November 20, 2012

Tuesday- Woke up at 5:30am. Top of he list was course work. I met Josh White for coffee at Higher Grounds from 7-8:30am. Worked from 8:30 am until 4:30pm with a lunch break from 1:00-1:30. Spoke with Willy Battson over the phone about the marriage retreat I am organizing for the first weekend in February. In the afternoon I received a call from Curry Copy that my postcard mailing had been completed. I drove down to Hemet to pick it up, but found that due to formatting on their computer there was a mistake, which they conceded was their fault. The computer had changed the font and size of the camp's address so that it cut off the zip code. They agreed to fix it by tomorrow morning. Sarah and the kids went to the library and the coffee shop in the afternoon. I dropped off a heavy-duty sledge maul at Chris Bayer's as he is chopping some Eucalyptus rounds. Nanny arrived in the evening as we were putting the kids to bed. I went to bed early at 8:30pm.

Dinner- Chili on a bed of rice with water.

Devotions- Luke 2

November 19, 2012

Monday- Woke up at 5:30am. Although Monday is typically my day off I worked due to the fact that I will be taking some time off later in the week for Thanksgiving. I worked in the office for the most part. Declined an invitation to meet some friends at the Pizza Place to eat and watch the Monday Night Football game. I watched the game at home. I had special interest in the game as my fantasy football matchup against Steve "The Steveroller" Maxon depended on a poor showing by the 49ers running back, Frank Gore. Gore put in a mediocre night and I came away with a squeaker of a victory.

Dinner- Mongolian Beef on a bed of rice with water.

Devotions- Luke 1

Photo stolen from Sarah's Blog.

November 18, 2012

Sunday- Woke up at 6:00am and read soem more of my book before 7:00am when Lucy got up. Church at 10:45am. After church Bowden went hoem with the Fourroux's and Sarah made good use of a gift card to La casita to take the family out for lunch. After lunch we came home and met Connie Benson who had agreed to babysit Lucy, Jack and Miles while Sarah and I went down to Hemet to attend a memorial service for Waynona Whitehurst, who was the Mother of our friend, Louwanna McLean. Following the service Sarah and I took advantage of the babysitter to go ona  date to Red Robin. After dinner we did a little shopping at J.C. Penney, and made a Starbuck's stop before zipping back up the mountain. After putting the kids to bed I watched some of the highlights from the day's football games and then went to bed myself.

Dinner- Burnin' Love Burger, French Fries and Diet Coke.

Devotions- Aside from a time of prayer (maintaining my commitment to pray daily for some friends of mine), devotions failed to happen in a purposeful way today, which is to say that outside of church I spent no devotional time in God's word on November 18, 2012.

November 17, 2012

Saturday- Woke up at 5:00 am and did course work until 7:00am. I am currently reading a book for one of my classes. Gave a tour and office work in the morning. I came home early for the day at 1:00pm. Also got my hair cut. In the afternoon the whole family went over to the library. I brought my book to read but began falling asleep in a rocking chair. We came home and I took a nap on the couch. At 5:30 pm we drove over to the Whites for dinner. After putting the kids to bed I watched a little TV before falling asleep.

Dinner- Chili on rice with cornbread and black olives, brownies with mint chocolate chip ice cream for dessert.

Devotions- Mark 16

November 16, 2012

Friday- Slept in until 6:00am. Began the day by reading some of Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss what Matters Most for the class I am currently taking. In the morning I worked on completing a set of stairs to go with some staging in the Eagle Mountain Tabernacle. In the afternoon I worked in the office. I went home at 5:00pm. At 5:30pm we loaded up the kids and drove up to the Shirley's house for the annual Gathering of Thanks. Had a good time hanging out with camp folks. Watched an episode of American Pickers and read my Bible before going to bed at 11:00pm.

Dinner- Soup and punch

Devotions- Mark 15

November 12-15, 2012

My daily journal has been a little hit or miss lately. These were the highlights from the past several days.

Monday- Day off- Kind of a lazy day. I read some, paid bills and tidied up around the house. The day culminated with dinner at the Allen's house (chicken, asparagus, salad, bread and olives with pie for desert.)

Tuesday- Met Jeremy Allen for coffee at 7:00 am. Worked from 8:30-5:00 with a half hour lunch. Dinner unknown.

Wednesday- Worked from 8:30- 4:00pm. LIFE group from 6:00-8:00pm. Soup and salad for dinner.

Thursday- Worked from 8:00-4:45pm. Sarah had her book club from 11:00am until the early afternoon. Came home for a late lunch. Marin was still at the house over my lunch break. Enjoyed visiting with her over the lunch break. Angela Colson came over for dinner at 5:30pm Had a nice visit with her. (Dinner- pasta, asparagus, garlic bread, jello and a glass of milk.) At 8:30pm Sarah met some lady friends to take in the latest Twilight movie. I put the kids to bed. She did not get in until after midnight.

Devotions and prayer time were consistent over this four day span although what exactly I did each day I don't recall. I am now nearly done with Mark.

November 11, 2012

Sunday- Slept in until 6:45am. After breakfast, we loaded up and headed over to church. The Allens invited us over for dinner on Monday night. After church, Nanny treated us to lunch at La Casita. Watched soem football in the afternoon before the Fourroux's came over to the house for dinner. The Fourroux's left after 9:00pm. We hustled the kids off the bed. I fell asleep on the couch watching Storage Wars on A&E.

Dinner- Meat Loaf, Mashed Potatoes, Fried Zuchini, salad and a glass of water.

Devotions- Luke 17:11-19

November 10, 2012

Saturday- Slept in until 6:00am. Out the door for work at 7:30am. Worked throughout the day, primarily in the office until I went home at 5:00pm. In the morning Sarah and the kids met the Whites at the park in town. A robocall from Riverside County Public Libraries alerted me that my book had arrived for my latest class. I will have to buy the other two resources necessary to complete the course. After picking up my book at the library I did my devotions there as well. I spent soem time praying later in the day. Nanny arrived in time to see the second showing of the Secret Garden, which Sarah also attended. Nanny will be staying through Monday. After work we all loaded up in the van and drove over to Bruce and Patty Tait's house for dinner. We hung out there until nearly 9:00pm before rounding up the kids and heading home. Sarah had a headache so I put the little guys to bed for her. Bowden and Lucy went to bed without a chapter. I fell asleep at 11:00pm.

Dinner- Spaghetti, roasted almonds, salad, cranberry sprite, and cobbler with ice cream.

Devotions- Mark 9

November 9, 2012

Friday- Cold and drizzly day. Worked in the office for most of the day with a lunch break from 12:30-1:00pm. Left work at 5:00pm. Went to the play "The Secret Garden" which is put on by the Missoula Children's Theater. Bowden was Ben Weatherstaff the Gardener. Lucy was a firefly and Jack was part of the Secret Garden itself. He was the surliest, most confused looking little shrub you've ever seen. After the play we rounded up the kiddos and headed home.

Dinner- Two hot dogs and two glasses of water.

Devotions- Mark 8.

