God is in the Details

Jed Smith

I love the Redwoods! We just got back from our camping trip at Jedediah Smith State Park in Northern California. It is a wonderful park that sits along the banks of the Smith River.

When I was a kid we camped here and I have great memories from those trips. I hope to pass on those memories to my kids. So far I think I am. Every year Kathi and I say we are going to camp more but so far we've averaged about two trips a summer.

Owen had fun too.

Even Owen swam.
Wahoo!

These trees are GIANORMOUS!

California Here We Come

Tomorrow this is what I'll be looking at.


I look forward to it. Jedediah Smith State Park is one of my favorite places to camp. This year we'll be sharing the experience with our friends the Villa's.

I'm sure I'll have plenty more photos to share when we get back. TTFN.

Life Lessons from Disney

Satisfaction and Contentment vs. Greed and Envy - We can learn a bit here...


I love Baloo. I think I'd like to be a bit more like Baloo.

Toby Mac

We took our kids to their first concert tonight. Toby Mac was part of Luis Palau's Portland CityFest so we went and saw him perform. We had a great time. Thanks to the Villa's we weren't stuck on the backside watching it on a big screen. It was a bit tough to see over the crowd but the excitement of being their live worked.
Toby and crew put on a great show. They played the hits, sang, danced, and performed their hip-hop hearts out.

During the day we were helping some friends at their new house painting, cleaning, installing toilets, etc. So by the end of the concert the kids were bushed. Since it was going to be a mad house on the MAX I took the family on a little walk down to the Skidmore stop to get on the train. This little move paid off. In the next two stops the train filled up to capacity.

Religion & Politics

This weekend I took a break from the Olympics to watch some politics.

First I must say that over the last couple years I have made a concerted effort to minimize my involvement in politics. I don't listen to talk radio or read the blogs much at all these days. I do keep in minimal touch with the candidates and their stances through independent news sources and the candidates own websites.

Second I must say that I have not been excited about nor impressed with either candidate.

What caught my attention to steer me away from the Olympics for bit was that Rick Warren of Saddleback Church was going to interview both presidential candidates on CSPAN in front of his congregation. Religion meets politics. Could be dangerous.

I watched, listened, and learned. And I had my mind changed a bit. Mr. Warren was fair. He asked both men the same questions and gave them each total respect. First, he sat with Mr. Obama who answered sincerely and as expected. Second, he sat with Mr. McCain who also answered sincerely and as expected.

There was one difference between the men that struck me more than anything. John McCain has a sense of humor. He was amicable and personable. He told stories, joked, and was able to laugh. This impressed me.

I find it easier to trust a person that has a sense of humor. Not a comedian or a jokester, but someone who can take things at face value and laugh about the little things. Don't get me wrong, Mr. McCain was serious about a great many things including education, his war experience, Osama Bin Laden, etc. It was the little things he was able to joke about and this put me at ease.

I've stated in a post a long time ago that if Ron Paul wasn't the nominee I wasn't going to vote. This was stated tongue in cheek. I will be voting. As a citizen it is my privilege and responsibility to do so. At this point I am swinging from writing my own name in to checking the box for Mr. McCain. We still have our differences but I like him more now than I did before.

My Wife's Gunna Be Pissed

Not because of anything I did.

But because of this.

Facebook is back on.

On a whim I reactivated my Facebook account.

Don't know why. Just did.

I'll Save You $9.25

Don't go see The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emporer. Just don't.

This has to be the worst movie I've seen in years. Bad acting and a predictable story just kills it. When I say bad acting, I'm talking Hayden Christensen bad. If you've seen the first two movies leave it at that. The third adds nothing to the series.

Now you can take that $9.25 I just saved you and take me out for a nice latte. It'll be money better spent I assure you.

New Imager

Over the last couple months we noticed that our little camera has not been focused on its job. Many of our precious images have come out a little blurry. So the Pentax Optio S5i has been retired. This little 5mp tyke has served us well for the past few years. I hope its replacement serves us as well.

