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THURSDAY THOUGHTS

Here's a few things rattling around my cranium from this past week...

- March Madness is here! The TV will be tuned into basketball non-stop for the next weeks...and then till June with the NBA playoffs.
- First Game: Upset. Gotta love the tourney. Warren Buffet is already breathing a little easier. However, I did pick Dayton over OSU mainly because I hate the Buckeyes.
- My Final Four Picks: Florida, MSU, Wisconsin, Duke with the Gators over the Blue Devils.
- Part of our staff time today...practicing a Hoedown. Hope to see you at the JAAC's this Sunday night at The Journey.
- I saw the weather this morning. They said below average temps through June. The snow in our back yard is never going to melt. At least I won't have to mow my grass this summer.
- The problem will be I will be putting fertilizer on the front yard when there's still snow in the back.
- Opening day for MLB should be interesting. Soccer starts in two weeks. No way the fields are clear.
- I saw them pulling out a tarp over the snow on the infield for the Whitecaps. They revealed some of the new details with 5/3rd ball park remodel. More concessions, bigger store, some new future seatings...for the cost, it's hard to beat the experience there.
- Conferences this week. Our kids are doing awesome at school. 
- Half day today for the kids. Lunch at Dog & Suds. It was popcorn day too so movie night this afternoon...aka Frozen sing a long.
- Best thing I made this week: Sauted Chicken with Carmelized Onions &  Smashed Red Potatoes.
- Best grub around town this week: Draft Root Beer in a frosty mug at Dog & Suds and Peanut Butter Chocolate Donut at Goobers. We didn't really eat out in the past week.

Hope you have a great weekend!

THURSDAY THOUGHTS (FRIDAY EDITION)

Here's a few thoughts from my week...

- I had a few more vacation days this week to burn. Use 'em or lose 'em by the end of this month. So I had a relaxing week. I did a few projects around the house, took the kids to the GR musuem to see the Dino exhibit, hair cut, I had a gift certificate from Steph for a massage that I cashed in, and  went into Eli's class to help out one day. Good mental break.
- I got all caught up on Revolution. The last few episodes were good. The show got kinda dumb for a while but it's getting good again.
- Did you see Philip Philips on American Idol last week? I likeed his new song. He's totally the 2nd version of Dave Matthews but he's still good.
- I'm excited for the new 24 series coming in May.
- I watched Die Hard 5...not nearly as good as the original. 
- It's time to get March Madness reved up. The tourney is going to be crazy this year. No favorite. MSU  & U of M could win it all or lost in first round.
- I think it the NBA will come down to Miami/Indy & Spurs/OKC. The cream will rise to the top. However, Houston & Golden State could be a surprise in the West.
- I watch a little of Tiger preseason. They are going to be kicking off the season in the snow.
- Golden Tate to the Lions...it's a okay signing. Not too exciting. He can catch and can play multiple WR positions which will be good since they can't keep anyone healthy. They should still take Mike Evans.
- I think the Pats wanted Revis but I think a small part of the signing was to just tick off the Jets.
- Foodie Moment: We ate out at Mi Castina with some friends this week. Nothing new. Just good. I didn't make anything new or exciting either. We had a roasted Chicken last night & I decided that I am only cooking whole chickens from now on. It's some much juicier and better flavor.
- Did anyone watch the iTunes festival? I want to go back and watch Coldplay. Looking forward to the new album. 
- Eli's teacher was picked for the WGVU Cool Teacher award. He's a great teacher.
- Spring comes in the weeks?!?!?!

Have a great weekend.

THURSDAY THOUGHTS

Here a few random things roaming around my mind grapes from this past week...

