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THURSDAY THOUGHTS

Here's my weekly post of everything crammed in my carnium:

- It was my birthday early this week. Yipee. It was also Mr. T's 60th. I pity the fool who didn't wish him a happy birthday.
- Eli has been copying me doing stuff lately. Like he'll brush his teeth exactly like me. Scary. I know he'll copy me in other ways too.
- I can't stand to watch the Tigers right now. They need to pull it together.
- OKC vs. Spurs...for the championship. Finals won't matter. Sticking with my earlier pick...Thunder. 
- Clippers have a lot of pieces but they don't play D.
- LA Kings are playing for the cup in the NHL. I think Wayne Gretzkey will have a hat trick in game 1.
- I like watching horse racing. Preakness was a great race. This is the year for a new triple crown winner. I Want Another preaks in the late race and short be an advantage in the Belmont.
- Holiday Weekend...need a little break. I'm sure you do too.
- This weather is crazy. I'm glad it's nice for the holiday weekend but it's too hot for me.
- There weren't that great of artists on the Idol finale.
- Aerosmith...those guys are old.
- Phillip Phillips deserved to win because that was the first time in all 11 years that I heard the song to be released as their new single and I actually like it. 
- Went to Mia & Grace for my birthday dinner...Pork Loin Confit...amazing.
- Made some good stuff this week. Homemade meatballs for spaghetti and for leftover for subs. Grilled and Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwich with Grilled Pineapple. Taco Salad with Avocado mash instead of dressing.
- Planning of grilling all weekend!
-  I would like someone to start a petition to make the school year go from Labor Day to Memorial Day. It will  be better for tourism, save schools money, and most families would love it. They don't do anything after this weekend and most kids have checked out already anyways. Some one get Gov. Synder on the phone for me.
- Playing with the band again this weekend at The Journey (no 5 pm this Sunday). Steph is singing an Adelle song too. Should be great!

Have a great long weekend everyone. 

THURSDAY THOUGHTS

...on Friday because it's been that kind of week:

- My coffee is tasting really good this morning. I usually drink a more bold Starbucks roast but I opened a bag of the blonde roast this morning...smooth.
-  Love seeing Lebron/DWade & Kobe go down. NBA conference semi's have been good. 
- This weekend is bring in the summer. I foresee the grill going, soccer game in shorts, mowing the lawn, playing outside and more fun in the sun.
- Eli has only two more days of preschool then he's on summer break. That went fast.
- Can someone please fix the Tigers?
- This week I made some carnito's with corn/black bean salsa, pretzel coated chicken, t-bones & butter radishes.
- Yesterday I had baked oatmeal with blackberries for breakfast, spaghetti sauce with roasted cauliflower for dinner, but I also had Ray's Beefburgers for lunch.
- We got a ton of invites for Graduation parties in the past weeks. We would be cooking on the weekends in June I guess.
- Emma keeps asking when we can go to Michigan's Adventure. We're probably have to get season passes next summer.
- I've had a great time helping coach Emma's soccer team this year. It's fun seeing skills developing and she has a great head coach and fun girls on her team. 
- We had this session begin this week with some people at The Journey who are taking steps to make a difference in people's lives. I love seeing people take steps.
- People seem to be really connecting with this current series at The Journey...Burned by the Church. 
- I've been working on the series for June: Stronger. Expect some Kung Fu Panda references>
- Did you get the Journey Spring Newsletter in the mail? If not, check it out here. There is an update about next site stuff.
- We've expanded our search and have a couple creative options in North Muskegon we are looking at currently.
- I've been working on stuff for the next sites. It's been a challenge. It's been kinda frustrating at times but the hardest things are usually the best and most reward things.
- Looking forward to playing the band again this Sunday morning at The Journey.

Hope you have a great weekend! 

THURSDAY THOUGHTS

Here's my weekly post of thoughts mingling in my melon:

- Modern Family was funny last night. Good laughs.
- The guys on A.Idol should be in the finals.
- I am helping coach Emma's soccer team. We had practice last night. It's been a fun season so far. Great bunch of girls.
- Steph took a half day to go to Eli's class for the Mother's Tea.
- It's suppose to be 70's all week next week...should be nice.
- Been trying to check some games and highlights from the playoff's. It's getting interesting.
- Eli told me he wanted to go to Comerica Park for a Tigers game...I said, we'll go to a Whitecaps game this year. Maybe in a few years when he can actually sit through a whole game.
- I would love to do a trip with Eli when he's older and go to some classic ball parks.
- Inge hit a walk-off grand slam for the A's the other night. That was cool. Hope he does well. 
- We are working on refinancing our home...I like saving money.
- I am playing with the band on the 5:00 pm this week. I've listened to We Didn't Start the Fire about 5 million times trying to get all the words down.
- Gonna try to hit up the farmer's market this weekend.
- I am trying to do some planning for vacation and what I'm going to do for summer projects.
- I am still trying to get my yard mowed...it rains every day that I have time to mow.
- My kids are growing up too fast. Gonna try to freeze time...maybe that will be my summer project.
- Here's our summer fun list that Steph made with the kids.

