Dance, Dance, Dance

Michaela and her dancing companions did a couple of shows at the Robison Home, and Hannah did some up front photography... Michaela really is an incredible dancer, folks. Check out her upcoming recital in a couple of weeks... on a real stage no less! Doing tap on carpet kinda takes away from whole idea! And having lass than 5 feet of front-to-back space is difficult too, so give these girls extra-credit!

I've Got Music...

To catch up on the music front, the band I was in, Name For The Nameless, is no more. The guitarists bailed out, which left me (drums) and Tim (voice). With the internship at LGPC upcoming, and school in the fall, we decided to call it quits. BUT...

I'm putting more time into the youth at LGPC, and tonight, some kids came together to work on some of my original pieces...they've done it before, but tonight we really put it together. Mike Cummings is really taking the lead, tweeking the songs to a really nice sound on the guitar. Brandon Vance, usually a guitarist, has taken the rhythm position on the bass. Sara Wendland has my old seat on the drum set, really showing a knack for it. Catie Elrod has taken over lead vocals for the time being, and is trying to find where her voice and Mike's love of metal meet. It's really quite a cool thing. I sat in on rhythm guitar tonight, but I hope to edge out completely, to focus on helping contain the unit together, and write some new songs. They seemed excited to be playing together, and we got one song, Who, down quite well, and started to put together another, Meaning, until Mike had to go to work. But the future is quite promising!

Hannah is in a little choir at church, called Joy Choir, and they sang the benediction for the 8 O'clock service sunday. "Go in peace, go in love, go with blessings from above..." They're great!

Tony & Tara's Wedding!

So I was reading through old posts, and I realized that I had teased y'all with the promise of photos from Tony & Tara's wedding, but I never posted them! so, a couple of months later, here they are!

The wedding was up in Yakima, WA where Tara is from.

It was a nice church, and has appeared in previous posts I've written.

The reception was also at the church, and I gave a rather dull toast, but they had it out with the cake!

I was the Best Man, who would've guessed? And Diane came with me!

It's Hot Out There!

Yeah, so us wimpy Oregonian natives are whining; it's too hot out! And what's up with that? Sunday it was 60...monday: 93! augh! So I was forced into the sprinkler with Hannah and her friend Spencer. Lots o' fun, but the battery in the camera was dead, so this is all I've got. Oh, but the camera-phone to the rescue! Hannah & I went to the park and played frisbee for a while. she's really quite good at it! we'll have to go where there aren't people trying to nap where we're throwing next time!

Bad news on the band front. For The Nameless is no more. Dominic left to plan his upcoming wedding, and he was writing most of the music. Chancy never really came on board, which left Tim, doing almost all of the writing, and myself, just drumming a bunch. So we got together and with the upcoming summer activities, and me wanting to give lessons, and go back to school come August, we decided to call it quits...for now. Who knows what the future holds?!

Mother's Day & Other Such Sundries

So it's Mother's Day, and my folks, and Diane and the girls, and I all went out for a Brunch. It was good. Little gifts were given, Mimosa's were drank, and everyone was full. After that, Diane, the girls, and I went home. After a power nap (michaela actually napped in the car for an hour or so) for all of us, Mom (Diane) decreed yard work to be done! as the mower is broken, I got up on the roof to clean it off and Diane went to finish sanding the swingset so that we can stain it. Hannah played vigorously on the swings and her climbing tree, and as our water girl. Michaela napped while Lucy stood (figuratively) guard. It was nice. We're off to Entheos tonight, and then the week starts again in earnest.

Last saturday, Hannah had her ballet pictures in full costume, so I managed off a shot or two before she left. She's so cute. I'm waiting to get one's of Michaela...she has so many different costumes, that she takes them all to the studio...no home shots there! anyway, I'm so proud of these dancing girls!

Psycho Feline Prom Date

so there i was (Jim says all stories need to start with those 4 words), shortly after explaining to Hannah about May Day, where kids ring doorbells and run away...leaving a small bouqet of flowers behind, of course! otherwise, it's just a prank. anywho, Hannah comes running down the stairs with a bouqet of roses in her hand saying "they left us mayday flowers!" (i had told her that it probably wouldn't happen these days). so upon my opening the door to see the perpetrators, i saw the following on the sidewalk. Diane, Hannah, and I then had a happy dance for Michaela (who wasn't home, and wouldn't appreciate our happy dance anyway), cause she had a prom invite...in a fun and creative way, to boot!