- We didn't take a vacation this past summer because we bought a dog and a fence. We're also saving up for a big Disney Trip. So I have some vacation days to burn before the end of the month so I've been off all week! Yeah me. 
- Today I took a trip down to the beach to experience the movie Frozen first hand. I haven't been down there this winter. It was crazy but I was the only one out there so it was beautiful and calm at the same time.
- I am now all caught up on the few shows I watch...Personal of Interest is one of my favorites. The last two episodes were so good.
- I think I could win a Sport Current Events Trivia contest after a week off. One thing I know is that the Pistons need to start tanking so they don't lose their draft pick from the Ben Gordon deal.
- I pulled out my Tigers ball cap today. Wishful spring thoughts.
- I had a few projects and appointments this week but I got bored after the second day. I was going to clean out & reorganize the garage while I was off but everything is still frozen. I'm not good at time off but I needed a mental break.
- Best thing I've made lately: Sausage Gravy & biscuits with runny eggs, Creamy Garlic Pasta with Pancetta Chicken & Mushrooms. 
- I'm ready for warmer weather because I haven't been real motivated to cook. Tired of soups & stuff in the oven. Ready to make every meal on the grill.
- Local Food: Kid were with the grandparents this past weekend. Steph and I stopped in the Drip Drop on Saturday early afternoon for a pour over coffee. Good stuff to drink up if your downtown.
- The new farmers market is looking good. So much potential downtown Muskegon. Will it ever come all together?
- Steph got me a nice camera for Christmas so I spent some time snapping some pics this week. I love tech toys!
- Looking forward to week 2 of the "Why God?" series at The Journey North on M120. We have a marriage prep course on Saturday too. Back to work for the weekend and a few more vacation days to burn next week.

Have a great weekend!

THURSDAY THOUGHTS

Here's a few random thoughts from my week:

- I don't really like figure skating so the Winter Olympics get less and less of my viewing time as it goes on. I have a hard time with all the trick skiing/snowboard stuff too. It all looks hard to me and I have a hard time connecting with the scoring! But hey...GO USA!
- Second half of the NBA season is here. It looks like it's down to OKC vs. Miami. If anyone is going to unseat those teams, it would be SA, GS, or IND. 
- I hope the Pistons don't make the playoffs so they get a better draft pick.... :(
- The dunk contest was anti-climatic. It would have been great if they ended with a dunk off with the past three guys. 
- Best dunker/contest of all times: Vincanity in 2000. 
- I wish I was in FL for some Tigers spring training.
- A few days of winter sun and a brief thaw was nice. Hopefully the next one isn't too far away.
- We finally got some good snowman weather so we made a good one outside yesterday...He's kinda melty today.
- We had pizza from Handsome Henry's this past week. I had the deep dish. It's not as good as the real sutff in Chicago, but it's still good.
- Steph and I had Valentine's dinner on Sunday night instead of Friday...who says Feb. 16th can't be a special day!
- We've been DVR'ing the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. I think he's going to be good. He has the potential to be the best host I think. He seems like a nice guy who actually cares and listens to the people he interviews.
- Looking forward to the last week of our Why God series at church this weekend. It's been an interesting series.

Have a great weekend!

THURSDAY THOUGHTS

Here's a few random thoughts from my week:

- Emma really likes the Olympics...including curling. I actually like curling because there is strategy to it. I don't enjoy Olympic events when they deal with a judges result as much. 
- I don't like that the Pistons fired Mo Cheeks. I like longevity and consistency. I think this means Dumars will be gone after this year. I still think Bill Laimbeer deserves a shot to coach.
- I have heard a lot of talk about the NFL draft too. I don't like drafting for need or for potential. I think draft who will be consistent over the next 5+ years...best available player. Fill big holes with Free Agency.
- Looking forward to NBA All-star weekend...not so much for the game as for Saturday night. The Dunk Contest should be good this year.
- Best thing I made this week: parmesan garlic spaghetti squash with from scratch tomato/meat sauce. 
- Helpful reminder: Tomorrow is Valentines Day...don't miss it & mess up.
- It's mid-winter break for us this weekend. Kids are off for a 4 day weekend...like they haven't had enough snow days this year.
- I saw 42 degrees in the extended forecast. That is pretty exciting...it's going to be a flood of melting snow.
- We are still trying to kick the colds at our house. Colds are dumb.
- Our Christmas decorations are still outside...it's not that we are one of those that leave them out...you just can find them under the snow. Our deer is frozen in place.
- We built a sweet snow fort and I made grips in the drift so it's like a snow climbing wall for Eli.
- We saw Monument Men last weekend. It was good...pretty much Oceans 11 but in WWII. It was good & very nteresting with the historical value.
- I've been working on some things coming up at The Journey...some good series coming up and we've been dreaming of some other things - big things - that could make a huge impact. 
- Looking forward to speaking again this weekend in our Why God? series.

Have a great weekend!

THURSDAY THOUGHTS

Here's a few things growing in my mind grapes...

