R.I.P Spider-Man

This evening we had to go through a tragic moment. We had to lay Spider-Man to Rest for good due to unrepairable body damage. Bryce said a few good parting words for Spider-Man and then buried him in the Trash (File 13) for his proper burial. I would have to admit Bryce let Spider-man go better then most 5 year olds would. May we never forget the fond memories that this toy brought into his childhood life. R.I.P SPIDER-MAN ! ! !

3 Muskateers...................

This picture was taken at the "VELD CHRISTMAS PARTY" back at the beginning of this month.... When you get these 3 Muskateers together you never know what to expect. They sure are growing up fast.... So here they are from Left to Right ; Macy (sticky), Bryce (peanut), and Maddison (I'm "NOT"pleasingly plump Uncle Brian is what she'd say!!!)

Top 10 Foods for a Good Night's Sleep

What is the secret to getting a solid 7 to 8 hours of sleep? Head for the kitchen and enjoy one or two of these 10 foods. They relax tense muscles, quiet buzzing minds, and/or get calming, sleep-inducing hormones - serotonin and melatonin - flowing. Yawning yet?

Bananas. They're practically a sleeping pill in a peel. In addition to a bit of soothing melatonin and serotonin, bananas contain magnesium, a muscle relaxant.

Chamomile tea. The reason chamomile is such a staple of bedtime tea blends is its mild sedating effect - it's the perfect natural antidote for restless minds/bodies.

Warm milk. It's not a myth. Milk has some tryptophan - an amino acid that has a sedative - like effect - and calcium, which helps the brain use tryptophan. Plus there's the psychological throw-back to infancy, when a warm bottle meant "relax, everything's fine."

Honey. Drizzle a little in your warm milk or herb tea. Lots of sugar is stimulating, but a little glucose tells your brain to turn off orexin, a recently discovered neurotransmitter that's linked to alertness.

Potatoes. A small baked spud won't overwhelm your GI tract, and it clears away acids that can interfere with yawn-inducing tryptophan. To up the soothing effects, mash it with warm milk.

Oatmeal. Oats are a rich source of sleep - inviting melatonin, and a small bowl of warm cereal with a splash of maple syrup is cozy - plus if you've got the munchies, it's filling too.

Almonds. A handful of these heart-healthy nuts can be snooze-inducing, as they contain both tryptophan and a nice dose of muscle-relaxing magnesium.

Flaxseeds. When life goes awry and feeling down is keeping you up, try sprinkling 2 tablespoons of these healthy little seeds on your bedtime oatmeal. They're rich in omega-3 fatty acids, a natural mood lifter.

Whole-wheat bread. A slice of toast with your tea and honey will release insulin, which helps tryptophan get to your brain, where it's converted to serotonin and quietly murmurs "time to sleep."

Turkey. It's the most famous source of tryptophan, credited with all those Thanksgiving naps. But that's actually modern folklore. Tryptophan works when your stomach's basically empty, not overstuffed, and when there are some carbs around, not tons of protein. But put a lean slice or two on some whole-wheat bread mid-evening, and you've got one of the best sleep inducers in your kitchen.

Das Dutchman Essenhaus

This afternoon My Family took a trip with my parents to Middlebury,IN to the Das Dutchman Essenhaus. We had a wonderful meal which consisted of Broasted Chicken, Tender Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Green Beans, Noodles, Stuffing, White and Wheat Bread, Soda, Milk, Salad, and Pie..... The best part was it was all you can eat. We ate so much that we could barely walk out of that place. We had an interesting ride home because, the roads were icy and snowy...... but, my wife insisted on driving. As you can tell we are safely at home because I am typing this...LOL If you ever get a chance to travel to IN I highly recommend http://www.essenhaus.com I promise you will "NOT" be disappointed.

A LESSON ABOUT BARBIE

"How much is that Barbie in the window?" I asked the shop assistant.

In a condescending manner she responded, "Which Barbie? We have . .
Barbie Goes to the Gym for $19.95
Barbie Goes to the Ball for $19.95
Barbie Goes Shopping for $19.95
Barbie Goes to the Beach for $19.95
Barbie Goes Nightclubbing for $19.95 and
Barbie Gets a Divorce for $265.00."

I had to ask, you know. Wouldn't you?

"Why is Divorced Barbie $265.00 when all the others are only $19.95?"

"Isn't that obvious?" the assistant declared. "Divorced Barbie comes with
Ken's house, Ken's car, Ken's boat, Ken's furniture..."

COOKIE SINGING THE BLUES

Click on the video below ........this is very cute ! ! !

NO DRAFT ON HORIZON!

