Are You Ready For Some Big 10 Football?

Well, another Big 10 season is upon us and so I thought I'd ask for some predictions. I've been amazingly accurate at picking Wolverine wins and losses the past 5 years (ask Ben Brus), so I thought I'd involve the rest of you. Go ahead and blog your predicted outcomes for both the Wolverines and Spartans. Some questions to ponder... Can you spell Lloyd without two or more L's? Will they tank an early season road game in the 4th? By what week will dad turn the game off in disgust to go bag leaves and the season? Will the Spartys be all hype for the first 5 weeks and then fade like a Gary Gentry driver? Is it the Spartans year to steal one in AA? Will Mike Hart stay healty? Will the Wolverines K.O. Drew Stanton by halftime?

UM
Sept. 2, 2006 Vanderbilt
Sept. 9, 2006 Central Michigan
Sept. 16, 2006 at Notre Dame
Sept. 23, 2006 Wisconson
Sept. 30, 2006 at Minnesota
Oct. 7, 2006 Michigan State
Oct. 14, 2006 at Penn State
Oct. 21, 2006 Iowa
Oct. 28, 2006 Northwestern
Nov. 4, 2006 Ball State
Nov. 11, 2006 at Indiana
Nov. 18, 2006 at Ohio State

MSU
Sept 2 Idaho
Sept 9 Eastern Michigan
Sept 16 at Pittsburgh
September 23 Notre Dame
September 30 Illinois
October 7 at Michigan
October 14 Ohio State
October 21 at Northwestern
October 28 at Indiana
November 4 Purdue
November 11 Minnesota
November 18 at Penn State

19-12 Brighton wins

pinckney left reeling...

AHOY MATIE!!!

YOU WON'T BELIEVE IT!!! THE PINCKNEY PIRATES WON THEIR FIRST GAME IN A YEAR (since going 0-11 last year) AGANST SALEM last FRIDAY... 40-13!!!

Norm Lampi said, "I think those kids knew that they were a couple plays away from winning some games last year...and they BELIEVE."

I don't want to speak too soon, but Brighton is the next test this weekend. They are coming off a waxing from Rockford (40-7ish) I think...and well...angry they will be...but again...saddened by a Pirate Swashbuckling beating!

***By the way...WESLY WAY TO GO!!! Setting up a Fantasy Football League!!! That's my boy! Check your e-mails everyone!

The Newest Gaines Member

This is Brenda, our new bulldog! We brought her home on Tuesday Night! She has already met her cousin Harley (who demonstrated the maturity of a great older cousin). We can't wait for you all to meet her!

A few pics from Maui

Bec and I returned from Maui last Saturday. We had an amazing time, checking out the various sites, relaxing and getting ready for the school year to begin. This is a beautiful part of the world that we recommend going to visit!! We have more pics to show when you come visit!
Ben and Bec

"Something unforgettable, but in the end it's right, I hope you has the time of your life."

All I have to say is T-H-O-M-A-S was larger than life! We hit up Flint's finest Huckleberry Railroad and met the Blue Monster my son adores and we have stock in. Y'all should have seen Caleb's eyes!!! 40 minute ride with Thomas, getting freaked-out by thethe railroad boss mascot "Sir Thopham Hatt" (see pic), coloring and playing with hundreds of train hungry toddlers = $60.....having our son solo for the day and seeing his reaction upon his first glimpse at the Brit Pop Star, Thomas...pricless!!!

Tigers Win!

is this the way to the bandwagon?, originally uploaded by andrewgaines.

one more, please

one more, please, originally uploaded by andrewgaines.

What a fun night in Detroit City!

We went to Fishbone's for dinner, we strolled the revived streets of Detroit, and we were privvy to see the league leading Tigers defeat the Texas Rangers, 4-2.

Best of all, I won the 'Tiger Care' award for being the designated driver on the way home.

Go Tigers!

Update from Maui

Bec and I arrived on Maui last friday night after 3 flights, 8hours in the air and long lines due to security. We stayed the first two nights near the airport and drove the road to Hana and also visited Lahaina in our convertable..pretty wild. On Sunday, we came to Wailea, on the western shore of Maui, were we have been staying. It is amazing, so beautiful and peaceful. We are having a good time resting and enjoying each other's company. I will post some more pictures when we get home. Aloha!

