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!

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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

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Originally uploaded by stevelamps.

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

house 003

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Originally uploaded by stevelamps.

house 004

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Originally uploaded by stevelamps.

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

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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

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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.

GAME THREE HIGHLIGHTS!!

I think it was Frankie Vallie who once said, "Oh What a Night!". I knew it was going to be special when while driving up to the Mitten I stopped for gas, and as I was walking into the station I saw some trash blowing towards me from the road; I look down and there was a $50 laying at my feet. That's weird...As I come out of the station just as I'm getting back into the car I see some more trash blowing my way, look down and a $100 was laying at my feet. Whoa!! I waited around to see if I was on hidden camera or something and no one else was there so I guess someone's paying for Jeff and I's tix. gracias senor (if you're reading this blog and lost $150 at a gas station, let me know which one and I'll send you the money). Anyways, meet up with my boy Jeff, roll down do D-town, grab some grub at Olympia (thanks Lance, and Dr. G) make some signs (BET ON THE GAMBLER, FIRE MILLEN) and watch K-Rog throw a 2-hitter. WOW! Here's a video tribute to my best man Jeffery. Jeff, I had the time of my life and I owe it all to youuuuuu!!!

nowhere near as exciting as a baby but . . .

not to turn the attention away from our newest family member, but I just thought you all might like to see wes's reaction when the tigers tickets arrived in the mail yesterday. pure joy. please scroll down to see the latest gracie pictures.

Gracie and Family

Here's another round of photos of Gracie with her grandma and grandpa, aunt and double uncles. She loves them all. The last one is of the new mom on her way home. We're all home now, watching the Tigers, and eating mom's famous salad topped with Stu's chicken. Thanks to all for the support and love!

Gracie GAINES

Here is the video 1 hour after her birth.

GRACIE

A very proud mom and dad welcomed Gracie into the world in the early evening of October 9th, 2006. Here are the first pics of the newest Gaines member an hour after birth!

**ALSO SEE GRACIE AND HER PROUD PARENTS VIA THIS VIDEO!!! (Copy the link below!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCuj7hLC244

amish article

alright I've gotta a five post blogging streak going here, and i hate to interrupt the Tiger posts, but I read this article (link) on how the Amish are dealing with the tragedy of last week and thought I'd share it with you. I think the Amish get it right in so many ways. Sarah and I might just pack up and move to Grabill.

YES!!!

Tears in my eyes when Rogers left in the 8th!
Yankees in 4??? COME ON JEFF, BELIEVE!!!!
That was one of the best performances I've seen.

Ernie Harwell in the booth brought back so many memories. Waking up hearing Dad shaving listening to WJR. Going to Tigers Stadium for a game every year. Wow. What a night.

WE CAN DO IT!!!!!!!

Tigers Padres rematch???

Here's a good story on Jim Leyland (link)

sarah at 30 weeks

Yeah, its that Big.
And two more months to go!



Full Body Shot.

spinach scares and the mall of america

First of all, Minnesota is beautiful. The above is a jankily thrown together panoramic picture showing the view from the farm where our friends Tim and Tiffany were married. We spent Friday and Saturday in Minneapolis, drove with our friends Eric and Clare to Grand Meadow (pop. 963) on saturday, and drove home via Minnesota Route 16 (one of the most scenic drives I've experienced) through "Bluff Country" (I didn't know there was a bluff country in Minnesota). Anyways all this to say that on Friday we happened to pass by the Mall of America, which ominously imposes on the Minneapolis landscape. As I gazed in wonder and fear at this multiplex, a quote that Wendell Berry used in the preface to his essay "Life is a Miracle" popped into my mind:

"We are not getting something for nothing,
We are getting nothing for everything"
- Lionel Basney

In contrast to the gorgeous Minnesota countryside and the appealing old buildings and cathedrals in Minneapolis and St. Paul, the Mall of America offers nothing aesthetically and serves only as a monument to materialism. All the while we bipassed the Mall and headed to the adjacent IKEA (equally as ugly, and even more so a monument to superficial materialism). Wallowing in my own hypocrisy, and since it was a gloomy day, I started thinking of ways in which we are getting nothing for everything. Immediately I started thinking about the whole spinach scare (the next day I would thoughtlessly order a spinach omlet at a restaurant, to which our waitress replied: "where have you been?"), and how a Maryland woman who dies from eating contaminated spinach grown in California is the most recent example of getting nothing for everything. And while sulking over the woes of industrial farming practices, I remembered a Wendell Berry essay The Pleasure of Eating that really changed the way I view eating. So I thought I'd share it with you (read here) and if you don't read the whole thing at least skim through his seven points on how to eat responsibly. So there you have the progression of my thinking whilst in Minnesota. It really was a great trip.

One way to act on this is to get your food directly from a local farmer via a CSA (community supported agriculture program). I found CSAs in Pinckney, E. Lansing (this is our new neighbor...TOTALLY ORGANIC!), LA, and Fort Wayne at www.localharvest.org

Alright time to get off my soap box, see y'all Cali's in a few weeks (Can't Wait!!). See the Mitten Staters soon too!! Love --- wesley

J & A Dine with the Commander in Chief

Tonight Abigail and I dined with the foremost leader of the free world. We were sitting in the little Indian joint right off Colorado Blvd in Old Town Pasadena when Dennis Haysbert walked in with his teenage daughter and sat down across the way from us. Who's Dennis Haysbert you might ask? Well, you 24 addicts know him as none other than David Palmer, the President of the USA on the Emmy award winning drama. He's also the one in the Allstate commercials emploring you to drive safely to keep all of our premiums down. I must admit that it was hard for me to keep from calling him "Mr. President" but alas, we ate our Chicken Tikka, Dal and Naan, and went our separate ways. Seems like the SoCal Gaines' are having quite the run ins with the cast of24 of late. First Kief and now Den. Have a great week. 2 weeks and counting!