Dora the Explorer Movie Trailer (with Ariel Winter)

November 8, 2012

Thursday- Woke up to rain. Slightly colder and damp throughout day. Worked in the office in the morning. Before lunch I took the recycling to the dump and then filled the trailer with a load of wood for my house. The forecast is calling for snow the next couple of days. Returned to the office in the afternoon. Sarah took all the kids over to the school for play rehearsal at three pm and then brought MIles to visit me in the office. After responding to some e-mails I went home early at 3:30pm as I had an Elder Team Meeting at 4:00pm. The meeting adjourned at approximately 10:00pm. Walked home from meeting in the rain. When I got home Chris and Katie were over and playing a board game with Sarah. All the kids were in bed. After the game the Bayers hung out for a while. I fell asleep on the couch.

Dinner- Sarah packed me dinner to take to the meeting. Two bags of baby carrots, a peanut butter and honey sandwich, bottled water, coffee, three tootsie rolls, some Mexican cookies and an orange.

Devotions- Mark 7

November 7, 2012

Wednesday- Took a morning off from course work, but still woke up at 5:00am. Went for an early morning walk and fiddle-farted around on the internet. Out the door for work at 8:30am. Worked primarily in the office with a few small maintenance kind of jobs in the early afternoon. Left work at 4:30pm. Came home to do the dishes and generally tidy up the house in preparation for our LIFE group which came over at 6:00pm. Group left at 8:00, but Dennis Cavanaugh and the Bayers hung out for a while before heading home. After Dennis went home the Bayers hung out and we talked until sometime after 11:00pm. Fell asleep on the couch while watching TV sometime after midnight.

Dinner- Taco Salad with diet, caffeine free pepsi

Devotions- Mark 6

November 6, 2012

Tuesday- Election day- Tried sleeping in but still woke up at 5:30am. Met Matt Pritchett for coffee at 7:00am. Worked from 8:30am- 5:00pm. Came home early for lunch as Sarah was meeting Emily White for lunch in town. After lunch I went and voted at Town Hall. Mulched the maple leaves on the center grass with the ride on lawnmower in the afternoon. Came home and watched election returns on TV. Sarah took Lucy and Bowden to play rehearsals at 5:30. I gave the boys baths and picked up Lucy and Bowden at 7:30pm. After putting the kids to bed I turned the TV back on and learned that the election  had been called for President Obama. I went to bed at 9:30pm.

Dinner- Pasta in red sauce with a glass of water

Devotions- Unit 3, Days 4 + 5 of the Experiencing God Workbook

November 5, 2012

Monday- Day off- Slept in until 6:00 am. In the morning, Sarah and the kids went down to a Dan Zane's concert at the McCallum theater in the desert as a field trip. Marin and Emmy Campbell tagged along as well.  I stayed home by myself- made some phone calls, watched TV, ate lunch, and took a big long nap- until Sarah and the kids came home at 2:30pm. In the afternoon we all went over to the school where Bowden, Lucy and Jack were auditioning for parts in the Secret Garden. Bowden was awarded the role of Ben Weatherstaff, Lucy is to be a firefly and Jack along with many other children will be the Secret Garden itself. Bowden disappointed that his role does not have more lines. He is supremely confident speaking in front of people, which strikes me as a rare trait. I'm impressed that he wants more lines, but I encouraged him to do the best with the parts he was given, and not be jealous of other kids with more lines. Fell asleep in front of the TV, but woke up shortly before midnight and went upstairs to bed.

Dinner- Enchiladas, Spanish Rice, corn chips with green sauce and a glass of milk.

Devotions- Phil. 2:3-11

November 3-4, 2012

Saturday- Up at 5:00am. Went out toe check the north end boiler in Oak Lodge. It was cold so I restarted it. Also made a fresh batch of coffee for the men's retreat. Began work at 8:00am. Worked a normal day, primarily in the office, but also built a campfire for the campers in afternoon, before heading out at 5:00pm. Sarah and the kids went to a party at the Fourroux's in the afternoon Fell asleep after wtaching last episode of Walking Dead Season 1.

Dinner- Roast beef, rolls and salad with water.

Devotions- Mark Chapter 5

Sunday- Time change durign the night. Slept in until 6:00am. After breakfast we loaded up the van and headed over to church. After church sarah and I arranged for a babysitter so that we could attend a special lunch with Fikret Bocek who is a Turkish man who pastors and plants churches in Turkey. I was very impressed with him and his testimony. I was challenged and spurred on. I want to do soemthing to help Fikret. In the lat afternoon Sarah and I attended a costume party put on by Amy Allen in the camp's dining hall. I went as a ship captain and Sarah was a lady Luciadore. All of the kids of the attendees were in our house being babysat by Kaylee Dravenstatt, Danika Hitchcock and Ally Hitchcock. Went to bed at 10:30pm.

Dinner- I ate a hodgepodge of things at the costume party, which included pizza bites, pizza proper, meatballs, lil' smokeys, salad and pumpkin pie with caffeine free diet pepsi.

Devotions- Didn't happen today.

November 2, 2012

Friday- Woke up at 4:30am. Finished paper I was working on. I had intended to meet Jeremy Allen for breakfast at 7:00am, but he and Amy are sick so had to cancel. I took them some Bundaberg Ginger Beer and left it on the front seat of their jeep outside their apartment. Worked throughout the day, primarily in the office. In the late afternoon the Crosspoint Men's retreat showed up and I helped them get set up. After putting the kids to bed, Sarah and I had another date watching an episode of The Walking Dead. Creepy. Apparently I fell asleep on the couch as that is where I woke up this morning.

Dinner- Chicken/vegetable soup with dumplings and a glass of water.

Devotions- Mark Chap. 4

November 1, 2012

Thursday- Woke up at 4:45am. Worked on completing a paper for Principles of Church Growth. After getting Jack to school I went to work at 8:15am. Made two dump runs, but otherwise worked in the office. Took lunch from 12:30-1:00. Left work at 4:15pm. Sarah went shopping off the hill. Had a season ending pizza party for my soccer team at the Idyllwild Pizza Company at 5:00pm. After the party we zipped back home, put the kids to bed, and watched an episode of The Walking Dead before I turned in at approximately 10:00pm.

Dinner- Pizza and Barq's Root Beer with carrots & ranch dressing as well as a cupcake.

Devotions- Mark 3

OCTOBER 31, 2012- HALLOWEEN

Wednesday- Woke up at 5:00am, and worked on completing a paper for Principles of Church Growth. Out the door for work at 8:30am. Worked from 8:30am until 3:30pm with a half hour break for lunch. Left work early to take the whole family into town for the annual Idyllwild Halloween fastivities. Bowden went as a hobo. Lucy was Cleopatra. Jack went as a transformer (bumblebee). Miles went as Spiderman. Lots of candy and merriment.  After a while we went down to Chapel in the Pines in Mountain Center who were putting on a harvest festival. Had a good time hanging out with the Whitneys and eating more candy. At 7:30pm we left Mountain Center and drove back up the mountain to the Shirley's house for homemade doughnuts and hot cocoa. When we got home Sarah was complaining of a sharp pain in her stomach so I volunteered to put the little guys to bed for her. Fell asleep myself while putting them to sleep, woke up in their room later and made my way into my own bed.

