Bowl Standings

A Message From Jeff:

Let the peeps know that after 17 games.....the fabulous Sarah Jane was looking like she had the lead going into today...beautiful.....but Tex Tech had the greatest bowl comeback ever and now sitting at the top is Bill an dhis nemesis....the bookie at 12-5. Wes made a STELLAR comeback last night to get back into the race at 10-7, winning 6 of 7 (tied with 3rd), Sarah sitting pretty in second alone, and Shea and Steph looking
like they need a bit of life. Steve-o, was once 7-1, but after a streak of 6, has become 9-8. Watch out for Jake, a quiet yet cunning 10-7. Could Doc gain ground with his alma mater NAVY beating Boston College tonight???? The game tonight that will seperate a bit...Georgia vs. Va Tech. It will be Bill or Jeff on top when we hit the bed. Other key games....PSU vs. Tenn, Neb vs. Aub., and West Va vs. Georgia Tech.......all with very diversely chosen. Jeff's USC pick could bury him......Norm and Sarah' ND over LSU pick could bring them life and future cash (and I'm not talking the new BABE) ....a gutsy risk. The race really begins right now, as do the real games....Folks...you've heard the phrase,"Drive for show, putt for dough." Well, now is where you bring out the putters. Who will be the next TIGER of the G-L bowl series........

Your friendly bookie
Ben Gaines: Your picks left out the first 7 games? Call me...we can
talk....over some green.

Best of 2006

Music

1. Johnny Cash – American V (A Hundred Highways)
2. Bob Dylan – Modern Times
3. Sparklehorse – Dreamt for Light Years in the Belly of a Mountain
4. Band of Horses – Everything All the Time
5. Cat Power – The Greatest
6. Morrissey – Ringleader of the Tormentors
7. Belle and Sebastian – The Life Pursuit
8. Jenny Lewis – Rabbit Fur Coat
9. Gnarls Barkley – St. Elsewhere
10. Sun Kil Moon – Tiny Cities

Johnny Cash was an authentic, original, and honest person and this is really obvious when you listen to his last recordings on “A Hundred Highways”. The more I listen to this album its clear that these qualities are not often found in most modern musicians. The first track Help Me is as fragile a song as I’ve ever heard. I just read a great tribute article about him that highlights some of the characteristics that led us to name our son after him.

Best Books I read:

Simply Christian – N.T. Wright This book has been called the Mere Christianity of today. I recommend that everyone read it. Excellent.

The Way of Ignorance – Wendell Berry I’m convinced that if there are prophets today like Isaiah, Amos, or Hosea, then Wendell Berry is one of them.

The Brothers K – James Duncan A must read for anyone who grew up in a family of four boys who loved playing baseball. Andrew has my copy if anyone’s interested.

Best Movies I saw:

A Prairie Home Companion Robert Altman’s last movie ironically deals with coming to terms with death. I’ve liked every Altman movie I’ve seen so far. His style is so different than any other filmmaker’s.

An Inconvenient Truth The plot of this documentary is that Al Gore is awesome and we would have all been better off if we had listened to him, the sub-plot is that global warming is a serious issue that we should pay attention to. Anyways it was very interesting and worth watching.

Sports:

Was there any other sports story this year that compared to the Detroit Tigers? I still get the warm fuzzies when I think of Rogers torching the Yankees lineup or Magglio’s blast to put us in the World Series. Rooting for the Tigers is fun again. Here’s to you Jim Leyland!!

You Tube: 2006 was the year of youtube. Here are my top five web videos.

1. Home shopping mishap
2. Boom goes the dynamite
3. Pastor Mishap
4. Prison Mike – The Office
5. Skateboarding Bulldog - Ben, Becky you gotta make that happen!!

