Mckenna and Crowder share a moment.

As some of you know, my 4 year old niece McKenna has been a huge Crowder fan for, well, about 3 years now, That is all she wanted to listen to from about the age of one. a few weeks ago, she decided to write him a letter to thank him for the music he makes and that she really likes it. Not really expecting any reply, she received a note from Waco, Texas this past week. As you can guess, it was a hand written note to Mckenna with his patented drawing of himself. Kind of a cool deal that he'd take time to write her back. She now refers to him as "Dave".

Steve

ARE U READY?

I DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU, BUT I'M PRETTY STOKED FOR A WEEK FROM NOW AND THE BEGINNING COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Yesterday, on ESPN, an NCAA analyst picked MSU 3rd in the Big Ten and much improved, and heralded Javon Ringer as the fastest running back in the nation ! I hate hearing that, because it just makes it that much harder if he's wrong... stay tuned

WE ARE SPARTANS!

Jackson Goes to Costco

This past weekend Jackson made his cart debut at Costco. He is such a big boy, as he is now riding in the cart without a carseat!

Directions to Reunion

Hi "covenant family"

Here are the directions to the lake (from Brighton). If you are coming from another place (Steve and Shea - already taken care of), let me know. Call Steph's cell 517 214-6998.

So here they are:

Take US 23 NORTH towards FLINT

Take I-69 EAST exit towards PORT HURON

about 60 miles later...

get off at exit 196 WADHAMS Rd.

Turn LEFT off exit and about go about a mile...(through light, down a big hill)

Turn right at bottom of hill on NORTH RIVER

go about 8.5 miles or so...look for NORMAN rd (ha!)...that's the last road you'll go past until you...

see a white church in front of you to the left---abandoned...home? I'm not sure (you'll also see a white church to your right on this road, but earlier on..)

Turn RIGHT there! on BURTCH Rd and drive about 1 1/2 miles until...

you run into a red light...turn left on M-25 NORTH...you're almost here...

drive about 10 miles on M-25 until you see a putt-putt golf course and driving range, and right there on your RIGHT in front of it is the SANDPIPER! Turn right.

Drive slowly (10 miles/hr.) through park, pass baseball field on left, around the turn, you'll see the lake below, turn right and go down the hill,

take a left and look for the 2 trailers with the Jewish stars on the front..they are the 3rd and 4th trailers down on.. park in front and...

GET READY FOR SOME FUN!

Love,

Jeff

Call if lost

Last Minute Instructions

Hello... I thought it was about time that I post some last minute reminders about the gaines-lampi retreat. Review: Thank you for the $20 from each couple I have bought snacks, and will be buying breakfast and lunch food for everyone so that when you get there you can get settled and enjoy. I am asking if each couple will bring the following to split up the fruit: Bill/Lena-Watermelon, Norm/Debbie-Watermelon, Jake/Ab-Bananas, Wes/Sarah-Grapes, Steve/Shea-Strawberries, Jeff/Steph-Apples. This will be a huge help to me, thanks!! Also, I want to remind you that Jake/Ab and Wes/Sarah you do NOT need to bring a pack-n-play we have two up there for you ready to go. I have kids shampoo and toothpaste well stocked for the kiddos. We have blankets and pillows for everyone! Shea and I will have 2 monitors one for each place.
Oh yeah, Jeff and I thought that it would be a great idea if we read a book and have a bible study each day. We really wanted to be intentional about setting-up time with the Lord as a group. We picked the book Your Home a Place of Grace, by Susan Hunt. This book is great and pertains to all of us and the stages of life we are in so I am really excited about sharpening each other and digging into the word as a group. Wes and Steve- guitars for worship, Please if possible. Books will be arriving on Wed. to Norm and Debs so they said we can make arrangements to deliver them to the Gaines family. Sorry this is so late. This is intended to grow us as friends, families, parents, grandparents, husbands, and wives. So read it together if you can as couples. If possible could you read Part One: Ch 1-6 by Monday. Then we will split up part two and discuss that part during the week together.
Here is a quick overview I will have breakfast and lunch food for everyone. Bagels, PB/Jelly (organic), Milk for cash (Organic whole), Pancakes, Cream Cheese, Egg Casseroles, Muffins, Granola/Yogurt. Lunch- Sub sandwiches, Veggie Burgers, Wraps, pasta salads, Chips/Guac/Salsa and more. Dinner- I will have dinner for everyone on Sunday and Monday and then we can decide if we want to go out, or get pizza a day whatever the group decides. If you can let us know when you plan on arriving. Jeff and I will be there on Sat morning so whenever you come we will be ready. This is so exciting and awesome to be apart of such a close knit family. I can remember when I first was introduced to the Gaines family (ferret in pocket-crazy). I can't help but see God's divine hand in all of our lives, amazing parents, marriage, children and wise God fearing/loving grandparents. I feel extremely blessed to be part of this extended family. I cannot wait to see everybody! Let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.
Love, Stephanie

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CUZ!!!