Currently there is a flurry of newspaper articles about Selective Service planning to conduct an exercise of its field structure in 2009. However, the public should not be alarmed. No draft for the military is about to be reinstated. Rather, Selective Service is planning to test its policies, plans and procedures as it has done routinely over the years if resources are available. Given the decline in agency funding, this exercise may be postponed again as it has been in the past. As always, Selective Service continues to do its job of being ready to conduct a draft and to manage a program for civilian alternative service for men classified as conscientious objectors when directed by the Nation’s elected officials: the president and Congress.

A draft held today would use a lottery to determine the order of call.

Before the lottery was implemented in the latter part of the Vietnam conflict, Local Boards called men classified 1-A, 18 1/2 through 25 years old, oldest first. This resulted in uncertainty for the potential draftees during the entire time they were within the draft-eligible age group. A draft held today would use a lottery system under which a man would spend only one year in first priority for the draft - either the calendar year he turned 20 or the year his deferment ended. Each year after that, he would be placed in a succeedingly lower priority group and his liability for the draft would lessen accordingly. In this way, he would be spared the uncertainty of waiting until his 26th birthday to be certain he would not be drafted.

For more information go to : http://www.sss.gov

2 Choices........

I heard this saying today and it is going to be our theme at church for this 2007 year.


"THERE ARE TWO CHOICES ON THE SHELF; PLEASING GOD OR PLEASING SELF."


What is your choice going to be this year???

Basketball Coach Arrested: Accused of Trespassing

This is a sad story that is posted below.... My Father-in-Law and myself followed Fred Booth's Basketball team very closely. We have been to many of his games in that past several years. I personally thought Coach Booth to be a very friendly person and an excellent basketball coach. He is or should I say was a legend in Glenwood City, WI for his Basketball/Track coaching. I am personally grieved to see a story like this come out.


A longtime Glenwood City High School basketball coach has been suspended after being accused of entering the western Wisconsin home of a former student athlete as she slept this week.

Fred Booth, 57, was jailed Sunday on suspicion of criminal trespassing after he was accused of entering the rural home of Jessica Quinn, 22, and her boyfriend, Jamie Knops, 28. Quinn has since obtained a restraining order against the coach, the second one she has sought against him in the past five years.

"If you meet him on the street, you'd think he's the nicest guy in the world," Knops said Thursday. "But what he did is strange."

The accusations against Booth are far from the impression many area residents have of the coach. Two years ago, Booth retired as an elementary teacher after serving in the district since the 1970s. But he continued to coach the Hilltoppers boys track and basketball teams and has built a winning tradition in the basketball program, capped by a state title in 2001.

After recording his 400th boys basketball victory in 2005, Booth told the Pioneer Press that his goal was to be a mentor and role model.

"It was never about the wins; it was about the kids," Booth said.

He also coached girls cross country, which Quinn participated in.

The district has placed Booth on paid administrative leave as it conducts an investigation, said Superintendent Tim Emholtz. A longtime assistant will coach the basketball team in the meantime.

St. Croix County Sheriff Dennis Hillstead said Quinn, a 2002 Glenwood City graduate, obtained a restraining order that year requiring the coach keep away from her. But while Quinn was away attending college, the order expired in 2004.

Early Sunday morning, Hillstead said, Quinn awoke to find her former coach in the house. She cowered in a second-floor bedroom closet as she called 911. Booth was calling Quinn's name as he climbed the stairs toward her bedroom.

"I knew who it was when he opened the door and called her name. I recognized his voice," said Knops, who was once a member of the boys track team coached by Booth. "He called out her name and started up the steps."

Knops met Booth at the top of the steps and told him to leave.

Booth stopped and said: "I don't want any problems, Jamie. I was just worried about her. … Some things you just can't explain, and the way I feel about Jessica is one of those things."

The incident lasted no more than a minute, Knops said, and while there was no physical confrontation, he said Quinn was frightened.

"I'm guessing he thought she was home alone," he said.

Booth had left when St. Croix County sheriff's deputies arrived about 8:30 a.m. Deputies then went to Booth's home and took him to the St. Croix County jail to be booked.

On Thursday, a man answered the phone at a number listed for Booth, but he hung up when informed the call was from the Pioneer Press.

Booth is scheduled to be in St. Croix County Court on Jan. 26 for a hearing on the restraining order. He is scheduled to be back in court next month on the criminal trespassing charge.

Quinn was working Thursday and could not be reached for comment.

According to the 2002 restraining order, Quinn sought court protection from Booth, claiming he had harassed her.

Booth, according to the order request, had often written notes and letters to Quinn and given her presents. She became concerned after he made comments about being alone with her and after he offered to pay people for information about her, the petition said.

