Grand Adventure III

2012-01-29T17:30:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends,

Not too much going on these days outside of the ordinary. Yet some how we are busier then ever. Here's just a few pics of our day to day life.

If I haven't seen you in a while ... I hope all is well.

As Always,

Love in Christ Jesus,

Michael, Rebekah, Jack, & Henry

Ever have one of those days!

Looks like I had my own version of a rough day

Daddy! Don't worry. When I'm stressed out ... I just draw on my legs

Strangely artistic

Royalty in the making

Little sickie

Sickie now not so sick.

The thumb sucking goomba

Introducing Mark Conrad chairman of the local Woman's Concern (a local crisis pregnancy center)

The importance?

Life!

Splitting wood at a friend's farm

A cow's but

Teaching Jack how it's done

Refreshments

This lever thing does the pushing thing

Kinda basic

Shall we continue the tour?

Pigs ...

Home again .. home again

2011-12-18T15:56:00.000-08:00

Hey Folks,

Well got some pictures of our new family. Amazing I have kidS.

Enjoy ... and God bless.

As Always Love in Christ Jesus,

Michael, Rebekah, Jack & Henry

Post Baby Stuff

2011-12-18T15:51:00.000-08:00

Coordinating with employees while things "begin"

About an hour and a half after all the action

Jack learns the art of "gentle"

Hee Haw!

Rest ... it can be a rare commodity

Well ... rare for some

Babysitting

Getting my when-I-see-mommy haircut

Studying the serious things in life

A rare visit by Grandma to the Foley Flat

"Grandmaaaaa!"

"Can't do this quite the way I used to"

Milk ... where's YOUR mustached?

Nana!

On to the construction site ....

Checking in at the managers trailer

It's gotta be done right!

He's a tough guy to please!

Art

Progress

OSHA inspectors swing by

Let me tell you it's tough working with this type of management

"Let's get this project moving'

I know how to get things done

Progress

All for today

Forced love

Maintaing his physique with meticulous care

Trying to find the dud light

Feeling something like a papa chimp

Well that's all for now! God bless!

Welcome Henry James Thomas!

2011-12-02T06:16:00.001-08:00

Welcome Henry James Thomas - 9lb 4 oz. Safe and healthy.

2011-11-25T20:15:00.000-08:00

Hello Folks,

It has been awhile! Life ... lives on. Much to learn! Much to live!

Please enjoy these pictures!

As always,

Love in Christ Jesus,

Michael, Rebekah, Jack

Thanksgiving Celebrations!

2011-11-25T20:05:00.000-08:00

Jack stars in his very own album - Taking On The Town

Excited fans

Eyes

Locked in combat

What!

Finalizing the final preparations

Turkey awt

How is it that baloons can cause so much joy?

In memory of turkeys everywhere eaten by hungry pilgrims

A special touch

Why can't we just eat Thanksgiving meal at noon and skip the snacks

A love so sweet

"Sorting the yarns"

The party arrives

Or shall we say party to the crime .... hmm

Aunt Cari

"I got it!"

Thank God that's not a larger caliber firearm!

See that!

Now thats a fact!

Eh?

"I got it!"

Sharing of times past!

PILGRIMS mother!

Now that is a feast!

Good stuff!

Time for action ... all the rest are un labeled ...

Don't talk about my mother that way!

Soreness

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T04:16:00.001-07:00

2011-06-05T19:35:00.001-07:00

Hello Folks,

So when I have time, I have NOTHING to blog about, when I have a life full of bloggable moments, I have no time to blog it!

Well, enjoy whatcha got!

As Always,

Love in Christ Jesus,

Michael, Rebekah, Jack & "?"

What have I been up to?

2011-06-05T19:34:00.000-07:00

Church music with Chris

Stylin' & profilin'

Want a wabbit

The toys they have these days (yes, someone goes inside it and gets rolled around)!

Garden before

Jack comes up with a schematic

I follow his garden by number plan

So far so good!

Chitting the potatoes (no, chitting is NOT a bad word)

When's daddy coming home? We got work to do!

Me and my horrible "Landscaper tan"

So remind me ... who's the pregnant one?

She is!

