Ma Ma Jacquie's Blah Blah Blog

Legacy

2009-02-10T17:27:00.000-08:00

This happened a while ago, but I haven't talked about it much, so here it is.

A few weeks ago, Randy and I were visiting Son #2. We were sitting down to dinner and Son #2 asked HIS son if he would like to pray. Oh brother! I expected a sigh and a pair of pleading eyes begging to be let off the hook. That wasn't the case. Grandson #1 was eager. He happily said, "Yeah!"

OK. Now what? "Thanks for the food. Please don't let it be gross. Let me get to stay up late. " ???

No. That's not what he said. It was more like this. "Thank you for loving us. Thank you for giving us good food to eat. I'm glad Mama Jac and Papa came to visit. " He talked to God as if they were friends. It was as if we weren't even there. He sounded authentically grateful.

Why am I talking about this? Bragging? My grandson is holy-er than yours?

Well, no. He's a regular little kid. But, what Papa and I realized is this: Our little grandson, whom we love with all of our hearts, will be spending eternity praising our Loving Father together with us!

There is a certain level of significance that is achieved by careers, inventions, and accomplishments. True. But every human achievement pales in comparison with the impartation of the saving power of God's love to the next generation. No invention, high powered career, or any other human accomplishment can compare with this legacy!

You want to do something meaningful with your life? Share your faith in Jesus Christ with the next generation.

Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come. Psalm 71:18

Standing for the Family

2009-01-29T05:43:00.000-08:00

Whatcha doin' Saturday, Feb 7th? Randy and I are going to be helping out with a little gathering called "Standing for the Family" and everyone's invited!

It's starting at 9:00 AM at Epic on Johnson Drive in Ventura.

We're going to have some worship and prayer ministry time with Dusty and Tom. Phil Elston and Suzie Brock will be sharing with men and women respectively. Randy and I will be having a kind of "round table" about parenting stuff. Then there will be more worship and prayer.

The daytime session will go till about 1:00. That night, we're going to have a full on praise and worship time at the same place @ 6:30.

Standing for the Family - here's the idea...

The Family was God's idea; He had a reason and we have a purpose.
We all have a need for significance and belonging; The Family answers those needs.
The Family has a mission on this earth: to depict the nature of God to a needy world and to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom of God
The Family is under attack; it always has been.
What can families do to over come these attacks and be what God has intended for us to be?

Those are some of the topics we would like to discuss together in hopes of encouraging families to step into or be strengthened in a ministry that we feel is very close to the Heart of God.

Y'all Come! Spread the word!

I've been duped!

2008-11-22T12:27:00.000-08:00

So, we got a new coffee maker last night. The cool one that we got about a year ago really isn't so cool. Sure it keeps a tank of hot water ready so you can have abra-ka-dabra coffee in a hurry, but it isn't programmable and I just don't have the brain power at 5 AM to pour water into the tank all by my self. So, out with the old, in with the new, AGAIN! This is America, and when I want coffee, I get coffee!

Of course we had to decide whether to get a 10 or 12 cup capacity carafe. We decided on 10. Really , when would we ever be drinking more than 10 c ups of coffee at one time anyway. Got home, set it up, ran a few pots of water through to clean it out, started wondering how you could really get 10 cups out of that little pot, measured the amount of liquid in the pot: 64 oz! I'm not that great in math, but do know that there are 8 ounces in a cup, and 8 times 10 equals 80. So shouldn't I be able to get 80 fluid ounces into that carafe? Well, no. After a little research, I find that a "customary" cup of coffee is 5.5 ounces. Who made that up? Obviously someone who doesn't really like coffee. Maybe someone who sips from a dainty cup with their pinky out. My cups hold at least 12 ounces each, except for the one I got in Alaska which is a full 18 ounces. (You know, as big as the state of...)

So I guess that means our new coffee maker is a 3.5 cupper. I feel like such a fool.

ONE Issue

2008-10-28T06:04:00.000-07:00

This article pretty closely communicates why I think the abortion issue (and where the candidates stand on it) trumps all other issues in this election.

"I'm not voting for a Man....

Pics of Annie

2008-10-16T17:07:00.000-07:00

The correct spellig of Annie's name is is Lianna Joy. These young whipper-snappers! You never know what new spellings they're gonna come up with! So, here she is! Nate without the dark eyebrows! Beautiful!

Welcome to the world, Annie!

2008-10-15T20:11:00.000-07:00

Leanna (Annie) Joy Alderson came into our world early this morning, October 15th. What a doll! Her brothers, mom and dad, and grandparents and other family members are so excited. She's a record breaker! She is the first female born in this Alderson line since at least 1919. I have to look at the records to find out if it goes any further back. I have to say, she looks very much like Nate did at 12 hours of age, rusty (according to Randy Jr.) and bald, but lacking the dark eyebrows!
It was fun taking the boys (Levi and Conrad) to see their new baby sister. Levi (age 4) spent some time sitting on the bed with Kristen, holding Annie. When we got in the car Levi said, "when I was holding my new baby sister, I was so comfortable!" He and Conrad are so excited! So are we!!
I'm having a big problem downloading pictures to this bloggity-blogg site. Too bad. She's really cute. But then, I'm the grandma.

An Interesting Human Phenomenon

2008-08-28T15:14:00.000-07:00

Heard this story the other day...

There was once this guy who woke up one morning. He had had a dream that he had died. He looked around and saw everything as it was, but decided that the dream was true. He told his wife that he would not be needing breakfast because he was dead. She was a bit amused, but she didn't fix breakfast that morning. As the day went on, the man kept insisting that he was dead. He had not need to get dressed, brush his teeth, go to work, etc. He was dead, after all.

After two days of this, the wife was no longer amused. She was concerned, so she made an appointment at the psychiatrist to have her husband evaluated. The man went through the same litany as before until the psychiatrist decided to reason with the man. He took him to the morgue. He showed him a dead body. He discussed the different body systems that cease to function when a body has died, especially focusing on the circulatory system. The man was in full agreement that "dead men do not bleed". They even went so far as to poke the dead body's finger to see if blood could be drawn and of course, no blood came. The man was not surprised because, as he reiterated, "dead men do not bleed!" Now was the time for the psychiatrist to prove his point. He took a clean needle and quickly poked the man's finger and immediately a blood drop formed.

The man stared in amazement! He was nearly speechless. Finally he said in awe, "I guess dead men DO bleed."

I'm learning more and more each day (especially in light of all the election year debates), that we "choose" to believe something, then we fit the FACTS into our belief. I just pray that as we make our belief-choices, we would measure each "belief" with the unchanging Word of God. The ones that don't fit with the facts of the Word, change or discard. The ones that do, hold on to them tightly.

Cousin Camp '08

2008-08-18T18:36:00.000-07:00

Well, at the beginning of the summer, I was afraid we wouldn't be able to get Cousin Camp scheduled in. So much to do. We all have such busy lives. But 2 weeks ago, as we sat watching the "kids" build sand castles and play in the waves, we knew that what ever it takes, it's would be worth it. We just decided to cram it in. And we're so glad we did.

There are alot of things I would like to do better next year, especially as the kid are getting older and their interests are changing, but still... the time together was wonderful. The object lesson of the weekend was: relationships are like Bagel Bites, like tacos, like ice cream sandwiches, whatever. The point: our relationships are important. We are family, and we need to care for one another. Each person adds their own flavor to the recipe of life, and as we combine our flavors we make a pretty great tasting dish.

I think the best part of the weekend was the boat ride we took out in the Ventura Harbor. Age didn't matter, everyone had fun. And everyone got a chance to "drive". It was also great having Randy and Kristi hang out with us off and on. (Another important relationship.)

Note to self: Next spring, don't even think about not scheduling Cousin Camp.

We really enjoyed our 2 new campers, Avery and Conrad, and Special Honorable Mention goes to Emma Bangs! Camp Counselor Extraordinaire!

Hope all the moms and dads had a nice peaceful weekend. They're all yours now!

Something to think about...

2008-08-07T16:19:00.000-07:00

I just read an article by David Coppedge about "Surprise Effects" in scientific research. There are many surprises discovered, day after day, as scientist continue to search beyond what we already know. Just when we thought we had it all figured out, and we start speaking about certain scientific information as if we know all about it, something completely new and contrary to what we though pops up! That's pretty cool.

