my ear.

Whaaaat?!

2011-01-28T16:14:00.002-05:00

Mad props to Zack "Novacaine" Novak and the Wolverines for taking it to State in their place. What happened to your season Sparty?!

Message for Americans: Steve Sunday morning

2011-01-17T12:58:00.000-05:00

Giving Thought to Gospel 'Math': Why Jesus + Nothing = Everything

2010-12-27T21:58:00.001-05:00

Giving Thought to Gospel 'Math': Why Jesus + Nothing = Everything: "Giving Thought to Gospel 'Math': Why Jesus + Nothing = Everything on Desiring God"

Steph and I watched this together - so freeing and rich! (Billy Graham's grandson)

So proud of Pinckney kids!

2010-12-16T04:45:00.006-05:00

It makes me so happy to share this vid with you, especially during the recent negative pub our district has been getting over the last year. Our students are wonderful and and when "the rubber meets the road", they get things done - for others. So proud to be their teacher. This is what the founder of Invisible Children sent me last night to share with our club before today's screening of their film "The Rescue" and final day of Schools 4 Schools competition.

Just realized it didn't quite upload right plus cut off end - voiceover jaja -

Please, if you get a chance........

2010-12-06T20:40:00.002-05:00

http://www.universityreformedchurch.org/

Last weekend's sermon on:

The Son of Man Came to Serve
Mark 10:32-45

Unbelievable. Please consider this Christmas message if you have a chance during your devotional time, car ride over the holidays, etc. Unreal. Love to talk about it too.

Blessings

Sanctus Real - Lead Me

2010-12-02T11:13:00.001-05:00

This song ministered to me; here's to the awesome challenge for the gaines-lampi husbands and fathers. And praise God for His wonderful grace.

LOL! (Classic Debbie)

2010-11-17T18:35:00.002-05:00

So texting is a new fad with our parents these days and who can blame them for not quite getting the lingo down as fast as our tech-savy generation has. There are many types of lingo...for example-rofl (rolling on floor laughing), cul8tr (see you later), lmao (laughing my @$$ off) and of course lol (laugh out loud). It is such a time saver to know these and to communicate in such great time efficient ways is a blessing from the creative human mind. That is if you actually know what they mean. Which leads me to my beloved mother, Debbie. She has been under the impression that "lol" is "lots of love". So she has been ending quite a few texts to people with the closing "lol", thinking she was expressing her care for people in a new way. So my mom decided to send my sister in law, who has had a child going through some physical ailments for the past month, some encouraging texts. She expressed her care by ending each text "lol". Jen thought it was a bit weird, but ignored it for a while. Finally this week my mom sent Jen a text that went something like this..."Jen we are praying for you and all the hardships you and your family are going through right now...LOL." I thought it might be a good time to fill her in as to what that actually meant before she offended too many people. So no worries, Debbie is back on track. Hope all is well. Looking forward to more times with our parents trying to adjust to this culture thing. LOL!

Steve

Crean and Crimson

2010-11-12T13:31:00.002-05:00

There was a lot of buzz in Indiana this week because IU signed two top recruits for next year and has a load of others lining up for the coming years. The media wanted to have a press conference to talk about signing new recruits Zeller and Etherington and Crean walks in with every player on the current team behind him and lays this out...

"When these players came, especially a couple of years ago, they didn’t have anybody to look up to. They didn’t have anybody in here to teach them the way. They literally, when you look at Verdell, and you look at Tommy and you look at Matt, they didn’t have anybody to even recruit them. They were recruited by driving around in a golf cart or going to a spring football practice, or something like that. And a long the way these players have become the face of the program. That’s why it is so important to me and to all of us here, that they are successful. What they mean to the present day Indiana family and what they mean to the future family is really, really important. These guys have done a phenomenal job of building this program. They recruited some of the ones you see back there like Victor and Will, but most importantly what they just did in this recruiting class. Without a doubt, one of the greatest selling points that we have at Indiana University is our players. And these guys have (inaudible). And that’s why I want to see them be successful here and for so many years down the road because it’s so different for them. They’re the ones that are bridging the gap here and we just need to make sure that we keep working toward the fact that they leave a legacy here on the court as well as what they’re doing to make this program better. We would not be recruiting to the level that we are right now without our players. And I can’t make that any more definitive than that. Players can spearhead part of this, and certainly through prior relationships that can be very helpful, but it’s the way the team has come together. There’s a lot of different ways to form leadership but this group is forming leadership. You may not get to see a lot of Kori Barnett on the court but there’s not a much more valuable guy to this program in the sense of bonding his teammates and making them better. And I single him out because he does not get singled out on the court just yet. But that’s the kind of stuff that makes this program what it is. I’m proud of it and I hope you find places in your videos and I hope you find places in your stories to make sure that the headline reads “We would not be doing this without them, without these current players.” They did not have anybody in here to teach them the ropes. And we wouldn’t have wanted anyone (from before) to teach them the ropes. You know that and I know that that. I’ve said this privately before but now I want to say it publicly to the players. Thank you for what you do and let’s keep it rolling.”