Life

Smile

Comin' along

Memorial day

A great idea

One of the best jamin times in a while!

Mashmellow

Not sure if the is or is not the look of confidence.

Nothing like a Flynn fireside

The wedding!

2011-06-05T19:19:00.000-07:00

Some guy bonding time while we wait for the bride to arrive ...

One of those classic New England churches. You just feel the history oozing out of every wooden beam

History oozes forth

Some rather un-historical yet perhaps hysterical people in the historic church

Live music in the historic church

This kid has more energy in his little finger then I do in my whole body!

Is that an historic chello in the historic church

When is this thing going to happen?

Wait! What do we see?

The bride approaches.

If ever a face would have popped from excessive smiling ... this man would have been the victim of such a catastrophy. My cheeks hurt just looking at him

Art

Vows

Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth - for your love is more delightful than wine. SOS

A charge

A time of song

The ever present media presence

Boy are their cheeks gonna hurt tonight!

Emerging for the first time in history as Mr. & Mrs. Bussman

Aw! Aint dat purty.

Them too!

The receiving line

A moment to pause and reflect upon the mortality of man

Back to the joyous occasion

The most amazing groom's cake EVER

Art

Yup! We were there.

Couldn't shake the strange feeling like we were being watched ... and yes, we were

Cake cutting

How can we ruin this!

Now that is service

First dance was the dance from Sound of Music in the garden. Some neat Austrian Folk Dance

Impressed I think

Arlette allows me and my wife to dance

Happy Momma

Let's make it good!

Good

Good by y'all!

What happens when you forget a can opener, you are at a state park and start asking around for something to open a can with. Some one had a bottle opener attachment on their utility knife that sorta worked. Thanks to whoever you are!

Smile! ... Well that's all for now. Y'all come again, ya hear?

2011-04-08T20:28:00.000-07:00

Hello folks,

Well spring is totally here, which means that landscaping is in full swing. It also means that life is in full swing. Busy swing.

Gotta run.

As always .... Love in Christ Jesus

Michael, Rebekah & Jack

PS Jack's gonna be a BROTHER! yes I said that

Book recommendation I've got my head stuck in again with gardening coming up ...

The New Organic Grower: A Master's Manual of Tools and Techniques for the Home and Market Gardener (A Gardener's Supply Book)

Whirl wind visits

2011-04-08T20:19:00.000-07:00

Do ever have those days when you have snots running out of your nose and banana gunk in your hair ... yeah, it's been a while for me too.

At LAST, I can take my wife to see my sister's house in Missouri.

Stocking up for all those diapers to be filled.

Up, up and away

Kind of liked the rows and rows of seats

So the next morning, after riding up and down back roads, Bekah getting THOROUGHLY motion sick from the back roads, and finally getting to bed after midnight, we wake up bleary eyed with healthy shakes in hand ready to face the day

Sizing up the visitors

A toast to family

Mr. Thinker .... meet our son

Training for the paparazzi takes years of practice ... starting at well now.

Odd ... just odd

Our most amazing hosts

I think the little guys are really starting to hit it off.

Very much time for a hair cut

Don'tcha just LOVE my hair cut? Yeah me too.

So please welcome our latest addition to the whole Jordan Niednagel clan ... Philip

Sorry kid, if daddy's got to do it ... welcome to the club.

Yup, I'd say they be warmin' up to each other.

You know, you're right, I guess they were tiny when they start this life.

Rug surfing.

They say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

How come I don't get magazines like cousin William?

Don't worry, I snuck one into your bag for the flight home.

In which we participate in the Mailbox Walk tradition

Over a mile to the mailbox ... here we go.

All together then

A flowering thing

Awt

Teaching my wife how to ride a 4-wheeler

Ain't she cute

Totally!

What's a little vaca without a little shut eye?

Late night, we challenge each other to a match of hand-eye-coordination.

The old days of gaming

Focus

The adoration of the Philipi

Before heading off to bed, we all cram together and pray, think on old times, dream of the future

On and on ...

Totally time for bed!

Once again, early morning ... healthy shakes

Jack's tender side is revealed

Gotta come from some where

Salad dressing

On our way to Jeremy's Luau

Have you ever seen a feast so wonderful?

