Post-Evangelical??

Its been both interesting and exciting to watch the dramatic shifts that are occurring in the American church today. The term "evangelical" seems to be on its way out the door (article), and along with it some of the theology and ecclesiology that accompanies the label are being abandoned. Those who have left the ways of evangelicalism have often referred to themselves as "post-evangelical". What is post-evangelical? (Post-evangelical article) And here's a great take on the Emerging Movement (Emerging Article). Scot McKnight's blog Jesus Creed also has some great stuff on it. Anyways that's what I've been exploring lately. Any thoughts or observations?

L.I.F.T Service: Messiah Lutheran Church Feb 07

Hey Everyone,

I traded in the pc and got a MAC straight up no doubt. I told Wes I would blog this video last night. MAKE SURE you scroll down and catch a glimpse of CASH $ and the Fort FOLK in their snow day! AWESOME job WEs and Sarah!

Above is the link to the 9 min. video of last Sunday at Steve and Shea's church. Click on the tab and it will direct you to YOUTUBE. Hope you enjoy it. We had a blast! Everyone should come and visit the Church when in town!

(Sorry, for some reason my username was wrong and I couldn't blog it on site????) Wes, help?

Love,

Jeff

Snow Day

We survived the Blizzard of 2007. Pretty much the whole city was shut down, so here's how we spent our snow day. (Download Video) Miss you all.

Wes, Sarah, Cash

Honest Abe

"Now, he belongs to the ages"

On this Abraham Lincoln's 198th birthday we should remember with gratitude that we would not be living and enjoying this place called the United States of America had he not humbly served as our 16th President. Elected as a self-educated, relatively unknown outsider from Illinois, he was immediately thrust into solving the crisis of the seceding southern states. As a member of the newly formed Republican party, which was widely seen as an abolition movement, Lincoln's life was threatened even before he arrived in Washington. A plot to assassinate the newly elected President was revealed so that Lincoln had to pass through Baltimore in the middle of the night as to elude the conspirators. As president, Lincoln was largely unpopular, and often despised by both Radical and Conservative factions in his own party, as well as Southern sympathizers and Peace Democrats. However, Lincoln wisely guided the country through the bloody years of the Civil War by effectively ending slavery while at the same time preserving the Union, and for this reason he is seen by many as the greatest American President (though probably not Gramie). As I read about his life, I didn't expect the sadness, grief, and admiration for 'Ole Abe' that came with reading the last chapter. We all know how the story ends. (By the way I defer to our new expert on Lincoln's Assassination [wp gaines] and our resident historian [norm] on this subject) But as his Secretary of War Edward Stanton stated after Lincoln drew his last breath, "Now, he belongs to the ages", Lincoln's legacy, which still has a profound impact on our country today, belongs to all of us, and so today take time to honor and remember him. Happy Birthday Abe!!!!

A Candle in the Wind..

It seems to me she lived her life, like a candle in the wind..

With a heavy heart we mourn the loss of a friend. Anna Nicole, we will remember, we will miss you and always know you were close to our family.

let us all mourn the loss and dedicate this day to Anna!

Rest in Peace Sweet Anna.

U S A

Anyone watch US take down Mexico 2-0? I was flipping channels, saw the game on, and was hooked faster than Dad on an airplane movie. Anyways, the rivalry is heating up. After USAs 2nd goal the Mexico goalkeeper took a stab at a US player coming in to celebrate, and after the final whistle Mexico again refused to shake hands with the US players. It might just be a surge of patriotism but I'm getting tired of the "sore loser" antics of the Mexican team. U S A!

On another soccer note, any Beckham sightings out west? I just might be a star gazer this year and check him out when they play at Chicago, and I know one other star gazer livin' in East Lansing who'll be in.

Bears Down!

Turns out defense wins ballgames...the Colts defense that is! As for the Bears... they pulled a Teddy Ginn and saved their best play for first, and then unfortunately had to put the ball in the hands of bad, well, "terrible rex", and that unstoppable Bears defense just looked weak and tired as Colts ran it right up the middle time after time. Yes that is a nasty mullet hanging out of my Colts hat, and the Dallas Clark Jersey courtesy of Sarah's Dad (and the Wide Screen HD, WOW again). Parade time!!!!!! Go Colts!!!!!!!!!

