You should see the other guy!

So we had our first major wipe out. Tooth thru the entire lip and face. Ouch. He is using it for popsicles all night. No worries, he's good.

Sophia Elaine Lampi 8/26/09

Born at 6:14 am Wednesday morning, Sophia came into the world, all 7 lbs. and 20 inches long and a monster head of jet black hair. And I can't leave out that adorable Greek nose after her Papou. We think as of right now she looks most like what Eden did at birth. Steph worked so hard and we were blessed by two amazing friends to help coach in DR. Jami and Meg. Caleb and Eden are so excited too -Caleb's already been helping with bath and diaper duties; however, Eden is taking it slow - "I don't want to squish her, Daddy." Thanks to my parents and mom-in-law for being such a support and for all of you who said a prayer for a healthy labor and delivery. It's going to take me a while to find words to express how I feel about God's gift of grace to our family.

A few quick cute moments to share:

At the house, while we were in hospital, Eden turned to my mom and said, "We're going to see the baby today, and you know what? Papou will be there." Turns out the little girl has a few of his features.

Also after I exclaimed about having a girl, the doctor who delivered her turned to me and says, "My condolences."

Caleb, concerning the umbilical chord remains, says, "Mom, I'll be really happy when that things falls off."

worst worship ever?

This one's good. I love imonk's comment, if I ever become Catholic it will be from watching this video too many times!

We were looking through our old videos and....

....Steph, the boys and I came across two crazy-skilled, sick-gifted DADS who've temporarily traded in their pics for pacifiers and their sticks for thomas the tank engine and took the HIGH road. What could have been for these boys of summer - if they were a band right now we'd call them "IDLE TALENT" (reference to "talent" put "on hold" for a greater purpose)....for now..... This is a bootleg performance from our deck 2 summers ago. John Mayer and SRV EAT YOUR HEART OUT!!! Listen to these chops, and as if it couldn't get any better.....BAM - Skins!

And one of them just scored a new Fender Strat. And trust me, I've had a moment in that "STRAT-OSPHERE."

jacob stephen lampi (back on top)

Number 7 is here. The Gaines Lampi family grows. Jacob is 8 lbs, 11 ounces and 20 inches long. Jake you've been an amazing example of Christ to me and so many others, so I pray he follows in your steps as well as the rest of our family. Love ya'll. Can't wait for more to come.

update from amg

updating because i think only 2 of you can say with confidence where i am right now. los angeles. tell me if you got that one right. since finishing school on june 19 made it back to b-town, then detroit, london, brussels, copenhagen, sweden, london again, los angeles, up to sonoma county coastilne and i'm back for about a month before i take off to mexico city to finish my M. Ed.. hopefully sneak in a trip to K.C. inbetwixt. if you ever want me to call you again i suggest you give me a ring because i lost your numbers in copenhagen. thus far i only have wes' and the obvious ones.

Jacob Stephen Lampi

Number 7 is here. The Gaines Lampi family grows. Jacob is 8 lbs, 11 ounces and 20 inches long. Jake you've been an amazing example of Christ to me and so many others, so I pray he follows in your steps as well as the rest of our family. Love ya'll. Can't wait for more to come.


Steve

Big House Big Heart

Is anybody with me? A 5k or 10k race that ends on the 50 yard line of the Big House! Come on Sparty, man up for this one. You know you want to. Its October 10th, I just need someone to hand me the football when I come through that tunnel!!

ESPN GETS KLUCKED!

HOLY CRAP. So, some of you know about my friend, Ted Kluck, who I met at our church. So like, you have to check out this link and read a "letter to the editor" in Christianity Today takin on ESPN likes it's nobody's business. It's awesome and so Ted to write it, being a serious sports nut and geek, and really smooth with verbiage. I think you will appreciate the smack in the face he gives to corporate pimps.

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2009/julyweb-only/130-21.0.html?start=1

P.S. The awesome pic is Ted signing some autographs for some of his semi-pro fans...priceless

new summer read

Hey fam,

Just wanted to pass on and recommend a new read for my 2 families - who've been rooted, raised and established in the church our entire lives. This day in age there is a stigma towards the church in our culture - towards organized religion - I see in amongst my high school students. I am starting to read it; it's well-balanced and just a solid read. Check it out on amazon for $9.00. Much love.

