Oh, the Yin and Yang of it all.......

Just Lonesome

Hey Bored,
I'm not bored but I sure am lonesome, maybe that is why I write all of you so much. I have been keeping up on your blog Jim and Sandi. Did you know they just opened up a fossil exhibit here in Johnson City? I am going to visit it this week, they have had so many school buses and different groups in to see it, I've been waiting for a chance to see it when it isn't so busy.
Rick and I talk every day, thank God we have free calling. I won't see him until Thanksgiving.
Wish I could share some of the beauty with you around here. Every season is so awesome, just in my own back yard I feel so close to God. I have baby possums, raccoons, birds, squirrels, chipmunks, stray dogs, and cat that have learned, (even when I was on the road) I would be back to feed them. I have been blessed to see the babies of some of these animals return to my porch knowing it is save to eat within inches of this human.
The only way I can describe this little piece of heaven on earth that God has blessed us with is Peters and Karens house.
God has given us so much. Ricks boys have accepted me as a second mom. Pam and I are like sisters, Rick and Pams grandchildren are all of our grand kids. Rick had a dream when we came here that we could be family. I told him, " never, it would take a miracle" especially since after we moved here he sent me back to Oregon so he could try to "work thing out with his family". God has brought us so far and Rick has worked thing out with his family. The boys love us and they know we love them. His oldest missed the NW with all the rivers and mountains. If it is Gods will, Zack and our grandson will be at next years reunion. He wants to meet all his "cousin and nieces and nephews.
I miss my Amy, but I have so much to be thankful for. Rick send his love

Yeh, I'm bored.

I wrote a little reflection on the science conference and observations about dancing. If you care to read it, go to: http://jnshoop.blogspot.com/
Jim

Hmmmmm.....

I wonder if it works.


Jim

I am blessed with NUTTY brothers

Has anyone ever told you guy's, YOU ARE TOTALLY NUT'S!!! I understand loving the water and standing out in the rain but purposely freezing your tush off in a freezing creek. Oh I forgot, Suzy and Dick, we did go dunk ourselves in Bear Creek which was freezing cold and then jumping in Spirit Lake.
As for me I will leave the skinny dipping to my hot tub which is the most fun in the winter with snow falling.
OH YES ILLA, Rick is older than dirt. His nephews called him an "Old Geezer" and that was 15 years ago. But I always say older and wiser. Well, I guess that depends on who you are talking about. LOL BJ

Chuck's Request

Hi, Peter Here; Just got a note from Chuck, he gave us this request, which I think we ought to be careful to honor: I would like to have my name taken off everyone's email list. If not, I will discontinue my Compuserve service. thanks

I suggest we needn't make any comments on this.

How's your movie coming?

I’ve heard it, but luckily not experienced it, the idea that just before one dies, they see their life story passing before their eyes. Wow, I’m not sure if I believe it, but in a sense it’s somewhat like believing in anything that one does not have evidence for. There is always the ‘what if?’ question. Our faith bouys us up in situations where we cannot prove, other than by the strength of our faith.

My point is not to cast doubt on any belief, but rather to take a look at my own life and see if I were to die today, what type of legacy and memories would I leave? What would I have done to leave the world a better place?

I went to a memorial service last week for a friend I’d known for 40 years. He was only 53 years old. Very nice things were said, there were many people there. It made me recall something I said to another friend at a funeral we both attended years earlier. I made a resolve at that time to tell people positive things about themselves in the present rather then wait to say it at their funeral.

If I view my movie at the end of my life, what do I want it to look like? Would it be a “B” grade movie, or would it be one where others would want to emulate? Since I am the master of my destiny, I am making my own movie, and thus determining my future.

Jim

L.A. Fires

Talked to our fire camps here in northern Calif.. Only two fires crews left in the north area. All other crews down south. All of my old unit are gone and on the fires there.

It's hard to believe, Rick is 60 today

Can you believe it, Rick turned 60 today. I missed celebrating with him although but will do something when he gets home.
Each year seems like such a challenge more than the year before. I am so tired about life being so unsettled all the time. Sometimes I just want to dig a hole and bury my head in it. I got a text message from Amy last night still wanting me to get reinstated so we can have a relationship again. I am so tired of hurting those I love. I am not that kind of person and yet I keep doing it. I need my daughter in my life so much and she needs me, but I just can't compromise my own beliefs of Gods love and how much he values relationship with us. He doesn't shun us just because a difference in opinion in doctrine. For 16 year I have lived with the grief of not having a relationship with my only child which I adore. We were so close one time.
Sorry family, my heart is just so heavy. I just feel pulled in so many directions and even though I pray daily for God's direction, sometimes His answers are not always clear. I have made so many decision in life when I thought I was hearing from God and it turned out to be so wrong. Usually when we let emotions get in the way is when I make my biggest mistakes. I'm so glad that this life is no temporary and that we have eternity to look forward to without all the different beliefs and doctrines tearing us apart. I'm so blessed to have so many sisters, brothers and sister-in laws to love.
I'll probably be sorry I posted this but I just feel so alone and in pain right now. I am so grateful for Rick, he has been so understanding all these years about my lonesomeness for Amy. He has always been there to hold me when I cry myself to sleep for the hurt I have caused her. I miss him so much. As we get older it scares me to think there might come a day when we don't have each other. Then I really hate being apart right now. I got to get him home. Love Ya all so much.