P.S. David GET READY FOR SOME GREENS BABY!!!!!!!!!!

Hello from the Lampi's

IMG_3240
Originally uploaded by stevelamps.

Hope all is well with all of you. Greyson can't wait to meet you Cash and Gracie.

Gaines' Invade the SoCal Rugby Scene

On this hot and sunny Saturday afternoon, the Gaines' crew crammed in the Pontiac and headed west to catch our first rugby match starring #14, Andrew Gaines, back in the familiar orange and black of years gone by. I wish I could say we saw the LA Rebellion came out on top, but alas that was not the case as they sadly met defeat at the hands of the team from Pasadena. We all got familiar with the game of rugby, which was quite fascinating to watch in person. Andrew played well on the left wing and after the match we all met Assistant Coach Will, who was intrigued by the amount of mud Andrew's jersey had collected, and said, "That was one helluva game Andrew!" Below are some pixs of the game and aftermath. Anyone visiting SoCal should take in a match, as the LA Rebellion embody what right in the world of rubgy. Way to go Drew....keep defending that left flank!
After a nice tackle Andrew takes a spill off the pile

Andrew makes a diving attempt at a Pasadena forward

Andrew with what was called the largest cheering section of the day

Hoosiers!

March Madness is on its way!! Anyone watch the Hoosiers take down the #2 Badgers and snap that 17 game Bo Ryan winning streak? The Kelvin Sampson era is here and hoosiers are loving it, he's quickly gaining Knight-like status, 12-0 at home. All I gotta say is February 24 we're heading to the Izzone (Jeff Click here), round up your boys Sparty, its gonna be a fight.

Glendora Sunrise

This morning as Harley and I stepped onto the front porch for our 6:45am walk before school, we were met by the above picture of divine radiance. I stood amazed, so much so that I left Harley on the sidewalk and grabbed my Canon to capture the moment. We walked and I pondered the beauty of God and felt honored that I met this beauty again this morning. Within minutes, it was over. The sun rose and the clouds faded into a glorious winter day (if you can call high 60s winter), and I thought of how God is often seen in quick snapshots. Sudden unexpected moments where his glory collides with our humanity and we are left somewhat paralyzed. I got the same feeling after the walk when I went back inside and spent a few seconds watching my Gracie Glory sleep next to her mom. And somehow these two snapshots are interconnected.


This morning as Harley and I stepped onto the front porch for our 6:45am walk before school, we were met by the above picture of neighborly pranks and chaos. I stood and marvled at the how thorough a TP job was done on our "interesting"' neighbors. Last night as I went out to pull the car around back one of the boys yelled out at me from the darkness, "DID YOU CATCH A GLIMPSE OF THE FELLAS THAT DID THIS?" He and the other boys were getting a good laugh and plotting how they'll get them back. I almost said, "I want in!" So, now we only wonder how long the TP will stay in the trees. If it's still there next week I'll post an updated picture.

Blue Heaven

My ears are still ringing. That was the loudest, most exciting sporting event I've been to live. When Addai got in the endzone to take the lead the place went nuts, and yeah...I went nuts, almost hugged as many strangers as at the Tigers game. Anyways I've been diagnosed with Colts fever, for the first time in my life my team is in the Super Bowl, what a feeling. They're calling it the Midwest Matchup, and I'm dubbing Fort Wayne as Armageddon (read some good Fort Wayne journalism here); we're pretty much between Chicago and Indy, and I'd say we're 75% Colts 25% Bears. Anyways what that means is its game time!! Colts jacket on until the Super Bowl, and if any Bear fan talks trash to me they better be ready to throw down.

Lake Tahoe or Bust!!!

