Last Weekend

This past weekend was great! Most of Saturday spent installing the molding around the doorjams. I also put filler in the places that needed it. I only had to pick up a little bit of leaves at the church. The sprinklers have been turned off, so the grass should stop growing.
On Sunday after church we went to lunch with the Greers at LaCorona. We really like that place! Later we went to Steve and Linda's for Matthew's birthday party. It was an enjoyable afternoon/evening. We watched Pirates of the Caribbean 2.
I took Monday off and we went to Medford with the Greers. We did the
Harry and David's factory tour. It is such a great tour. They make Moose-munch and different types of candies and treats. This is one of their busiest seasons. Following our visit to the Harry and David store we drove up to Central Point to the Rogue Creamery. I love their Oregonzola. It is a Blue Cheese. Next it was off to the Rogue Valley Mall. We looked in stores and had dinner in the food court. We went in Bill's utility truck so that all of us could ride together. It was a great day. On the way home we drove through areas of snow. It was beautiful.
Bill and Vicki are wonderful. We all love them. I am grateful to have them as friends.

Weather today is rainy and very wet. The high today was around 56. It is suppose to rain the remainder of the week.

-Norm

The Nativity Story

This seems to be the time of year when there is more focus placed on the birth of Jesus Christ. Gift giving and celebrations abound. This year a movie has been added to mix of activities available, The Nativity Story. We went a saw it tonight in Anderson. It was well done, although Tina and I agree the angels announcing the birth of Jesus to the shepherds were lacking. When the angels said "Fear Not" I believe the angels were created in such a way that they are to be feared. They are warriors! It was enjoyed by all of us. We went with Bill and Vikki. They have become our movie going buddies.
The rest of the day was pretty challenging. I don't think I stopped moving the entire day. Time was spent at Crown Motors and SRMC, instructing the crews. Our weekly Leadership Team meeting also took up a good portion of my morning. Such is the life of the Supervisor.

Weather today had a high of 67 degrees. It was beautiful but started out at about 31 degrees. I drove the car to work today.

-Norm

Closet Doors and A Job Search

Last night I installed new mirrored closet doors in Hope's room. They are Contractor's Wardrobe and were very easy to install. They really add depth to the room. No more asking "dad do you know where a mirror is?"
I have started monitoring the job market in Tennessee and have contacted an organization similiar to the Opportunity Center. They told me that when we get closer to contact them. I am not worried about finding a job there.
We are also planning to open our own drive-thru coffee business there. Regarding a place to live, we are planning to rent for awhile to get an idea about where to buy.
I have also been looking at church websites on the internet and there seem to be some great ones. We won't really know until we're there.
The girls are getting more excited as we get closer to summer. We are close to putting the house on the market. I just have a few more things to do. We are shooting for sometime in December but are still not sure who we get going to list with. It is all so exciting.

Weather today was 65. I worked at the church collecting leaves and mowing the lawn. Before that Tina went shopping and got her a coffee. She worked for Chef last night and again this evening. Tomorrow I will do some more work on the house.

-Norm

Youth For Christ Board

It has been apparent to me for awhile now that I need to cut some things back from my schedule. Besides trying to live life, we are also making plans and getting ready to move to Tennessee. A few weeks ago I submitted by letter of resignation to the local Director of YFC. I have been on the Shasta Region YFC board for about four years. With our background in youth ministry and living in Red Bluff, it was a good fit. New work crews and a big move have made it necessary to resign. One less thing to fit into an already tight schedule and that feels good.
This weekend was fun. Tina's Aunt Teri came up from Modesto. We all love her and tried to spend as much time as we could of with her. On Thursday Tina worked for Chef Paul. She really enjoys this and it is great experience. We joined her for dinner. It was excellent! I am so proud of her. She put in alot of hours and we all benefited from her labor. Friday we all went an saw Happy Feet. It was a pretty good flick. Yesterday was spent mowing the lawn at the church and raking leaves there. Hope was in the Holiday Parade last night. She plays clarinet with her Middle School and they marched with the local high school band. They were great!
Today we spent a good portion of the day with the family. Church and lunch. Aunt Teri left today. We just got home from the Greers. We love them too!
Tomorrow I must be to work at 7:00 Am. I am in charge and the CRP for the day. It should be fun. Tennessee is looking better everyday.

Weather today: The HIGH was 47!! Can you believe that? The high was 47!!! It was cold here today boys and girls, C-O-L-D, cold. There's a pretty good chance of showers (maybe even snow) on the valley floor tomorrow. That should be fun
F-U-N, fun. I will be driving the car. Smile.

-Norm

Happy Thanksgiving

This thanksgiving is going to be alittle different this year. Tina is working at The Experience with Chef Paul Trout. It is interesting and will probably be the way things will go from now on. We are in a life that revolves partially around food. Tina is really enjoying this! I think Chef really like having her there. She is increasing her skills with one of the best Chefs anywhere.
Today, I am reflecting on T-Days gone by. I remember big meals at Grandma's house. Aunts, uncles, cousins all gathered there. We would get huge cardboard boxes from the appliance/heating store next door and create tunnels in her backyard. Most of the time we would spend the night and the next morning wake to the smell of eggs and bacon. Grandma made the best! Grandma's house was always the host house. There was always a feeling of belonging and family. Our family suffered a big loss when she died.
This year Rachael and her family are living in New York (Toronto-this weekend) and we spending the day at home, later at Steve and Linda's. We will meet Tina this evening for dinner to have our own Thanksgiving Experience. That is the part I'm looking forward to the most. We are going to see if Aunt Teri would like to join us. I picked her up from the bus stop last night. She is up from Modesto for the weekend.
I am kinda on call all weekend long. We have people working at the Rest Areas and no one else is in town. That leaves me and my pager. It would be a pretty drive up there. This is one of the busiest traveling weekends of the year. I will be interested to hear how many rolls of toliet paper they go through. Maybe I'll ask if I go up. I hope they ordered enough.................

Happy Thanksgiving. We do have alot to be thankful for. We are blessed.

Weather: It is windy and pretty chilly. The sun is shining which is always a good thing.

-Norm

New Sound System

This weekend I helped to install a new sound system at Grace's school. Dave and I installed eight Yorkville speakers and are preparing to install the amp. Besides the speakers,PTA purchased a Colisium 70 volt mixer, six Samson mics, two Johnson monitors, a Berhinger 12 channel mixer, Audio Technics wireless lapel mic, and 6 tri-pod boom stands. We are set! When everything is in place it will be an awesome system. Last year PTA purchased a video projector, movie screen and a dvd player. We will hook all these things together as part of the updating of the multi-purpose room. I can't wait to have it all in.
Hope went to the Revolve Tour at ARCO this weekend. She said she really enjoyed it. Her favorites were Natalie Grant and KJ-52. She likes rap.
Weather today: It's raining right now and has been overcast and cold all day. Yesterday it rained in the morning and then cleared off to a beautiful day. I like this time of year, but Summer is still my favorite.

-Norm

New Air Filter

My K&N Air filter came in at Cycle Gear. I picked it up today. Tomorrow I will install it and then take it for a ride. There are mixed reviews about this air filter. I can't wait to see how it affects my bike. I really like the Cycle Gear store. I have purchased new gloves, oil, and other items from this store.
We have a three day weekend. It is Veteran's Day. I am going to install the new P.A. system in the multi-purpose room at Grace's school. It has been along time coming and all the components are in. I am also going to install Hope's closet doors and work on the doorway transitions at our home. Hope will be attending a girl's conference Friday and Saturday.

Weather today: Chilly and about 65 degrees. It ws a cold ride to work this morning. Rain is coming later on Friday.

New Sparkplugs and An Oil Change

Hope to had stay home from school due to pink eye. Her medicine had been ordered but needed to be picked up. I stayed home with her. While here I got a couple projects done. The first was changing the sparkplugs in the Aurora. I hadn't changed them since we've had it. I thought this wouldn't take long. Four hours later I was done. I learned that this car does not have spark plug wires. Instead it has a plastic cover that go down to where the plugs are. It took alot of work but it does run smoother. I also changed the oil in the scooter. It has needed to be done for sometime now and I finally had the chance. Following this Hope's medicine was ready, so after I had picked Grace up from school, we went to pick it up. Grace had been asking for a couple weeks if I could pick her up from school on the scooter. Today was that day. It was beautiful today.

Weather today: It was a beautiful day. This morning started out cloudy and a chance of showers. That decreased as the day went on. It did get windy and is still somewhat gusty.

WellI have hot dogs that are screaming to be BBQed.

-Norm

The Spin Has Spun

Friday at work was hobo chili day. Everyone brought a couple cans of chili, we mixed them all together and had lunch! The County CAO, several department heads and city council members came to serve my clients. It was awesome and went very smoothly. Prior to the chili feed we had the dedication of the memorial area for Corinne. When I got home it was time to get ready for Family Movie Night at Grace's School. We all watched "Over The Hedge". Once the movie was started it felt good to slow down.
Saturday was spent looking at Tennessee houses on the internet and doing a little work on our house. I also had to go to the church to pick up leaves and mow. The girls also took a few last rides on the gyro before it is sold.
Speaking of the gyro is no longer in our possession. It has headed south to a good home. I borrowed Pastor Paul's cherry picker to help load it on the truck. It always amazes me how these things work out. It loaded very easily. We needed to get this done while there was a break in the weather. Following the sale of the gyro we went for lunch at Hal's Eat'm Up and then on to Chico. We stopped at Family Christian Store and purchased Tina an Emery Cd. Then it was off to the evening service at Matthew's Cafe. It was very good. Following church we went to Kmart. Tina wanted a band type ring to wear while she is cooking and working at school. The jewelry dept. was having a 70% off sale. I also got a new watch. My old watch died. You know, I never realized how much I used the date feature on my watch until I didn't have it. It was dinner at Taco Bell and then home.
When we arrived home there was an empty place in the driveway were the gyro had been. We all had mixed emotions. I am looking forward to paying some bills and have a little bit of a cushion. I am also going to purchase spark plugs for the Aurora, a air filter for the Reflex, get a haircut, the Disney movie CARS and a coffee card for Tina.
Weather today: sunny but abit cloudy. It should be nice for the next couple days and then comes the rain.
Enjoy!
-Norm

A Strange Monday That Has Ended Well

I had a rough morning. It actually started out last night. I ground up the coffee beans and set the timer on the coffee maker for 5:30. I awoke at 5:15 and later heard the coffee maker kickin' in. When it was done I got up to find that I had forgotten to put the coffee pot in the coffeemaker. I had a mess to clean up. I then started a new pot of coffee. I then went to the scooter only to find I had forgotten to put gas in it. By this time I did not have time to stop and get any so I drove Tina's car to work. Ridin' to work in style.

I went to work to find out that an instructor was going to be out again today. I had a early morning staffing at Mission Providers and then another meeting back at the office. I also had to help order supplies for the rest areas, and then another staffing in the afternoon.

I had to let a client go today for not following through with a behavior and attendance agreement. It should have worked out. I left early today. Calvary Chapel is using my sumo suits tonight so I had to drop them off. Tina and I just arrived home from a presentation of War of the Worlds. It was a production of the Barestage Theater in Red Bluff. It was excellently done and unlimited food and drink. What a great time we had. I really enjoyed this evening. Especially after such a rough day.

Weather today-beautiful and 80 + degrees. This morning was chilly. There was ice on the seat of the scooter. I love this time of year!!

-Norm

Today Was Blinding

After church today I installed new blinds in the kitchen, playroom, living room and vertical blinds on the sliding glass door. I had to go to Home Depot to return a blind and have another one trimmed. They all look great!
Linda came over for lunch today. Tina made an excellent meal. Rotisorri chicken, rolls, squash, and mashed potatoes. It was a good and busy day.

Weather today-another exceptionally beautiful day, maybe even a little to warm. It is expected to be a little cooler tomorrow. We'll see..................

-Norm

This Little Light Is........Installed

I accomplished alot. I did get the playroom window trimmed out. I think I did well a multu-tasking today. First thing this morning Tina asked me to install the new lights in the kitchen. Her parents are coming for lunch tomorrow after church. I installed some Energy Lite double rail track lighting and a drop down light over the sink. The track lighting is adjustable and moveable on the tracks. It turned out great. I also trimmed out the window and repainted the trim.
After I installed the lighting I had to leave to go mow the lawn at the church. It was not dark enough outside when I left to fully appreciate it. When I returned it was dark and the lighting looks awesome!

Tina is helping Chef Paul again tonight. The girls and I are watching Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Ascoban as we eat grill cheese sandwiches. It has been a very busy day and I am tired. I must go turn the clocks back one hour. It's fall back time.

Weather today was perfect. We had the sliding glass door and front door open most of the day. It has to be at least 80 degrees today. Absolutely perfect for what I was doing with the exception of being up inside the ceiling. It was hot up there!

-Norm

It's Friday!!!!