Roger says "Do a little dance, make a little love, get down tonite!"

HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY WESSER!!!

FELIZ CUMPLEANOS to MY BEST FRIEND IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD! Wes, we've been through a lot together, seen a lot (oh yeah), and well, quite frankly, you've been there all the way! As hallmark as that sounds, here comes this...I love you for not who you are, but what I am when I am with you. YEEEEAAAHHHH!

Have a great day and welcome to the "new 20s!"

Mexico 2008!

Hey all if you want to see what happened this summer in Mexico, check out the Rose blogspot. Here's the link. Copy and paste. (Is Benny tickling John in this photo?)

bajajohn.blogspot.com

and the moment we've all been waiting for...

Well, after long deliberation (much longer than NCAA pairing), myself, this year's GL golf commissioner, is revealing the pairings for our much anticipated scramble on Wednesday morning, August 13th. I have chosen this day, due to the fact Steve, Grey and Shea, I believe aren't arriving until Tuesday evening. With that said, those early birds are welcomed to venture out for a practice round beforehand or go across the street from our places to the driving range ... although I think it's everyone's wish to spend as much time together as whole families, rather than some golfing and some staying with the ninos.

So after some trash talk, name calling and manipulation, here are the rankings:

1. Jacob "Ace" Gaines -- he became #1 when he pulled the Tiger "knee injury"
disclaimer on a previous blog
2. Bill "Big Papi who's your Daddy, Wes" Gaines
3. Wesley "Birthday Boy" Gaines
4. Steve "practice?....what do ya mean practice?" Lampi
5. Norm "no pressure all fun....maltby dances number ONE---in Bill's grill" Lampi
6. Lena "Shut up, Bill" Gaines
7. Debbie "Shut up, Norm" Lampi
8. Jeff "MVC ---most valuable caddy" Lampi

(Note: If Andrew shows up, which last time I talked to people, I'm getting the idea that he may not.....which stinks!!!...Caleb still talks about you!....then he is #8....and I am....you know)

So the best ball scramble pairings are:

Lena & Debbie (they said they want a piece of the men)
Jacob & Jeff
Bill and Norm
Wes & Steve

BTW- Wes seriously told me he hated when I caddied for him in the desert and warned me not to. BFF.

We'll be playing the North Course(so diverse and prestine!) and decide on 9 or 18 later. And there will be a prize for longest drive and closest to pin.

May the best 2 win the coveted GL Annual Scramble!!! See you in about two weeks!

JOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONES!!!!

Never Again!

Say "Cheese!"

Good Day everyone!

So, for Steph's 30th, I got her a new digital SLR camera because she is crazy about photography and taking pics of babies, children and families. And well, she has "run" with the possibilities, now starting her own photography business. She even has her own business cards built a website (with some help of one of my former student):

www.mumsntumsphotography.com

Check it out. She has already done a shoot and has some lined up along with senior pictures and a gig working alongside one of her friends doing baby announcements. She loves it!

She'd can't wait for the lake to take some pics of the GL babies and if you ever want some pics and prints, obviously she'll do it for free and... "I think you'll enjoy them." - famous saying from her Dad

Toodles,

Jeff xo

It's Great to be home!!!

As Benny winds down his trip in mexico i am home with my boy for the past 24 hours alone with him and we've had some great time. He got older in only a week. I can't wait to see ya'll. We will be there on Wednesday morning. Grey si excited to see the little ones as our we. See you then.

Steve

A MUCH BELATED UPDATE: GL REUNION 08!

Hi everyone,

Well it's now less than a month away from the 2nd ANNUAL GAINES-LAMPI FAMILY REUNION! I hope all your summers have been as rewarding as ours. A highlight was seeing Jackson on Friday! What a cute dude! and so HAPPY!