"What is the message in these surprise effects? Science is tentative at best. Consensus is no measure of factuality. Even long trusted scientific theories can be challenged by anomalies. As Thomas Kuhn and subsequent philosophers of science have pointed out, scientist typically work withing paradigms, or accepted explanatory frameworks. Anomalies are surprises that don't fit the paradigm. When too many anomalies accumulate, a scientific revolution may occur, and a new paradigm may take its place. If you compromise the Bible with the latest paradigm, your positions could become a casualty of the next one. The Bible has outlasted a great many paradigms. Considering its Author, that's no surprise. " David Coppedge, Cassini Program, Jet Propulsion Laboratory

The heavens declare the work of the Lord, the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Psalm 19:1

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaian 55:8-9

If God is revealing Himself through his creation, I guess it follows that we'll probably never get it all figured out. Like some guy said, "We don't know what we don't know."

Just a random thought.

Woo-hoo! We're Free

2008-07-01T07:24:00.000-07:00

(also posted on the CHCS blog)

This week Americans celebrate their wonderful freedom! Freedom is a way of life here in

America

; so much so that our generations truly don’t know what it’s like to live without it or the luxuries that come with it. I’m sure most of us take it for granted that we can speak, travel, and worship where, when and how we choose.

I think the same is true of our Spiritual freedom. Do we truly realize how “free” we really are? John 8:36 says “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed!” And according to the New Testament, we can celebrate our freedom from…

…deception, slavery to sin, the law of sin and death, mental and spiritual bondage, the fear of man, concern, accusations, the fear of death, the love of money, judgment, the requirements of man (just to name a few)! These are not small things! We should be rejoicing in our liberty every day of our lives!

So this year as we celebrate our freedoms, let’s not only think about our political freedoms in America; but lets commit ourselves to living a life of appreciation and gratitude for the incredible freedoms we have in Christ Jesus! Let’s sing the song Miriam sang when the people of Israel were freed from their slavery:

The LORD is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.
He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.

Here's a Great Quote

2008-06-09T19:26:00.000-07:00

"When, with bold telescopes, I survey the old and newly discovered stars and planets; when, with excellent microscopes, I discern the unimitable subtililty of nature's curious workmanship; and when, in a word, by the help of anatomical knives, and the light of chemical furnaces, I study the book of nature, I find myself oftentimes reduced to exclaim with the Psalmist, 'How manifold are Thy works, O Lord! In wisdom hast Thou made them all!'"

Robert Boyle, Father of Modern Chemistry 1627-1691

I had to look up the words unimitable (unable to be imitated) and subtility (extreme acutenes, skill, craft) which made me love the quote even more.

Why is "The Family" so important?

2008-05-24T08:18:00.000-07:00

I like what this guy has to say:

"If our society has a cancer, we have to treat that cancer at the cellular level. What's the fundamental cell of society? It's the family. What is the nucleus of the cell? What is the very core of the family? What's the origin of the family? The intimate embrace of a husband and wife. That's where babies come from. This is not only a biological truth, it's a theological truth. It points to God and his mystery of love and his plan for our lives. If that nucleus, if that cell, is harmed, is distorted, is diseased, the whole body, the whole civilization, will be diseased. Restoration of God's plan for marriage and family is critical if we are to rebuild civilization."

Christopher West

Ready for the business world...

2008-03-31T16:23:00.001-07:00

I just thought this was cute. Here is Conrad with his hair all slicked down and his pink ear piece, ready to take on wall street. How metro.

I think Levi's a democrat.

2008-03-24T15:33:00.000-07:00

Kid's are so politically aware these days. The other day when Levi was over the TV was on. At one point, during some news highlight, he looked up and said, "Hey, there's Obama!" No big deal, except that he's not quite 4 years old yet!

2 Cool Animals

2008-01-01T07:57:00.000-08:00

I love it when I find unusual and interesting animals right in my own neighborhood. Well, pretty close, anyway. On our trip up the central coast near San Simeon last weekend we discovered hundreds of elephant seals parked right there on the beach! We walked out on the cliffs and got a few not-too-great shots. But they were awesome to see face to face. They're huge! Then on the way to Jalama Beach we spotted a bobcat just sitting right in the middle of a field!

My Best Christmas Ever

2007-12-27T10:02:00.001-08:00

I think this was my favorite Christmas ever!

It started with Thanksgiving and the 58 friends and family we had over to celebrate God's kindness toward us.

Gingerbread home construction was alot of fun too, with Jared, Randy and Hayley introducing our first Gingerbread MotorHome!

The school events went well, with minimal stress on teachers and staff. Parents were blessed and the kids had fun. That's what that's all about!

Christmas Eve was beautiful! The cookie baking with Levi and Conrad was a wonderful mess, the moon was full, the food was delish, the presents were moderate, the family mission project was a success, the kind words were abundant, the "peer group" game was a blast! Whew!

Christmas morning at the pier was stunning. Everyone on the promenade was friendly and cheerful and the Bangs kids had fun on the beach. Yummy sweet rolls and monkey bread too! Then it was off to Santa Barbara for lunch at Marvilla with Meme and Scott. Peaceful and pleasant.

Yep. I think this one was my favorite!

That's My King!

2007-12-06T19:12:00.000-08:00

I ran across this again last week, so I showed it in Middle School Chapel this morning. I love it. I think it touched the kids. We had a great worship time afterwards. Click the link below.

That's my King

Deputy John E. Burt

2007-11-30T20:44:00.001-08:00

On Nov. 30, 2007 John Burt graduated from the Ventura County Peace Officer Academy! It was a really moving ceremony. I feel so blessed to know John. What an awesome guy! Congratulations Sheriff John!

Messiah's Mansion

2007-11-10T22:11:00.001-08:00

Tonight we experienced something super cool! It's called Messiah's Mansion, a full scale model of the Mosaic tabernacle. It will be stationed at the 7th Day Adventist Church in Ventura for the next 7 days. It's open from 1:00-7:00 each day.
Anyway, it was so interesting to see all the items of the courtyard and the sanctuary, but what was really moving was hearing how each item and ritual pointed to our Savior, Jesus Christ. The tour guides are high school students, and to hear the passion in our guide's voice as he shared that Jesus was the fulfillment of every requirement of the law was just awesome!
Everyone should come see this. Kid's included. I'll be there to welcome you if you come on Monday or Friday between 5 and 7!

Uhmm... he's 3!?

2007-11-04T07:39:00.001-08:00

Levi and Papa were setting up the train set this weekend. After they got it all put together, Papa showed Levi how to hook the trains up and make them go. Levi worked on it for a while and got it pretty well figured out. I realized he had achieved victory when I heard him scream, "Let it go, Baby!" as his train made the first trip around the track.

No Jokey! My new favorite park!

2007-10-27T10:10:00.000-07:00

We took this drive yesterday. I was sick of the smell of ashes, so we headed for the coast and then north. We stopped in at Refugio Beach campsite to check it out in case it looked good for camping, but the dork (excuse me) ranger wouldn't let us go in! He said that the sites were filled and they really don't let people drive around in there. Right! When did that start? He also said that if we come by in the middle of the week we "probably would have a pretty good chance of going in to take a look around". Just when I was starting to tell him, "Yeah, sure. Uh-huh! I'll take a few hours off work to come up here and take a little tour! And what if I'm from out of state? Am I not allowed to see what I'm in for in case I ever want to reserve a site here? I'll just fly in next Tuesday and make an appointment for a tour! And excuse me, Mr. Smokey Green Pants, who pays your salary anyway?" Randy rolled up the window and drove away. He feels he needs to protect the world from me. Whatever. OK. Cool down.

So anyway, we drove up around the Gaviota curve, about 5 miles past that nice rest stop, and took the turn off. You go about 2 miles and come to this cool park. Nojoqui Falls. Ever been there? Lots of sycamore trees, pines, grassy areas, playgrounds, good tables, hawks, woodpeckers, butterflies, deer, and at the end of the park there is a trail that goes up the canyon to the falls. It's my new favorite. Check it out if you are ever traveling North on 101 above Santa Barbara. Don't forget to give Mr. Smokey Green Pants the good luck sign as you pass the Refugio camp station.

I think we should have our next family picnic at No-jokey. Wanna?

Hope he reads it right!

2007-10-26T10:39:00.000-07:00

I was subscribing to this daily Bible reading email thingy yesterday, and I saw another one that said something like "Daily Tips for the Romantic Husband". Well, that sounded kind of interesting so I clicked on it to see the sample tip. Here's what it said:

Put a skeleton in a box with a note tied to it that says, "You hold the key to my heart."

Wow! I was speechless! I kept trying to figure out how that could be considered romantic, and then just decided it was because of halloween or something. I was laughing at the thought of some stupid husband actually trying it and wondering why his wife didn't fall into his arms.

Oh, wait.... I read it again. It says put a "skeleton key"... Aha. Amazing how much one little word can change things.

Going to the fireworks? Don't forget your helmet!

2007-07-04T20:18:00.000-07:00

3 funny things that Levi has said recently:

1.) When he was at our house the other day, I asked him where his dad was. He said, "work". I asked him where his dad worked. He answered, "Space." I asked him what he meant. He said, "Out there in the sky. At the moon. " And he was serious.