A St. Croix County judge agreed to a settlement prohibiting Booth from having any contact with Quinn. School officials at the time said Booth would likely be disciplined.

Superintendent Emholtz, who did not lead the district then, declined Thursday to say whether Booth had been disciplined for the earlier accusations or for any other reason. Whatever the result, Booth was allowed to keep teaching and coaching.

Hillstead said detectives continue to investigate Booth and whether any other girls or women have been subjected to any unwanted attention by him.

Booth's future as boys track coach also is in question because it is unlikely he would be allowed to run the program while on administrative leave, Emholtz said.

"We need to go through the process and make sure everyone is treated fairly," Emholtz said.

U.S.S. NewYork

It was built with 24 tons of scrap steel from the World Trade Center.

It is the fifth in a new class of warship - designed for missions that include special operations against terrorists. It will carry a crew of 360 sailors and 700 combat-ready Marines to be delivered ashore by helicopters and assault craft.

Steel from the World Trade Center was melted down in a foundry in Amite, LA to cast the ship's bow section. When it was poured into the molds on Sept. 9, 2003, "those big rough steelworkers treated it with total reverence," recalled Navy Capt. Kevin Wensing, who was there. "It was a spiritual moment for everybody there."

Junior Chavers, foundry operations manager, said that when the trade center steel first arrived, he touched it with his hand and the "hair on my neck stood up." "It had a big meaning to it for all of us," he said. "They knocked us down. They can't keep us down. We're going to be back."

The ship's motto? "Never Forget"

Medical Humor

You know you're in the Medical Field if.........................

1.You would like to meet the inventor of the call light some night in a dark alley.

2.Your sense of humor gets more warped each year.

3.Almost everything can seem humorous...eventually.

4.You know the smell of different diarrhea to identify it.

5.You can tell the pharmacist more about the medication they are dispensing
than they know.

6.You check the caller ID on your day off to see if anyone from the hospital
is trying to call and ask you to work.

7.You've been telling stories in a restaurant and made someone at another
table throw up.

8.You notice that you are using more 4 letter words than you did before you
started nursing.

9.Every time someone asks you for a pen you can find at least 4 of them on you.

10.You live by the motto "to be right is only half the battle, to convince
the doctor is more difficult."

11.You've told a confused patient that your name was that of your coworker
and to holler if they need help.

12.Your bladder can expand to the size of a Winnebago's water tank.

13.You find yourself checking out other customer's veins in grocery waiting
lines.

14.You avoid unhealthy looking shoppers in the mall for fear that they will
drop near you and you'll have to do CPR on your day off.

15.Your finger has gone places you never thought possible.

SIGN YOUR CAR REGISTRATION OR ELSE....

I got an email with the information below this morning and I wanted to pass this information on to all my fellow family and friends. My Uncle who is a University of Michigan police officer verified that the information regarding your car registrations is in fact TRUE. I guess one of my biggest problems is that there are too many unwritten Laws. I think that each law abiding citizen should get a copy of the Laws for the county, township, city and state that they live in from the government. If they expect us to abide by their rules then we need to know what the rules are. Don't punish me for something I had know idea even existed. OK.... I will step of my soap-box now.

SIGN CAR REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE OR PAY $125

Make sure your car registration has been signed on the back to avoid
Paying a $125 fine if you're ever pulled over for anything. New
Legislation in Michigan.

At the Secretary of States office the customer service representative
Told me to please be sure that the registered owner of the vehicle
Signed the registration. She explained that if you are pulled over and
The back of your registration is not signed (even though it is valid),
You will be fined $125.00.

I was so stunned " I had to clarify: So, if I get pulled over, and even
Though my tags are valid, and the registration is in my possession BUT
It is not signed by the registered owner, I will be given a ticket for
$125.00?? She answered YES! Apparently, this is Michigan state
Legislature that has recently been put into effect.

ICE STORM

This morning this is what it kinda of looked like outside. It took me a little while to get the ice off the car but, nothing stopped my wife and I from enjoying a wonderful day together. Not even an ICE STORM.... We did some shopping at The CrossRoads Mall, we saw A Night At The Museum, and then we went for an early dinner at TGIFridays. Tamara had the Day off work because, of Martin Luther King Day and this was my normal day off. It was so much fun to just have some time to spend together alone. I Love My wife dearly and she is so much fun to be around.

SEASONS

The following pictures are of the same place but taken during different seasons
Be sure to read to the end...






There was a man who had four sons. He wanted his sons to learn not to judge things too quickly. So he sent them each on a quest, in turn, to go and look at a pear tree that was a great distance away.

The first son went in the winter, the second in the spring, the third in summer, and the youngest son in the fall.

When they had all gone and come back, he called them together to describe what they had seen.