Steph and I have been wanting to post a quick reminder and update on the plans for our Lake Huron reunion trip many have been asking so here it is:

1. We have the week, Monday (or Sunday night) - Friday morning, August 10-15, and all 3 trailers (each have 2 bedrooms, bath, kitchen, living room and deck on 2 of the trailers) facing the lake. Your welcome to stay as long as you desire.

2. Bring your suits, we have beach towels and if you need any LAUNDRY done, we got that covered too.

3. If you're feeling sporty bring your Reebok pumps and gear --there's a beach basketball court, baseball field, park for the kids with play sets, swings, etc....and obviously, guys and gals bring your clubs...or feel free to borrow someone’s. Or if you just want to take a drive (and trust me Eden will want to), jump on the golf cart and roll through the park.

4. We have the beach amenities too like umbrellas, chairs, rafts, baby pool, and toys.

5. If we feel like spending a little money, I found a place down the road that rents jet skis hourly...but we don't have to. There is a family that will let us borrow their kayaks too.

6. You may want to have sandals or crocs or some type of H20 shoe b/c it can get rocky when swimming.

7. Beach Fire pit, marshmallows, s'mores and scary stories (Chuck Booher tapes---what was he thinkin'???)...check!

8. Stephanie is taking care of the kid friendly soaps, shampoos, toothpastes etc. so you don't have to worry about that as well as lil baskets for the ninos to enjoy.

9. We're thinking Me, Steph + Caleb, Eden + Steve, Shea and Grey in the her mom's trailer, JAcob, Abs + Gracie, Wes, Sarah + Cashflow in nextdoor trailer, and Papas and Grandmas in neighbor's trailer (Macomb County Prosecutor's.....behave!)...and ANDREW!!!!! whatever trailer, couch or hide-a-bed he wants! We'll dearly miss B, B and JAcks....but whatever...Hawaii!

10. Now the most important, FOOD. Steph has already run this by a few of you and thus far every family (sans Andrew...we got this one man..just get there) is cool with putting in about $20 so that Steph can make a COSTCO run and fill the fridges in all trailers with basics like bagels, cream cheese, cheese, milk, juices, fruits, PB, lunch meats, breads, healthy snacks, yogurts, etc. Now this is where we specify we have also have a FOODS for LIVING store next door to us and Costco is very naturally conscious too, so we'll go for the ORGANIC. Only the best for my fav 2 fams!

11. We have baby monitors, covered so we can sit out on decks and leave trailers without worry as well as the pack-n-plays covered too.

12. Bring a lil extra spending cash if you'd like; there are some cool stores downtown if you take the mile drive. And I'm not talking about Bill's golf game!

13. It's HOT there in August, but in the evenings you never know, bring somethings warm.


So your job here is to comment (at least someone from each fam) on anything listed, talk golf smack and most IMPORTANTLYgive Steph any suggestions for FOODS/DRINKS (ex. special organic juice) and she'll put it on her grocery list. The point here is to make it easy for all the travelers to not have to worry about going out an getting things right away but having at least some basics there. We'll decide about dinners when we get there. There are stores etc too. Still, obviously, feel free to bring whatever you want.

TBA: Golf scramble pairings and directions (2 hrs from Btown)


Love- Jeff, Steph, spy kid (did anyone get that?) and "the garden of"


And I can’t wait to say it soon, “Let the games begin!”

my final d:show?

This past weekend delirious? passed through the fort for a show at our outdoor amphitheater. I took it in (it had been a while) and have to say that no one comes close to bringing the power-packed-pop-worship as delirious does (sorry crowds & toms). They have a way of being incredible performers yet still remaining genuine. I had to take in the show b/c they are retiring at the end of this tour, marking the end of an era, so here is my delirious timeline...

1. 1996 - I go away to college and start trekking up to fort wayne to go to the Vineyard where Dave Chumchal plays some early delirious at twice the recorded speed
   
2. Summer 1997 Gary Gentry pulls up in a minivan at Kensington listening to Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble, I recognize the song (played much slower) and take Gary's Cutting Edge tape
3. 1997-98 I devour the Cutting Edge tapes, blown away by songs like Obsession, Lord You Have my Heart, I've Searched For Gold
4. Fall 1998 I grab a copy of King of Fools and head to Israel for the semester. Countless times I escape away to the Western Wall area or nearby parks and listen to Friend Forever over and over.
5. Fall 1999 - I meet Jeff Searles who is friends with the band, we go up to Ann Arbor for my first D:show. Incredible packed show at the Michigan theater. The band obviously made a stop at Urban Outfitters before the show.
6. Spring 1999 - Praise Rally - East Lansing - Wes and "the band" come up to East Lansing rockin mostly d:songs in a small classroom where we aspire to end racism, break dividing walls, bring revival and Coach McCartney all in one night (I loved those nights - so raw and passionate, Bradley doing the unthinkable and soloing for two hours straight, Rueben's classic quote "we'll go back eat a few slices of pizza, let everyone hangout with the band then hit the road..")
   
