Another Claire Video

I have one more Claire clip to share from last weekend. While she's always cute, this one definitely illustrates she can express her opinion. :-)
Sorry that it's a little dark. Enjoy!!

The Baby Shower

Like all good males in our culture, when the girls all headed to the baby shower yesterday afternoon, I stayed home and alternated napping, reading, and ignoring an NFL game on TV. Oh, I did get a little work done as well. :-)

The ladies really showered Jen and Claire wonderfully. In addition to lots of outfits that will see Claire through the winter and well into next spring and a beautiful handmade quilt, they also blessed them with enough cash to almost buy a crib for Claire. Virginia and Jen were totally overwhelmed with the expressions of love. Here are a few shots from the shower.

This shot is actually at lunch... Neisha with Claire in her outfit from Amber and Jeremy (which I heard Neisha helped pick out).

Lights out for the party girl!

Claire's Big Weekend: Vid and WBO

As I mentioned in an early post, besides Jen and Claire being with us this weekend, Won By One stayed with us as well. They were up to sing at the annual Martinez youth rally and hang out with high school kids. They sang on praise team this morning and we all had lunch together before they headed to Visalia for a 5:30 concert before returning to L.A. Whew!! I thought we had a busy weekend... good thing they're young. Actually, they are simply wonderful young Christians who are also marvelous ambassadors for Pepperdine.

Now, here's that video clip I promised. No award winning cinematography, but really cute subject matter. :-)

Claire's Big Weekend

Well, I promised pictures and I always try to keep my promises, so here are some from Friday evening when Jen and Claire first arrived.

This is one of my favorite looks. Besides being about as cute as possible, she is so observant and her eyes are so intense.

Below Claire enjoys spending time with her Nanna... of course, I think Nanna is the one really enjoying herself.

Claire loves a good joke as much as the next baby... music to a corny joke teller's ears.

On the other hand, she also seems to enjoy pondering to deep theological or philosophical propositions.

I think this is her "It's about time for my diaper change" look.

And, of course, this her sleepy look. We get to see this one quite a bit.

Next post... VIDEO!!!

Arrived!!

Jen and Claire made it safe and sound, and the plane even landed a little early. Virginia picked them up because she worked half a day today, and I was tied up at the office.

We met at Juarez for some good Mexican food stirred in with a little local ambiance and headed for home. If possible, Claire is even cuter and more precious than she was back in August. Pics tomorrow... promise.

Won By One got on the road on time. They should be in soon, then our weekend complement will be complete.

Claire's Coming

... and so is Jennifer!! They fly in tomorrow afternoon for a weekend with us. Originally their trip was to attend a baby shower on Saturday that some ladies from church are hosting. However, the baby shower has been moved to Sunday afternoon.

It's going to be one of those fun whirlwind weekend's. First, the Martinez Scary Monsters Youth Rally is this weekend, and our teens will be going, and Brice is leading worship. Because of the youth rally, Won By One will be here, and, as usual, will stay with us. It'll be fun to have the college kids here interacting with Jen and Claire. It's funny... Neisha and Zeke were with us with WBO for Scary Monsters last year.

Also, Marie Spainhower, longtime pillar of the church here (and mother, grandmother, and great grandmother of current members), who has lived in Texas for several years now, passed away this week at age 98. They had a service in Dallas today, and we'll have a memorial service here Saturday. Now you know why we moved the baby shower to Sunday. I met Marie only once, but she was indeed one of those special ladies everyone loves to know. One of her grand-daughters-in-law said every church either has or needs someone like her.

Anyway, it will indeed be a whirlwind weekend. I promise to get some pics of Claire and post them. Until then, here are some to tide you over. :-)

Fires and Jury Duty

I know all of you have likely been following the horrible fires in SoCal. Please continue to pray that the winds will die down and people will be safe. Thank you!

A month or so back I got a jury summons for today. The way it works, I called the designated number after 5:00 yesterday and the automated instructions told me that I did not need to report to Martinez this morning but should call back at 11:30 today to find out if I needed to report this afternoon. When I called, the gentle automated voice explained that all of us in groups 1-10 had completed our service... no need to report. I gotta say, that's the way to fulfill jury duty!!

Well, the poll surprisingly ran rather heavily toward keeping my chin whiskers, so I guess I will for a while. Maybe in a few more days I'll take another pic and post it. Hmmm... maybe I should get VJ to photoshop it to remove all the white... although that might be a pretty taxing job for the computer.

Pray for those firefighters!!

Humor

I love to laugh, and sometimes a "good" corny joke makes me laugh just as much as other kinds of humor. Sometimes visual or slapstick type humor tickles the funny bone, and sometimes a clever cartoon will do it. The one above (in the September issue of Reader's Digest) just made me laugh... not a knee-slapping-can't get-your-breath laugh, but it's just too funny!!