Fires in southern Calif. again

Got to admit, I miss that action !! Adam, our son-in-law, has been called in and is headed down there to help with the feeding. just fyi type news.

Yeh, I like the rain too..........

Yes, I guess it runs in the family, this love of the rain. Sandi and I took the kayak up a small creek that flows into Big Lagoon (just above Patrick's Point). We paddled up until we couldn't go any farther. Then, the water was so nice (inviting, not warm), I had to take a swim. Think of it as rain, just more dense.
Jim

Singing and dancing in the rain

Peter, That is so funny what you said about Glenna loving the rain. Rick always grabs the umbrella and runs. I love to be out in it. I always tell him, "I'm not going to melt". My neighbors thought I was crazy when they saw me outside in a downpour loading boxes to take to storage. I decided maybe I should go in when the thunder and lightening got just a little to close. In Tenn. the rain is usually a warm rain so its kinda refreshing. LOL

ocean trip

Just to let all know, Illa and I made it to Crescent City for three days. This was the first time we had been there for Illa's birthday !! We met Jim and Sandi for an excellent dinner and conversations !! Sandi is as sexy as ever, btw. Sorry Jim but I aint blind yet !!! lol
Illa and I had two days of GREAT weather(no rain). The first day and the last day, so we felt pretty lucky. Even on the secound day, we still took a nice long walk on the beach. We always bring extra shoes and clothing because we plan on getting wet. To us, that is part of the journey.
We found a nice cabin close to Agate beach for $95.00 a night. It is called Viewcrest (Lodge). Has a cabin with a balcony and ocean view. We suggest it to all who want a nice night with the charms of the ocean.
Also, before the rumor gets out, I got my first speeding ticket during the trip. The car behind me was pushing me to go faster !!!

Beach spagetti

Ok so Jimmy,
you broke me down and I had to get away to the beach. it was sooooo nice to just get away from the CRAP of the city.
sorry about the explisitive. but thats just the way i feel

BJ

I am feeling so guilty. Just wanted to see who the gullible ones in this family where. Rick says it's time to fess up, I can't get away with anything with him. See what marriage does to you Dick. I know, I know, you weren't talking marriage. And before anyone says something, no "I am not being bitter" Got to keep the humor in your life, not everything has to be so serious.
I have been playing golf, tennis, bowling, baseball and boxing on our Wii game, and it is true, it can be a real work out.
Jim, we do have a GPS but Rick uses it in the truck. I'd like to get a hand held one and do the geocash thingy. What kind do you have?

A picture for Dick

Since Dick had a yearning for being at the beach, I went out and took a pic of the aftermath of the storm. Sorry, I can't help him with the wimmin'.
Jim

BJ

Family, you would be so proud of me, I have been getting my exersize. I have taken up bowling, tennis, baseball, golfing and even some boxing. Rick does it when he can. We are pretty much matched so it's really a workout. Our endurance is getting better all the time.
Jim, when Rick was driving with David who is also a cop,he did the geocash thing. David has been doing it for quite a while. Rick said it was really fun. Even in the truck David stops whenever he can and finds things. Driving from east coast to west coast gives him a lot of territory to work.
Peter and Glenda, thanks for helping me figure out how to do the comments thing.

The Hooper Family Tree

The trunk looks pretty good, but the roots are somewhat of a tangle.

The Hole

So since you wont let me post pics of my colon. ill post one of the entry point of the needle for the bioposy. This is as exciting as my life gets.woohoo
I need a woman.

She Said

OK, you just ruined for image of Russel Crowe, I really didn't me "on the buns" but then you turned him blue. Thanks a lot. I still think that's Jim.
OK, I am dense, I admit it, but will someone please tell me how to do the comment. What user name and password after you write your comment? And do you put in the letters you see in the box?
I got a email from Lili last night, she said Lisi is busy and doing good, she didn't know we have a blog.

By the way Rick and I got a really terrific letter from Richardo, (Suzy's boy) man is he on fire for The Lord. As you know, he will be getting out of prison soon. Brothers and sister, he really needs for love and prayers and support. It is going to be hard for him, I know some people will not treat him kind, some of those people may even be family members. Please keep him in your prayers, I believe God has a great ministry for him. He has been witnessing in prison and I know God is preparing him for mush greater things when he gets out. Rick is really excited to get to know him better, Richardo is a deep thinker and loves to read and study Gods Word so Rick is looking forward to some great discussion with him. Suzy has his address so if anyone is moved in your heart to write him and just let him know he has family praying for him, it would mean so much to him. I know he didn't remember who Rick and I were, but that doesn't matter, just to know he is loved and will be welcomed home when he gets out is what counts. Isn't that what Gods unconditional love is all about? LOL

Jim, livin' on the wild side........

