The Mishler Blog

Your Auntie Judy....

2009-04-24T10:46:00.002-04:00

I'm so, so sorry that I'm so selfish that I wrote first about my little probs. I'm totally embarrased. I got a call from my sister Judy day before yesterday and her husband of over 50 years died last Saturday. Please keep her in your prayers and please send her an email if you can. She's so lost right now. They've been together since she was 15 yrs old and married since she was 16 yrs. It would bless her so much to hear from you all. Her email address is JerryPJudy@aol.com

He was leaning over the sofa and just blacked out and stopped breathing on Thursday the 16th. She tried CPR until the paramedics got there but he never regained conciousness and died on Saturday. Her address is Judy Powell, P.O.Box 1107, R.R.3, Pahoa, Hawaii 96778

Phone: (808) 982-9612

All my love, Mom

Friday 4/24/09

2009-04-24T10:24:00.000-04:00

Hi Family, I'm sorry I've been so quiet lately but it's hard to talk right now. I had surgery last week on Wednesday 4/15 by an oral surgeon in Reno. It was a total miracle. He called us at home on the previous Thursday evcening just to see what we were thinking and we told him we wanted to go with him but our local dentist was half the price, though she didn't put you "out". I just couldn't justify that kind of money. He was quiet for a moment and then asked what she was charging for the procedure. We told him it was about $6000 and he had quoted us around $14,000 to $15,000. I figured I'd just "suck it up" and pray. He then told me he'd do the procedure for her price and would put me "out". I was STUNNED and handed to phone to Gare 'cause I thought I was hearing things. He asked us to bring the paperwork that she'd given us and because we'd already paid about $1800 for the dentures he deducted that and did the procedure for the balance. HALLELUJAH!!!!! I've had a lot of pain due to the fact that I've been on those stupid pain meds so long and it changes your reaction to pain. But we've been sooooooo blessed. Our local dentist, Linda Vixie, is a christian and has been doing the follow up adjustments that are so necessary. All I can say is "The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want....". I love and miss you all so, so much. Dr. Kang's office called us and said he'd turned us down. He just couldn't take on a case like this. I was so discouraged but I know we're in His mighty hands and He has a plan. I just want to be there.....a few minutes away...so I can see my children and grandbabies. Remember the parable about the "squeaky wheel neighbor" who wouldn't stop knocking until his neighbor got up and helped him. May we all be "squeaky wheels" without end. I so badly want to be there with you all!!!!!! All my love to you...Mama/Nana

New music....featuring Pops!!!

2009-03-22T19:01:00.002-04:00

Hello tribe....
A while back Max and I were talking about pops and music. I said that I would take some of the recordings of pops' and use Garageband to set it to music.So here it is...at least the 1st one.It's called "Imaginator". It's short but very cool.Well,I think it is anyway...
I am going to upload it to my drEaMSoaKer Myspace site.It's all of my Garageband music.

I hope ya like it!

Love

Juan

Hey me familia

2009-03-02T22:07:00.001-05:00

I love you all.

Pete

lee and nean's brown cup coffee show

2009-01-20T13:24:00.002-05:00

Hola

2009-01-19T19:25:00.002-05:00

Hello tribe!

Just wanted to say hello to everyone.Max was here for about a week.Him and Patty and the lil' cookie critters were staying in the hood right next to us! About a 3 min drive. I got to spend a lil time with Patty as she wiped the floor with me in pool.She hides her pool shark fin well!
Max and I got out to a lil' Irish pub on the 15th and raised a pint or two for pops.We had a good talk and just being with my best friend helped me out tremendously. I hope it did the same for him.We also got out the next day and drove down to Tampa to hit the Hard Rock Casino where it would appear that my Native blood earned us no favortism among my Seminole bros as we came away a few $$$ poorer.Oh well.
We then hit a really good Mexican restaurant for lunch.I asked for some really hot salsa for the chips and they brought out 4 different varieties.All pretty hot and mighty tastey.Afterwards we hit a cool record store called Rock N Roll Heaven.TONS of vinyl.I love that place.
Yep,we hit a Starbucks on the way home.
On Sat morn' we loaded up Max's gear in the HHR and sauntered on to the airport.
I had a blast....really needed that.

Take care my lil' homies and may the Lord of our fathers and the Master of the Angels put a song in your heart and a hunger in your soul.

Juan

PS: My i-Pod has some very cool and sorely missed tunes on it now thanx to Max.
Did someone say 77's?

Fall Photos!

2009-01-15T19:06:00.002-05:00

Hey Fam!
Gosh, it really is hard to believe that it's been a year since POps moved to heaven.. it's probably been all of 5 minutes for him, though! :D

I posted a load of photos to facebook-- i'm catching up from the fall, but here's a link to view the album if you don't have facebook..
Love you ALLL! can't WAIT to see you nana and gare!
love love

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=60107&l=7e22a&id=504003736

One year ago........

2009-01-15T16:38:00.002-05:00

Hey Family,
I can't believe it's been a year since Dad went on to bigger and better things. I miss him terribly, but at the same time I have a peace in my heart.
It won't be much longer until we all go "further up and further in"
I miss and love you dad!!!!!!

Getting Very Excited!!

2009-01-13T09:11:00.002-05:00

We've been very busy but this is only making us more and more excited about getting away and seeing everyone. It won't be long now! Hey, Jay....do you know the name of the town where they've kept everything like it was a hundred years or so ago. You can walk around and look in the windows and the whole town has been preserved. I can't remember the name or even where it is. I thought you might know. I love you all and can't wait to see you. How's the weather been? It's pretty much winter here.
Mom/Nana

Hola Everyone!

2009-01-06T10:20:00.000-05:00

Hey Everyone! I see the blog's been a little quiet lately and wanted to touch bases with everyone a little. We're so excited that Mom and Gary are coming this way for a visit soon! Can't wait! I'm now in my downtime from the Opry and it's much needed respite! We leave for Orlando this Sat the 10th for a week and are looking forward to getting out of town for a little bit. We rented a house in the Orlando area that's literally only a mile from Juan! Not even on purpose just worked out that way! My BIG news is that I'm trying to get back in school (via online) to finish my English degree. I've got everything lined up and I'm just waiting for the school to get back with me now. I'm so excited! Oh, the pic is from Christmas Eve at Janice and Ted's house (Patty's Mom). I thought it was a good representation of how happy the kids were! Love and miss you all!

Dropping In....

2008-12-30T19:39:00.002-05:00

Hi Family,
Just dropping in to say hi and tell you I love you all. Talked to auntie Debbie a couple of days ago and they had snow in Bellingham (northern Washington state). Everything comes to a standstill 'cause they're not used to this and nobody has snow tires. It was kinda exciting for everyone probably, though. Becky and Mel are getting ready for their first baby and are excited about that. I got an email from auntie Judy and they're struggling with health things but seem to be drawing closer to the Lord. The ole bod thing happens when you're three score plus (with them a big plus). She sounded happier than I've heard her sound in a long time. We're doing fine here. We're talkin' with Daisy Mae about the upcoming three weeks. She's depressed but trying to deal with it!! (I'm kiddin' of course...just don't want you to think your 3score+ mom's "slippin'." We had an earthquake the other morning at 4:20am. It was centered in Quincy (bout 60 miles). It was only a 4.5 but it shook the house pretty good and woke Gare up. I was sitting here at the computer and knew after about 2 seconds what it was. I just wasn't sure how big it was going to get. I started praying 'cause the frequency of earthquakes in the area of northern Cal and Reno has been growing. With 2 volcanoes not very far away and both just dormant it'll get you prayin' when you feel one starting. I was thinking about past Christmases myself and one that came to mind was when Coog was a toddler and Max a baby and we got Coog a train that moved by itself on a circular track that was set up so it went around the Christmas tree. This was at your grandma Jean and grandpa Earl's house in Philo. When Coog came down the hallway into the livingroom and saw it moving around the tracks he just stood there trembling and staring. He couldn't move for a minute. I can remember so many things and I need to get working on the journal while the memories are still there.
Well...ok, enough rambling. I hope everyone's having a good holiday time. I know it's been a bit hard this year and you've all been in my prayers. I love you so much and can't wait to see you. Won't be long now. . . . . .Mom/Nana

Hello

2008-12-30T15:37:00.001-05:00

Hope everyone had a good Christmas. I love you all!!!

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T14:41:00.002-05:00

I know I allready wished you all a Merry Christmas, but I thought I would reiterate since it is actually Christmas now. I am at work until five then off for the evening hope you all have a blessed evening. Missing Dad, today marks a year since I last spoke to him in person. It was at Max's, Sadie and I dropped by to see everyone and give him his movie gift certificates we always gave him. I know he is having the best christmas ever today.

Love
Pete

Merry Christmas to my familial units!!!!

2008-12-25T10:36:00.002-05:00

The kids had a great Christmas and although it doesn't feel very Christmasy outside it's a blessed day! It's been unusually warm this December although I know for Mom and Gary it's been opposite as you've had much of the white stuff already... Another good reason to come this way! hehe We miss you all a lot and hope each and every one of you are doing well. It's so exciting to know that Nino and Katey have another Mishler on the way! Juan, we are totally stoked to be coming to visit in a couple of weeks and yes, I need some serious "BRO TIME" too!

Christmas time at our house has always been time for Mexican food! A tradition started that started for me in the Ralston household many years ago and it just feels right to continue. The only weird thing is that we usually had Pop here to share in the festivities. So... Pop, I know you're in a better place than us by far but here's an enchilada for ya! Love you and miss you!

Merry Christmas to my beautiful family!

2008-12-24T19:25:00.002-05:00

I am missing all of you as of late.I have been thinkin about pops alot as well.I can't wait till Max and Patty and the lil' ones get down here in Jan.Max,we still gonna get together for some bro-time? I really need it in a big way.Lots of things on my heart and mind that I need to let loose.
I hope and pray that each and everyone of you has a blessed Christmas and New Year's Eve.Be careful and continually pray for one another.You are all on my heart and my mind and I miss you very much.