The new kid on the block is not what I had planned on buying. The big daddy-o Nikon D300 plan has been put on hold since the orthodontist has entered our life. So for now I am pleased to say that Canon has provided us with a more than satisfactory stepping stone in the new PowerShot A650IS.

So far I love this camera. The flip out viewing screen is both versatile and practical. The 12.1 megapixel images create large files but are amazingly clear.

This morning Alex was being Alex which gave me an opportunity to test out some of the abilities of the new imager.

Fighting Weight

For the past 9 months I've been watching my weight. I've never felt like I've been huge, fat, or obese but I figured I might as well be conscious of my weight. WeightWatchers says the target weight for my height and age should be 187. Hah! That is unlikely. My Body Mass Index (BMI) should be 18.5-24.9 but is currently at 28. To get my BMI down to 24.9 I'll have to get down to 194. I don't see it happening.

So what do I weigh? First let me tell you that a year ago I was topped out at 232. That is the heaviest I've ever weighed and hopefully ever will weigh. My current weight is 218.

How did I do it? No exercise was involved unfortunately. If I add that to the equation I will probably do better and be healthier. I've done it by eating less and eating better. The eating less is the hard part. Kathi is an amazing cook so it is hard to put the fork down on one of her fabulous meals. Not being a very disciplined person it is hard to say "enough" when I'm sitting at the table.

The exercise part is hard. I am soft and flabby but would like to be cut and firm. My heart is what needs the work most. Now that I'm 40 things like this pop into my head more often. I'd like to live long enough to walk Brianna down the aisle and to see Alex in his first major box office hit.

For now I will be content in my weight loss accomplishment thus far. My goal is to hit 210 and level out. 205 would be nice but donuts are so good.

Aargh... a She Pirate

To the right you will see a t-shirt. A very Cute t-shirt that every girl needs.

Click on the shirt and check out the products available with this adorable logo.

All the goods a girl pirate will need. Shirts, hoodies, baby clothes, bibs, mugs, etc.

Kazooing

Today we brought the kids and a friend to downtown Hillsboro for a fun event that included an attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the largest Kazoo ensemble. Make fun if you will, as many of you have, but it was a fun event. The kids had a great time. The organizers did a wonderful job. Main Street was closed off and filled with booths of food, crafts, entertainers, sponsors, and community representatives. The farmers market was also going on at the same time. Thank you Westport Church for providing the hospitality.

When noon came around we stood with thousands of others, kazoos at ready, for the chance to be part of a World Record. I have not yet confirmed that the record was set. The organizers were hoping for 5,301 participants. It was hard to tell how many were there.

One of the entertainers that were there were Taiko drummers. This is a Japanese performance art that is just beautiful to watch and hear. It combines rhythmic drumming with dance and choreography.

The entertainment didn't end when we left the event. For lunch we stopped at Amy's Burger Shack. Totally yummy. Some of the best fries I've had in a while. During lunch Brianna's friend Emma treated us to her finger puppets. It was too much. This girl had Kathi and I in stitches with her rubber-bendy fingers. Not only did we get a good laugh we got lessons. I now know how to make a little creature with my fingers. Mom will be proud. Here is a little sample of her art, an animal hitting a window.

As we walked out to the car after lunch Emma announced that she was working on a walrus.

The Brace

Read Kathi's post here and then come back to look at the photo below. It'll make more sense.


And we may have misnamed Owen. Check out the snarl... maybe he should have been Elvis.


There are just strange tooth things going on at the house right now.

Record Breakers?

Guinness World Record Attempt
Largest Kazoo Ensemble
August 2nd, 2008
Hillsboro Civic Center Plaza

No talent required. Sign-in and pick-up your free kazoo starting at 10am in preparation for the record-breaking head count at noon. There will be food, activities for the kids, entertainment and lots more!

For more information visit www.unitedway-pdx.org

We'll be there if you want to join us.

Take a moment to read this article.

The Brits have a great sense of humor.

The Hill

Yesterday I was on "The Hill", today I am over it.

Yes, as of yesterday I am 40. The big four oh. Old. Decrepid. However you want to put it.