That's right, livin' life in the "Danger Zone." I'm removing the labels on a sleeping bag where it says, "Do not remove under penalty of law."

Come now, are these laws antiquated or is it just me, does this law appear stupid to anyone else?

I know that I see things a little different, but this qualifies as a lot different in my world.
Jim

She Said

OK, Put Russell Crowe's face on those buns it might be cute.

OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!!!!!!!

That has to be Jim? The only reason I question this is the PINK G STRING. Now your in for a fight! A brother is not suppose to look better than his sister! THIS IS WAR!!!
You had me so flustered I forgot my title: (She Said)

Dick- Before Procedure

Hey Dick; how ya feeling today? Sore?

yes- taking tylenol

Are you back to work?

probobly tomorrow.

How long do you expect to be out with this, or is it that debilitating?

no

It sure seems like it would hurt for a while. Is it going to leave a scar?

only a pinhole size if any

Are going to still be able to wear a bikini?

no - i have to stick to my speedo

She Said

I worry that I am posting to often and boring you. I just love the connection we have so much. I know I should write you individually but with 9 brothers and sister and your wives, are you kidding, who has the time. I'm so grateful for this blog.
I just got Rick off to work and wont see him for at least 3 weeks. Maybe I can get something done now. I'm crazy about my man but why is it we women spend more time looking for things that are right under your nose? Maybe I am the only one that does that. Anyway please pray The Lord give me the strength and energy to get this place ready to sell and to send the right people at the right time. It's going to be really hard to give up the beautiful setting we have with all the wild life and privacy and our creek, but God has given us our purpose in life and we know He is with Suzy preparing the way. Please pray for her too in her efforts to follow Gods guidance in buying the right home and getting ready for us to come back. I don't want this to be a burden for her. God is in this but we need to make sure we don't get ahead of him in our eagerness.
Jim, I so enjoy you post and read your personal web, I especially appreciated the picture of the wasp since we seem to have an abundant number of them living around our house and now that the weather is getting colder they find their way inside. I also found myself in the hospital twice when I got stung. Is anyone else allergic to bee stings?
Peter, thanks for the update on Dick
Please Dick, keep us all posted, I will let Doug know what is going on with you if you haven't already. I know he would rather hear it from you.
Have Lili and Lisi ever posted? I have been keeping in touch with Lili and sent Lisi an email but haven't heard from her.

Sandi, you have inspired me so much, I never thought of you being overweight, in fact I have always envied you, Karen and Illa for keeping so fit. Anyway now that I am home and will be getting all this exercise getting ready to move, and I don't have to cook, which unfortunately I love doing, I will be able to concentrate on loosing weight so wish me luck. Rick and I envy all the outdoor activities you guys do, we love hiking camping and have always wanted to take time fishing and just being on the water. Hopefully when we move out there we will have time to do some off that, even with you. Remember, that is a big reason we are moving out there, to be closer to all my family. Rick is crazy about all of you.
OK, now I win the award for being annoying but then I am a sister and need to do my job of ever annoying my brothers and Like I told Suzy, when I do anything I give it my all. LOL

Vying for a place in the sky

I thought you might like to see my photo of a flower. I call it, "Vying for a place in the sky". This is an old house I'm remodeling into an office. This flower somehow grew from under the house a full two feet in, stretching to be free. I actually like Jim's photo of a mushroom better. You can see it at his blogsite. See his link below.

The Fishing Rocks

Whenever I feel I haven't spent enough time with my boys, I tell them that, "We need to go make some more memories." So, the guys and I had planned last weekend for about two months. We went on our yearly trip to the Klamath River. It was perfect fall weather with just a hint of coolness in the air. The leaves were just changing color and the maples were steller, even the stars were all in line. It was a great weekend to make some memories.

I recalled a story I wrote to be submitted for publication that I hadn't thought of in a quite awhile.
If you get bored and want to read a short story and find out more about my mom, Helen, click on the above title or go to http://jnshoop.blogspot.com/

Hows Dick???

Who ever hears from Dick first, please pose it ASAP so we can know how he is doing. Wish I was there with you Dick, my heart and prayers have been with you all day as I know others have too. You need to come down and live closer to Suzy and me, boy would you give so much to the ministery Suzy want to start with the homeless and those coming out of prison with no direction in their lives. LOL BJ

She Said

Jim I'm going to title my blog like that especially for your benefit so you know if it's Rick or me. (Either she said or he said) Thanks for the compliment saying we sound alike, but Rick is much more eloquent with words.
Glenda it was so great to hear from you, how is school? I am so proud of you even at 60 you prove life still has more to offer and as Peter said, "we are always in the process of learning", by the way, the frogs were from all of us. I just picked them out because you told me you loved frogs. I was worried that it might interfere with what ever decor you already had. Hope it was OK.
Peter, I have been so amazed by a side of you I have never seen. I always thought you were so serious all the time but have seen a humorous side of you that has made me love you even more. Please don't get me wrong, I love your serious side, in fact to me you are our rock, both you and Glenda. But you are the spiritual leader in our family that God put in place to encourage and keep us grounded. Because of my own grief of lose with my relationship with my Amy and my move to Tenn. I have needed a rock. I'm not saying Rick hasn't been there to help, but a brother like you with you faith and word of wisdom has been a place for me to lean on. Bless you. And yes we are a work in progress, but God also maid us just the way were are for a reason, and I believe some of that reason includes others learning love patience, long suffering, in fact all the Fruits of the Spirit.