Good Boy Sonny

A man and his horse.

refleciones

Twas an epic weekend with everyone. The Baby-Bash lived up to all the hype (minus the Jake v. Steve showdown in the pool). Jake an Ab cashed in w/ a load of cute clothes and accessories, Steve made it two for two in the "Lampis walking through a screen door at parties" category, and also showed us a thing or two on the futbol field. Thanks to Jeff & Steph for hosting!

Another highlight had to be Caleb strutting out in his new soccer cleats...priceless.

Any other highlights or pics?

Finally, Sarah and I capped the weekend off by going to Tom and Paula's on sunday. I took Sonny out on a ride with Tom. Let's just say its been a while since I've been on a horse. Everything was going great until we went back in the woods behind their house and Sonny decided it had been a while since he had sprinted through the forest! Before I knew it I had completed by first jump as Sonny leapt over a fallen tree and then gave me a good buck. White knuckles all the way, I don't know how I stayed on that horse but I guess I earned my spurs and might have found my new calling as a rodeo star. We all gotta go out ther next time, its a blast. Peace, love you all.

bell sighting

check out what Rob Bell (friend or foe) did this summer (link). A couple of our friends went to the Indaianoplis tour date and said it was pretty incredible. I gotta admit I've been listening to his sermons on line and find myself saying amen a lot.

Leg one...check

As most of you all know, Becky and I have set out on a most excellent adventure, covering more that 10,000 miles to Brighton, Seattle and Maui. We had an great time in Michigan with Nana and Papa, they are great hosts. We were glad to get to see Jeff and Steph, Caleb and Eden on Thursday, Steve and Shae on Saturday in the Myuth and Wes and Sarah in beautiful, historic Marshall, Michigan. We enjoyed relaxing, cooking, eating and Meijers. As of Yesterday, we boarded a 4 hour 8min. flight to Seattle, were we will visit with Becky's family. We made history in that as of 7am we were passing the beautiful Mt.Brighton, and in the same day, had a beautiful view of Mt. Rainer. While we are in the great Northwest, we will take in the breathtaking views and get prepared for our next venture. Check back for the next update...SEATTLE.

grad-u-ated

just a little blog to give props to Sarah who finished her college (undergrad) career this past weekend. as has come to be expected, she finished strong with two more A's in two challenging classes (pre-calc and journalism), and dispelled the stereotype that English majors go on to work at DQ by already getting offered a job freelancing for a local publication. Grand total if any one is counting was 38 A's and 1 B (pottery for non-majors). we're hunting that pottery guy down as I write... ha ha ha. Way to go Sarah, and welcome to the REAL WORLD.

Here's a photo of us reeling around the fountain in Marshall, MI. Good to see those jet-setters (B&B) for a little while before they're off to the next destination. What you can't see in this pic is that half of Dad's shirt is soaking in the fountain behind him. Made for a good time. Ah, memories.

Thanks for all the shout outs on my B-day, 28 feels good! Sarah hit one out of the park by getting me tickets to see Bob Dylan. He's coming to the Fort in a few weeks, less than a mile from our house. I'm pumped. Thats's all, looking forward to Cali part deux this weekend. till then...peace

J & A Get R & R in Lake Tahoe

Check out the Baby Gaines Blog for a full write up and photos of our Tahoe getaway the past few days. It was spectacular to say the least. We must get the whole Gaines-Lampi clan here for a 3-4 days sometime in the near future. Steve, you kept me up and praising as we drove late into the night on Tuesday with your CD pumping. And Wes, "Great is the Lord" became my Tahoe anthem as I drove to the cabin Wednesday morning watching the sun rise on the snow capped mountains. I put it on replay and listened about 3 times. This week Lake Tahoe...next week Bishop!

This is a photo of the lot where Abigail and I decided we want to retire...err...refire someday. It's 2 streets up from the present cabin and sits at the base of Mt. Tallac. Not for sale...yet.

A photo blog of Wes's 27th year

greeting our friend mark at the bus station and posing with the sunflowers in summer


japan and birmingham in the fall


merry christmas and a yahtzee! during winter

heart in motion with recording in the spring

happy birthday, wesley! cheers to another great year.

Feliz Cumple!

george_brett, originally uploaded by andrewgaines.

Happy Birthday Wesser!

Print this photo off. It's gotta be worth about 150 bucks.

You turned that adolescent 'you get the keys' attitude around into something special. I love it!