And praying that all the babies come soon, healthy- adoptions and deliveries!

Jeff xo

You couldn't make this stuff up.

Our zoo's African Safari just reopened after a few years of renovation. It's pretty sweet. The glass around the exhibits don't have visible frames, so it looks like the animals are uncaged. The other night, we turned the corner to see a hyena against the glass, and Wes jolted because he thought it was loose!

And while Jeff will swear we somehow "ordained" the naming of these two lions, you can be sure it's mere coincidence.

Winston Churchill Quotation

We contend that for a nation to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle. - Winston Churchill

middle ground

To counter my blast on Palin, here (link) is a good argument based on the Pope's latest encyclical that the way forward is not by rigidly aligning ourselves behind a party or a leader but by aligning ourselves with the Kingdom of God, "our present political alignments are not the only ones imaginable... truth may not be served by perfect ideological conformity". Should Christians worry about government redistributing wealth? Probably not. But at the same time we should emphasize the importance of a decentralized government. great article, and the Pope usually has a lot of insightful things to say too!

bye bye

not trying to stoke the political coals again, but Peggy Noonan's article in the WSJ this weekend offered the best reasons why the Palins need to retire to Wasilla for good, "she is the most careless sower of discord since George W. Bush." (read article). The Republicans need to pay more attention to the thoughtful voices in their party like Peggy Noonan and less to the usual hot air balloons (e.g. limbaugh, hannity, beck, etc. blah blah blah)

Bored in the morning? Make a video!

Cash is a big fan of Ernie's "Dance Myself to Sleep" song, so it gets sung quite a bit around here. Here's a video of his latest way to dance to this song. Who knows. Plus, there's a bit of funny toddler talk at the end.

memories of michael

Michael Jackson was our Elvis, Beatles, etc., here are a few memories I have of him:

- I remember riding on the bus during kindergarten and when the bus would pass this store in downtown Brighton that had a poster of MJ in the window we would all go nuts!

- I remember being away at a soccer tournament with the Karabelskis. We were in the Jeep driving, when Brian started asking to go back to the hotel. Finally Mr. K turned around with the sternest look on his face and said, "Brian, All I want to do right now is drive this car and listen to Michael Jackson tapes!!"

-And of course there is the Halloween that I went around in blackface. Not so sure we would get away with that these days!

crees en milagros?

US BEATS #1 Ranked SPAIN 2-0!!! You gotta ESPN360 this one!

Happy Father's Day!

Yesterday the Lampi's drove down so we could all brave the heat and the crowds for a day at the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo. It was fun to see the boys play together. Before they left Caleb said, "I drew a picture of me and Eden and Cash in the bathtub (with tub crayons, of course) because I'm gonna miss you guys." Sweet.

It made me wish we could all celebrate Father's Day together. I must say, we've got some pretty exceptional dads in this family. Happy Father's Day!

Summer Vacation

It's that glorious time of year again...mid-June which for me and many other Gaines-Lampi teachers means summer vacation and none too soon. I've been kicking it so far sans Abigail who is on Day 10 in Bohol, one of the 7,107 islands that make up the Philippines. Click here for more info. Grace and I have been really missing her and can't wait for her return next Monday. From the text messages, brief phone calls and emails it sounds like she's had an amazing time and I'll let her blog about it with pics and such when she gets back. This extended daddy/daughter time has been nice after a long school year and we've been having lots of laughs and fun. She is amazingly witty and I'm so proud to be her dad.

So in honor of the rest of the summer I give you perhaps my favorite Andy Bernard monologue from The Office as he reflects on his summer vacation. The last line is the best!

churchy stuff

I've been preparing for this Sunday's sermon, reading through Stanley Hauerwas' commentary on Matthew and its getting me fired up, this guy is so good, here are his thoughts the parable of the sower in Mt. 13:

"It is hard to imagine a text more relevant to the situation of the church in the West. Why we are dying seems very simple. It is hard to be a disciple and be rich. Surely, we may think it cannot be that simple. The lure of wealth and the cares of the world produced by wealth quite simply darken and choke our imaginations. As a result the church falls prey to the deepest enemy of the gospel - sentimentality. The gospel becomes a formula for "giving our lives meaning" without judgment. Too often those who propose strategies to recover the lost status of the church do so hoping people can be attracted to become members of a church without facing the demands of being a disciple of Jesus. The church in America is simply not capable of growing deep roots. It may seem odd that wealth makes it impossible to grow the word. Wealth, we assume, should create the power necessary for the church to do much good. But wealth stills the imagination because we are not forced as the disciples of Jesus were forced, to be an alternative to the world that only necessity can create. Possessed by possessions, we desire to act in the world, often on behalf of the poor, without having to lose our possessions. A church that is shrinking in membership may actually be a church in which the soil of the gospel is being prepared in which deeper roots are possible"

Wow! I'm also reading "The Shaping of Things to Come" by Michael Frost and Alan Hirsch, which offers the best analysis I've read of why the church in the West is in the position it is in and how we must reshape and rethink our concept of church to survive. Sorry, just getting fired up! Peace. Miss you all! Wes

The Lost Summers?

Is anyone sure that Roger Federer is not a Summers?

FELIZ 3 BDAY 6/4/06 eden!!!

BIG - E! U ARE OUR SUNSHINE! You bring so much joy to your mommy, daddy and bro. We love your imaginative songs, out-of-control dances, random make-believe, stories, and yes, your keen obsession for furry fauna. You are a blessing to us and a real encourager to everyone around you. Caleb is so lucky to have you. HAPPY B-DAY today!!!!!!

Obamaman!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhhkF3dqXR0
check the link, copy and paste
He makes it all good. A little fun on the Bob and Tom show from Greg Morten.

Clearwater

I've been working in Clearwater, Florida all week (don't ask...). Here is the view outside my hotel tonight. I guess I can't really make fun of dad anymore for all those beach football pics we stumbled on. Its been fun but I'd rather be in Indiana with my family!

Way To Go Ben!

Ben finished yet another marathon! He did great and we were happy to be there to cheer him on:)

"This too shall pass"

All I can say is Grey, penny, ate it, pooped it. No worries for the rest of you with little children. The bowels are a miraculously created disposer of unedible items.
Pictures to come. Joking!!

levitical teachings

Hi y'all,

Hope you are enjoying this beautiful spring. As some of you might know, our family recently became members of University Reformed Church in East Lansing. We love it, mostly because of the diversity and as a community they desire to KNOW the word, act on it, and strive for holiness. It's the friendship AND the fear that Matt Redman sings about. One of the many elements of the church that we anticipate every Sunday morning is the incredible teaching. And the fact that every time the gospel message is preached and the center of the message.

These last few months, our pastor, Kevin, has been preaching through Leviticus. To say the least, I didn't expect what has become of it. We are in the middle of it, somewhere between rules for bodily fluids and unlawful sexual relations. Now, Kevin has been far from shy when it comes to taking the BIBLE LITERALLY and preaching with conviction and taking on the hard issues, and last week's sermon was primarily about holiness and sexuality with the bulk of it being homosexuality.

I won't say anymore. Just give it a listen if you have some time. It's just another NEW thing I learned that never has been discussed amongst the circles I have been involved in. I think you'll find it really worthwhile. Love to dialogue later with you too.

Blessings


http://files.urc-msu.org/mp3/2009/051709.mp3


If this doesn't work, go to wwww.urc-msu.org and click on the latest sermon.

Happy 5th BDAY, Caleb! 5/14

 

You blink and your kid is 5. I know cliche, but seriously, incredible. We're so proud of you, Caleb. You are an amazing big brother and it's so awesome to see Big E just in awe of you. I hope your curiosity for learning and child-like love for your Savior continues to grow as you do. You're mom and dad, tios and tias, papas and grandmas are SOOOOO proud of you. Have a great day!

I'll take a second to share with you guys a hilarious "5 yr old moment" Steph and I had last Sunday afternoon with Caleb. He and Eden were outside playing with a neighbor, Vincent, and Caleb yells to Steph, " Mommy, I got to tell you something. Vincent doesn't know JESUS! But don't worry, I told him all about HIM." Steph and I just cracked up!