All is good.

Thank you everyone who took the time to celebrate with me. I had a blast.

To those that fear 40 you have nothing to worry about, it's not that bad. I barely feel a day over 39.9972.

Thank you Christopher Nolan for the cool Batman movie. Sadly Heath won't be reprising his brilliant role.

Rope Swing

Last weekend at Detroit Lake my kids got a little adventurous and tried out the rope swing. We got a bit of video of it.

Moments like this make me proud. It is great to see your kids try things you know scares them. Alex made sure that everyone that saw him not do it the first time came back to see him do it successfully.

Childhood Home

Google Earth is cool. Right? Yes it is. But another cool thing Google has is Street View on their maps. With this tool I found the childhood home where I lived in Navato, CA. It looks a bit different from when we lived there but not much. With Street View I can also take a virtual drive down the street to see the houses of old friends and old enemies. I guess turning 40 soon has made me a touch nostalgic.

Rush on TV

Today I watched The Colbert Report during my lunch hour to catch Rush's (not Limbaugh) first American TV appearance in over 33 years. Here's a couple things I noticed.

• Neil's drum kit is amazingly huge. Ginormous if you will. Matt you must check it out.


• They still sound amazing.


• No canes or wheel chairs, however, one confirmed bald spot and one that might be covering his.


• Alex brings his own fans (see barbie dolls on his pedals). A little strange.


• Geddy still plays keyboard, bass, and vocals... awesome.

The quote of the night comes while Stephen was asking about the bands influences... "You are known for some really long songs. Have you ever written a song so epic that by the end you have influenced yourselves."

If you are or were a fan at one point and haven't heard the new album Snakes & Arrows go get it. It is great.

And before I forget, the meal served during this moment of coolness was a delicious Tillamook Bacon Cheeseburger and Walla Walla Onion Rings from Burgerville. My annual trip across the street for some yummy goodness.

New Names

This past weekend we headed down the road for a little camping. On the way it got around lunch time so we decided to look for a place to stop. Knowing my kids and what they are willing to eat and knowing how cheap I am I read off the list of restaurants at the next exit...

Me: Kids we have a few choices, CrapDonalds, CrapperKing, and Taco Crap.

Kids: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA - Dad say CrapDonalds! Crapper King is the funniest!

Even with the new names they still ate at CrapDonalds.

Just know that the laughter continues five days later. I am so glad I can amuse my children.

I'm so tired.

Saying that I chuckle at the memory of Madeline Kahn's brilliant performance in Blazing Saddles.

But really, I am tired.

Blazing Saddles, if you haven't seen it, is comic genius.

Terribly tired.

And if you think worse of me for liking that movie, actually holding in my top 10, then too bad. I'm too tired to care.

Hawaii calls. Jim, Susan, got any hot job leads?

More 4th Fun

There is no questioning our patriotism. Look at this picture. How American can you get? Family of four with their dog, eating BBQ burgers in the backyard on the Fourth of July. Please note the Coke, Henry's beer, corn on the cob, Kettle Chips, Hunt's Ketchup (not Catsup), Walla-walla onions, the generic mustard (not French's), and Bush's baked beans. All American!

Happy 4th

Tonight we'll have the three B's to celebrate the Fourth of July - Burgers, Beer, and Blowing stuff up. Yes!

Our street will be filled with our neighbors doing the same thing. Hopefully this year I won't put my wife in danger. A few years ago I had a stray mortar shoot her way. Fortunately her ninja skills kicked in and she was able to evade the stray as it blew up right under the chair where she was sitting.

I've got some cool double mortars this year which we will light off in honor of Kev's 38th B-day yesterday. Happy Birthday Buddy. There is a card in the mail.

Biohazard Humor

When I arrived at the office today I noticed that one of my spare shoes was missing. You see, I am now leaving a pair of shoes at work because I am riding their more. Motorcycle boots are not comfortable to walk around in so a spare set of Nike's sits in wait. This way I don't have to cart in shoes everyday.