The first son said that the tree was ugly, bent, and twisted. The second son said no it was covered with green buds and full of promise.

The third son disagreed; he said it was laden with blossoms that smelled so sweet and looked so beautiful, it was the most graceful thing he had ever seen.

The last son disagreed with all of them; he said it was ripe and drooping with fruit, full of life and fulfillment.

The man then explained to his sons that they were all right, because they had each seen but only one season in the tree's life.

He told them that you cannot judge a tree, or a person, by only one season, and that the essence of who they are and the pleasure, joy, and love that come from that life can only be measured at the end, when all the seasons are up.

If you give up when it's winter, you will miss the promise of your spring, the beauty of your summer, fulfillment of your fall.

Moral: Don't let the pain of one season destroy the joy of all the rest. Don't judge life by one difficult season. Persevere through the difficult patches and trust the Lord that better times are sure to come later.

RUMOR ???

I heard rumor last night from a friend of mine that Chris Webber might come back to his home state of Michigan and play for the Detroit Pistons. The Sixers agreed to buyout his contract and let him go. I personally am a Chris Webber fan even though he will always be remembered as "MR. TIME-OUT" from way back in his collegiate career. I took it upon myself to look up on ESPN and see if this rumor is really something of reality and low and behold this is what I found..........

ESPN
Decision day almost certainly will be Monday for Chris Webber, whose agent told me Saturday night it'd be unwise to label any team -- whether the Pistons, Heat, Lakers or Mavericks -- a frontrunner.

Webber spent Saturday and planned to spend Sunday speaking and exchanging messages with players, coaches and executives from the four teams trying hardest to woo him.

Agent Aaron Goodwin said Webber had ruled out the Knicks -- although he might reconsider over the summer -- and was considering the Orlando Magic and Sacramento Kings only as fallback options.

The New 24 Is Insane! Season SIX

My wife and I are absolute 24 Fans and we just finished up watching season 5 last night to prepare ourselves for the new season starting this Sunday Night. We have seen every season and they seem to keep getting better and better. I just found this article on Yahoo TV written :By Kristin Veitch. Now you can read what she has to say about the upcoming season.

Now, just to get everyone up to speed on what you can expect from 24 this season, here's my rundown of what you need to know:

1. Jack Bauer is hairy. Like, gross hairy. Like, I'm pretty sure small creatures are living inside that nappy beard of his. Twenty months of Chinese torture has not been kind to our heroic world-saver. J.B. is troubled, he's skittish, he's mute—and when he does open his mouth in the first episode, well, let's just say that there's a moment that is not for the weak of stomach. I'm wretching now just thinking about it! Blech!

2. Chloe is hot. So long, computer geek! Our girl Mary Lynn Rajskub is now a confoundingly coiffed, svelte señorita who is front and center in what appears (at least to moi) to be something of a love triangle! Love it.

3. Old friends will be back. "It's true. You haven't seen the last of Martha Logan," Jean Smart tells me. "But I haven't even read what I'm going to do yet." So it'll be a while before we see the Logans—yes, Martha's hubby the former prez (Gregory Itzin) will be back, too. As for Kim Raver (Audrey), she says only, "I might [be back]. Maybe. My commitment this year was to The Nine and now we are trying to figure that out. I am leaving that to the producers." (And as you'll soon see, Jack has not forgotten about her!)

4. New friends are coming, too. Chad Lowe has signed on to several episodes this season. He'll be playing a savvy politician named Reed Pollock. And Rena Sofer (she's everywhere, is she not?!) will step in, too. When asked which side her character will be, she says, "I'm tainted by bad, but I think I'm good. I play Paul McCrane's wife."

5. The end of the fourth episode will leave you speechless. Seriously. I can't even talk about it. It's that insane.

Best BCS Game This 2007 Year......

(Drum - Roll Please) And the winner is the Boise St. Broncos who had a wonderful comeback victory in overtime to beat Coach Stoops and his Oklahoma Sooners. Boise had two big plays that helped them come back to win. The first play was the "Hook and Ladder" that was so wonderfully executed to the key for a touchdown in the 4th quarter. Then in overtime they went for a 2pt conversion instead of kicking a extra point for the tie. The 2 pt conversion ended up being the "Statue of Liberty" play which once again was an absolute masterpiece of a play. My hat goes off to the undefeated 13-0 Boise St. Broncos... You were so deserving to win the game and in my book you should have went to the National Championship game against Ohio St. Look out here is a program coming up from the Horizon.

Good Churcn Announcements Gone Bad #1

What follows are ACTUAL announcements from ACTUAL church bulletins.


1. Don't let worry kill you --let the church help.

2. Thursday night -Potluck supper. Prayer and medication to follow.

3. Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our church and community.

