Saturday, July 19, 2008
Missions Trip!
As some of you know, I will be headed on a missions trip in February. I have composed a letter that I will be mailing to friends/ family that explains it in more detail than this short post!
Lifest
Kathy and I recently attended Lifest in Oshkosh with some of our youth group. Lifest is a huge music festival (5 days). There are all sorts of bands that come, from "tame" Casting Crowns" to the more "invigorating" Skillet. Other bands that came were Newsboys, Switchfoot, Superchic(k), Lost and Found, August Burns Red, Seventh Day Slumber and many others that I can't remember! A lot of the bands were quite good and a few were quite poor. A few bands had great messages in between the songs... There also were some great speakers! I had the youth go to morning, afternoon, and evening seminars... I believe that they learned some things, as did I!
u
I'm not much into music (being a bit of a sports follower, as you may have surmised), but Lifest was really great!
We tented the whole time, and I grilled a bunch of food... We had two colossal storms go through, but God spared our tent sites!
All-in-all I had a great time and would do it again!
u
I'm not much into music (being a bit of a sports follower, as you may have surmised), but Lifest was really great!
We tented the whole time, and I grilled a bunch of food... We had two colossal storms go through, but God spared our tent sites!
All-in-all I had a great time and would do it again!
June
June went by really quickly!
I helped a friend roof his house (28 square in 2 days!)
I stained the deck/ Josiah's fort.
Had a big b-day party.
Did a lot of other stuff.
I helped a friend roof his house (28 square in 2 days!)
I stained the deck/ Josiah's fort.
Had a big b-day party.
Did a lot of other stuff.
May!
Nothing like posting a month late...
Our garage sale went off without a hitch...
I finished siding the East side of our house...
The squirrel is gone...
Esther has dispatched a few squirrels and groundhogs...
We (the family) go for a lot of walks...
Josiah got a new glove and enjoys wiffle ball very much.
Jacob has become quite a walker and only cries when he has to come inside!
Work went well (both jobs)
Our garage sale went off without a hitch...
I finished siding the East side of our house...
The squirrel is gone...
Esther has dispatched a few squirrels and groundhogs...
We (the family) go for a lot of walks...
Josiah got a new glove and enjoys wiffle ball very much.
Jacob has become quite a walker and only cries when he has to come inside!
Work went well (both jobs)
Saturday, May 3, 2008
April
Greetings from the far North...
Things here in the Promised Land (Wisconsin) are going well. I have completed the deck out back. The primary deck is 14 x 20 and the lower deck (Kid's) is 7 x 14. I have finished the siding on the West side and most of the South side (deck side). That's a lot of ladder rungs when siding by yourself! I was hoping to have the South side done, but the rain has oft interfered with my plans. I will also side the East side (driveway).
Next weekend (May 9/10) we will be having a garage sale. We have all the stuff ready in our basement to sell! Neither Kathy or I are packrats, so we will be selling pretty much everything we haven't used recently!
Both jobs are going pretty well. We've had quite a bit of upheaval at the lumber yard... but sales are strong. Things at the youth group are going well.
Jacob gave us a bit of scare two weeks ago. His breathing had become really labored (like when LG really was a little guy). He ended up having to undergo breathing treatments... He has since recovered and is doing well.
Josiah had his first visit to the dentist and did fantastic. As you know, he's always had sensory issues, so I prepared him for the visit by pretending I was the dentist. When he got to the real dentist he sat extremely well and later described the visit as "a lot of fun!" There is one Mexican boy in Josiah's class at school, and Josiah has always said that he was his friend. Alex speaks only a little English, and his parents speak even less. Mrs Shrek (Josiah's teacher) has said that Josiah is the only one who consistently plays with Alex. Well, the other day Alex had an accident and had to go up to the office to call his parents. He was too scared to go by himself, so the teacher asked if anyone would go up with Alex. Only one of his 12 or so classmates raised their hand... Josiah offered to go with him. Alex said that it would be great and that Josiah was his best friend. It made me so proud that Josiah isn't afraid that Alex is very different and is so willing to be his friend. This may sound like a silly little "who cares" story... but it's not. It's so great to see Josiah putting into practice all the stories he hears about loving people and being kind.
In other news, while putting on soffit and fascia (over a 2 day period) Friend Squirrel has taken residence in part of our attic. I hope Friend Squirrel likes peanut butter. And a live trap. And being relocated.
And that was April.
Things here in the Promised Land (Wisconsin) are going well. I have completed the deck out back. The primary deck is 14 x 20 and the lower deck (Kid's) is 7 x 14. I have finished the siding on the West side and most of the South side (deck side). That's a lot of ladder rungs when siding by yourself! I was hoping to have the South side done, but the rain has oft interfered with my plans. I will also side the East side (driveway).