That same issue also contains some jokes from famous funny people. Here are some samples:

Did you know babies are nauseated by the smell of a clean shirt? - Jeff Foxworthy

How many people have telekinetic powers? Raise my hand. - Emo Philips

I constantly walk into a room and I don't remember why. But for some reason I think there's going to be a clue in the fridge. - Caroline Rhea

First the doctor told me the good news: I was going to have a disease named after me. - Steve Martin

Women don't want to hear what you think. Women want to hear what they think - in a deep voice. - Bill Cosby

What is there were no hypothetical situations? - John Mendoza

... and...

As long as there is algebra there will be prayer in school. - Larry Miller

So, did you laugh? What are some of your favorite jokes?

(And be sure to vote on the poll at the bottom of the page.)

Schooling Weekend

Many of you know that for a little over a year Virginia has been going to school at Sacramento State on some weekends to complete a certification in crime analysis. Well, this is one of those weekends. She left here early in order to get there in time for an 8:00 start and had class all day. Tomorrow is also a school day, as at least part of the day Sunday. She has really enjoyed the classes and has learned a lot, but she hates to miss Sundays here. Well, I think after this weekend she has only one more to get her certification. (Insert shout of joy.) I guess the one negative thing is there will be less comp time.

Of course, there are other kinds of training besides the certification work. Most of the other trainings have to do with one software package or another and are usually one day events that happen during the regular work day, so no weekends.

Sunday Virginia should get home in plenty of time for our small group meeting... my guess is that will make her weekend.

(If you haven't read the "Chin Whiskers" post and scrolled to the bottom of the page to vote, be sure to do so.)

Chin Whiskers

Back in the 80's and early 90's I grew a beard or goatee several times. Or maybe I should say I attempted to let hair grow on my face. I never was one of those guys who could just neglect shaving for a few days and, voila, there's a beard. I really had to nurture mine along. I think there are a few more whiskers on my face than in those days, but it's really pretty much the same.

People always have opinions about beards and such. For example, my mom has never been happy with facial hair... on me or my brother. She thinks facial hair is disgusting. Virginia doesn't mind it... at least after it grows beyond that prickly stage. She says she loves me with or without a beard... which is a good thing considering, as I mentioned above, that my ability to grow hair on my face is not in that upper quartile.

I last had a goatee sort of beard back in the early to mid 90's. I shaved it off because many of the whiskers were coming in white while the rest of the hair on my head was still brown. I decided it was easier to shave than to pluck, so I've been pretty much clean shaven since.

I often skip a day or even two shaving, and last week I let it stretch a day or two more, not shaving before going to church Sunday. Well, that led to a few comments about my "growth" (some positive and some negative). So, i decided to solicit your opinions about whether or not I should keep my new chin whiskers. You are encouraged to vote on the poll here on the blog. Here are a couple of pictures, so you can make an informed vote.

Here's one close up just in case you are having trouble seeing the whiskers in question.

OK, so the evidence is in... scroll down to the bottom of the page and vote!!

2 Monts Part 2

Jen posted a couple of great 2 month pics and a little story about Claire's day. Just click here and enjoy!!

2 Months

Well, today Claire turned 2 months old... already growing up. :-) I don't have a brand new pic from today, so I'll post one from a week ago. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday, Claire! We actually got to talk with on the phone this morning... she didn't say much, but she's a good listener. We're looking forward to seeing both her and her mom at the end of the month when they come for a short visit.

Speaking of little ones, Virginia and I got to hang out with Zeke Smith for a while last night while his folks went out to dinner. We had a great time playing ball and the piano, reading books, running around, and watching a Baby Einstein video. Here's a shot VJ took while we were resting after playing ball.

This time last year, Zeke was about Claire's caliber... a little older, but not much. Now, he's walking and running and climbing and talking a little. My how our little Claire will change and grow in the coming months. And then there's Kaleb... almost 9 and in the 3rd grade. Wow!!

Holy Days?

Somebody recently sent me the cartoon above, and I have to say that it speaks volumes, eh?? How have we gotten to a place in our culture when a holiday (or holy day) that was started basically as a Christian alternative to a pagan ritual, a holiday that began as sincere thanksgiving to God for bountiful harvests, and a holiday for which the primary intent is to celebrate the coming of God into the world as a baby have all more or less been morphed into a series of retail sales, stretching from sometime in September or October until the end of the year?

I'm sure the "gods of commerce" are pleased... I imagine (for those who are Star Trek fans) the Ferengi would say we're off to a good beginning. I just wonder if Jesus might say something about "building bigger barns"...

Marriage Humor

For as long as I can remember, comedians have made jokes about marriage. There's Henny Youngman's classic one liner, "Take my wife, please!" Mickey Rooney once quipped, "I'm the only man who has a marriage license made out, 'To Whom It May Concern.'" And from James Garner, "Marriage is a lot like the army: everyone complains, but you'd be surprised at the large number that re-enlist."

The point is that marriage seems to be a rich source of humor. Some jokes make fun of the institution itself, while others poke fun at either the husband or the wife. Sex is the theme of many. Often the theme is the "trapped" husband as in this joke a friend sent my way

Wife: "What are you doing?"

Husband: "Nothing."

Wife: "Nothing...? You've been reading our marriage certificate for an hour."

