rapture practice!

Last night we got a rare taste of west coast life, as we were "rocked out of bed" (a phrase that must be used when describing your experience of an earthquake) by a 5.4 earthquake centered in Illinois. Sarah and I both shot up as our house rocked back and forth for about ten seconds. My office full of geologists is buzzing this morning. Tell Booher to crank the rapture clock up a couple more notches!

Back Home Again, in Indiana!

We've just returned from a few great days out in California and may or may not be suffering from jet lag. Here's a quick play-by-play:

We flew in on Friday and drove out to Murrieta to meet sweet Jackson and to see the newest Gaines-owned home. Cash had a good time trying to shove a pacifier in Jackson's mouth and pet his head. We got a little Temecula/Murrieta tour complete with bagels and a stop in at Ben's school (thanks for the Golden Bears gear, Ben!).

Then we met Jacob, Abigail, and Gracie at the LA Zoo where the heat was sweltering, but the animals were pretty cool. We drove a couple miles to Andrew's place for a rugby BBQ fundraiser, where I donated $20 in exchange for a haircut from Anj's roommate, Darrin. We got to meet some of Anj's friends and teammates while Cash played in the dirt and enjoyed walking around babbling at strangers.

Sunday morning we made the lovely two-block walk to the Vineyard where Wes serenaded everyone with one of his songs. After naps, we took a dip in Stu and Jan's pool. The guys caught the end of the Masters before all the Gaines' were reunited in Riverside for dinner and Starbucks (and a few attempts at photos of all our kids). We had to say goodbye to Ben, Becky, and Jackson and head back to Glendora.

On Monday, Jacob and Gracie stayed home with us for the day, and our friends the Gallagher's (who live in Colorado but were vacationing in Ventura) drove down for the afternoon. We took all the kids to the park and ate Plaza Produce for lunch. Anj headed back to LA, and we had a relaxing evening letting the kids run around before we had to pack up our stuff for an early morning of traveling.

It's always nice to be home, but this time it was particularly sad having to tear the kids away from each other. They had so much fun playing and bossing one another around. Cash was introduced to play-doh for the first time, which we will always thank Grace for (it saved us on the airplane home!). We miss all of you already! There are more photos in the sidebar for your viewing pleasure, and maybe even a few videos in the days to come.

Greyson update

Yeah, he's still crazy. The kid won't stop moving. He's only been caught on the stove 3 times so far. Today he ripped his clothes off and ran around for a bit as you can see from some of the pics. We love the little man so much, wouldn't trade him for the world. He has a new baby cousin Ethan James who he really didn't seem to be all that concerned about when we went to visit. He did like the heart monitor machine and some chords coming from the mommy's arms. It's an amazing work out program. So we pray and believe God has a great purpose for this little guy. What a joy it is to be a daddy. Peace from midtown.

Steve

It's ON!

Thank you ALL for responding so promptly,

I do regret after talking to Ben and Becs that we'll have to hope to see them soon at another time than the GL reunion due to the fact they will be headed to HAWAII (CELOSO!) the week 3-9, and Mr. Belding has to report back to school the week of 10-16. We discussed July too, but I think it may be too much to make that happen especially with the new lil dude, JACKSON. We'll miss you guys dearly, and hope to get out there soon or see you here when you come. It won't be the same without you.

Now for decision time. Here are 2 weeks, the first week in August (4-8), and 2nd week (11-15). Now my request is for y'all to respond back letting me know which week is best for your family OR "I don't care." Then we'll let Steph's Mom know and make final arrangements for a INCREDIBLE TIME TOGETHER!

Wes and Sarah: The tough thing about weekends up at the lake, is EVERYONE is there and the Steph's Mom's friend, Stella, said we can use her place (next door to Steph's 2) if it is NOT over a weekend. But let me know if during the week is still not going to work out, and we'll see what another option is.


GOLF, SWIMMING, ORGANIC BAKERY, JET SKIS, SHOPPING, FELLOWSHIP, BEACH, FOOD, SUDS, SUN and FUN...

Gaines-Lampi REUNIONS....NUMBER ONE!

Con carino,

Jeff

P.S. Steph had a pretty cool idea: We all read a good book prior and discuss it over coffee or fire and get a bit deep with eachother? Yeigh or Neigh...and book suggestions?