What a year 2006 was!! Here’s to Eden, Grace, Greyson, and Cash. I have this vision of us all moving to Brighton in 11 years. Norm comes out of retirement to coach the Maltby Bullpups one last season. Grace breaks the gender barrier and plays point guard. Greyson is dominating in the paint, Cash is jabbering at the referee, Eden is entertaining the crowd with his gunslinging after a basket, and Caleb is in the stands mackin the ladies!! Oh yeah. I predict two new additions to the Gaines-Lampi clan in 2007 who will it be????jk

Wes

FOR UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

BCC Christmas Eve Service Quiz

This quiz is only for those who DID NOT attend the 2006 BCC Christmas Eve service. The winner will be announced at the end of this blog on Wednesday.

1. Who sang special music #1?

A) Sandy and the BCC Choir
B) Wes and Cash
C) Matthew's family
D) Dan Suminski

2. Who read this years Christmas Story to the children?

A) Dan and Christine O'berski (visiting from Fla.)
B) Randy and Angela Melanson
C) Nate Katono and Holly Jones
D) Jeff and Steve Lampi

3. Who sang Special Music #2 ?

A) Katie and Kesha
B) Matt & Amy Maiberger
C) Elizebeth Elliott and Megan Suminski
D) Dave and Jill Silver

4. Who gave the Christmas Eve Message?

A) Tom E. and Matt M. team preached
B) Dave Van Horn
C) Tom Elliott
D) John Elliott
E) Frtiz Schwass

Daddy and Grey havin fun on the Mac book

Photo 74
Originally uploaded by stevelamps.

As I suck my kid's face off, I realize I have never kissed someone so much in my life. He doesn't react so much though. No big smile yet or a "thank you." He more or less just sits there and looks at me like, "Dude, get away. I want some more milk. Then after that you can change my diaper." Love ya Grey!

CASH

Bonding with mom.

Cash, contemplating the meaning of life outside the womb.

The Gaines Family

A little video of our boy!! WATCH

We're home and loving being parents. We love our boy, Cash. You always hear about what its like when you become a dad or mom but, wow it is blowing us away how much love we have for our son, there is nothing like it! The long and short of the story Jeff mentioned probably has to do with me blacking out in the delivery room, incredible yes, Sarah endured over 24 hours of back labor, with contractions lasting up to 3 minutes in length and its me who almost passes out in the room as she is getting a much deserved epidural. I was supposed to be in front supporting her, but the next thing I knew I was literally seeing stars! The midwife took one look at me and knew what was going to happen, "Alright Wes, you're outta here!" So I waited in the hallway with my head between my knees sipping on Sprite recovering from my near collapse. I made it back into the room and redeemed myself during the big push. I'm a wimp, Sarah was awesome. We can't wait for the rest of our family to meet Cash.

William Cash Gaines

Welcome to the world, William CASH Gaines. 7lbs 10oz., 20 in. 10:54 am. Benny you were one minute early on your phone message! Cash and mom are doing awesome. More pics and videos to come!!!

Overtime

The route to the hospital is set, our bags are packed, the phone list is ready, the baby has dropped, but WE'RE in OVERTIME!! One more week of spicy food, long walks, and jumping jacks. Hopefully this baby comes this week. If not we go in next Tuesday to assess the situation. The baby did excellent on its first "physical" or "stress test". For some reason I pictured a stress test as Sarah on a treadmill that was steadily inclining Rocky IV style. I was wrong. We'll keep y'all posted.

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL...BETTING!!!

Calling all men and women who want in this year's most excellent GAINES-LAMPI BOWL SERIES PICK 'em!

Rules: Anyone who is blood Gaines-Lampi (18 and over) + extended family members (JOEL etc etc) (ok kin like Brus' too)

What: obtain bowl games schedule from any search "ncaa bowl games" and e-mail/blog me by NEXT SUNDAY the 17th! Gives you a week or so to read up...or not.
****email me at jlampi@pcs.k12.mi.us (pass this on to

ThE clincher: 2 bucks to get in/person this year. Ok..Pray for me.