Have a great weekend! 

THURSDAY THOUGHTS

Here's my weekly post of the the things mashed up in my melon:

- I pulled out 3rd place in my fantasy NBA league. Yipee. I'll show you my invisible trophy if you want to see it. 
- I picked the Bulls in the finals last week before game 1 of the playoffs and D Rose getting hurt. If the Heat can't make it to the Championship this year, they better dismantle the team.
- I was glad the Lions picked up a good O line guy and some defensive help. Good draft.
- The NFC North is gonna be tough this year for the Lions.
- I've been too busy to watch Tigers games, I keep catching like an inning or two. Haven't watched a Cubs game yet this year either.
- The Middle was funny last night. 
- I'm bored with American Idol...and most other shows on TV.
- If you see Jerry Retzlaff at The Journey, tell him thanks for being our building development/realtor/expansion man. He's retired but he's working full time for The Journey.
- The weather is great...ready for summer.
- I gonna mow my lawn tonight...unless anybody who loves yard work wants to come over and do it for me.
- We've been trying to eat healthier. So I've been trying some new things. But mainly just lightening up the menu and more fruits/veggies.
- I made a honey balsmaic pork tenderlion the other day dinner. It was good. Then I made it into a sandwich with a avocado greek yogurt broccoli slaw...better.
- This was better:

 
- I had a great time playing with the band again last weekend and helping with the North Network project. Love The Journey. So many cool people.
- This weekend: some Journey, soccer, maybe farm's market, some chillaxin'

Hope you have a great weekend! 

THURSDAY THOUGHTS

Here's my weekly post of what's crammed in my cranium...

- Megatron is on the cover of Madden 13. Lions are going down and it's not even pre-season.
- NFL draft tonight...we'll see if the Lions can drafted someone besides a WR or DE.
- Last night of the NBA regular season. The suffering for the Pistons will soon be over for summer. Bring on the lottery.
- NBA playoffs are really wide open this year. I am thinking Bulls vs. OKC in the finals. Bulls win. But I don't feel very confident with any team.
- Tigers need one more pitcher and need to pick it up a little if they are gonna beat the Rangers.
- This week has been crazy busy.
- I am leading music this week at church. Looking forward to it.
- Eli's birthday was this past weekend. He got some good new toys including some Star Wars Figther Pods. Good times.
- I made some new food for Eli's party including some antipasta skewers.
- We got a cake for Ryke's...goooooooood stuff.
- Summer vacation seems too far away even though Eli only has 8 classes left for his preschool.
-  We are thinking about taking the train to Chicago for one of our mini-vacation plans this summer.
- Looking forward to our North Network project on Saturday and the last week of My Story this Sunday.

Have a great weekend. 

THURSDAY THOUGHTS

Here's my weekly post of what's crammed in my cranium:

- Been watching a lot of the Tigers. They are looking good. Big series this weekend with the Rangers. Should be lots of runs.
- Pistons are so up and down...young and inconsistent. Need a few more good draft picks this year.
- My fantasy NBA team has fallen apart with injuries and they are playing their worst....just in time for the playoffs. Oh well.
- The Lions have some prime time games this coming year...a few on Sunday night, Thanksgiving a big game with the Texans, a Saturday night & a Monday night game.
- NFL draft next week. Lions need a DB. They probably draft a WR and a D-lineman.
- I think I'm going to a Tiger game in June. I would like to go to a few this year.
- I was disappointed that Person of Interest wasn't on this week. I got caught up last week while I was on vacation and I was all excited. Best new show.
- I got the new Desperation Band album. I was disappointed. They aren't as good without Jared Anderson & Glen Packiam.
- Thinking about going to see Coldplay this summer.
- Unity festival line up is shaping up with some good bands on Thursday & Friday....not so much to my liking on Saturday.
- Free David Crowder video on iTunes this week - http://itunes.apple.com/us/music-video/let-me-feel-you-shine/id513503444
- Mowed my lawn for the first time this week. It's looking pretty good so far this year.
- Emma is finally on a good team for soccer. Pretty fun for a change.
- Eli has grown like half a foot in like a week. All of a sudden all his shirts were too short.
- Here's a few things from the House menu recently: greek chicken pitas; roasted sausage, potatoes, peppers & onions; Enchilada's with a homemade red pepper sauce; sloppy joes with avocoda spread.
- Have you tried the Curry Kitchen in downtown Muskegon yet? Pretty good.
- I tried Ben & Jerry's new Frozen Greek Yogurt...pretty good.
- Emma keeps asking me if it's summer yet because she wants to go to Michigan's Adventure.
- We need to get cracking on our summer vacation plans. Thinking about taking the train to Chicago this summer.
- Looking forward to a fun weekend this week.