A TRADITION UNLIKE ANY OTHER: GAINES-LAMPI REUNION 08

Buenas Tardes y'all,

Well, it's that time a year, when the robin lays its first egg, where kith and kin alike stare at their barren gardens and begin to toil, when students get an extra annoying energy & zeal to have class outside (bad idea jeans...."But seriously Mr. Lampi, we'll totally do our work and be productive..."), and when all of us, mostly midwesterners countdown to summerdayz!

And on that note, I present to you the possibility I threw out about a few months ago: GL reunion '08 on the shores of pristine Lake Huron.

I spoke with the official "party planner" about a week ago and he told me that his Glendora fam will be heading back to the mitten in August and suggested I throw out a few dates. Steph and I need to make arrangements for the mobile home next door to her family's 2, so we wanted to see if the following days work out for you all. And all we ask is if we can EVERYONE to chime back before we embark on the necessary details to make this happen.

If in a day or so we haven't heard from everyone, could one person just call and remind their family member or ask them if they are IN for this annual outing? For example, if I don't hear from Deborah, I'll chat with her and see if she wants to get those clubs polished off for some serious LAKEVIEW HILLS FUN!

As of late, Jake and fam, my parents, Wes and Sarah have given me the "go" I believe.

The dates: The week of August (monday) 11- 16 (sunday). Any 3 days we thought in there would be plenty of time before Wes and get in a fight after a few DOS EQUIS and talk about me messing up his round of golf earlier that morning.

Check your calendars and chime back. Food, family, fires, golf, swim, parks, cable TV (Tigers games!), shopping, stories, ...and an infamous, weird swinging bridge ?????

Here's pic to wet your whistle: Lakeview Hills 18th....eat your heart out Augusta


love jeff

Jake-HAWK wins!

Well Well Well,

Last night's game was the greatest I have ever seen. I barely made it to the end, and with a minute or so and the GREEKGODDESS seeing victory, Cubs "rock-chalk-jayhawks" pull a miracle after the Tigers basically GAVE them the game. Super Mario Chalmers is amazing! And did you hear Calipari's post game presser. Youtube it.

Congrats Jake, your comeback, for the ages. Thanks for playing. Steph took a commendable 2nd, and myself, a third. But I want 1st! So I'm hungry for more.

No money this time, especially after Benny and I got shafted from the NFL playoff pool. benny still asks.

Anyone up for MASTERS?

Congrats again, Jake!

Mexico Missions...The Final 4...MSU Riots...Are the Lampi's Okay?

I just got home this afternoon from leading a weekend missions trip in Tijuana with about 30 students from FCS. We had a great time and worked with an amazing local church that the maintenance guy at my school pastors. We put on a big outreach event yesterday in a local village and had about 500 kids and families show up. My students stepped up big time and I was so proud of them. Alas, I missed the Final Four, but caught it on radio and it looks like it's down to Steph and I. KU wins and I take it. KU loses and Steph wins. But more importantly, I got online to see what happened in the world and saw chaos erupting in EL. The Spartys making national coverage again with their inability to resist burning the couches and throwing glass bottles at police. Que paso amigos de EL? Is everyone okay? Any first hand accounts?

Yes We Can, Fort Wayne

Barack came to the Fort today for a town hall meeting. He spoke for 15 minutes about Martin Luther King since its the 40 year anniversary of his assassination, then opened it up for questions from anyone. It was pretty cool, Jeff would've had chills when he said we need to reinvest in our schools and pay our teachers more!! Yes we can Jeff, yes we can.

an idea

Hey y'all papis, mamis, abuelitos, abuelitas, tios, tias, etc.

So like, Steph and I wanted to see if there are any takers who would periodically post videos of their little ones doing something, maybe a milestone or something funny or out-of-the-ordinary. Bits and pieces of our Gaines-Lampi babies' "development."

So, Steph and I start it off with a little look at Eden's fabulous "color identification." Can anyone guess what color he sees? He says it for everything and it's hilarious!

So here's the post, and now it's up to anyone, whenever you have a free moment to post their own baby's "development project."

And the best part is being able to connect and see 'em miles apart! Feel free to join the project.

Take me out...

As I write Ordonez is 2 for 2, Verlander has a no hitter through the third, and I should be working... Bless You Boys!!!!

Empty baseball field
— A robin,
Hops along the bench

Baseball Haiku by Jack Kerouac

Los NINOS LAMPI and best buddy etc

Hey, had a fun spring break with the kids and fam ...here's a sneak peak at some good random times I through together quickly...Isn't awesome being a mommy and daddy?!! Go State! Highlights: Braydon's sleepover...trip to Midtown to see S2 + Grey's Anatomy, and just kickin' it with the kids at home... in 2 feet of snow. Nice...jk

Yoder's Sugar Bush

1/2 mile walk out to the bush (where the tree line is).