First PRize: 75% of pot
Runner-up: 25% of pot
*** Total Games PLUS GIVE TOTAL POINTS of CHAMPIONSHIP (ieOSU 34 FLA 21 = 55 pts)

So if we get 20 people at 2 bucks a pop = 40 bones
First place gets $30.....second...$10

The question is....are you in and willing to pay the piper. Pray for me...gosh...addiction

I am the bookee...I like power positions like this...thats irrelevant...."will you be the one to answer to this call" (this is redemption for me....I was dead last in 06)

I'll keep track of your "sheet and scores" and at some pt. SEND ME YOUR $2 (or + spouse...$4)

Jeff Lampi
616 Moorland
East Lansing, MI 48823

already I see some smack coming from the West coast....some inspiration and LUCK charms coming from the brand new daddies (Mid-town/Fort)...and some sleeper ladies putting the men to shame.... IT'S ON!

Who is already in: Straight outta the Greek Mafia...THE DOCTOR, myself, Steph, Steve-o, Shae, Norm, Debs, this guy I met in greektown last weekend (jk), Big Daddy Sniper Stelter (shea's paps), and many more... the more the merrier...and green (pray for me again)

Ange, I better get some German love homie!

(The views expressed by the author of this blog do not infer any new habit or guilty pleasure....NOT)

29

Happy Birthday Joel, and thanks for yet another classic picture.

Santa Gramie (posted by Anna)

To all Gaines Family - I need all your initials as fast as you can get them to me. I am helping Gramie with her Christmas shopping (and there may be some monogramming involved - don't ask...). Please e-mail them to me at annajinkins@yahoo.com. Thanks
P.S. Today is Joel's Birthday - Happy Birthday Little Brother!

Sleeping

IMGA0015
Originally uploaded by stevelamps.

this is what he does 20 hours of the day. he's really good at it.

Nice hat kid

P1000370
Originally uploaded by stevelamps.

The hat they gave him kept sliding of his head. As you can see it was huge and his conehead didn;t help the situation.

The day Greyson was born

P1000373
Originally uploaded by stevelamps.

December 1st evening view from hospital window. Definitley winter here in Michigan. The first big snow of the year.

Greyson William Lampi

IMGA0004
Originally uploaded by stevelamps.

He was a big boy.

What Child Is This?

Here's a sneak peak at our baby boy/girl, the next counterpart to Caleb, Eden, Grace, and Greyson. We had an ultrasound today because the little guy/girl is taking his/her time. Everything looks great, he/she just isn't ready to brave the cold yet. Best line in the ultrasound room was me saying, "look at its little hand Sarah" and the ultrasound lady responding actually that's its thigh. So based on that Sarah had no faith when I thought I saw "something". To which our technician responded, "everyone sees something, I didn't even go down there!" Strike two. Needless to say my guesses don't mean anything but I'm switching to boy even though I thought I had a prophetic dream signifying a girl. We'll see... So let's hear your final predictions based on this pic, and we'll find out soon.

Greyson is here!

P1000386
Originally uploaded by stevelamps.

Here he is. I will get more pics out later, but here's our little boy. he so fun and loves to keep us up all night. Get ready Ft. Wayne.

Thanksgiving in Seattle

Becky and I just got back from snowy Seattle! We spent the last week up there. On Monday afternoon before Thanksgiving, we departed in our Saturn for the 18 hour trek Norm and Mark style (through the night) to the Northwest. We had a relaxing week with the family, enjoying the colder weather as well. We were able to fly Brenda up, she loved the snow. On Sunday, I ran the Seattle Marathon which was an interesting test of endurance. The weather was all but pleasant, snow at first, then steady rain and 34 degrees. All in all, we had a great time!

Gaines-Lampi Reunion in '07?

As we were celebrating Thanksgiving up at the cabin in Lake Tahoe, I was struck again by the beauty and majesty of being in what is truly one of the most spectacular places I've ever seen. I felt so fortunate to be with Abigail's family and to have this cabin nestled amongst towering pines, up against Mt. Tallac, with this gorgeous lake just a stone's throw away. Talking with Jeff (via phone) out on the deck we spoke again about a dream of getting the whole Gaines-Lampi clan together for some kind of extended weekend to just do what we do best, hang out and enjoy divine moments of true fellowship.