Back 2 Back

Over the weekend the Komets claimed the Turner Cup for the second straight year. Muskegon didn't even have a chance. Way to go guys. Time will tell if this another two cup season for me. Go Wings!!

that's dodger baseball!

it was surprisingly easy to walk into dodger stadium w/o a ticket. from the top row, i was explaining baseball to my friend from spain. with the bases juiced and one out they call #99, manny ramirez - the 1/4 full stadium goes mad. and as predicted, manny ropes one to the opposite field driving in 2 runs. nothing satisfies after a ramirez rbi like a good ol' white/latino fist bump. these guys had too much beer and goofed it up.

mannywood

walked into the dodgers game in the 5th inning last night.

moved down here after a few innings.

and finally to here.

This is one of my favorite times of year - the Dodger's have now started off the season 13-0 at home, and I can ride my bike to the stadium in 10 minutes. The Lakers were playing 2 miles down the street, which might explain why the place is nearly empty.

Quacked!!

So I caught some Cup Fever last night and decided to stay up to watch the Wings game. Even when down 2-0 I had that feeling that they'd be back. Then I got punched in the gut as with 1 minute to go and down one Hossa slapped the free puck into the net just as the linesman mistakenly blew the play dead. Ah!!! the pain!! We got QUACKED! Go Wings!!

He's a broken record

One of Cash's favorite snacks is his "special drink"--a smoothie he and Wes usually make together. A couple months ago I attempted to get his special recipe on video. As you can see, it's difficult to get him past his two favorite ingredients.

Cash's glossary:

"Boo strawberries in aiiiiiir." = Blueberries in there.
"Baaaa in aiiiiiir." = Banana in there.
Odrit = yogurt
Tafuuuu = tofu

38

FELICIDADES PAPA NORM!!!!!!

http://www.livingstondaily.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/200904280500/NEWS01/904280303

story just came out today! awesome job dad!

Prom 2009

Last night about 700 students hit the dance floor for my school's annual Prom. We took a risk this year, as I cut our budget more than $30,000 moving our venue from the luxurious Hyatt in downtown San Diego, to the SNCO Club inside our local Marine Base, Camp Pendleton. I just wanted to share a few pics, of what I view as my office..the dance floor.
Pop, Pizza, Candy, Fun..TVHS Dances are number #1 (on this side of the Mississippi.)

My friend Ben had a good post on his blog about how the current downturn in the economy could provide churches an opportunity to "downsize" in order to more effectively minister in their communities, a profound concept, here's a (link). Christ Community is moving toward becoming an official church plant this year and we would covet your thoughts, prayers, ideas... Here's an article on us in the local paper.

"The common assumption within the North American church is that with the right curriculum, the right principles, and the right programs, values, and goals, the Spirit will act to produce the ministry outcomes we envision. This plug-and-play approach to ministry makes God a predictable, mechanical device and it assumes his Spirit resides within organizations and systems rather than people. In addition, this model of ministry requires a significant investment of money to pay for the buildings, programs, staff, and resources to run the programming. It depends upon the laity’s willingness to give their surplus time and surplus money to keep the church’s programmatic engines running.

But what happens when people have less surplus time and less surplus money—like in a protracted economic recession? Will the mission of the gospel simply have to wait until we can pay for more LCD screens and multi-media auditoriums? Or will we rediscover a different way of participating in God’s re-creative mission? This economic meltdown might prove to be one of God’s greatest blessings to the modern church. We may find that the gospel is an incarnate reality living within and among the people of God, not a program to be designed and marketed. And we may find that the reality of the Good News is transmitted via the human/divine medium of relationship, not simply the electric impulses of digital media."

the glory days

This is a nostalgic throw back trip down FABULOUS memory lane. Remember when BHS owned division 1 football. For Jake and as many others who want in, NAME YOUR FAVORITE ALL-STAR BULLDOGS --- At least as many as you want to. My favorite Bulldog, an underDAWG, #32, John Blake...all business and wicked genius.

love dem Caps!!