Hope you have a great weekend! 

FRIDAY AGAIN...BUT THURSDAY THOUGHTS JUST THE SAME

Busy week but here's my weekly post about sports, life, weather, media and the other stuff crammed in my cranium...

- I can't believe how bad State played last night. I would rather see the go out like Wisconsin did than lose so playing there worst game ever. That was bad.
- My bracket is officially busted.
- NBA: Pistons keep getting better but they can't pull out games.
- NBA: Heat play the Thunder this weekend. Two potential teams for the NBA Championship. Two teams that I don't trust to win it. Wouldn't be surprised to see two other teams like Lakers vs. Bulls play for all the winnings.
- Tebow to the Jets? It's gonna get interesting. NY media. A team with an attitude. Sanchez's lack of consistency. Tebow and Rex Ryan seem to fit together like oil and water too. Crazy.
- Ready for the Tigers to start for real. They're going to the World Series this year.
- Fantasy Baseball anyone?
- We have been really enjoying the weather. Lots of time playing outside and I can't believe I got sunburned in MI in March.
- Kids favorite thing right now: Velcro mitt baseball. We have played lots of catch. They actually like chalk more but we don't always let them do chalk because they are covered in it head-to-toe.
- I have to catch up on DVR. Too much basketball and too much time outside lately.
- Everything is blooming too soon. Hope it doesn't die next month when it snows.
- After the rain today, my grass is now about 200% greener.
-  We got our Girl Scout cookies this week. Been doing pretty good. Only eaten a few cookies instead of a whole box at one sitting. Soooo good. Must have will power.
- Eli got some new Croc's from his grandpa. They are croc that look like crocodile heads. Pretty cool. Everyone comments on them.
- Emma wanted to listen to Dark Horses by Switchfoot on the way to school this week. I forgot how awesome that album is. Vice Verses is a must have album.
- We went to the St. Patty's day parade last Saturday. We still have like 10 pounds of candy left-over from it. Kids thought it was the best parade ever.
- This movie looks interesting: Blue Like Jazz
- Looking forward to an event-filled weekend.
- I am speaking this Sunday.
- Journey Annual Awards Celebration is Sunday night. All journeyers are invited (not just volunteers). Fun, Bernie O's, Looking back and looking ahead. Be There.

Hope you have a great weekend. 

THURSDAY THOUGHTS (FRIDAY EDITION)

Here's some thoughts after a long week. I usually do this Friday but yesterday was kinda crazy...

- The weather is crazy. Sitting in the yard. Going for walks. Shorts. Windows open. It's like spring break.
-  When it snows again...I'm sure it will...it's gonna be hard. May will probably be like upper 30's.
- Our tulips and other plants are pushing through. Holland might have a hard time with the tulip festival this year.
- It's March Madness. I got to see some of the games yesterday but not enough. Good games tonight.
- It's been a fun week in sports with the NFL free agency, NBA trade deadline, MLB preseason and the Big Dance.
- No big trades for the NBA, but the Lakers made some good moves. I think they will turn it around and make it at least the Western Conference finals.
- Fire sale in Portland.
- Vince had a good post about the Knicks today.
-  Pistons did nothing. They will cut Charlie V this summer. Keep building Pistons.
- I was talking to Paul about the Calvin Johnson deal. He was excited his boys will grow up watching good Lions teams. Ready for NFL already.
-  Peyton Manning shouldn't go to Denver. I think Arizona is a good fit. Easy conference. Good recievers. Miami's division is so tough...now even the Bills are good. I'm sure it would be hard to not go to the Titans and return to Tennessee. I just don't see TN winning a Superbowl.
- I am sure John Elway is praying hard for Peyton to come to Denver. That's pretty much the only PR move to get rid of Tebow. As Skip would say...Unleash Tim Tebow.
- I have some corn beef ready to go this weekend.
- Had fun hanging with the North Network at the chili cookoff this week.
- Looking forward to the JAAC's next weekend.
- Been working with Aaron (he did the most work) on the Annual review book. Fun to look back & see what God has done over the past year.
- We got a new washer dryer with our tax return...yipee :(
- American Idol is over-rated. I just can't get into it.
- Didn't get to watch much TV this week. No time. Our DVR will be full because it's just basketball for me this weekend too.