Next weekend (May 9/10) we will be having a garage sale. We have all the stuff ready in our basement to sell! Neither Kathy or I are packrats, so we will be selling pretty much everything we haven't used recently!
Both jobs are going pretty well. We've had quite a bit of upheaval at the lumber yard... but sales are strong. Things at the youth group are going well.
Jacob gave us a bit of scare two weeks ago. His breathing had become really labored (like when LG really was a little guy). He ended up having to undergo breathing treatments... He has since recovered and is doing well.
Josiah had his first visit to the dentist and did fantastic. As you know, he's always had sensory issues, so I prepared him for the visit by pretending I was the dentist. When he got to the real dentist he sat extremely well and later described the visit as "a lot of fun!" There is one Mexican boy in Josiah's class at school, and Josiah has always said that he was his friend. Alex speaks only a little English, and his parents speak even less. Mrs Shrek (Josiah's teacher) has said that Josiah is the only one who consistently plays with Alex. Well, the other day Alex had an accident and had to go up to the office to call his parents. He was too scared to go by himself, so the teacher asked if anyone would go up with Alex. Only one of his 12 or so classmates raised their hand... Josiah offered to go with him. Alex said that it would be great and that Josiah was his best friend. It made me so proud that Josiah isn't afraid that Alex is very different and is so willing to be his friend. This may sound like a silly little "who cares" story... but it's not. It's so great to see Josiah putting into practice all the stories he hears about loving people and being kind.
In other news, while putting on soffit and fascia (over a 2 day period) Friend Squirrel has taken residence in part of our attic. I hope Friend Squirrel likes peanut butter. And a live trap. And being relocated.
And that was April.
Friday, April 11, 2008
New Blog... New Dog
Greetings...
The month of March passed by quickly... lots of snow up here... A few weeks ago we had about 2" of snow... nearby towns had 0". Hooray.
Lots of rain the last few days (@2"). And counting.
Well, as the title states, we have new dog! She is Josiah's dog, and he named her Esther, after the Bible story Esther.
Josiah is really doing well caring for his dog. He helped to build a kennel in our basement and a sweet doghouse with removable top. Esther is (so far) a great dog for our family dynamic. Being a beagle, she is quite a hunter when outdoors, but is very quiet while indoors. Even while outside, she rarely barks... merely a lot of sniffing! She is a purebred beagle given to us by friends who raise beagles for hunting. Esther is the runt and couldn't keep up with the training... so now she is ours. she is about 20" long and about 12" tall. She is already basically housebroken, with only a few mishaps.
In other news, I put a deck on last weekend (14' x 20'). However, due to all the rain I have been unable to put up the railing. Warmer weather is on tap for next week, so I hope to finish it up!
Youth Pastoring is going well. Our group keeps growing (up to about 28 kids). More importantly, the group seems to be headed in a great spiritual direction as well! The junior high has actually impressed me!
I had the opportunity to preach on Sunday morning a few weeks back. It went well, though that sort of responsibility is always energy draining.
I finished just out of 1,000 place on the brackets for March Madness on Yahoo. I had 7/8 Elite Eight, all 4 Final Four, the Champion game right, and the champion... I had 167 points, the winner had 175...
We had a nice visit with Jay and Nat and family. We had some fun at the Dubuque water park, ate some pizza and visited! I had work the next day, but the rest were able to enjoy some sledding on the hill in our backyard.
Josiah is doing super in school. His overall behavior has improved (especially interacting with others.) He is quite a talker (surprise, surprise), and loves to write/ color/ and look at books. He is usually a great helper. As the weather has "warmed" he has really taken to exploring. He enjoys searching for treasures in the "woods" behind our house. The other day he found some "plumps" (walnuts, w/ shells) and cooked them for me in a bucket of water. He found some coal one day, and he also found some shells one day (yes, actual coal and shells!).
Jacob is eating/ growing at an alarming rate!!! He is a great walker and a real toughie. He does not mind roughhousing (to an extent) and loves wrestling with his dad. He drools a lot. He has eight teeth, which he uses very well!
Kathy and I are both well, and all of us are sick free!
Anyhoo, that was late Feb, March, and early April.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Behind door #3... a NEEEEW BLOG!
Greetings... It has been some time since my last post.
Here's a quick list of major events that have transpired...