Mr. Yoder explaining how the evaporator boils down the sap into syrup. He was born on this farm, and when his son-in-law takes over some day, he'll be the 5th generation to run it.

Wes and Cash watching some log sawing
(the evaporator runs on firewood collected on the farm.).

Wes flippin' some griddle cakes.

Family portrait, courtesy of our friend Scott.

The weekend before Easter we headed North of town with our friends Scott and Catherine and their kids, to Yoder's Sugar Bush to see/learn about/eat some maple syrup. Cash had a great time in the hiking backpack we borrowed, I "helped" saw a log, and we all left with bellies full of pancakes. It was pretty cool. Thought you might enjoy some photos.

Jackson at 2 months!

Here are the latest pictures of Jackson. He is doing great! His favorite pass time is watching the ceiling fan.

Holy Saturday

Holy Saturday is a day for waiting, being patient, expressing sorrow, and lamenting. Christians have traditionally read from the book of Lamentations on this day. I think its worth remembering that even though Jesus had told his disciples plainly that he would be raised on the third day, it didn't seem to sink in. The disciples on the road to Emmaus said "We thought he was the one..." The cross was an end to those hopes. Here's another poem for Holy Saturday...Wendell Berry again (of course).

What hard travail God does in death!
He strives in sleep, in our despair,
And all flesh shudders underneath
The nightmare of His sepulcher;

The earth shakes, grinding its deep stone;
All night the cold wind heaves and pries;
Creation strains sinew and bone
Against the dark door where he lies.

The stem bent, pent in seed, grows straight
And stands. Pain breaks in song. Surprising
The merely dead, graves fill with light
Like opened eyes. He rests in rising.

A Poem for Good Friday

THE WAY OF PAIN by Wendell Berry

For parents, the only way is hard.
There is no help.
Yet we who give pain give love;
By pain we learn the extremity of love.

I read of Abraham’s sacrifice the Voice required of him,
So that he led to the altar and the knife his only son.
The beloved life was spared that time, but not the pain.
It was the pain that was required.

I read of Christ crucified,
The only begotten Son
Sacrificed to flesh and time and all our woe.
He died and rose, but who does not tremble for his pain, his loneliness,
And the darkness of the sixth hour?

Unless we grieve like Mary at His grave,
Giving him up as lost,
No Easter Morning comes.

For The Educators in the Fam... (Norm especially)

Here is an inspirational story to push you through the last few months of this school year:
Back in September of 2005, on the first day of school, Martha Cothren, a social studies school teacher at Robinson High School in Little Rock, AK, did something not to be forgotten.

On the first day of school, with the permission of the school superintendent, the principal and the building supervisor, she removed all of the desks out of her classroom. When the first period
kids entered the room they discovered that there were no desks.

Looking around, confused, they asked, 'Ms. Cothren, where's our desks?'

She replied, 'You can't have a desk until you tell me what you have done to earn the right to sit at a desk.'

They thought, 'Well, maybe it's our grades.'
'No,' she said.

Maybe it's our behavior.' She told them, 'No, it's not even your behavior.

And so, they came and went, the first period, second period, third period. Still no desks in the classroom.

By early afternoon television news crews had started gathering in Ms. Cothren's classroom to report about this crazy teacher who had taken all the desks out of her room.

The final period of the day came and as the puzzled students found seats on the floor of the deskless classroom.

Martha Cothren said, 'Throughout the day no one has been able to tell me just what he/she has done to earn the right to sit at the desks that are ordinarily found in this classroom. Now I am going to tell you.'

At this point, Martha Cothren went over to the door of her classroom and opened it.

Twenty-seven (27) U.S. Veterans, all in uniforms, walked into that classroom, each one carrying a school desk. The Vets began placing the school desks in rows, and then they would walk over and stand alongside the wall.

By the time the last soldier had set the final desk in place those kids started to understand, perhaps for the first time in their lives, just how the right to sit at those desks had been earned.

Martha said, 'You didn't earn the right to sit at these desks. These heroes did it for you. They placed the desks here for you. Now, it's up to you to sit in them. It is your responsibility to learn, to be good students, to be good citizens. They paid the price so that you could have the freedom to get an education. Don't ever forget it.'

Shea Meets a Legend (Maybe?)