2.) I was on the phone to Levi and told him that I had a new stuffed monkey at our house for him to play with. I said that it was big, about 2 feet tall. He say, "Wow. That is so amazing!" I don't know if he was humoring me or really thought it was amazing.

3.) Nate said that they were getting ready to watch the fireworks, and Levi kept trying to put his helmet on. Nate kept taking it off of him, saying that they were not riding bikes, just walking, until Levi finally started to get upset. Come to find out, he was trying to protect himself so the fireworks wouldn't hit him in the head when they came back down.

I love the way kids see things.

What? No Salmon?

2007-07-04T20:05:00.000-07:00

That's right. We were told by the locals in Idaho that there really are no Salmon in the Salmon River. I wasn't really surprised, I know that's the case in alot of northern rivers.
Anyway, we had a great time in Idaho and I'm actually starting to enjoy the PEOPLE of the areas we go to as much (more?) as the beauty of the area itself. And believe me, there are some beautiful areas in Idaho. This picture is looking out our hotel balcony at the Salmon River.

I'm gonna write something soon.

2007-06-22T08:16:00.000-07:00

Yeah, right! My new job is quite the little time consumer. All I have to do today is find carpet for the 6th grade classroom, preview 8 hours of curriculum instruction, pick up those laminated posters, and hire a 4th grade teacher, and get 40 more students. I know, not much, it's my day off. I'm having a blast!

Here's a little tip...

2007-04-07T13:11:00.000-07:00

If you want to pass a garbage truck, find out which side the driver is sitting on (different trucks, different sides, go figure) and STAY AWAY FROM THAT SIDE! Case in point: Yesterday I did just the opposite. Bad choice. How was I supposed to know that trash truck drivers feel the whole world is open territory for hocking their unwanted loogies (sp?). This one ended up on my windshield!!! Now that is just plain wrong. What if I had been in a convertable or riding a motorcycle. I so wanted to give him the special sign but I found out from Riley the other day that kids who "say" the middle finger get sentences.

Camping List: Hairy Back? Check.

2007-04-02T05:56:00.000-07:00

When checking off the list of outdoor adventure gear, I never thought to add hairy back! But all these years Randy has been bringing (and using) his without having to be reminded. But this weekend, camping in Death Valley, I finally learned what he brings it for. Did you know that you can easily tell which direction the wind is coming from by how it feels on your little back and belly hairs? (Only hairy people can appreciate) And all these years, Randy has known right where to place the camp stove, trash bag, clothes line, and other wind related items, just by stepping out of the car, pulling off his shirt and having a look around. Who knew? (Once again, only the hairy)

Anyway, we had a great time in Death Valley, even if we did mention how we wished the rest of the family was there at least every 15 minutes or so. We got to spend some much needed quiet time. And there is ALOT of quiet in Death Valley. It always makes me kind of sad when we go down there and I see everything named after the enemy of our souls. Devil's this and Hell's that. I mean, I understand how it happened, it is very harsh and rugged. But when you look closely you realized how amazing God is to have created a place like Death Valley. It just makes me appreciate His creativity, His beauty, His greatness. And it helps me put my little (yet precious to God) life into perspective.

We spent alot of time this weekend reading a book called The Barbarian Way. I recommend it wholeheartedly. We don't know what to do with what We've read yet, but in our lives of transitioning from child raising to other stuff ???? we know God is calling us further. To what, we don't really know. Maybe just a day-to-day, "what do you want me to do this very day?" life style, or maybe something else. We'll see.

By the way, that's NOT Randy's back pictured above. I just found it on the internet when I googled "hairy man" (I don't recommend doing that, by the way). His is much tanner!!! I promised him I'd let everyone know that.

Kirby and Kirby say HI!

2007-02-27T19:52:00.000-08:00

Hi Conrad and Levi!
Just wanted to let you know that we are taking good care of Kirby and Kirby. They miss you and hope to see you soon.

Grumpy Grannies!

2007-02-01T13:44:00.000-08:00

Is it just me or are old ladies getting grouchier as the days go by? I've actually been thinking about and observing this for a while and begging my kids to put me out if "their" misery when I start acting like a complete self absorbed ass, as appears to be typical for old grannies.
(hopefully that hasn't happened yet)
So today, I'm driving home for lunch break. I'm at a big intersection waiting for the light to turn green. It does. I begin to pull out, evidently not quickly enough for Ol' Lead Foot behind me. I promise you, she had to be at least 80. You know, short, hardly could see over the steering wheel, white poofy hair, gnarly little fingers. So she honks at me this long angry honk. I look back and get amused, so as I cross the intersection, I casually wave at her, all five fingers, by the way. I just though it was kind of funny. Well, she was going so slow that it took her about a mile and a half to catch up to me, but when she did she pulled up beside me and used those bony old fingers to flip me off! Her weezin'ed up old friend was over there rolling her eyes at me. I thought that was even funnier, but I guess she didn't. She pulled up a little bit more and proceeded to come right into my lane running me off the road! She almost touched my car and she wasn't going away. I had to swerve into the next lane, but then I got mad and decided not to move. I started honking and everyone was looking at her like she was a nut. I finally let her in, then looped around her and got next to her a pretended to use my cell phone. (I though she might think I was calling the cops, like a smart alek whipper snapper would). She must have because she put on her brakes right there in the middle lane and slowed down to about 20 mph. I would have pestered her some more, but I didn't want to waste my lunch time.
But, what's up with that. Come on old grannies! Lighten up! Do we all get like that? God, I hope not!

I have a question...

2007-01-25T19:26:00.000-08:00

The other day I heard that a missionary from an area somewhere near China said that the people in "his" country were praying for persecution for the American church. The implication was that "we" (Western Christians) do not have a clue what Christianity is all about because we live such easy lives, and that if we could suffer a little, we would learn. I've heard things like this before but, it didn't sit right with me. Maybe because I AM a spoiled American, but it just doesn't seem right to pray for someone else to be persecuted. Kind of like hoping that the cut on your hand gets infected just so your hand can learn some lessons. I don't know. I do know that hardship can bring growth but, on to my question...
What is it that we Americans lack that can only be aquired through persecution or poverty? Because if this is true, that we can only have this quality through persecution, then we here in America are truly hopeless. Is there no way to be a "true" Christian without this persecution that others are reportedly wishing on us? Should I give everything away and go live in the Sudan just for the sake of suffering, or is it possible to become a "true, authentic, real, genuine Christian" even though I have been subjected to Western prosperity? Is Western prosperity it's own adversity with difficult challenges of its own?
I know I live an easy life, and I know I battle laziness and selfishness, sometimes more than others. But I get tired of people using the term "Western Christians" as if it's a disease. But maybe that's just because I'm being defensive. If so I want to change. If not, I wish they'd shutup.

It's Jan. 22. Have a bad day!

2007-01-22T21:03:00.000-08:00

Did you know the Monday closest to Jan. 24th is clinically considered the most depressing day of the year? Are you depressed? Have you already failed on your "after the holiday diet"? Have you given up on your New Year resolution? Are the Christmas bills starting to come in? Are you dreading the thought of another whole year of "whatever"? Are you tired of winter but realize that Spring is still a long way off? Yeah, that's what the most depressing day of the year is all about.

So, have a bad day, a really bad day! Then go to bed, get a good night's rest, and plan on waking up tomorrow with new hope! God is so Good! (Everyday)

Beautiful Monarchs

2007-01-07T16:46:00.000-08:00

The weather was so beautiful this morning, we couldn't resist taking a drive up the coast to Pismo. It's Monarch butterfly time and we like to go see how the little guys are doing each winter. This year was the best because we finally got to witness something that we have heard about but never seen.
The butterflies hang in big clumps of hundreds-thousands to stay protected from the cold and wind. As the temperature rises they gradually start opening and closing their wings and flutter away from the group. But sometimes..... the sun begins to shine on a clump, and all at once they ALL start to fly! It's like the whole branch just explodes. Then this stream of butterflies comes pouring off the branch for about 5 seconds and the air above you is just filled with fluttering wings. It's really quite beautiful! And we got to see it today for the first time. Cool! (This picture doesn't really do it justice. I need one of those 2 foot long lense do-dads. Oh, well.)

Families Without Borders - Thanksgiving 2006

2006-11-26T13:44:00.000-08:00

I'm thankful for Thanksgiving! We sure had a great time with y'all yesterday, and are so glad that each one was there. Randy was bummed because he forgot to give people an opportunity to share their thanks before he prayed. We always want to do that, but somehow when the food gets put out, that's the whole focus and we forget. My flicker and blogger aren't talking right now so I can't put up any pictures. Maybe others can. Love to all of you!