1. A lot of the addition has been finished!
2. Josiah is doing outstanding on the academic side of things
3. We took a trip to the Mall of America.
4. We're broke.
5. Just kidding!
6. Youth pastor work is going well.
7. I have been promoted to Yard Foreman (of all Yard Employees... the knuckleheads)
8. Most of the kitchen remodel is done.
9. The porch remodel is going well.
10. The beef we got from Dad is the best ever... Yummy!
I will update a few specifics of the above events soon!
Joe
Here's a quick list of major events that have transpired...
1. A lot of the addition has been finished!
2. Josiah is doing outstanding on the academic side of things
3. We took a trip to the Mall of America.
4. We're broke.
5. Just kidding!
6. Youth pastor work is going well.
7. I have been promoted to Yard Foreman (of all Yard Employees... the knuckleheads)
8. Most of the kitchen remodel is done.
9. The porch remodel is going well.
10. The beef we got from Dad is the best ever... Yummy!
I will update a few specifics of the above events soon!
Joe
Josiah, the Big Star!
Shortly before Christmas, Josiah was in his first ever school play! And the last photo is of him in his movie star glasses.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Some Photos
Josiah Turns FourCake by Kathy
Josiah's been working out!
Joe and The Boys Go Fishin'
Josiah's Big Bass
Self Portrait (It's not Mike)
Happy Heavy Duty!
What a Sucker!
Josiah's First horse ride!
NFL Musings
Here's what makes the NFL the best league, hands down. While making my picks this week, I felt absolutely sure I would get at least 13 of the 16 games correct... The Browns, I mean sweet Aunt Gertrude! So without any further ado
10 Things I Think 2 Weeks into It
1. Jeff Fisher may be the best coach in the NFL
2. Bill Bill is, unfortunately, probably better
3. Frank Gore's run was the greatest all time. Except for a lot of other ones.
4. Brett Favre... see last times 10 Things
5. Broncos are SUPER BOWL BOUND, BABY!
6. GriesEEE, GriesEEE, GriesEEE
7. Read Sports Illustrated's "Start 'Em/ Sit 'Em" segment. Do the exact opposite.
8. I had the Saints at 8-8 before the year started.
9. I had the Chiefs 1 - 15.
10. 49ers are a quarter of the way to my wildest dreams (8-8)
10 Things I Think 2 Weeks into It
1. Jeff Fisher may be the best coach in the NFL
2. Bill Bill is, unfortunately, probably better
3. Frank Gore's run was the greatest all time. Except for a lot of other ones.
4. Brett Favre... see last times 10 Things
5. Broncos are SUPER BOWL BOUND, BABY!
6. GriesEEE, GriesEEE, GriesEEE
7. Read Sports Illustrated's "Start 'Em/ Sit 'Em" segment. Do the exact opposite.
8. I had the Saints at 8-8 before the year started.
9. I had the Chiefs 1 - 15.
10. 49ers are a quarter of the way to my wildest dreams (8-8)
Stop, Collaborate and Listen
Joe is back with a brand new addition... Thanks, Vanilla.
Actually, much belated thanks to all those who came to help on the addition. Things are going well, but slowly. Working full-time, being a youth pastor "part"-time, and... well all the things a busy dad does makes for slow going...
I am nearly ready for drywall (which will change the look in a hurry.) As I was ripping out the old bathroom, I decided that all the joists and EVERYTHING needed to get ripped out... That was fun. But, I got that done, the new floor put down, and the partition walls put up. I got the rest of the overhang cut down, the walls all plumbed up, the cathedral framed in, the interior walls put up, some recessed shelving put in, the new stack put in, the electrical mainly put in, proper vents up, insulation ready to go, floor leveled up, windows put in, soffit and fascia put on, gutters put on, old stool/sink/tub ripped out, old plumbing ripped out, new plumbing ready to go, 3 loads of junk dumped and burned, and probably a few other things...
Our Fall Unit at youth group has begun. We are "Diving Deeper" as a theme. We have begun the "People of" curriculum... The first week was "Passion" and the 2nd was "Problems." We have a special speaker this Wednesday, Sept 19. On September 26 we will be studying People of Prayer. (It is also the National Day of Prayer.) In Sunday School, I have concluded our summer unit on the parables of Christ (all 39 of them). Our new unit is "Heroes of the Faith." We have begun with my personal favorite, Martin Luther.
Things at UBC are still going well. One of our drivers has called it quits... Our new driver has started. I am still working at the counter and driving. I'm the only guy who drives our big boom truck, as it is too difficult for any of the other guys to figure out. The boom is great for drywall. I had a few to 3rd story windows last week. (The last was on Friday in the midst of a stiff breeze... a little tricky!)