Dinner- A wide variety of things at Chapel in the Pine's event with doughnuts and milk at the Shirley's house.

Devotions- First two chapters of Mark.

October 30, 2012

Tuesday- Got up at 5:00am to do course work. Made good progress on my paper. Out the door to work at 8:30am after dropping off Jack at Kindergarten. Worked throughout the day, primarily in the office. Took a half hour lunch break from 1:00-1:30pm. Came home from work at 4:30pm. Did the dishes and tidied up a bit before the Fourroux's came over for dinner at 5:30pm. Hung out with Fourroux's until around 9pm. Started a new book with Bowden and Lucy before bed, Along Came a Dog. Fell asleep in front of the TV around 10pm or so.

Dinner- Baked Potatoes, chili, cornbread muffins, with milk and blueberry pie.

Devotions- Finished book of Matthew

October 29, 2012

Monday- Day off. Woke up at 5:45. Did some course work before kids got up. Had the house to myself in the morning as Sarah took the kids over to the library. Paid bills. Took a long nap in the afternoon. Last soccer game of the year at 5:00pm. The game was tied 0-0 so it came down to penalty shots. Ultimately we lost. Bummer. After soccer Sarah and I attended a special meeting at the church for those of us who will be participating in the Friend-to-Friend ministry, which is a way of meeting the needs of the older ladies who live alone within our church family. Came away feeling stoked about the opportunity. Dinner and child care was also provided at the meeting. After the meeting we came home and put the kids to bed. Finished reading the Bronze Bow with Bowden and Lucy. Watched an episode of The Walking Dead with Sarah before going to bed at 10:00pm.

Dinner- Spicy Chili with a rice crispie treat.

Devotions- Matthew 26

October 28, 2012

Sunday- Woke up at 5:30am and did course work before heading down to check in with guest group and have breakfast in dining hall. At 8:30 I left camp on my bike to make my way down to Hurkey Creek where IBC was having a special combined service, picnic lunch and fun day at the meadow there. I walked my bike up the steep hill at the bottom of Saunder's Meadow and rode down Cowbell to where the May Valley road begins. It was a steep climb up and over the ridge, but then it was basically all downhill into Garner Valley after that. I got to Hurkey Creek shortly before 10:00am. Great time with church family at Hurkey Creek. Toward the end of the service Sarah and the kids showed up. Good to see them. After church I watched a little football (Redskins lost). Spoke briefly with Mom and Dad in the afternoon. Sarah received a call from Lisa (Richard) Tate in the afternoon as well. Went to bed at 10:00pm.

Dinner- Penne Pasta in a red sauce, green ripe olives, and garlic bread.

Devotions- Matthew 25

October 27, 2012

Saturday- Woke up at late again at 6:00am. Did a small amount of course work before taking a shower and heading down to work at approximately 7:45am. Worked from 7:45 until 5:00 with a half hour break for lunch and another half hour break in the afternoon. Mid-morning Sarah and the kids left for Nanny's house as there is a halloween/harvest festival up there that Nanny's church puts on. I did some more course work in the evening, made good progress on my paper. Went to bed at 10:30pm.

Dinner- Chicken Picatta, with fried and peppered green beans as well as roasted Redskin potatoes.

Devotions- Matthew 24

October 26, 2012

Friday- Woke up late at 6:00am. Got to work at 8:30am. Worked throughout the day, mostly in the office, taking a lunch break from 1:00-1:30pm. Gave a tour of the ground to Pure River Ministries after lunch. They liked the camp and contracted following their tour. The Valley Christian Assembly women's retreat arrived, and much of my afternoon was spent helping them get set up. At 6:00pm, Connie Benson came over to baysit the kids so Sarah and I could go out for a date night. I had made reservations at the Gastrognome. Had a nice time being alone without the kids. Went to bed kind of late at 11:15pm.

Dinner- 8oz Top Sirloin Steak with green beans and mashed potatoes.

Devotions- Matthew 23

October 25, 2012

Thursday- Woke up at 5:30am. Worked on course work until 7:00am. Got Jack out the door at 8:05am. Went to work at 8:30am after taking a quick shower. First order of business was taking the recycling to the dump. Did a small amount of trail maintenance later, but mostly worked in the office. Sarah had book club at the Whitney's house in the late-morning and early-afternoon so I picked up Jack and Miles during my lunch break. I took an hour lunch break from 12:00-1:00pm. Sarah returned from Whitneys with Reece Whitney in tow. He played with Bowden until it was time for soccer at 5:00. Danielle Whitney came over at 4:45 to give him his uniform and take possession of him. Left work at 4:30pm. Coached soccer game from 5-6:00. We were obliterated by the Dragon Slayers 5-0. After the game we loaded up the van and drove over to Matt and Tarrah Pritchett's house for dinner. Had a great time hanging out with them. Sarah and Tarrah left at 8:30pm to go to a ladies night at Marin Campbell's house. I hung out with Matt for a liitle while before loading up the kids and heading home. Matt and I arranged to meet for coffee on Wednesday morning at 7:00 am to talk some more. I borrowed Nacho Libre from them with the understanding that I would return it on Wednesday morning. Got the kids to bed all by my lonesome and then fell asleep on the coach watching Nacho Libre.

Dinner- Homemade chicken pot pie (Amazing!!! Thank you, Tarrah!), salad and olives with a tall glass of water and rice kirspie treats for dessert.

Devotions- Matthew 22

October 24, 2012

Wednesday- Woke up at 5:30am. Worked on a paper before Jack woke up at 7:00am. Got Jack out the door at 8:10am for school, and then went to work right after at 8:30am. Worked throughout the day, taking a lunch from 12:30-1:00am, mostly in the office. Came home at 4:00pm, and helped tidy up the house before LIFE group arrived at 6:00pm. After group we hung out with Dennis Cavanaugh and the Bayers for quite some time, before putting the kids to bed late. Fell asleep in front of the TV at 10:15ish.

Dinner- Various kinds of pasta with various kinds of sauce, two different kinds of salad, cake and unsweetened iced tea.

Devotions- Matthew chapter 20 and 21

October 23, 2012

Tuesday- Slept in until 6:00am. Out the door for work at 8:00am. Worked throughout the day, mostly in the office, with a half hour lunch break. Left office at 4:30pm. Met Auto at coffee shop at noon to play a game of chess. Sarah and kids went into town for grand opening of the new library. Large crowd was on hand for the event. Quiet, uneventful evening. Went to bed at 9:30pm.

Dinner- Breakfast burrito and lemonade

Devotions- Matthew 19

October 16, 2012

Tuesday- Woke up at 3:00 am. Worked on sermon prep for this weekend from 4:00 to 7:00am. Worked from 8:00am until 5:00pm with an hour break for lunch. Primarily worked in the office. Came home at 5:00pm, did the dishes, ate dinner and watched the second presidential debate. Paid  bills and did some prep work for tommorrow night's LIFE group before going to bed at 10:00pm.

Dinner- Pasta, garlic bread and water.