I meant to mention, Suzy has her prayer time at 7AM and 7:30PM Pacific time, (I guess that's everyone but me} anyway I decided to make that my prayer time too. I just got to thinking how awesome it would be if anyone that wanted to join us at that time even if it's just a moment of meditation to The Lord in the middle of what ever we are engaged in at the moment, I believe there could be a real power in our number and united effort to storm heavens gates with our prayers for one another. We have a lot of health issues, and especially when we know one of us is going through a particular storm in their life. Right now I am thinking of Dick and his operation. I would like to know what prayer request anyone has who needs a special prayer, let us know on the blog in a very specific way so we can come together in agreement in our prayers. I know it would help whoever sends that prayer request in to feel more assured just knowing they are being lifted up to Gods care. We already know He is aware of our needs, but again there is a spiritual force involved when two or more are gathered together and in agreement in prayer about anything. LOL BJ

Dick's Biopsy

Just in case you missed it, Dick is going have a procedure Monday morning at 10:00, on his liver, "ct guided liver biopsy. they do this to reduce the risk of any bobos that can result in a fatality because of the procedure."

Let's pray there are no problems there. Peter

Almost Normal (?)

Hi Everyone,

Life has finally settled down for me. It was pretty busy since the first week of September when the roommate over on 11th Avenue said she didn't want 3 living in the apartment anymore. She didn't care who moved (I mean between me or Teisha) but she really wanted her living room back!! It was a shock because she had asked me a couple of times why I didn't paint my room? But I am grateful that I had the opportunity to have a nice quiet year to try and decide what I was going to do with myself. Of course everything has to happen at once...I started a hectic routine at work because of the firing of one of the girls and then school started.

Teisha and I decided to find a place together because she really has been wanting a place of her own where she can put up her nice things and make it comfortable for her life style. We were using everything of Marsha's down to the pots and pans and furniture. I let Teisha pick out the place and I am like a roommate for her to be responsible for. She pays a lot more rent then I do because she can afford it so I am glad to let her have a place to decorate and enjoy. If Lydia were here I would be a happy camper!!

In the process of moving my Aunt from Fresno called to tell me she had Pancreatic Cancer and she wanted to see me before she passed away. A week after I saw her she passed away and I went back down to Fresno for the funeral. It was very hard because it was so close to my Dad's funeral so my sister and I had to keep each other encouraged. She was 87 years old so she had a good and long life and she knew the Lord but she will be missed.

I will send everyone an e-mail with my new address, I am still using my cell phone as my main phone. Miss all of you and look forward to catching up on the Blog Stories. Love Gi

Bonnie said

I keep posting things on the comments and they don't go through, I must be doing something wrong, ya thing!
What kind of question is that, "who cares about Dicks health?" Anyone that has the nerve to say they don't, has me to answer to. Of all of us I have the most to make up for my not loving him and being there when he needed someone. I was terrible to him when we were kids. I love him the most because I owe him the most. I have tried to call him but haven't been able to connect.
Peter, your blog bothered me because I hope with all my heart I am not the one that has hurt one of you. I love you all so much. With so many siblings were are bound to have different feeling about some things, even if we all grew up together, that would be true, infact maybe we wouldn't be as close as we are now. But Like Peter said are differences make us uniqe and interesting, how boring it would be if we were all alike, we all add a different spice and flavor, to be able to appreciate our differences whether we agree or disagree should never pull us apart, it should draw us together as a unit, after all we are all children of one God and He is the one that created us and knew us even before we were conceived. He knew every detail of our lives past present and future. He is the one that made us uniqly different. He had a plan and a purpose for every life that every existed, and He proved that love by giving Jesus as that sacrifice for our sins, and then told us that we need to love one another as he first loved us. So to not show that love to eachother would be a direct sin against God Himself, also to freely forgive one another since He first forgave us would also be a sin.
I feel so blessed to have each of you and your spouses in my life. With all our experieses in life we need to be so greatful we have eachother, and when any of us is going through trials of any kind there should never be a hesitation to let everyone of know about it so we can come together in agreement in prayer or fasting or what ever God put in our hearts to do to support and to bring about Gods will in that situation. There is no excuse for anyone to feel alone thru there trials. My goodness with ten brothers and sisters and all our spouses look at all the love to be shared.
I have been reading, "The Purpose Driven Life" and also "God's Plans For You," by Andrew Murray. To know we are destined from the beginning, and God is doing a work in us, He will see us thru to competion and He will not give up on us. Everyone of us has a calling on our lives. Once we put religion aside and put God in control, God becomes so real and our relationship with others becomes so much more important, because of what it means to God. But not just our relationship with each other but our relationship others, which would bring me to something really exciting.
Rick and I are moving ahead with our plans to move to Oregon and work with Suzy in here care center. The Lord is opening up doors of ministry and we are on an exciting journey. Talk about a heart of love and compation, our little sister has a heart bigger that the whole world, she has a heart for the most needy needy, God is using her in a very special way and has put her through alot of trials that has prepared her some awesome ministry. It is so awesome how God work brcause here Suzy and I have been away from eachother for years even at that we share a special bond and always have, now she talks about the same hopes and dreams that both Rick and I have prayed about for years, we have never shared with eachother these things until the reunion. Don't tell me God isn't in control of our lives when we let him. We are living in end times right now and it's getting really exciting, we have a major roll to play and everyone of us better be sure we are where He wants us to be.
We only have one life to live and we own that life to God so everything we do, everything we say should be God saying and doing through us, if we would remember God is living through us we would think twice before we said or did hurtful things to others.