You're a tru bro. I'll see you soon.

andy

thank you

Steph and I don't have the words to express how BLESSED we are to have friends and family across the country that would PRAY WITHOUT CEASING for our lil' guy. It's been two weeks now and he is doing great. Just look at this stellar smile! I really can't say much more. It was one of our scariest moments ever; yet within that context of the unknown and fear, you feel this enormous LOVE from "the praying saints." I realize that there will be times when all of us will hold our breath and surrender our hearts to the Holy One for our children (there will be 5 in our posse by the end of 2006!!!). I am just so thankful for how CLOSE (despite physical mileage) is our COMMUNITY. LOVE YOU GUYS. SEE YA SOON.

A new stage in Life for the Lampi's from Mt. Pleasant

Yesterday had to have been one of my favorite days this year. we had the whole family (stelter-lampi) in the beautiful Mountain that is known as Pleasant. At 10:00am the family was sitting front row at the final His House service for Steve. The music played the preacher spoke about our calling to be missionaries wherever we are (Always a good sermon) while also saying " How much fun can it be to go to a dome and hit golf balls." Ooops, he obviously forgot my father in law was there. I leaned in and told dad stelter, it's alright I like it too. he smiled and shrugged off the comment like the rock he is. By the way, his brother won a thirty thousand dollar car for hitting a whole in one at the Saginaw Country Club invitational two days ago. Yes, all Stelters are amazing golfers/Legends in Saginaw. I am proud to carry the tradition on with my 37 handicap. Anyway, back to church. As the last song played i could see a faint red dot in the back and a hand in the air videotaping the song. Guess Who? You got it, Jeff. He's always there to catch those unforgettable moments. Anyway, we celebrated Jen's brthday and hung out. We played some home run derby and ate some great cake. i finished the day by myself on the golf course in the late evening shooting out nine. That is my getaway, my sanctuary, just me and the ball working together (usually me working it far right off the tee and way over the green on my approach). As I walked the beautiful riverwood alongside the chippewa, i wished ya'll were there. i actually called ben, but no answer. Well, the sun set and as I drove my last shot down the fairway toward the big orange Sun fading into pink clouds, an end came to another chapter in life and a new began. I have a baby on the way, a new job, and I hit the ball in the middle of the fairway. Things seem to be looking up, hopefully the same won't be said for the golf score soon.

See you in East lansing Soon.

THE ADVENTURES OF FUTURE-DAD

Up to this point my role in this pregnancy has been pretty low-key, fix a meal here and there, bring the fan downstairs, give a back-rub, all tasks I can handle. As is in every pregnancy the woman (Sarah) is left to handle all of these rapid changes occurring daily to her body, while I'm usually left to observe and offer what little help I can. Well today I got called up to the majors! It is a beautiful summer day in the Fort, not too hot, a mixture of sun and clouds. We were attending the wedding of one our friends at a park close to our house, a perfect day for an outdoor wedding. The ceremony was beautiful, just a handful of close friends and family attended. After the ceremony a lunch was being served in a pavilion on the other side of the park. So Sarah and I and the rest of the wedding guests started walking over toward the pavilion. About 200 yards into our walk I got the first warning sign, Sarah gives the "I don't feel good, I need to eat now" signal. A couple steps later I get the "oh I need to sit down, I can't see anything". Heeding these two crys for help but still believing she can make it to the pavilion, I grab her hand and continue on. About five "drunken" steps later, I realize that I am now the only thing holding Sarah up. My time had arrived, I got the call and went to work! As the rest of the wedding guests and wedding party continued walking, I softly lowered my now fainted wife in the grass, so as not to distract from the wedding procession. Immediately I was joined with a member of the Smith family reunion who were celebrating nearby, we got her some water, and less than a minute later she was resting in the shade. The rest of the wedding guests became alerted as to what happened, but so as not to embarrass my wife I told them "Go, on. I got this under control". Later as we left the wedding, Sarah feeling much better, exclaimed to the bride and groom, "thanks for inviting us, sorry i fainted at your wedding". There you have it. Men, you just never know when you might be called into action. Be ready.

Progress

Here's a little progress report from the fort. The above is Sarah at 19 weeks. She feels better but the combination of hot humid weather, work, school, carrying a baby etc...is wearing her out. In the words of her gramps, "you gotta give it to her, she's strong".