4. For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.

5. The rosebud on the alter this morning is to announce the birth of David Alan Belzer, the sin of Rev. and Mrs. Julius Belzer.

6. This afternoon there will be a meeting in the South and North ends of the church. Children will be baptized at both ends.

7. Tuesday at 4:00 PM there will be an ice cream social. All ladies giving milk will please come early.

8. Wednesday the ladies liturgy will meet. Mrs. Johnson will sing "Put me in my little bed" accompanied by the pastor.

9. Thursday at 5:00 PM there will be a meeting of the Little Mothers Club. All ladies wishing to be "Little Mothers" will meet with the Pastor in his study.

10. This being Easter Sunday, we will ask Mrs. Lewis to come forward and lay an egg on the altar.

Happy 8th Year Anniversary

To my Dearest Wife~

I couldn't have lived till now,
if it wasn't for you.
I would have been so lost,
not knowing what to do.
You put me together,
only now can I see.
You make me what I am-
you complete me.
We`re two different halves;
put together, we`re one whole.
Every beat of my heart is yours;
everyday I pray for your soul.
It's just your smile I need to see,
when there`s no other remedy.
You put me together-
you complete me.
I`m too scared to let you go;
I never want to lose you.
If you weren't here with me,
I`d never know what to do.
All I feel now are joys;
all my sorrows are history.
What else can I say now?
It's because you complete me.

Love~

Your Husband

THE BARN

This barn is awesome.....Stare at the barn for just a little while....and a picture will appear

Ohio State vs. Florida (WHO CARES????)

No. 1 Ohio State and No. 2 Florida battle for the BCS title on Monday. In all honesty I don't really give a hoot about this game. I am seriously tired of the College Football Season being dragged further and further out into the next year. I remember back when all the bowl games were played either before or on the 1st of Jan. Now for the past few years the Bowl games have been getting spread further and further apart. I really lost interest in the Bowl games and with the big delay from the last game of the season until 50 somedays later when they finally play their bowl game.

I am personally in favor of a playoff system.... I know it can be done. They have a playoff in Div. II and Div. III so why not Div I. I am sure it has something to do with money and politics.

I guess I will leave on this note... If I have to pick a team to win the National Championship I will pull for the Big 10 so best of Luck to Ohio St.....EVEN THOUGH I CAN'T STAND YOUR FOOTBALL TEAM ! ! !


GO BIG BLUE ! ! ! ! !

Computer Humor

In our busy office, a computer going down causes quite an inconvenience.
One day, a computer not only crashed, it made a noise that sounded like a
heart monitor.

"This computer has flat-lined," a co-worker called out with mock horror.
"Does anyone here know how to do mouse-to-mouse resuscitation?"

A STAR IN IRAQ ! !

I received this article below from Major Dan Whisnant a personal friend of mine who is serving in Iraq for his 2nd tour of duty. Major Dan does a really good job of explaining what really is happening in Iraq both good/bad. It states how sad it is how our Media always brings out the terrible things that are happening in IRAQ and how we have no business being over there. I can give you email after email about how Major Whisnant explains in great detail all the "great" things that have taken place in Iraq along with the bad things. I have come to grips that it is better to shun our terrible media system and get the facts straight from the horse's mouth. Here is a heart warming story that should stir this country for the sacrifices our men make and the good that they are doing. God Bless America.

Semper Fi.


Winners Make Things Happen!

Please share this with your Blogger Buddies....Here is a tough, but heartwarming story and a picture of John Gebhardt
in Iraq.



John's wife, Mindy, related that this little girl's entire family was
executed. The insurgents intended to execute her also and shot her in
the head but they failed to kill her. She was cared for by John's hospital
and is healing up, but has been crying and moaning. The nurses said John is
the only one who seems to calm her down, so John has spent the last four
nights holding her while they both sleep in that chair. The girl is coming
along with her healing.

*He is a real Star of the war and is representative of what America is
trying to do. This, my friends, is worth sharing with the WORLD!
This is something that you'll never see in the news. Please keep this
going. Nothing will happen if you don't. The American public needs to see
pictures like this and needs to realize that what we're doing over there
is making a difference. Even if it is one little girl at a time.

James Gates U.S. Navy

Motivational Pictures

Contraversial Portriat

You may be asking what in the world is up with this picture.... Well I copied part of an article that describes what it is claimed to be. I personally take this as an act of Blasphemey.... Even though it does not picture God it does interact with something that was a part of his plan. The Virgin Mary gave birth to the one and only perfect Son Jesus Christ who lived on this earth 33 years (sinless) and then was crucified on the Cross of Calvary for everyone's sin. That we can have the eternal gift if we repent and believe and receive. By using Angelina Jolie as a portrait of The Virgin Mary I find that very offensive and a slap in the face to my Saviour.