So my wife, being the sport addict she is, not really, tells me today that she and Grey ran into an old guy named Ernie at Glenn's food market here in Midland. She talked with him for 10 minutes in the yogurt isle about politics and how hillary dresses so weird. After that they ran into each other a second time to talk about his son and ours and how Grey is bald just like him. A little while later, they ran into each other again. This man told Shea he should introduce himself and he did. ERNIE HARWELL! Shea knew that sounded familiar as well as his voice as he talked to her and she almost asked him if he was a golfer that's on tv because she recognized his voice and name. Shea managed to avoid every question I would have all asked him. I was a little mad to find this out because I would've liked him to come over for dinner or something. They talked about his son, whose name is Gray I found out, but Shea failed to mention our son's name is Grey as well, missed that opportunity. That could've been the kicker to a friendship with the greatest tigers legend ever. I love my wife even though she is not down with the sports scene. I showed Shea a picture of him on the internet and she started laughing because she really wasn't sure if it was him, but it was she said. Wow, even in midland, the legends wander. Just letting you all know that your dream was fulfilled by Shea Lampi of talking to the voice we all remember from when we were little. So why was Ernie in Midland and why did Shea not ask him at least one question that I could've shared with all of you and was it really Ernie? The world may never know.

Is there any MAGIC left in him for another run....

Alright,

So like I have a break in the heat while my wife and I enjoy a lil R & R in south FLA sans ninos....

So like, MARCH MADNESS looms in a week, so I took it upon myself to get it goin' again and get us hooked up with a BRACKET...so guys and gals....here's where you go:

http://games.espn.go.com/tcmen/frontpage

and if you don't already have an account create one, then...

search "join a group" ...which is Gaines-Lampi

and the password to join is "jackson" in honor of the new lil dude


NO MONEY...just PRIDE this time; and may be a free night out for person + mate with babysitter(s) during Gaines-Lampi reunion 08 (we need to get oin that too soon)


Pick your teams, Cinderellas and Horses and have fun. Invite all (ex. Jake get Stu in this, Steve --Bill Stelter, kith and kin alike)


Love,

Jeffrey

SNL

Classic!

Charlie bit me

I wouldn't normally post YouTube videos here, but...

KIPP: LA Prep wins at Staples Center!

My 7th and 8th grade boys basketball team played another game at Staples Center this past Friday, winning 30-25 against a fierce KIPP: KAO team.

I was most proud of how my team played with composure and class, coming together as a team to beat a very imposing opponent. After the shaking hands with the other team we walked off the court and up the aisle where we were greeted with hugs and high fives by our adoring Middle School fans. I admit getting a little caught up in the moment and feeling like the coach in the movie who took a bunch of no-nothings and made them into champions. The movie ends with a freeze frame of me surrounded by my players, fist in the air. Credits roll, Dad tears up.

In other news, my rugby team won again this week-end in the pouring rain. We're 2-2 and looking really good. Already we have more wins then all of last year.

For more photos check out my flickr here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/famousscientist/

Let's take a breather.

It's come to my attention that maybe we have been a little stressed and it is carrying over in our blogs and comments toward each others posts lately. So I offer just a flawless picture that makes us remember that we all our searching for things to fullfill our deepest needs and even though A.C. had the master combination to open Screeches locker with his elbow, maybe we honestly don't know who will win MSU or IU. Either way, I do know one thing CMU will not be going to the big dance this year..... nor next year either.... and most likely the year after that (rebuilding). Enjoy the pic. Jeff and Wes, just focus on the smile and let it go, it's not your fault (Good Will Hunting).

Steve

Basketball

As I type IU and Purdue are battling it out on the court. Indiana is home to the fiercest basketball fans and this rivalry is especially big this year as the two Indiana Big Ten teams are battling for first in the conference (sorry Sparties, we'll be up Mar 2). Indiana has four teams in the top 25! I'm feeling the March Madness baby!

check this out ja ja

Hey y'all

Came across this video of Will Farrell (Ron Burgundy) interviewing coach Izzo up here in EL...it's hilarious. I guess we're hurting for a laugh or a smile, we Sparties, after a few road disappointments via Purdue and IU. But knowing Izzo, we'll have at least one more thing this season to look forward too..... check the video clip out (one minor inappropriate comment out of Farrell)


http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/c722e0c687

Paz,

Jeff

History Buffs?

Alright history buffs(Norm), this is a newly discovered photograph of what event???

(answer)

Just puttin' it out there...