Family life, as usual, is absolutely splendid. Jacob ("Heavy Duty") is sitting up, starting to crawl, and ready for Algebra 2. His newest thing is a superb "speed boat" impersonation. Just imagine a chunky kid with loads of spit. (or remember back to Andy as a babe!) Josiah is loving school... He is a pretty good help around the house. He really enjoys going out to our friend's to empty the junk wagons.
Pray for us in regards to this rather busy schedule... Also please pray as our house (especially the kitchen) is constantly a mess...[due to construction (me) and not Kathy!]
Much thanks again for all those who helped (or gave up their hubby for a loooong day).
It is greatly appreciated.
Joe
Actually, much belated thanks to all those who came to help on the addition. Things are going well, but slowly. Working full-time, being a youth pastor "part"-time, and... well all the things a busy dad does makes for slow going...
I am nearly ready for drywall (which will change the look in a hurry.) As I was ripping out the old bathroom, I decided that all the joists and EVERYTHING needed to get ripped out... That was fun. But, I got that done, the new floor put down, and the partition walls put up. I got the rest of the overhang cut down, the walls all plumbed up, the cathedral framed in, the interior walls put up, some recessed shelving put in, the new stack put in, the electrical mainly put in, proper vents up, insulation ready to go, floor leveled up, windows put in, soffit and fascia put on, gutters put on, old stool/sink/tub ripped out, old plumbing ripped out, new plumbing ready to go, 3 loads of junk dumped and burned, and probably a few other things...
Our Fall Unit at youth group has begun. We are "Diving Deeper" as a theme. We have begun the "People of" curriculum... The first week was "Passion" and the 2nd was "Problems." We have a special speaker this Wednesday, Sept 19. On September 26 we will be studying People of Prayer. (It is also the National Day of Prayer.) In Sunday School, I have concluded our summer unit on the parables of Christ (all 39 of them). Our new unit is "Heroes of the Faith." We have begun with my personal favorite, Martin Luther.
Things at UBC are still going well. One of our drivers has called it quits... Our new driver has started. I am still working at the counter and driving. I'm the only guy who drives our big boom truck, as it is too difficult for any of the other guys to figure out. The boom is great for drywall. I had a few to 3rd story windows last week. (The last was on Friday in the midst of a stiff breeze... a little tricky!)
Family life, as usual, is absolutely splendid. Jacob ("Heavy Duty") is sitting up, starting to crawl, and ready for Algebra 2. His newest thing is a superb "speed boat" impersonation. Just imagine a chunky kid with loads of spit. (or remember back to Andy as a babe!) Josiah is loving school... He is a pretty good help around the house. He really enjoys going out to our friend's to empty the junk wagons.
Pray for us in regards to this rather busy schedule... Also please pray as our house (especially the kitchen) is constantly a mess...[due to construction (me) and not Kathy!]
Much thanks again for all those who helped (or gave up their hubby for a loooong day).
It is greatly appreciated.
Joe
Friday, August 3, 2007
Summer Days Slippin Away
Well, the calendar has turned to August. Actually, I turned the calendar to August as we don't have an automated calendar. Actually, we do... on the computer. Anyway.
Lumber yard work at UBC is going well. I am slowly being trained at our front desk, which will be the next possible promotion for me. It's hot outside. I am not a big fan of hot. (Hot being anything over 70.)
Youth group work is going well. I have just about finished developing the "People of..." curriculum. We will be integrating small groups into our weekly meetings. We also will be incorporating mentoring as well. I also plan to develop a service program (shut-ins, nursing home, widows, and those less fortunate.) I am working on a missions trip to South Dakota for next summer... Please pray for me as I develop these. The wily Devil often enlists those from our own ranks to oppose that which is best. Pray that I have the humility to realize what is opposition and what is wise advice!
Family life is going well. Josiah and I have nearly finished his fort in the backyard... We do quite a bit of fishing. Kathy and Jacob joined us for one such excursion. Kathy got to see her firstborn catch a few fish... (I also caught one. Yes, just one.) We will be celebrating 8 years of marriage on the 14th. Each day has been better than the last. (That was for my wife, who will probably read this and then edit out this parenthetical thought. Or she might not.) We have passed into the minority (the average marriage lasts slightly more than 7 years.)
With the aid of Bob Jr. and Dad, we will be doing a rather extensive remodeling project, beginning this Thursday, Lord willing and weather permitting.
Josiah will be going to pre-K within a month. After a lot of consideration and prayer, we have decided to enroll him in Benton Public School (aka, Our Back Yard.) He will have school Monday thru Thursday 8:10 until 11:15. He is very excited. (Especially for his supplies and new school shoes!) We are all excited.
Anyway, it is time for vanilla ice cream!
