Garhett's at College! B-I-O-L-A !

Well, this week will be interesting - as Dawn and I took our eldest, Garhett to a week long conference at Biola University called Wheatstone. If you aren't familiar with this program - you really should check out their website or ask me about it.



This is an excerpt from their website:


"Wheatstone Academy is preparing the next generation of Christian leaders."

Wheatstone Academy is entirely unique as the only youth summer conference that combines mentor-guided discussion, world-class cultural experiences and personal interaction with top Christian scholars. The Wheatstone experience challenges and equips students for a lifestyle of passionate learning for the sake of Jesus Christ. We are commited to keeping each Wheatstone Academy conference small and custom-tailored to meet the individual needs of each student. The result is a conference of extraordinary quality and impact.



The conference is headed up by J.P. Moreland and John Mark Reynolds - so we'll see if he comes home a changed boy... er... man...



The weird part is that it was truly like we were taking him to his college dorm to begin his college career...

We checked him into his dorm room in Hope Hall - on the floor that had "The Brotherhood of Deuteronomy" emblazened on the wall.

We got our boy situated in his dorm room - then we said our good-bye's. He is on his own (well sort of, three of our good friends, Alishia, Breanna (and her husband, John) & Crystal Fry are there to keep an eye on him).

I actually think he is kinda proud to be going off on his own this week - I can't wait to discuss the merits of Aristotle, Plato and Socrates when he gets home. During his weeklong conference they visit a ropes course in Irvine, The Getty Museum, they go to an opera, see Henry V on stage, read tons of (gulp) books every day and discuss, discuss, discuss...


Dawn & I are so proud of our young man.

Garhett is currently going into the 11th grade of High School and as soon as he returns from BIOLA he will enroll via "dual enrollment" in Cypress College while completing his final 2 years of High School and upon graduation from High School (by the way, he already has enough credits and courses to graduate by "California's standards") he will have his Diploma and his Associates of Arts Degree (God willing)! Whoopie!

Then we get to really send him off to college to complete his more advanced degrees - I am so happy he isn't going on the 17 year plan to his Masters like I did.

19 years and counting...

This year Dawn & I will celebrate our 19th year of wedded bliss - and thanks to our kind friends Dave & Sharon Peeters referring us, we will be flying to Hawaii and staying at the Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas and we are really excited. Our anniversary is on August 19, but the trip isn't until October - from what we have been told that is the best time to go.

We are starting our top 10 list of things we HAVE to do - so far we have the following:

1. Attend a Luau at Old Lahaina
2. Sail with Trilogy "Ka'anapali snorkel sail"
3. Eat at "Cheeseburger in Paradise"
4. Dive/Snorkel at Black Rock "Pu'u Keka'a"
5. Swim under a waterfall - but we don't know where...

Well, this is the list so far - we are open for suggestions!

This is our first trip to Hawaii and we are really excited.

Separation of Church and State...

I think this concept is really misunderstood.

Do you know how the preamble to YOUR state's Constitution reads?

Read them for yourself;

Alabama 1901, Preamble We the people of the State of Alabama, Invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution.

Alaska 1956, Preamble We, the people of Alaska, Grateful to God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land.

Arizona 1911, Preamble We, the people of the State of Arizona, Grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution...

Arkansas 1874, Preamble We, the people of the State of Arkansas, Grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government...

California 1879, Preamble We, the People of the State of California, Grateful to Almighty God for our freedom...

Colorado 1876, Preamble We, the people of Colorado, With profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe...

Connecticut 1818, Preamble. The People of Connecticut, acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in permitting them to enjoy.

Delaware 1897, Preamble Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences.

Florida 1885, Preamble We, the people of the State of Florida, grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty, establish this Constitution...

Georgia 1777, Preamble We, the people of Georgia, Relying upon protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution...

Hawaii 1959, Preamble We, the people of Hawaii, Grateful for Divine Guidance ... Establish this Constitution..

Idaho 1889, Preamble We, the people of the State of Idaho, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings.

Illinois 1870, Preamble We, the people of the state of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.

Indiana 1851, Preamble We, the People of the State of Indiana, grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to choose our form of government.

Iowa 1857, Preamble We, the People of the State of Iowa, Grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings, establish this Constitution.

Kansas 1859, Preamble We, the people of Kansas, Grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges establish this Constitution.

Kentucky 1891, Preamble. We, the people of the Commonwealth are grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties...

Louisiana 1921, Preamble We, the people of the State of Louisiana, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy.

Maine 1820, Preamble We the People of Maine acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity. And imploring His aid and direction.

Maryland 1776, Preamble We, the people of the state of Maryland, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty...

Massachusetts 1780, Preamble We...the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe In the course of His Providence, an opportunity and devoutly imploring His direction.

Michigan 1908, Preamble le. We, the people of the State of Michigan, Grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom establish this Constitution.

Minnesota, 1857, Preamble We, the people of the State of Minnesota, Grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings:

Mississippi 1890, Preamble We, the people of Mississippi In convention assembled, grateful to Al mighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work.

Missouri 1845, Preamble We, the people of Missouri, With profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness. Establish this Constitution...

Montana 1889, Preamble. We, the people of Montana, grateful to Almighty God for the Blessings of liberty establish this Constitution.