We're looking forward to the "west coast invasion" this august. I'll make an offer that anyone who wants to catch a Tigers game while they're out, I'm there. Surprise, surprise I got TIGER FEVER. Sarah's grandpa (a lifelong Tigers fan) and I watched the game last night against the White Sox, and when Craig Monroe hit that Grand Slam I nearly had another Mickelson moment (those unpredictable tear ducts). As I told Andrew, the Sox are the new Avalanche and Pierzynski is the new Claude Lemieux.

Our trip to Missouri over the 4th was memorable. Here are the highlights:

Jolene: "Eddie would just as soon slit a cow's throat and eat it right there."
Eddie's response: "I guarantee I would, it'd still be warm!"

Gramie to cafeteria workers: "This my son, grandson, and their wives...they're Yankees, I'm not." (turns around and walks away)

Honorable mention is Uncle Kurt explaining to Gramie the difference between "lucky" and "blessed"
Gramie's reponse: "what-eva!"

See y'all soon. Lots of love from the fort, and continued blessing and protection to Abigail, Sarah, and Shea.

Friend in Lebanon

someone we know from our local coffeshop (who moved to D.C. last year to attend American University) was featured in our paper b/c she's been in Lebanon studying for the summer. Here's a link to the article and a link to her blog--if you don't mind a swear word or two:). it's interesting to read a young person's perspective on all that's going on.

Dov on Charlie Rose

American Apparel founder/owner, Dov Charney, was on Charie Rose Friday night.

It was a very thoughtful and telling interview and I think you should check it out:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8906053411802681740

Dov's the second guest, so you might want to fast-forward it to the middle.

Covina Vineyard Serve Week 2006

Well, the Covina Vineyard successfully pulled off our 3rd annual serve week with quite a bang at the finish line. We've been doing projects all week in the community including our standard thousands of cold water giveaways in traffic, which was nice seeing that we've been in triple digits all week. But yesterday we broke new ground. We tried to come up with something big and practical this year to meet a need. With the now record price of gasoline we came up with the idea of giving away free gas. So, our relatively small church gave $5000 to this endeavor and yesterday we took over 2 gas stations and gave each car that showed up $10 of free gas. It was a smash hit with traffic backups and all. We gave away nearly all the dinero in about 2 hours and then gave the gas station employees $50 gift cards to Chili's. What was really cool was seeing our people all over the gas station praying with people as they filled their tanks. The reception was amazing and the papers showed up to cover the event. There was a front page picture and then a huge article inside which you can check out here.

Arturo

Arturo, originally uploaded by andrewgaines.

Quite simply the best American Apparel ad I've seen.
I don't know if you'll be able to read the print but Arturo is an employee at American Apparel and a former police officer and Lucha Wrestler in Mexico. And an all around good guy.

Watch this video of him also that Ben helped translate: http://www.americanapparel.net/gallery/galleryThoughts.html

NASA nerd

I don't know why but I've been fascinated with the Discovery mission, you gotta check out the videos on the NASA website. Man! why didn't I join young astronauts!
Jake, maybe can get us into space camp next time we're out.

28 on 28

Just want to wish "Happy Birthday" to my wonderful greek goddess wife, Stephanie Merrily Lampi. 28 years of Bliss and 28 years more...and then some of course. It's your "GOLDEN!!!!" day.

Today I woke up and turned to her and said this: "Stephanie, .....you had me at hello........you complete me..." So original.

Had to share these

Welcome to "Eden's Garden" says the little turtle in the middle (clic on pic and you can tell). Just tomatoes growing now, totally fair trade (Wes and Sarsh are giving Eden double min wage for the organic veggies. ThanksThis little dude was caught streaking during Mexico-Argentina game. He was upset about a lousy call and saddened about the loss (even has his hand on his heart). Uncle Steve made him do it And for Wes and those now cheering for the RedCoats of England, in honor of the sweetest pentalty/free kicker in the world (and Steph's guilty pleasure jk) DAVID BECKHAM...hence the phat hair. Ok, so he's hot.

So, since the GLposse has seemed to be stricken with World Cup fever, I had to post some pics of the little dudes. + Eden's new tomatoe garden

the eagle has landed . . .

Yes, folks, it's here . . . all 12 songs of it in stylish digicover packaging!






Wes picked our shipment up from church yesterday and arrived home with a big grin on his face--the sweat band came later (i blame andrew for that one). The cd looks great. Pretty soon you can go to wes's very own website, but for now it reroutes you to the church's record label site. Soon you might even catch this "modern rocker" on Itunes. Three cheers for Wes!