Let me see those hands

Ok, let's have a show of hands. Who cares about Dick's health?

Loving one another

Bonding. One thing about a family that I have always appreciated; and I think this blog represents, and Jim brought it up when he first got the idea of a family blog, and I quote, “A central cyberspace place to post that which interests us or that which others may find interesting informative or maybe even downright annoying. Basically a place to share, vent, and converse.”

So here goes: I figure I am sometimes that “annoying” Jim spoke of, but isn't that what families do? The members of any family may not all agree, however, hopefully they have bonded enough to be able to talk with one another about almost anything. People are supposed to be diverse and varied in their opinions. God didn't make us exactly the same, he created us different for a purpose. This provides checks and balances in every institution, including the family. Supposedly we all have a right to our erroneous opinions.

Once, while at a marriage seminar Karen and I attended, the speaker told us, "feelings are neither right or wrong, they just are". The practical reason for this statement tells me that I can't judge a way a person feels, since they are a product of their life situations. For instance, you can't just tell someone who's depressed, 'hey, cheer up will ya'. Then think badly of them when they can't. By the way, this is really important in marriage; often my wife feels emotional for some really complicated reasons. My job, as her husband, is to do everything I can do to help her feel better. Sometimes that means me leaving the room!

All that to say, let's not imagine that family life is a wonderful series of agreements, that's a fairly tale. In our function of a family we will "annoy" one another from time to time. But that will not be the context of our relationship. The important thing to remember, Family, by God's design is to be there for each other.

Let this be understood, there is no opinion, no doctrine, no relationship, or behavior you can participate in, that will cause me to cease loving you. That is the 'normal' way families are supposed to be. Notice, I did not say 'average'; what God has ordained is "normal". Most of us are living in the "average". I know very little of how most of you were raised, but I do know a little of Jim and Chuck's raising. Some of you have the letters I scanned that were from Helen to Betty, mom to Helen and so on. If you read these letters you'll see that unconditional love is possible. Helen showed us this. Look at your own love of your children, you love them regardless. That is fairly natural and easy to accomplish, it gets a little harder with brothers and sisters.

Many of our family, not having gone through the formative bonding years of our youth, we're going to have some times of testing, but that's OK. God will get us through. The important thing, is to never give up on each other. Peter

Our Lawsuit

This is a link about our lawsuit Illa is working on. (if I did this right) Illa was on the radio about this.

Now that is scary.

Jim's started showing off his magnificent body from an early age.

Peter Sr.

Hi everyone, just got home tonight, actually, I'm home for good. I was going to quit at the end of the year but they asked if anyone was looking for a partner and Rick called in to ask about the guy, out of 5 people that responded Rick was the most compatible so I got to come home sooner. I believe God had his hand in that.
Suzy, I totally agree with you about our poor eating habits. People are very educated today about the right and wrong things to eat and how food effects our body's, but I guess it's like being told when we were kids not to do something, then of cource our mind is set on doing it anyway. It's only when we get older that we realize the damage we have done and try to undo it. Since growing up as Adventist and in the health food business we do have an advantage of knowing better but again we don't always do what is right. Then you learn that the things you thought you were doing right may also be damaging you. They complain about fat Americans but use growth hormones when feeding cattle then we eat the cow so we end up with the growth hormones in us, not to mention what they put on our veggies. We tried organic bit boy do you pay for that. Even better reason to have your own garden. We drink only distiled water because even some bottles water is bad for you. Even using a micowave sent dangerous poison into your body, one day something is good for you the next day it is going to cause cancer, go figure. And Illa why not grow corn in your living room? One of these days Rick is going to have a big garden and fruit trees, my dad and grandpa Lange loved their garden, Rick is just like them. God does bless the fruits, and veggies of your labor more ways than one.
And about the crazy traffic out there, and I don't just mean the little old ladies, why do you think I drive, (drove) a big truck with a big horn, and I use it too.
Sandi, it has to be a man thing about the mess's that why God made sure man couldn't get along without a women to clean up after him. Except maybe Dick, I remember cleaning up after you and Doug Dick. LOL Bonnie
On the subject of health, I've heard it said that if you don't smoke, or drink and you eat only healthy foods, you don't really live longer... it just seems longer. I embraced that philosophy at various reckless periods of my life and now it seems that I am dealing with blood sugar and blood pressure issues. Am finding out that one bowl full of greens does not trump a lifetime of careless eating and drinking.