Nebraska 1875, Preamble We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom. Establish this Constitution.

Nevada 1864, Preamble We the people of the State of Nevada, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, establish this Constitution...

New Hampshire 1792, Part I.. Art. I. Sec. V Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience.

New Jersey 1844, Preamble We, the people of the state of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.

New Mexico 1911, Preamble We, the People of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty.

New York 1846, Preamble We, the people of the State of New York, Grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings.

North Carolina 1868, Preamble We the people of the state of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for our civil, political, and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those...

North Dakota 1889, Preamble We, the people of North Dakota, Grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain...

Ohio 1852, Preamble We the people of the state of Ohio, Grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote our common...

Oklahoma 1907, Preamble Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessings of liberty, establish this

Oregon 1857, Bill of Rights, Article I Section 2. All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their consciences

Pennsylvania 1776, Preamble We, the people of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance...

Rhode Island 1842, Preamble. We the People of the state of Rhode Island grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing...

South Carolina, 1778, Preamble We, the people of he State of South Carolina grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution.

South Dakota 1889, Preamble We, the people of South Dakota, Grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberties.

Tennessee 1796, Art. XI.III.. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience...

Texas 1845, Preamble We the People of the Republic of Texas, acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God.

Utah 1896, Preamble Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish this Constitution.

Vermont 1777, Preamble Whereas all government ought to enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man.

Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI Religion, or the Duty which we owe our Creator can be directed only by Reason and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each other

Washington 1889, Preamble We the People of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution

West Virginia 1872, Preamble Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia Reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God ...

Wisconsin 1848, Preamble We, the people of Wisconsin, Grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, domestic tranquility...

Wyoming 1890, Preamble We, the people of the State of Wyoming, Grateful to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties, establish this Constitution.

After reviewing the acknowledgements of God from all 50 State Constitutions, one is faced with the prospect that maybe the ACLU and the out-of-control Federal Courts are wrong. NOTE: At no time in these Constitutions is anyone told that they MUST worship God.

Just some food for discussion.

"Those people who will not be governed by God will be ruled by tyrants."

--William Penn

Greg is my office hero!

Gospel at it's best - if you are a star wars fan!

This one is for Garhett's buds - Matthew and Justin!

I hate it when this happens....

this was a weekly thing at my office for a while... I had to put a stop to it.

Have you forgotten?

The author of the video states,
"This video was made to remind us why our troops are protecting us everyday! If they weren't we would be attacked again here at home. Thank You Troops! "

Finally, Proof!

Proof that the war in Iraq is not about OIL...

Click HERE

Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less!

I just signed this petition. You should too.




Or you can allow the hypocritical Democrats who have been blocking domestic energy exploration for decades to continue to drive your destiny. They don’t want to create “energy independence”… they want more control over your lives.

If Senator Obama WERE a “different kind of politician,” he would also support immediate exploration of America’s bountiful resources for internal energy use and have a Sister Souljah moment with the radical environmental wackos that control US energy policy.

Otherwise Obama’s calls for “energy independence” are, like his other proclamations, just mere flowery words.



Here are some facts for those folks out there that think this oil crisis is a Republican created problem... it was created by Democrats...

ANWR Exploration
House Republicans: 91% Supported. House Democrats: 86% Opposed.

Coal-to-liquid
House Republicans: 90% supported. House Democrats: 78% Opposed.

Oil Shale Exploration
House Republicans: 90% Supported. House Democrats: 86% Opposed.

Outer Continental Shelf Exploration
House Republicans: 81% Supported. House Democrats: 83% Opposed.

Increased Refinery Capacity
House Republicans: 97% Supported. House Democrats: 96% Opposed.

SUMMARY

91% of House Republicans have historically voted to increase the production of America’s own oil and gas.

86% of House Democrats have historically voted against increasing production of America’s own oil and gas.

What Dad's Can't do

To all my friends who are dads...

Tom Selleck

Saw this Quote on another blog...

"Leadership is solving problems. The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them.

They have either lost confidence that you can help or concluded you do not care. Either case is a failure of leadership."

Colin Powell

Just Because

A pop classic... or maybe not...

So, I was at a Memorial Day BBQ where we played a game called "Catch Phrase - music" and this song was one of the answers that had to be guessed.

Apparently the people I was playing with aren't saavy with 1970's music... nevertheless, I had to blurt out the answer to save the rather embarassing scene that was created. EOD.

Perhaps these hits by the same group were more familiar...

Escape

I find it very relaxing and almost a way to 'escape' from the daily grind of work to watch a talent show such as So You Think You Can Dance.

Last night's 2 hour season premiere was amazing. The raw talent - amazing. That coupled with the truth that I always wanted to be a performer - not that I have the talent anymore - but I love 'dance'.

On Tuesday night while enjoying the Surf City street fair (every Tuesday night on Main Street) in Huntington Beach, we watched a troup of street dancers perform and were blown away by a guy named Robert Muraine. He is a pop-locker and B-boy dancer. He was AMAZING. I told Dawn to shoot a video of him, she didn't and now I have nothing of my own to post on this guy, but everything he did on the street he did IN LAST NIGHTS SHOW!

That's right - this guy was the final performer on Day 2 of the LA auditions. You have got to see this guy - he is stinkin' amazing!