Hey! Wanna see my scar?

2006-11-21T21:38:00.000-08:00

Just kidding. I don't have a picture of my scar, you have to see me in person for that. But here's a picture of the inside of my arm. See the little door knob inside? Cool, huh? This is my final xray. I am officially "out of treatment". I have pretty good flexibility and only a little pain. The healing power if the human body is really amazing. Thanks God!!!

Going Hiking

2006-11-15T21:22:00.000-08:00

This is what every hiker needs when traveling the backcountry.

I feel hope!

2006-11-09T21:36:00.000-08:00

We went to a gathering at Ventura Missionary Church tonight. It was Tim Hughes and Mike Pivilacci (have no idea if that's how his name goes). I was stunned. I have grown so used to the sleepy church that I fully expected for there to be about 30 people and for them to be sitting waiting to be entertained. (Yeah. I'm synical and sceptical.) Oh my gosh! The place was full (1000 I think) and the people who were there were truly worshiping God. The band and the speaker were very un-celebrity like and totally pointing to Jesus. Several mentions of the church uniting and mobilizing in the name of Jesus brought cheers from the crowd. Very exciting!

Our Kitchen Counter...

2006-11-09T06:23:00.000-08:00

...is being installed this week!

Mupu Grill

2006-09-13T20:44:00.000-07:00

If youwant to try a great resturaunt, try Mupu Grill in Santa Paula. Really great food, way huge portions, and the service is better than anywhere I've ever been. On Wednesdays they have a 2 for 1 tri-tip dinner that looks awesome. Tonight we shared 4 huge appetizers with 2 of our favorite people, Tom and Suzie: stuffed avocado, potatoe skins, sauted mushrooms and buffalo wings. That and 7 drinks (there were 4 of us) cost only 44 dollars!

...held together by what every joint supplies...

2006-09-12T07:46:00.000-07:00

"Mama Jac. I go potty in the potty!"

Those are the words I heard over the phone last Saturday when Levi was about 6 hours into his first potty training day. My heart melted. By the end of the "conversation" tears were streaming down my face. As I hung up the phone I realized that in the 3 weeks of frustration over my broken bones and nonfunctional elbow, I have not had one single ocassion where I felt like crying about it. Yet a simple 3 minute call from my grandbaby easily reduced me to a blubbering mess.

Why?

We yearn for true relationship and all that it brings. And I think we cry about things that touch our hearts. My arm problem is a nuisance or at best, an object lesson, but my grandbaby is a living piece of me, my life, my heart. My relationship with Levi (and with others) is a "joint" that supplies the nourishment that holds us together. If the cohesive properties of any component of our physical bodies were to be compromised, our bodies would become disjointed and sick. Kind of like a broken bone. But when our parts are joined together properly, health and healing flows. God sure knew what he was doing when he spoke of the "Body of Christ". We are held one to another by that which every joint supplies. I just love that!

Lessons Learned?

2006-09-07T19:55:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 3:12 For whom the Lord loves He corrects, just as a Father the son in whom he delights.

I'm not a theologian so I may be way off here, but I'm wondering if this Scripture means that when you break your elbow all up, then your doctors mention how fast you are healing, so (instead of being thankful to God) you start bragging to people that you have ninja healing powers (like your teenage sons used to do) God just might allow you to catch a really bad flu and larengitus, that feels worse than the broken bones, just to shut you up long enough to get your attention. So...

I just want to say how thankful I am to God for the relatively quick healing I'm experiencing and the things I am learning along the way. Also, Im sorry I said I had ninja powers. I don't think I do.

That was fun!

2006-08-22T16:01:00.000-07:00

note: that's not really a picture of me. i got it off the world wide web :)

Mammoth Trip

2006-08-07T06:16:00.000-07:00

summer 2006, originally uploaded by randy and jacquie.

Here are a few pictures from our recent camping trip at Lake Mary.

30 years!

2006-07-08T09:41:00.000-07:00

30 years, originally uploaded by randy and jacquie.

Finally got some pictures on flickr of our Alaska trip. Click on the glacier to see more. Unfotunately I was still getting used to our new camera, and the battery ran out at once in the Denali National Wildlife Preserve (we saw tons of great wildlife) and then again right before we reached the face of the Glaceir on our day-cruise. Oh well, it was great and you kind of had to be there anyway.

Kingdomist Principle: No Generation Gap

2006-07-01T07:40:00.000-07:00

So I was talking to "someone" the other day and I mentioned that it's probably inevitable that your kids think you are "out of it" at some point. Then I started thinking. The ideal situation is when the old folks carry the wisdom of experience ( That's not saying that ALL old folks are wise) and the young folks carry the knowledge of new exploration and the two respect one another so much that they can learn and receive from each other. New Knowledge brings inspiration to Godly Wisdom, and Godly Wisdom brings direction to New Knowledge.

Some Pretty Alaskan Flowers

2006-06-24T08:35:00.000-07:00

A Sample Planter Near Homer, originally uploaded by randy and jacquie.

There were tons of flowers blooming in Alaska. We only caught a few photos. The flowers and plants of the taiga and tundra are really interesting.

Alaska Memories!

2006-06-21T07:18:00.000-07:00

The wierderst feeling I experienced while in Alaska was when we drove around the bend at mile post 120 on the Glenn Highway, and there before my eyes was the very cabin my Uncle Larry had built about 50 years ago. The way I understand the story is that he and my aunt had homesteaded 80-some acres and then my mom and dad homesteaded the adjacent parcel in 1960. The dream was to develope a ski recreation area. They had poles for the rope lift and had built this cabin (we called it The Chalet) to use while they developed. Problems occurred (a fire that could have killed my little brother) and other stuff that stopped them from ever completing the project. The property was sold once, then again to whoever built the new road and now it is just sitting there as a piece of Gill history. My mom and dad used to take us up there alot. I guess they were working, but we didn't notice, because we were too busy adventuring.

We also met a guy in Talkeetna who is an engineer with the oil company and he said he had been by The Chalet many times and actually went inside to get ideas for building his new place. He said the six sided shape and the tall pointed roof is perfect for the weather conditions there.

I really didn't think it would still be there. We were able to go inside and the wave of memories flooded in. It's like a few pieces of my life's puzzle that were all covered with dust were cleaned off and put back in place. I used to think my parents were pretty wacko to try to raise 6 kids up in that harsh country, but being there in all that beauty sort of made me understand. (Sort of)

Remember Tim?

2006-06-20T19:36:00.000-07:00

alaska trip june06 175, originally uploaded by randy and jacquie.

One of the nicest parts of our trip to Alaska was having the chance to spend a little time with Tim Pichotta. Remember him? We caught up with him in a round-about way. We asked a friend of ours in Talkeetna (a long way away) if he knew anyone in Seward. He said, just one family. We said we knew just one family too. We asked him what their name was. He was trying to say it right so I asked, "Pichotta?" He said "Yes!" I realize that Seward has only 3500 residents but still, the odds are pretty slim that we knew the same one family as they did.

Anyway, Tim is still his awesome friendly self. It was fun catching up with him and looking at his picture album. He's been alot of places. Hopefully he will get down this way for a visit this year.

Say HELLO to my little friend.

2006-06-08T06:13:00.000-07:00

North to Alaska. See ya in a couple of weeks!

Wow! What a babe!

2006-06-05T06:58:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a babe!, originally uploaded by randy and jacquie.

Riley spent the night on Saturday. What a great kid. Click the pic.

Before and After

2006-06-03T18:02:00.000-07:00

It just had to be done. In an effort to normalize our home after years of kid-assault, we have come across some funny things. Some things were harder than others to recover. Our upstairs door knob was one of the difficult ones. It took about a gallon of Goo Gone to remove the adhesive from the metal. Evidently Nick thought duct tape was an approprate decorative covering for his door knob. Go figure.

Afternoons at Emma Wood

2006-06-02T21:38:00.000-07:00

IMG_0111, originally uploaded by randy and jacquie.

Today, we spent a few cherished moments relaxing at Emma Wood State Beach before having a great dinner with Randy and Kristi at a new Hawaiian/Viatnamese restaurant on Main, then attending an awesome dramatic production put on by the staff and students of CHCS (Martha's kids). (We also got to see two former students from College Heights that I haven't seen since they were in 3rd grade - 20 years?)
So anyway, we actually just park off the pavement right North of Emma Wood, and enjoy the sunshine (or fog) , sometimes the sunset if we stay long enough, the company of a life long friend, and the beautiful expanse of the open sea. Today we saw many (15-30) dolphins. They were jumping and surfing like we have never seen them before. It was breathtaking, but the camera cannot do justice to the beauty. I'm not sure, but these might have been pilot whales. They were really large. If you click on the picture you will see 2 more. Not great pictures, I couldn't catch them doing the cool tricks.