7. Spring 2000 - Adam Witmer and I completely rip off the "There is a Light that Shines in the Darkness" song from Live and in the Can during a chapel service at Taylor (mostly to blank stares in the audience), a guy from my floor comments later, "hey Gaines nice Delirious show this morning"
8. Summer 2000 - Andy Booth and I completely rip off "There is a Light that Shines in the Darkness" at Soultrip (Andy inspired by the moment holds up a candle in front of the stage but the candle keeps blowing out...we scrap the idea)
   
9. Summer 2000 - (Summer of Love??) Steve, Rueben and I go to Cornerstone for one night to see Delirious in what turned out to be the most random night ever. We arrive on the scene where Jeff and Steph were enjoying their wedding "gift" from Eddie (camping in mud for a week) We hook up in Illinois, Jeff see's Stu-G (guitarist) walking towards him and with nothing else to say blurts out "What up Stu-G" and offers him a high-five (Stu G is struck with a spontaneous moment of culture shock and cautiously proceeds with the high five). the show is hot, sweaty, and wonderful we dance in the mud then try to head home. First we get pulled over for speeding, then Reuben decides he doesn't need socks, shoes, or a shirt (its very hot), somewhere around 2AM Wes notices the car has been running on fumes, so we pull off the highway and coast into this dinky town near the Illinois-Indiana border where the only gas station in town doesn't open till 8AM. Rueben keeps his socks, shoes, and shirt off and crashes in the back, Wes and Steve experience the longest 6 hours of their lives.
10. Fall 2001 - I'm flying everywhere whenever I want, so I go to London for the weekend and see them play at Shepherd's Bush
11. Spring 2001 - Go to see them in Grand Rapids meet Jeff and Steve there - the best part of the show is when the guitar starts playing "King of Fools" but no Stu G in sight...oh wait he's in the back of the auditorium wearing a jesters hat and singing the song. Classic. (a Delirious show is made 100 times better when Jeff is going nuts up and down the aisles)
    
12. Summer 2001 - Delirious comes to Fort Wayne, Martin brings the Faux-hawk to the midwest..."Yeah his hair was really weird looking..." Months later everyone in church is sporting faux-hawks (Youth Pastors are just catching on to that one)
13. Summer 2008 - Final show - i still love this band and enjoyed the show next to my friend Andy Booth. They end the show with a great new song "My Soul Sings" (download free here- all the robots from previous albums come out at the end of this one)
    

Thank you, Delirious. Wes

Missing Voice

Cash has been a bit under the weather these last few days, and we thought you might enjoy this little video of his raspy voice. Yesterday it was almost completely gone for a few hours, but he didn't seem to mind. He's been enjoying trying to scream at the top of his lungs, but all that comes out is a little dry-throated yell. Cute!

So You Think You Can Dance Quiz

Multiple Choice Question:
1. Which of these things were said by Gramie while watching So You Think You Can Dance:
A.) "Now thats not dancin'-thats just aerobics"
B.) "Did you see what she was wearing? Now that costume was just awful."
C.) "I've danced at a lot of FOXY places...and that was not dancin'..."
D. All of the above

Good Luck!

Jackson Loves His Rice Cereal

This week Jackson has begun to eat rice cereal.

The Beach Bandit

Today we woke up and the weather looked to push triple digits in the SGV (San Gabriel Valley). So after breakfast we loaded up the Vibe and headed to the beach where the temps were mid 70s, the breeze was fresh, and the Jamba Juice was flowing. Grace enjoyed her day at the beach, but kept eying the rubber duck resting a few feet to our right under the umbrella of our beach neighbors. When they left their spot for a cool dip in the Pacifc, Grace made her move and her mom captured it all on film. Take a look at the beach bandit...




Also, check out Grace's blog for more weekend pics!

Cardboard Testimonies

I know I've already posted this week, but I had to share this video with all of you. Sunday morning at Heartland Andy facilitated this cardboard testimony idea he'd seen another church do. I cried through the entire thing, along with many others. It was such an honest, vulnerable experience--to see these peoples' stories written out on cardboard signs. It was a beautiful thing.