A North Carolina artist intrigued by the public obsession with celebrity has found herself feeding that obsession with a painting of actress
Angelina Jolie as the Virgin Mary hovering over a Wal-Mart check-out line.

Kate Kretz has painted for 20 years but none of her previous work has garnered the attention given "Blessed Art Thou," showing this weekend at Art Miami, an annual exposition of modern and contemporary art.

The Top 8 Things You Will Never Hear A Woman Say !!!

I came accross this the other day and thought is was pretty funny. It kind of reminds me of the David Letterman Top 10 list. Keep in mind these are the Things that a woman would "NEVER" say ! ! ! !

The Top 8 Things You Will Never Hear A Woman Say:

8. What do you mean today's our anniversary?

7. Can we not talk to each other tonight? I'd rather just watch TV.

6. Ohhhhhh, this diamond is wayyyyyyyyy tooooooo big!

5. Can our relationship get a little more physical? I'm tired of being 'just friends'

4. Honey, does this outfit make my butt look too small?

3. Aww, don't stop for directions, I'm sure you'll be able to figure out how to get there.

2. I don't care if it's on sale, $300 is way to much for a designer dress.

1. Hey, pull my finger!

112 year old Boston Red Sox Fan Dies

Kathryn Gemme, a lifelong Red Sox fan who followed the team since the days of Babe Ruth, has died. She was 112.

Gemme died at the Nemasket Healthcare Center in Middleborough on Friday, according to the O'Neill Funeral Home.

Gemme attended her first game at Fenway Park at age 18 in 1912 shortly after the ballpark opened and her last game in May 2004 when she was greeted by catcher Jason Varitek and Johnny Pesky.

Team officials brought the 2004 World Series trophy to her 111th birthday party in November 2005.

"That was a big day of her life," her daughter, Lucille Findley of Jacksonville, Ill., told The Boston Globe.

Gerald R. Ford 1913 - 2006

Gerald R. Ford our nations 38th President after Nixon resigned. President Ford was sworn in on August 9th 1974 ( 2 days after my birthday even though I wasn't born yet!) and served until 1977. Gerald R. Ford died at his Rancho Mirage, Calif., home on Tuesday at age 93.

My Favorite Interesting Facts about Gerald R. Ford:

From 1931 to 1935 Ford attended The University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, where he majored in economics and political science. He graduated with a B.A. degree in June 1935. He held various part-time jobs to supplement his scholarship.

A gifted athlete, Ford played on the University's national championship football teams in 1932 and 1933. He was voted the Wolverine's most valuable player in 1934 and on January 1, 1935, played in the annual East-West College All-Star game in San Francisco, for the benefit of the Shrine Crippled Children's Hospital.

In August 1935 he played in the Chicago Tribune College All-Star football game at Soldier Field against the Chicago Bears. He received offers from two professional football teams, the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers, but chose instead to take a position as boxing coach and assistant varsity football coach at Yale hoping to attend law school there.

Ping Pong for 3 Invention!!!

Melba and Secil Boyd pose at their Holualoa, Hawaii, art gallery Sunday, Dec. 31, 2006, with the production prototype of TriPong, a three-way ping-pong game Boyd invented. Also on the table are ping pong balls Boyd uses to explain his spatial relativity theory.

I really think this is a cool idea. I love playing Ping Pong especially with my teenagers at church & camp. Bringing 3 people to the table would make the game more interesting and competitive. If you never really played ping pong you need to pick up a paddle sometime and try. This sport ....yes I did say sport can really become addicting.

Brain Transplant

A man is told by his doctor that he is dying of an inoperable brain tumor, with only weeks to live.

"We do have hope," the doctor says. "We can attempt a brain transplant. However, it is very experimental, and very expensive."

"How much would it cost me?" the patient asks.

"Normally a man's brain transplant is $100,000. You’re in luck; we have a woman's brain available, and that one is only $10,000."

Confused the man asks, "Why is the man's brain so expensive and the woman's so cheap?"

The doctor replies, "Because the woman's brain is considered 'used'."

A son after his Poppa's own Heart ! !

Here is a picture of Bryce sporting his new Medical Scrub's (notice Michigan) which he recieved from his Grandma Cooper for Christmas. Bryce wanted his picture taken and stated "Poppa" someday I am going to be just like you and take care of sick people. I absolutely love this picture but, I Love My Son much.....much.....MUCH MORE. I just want to see Bryce grow up and serve the Lord and succeed in what ever he ends up doing. God has blessed up as parents with such a wonderful son.