Pure Art

Of course we need so much more then just food for a great party

Jack finds his first true love

"it'll be his first love 'till his first love comes along" Paisley

Jeremy entertains us with a Hawaiian Trivia Game

Discussing what the Christian life really IS.

Enthusiasm

The really proud and thankful grandparents

Mobbing Auntie Barbara

Winding down

Well it's been a long night. Feasting has apparently taken a toll on us all ...

... but especially the introverts.

Story time

Love this kid.

Next day, round two.

Let's go boys

"Look ma, no hands"

Let's roll

He should have been an undercover agent (though I'm not exactly sure how far under cover he could get with that get-up)

My confident driver

Let's go!!

Water's gone down enough to cross

Posing

Can't I pose?

Skipping rocks

(yeah the vine snapped)

I think the reaction was the best part

Well, after 2 1/2 hrs of just talking about life, it was time to head back

Lovely ...

Cool, huh?

The salad monarchs

Our farewell feast

Taking time to recount what it was about our parent's we really are grateful for. For, it came down to a love for God and willingness just to go ahead and do what's right .... no matter the challenges

Matthew the orator

I'd say they're touched

In which I play ... my mom

"You know what they say?"

Truth, indeed, is often stranger then fiction

Love you son!

Some gifts to finish things off

Well, it was way too fast! Over in a flash!

"Good bye! Do you think they'll make it? It'll take a miracle.
.
Good bye!"

2011-03-07T18:06:00.000-08:00

Hey Folks,

I am so looking forward to spring. We are now only 28 days from the kick off of Spring clean up. I can begin to feel the hum of the mowers, the power of the packs, the feel of the flowers being planted.

Things are really getting exciting. I believe I am seeing healthy growth with the biz this year. Entrepreneurship is one of the most eye opening experience (other then marriage) I've ever been involved with. I've learned more about myself, people and reality then almost anything else I've done.

So, please enjoy this little window in our life. If anything, I hope you are encouraged to love God and enjoy your family ...

As Always,

Love in Christ Jesus,

Michael, Rebekah & Jack

So what am I doing these days

2011-03-07T17:55:00.000-08:00

Posing

Working (thanks Brian) ;-) - This was a great winter project while I wait for Spring Clean up in Apr.

2011-03-07T17:50:00.000-08:00

Hold it! This is a Hi-Jack ... "Hi Jack"

Potty Training + Sign Language Video

Checking out the new crisis pregnancy center. By God's grace, this will be an answer to many in need.

Director Mark Conrad gives us the cook's tour

How? How can such as this be just thrown away?

To learn more check out http://www.abundanthopeprc.org./

With our hearts warmed by their love for the community, it's time to warm our skins (and clean the yard)

In which my eyebrows, eye lashes and beard get singed (wind shifted on me)

Art

Something special about salty nachos, a big bond fire and a little family

Night comes fast,

coals burn slow,

and in my heart love will grow

Do you ever have friends that just make you feel small ... Meet Matthew Miller

So if Matthew's the Miller, is Becky the Miller Lite?

Ooh that was a good meal!

Out of the way! Go go!

"Too much fun, what's that mean? Its like ... it's like ... zzzzzzzzzz"

Family man ....

2011-02-27T17:51:00.003-08:00

2011-02-26T18:50:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends and Family,

Well, the Feb. blogging doldrums continue. Life is busy on the business side, but not very photogenic. I am very excited for how things may be turning out.

Some winter heat wave (38F yay) excursions and some random stuff for your viewing interest.

Well, getting late. Gotta run.

As always,

Love In Christ Jesus,

Michael, Rebekah & Jack

Book Recommendation of the week ... delve into the historicity of the Bible (and support the blog)

The Case for Christ: A Journalist's Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus

2011-02-26T18:42:00.000-08:00

At a farm I've been volunteering at. Basically a therapeutic riding center for handicapped children.

"Art" ... no really

Detail

With no mowers to walk behind, no ladders to sling, no holes to dig, there is only one way to stay in shape this time of year.

Oh yeah ...

Of course, little guy has to have a go at it.

Helping daddy stretch

Well, not sure if this has improved or diminished the effectiveness of this stretch.

Seeds are like an investment. One little seed can produce pounds of food.