So there i was, petting the incredibly fat Lucy (no longer a kitten) when all of a sudden, in a flash of claws, fur, and flesh, she was gone and i was left scarred! a random slashing, but quite painful, and i am left looking like a failed-suicide victim!

For The Nameless

I recently started drumming for a group currently known as For The Nameless. 2 weeks ago we were Antipathy. Who knows what will happen next? But to the point; Tim (vocals) & Dominic (guitar), the founding members, came down from Vancouver to practice at LGPC. Yay, cause it meant I didn't have to move my drum set! Also joining us that evening was Chancy (guitar), a 17 year old who has more actual band experience and know how than any of us (I am the oldest, with the lease experience). Jamming was good, talking was good, and we'll all get together again to see where it will be going. The bad news is that Dominic may be moving away in about 6 months...and then..? So for now, we'll concentrate on learning songs, writing songs, and finding a bassist! that's necessary for us to book shows. So we'll see...want to hear a demo of a couple of songs? Tim (playing drums) and Dominic (playing bass) laid down a couple on their MySpace. Check it out at http://www.myspace.com/antipathyband .

So There I Was...

...it was a weekend, supposedly like any other. So why then did I find myself driving a vanload of screaming Middle Schoolers into the Columbia River Gorge? Because it's what I do. I kissed my wife and kids goodbye, and went to Spring Explosion at Trout Creek Bible Camp. Fun, fun, fun!!! We took 28 kids, to join about 150 others from other churches, and make a weekend out of it. Our very own Kathleen Fast was the speaker for the weekend, and I got to play the new djembe for the worship times! It flew by quite quickly, even the ever-horrible camp food...and the kids learned to watch for falling cows, to say "Whatever!" to God, and that "if it isn't one thing, it's another!". The theme was Ready Or Not, focusing on how to respond to life's little incidents. Many games were also played, and Conor Griffin from LGPC took Aslan home! woo hoo! Michael, Catie, Paige, Will, & Haley (from another church) got up and played Lean On Me to close out the "Entertain the White Witch" part of the weekend. Nice. Well, I'm home now, and life goes on, busy as usual, and I'll attempt to post it all here! A much better home than MySpace!

She's so cute!

Diane is so cute! She jumped around in the big inflatable that I wrote about in the last post...and I wanted to share the pic with y'all!

The 40th

Last weekend Diane, Hannah, & I drove down to Modesto, CA for her Aunt Margie & Uncle Frank's 40th wedding anniversary...about 175 people came, and Marge & Frank were expecting about 25. Surprise! It was cool, they did a recommitment ceremony, there was dinner, and cake, and a toast. Kids ran about everywhere. In fact, it was so fun, it was decided to get together at Johnny & Holly's place out in the vineyards. So, we went out there and partied with the fam', which included a huge inflatable jumping thingy, a BBQ, an 8 foot long snake, and Karaoke. Lots of food, and lots of family. Apparently I was accepted, especially due (according to Diane) to my rendition of Black Sabbath's Iron Man. The really cool thing about the karaoke was that everyone really got into the Christian karaoke, even Hannah sang! Finally, under the cover of darkness, we escaped to our hotel for a good night's sleep. In the morning, we had breakfast with cousin Nancy, and then had a 13 hour drive back to Oregon...with a car sick Hannah. Fun, fun, fun, but very tiring.

Life as it happens...