Oh, the days when I used to move like that... NOT!

Hey - don't judge me.

Here is what happened to him - straight from his website:

-'So You Think You Can Dance' Flown To Vegas (April 23 2008)
-'So You Think You Can Dance' Cut From Hiphop Choreography Heat (April 24 2008) - bummer....

COUNTDOWN

WAAAAAHOOOOOOO!!!! IT STARTS!

TONIGHT!!!!
2 hours of DANCING!

At our beach house...

One of the many benefits of running your own company is you get to choose where to work. This, of course is the biggest benefit of being an Appraiser here in beautiful CA - when the weather is nice - you can work at the beach!

So this week, the wife & kids packed up our beach house (our 32' 5th wheel) and headed to the beach - Huntington Beach that is... Surf City baby!

So this week I get to wake up to the sounds of waves crashing on the beach and work with the ocean immediately outside my windows - ah... only in SoCal can you truly enjoy the beach!

Last evening there was a Street Faire on Main Street (Surf City Nights, every Tuesday, 5 - 9pm) there were street entertainers, food booths, a farmers market and many other vendors. We rode our bikes over to enjoy the festivities and then walked to the end of the pier (Shooby-d'ooby'd down) to Ruby's for dinner and to watch the dolphins jump in the waves.

What a great night! So now (today) I am back at work at my beach house desk (folding table on the sand) writing up appraisals all day.

HURRAH! REVOLUTION IS BACK!!

This post is in celebration of what an AWESOME and POWERFUL Lord I serve.

God is faithful, loving, kind and keeps his promises. Today at Revolution Church was evidence of just that very God that He is...

I don't know about the rest of you who were at today's celebration service - but I really sensed God's spirit moving in the body of believers. From the very beginning of service with the celebration of reconciliation to the 'spot on' delivery of the Word to the POWERFUL worship lead by Elijah and guest musician Todd Proctor. God was moving.

For the first time in 3 months I felt the "Revolution" again. Like the phoenix rising from the ashes I could sense God's sprit stirring in my heart and I could see Him moving upon the body of believers. As I looked around during worship - admiring the group of fellow believers, the core of Revolution - I was moved. Moved that all these believers, in coroporate community - celebrating the risen Lord.

Revolution is, at it's very core, a loving and caring church that is outward focused and cares for everyone, no matter where you are on your journey with Jesus. Revolution is in the process of restarting what has been missing for so long - we are hearing stronger presentations of the Word, we are going to start serving our community again, start re-connecting with our neighborhoods! Won't it be great to start handing out water bottles at community events again? How about joining in community events, just to serve the local area surrounding the church? Having everyone around the community of Long Beach again start referring to Revolution as the Church where Jesus is.

Jesus himself said, "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets. Matthew 22:37-40. (emphasis mine)

For those of you have not given up; Those of you who refused to give the Devil a foothold in His church; Those who refused to do nothing and allow evil to infuse itself into a 'good work'; I say Thank you.

Not that I have authority to say thank you, other than to say that those who stayed with the church to hold hands spiritually during the past few months of crisis; those who joined many of us who have been on our knees praying for God to guide us; those who joined in corporate worship singing praises to the God that is bigger than any of our little concerns - you have done these things just as Jesus commanded. And for that you will be rewarded; you have 'loved your neighbor as yourself'.

Yeah, there is still some healing that needs to take place. There is room for improvement. It isn't perfect, but really only One Man was perfect and even His first group of leaders had problems...

But of all the places I can call my church home - I can't say I would rather be anywhere else then with this group of fellow believers.

I am proud to say I am a part of:

REVOLUTION CHURCH

A movement of the Heart!

By the way, there was an empty seat in my row... You can come and join us on Sunday, consider this a personal invitation.

96 degrees

It was HOT today.

I finished work early (3:30) and headed outside to the pool... after a quick vacuum it was time to cool off...

what did you do to keep cool?

TRUTH

The world says: “There are many ways to heaven”

God says: “Only Jesus, My Son, Made the sacrifice for your sins.”

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 (NIV)

How good is good enough to get into heaven? If you work hard, raise a nice family and give to charity, is that enough? Or do you have to become a missionary or give up the things you really want to please God enough to let you through the pearly gates? Or maybe you are going to have to live numerous lives in order to get “promoted” into heaven. What about the Muslims, Hindus and other religious practitioners?

Don’t all roads lead to God?

The answer is NO.

All religions are not the same. There are some profound, fundamental differences that cannot be ignored. Christianity is unique and actually offers the most hopeful, joyful solution to the problem of man’s sin and inability to enter a sinless eternity. Let’s face it, why would anyone want to enter an eternity that is the same as their current life – all belief systems hope for a ‘better’ eternity. It may be a life filled with 72 virgins, being the ruler of their own planet, coming back as a higher life form or even becoming a god – but they all hope for a better future.

Look at it from this angle: You need someone or something to take the punishment for you sins. Someone has to pay the price for your bad behavior. Someone has to account for your ‘indiscretions’. Someone has to pay the price... Mohammed didn’t – never even claimed to. Buddha didn’t – wise perhaps but not a savior. L. Ron Hubbard didn’t nor did Joseph smith. Only Jesus died for your sins. Jesus is the only One who rose from the grave to give you hope for the future. He is the only One who can make you clean enough to enter heaven.