Pokagon State Park

Cash at the beach.

Some of the group pre-hike.

Breakfast under the canopy.

A view of most of our tents.

This weekend about 25 of us from Christ Community camped at Pokagon State Park. We had a great time, in spite of the scattered storms. To our shock, Cash slept better than any of us--from about 9:30pm to 7am! Natural-born camper, I guess. We played cards, cooked over the fires, went to the beach, and took an early-morning hike in the rain. We had so much fun, we plan to all go back either the last weekend in July or the first in August. Any of you Michiganders want to join us? The park's about 45 minutes North of Fort Wayne, and it's only $26 for an entire weekend. It'll be worth it to see Cash streak across the campsites again (Wes had been chasing him around trying to get a shirt on him for about 5 minutes):

late night video post

Well, while Steph and the girls are out celebrating into the night, I thought I would put out some clips of the summer including tonight's bday surprise party. Here's what's going on in each segment:

1st clip: Early June, My buddy Joe delivers an epic grad speech for Pinckney High and in doing so, uses his shining moment to call-out two of our female senior students who HATE each other (because of well, what else...DRAMA) and he does so in front of all 5,000 people in Hill Auditorium Ann Arbor. Hilarious and....huevos!

2nd clip: Greyson at papa and grandmas casa...."I haven't seen any child whose DNA resembles Grey's." - Lena Gaines I think

3rd clip: Mags Ordonez (Braydon's fav player) and Miguel Cabrera (Caleb's fav) playing baseball...ironically as I post this the Cabrera hits GW 2 RBIs to put the Tigs at .500!!!

4th clip: Surprise Stephanie!

5th clip: Eden's "girlfriend" Brooklyn muscles Tessa out of her way to do a bit of window washing with her boy! Ha!

Enjoy!

Happy 30th BDAY Stephanie! You mean everything to the hearts at home on 616 Moorland EL

just a quick shout-out to the one and only. Sorry Abagail; don't want to blog-steal Jake's bodacious post. PLEASE READ JAKE'S POST BELOW!

Abigail and Bill Gates

So what do Abigail and Bill Gates have in common? Yes, they are both the CEO/Executive Directors of their respective companies/organizations. Yes, they are both innovators and culture changers as they have left their indelible marks on their respective spheres of influence. Yes, they are both filthy rich with Gates and Abigail together worth a combined $52 billion. And yes, if you've haven't guess by now, both Abigail and Bill Gates are working their final days today at their respective jobs. Today, Grace and I sent Abigail off to her last day of work in Azusa at the Neighborhood Homework House. I know this is a bittersweet day for her as she leaves a ministry that has her fingerprints in every nook and cranny. I wanted to blogically acknowledge this day as it marks a turning point in our lives and in the lives of so many in Azusa. Abigail has given so much to a city in such need of hope and a way home. She has been a consistent strong wall for kids and families in times of peril. She has been a mover and shaker taking the Homework House from a tiny grassroots non-profit organization to a state of the art, exemplary community organization of which the city can be proud. In a day and age when it seems to popular and cutting edge to be against so many things (like the church, a cause, a candidate, etc.), Abigail has chosen instead to live for things of eternal significance. As has been said of Mother Tersea, so I say of my wife, "It's hard to argue with a life so well lived." Thanks for eight years of incredible memories. Eight years of giving and serving with little to no recognition. Your reward is certainly in heaven. Now get some rest and enjoy your daughter for the rest of the summer. You've certainly earned it. Bill may leave with his billions and you with a token Starbucks gift card, but you leave with treasure that no one can ever take from you. Grace and I are so proud of you! Well done!!

Grey's "Problem", Is it time for an intervention?

All right, so I know that I'm not part of your blog but I thought that I should post out of sheer concern for Grey. You see, while Steve was in West Virginia doing "ministry" Greyson really cut loose! We all headed over to our cousins graduation party and Grey started hanging around the keg pretty early. Not long after his 3rd keg stand he started taking other kids toys and taking off his shirt hollering "YOU WANT SOME OF THIS, YOU WANT SOME OF THIS!!!!!" Anyway, I know how close you all are to Shea and Steve. Gery's "problem" seems to be a bit out of hand and it might be time for some of that "truth in love" that pastor talks of on Sundays.