This flower is real

2006-05-28T15:05:00.000-07:00

Here's a pretty picture that I took with our new camera. I soooo love this camera. I can just drop it in my purse and take it with me everywhere. That way, when I see something neet-0, I just snap - blog - scrapbook. Cooooool!

Cousin Camp Spring 2006

2006-05-25T18:08:00.000-07:00

Cousin Camp Spring 2006, originally uploaded by randy and jacquie.

While all of the adults were suffering through the weekend on the big boat, us kids were having a blast celebrating Kristi's graduation right here in Ventura County. The fun included the beach, the zoo, the park, making crafts, planting vegetables, the pool, movies, and junk food. The rain didn't stop us, 'cause Emma prayed on the way to the zoo for good weather and it didn't start pouring until we were back in the car on the way home.

We had a wonderful time and are looking forward to doing it again. Click on the picture to see the whole weekend of fun.

Wrong Room!

2006-05-10T18:24:00.000-07:00

Funny thing happened to me the other day on the way to the bathroom. We were at Chuy's because we heard there was going to be this awesome band playing, LIVE! And there was. I knew it was Tony Cicero's group. I had never met Tony, but that's OK. It sounded fun. Then when we got there we saw Joe Baugh and found out that it was his group too. Cool. They were great. I think Joe is amazing on the electric guitar.

So. Have you ever been to those establishments where they make the door signs funny just to mess you up? Well it's not that funny. I stood there and deliberately pointed to the letters W-O-M-A-N written in those wierd fat yellow letters with pink borders, before I went in. They were like the letters all the girls in high school write with to be cute. (You know, Jacquie Loves Randy on your peechee folder.) As I opened the door, my first sense to come alive was my sense of smell. Yuk. Smells like pee in here! Then my eye was drawn to a funny little toilet with no lid. Ummm. Something's not right, but it's too late to turn back without drawing attention to myself. Final clue: a guy walked in behind me. As I turned back around laughing nervously (kind of glad there was no on in the bathroom before me) the guy said, "Wrong room." As I walked back to my table, I looked back at the door which said plainly, M-E-N. I don't know. I think they changed it while I was in there.

Hey! Guess What! We scored a 10!!!!

2006-05-05T19:59:00.000-07:00

So, we were down at the beach tonight. We took some cheese and salami and crackers. We were talking (like we often do) about how blessed we are. We were talking (like we often do) about how thankful we are that we didn't throw everything away a few years ago when we though we had had enough of each other. We had been talking earlier about how amazing it was that even though I didn't want to move back to California in 1985, we did anyway so that Randy could go back to the job he enjoyed. And how because of that decision, and many others that worked into the equation, we now have Jared, Kristen, Kristi, Jen, Christian, Emma, Riley, Levi and Conrad to love, not to mention all of the others who's lives have become part of ours since then. We cried together (like we often do) that God has been so gracious and forgiving towards us and we have so, so, so much to be thankful for, it almost makes us feel guilty. We wondered (like we often do) how 30 years could have gone by so quickly.

I told Randy I was going to take a walk. I took about 4 steps and sat down on a big rock where I could see the little waves coming up on the rocks below. Randy came over and sat by me. As we enjoyed the setting sun, the waves, the breeze, the pelicans and sand pipers, a man driving by on the highway, pulled over and rolled down his window.

He yelled out the window, "Hey! You guys get a 10 on the romance scale!"

OK. I'll take that! God is so good!

Cozy Dell Trail

2006-05-02T08:07:00.000-07:00

Sunday afternoon Randy and I took a drive to Ojai, with dual purpose in mind. We had a CD we wanted to listen to and we wanted to take a hike.
The CD was a 90 minute abridged reading of the book "Revolution" by George Barna, and the hike was the Cozy Dell trail. Both were great! I heartily recommend "Revolution", either the book if you have time or the CD if you don't. I like the way he discusses passionate issues in such a reasonable way.
And the Cozy Dell trail? Awesome! It's about 1/2 mile up Hwy 33 past the Deer Lodge, but on the other side of the road. I'm sure we hit it at the best time of year. Every color of wild flower, lots of unusual plants including poison oak, water trickling down the creek bed, plus we drove out of Ventura gloom into beautiful sunshine. We only went about 1/2 hour each way on the trail, but it goes on alot further than that. Maybe across the whole ridge to the other side of Ojai, I'll have to check a map.
Both experiences, the CD and the trail made for a great afternoon. Give 'em a try, if you get the chance!

Words

2006-04-28T06:24:00.000-07:00

I was in Michael's yesterday, poking around the store for this and that. There was a young mom kind of doing the same thing but she had her adorable little 3-ish year old boy in the cart. He was jabbering nonstop, very pleasantly, just observing everything and playing make-believe with every observation. I could tell what mom was stopping to look at just by listening to the little boy's semi-babytalk comments.

I was enjoying it and smiling when all of the sudden I heard him yell, "lyin' pig!"

I wanted to rush over to see who he was talking to. I mean, he had just been so pleasant and sweet, and now all of the sudden he was lashing out? Could it be his brother? Dad? Mom? Did he see a neighbor or pre-school classmate or worse, teacher? And the wierd thing was, his mom, who had been pleasantly responding to him all along didn't even shush him or respond in anyway. I tried to walk non-chalantly over to their aisle. When I got there, I saw him pointing across the store to the other side of the room. I looked over expecting to see who this alleged lying pig was, but instead saw on the wall, a poster. It was an animal poster with, what else?

A lion and a pig. Duh, kid. Enunciate, will you!

Oh, KRIPES!

2006-04-25T21:33:00.000-07:00

Do you know how much ibuprofin cost? A small fortune! And I'm not talkin' Advil, here. Just the plain old generic-store-brand-creep-down-your-throat-before-getting-stuck-in-your-esophogus type. Yeah. You know. I spent $15 on the big bottle the other day, because it was only $2 more than the one 1/2 it's size. Packaging I guess.

So anyway, because I only got one bottle, I poured some into a little plastic container to keep in the medicine chest upstairs. And wouldn't you know it, tonight, while taking out the dental floss, I knocked the little plastic thing of pills into the sink which was already wet from the tooth brushing routine. KRIPES! (as my mom used to say) Hundreds of little valuable rust colored pills sitting there disintigrating before my very eyes. And there I was madly scooping them out to try to save them. It felt like gold or diamonds going right down the drain! Now they are sitting on the counter drying out. Randy thinks I'm disgusting. I prefer to call it good stewardship. Life is so stressful.

And Then Came Nate!

2006-04-17T16:57:00.000-07:00

Awesome! Nathaniel Jacob; Than; Thanny; Thanny-osle-berry. Nate, by any name, is still the most perfect 2nd baby we could have ever hoped for. We're so glad you were born! Happy birthday, Nate. No, you're not a kid anymore. But you are one awesome young man, and we're darn proud to be your mom and dad.

The Magic Castle

2006-04-15T12:04:00.000-07:00

Check it out. Mike, the CPA at my work, celebrated the end of tax season by taking us all to the Magic Castle last night. It was awesome! The food was amazing and the performances were even better. If you like illusion, slight of hand, and prestidigitation, you'd love the Magic Castle in Hollywood.

Hmmm?

2006-04-06T06:07:00.000-07:00

Could someone tell me how this works?

How Can It Be?

2006-03-30T06:32:00.000-08:00

It's been 29 years since this adorable little boy changed our lives forever. Happy Birthday, Randy! Zippidy-doo-dah, Zippidy-day! My, oh my, what a wonderful day!

It's So Confusing

2006-03-27T20:22:00.000-08:00

I was watching TV last night and I learned that:

This sleeping aid could cause drowsiness the day after use.
This hearburn pill could cause stomach upset.
This weight loss medicine could cause swelling.
This cholesterol medication could cause irregular heart beat.
This anti-depressant could cause mood swings.
This pain reliever could cause headaches.

Huh?

It seemed funny at the time.

2006-03-23T20:46:00.000-08:00

So, I just wanted to apologize if the story about Nate's toes didnt' come over as VERY FUNNY like I thought it would. It started as an innocent little joke, then as I got better and better at telling it, it actually sparked some major concern in some. Especially when the people I was calling didn't answer their cell phones and I had to leave my serious message about what happened to Nate's toes. Weeeeellllll.... he started it!

So, here's the joke: Have you heard what happened to Nate? Well, let's just say, he doesn't have all of his toes on one foot. It's true! He's got five on each foot!

I was really very innocent, you see. But it was truly heartwarming to witness the concern from all of you about Nate's mishap. Nate, you should feel loved.