Jesus didn’t just die for the sins of the Western world. He is the sacrifice for the sins of the WHOLE world. He died for the Asians, Middle-Easterners, Africans, Europeans, Australians and both North and South Americans. His sacrifice was intended for every man, woman and child in every country on every continent; your friends and your enemies; His friends and His enemies.

He and no other.

All roads do NOT lead to heaven. But thank God there is a road that does – and His name is Jesus Christ.

In Jesus Christ we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace. Ephesians 1:7 (NKJV)

I thought I was old...

...at least that is why some of my friends keep telling me. That was until I saw an article tonight here, that made me gasp.

Madonna, Michael Jackson, Alec Baldwin and Prince will all turn 50 by the end of summer.

50!

Wow.

Ok, Madonna, yeah, she looks 50, Michael Jackson - he may be 50, but he doesn't have any real skin on his face, Alec Baldwin - yeah, he could pass for 50 - but Prince? come on, he doesn't look over 35.

50 - wow. That is only 4 or 5 years away for me. I don't feel 'almost' 50. I sure as heck hope I don't look nearly 50. Please don't feel as though you need to comment on that fact.

Are you an 80's fan?

I took this 80's music test - and did really well...

I saw the link here: http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2008/05/80s-lyrics-qu-1.html

take the test... let's see how you stack up -

Final Score: 176

Thanks Uncle Freddy!

Dawn's brother Freddy works as a set painter for various TV shows and movies - it just so happens that he is working on one of Ashley & Garhett's favorite TV shows, "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody" - so uncle Freddy called and invited Ashley & Garhett to join their cousins and visit tonights taping of the new season.


So, Dawn & I decided to make a date night out of it. We dropped the kids at the studio and spent the night enjoying the flora and fauna of West Hollywood. (yuk).


Here are some photos that uncle Freddy took after the taping when he took our kids backstage to the stars dressing rooms. The kids got to hang with the stars, get autographs and see all the neat sets that Freddy painted.

Here is a photo of all the cousins (Liam, Garhett, Ashley, Darius & Nicolette) with two of the newest cast members.

THANKS SO MUCH UNCLE FREDDY -WE LOVE YOU!

(Oh, Uncle Freddy - since you also work on Hannah Montana, if you get a couple of extra tickets to go to a taping there, remember how good the kids were tonight!)

Free IPOD Touch **

UPDATE: ONLY 1 more needed... then we'll see if it's true!!!!

Come on, won't sombody help a brotha' out... I have to get one before Bobby does!




http://www.YouriPodTouch4free.com/index.php?ref=4964287

My family is out of town...

...and I am melancholy...

So instead of being a gloomy Eeyore about it I have decided to distract myself. Even though I miss my beautiful wife and wonderful chillin's - I must endure. I am not cut out for the bachelor life - it has been 23 years that I have been with Dawn - so excuse me if I whine a little.

Last night my best bud Mike & I went on a shopping spree - for DVDs!

I found a Hollywood Video gift card my brother's family gave me for Christmas last year and there was no turning back. Granted the selection at Hollywood Video pales in comparison to Blockbuster (sorry Tim) but I wasn't about to let that stop me.

New in the collection:

School of Rock

Mr. Megoriums Wonder Emporium

Enchanted

Mr. Beans Holiday

Fantastic 4 - the rise of the silver surfer

National Treasure

Yeah, they are older movies - but they are fun. Mike even bought himself a couple, The Wickerman and The Bourne Ultimatum.

We decided to watch the Bourne Ultimatum last night - what a way to occupy your time. I just love the Bourne movies - I have seen them all now and I love the action. Jason Bourne could very well beat Jack Bauer in a fight (sorry Bobby, Jamie & a host of other JB fans) - but it is true. Jason Bourne is a truly bad-a**.

So much for the first night without the family - now for the other two... any suggestions?

BAD CALL...

Yep,

America blew it - they kicked off Carly tonight. I will no longer watch American Idol.

If Brooke and David Archuleta can forget lyrics and still be on the show, and Jason Castro can't get his voice above a whisper and still be on the show - this show is a hack. I really had hope for a true American Idol this season (a' la Carrie Underwood & Kelly Clarkson) but alas...

Restarting.. flubbing.. failure

Last nights IDOL performances was my favorite so far. I am a HUGE broadway fan (ok, Maureen you win, I am a lame second) and so I was sooooo looking forward to tonight.

Not just anyone can sing an Andrew Lloyd Webber tune. Proof positive - Brooke White, Jason Castro & David Archuleta.

I agree with Paula (I NEVER thought I would say that)... You must NEVER restart a performance. If you mess up, you keep going. David A. did it!

I sure hope Brooke White gets the boot tonight. But, I would be just as happy to see the dred wearin' lamer, Jason Castro leave as well. Both are done in my opinion.

Best songs of the night - Tie with Syesha & Carly, second place - David Cook.

If I had my wish - it would be a David Cook, Carly Smithson finale'... What about you guys?

Oh, by the way - Brooke - take a cue from Will...

Free IPOD touch...

Well this is supposed to work... I want to try it out - I really check out alot of stuff before I tell anyone about it - and I haven't finished checking on this one (cuz I haven't completed it) but I have seen a news report recently about this and it is supposed to work.