Devotions- Matthew Chapter 13

October 15, 2012

Monday- Woke up at 5:00am. Worked for a little on sermon preparation for this Sunday, and also hung out with Steve Leader who also woke up early. Although normoally Monday is my day off I worked today at Sarah's request so that we can take Wednesday off together to go do some shopping off the hill. After breakfast, Steve took his leave and I went to work. I worked from 8-4 with a half hour lunch break from 12:30-1:00. I stopped by the Bayer's house in the afternoon briefly to see how thigns were getting on with their reflooring project. At 4:00 we went over to the soccer fields for Jack's and then Lucy's games. Wrapped up soccer at 6:00pm. Dinner at La Casita. After putting the kids to bed I worked briefly on completing a placemat and watched the conclusion of the Monday night football game. The Broncos led by Peyton Manning came back from a 24-0 deficit at half time to beat the Chargers in a second half meltdown of epic proportions. It was fun to watch. I went to bed at 9:30pm.

Dinner- Three Veggie Tacos, Chips, Salsa and a diet coke

Devotions- Matthew 13

October 12-14, 2012 weekend

Hosted two groups, ACCSC MEN'S GRACE BEARERS and GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN. Both groups arrived in Friday night. I attended much of the Grace Bearers sessions over the course of the weekend. Steve Leader came up for the weekend, arriving late Friday night and staying through Monday morning. Great to reconnect with him. Worked throughout the weekend, mostly in the office and attending Grace Bearers conference. On Saturday left the camp from 10:00-11:00 for a soccer game, which we lost. In the evening we got a babysitter for Jack and Miles and and went over to the Whites with Bowden, Lucy and Steve Leader to celebrate Josh White's 34th birthday. On Sunday went to church and watched some football with Steve. In the evening Steve took a nap, and I went over to the Allen's new aprtment on Idyllbrook to help them move in. Sarah took the kids to a party for Luke Olivier who just turned one. I came and got Bowden from the party and he helped me unload stuff at the Allens. In the evening we played Ticket to Ride with Steve and then I turned in.

October 11, 2012

Thursday- Woke up early and started the first fire of the season. Cold, blustery, rainy day. Sarah and the kids complained of being cold all day. Got some course work done before heading out to work at 8:00am. Worked mostly in the office except for a dump run in the morning. Sarah met with her book club (Marin and Crystal) from 11:00am until the early afternoon. I came home for a late lunch at 1:00pm. Left work at 4:30pm to ride my bike over to the soccer fields to coach a soccer game. We tied 3-3, and showed a lot of improvement. After the kids went to bed, Sarah went down to the office to use the internet as it wasn't working in our house. I fell asleep on the couch, but when she came home I woke up and went upstairs to bed.

Dinner- Chilli on rice with a glass of water.

Devotions- Matthew 11

October 10, 2012

Wednesday- Woke up early and got some work done before the house came alive. Went to work at 8:15am. First day since the spring that could be described as sweater weather all day long. Not uncomfortable at all, but just chilly enough you wanted a sweatshirt. Forecast calls for rain over the next couple days with snow at 7000 feet and higher. Primarily I worked in the office today. Left work at 4:00pm to help get the house ready for LIFE group. The LIFE group came over from 6-8:00pm. Dennis Cavanaugh and the Bayers ended up hanging out for some time afterward. Sarah requested a fire in the morning so I cleaned out the fireplace from last season's ashes and built a fire so it would be all ready to go in the morning. I'm not sure what time I went to bed as I fell asleep on the couch in front of the TV. I woke up some time later to find that Sarah had put a blanket over me. I went upstairs and went to bed proper.

Dinner- Although the dinner for the LIFE group was potato bar with all the fixins and cake besides. I wasn't feeling hungry until afterward so before bed I ate a bowl of multigrain cheerios.

Devotions- Matthew Chapter 10.

October, 9, 2012

Tuesday- Worked from 8:00 am until 3:30pm with a half hour lunch break from 1:00-1:30pm. I spent most of the day in the office. Came home early at 3:30pm as I had to shower before an Elder Team Meeting at 4:00pm. Sarah packed me a dinner to go. The meeting let our at 8:45 pm. Sarah and the kids had been attending a baby shower for Jess Miller over at the church which let out at roughly the same time, which worked out great as I did not need to walk home. In truth, however, I always enjoy that walk home. It is possibly my favorite thing about Elder Team Meetings. It's a great way to debrief and pray over the meeting. Got the kids to bed and hung with Sarah for a while before heading to bed myself at 10:00pm.

Dinner- Rice with Teriyaki Chicken, 3 apples, some cookies, a fruit roll up and a large container of iced tea.

Devotions- Matthew Chapter 9.

October 8, 2012

Monday- Day off- Slept in, then met Jeremy Allen at Higher Grounds for coffee. Kind of a slow morning, which was nice. Worked a little on placemats. Busy afternoon. Sarah and Lucy went to girl scouts. Bowden went to Karate. I straightened the house and made waffle batter for dinner. The Whitneys came over at around 5:30pm and stayed until approximately 9:00pm. Fell asleep at 11:00pm.

Dinner- Waffles, Bacon, Assorted fruits with a glass of orange juice.

Devotions- Reviewed a memory verse, Philippians 2:3-11.

October 7, 2012

Sunday- Breakfast in the dining hall. Following breakfast I served as the camp photographer to snap a few group shots of JPL before they packed up and left. Along with Nick Sanden I met with the Fogles at 9:45am for an elder interview pursuant to church membership. At 10:15 we met also with Desiree Zimmerman for the same reason. Church at 10:45am. After church returned home to watch football on TV. Redskins lost to Falcons. Quiet afternoon. Sarah spoke with my Mom briefly in the afternoon and later on to Rosie. My phone went unused. Worked for a little while on placemats in the afternoon. Kids went to bed and then so did I.

Dinner- Taquitos, corn, chips and salsa with a glass of water.

Devotions- Matthew Chapter 8.

October 5, 2012

Up at 6:00 am. Did a small amount of course work. I am waiting on a resource I need before starting a paper to complete the course, Principles Of Church Growth. I did outline my approach to the paper and wrote a few thoughts. Sarah came home mid-morning. All were glad to see her. Aint no sunshine when she's gone. I worked from 9:00am until 6:00 pm with a brief lunch break from 2:00-2:30pm. A tour from LA Open Door Church arrived at 12:30 to tour the grounds. For the most part I spent the day in the office however. Sarah took the kids and met some friends at the park in the afternoon. When she returned she reported that she had accidentally damaged her phone so that none of the display screens are readable. Otherwise it is still a functioning phone. JPL Bible Church Women's Retreat arrived in the afternoon as I was wrapping up my tour. After dinner in the dining hall, Sarah gave baths, and then we let the kids watch a little TV as a treat before sending them to bed. Stayed up for a while with Sarah afterwards. Made some progress on another placemat. Started falling asleep on the couch, but Sarah caught me in time and sent me to bed. I have a habit of going to sleep before going to bed. Went to bed at 11:00 pm.

Dinner- Chicken Cordon Bleu, Rice Pilaf, Rolls, Caesar Salad, Green Beans and a glass of milk.

Devotions- The second half of Matthew Chapter 7.