We finally made it to Friday! I am so glad to be home tonight. I decided with all the running around and work I've been doing on the house, I'm taking the night off!!! I made quesadillas and steak for dinner. Tina is working at The Experience with Chef Paul tonight. Extra money and work experience too!
Tomorrow I will work some more on the house. The plan is to trim out a back window of the playroom, paint the front brick and the outside door of the playroom. It should be a busy day. Hopefully, I won't break anything important! Last night I hung the accordian doors on the service area and the hall closet. They look so nice! Tina said I am ahead of schedule.

Boy, I'm glad this week's over!!! Unfortunately, next week looks just as busy. I refuse to think about that now, it's time to relax as the girls and I watch home movies of our trip to Ensenada. Charlie Brown is suppose to be on t.v. later. Happy Friday!!

We get an extra hour of sleep this weekend - time change happens!

Weather today-very cold this morning (mental note: I need lined leather gloves) My hands were so cold when I got to work. I had to arrive early this morning. It seemed to be cold until around 10:30, then it topped out today at about 83 degrees. It was a great and warmer) ride home.

-Norm

New Microwave

I did it! I really did it! I installed our new over the range Magic Chef microwave oven. It is so cool. A number of people told us how difficult it was but following the templet made it pretty easy. The most difficult parts were the electrical (installed an outlet) and the venting. After two trips to Home Depot I am finished. It is so convenient and definately looks better than the grunging hood that use to be above the stove. I cooked popcorn in it last night.
Work today involved a trip to Graingers, Shopko, the Rest Areas, Shasta Lake Water Treatment, Shasta Regional Medical Center, Dept. of Rehab. and Far Northern Regional Center. I think that about does it! Oh and two of my staff called in sick!!! Whew what a tiring day. Tomorrow I must go in early. I will be the only Supervisor there. It reminds me of one of the things I really like about my job, no two days are alike.

Weather today 82 degrees and gusty at times. Seems to be more windy during the night hours for some reason. I might have to drive the car again tomorrow.

-Norm

Now Where'd I Put That Wrench????

This weekend was quite busy. I drove the Volvo to work on Friday due to heavy winds expected in the afternoon. They arrived so I was happy to be be in the car. I arrived home to find out there would be a wedding on Saturday evening. This is the time I usually mow the church lawn. I changed clothes and headed off. So much for a relaxing evening. It really needed to be mowed.
Saturday morning I woke up ready to install the new mailbox and paint the planter bricks. While digging the hole I hit and punctured the main waterline to the house. I was using a prybar to loosen the dirt. My first thought was "that rock doesn't want to move". When I pulled the bar up the water began to fill up the hole. I couldn't believe it. I hurried to find a wrench to shut the water off at the street. I had to leave this project to videotape Crystal's wedding and reception.
I arrived home with everything I needed to get this job done. I went to Lassen Lumber and they gave me some great advice. So I patched up my mistake and turned the water on 1/4 the normal pressure for about 4 hours. I left the hole open until I could check it this morning. Thankfully everything stayed entact overnight and no water in the hole.
Following church this morning I came home moved the mailbox, filled the hole and put on trim around the area. While I was working outside Tina and the girls were cleaning inside. Most of my day was spent cleaning the old decorative rock of grass and dirt. Grace came out at the end to help me. It turned out great!! I wish I was here tomorrow to see if the mailman notices. Worn out after all this but decided to start painting the bricks on the planter. I stopped because none of us like the color. We will get another color to more closely match the color of our house. I decided I had done enough for the day and have been on the couch ever since.
I have to be to work early tomorrow so I will call it a day.

Weather today was eighty-something degrees and was perfect for Grace and I as we worked outside. It is not suppose to rain until November sometime. Fall is such a great time of year.

-Norm

Homecoming and Our House

On Friday I got off work early to attend the Homecoming Rally at Red Bluff High. Morgan borrowed our sumo suits for her entrance as a queen candidate. It was pretty funny and unexpected by the crowd. I couldn't help remembering my time in high school. I think I have done pretty well since leaving those halls. Another thought while sitting there was 'these kids have no idea what the future has in store for them". While this is true for everyone, high school students seem to be standing at a threshold of life and independence.
Friday evening Grace and I attended the game. Red Bluff got creamed 32-0. We left at halftime. The higlight of the evening was spending time with Grace. Grace had a hotdog and I had an excellent tri-tip sandwich. It sure felt good to go home.
The rest of this weekend was spent working on our house. Mostly the little touches that add curb appeal and flair. I spent quite abit of time assembling and hanging window screens and a new security screen on the front door. I am trying to get this outside stuff done before the weather changes. It is good to be back to work to get some rest.
We have a parent meeting tonight at Vista.
Weather today: Cloudy, sprinkly, and chillier. Fall and cooler weather have arrived.

-Norm

Are We Better Than Our Mission?

Let me preface this by saying I attended private/ Christian school first through tenth grade. I attended public school in kindergarten, eleventh and twelfth grades.

Read on..........

Hope has been attending a youth group at another church in town. Her first meeting was in mid-September. She has not gone the last couple weeks due to weekend family events. On Sunday I asked her if she was planning on going she said "no, I don't really like it". When I asked her why, she stated "the kids there are all home school kids and they make fun of us who attend public school". I must say this disappoints me. I trust Hope's judgment. I believe her and it got me to thinking.
This question needs to be brought to the table: Are the people of the Church (Body of Christ) better than the people of mission field we are trying to reach? If so, then how can we effectively reach them? If so, why would we want to?
Our family has been extremely involved in the public schools of our community. It is an opportunity to meet and minister to students, staff and their families. People who are influencing the next generation of decision makers in our community. I feel our involvement has made it a better place. In my opinion, families who send their children to private schools or are home schooling are running from the battle. As Christians we are called to be light and salt. When light is present is chases the darkness. We have heard many a sermon about salt being a preservative. Sadly, the condition of some of our public schools are a result of the light running from the darkness. We have let our guard down or left public schools altogether. I think my children are more well adjusted partly due to our influence in their schools and helping to make decisions that effect not just them, but all students in their school.
Sadly, this group of "make funners" are runners and sheltered. How did they reach this opinion of public schools. We have seen home-schooled students who are socially deficient instead of being given the opportunity to be salt and light. Beginning adulthood steps behind their peers.

I guess I refuse to have my family and children live in fear. Fear becomes the focus and anything that becomes our focus other than God, is our god.

Weather today: WINDY!!!!! 75 degrees (did I mention it's windy???)! The leaves are starting to turn and fall.

-Norm

My Ride

I don't know that I have yet posted a picture of my Reflex (the picture is a Honda stock photo). I really enjoy the ride and especially the gas mileage. 70+ miles to the gallon. This time of year though it can be a little cold on the ride to work. This morning it was about 50 degrees. My hands got cold even with gloves on!
Well, it is finally the weekend! It looks like we have someone interested in buying the inflatable boxing ring. We are selling do to thinning things out before the move to Tennessee. It will be nice to have one less thing to think about (and eventually move).

Weather today: chilly this morning and 80 degrees this afternoon. I am looking forward to the scooter ride home.

-Norm

I'm Sick!!!

I woke up on Monday morning with bad cold and could just barely speak. I have been home from work for the last three days. It really zapped my energy and gives me the worst headaches I think I've ever had. Part of this might be my body screaming out that it just needs to get some rest.
Today, I am feeling better, but the headache is still hanging on. I had a chance to download some mp3s from the internet. Groups like Dizmas, Falling Up, Berlington, Emery, Spoken and Further Seems Forever. This will be the second sampler cd I've put together.
It is Parent Teacher Conference Week so the girls are on minimum days. Grace is home now and we are hanging out watching family home videos. Christmas 2000 is what we are watching right now. We were the host house and everyone is opening presents. Hope got a ballerina tutu. I think we're getting ready to eat. That's all for now.

Current weather: It rained this morning. Chance of showers throughout the day. It is not currently raining though. I think it's about 65 outside and cloudy.

-Norm

We Are Done!

It was Monster Truck Nationals weekend in Red Bluff. The PTAs at Jackson and Vista served as parking attendents. One of my volunteer duties for the last four years is to coordinate the parking at this event. We parked about 4,000 cars in 3 days! I am so glad we are done with this. It is a good fundraiser, but also a very tiring one. I am sick and top of it. We tried some new things in the back parking lot. This made that lot more managable. Sheila did a great job back there. We are very fortunate to have her a President this year.
I am looking forward to slowing down alittle. With Business Expo and Monster Truck Parking I am feeling drained. It is a good drained, but drained just the same.

I'm gonna go get some rest. I've earned it. Good night.


Weather today: It got down to 40 degrees last night! The high was 80 degrees and windy in the late afternoon. Partly cloudy.

-Norm