Misc

Lakers Win - now we'll see if they face Labron or not.

Cats: No not the movie. I never have much liked them but now I have even more of a dislike for them as my daughter was bit in the hand by a friends cat yesterday. That, in itself is not uncommon perhaps but in this case, her hand became infected and it swelled up to the size of a softball.

After medication, she is 'oozing' stuff from her hand as her swelling reduces. Needless to say, not a big fan of the feline...

Have a great weekend.

PLW

Cancun Pictures

I finally got around to getting some pictures downloaded from our trip to Cancun in April.

Heidi and I (with some of her friends and husbands) had an unbelievable week of relaxation, long-islands, and no agenda.

A few of the highlights were corrupt Mexican cops, great body surfing, cenotes, and peso-dollar conversions (which is always good comedy - FYI - Cancun was much more like the US in terms of the cost of goods, food, etc. than I thought it would be).

We grew closer as a couple and I am thankful that the gals invited the guys for the trip.

Grace & Peace

PLW

PS: I have updated the Federal Reserve blog so check it out if you haven't already

Sports

Does everyone now know why I am such a big Laker fan? If not, it can be summed up in one word - Kobe.

Lakers win!

The Leprechauns went down in flames last night agianst a tough pitching crew and some amazing plays in the infield against them. Hunter and Jalen both struck out but kept their chins up and dad was proud. They hustled, were in position to make the plays, and were good leaders and examples for their teammates.

In life, I hope they carry those same traits.

Grace & Peace

PLW

Federal Reserve

This is hilarious...and frightening...



(HT to the BloggerBlaster)

Update 5/27/09

The link for this video was found through a blog that I read on occasion. This morning, as I went to make sure that my blog was working, it appears that the Federales have now blocked this video. Rest assured, I will do my best to attempt and locate the actual video and post it this morning...here it is!

Buenos Dias

PLW

Miscellaneous

Sorry I missed yesterday but I blame my brother-in-law for that as I spent the whole day working on his basement. It is gratifying, though, serving other people. I am extremely grateful to have a great extended family to spend time with and serve with.


Housekeeping: Thanks to Scott, I fixed the link in my blog from Sunday so that you can actually read the article I was referring to.


This week is a blur but after a long weekend of work, Heidi and I might catch a Twins game tonight (either at home or at the Dome) for a little date night.


My Lakers keep giving me ulcers, but I am hopeful that they will win at home. Otherwise, it will be a tough road trip...


Dodger Blue - Best record in baseball and only five other teams with fewer home runs than they do...? Interesting.



One of my best friends, Craig, had a baby boy last week (Ethan). God is awesome and I am thankful to God for his 'tender mercies'. Congratulations! I promise to get over to see him (seriously)...



Grace & Peace

Liberty University

This is an interesting stance by Liberty. I can't decide if I agree or not, but I suppose Liberty can do whatever they want, as a private institution, despite what people think about their rules.


PLW

Memorial Day origins...

This is dedicated to many of my relatives (my Uncle Jerry- may you rest in the peace and the security of God the Father (Air Force) & Uncle Jim (Navy), Grandpa Wight (Army), Ben Zak. (Army ROTC), Maj. Blenkush (Air Force), SJ Blenkush (AF), Jonathan (and his wife) Blenkush (AF)) friends and others in the armed forces: Thank you for your sacrifice to secure our freedom!

The official birthplace of Memorial Day is Waterloo, New York. The village was credited with being the place of origin because it observed the day on May 5, 1866, and each year thereafter. The friendship between General John Murray, a distinguished citizen of Waterloo, and General John A. Logan, who helped bring attention to the event nationwide likely, was a factor in the holiday’s growth. General Logan had been the principal speaker in a citywide memorial observation on April 29, 1866, at a cemetery in Carbondale, Illinois, an event that likely gave him the idea to make it a national holiday. On May 5, 1868, in his capacity as commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, a veterans’ organization, Logan issued a proclamation that “Decoration Day” be observed nationwide. It was observed for the first time on May 30th of the same year; the date was chosen because it was not the anniversary of a battle. The tombs of fallen Union soldiers were decorated in remembrance. The alternative name of “Memorial Day” was first used in 1882. It did not become more common until after World War II, and was not declared the official name be Federal law until 1967.

Final note: God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8). This was the ultimate sacrifice and I pray that all of you would come to a decision to follow Christ with your lives (see John 14:6).

Lastly, for those currently serving in the armed services and/or in harms way, God offers this:

'Have I not commanded you? Be strong & courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go'.

(Josh. 1:9)

Grace & Peace

PLW

Audit The Fed, Then End It!

The link above is a great article by Ron Paul. It's interesting how the government seeks to impose more micro-management into every level of the private sector, but doesn't use that same accountability to itself.

Baseball Update
The Lep's will play in front of a big crowd in June when they play right before the local amateur baseball team. Hunter & Jalen are very excited.

Lawns
Anybody know anything about growing grass (the kind in your lawn...)? My front yard is heavy clay and grass has continued to wither for the past 7 years. I need a new tactic. I have tried aerating, thatching, over seeding, etc. but nothing seems to be the right mixture. I will try again this weekend with a grass seed, black dirt, clay softening mixture along with a plug aeration and see how that does.

Weather
If you live in the Midwest, you know how hot it has been. Record highs in the 90s over the last few days. Feels like Arizona...

Grace & Peace

PLW

Leprechauns

1-1

Hunter & Jalen are playing with much more confidence these days. After a bit of a rough start, their team is 1-1.

Both Hunter and Jalen pitched, but Hunter had the better outcome this time (mostly due to a favorable and reliable infield due to his little brother). Jalen still played well but was a little off by his own admission (not enough vegetables).

I love summer in MN!

Grace & Peace

PLW

Classic Case of Over-reaction

As a parent, it is wise to make sure you don't over-react to things that really bother you (i.e. clothes on the floor, dishes left on the table, bad calls by inept 3rd grade baseball umpires calling your son's strike a ball and losing the game...).

President Obama today has announced that because of a couple of criminals, he should strip the SEC of its duties rather that truly investigate the how and why of the problem and seek to reform. (see article here)

It's similar to instead of trying to correct your child so he/she can learn from their mistake, you send him or her to boarding school and change your address...

Absurd...

Taking April Off

Ok- well, I am back with more fervor than ever.

Sorry for my faithful blog listeners/enthusiasts but 3 vacations, tax deadlines, etc. have put blogging lower on the priority list.

But, I will humbly apologize and will attempt to be more faithful.


Cancun:
Heidi and I went with some of her friends down to the Yucatan peninsula and visited sunny Cancun. Immediately I was blown away by how bright turquiose blue the ocean was (some pictures available soon).

Baseball:
Team name 'Leprechauns' are 0-1 since their home opener against the dreaded #8 team. Both Hunter and Jalen pitched in the game that yielded a total of 8 runs in two innings.
Jalen was 3 for 3 and rocketed the ball past the hitters in his pitching debut. Even though the score wasn't favorable, the outcome surely was for this parent.

Grace & Peace
PLW