October 4, 2012

Slept in until 6:30am. No course work this morning. Out the door for work at 8:00 am. Had three placemats laminated at the Town Crier. Came home late for lunch at 12:30pm. Went back to work at 1:00pm, worked until 2:00 then came back home. Sarah left overnight to take in a Tegan and Sarah concert in San Diego with Marin Campbell. Katie Bayer came by at 12:45 to watch the kids until I could come home from work at 2:00pm. Jenn and Emma Anderson popped in a for surprise visit in the afternoon. Fun to see them again. Shortly after I got home from work Sarah called to say that she had accidentally taken the key to the van with her to San Diego which left me without transportation. I called Keith and asked if I could use the camp's vehicle to get the kids to soccer. He graciously agreed. Took the kids over to the soccer fields at 4:00, first Jack's game and then Lucy's which I coached. In Lucy's game we fought our opponents to a scoreless draw. It was the best we have played up to this point. Chris and Katie Bayer came over to the soccer fields to watch my other three kids so I was free to coach, which was amazingly generous of them. After soccer we went over to La Casita for dollar taco night with the Bayers, Chr's brother, Bryan, and his girlfriend, Nataly plus Jenn and Emma Anderson. Fun time, and, of course, great food. Came home, skipped baths, watched a little TV with the kids, and then put everybody to bed. Worked a little on placemats before falling asleep at 10:30pm.

Dinner- Four Veggie Tacos, chips, salsa and a diet coke.

Devotions- Failed to happen today in a purposeful way. Still I obviously need to be more disciplined in this area.

October 3, 2012

Wednesday- Pay Day- Worked from 8:00am until 5:00pm, mostly in the office finishing up a newsletter and organizing the upcoming Grace Bearers Men's retreat and a marriage retreat for the ACCSC churches to be held in January. Came home from work and tidied up a bit before the LIFE group showed up at 6:00pm. Had a great time with them. Although we were missing the Clowers, Zimmermans, Sonniers and McLeans we still had a good crowd of about a dozen or so. After the group left we hung out with the Bayers for a while. Internet not working at our house so Sarah went down to the office for a bit and I stayed up for a while watching news coverage from the first presidential debate of this election. By all accounts liberals and conservatives alike were handing the night to Romney as the clear winner. That surprised me. Obama will no doubt be better prepared next time.

Dinner- French bread pizzas, chocolate cake, and chocolate chip cookies with a glass of diet pepsi.

Devotions- First part of Matthew 7.

October 2, 2012

Tueday- Worked from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm with a half hour break for lunch. Mostly worked in the office- meetings, newsletter, processing Lost and Found items, answering phone and e-mail messages. Came home at 5:00pm. Sarah left for a baby shower at the church for Maria Reyes at 6:30pm. I gave baths and got all the kids to bed. Finshed reading Snow Treasure to Bowden and Lucy before bed. Worked on making placemats before going to bed at midnight.

Dinner- Baked potatoes with a glass of water.

Devotions- Matthew Chapter 6.

October 1, 2012

Monday- My day off. Slept in until 7:30am. Paid bills and cleaned up the house in the morning and early afternoon. After lunch the Bayers popped in for a brief visit along with Chris's brother Bryan and his girlfriend, Nataly. They had just returned from a vacation in Mexico and brought me a Redskins-themed Mexican wrestler's mask as a souvenir. It may very well be the coolest gift I have ever received. I took a nap for an hour and a half in the afternoon before heading over to the soccer fields to coach another game. Bowden also had karate from 5-6. We lost again but the team played much better. After the game we zipped home as Jeremy and Amy Allen were coming over for dinner. Had a nice visit with them. They left at around 10:30pm. I fell asleep shortly thereafter.

Dinner- Chicken Piccata on a bed of pasta with green beans, homemade bread and peanut butter chocolate bars for dessert.

Devotions- Matthew chapter 5

September 30, 2012

Sunday- Slept in until 7:30am. Woke up with a sore back which nagged all day long. Sarah still gone with kids so walked to church by my lonesome. After church returned home straight away and watched football for much of the afternoon. Took a nap during the afternoon. Sarah left for home around 9pm. She called at approximately 11pm to advise me that she had seen two guys stranded next to 243 and wanted to know if I would come back out and help them once she got home. Once Sarah got home I drove back out to see what I could do for the two men, but when I got there CalFire was there helpign them and CHP was on the way. Came back home and went to bed.

Dinner- Salad with a few carrots and some water

Devotions- Matthew Chaps. 2 & 3

September 29, 2012

Saturday- Woke up at 5:30am and did course work until 6:15 when I had to go fix a boiler that had stopped working in the Oak Lodge. Returned to course work briefly before heading out to work at 8:00am.  Worked until 9:45, primarily in the office, before leaving work to coach a soccer game. Rode my bike over to the soccer fields. Lost game 3-0. Rode bike back home. Got back at 11:30am just as Sarah and the kids were heading out for the valley to deliver the stray cat we found to Nanny who wants it. I returned to work, makign progress toward  completing a newsletter for the camp. Sarah called in the afternoon to tell me that she had a flat tire in Pasadena. She called later to say that she had got a new tire and had arrived without further incident in the valley. At 5:30 I gave a tour of the ground to a prospective guest group. Left work at 6:30pm. Ate dinner in front of the TV. Also fell asleep in front of TV. Woke up at 1:30 am. Went for a walk around the grounds before falling back to sleep in my bed.

Dinner- Vegetable fried rice and a glass of water.

Devotions- I confess, to my embarassment, that I did not do my devotions today.

September 28, 2012

Friday- Dad's Birthday- Woke up at 5:30 am and did some course work before heading out to work at 8:15 am. Worked throughout the day, primarily in the office, and then as the group arrived (WHFMS ACCSC) out and about around the grounds. Left office at 4:30 but then was called back into service from 5-6:30pm and again from 7:30-8:00pm. After getting kids to bed I watched some TV until I went to bed at 11:00pm.

Dinner- Sandwich Buffet, Chicken and rice soup and a glass of water.

Devotions- Finished Old Testament yesterday. Began New Testament- Matthew Chapter 1.

September 27, 2012

Thursday- Took a day off from school work. Headed out the door to work at 8:00 am. Worked throughout the day, primarily in the office, before heading home at 4:30pm. Rode my bike over to the soccer fields to coach a soccer game at 5:00. We lost 3-0 to Team Kryptonite. After the game we went out to La Casita for dollar taco night. Ended up visiting with the Allens and the Whitneys while we were there. Invited both over for dinner on Monday and Thursday respectively next week. Watched TV for a bit before falling asleep on the couch. Woke up at midnight and went to bed upstairs.

Dinner- 4 veggie tacos and a tall glass of diet coke.

September 26, 2012

Wednesday- Out the door to work at 8:30. Throughout the morning I worked in the office making progress toward putting out a newsletter. In the afternoon I worked in the office and then reroofed a very small shed which houses the camp's street hockey equipment. Came home at 4:30 and helped get the house ready for LIFE group. Had a good sized crowd for the group- maybe 16?. After the kids went to bed I worked on manufacturing more placemats, and then watched a little TV. Went to bed at 12:15am, which is way later than normal.