Hey my culturally-empowered GL familia,

So like, with the primaries rollin' and the election blogs and convos flowin', I thought I might dare to stir the Gaines-Lampi think tank and get some polysci lit and dialogue goin'

To Wes the admin: Is it ok to walk this political platform since we are in the midst of a race (not much of a race anymore at least with the one party with Senor Obama cleaning up on Sen. Clinton to the tune of 20out of 28 primaries...ay caramba!)

So like here's a link from one of the New York Times journalists and author of "Losing Moses on the Freeway," Chris Hedges :

www.truthdig.com/report/item/20080211_the_war_against_tolerance

Just thought it was an interesting article

Woops..sorry Jake

I realized I posted something today and it USURPED Gracie's video only after a day. She's way too cute for that. Sorry, I'll repost later. I deleted it.

Winter Fun @ the Park

Today, we enjoyed the warm Sunday sunshine with a little walk to Finkbiner Park. I know many of you haven't seen Gracie in awhile, so take a look at what she's been up to lately. You'll get to hear some of her Spanish/English language skills as well. Check this out...

Maybe This Will Warm you MidWesterners Up!

Brighton...9 degrees/-11 below windchill
Murrieta...86 degrees/Warm and Sunny

A typical training day at the Lampi Home.

If you've ever wondered what a training moment looks like at the Lampi house, here you go. Still working on the basics.

Rebellion Victory!

My rugby team rarely wins games. In fact, throughout our 6 year history I think the LA Rebellion have only won a hand full of regular season games. So, last Saturday's 7-0 victory over the San Pedro Rhinos was a remarkable achievement that placed the team record at 1-1. Not to mention that I scored the 7 points that drove our team to victory. It's hard to explain the camaraderie that good vibes that this team exudes. You have to 'come out' sometime and see a Rebellion match.

please pray

Family and Friends,
I request your prayers as one of my dearest friends, Andrea, was in a tragic car accident with her husband, Scott, and son, Isaac, yesterday. We were very saddened when her father called us this morning to tell us that they lost Isaac. He was the same age as Grace. Scott is in stable condition, but Andrea is in critical condition. She has broken her arms, legs, ankles, jaw, clavicle, and many other bones in her body. Her lungs collapsed this morning, but they were able to reinflate them. She should be going in for surgery on her neck tomorrow. There was also another couple in the car who was killed.
My friends were temporarily in Denver, Colorado, where they were training to be missionaries to Cambodia. They just left so. cal. last month. They have no home to go home to since they literally left everything behind for the mission field. Just a few weeks ago Grace and I played with Isaac amidst the many boxes of stuff that would be eventually shipped to Cambodia.
I will be trying to fly out to Denver tomorrow morning to be with Andrea and her family (her parents mentored Jacob and I for the first few years of our marriage). My heart is filled with a very deep sadness and sorrow.

a cool conference i can't go too

I stumbled across a conference after reading up on a blog somewhere that is in Seattle WA. Just go to the site and enjoy; then get depressed like me that it's not like in Grand Rapids or Chicago. Cool though

www.thenewconspirators.wordpress.com

On a side note,

Word is that Sarah has a secret blog; and she won't give the address. That's mean. What did I ever do to you? What did Santa ever do to you, Tom?

On another side note: Are we headed for a recession? Way to go Feds.

5 days old!

Here are the latest pics of Jackson. Becky and I are falling more and more in love with him everyday!

REQUEST FOR MAS FOTOS PORFA

Ok, so like we want more. Jake, due to the fact that lil Jacksonian has his mami and papi pretty occupied right now, you are the man we're looking to. And since he's the new dude in the fam...ok....so like my wife checks hourly for more shots of the "Miracle of Murrietta"......can we get a few more of the man? Sorry for being annoying about it, but we're pretty excited for the new frijol. LOT OF AMOR

Jefe xo

Home Sweet Home

Jackson Benjamin Gaines made the 40 minute trip from Kaiser Hospital in Riverside to his new home in Murrieta. He is doing absolutely amazing (cross your fingers for tonight) and is happy with his new home. Here are a couple of the earliest pics of him. There will be more to come soon! Way to go Becky!

Jackson Benjamin Gaines

Abigail, Grace and I just returned from Riverside where we welcomed the newest member to the Gaines-Lampi clan (#21 to be exact). Weighing in at 8 lbs, 2 oz and 19 1/2 inches long, Jackson is adorable and slept the entire time we visited with the new parents. Becky was thankful to have a quick labor, and Ben was a great coach along the way. Here's a couple of pics of the precious little guy...I'm sure more to come in the next few days!