Am having to adjust my standards somewhat as to what constitutes a quality life. For instance, I had this old friend who was a Greyhound bus driver... and after observing his life, I have decided that I want to go peacefully in my sleep like he did and not like the screaming passengers who happened to be riding with him at the time.

Bonnie and I have found it particularly hard to eat right while driving truck.. although an air horn does nicely in clearing little old ladies off the road. Bonnie is particularly good at this phenomenon. Exercise is very important and it appears that Jim has the edge at this time, with skinny dipping and foot watching. Keep us posted on other successful endeavors.LOL Rick

Extra foot anyone?????????

It seems like I stick my foot in my mouth so often, I have trouble walking. So, does anyone have an extra foot in the family that I may borrow? At times I don’t engage my brain before putting my mouth in gear. At other times I run my mouth when I should be running my feet. Maybe, I’m getting too old with too many opinions (which are right, of course). Or, is it that I feel the world isn’t changing for the better as quickly as I want it to.

To go along with my malady, Sandi says that I leave a large domestic footprint. At first glance one could take that as a compliment, and my mind rushes back to all the home improvement things that I’ve done. But, I’ll not bore you with the long list; just suffice it to say that I have left a large footprint in our home.

Upon further consideration, I may take that compliment as just a point of fact, meaning, I have left a dirty footprint behind as I walk through the house. I'm not one to 'toot my own horn,' but I have to say, I may be gifted in this regard. I really, really do try to clean up after myself, but alas, I’m just too quick. I can make a mess faster than I can clean it up. Sandi credits me with being so efficient that at times when I walk into an area, and before I even get there, it’s a mess. Namely, places that no one else ever goes, like the garage, or my office. But, after almost 30 years of debating the fine points of how much of a mess I make, there are some things just not worth the heated oxygen to debate about.

On second thought, even if someone has an extra foot lying around, please keep it, do not share. There’s no telling how much larger of a domestic footprint I could make if I had another one, and I don’t care to find out, I’ve got to get busy cleaning this one.

Phones - Highways - Internet

Who hasn't done it when they were a kid, you call a random phone number. You tell the person who picks up the phone that your from the electric company. You then ask them, "is your refrigerator running?", they say "yes"; then I'd say, "I Know, it just ran past my window" (then hang up)then there's a big "ha ha ha".

Do you remember when the Internet was once called The Information Super Highway? The reason for the name has to do with the fast, available info you can get. But maybe there is another reason it could be called that: If you are prone to be a people watcher; if human nature fascinates you, it's likely you will have noticed, like the phone, the Internet and roadways allow you to be somewhat anonymous. Like the safety of our own homes, we are more free to act in a way which reflects what's actually happening in our hearts.

There is not a one of us, that doesn't want to appear as if we are Together, well behaved, smart, righteous, and a great guy (or girl). Likewise, I think there something in us that also wants to be upfront with who we are. We get tired of pretension, tired of being someone we are not, so when the opportunity comes up, we let loose. Sometimes we express ourselves like a adolescent with crank calls; sometimes it gets ugly like road rage.

Once, I was driving along, minding my own business and an old lady pulled out in front of me, I had to step on my brakes (oh, terrible); anger quickly rushed into my brain, I stepped on the accelerator and started tailgating her. Just as suddenly, while being a total jerk, a voice in my head said, 'your not such a perfect driver yourself, you've pulled out in front of others too'. Then the voice said, ' I don't want you to do this anymore'. Well, I felt thoroughly ashamed, and changed my ways, and never have done it again. I know, your probably thinking, 'I wish God would talk to him a little more". Well your right, I'm trying to be less of a jerk everyday.

One thing helps me in this constant pursuit of moral change is, like the song says, 'God is watching us'. We're never 'really alone'. There is nothing we do that is truly anonymous. A good rule to use, if you wouldn't want your children, wife, pastor, mother, boss, to see what your doing, what your saying, or how your acting, you probably should find another way of being real. Peter Sr.

Anxiety : coffee, alcohol and sugar, The American Diet!