Upon noticing the missing shoe I immediately suspected that it was one of two people. Since I was the last to leave it was one of the people that beat me in. That leaves the receptionist and the shop foreman. Upon asking the receptionist I knew she didn't do it. This leaves Mr. Foreman.

I took off the boots exposing the sweaty socks. In stocking feet I walked out through the warehouse and up to the foreman's office. There I took off my now putrid, dust covered, sweaty socks and placed one over the phone receiver and dropped his wireless mouse in the other. Biohazard planted, confession forthcoming.

When I returned barefoot to my office I pulled out a spare set of socks I placed in my backpack for an occasion such as this. As I was pulling the socks on I noticed the missing shoe hiding behind my barf statue. After the socks I put on the shoes. Done.

An hour later I hear this yelling coming from down the hall. "Biohazard Warning! Biohazard Warning!" A moment later in walks Mr. Foreman wearing a Tyvek suit, dust mask, gloves, and a grinding shield holding my socks up by a stick of metal.

We had a good laugh.

For Matt

We are looking forward to tomorrow night!

Ball-less Pup

Poor little Owen lost his balls today. Literally. As cute as he is he'll never procreate.

When I got home he had on the cone. It didn't stay on long. I think it was scaring him. We'll get some photo's later (of him with the cone).

He is sad, and in pain. Poor little guy is very quiet tonight. He's been my little buddy most of the evening just laying in my lap with this sad little face. I'm sure in a few days he'll be back to normal.

I'd offer him a bag of ice but he'd probably just chew on it.

Interesting Flavor

Today I had a pomegranate flavored Tootsie-Pop. In all my years I never thought that pomegranate would be a candy flavor. I liked it. I was suprised. At first I didn't even want to try it. I am glad I did.

What flavor have you never seen in candy that you would like to see?

Time To Serve

For 22 years I've dodged the jury duty bullet. On July 23rd, two days after I turn 40, that will all change. I've been summoned. After all these years the random name generator found me. As a white gun carrying Christian conservative republitarian what are the odds I'd ever get selected for a jury? Probably the same odds as Ralph Nader becoming our next President.

So Jury Duty is one more thing to cross off my "never has happened to me" list. Next I'll probably get stung by a bee. That list will just get shorter and shorter.

Just Chill'n

Just hanging out today trying to recover from being sick. Yuck. Got the same thing I had back in January before we went to Hawaii. The bummer this time is I don't have the healing power of the islands. I spent most of the weekend in Mist, OR with the fella's from church for a little retreat. Last night I came home with the hopes that a good night sleep in my own bed would do me some good.

I know I haven't blogged much lately and being sick is part of the reason. A couple nights this week I came home and just crashed. I need to kick this soon.

A shout out to Luke for all the work, prep, food and sweet cabin. Props bro!

Sneaker Cars

Today I was snuck up on by a car. It was so quiet I didn't hear it coming. I got out of my car and started walking up the street to get to the sidewalk. Out of the corner of my eye I catch a glimpse of this large blue beast on my tail. I jumped. I know the driver saw me jump and was laughing at me. I guess the days of relying on your ears in traffic are over. This hybrid Camry proved that.

What Are We Complaining About?

Anyone drink at Starbucks? or any other coffee shop of that nature?

Yes?

Then what are you complaining about?

Gas?

Well if gas is $4.16 a gallon, a gallon of coffee is $11.84. That is taking a 20oz. regular coffee at $1.85 and multiplying it out to a gallon. A 20oz. latte at $3.40 would be $21.76 a gallon. Wah, gas is expensive. I agree, and don't like anymore than the next. Yet we don't blink at a coffee, which we can make at home for pennies on the dollar, costing more than the gas we put in our car which we can't make at home (yet).

I look forward to the future innovations in the fuel market. Knowing the power and torque an electric motor can put out I'd love to have a fully electric car like the Tesla. Maybe if each major city put in a nuclear plant we could have electric recharge stations that make an electric car more practical and affordable.

GM is making strides with the Hydrogen car. Check this out:

Corporate Takeover

Corporations have taken over just about everything. Is the church next?



Thanks Michele.