Well there seems to be quite a ground swell of support for this crazy Gaines-Lampi Tahoe endeavor later this year. I don't doubt that this could be an epic event with stories to just add to the lore. We did some checking and we have reserved the cabin for the week of August 6th-12th. We are also hoping to be able to secure the cabin next door as well if the owners aren't using it, which would give us more than enough room for all couples and kids. We'll have to talk and coordinate exactly what days everyone is able to come that week, but we went ahead and just reserved it for the whole week. Below you can see some more pixs of the last Gaines-Lampi adventure at Lake Tahoe. However, that week we only had Steve as the Lampi rep, Wes was being held shackled by United and Caleb, Eden, Gracie, Greyson, and Cash were but thoughts in the sovereign mind of God. I don't even think we knew Shea, Sara, or Becky at that time either. Well, I hope everyone's still on board, and please let everyone know if you find good airfares for the MW folk. The closest airport is Reno,NV unless you want to fly into SoCal and caravan with the SoCal gang. Let's me know if you're in for sure and we'll rally to get everyone there!

Determination

P1000639
Originally uploaded by stevelamps.

For any of you that have questioned Grey's readiness for the big time. I hope you now see by this picture he doesn't take crap from anyone. He and I have been talking about this David Beckham deal coming to America to play and he agrees that it's all publicity and Beckham probably won't even play out his contract. Grey is determined, passionate, and more or less ready to take on the world in this game of Football. As we speak, he is outside rolling around in the snow building up his abs. We'll see you all soon. Much love from the Lampi's via Midland, MI.

Snow

After a pretty mild winter last year, and an even warmer one (so far) this year, it was almost a relief to see snow falling as we headed north to the lower peninsula last night. We approached standstill traffic in Ann Arbor due to the "greazy" roads as Mom would say, and sure enough I got the call from Dad informing me that, remember, you can't see "black ice." Sitting there on highway 23, I thought about the snow. It has snowed every winter I can remember of my life so far, but it's funny how as the first flakes fall in November there is always this sense of shock like, "Where'd this stuff come from?" Like you've never seen this odd substance before in your life. And as we wake up and see the ground covered there is always a sense of excitement. It's almost a guarantee that someone at work will start announcing to everyone in a jolly voice, "look outside..." But then, just as soon as the snow comes, we start to grumble about it; like an unexpected guest we're happy to see but promptly want to kick out the door. I guess what I'm saying is I feel like snow gets mistreated and might have an inferiority complex, and so this is my tribute to snow:

"The silence of snow, thought the man sitting just behind the bus-driver. If this were the beginning of a poem, he would have called what he felt inside him `the silence of the snow'." Orhan Pamuk - Snow

First off, snow is very beautiful. Pamuk talks about the silence of snow, and there is something very calming about watching snow fall. Snow transforms what have become normal landscapes, a pine tree, an open field, a hilltop, into something more majestic. Snow beautifies everything it comes in contact with. If Jesus had lived in the Midwest he might have rather said, "you are the snow of the earth". Psalm 51 uses snow as a symbol of the purity that God bestows on us by his grace. In this way, snow is a sort of sacrament in that it is an outward sign reminding us of God's free gift to wash us white as snow. Snow forces us to slow down. It is basic Goulet physics that the colder it gets the slower particles move, and its the same with us, we drive slower, walk slower, laugh a little slower (to go Duritz on you) because of the snow. This, I believe, is why snow gets the cold shoulder (no pun intended) from so many--it has a way of limiting our activity. For children this is a good thing. There was nothing more exciting growing up as hearing "Brighton area schools are canceled" announced from Dad's clock radio in the bathroom as he smacked on the aftershave. And the phrase "snow day" immediately causes kids and teachers (Jeff...ring ring) everywhere to rejoice. This disturbance, however, tends to throw us adults off because appointments get canceled, flights get delayed, roads get closed, and, God forbid, we have to stay at home. My final affirmation of snow is that the very thing that aggravates us is good for us. Snow causes us to disrupt our schedules and rethink what is important. It is so easy to live just from task to task and get trapped in the cycle of business; snow makes us stop and do ordinary things like, sitting by a fire, reading a book, preparing a warm drink, cooking a meal, writing a letter, cleaning the house, or...watching snow fall. Bring it on Old Man Winter!!