Eden

Hey everyone, eher it is. eden's first day. It was quite a day. Much fun was had by all, ecspecially the kids.

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to all the wonderful fathers (and fathers-to-be) in our family! You are certainly some of the greatest men out there!

Visit my Dream House

CLICK

B H S
who ya rootin for
B H S
Good Luck to Mark and the Bulldogs!!

Mythbusters

Sorry Steve, but I had to post this. I did a little google search and look what I found. READ

South Central Farm

It's sad what's going on with the South Central Farm. If you haven't been following the story or have never heard of the South Central Farm this article that my friend Jacob wrote gives a brief overview. article

I went down there Tuesday after the farmers were evicted to see what was going on and I was met by a brigade of LAPD officers in riot gear. I eventually found a place where people had gathered accross the street from the farm and caught a glimpse of the struggle that the farmers and community members have been locked in for years.

The community has been farming here for over 10 years, growing food and running a foodbank that fed an estimated 350 families. When the farmers were forced out by the landowner (who bought it from the city for $5M unbeknownst to the farmers) the community organized and raised $16M to buy it back from the landowner who denied the offer because it came a few weeks after his deadline.

The farm has now been bulldozed and destroyed and plans are set to constuct a warehouse on the existing land. South Central remains as one of the poorest neighborhoods in LA with 1 in 4 children going hungry.

Oops!

JJ Redick arrested!

Hello Third Round.

Viva Mexico

Well Mexico is off to a great start. they ae truy the only team that impressed me besides the butt woopin the Chech put on us. U.S. must now win out. Mexico needs to win one or tie both to move on. Go Mexico!!!!!

short film #1

hey i'm trying this out, you can post videos to the blog directly using youtube, try it out. Sarah and I went and saw Robert Altman's movie A Prairie Home Companion last night and it inspired me to finish my first short film showing some scenes of life in indiana. maybe louise (or dad) can translate the song. I'm sure it has something to do with hoosierland. enjoy

Pete's got some CUP FEVER!! I woke up this morning and he had his Netherlands Orange on. He's picking the Dutch all the way!

copa loca

copa loca, originally uploaded by andrewgaines.

I must admit that I'm a little bit cup crazy. Like back in '94 when the cup came to the USA and I was inspired enough to make a Jordan-esque comeback and play another season of U-14 Community ED fall soccer. Jon Saunders had all the cool soccer jerseys, Chris Myers would do dribbling drills in the front yard, Tony Meola in goal, Coby Jones where did you go??

I think it's funny how nobdy in the USA really pays any attention to soccer, but once the World Cup comes around everybody and their mother's got Cup fever. That seems so very American, but I'm into it. That's what the Cup does to you and I love it.

Today I got into work and saw that the Germany - Costa Rica game was at halftime with Germany leading 2-1. So, I jumped back on my bike and rode back home to catch the 2nd half. Cup Crazy.

And then I grabbed my Mexican flag and headed back to the factory with the flag draped over my back like a cape. I gave a tour of the factory to a group of students whilst wearing my Mexican flag cape locking in life long friendships with thousands of Mexican-Americans who work here. Cup Crazy.

I'm going with my gut and picking Portugal to win it all but if the US wins I'm flying over to Germany to celebrate. Becks and Wiener Schnitzel for everyone! Cup Crazy.

are you ready for some futbol?

Is anyone going to watch the World Cup? Any predictions? Here are mine

USA will make it through the First Round and that's about it.
England will win their first Cup since the 60s
Steve will once again be inspired by the cup and will find a new career in the MLS!

Fort Wayne's own DaMarcus Beasley is on the team again, he's amazing. I've heard a couple of my friends pulling the old, "yeah, i played against him"

Anyways check this video out! I used to be able to do something like back when I was playing for Karen Luck (sorry Jeff)

Mas fotografias

Hey, if you're wondering how the "Big Brother" episode is going and other baby Lampi news...tune into www.calebhotspot.blogspot.com for updates. We'll be posting there, and may be once in a while here. Love from EL.

jefe

Burrito Baby

These will be the last pics from the hospital. When we have T-I-M-E, we'll be posting our 2 boyz on caleb's hotspot. Just some kodaks for the West Coast, Fort, B-town gang. Love ya'll.