Oh wow! I haven't posted in quite a while! So, let's see...we'll go backwards!
Michaela danced with L.O.A.D. at competition yesterday, doing her first solo routine, in which she grabbed a Silver award (she was robbed, deserving a Gold, or at least a High-Silver!) for performance and choreography. The group got a High-Gold for competition level Production, Dragon & Sword. Wonderful! I've got it on film, and I'll see if I can find a way to post it here.
Hannah is still full of boundless energy, and playing her new guitar. We're working on rhythm and picking, as her little fingers hurt pushing down the strings to make chords and notes. She had a "date" with a cute boy, Winston, and hopes he'll call again! Ah, to be 6 again!
Diane and I are working on 7 months already, still considered newly weds! We'll be heading up to Yakima for my friend Tony's wedding, in which I am the best man...It's also St. Patrick's Day...when I proposed to Diane and she said "yes!". A truly incredible day in my life, I tell you!
I've decided to answer God's call in my life for a career in ministry. So i'll be talking with one of our pastors to see where to begin. I hope to receive a degree in either Youth Ministry, or Music Ministry in a few years. I know, it's a little late to be going to school for Youth stuff, but the passion burns in my heart for those kids. I'll update this as things happen, and doors open.

Progressive 30 Hour Ski To Jerusalem

yeah, it's been a while, so allow me to catch y'all up with us...

It's been a busy month. Besides Hannah and my birthday, Valentine's Day, and a visit to the dentist, our weekends have been packed! The Sr High Progressive Dinner was the 12th, and we had way more kids than the rigs could hold, so multiple trips were involved. Good food, good comradiere, but no message... should've tied in to 30 Hour Famine*.
Over President's Day weekend, Diane, Michaela, and I went with 33 others to SunRiver for the Entheos Ski Trip. Much fun, Diane and I were the cooks for the trip, but none of our fam' actually skiied (how the heck do you spell that?). Lauren and Paul gave the devotions for the trip, and that was cool. Grace and Mike took care of music, so I didn't even play! The boys had a lot of time to hot tub, and found assorted beer bottles and missing women's clothing by it. Much fun, very tiring...I could retire to Bend.
Next weekend I was part of World Vision's *30 Hour Famine, where 90 of the Jr & Sr Highers fasted for 30 hours, raising over $10,000 for Africa Hunger Relief! We went to a city-wide rally over at Beaverton Christian where the band Freedom Song rocked, and one of our kids (Andre) got noted for raising $1000 all by himself (and his mom)! We got back to LGPC and played Underground Church for an hour, then had a candlelight devotion time in the courtyard. Very powerful...and horrifying...we blew out our candles every 3 seconds, to represent a child under 5 dying of hunger. Then we went to bed. The next day was devoted to a canned food drive for the Oregon Food Band, so we went door to door getting as much as we could on our empty stomachs. The kids also donated $ to stock the food closet at the church, for local needs (which does happen in Lake Oswego!). We made them watch Charlie & The Chocolate Factory after that, which of course caused a lot of whining about being hungry...meanwhile, Kathleen & I actually cooked the dinner, which of course caused me whining about being hungry! Before dinner, we got to shave Pastor Graig's head since we had raised over $10,000, and then he gave us communion to break the fast. I really hope that the weekend stays in the kids' mind, and the point helps them as they look at their own lives. I hope that it stays with me too.
Diane, Michaela, Hannah, and I went to the Walk To Jerusalem dinner last night, where we were served authentic Egyptian food and celebrated walking over halfway to Jerusalem. I turned in about 60 miles so far, and Hannah turned in 56! We haven't figured out Michaela's yet, or turned in Diane's either. But it was fun, and the main course (Kosheri) was great! I ate too much...and after fasting too! Angry stomach last night, I tell you.

Well, that's about it for the last week or 2. March brings new and exciting things, like St. Patrick's Day, commemorating the day I asked Diane to marry me, and Tony & Tara's wedding in Spokane! I'm to be the best man for that! Pictures to follow, I'm sure.

Hannah's Real Birthday

Today was Hannah's 6th birthday, and her step-grandparents, aunt, brother, and cousins came over for dessert and gifts. Diane bought a cake from Cold Stone Ice Creamery, but the highlight of the evening (well, besides all of our oohing and aahing over Cole) was the gift from Diane, Michaela, and I, which was her own pink Barbie acoustic guitar! Apparently, she is allergic to it, cause she sneezed as soon as she saw it. Later, after it was tuned, she realized that learning the guitar can be painful on the fingers. We'll see how long she keeps interest...I personally would like to see her as the youngest worship leader in the recording industry. Grandma Carole & Grandpa Rick got her a couple of Worship Together Kids! albums, so she's got her own "Jesus Music" to listen to in the mornings!