I love you!

Juan

Thanks Max and Patty, Kayleigh and Maxy

2008-12-23T18:20:00.002-05:00

I got interrupted earlier when I came here to the blog. Thank you for the "grandparent 's legacy" journal. This is going to make it so much easier for me to write down the memories I want to leave the grandchildren. I mean to do this all the time but then......time goes by and.....well, you know how that is. This will make sure I get this done and I know you'll share this will all the grandchildren. I love you guys and can't wait 'til we can all get together soon.
Mom/Nana and Grandpa Gary

Mele Kalikimaka!!

2008-12-23T13:32:00.002-05:00

I hope you all have a great Christmas and can spend some time with each other. Hopefully we'll be able to before too long. I'm praying! We can't wait to see everyone in February and are counting the days. We're kinda "spent" right now 'cause Christmas, though a huge blessing, is a little hard on church music people. We had a great Christmas service though and took family communion. It just made me wish we could all be together for it. It was just me and Gare. We're having a "white Christmas" this year and though it's pretty it's also pretty rough on old folks like us . . . lol. All that shoveling and slippin' and slidin'. I'm sorry we didn't get a video made for the grandchildren. It's been crazy here. We love you all and miss you.......Mom/Nana & Grandpa Gary

Merry Christmas !!

2008-12-22T16:09:00.003-05:00

I havent been on here in ages, but i love reading everyones post and seeing the pictures. I've been thinking about dad quite a bit lately and to be honest just plain missing him. Last christmas day we drove up and down hwy 501 checking all the conveniant stores for sour cream for Maxs mexican christmas dinner... Good times for sure!!!
Anyway, I love you all very much and i am very thankful to be a part of this family!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS
ps- Mom we got your card the other day and tell Gary we said thanks!!!

Merry Christmas

2008-12-21T09:04:00.002-05:00

Hello all. I hope you have a very Merry Christmas. First time blogging in a real long time. I still read the blogs every now and then though. Mom and Gary we got our card thank you so much and we look forward to seeing you real soon.

Love Pete

Kayleigh's 4th Birthday

2008-12-08T11:32:00.001-05:00

Kayleigh's 4th Birthday! from Max Mishler on Vimeo.

News from the land of the Rat

2008-12-02T21:16:00.002-05:00

Hello Tribe!

I hope you all had a wonderful Turkey day. Chris and I spent it in NY with her mom and brothers.It was a great time but to stinkin cold for me! We also got to see our friend Jane which was good as well.
2 news items worhty of note...

WMNF Radio in Tampa, a public radio, has contacted me and want to do a feature on my music.How cool and bizarre is that? I am sending them a CD and if all goes well the show will air this Sunday night.They want to feature my stuff on a show called "Outside the Box" and ,on a later date, on a show called "Two Worlds" which feature Native American musicians.I will keep ya posted!

And....

I got a new bass! Yeah! It's a Squire Vintage Modified Fretless Jazz and it's based on the late great bassist Jaco Pastorious' own Fender Jazz bass which he modified by tearing out the frets and coating the neck with Epoxy.All you musos know that the Squire line is made by Fender and has had the bad rap of being tagged as the "poor man's Fender". Well, let me tell ya,this bass is a monster! It plays fantastic,sounds killer,and looks the bizniz! It has been getting rave reviews (a 5 out of 5 from Bass Player Magazine) and I have been drooling over this for the better part of the past year or so. I am happy to own it and can't wait to play it live.
I have attached a pic.

That's all folks!

Love and miss you all!
Juan

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAROLINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-11-29T18:55:00.002-05:00

I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thursday evening...

2008-11-28T00:56:00.000-05:00

Hi Family,
I just wanted to pop in and say "Happy Thanksgiving" to everyone. I hope you all have had a great day with family and friends. We love you and send hugs and kisses.....Mom/Nana & Grandpa Gary

Tuesday Evening

2008-11-19T01:50:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone...it's been awhile since I've been on the site and I just wanted to pop in and say hi to you. With "facebook" now too it's going to be a bit harder to me to keep up with any of them. Just keeping up with the ministry of worship takes most of the time around here but I've been dreaming a lot too. Dreaming of moving back east to be close to my loved ones. I refuse to stop praying until miracles become reality. Our God is mighty and He tells us to keep knocking and knocking until the door's opened. Juan...your poem was so beautiful. It brought tears to my eyes as memories flooded back. Thanks for sharing from your heart. Looking back over the last 62 years life has been so beautiful and so sad....so happy, etc., etc. The only advice I can share is to treasure each and every moment as if it were the last one you have on this earth. It all goes by so fast and only in your dreams do your babies become babies again. I love you all more than any simple words can explain. You live in my heart and are cherished everyday. Prayed for everyday. Good night all. . . . . Mom/Nana

Love my Mishler Family!

2008-11-07T19:47:00.002-05:00

Hello all!
Been awhile since my last post as well.Seems like we are all dealing with some issues (for lack of a better moniker) in our lives,both physical and spiritual.Ahhh,don't ya just love the aging process? White hair baby,that's my goal.Long and white.And in a braid!
I have been writing tons of poetry as of late. I tend to do this during times when I am being pushed spiritually,emotionally,or just plain inspired.MY last writes are a result of all three.
So,I am posting one of these poems here for you all...

Ashes and Foam

I sent my Love out over the Sea
And at Night the Moon brought Her home to Me
The Tide,it ebbed,the spray salty sweet
As the Ocean lay my Love at my feet

She gently took my hand in her own
The sensation of Memory chilling the bone
A short walk along shoreline and mist
Renewed my senses to what I've missed

And as Dawn awoke the Sun so fierce
I felt Sorrow's Dagger,my Heart thus Pierced
As sea foam and Moon beams swing and sway
Once again to take my Love away

I was inspired by the thought of being reminded of our loved ones.Specifically in dreams.I have had dreams of loved ones who have passed on (pops),past loves gone awry,and friends long gone.This is about someone being "visited" by a loved one in a dream and how the bittersweet panorama of such an experience can tug at both of our senses of love and lost.
Well....there are more but I may reserve them for another time as they are very personal.Consider this my "journal entry".
Take care,
Juan

2008-10-27T21:16:00.000-04:00

Rock-N-Roll Bubbie!

2008-10-13T16:03:00.001-04:00

A Lonely Road

2008-10-07T12:01:00.003-04:00

LONELY ROAD

by Mark Heard

from the album "Dry Bones Dance"

Not taking note of the fools or the wise

Being a pawn of time and chance

Not making vows when the flood waters rise

Is simpler than nails through your hands

Being a slave to the sultans of grief

Keeping the hand to the plow

Being held captive to public belief

Is easier than thorns through your brow

And it's a lonely road

That the Son of Man walks down

Being immune to the war of the heart

and never wondering why

To bury the conflict deep in the dark

Is safer than spears through your side

And it's a lonely road

That the Son of Man walks down

For him who burns with a creed and a flame

Words are as smoke on the wind

Some kind of volatile helplessness reigns

and can't fill the heart of his kin

To go and enlighten the doomed and unwashed

Seized with the art of sacrifice

To carry the weight of a martyr-at-large

Is easier than giving your life

And it's a lonely road

That the Son of Man walks down

Happy B-Day's, Thank You's, and everything else!

2008-10-07T08:24:00.003-04:00

So, I know it's as if I've fallen off the face of the blog that I personally created for us all. I'm sorry. I do visit it often, I just haven't felt like posting lately.

I hope that Coogan and Katey had great birthdays yesterday! Although I didn't call, you were both on my mind. It was also Steve Sifford's birthday. I always remember because of him sharing it with Coogan and Katey. It's funny because I can remember many moons ago when Steve turned 40 and we all dressed in black and surprised him at his house. We bought gag gifts and it seemed like 40 was soooo old to me! Now, here I am a year away from that number myself and I can't believe I still feel sooo young.. haha Of course when I consider my surgeries and injuries in the last several years I don't always feel so young! haha Anyway, I really do hope you guys had a good day spent among loved ones.

I'm sure that most if not all of you know what Patty and I went through over the last couple weeks. For the uninformed, Patty suffered her second Pulmonary Embolism and her last I might add if I have anything to do with it. Her current GP took her off of her Coumadin about 6 months ago which combined with putting her on an anti-inflammatory (for an unrelated foot problem) we believe is the culprit. Although we believe he was trying to improve her quality of life through these actions we also believe he was negligent in his actions and so we're in the process right now of finding her a doctor. This is not a fun process by any means so please continue to pray for us as we search for the right person to care for Patty. Speaking of prayer, I want to thank all of you for your prayers, cards, support, etc... When you're in the thick of things you tend to self-isolate and forget about the rest of the world and now that we're starting to come out of it I want you all to realize how much we love and appreciate you! (Juan your voicemails were incredibly awesome and really got me through some tough moments! Love you brother!) So we love you all and I'm really going to be posting more lately! I was talking to Mom about this a few days ago but I just want to reiterate my feelings about the blog. I really think that if we write as if in a journal for our own reasons, it'll take it to another level. We'll begin to see the inner workings of each other and take the intimacy to a whole new level. Nothing wrong with using it as a news tool too to keep each other informed since we all live so far apart. (that's what this post was for sure) Anyway, just a thought! Love and miss you all!

"Sentimental hearts. Hungry for the past. Penniless at the wishing well. Memories will last. To cover certain scars. Acquired in the daily grind of being what we are." Mark Heard "HOUSE OF BROKEN DREAMS"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY COOG! ;)

2008-10-06T12:53:00.000-04:00

mud run pics

2008-10-04T08:50:00.002-04:00

http://www.eventpictures.com/app/event/zoomPictures?eventInstanceId=15714&picture=3440316

http://www.eventpictures.com/app/event/zoomPictures?eventInstanceId=15714&picture=3438843

sorry i just can't fathom paying $75 for these two photos off their website, so i'll just be cheap and send you the links.. :D
Lov eyou all!
(mum, i think you can just click the link; or cut/paste it into the internet search bar and it'll take ya there.. kisses, i love you!)