16 Years and 1 Day later

Yesterday we celebrated 16 years of marriage by attending our next door neighbors wedding. What better way to celebrate your anniversary than attending a wedding? We had a nice time and met some real nice people.

Speaking of weddings, here is a shot from ours. Wow, we were just kids. And check out my hair; I've got the atomic mushroom cloud look going. At least the mullet was gone.

We've changed a lot and I love her more now than ever before. She's my lady.

To my best friend,

You stand by me through all things. Support me, help me, care for me, and love me like no other. Sixteen years we've been side by side and it feels like yesterday that we began this journey. God has truly blessed me with a perfect partner in life.

I know there are great things in store for us and I look forward to every last minute with you by my side.

If we were still in the 80's I would now call a radio station and have a song dedicated to you. Well the 80's have come and gone so instead I am listing the lyrics to the song that I would request.

Ooo. you make me live

whatever this world can give to me

It's you, you're all I see

Ooo, you make me live now honey

Ooo, you make me live

You're the best friend

that I ever had

I've been with you such a long time

You're my sunshine

And I want you to know

That my feelings are true

I really love you

You're my best friend

Ooo, you make me live

I've been wandering round

But I still come back to you

In rain or shine

You've stood by me girl

I'm happy, happy at home

You're my best friend.

You're the first one

When things turn out bad

You know I'll never be lonely

You're my only one

And I love

The things that you do

You're my best friend

Ooo, you make me live.

I'm happy, happy at home

You're my best friend

You're my best friend

Ooo, you make me live

You, you're my best friend.

~Queen

I love you Kathi. Always.

Your partner in crime, husband, best friend, and lover,

Brian

Hot Dog

Owen has found the coolest spot in the house for a nap.

If you can't tell he's under the couch. One day he won't fit. It'll be an interesting day when he finds that out.

At the Foot of it all

Today amongst much contemplation I thought about one of God's greatest creations... my feet.

They provide me with balance.

Although my toes barely work independently of each other they are independent parts.

My heel has natural cushion and is prepared for impact.

The arch is sensitive and the most ticklish part.

The broken toe sticks out funny but has the most character.

I like my feet, dry and ugly as they are, I'd miss them if they were gone.

Questions, Questions, Questions...

From Tracey comes...

56 Random Questions:

1.ONE OF YOUR SCARS, HOW DID YOU GET IT? On my right knee is a scar I got when I was racing to beat my sister to the TV and slipped on a rug thus punching my knee into the railing.

2. WHAT IS ON THE WALLS IN YOUR ROOM? Paint, purdy paint.

3. DO YOU KNOW WHAT TIME YOU WERE BORN? Nope, not a clue.

4. WHAT DO YOU WANT MORE THAN ANYTHING RIGHT NOW? Change.

5. WHAT DO YOU MISS? In-n-Out Burger & Rutabegorz

6. WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION? This is a tough one. Most of what I own is replaceable. I really like my CD collection and a painting that was given to us on our wedding day that was done by a family friend.

7. HOW TALL ARE YOU? 6'-2" when I'm not slouching.

8. DO YOU GET SCARED IN THE DAY? Only for my kids future.

9. WHAT’S YOUR WORST FEAR? Drowning.

10. WHAT KIND OF HAIR COLOR DO YOU LIKE ON THE OPPOSITE SEX? Brunette, Brown, or Red.

11. WHAT ABOUT EYE COLOR? Don't have a preference

12. COFFEE OR ENERGY DRINK? Coffee, Black.

13. FAVORITE PIZZA TOPPING? Pepperoni and cheese.

14. IF YOU COULD EAT ANYTHING RIGHT NOW, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Candy.

15. FAVORITE COLOR OF ALL TIME? Blue, deep rich blue.

16. HAVE YOU EVER EATEN A GOLDFISH? Probably about five total.

17. WHAT WAS THE FIRST MEANINGFUL GIFT YOU EVER RECEIVED? My grandma on my dad's side bought me a pot and some baked beans. I loved it because she knew they were my favorites. I still have the pot.