Kief

Kief, originally uploaded by andrewgaines.

Whenever I see Kiefer Sutherland around town I usually ask him, 'Hey Kief, do you ever take a break?!'

'haha' he laughed.

an awkard pause.

Then I tried to say something about Jack Bauer, but he was saying something at the same time and we interrupted each other.

"what was that?" I said.

"No, nothing." answered Kief.

And then he lit a ciggarette and walked away into the Santa Monica evening.

--

Happy Birthday Sarah and Shea!

--

And for those of you who don't know, I'll be in Germany from November 1st until December 7th. I have no real agenda , other than I need a break and I need to see something new. I look at it as sort of a research trip into the idea of an unfolding final causation. I'll let you know how it goes.

Happy Birthday x2

Happy Birthday to two special pregnant ladies who share the same birthday, due date, what's next??

Sarah, my faithful friend, gracefully pregnant, and wonderfully 23 today. Happy Birthday. We'll have some good ole Minnesota fun this weekend (we're in Minneapolis)!

Shea, hands down the 2006 MVP (Most Valient Pregnant woman). We're almost there!! We love you guys. Have a wonderful birthday!!

Another ingenious creation for Moms

I came home from work today to see my beautiful esposa and lil peanut and had to take a pic of the new "peanut shell." I guess it can go like hundred (hyperbole) diff positions. Steph loves it! I can't wait to strap it on! Anyways, much amor......the waiting game Cub and ABS!! SO pumped and for the December babes...a healthy last trimest. Peace out!

Readers of the World Unite

We heard Azar Nafisi, author of Reading Lolita in Tehran, speak at IPFW last night. She told her story of living through the Islamic revolution in Iran, and why she continued to hold secret meetings to read and discuss "Western" books that had been banned during this time. She then turned the discussion to how the practice of reading in our country has declined alarmingly in recent years. We have chosen Baywatch over Bellow and Friends over Fitzgerald, this resulting in a loss of eloquence and thoughtfulness in politics and society (compare to Lincoln's Gettysburg Address to the speeches of our current politicians). She explained how reading and discussing books was as important as any other revolutionary act in Iran because in literature you have a true form of democracy. This because in reading, the stories on the pages are translated into the imaginations of the readers, so each reader is able to become a part of the story and make it their own. She closed with admonishing us to continue reading and discussing literature with eachother. So...in response I've created a "What We're Reading" section to this blog (on the sidebar). If you would like to share something you are reading, send me an email and I'll post it for you. Just thought I'd share that with y'all.

Wes
Bless You Boys - Restore the Roar of 84 (Come on Tigers HOLD ON!!)

Chariots of Fire!

Today we make history..the first Cross-Country meet in Gaines' family history..(i think). Wish us luck as the Gladstone Gladiators run into the record books!!!

Jeopardy Answer from Gramie, "must of been an easy golf course". What is the question?

Hey Hey Family

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Originally uploaded by stevelamps.

Just a quick update on new things in the life of the mt. P. Lampi's. Shea can't wait for work to be done and for baby. I'm with her on that one. The church is going great. i have an amazing job that I love. This is the new sanctuary, and that is some guy that, by the looks of it, is going to have his hands full if this place is going to be packed with high schoolers and young adults. Yikes! In the words of Martin Smith "Every little thing is gonna be alright." Anyway, I've met superintendants, principals, coaches and a good amount of kids. Let the fun begin. Good things to come for the town of Midland and Bullock Creek. Shea and I are looking to move in the area and we've seen some great houses and great land. A lot of new things coming our way. See you all soon

Love Ya'll,

Steve

Dylan Review

Last night was our Bob Dylan show. First props to Sarah who weathered a little rain and a crisp fall night so I could get my music fix. She did get a Bob Dylan poncho out of it though. The first three acts set the stage nicely (a mix of country and blues), Junior Brown is incredible to watch live! By the time Bob took the stage the rain had passed and an orange glowing moon rose over our house to the southeast. The lights flick on there he is with his band belting out
The Cats in the Well with what little voice he has left. Typical Dylan show (from what I've heard) he plays for almost two hours with out looking or addressing the crowd once, finishes the last song All Along the Watchtower comes to the front of the stage with his band, takes a bow and walks off the stage. Leaving most of the crowd with their jaws dropped. Great show, special to have him in the Fort, his new CD is worth getting, he continues to write songs that are gripping lyrically and comforting musically. My favorite line is from Ain't Talking.

"I practice a faith that's been long abandoned
Ain't no altars on this long and lonesome road
Ain't talkin', just walkin"

Guess who's back... Debbie's BACK...back again

Hi,
My goal this summer was to blog at least once.....AND I DID IT!!!
My new goal is to read it weekly...ok? (BY the way, Jeff is typing this)

Anyway,

Ben and Becky...Brenda is soooo cute...but still don't think she looks like either of you. Ha

Bill Gaines....you talk a lot of smack, but ncan yopu back it up? (Jeff wrote this...you bandwagon DRIVER)

To everyonhe else, it was great seeing you'all...and a special thanks to Andrew for going WAAAAAYYYYYYY out of his way to see us. I'm sorry we got disconnected by phone. But great to talk to you.

Awaiting all the new babies...OCTOBER is coming so quick!!!!!! Excited for Lena.....and yeah....Bill. Grandparenting is the best!

Popcorn and melon and "Meet Joe Boxer",

Debs (Jeff again)

Just wacth this....OH MY GOSH!

LINK