Echoes of Norman Dale... I love that guy! Let's keep it rolling Crean!!

Guess who's LIVE AT STATE THEATRE BAY CITY, MI

2010-11-06T20:54:00.001-04:00

Why I appreciate worship leaders like Wes and Steve: (sub heading) Who might not PLAY IT COOL OR COMFY

2010-10-29T16:56:00.004-04:00

Red Wings

2010-10-25T20:35:00.003-04:00

If you're a true WINGS fan you're a fan in October. I love this dramatic finish against the DUCKS the other day. I still believe Vladdy's coming back...

Gerard Butler at MSU football game

2010-10-16T20:21:00.001-04:00

Hollywood hits EL..things are getting pretty interesting...

From MÉXICO CITY!

2010-09-30T20:53:00.002-04:00

CD. DE MÉXICO, video documental from EARRANGOIZ on Vimeo.

This shows all the best and worst of my new home city and hopefully will entice you to visit or drop me a line. I hope you enjoy it, and I hope you are enjoying where you are.

"Little Giants"

2010-09-19T07:26:00.004-04:00

I get a text from Jake right after they did it around midnight....something along the lines of "HUEVOS GRANDES"

OCT 9 should be a good one

2010-09-02T16:53:00.000-04:00

Reminds me of Jeff's serve on the shores of Leith Lake waters...

"LANDS END PREACHA MAN"

2010-08-30T11:09:00.004-04:00

Alright, so now it's your turn to give the HOTTEST YOUTH PASTOR in THE MIDWEST a title or slogan. What's Steve thinking or what should be the HEADLINE of this pic? JAKE, don't let me down.

FELIZ PRIMER CUMP, SOPHIA ELAINE!

2010-08-26T09:10:00.003-04:00

Our little frijol is 1 today! We thank Jesus for you!!! Your big brothers are so in love with you.

".....And I will send showers and showers of blessings which will come just when they're needed." Ezekiel 34:26

could be the greatest video post ever - enjoy

2010-08-20T20:14:00.001-04:00

TINCAPS SURGE!

2010-08-11T07:32:00.002-04:00

Tincaps are on a roll and the Loons are in trouble! Duck hunting season has begun!!

A Night to Remember in Glendora

2010-08-01T23:52:00.004-04:00

Tonight the Kiwanis club officially outdid themselves at the Summer Nights Concert Series in Finkbiner Park. Check out who serenaded us into the night on a picture perfect SoCal evening!

A Week in Lake Tahoe

2010-07-26T11:44:00.004-04:00

We just got back from an amazingly relaxing and fun week up in God's Country (aka Lake Tahoe). As you will remember, it is truly a place of astounding grandeur. There were so many surreal moments when we felt like we were looking at a painted backdrop, not the real thing. The girls had a blast swimming and hiking (new easier hike overlooking Emerald Bay to Eagle Falls). I had a encounter with a 400lb brown bear on my mt bike...a first. We were sad to leave and could have stayed another week, so next summer we're thinking of possibly two weeks, which leaves more space open for potential guests. Any takers? And yes Jeff and Steve, a potential cliff jumping location was discovered.

Now onto the Big Mitten in a couple of weeks. Look forward to seeing the MW Crew and introducing Adia Joy to those not acquainted. As you'll see in the pics, Joy seems to fit nicely.

Long Hot Midwest Summer

2010-07-11T22:18:00.004-04:00

Here are some pictures from our weekend excursion to Northern Indiana Lake Country. Its the thing to do in our parts. I tubed until my arms almost fell off. Anyone else got summer pics!?!

R.I.P. Probert

2010-07-05T18:12:00.001-04:00

1965 - 2010

GO STATE! Go NINOS de MATAMOROS! Bill - will you be the one! Let's go!

2010-06-29T22:07:00.002-04:00

Perfect Game!

2010-06-02T22:58:00.003-04:00

I feel bad for Armando Galarraga who got ripped off by the umpire after throwing a perfect game. What would Baseball Paul think?

Silly Sisters

2010-05-21T23:05:00.003-04:00

Evidence that Grace is quickly becoming Adia's favorite past time!

Funny Video

2010-05-11T01:06:00.000-04:00

We saw this on facebook- but wanted to share it here for all of you non-facebookers (Lena).
This video is for a great laugh!

"Sunday's Coming" Movie Trailer from North Point Media on Vimeo.

Long gone!

2010-05-05T12:21:00.002-04:00

Rest in Peace, Ernie!

A Game for America...

2010-05-04T22:19:00.007-04:00

Baseball is the President tossing out the first ball of the season and a scrubby schoolboy playing catch with his dad on a Mississippi farm. A tall, thin old man waving a scorecard from the corner of his dugout. That's baseball. And so is the big, fat guy with a bulbous nose running home one of his (Babe Ruth's) 714 home runs.