So here's what I propose we at least kick around and want your input as to if this dream could ever be reality... a long summer weekend (Thurs-Sun or Fri-Mon) next August up at the cabin in Lake Tahoe for as many as can make it. We're talking a sun soaked day on the beach watching Jeff turn bronze while all the Gaines' burn, a hike to 7,000ft to visit BAB's (Bernie A. Blair's) pine and watch Steve skip a stone 25 times across Floating Island Lake, a round of golf where you get an extra 50 yrd on each drive (which means Benny's' hitting it 325yds), etc. etc. Now I realize this would require quite a commitment from the MW crew, but I say we get creative on how we get everybody into Cali for the weekend (ante up Mr. Platinum!) Seriously, I'd be wiling to split the cost of some tixs to make it happen (no pressure B & B, and Drew). The lodging would be totally free and we'd just split the cost for food, This would also require that we all free up the time next August, which is why I'm pitching this in November. If we all just put a date down, and worked towards it, who knows?

Wouldn't it be awesome that as the families grow, we started a tradition of being intential about making an investment like this each year. Even though we are separated by many miles, I want Gracie to feel like Caleb and Eden and Little Gaines-to-be, and Littlle Lampi-to-be, and all the others still to come are close cousins and to look forward to something like this on a regular basis.

So, what do you all think? Give me your input? What would it take to make it happen? Here are the weekend's next August, which would be best? (9th-12th, 16th-19th). I ruled out the first and last weekend of August b/c the first weekend is traditionally the end of Summer Splash and the last would be the beginning of school.

A sonnet for Wes: Question?

Hello my friend
to my words may you tend
A question has arose
and it smells like a rose (Nice one)

In march a time will come
Will you say yes and be the one
That will join a fellow man
in worship as we take a stand

to lead others to God's throne
I would rather not do it alone
So I ask this final plea
Wes, would you join me at YE

March 9th, 10th, and 11th
Don't you go on the 7th
If yes, my smile will glean
dial four hunderd thirty-seven sixteen (989)

If no, i understand
They asked you first
and you said talk to the hand

But seriously call me and let me know
For it could be fun and I want you to go.

Oh yeah, make sure sarah says it's okay
I know how that works, I'm married to Shea. (Either way, let me know, don't feel like you have to. You were the first person that popped in my head.)

Steve Lampi 11-27-06

Happy Thanksgiving

When my family is home at Thanksgiving around the table I usually ask what each of us is thankful for at this time of year. As the boys matured, their responses became more serious. So again I ask each of us on this blog, what we are thankful for. I will start.

I am thankful for my beautiful family and close friends (Lampi's) as well as those other friends who frequent this blog. Relationships are everything. I am especially thankful for Gracie and the yet to be seen Baby Gaines from the Fort.

God bless you all!

Remembering my 26th Birthday ( A week later)

To all who made it Special, Thank you...yes thats my new Nintendo complete with Mario Bros!

For Bo

I must say I got chills when I heard that on the eve of the biggest rivalry game in 103 years, we lost a UM legend. Emotions must be running high today because I got to show off Gracie at chapel and the kids went wild, which made me a little emotional and then I found out the news of Bo's passing. I went to share the news with a fellow teacher who grew up in MI and is a Wolverine fanatic and felt a lump in my throat as I passed on the news. We shared a moment of reflection and then agreed that tomorrow's game has now been taken to an even higher level (cue Creed's "Can You Take Me Higher"...press play now).

So tomorrow, let's win one for Bo, and for all the bets I have with my students that I would love to collect on.

In honor of Bo, please click here and spend a minute reminiscing and getting psyched for THE GAME.

Predicitions please...

how many babies?!