The object is that clients want people to try out their stuff - and pay clearinghouses big dollars to funnel people their way - the way they do it is by 'offering' free stuff if you try an 'offer'.

This one appears to be the easiest and apparently really works - so I thought I would try it out.

The catch is that you need 5 people to try it out as well. And if it is done right - it doesn't cost anything - Now I don't like 'referring' people to anything until I have tried it myself - so that being said...

Here is a link: http://www.youripodtouch4free.com/index.php?ref=4964287

If you decide to click it and sign up - you do so of your own accord.

Here is how it is done -

You enter your email address and create an account - then you sign up as a 'referral' account. Then complete the 'offer' for stamps.com ( it is the easiest and rewards you immediately - be sure you remember what you have done - so you can 'unsubscribe' before the end of the free trial). Then you all you have to do is find 5 people to do the same. Once the 5th person signs up you get your free IPOD touch.

I don't know if it works yet - but, it doesn't cost anything and if you use a junk email account - which I am sure most of us have by now - if you order over the internet you know what I mean. I am sure you will get spam from doing this (although I haven't yet).

But let's see what happens - if it works I will let you all know - if it doesn't, I will let you know as well - and hey, if it does work - I would be very happy to sign up on someone elses attempt!

Here is a video someone made explaining this whole thing.

This just in...

Well, while reading the usual 100 or so blogs I subscribe to, I was convicted about not updating my blogroll... So - I have done that - if your blog isn't there, let me know - I'd love to add it...

Ladies & Gentlemen... Introducing....

The first Place team for Mouse Adventure Spring 2008

The Bloomin' Cockroaches

Dylan Platt, Garhett Bambrick, Chandler Lasch & Me!

Last year we placed 10th, this year - we took the whole thing! These kids are fantastic! Dylan's ultimate trivia knowledge, Garhett's logic & Chandler's superb knowledge of everything Disney & ability to 'control' these boys... AMAZING!

Congratulations team! And just think - this is only our second time doing this! Check out the final info for the other teams here at Mouseplanet.com.

I would post more... but, I am very, very tired... it was 97 degrees in the park today and we were running all over the place for 7 hours! Are we Disney fanatics.. oh yeah! We are even going back tomorrow night! We will be signing autographs at the Plaza Inn at 7 for those fans who would like a souvenir... Just kiddin'. But we are going back tomorrow night!

UPDATE: check on the other folks that participated...

Blew By You - The original: Tim & Michelle Lasch and Darrenn & Jenny Platt (took 3rd in their division!! wooo hoooo!)

Retlaw's Yensid - Christopher & Leanne Lytle and Andrew & Amanda SanNicolas (first timers that all survived! wooo hoooo)

3 Blond Mice & Brice - Dawn & Ashley Bambrick and Regan Lasch and Brice S. (also first timers that all survived - thanks to a brief visit to the infirmary! wooo hooo)

It was a GREAT Day

RAP day

Every day in my office I celebrate certain music styles - so far we have celebrated:

Laura Brannigan day
80's 1 hit wonder day
Journey day
Eric Clapton day
American Idol day
Gospel music day
Madonna Monday
REO Speedwagon day
CCR day
Mariachi Friday
... just to name a few

Today was RAP day... of course - Christian RAP...







Tomorrow... who knows?

Dawn comes home today!!!!

My wife & daughter return home today after a 5 day trip to her sister's house.
What more can I say!

Oh yeah.. payback!

check it out here.

I wouldn't have believed it until I saw it!

KEN LEE!!

I could really use a distraction...

WHEN!!!! WHEN is this show coming back!

What do Jedi Knights do on the weekends?

Oh crap... I'm a colon... oh... that didn't come out right...oh....

....there I go again... I thought I graduated out of the 8th grade....

I took this goofy test, and I have been told that it is very accurate. I researched the originator of the test and found that their basis for comparison is accurate and barring any hurt feelings I know that they "hit the nail on the head"; to coin a phrase.

You Are a Colon

You are very orderly and fact driven. You aren't concerned much with theories or dreams... only what's true or untrue. You are brilliant and incredibly learned. Anything you know is well researched. You like to make lists and sort through things step by step. You aren't subject to whim or emotions. Your friends see you as a constant source of knowledge and advice. (But they are a little sick of you being right all of the time!) You excel in: Leadership positions You get along best with: The Semi-Colon

What Punctuation Mark Are You?

Dolly Night! CORRECTION!!

UPDATE: Looks like the EW.com folks blew their story... Check out thier retraction/update here . I may have gotten the songs wrong - but let's face it - based on the web chatter.. either Jason Castro or Ramiele are gonna get the axe tonight (and it couldn't come any sooner)... of course, then there is Kristy... sure, she's good, but these three pale in comparison to the stronger team.

The best comment so far... "Jason Castro sang, 'I'm just mumblin' mumblin' mumblin through'"

check out EW directly for their thoughts...

Sorry for misleading ya.
------------------------------------------------------------


Tonight on American Idol the contestant sing Dolly Parton songs.





... and wouldn't you know it... Jason Castro, the contestant I have been hoping would leave every week is going to sing, "I will always love you".... YUCK.. puke, gag, spit, spit... how awful... Couldn't he at least pick a MANLY song... he makes me sick! I sure hope this week he gets voted off.... puke... barf...