Much Heart, Jason

Jackson

Hope everyone has a great day! Enjoy some new pictures of Jackson!!!

Abigail's Homework House Farewell Party!

Last night Abigail was honored in Azusa for her 8 years of service and ministry at the Homework House. It was a wonderful and memorable event where students, friends, family, and staff shared touching stories of what Abigail has meant to them. The mayor and city council were also in attendance and presented her with a special city proclamation detailing all that she has meant for the city of Azusa. I was hoping for the keys to the city, but he didn't go that far. For the event, I scoured over hours of old video tapes and photos and put together a little presentation for her as well. Abigail, we all stand amazed at what you have done for so many. Take a look...

Vladdy Hoisting the Cup

I found the moment I spoke of in my previous comment. Take a look...

Hey Hey Hockeytown

Was anyone else close to tears when Lidstrom hoisted the cup again? Hockey is back!!!!

The Eagle Has Landed

Everyone knows that one of the top five on my bucket list is to see a bald eagle in the wild. Well, cross that one off. A bald eagle family has moved into our area and created quite a stir. The eagle nest is on the banks of the Wabash River southwest of us, and while I was in the area for work today I stopped by for a visit. A short hike through the woods and and straight across the river from me sat perched our national symbol of freedom. After about 15 minutes of alone time with baldy, a couple die-hards joined me and lent me their binoculars. Through the enhanced view the majestic creature peered at me with a look that must have said "Freedom ain't free!" I know it ain't baldy, I know it ain't.

happy 2, eden

Steph and I wanted to blogicially extend a feliz cump to our youngest nino, Eden Jeffrey. He is 2 tomorrow- 6/04 (or today depending on when you read this). He is such a sweet boy who is soooo smart (for all who worry about the "blue" issue..it's over..he's identifying the rest of the rainbow), but most of all, loves and adores his big brother. Although he prefers his mommy in every situation (and I'm not holding any bitterness, right), his HUGE smiles "thank yous" just crush me. Cheers to our obessed-with-cars, sweet-toothed, mr. independent boy, Eden! and thank the Lord you weren't born two days later. (jk...I'm gonna get in trouble for that one).

Here's a short slide show of the birthday boy we played at his party this Saturday:

Balloonamentary

trale lewous

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/678eec3433

Abigail Turns 30!!!!

Today, the love of my life finally joins me in the 30s (new 20s) and I wish to use this blog space to publicly proclaim my unending love, admiration, and gratefulness for who Abigail is to me and so many. She enters her 30s with grace and beauty as an amazing wife, a tender mom, and faithful friend to all. Please share a quick thought or two simply telling Abigail what you love and appreciate about her, or any other funny memory through the years!!

SUPERFAN!

What a day was Caleb's Bday! I wanted to share some pics with you and a short story that has to be one of the FUNNIEST EVER!

So like, I was having a convo with Caleb prior to his Bday and somehow we got on the subject of Uncle Wes and him being a ROCKSTAR. We listen to him all the time and he loves his tunes (along with his other Uncle, Steve). So like I suggest to Caleb asking Uncle Wes for a pic and a signature..and tell Sarah..get a couple of laughs from them and leave it at that.

The day after or so his Bday I look in the mail and well, I'll let the pics (shirt, CD, Pic) speak for themselves.

The most hilarious thing about it was when he opened it and held the pic in his hand...he got really weird..Steph and I had never seen this before.....kind of shy...And when I asked him about calling Uncle Wes and thanking aunt Sarah, he said he was too shy to do so.. You should have seen his "starstruck" gaze. Maybe reminiscent of Jake last week with Ryan Seacrest or myself and Al Denson.

Anyway, we threw the CD in and him and EDEN got to it and played some air guitar!

Anyways, great bday, and thanks again Wes and Sarah...and everyone who made Caleb's 4th a hit (H2O tabele -shea and steve- they love it...especially the Eden monster)! UNBELIEVABLE. The pic is going on his wall along with (so says Steve) a pic of Uncle Steve the"goth" Rocker staring through a candle....stay tuned

Kudos to Steph and the FAB cake job!

Trivia Time!

We've done it before, so I thought I'd keep it going. Winner gets the joy of knowing how smart they are. Bonus questions and you're brilliant.

Where is this picture taken?

Bonus: What is it called?

I'll even allow research.