We celebrated my birthday as well, which was the 9th, and I will be losing sleep over the Firefly series, since I just rented Serenity, and now have no excuse not to catch all the episodes beforehand.

Doll House Tea Room

Yesterday we celebrated Hannah's 6th birthday, which is actually the 15th, but the Doll House Tea Room only had openings for the 4th, thus the early party...Hannah says her birthday just came early this year...no argument will sway her either. Anyway, she, 7 friends, and Michaela picked their own princess dresses, shoes, and accessories for the morning, and then the 8 youngun's had their hair done, make-up applied, and nails done by the staff. A fashion show was then held, with take home pictures for each girl. Next they all say at a table (with Hannah at the head) for tea. Everyone had their own little teapot filled with lemonade, and several trays of tea sandwiches (P.B.J. and Ham), cheese, and li'l smokies were shared, each of the girls with their own little "napkin-glove", and Hannah with a bell so that the staff responded to her every whim. A singing birthday cake followed, but that was boxed to come home. Each girl received her own plate of chocolate, jr mints, gummy worms, goldfish, and fruit snacks to dine on. Presents were then opened. The girls returned to their everyday garb, and each received a little gift from the treasure chest at the Doll House to take home, from learning cards, to frisbees, to recorders (like a flute). Truly an enchanted morning, and a chocolate cake for when she gets home...along with the little bell, marking Hannah as the Little Princess that she always knew she was.

Fish Music

Wednesday nights I volunteer with a Middle School/Jr High youth group called: Fish Co. We probably average 70 kids or so per week, we topped out at 117 once! Anyway, the worship team is really coming together. Most of them know a bit of their instrument, but haven't really played in front of a group...or they don't really know it, but have the passion for it and don't mind the 140 eyes on them learning. Either way, it's a blessing. Last night we actually did a sound check, so our levels were good. It was Keenan's (keyboard) 2nd time with us, and he really knows what he's about. Gregg (drums) is getting quite good at keeping the beat, I only have to tap my head occassionally as a metronome. Catie's vocals are good, but the real cool thing is that she harmonizes right on with my voice (since i'm leading). Michael's rhythm on the guitar is improving quite well also...and Jim...he's all over playing the bass. He even sat down with the music and learned the cool riff for Trading My Sorrows. I can't do it. Hannah dances and sings with us when she can, and sometimes brings her own little shaker that she made at Sunday School. For her birthday (the 15th) she asked for her own Kid's Praise CD's. And a pink electric guitar. To go with the pink Barbie drum set. The whole thing just makes me smile.

Acoustic Worship

Sunday night Simone, Mike, Grace, & Jeff led acoustic worship...they were even unplugged. It was a really great set. The 4 were tight, really keeping together as a team. I considered sitting in on the electric piano, but I just recently learned the chords, and still kinda suck. So I was able to hang and listen. I tell you, if we can keep it this together adding bass and keyboard, we could pull of CPYA or something else big like that. That would rock.
I popped in a little thing on Loving the Lord, as He loved us. and the songs really fit. I didn't pick 'em at all, Simone and Mike did. I love it when the realization that the Spirit is with us hits. It makes me lift my hands up and praise His Name all the more. Amen!

Girls & Guitars

Hannah picked up my guitar, as she hopes to get one for her birthday this year. Her little fingers can't quite press down enough for a true note, but her rhythm is spot on. I dug up a picture of Michaela that her dad took a few years back, and just had to put the two of them on here for your edification. Are they sisters, or what?

Ghost Of Hannukah Past

Mom sent me a picture of Hannah and I that she took with her new camera on the 3rd day of Hannakuh. Hannah sang a little Hannukah song (to the tune of I've Been Working On The Railroad) and I played guitar for here. It was really fun!

I also realized that I haven't really updated the growing kittens...well, they're not kittens anymore! Recently, Lucy had her ear bitten by Susan, and now has a tear at the top of her right ear. Poor little girl.