There's a man in Mobile who remembers that Honus Wagner hit a triple in Pittsburgh forty-six years ago. That's baseball. So is the scout reporting that a sixteen year old pitcher in Cheyenne is a coming Walter Johnson. Baseball is a spirited race of man against man, reflex against reflex. A game of inches. Every skill is measured. Every heroic, every failing is seen and cheered, or booed. And then becomes a statistic.

In baseball democracy shines its clearest. The only race that matters is the race to the bag. The creed is the rulebook. Color merely something to distinguish one team's uniform from another.

Baseball is a rookie. His experience no bigger than the lump in his throat as he begins fulfillment of his dream. It's a veteran too, a tired old man of thirty-five hoping that those aching muscles can pull him through another sweltering August and September. Nicknames are baseball, names like Zeke and Pie and Kiki and Home Run and Cracker and Dizzy and Dazzy.

Baseball is the cool, clear eyes of Rogers Hornsby. The flashing spikes of Ty Cobb, an over aged pixie named Rabbit Maranville.

Baseball just a came as simple as a ball and bat. Yet, as complex as the American spirit it symbolizes. A sport, a business and sometimes almost even a religion.

Why the fairy tale of Willie Mays making a brilliant World's Series catch. And then dashing off to play stick ball in the street with his teenage pals. That's baseball. So is the husky voice of a doomed Lou Gehrig saying., "I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of this earth.”

Baseball is cigar smoke, hot roasted peanuts, The Sporting News, ladies day, "Down in Front", Take Me Out to the Ball Game, and the Star Spangled Banner.

Baseball is a tongue tied kid from Georgia growing up to be an announcer and praising the Lord for showing him the way to Cooperstown. This is a game for America. Still a game for America, this baseball! Thank you.

- Ernie Harwell

Thank you, Ernie

Pictures from Mac

2010-04-05T20:39:00.002-04:00

Taking pictures with my new Mac. Seems to not be in focus.

Easter 2010 at the Gaines

2010-04-05T13:16:00.002-04:00

With Mr. and Mrs. Activity Director in town for the Easter holiday, the guy cousins had a blast making and decorating rice krispie treats dipped in chocolate with sprinkles and decorating their own Easter bags.

MAY DAY RACE! 5/1/2010

2010-04-02T05:44:00.004-04:00

Hey all, you're invited (if you're around) to come run/walk a 5K in Dexter on May 1st to help raise funds for INVISIBLE CHILDREN. We'd love to have ya there - First race launched by our 4Corners Cultural Awareness Club! If anything, could you pass the word around for us? Thanks so much! Miss you

for more info check out our website: www.maydayrace.com

Go Spartans

2010-03-31T19:57:00.002-04:00

This is the time of year where I bleed green and white. Sparty is my man.

GO PINCKNEY STUDENTS!!!!!!!

2010-03-24T09:04:00.002-04:00

http://www.livingstondaily.com/article/20100324/NEWS01/100324008/Pinckney+High+School+club+hosts+Invisible+Children+representatives

Join JAKE on that wagon....

2010-03-21T21:19:00.003-04:00

Get ready St. LOUIE! How sweet it is

"Let the Games Begin!"

2010-03-14T19:58:00.002-04:00

Yes, it's that favorite time of year when us former hoopsters dream of that "One Shining Moment" that Spencer Micunek stole from me in 1993 at a sold out gym in South Lyon. The play was supposed to go to me! Anyways, it's always fun to drum up a little friendly competition. A few notables... MSU drew the dreaded #5 seed (always beware the #12 upset)... UM drew the NIT (maybe)... the Pac-10 is down this year (I've seen)... give a look to the Richmond Spiders (best mascot)... and how about pulling for Cornell (#12) to upset Temple (#5) and make Andy Bernard (aka the Nard Dog) proud!

I sent most of you an email with directions, but in case it didn't go try clicking here

Let the Games Begin

The group is: SoCal-Midwest Madness
The password is: bandwagon (in honor of all us Maze/Blue faithful who this time of year feel an affinity to the Green/White)

Get on by Thurs morning or you're out!

One is the Loneliest Number

2010-03-10T21:47:00.006-05:00

For the first time in 90 years researchers have found a wolverine in California in the Tahoe National Forest and, surprisingly, it is not Jake! Read about it here.

There and back again.

2010-02-20T21:08:00.002-05:00

We just got back from a delightfully warm week in California, so I made a web album for your viewing pleasure. It was great to see the kids playing (and fighting) with each other. Sad we can't be together more often.

In other photo news, Cash has taken claim of our old camera, so we've slowly been uploading his photos and asking him to describe each one (while attempting to transcribe his jibberish). You can find those in the side bar as well (I decided to leave out the close up of my butt. No one needs to see that).

Happy Birthday Jackson!

2010-01-24T10:37:00.003-05:00

YOU ARE THE BEST! HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACKSON!

Haiti Sings!