Read this short column featured last week about a Fort Wayne family's unexpected pregnancy. It's unbelievable!

poli-blogging

I wanted to share a couple articles I read this week that are helpful in "discerning the times". The election results and Rumsfeld resigning were such big news stories this week and I think these articles make it clear that they were a big step forward. Not so much that the Dems are taking over but more that Bush and congressional Republicans were called into account for uncontrolled abuses of power. I like the way Jon Stewart put it, "the Democrats won by playing the role of the one brother who quietly sneaks out of the room while the other is being punished for burning the garage down." I think the statement made in the elections wasn't so much Democrats over Republicans but honest, reasonable politicians who are accountable to the people and govern for the "common good" of all as opposed to the opposite. Anyways the first article is by N.T. Wright (who else) asking, "Where is God in the War on Terror?" Here's a sample:

"Where then is God in the War on Terror? Grieving and groaning within the pain and horror of his battered but still beautiful world. Stirring in the hearts of human beings the desire for a more credible structure of global justice and mercy. Burning into the imagination of human beings a hope that peace and reconciliation might eventually win out over suspicion and hatred, that the world may be put to rights and that we may anticipate that in the present time. My friends, we in our generation and especially those of you in your teens and twenties face a new world, full of possibilities for great good and great ill. I have argued this evening that the Christian gospel, revealing the mysterious God we discover in Jesus and the Spirit, offers a robust and rigorous framework for discerning where God is at work in the midst of the dangers and opportunities that confront us. All of us in our different callings are summoned to this task; some of you, perhaps, to make it your lifes work. Jesus is Lord. The Spirit is powerful. God is doing a new thing. Lets get out there and join in."

The other is by conservative commentator George Will written two years ago (after Abu Grhaib) on why Rumsfeld has to resign.

N.T Wright article
George Will article

Alright I'm done poli-blogging. Let me know what you think.

chop suey

Yesterday Pete joined his cousin Harley in the "it puppy club"--he got the chop. We decided it was finally time. On top of that, he had to get a growth taken off of his arm and lip, so, needless to say, once i brought him home he was capital "Z" zonked. There was a lot of walking sideways and losing balance. Plus, it hurt him to lay down, so he kept sleeping sitting up (and falling over). But this morning he was back to walking fast and chewing on his bone, so we think he's on the road to recovery. Harley, if only you were here to let him know you understand what he's going through.

Blast from the Past...Bulldog Goddess

So,

I go down with Eden and Caleb to meet my Mom at Red Robin for her birthday tonight. I walk in with the kids and see Stormin' Norman working some table. He grabs Caleb and begins to introduce his oldest g-son to what looks like a young mother, her mother and her two twins. Gots to be an old student of his, nothing new for the most popular (could win Governor) man in Brighton.

I am getting Eden settled and I look up to my father introducing me to the young lady he had in school....."Hi, I'm B-E-C-K-Y......Becky Ketola."

Dad: "So you remember her?"

Me: "Yeah, I think s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-o."
(What a lie)

Let's get this straight. This is the girl that Wes and I had convos about walkin down Senior hall, trying to "talk to Jake" ...aka get a closer look at the Bulldog Princess. This is Becky. And I "think I know her..." Ah yeah right.

I needed my boy Wes, right there to share that "Wonder Years" moment...and you were there...in spirit.

We shared a few comments about our children, laughs about parenthood, and awkward Normisms. SHe even stopped by the table to say Goodbye....to my dad.

Listen, Stephnie is my Greek Princess, and Sara is Indiana's HOTTEST MOM hands down (teeeshirt). Don't get me wrong.

This was just one of those Hit- you- in- the- face, B-town, better than fight song, bigger than friday night lights, every freshman-senior crush flashback.

And Wes, in the words of Roger Waters, "And I wish you were here."

(disclaimer: the above narrative and commentary is all in jest.)

Oh yeah, here's Wes' comments to me upon hearing of tonight's encounter,
(You'll love this Jake)

"Yeah Becky...Yeah....but I was more a Jen Deedos guy."

Ha --gotcha Wes

BABY GAINES' SHOWER

What a day! Ahhhh the smells of organic meditterranean foods, the frolic and laughter of hundreds of toddlers (so it seemed)-and the scared faces of those toddlers upon laying eyes on "Keith Green's Twin bro (aka Wes), the memorable moments and comments made by fallen beings, and Wes and Sara, our guests of honor, along with their BABY-TO-BE! What a great day! Special thanks to my Rachel Ray wife, Shea, my mom aND Lena! WE ARE SO EXCITED TO MEET HE/SHE (my guess is "she" 3 for 3 record recently in guessing...no pride).