The rest of the line up is supposedly:


David Cook: "You know I love you" (hmmmm.... a rock verson...)


Kristy Lee Cook: "Two Doors Down" (this should be entertaining)


Michael Johns: "Islands in the stream" (only slightly less annoying than Jason Casto - he could leave too - wait... this is a duet?)


Carly Smithson: "Jolene" (awesome song choice!)


David Archuleta: "Travelin Thru" (good song choice - with is penchant for forgetting lyrics, this one should help him out)


Ramiele Malubay: "9 to 5" (how is she going to pull that one off?)


Brook White: "Coat of many colors" (could you be more predictable...)


Syesha Mercado: "Eagle When she Flies" (interesting, doesn't sound like a Whitney song...)





Well, we will see how well each one does... In case you haven't figured it out - my top two favorites are (in no particular order):





Carly Smithson


David Cook





How about you?

Oh, my favorite Dolly song.... **WARNING** THIS IS A PG VIDEO

HT: EW.com

Spring!

Spring is here Yea!

(Hey Michelle... notice.. the photo is FREE!!)

I love poetry - and this is one of my favorites - it always reminds me of spring!

in Just-
spring when the world is mud-
luscious the little
lame balloonman
whistles far and wee

and eddieandbill come
running from marbles and

piracies and it's

spring

when the world is puddle-wonderful

the queer

old balloonman whistles

far and wee

and bettyandisbel come dancing
from hop-scotch and jump-rope and

it's

spring

and

the

goat-footed

balloonMan whistles

far

and

wee

-- e. e. cummings

Today is my 46th (or 45th) birthday.

I woke this morning to my beautiful daughter singing happy birthday to me – showering me with kisses and hugs and an infinite number of “Happy Birthday’s”. She tells me that she will say it 46 times to me today – one for each year of my life. Isn’t she adorable!

I find that most people choose to do an introspective look at their lives on their birthday only to find themselves saddened by the fact they are older, haven’t accomplished their goals, have had their souls ravaged, etc.. Well sorry.

Not me.
I am not a gloomy Eeyore!

I find myself in an endless summer season – I find my life filled with great friends, a loving family. Best of all I have a living, breathing, vibrant relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I choose to be happy.

With all this joy in my life, how could I feel anything other than completely blessed. Yes, I have had tribulation – haven’t we all – but with a loving Lord, a loving wife, loving kids and loving friends, I honestly can’t recall the bad stuff.

Age is just a number people – you are only as old (or young) as you feel!

These people share this day as their birthday:
Vanessa Williams, Bonnie Blair, Irene Cara, Queen Latifa, Dane Cook, Brandon Lee, Mary Tudor, Grover Cleveland, Charlie Pride & Adam Levine.

Here are 46 things that make me happy!
1. Jesus loves you
2. Jesus loves me
3. I married the BEST woman
4. My wife loves me
5. 30 day challenges (wink, wink, nudge, nudge, say no more…)
6. My son & daughter love me
7. The friends that love me
8. My daughter calls me “Daddoo”
9. My son still thinks I am OK, even though he is 15
10. My brother and his family know Jesus and come to church
11. I have a job
12. I can see
13. I can hear
14. I can talk
15. I can walk
16. Music
17. I took a huge breath this morning (I have asthma)
18. It is sunny again!
19. Yesterday I celebrated my Irish heritage
20. Humor
21. Electricity
22. I had 8 hours of sleep last night
23. Hugging my wife
24. Reading scripture
25. I listened to some uplifting music today
26. I attend the BEST church
27. I held Emma on Sunday and she fell asleep in my arms
28. Arizona Green Tea – Ice COLD
29. I don’t have to cut my front lawn and it is always green
30. Spring starts in 2 days
31. Movies
32. DVD players
33. Screenwriters (they read the books, so I don’t have to)
34. The internet (a mixed blessing)
35. Digital scrapbooks
36. Cellphones with internet access
37. Disneyland and an annual pass
38. Musicals
39. Forks – something I am always thanking God for…
40. Sunglasses (in CA we need them a lot!)
41. Funny Birthday Cards
42. The Tax prep forms are completed!
43. I have steady clients for my business
44. The real estate market is turning around
45. My soft pillow and my warm bed
46. Sarcasm

tis the day of the wearin' o' the green...

Today everyone is Irish - only I really am...

Kilkenny Castle , Leinster, Ireland

My family history can be tracked back to Kilkenny & county Cork. Prior to the Norman conquest in 1066 the Bambrick family held a family seat in England. After that time the family name was vaired in spelling through the 11th and 12th century where the name was "latinized". Some variations of Bambrick are recorded as; Bainbridge, Bainebridge, Banbridge, Bainbrigg, Baynbrigg, etc..

Some first settler 'Bambricks' ; Guy (Bambrick) Bainbridge, Settled in Cambridge Mass. in 1620; Christopher and Henry (Bainbridge) Bambrick settled in Virginia in 1635 and Robert Bainbrig settled in Barbados with his servants in 1679. Sir John Thomas Bambrick came through Ellis Island in 1896.

The name Bambrick means, keeper of the bridge.

There is an old Irish saying... "There are only two kinds of people in the workd, The Irish and those who wish they were!"