I actually love the rush of lots of coffee compounded by a sugar high brought down in the evening by a glass of red wine ! but I know what it does to my body. I amso body aware .. I can regulate my moods according to the food and ' stuff ' I put into it. But lots of people are not aware that pasta, potatos, rice and bread are all foods that break down to sugars, give little nutrition and raises the bllod sugar. Fruit juices that everyone thinks are so great are rarely fruit and mostly sugar. Most diet substitutes, drinks the candy bars etc are all carbs and the non sugar sugar are deadly. Processed foods have so much stuff in them they can sit on the shelves for years; how do you think your body can process them. Meats lie in the intestines for days, rotting while the stuff that makes them tender goes to the blood stream and pollutes. But hey, Dr and insurance companies are rich; who really cares about the ignorant people putting this crap into their bodies? How in the world do you think anyone can sell real food for less then a dollar?

So I really think most people now days have racing hearts, intestinal issues and mood swings .. and it's starts with the food. Put everyone on a diet of real food and I'll bet few suffer the common stuff we all share .. except maybe the extra vertbra and other weaknesses; again triggered by bad habits and diet.

But that's just my over-educated opinion!
LOL!!

A note from Glenda

I sent her a pic of kayaking in the rain last weekend, and here is her response:

"Oh, my gosh - just the perfect weather for kayaking!!!!! I want to be there. We finally got a sprinkle of late and I was so happy. This is quick - got to get back to work. Please let everyone know that I tried to blog before we did the big move. I couldn't do something right. Right now I have no internet at home (new home). Still in the middle of the move and school is" kicking my posterior.

Gotta get back to work. More later. please send my love to everyone. Love, Gi

Jim

Ben, I found an extra book and will send it out today, I also have some on order so will get one to you Dick but I need you address, call when you can.
You guy's asked for health issues, I also have an extra vertbrae and take med's for high blood pressure and depression, I have a heart murmur which I guess alot of people do, I get panic attacks. I have rupured disc's in my neck and hip and I'm suppose tp wear a lift in my shoe but don't. I know exersize and diet and loosing weight would eliminate most of the problems and we I have gotten off the road for a few months at a time I loose weight and get a lot of exersize doing things around the house, I start feeling 10 yrs younger. Then I have to get back on the road and within a week everything is undone. Anyway love ya all, Bonnie

We're not here for a long time, we're here for a good time.

Sandi saw this quote somewhere, and we thought it was pretty good advice.
Jim

Actually, I agree with you. Our whole life should be one of choosing Jesus over self and the world. Obedience is certainly on the basis of love and trust. I am not one of those who says that we can do whatever we want because Jesus loves us anyway. But looking back over my life I see a lot of broken promises and wrong motives.Even the best I had to offer was like filthy rags so... I just have to believe that if Jesus lives His life in me, he will fulfill the law and much more... without all the bad baggage that my own efforts left behind. Its a matter of learning to trust Him with my life... saying yes to Him, but the cool thing is, that rather than being stressed about my failures... I feel overwhelming thankfulness for His power and grace. I'm beginning to think I just might make it all the way. The Captain is in charge.

All of us are facing death and we become more aware of it as we get older. We get to a point where we want to know that what we believe is real and true. You have had an opportunity to face it a little more squarely than I have, but believe me, I can really relate to your desires for faith and obedience. God is with you Ben. He is guiding you. Your life is a testamony to us and we don't take it lightly because we are going through it with you. None of us can stand back and say,"That doesn't apply to me." There is only one door and we must all pass through it.

I love what you said about not fearing death, because there is something better on the other side. That's what makes subjects like this happy instead of sad.But don't be checking out just yet. We have a bunch more family reunions coming up and you are obligated... big time.LOL Rick

OK, Before someone cusses me out your favorite dear sister posted that last one. And yes Dick I have a headache from thinking so much. I'm going to lie down now or is it lay down. Dick I need your address. The crazy one LOL By the way Rick is really crazy about all of you, he loves to read the post.

So think about this!!!

When I read this I thought of all my crazy brothers including you Chucky boy:
Asylum for the Verbally Insane:

We'll begin with a box, and the plural is boxes, but the plural of ox becomes oxen not oxes.
One fowl is a goose, bit two are called geese, yet the plural of moose should never be meese.
You may find a lone mouse or a nest full of mice, yet the plural of house is houses, not hice.
If the plural of man is always called men, why shouldn't the plural of pan be called pen?
If I speak of my foot and show my feet, and I give you a boot, would a pair be called beetth?

Then one may be that, and three would be those, yet hat in the plural would be hose, and the plural of cat is cats, not cose.
We speak of a brother and also of brethren, but though we say mother, we never say methren. Then the masculine pronouns are he, his and him, but imagine: she, shis and shim!

Let's face it- English is a crazy language. There is no egg in eggplant nor ham in hamburger; neither apple nor pine in pineapple.
English muffins weren't invented in England.
We take English for granted, but if we explore its paradoxes, we find that quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square, and guinea pig is neither from Guinea noe is it a pig.

Why is it that writers write but fingers don't fing, grocers don't groce and hammers don't ham. Doesn't it seem crazy that you can make amends but not one amend. If you have a bunch of odds and ends and get rid of all but the one of them, what do you call it?