Wednesday Evening

2008-10-02T00:46:00.002-04:00

Just logging in to say goodnight. I love and miss you all very much. If I've let anyone down for anything that's slipped through the cracks....I'm sorry. Just keeping up the ministry of music director at our church takes everything these days. We have a great Pastor/Shepherd who is very encouraging and believes that keeping on with ministries gives us a reason to get up out of bed and a reason to put one foot in front of another. His wife is also awesome. Anyway....I'd love to be there with you'all sharing my days with my family and playing with my grandchildren. Please keep praying for a healing that will at least get me free from specialists and drugs. Being close to you all will be more than reason enough to put one foot in front of another. I love you very much......goodnight, Mom/Nana

Monday night...

2008-09-29T23:48:00.002-04:00

I can't say much tonight as I'm very weak right now. I decided to go with the chemo one more week. Monday's the day I take it and it's been a bit rough. I'd appreciate any prayers. Anyway...I wanted you guys to know we sang "You Won't Relent" yesterday and man...that's such a powerful song to sing to Him. Especially when you're in any kind of fire. It says "come be the fire inside of me, come be the flame upon my heart - come be the fire inside of me, until You and I are one". Maybe I already said this in the last post. I can't remember right now.
Well....I just wanted to say "hi" and I love you all.......Mom/Nana

Sunday morning....

2008-09-28T07:42:00.002-04:00

Hi All, my prayers are continual for you Patty. There's a song ringing in my head all week. If you want to hear it you can download it at iTunes. It called "You Won't Relent" by Misty Edwards. It speaks of God being the fire....the flame....whatever it takes until we're one with Him. It's impossible to explain a song as you all know. It's worth a listen, though. I hope everyone is doing well. I'm sorry I'm not in touch more these days. It's taking everything just to keep on keeping on with the ministries we've been doing. I'll feel like quitting and then everytime....someone comes up and says just the thing it takes to make you want to take that next step. Just another week. We're working on another video for the grandkids. It should be there soon. I love and miss you all so much. Gare's doing good. We had a group called "Radical Reality" come to our little ville. They have the gift of "strength" and awesome testimonies. They do the thing where you break bricks, bend steel bars, blow up hot water bottles, etc., etc. to reach kids. They came and did 5 school assemblies and a night service where they could actually mention the Lord. At the assemblies they couldn't even say "God". But you can't legislate out the Holy Spirit. Anyway . . Gare did sound for them and got very blessed. It was awesome to see 300 teens give their hearts to the Lord. Well, goodbye for now. Touch base here at the site once in awhile. I always love checking in and finding something. I love you very much....Mom/Nana

MAX!

2008-09-25T08:14:00.001-04:00

how's patty feeling?? any updates!? we're praying, bro! love you both!

Murmurs from the past.....

2008-09-19T21:07:00.005-04:00

Murmurs,groans,utterances.
At times it seems that even the Holy Spirit can't relay what I am feeling.

Frustration?

A sense of being overwhelmed?

Maybe I am just bored.

Stuck in a rut.

Land-locked.

Or maybe I am feeling the pain of my friend.

I wrote to you all a few posts ago about some of my friends going through tough times and there are moments where Joy is prevalent and other moments when a sorrowful tide is washing away that Joy.
It pains me to see my friends this way and in particular one very special friend.
She is going through a tough divorce (they're all tough) and I pray that she comes out "...shinning like gold but better". On top of the divorce she has other stuff going on and although she is strong I know that she is really hurting.I know because I have been there and maybe that is why she is on my heart,in my thoughts,and in my prayers so much.
I try to make it a point to let her know that even though it seems so incredibly dark right now,that she will see that light at the dawn.That Northern Star that announces the day with a radiance that is unsurpassed by even the heaviest of novas.I tell her that she is loved by many people and that we will be here for her.I know,that is a somewhat shallow comfort when you are alone at night with only your thoughts to ebb away at twilight's impending arrival.Those were the hardest times for me as well.
I remember Max staying up very late with me,talking,praying,comforting me the way only a good friend and incredible brother can.That was so instrumental to my spiritual and mental health.
So as you can see this situation with my friend is not easy.It does bring to the surface some bad memories.Not that it is affecting me directly in terms of reliving my own divorce,but knowing what she is going through and how alone she feels at times is so hard to watch.
What else can I do? I am there for her in prayer,as a shoulder to cry on,as a fellow "veteran",as a friend.

Chris and I talk about this alot.God,she is wonderful and such a beautiful friend!I can bounce anything off of Chris and I am always sure to get an honest answer and the most incredible support.I am blessed beyond what I am worth.
So,please pray for my friend that she finds Joy again,that she finds companionship when the time is right,that her health gets better,that her whole situation will one day be a shinning diamond that she can look at and reap untold experiences from that will allow her to enjoy whatever God has planned for her in a truly cosmic fashion that only our Lord can accomplish.

Laters my familia....
<><
Juan

Slides and Tunnels

2008-09-09T13:08:00.000-04:00

Saturday evening...

2008-09-07T01:16:00.003-04:00

Well...another week's gone by. I just wanted to tell you all that I love you and miss you. Your auntie Debbie is coming for a visit this coming Friday and will be here a week so I'm looking forward to seeing her. We'll sing a song in church together next Sunday for the first time.
Goodnight to everyone and please kiss those sweet babies for me. All my love to all of you. . . Mom/Nana

2008-09-07T00:38:00.001-04:00

HAHAHA!

2008-09-05T12:39:00.002-04:00

i had to post this; it's a photo i got off a friend's site, who's last name is"Grigsby"

WHO by the way has a ring on a necklace around his neck that is IDENTICAL to a sterling ring I lost in the ocean 7 years ago, and his dad found it laying in the middle of a street and gave it to him.. it's crazy! we got to meet w/ he and his beautiful betrothed to talk about life and marriage and the Lord.. they're so lovely we can't wait to watch them live out their lives.. ANYway; here's the photo.. hope it makes ya chuckle like it did me .. smoochas

Politics Schmalitics

2008-09-04T15:18:00.002-04:00

So, here we are once again with all this political junk in front of us on a daily basis. I really try to stay out of it for the most part because I don't really think it has anything to do with "me" or my daily life. It also is too easy to become a "fanboy" of one party or the other and in the process lose the ability to remain objective and think clearly. So all that being said, I do think it's OK to have an opinion and share it. So, what's my opinion of Republican VP nominee Sarah Palin? On the surface, I like her! She's smart, gutsy, independent, and all the other adjectives the conservative base is using... On the other hand, you can't help but feel like it's all a big gimmick made in desperation by a party that know's this nation has had enough. A "hail mary" pass if you will. I probably still lean in that direction. I think it'll either be the thing that gives McCain the presidency or the single biggest mistake in the history of politics... No middle ground in other words. I did come across an interesting story by someone that's known her and her family for several years and lives in Wasilla. I definitely think it gives you a different perspective on her because it doesn't come across as mean or praising but just "factual". I'm sure there's some bias in there because frankly I think it's almost impossible for any of us to not have it in one way or another. Anyway, enough of Max on a soapbox. Click here for the story.

Tuesday....

2008-09-02T22:49:00.002-04:00

This is a follow up the the song "Healer" that I sent the link to. As it turns out . . .the brother who wrote the song confessed that he didn't have cancer at all and had lied about that. He also confessed that he was addicted to pornography. As a pastor and the son of a pastor there have been a lot of repercussions from this. I'm ashamed at how so many act about things like this. So does this invalidate the song? Does he not need a healing just as much as if he had cancer? Jesus wants love from His children and when people fall we are tested. Anyway....just wanted to update everyone. The song is amazing and very anointed. We're singing it this Sunday for the first time and I just got off the phone with my pastor who agreed with me about this decision. Please keep Mike Gugliacucci (? spelling might be wrong) in your prayers. I love you guys......Mom/Nana

A new way of shinning our light....

2008-09-02T20:49:00.002-04:00

In my last post I had expressed a certain level of shame when it comes to the churches treatment of non-believers.Specifically gays and lesbians.This points to a greater "eveil " that we as believers face: We have a bad reputation and image.
How so? Consider that in the last 10-15 years Christianity and it's followers have "fallen" in popularity with the non-believers.Indeed with each other! Haven't you noticed a particular shift towards animosity where the church is concerned? Back when I became a Christian in 1988 folks would be more apt to listen to the gospel in an open state of mind.Now the reaction is more than likely a resounding "Oh,you guys! You are all hypocrites,anti-gay,and way too political." Believe me,and to add to my shame, I have kept my mouth shut because of this. I know that we are to be "in the world but not of it" as Paul wrote.But that does not excuse us from representing our Lord and Faith with a genuine presence of Love towards ALL.I see that same old bumper sticker everywhere I go: "WWJD?" Indeed,what would Jesus do? LOVE,that's what He would do!
So with that I invite you to check out a very forward thinking website:

UnChristian

Don't let the name fool ya.This is a unique ministry with a radical way of viewing ourselves as believers and representatives of God's Love for His Creation.Please check it out....
I will write more on this later.
I love all of you!

Stuff and more stuff...

2008-08-29T20:41:00.003-04:00

Hello Tribe...

How have all of you been? I hope well!
We averted Fay down here,at least the worst of it.Now let's see what Gustav and Hannah do....

I just received a comment from Fergus Marsh on MySpace. Apparently he listens to my music and that is very cool.He's the Stickist on a few of Bruce Cockburn's albums and has also played for Mark Heard and Tom Prasada Rao.He is one of my biggest influences on the Stick so I guessed I am a little stoked! I had a chance to interview him for Strada-Sphere Radio a couple of years back when his solo CD "Spirit Moves" came out.He is a very taleted musician.His brother,Hugh Marsh, is a viloinist who has also played for Cockburn and also on the Narnia soundtracks.

In other News.....