Steve

J & A Catch Idol Fever

I don't know if anyone else in Bloggerland has been watching American Idol this season, but for the first time since Kelly Clarkson won it 7 years ago, Abigail and I got wrapped up in this years Idol fever. Tonight was the big finale pitting the two David's (Archuleta and Cook) against each other. By some twist of good fortune, I was able to score 3rd row seats and Abigail and I skipped work for the day and braved the crowds at the Nokia Theater in downtown L.A.

We sat in a lot of long lines, but in the end it was well worth the wait. Fascinating to see all that goes into a live production like this, we rubbed elbows with a lot of very rich people up front just to the left of Simon Cowell. If you watched the episode you will catch a quick glimpse of Abigail in one shot behind David Cook's mom (Abs is wearing pink) and then a shot of both of us during Archuleta's second song (you really have to be looking). Alas, it was a fun and memorable day being together and dreaming our own dreams while watching these two live out theirs. Any other Idol fans? Who got your vote?

Check this out (Some kids are way beyond their years)

So this girl (Hollie) who attends the LIFT service at messiah, was in a mile run with her school this past Sunday. She is autistic, but has had significant improvement in her disability and is the sweetest thing you'll ever meet. The race was for Parkdale Elementary here in Midland and the second graders all came out for the run. The boys ran first and the girls second. After starting the race, Hollie ran about the first quarter of the race with the kids and then lost all her steam. She was 1/8th of the way done and her mom was crushed that she would have to run the race alone. She debated whether to go walk with her the rest of the way and just before she did, a couple of second grade boys ran out with her, joined by a few others. They ended up running the last half mile together helping her get through. That is pretty cool. I want my son to be the kid that ran out there first to help. I know you all feel the same way.

Steve

Grace's Development

Today I proved to Grace once and for all who runs this house! Take a look...

FELIZ CUMPLEANOS CALEB!

4 YEARS OLD! TODAY 4 years ago the first addition to the GL posse was born and now, I CAN'T BELIEVE IT, is 4!!! Happy Bday to a FAST and CURIOUS lil boy who has brought his mommy and daddy + lil brother so much JOY! We love you Caleb. You are a blessing and such a good big brother.

Love Daddy, Mommy and Eden xo

He'll tell you all about his new BIKE next time you see him!

The Cup Came Home!!

As you know like all the G/L men, I suffer from a slight sports addiction. So when Fort Wayne's IHL hockey team the Komets were hosting game 7 of the Turner Cup Finals last night I had to be there. It had been a testy series with the scrapper Ice Hawks from Port Huron, and the Komets had fought back from down 3-1 in the series to force game 7. The Komets have been in Fort Wayne since the 1950s and have a lot of die hards. As I walked toward the Coliseum last night fans were already chanting "Bring Home the Cup!!", and I knew this is where I belong. The Coliseum was packed and full of energy, I was filled with a feeling that can only be equated with the Cup Crazy days of the late 1990s. Early in the game the Komets were hit with a major penalty, and after clearing the puck for the last time to kill the 4 min. penalty (Sarah doesn't believe this but it totally happened) I stood and applauded (Will You Be the One), those around me followed my lead, and soon the whole Coliseum was up, "Let's Go Komets!!

With under a minute to go and the Komets up 2-1 the place was going nuts and then, a potential heartbreak, the Ice Hawks snuck one in to tie it up. We are going to have to earn this one, I thought. Through two overtimes the teams were still deadlocked. Then just after midnight, in the first minute of triple overtime, Komets got a rebound and stuffed it in the back of the net, bringing the Cup home!! Hugs, tears, high-fives, and a lot of pent up anger was released all at once throughout the Coliseum, it was classic. The best part is that as the Turner Cup (which looks strikingly familiar to the Stanley Cup) was presented to Komets captain Guy Dupuis (ghee duh-pwee: aka best hockey name ever) he hoisted it up and the cup fell off the base. As you can tell in the photos this didn't stop each Komet from doing a victory lap with the base of the Turner Cup. Incredible. What's great about the IHL is that while a lot of the players are young guys waiting to make it to the next level, the rest are just guys my age who love to play hockey and go back to work normal jobs over the summer. One of the Komets is also a local fireman. As you can tell, I became a baptized Komet Krazee last night, and Turner came home to the Fort.

P.S It appears we have some sore losers up in Port Huron (article). So we may have dislodged the goal a couple times when you had open net chances in OT. Its all part of the game, you should've shot quicker!