Widow's Mite Recycling Project

2006-03-19T06:55:00.000-08:00

Current Balance - 52.31

It may not sound like much but it's.... well, you know the story. Keep those cans and bottles (glass and plastic) comin' in! Ask your friends to donate. I asked at my office and now they have a container where they keep their empties, then I bring them home when it gets full.

Off? Change the Channel? Volume Down?

2006-03-13T20:13:00.000-08:00

So, what's it mean when you are sitting in the family room watching TV with your husband of 30 years and he turns to you, points the remote at you, and presses a button?

I Love My Bike

2006-03-08T07:14:00.000-08:00

I started riding my bike again last weekend. It's hard for me to get out of the rut, (my tires are low, my light needs new batteries, my bike is behind a bunch of junk in the garage, it's cold and windy, I'm lazy) but I did it. I found out that riding a bike at moderate speed for 1/2 hour burns over 300 calories while walking 4 mph (that's fast for my short legs) burns under 200. So now I'm back to 1/2 hour of riding, and hoping to push myself for further and faster.

I'm sure it inpires others to get out there when they see "people like me" out pumping the pedals. Just my little contribution to the health of our fair community!

Yet Another Rural Legend

2006-03-03T18:44:00.000-08:00

Some people think that if they fill milk jugs or other bottles with water and place them on their lawn it will keep dogs from pooping on and moles from burrowing in their lawn! I'm not kidding. Have you ever seen it?

When we lived in Arkansas we saw this. People actually thought it worked. We always laughed and thought it was such a joke. Just a hillbilly thing. Then we moved back to Ventura and we had a neighbor who did it also.

I checked out a few web sites and found out that the belief goes back to old folk lore tales that ghosts, witches' curses, and vampires cannot cross over water. So in many cultures, lining bottles of water around their houses was to keep out bad luck, ghosts, disease and other unpleasant things. I guess dogs and moles fit into the "unpleasant thing" category.

I think it might work if you put the bottles side to side, all over your whole lawn so that the animals can't find a place to "go". But, one time when our wild Weimaraner was trying to make a break for freedom, I chased her down and where did I find her? Running around in the neighbors milk bottle yard.

Rural Legend

2006-03-01T06:36:00.000-08:00

Ya know those big plastic owls that people put on their roof because they think they keep other annoying real birds and critters away?

and...

Remember in the movie The Birds, that part where the lady is walking the girl down the street and all the black birds are covering the street and lawns and cars making those creepy clicking and squawking noises?

Well, I was out taking my walk this morning, and I heard that noise! I looked up at a big ham-radio antennae one of our neighbors has on his house and it was covered with crows. They were just sitting there all still, making that creepy noise. It was kind of cool actually. But the funny part was, right in the middle of the flock of crows, hanging down off one of the antennae arms, was one of those big owls! He was just hanging there helpless while all the crows laughed at him.

My Current Favorite Bumper Sticker

2006-02-26T08:17:00.000-08:00

I don't know who puts it out. I found it on a few different web sites. But I like the idea.

The Israelites were admonished in Deuteronomy 12:8 - "You are not to do as we are doing here today; everyone doing whatever seems right in his own eyes.

Proberbs 14:12 says it this way - There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death

And also Proverbs 18:17 - The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.

And Paul's hope for the Ephesians (1:18) was that: the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling,

And I heard a preacher one time say it this way: You don't know what you don't know.

Thoughts on Potty Talk

2006-02-23T20:51:00.000-08:00

I do have a strong opinion about censorship of “bad” words. To explain why, I must start with establishing that I believe that the Bible is absolutely true. (And even in gathering these Bible verses, I have been convicted of my own shortcomings in the area of speech and conversation.) There are things in the Bible that I don’t fully understand, but I still choose to put my faith in the words and wisdom that I read there. And, I think what WE refer to as “censorship” is actually called for in the Bible. However, I think the term “grace-filled” would be a more appropriate way to describe how we should be communicating with one another.

I think God give us guidelines because he cares for each one of us and wants each one to be treated with love and respect.

I believe that the words we choose to communicate with ARE important. As human beings, words are our main form of communication. They paint mental pictures. Words mean things, each with its own meanings. As you know, F--- has a real definition. Is that what people are meaning when they use it? Usually not. Our culture plays a big part in deciding what words are “bad”, but for the most part they get their reputation via their definition, connotation or implications.

So, here is why I believe what I believe. (I have included the Greek and Hebrew definitions of certain words to prevent myself from manipulating God’s word just to fit my philosophy.)

Ecclesiastes 10:12 The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious.

gracious = favorable, pleasant, elegance, charm

Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be with grace,

grace = that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness, grace of speech; good will, loving-kindness, favour, of the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore comfort one another and edify one another,

edify = to build a house, erect a building, to build (up from the foundation), to restore by building, to rebuild, repair

Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for the necessary edification that it may impart grace to the hearers.

corrupt = rotten, putrefied, corrupted by one and no longer fit for use, worn out, of poor quality, bad, unfit for use, worthless

Colossians 3:8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds…

blasphemy = slander, detraction, speech injurious to another's good name, impious and reproachful speech injurious to divine majesty

filthy language = foul speaking, low and obscene speech

Ephesians 5:3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you as is fitting for saints: neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor course jesting, which are not fitting,

Fornication = adultery, homosexuality, lesbianism, intercourse with animals etc., sexual intercourse with close relatives;

Uncleanness= in a moral sense: the impurity of lustful, luxurious, profligate living, of impure motives

Covetousness= greedy desire to have more, avarice

Filthiness= obscenity

Course jesting= scurrility ( The quality of being vulgar, coarse, or abusive), ribaldry ( Vulgar, lewdly humorous language or joking or an instance of it.)

So, let’s see. We should speak graciously, truthfully, with kindness, giving encouragement and strength to the hearers. We shouldn’t be mean, sexually suggestive, dishonest, hateful, slanderous, selfish, or lustful in our communication.

How about this? If a person wants to be noticed or recognized for something, let it be for his/her attention to loving and caring for others, not for whatever shock value his/her “strong” words can have.

Death Valley, Here We Come!

2006-02-14T19:50:00.000-08:00

Oh, Yeah! We're campers! Dad just purchased coolers up the yin-yang. We can keep it cool for 5 days, keep 5 days of food cool, roll it where ever we want, and store it easily in the back of our mini van. Anyone need to keep their stuff cool? We can help!

Are We Big or Little?

2006-02-10T14:58:00.000-08:00

You gotta check out this view of the universe.

Pray for Sean

2006-02-03T07:24:00.000-08:00

Our friend Sean V. needs prayer. He's in a very far away country, very sick, and his girlfriend is very sick also. Please remember to talk to God about him.

Did you ever install a toilet?

2006-01-29T15:37:00.000-08:00

Randy(Dad) doesn't mind me poking fun at him. In fact, he likes it. Right kids? He was that kid in class who fell out of his desk just so that the other kids would laugh at him. And when the teacher would get all flustered and annoyed, he would just say, "Oh sorry. I lost my balance." He admits it.

So... I thought this was funny.

We had to remove our toilet so wthat we could install the wood floor in the bathroom. So, when he had gotten the toilet out to the garage (no small task) he came to me to see if I had any yellow "Caution" tape that he could put in the bathroom so people wouldn't try to use the "toilet". I think he was serious!

OK. The "toilet" is now a hole in the floor. Would anyone really try to use it? Would this yellow tape stop them from peeing into the hole in the floor? And who are we expecting anyway?

Then he said, "No, not in the bathroom. I meant on the toilet itself." Oh, so you mean you are concerned that someone might go out into the garage to relieve him/her(God help us) self and think that the toilet out there near the garage door is in opperation? And he/she might just stand (or sit) there out in the open and use the toilet? But the yellow tape would tell them "this toilet is not operational". Never mind that the toilet is acutally sitting upside down, so all the moisture that was in it could drain out.

And one more thing. Why did he think I would have Yellow Caution Tape.

Whatever. Did he do this to get a laugh or is he just crazy?

Birds Are Cool

2006-01-27T06:44:00.000-08:00

When you live in town, you don't really see alot of wildlife. But, all you have to do is take a walk in the early morning and the bird life gives you a little feel for the WILD.

This week I found that there are 2 very large red tailed hawks living in the eucalyptus trees in the barranca near the Community Park. I saw one fly to a branch with something in its talons and start to pick away at it. Ewwww, but exciting too! Also, while at the park, I saw 6 Canada geese circling around, honking like banchees (did you know banchees honk?). I realize they just live next door in the Lemon Grove Mobile Home Village, but it was neat to see them flying and, you know, like I said, honking.

Yesterday, on the River View walking trail, I saw a huge raven, competing with a small red tail for the territory. Raven was screaming at Hawk to get out, but Hawk just kept dipping and diving and poking fun at Raven. It was like a school bully teasing the unpopular kid. Then at the end of the trail, a huge Blue Heron glided by in front of me totally silently.