Have a great weekend!

THURSDAY THOUGHTS

Here's my weekly mind dump of all the things crammed in my cranium:

- I think Peyton Manning will make Indy regret letting him go.
- Time to really crank up the March Madness.
- I saw someone wearing PajamaJeans yesterday.
- I think Dave Matthews is gonna win American Idol this year.
- New iPad is out...I think better connectivity, a 5 mp camera, brigther screen & bigger chip is all great and would be awesome, but I'm not that excited about it that I want to rush out and get one.
- I have some new kicks I want to wear but they are white so my new Puma's will have to spend some more time in the box till the weather in better for white shoes.
- I got an email from a  Church Job Search company that is looking for the next pastor at Mars Hill in GR. I don't think I would want to follow up Rob Bell. 
- We spent our tax return on a washer, dryer & a new dish washer. All were old or broken. Trying to stimulate the economy.
- Still keep thinking about the Mutemath concert last week. One of the best concerts I've been too. They were tight, musically amazing and put on a great show.
- We had a great weekend last weekend. We celebrated Dr. Suess with some Green Eggs & Ham, Steph and I hit Mia & Grace, went shopping without the kids, and I got to take a nap on Sunday for the first time in forever.
- Eli is counting down the days till Madagacar 3 this summer. I heard the Lorax is good. Maybe we'll go see that too.
- Food Highlights: Meijer has some Berry Yogurt Covered Pretzels that are amazing.
- Can't believe the Pistons took down the Lakers Tuesday night.
- Gonna watch Person of Interest tonight. Maybe I should learn of special ops techniques?
- Linsanity seems to be disappearing.
- Anyone want in for Fantasy Baseball?
- We have some cool things coming up for the Journey including some crazy stuff like the JAAC's featuring Bernie O's again. Easter we're trying Baconfest instead of Panera this year.  

THURSDAY THOUGHTS

Where's my weekly mind dump:

- NBA All Star Weekend was last weekend. It was mostly uneventful. I like the skills competition and the 6 shot thing with the WNBA & Old School players. 
- These are my two fixes for the All Star weekend. 1) If you play in the game on Sunday, you have to do one of the events on Saturday night. 2) Dunk Contest like a game of H.O.R.S.E.

- I think the Pistons will show some improvement that second half....probably will then miss a good draft pick.
- I would like to thank Lin for some good media coverage for the NBA and for helping resurrect my fantasy basketball team.
- It's almost my favorite time of the year....March Madness. I use to save vacation days for it. Will probably do that this year too.
- I was watching some reports from Lakeland, FL. They were watching BP from Fielder & Cabera. They said...this is going to be an exciting year for Detroit! 
- Not that impressed with the singers on American Idol.
- I don't like this stage of Idol. Too much tv. I would rather watch my other shows on the DVR. Need to check up on Alcatraz, Person of Interest, & we missed the Middle & Modern Family last night.
- Pretty pumped about the MuteMath concert tonight.
- Got a new EP from the Assemblie...holy moments listening to their songs.
- I think this new series BE RICH is gonna be good...even without crazy music videos.
- This week's food highlights: Italian Meatballs with sauce, parmesan poleta rounds & cottage cheese. Also, made Quinoa for the first time; did like a southwest with peppers & corn and a Pork Tenderloin with Red Pepper Aioli. 
- Opened my last Christmas present yesterday. Starbuck Reserve exotic roast: Honduras Premiere Blend. It's amazing.
- Emma got a purple stripe of fake hair like a feather. It's cool.
- Eli is totally into coloring right now. Last couple weeks, he went from scribbling to coloring in the line with a lot of detail. 
- Bring on spring. Thinking about planting a garden this year?!?! Not just our container garden? We'll see.
- It's gonna snow & be 60 next week. This time of year is mucky. Dislike.
- Someone donated money to paint at church. Been working through some design options.
- Main Life Goal lately: Don't get sick.

Hope you have a healthy, happy weekend!