I recently rediscovered Pastor Bob Beaman.Some of you may remember him from the Intense Records label back in the late 80's/early 90's.He was the Metal Head Pastor on the inside of the CD and tape covers that endorsed artists like Vengeance,Deliverance,Barren Cross,The Crucified,Tourniquet,etc.Well,he is still at it and produces 5 podcasts that are all excellent! Please visit his site and be blessed by this unique ministry...

Pastor Bob

I have a few prayer reqs for ya...

My friend Joee is goin' through some rough times.No need to go into details but she need the Lord's steady hand and comfort so please let the Spirit guide you in your prayers for her.

My friend Kim is also in need of prayer.Legal stuff stemming from a 2 year old car accident.Keep her in mind.

And let's not forget to pray for our enemies! I remember one of my co-workers on the day that Sadam was hanged saying that it was about time that happened.I wonder if anyone got to tell him about the Lord? Jesus loves all of us not just the "Christians". He desires that none should perish...I think that the Followers of Christ in this country tend to forget that.Remember that we need to Love our Neighbor.The Muslims are not our enemy nor are they God's enemy.Yes,they are opposed to the Lord's plan for His people,but we have something in common with them:

All have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God.

We are in the same boat and God has thrown us all the same lifesaver.I am growing weary of the U.S. behaving as though we are the only one's worthy of His blessings and fruits.Do the Heavens not weep when a misguided suicide bomber ends his life and those around him? Did Jesus not include ALL of humanity when he uttered the words "It is finished."? Are we so boastful a nation to believe that the fall will not follow our pride? The greatest of these is LOVE. I see little love and more paranoia these days in our country.I hear so much hatred in the voices of the "patriotic" and "religious right" towards the wayward souls whom may never have heard the gospel that brings eternal life! We were all given that chance.Many people prayed for us and kept up hope in the vision that we would know the Love of our Lord and the forgiveness of sins so that we may have an eternity of Joy! We need to extend that hope to our so called "enemies".
America is dying because of fear....
Let's not forget the "untouchables". I am speaking of the Gay and Lesbian community.What shame we as a family of believers have come to bear! How have we treated this community of people? With utter disdain? with a message of hate and misunderstanding?We pass law in hopes of keeping this community from being.We believe that "Moral Laws" will sweep them under the carpet so we won't have to deal with them. What kind of crap is this? We can not make anyone a believer or moral by imposing laws that make people "moral". The 10 Commandments have thought us this! We do not become righteous by following the Law or any law for that matter.It is by Grace and Grace alone that we are made righteous.And if we are what we say we are in Christ then we must Love all as He loved us.Loved us enough to die for us,to leave Godhood and become us.The Completion on the Cross was for every one.This has been a big issue for me as I am ashamed of how we have treated the Gay and Lesbian community.If a gay person came to our church and began to worship and proclaim their love for the Lord,would we stop them and ask them to stop sinning before they got on with their life as a Christian? If so,then we should all stop where we are and go on without hope;sinning and forgetting about Grace.It is by Faith that we walk and by Grace that we are saved.I forget that sometimes and act "holier than thou". i have a couple of gay friends whome I love dearly and pray for.I hope that by my actions they will know Christ's love for them.Indeed,for us all.

Well, I guess I needed to vent a bit.Sorry to take up so much space.I guess the Lord has been dealing with me and laying stuff on my heart.

Juan

Well, that's that. I love and miss all of you.

Juan
<><

That's about it

Thursday evening

2008-08-29T01:20:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone,
I want to share an awesome song with you. I sent it to Nean 'cause he's on a worship team and I thought they might like it but I got to thinking that if you guys are praying for my healing this song might strengthen your faith or resolve or however God looks at it. I hope it blesses you at least. Love you.....Mom/Nana

http://www.imeem.com/shineforyou/video/0lqe-aQZ/hillsong_live_2008_healer_music_video/

Jay's trip

2008-08-24T00:46:00.003-04:00

Here's some pics of my Oak Ridge / Myrtle Beach trip so far...

Mom, wish you could be here with us. I love you. Think about and pray for you every day! Miss you tons.

Jay

Just Another Evening....

2008-08-22T01:16:00.002-04:00

Hi Family, just thought I'd pop in to say goodnight to everyone. Nothing special going on. Just missing you all and thinking of the days when I could tuck my babies into bed and read a story before praying. Usually from Uncle Arthur's Bedtime Storybook. Kiss all my grandbabies for me and a big hug and kiss to all from me, your mama. Good'night

old photo by rachel

2008-08-11T15:57:00.003-04:00

hey guys.. my old college roommate (and fellow mk, tho from afrika) and i looked thru old photos last friday (while i was hanging at her place for the day in atlanta awaiting a flight in from chicago for quinn)... she dug up this one of mad.. when mad was about a year old..
what a moment.. what a photo.. i see 5 billion of these moments a day with the girls, but i so appreciate this beautiful rendition of that moment.
mum! thanks for your post.. we lift you up and pray for your strength, both bodily and in your spirit.. we love you so much! thanks for pouring your heart.. don't ever feel like you're 'laying a trip' on us.. you are so dear to us!

Sunday Evening....

2008-08-11T02:47:00.002-04:00

Hi Everyone, I can't believe the last post was August 2nd. I've been off line alot lately and kinda out of touch. I've been praying for a miracle and didn't want to talk about it much but the truth is . . . we need to pray for one another. I hope Harriet is all well now, Max. I've been thinking a lot about how much I want to move close to my children and grandchildren and it's become all I think about. I'm trying to wean off of all my meds on my own and it's not working yet. I need a healing so badly and at this point I feel like I'm begging for it. This morning I was at the altar praying for it and my friend Sandy, who's an R.N. and understands these diseases I'm dealing with came to pray with me. She's going to "stand" with me in prayer for this and I'm asking everyone on the blog to pray for this too. I can't stand being so far away and tied to doctors like this. Life is going by and all I want to do is live my life close to my family. Deb....you can come visit and stay on the couch in South Carolina too. I'm saying "please, please God hear this prayer and help me receive this healing....please". I love and miss you all so much it hurts. I didn't want to lay a heavy trip out there but we do need to pray for each other. Well....I love you guys...Mom/Nana/Sis/Auntie

Prayer Request

2008-08-02T22:22:00.003-04:00

I got a call today from Harriett's son David letting me know that Harriett was in the hospital with pneumonia. I called her and it looks like she probably got it from one of her patients out at the prison in Blythe where she works as an RN. She'll probably get out tomorrow but she said that her Dr. did find another spot on her other lung which he wants the radiologist to look at. So, please keep her in your prayers this weekend!

I've noticed the blog's been kinda quiet this week. How's everyone doing? I know that Jay's supposed to be paying us a short visit this month so we're definitely looking forward to that. Also, lil Max turns 2 in a couple of weeks and he sure is changing from baby to toddler quickly! His vocabulary is growing in leaps and bounds and his little personality is too! He's definitely "ALL BOY" and can be a handful but at the same time he's SOOOO SWEET! It's definitely amazing how different he and Kayleigh are when she was making this same transition. Anyway, hope everyone is doing well and hope to see you blogging soon!!!

Peace, love, grace, hope...

Even more more more music...

2008-07-30T20:54:00.003-04:00

So I have been losing some sleep playing with Logic Pro and getting used to it.I did manage to record a short bass solo....

It is not a mellow tune! It's more of a riff fest and very "metal". I used my Ibanez BTB bass and Logic's great plugins.Let me know what ya think.

Ahhh..and all those Starbucks drinks are paying off! Since Chris and I will occasionally use a Starbucks gift card,we can now use Starbucks/ATTWiFi for free when we visit a Starbucks.
Somehow that seems a bit pathetic......... ;)

Juan
<><

PS: Bang yer head.

The new phone books are here! The new phone books are here!

2008-07-28T19:57:00.003-04:00

Ummmm...I mean my new MacBook Pro is here!

Yep...gotit last Wed and Chris has been calling herself a "Mac Widow" LOL!
This thing rocks...super fast and the screen is very clear and has some great definition.I have my old CRT 17" monitor hooked up to it as well for more screen real estate.Still planning on gettin' a 20-22" LCD to go with it.
I am trying my best not to install any "bloat" and keep only the essentials (i-Life,GIMP,etc.) so as to ensure that Logic Studio has plenty of space and resources to run at optimum speed.I am even considering keeping all my i-Tunes music on my old Mac's hard drive and getting an USB SATA case for it so I can use it as an external.That would give me a total of 230 Gigs of space.Weehaw.......
Anyway,that's me gettin' my geek on...
Laters my Tribe...
Love ya!
<><

My 2 pilots!

2008-07-27T18:44:00.000-04:00

more paintings de mad and tobi

2008-07-26T09:23:00.005-04:00

hey, these are a couple of pieces that mad and tobi did last night~ on the back of our periodic geico renewal forms.. hahaha
the largest one is 'noah's ark' by mad. 'out of the mouths of babes', or in this case, the fingertips.. i forget how 'dark' those first days on the ark must've been, with the whole world being laid to waste (and then renewal!) with death and destruction.. quite chaotic i think. dunno how she 'knew' that or captured it, but she did.
the larger, more colourful one is by tobi.. just pretty pretty.. she gets very zoned in and deliberate when painting.. it's a delight to observe!
enjoy~
km

ps.. funny thing; sometimes when the girls and i sit down to paint, mad warns me that i better output something decent by saying "mom, you better not paint something cruddy!".. HAHAHAHAHAHHAAA>> when i paint things a bit too abstract for her liking it's deemed 'cruddy', and the thing is that most of the time she's 100% RIGHT!~~ haha.. talk about a challenge to do my best! coming from my 5 year old who refuses to think inside the box.. she's a light! that's for sure!

Dr. Randy Pausch - Last Lecture WATCH!

2008-07-25T18:03:00.001-04:00

Dr. Randy Pausch passed away today and I thought this was definitely worth watching. Check it out!

Kayleigh feelin the "Good Vibes"!

2008-07-22T14:17:00.003-04:00

Kayleigh came to work with Daddy last night and we had a blasty together! I got her a new "Good Vibes" dress and she sat with some friends of mine and their kids. She was the prettiest girl there! (I'm not biased or anything...lol) She loves to dance so I really need to get her in some dance classes soon!

mad's work

2008-07-21T09:27:00.002-04:00

here are 3 paintings Mad has done in the past year.. she and Tobi paint everyday, but these are 3 of my favorites.. the canvases are 20"x 16" and the paper is 9"x 6".. mostly watercolour and gouache..ENJOY!
they're brilliant, ay?
mad said the dark blue one is a storm.. wow.
i know i'm biased, but heyyyyyyy.. they're stunning.

Some of my flutes..

2008-07-19T23:46:00.002-04:00

Hello everyone!

Boy,I have been a bloggin' fool lately!
I just wanted to share a slide show of some of the flutes that I have made,sold,am trying to sell.My latest flute available for sale is the jatoba flute with the hackbeery ring on the endcap.I have sold 3 already and have an order for 2 more!Let me know what ya think.
Laters...

Juan
Ollin Flutes

More musica!

2008-07-18T20:09:00.006-04:00

Hello tribe!

I just posted some new music at my blog.It is a new tune called "Indus" that I recorded with BLANCO,one of the projects that I am a member of. There is more info on my blog so please stop by and give it a listen.Remember to leave me a comment and let me know what ya think. If all goes well,we should be releasing a CD of our efforts by the end of summer.

Juan R. Leõn News

Thanx!
<><
Juan

Dancing with a bike

2008-07-18T11:08:00.003-04:00

In the male dominated world of "X-Games" type sports this was refreshing to see. I don't know who this lady is but it seems she can do absolutely anything on a bike and manages to keep it graceful and feminine... Simply amazing!

New laptop and The Shack

2008-07-17T19:31:00.003-04:00

Hello Familia!

We just ordered a 17" Glossy,Hi Res MacBook Pro! It's a refurb so I got a great deal on it.We saved about $900.00 on the Mac alone and about $1,000.00 for the total package.I got the Apple Care Extended Warranty,a cool backpack/case made by Swiss Gear,and the new Logic Studio bundle with Logic Pro 8,MainStage,Soundtrack Pro 2,Studio Instruments,Studio Effects,and Studio Sound Library.A very cool and powerful package of recording and production software.I am stoked!

Well, I finished The Shack a couple of days ago.What a powerful and blessed book! The range of emotions that I went through while reading this beautiful work of art is still working in me a silent and gentle change. I was speaking to Max about this last week and we both agree that there are those that the Lord chooses to reveal a part of the unrestrained Glory to so that they may pass along that Blessed Assurance to all whome see His Peace.This book is the result,I am convinced,of just that type of revealing.Besides,anyone who quotes Bruce Cockburn lyrics in a book is top shelf with me.Please read this book and tell everyone about it.
Thanx Max for the blessing!

Long live Bansy Bans!

Losing a friend...

2008-07-17T08:57:00.004-04:00

I had a message from Harriett a couple of days ago letting us know that her dog Brandy had passed away. Some of you know that "Bans" was a very special dog to me in part because she originally was my dog. Around 1991, 92 I had come out to SC for the first time to try and live. After a few months it just wasn't working out so I made the long drive cross country back to Blythe, Ca. The day I got back I was sitting in Harriett's front yard exhausted from the drive and was just chillin and talking to her and her family about stuff when I noticed this little dog sitting timidly on the sidewalk in front of the house. She was obviously a "stray" because I think stray's just have that certain look that's unmistakable. I think it's a look that just say's, "Damn, I'm tired and if I don't find some rest and food soon, than I'm about done!" Besides looking emaciated and exhausted she also had the longest ears of any dog I'd ever seen and that was mixed with her legs only being a few inches long and the long body of a dachshund. So to me, she kind of looked like a chihuahua mixed with a dachshund with a deer thrown in for good measure! haha So she was unique and strange looking to say the least! I immediately began trying to coax her to me but as most stray's on the street do, she knew enough to keep her distance for a while. I think it was her exhaustion and hunger that finally gave way because eventually she inched herself over to where I was sitting in the lawn and the very second she settled into my lap, she went into the deepest sleep for at least 2 hours! It was as if she knew she was home and all was right with the world in that instant... We've all had that feeling and there's nothing like that kind of peace and rest. It's no different for a dog I believe. In fact it's probably even more intense because they don't have their intellect getting in the way, it's just pure. Anyway, Brandy was a part of my life and even more so, Harriett's life from that day forward. Even though I found her, she was a constant companion and friend to Harriett for the next 16 years! What a great life she had and even though she spent a good deal of in SC it's probably only fitting that she passed in the same city she probably was born in. I haven't had a chance to speak with Harriett yet but from what I understand she got to hold her in her final moments here on this mortal coil. I agree with my Mom in that I believe the companion's that God let's us have from the animal kingdom in this world will also be a part of heaven. I've had far too many spiritual moments with them to think otherwise. It's not even something I want to try and prove or decipher or debate.. It's just what I believe! Heck, Pop's probably chillin with Ban's even now... Give her a kiss for me Pop! :)

Sharing Becky's Bridal Shower

2008-07-16T23:13:00.004-04:00

Hi All,

Just thought I'd share that Becky had her bridal shower this past Sunday down in Marysville, near Everett. Her friends did a beautiful job of putting the shower together with fun games and also really nice sentimental moments. Boys, your cousin is a real character and we had a lot of fun making her laugh! I'm going to try and post a picture of her with her fiance with this blog. Wish me luck........ I'm seriously technologically-challenged...... BIG time!! But the most poignant moment for me was having her open my gift to her. I found this beautiful little pendant that's called "a mother's love" that artfully portrayed an abstract image of a mother holding a baby. I also found a perfect card for her that spoke of an amazing appreciation for the friendship she and I have developed in the last 7 years. When she was younger, she and I had many difficulties in our relationship and really struggled with that. But in the last several years, the Lord has beautifully and graciously mended that relationship, and now I consider her to be one of my best friends as well as a loving daughter. Isn't it awesome how God can heal these things?!? Anyway, when she went to open the card and gift, I began tearing up plenty, which is something somewhat unusual for me. She has grown up to become a truly beautiful woman of God. So, I just thought I'd share some of these moments with ya'all. My aloha to you all.

Hi Family

2008-07-15T08:12:00.002-04:00

Well...it's Tuesday morning and I can't let too much time go by without saying "I love you" to all of you. Thanks again, Max, for making this possible. Not much new to tell. There's still quite a bit of smoke in the air but...oh well. Gare and I took last week off from leading worship both Friday evening and Sunday morning. It was so awesome to have a break so I asked the young man who took over if he'd mind taking it another week and he's seeing if he can. I hope so. I love to worship the Lord and I love leading worship but the "vacation" has been wonderful. I should find out today if we have this week off also. Katey....thanks for reminding me about the book I made for you guys and letting me know that it's a blessing to you. The smallest things bring tears to my eyes these days. I love you all so much and miss you more than I can say. I hope everyone's doing well this week. . . . . . Mom/Nana

A hobbit's quest

2008-07-14T14:24:00.002-04:00

Hello brothers~

I've finally figured out how to post! and alas, i have to be getting back on the road to go to work soon. But as I type I am watching The Fellowship and I am not ready to go back into the wood. I want to have a cup of tea with each of you and sit by the ocean for a few more days. It has been too long! I leave for Guatemala in two weeks and I hope to be back at the beach sometime in September.Coogan- iwant to meet your new wife, and it's been ages since i've seen the lot of you. in the mean time, know that i am, as always- stubby

Facebook anyone?

2008-07-14T08:46:00.002-04:00

So, I've been using Facebook quite a bit lately and I know there's quite a few of you that are already actively on Facebook as well. I just wanted to send a quick invite to those of you here on the blog that haven't checked it out. I know some of you use MySpace but I've really become tired of the buggy and ugly interface. (IMHO)

Speaking of Facebook, Deidre McIntyre just added me as friend on there so I immediately sent her a link so that her and John can start participating in our little blog here... I'll also be sending one out to Stubby as well! Let's welcome them and keep this thing going strong! Love you all!

reasons why yesterday was one of my favorite days of life

2008-07-10T09:47:00.011-04:00

1~my coffee at 7am was PERFECT.. dunno, perfect flavor, brew, timing.. just perfect; all 3 tumbler cups ;D
2~the girls and i played and cleaned and got ahead in laundry
3~ eating tons of dried fruit and almonds
4~we went outside to our 'backyard' and did some old-fashioned bush-whacking.. those of you who have SEEN our 'backyard' know this is entirely possible. the girls refer to it as 'the forrest'; nean calls it our 'sanford and son growth', our friend sonya lovingly references it the "fairy forrest" and to me it's my 'jungle project'.. haha.. we got out there and hauled, cleaned, cutback and played for over 2 hours! at the end of moving this massive pile of vines, old stumps, and branches the most magnificent rain storm overcame us! big thick drops where you get soaked within 3.5 seconds of running from door to car.. quite lovely! it reminded me of caroline's book where she says "sometimes you find peace in a simple summer rainstorm".. SO RIGHT!
perhaps by the time you come down, Jay, it will be ready to build the circular bench around an old tree that nean is planning!
5~ giving the girls (successful) and cutie-patootie hairtrims~ brought on by tobi's habitual and daily trimming of her Own hair.... ;)
6~ the perfect 40 minute run after the rain with a breeze and sun and clouds listening to bob dylan, ben hahhpah, 77's, grant lee, dave matthews and more (and even an old construction truck billowing by blowing so much ganja smoke, i think i got a contact high at the end of my run--which was also nice... haha)
7~ after dinner with family and friends leftover fireworks with the girls..
8~ and Christ ever present thru it all; total glee and perfection.. really.. there's so much beauty in life with Him i can hardly stand it!
muchassmoochas!
km

Aloha!

2008-07-07T17:41:00.002-04:00

So Max has sent about a dozen invites for me to join the family blog! Felt prompted to finally sign in today! This really is a fantastic way for everyone to communicate and "chat". Sadie and I spent the day recouping from a busy weekend by lazing alittle and spending some time at an inflatable jumping playground. She loves to run around and scream that piercing scream only a 3 yr old girl can scream! Funny story for Nana Carolyn....Sadie calls my mom Nana and you, of course, are Nana Carolyn. Well this weekend my Mom came to spend a few days and I think Sadie realized that "Nana" might actually have another name like you do. She asked over and over if her name was Carolyn and everytime we replied,"No, Sadie. You know Nana's name is Wanda." So at lunch after church on Sunday, Sadie announces to the whole group of 15 that this is her Nana. Her name is Wanda, but I call her Nana Carolyn. Then smiled that little possum smile of hers! She must've been thinking of you alot this weekend! Probably not funny in the telling, but it was a laugh out loud moment for us! Anyway, on my way into the Opry now, but wanted to say Hello to everyone! It was great to see Nin and Katie and the kids this week, although I'd have loved to spend more time together. The week seemed to have flown by! Hope everyone is well...Love you all...Tange

pa fireworks

2008-07-07T08:33:00.002-04:00

Sorry I haven't been able to post as much as I'd like lately. But I do try to keep up with reading the posts at least!

Things here are good, if a little busy.

How was everyone's 4th? We watched our big fireworks display last night as we'd gotten rained out Friday AND Saturday. People were so ready for them, I think half the city descended on the park! It was crazy. But it's a great location - right across the Hwy. from the mall, so you can see the show from just about anywhere in the mall parking lot. Which is where we ended up - me and several friends from work.

Can't wait for my August visit! The plan is to drive to Oak Ridge on the 17th, then to MB on the 20th, then back home around the 25th. A big triangle of a road trip!

Early Sunday morning

2008-07-06T07:17:00.002-04:00

Good morning family, I woke up this morning about 3:00am feeling so much love for all of my family. This includes all my sons, daughters, grandchildren and my sister as well as Gare, of course. God gives us His heart and it fills us with unconditional love for everyone. If I could share one word with you this morning it would be this.....try to live with His heart for all those you love. This will help you to hopefully not make the mistakes that you end up regretting later in life. Love covers a huge mountain high ton of sins and puts the enemy into a fast retreat.
Well....that's all I wanted to share this morning with you. Thanks, Max, for setting up this blog site for us all. It's so awesome to log on and share your thoughts anytime you want.
Thanks for the good word, Juan. I'm so rich in "kids". By the way....Nean and Jay...did I tell you I met a brother who is playing in a worship band with Randy Robbins? He said Randy is playing guitar and has an excellent singing voice and loves to worship God. I thought you'd like hearing that. Well....have a great day today and I'll talk to you again soon. I love you all very much.....your Mama or Nana or, Deb, or big sis

Thursday morning.....

2008-07-03T11:36:00.003-04:00

Hi Family,
Just wanted to touch base with everyone. Our church family is having their regular family camp at Mount Lassen Campgrounds (Jay...you and Nean may remember that place. I think the youth groups had camps there). Anyway...I've been under the weather with all the smoke in the air. It's been thick for weeks and weeks so we weren't planning to go but they called Gare to please come help with sound for today through Saturday. I love how God's put a servant's heart into him. So DaisyMae and I are spending some "quality" time together. I'm kinda lovin' the quiet even though I really miss him. I want to write some worship music....so this is a good time to pray and play. I sold my narrow body epiphone 'cause I couldn't play it anymore with the arthritis in my hands but Gare found me a narrow body 12 string that I love. The body on it is more narrow than the other one was. I love the way a 12 string sounds too. By the way....I have a great story about your dad for you. Right before we moved to Phoenix we lived in a big house in Aptos near Santa Cruz with a bunch of other people. I had a 12 string dobro (not a lap dobro) with a pick-up built in. Your dad would go out on the porch that overlooked a beautiful meadow, hook up the dobro to an amp and put in on his lap face up. He'd then play it like it was a set of congos. He hit different parts of the strings with great rhythm. The sounds were like nothing you've ever heard. It was so beautiful!! He'd play for hours sometimes (in those days there was some funny smelling stuff in the air) . . . but I wish we would've recorded some of that. It was so unique. Anyway....that memory just popped into my head. I have so many memories and Gare's set up a program in my computer so I can do some memory journaling for you all. After my mom and dad passed away I wished I would've known a little more. Especially my mom. My dad and I talked quite a bit the last 3 or 4 years of his life and I'm glad.
Well...enough rambling. Just wanted to say hi and tell you I wish I was there to visit while Nean and Katey and the girls are there. Did Jay make it down? I'm sorry I haven't called more lately but I'm really feeling sick right now. It should get better soon when the smoke clears. It can't go on forever (at least here on earth...eh?) I love you all and miss you like fire!!...Mom
PS = Juan...I told Max I talked to you and signed it "your California mom and he cracked up. He said your mom lives in California. I guess I'll call myself your Northern Cal mom...hehehe

More music...

2008-06-30T20:21:00.006-04:00

Hello everybody!

Got to record some new music this past weekend with the same guys I posted about in the last music post. The tune is called "Ameagari" whic is Japanese for "After the Rain".I play bass on this one.I should note that this is a preliminary "draft".I will be using a fretless bass and Omar will be using a classical guitar for the final version.I really dig the kyoto sound that Manny gets from his synths on this one.I believe he wrote this tune along with his dad (Omar).George (the drummer) did a fine jobe of recording this even if it is just a scratch track for us to study and refine.Had to share so please let me know what ya think!

Take care!

* Right-clicking the title in the player opens an option box that allows you to download this tune.

Our Daddy/ Daughter Date

2008-06-29T12:00:00.000-04:00

Kayleigh and I are eating at Gordon Biersch and then making the short
walk to see "Wall•E" @ 1:25. T

There's definitely something special when its just the two of us. Not
to be overly sentimental but I want to really take a mental picture of
this time and never ever forget it! I thank God for such a beautiful
special little girl!

Welcome to the blog Auntie Debbie!

2008-06-28T09:07:00.002-04:00

I just wanted to welcome Auntie Debbie to our little home here in cyberspace. Instead of me doing a terrible job of trying get everyone up to speed with her life and how she's doing I think I'll just post the text from her very nice e-mail I got yesterday. Hope you don't mind Auntie!! The other reason I wanted to post it is because I wanted to share her experience with listening to the audio of Pop and the profound effect it had! Again, I hope it's ok... It would be cool if we all welcome her and get to know our extended family a little better!

Hi there, Max!
It was great to hear from you! Thanks for the message, and I did register for the Mishler blog thingy, so I'm all set. You did a great job on the webpage and blog. Being technologically challenged, I was in awe of your work! I did have a nice visit with your mom last week, and am back at work now.

I'm teaching Psychology at Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA. I've been up here now for almost 2 years, after teaching for 10 years at the University of Washington in Seattle. City life was a bit intense, so we made the transition to Bellingham, a beautiful little town close to Mount Baker and the San Juan Islands. My husband, Ed, is a glassblower/artist who has a studio in a huge shop in our backyard. Katie and Nino came up last October and watched Ed blow glass and visited with us. It was amazing to see Nino again (you guys have grown so much!!), and of course great to meet Katey (isn't she the sweetest?!?), and their ADORABLE girls. I wish I could visit with all you folks. It's been sooooooo long.

I was really sad to hear about your dad, at least sad for you folks and those of us still down here. He was a truly amazing man. By the way, when I visited the webpage, I listened to the audiotape posted, and it had a profound effect on me. I can't express how much it blessed me and spoke right to my heart. Your dad was expressing some of the exact same thoughts and feelings I've had in my journey, and I found myself wishing I could have spoken with him. I've been experiencing some of the very same questions, doubts, concerns that are contained on the tape, and I felt that God directed me to your page and that tape to reach me and speak to me. Thank you so much for posting it and sharing.

I'm also sorry about your broken thumb. Hope that gets better soon. Your cousin Sammy is now living in Michigan with her 15 year old son, Sean. I'll try to attach some pictures to this message (again, remember I'm *challenged*). Eric is living in Fairbanks, AK, and is working up there. And Becky is living in Everett, WA, and is getting set to get married this coming August. She's the youngest and is now 31. She and her fiance Mel (who is her high school sweetheart from Hilo) are planning on having children right away, so we'll keep you posted on that. Well, I guess this is the Reader's Digest version, and I will stay in touch. Oh, and the pictures I'm sending with the whole family (including your Grandpa Gima before he passed) were taken about 2 years ago, but are about as recent as I have with the whole family. They were taken about 8 months before Grandpa died. I hope you will enjoy them. Well, do take care of yourself, and I'll be in touch.

Love,
Auntie Debbie

I Love This Picture!!

2008-06-28T01:42:00.004-04:00

Hi Family, I've always been a dog lover and believe that Lucy and Daisy Mae will be in heaven running and playing with us all. I saw this picture and wanted to share it with everyone.

My first dog was a black and white border collie named Patches that we got when she was six weeks old. I was about 5 at the time and we had her until she died at about 14 or 15 yrs old. We grew up together and I loved her so much. She'll be there too.

Hope everyone's doing well. I love and miss you all so much. Gare sends his love also. . . . . Mom/Nana

Mykel's grad pics and Musings...

2008-06-27T17:32:00.006-04:00

Hello my happy family!

Just dropping by to say hey and ponder a bit.Hope ya don't mind.

<----- That's Mykel on graduation night.Pretty cool,huh?