Happy New Year 2007

I know it has been nearly 15 days since I have posted here on my blog. With all the hustle and bustle from the Holiday season and trying to get over sickness I just haven't had the drive to keep up to date. One of my New Years Resolution is to keep this site up to date as much as possible. I have so much to catch you all up on from the Holiday which I was so thankful for.

2006 has come and gone. We had a great year and give God all the Glory for his great provision from this past year. God has always met our needs and took good care of us. Some highlights from this past year is Bryce wrestling and taking 2nd in Districts and 2nd in Regionals in the state of Michigan. We went to Wisconsin and had a great week of Vacation Bible School for my Father-in-Law church back in June. In August I had my appendix taken out the weekend of my Birthday. (Happy 30th Huh ! ! !) Then we had a good time with all our family.

Now as we look forward into 2007 we have lots to look forward too. We start the Year out on a great note with Michigan playing USC in the Rose Bowl. I am wishing you all a very Happy and successful 2007. Always remember too "Love and Labor for the Lord" and keep others first. We live in a fast paced world were everything is about Me and Me ONLY ! ! ! Maybe we can stop for a second and just put others first. Hold a door open for someone, let someone else go first, help someone in need, pray for someone, call someone and let them know you are thinking about them, write someone a letter. Remember Jesus came to this world to Serve and Save..... and we are to be liken unto his image. (Christ-like) Do you have what it takes???? Happy New Years ! !

Love,

Brian

American Mensa Intelligence Test

Directions: You have to work out what the letters mean. See the 1st as and example. Only two MENSA members have achieved in completing all of these. See how well you do.
Scoring: 1 to 5 is Average, 6 - 11 Somewhat Intelligent, 12 to 18 Intelligent, 19 + Genius

24 H in a D = 24 Hours in a Day

26 L of the A

7 D of the W

7 W of the W

12 S of the Z

66 B of the B

52 C in a P (W J)

13 S in the U S F

18 H on a G C

39 B of the O T

5 T on a F

90 D in a R A

3 B M (S H T R)

32 is the T in D F at which W F

15 P in a R T

3 W on a T

100 C in a D

11 P in a F (S) T

12 M in a Y

13 is U F S

8 T on an O

29 D in F in a L Y

27 B in the N T

365 D in a Y

13 L in a B D

52 W in a Y

9 L of a C

60 M in an H

23 P of C in the H B

64 S on a C B

9 P in S A

6 B to an O in C

1000 Y in a M

15 M on a D M C

Indiana police clock teen at 142 mph

{I WONDER IF THIS EXCUSE WOULD HAVE WORKED BACK WHEN I WAS A TEENAGER ? ? ?}

VALPARAISO, Ind. - A teenager charged with driving 142 mph along a four-lane divided highway said he was speeding home so his parents wouldn't be mad at him for being late, police said.
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Brandon D. Raap, 16, faces speeding and misdemeanor reckless driving charges and could have his license suspended, police said.

Porter County sheriff's deputies stopped Raap along a rural stretch of U.S. 30 at 12:40 a.m. Saturday after a radar gun clocked his 2004 Subaru Impreza going almost 90 mph faster than the posted 55 mph limit, police said.

It might be the fastest speed ever recorded on the northwestern Indiana county's roads, said Porter County sheriff's spokesman Sgt. Tim Emmons.

"Most people's cars won't go that fast," he said.

Words Of Wisdom ! !

When everyone thinks, "How Great Thou Art," keep reminding yourself, how regular I am.

Warning issued about jury duty scheme

BEWARE:

Skipping jury duty has its consequences - and identity thieves are using them as threats in a new scam.

The Barry County Sheriff's Department warns about a scheme in which a caller pretends to be a court worker. They inform the victim that an arrest warrant has been issued for them for failing to show up for jury duty.

The caller asks for a social security number, birthday, or even credit card numbers to cancel the warrant.

The scam has been reported in 11 states. The FBI and federal courts are issuing a nationwide alert.

Word Play

These are pretty clever. Try to resist moving quickly. Look at each picture, try to determine what it represents, and then look at the answer below the picture.






LIGHT BEER








CARD SHARK









DANDY LION










DR.PEPPER












GatorAide

Ketchup in the Bottle !

A woman was trying hard to get the ketchup to come out of the jar.

During her struggle the phone rang so she asked her 4-year-old daughter to answer the phone.

"It's the minister, Mommy," the child said to her mother.

Then she added, "Mommy can't come to the phone to talk to you right now.
She's hitting the bottle."