Sacraments

For all you theology nerds, NT Wright spoke at Calvin College last weekend on the place of the sacraments in worship. Its really good, with a pretty interesting defense of infant baptism. Give it a listen.
Space, Time, Matter, and New Creation
Sacraments and New Creation

Macroni Grill, Diamonds and Ipods - Oh My

How much is the "uncle" offering to buy me out?

And I'm a bit curious to what's in case #36

Here's us on New Year's Day at the Macaroni Grill

This is Lauren Rossi and myself

Wes Gaines quote and counsel "never go to bed angry at each other ... that's the standard advice everyone will give you ... never worked for us"

Joel, I have but one question.

Lauren, deal or no deal?

The Covina Vineyard Gets a "Real" Church

It was Gramie a couple of years ago who after visiting the Vineyard said (in only the way Gramie could), "Jacob, when are you ever going to get a real church?" Alas, while I question my grandmother's ecclesiology, I must say that I now feel like I can call her and tell her the we finally have a "real" church. For those who haven't heard, you are now looking at the new location of the Covina Vineyard starting in early Feb. This church is owned by the Glendora Bretheren Church and is located 2 block due west of our house on Glendora Ave in the heart of downtown Glendora. The only one's closer than us are Ben and Becky who are about 200 yards away. So, we'll probably be undergoing a name change since we'll now be in Glendora. Until we come up with something we're happy with we'll just be The Vineyard (we're also accepting suggestions...I'm leaning towards 2:42 or 24/7...ha, ha) Anyhow, it's a cool story how we got from there to here in the past 2 months. It all started on a prayer walk with Harley back in late November, and an e-mail I sent their interim pastor. To make a long story, short we'll now be having a Sun morning service at 9am and then Sun evening at 6pm. We also are moving our office to the church and so will be centralized for the first time. The church is so un-Vineyard, but so cool. It was built in the late 1800s and seats about 200. All the windows are stained glass, they have a pipe organ, and even a parlor. And yes, our lives are now completely within a 3 mile radius between home, school, Homework House, church, Aunt Bec and Uncle Ben, and Grandma and Grandpa Aldrich. A little scary I know. Anyhow, God has been good to us and I look forward to the next phase of life on the vine.

The FINAL RESULTS: Gaines-Lampi Bowl Series 2006-2007

WOW....last night tops the cake for another shocking year of comebacks/"I wish i picked 'em" moments. Stephanie was the only one who legitamately picked Florida (I picked all of Shea's for her). Eventhough she was last place, she finished with the shocker! Way to go girl!
Here are the results

1. Jeff "the book" Lampi : 22-10
2. Stormin' "I hate UM" Lampi: 21-11
3. Sarah Jane "picks are insane, shows the boyz she gots game" Gaines (20-12)
4. Bronco Bill "My daughter-in-law owned me" Gaines (19-13)
4. Doc "i bet the spread" Georgiou (19-3)
5. Wes "UM is the lock" Gaines (18-14)
5. Steve "seven games in a row" Lampi (18-14) Started out a winner though
5. Jake "too many brownie frapps" Gaines (18-14)
6. Shea "killer FSU pick" Lampi (15-17)
7. Stephanie "I don't care...you've got issues Jeff" Lampi (14-18)

So here' the deal: Since I humbly won the 20 spot, I'm not going to accept it..........now
I'm going to roll over the dinero into the POT for the NCAA GAines-Lampi March Madness. Ok?
SO the stakes are higher, the wages phatter, and hopefully the participation greater. It's on like Caleb on Thomas, Cash on vinyl (records), Gracie on baby bjorn and kiddie frapps in a year or so, Greyson on martin marquis and fifa futbol, and Eden on anything edible (playin).

Out, and great comradery and Spirits!

Jefe

( yeah c-unit got that JEEP for xmas FROM his Yia Yia.................we took it back)

BY THE WAY (kind like we did for football) WHAT's YOUR PREDICTION FOR NCAA CHAMPION (bball) and SLEEPER or "George Mason") Leave it in comments

Mine :

Champion: UCLA

Sleeper: Nevada

bruised, tired and happy

i just got back from my first rugby game. it was awesome. i mean, we lost like 52-21, but it was one of the most fun experiences of my life. i am exhausted, my forearm is swollen quite a bit and both my knees are bloodied. i played the entire 80 minutes of the game, made some nice runs and tackles.

check it out: www.larebellion.org

we're pumped and bound to win our next game!

stay tuned...