2010-01-21T09:08:00.002-05:00

Hey all, so Haiti has been heavy on a lot of hearts around our little area in Bullock Creek, MI. These two cool dudes are Hansel and George. they are both adpoted students from Haiti. They live in the US with families from Messiah. We have a strong connection with that country here in this area. i was talking to Jeff last night and told him we are sending nurses and doctors down next week from the church. One is Lynda Varner. Her son has a medical outreach named after him in the Port au Prince area. Aaron, her son, passed away from cancer in 2006 at 17 yrs. old. The building was one of the few standing in the area after the earthquake hit. It is now being used for shelter and medical needs. I asked Lynda what Haiti needs prayer for and she said 1.) Thank God those that know Christ that have died aren't suffering any longer 2.) Thank God that the name of Jesus is being spread faster than relief efforts are 3.) Pray that our hearts as Christians will see the need for Christ in other countries so when life here ends for others, they have hope in an eternal God. At church on Sunday, Hansel came and prayed in his native language, creole, b/c he is more comfortable with it. He lost it a little and you could see his hurt not knowing who is alive and who isn't. we lost a dance team that Messiah sponsored called ADA. The lead dancer Jouelefet was found dead on Tuesday. But the thing about the Haitian people is they celebrate even amidst this disaster. I've heard numerous accounts and saw wyclef Jean on TV crying, saying all he hears at night are children singing "Amazing Grace". One thing you won't here in the news right now, from what Hansel told me, is that there are many people turning from Vodoo to Christianity in this tragedy. To see God's mercy in tragedy is a glimpse into His amazing love. Keep praying for that country. There's more going on than an earthquake. In our hearts and the people there.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. KING!

2010-01-17T20:42:00.004-05:00

On Friday, Caleb came home from school with this crown he had made at Kindergarten and began to teach Steph and I (and eden somewhat) about how amazing this "Dr. Martin King" was and what a "special person" he was. "Do you know that without him, blacks and whites couldn't go to the same schools...and used different bathrooms?" He continued, puzzled by how SILLY it would be (with his frame of reference being his multiracial kindergarten class and international church) if this was true today. His perplexed curiosity and heart for justice came out as Steph and I continued to use this as a teachable moment to answer more of the WHYS? "Can you believe, a guy came and shot him dead.?!"

Then, he turned to me and said, quote unquote, "Dad, you're black, right. And mommy's white. You're darker than her." And looked at Sophia (who could be whiter than snow) and said, "she's kind of black." Funny. I never corrected him, but laughed inside, now realizing how cool it is to be a inter-racial marriage.

What broke my heart with joy is realizing that through Dr. King's arduous, nonviolent, tremendous sacrifices, his "I have a dream" resounds in our childrens' generation, where "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character" - and yet there is much more ground to cover and reconciliation to endure, but feel so blessed to be surrounded in such a rich, diverse community, school, church, etc that echoes Dr. King's aspirations.

After that, my grandpa called and we talked a while about it, and after hearing innocent, full-of-faith truths from the mouth of babes in my son, further heard from a wise man who lived most of this century and still doesn't understand why we go to war, argue and kill over trivial misunderstandings, and judge on the basis of mere skin color. From his words, "It's just plain stupid."

Anyways, thought I share it with ya - and join in commemorating a "special man". Happy B-Day, Dr. King!"

MICHIGAN CRUSHES indiana IN BASKETBALL

2010-01-15T13:01:00.000-05:00

Let my title do the talking!!

QUIET DOMINATION

2010-01-03T21:42:00.004-05:00

Probably none of you know that our boy Wesley just snatched from the hands of Ted Kluck this year's NFL FANTASY FOOTBALL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP. He did so by sticking with his boyz, dominating most every week, and yes, researching religiously during mini-workouts at work. This feat, yes, knocking off yours truly, the FANTASY PANTHER himself (along with Slim Jim Marmion, Jarvi, Silicon Valley Charles Lee and other calvinists alike, made me think of the many times why I have been so proud of my boy Wes from south B-town.

For starters,
I am so proud of Wes for finally getting enough huevos to ask out Jenny Payne in 7th grade, dumping her, just to mess with her BFF millionaire, Lisa O. YOU R THE MAN.

I am so proud of Wes for finally confronting me in 8th grade at SITS and telling me he's STANDING n DA GAP for me at that night's MAIN SESSION, where inevitably, I would take the plunge for Christ....and again the following year.

I am so proud of my boy for saying bye to the hard court and any chance at girls in HS, and hello to MARTIN himself....

I am so proud of Wes (and myself) for standing strong amidst hot coals and a very steamy description of youth leader's honeymoon

I am so proud of my boy for sharing with me the TMZ glitz and glamour of Taylor U weekends being campus worship leader. Ah, Oh yeah.

I am so proud of Wes for introducing me to Vineyard worship and Darrel Evans

I am so proud of Wes for introducing me to this Captain Pirate guy and his friend 2 liter of Coke (jk)

I am so proud of Wes for dating a HOT flight attendant (aka Chi-town)

I am more proud of Wes for marrying INDY's own lovely and talented insane Sarah jane

I am very proud of Wes (and SJ) for their 2 spawn (Ca$h and Lou Lou)

I am very proud of Wes for introducing me to the world of FANTASY (football that is).