- This past week & a half has been odd and crazy. I've had a dumb cold and my schedule is out of whack.
- I hope I have my voice back before Sunday.
- Last week I talked about "Why do bad things happen?" It's hard because you feel you can't do it justice in a sort amount of time. This week...Why didn't God answer my prayer? Another big one.
- We had some painting done...the main areas. After 7 years of the kids (and me) dinging up the walls, now they are all nice, smooth and painted. They should stay that way for at least another few days.
- We're thinking about seeing the Monument Men movie this weekend. Steph's been reading the book. Looks interesting.
- I'm kinda tired of winter this year and I like winter. I need a few days to melt down some snow piles. I like to keep my driveway bare but it's been too hard this year since it never stops snowing and never gets above freezing to melt it. I gave up a while ago.
- Had lunch at Toast n Jams today...I had blueberry cream pancakes...they were amazing.
- Best thing I made this week...Superbowl Snacks. Honey BBQ Mini Smoked Sausages, Swiss Cheese Dip, Taco Bean Dip, Pretzels with Cheese Dip, Veggies & Dip.

Have a great weekend!

THURSDAY THOUGHTS (FRIDAY EDITION)

Here's a few random thoughts bouncing around my brain...    

- Superbowl Weekend: I'm excited because the game should be really good. If I was a betting man, I wouldn't bet on this game. It seems too close to call for me.
- Also important: I hope there are good commercial and I hit up Meijer early this morning so I have good snacks ready to go for the game.
- I haven't watched hardly any hockey this year. I not even sure who all in on the Wings. I should probably pay attention. I would like to go to the Joe sometime to see a game.
- Who's excited to watched some Olympic Curling next week?!?!?!
- Had my physical therapy again this morning. They are trying to make me flexible. Good luck to them...my whole life is working against them.
- I'm really enjoying American Idol this year. It might be the best season yet.
- I use to watch Community...it was really funny. It gets less funny each season. There just aren't many good comedies out there these days. I would say Brooklyn 99 is the funniest currently.
- All the snow this week was crazy. We're getting more. I think our back yard is going to exploded because there is so much snow!?!?!
- Since we live right by a movie theater, Steph took the kids to see Frozen on one of their snow days. It was fitting. I was hoping they'd figure out how to make it warmer but I guess it didn't work.
- Our kitchen/dining/living room/bathroon is getting painted this week. After 7 years of dings, scratches, holes and marks, the walls look like new. Thanks Gravlin Painting and Christmas gift money!
- We are finalizing our Disney Dining Plan. I can't wait to go this summer.
- In the mean time, just more snow this weekend.

Have a good one.

THURSDAY THOUGHTS

Here's a few thing crammed in my cranium...

- We went to Chuck E Cheese tonight for a birthday party. Our kids have never gone. We avoided it for 9 years. Streak broken. It wasn't busy so it was actually fun.
- I had a great call today from our Disney Vacation planner...Your dining reservations have all been booked. Can't wait.
- We dugged tunnels in the snow drifts in our back yard after school. We have HUGE drifts. It's fun...except Finely our dog can just walk over the fence.
- The Polar Vortex was crazy but not as bad as the ice we got in December.
- I love my kids but I'm glad they are back at school. I like routine at some levels.
- I played some basketball shoot em at Chuck E Cheese tonight. I miss playing basketball. I need a hoop at my house.
- MSU is crushing it in the college sports world.
- I think the Pistons decide to start tanking. They need to go inside to Monroe more.
- I think the Lions will land Ken Whisenhunt for their coach. He's an offense minded coach and the Lions have a lot of offense to dream about. I hope he can bring some mental toughness and discipline.
- San Fran was my preseason NFL Superbowl pick. I picked Seattle over New England after week 13 at staff meeting. Should be an interesting weekend in NFL.
- I've been listening to the new Switchfoot album on iTune radio first play. I'm liking it so far. 
- Looking forward to the new Crowder album in February too.
- I tried a new Starbucks Caramel Flan dessert coffee drink today. It was good.
- We went to Hanks Tavern this week. I got a 50/50 burger - half beef, half ground bacon. It was good and the fried were awesome. If you haven't been there yet, stop in. The place is small but really cool inside.
- Best things I've made lately: Mexican Lasagna, Cauliflower Soup with Leeks & Parmasen, Tuscan Soup like Zuppa and Angel Hair with Pancetta & Fresh Mozzerella & Tomatoes.
- Looking forward to week two of IF at The Journey.
- Proofed our mailer this morning that is going out to the community next week.

Hope you have a great weekend!

CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS

Every week I try to review some thoughts & here's some things crammed in my cranium for this Christmas week:

- We had a great relaxing Christmas Day. Lots of family, food, gifts & good times. Kids played with their legos & toys for hours.Steph is a only child so our kids are the only grand kids so they get spoiled really good. 
- Our kids got some new video games. We usually have a daily limit on tech time. Today is unlimited tech time. They are loving it. 
- Steph got me a nice camera. I love it.
- Our pre-lit tree had the whole middle section burn out...like 50 bulbs all burnt & black. So I guess we'll be looking for a new tree this weekend. Hopefully on a big discount.
- We came home last night after being gone for 48 hours to find over a foot of snow in the driveway. I will be shoveling today.
- I thought our Christmas Gatherings at The Journey went great. Weather was an issue Monday night but it's better than the many churches across Michigan that had to cancel due to no power. 
- I want to say a big THANKS to everyone who volunteered....band, tech, host, cafe and more to make it a great event and a fun first touch with many people. We do it big because we want people to have a positive experience so they might come back and continue to explore God.
- I think we are going to hit our goal for the Hope Christmas Project. I am proud of how our church is so outward focused & wants to make a difference.
- A bunch of people gave us gifts at church. No needed or expected but thanks.
- We have one more Christmas with my dad's side yet. Christmas isn't over. We're doing a Christmas wrap up at church on Sunday too.
- New Years...most over-rated holiday.
- I went to 5 Guys Burgers for the first time. It was good but I think In & Out is better. I think Smashburger is better and for sure the Station is better.
- I didn't watch much of the games for NBA Christmas Day. Games weren't that good...lots of key players with injuries and jersey's with sleeves...I'll pass. 
- Hope to make it to a Piston game this winter.
- Not sure if I'll waste my time watching the Lions this Sunday. I figure they will crush the Vikings since it doesn't matter. Expecting their best game of the year.
- Will the Lions fire Schultz? I'm also starting a rumor that Stafford is getting traded for Romo...and Wayne Fontes is going to be the new coach. Pass it on.
- I came in 8th in the Journey Fantasy Football league and 2nd in my other league. It was fun as always. Congrats to Mark's son, Jordon Rhodes, for winning the Journey Title. Bragging rights for a year!
- I think the Journey Band did an awesome job on this video:

Have a great end to 2013!

THURSDAY THOUGHT (FRIDAY EDITION)

Here's a few thing mingling in my mind grapes from this week....

- It was Steph's birthday this week. Happy Birthday to a great mom, wife, teacher and partner in ministry and life.
- Starbucks new Chestnut Praline Latte is pretty good.
- Best thing this week: Chocolate Peanut Butter Donut at Ryke's....amazing.
- Best thing I made: Spaghetti Squash with Sweet Italian Turkey Sausage, Garlic and Parmesan. 
- Gonna grill out tonight...for the last time till spring. We don't have a good space to grill all year at our house. I use to have space in a space garage at our last house.
- Tomorrow the plan is yard clean up and putting things away for winter. Yipee!
- This is acutally one of my favorite times of year. Lots of birthdays and holiday fun.
- I am leading a Beginnings Class at the North site this month. It's so cool. Sitting around the room with people exploring God. One of the best parts of my job.
- If the Lions beat the Bears this weekend I think they will move on to win the division since Aaron Rodgers is out and the Bears have been a line of injuries.
- Muskegon vs. Lowell tonight. Should be a good game between two state powerhouse high school programs.
- Pistons are looking better than I thought...still look young and need to tighten up shoot selection and defensive rotations. Might need to make it out to a game this year.
- Here's my thoughts on the first two weeks of the NBA...doesn't matter two much because it's a long season...but Clippers are too small and don't have a tough or deep interior. OKC & Chicago won't win because they don't play too much all-star isolation, especially down the stretch. Indiana has the best chance to dethrone Miami. They are big, strong, solid on defense, young and I think the give the Heat a tough match up.
- It's almost time for winter meetings for MLB...please get some relief help this off season Detroit.
- Not sure about Brad Asmus for manager. They should have picked up Gibby a while back. I would think we would need someone experienced to bring home the World Series championship?!?!?!
- We watched Honey I Shrunk the Kids this week. It's fun seeing my kids watch some of these movie I saw as a kid. 
- We need to start booking our dining reservations for our Disney Trip...any recommendation?
- We are flip flopping the weeks between the sites for our Blessed Life series at church. I'm talking about dealing debt & spending habits this week at Pontaluna Exit site. Hope to see you there.

Have a great weekend!