And did you know hummingbirds screech? I saw 2 as I got out of my car at work yesterday. When they are paired off, (I don't know if they are mating or fighting. Probably both if they mate for life.) they race around the air chasing one another and chirping obsenities. They fly like 500 mph, or something like that, so it's hard to understand what they are saying, but it's fun to see.

So, in summary, I would like to say, I like birds.

Santa Ana Winds

2006-01-23T17:43:00.000-08:00

Here's why.

FLASHBACKS!

2006-01-16T16:51:00.000-08:00

Last night was fun. We were over at the Brock's house just to hang out. While Michael and Robert tried to sell Randy Jr. on country music, the old fogeys (not me) picked up the guitars and started playing. They were just playing from memory, stuff that they used to play way-back-when. They started with, you know, "church songs". That was fun. They started going backwards in history till they got to the 1970's Jesus Movement/Catholic Charismatic Renewal. Then they couldn't resist. They crossed over to the secular side! Everything from Rolling Stones, to Dusty Springfield, Sonny and Cher, Beach Boys, Three Dog Night and more. It was amusing seeing "those" old guys and gals singing their hearts out, songs that came from "their" younger days. I just sang along for the fun of it cause, you know, they're WAY older than me. ;) Weeeellllll, Kristi sang too!

Good friends, old and new, no agendas, no generation gap, no pretense. Now that's church. It was a blast.

Papa and Levi

2006-01-07T10:06:00.000-08:00

Marchin' to the same drummer.

Funny 5 Year Old...

2006-01-03T06:05:00.000-08:00

Quoting Riley as he excitedly flashed his new video game: "Check out this sweet baby!"

Check out Sammy...

2006-01-01T12:16:00.000-08:00

The Singing Menorah. Sammy is a Battery operated singing Menorah that lights up & play's "Maoz Tzur". I saw him at BB&B in case you want one. Cool gift for the Hanukkah enthusiast on your list.

The Joy of Personal IR-respsibility!

2005-12-26T15:26:00.000-08:00

Ah, the day after Christmas. For parents of little ones, it's time to detox and reprogram the kids. All the attention, presents and crappy food takes it's toll as you wake up the next morning. "What's to unwrap today? Where's the candy? Why do I have to take a nap? Why, just yesterday, every whim was catered to by Grandma, Grandpa, Aunts and Uncles and Cousins. How come today is different?" Not to mention the shakes from instant sugar withdrawals. It makes for a great day of family togetherness, especially since Mommy and Daddy are wiped out from all the holiday hype.

And what are the old folks doing who showered the kids with silly gifts and shoved all that junk food down their throats? Sleeping in! Yep, it's great to be on the other side.

Here Comes The Sun!

2005-12-20T21:29:00.000-08:00

No, I'm not a druid. I just love Winter Solstice because it's the shortest day of the year. That means, starting tomorrow an additional few precious minutes (some days only seconds) of sunlight each day until those awesome days when it stays late till 9:00 p.m. I LOVE IT! That's why I celebrate the shortest day of the year.

Ancient wise guy say: It's always darker before it's lighter.

So, HAPPY WINTER SOLSTICE! Let's have a party!!!

Did You Know?

2005-12-20T06:02:00.000-08:00

So. Anyway. I was saying that I really like this song, "Mary Did You Know?". I think it's cool to ponder the fact that He, Jesus, was a real baby, and a real little boy, and a real young man, but all the time, really God! And he still is.

It would have made parenting alot less complicated if I could have had a video of His life as a child. Then I could have easily discerned between "innocent kid stuff" and "fallen nature" stuff. Hope I didn't choose the wrong one too many times.

The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe...

2005-12-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

How'd you like it?

Isn't it Ironic? Or is it?

2005-12-02T06:23:00.000-08:00

Getting to work and finding that everyone in your office chose to wear blue today. Is that Ironic?

The bartender sending his customers off at closing time with the admonition, "Don't drink and drive." Is that Ironic?

More examples...

Thanks for the Memories!

2005-11-28T07:25:00.000-08:00

We had a great day on Saturday! Thanks to everyone for coming, for bringing great food, for being awesome friends and family. We love you all so much. "Just so you know", after you all left, Randy Sr. wouldn't shut up about how incredibly blessed we are. We were wide awake till way past midnight (very unusual for us) just talking about how good everything is. It's almost scary. Can life really be this good? Maybe lots of other people feel the same way about their lives, but I have to say, I think we are the winners.

Dang! I did it again.

2005-11-05T07:50:00.000-08:00

Yes. I did it again. I guess I should have my liscence revoked. To me, I seem like a nice mild mannered law abiding citizen, but in the last two years, I have gotten 2 moving violations (the kind where you don't know you did anything wrong until you get a letter in the mail entitled "RED MEANS STOP"), and caused 2 accidents. And that's not even mentioning that night the cop stopped me while I was riding my bike "too fast" and neglected to stop at a stop sign.
Which brings me to this morning. I'm sitting here at home in PJ's blogging when I actually wanted to be out at my friends yard sale buying up all her old stuff. That's cause my undrivable car got towed to the Mr. Fix-it shop last night where it will stay until Mr. Fix-it gets done with it. Now I have to sit here waiting for Randy to get home so we can go pick up a rental car. Of all the things I want to whine about, the $500 deductible is the main one.

And here's the kicker, The guy who "hit me". He was in my class in High School. He recognized and remembered me, how I don't know. We had a little chit chat and he went on his way. I was trying to obey my insurance card that said "Don't aknowledge blame at the scene of the accident. Let the investigation decide." So I didn't have too much to say.

Just yesterday I was driving down the road thinking, "My life couldn't get much better." Today I've modified that statement a bit. (Whine) Well, at least I got to eat at Joe' Crab Shack with Martha, Jared and the kids before it all happened. If it had been before, I would really be upset.

Human Rights for Some Humans?????

2005-11-01T17:17:00.000-08:00

Now that I'm a Kingdomist, I'm trying not to get all worked up about politics, but does it seem like the MAIN, MOST IMPORTANT, maybe the ONLY issue when discussing candidates for Supreme Court Justice is abortion? So far, in all the debating I've heard, even since the Roberts nomination, the only issue that is actually talked about as a deciding factor is abortion. So the intreptation of the Constitution of the United States, designed to protect humans, boils down to our "right" to kill humans? And today I happened to hear on the radio, that abortion rights are the single most important "human rights" issue in America.

Beauty Does Help

2005-10-27T07:16:00.000-07:00

The last 2 weeks have been terribly busy. Last night I had just about had enough. Since Randy and I had to discuss and prepare for tomorrow's class we decided to take the time to go down and sit at one of our favorite places, Emma Wood Beach. What is it about the beauty and majesty of God's creation that is so healing and energizing? I feel like I can think again. Maybe it's the fact that God, in His creative genious, not only made it all so incredibly breathtaking, but He made us in His own image so that we would enjoy it also. What ever the reason, I like it.

I'm A Kingdomist Now

2005-10-19T16:58:00.000-07:00

OK. In light of a few discussions I've had lately, I've been re-thinking my social system/structure leanings. You know, capitalism, socialism, marxism, etc. Then I looked up the terms "Kingdom of God", "Kingdom of Heaven" and "My Father's Kingdom" in my concordance, and I found that Jesus Himself spoke of this subject 120 recorded times in the Gospels. In fact it seems that proclaiming the Kingdom of God is why He came to earth! I think I'll spend a lot more time studying Kingdomism and not so much worrying about the other systems.

Give Me Liberty At My Death

2005-10-05T20:19:00.000-07:00

I think the issue of the "Right to Suicide" is really an issue of the "right to have someone kill you." I'm saying this because, well, who cares if it's legal to kill yourself? Are you afraid that you would be prosecuted and go to jail for killing yourself? I mean, if you want to do it, go for it. I don't think it's right, but hey, the law can't stop you. What can they do to you after you're dead? So it's not really about my right to kill "myself", it must be about another person's right to kill me if I tell them I want them to. You know, if you are paralized or incapable of doing it yourself. It's interesting that in this society alot of our "issues" center around our desire to have the right to end ours or other's lives. What's up with that? I haven't really thought too deeply about this, but it just seems amazing to me that we even have this subject as a major issue.

Royal Pardon for Convicted Road-Killers

2005-10-02T09:02:00.000-07:00

I have rethunked my decision concerning Randy being a serial road-killer, for a few reasons.

Maybe it's suicide. Ever notice how these crazy rabbits and squirrels wait until your car is just close enough to get them, then race across the street? They look up all suprised (yeah, right) and just freeze right there as if to say, "Come on. Hit me!"