Which of I am an addict. Pray for me. But stay tuned for another challenge that has been brewing. Word is Wes wants to take his game into the playoffs and your are invited too. Stay tuned this week for more.

FELICIDADES WES!

Bye, Bye 00's

2009-12-30T23:58:00.008-05:00

(Quiz: Where's Ben?)

A Concise History of the 2000's Decade
*I rang in Y2K at Calvary Temple Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana playing loud worship songs for screaming Youth Group kids, Sarah was there too (er...in the Youth Group) * I graduated from Taylor University and skipped the ceremony to be at my best friend's wedding! * Headed west with some buddies, tried to swim across the Colorado River at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, almost died, had to be rescued * Moved to Fort Wayne to be involved at Soul Trip * Got a random job at the airport * For three years flew all over the world, sometimes for 24 hrs (England, Australia, Europe, Brazil w/ future boss, etc..) * Met a girl (Sarah) * Dated that girl * Ben got married to Becky in the desert * Got engaged * Bought a house * Got married * Honeymoon at Las Bugambilias in Oaxaca * Quit airport * Got random job at environmental consulting firm * Got a dog (June) * Steve got married to Shea * Went to New York to see Andrew * Stood in line at Beard Papa's for cream puffs * It was worth it * Got another dog (Pete) * Grandpa Fritz died * Caleb's Born to Jeff and Steph *Went to Japan * Sarah pregnant * Eden's born to Jeff and Steph * Grace is born to Jacob and Abigail * Went to game five of the AL Championship with Jeff * $150 blew across a parking lot and landed at my feet * Sort of looked for the owner * Not found * Money bought our tickets * Tigers bomb in the World Series * Greyson's born to Steve and Shea* Son (Cash) is born * Went to Tahoe * Steve flips jet-ski spilling gasoline all over the pristine lake * Polar bear swimming * Jackson is born to Ben and Becky * Next summer at Lexington * Start new chruch with friends * Sarah pregnant again* Jacob is born to Steve and Shea * Sophia is born is born to Jeff and Steph *Daughter (Story) is born .... a lot happened in the 2000's and the story continues in the 2010's
(much was left out: create your own concise history)

Best of 2009:
Music:
- Girls Album
- Wilco The Album
- Morrissey Years of Refusal
- The XX
- David Bazan Curse Your Branches

Books:
- Olive Kitteredge - Elizabeth Strout
- Downtown Owl - Chuck Klosterman
- American Salvage - Bonnie Jo Campbell
- Let the Great World Spin - Collum McCann

Random memories/thoughts:

1. Dave Ford taught me how to drive with your knees on the way home from a softball tournament in Lansing once.
2. When given the chance Gaines boys will always order cookie dough or brownie batter, and always order a large orange juice when at a restaurant for breakfast.
3. Few things consistently make me cry except these 1) Sports movies 2) Unexpected sports victories, and 3) Chesley Sullenberger

HAVE A GREAT NEW YEAR!!!!!

Ernie Harwell

2009-12-29T21:20:00.003-05:00

There's an excellent article on Ernie Harwell on ESPN.com.

"How do you say goodbye to a man who's been in your ear for your entire life? "

"It is said in Michigan that the sound of Harwell's voice makes men think of their fathers."

A few Christmas Photos

2009-12-26T16:45:00.002-05:00

Astoria. Greek Town. Detroit.

Cash and Story meet Santa Norm.

My favorite photo.

Story, disinterested and unlady-like on Christmas morning.

We had a great Christmas week. Wes had the week off, and we spent four days relaxing in Brighton. The boys went sledding, Bill tried his best to annoy me, we rode the People Mover, AND the kids met Santa! Even though Santa was accidentally called "Norm" numerous times throughout the visit, Cash never caught on and has been talking about it ever since. This may have been the first time Cash was rendered speechless. He kept pointing at the floor and making strange grunting noises. He did manage to tell Santa he wanted a tool (aka the toy jackhammer he's been coveting from Target).

We miss you and wish we could've spent the holidays together with all the kids running around. Hope you all had great, relaxing weeks.

18 touches, 1 strike

2009-12-16T22:35:00.002-05:00

been watching a lot of soccer lately. i even went to mexican league championship game here in mexico city: monterrey vs. cruz azul.

monterrey won in great fashion 2-1. i left the stadium drenched in beer.

this goal reminds me of why i love soccer - because it reminds me so much of hockey.

grey, watch and learn.