Checking off my order

Melons, tomatos, lettuce, zinnias ... smell the dirt, feel the breeze.

Decidedly UNimpressed

Once again, I sense a lack of confidence in the lads face. Wonder why.

Ready to roll

The confidence returns to his eyes.

Hmm ... I think I see confidence in her eyes.

Setting out on what became an epic journey of completing the Cliff Walk for the first time ever for Rebekah and Jack. Of course, it wasn't completing the Cliff Walk that was difficult, it was the coming back that was tiring. Amazing how winter kills the endurance factor.

Sea side ...

Step by step, one step at a time. Breath. We can do this ... oh wait. We just started.

Art

Bleakness

"I love you Baby ..."

In which my wife captures a shot of me moments before I plummeted off the cliff and died. Well, at least she had the shot for the blog. Good thinking babe.

As New England as it gets.

Fellow Adventurer

In which we come to the end.

Resting up before the 1 1/2 hr. walk back. (Gonna have to weigh my not-so-little guy some time)

This place should be in some vintage A & E film

With our supplies dwindled to nothing, we were left with no other option then Chinese take-out to help us survive the ride home. Foot note: We made it home OK

Was THAT ever true today!

Well folks! That's all for now.

God bless and I can't wait for spring. ;-)

2011-02-06T19:31:00.000-08:00

Hello Folks,

I must apologize for the length of time between posting. I have hit that annual Feb. blogging doldrums period.

"God thunders marvelously with His voice;

He does great things which we cannot comprehend.

For He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth’;" Job 37

Thankfully, I've been very busy with snow removal. The late nights have been cutting into my mental creativity and I am seriously needed some sun!

Enjoy the pics posted ... can't wait for spring.

Gotta run!

As Always,

Love in Christ Jesus,

Michael, Rebekah & Jack

The photos ...

2011-02-06T18:48:00.000-08:00

End of the year ... such a great excuse to take my wife out to a nice restaurant and celebrate all that God has done for us in 2010

Lovely hands & my hands

Love ya babe!

COUNTDOWN!!!!!

Wishing my family a happy New Year (of course, since they are an hour behind, I had to do it again at 1 am)

Cheers

A few days later at the Flynn Christmas party

My wife holding Jack and his delightful Aunt Mia

Don't you just love to WIN!

Expectations are higher then ever with the start of the annual Yankee Swap

A Bieber Doll! Aren't I lucky?

With other Bieber fans present, I end up with a can of Escargot. Oh Joy! (As of Feb. 6, 2011, the can is STILL in our cupboard ... unopened)

Jack Flynn Thomas, Engineer of Biophysics

Mental ... totally mental

It's a conspiracy I'm telling you ... a CONSPIRACY. It's all about the black helicopters.

Snow AKA white gold!

Enjoying the snow daddy plows

Oh yeah

Aren't I cute

Boom bada boom

Beet Power!

I like my daddy!

Jamming!

Maestro Man

The dawning of a new day

MORE white gold!

All this snow is getting to my head. Since Feb. is the time to order seeds, it's time to plan the garden. I can almost feel the dirt under my fingernails, I can almost feel the dust in my hair and the grass stains on my toenails

Daddy's home!

Hey!

Not one to sit on an idea, snow or no snow, it's time to clear all the trees hanging over the yard and blocking the sun from my precious plants.

Oh boy! Chainsaws!

Here in New England, we do things all out!

Jack learns the way of the lighter

With Spring far away, my wife brings Spring to us.

Aunt Rita has a new friend (too bad Jack doesn't remember who sent the box)

Jack in his hang out

Ignorance is bliss

2010-12-28T19:59:00.000-08:00

Hello Folks,

What a fun 2 weeks. Everything from a beautiful wedding, to Christmas, to gifts to snow plowing. First time I was ever awake for over 24 hours!

Anyway.

I hope you all had a blessed Christmas. God bless us ... everyone.

As always,

Love In Christ Jesus,

Michael, Rebekah & Jack

Recomendation of the week ...

Ubongo

Dinner

2010-12-28T19:53:00.000-08:00

An early Christmas dinner with my dad's family

Playing a neat game called Ubongo - A cross between Tetris and who knows what. Very fast paced, fun and my wife was AWSOME at it!

Concentration

A wedding to remember ...

2010-12-28T19:52:00.000-08:00

A friend ... a brother. Dressed differently I know, but both here for the same purpose. The wedding of Ben & Kat

"Let's go! These things never start on time."

And these things never work

Keeping Jack entertained with his favorite toy

"But wait ... here, she comes ..."

Yes ... she does

"You have stolen my heart, my sister, my bride; you have stolen my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your necklace."

The charge

With a smirk like that, one would have thought there was a little brandy in your eggnog my dear.

A grand entrance by the bridal party

About to cut up the cake. But wait! Is that the sheet music to You Fill Up My Senses by John Denver?

And is this not the most beautiful acapella arrangement of that song one has ever heard?

You long time followers may remember their wedding from a couple years ago.

Mother & son

Ever get that sneaky feeling that those little shutterbugs will someday give you a run for your money?

So after the tear jerker (no I didn't actually cry) arrangement of You Fill Up My Senses, the whole Christian Acapella group these two started came up and did an amazing performance of the song Arms of Love (see video below) ... ok maybe I DID cry

Gaity

Oh yeah!

As a couple ... impacting Tufts for Love

I'm dreaming of a White Christmas ... dream NO longer

2010-12-28T19:50:00.000-08:00

Bekah's art

The one meal out 1095 in a year that Jeff actually cooks ... Christmas breakfast

The beautiful golden brown stuff

Good thing we arrived in time!

With cameras ready, Jack is showered with Holiday stuff

Making sure my camera still works

Jeff contemplates the consequences

Art

I think someone stole me camera

Think it's gonna snow! Think it's gonna snow!

Someone's all ready

Over at Nana's house

"Get this thing off my HEAD!!"

Oh wait .... a camera

Game time

Played a game called Anything Goes ... had fun. Didn't like the game though

Hmm ... I think it was easier when he just nursed

Jackicity

2010-12-28T19:36:00.000-08:00

A new favorite game

An old favorite game

The joy of a large dry towel (wish I had one like THAT when I got out of the shower)

Seriously

Wassailing along

2010-12-28T19:24:00.000-08:00

"Siiiiiilent night"

Good to have you back brother!

Local residents shower us with cookies and cider

Jeff leads with his famous fingerless gloves

White Gold

2010-12-28T19:00:00.000-08:00

So it's 5:00 in the morning ... been plowing all night, my plow let go, and the only place fixing plows at this time is On The Spot

Here we are

And it's lunch time the next day ... STILL plowing

Feeling a little drained?

Not with these babies!

Yes Sir! We can handle that!

Off to the next assignment! So I was up to 35 hours. Yeah ... it's an interesting experience.

2010-12-28T04:47:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas ... a tale that made me smile!

2010-12-25T06:11:00.001-08:00

2010-12-12T18:01:00.000-08:00

Hello Folks,

Landscaping wraps up for the season in a day or two. Now on to the misc. winter work.

The Christmas festivities begin.

As always ... love in Christ Jesus,

Michael, Rebekah & Jack

Random stuff and the great chicken slaughter

2010-12-12T17:56:00.000-08:00

A break in the icy weather

Jack tries his hands at drinking milk from a bottle

Ok ... we weren't expecting THAT reaction

Sometimes you get a gift that just touches the soul and means a lot

Nothing like a CARDBOARD BOX! Oh yeah!

It helps to clear out the clutter inside first!

Oh, you mean I play with this stuff!

Bubble but

One year of nursing exclusively and I'd say he looks healthy.

The courage of this woman!

Scalder man

So the reality is that I arrived right as the last chicken was coming through. I got some great pictures with NO effort.

A break before the fine cleaning

Friends

Center of attention

Since we didn't have a fancy mechanical plucker, there was a TON of fine cleaning to do

Lots a fine cleaning

Then on to the ladies to cut up

Learning the technique

So we look over and Jack is imitating his big buddy

A stroll through Yarmouth Port

2010-12-12T17:32:00.000-08:00

Exploring during the Yarmouth Port Holiday Stroll where several bed & breakfasts along 6A open up for the public.

Family portrait

Hot cider to warm our cold nipped noses

Yes mom! I still look both ways before I cross the street.

Art

No where can you find such classic New England Art

True New England Heritage

So here's some food!

You can play with it ...

Oh ... you gotta actually EAT it?

Ick

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

2010-12-12T16:25:00.000-08:00

My wife adds a creative touch to the array of food

"What a disaster the party was! The food was burnt ... the milk went sour and the movie was a flop!" Puddleglum

The bearded trio

The arrival of Reepicheep

Narnian Jeopardy

Uncle Andrew & Legolas (Legolas? I think he walked out of the wrong book into this party)

Aunt Alberta & Swanwhite

A rather tall reepicheep, I admit, but it comes in handy when the knife threatens!

Apparently she's not totally impressed.

Introducing ... Eustace

The White Witch

Some epic ness

Pug the slave trader

Complete with tail

A merry time of conversation, games and desert ... lotsa desert!

With faces like that, it looks like the parties over. But wait! It's NOT over.

Off to the theatre

Similarity #1

Now that's just scary!

Oh yeah!

The crew

Chatting with the locals

Ready to roll

Ok ... so the movie wasn't quite what I was expecting. I enjoyed it. If you think critically about literal adaptation you probably won't like it, but its a great fun film.

Presenting my blade to Aslan

2010-11-28T17:09:00.000-08:00

Hello Folks,

Life is beginning to slip back into some sort of normalcy. We had a fabulous Thanksgiving, although I missed my family's epic approach to the holiday.

Crunch time for clean outs before we get any snow!

As Always,

Love in Christ Jesus,

Michael, Rebekah & Jack

CD recommendation for the week ...

Celtic Harpestry. Been around for a while, but I still come back to it. Makes great background music when company is over.

Celtic Harpestry

A couple of misc. shots

2010-11-28T17:04:00.000-08:00

Jack and I get some work done in our office

Enjoying the news ... HEY!!! There's Jack & me!

A most relaxed Thanksgiving

2010-11-28T17:02:00.000-08:00

Art

Deep in your eyes ...

Jeff does the honors

Now that's good! Oh yeah ...

A discourse on stuff

Enjoying the effects of a great meal

Relaxing as Jeff shares the Pilgrim story. It was a reminder of conviction and courage.

My son has been wearing his pants so low lately, I'm beginning to think he hopes to be a plumber.

Auntie & Nephew enjoying some quality time

So yeah ... I'm cute!

Someday, I hope a "family" shot like this looks more like a collage

Later, some played games ...

Some slept

Then ... more games

Deep concentration

Enjoying a game of Knockout with Lydia

Backgammon with Jeff

Art

Some learn the hard way not to steal dessert from Nanna!

Order is restored again

The boys of fall ...

2010-11-28T16:26:00.000-08:00

Gettin' pumped and ready to roll

Warming up

"You want fries with that?"

The epic catch!

"Well! See if he can catch THIS one!"

Almost ready ...

Airborne! (Although, I must say, my outfit looks absolutely goofy)

Before the grid iron

One of the few times I actually made some yardage

The start of a great play

Never before seen footage of Silas practicing to cut the cake (judging by the look on Hannah's face, I'm going say he needs more practice before the big day ... sorry man. I do give lessons if you're interested)

And what does one do with all that free time of a long weekend (assuming one owns a house) ...

2010-11-28T16:09:00.000-08:00

Finally sorting the basement and setting up our shelving system following our move

Yes, we are still ... STILL!!! ... finding those little notes our family decorated our last love nest with

The love rolls one ...

Now if I can just keep my truck this clean ... ;-)

Well folks, that's all for now. Y'all come again! Ya hear?

2010-11-21T16:42:00.000-08:00

Well Folks,
.
What a great weekend. Our participation in the Thanksgiving parade was increased to "float-spotting". Bekah, Jack and I guided the "First Thanksgiving" float through the masses. So much fun! Jack on my back was quite the experience. He didn't seem to think so (fell asleep part way through).
.
If you have the patience for it, my wife made it into a clip of some parade coverage here ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_sfl5Zzeu4.
.
Gotta run!
.
As always,
Love in Christ Jesus,
Michael, Rebekah & Jack
.
Video Recommendation of the week is ...
.