Kind of a strange day today.Not anything I can point my finger to,but am feeling a bit melancholy and I do not know why. I have been feeling this since I woke up today.Just "blah" and a tad bit sad.Like I said,not sure why.It's not a depression or anything like that.More like sorrow.The kind King Solomon wrote about.Y'know the kind..."A sad face is good for the heart...".
But this is a bit intense too.I feel like at any moment I could start crying.Very strange.i feel like an arrow without a target.Hmmm.I could not wait to get home and see Chris today.I felt as though seeing her would "lift my spirits".It did,a little.But whatever this is it continues to linger around a bit.Shoot,not even a Starbucks de-funktified me out of this quagmire.

Quagmire.Now that is one strange word.

Quagmire.

English

Wikipedia has an article on:
Quagmire

Pronunciation
IPA: /ˈkwɒg.maɪə(ɹ)/ SAMPA: /"kwQg.maI@(r)/

Noun

quagmire (plural quagmires)
A swampy, soggy area of ground.
(figuratively) A mixed up and troubled situation; a hopeless tangle; a predicament.
The paperwork got lost in a quagmire of bureaucracy.

Synonyms
(a swampy, soggy area of ground): marsh

Hmmm.In the context of referring to paperwork,I suppose that the word would be ample in describing the way I feel,as it is a bit of a mystery that can be traced back to human nature as most bureaucratic messes eventually are.
At any rate,just writing this seems to be "drying" the "swampy" ground in which I currently tread upon.The boots are getting somewhat clean if not discernible as such.

Now that most of you are surely wondering what residual chemicals from my past are creeping up to muddy my waters,I guess I will leave you all with this thought and reassurance to myself...

"Cast all of your burdens upon Me".

Amen.

<><

preguntas

2008-06-26T11:56:00.002-04:00

do you guys know ofany local road races on or around the 4th of july?? i can't seem to find much online, but i'm sure there's something going on race-wise? 5k, 10k, 15k? i don't think i'd wanna drive to charleston for it, but anything in pawley's or more north? pedro, are you still training for the triath where you'd know some local running clubs? let me know, i'd lvoe to register soon for a race down there..
muchas gracias familia!
~~KM

Updates to the Mishler site!

2008-06-26T10:10:00.003-04:00

Hey all! It's been pretty quiet around these here parts lately but that's OK. I think we all post in cycles and right now we're in a quiet time. I wanted to let you all know that I've made a few revisions to the mishler.com site and to check it out! Coog's wife Missy is now a part of his/their page and I've also added a page where we can put files up that we want other's to have/download. It's fittingly called "our stuff". The first files up for your perusal is all 3 of the pop mp3's and Nino's song about Pop. You can either download them to your computer by right clicking and selecting "save as" (or something similar depending on your browser) or if you just click on a file it should just play in a new window. I hope to get more active with both the blog and the mishler site as I know it's important. It's always therapeutic for sure!

Patty and I are looking forward to Nino, Katey, & the kids coming down for vacation in a couple days! We always have the best time when they're here! I wish Jay could come down too! Get down here boy! We miss you!

On a side note, I recently found out that I broke my thumb a few weeks ago and now I have to wear this annoying splint for a month or so. It got hit by a softball when we were warming up before a game and I just thought it was bruised. I even continued to play for the next 2 weeks. After the swelling didn't go down and the pain was still constant I finally decided to have it checked out. So, my streak of season ending injuries is still going strong unfortunately! Guess I'm just getting old! sigh....

Love, Peace, Happiness

looking toward more of our life to come

2008-06-26T09:55:00.008-04:00

hey guys!
just wanted to share a thought or two.
last night i went down to a ministry in KNoxville called "lost sheep ministries". they do a meal and supplies give-out on wednesdays under the bridge in downtown knoxville. it's for hobos and the homeless, which there's a surprising number of them in knoxville. anyway, it's not affiliated with "salvation army" or anything; it's an independent evangelical mission itself. they need volunteers to set up, serve food, collect trash and just hang out with the hundreds of people who come. i've been before and every time I go i walk away with nothing less than the breath of God in my heart! it's so lovely!
you'd be surprised at how many of the folk there claim Christ wholeheartedly; they have unbelievable lives/pasts/stories and are completely homeless and the "underbelly" of the city.
an older man with the sweetest eyes and a warm smile came up to me and simply asked for me to pray for him.. his name is Dave. i asked him if he knew Jesus and he without a doubt is a believer. as we stood there holding hands and praying i was overcome with the fact that in this fast-paced world of workworkwork and millions of people so disconnected and misunderstood; God gave Jesus to be a common bond and a truce of Love for us all. and under that bridge I can hold tightly to dave's hand; my brother, who i'll spend eternity alongside in heaven. because if we claim Christ we're his kids! i just love the fact that i probably won't ever see Dave on earth again, but because of Christ he and i shared a sweet moment speaking with our Dad.. it's such a supernatural and alive moment and it counts for eternity.
can't you just wait to be in it!? :D
i lvo eyou all so much
km

Pop's Musings...

2008-06-18T10:31:00.008-04:00

Hey Everyone!

I'm not sure how many of you know, but Pete found an audio cassette at Pop's house (when we were there going through his things back in January I believe) and then gave it to me to digitize. I finally got that done and I wanted to share some of it with everyone. It's incredible to hear his voice and can also be a little disconcerting as well.

I don't think he ever thought anyone would ever hear this, in fact I'm positive of it because he even says it at one point although that's been edited out. Speaking of which I have taken the liberty of editing portions out because he talks about some people (not any family or people close to us) and I know he wouldn't want it floating out there in internet land. If anyone wants a completely unedited version of the whole tape I can do that for you was well and put it on CD.

When Juan was in town last week we were talking about it and I hadn't listened to it yet but he actually had a dream a while back that Pete found an audio cassette with Pop on it and gave it to me. Pretty incredible! Anyway, this is classic Pop and I hope you enjoy it! For those of you with kids, you might want to use some discretion when listening because there are a couple swears in there! That's classic Pop too but just wanted everyone to be aware...

father's day

2008-06-16T17:50:00.004-04:00

pete thanks for the inspiration to go ahead and paint him..
mishlasss~~this one of the images i've sort of had of pops.. ALIVE with indescribable joy and energy.. going from place to place; person to person, drawing close to the LIFE and LOVE of Christ and just bouncing around like the crazy wonderful guy he is... this doesn't even begin to capture what's in my heart, but maybe a smidge..
love you all..

Happy Belated Fathers Day

2008-06-16T13:29:00.002-04:00

Hey everyone. Sorry I did not call everyone yesterday and wish a Happy Fathers Day. I hope everyone had a good day. Thanks for all the complements on the sketches they were quick sketches. Each one probab;y took 15 minutes or so. Kinda rough. I really miss him. Mom the card was awesome, Thank You so much. I love the scripture too. Anyway have a good day and I will check back later hopefully there will be more posts. Please post I check it two to three times daily to read something even if small.

Pete

Monday morning

2008-06-16T12:49:00.002-04:00

Hi Petey.......your sketches are truly amazing. You really captured your dad. Loved them.....Mom

Hi Everyone

2008-06-16T12:44:00.002-04:00

Hi Everybody, it's Gary here. I want to thank you all for the "Happy Father's Day" greeting. It meant a lot to me. I'm not very good at the blogging thing but it was important to me to let you know how much it meant to me. Love you all and I hope God's blessing you all very much. Love the sketches Pete. You've got quite a gift.
Talk to you all later........Gary

2008-06-15T15:37:00.002-04:00

I woke up thinking about the Morro Bay house. Remember how we all slept in that big room downstairs? I think it was all six of us, wasn't it? Beds just lined up from one end to the other. It's pretty vague for me, but the thing that sticks out is the funny noises Pops would make at bed time. Just silly grunting and sighing because he was tired and it felt so good to lay down. It became a sort of ritual for us for a while.
It's funny how certain memories can evade our conscious mind for so long. And then - every once in a while - they hit me out of nowhere and knock the wind out of me. Just little things, funny or poignant moments we shared that I just want to talk to him about. Sometimes I do talk to him still. Do you think he knows? Is he watching and listening? Part of me thinks he's moved on to such a higher dimension that this whole life is just a vague memory, like those dreams that fade so fast. What do you guys think? Well, either way talking to him seems to help.

Pete, the sketches are amazing. I abolutely love them. I can't wait to print and frame them both!

Mom, thanks for the card. It truly was a blessing today!

Gary, Coog, Max, Pete, Nean, and Juan: HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! You are all amazing and I love you!

Jay

Happy fathers day!

2008-06-15T13:41:00.002-04:00

Hey guys. I just wanted to wish Gary,Max,Pete,Nino,and Juan a happy fathers day. Ive been thinking about dad quite a bit lately (not in a sad way) and today hes spending fathers day with his dad. I barely remember Grandpa Earl but that was his Poppa and i bet it is very nice for him to be with his dad again :) Plus to be in the presence of our heavenly father must be mind blowing!!! These thoughts make this fathers day very nice for me.
One day (very soon) This world will be forgotten and we will all be together...I love you all and am very grateful for my family :)

Happy Father's Day! I love you Pop!!!

2008-06-15T07:45:00.003-04:00

I wanted to send out a Happy Father's Day to Gary, Coogan, Pete, and Nino! I've been dreading this day for the past week and it seemed that every day that it got closer the dread was mounting in intensity. That being said, here it is and I feel nothing but peace to be honest. Pop didn't put a lot of importance on holidays this one included and I know he'd just say, "son, it's another day and I love you". "So, get up in this thing and take that mind captive!".

Pete gave me a couple of drawings he recently did of Pop that I want to post permanently to his part of the mishler website. In the meantime I want to share them here on the blog. I can't think of a better day than today to do it! They both capture Pop in both looks and spirit! They send chills down my spine to be honest! All I can say is, Thanks Pete! I love you all more than you know!