If teachers taught, why didn't preachers preaught? If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what doesma humanitarian eat?

Sometimes I think all the folks who grew up speaking English should be committed to an asylum for the verbally insane. In what other language do people recite at a play and play at a recital? We ship by truck but send cargo by ship. We have noses that run and feet that smell. We park in a driveway and drive in a parkway. And how can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a wise man and a wise guy are opposites?

You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which your house can burn up as it burns down, in which you fill in a form by filling it out, and in which an alarm goes off by going on.

So if Father is pop, how come Mother isn't mop?

4 % and beating the odds !!!

Well, Peter asked, I was notified I had cancer June 2005. Last Oct. I was in the process of preparing for a secound operation and had been notified the cancer was in the lungs, liver and stomach via mastisis, so operations are not an option. One doctor told me he gave me a 4% chance to see then next October. Guess what !! I beat him, of course , only with God's care. Shortly after seeing that doctor I was notified of new treatments on the market and have been taking them Talk about God's time and timetable, I feel stronger than ever, I have been living on it. I asked God to help reunite Illa and I, help me to prepare the house and bills so she could survive on the retirement and help me to better understand His message to us. I feel He has answered each of my requests and even done more for me and us as a family. I do now understand what the word "faith " means and have even learned to have it. All things in His time. True, I do still want to be here,but,think of it, if all was hunky dory here, why would we want a better place to go to, why hope for a better life? btw I am reading a small book called Ten Commandments. Twice Removed. Written by Danny Shelton & Shelly Quinn. I think it is a good book and asks and answers good "
ponders".
Illa and I bought a cruise to Florida and a cruise to the Bahamas for next year, so, with God's help, you all are still stuck with me. Luv to all, brothers,sisters,nieces nephews,son and daughter and my wife. ( did I get everyon )? course I also mean the ones who married into our family too !! What a unique and great group of people !!! Ben

I am reading a book by Dr. Robert Young called, "The pH Miracle For Diabetes" It appears that most diseases are a direct result of too much acid in our bodies due to the American diet. The body will do anything to protect itself from corrosive acid in the blood stream including creating a protective layer of colesterol in the veins, or storing lots of fat in the body to isolate and store the acid away from vital organs. This way it puts off our dying to later instead of sooner. Acidity is involved in such diseases as cancer,diabetes, heart trouble,high blood pressure, arthritis, alzheimers, demensia, depression, lack of energy etc. As near as I can tell, you have to stop eating everything you like and start eating everything you don't like. This is something I wouldn't choose to do unless chained to a wall, but I am battling with high blood pressure and diabetes and would very much like to improve my situation naturally, without having to buy out a pharmaceutical chain, (or however you spell drug store.) Seriously, its all about eating foods that are alkeline producing rather than acid producing...also, exercise is good for helping to keep a pH balance. Endorphines are right up there at the top, I'm sure. Truck driving falls pretty far down on the list. ps. Luv you too Suzy. I agree with you and Jim that getting out in nature is about the best thing one can do for body, mind and spirit. Endorphines rock!.. and so doees being part of a great family!

As for the book, "Seven Biblical Truths You Won't Hear At Church", we sent copies to everyone excetp Ben and Ila and Dick. We need to order more books and we need some addresses. I had a wonderful upbringing and would not complain about my parents, or family, but it was based on legalism... trying to please God by keeping the law. The problem is, a person can never feel good enough to be saved, mostly because the law was never meant to be kept. It was meant to drive us to Jesus.

Trying to live for Jesus can only bring frustration because we find ourselves in a never ending cycle of trying, failing, confessing, trying, failing, confessing. When we invite Jesus in, we are saved by grace through faith. Not based on any of our works, but then we think from here on out we must somehow dig in and figure out how to become perfect and sinless and after 59 years, Ive about figured out that these old bones are never going to be successful at pleasing God. So what is the solution? The solution is in understanding that when we receive Jesus as our Savior, He comes in and gives us rest from all our struggles. He makes Himself responsible for getting us from here to there. He promises that what He started, He will finish and that He will not lose even one of us. And He will never leave us, or forsake us. So instead of stressing out over my failures, I ask Jesus to work out His will in my life and then I rest in Him. This works really good because now instead of being stressed out by my weakness, I am filled with gratitude for His strength, His love, His patience and His ability to get me through. Now that I understand this relationship I am amazed at how full the Bible is with this concept of rest. This was God's idea, not mine. I'm really starting to dig the fact that it is true. And if I go through some hard times and can't understand them, He is probably just sanding off some of the rough edges, or dealing with my ego, or jacking up my trust factor. In a world and a nation that seems to be falling apart , there is no foundation worth standing on... no political leaders... no bank accounts...no earthly forms of security upon which to cling... nothing compares with the one on one relationship we can have with Jesus. When all else has turned to dust, there will be us and Jesus for eternity. Selah. LOL Rick