Dinner- It was casserole night for the LIFE group so we ate a variety of casseroles and salads with various soft drinks and a brownie with ice cream for dessert.

September 25, 2012

Tuesday- Woke up at 5:30 and finished the book Breaking the Missional Code. Worked from 8-4, mostly in the office. Had soccer photos in the afternoon for Jack's and Lucy's team. Then got everybody in the van for a drive over to the playground where the camp's staff (Shirleys, Esparzas and us) were meeting for dinner and to debrief the summer. Good, productive meeting. Fell asleep on the couch after putting the kids to bed.

Dinner- Fried Chicken, Biscuits, green bean salad, and punch.

SEPTEMBER 24, 2012

Monday- Day Off- Woke up at 6:00 am and did course work for an hour. Sarah took the older two down to the desert for a homeschooling field trip to the McCallum theater. Jack went to kindergarten as usual but Marin Campbell picked him up at noon. I kept Miles home with me. I spent the morning taking a proctored examination for one of my courses which Keith Shirley administered. I also wrote several "thank you" cards and sent out the final draft of the September Elder Team Minutes to the rest of the guys for approval. Sarah came home shortly after noon. I took the van to run some errands in town and then when I got back she loaded up the kids to go visit with the Fourroux's at the coffee shop. At 3:00 I drove over to the school to drop Sarah and Lucy off for Girl Scouts. Then back over to the school for Jack's soccer practice. Lucy's soccer team, which I coach, had their practice immediately following at 5pm. Bowden's Karate also at 5pm. After soccer/girls scouts/karate we came back home to a dinner Sarah had made in the crock pot. Watched the end of the Monday night football game and the movie Crimson Tide before going to bed at 11:30pm.

Dinner- Chili over rice with a glass of water.

SEPTEMBER 23, 2012

Sunday- Up at 6:00am. Course work until approximately 7:30. Out the door for work at 8:00am. Settled up with the guest group at 8:30am. Church combined both services into a single gathering this morning at 10:00am for a special baptism service. Micah Hitchcock, Zach Fogle and a third man, Chuck, who just happened to be visiting the church that day were baptized. The new baptistry worked well. After church we were invited over to the Sanborns for lunch and football. Left Sanborns at approximately 2:00pm. After relaxing for a bit at home we loaded up and drove over to the park. Sarah packed a picnic dinner. Throughout the day I worked on and off on the latest batch of placemats. Lots of babies are being born here in Idyllwild, and I intend to give them as gifts. Fell asleep at 10:00pm.

Dinner- Crackers and Cheese, also with cream cheese and hot pepper jam with a seltzer water on the side. (Dinner was supplemented with a bowl of cereal before dinner.)

September 22, 2012

Woke up at 5:00 am. Course work until 7:30. Out the door for work at 8:00. Worked throughout the day, primarily in the office, although I also built campers a camp fire and dug out the gate which leads into the state park as recnt rains have left the bottom of that gate buried under two feet or more of sediment. Sarah called to say that a stray cat had shown up at the house, and that she had taken it in. I am opposed to keeping the animal. Left work at 4:15 to attend a barbecue at the McQueeney's house. They were celebrating their completion of the foster care courses they have been taking. They are excited about being foster parents. I felt challenged by their example. Came home from barbecue at approximately 7:45, put the kids to bed, and then fell asleep myself at 9:30pm.

Dinner- Hamburger, Spicy sausage, ships & salsa, salad, and an ice cream peppermint patty.

September 21, 2012

Woke up at 5:00 am. Course work until 7:30am. Out the door for work at 8:00 am. Worked until 4:00, primarily in the office. Newbreak women's retreat arrived in the afternoon for the weekend. At 4:15 Sarah and a bunch of her lady friends went off the mountain for a "ladies night"- sushi and shopping. Put the kids to bed. Watched TV and worked on making a placemat before bed. Fell asleep at 11:30. No idea what time Sarah got home.

Dinner- Leftover soup from last night with Oyster crackers and a glass of milk. (Aint no sunshine when she's gone.)

September 20, 2012

Woke up at 5:00 am. Did course work until 7:30 am. Went to work after grabbing a quick breakfast. Worked until 4:00 pm. In the morning and early afternoon I primarily worked outside going to the dump twice and some other maintenance stuff. Returned to the office in the afternoon. First soccer game of the season. My team, the Idylbeasts, lost to the blizzards 3-2. The team played well though. Watched a good chunk of the Giants vs. Panthers game before getting the kids to bed. Started reading "Snow Treasure" by McSwigan to Bowden and Lucy before bed.

Dinner- Chicken and vegetable soup with dumplings and a glass of milk.

September 19, 2012

Wednesday- Pay Day- Woke up at 6:00 am. Did course work before heading out to work at 8:00 am. Worked throughout the day, mostly in the office before heading home at 4:30 pm. Sarah and the kids went down to Hemet in the afternoon to do some shopping. LIFE group in the evening. Smaller group than normal, but still had 11, which made for nice discussion time. Finished reading "Understood Betsy" with Bowdne and Lucy before bed. Fell asleep at approximately 10:30pm.

Dinner- Chef Salad with Rosemary bread and chocolate cake for desert.

September 18, 2012

Tuesday- Woke up late at 7:30 am. Did no course work. Left for work at 8:00 am. Mostly worked in the office. Left work at 5:00 pm. After dinner we realized that we were all out of pull ups. Called around and ended up borrowing two from the Pritchetts. Paid bills and did the dishes before going to bed at 10:15pm.

Dinner- Golden Grahams and Rice Crispies mixed together with a glass of milk on the side.

September 17, 2012

Monday- Day off- Woke up early and did course work until 7:30 am. Made Jack breakfast and then got him out the door for Kindergarten. In the morning I took the car in for new brake pads at the Idyllwild Garage. They had it done by 11:00am. After picking up the van I paid a dental bill, and then came back home for lunch. In the afternoon I took all of the kids on a hike and Sarah got some alone time at the coffee shop. Jack had his soccer practice at 4:00pm. I coached Lucy's team at 5:00pm and Bowden had karate class from 5-6pm. After practice we zipped home because we had invited the Stepiens over for a late dinner. At 7:30 I remembered I was supposed to let the Bayer's dog out so I zipped over to their house. Duff watered and fertilized the front yard before I whistled him back inside. Then I raced back to the party. As always, loved hanging with the Stepiens. They ended up staying until approximately 9:45 pm. After getting the kids to bed Sarah and I stayed up past midnight watching a real life murder docu-drama on the ID channel about a Massachusetts Doctor who killed his wife. Fell asleep at approximately 12:30 am.

Dinner- Hamburgers, Honeydew Mellon, and a brownie for dessert.

September 16, 2012

Sunday- Woke up at 5:30 am and read two chapters of "Breaking the Missional Code" then fell back asleep and slept in until 10:00 am when Sarah woke me up for church. After church I watched football while Sarah took a nap. Chris Bayer brought over some basil that Katie had said she give to Sarah, and stayed for a brief visit in the afternoon. Afternoon was largely uneventful. Fell asleep at approximately 10:00 pm.

Dinner- Pasta dinner with honeydew melon and a glass of water.

September 15, 2012

Saturday- Worked throughout the day (8-5). In the morning I oversaw a service project with Lincoln Heights Tutorial Program Ministry (ACCSC). They spent two hours working on trail maintenance. Asamblea Cristiana Del Valle was here too. The conference's commission meeting as well as the camp's operations committee meeting was also held on the grounds. Busy day. Spoke with Dad for a bit over the phone in the afternoon. Went to bed at approximately 9:45 pm.

Dinner- Chicken enchilada casserole and a glass of milk.

September 14, 2012

Two groups, Asamblea Cristiana Del Valle and Increase the Peace (Lincoln Heights Tutorial Program) arrived in the evening. Worked throughout the day, 8:00 am to 5:00pm, primarily in the office. The Zimmermans came over for dinner at 5:30 and stayed for a nice visit afterward. Sarah and I both enjoyed visiting with them a lot. Sarah went over to visit with Katie Bayer late in the evening. I went to bed at approximately 10:30 pm.

Dinner- Spaghetti with homemade sauce, garlic bread, olives and milk.

September 13, 2012

Began the book "Breaking the Missional Code" in the morning. Also typed the minutes from the last Elder Team meeting. Worked throughout the day, mostly in the office. While home for lunch I received a call from the book store saying that "Snow Treasure" had arrived, which will be the next book I read to the kids once we are done with "Understood Betsy." Went home at approximately 4:45, hopped on my bike and pedaled over to the soccer fields behind the school for soccer practice. Had a good practice. In the evening I watched the final minutes of the Packers vs. Bears game before falling asleep at approximately 10:00pm.

Dinner- Pancakes with fruit and a glass of milk

SEPTEMBER 12, 2012

Sarah had a dental appointment at 8 am to have a cavity drilled and filled. Went to to work after she came home. Sarah picked up Abbey White from pre-school and watched her until almost 3:00pm. Came home for lunch at 1:00pm and stayed to get the house ready for LIFE Group. I did a little work off and on throughout the afternoon. Had LIFE group from 6-8. Then I fell asleep on the couch watching a special about Tim Tebow on the NFL network.

Dinner- Tacos with Carrot Cake and 7-Up.

September 11, 2012

Although I had fallen asleep in my bed I woke up on the couch at 5:30 am. Not sure how I came to be sleeping on the couch. Finished writing an abstract paper for school. Then out the door to work. First Maranatha staff meeting of the off season. Worked throughout the day, primarily in the office (updating camp website), and came home around 4:30 pm. Walked over to the church, with coffee in hand, for an Elder Team Meeting at 6:00 pm. Walked back home following the meeting at 11:00 pm.

Dinner- Two Tacos, spanish rice, chips, salsa and a diet coke.

September 10, 2012

Met Jeremy Allen at the coffee shop for coffee from 7-8am. First day of homeschooling for Bowden and Lucy. Finished Missional Renaissance by Reggie McNeal in the morning. Rained throughout the morning, heavy at times. Folded laundry and spent some time with "Experiencing God" by Blackaby throughout the morning and early afternoon. Took a nap in the afternoon, and then headed over to the soccer field for soccer practice. Uneventful evening. Fell asleep at 10:30pm

Dinner- Chicken and vegetable soup, buttered bread and a diet pepsi.

September 9, 2012

Sunday- After settling up with the guest group I took Bowden and Lucy to the early service so we could be back home for the Redkins vs. Saints game at 10:00am. After church I watched the game while Sarah took the little boys to the second service. Redskins won! I am scared to hope they might actually be good this year. After the game I drove Candra Scering, Lacey Morris and Kortney Johnson back down to Hemet. They had come uo to work over the weekend. For dinner we all drove over to a new Italian Restaurant here in Idyllwild- La Montagna. Then we took the kids over to the playground to get some energy out before coming back home and putting them to bed. Fell asleep at approximately 10:45pm.

Dinner- Lasagana A Romana with a diet coke.

September 8, 2012

Woke up at 5:30 am. Course work before heading out the door for work at 8:00 am. Worked throughout the day, finally going home at 4:30pm. Went up to Town Hall at 10:00am for a livescan fingerprint check so that I could be cleared coach my Town Hall Soccer Team. Sarah watched the Campbell girls throughout much of the day, mais apres ils ont quitte chez nous Marin a decouvri les pous dans le cheveux de Emmy. J'ai achete des choses a la pharmacie comme une precaution, mais Je ne'ai pas trouve des pous sur Sarah ou les enfants. Blech! Sarah and I watched several episodes of Flight of the Conchords before bed. I went to bed at approximately 10:00 pm.

Dinner- Ate dinner at the dining hall, veggie lasagna, salad, and soup with milk.

September 7, 2012

Woke up at 6:00 am. Did an hour and a half of course work. Got Jack out the door to Kindergarten then I headed out for work. Went to the dump first thing and then opened up the camp for Bible Christian Fellowship, which arrived around noon. Worked throughout the afternoon, and finally left for home at approximately 5:00 pm. The Shirleys returned home today from a trip up north. Hung out with them for a bit in the afternoon, and heard about their trip. Sarah reported that she had talked for a while with Joel earlier in the day. Fell asleep on the couch around 10:00pm, but woke up sometime later and went up to bed.

Dinner- Pasta with the rest of Nanny's sauce, which we had frozen after her visit in August, some garlic bread and water.

September 6, 2012

Woke up at 5:30 am. Course work until 7:00 am. Out the door for work at 8:00 am. Worked principally on maintenance stuff in the morning and in the office during the afternoon. I coached my first practice for my Town Hall Soccer team. Kids are 6-8 years old, very silly, and a lot like herding cats. After practice, we went to dollar taco night at La Casita. After getting the kids to bed Sarah went over to Crystal McCaughey's house for a ladies night. I fell asleep on the couch. Sarah woke me up when she came home at approximately midnight and then I went up to bed.

Dinner- 4 Veggie Tacos, chips & salsa, and diet coke.

September 5, 2012

Woke up at 5:45. Course work until the house came alive. Got Jack out the door for kindergarten, then paid bills and straightened up the house. Lunch at the Hidden Village Restaurant. Got my hair cut in the afternoon. Spoke with John and Lisa R. Tate in the afternoon as well. They have plans to come out to CA this December. First LIFE group of the season in the evening. I love the group this year, and I am glad to have this to look forward to every week. After LIFE group Katie Bayer and Sarah went over to Marin Campbell's house for a bit. After I went to bed my stomach began to hurt so I came back downstairs and watched TV for a bit until I fell asleep on the couch.

Dinner- Pizza, Salad, banana cream pie and a diet pepsi on the side.

September 4, 2012

Woke up late at 6:00 am. Took a shower before riding bike over to coffee shop to do some course work. Read a chapter of McNeal's Missional Renaissance and hung out with Chris Bayer at coffee shop. Sarah and kids got back from Chico at 8:30 am. Miles pulled his diaper off and pooped in the van. Then he spread the poop everywhere. Sarah cleaned van and then drove Jack to Kindergarten at 9:15am. I gave Miles a rare morning bath. Miles promised he wouldn't do that again. Worked throughout the day finally coming home at approximately 4:15pm. Talked with John and Joel for a bit in the afternoon. Sarah had a girl scouts meeting at 5:30pm. Fell asleep on the couch at 9:45pm and slept there all night.