Miracle Coyote

2009-12-12T05:27:00.000-05:00

Meet the wiliest of all coyotes: Hit by a car at 75mph, embedded in the fender, road for 600 miles - and SURVIVED!
When a brother and sister struck a coyote at 75mph they assumed they had killed the animal and drove on.
They didn’t realize this was the toughest creature ever to survive a hit-and-run.
Eight hours, two fuel stops, and 600 miles later they found the wild animal embedded in their front fender - and very much alive.
Daniel and Tevyn East were driving at night along Interstate 80 near the Nevada-Utah border when they noticed a pack of coyotes near the roadside on October 12.
When one of the animals ran in front of the car, the impact sounded fatal so the siblings thought there no point in stopping.
‘Right off the bat, we knew it was bad,’ Daniel explained. ‘We thought the story was over.’
After the incident around 1am, they continued their 600 mile drive to North San Juan - even stopping for fuel at least twice.
But it was only when they finally reached their destination at 9am did they take time to examine what damage they may have sustained.
At first it looked as though it was going to be quite gruesome.
‘[Daniel] saw fur and the body inside the grill,’ Tevyn East said. ‘I was trying to keep some distance. Our assumption was it was part of the coyote - it didn’t register it was the whole animal.’
Daniel East got a broom to try and pry the remains out of the bumper and got the shock of his life.
‘It flinched,’ Tevyn East said. ‘It was a huge surprise - he got a little freaked out.’

Fin de en D.F.

2009-12-09T19:36:00.002-05:00

Some snaps from mom and dad's recent trip to México D.F.

1. Yaniv Bar Yosef brings his holiday decorations to class.
2. Family dinner in my casa.
3. Apprentice world traveler strikes pose at Museum of Anthropology.
4. Before climbing Pirámide del Sol.
5. On top of the 3rd largest pyramid in the world.

Was an amazing weekend and I don't think anyone out there has a greater thirst for Mexican history than Bill Gaines. Who's coming down next?

Órale!

First Snow!

2009-12-08T22:40:00.004-05:00

First snow in the Fort: 12/8/09 - Cash's reaction this morning was, "Perfect". Dude's been gearing up for this, and has plans for a snow fort, snowman, and snowballs tomorrow.

Don't Do It!!!

2009-12-08T14:13:00.002-05:00

Don't get rid of my Tiger, Dombrowski!!!

Little G turned three!

2009-12-02T13:17:00.001-05:00

Hey all Grey turned three yesterday, here are some pics form the 5 minute birthday party we had. He could careless about anything but the cake and ice cream. And a pic of Jake for good measure.

Story Lou!

2009-11-16T21:24:00.002-05:00

Here are a couple more pics of our little girl. She's already in the press (or blogosphere). A friend of ours out in Colorado told one of their friends about Story Lou, and that friend liked the name so much she wrote an ode to... A Girl Named Story I thought it was really beautiful.

Posted using ShareThis

Story Louise Gaines

2009-11-13T02:47:00.004-05:00

Story Louise Gaines
Born November 12, 2009 10:45 pm
22 in. 8lbs 8oz

Happy Birthday Ben

2009-11-11T23:43:00.005-05:00

Happy Birthday Ben. We love you!!! This is the story of Ben's birthday cake...1. Jackson helping me make Ben's cake (he kept saying "MMMMM" 2. The finished cake 3. Enjoying the cake with Daddy 4. While we were cleaning up Jackson opened the dishwasher, got out a spatula and went over to where the cake was to try to get some more 5. Hey, if he is that creative he deserves a little more cake!!!

We may not be having a baby, but we're not bored. . .

2009-11-09T14:19:00.001-05:00

Taken from our porch this morning at 9am.

(Cash is holding a little matchbox tow truck that he wanted to show the tower guy). Never a dull moment, I guess!

amazing

2009-11-04T17:51:00.004-05:00

Hey fam,

Steve posted this video on facebook a couple weeks ago. I just watched it with Caleb and E and wanted to pass it on to you guys. Gras, Steve. Beautiful song. Here is the URL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zf7t3P9ISrE

You have to see this!

2009-10-23T21:09:00.002-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLGLBVSpBzY
Oh man, this is just too funny and wrong. Copy/paste

A glimpse to the future..

2009-10-23T18:18:00.003-04:00

Greyson when he is a teenager.

Pictures from China

2009-10-19T13:00:00.008-04:00

Go Dodgers!

2009-10-11T11:23:00.001-04:00

Been following tons of sports since living in a different country.

Bummer that Fourthier couldn't pull it off yesterday.

But Dodger's won and Mexico won.

Well, try as they may...

2009-10-03T22:35:00.002-04:00

Hats off to the Spartans who tried REALLY hard to blow a 14 point lead at home with less that 5 minutes remaining but manned up to pull it off in OT. Just when we all expected them to do the typical Spartan thing, they went all Y.E. Yang and punched the big bro in the mouth with a nice game winning run. Yes, I know bragging rights for another year, but you gotta fear the freshman phenom from the 619 who seems to have ice in his veins and thrives under pressure. The Spartans played desperate and were the better team today so for that I give them props.

Now let's throw our differences aside, pull together and hope Verlander can stop the bleeding and at least get them into the 1 game playoff with the Twins.

Heal the World

2009-09-23T19:13:00.003-04:00

heal the world (2nd grade) from andrew gaines on Vimeo.

Here's my class singing a Michael Jackson song. They're all such fans - can't wait to see the Halloween costumes.

UPDATE: new, behind the music version available here.

GLORY!!!