18. DO YOU HAVE A CRUSH? I have the typical crush most guys have on Angelina. The most recent is the Gladiator Crush.

19. FAVORITE CLOTHING BRAND? The cheap stuff.

20. WHAT KIND OF CAR DO YOU WANT? I'll try to keep this short. In fantasy world... an Ariel Atom, Porsche 911 Turbo, 1968 Shelby Mustang, an amphibious car, and a Ferrari Dino. In reality I think my next car is going to be a used Nissan 350Z.

21. WOULD YOU FALL IN LOVE KNOWING THAT THE PERSON IS LEAVING? Maybe, depends on where they are going and if I can go with them.

22. HAVE YOU BEEN OUT OF THE USA? Si.

23. YOUR WEAKNESSES? I can't run fast and I'm not very flexible and chocolate.

24. MET ANYONE FAMOUS? Yes, including the Hoff.

25. FIRST JOB? Picking strawberries at Hasawiki (sp?) farms.

26. EVER DONE A PRANK CALL? Not as far as you know.

27. DO YOU THINK EVERYONE OUT THERE HAS A SOUL MATE? Dumb idea and not biblical.

28. WHAT WERE YOU DOING BEFORE YOU FILLED THIS OUT? Reading Tracey's blog.

29. HAVE YOU EVER HAD SURGERY? Yes.

30. WHAT DO YOU GET COMPLIMENTED ABOUT MOST? My kids.

31. WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY? Peace and quiet, then a bunch of people dressed as pirates and a bottle of Macallan 30.

32. HOW MANY KIDS DO YOU WANT? Done with two.

33. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? I was not named Colleen and that is all that counts. Not that Colleen isn't a nice name it just isn't a good one for a boy.

34. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST TURN OFF WITH THE OPPOSITE SEX? When they KNOW they are good looking and want to make sure you KNOW they are good looking.

35. WHAT IS ONE THING YOU MISS ABOUT GRADE SCHOOL? Recess.

36. WHAT KIND OF SHAMPOO DO YOU USE? Moisturizing goodness.

37. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Nope.

38. ANY BAD HABITS? Cracking knuckles and drinking out of the milk carton.

39. ARE YOU A JEALOUS PERSON? No much. Only when it comes to cool jobs like the guy that hosts Future Weapons.

40. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? I think so.

41. DO YOU AGREE WITH FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS? Ick. That will be a regret for many many people later in life.

42. HOW DO YOU RELEASE ANGER? Sometimes by yelling.

43. WHAT’S YOUR MAIN GOAL IN LIFE? To be a good husband and raise good kiddos.

44. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TOY AS A CHILD? Legos.

45. HOW MANY NUMBERS ARE IN YOUR CELL PHONE? Not sure but I'd guess over 50. The real question is how many do I call. Maybe six.

46. WERE YOU A FAN OF BARNEY AS A LITTLE KID? Too old.

47. MASHED POTATOES OR MACARONI AND CHEESE? Garlic mashed potatoes.

48. DO YOU HAVE ALL YOUR FINGERS AND TOES? Yes.

49. DO YOU HAVE A COMPUTER IN YOUR ROOM? Since I own the house I'd say yeah.

50. PLANS FOR TONIGHT? Iron Man at 10 with the boys.

51. WHAT’S THE FASTEST YOU’VE EVER GONE IN A CAR? 125. Don't ask.

52. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO? My daughter practice her guitar.

53. LAST THING YOU DRANK? Water from the tap.

54. REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT? A combo of a Ronald Reagan/Ron Paul Republican.

55. DO YOU HAVE A LOW SELF ESTEEM OR A HIGH SELF ESTEEM? Depends on the day. Mostly High.

56. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING? See Side Bar --->

Success!

It didn't kill me today.

Today I rode it without incident, injury, or helicopter rides.

Two years passing and a bright sunny day brought up the courage and desire to try again. Granted I didn't go far or fast. I didn't need to yet. I just needed to ride it without killing myself.

Success!

And for you wondering... I had Kathi's blessing.

And for you who don't know... it's this: