My New Year's resolutions...

Click on the title. Where are yours?

Lynnette

Well as many of you know i have not had communication with my daughter since she was 5. On nov 12 :) i got one of the greatest presents that a father could ask for. I found her on facebook thru a mutual friend that is in her 70s. Since i saw that she was posting on her wall every now-and-then, I decided i would post on this mutual friends wall. Just to let her know i was around.

about a week after that i requested her as a friend. it took 1 week for her to accept it. After some communication with Bonnie and her thinking about it for awhile she accepted my friend request:) :) :) :) :)

At that time i sent her a message start out with "I dont know how or even where to start" immediatly after that the chat window popped up and it was her. I have to tell you i was a little more than nervious.

Its funny cuz she wrote back that she was composing a message stating "I dont know how or even where to start, lol". I told her "great minds think alike".

we have chated on line almost every night since. Sometimes just to say "Hi" or talk for 3 hours. I cant even tell you the joy that floods my soul as we share things past, and present. some times i break down in tears because i understand her so well. She deffinitaly has my genes, and sense of humor.

When we meet will be awhile. With everything that has to be established between the two of us, and family situations, it may be awhile. Thats ok. Shes in my life.

For 18 years I knew that God would answer my prayers. There hasnt been a day that has gone by that I have not asked, believed and hoped that this time would happen.

This holiday season has been the GREATEST EVER.

Dick

Christmas Eve at the Hoopers

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a cat was stirring, not even a mouse;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

The grandchild was nestled all snug in his bed,

While visions of fishing swam in his head;

And grandma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,

Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new wished-for snow

Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;

"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! on Cupid! on, Oh-Mah and Blitzen!

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,

So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,

With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my head, and was turning around,

Down the stovepipe St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;

A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,

And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;

He had a broad face and a little round belly,

That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the stovepipe he rose;

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."

Merry Christmas Beloved Family!

Well we'll be posting pictures on Facebook ... tonight is our family sleepover. I am thinking of all of you and hoping your holidays are great. Happy New Year too ...

short trip to the store

so today Chuck and i made a short trip to the store. Its only about 1/2 mile from his place. We picked up a rotisorri chicken for tomorrow. some spuds. and a few other goodies.

After that i suggested that we go and see the lake. or should i say pond, since california has no water.

We drove around a little and i suggested that we drive by the prison, you have to be very specific when you ask chuck a question, i should of said "I want to see the prison" :). we drove by a place that had razor wire on the cyclone fence. I asked him, " Is that the prison?" he said, ugh. so i gathered it was not. so I kept driving, next thing i know we were in Auburn. :) The place with the razor wire "was" the prison. It was actually a nice drive. well from that point on i knew where we where. we drove around the old court house, by the way its a beautful old structure. with a dome. what a rich history this area has. we drove thru the middle of old town and looked at some of the older structures. WOW.

we didnt get out and walk, next time we will.

From there we drove up 49 for about 5 miles and then cut off to go across the Foothills Bridge. which is the above picture. its 16 feet lower than the Golden Gate in San Francisco.

I fugured we were this far so we just drove to Placerville from there along hwy 49, what a beautiful drive. I was here in 2006 when i worked a fire with BLM, so i had an idea where we were. well we got home and had lunch, on the "short trip to the prison" we did take some yogurt and a little snack so he didnt go hungry.

He woke up a little cranky this morning, he didnt want to take a shower and refused to belive he had night issues. but i told him if he wanted to argue about it he could sleep in a wet bed. end of story. well he calmed down.

well right now were watching White Christmas, or should i say Im watching it, for the second time today.

Jim you would be proud, he can cut wood just as well as you zzzZZZZZzzzzZZZzzzzZZZZZzzz :)

Were keeping up on his meds, I think thats the most important thing right now, is to have someone that will stick around to make sure hes on track with them or else he wont take them. The other issues are minor in comparison, for now. I just stand back and let him walk with his walker, and if he has a problem walking, i let him work it out till he asks for my help. We did go for a very little walk outside for a little bit. Im trying to do that once a day for now. next week itll get a little longer. So all in all it was a pretty good day for him i think.

Everyone have a good Christmas, and remember the reason for the season.

Dick

Peter, thanks for the card. we both injoyed the letter very much.

First Family Reunion 1987 at PnKz house

From left, top. Peter Jr., then (donno this fellow? ;red head kids son of red head guy, who was Suzie's bo at the time; Chuck, Nathan, me, Karen, Dick, Teisha (what a great look)

Next row. First lady (dunno? Dick says maybe Mom's old best friend Gloria) Second lady, Anne, Helen's sister, who is Jim's Aunt. Helen. Pussycat sweater is Lisi (I wanna get one of those sweaters for Karen) Then Shirley with Lynette, Dick's daughter

Next row left Jess; Julie, Glenda's oldest; Judy, Suzie's oldest girl; Suzie; Kara; Susan, Jim's sister; Jim; Glenda (hand on Jim's shoulder).