Happy Father's Day Dad! I love you and miss you every second of every day. I can't wait to see you again. Love, Max...

prayer requested

2008-06-14T17:25:00.005-04:00

hey guys! i just wanted to put something out there and ask for PRAYER!
God's really been putting different ministries on my heart and there's an opportunity for me to go to Russia or Latvia this october for an orphanage/relief/ministry trip! it's 10 days and going to 2-3 orphanages a day, delivering supplies and shoes, playing with the kids and doing VBS. it's with "Buckner Mission" and it's an extrememly unique mission focused on fleshing out what Christ said about ministring to orphans and widows. Being from a missionary family I am sometimes skeptical about 'short-term' mission projects as they often seemed a bit self-serving and "trip" oriented with a little bit of ministry to boot.
I've been involved with Compassion International and know there will probably be an opportunity to go "meet" my kid in the country they're in, but that to me seems a little much. It's not a purposeful enough visit for me. I guess what I'm saying is that it's not wrong for anyone to go on any trip at any time, but for me; to be involved in missions, it should be a PURPOSEFUL trip where the work WOULDN"T BE DONE unless there are people to go and do it.
I explained this to a trip coordinator from Buckner; trying to get an understanding of their trips and if it's just as well to donate the $4000 travel/expense money rather than actually go... However, they told me that if there's not 10 people to go they can't take a team, and the supplies don't get sent. They also said that the spots I was talking about initially (Ethiopia and Peru) are the "hotspots" and that no one is signing up for Latvia or Russia anymore. Those are the 'needy' places. SO, anyway,that's why if I go it'll be to Latvia or Russia.. Nean (of course, because this is who he is) is 150% behind me on this and would take a week off work to be with Mad and Tobi. I REALLY ask for your prayers, because I want to do this type of thing in GOD'S TIME, and just because there's opportunity doesn't mean that it's the best thing right now. Any input would be more than welcome. It's something that's so exciting and if God DOES open the doors I'd go in a heartbeat. There's $4000 to raise and our God who owns "the cattle on a thousand hills" is big enough; just let our hearts know timing-wise if it's the best for us now.
ok, going to go running; Nean's taken the chikadees on a 'movie date' to Kung Foo Panda.. :D.. they're so precious dressed up on a date with Papa.... :D
Lov e to you all!
km

Friday morning.....

2008-06-13T09:55:00.002-04:00

Hi Everyone,
I'm sorry Petey for my silence. Katey....you're right about what happens when you're in the ministry thing....how the enemy's got a bullseye on you. Our little church family's going through some horrible stuff. Things reminding me of past mistakes. Worship is awesome though. The very minute the first words come out of your heart the devil flees fast. Nean...you have such an anointing on your music. I've shared "Let All Mortal Flesh" with so many people. Everyone cries. It's musically beautiful....but the anointing. That's where it's at. Hey...Juan....I'm sorry for being such an internet midget but I tried listening to your music and I couldn't figure it out. Could you tell me how (kinda like you're talking to a 5 year old).
Anyway....all my love to everyone!! Mom/Nana

Again I ask, Is Anybody There?

2008-06-12T13:36:00.002-04:00

Where is everyone? Not much goin on these days. I did a couple of sketches and gave them to Max to post. I had not done much art lately. I hope he gets them up soon. Anyway love you all hope to hear from ya soon.
Pete

Mykel graduates and new music...

2008-06-09T14:52:00.002-04:00

Hello familia!!!

Well, i am bacl\k from Oregon.Mykel is now an alumni of Siuslaw High School in Mapleton,OR and he could not be happier! I will post some pics soon.

Our lil' trip to MB is a day late but we are heading out Tues.

What else...ah yes....

I have been collaborating and recording with some very talented musicians lately.The group does not have a name yet.In fact,I don't even know (father and son) Omar and Manny's last names yet! We have gotten together twice and here is a recording of our 1st original "jam".I play bass on this one and George (the drummer) did a fine job of really capturing the tone.One take,live,no overdubs!

Right click the image above,download,enjoy and let me know what ya think.

Hasta Rasta and chill wit da pasta

La Spictra

Congrats to Pete, Hello to all!

2008-06-04T17:43:00.002-04:00

Pete! Congrats! Awesome achievement brother! Man time's passin fast these days, eh? I haven't seen Caspian yet but I'm dying to. I think when Patty and the kids are in Orlando in a couple of weeks I'll be going to the movies every day to catch up. I definitely want to see Caspian, Indiana Jones, and the new M. Night movie that comes out that week. Looks promising.

I posted a short video of Kayleigh from my iPhone but it came out sideways. What's up with that? So, turn your head when you watch it. The iPhone isn't even supposed to do video but alas, mine is hacked... hahahahahaha (in my best movie villian laughter voice...) My kids amaze me each and every day and I'm truly blessed to have been given charge over them from God. I know I fall short of being all that I can be as a father to them but I'm definitely thankful for them and Patty too of course!!!!

Mom, I did get your message on the machine today. (sorry i was out grocery shopping with the babies) The only way I can add Auntie Deb and any of the other family is to have their e-mail addresses so I can e-mail them a link directly which will give them the opportunity to become "contributors" to the blog. So, get me everyone's e-mail address and I'll hook it up! I think it would be great to continually add more family to the blog!

And, Katey.. I think we still have those surf racks in our garage so you should be all set for renting a board! Can't wait to see you guys. Now if I could just get Jacob's buttocks down here for a visit. Feels like forever since I've seen that boy although I know it hasn't been any longer than seeing the rest of you all. For that matter, feels like forever since I've seen all of you that are away from us here at the beach! I love and miss you all greatly!!!! Peace, love, and hope!

Kayleigh

2008-06-04T16:54:00.000-04:00

Anybody There?

2008-06-03T13:44:00.002-04:00

Hey everyone. Just a quick note to let you know how we are doin. Tange and I just celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary. June 2nd. We had a sitter and went to see Prince Caspian, then we ate sushi. I highly recommend Prince Caspian it was awesome. I hope everyone is doin good and I look forward to reading your new posts soon.

Pete

2008-05-29T13:58:00.003-04:00

missing Pops today! sometimes he hits so tangibly! it's like i can see in my mind's eye details about his face and voice and hands. funny how those impressions kinda suck your breath out... i don't know if it's the 'slow train' album i've been listening to lately or what... but anyway, i can't wait to hug him again; sometime soon! :D..
the Word says that "blessed are they that have not seen Him and still believe." i pray that that same feeling we get with Pops overwhelms us about Christ. i pray that He puts in our hearts a 'missing' of Him more and more until we finally get to BE WITH HIM! :D because if it weren't for Christ's blood for us we'd never have a hope of seeing Him or Pops.. GOD IS GOOD!
love you all!

To Cali and back...

2008-05-27T09:08:00.003-04:00

Hey guys!

Sorry I've been so quiet on the blog lately! I just got back from Cali and it was a whirlwind trip to say the least. I flew out Thursday afternoon (thanks Coog for doing such a great job watching the kids!)and was supposed to start working at the Disneyland Hotel Convention Center on Friday morning at 6:30 am. The flight really took it's toll on my body and so I ended up not starting work until around 2:30 in the afternoon. I ran camera for a dance competition called Showstopper's which is the premier dance competition company in the country. We worked 16 hr days and I worked right up until I had to fly home Sunday night. It was very tiring but also a lot of fun. Each act did a 2 to 3 minute routine and their was only about 15 seconds between acts so you can do the math and see how many acts I saw! The competitive acts were amazing, even some of the 7 and 8 yr olds would just blow you away. On the other hand, we also did a lot of recreational acts that were just there to have fun. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to do anything fun in Cali or see any friends or family because the schedule was so brutal! I was hoping to at least make a Dodger game but there just wasn't time for it. The money was good though so I can't complain. We shot one team in the recreational 7 and 8 category that had the daughters of Ricky Schroeder, Cindy Crawford, and even one of the "Hilton" kids. Guess that was to be expected with the competition being in LA. Anyway, I just wanted to hit the blog up with some love and tell each and every one of you that you're in my thoughts and prayers! If you haven't checked out the Shack yet, check it out! I shared one copy of it at work a while back and it's been like starting a wildfire! That one copy has turned into several dozen, if not over a hundred and it seems to have touched many lives in a positive way. I know it touched mine!

Peace and love!

Tuesday morning....

2008-05-27T08:29:00.002-04:00

Hi Family,
Everyone's been so quiet lately. I know that grieving can cause withdrawing from each other but I hope you're talking to each other on the phone or in person. You all need each other at this time especially. You're all in my prayers and on my mind a lot. I love you guys and hope that God's peace that passes the understanding that the world has is filling your homes. Please take just a moment to pop on the blog and say "hi". Let's keep this site active and not let it just it here. It's an awesome way to stay in touch. Gare sends his love to you too.
Have a "Kingdom" week!! All my love to you........Mom / Nana

Good news

2008-05-19T18:00:00.003-04:00

Hey family,
I turned myself in this morning on the bench warrant and went before the judge. It was a little scary and i had to wear the orange jumpsuit with my hands and feet handcuffed. About a hour later i walked out with the warrant dropped. Thank you Jesus!! and thanks to my awesome family for the prayers.
These past few weeks ive really pulled in close to the Lord and have felt him right next to me comforting me and whispering his love to me. Ive also starting having dreams about dad that are a blessing to me (Ive been praying and asking God for them)
Anyway, just wanted to keep everyone up to date with me. Hopefully we can all see each other soon and you guys can meet Missy.

Sunday evening...

2008-05-18T23:33:00.002-04:00

Just a quick "pop in" to say I love you!! We're heading out early tomorrow morning to see the specialist in San Francisco. We should be back sometime late Tuesday. I just wanted to touch base to let you all know you're always on my mind and in my heart. I thought that if someone were to call and we didn't answer or get back they'd wonder what was up so just wanted to let you know we'd be gone. May God's peace fill your homes........love you, Mom

Nino's song

2008-05-15T20:33:00.000-04:00

Hey Nean,

Your song is a total blessing. I listen to it at least twice a day. Lately really missing Dad. Not looking forward to fathers day. I think I will buy his movie passes anyway. I dont know what I will do with them after that, but it won't feel right not buying them. I bought those as a gift for him for every occasion. Anyway, enough feeling sorry for myself. I love you all.

Pete