OH MY GOSH!

alright, so like my lil 3 1/2 yr old today had Preschool and was the "razzle dazzle" (aka Show and Tell dude/dame) and he was supposed to bring in something from home and share about it etc etc as the other ninos sit in "circle time" + snack to share with the rest of the class. So like all week Caleb is like saying he wants to bring in his dance music, spec. the rap "Itsy Bitsy Spider." Steph asks his teacher, our friend Jodi or "Mrs. Flynn" and she says that it would be great. None of us expected him to break out the Napoleon in front of his home boys and fly girls,........and as they fired up the song, he just stood there with the razzle dazzle a hat and sash and Steph got a bit nervous......BUT.....when the song started to play......well, just watch the video OH MY GOSH! Steph called me from school right after and I was stunned! LOL!!! (steph made some cool rice crispy spiders too that I can't seem to post for some reason)

Look for Josiah and Braydon to the left, just watching, then coming in at the end. HILARIOUS! DUDE, i LOVE IT!


ON a MORE PARAMOUNT AND PRECIOUS NOTE!!!! I'll be FIRST TO GIVE A CYBER CONGRATS to BEN AND BECKY and WELCOME LIL JACKSON to the world!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE'RE SO PROUD OF YOU 2...that is BECKY and JACKSON....ok and BEN too!!!!!

Jacob, Abs, Benny, someone BLOG PICS NOW! WAY TO GO MOMMY AND DADDY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BIENVENIDO JACKSON GAINES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pull out your webcams!

Now that most of us have kids (and they're all growing up so fast), we would love to chat with those of you online who have webcams so that our kids can interact with their nana's & papa's, auntie's & uncle's (that includes you too, Lampi's!), and cousins. I know Grace would LOVE to see you all and to show off her little pig tails! Let us know!

AFC/NFC CHAMPIONSHIP PICS

yo yo yo....for who it pertains to,

I emailed you all the breakdown for this weekends' games and how the money could flow. Let me KNOW if you can't open the file. Check you gmail/hotmail etc. emails.

Jeff

A special moment with Caleb

Hey guys,

Wanted to share this beautiful moment we had over break visiting the cemetery to spend some time with Papou. We don't know what to do, laugh at how cute or cry at what Caleb says to his Papou. And for those who know Dr. Georgiou or maybe have eaten with him, you know he would get a kick out of what he's doing (GReek Seasoning). We miss him beyond words but have so many wonderful memories. Just today Eden saw Steph pull out a pic out of her Dad and he noticed, ran over and said "Pa Pooo".....so cute.



Love, Jeff

caleb's got the moves

GAINES-LAMPI 2ND ANNUAL REUNION 08!!!???

Happy New Year my beloved family,

well, I'll make the intro short and let you do the deciding. I have been summoned by some of my kith to propose AN OPTION for our annual summer fling, which let's just be honest....JAKE AND AB set the BAR WAY TOO HIGH! So like, if we decide to make it a West Coast - Midwest every other year deal, then MI has NO chance competing with Tahoe's vistas and surprises (I still can't get over the salmon in that crystal clear river near the ice cream shop just around the bend of HEAVEN..emerald bay).

But since time's a ticking, my most excellent wife and bodacious mother have come up with a possibility and I am here to propose it:

Steph's family has 2 lodges, mobile homes, cottages whatever you call em right on Lake Huron a 1 hr 1/2 from EL 2 hours from Brighton. They are smack dab on the beach. And there is a possibility to borrow/rent the mobile home next to our 2

The amenities in EACH home:
cable televison in (TIGERS GAMES???????)
Fully loaded Kitchens
Living room
2 Bedrooms
1 bathroom w/shower and bath (tub in at least 1) in each trailer
Shed with water toys
HuGE deck for playing, sunbathing and conversating etc
Grill

BEACH + BEAUTIFUL H20 + Firepits and a Pier
Basketball court on beach
Golf Cart for transportation
Nice park and baseball field
Tennis Courts


Across the street is a Mini-Golf Driving Range with awesome ICE CREAM (stroths)

The town is called Lexington: Quaint town with cool stores (that's where Steph's mom got Eden that organic outfit Sarah....store's called "Weekends")
Town has a general store, market like Sefa's and then some ecclectic treasures you'd see in Royal Oak or Rochester. A theatre for plays, an outdoor concert pavilion, a harbor, and some cute antique stores (that sounds like my mom)