Bottom left, Lueria; then, I think Michael Suzies boy; then another blond kid belonging to Suzie's then bo. Then Randy; Andrew; Sandi. Correct me if I got someone wrong. Notice.......no Ben and Illa and kids. I think the only reunion they ever missed. Illa, tell me if I'm wrong. Bonnie came later with Wes, or was already gone.

Came across this photo. Justin, Right?

Our Christmas Tree

Sandi had another good idea. Since Gonz would be coming to visit us over Christmas, she decided she wanted to put the tree outside this year. So, last weekend we all went up into the hills and found (not that they were ever lost) three nice trees. The 'girls' packed a really nice lunch and even though we didn't run into any snow we had a great time. On Sunday, Sandi and Dick decorated the tree while I untangled strings of lights. Anyway, they did a really nice job and I can bet that we have the only 12' cedar tree in the neighborhood with pine cones on it as decorations. We even have a pickle hidden in it somewhere (Yes, I found it). I'm glad that we did this last week because I'm exhausted this week. I pretty much did the 'slug thing' yesterday and laid around. So far, today is looking like a repeat of yesterday. What generally happens with me is, I don't get sick during the school year and then when there's some kind of a break, I get sick. I think I'll just be proactive and be lazy and not get sick. Isn't that some kind of an oxymoron?

I think it's the nicest tree we've ever had. It's a good idea.

I'm really glad that Dick can be there for Chuck. Thanks, Dick. You're doing a good thing.
Jim

Addresses

Anyone out there have Lili n Jess new address. Also, Lisi's /Bon n Rick, would be good too, if anyone has it. Email if you do. Thanks

adventures with the C man

I can tell my days are going to be long and i will get very little sleep. oh well.
well, he is doing ok today. got him to take a shower, then we ventured to acouple of places and then went and ate out. he seems to not be to objective to some of my suggestions. if he dosnt want to eat when i think its time i can usually convince him by just doing it. i think the big thing is that he needs to keep up on his meds, and make sure he eats and drinks the right stuff.
its pretty tough when you never had to be responsible for anyone but yourself. I know that demanding dosnt work and being a know it all just inferiates him. i make sure that i let him know that "this is my suggestion" he ask "why" and i tell him "cuz every one cares" :) that seems to do the trick.
any way thats my story for now.

Merry Christmas family. We love you lots.

This is my christmas card to you all

Merry Christmas, 

Life is good and busy. Justin is with out work, but starts school for him Jan 4.  I'm excited he is able to go to school and relax.  Mckenzie is doing ok with High School. God has been teacher her how to control her temper. lol. I think she is a little lueria.  But she is so better then me at that age. She is home every night right after school. No new guy friends. She is having fun with her girlfriends. I love her school and teachers.  Max is doing great in school with no drama. He is still finding his way in his walk.  We as a family still go to church on sunday's.  We have 3 of our friends who ride bikes too. Christian is my little Justin.  We did find out he does not have low case of Autisim. I knew it . lol. He does great with me.  He just passed his orange belt with tykwondo.  I'm tired sorry about spelling. I was sick with the flew for a week. Im behind now for christmas. lol. I have done 3 weeks now in 3 days. Christian did fall a few weeks ago and cracked his ankle bone.  So he has a cast. lol. But he is doing great.

Rich is doing great with work. He just had his 45 birthday on Dec 12. We went to Seattle to the bike show and I took them to the space needle. They never been there. It was a blast. I will post pics from that weekend. Work is busy for me. I'm blessed to be busy.  I am doing my best to be the best mom. I'm work from 6am-2pm when we have the boys. Mon-Sat. And this next week 6am- 8pm tis the season. lol. Love you all and stay safe. Pray for us to make it thru this teen years. And pray God protects them, keeps them safe and teach them to lean on him and their family.  So far so good. But I am getting gray. lol

Merry Christmas. We do have the boys at noon Christmas. I am hopping to see christmas lights that weekend. 

Love lueria

Dick is at Chuck's house

He left this morning about 9:00 AM and called us around 6:00 PM letting us know that he had arrived at Chuck's house. He was waiting for Mitch to come over and give him the low-down on the situation. I do think that it will be a win-win for everyone. Be sure to keep all in your thoughts, prayers, conceptions, impressions, perceptions, dreams, and visions (if you're so inclined).
Jim

This going too far!

It's one thing for the Pope to claim to be God's one spokesman. But for the President to wear a halo to a news conference is going too far!

Peter is getting younger!

Well, last year Peter turned 60 years old and it looks like he is turning 60 years old again this year. So far he is the only one in our family who is getting younger instead of older! Happy Birthday, Peter. Here is a little song my bestest and dearest friend taught me. It has replaced the traditional happy birthday song for me and I sing it to my family whenever there is a birthday. You can probably count your blessings that you can't hear me sing this, but the words are the most important!

Happy Birthday to you, yes, Happy Birthday to you. May you find Jesus near every day of the year! Happy Birthday to you, yes, Happy Birthday to you and may it be the best one you ever did have!

Happy Birthday, Peter. I look forward to the day when we all can celebrate together when we get home. Love ya lots, Glenda

Happy Birthday to Uncle Peter. Your 60!! love you

from your sister Aunt Glenda and Your niece Lueria 

love you

guitar hero and Christmas

click the title

Dick

Following Up on Relative Finder

I thought I would follow up my previous post regarding 23andMe "Relative Finder" with a link to a very interesting blog entry about a man using this tool to trace some unknown aspects of his family history. Here is the link to the blog entry.

I know that some have said the test is too expensive. If you are really interested in having the test done send me an email and I may be able to get a good deal on a test. This company is very good to work and they may be able to get us a deal. Here is a link to send me an email if you are interested.

-Randy

HAPPY HOLIDAY'S FAMILY & FRIENDS

JESS AND I WISH ALL A HAPPY HOLIDAY, WITH ALL THAT YOU SHARE THIS TIME OF YEAR WITH, THE FAMILIES OF LOVE, SURROUNDED WITH LAUGHTER AND JOY.

MAY THIS NEXT YEAR BE FILLED WITH SO MUCH LOVE AND A GREAT YEAR.

JESS AND ALILIA

Note to self.

Do not defrost the freezer in the garage on the coldest day of the year. At noon I unplugged the freezer and left the door open. 6 hours later there still isn’t any water in the drain pans. It’s getting dark and nothing is thawed. It may be a late evening. I got a lot of things done around the house though; fixed some lights, swapped out a wall heater, cleaned the little house, put up our Christmas Yard Cards, but didn’t get the freezer defrosted.
Peter, have you noticed the absence of any names on the signs? Good observation. Give a brother a break. I need some vinyl letters that say, “The Hoopers.” Two sets. Thanks.
Have a great week! Last week, Mr. Hooper “0” kids “1.”
Jim

Relative Finder at 23andMe

(THIS IS JIM'S SON RANDY POSTING)

As most of you know I have been doing quite a bit of genealogical research on our family over the last several years. I have found out many cool and exciting things I was totally unaware of before I started.

One of the ways that I have been able to confirm my research has been with the relatively new tool of DNA testing. Recently, one of the DNA testing companies that I have been testing with (23andMe) released a new tool broadening our ability to use DNA to locate our relatives. The tool is called Relative Finder. I am including a link to 23andMe's blog entry about this new tool so you can all read about it and see what the future holds for genealogical research. Click below or on the title of this blog entry to read about Relative Finder on 23andMe's blog, "The Spittoon."

http://spittoon.23andme.com/2009/11/19/introducing-relative-finder-the-newest-feature-from-23andme/

I encourage all the family members to get tested if possible.

Translation and sources

Dear Restinsi; There are a couple things I can add to your first question. The reasons for differences in Bibles are varied. One of the big reasons is where the copies or the manuscripts came from. As you might know, there are no original texts of the Bible, everything is a copy. The newer found, yet older copies are referred to as the 'Alexandrian text'. Many of the new translations depend largely on these. The Revised Standard; New International and many more. One thing about the Alexandrian Text, is there are far fewer copies and fragments than what is called the 'Textus Receptus' (Received Text) which are not as old as the Alexandrian. Confused yet? The received text is what the Geneva, and King James versions, and many others are based on.

Bible 'translation' is a science, however, nothing is without subjectivity. Among other things, scholars use usage, based on common textual evidence. But it is also accomplished by statistics of how many 'copies' contain certain words, letters, sentences. Honest translators take these and decide what copies carry the most evidence- this opposed to what they wish it contained. When you read a Bible that omits some verses, it is likely the text is taken from the 'Alexandrian' sources; simply because the ancient copies they translate from do not contain them. Here's the problem for translators; Alexandrian though older, have far few copies. Textus Receptus, though a bit younger, on the other hand, has tons more copies! Which should one use? No one knows absolutely. But, as I have said before, the major tenets of God's word stay intact regardless. So it is not to be worried about. As an example, when the dead sea scrolls were found, the complete book of Isaiah was intact, in a clay jar. 600 years older than any other copy. They've compared it to other copies and the differences were very minor; a letter here and there.

In trying to make a translation understandable, sometimes there are things added. For instance, if I said to you, 'boy woods went tree down cut'. It makes it very hard to read. What you would do to pass on this information is do some word switching and added some words to create flow. Otherwise it is what translators call 'wooden'. There are translations like this; it makes it less subjective, but more accurate as word for word. Young's Literal is one that is readable, but still is altered to make it readable.

Some, hoping to advance their skepticism will not accept anything but perfect agreement, yet they might love Shakespeare, who we also just relies on copies. And these copies vary in a huge way. Taking the size of the Bible, it is truly a miracle it has come to us at all. Because of it, we have a more clear record of the life of Jesus, even more than that of Julius Caesar, or other historical persons. Skeptics argue, 'not much of Jesus in secular history'. But Jesus was not 'famous' during his lifetime. It took many decades, centuries to accomplish what he had promised. Unlike the murdering and plundering of Mohammed, for instance, Jesus did not take his world by force. Later, contrary to his Bible, some of his followers did, but Christianity would have grown, and Christ's name advanced without violence, just as it has in yours and my life.

There is a very good book, I don't know if is still in print, 'Evidence that demands a verdict', Josh McDowell. I read this many years ago and these and other points are made in McDowell's book. I highly recommend it. However, my own view is that the Bible, with it's variants, multiple copies, languages, contradictory verses, etc are by God design. For instance, in Proverbs it says 'answer not a fool....' the next verse, 'answer a fool....'. A total contradiction. The original writer stated this knowing what he was doing. A little more study and thought of these verses clears the mystery. The skeptic will never see it, because he doesn't want to. But those who want wisdom will find the answer. All this is good, because God is continually sorting the dishonest, from those who think they are (sheep/goats syndrome).

If you ever have any questions in particular, I'll be glad to attempt to answer them. Christianity can be confusing, especially since the cultures within the pages of scripture span millenniums, but most does make sense in time. Things like the differences of Old Testament vs. New Testament law; killing every breathing thing in Old T; womens place in the church, age of the earth, and tons more, are major stumbling blocks to many. But when you come to God with a open heart, answers come building one atop another. As a natural born skeptic, I've had to find answers, or I can't sleep. Some don't need answers, they just enjoy God's blessings. I wish I were more like that. Peter

Bonnie and Rick?

DID YOU FALL OFF THE FACE OF THE EARTH!!!!!!!

I tried to call and wrote you an Email, but cant get ahold of you. Your as elusive as bigfoot.

I wanted to tell you about that thing that we discussed about what we were working on. Its really exciting. And waiting with baited breath for the next thing to happen, but only at the right time.

I appreciate you stepping in and encouraging at the right moment.

Thanks

Dick

Be careful of your next Bible!

You might be interested in this. The Bible, used by just about every Christian as their 'Guide Book', is often retranslated to accommodate the local vernacular. This has got to be done because there are over 5000 languages on earth, and many other dialects. Because most of the market and translators use the English language, there are plenty of English translations to choose from. It is not uncommon for Christians, including myself, to gravitate to one translation or another, because of one (good) reason or another. However, The Bible is now being rewritten for Political reasons. Check out this news link that speaks about it. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/12/03/national/main5876235.shtml?tag=latest .

Why I feel this is noteworthy, is for two reasons: First, our children, who are are unable to watch this kind of cultural evolution of God's word, might eventually think it is a legitimate translation. Secondly, honest Christians, if they use this "bible", will be distracted from what God really said. Already we have a dangerous mixture of Americanism/Christian, or Nationalism/Christian, philosophy throughout Christendom, thus polluting the message of the Kingdom of God.

We live in some very interesting times, and it's obvious to me, that the enemy of our souls is setting the stage for winning the minds of those who are not conscious of his devices. In the end, the devils hope, is to gather as many as he can into a meaningless and godless "faith", replacing that faith with conservatism, or some other counterfeit. Read the story, and be careful of the next bible you buy. Peter

Tepper and Sadie- Border Collies

Was taking Tipper in to have her teeth worked on, and found out at the house, she has a big tumor, left side of the tongue, 1-2 inches large. So they are going to look into it, also Sadie is with her, and going to have her teeth looked after. They will be in the place for 2 weeks..... so they will be out of the cold, we are going to keep him as a vet. it's where we had them, with we went to the family reuion, at the Lake of the Woods....