ROSE BOWL 2007

For the third time in four seasons, the No. 3-ranked Michigan football team will play in a prestigious Bowl Championship Series game. The Wolverines (11-1, 7-1 Big Ten) will face Southern California (10-2, 7-2 Pac-10) in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1, 2007, in Pasadena, Calif. The contest will mark the 10th time the two programs have met in "The Granddaddy of Them All." The Rose Bowl kicks off at 5 p.m. EST and will be televised by ABC.

Judge sentences man in Ohio State-Michigan ticket scam

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio (AP) - A judge in Ohio has sentenced a man to nearly three years in prison for failing to deliver tickets to the 2005 Ohio State-Michigan football game.

Fifty-four-year-old Mark West of Fostoria, Ohio will spend 23 months in a state prison after being held in jail for the past eleven months. He was convicted of theft and fraud for bilking 250 customers who bought tickets to the 2005 game in an online auction.

Wood County, Ohio Judge Alan Mayberry also ordered him to pay back $160,000 to those who bought the tickets.

At least 200 people filed complaints against him.

West was arrested in January at a hotel bar in Daytona Beach, Florida.

STOLEN CHRISTMAS

Twas the month before Christmas when all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying nor taking a stand.
Why the PC Police had taken away
The reason for Christmas - no one could say.

The children were told by their schools not to sing
About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.
It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say,
December 25th is just a "Holiday ".

Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit,
Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!
CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod
Something was changing, something quite odd!

Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.
As Targets were taking the red kettles down
At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.

At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears
You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.
Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty
Are words that were used to intimidate me.

Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
On Boxer, Pelosi, on Kerry, on Clinton !
At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matters.

And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace
The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
The reason for the season, stopped before it started.

So as you celebrate "Winter Break" under your "Dream Tree"
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.
Choose your words carefully, choose what you say
Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday!

WMU accepts invite to first International Bowl

KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- Western Michigan has accepted the first invitation to play in the inaugural International Bowl, to be held Jan. 6 at the Rogers Centre in Toronto.

The 2007 International Bowl will be the first bowl game played outside the United States since the 1937 Bacardi Bowl in Havana, the school said Tuesday in announcing it had accepted the invitation. It will feature teams from the Mid-American Conference and the Big East Conference.

A Big East opponent had not yet been selected to face the Broncos, who completed their regular season with an 8-4 overall record and a 6-2 mark in the MAC. They finished second in the conference’s West Division, behind Central Michigan.

Western Michigan boasts the sixth-best rushing defense among NCAA Division I-A schools, limiting opponents to 71.9 yards per game on the ground. The team also leads all big schools in interceptions with 22.

The Broncos will be making their first bowl game appearance since the 1988 California Bowl.

When your Father is a Graphic Designer Part 1

Hope this doesn't give ideas to some daddies out there!

We all know that Moms love to dress up their kids.

But when Dad is a graphic designer, anything is possible..

It all started out with the innocent baby picture below...

When your Father is a Graphic Designer Part 2

Israel Kamakawiwo'ole: 1959-97

This video below is my favorite version of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow". I really enjoy IK's music and how he sings this song.

* Born: 20 May 1959
* Birthplace: Hawaii
* Died: 26 June 1997 (respiratory failure)
* Best Known As: Super-sized Hawaiian singer of "Over the Rainbow"





Ooooo oooooo ohoohohoo
Ooooo ohooohoo oooohoo
Ooooo ohoohooo oohoooo
Oohooo oohoooho ooooho
Ooooo oooooo oooooo
Ooooo oooooo oooooo

Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high
And the dreams that you dreamed of
Once in a lullaby ii ii iii
Somewhere over the rainbow
Blue birds fly
And the dreams that you dreamed of
Dreams really do come true ooh ooooh
Someday I'll wish upon a star
Wake up where the clouds are far behind me ee ee eeh
Where trouble melts like lemon drops
High above the chimney tops thats where you'll find me oh
Somewhere over the rainbow bluebirds fly
And the dream that you dare to,why, oh why can't I? i iiii

Well I see trees of green and
Red roses too,
I'll watch them bloom for me and you
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world

Well I see skies of blue and I see clouds of white
And the brightness of day
I like the dark and I think to myself
What a wonderful world

The colors of the rainbow so pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces of people passing by
I see friends shaking hands
Saying, "How do you do?"
They're really saying, I...I love you
I hear babies cry and I watch them grow,
They'll learn much more
Than we'll know
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world (w)oohoorld

Someday I'll wish upon a star,
Wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where trouble melts like lemon drops
High above the chimney top that's where you'll find me
Oh, Somewhere over the rainbow way up high
And the dream that you dare to, why, oh why can't I? I hiii ?

Ooooo oooooo oooooo
Ooooo oooooo oooooo
Ooooo oooooo oooooo
Ooooo oooooo oooooo
Ooooo oooooo oooooo
Ooooo oooooo oooooo