New Year's 2007!

No, it's not snowing here. This is from last year, but I was feeling a bit bummed that we still haven't had much snow and the future for snow doesn't look promising (thank you, global warming).

I just wanted to check in to see if anyone made any new year's resolutions for this year. I told Wes mine was to "roll with the punches," meaning to adjust to life with a son and take on my new role as a mama as gracefully and smoothly as possible without getting stressed or frustrated (cross your fingers). I'd also like to keep writing and to pursue some freelance jobs, if possible.

That's all I can think of for now. Anyone else?

Deja-Blue

With my maze Michigan shirt sitting in a pile on the floor beside me, I must swing into the blog to give some post Rose Bowl reflections on a tragically marvelous day in the Arroyo Seco canyon. The day started spectacularly with the Gaines-Aldrich crew hitting Colorodo Blvd to take in the Rose Parade. It didn't disappoint. After the parade the ladies headed back home and the guys caught up with Drew and ate a late breakfast before walking down to the Rose Bowl. The whole scene is so surreal. Tailgate parties as far as the eye can see. The stadium before you set up against the backdrop of the San Gabriel Mts. on a picture perfect day. I'd guess around 30,000 UM fans all clad in maze and blue. We took our seats right in the middle of this Midwest mob, and hailed to the Victors while settling in for what we hoped would be (for Benny and me) our first victory in 4 tries at the Rose Bowl. Alas, "Hail to the Victors" got quieter and quieter as the game progressed. It became apparent that we would once again spell LLoyd with two "L"s and that Ben and I would once again make the walk up our of Arroyo Seco shaking our heads and wondering what could have been, while Andrew and Stuart polished off a couple of what I heard people calling "ghetto" dogs in the parking lot (hot dogs, wrapped in bacon, smothered in grilled onions and peppers). Perhaps UM is just not as close to that upper tier (USC, Florida, OSU, Texas) as we all thought. LLoyd got outcoached yet again, making few if any adjustments at halftime, and the only player who seemed fired up on the UM sideline was Sultan Mescew, our punter. That's when you know you're in trouble!

So, it's the day after and we all nurse the right side of our faces due to sunburn, mom and dad board a sad plane back to Detroit, and Ben and I get to go back to school next week and hear it from our students. But, all in all, it was a wonderful, memorable day. It's always fun to bring a little of the Midwest into SoCal and always a little sad to see it go. A big thanks to dad for scoring the tixs and making it all possible. Happy New Year to all!

BOOTY CALL

Yo,
So I am not like some of you when you kick me between the legs when my Sparties get waxed, so I'll stop here. But I do have a responsibility as the Bookie (even though I am not paid for my services...injustice?) to report the G-L posse bowl series race. After yesterday's, it looks like there are only 3 peeps left in it for the dough. The rest of the posse is fighting for third, fourth ...etc.

Here's how it could go down:

Firs though! Sarah Jane (18-9)! With the Boise State call last night, she put herself tied with me for second as of now. But looks like she could come up short to Stormin Norman (19-8) who has her by one game and the same last pix as her. Even if she beats me (18-9), Norm will win by one game cause he leads right now. Beautiful finish though! Props.

Bill (16-11)...the long shot..unless the Broncos win????

I may come down to father and son.....seed and spawn....coach and bench warmer....old school and new.....senior and junior.....Notre Dame vs. LSU. If LSU loses...looks like I may be done. If SO. Miss loses to Ohio...I am toast and Norm will be getting drunk.jk and 20 bones.

Great fight and comradery. SJ put some men to shame...Steveo had us goin'...Stephanie, well I love ya so much.........and Bill, better luck in the NCAAs with MSU as your BANDWAGON pick. Jake see you Thursday!

Had a great last couple days with Greyson etc and lets just say the Lampis are talking about TAHOE 2007! Stay tuned????? Keep in touch...

Breakin' some legs if the winner doesn't get paid,

Jefe

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

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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

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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

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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!

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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!