Oh yeah...a party like this couldn't come w/out some great words...

Wes: "Thanks for the nipples" (aka bottle paraphanalia)
Randy talking to me about Jonathan's (his son) hormones (while he is right there standing next to us)
Bill: (ask Lena)

Give me liberty...

I'm in Philly and all I can think about is Norm.

So much history here...I saw the Liberty Bell, the place where they signed the Constitution, Ben Franklin's grave, Betsy Ross...

I'm super tired and I'll be getting on a plane for Munich tonight!

More updates and maybe my very own blog on the way!

Halloween at the Lampi's!

Just thought you might like a few pictures of the boys in their Halloween costume. We had a lot of fun with Curious George and the Man in the Yellow hat. After taking the boys to our neighbors we went to our church for a fun filled activity night. Caleb was running around like a little monkey. Check out Brads hair, he was a college professor in the 80's-UGLY! Hope everyone had a fun evening. Happy BIrthday Andrew!!!

To my Youngest Son

Drew, happy 24th and many more. I look forward to spending some time with you in Germany in a few weeks. Should be a lot of fun. Hopefully the dreaded "jet lag" does not get to me. I still have the "jet lag" pills someone gave me. I usually last until 9pm on the day of arrival. Then you can go out and have some fun.

I do hope today finds you in good health and in anticipation of your trip. Mom and I continue to pray that God will fulfill His perfect purposes in your life. Happy B'day.

There and back again

We just got back late last night from a whirlwind los angeles trip. There were a lot of firsts in these two days: our first time meeting our sweet little niece gracie, our first time meeting "tough-as-nails" brenda, our first time seeing jake and ab's spacious new house addition, and our first time eating more donuts in two days than we have in the last six months. Mmmm....that donut man, i tell ya. How could I forget that this weekend was also our first introduction to the wonders of sitting on a birthing/yoga ball (which Uncle Wes is utilizing in the photo above). All in all it was a lovely (though quick) trip, and we can't wait to see everyone again soon (once we have our own little bambino)!

Please Read

Hey everyone, I wanted you to check this out if you can. Aaron Varner was a member here at messiah, he was 19 years old. He's battled cancer for the last 2 or 3 years. He passed away last night. Thanks to hospice this was done at home. I've never seen a church come together like this and I mean everyone knew him. I can honestly say I've never seen one person impact others in such an amazing way. He was very funny and definitely marched to his own drummer, but.... God has used him for a very clear purpose. Please check this website out and read Friday's blog called Aaron Varner.... Come On Down! http://aaronsadventure.com/ about what happened. it's really cool. Check the video out too.

Game 3 - Thank you Wes

A big thank you to Wes Gaines!!
Despite the quivering indecisive sound of his voice on tuesday morning, Wesley, by the grace of God, did what no other man would do. He took up his cross "laid down his tickets" for the sake of others. Truly you are man after God's own heart.

The night was a memorable father-son bonding experience. And a cardinals win to take a 2-1 lead in the series.

Here's to you Wes!!! You get my vote for MVP!