Lumber yard work at UBC is going well. I am slowly being trained at our front desk, which will be the next possible promotion for me. It's hot outside. I am not a big fan of hot. (Hot being anything over 70.)
Youth group work is going well. I have just about finished developing the "People of..." curriculum. We will be integrating small groups into our weekly meetings. We also will be incorporating mentoring as well. I also plan to develop a service program (shut-ins, nursing home, widows, and those less fortunate.) I am working on a missions trip to South Dakota for next summer... Please pray for me as I develop these. The wily Devil often enlists those from our own ranks to oppose that which is best. Pray that I have the humility to realize what is opposition and what is wise advice!
Family life is going well. Josiah and I have nearly finished his fort in the backyard... We do quite a bit of fishing. Kathy and Jacob joined us for one such excursion. Kathy got to see her firstborn catch a few fish... (I also caught one. Yes, just one.) We will be celebrating 8 years of marriage on the 14th. Each day has been better than the last. (That was for my wife, who will probably read this and then edit out this parenthetical thought. Or she might not.) We have passed into the minority (the average marriage lasts slightly more than 7 years.)
With the aid of Bob Jr. and Dad, we will be doing a rather extensive remodeling project, beginning this Thursday, Lord willing and weather permitting.
Josiah will be going to pre-K within a month. After a lot of consideration and prayer, we have decided to enroll him in Benton Public School (aka, Our Back Yard.) He will have school Monday thru Thursday 8:10 until 11:15. He is very excited. (Especially for his supplies and new school shoes!) We are all excited.
Anyway, it is time for vanilla ice cream!
Joe's NFL Predictions
Super Bowl: not the Raiders or Falcons. Probably Denver and Cowboys
Bears Record: 11 - 5
49ers Record: 8 - 8
Titans Record: 3 -13
Broncos Record: 11 - 5
10 Things I Think:
1. The NFC is terrible
2. Mel Kiper should play baseball. He gets 30% right (.300) and he's an all-star, borderline hall of famer.
3. Bill Walsh had more impact on the game than Parcells, Gibbs, and Ditka COMBINED.
4. Matt Schaub (or however its spelled) will be the most overdrafted Fantasy player. But he'll have great numbers every 3rd game.
5. Vince Young is... difficult to rate. He needs to get better. He probably won't. But I guess Donovan did, kind of. And Culpepper. Steve Young actually did... Vince's stats last year: More picks than TDs. Hmm. 52% completion rate. 67 QB rating... Hmm. Hmm. THIS GUY MADE THE PRO BOWL!?!?! What a joke. Still could be good, except his team is terrible. But, they have one of the top 5 coaches on their side, which will help.
6. Cardinals, the "team to surprise everybody" for the last 3 or 4 years, still won't.
7. The Lions will.
8. If you have the number one fantasy pick, grab Deshaun Foster. I'm hoping I have the number two fantasy pick.
9. Brett Favre is the QB version of Curtis Martin, only with a few more amazing plays b/c of his arm strength. Should have done more with the raw athleticism that he had. Both are compilers, but both deserve to be in the Hall of Fame, no question.
10. Marvin Harrison retires at the end of the year.
Bears Record: 11 - 5
49ers Record: 8 - 8
Titans Record: 3 -13
Broncos Record: 11 - 5
10 Things I Think:
1. The NFC is terrible
2. Mel Kiper should play baseball. He gets 30% right (.300) and he's an all-star, borderline hall of famer.
3. Bill Walsh had more impact on the game than Parcells, Gibbs, and Ditka COMBINED.
4. Matt Schaub (or however its spelled) will be the most overdrafted Fantasy player. But he'll have great numbers every 3rd game.
5. Vince Young is... difficult to rate. He needs to get better. He probably won't. But I guess Donovan did, kind of. And Culpepper. Steve Young actually did... Vince's stats last year: More picks than TDs. Hmm. 52% completion rate. 67 QB rating... Hmm. Hmm. THIS GUY MADE THE PRO BOWL!?!?! What a joke. Still could be good, except his team is terrible. But, they have one of the top 5 coaches on their side, which will help.
6. Cardinals, the "team to surprise everybody" for the last 3 or 4 years, still won't.
7. The Lions will.
8. If you have the number one fantasy pick, grab Deshaun Foster. I'm hoping I have the number two fantasy pick.
9. Brett Favre is the QB version of Curtis Martin, only with a few more amazing plays b/c of his arm strength. Should have done more with the raw athleticism that he had. Both are compilers, but both deserve to be in the Hall of Fame, no question.
10. Marvin Harrison retires at the end of the year.
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