2009-09-17T22:23:00.005-04:00

Only fitting that the Tin Caps in their inaugural season brought the franchise's first Midwest League Championship to the #1 Minor League Sports City (Fort Wayne). After a 9th inning game-winning blast in the decisive game 3 roasted the Loons (apologies to Steve), the Caps swept the Burlington Bees tonight to take the Championship. The incredible new downtown stadium + a no hitter + 101 wins + Championship = Dream Season. Luggies and Loons, I've been to the Promiseland, there is such a thing as Glory!!

estoy aqui

2009-09-15T15:06:00.002-04:00

gaines.andrew@gmail.com or 5511-2972 - you'll figure it out.

my students are really small and i encourage them to only speak in english with me in the classroom.

i'm sure we can work something out.

i'm big into video chat these days.

feliz dia de independencia!

Andres! que paso!

2009-09-15T14:39:00.002-04:00

Yo Ange, I wanna see if you want to join our classes together for a intercambio cultural this year, compa? How do I get in touch with you. I tried email.......let me know

jlampi@pcs.k12.mi.us

517 214-6211

facebook?

Como es DF??????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This just in!!!! Central's got game!

2009-09-12T15:34:00.004-04:00

My boys from mt. pleasant made me and thousands of other Chippewas proud today. Way to go fellas. It was just last week I was in Mt. P enjoying a coffee at the U Cup. Who knew a week later we would be taking it to the Sparty's. Fire Up Chips!!!!!

PREDICTION SATURDAY!

2009-09-12T07:42:00.005-04:00

Alright, so I thought I would throw this out here for anyone who wants to chime in with their 2 cents (Or in Bill's case, 1 cent) about the games this weekend. Here are the 3 games on tap; let's see who comes the closest:

MSU vs Central 12:00

UM vs ND 3:30

OSU vs USC

Jeff's picks:

MSU 37 Central 18

(Le"fever"e in Greek the word "preyto" which means burning heat..and that's pretty much what the CMU QB be feeling with Greg Jones in his grill all day)

ND 42 UM 21

USC 41 OSU 17

GO STATE! And I hate to say it (not really), but Jimmy Clausen is going to bring the Wolverweenies back to earth.

Our Labor Day Weekend

2009-09-06T23:58:00.004-04:00

I have to admit, I was a little bummed to miss the Michigan Game yesterday, as we were down in Mexico. That quickly changed as Becky, Jackson and I headed South yesterday for a 2 day mini trip to the Village of Hope with John and his family, and a small group from LA. Jackson was not only a celebrity among the kids in the village, he also helped out as his little body could-carrying both clothes and shoes, during a huge outreach to the Oaxaccan Migrants. It was a good day. I am a proud dad!

BRING ON SPARTY

2009-09-06T09:56:00.002-04:00

From a true Maize and Blue fan!!

Sermon Prep Help

2009-09-03T20:14:00.003-04:00

Hey Everyone,

I know we have some poets and song writers and avid readers amongst us so I need to enlist you for some help as I prepare a teaching to begin our 12 weeks series on the Psalms this Sunday. I'm going to begin with a little intro on poetry and prayer which is what the Psalms essentially are. I want to talk about how poetry is the language of the soul and that it gives expression to longings and feelings that simple prose cannot get at. I want to give some examples of this by referring to some great lines of poetry that express passion, and depth, and bring out the beauty of the ordinary. So if have any favorites and could post them as comments, I'd be much obliged and you may make it into this Sunday's message. So essentially rather than saying, "It was a beautiful sunset" how would the poet say that in a way that makes you feel like you were sitting there watching it with him or her? Okay, hope that makes sense. Please help!

You should see the other guy!

2009-08-31T15:46:00.003-04:00

So we had our first major wipe out. Tooth thru the entire lip and face. Ouch. He is using it for popsicles all night. No worries, he's good.

Sophia Elaine Lampi 8/26/09

2009-08-27T22:50:00.005-04:00

Born at 6:14 am Wednesday morning, Sophia came into the world, all 7 lbs. and 20 inches long and a monster head of jet black hair. And I can't leave out that adorable Greek nose after her Papou. We think as of right now she looks most like what Eden did at birth. Steph worked so hard and we were blessed by two amazing friends to help coach in DR. Jami and Meg. Caleb and Eden are so excited too -Caleb's already been helping with bath and diaper duties; however, Eden is taking it slow - "I don't want to squish her, Daddy." Thanks to my parents and mom-in-law for being such a support and for all of you who said a prayer for a healthy labor and delivery. It's going to take me a while to find words to express how I feel about God's gift of grace to our family.

A few quick cute moments to share:

At the house, while we were in hospital, Eden turned to my mom and said, "We're going to see the baby today, and you know what? Papou will be there." Turns out the little girl has a few of his features.

Also after I exclaimed about having a girl, the doctor who delivered her turned to me and says, "My condolences."

Caleb, concerning the umbilical chord remains, says, "Mom, I'll be really happy when that things falls off."

worst worship ever?