Happy St. Patrick's day!

and remember... The little people say, "It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money!"

SPREAD THE WORD...

Due to an electrical fire at the Artesia High School Fine Arts Center - the campus is closed.

That means we are meeting at Downey for all services on Sunday!

9 & 11....

Spread the word!

God Bless!

Childish wisdom

Yesterday after Church a group of us went to Disneyland to spend some time loving on Laura, Waverly and Emmerson Trotter.

While Waverly went on the most ridiculous water ride in the stinkin' park - with Dawn, Darrenn, Mike and the other kids, the rest of us took the little kids to the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail.

Tim & I escorted the little guys around the trail. I had the beautiful pleasure being Emmerson's guide - we crawled up the 'squirrel scramble', checked out the skunk footprints and followed them until they ended at the trashcan, crawled through tunnels and slid down slides.

As we walked through the area he told me he wanted to go on the tire swing - He and his best bud Drew were going to swing - unfortunately Drew was a little shy of the required height - so he stood on the sidelines to watch and cheer on his bud.

Emmerson confided in me that he was a "little scared". When I asked how little, he held his index finger and thumb about one-half inch apart and said, "just this much" - it was so cute. I asked him, what scared him - he said, "I don't want to fall". I told him, well, the best thing you can do to keep from falling is to hang on, hang on tight and to not be afraid because if his hands couldn't hold him, I would be there to catch him. He said, "thanks, the ground is really pokey and it would scratch if I fall on it".

He flew down that tire swing line, I yelled to him "hang on", he yelled back, "Can I close my eyes". "You Bet you can, I am here for ya". Of course the 'ride operator' was confining me to the little white square on the ground - but you know that if that little boy was going to fall I would have shoved past that smokey-the-bear wannabe so quick her hat would spin off her head.

Wham! the swing came to the bottom - his eyes were shut tight, he swung up in the air, then back down - hanging tight and he didn't fall. His best bud Drew yelling and cheering from the sidelines. Emmerson got off the swing, came over to leave and said, "I did it, I hung on and I didn't fall either". That's right - You hung on.

You really have to love the wisdom of little children.

Hang on.

Chandler and french

Ashley's friend Chandler wants to learn French... So, I immediately thought of this scene - and had to post it.

Remember when Joey had to learn French!

In honor of Garhett leaving

Garhett leaves for Arkansas on Saturday morning - he will be gone for 12 days.

In honor of his going to the Redneck MotherShip...

The BEST time to buy homes in CA

Yep, According to all the market indicators NOW is the best time to buy property in California in the past 4 years.

According to financial analysts in the Real Estate market, homes in CA have re-adjusted from 20% - 40%.

The days of our homes being worth so much more than they 'really' are is over. But, this isn't saying that the declining market trends are finished. A financial analysis firm, Global Insight thinks that we could be below historic norms by the end of this year.

Market indicators show that there are still 21 housing markets (or 6% over all the nation) that are still severly over valued, which includes Madera CA - so don't try and buy there yet! At the peak of 2006 housing bubble - there were 56 overvalued markets. So that shows improvement.

Across the nation, the biggest gains in affordability (that means the biggest drops in home prices) occurred in California, Michigan and Florida. Of course, in contrast to this the most under-valued homes are in Louisiana and Texas.

Based on my own experiences - I have seen homes as low as $1,500 yes - that is One-thousand-Five-hundred-dollars - that are on the market for 6 months before anyone can buy them. Why? I don't really know - the homes appear in average condition.

So, buy the 'dip'... Oh, the best part is the Federal Housing Administration raised the limits on mortgages it guarantees to $729,750 in LA and OC. To get perspective - the previous limit was $362,790. FHA has really attractive 1st time home buyer programs and lower overall rates on mortgages.

The only downside to this whole thing is that you have to have really GOOD credit --why is that a downside? Because most Americans are financially irresponsible; with debt to income ratios that exceed minimum standards to qualify for loans and credit scores in the low 700's (FICO). The national average in 2006 for bankruptcy rates was 360 for every 100,000 population.

Upside - if you want to buy a home this year, stop using credit, pay off your debt, save up a 20% down and buy the home towards the end of the year.

(note to Michelle - notice, no stolen images...)

I used to love this show...

My kids would ALWAYS watch this show -

Did you?

May can't come soon enough!

I have been readin'

I have been a part of a large discussion around the book of Daniel - specifically, Daniel 9.

And then I see this ad....



I don't know about you - but this sounds like WORSHIP to me...

And I don't know about you - but if you close your eyes you can hear them chanting - Osama! Osama! Osama!

Seriously...

I don't know about you, but does this image:


Look like this image:

Accroding to the Catholic population that shop at the Stanton Indoor Swapmeet - it is close enough to warrant a shrine. Look at the effort that these folks go to to erect a shrine to an icon.

...I don't know what else to say!

YUM!

I think I know where I am going for my birthday!

check it out.

While trying to actually formulate an opinion on the previous post.. I was doing my 'due dilligence' and stumbled on this blog - which is a redirect from the website surfacestations.org.

http://www.norcalblogs.com/watts/weather_stations/

Basically - supporting the fact that Global warming is a 'man made' concern.

(Like I needed proof!)

Here are two of my favorite photos from the website - yeah, these give accurate temperature measurements!