Alright, so like.......there's a 36 HOLE GOLF COURSE 3 miles from where you rest your heads at night...and it's beautiful..and reasonable. It's where I got a par..... after 6 cold ones....just a joke...."watch it, jefe" - Wes

You are 20 minutes from Port Huron and the Bridge to Canada = Casino.
Port Huron has the big mall, etc.,, blah blah blah. But there are movie theatres, hospitals, etc etc. h yeah, I found this new bakery/art gallery that is ALL ORGANIC about 3 miles from our place that serves awesome healthy food and really funky art. Dreadlocks encouraged.

Bottomline: It's pretty much free and there are places to get away if you get sick of someone....jk...much love....it is relaxing. My kids ALWAYS ask to go to "Wiggle Bay." You wake up staring out at the sun coming up over the Lake horizon. Most importantly it's AN OPTION.
Like I said, we will have 3 mobile homes that can house 6 people pretty comfortably.


WE CAN STILL LOOK TO THE UPPER P AND OTHER PLACES TOO. Just thought I would put it out there.

Here are some pics. The 1st too I didn't take but like that is lake huron at night and during the day. Oh yeah. Can I say SHOTGUN THOSE CHAIRS FOR A LIL reminiscin whatver=happened-to-thelive-on-the-beach-togther-swim-with-=doplhins-idea Wes and Jeff bonding time..... Caleb playing bball at the lake, the two boys and their friend Ella (daughter to Macomb County Prosecutor----watch it Caleb!), Eden having a treat on the deck, Caleb and his Papou...where else! the kitchen!... and my DAD at Uncle Bob's tying one on JK! Living it up OC style..had to post it! Wouldn't youa'll love to see ole Normy kickin' it like this at the lake this summer. That's worth a Spirit Air ticket just that alone. I have better pics, but not on my laptop....post em later.

feel free to comment and ask questions.....We have some time to decide...but not too long. Chime in so I can hear your thoughts. Google it. Lexington MI, Port Huron MI...etc

Missional Church

Many of you know Sarah and I have been part of a group that has been "rethinking" the way we do church. Our goal is to be a small community of believers that become the gospel or good news in Fort Wayne. On Saturday myself and two others from our group spent the day in Chicago and got to meet and hang out with around 15 other "missional church planters" from throughout the Midwest. The meeting was initiated by David Fitch (read his blog) who pastors a missional church in Chicago. David wrote a book that is kind of a primer for this way of thinking or church planting, its excellent I recommend it to you all (The Great Giveaway). Anyways, the day was spent discussing different aspects of church life and I thought I'd share some of my notes:

Leadership: We discussed a leadership model that focuses on a team of leaders rather than "one guy" aka senior pastor through whom everything happening in the church must go. The idea is that tension within leadership can actually be beneficial when leaders learn to mutually submit to one another and where humility and honesty are practiced. Each leader or member of the church for that matter operates in their gifting for the building up of the church and to prepare us for works of service (Eph 4). This model lightens the load so that everything doesn't hang on one person whereby this person always ends up burning out.

Liturgy: We talked about how our services should be structured around liturgical forms. Liturgy means the "work of the people" where we come as one body participating together in confession of sin, adoration, prayer, proclamation of the gospel (preaching), reading Scripture, and sharing the Eucharist (communion). The goal of the worship service is to form and shape us into the body of Christ rather than to "get something". Liturgy keeps us from the temptation to be anonymous in church or treat worship services as personal experiences that can be kept to ourselves apart from the rest of the body. We all come participating together.

Preaching: Preaching and teaching are not the same thing. Most sermons in church can be categorized in one of two ways: expository (think of a lecture) someone dissecting the text giving you the historical critical background to the text, parsing the Greek and Hebrew and coming to the "real meaning of the text". The second category would be "self-help" which could only be distinguished from an episode of Oprah or Dr. Phil by the few mentions of God. This way of preaching seeks to empower people to become a "better you" using principles from the Bible. Both of these categories focus on giving the congregation something they can take home and own, however they fail to accomplish the goal of preaching, which is a proclamation of the gospel (Lk 4: 20-21). Preaching should instead proclaim the reality as it is in Christ and invite people into it. It should fund our imaginations. It should treat the scriptures as a drama and not as a textbook, as a reality to be lived and not a commodity to be consumed.

House Fellowships: In an increasingly post-christian society it is no longer adequate to evangelize with tactics and programs which seek to bombard non-christians and force a decision in a matter of minutes. These tactics presuppose so many things that can longer be counted on such as: the Bible is true, the Bible is God's word, God is real, God is good etc... Evangelism in a post-christian society will take time and require relationships. One way of accomplishing this is to rediscover the art of hospitality. This can be practiced by meeting together in homes as a community. A house fellowship would be a small group of people meeting together to practice the kingdom and represent the gospel. Groups would eat together, share with one another, pray for each other, practice hospitality and justice, and be transformed together for the sake of the gospel.

Exciting times for the church!!

Kansas Wins!

I want to make sure you all know I will spend the gift card and starbucks card well, possibly buy a book and a coffee and read. Midtown represent'in! Peace, I'm out. Love ya'll.

It's on now!!!!

For those of you that have been out of the loop. It is on! I challenged wes to raise the stakes and he got cocky on me. For those that don't know, Wes gets his strings for "free" (contract with Martin). Oh Wesley, why have you sold yourself to the industry. I can see it now, as I take my youth group to a Toby Mac concert Wes opens alongside of Jaci Valasquez and sings a duet with Britt Nicole while strumming his shiny, free, new Martin strings. O what a scene, it's decision time for the students. Doug Fields has delivered a heart tugging message on purity and Wes takes the stage to play "Give us clean hands" and when the chorus builds guess who steps in to harmonize with him. You guessed it Steven Curtis Chapman with his free martin guitar strings too. Oh the scene is intense with tears as Wes and Steven's eyes connect knowing very well what is about to happen will be a life changing track on the WOW 2008 new release. An anthem breaks lose and from Give us clean hands, an acapella (no free strings needed) come out with the chorus of "You never let go". yes, everything is perfect as they start playing again. Uh Oh, wes's string breaks and the only strings he has are the one's he won from Steve. they are elixirs, no! Does wes keep playing and worshipping or would this worship be illegal becasue he broke contract with Martin. His WOW 2008 recording is in jeopardy. Wes chooses right and changes strings quickly as Steven plays softly. Two pros at work. Amazing.

Any way, this will never happen because tonight Va. Tech gets it's KansASS wooped up and down the field. Sorry about the spelling pun, did it for shock factor. wesley when Kansas wins, send me some D'addarios. They are the cheap brand, b/c that's what us non-contracted musicians can afford. Tell Out of Eden, Avalon, Toby, Michael Tait, Phil Joel, and the rest of the Christian Pop industry I said hi. Jeff, maybe with the money wes saves on my strings he can send you a set too.

p.s.

Love you wes, you really are the most talented musician I know.

THE MATCH-UP of the the CENTURY!

AND IT ALL COMES DOWN TO TONIGHT...

With both of these GLADIATORS, Wes and Steve, sitting strong with a stellar record of 18-10, we look ahead to tonight's Va Tech vs. Kansas matchup. If the Jayhawks spoil the Hoakies then Steve can look forward to a Barnes and Noble shopping spree and Starbucks bonus, but if the the Hoakies do what the nation thinks they'll do (trust me, that doesn't always come to fruition) then my boy, Johnny Appleseed Fort Wizzayne Kanye Wes will take home to prize and pride of 2007 College Bowl Game Gl posse Champion.

BUT, still my girl Sarah, Big Papa Bill and yes the SOCAL Sniper could end up winning as well...and are sitting on a solid 17-11.

Props to Steve going from last to first, Wes staying back and in the middle but down the last stretch showing his muscles and making the move, and to me for picking State, Hawaii and Wisconsin. I figured it out, if i would have done what my Dad did and not pick any Big Ten, the B and Noble card would be staying in EL. You live and learn. I can' win or finish Top 2 or 3 every time. .............ha!

So it's like Carmen vs. John Schlitt, Rob Harris vs. JohnG Elliot, Louie Webber vs. Chuck Booher, Barak Obama vs. Mitt Romney, Darin Kelbert vs. Micah Richardson, David Crowder vs. Chris Tomlin (watch it Wes you hater)....

STEVEN ADAM LAMPI vs. WILLIAM WESLEY GAINES

IT's ON TONIGHT!

The Bookie WILL be back,

Jefe xo

INTEGRITY

That was one of the most satisfying U of M wins I've watched. Props to Steve for being the only one with the guts to pick the maize and blue. Perfect ending to the Lloyd era, I've always liked him and fought tears when they carried him off the field.