2009-08-25T20:24:00.001-04:00

This one's good. I love imonk's comment, if I ever become Catholic it will be from watching this video too many times!

We were looking through our old videos and....

2009-08-17T20:40:00.004-04:00

....Steph, the boys and I came across two crazy-skilled, sick-gifted DADS who've temporarily traded in their pics for pacifiers and their sticks for thomas the tank engine and took the HIGH road. What could have been for these boys of summer - if they were a band right now we'd call them "IDLE TALENT" (reference to "talent" put "on hold" for a greater purpose)....for now..... This is a bootleg performance from our deck 2 summers ago. John Mayer and SRV EAT YOUR HEART OUT!!! Listen to these chops, and as if it couldn't get any better.....BAM - Skins!

And one of them just scored a new Fender Strat. And trust me, I've had a moment in that "STRAT-OSPHERE."

jacob stephen lampi (back on top)

2009-08-12T14:35:00.000-04:00

Number 7 is here. The Gaines Lampi family grows. Jacob is 8 lbs, 11 ounces and 20 inches long. Jake you've been an amazing example of Christ to me and so many others, so I pray he follows in your steps as well as the rest of our family. Love ya'll. Can't wait for more to come.

update from amg

2009-08-12T14:26:00.003-04:00

updating because i think only 2 of you can say with confidence where i am right now. los angeles. tell me if you got that one right. since finishing school on june 19 made it back to b-town, then detroit, london, brussels, copenhagen, sweden, london again, los angeles, up to sonoma county coastilne and i'm back for about a month before i take off to mexico city to finish my M. Ed.. hopefully sneak in a trip to K.C. inbetwixt. if you ever want me to call you again i suggest you give me a ring because i lost your numbers in copenhagen. thus far i only have wes' and the obvious ones.

Jacob Stephen Lampi

2009-08-11T18:12:00.002-04:00

Big House Big Heart

2009-08-03T23:44:00.002-04:00

Is anybody with me? A 5k or 10k race that ends on the 50 yard line of the Big House! Come on Sparty, man up for this one. You know you want to. Its October 10th, I just need someone to hand me the football when I come through that tunnel!!

ESPN GETS KLUCKED!

2009-07-30T22:40:00.005-04:00

HOLY CRAP. So, some of you know about my friend, Ted Kluck, who I met at our church. So like, you have to check out this link and read a "letter to the editor" in Christianity Today takin on ESPN likes it's nobody's business. It's awesome and so Ted to write it, being a serious sports nut and geek, and really smooth with verbiage. I think you will appreciate the smack in the face he gives to corporate pimps.

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2009/julyweb-only/130-21.0.html?start=1

P.S. The awesome pic is Ted signing some autographs for some of his semi-pro fans...priceless

new summer read

2009-07-28T06:30:00.003-04:00

Hey fam,

Just wanted to pass on and recommend a new read for my 2 families - who've been rooted, raised and established in the church our entire lives. This day in age there is a stigma towards the church in our culture - towards organized religion - I see in amongst my high school students. I am starting to read it; it's well-balanced and just a solid read. Check it out on amazon for $9.00. Much love.

And praying that all the babies come soon, healthy- adoptions and deliveries!

Jeff xo

You couldn't make this stuff up.

2009-07-17T08:27:00.002-04:00

Our zoo's African Safari just reopened after a few years of renovation. It's pretty sweet. The glass around the exhibits don't have visible frames, so it looks like the animals are uncaged. The other night, we turned the corner to see a hyena against the glass, and Wes jolted because he thought it was loose!

And while Jeff will swear we somehow "ordained" the naming of these two lions, you can be sure it's mere coincidence.

Winston Churchill Quotation

2009-07-16T15:45:00.001-04:00

We contend that for a nation to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle. - Winston Churchill

middle ground

2009-07-13T22:49:00.003-04:00

To counter my blast on Palin, here (link) is a good argument based on the Pope's latest encyclical that the way forward is not by rigidly aligning ourselves behind a party or a leader but by aligning ourselves with the Kingdom of God, "our present political alignments are not the only ones imaginable... truth may not be served by perfect ideological conformity". Should Christians worry about government redistributing wealth? Probably not. But at the same time we should emphasize the importance of a decentralized government. great article, and the Pope usually has a lot of insightful things to say too!

bye bye

2009-07-12T22:42:00.003-04:00

not trying to stoke the political coals again, but Peggy Noonan's article in the WSJ this weekend offered the best reasons why the Palins need to retire to Wasilla for good, "she is the most careless sower of discord since George W. Bush." (read article). The Republicans need to pay more attention to the thoughtful voices in their party like Peggy Noonan and less to the usual hot air balloons (e.g. limbaugh, hannity, beck, etc. blah blah blah)

Bored in the morning? Make a video!

2009-07-02T10:00:00.004-04:00

Cash is a big fan of Ernie's "Dance Myself to Sleep" song, so it gets sung quite a bit around here. Here's a video of his latest way to dance to this song. Who knows. Plus, there's a bit of funny toddler talk at the end.