The Scarlet and the Black
(A great old time WWII story of courage, faith and conviction)

A grand day!

2010-11-21T16:36:00.000-08:00

With a view like that, it's got to be a great day!

In which Bekah, Jack & I had the opportunity to spot / direct a float in the Plymouth Thanksgiving Hometown parade. Lotsa fun. Watching all the re-enactors get ready made me miss all the reenactments I used to do with my family way back when.

With my mother gone, it was up to us to keep the tradition going.

Welcome

Quality work

Keeping things smelling great.

Well, Kathy's here. Where are the hoardes of people?

Hoards at last!

Happy customers

Quizzical customers ...

Quirky customers

Stunned customers ...

Taking it all in.

Perks my friends ... perks!

Jack, of course, was a hit.

Andrew demonstrates a little sleight of hand

One of those great chats with the Thomases

The walkway

2010-11-21T16:12:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the Murray's for the opportunity to help improve their place

Replacing the walkway

Helpers

Shovel by shovel

And WHY aren't you working?

Yeahh ...

Lots brick ... lotsa lotsa brick

After a great day's work

A'wt

(That's Art New England style)

Steve sacrifices his warm dry shirt as the wet saw operator ...

The battle

2010-11-21T15:55:00.000-08:00

Ladies and gentleman, for those who aren't on face book, I introduce the one and ONLY Ray! Whoo aaa!

Smoke blows across the battle field as I am about to get NAILED by Jeff hiding behind the pile

Peter's Art (In fact, a hearty thanks to Peter who took all the pics and GENEROUSLY donated them to the Grand A blog)

A pounding head clouds my mind.

My lips are dry and my lungs protest.

Chaos is all I find

I advance towards the greatest test

Tip ... NEVER wear a white sweatshirt to a battle

Much more appropriately dressed

How, sir, how can one tag one such as this?

White sweatshirt or not, he is imposing

Hit ... I'm hit!

There comes a time in ones life that one has waited for. The rare moment when there are only a couple guys guarding the flag.

With the gun set at auto, I race in for the kill.

It was a sweet moment of success.

Them

Us (I liked us)

Another level headed warrior

Move up the middle and go! go! go!

Well folks, that's it! VIVE LE-SMOKE BOMBS

Stage right

2010-11-21T15:50:00.000-08:00

A fun night with the Flynns at one of their performances.

Steve & Abi warmin' up the crowd

The crowd (must of been one of those slow emotional songs)

The ever energetic Matthew Miller

Thank you Jack for being a good listener tonight!

Oh yeah!!!

The whirl wind of one!

That's me!

A package from the M & Ms!!!

2010-11-07T18:31:00.000-08:00

Hello Folks,

So, my family is gone. Despite losing two cars, a broken rental, a non-renewed license and many other mishaps, they made it safely to OK. Now my wife and I begin to play catch up.

Thought for the week ... so my wife and I are walking around Newport today looking at all the beautiful mansions. Like the thoughtless oaf I can be, I uttered, "Boy, I wish someone would die and leave ME an estate". Then the thought struck me. Someone already did, and the estate that's mine is far greater then any Newport Mansion.

As always,

Love in Christ Jesus,

Michael, Rebekah & Jack

So I recently downloaded Michael W Smith's CD from two years ago off of Amazon.com's music porthal. Kinda made my day! Thought it would yours.

A New Hallelujah

The great spider web!

2010-11-07T18:18:00.000-08:00

Jack about to experience his first great VHS spider web.

Step one break the tapes ...

Step two, salvage all old tapes that were once (and perhaps should have been) forgotten.

Step three, resume breaking old vhs tapes.

String from tree to tree the colossal web

Yes, 'tis a fun time

Just call me Shelob

An art form that will be forgotten as the VHS sinks into a forgotten corner of of history

Adding the final touches before ...

... the web is destroyed in one mad dash.

All that remains of all those man-hours of weaving

Girls and babies ...

Yeah ... girls and babies .... hey, they look so much alike, they must be sistas

Home Again ...

2010-11-07T17:53:00.000-08:00

In which my wife catches our green baby in action (No ... she didn't set this one up)

Gaaah!