The first cut is the deepest

My first taste of a mid-life crisis ensued last night when I received a phone call from Mom. She told me Uncle Jim had two tickets to tonight’s World Series Game in St. Louis, and he wanted to give them to me if I could go. It’s a no-brainer right? You go to the game. For some reason though I began doubting whether I was up to the task of making the 6-hour drive for the game, then driving home the next day. And at work we’re in the middle of one of our biggest projects, which is due by Friday, and I’m already taking Friday off for our trip to California. So either I go to the game and make it up by busting my butt at work the next two days, or stay home, play it safe, watch the game from the comfort of my home, get a good nights sleep and show up on time to work the next day. You still go to the game right? That’s where the mid-life crisis kicked in and all the sudden I was in a struggle between the early 20’s Wes who swam the Colorado River, climbed the highest peak in the U.K in my Pumas, flew to England for 24 hours and then back home, flew to Brazil, Australia, Belgium for the night etc.; and the late 20’s Wes who has a full time job, environmental consultant, Father to Be etc… Sure enough I tossed and turned all night, woke up early and decided it was all too much I should just stay home and watch the game. Then I made the mistake of telling everyone at work about it and calling a few people, and all the sudden I have co-workers, friends, family, and even my boss telling me to go! Uh oh! So I make a desperation call to Sarah, arrange to switch cars, take some money out, get myself ready to go…and sure enough the responsible Wes starts doubting himself again. By this time I have a stomachache, headache, and am still wondering what to do. After twenty minutes of waffling at the library, while Sarah was awaiting my decision, I made my decision it was too much to handle and I should just stay home and watch the game on T.V. So, after blitzing out of work early, “SEE YA, I’M GOING TO THE WORLD SERIES!!!”, I got back in the car and drove back to work. As I was on my way I drove over Interstate 69 and could swear I saw the young 20’s Wes waving me onto that entrance ramp. “Not this time,” responded responsible Wes, “Not this time”. Ouch! That Sheryl Crow was right, “the first cut IS the deepest”. This one will take some time to recover from. All in all Uncle Kurt and Joel get to go the game now and that’s pretty cool. And despite my lapse, I’m sure my adventuresome days are far from over. Or maybe they’ve only just begun…

P.S. The writer may have exaggerated for dramatic effect and was in no way permanently wounded by this incident.

World Series Game 1

Ok, so i told Wes I would Blog these pics, so here they are. It was a FAB nite, yes, we didn't win, but the comradery and koinonia (Greek sp way off help) . Missed my boy Wes, as well as the rest. Favorite moments:
- At Olympia and Ben Brus wips out his video camera and asks to tape this Soprano man next to us about his thoughts on the the Tigs run (Ben always making a documentary) , as his compadre leans in to me and says, "Your buddy better not tape him if he wants to leave here with two legs."

- The car guys asking me to "leave my keys in the car when I park it." Ah yeah right....
- I hear that "door locking sound" from the back seat right when we get off on Lafayette Blvd Greektown exit
- All of us turn to each other before Pujols bats and say "he better walk him, first base is open".....and well, you know what happened next.
- Ben Newman spilling my $8 spirits all over Wes' organic sweater (brought a piece of you, Wesser withn me) I was wearing and my CHucks ...ah yeah...he bought me another
- Hearing "one verse" of America the Beau from D-townz own (and accord. to Mary Carrow - Mark's parnter in crime at Ann Arbor Pioneer)
- Hearing the racial profiled music playing at every bat (Polanco - Merengue and Salsa, Monroe 50 Cent etc)
-and the last 9th inning hopes after Monroe's Homer and Ben NEwman and Bradley yelling, "WE CAN DO THIS STILL"....ok so was I.


-

Proof that Lutherans can ROCK!

PA191191
Originally uploaded by stevelamps.

Check it out. I finally got a chance to wear a robe and took full advantage of the opportunity. "For those about to rock", I salute you. Have a great day.

God's Politics Blog

There is a new God's Politics Blog with posts by Jim Wallis, Brian McClaren, Tony Campola and more. For those who want to "Change the Wind" check it out (LINK)

Shea and Steve's new crib

house 001
Originally uploaded by stevelamps.

Shea and I are officially Midlanders. Enjoy the few pics of the new house.

house 003

house 003
Originally uploaded by stevelamps.

house 004

house 004
Originally uploaded by stevelamps.

The back yard, many a coffee will be drank here.

house 005

house 005
Originally uploaded by stevelamps.

across the street..... a soccer field where little steve or shea will learn to love the game whether he or she likes it or not. Just kidding, kind of.

BRING IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sniper

GO CARDS!

MAGGLIO!!!

DCB lightin it up

000562.3[1]
Originally uploaded by stevelamps.

Hey all, while the Tigers where on there way to a game three win, I had a chance to go spend a little time with David and the boys. They put on a great show as always and of course, he made some time for the keytar. Thrid day wasn't that impressive, but I guess people really like them. Alright, I hope all is going well. Nice video Wes, now everyone who sees it on Youtube will think you and Jeff are "life mates." Congrats Jake and Abs.