Husband: "I was looking for the expiration date."

Sometimes cartoons are funny:

Jokes are funny and a good sense of humor helps keep us healthy, but marriage health is also serious business. So, by all means laugh a little, but take time to do the work as well. And always remember:

If your wife laughs at your joke, it means you either have a good joke, or a good wife.

Latest Claire Pics

Here are a couple of recent photos of Claire. Jen has more posted on her sites. Enjoy!!

"That was a funny joke, Kaleb. Tell me another one."

"OK, Mom, what can I help you fix for dinner? On second thought, you eat way different than I do!!"

Hunger Walk

The first Saturday in October each year our church participates with a few other churches and charitable organizations in the annual Hunger Walk sponsored by Delta 2000. Those participating collect pledges or just make donations that go to their designated organizations to feed those in need.

At Eastside the funds we raise go toward our food pantry. We are blessed to give away a lot of groceries, and the Hunger Walk raises a healthy portion of what we spend of food.

The walking happens at Contra Loma Regional Park, around the lake. We have a number of folks participate each year. Here are some pics from this morning's event.

Mary and Austin Ellison after walking.

Roland and Butch handing out water and juice to thirsty walkers.

The Williams girls walk with their mom every year.

Dovie and Joe are among the walkers once again...

... and look what Joe won at the drawing!!

See you next year at the Hunger Walk 2008!!

Brice, Neisha and Zeke

Well, it's now official! Last weekend while I was on the trip with my mom the Smiths made the move from Santa Rosa to Antioch where Brice will be our new preaching minister. This week has been a time for them to begin the settling in process and finish transferring their remaining things from Santa Rosa.

It was hard for them to leave so many close relationships at Sonoma Avenue, but I am really looking forward to seeing how God will unfold Brice's ministry here.

Sunday we'll worship, thank God, and officially install Brice. As God reshapes our ministry team, please pray that we can effectively follow His leading.

Roosevelt Trip - 3

Continuing with yesterday's family theme, here are some more shots from the weekend.

Greg likes to play and sing as well, so we had a lot of fun taking turns and trying to remember lyrics from old songs. It's been a while since I've played, so my fingers got pretty sore.

On Monday we headed back to Cabot and stopped at El Reno for lunch with family from Mom's side. From the left are me, V.T. (husband of Mom's youngest sister - now deceased), Karen (his daughter and another of those fun-loving cousins from years past), Mom, RJ and Irene (son of another of Mom's sisters - also now deceased). It was a lot of fun getting to see all of them!

Mom with Karen's two daughters, Keli (left) and Keri (did I spell those right??), who both have families of their own.

The trip on back to Cabot was smooth and uneventful, as was the flight home the next morning. Who knows, we may be doing this again in two years... looking forward to it already.

Roosevelt Trip - 2

Both Mom and Dad were born and raised in southwest Oklahoma, Dad actually just outside Roosevelt. He graduated 3rd in his class in 1929 at age 16, along with his older brother, Marvin, graduating first. Mom came to Roosevelt as a teacher, having taught a couple of years in other districts first. In other words, our family roots on both sides run deep in southwest Oklahoma's soil. Sooo... another perk of our weekend trip was to get to see family.

The picture below is my dad's youngest brother, Lloyd, in front of the property that was the "old home place" when Dad and at least some of his siblings were in high school. Lloyd pointed out where the house was, as well as the outhouse, shed, garden, and hill where they took wild rides on a homemade cart with a rope to steer. Sounds like fun, eh!?!

Here we are with Lloyd, his daughter, Tish, and another cousin, Jonna.

One of the things Mom does when she makes a trip to Roosevelt is to put out new silk flowers at the cemetery headstone marker of my dad and sister.

In previous years we stayed at an old motel (you might call it a Motel .6) at Hobart, but this year we had much nicer accommodations at another cousin's in Cordell. Here's Ronita and her husband Greg. Actually, Ronita's dad is my 1st cousin, but we were among several "cousins" who all played together when we were all kids and we came to OK on vacation.

Roosevelt Trip - 1

When my parents married years ago, they lived in Roosevelt, Oklahoma, a little town in the southwest part of the state. I actually lived the first almost 6 years of my life there before we moved to California. My mom taught at the local high school, and my dad ran a service station. When we lived there, the population was less than 1000, and now it's only around 200, but it was a good town... and those who live there probably would say it still is.

Every other year they have a school reunion, and this past weekend I flew to Arkansas and drove with Mom out to Roosevelt for this year's edition. The last graduating class at RHS was 1993, as the school was closed. The last year Mom taught there was 1955, so her "kids" are all drawing Social Security. As the typing teacher, she had every student in class at least one year, and there were those who took an additional year of typing or maybe shorthand. Also, she coached girl's basketball several years. Suffice it to say that lots of them are glad to see her at those reunions... and she is thrilled to see them as well. Thank goodness for name tags. My role is pretty much to drive, keep up with stuff, take a few pictures, and just enjoy watching them all have fun. Here are some shots of the weekend.