To all the wonderful Mommy's young and old"er"

Cheers to the Mothers of the Gaines-Lampi family, especially, Becky on her first Mother's Day. Let's face it guys, there's NO WAY we could do what they do. You SEVEN mothers are AMAZING, UNIQUE and INCREDIBLY gifted. There are some things God's reserved for greatness, and that is motherhood. Happy Mother's Day.

Jackson at 3 months!

Here is a short clip of Jackson as he is swinging and laughing!

Friends of Burma

As you've seen in the news Myanmar (Burma) is facing an enormous crisis after a cyclone caused thousands of deaths and left even more homeless . Fort Wayne happens to have the largest concentration of Burmese refugees in the country (www.burmafortwayne.com) and so I just wanted to pass on some info on a local organization that can help get aid directly to people in Myanmar. Check out Friends of Burma if you are interested in making a donation or helping the people of Myanmar in any way.

Cash's Development

All right, Jeff. Here's our installment of "show off how smart your kid is."

Remember my blue shorts?!

It's been a while since I've posted on this blog, and I feel funny writing a post asking for money, but what the hell, right?

I hope you're all well.

This has been an extremely fast paced year for me; I've learned a lot, had a fantastic time in the process, and if you've been around me in the last several months you've undoubtedly heard stories of my time on the pitch playing rugby with the LA Rebellion this season.

The Rebellion ended the year with a record of 5-3, with heads held high. Last year, our winning-est season in our 7 year history, we ended with a record of 1-9, if that adds a little more context. And to toot my own horn, I was awarded 'Man of the Match' in 4 out of 8 games and scored about 12 or 13 tries (touchdowns).

And now, we turn our attention to the Bingham Cup, an international rugby tournament taking place in Dublin, Ireland this June. This tournament promises to be an enormous amount of fun and a great flag planting opportunity for my team and I in the world of rugby.

And it's going to be expensive! And this is a moment of fund-raising humility where I ask YOU for some of your hard earned money. Whether it be $5 or $500 (thanks, *CENSORED* insert name of rich person here), any amount will help me out in this epic, international rugby adventure.

Tax deductible checks made out to the LA Rebellion may be sent to:

Andrew Gaines
1529 1/2 Rosalia Rd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027

Send me a little note with what you've been up to, as well.

Can't wait to tell you stories and maybe play some impromptu rugby on the beach shores at Lake Huron in August!

Until then/lovingly,

Andrew

senior pic rip off

I don't know why Marc-Andre Fleury of the Pittsburgh Penguins stole my senior picture to use on ESPN.com, but I want it back!!!

30!!!

Here's to my best friend turning 30! Jeff is guy who will do anything for his family, friends, and yes, his students (the only explanation for him becoming the Imperial Officer and letting his students broadcast it all over the web!) Hope your "three-oh" day was incredible Jeff, fill us in on some thoughts from Wallis.

SAVE-THE-DATE

Well,

I'm not sure if y'all need to slow down a bit, but I know my fam is sure looking forward to some down time (besides Steph getting her masters on)...but liek Martin Smith about this time of year, I'm "Waiting for the Summer." And I hope you are too, cause...
Save this date! August 11-16.....We've booked it and inviting everyone out to the lake for any 4 days or so (or 5) within that week, Monday-Friday. We'll be up there the prev weekend getting things ready: golf cart waxed, tan lines covered, jet skis ordered, bars forewarned, coolers stocked, fire logs supplied, refridges with fiddles, beach bball court swept off, and 36 hole golf course tee times made ready.

Yesterday, (thanks again Wes and Sarah) Wes said he is on it making a 2-day GL skins tournament (with rankings, pairings and courtesy strokes for the less savvy). As Wes, Sarah, Steph and I strolled through the Costco (trying to woo Sarah towards some 47" LCD flat screen love), Wes and my eyes set our sights on the OBERON, brewed straight out of Kalamzoo MI. We just looked at each other...and no words necessary besides.....summer, man.

There's a whole lot to do, so get ready for a whole lot of fun with the ninos and some serious moonlight fires and picturesque sunrises out of the east over the H2O.

Here's a pic right after sunset off the coast of Lake Huron to get you in the mind set. No it's not Tahoe, but ...............you'll see.......

Jeff xo

PS. Not sure how to pay the plane ticket? How bout using the ole Bush economy stimulator $ to help get you here....

Cup Crazee!!

Anyone else getting a little Cup Crazy?!? Maybe this video will help. Here's to the Wings bringing home Stanley and the Komets bringing home Turner.