Maybe it's a juvenile game. I wonder, if we could see into the grassy areas on the side of the street, if we would see a group of teenage chipmonks or rockchucks ;) smoking cigarettes and drinking Mad Dog, waiting for the sound of an oncoming vehicle. They hear the swoosh of the tires and start chanting to Chucky, "Go! Go! Go! Come on, sissy! Do it!" Finally, the hype gets to him, and he makes a mad dash for the other side, just to impress his friends. Sometimes the Chucky's make it, sometimes they don't.

Maybe it's hormones. I've heard that guy tarantulas will travel great distances to find a new girlfriend each fall. (Guess they don't want to take the same old chick to mom's for Thanksgiving dinner every year.) So, even though they have 200,000 acres of golden yellow grassy hills on their own side of the street, the testosterone just overcomes their sense of reason. They look over there at the 200,000 acres of golden yellow grassy hills on the other side of the street and think that they will find something better over there. (What? Like maybe a girl trantula with 9 legs or something?) Off they go, looking for the perfect girl, traveling about 17 inches per hour. At that rate of speed, it's a pretty sure thing that if there is a car anywhere within 10 miles or so, Casinova will be standing at the pearly gates before the hour is up.

Maybe it's Divine Appointment. You know. Right place at the right time. Did God orchestrated the whole thing? Put the idea for a road trip in our minds? Caused us to take that very road? Inspired the critter to start his treck at just the right time? Distracted Randy at the precise moment so that he didn't see the little guy crossing the road? Maybe.

So, I said all that to say this: I have given Randy (and all the rest of you who have seeminly murdered innocent road varmints) a Royal Pardon due to the fact that I don't really have all the facts. Let's have a party!!! Varmint stew for everyone!

Wull, Ahl be et fer a tater!

2005-09-25T15:26:00.000-07:00

Translation:

Wull=Well
Ahl=I'll
et=eaten
fer=for
tater=potato

In English: "Well, I'll be eaten for a potato."

Expanded version:

"I am so suprised that my eyes are popping out. In fact I have so many eyes popping out, I probably look like a gol-derned tater just sittin' there ready to be et. I wouldn't be suprised if someone just came right up and cooked me up and et me."

And if thy foot offendeth thee....

2005-09-24T08:50:00.000-07:00

CUT IT OFF!

My foot has been offending me lately. About a month ago, when we were all at the beach, it smashed itself on a rock while trying to find it's way in the dark. Result: bit fat purple toe for the next 2 weeks. Last week, it lost its balance on a little tiny stick while it was taking a walk on a beautiful path in the Sequoia (are all my vowels there?) Forest, and it threw me on the ground. Result: big, fat, purple, green, and yellow foot that won't fit in a shoe.

So, as I sat on the edge of my bed comtemplating this Scripture, I grabbed a pair of scissors and was just about to start hacking away. Then I remembered Martha and Kristen last night. Hmmmmm. Maybe a little lotion. Yeah. That's better. Maye a little polish. Waaaalllllllaaaaaah! (Voila', for you french guys) No more offense! I love my foot. Even my baby toe.

I think what the Bible was actually saying in a symbolic sort of way is, "If thy foot offendeth the, give it a pedi."

There's an important lesson there! He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

Serial "Road Kill-er" Strikes Again

2005-09-18T15:55:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure how many incidents it takes to make an offender "serial" but I think Randy is one. Back when he was about 20, he was "innocently" riding his bicycle in Ojai when, according to him, a cat ran right out in front of him and he just ran it over. But, I'm starting to wonder if that's the real story.

I didn't really think about it when, about 15 years ago, we were driving down to Devils Post Pile in the Aerostar van. A little chick-monk ;) was playing chicken with his friends and as quickly as you can blink an eye, squish! I felt the smush under our tires. The boys can testify to the fact that Randy/Dad "swerved to miss him", but misjugded and ended up executing him instead.

This weekend it all started to come together. There we were on a little windy road (Hmmmm. That's funny. We were on a windy road when he hit the chipmonk, AND he was on a road when he hit the cat. Coincidence? I wonder.) Anyway, we came around the corner. Randy had totally taken on his Mario Andretti persona, so I was keeping quiet. All of a sudden, there it was. A huge tarantula, making his way across the little road. I screamed, "Oh cool! Let's take a picture! Emma will love it!" And then I felt that reminiscent, almost undetectable, tiny swerve of the car, and I knew there would be no hope of a picture. That is unless I wanted a morbid photo of taratula guts and 8 squished leggs. Randy SAID, "Oh shoot!" That's when it all started to sink in. These weren't just random accidents, they were the sensless acts of a deranged Road Kill-er! What next Randy, skunks and possums? What about birds, would you kill birds? All I can say is, if you are riding with Randy and you see a cute little fuzzy animal that you'd like to photograph, KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT. There is something inside his twisted mind that will snap and the next think you know, that fuzzy creature will be flat.

We're off.....

2005-09-15T20:12:00.000-07:00

I'm not talking "mentally"!

We're off to beautiful uptown Visalia. Gateway to the Seqoiahs. Yeah. That's where we're going to spend our anniversary. How many years? Well, let me see. I guess it was back in 1976 that we decided to hitch up our tents. 29 years ago we left Ventura on a "camping trip" which started in the Soqoiah Redwoods. We've "hooked up" in one forest or another since then and have nothing but awesome memories to show for it. Life is great!

We leave behind the possibility of a cherished nephew passing a cursed kidney stone and a beloved daughter-in-law birthing a beloved grandbaby. It's hard to leave under these circumstances, but one thing you learn as you get older is that everyone can get along just fine without you if they have to. But we love you all still!

Don't have too much fun while we are gone. WE'LL BE BACK!!!

I love U, Aunt Vern!

2005-09-09T16:39:00.000-07:00

O.K. This is one of the sweetest things I've seen. I just can't stop thinking about it.

First of all, I have to tell you that the reason I have a Life Recovery Bible is that I stole it from the church office when I needed to take a Bible with me to lunch one time several years ago. (Not that a Life Recovery Bible isn't a good thing to have, mind you. It has great little sermons and encouragements for all kinds of things. ) It was a Bible that had belonged to a cool old lady named LaVerne who had died a few years back, and the family had given all the "religious" things to the church to dispose of, or use, or whatever. So, it was in my car for a long time, then I just gave up and brought it in the house.

Well, I was leafing through it the other day and found a lone little piece of paper. A little note page from a little note pad. On it was written in faint pencil, obviously by a child, "I Love U Aunt Vern."

Oh, Man! I hope that's the kind of stuff I leave behind when I die!

Why, God, Why?

2005-09-08T20:22:00.000-07:00

I was wondering out loud the other day. "Why did God make it so that men (not mentioning any names) snore so loudly and grotesquely that it disturbs the sleep pattern of women (big yawn)? I was meaning it in a kind of "What's up with that?" attitude. Randy didn't take it as the good natured hint that it was: "Could you please stop breathing?", but more as a challenge to discover a good reason why this phenomenon might occur.

Here's what he came up with...

Back when everyone was sleeping out in the wilderness (lions and tigers and bears, OH MY!) the men's snoring at night would serve 2 purposes:

The loud snoring of the men served as a sort of weapon to scare off predatory animals. (Hence, villages. The more snorers, the less chance of attack.)
The sound of men snoring would give the women a sense of safety due to the above, and actually allow them to sleep better.

OOOOOHHHHHHHH! So, that's why we have never had any wild animals attacking our home at night. What I thought was torture was actually chivalry.

I feel so special!

When I Grow Down...

2005-09-05T15:21:00.000-07:00

God's Word says that unless we are converted (changed, turned around) and become like little children we will not experience the Kingdom of God.

Just the other day I saw little Isaiah "walking" into the auditorium holding on to his daddy's finger. Isaiah is about 12 months old. I was making a fuss of his walking capabilities, but his dad said bluntly "he's not walking". Well, it looked like walking to me. One foot in front of the other. Not a care in the world. Just troopin' along. Then his dad showed me what he meant. He took his finger away and Isaiah immediately started to wobble, he looked around frightend, waved his arm around grasping for his dad's hand again, and abruptly sat down in the middle of the aisle.

Wow, it hit me! We are always wanting to grow up. We think everyone should grow up. It's natural to grow up. But in God's society, the more like Isaiah we are, the better. So now I want to grow down.

When I "grow down":

I'm never going to walk anywhere unless I'm holding onto my Daddy's hand.
I'll be happy, carefree and brave when I am holding on to my Daddy's hand.
The minute I sense my hand moving away from Daddy's I will grasp back on and hold tight.
If I ever realize that I've gotten too far to grab on again, I will sit down where I am and not move again until my hand is in Daddy's again.

So, why don't you just grow down, too?