Some things that make me scratch my head...

I subscribe to the "Barna Update" which is published electronically by the Barna Group - who is the Barna Group - this is from their web page.

The Barna Group provides primary research (through The Barna Research Group); printed resources (through BarnaBooks, an imprint of Tyndale); leadership development; spiritual training; and church facilitation and enhancement. We seek to use our strengths in partnership with Christian ministries and individuals to be a catalyst in moral and spiritual transformation in the United States. We accomplish these outcomes by providing vision, information, strategy, evaluation and resources.

Anyway...

A recent 'update' came out listing the latest research on Americans and their moral and social concerns. Barna identifies 10 top concerns. Here is the content that makes me scratch my head wondering why people are thinking they way they do...

Americans are troubled by a diverse palette of concerns. Three types of issues are of particular concern, perceived as "major" problems facing the country by three-quarters of the population. Those included poverty (78%), the personal debt of individual Americans (78%), and HIV/AIDS (76%).

A quartet of issues emerged as moderate concerns, including illegal immigration (60% of adults said this is a major problem facing the country), global warming (57%), abortion (50%), and the content of television and movies (45%).

Following that, homosexuality was identified as a major problem facing the nation by about one out of every three Americans. This issue was assessed with the use of two questions to determine if Americans have different degrees of concerns about "homosexual lifestyles" or the "political efforts of homosexual activists." One-third of Americans said they were significantly concerned about "activists" (35%) and the same proportion felt "lifestyles" (35%) were of major concern. In fact, out of more than sixty different subgroups reviewed, there were no differences of opinion on these two survey questions, suggesting that the two issues may be linked in Americans' minds.

Christians have garnered both criticism and skepticism in the aftermath of recent elections. Will there be a backlash against Christian voters this November? To help gauge that possibility, the study also examined the percentage of Americans who said they believed "the political efforts of conservative Christians" are a major problem facing the country. While this was the least significant of the 10 issues explored, nearly one out of every four Americans (23%) - representing about 51 million adults - described this factor as a major source of distress.

How do Christian voters rank these issues?

The nation's 68 million registered voters who are born again Christians were most concerned about personal indebtedness (79%), poverty (78%), and HIV/AIDS (77%) - levels similar to that of other voters. However, born again Christians emerged as distinct from other voters in relation to many other issues. They are more concerned than were non-born again adults about illegal immigration (68%), abortion (67%), the content of television and movies (60%), homosexual lifestyles (51%), and homosexual activists (49%).

The subset of evangelicals (representing about 15 million of the born again voters) displayed a significantly different view on many issues. Evangelicals' top concern - by a wide margin - was abortion (94%). This was followed by the personal debt of Americans (81%), the content of television and movies (79%), homosexual activists (75%), and gay and lesbian lifestyles (75%). Evangelicals were more likely than other adults to be concerned about illegal immigration, but they were less worried about HIV/AIDS than virtually any other segment of the population. One of the most significant differences of opinion expressed in the survey was the skepticism evangelicals harbor toward global warming (only 33% identified it as a major issue) compared to the rest of the population.

Since this is a 'political' year - Barna breaks down the details along party lines:

• Out of the 10 issues assessed in the research, born again Republicans are most concerned about Americans’ personal indebtedness (80%) and abortion (80%), while non-born again Republicans are most concerned about debt (74%), HIV/AIDS (68%), poverty (66%) and immigration (65%).
  



• Born again Democrats are most likely to identify HIV/AIDS (86%) and poverty (86%) as major problems facing America. These are the same top-two concerns identified among non-born again Democrats (85% and 84%, respectively).
  



• Born agains who are registered as Independent are most concerned with personal debt levels (77%) and poverty (72%). Interestingly, these are also the leading concerns among non-born again Independents (75% and 77%, respectively).
  



• As expected, born again members of the GOP are significantly more concerned than are born again Democrats about abortion (80% versus 58%), media content (69% versus 48%), homosexual activists (61% versus 38%), and homosexual lifestyles (58% versus 43%). However, born again Democrats are more likely to be concerned than are non-born again Republicans about abortion, media content and same-sex relationships.
  



• As for denominational connections, Catholics and Protestants showed very similar levels of concern in relation to each of the 10 issues. The only exceptions pertained to global warming (an issue of slightly greater concern to Catholics, 59% to 52%) and homosexual activism and lifestyles (each of which was twice as worrisome to Protestants). A majority of both Catholics (52%) and Protestants (56%) described abortion as a major problem.

This report is based upon nationwide telephone surveys conducted by The Barna Group with random samples of adults, age 18 and older. These surveys were conducted in January 2007 and July-August 2007. The January survey involved interviews with 1007 adults; the August survey included 1004 adults. The maximum margin of sampling error associated with the aggregate sample for each of those surveys is ±3.2 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. Statistical weighting was used to calibrate the sample to known population percentages in relation to demographic variables.

So, out of the 10 'top concerns' that Barna defined in his survey - what would you rank on top?

(In no particular order)

1. Poverty



2. Personal Debt of individual Americans



3. HIV/AIDS



4. Abortion



5. Content of TV and Movies



6. Homosexuality (lifestyle)



7. Political efforts of Homosexual Activists



8. Illegal immigration



9. Global Warming



10. The Political efforts of Conservative Christians