Last night Cash and I went to the grand opening of Fort Wayne's new downtown baseball stadium, and the first home appearance of the Tin Caps. It was quite the night complete with a pre-game F-16 flyover (you know what I always say, "any fly over is tax payer money well spent"), and the unveiling of our new mascot Johnny Be Goode (who burst onto the field like a bat out of hell and danced as if his life were on the line while most of the crowd was in line at the concession stand...I saw you Johnny!). The stadium is incredible and the Gaines family will surely have many great nights there in the future. And so I'll make my annual toungue in cheek taunt and say Lets Go Tin Caps!! Screw the Lugnuts. By the way, the Caps are 7-0!!

Even the least of these. . .

Have any of you heard of Susan Boyle's performance on "Britain's Got Talent" this past week? I'm not sure if it's my hormones or the video's emotional background music, but I cannot watch this video without crying. It really impressed on me how often we write people off as nobodies. You have to watch this!

bo knows the white house

i always knew bo would be back. as first dog.
maybe molly would have been reincarnated as McCain's dog, thank the LORD.

dude has so much charisma and charm, he's near impossible not to like.
i'm glad he has a new buddy now.

Grey being Grey!!

So our baby boy loves sports as you will see, but listen to him tell mommy to stop messing with the paint. " don't touch that, mmmm, mmmm." He's got a little attitude as well to go along with the cuteness. Hope all is well.

Steve

Cristos en Estes!

This is a cute video of Caleb (and Eden sort of) breaking down some of the Easter story before we left for Florida. Praise the Lord! Have a blessed day!

And Then There Were Two (Norm and Wes)

So it's down to the final two. With the hopes of an entire state in desperate need of something to cheer about riding on the shoulders of that 2nd half wonder worker from Iron Mountain. With a forecast for 6 inches of fresh white stuff by tip off can the Spartys provide some warmth and sunshine to melt away the cold realities of looming Big 3 bankruptcies, a dismal real estate market, a mayor fresh from the slammer, etc. etc? Can they do this at FORD Field? Can they win one for those carrying pink slips out of the factories? Is this the Hickory Huskies vs. South Bend Central? Do you believe in destiny?

Okay, now that I've sufficiently gotten Jeff (wipe eyes) all in a tizzy with a lot of sentiment, let me get to the real match up. The ESPN Tournament Challenge has come down to the final two as well and it's NORM vs WES. Tar Heels put another hurt on the Spartans and Wes takes the crown. The Spartans pull off the hat trick and knock off their 3rd #1 team in the last week and Norm rides off into retirement adding this win to an already amazing career. Could it get any more poetic? Norm, the sentimental favorite whose legacy is already secure but is looking for the icing on the cake as he wraps up a 33 year career with the whistle and clipboard. Norm, who gets mad props for being the ONLY one to pick both teams in the final game. Norm, who is the only one to believe in the underdogs from E.L., who rubbed shoulders with the starting 5 and Lupe Izzo. Norm, who will surely be donning his throwback 33 jersey worn by none other that the one who took down the "Hick from French Lick" back in the 1979 finals.

NORM vs WES. This isn't MSU vs. UNC. This is Michigan vs. Indiana. I'll let Jeff throw down the smack on Wes who I know would like nothing better than to steal this one shining moment with a torturous MSU defeat. Rumor is he's had it out for the Green and White for years and will have Cash dressed for the game in Carolina blue. Will Indiana gets its revenge or will there be celebration and revelry (beware all couches in E.L...you may want to bathe in fire retardant)? Will cheers be heard from the Carolina blue house on Curdes Ave in the Fort, or from the late night shift on the assembly line watching the final seconds tick off in the break room?

Good luck to both of you. I'll be wearing my Spartan b-ball t-shirt sitting right next to my dad firmly planted on the bandwagon! Go State!

March for Jesus 09'

Do you remember the chills you'd get as the generators fired up early in the morning on a chilly spring morning, as the driver hit play and we began the march down the streets of Detroit, singing "Jesus Lord of the nation, Jesus, Lord of all"...take a look and see if you'd be down for March for Jesus 09', perhaps a Detroit version and a Los Angeles version. Faith without works is dead- come on all, lets take it to the streets like the early 90's.

open gym at staples center

andy designs
Originally uploaded by famousscientists

lace up the high tops, call devaney and hatfield - it's open gym at staples center in downtown los angeles thursday night.

meet at the 11th street entrance at 7:30.