Guess I found my new foreman

Here you go ...

Umm ... sorry, but I can't reach!

Well folks, that's all for now! Y'all come again. Ya hear?

2010-10-25T19:31:00.000-07:00

Hello Folks,

My family is definitely in the throes of moving.

Totally busy!

I am not looking forward to them leaving, but I'm looking forward to picking up the pieces and organizing life. Things are way too chaotic right now!

As always,

Love in Christ Jesus,

Michael, Rebekah & Jack

Book recommendation of the week ...

The Vaccine Guide: Risks and Benefits for Children and Adults

Quote of the week, "U.S. Ranks 49th in Life Expectancy, First in Health Care Costs" Mercola.com ... maybe it's time to think about the way we do things!

Everything in one post ...

2010-10-25T19:24:00.000-07:00

So, my family's house is a mess! But that's ok ....

... 'cause I'm going sailing.

With a good wind, Brian warned us that things could be a bit "Adventurous"

My wife decided she'd give it a whirl

Thanks Brian!

Jack is definitely hooked (all right, I'm not totally sure what he really thinks, but I think sea water runs in his veins)

"So here is my outfit on Micaiah and here is my outfit on Marscel"

Hosting some out of state guests

Can you think of a better time of year to visit?

"I can't"

Is it ... could it be ... yes ... Jack is WALKING! (I feel like such a "daddy" getting all excited about that. Oh wait! I AM a daddy)

Birthday wishes to a visitor from afar.

Stumping across the campaign trail

Seasonal Art

Nelson takes it all in

Checkers?

Breakfast?

Art

Fatherhood

Ok, so here is where it starts to get a bit surreal (empty walls ... boxes ... paper plates ... weird! Just weird!)

Packing (how can I be saying that?)

Not sure I thought I'd see this day!

Gotcha!

Sunday afternoon the Flynns came over. We had a chance to take some final "glamour" / family / friends forever shots

So ... yeah

Biz partners?

Friends shot

Just a great shot of my family!

Friends

Really friends

Art

So this basically sums up our relationship growing up. Melanie got mad, and I tried to make her laugh (yeah ... it worked).

Art

Totally Friends

Really Friends

Definitely Friends

Positively friends

Absolutely Friends

Really friends

Crazy Friends

Wonder where we get it from?

Redo

Shootin' the breeze with the movers

I bet she'll have them using essential oils by the time they leave.

Must be a brain type thing

What's moving without pizza ...

... or the open road to move upon.

Well folks ... that's it for now! Y'all come again, ya hear?

2010-10-13T19:02:00.000-07:00

Hello, Hello ...

Lot's happening in my neck of the woods. My folks are shipping out to Oklahoma (boy will I miss them!). Going to family get-togethers. Surprise going away "party".

Mach 3 my friends ... mach 3. Just relying on the grace of God.

As always,

Love in Christ Jesus,

Michael & Rebekah Thomas & ... JACK

Book recommendation for the week: A fascinating exploration of Biblical medicine. Not one to miss ...

Healing Oils Of The Bible

Down the cape

2010-10-13T18:57:00.001-07:00

Once again, my wife and I had the amazing opportunity of taking a few days down the Cape with her family

As usual, the "I want to hold Jack" competition was fierce

Cutie!

Another great silly

One of the highlights of the cabin is the great paths through the open woods

"Daddy, can we pulleeze just walk?"

Art

Jordanyo ... 'tis true!

Run away!

I just like this one

I liked taking this one

Few things more peaceful looking

"Whadya say Jack? Wanna take this one out?"

Hanneke upon her noble steed

Of course it tastes good!

When you are out on the range ... you just can't forget to yell 'fore!

Golf, who cares ... when there's FISH

Yeah!

"Sorry Jack ... not quite yet"

So Jeff turns to me and says, "You want to know what the seven year old Bekah was like? There she is! Ice cream mustache and all!"

Going away ... well ... party?

2010-10-13T18:28:00.001-07:00

Some of us had thought of some things to say. Tabitha Mello said it all with an hour long slideshow of the last 10 years of our life. There was nothing left to say! Nothing ...

So ... yeah

We watched ...

We laughted

We cried!

We thought

We remembered