Dinner- Beef Stroganoff and Carrots with Milk.

September 3, 2012

Woke up at 5:30. Did course work until 7:00 am and then changed venue to the coffee shop for continued course work until 8:30 am. Worked in the morning and early afternoon. Philippine-Chinese Evangelical Church left today. Kevin Gilbert brought his Ukranian girlfriend, Olya, by to meet me. Invited them to stay for lunch, and had a nice visit with them. Enjoyed hearing her testimony and her enthusiasm for bringing the gospel to the orphans living in a Ukranian orphanage was infectious. Met with Jeremy Allen in the early afternoon to trade bikes. He had boguth a bike, but the frame was a tad too petite for him, and my bike, which I have taken to calling "the horse," is too tall. It hurts me to stop too soon. I hope he was happy with the trade. My new bike is beautiful. Beat the computer at chess for the first time on level 5. Spent the evening cleaning up around the house. Sarah called at 9:00 pm to advise me that they had reached Sylmar on their way back from Chico, but that she had decided to pass the night there rather than press on for home. Went for a walk before going to bed at 11:00 pm.

Dinner- Two Baked Potatos and a diet pepsi.

SEPTEMBER 2, 2012

Woke up at 5:30 am. Did course work until 7:00 am. Out the door at 7:30 am for work. Ebenezer World Ministries left today. Went to church at 10:45 am. After church, ate lunch and took a quick nap before going down to work in the snack bar at 3:30pm. Worked in the office for a half hour in the evening before coming home for the day. Jeremy Teegarden came over in the afternoon to talk about the soccer team I'll be coaching through Town Hall. Went for a walk before going to bed 11:30pm.

Dinner- Rice Pilaf with steamed vegetables with a diet pepsi on the side.

September 1, 2012

Woke up at 6:00 am and did course work for two hours prior to heading out the door to work at 8:00 am. Busy day of work. Finished settling up with both groups at 5:00pm, but still had to work off and on throughout the evening with guest relations kinda stuff and bathroom upkeep. Fantasy Football Draft at 5:00 pm. Watched TV before going to bed at 11:00pm.

Dinner- Bowl of Multi-Grain Cheerios and diet pepsi.

August 31, 2012

Woke up at 5:30 am. Did course work until 8:30 am. At 7:00 am I went over to the coffee house to do my reading there. Left coffee house at 8:30 and stopped by yard sale at Idyllwild Inn on my way home. Worked throughout the day and off and on into the night as the guest groups arrived. The day was otherwise uneventful. Went to bed at 11:00 pm. I miss Sarah and the kids.

Dinner- A couple of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and a diet pepsi.

August 30, 2012

Woke up at 5:30 am. Did course work until 7:00 am. Took the morning off as Sarah and the kids were leaving for Chico at noon when they picked up Jack from school. After Sarah and the kids left I ate lunch and then went to work. Worked from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Lots of thunder and rain after lunch. In the evening I did some more course work and called everyone in the LIFE group about next Wednesday. Watched some TV before taking a shower and going to bed at 10:00pm. Received a text from Sarah at 11:48 pm saying that she had made it to Chico.

Dinner- Mac and Cheese out of the box and corn on the cob with a diet pepsi on the side.

August 29, 2012

Woke up late at 6:00 am. Did some course work until 7:30 am. Got Jack out the door to school and then brought the camp's vehicle around so the summer staff kids from Vermont (Kyle & Paige Prouty and Sarah and Elisabeth Peck) could load up their stuff. Pulled out for the airport at 9:45 am and arrived shortly after 11:00 am. Dropped them off without incident. Sarah met Crystal McCaughey and Tarrah Pritchett (as well as all of their attendant children) at the playground in the morning. On the way home from the airport storm clouds were gathering and it sprinkled some on the way up the mountain. I stopped by the church to sign checks and ended up talking with Tim Westcott for a while. After dinner, we drove over to the church for AWANA registration night. This is the first time that all of our kids will be in AWANA. Saw the sign up sheet for our LIFE group. We'll have twenty people in our group to start the year, which is a little big, but it looks like it will be a really great group. Watched an episode of Flight of the Conchords season #2 before falling asleep on the couch sometime after 9:30 pm.

Dinner- Two baked potatoes and a glass of water.

August 28, 2012

Received a call from Janet Esparza at 3:18 am to advise me that her brother,John Almon, had fallen asleep in the Lord. Laid in bed for a while praying for the family and thanking God for the time He gave John under the sun. Grateful for John's salvation. Woke up at 5:30 am. Didn't do any course work as I had some other duties that required my attention. Worked from 8:00 am until 4:45 pm. After work I went over to Rey Reyes' house to help him move in a big bay window into a "clubhouse" that he is building for his girls in the backyard. Matt Pritchett and Jeremy Allen also came over and helped move it. Four guys made short work of the job. Rey gave me two zuchinnis out of his garden. Matt Pritchett drove back home with me from Rey's house as we had invited him and his family over for dinner. Had a great time hanging out with the Pritchetts. They stayed until about 11:30pm. Took a shower before bed. Went to bed at midnight.

Dinner- Pasta with chicken and mushrooms, french bread with bruschetta (sp?), olives, and a diet pepsi with ice cream for dessert (Mint Chocoloate Chip and Reeses Peanut Butter Cup).

August 27,2012

Woke up at 5:30 am. Did course work until 7:30 am and then got Jack dressed, fed and ready to depart for a day of kindergarten. Worked from 8:00 am until about 3:30 pm. Took off from work a little earlier than normal as there were some things I needed to do around the house. The McCaugheys came over for dinner around 5ish and stayed until 10ish. Watched another episode of Flight of the Conchords Season 2 and took a shower before going to bed at approximately 11:00 pm.

Dinner- Bacon fried rice, curly coleslaw, beef strips and a cupcake.

August 26, 2012

Sunday- Woke up at 5:30 am. Started Reggie McNeal's book, "Missional Renaissance." Went to church. Before church Annette Sebastian gave me a copy of Andrew Murray's "The State of the Church," which she recommended I read. After church we loaded up the family and drove up to Bruce and Patty Tait's house for a barbecue/party/water fight. We stayed for several hours and I got soaked and felt stuffed from eating so much. Sarah went home with the kids and I continued on to a sendoff party for Paul Kennen who is leaving for college at Simpson University on Tuesday. I took him a Camp Maranatha T-shirt as a gift. Came home to find that the staff girls had come over to watch a movie with the kids. Sarah and I watched an episode of Flight of the Conchords from season 2 before I went to bed at around 9:30 pm. Sarah went over to Katie Bayer's house after I went to bed.

Dinner- Although there was quite a spread at Paul's send off party I couldn't eat any of it as I was still stuffed from the Tait's barbecue so I opted for a late dinner at 7:00 pm which consisted of a big bowl of Raisin Bran.

August 25, 2012

Took the day off. Woke up at 7:30am. Fiddle-farted around the house throughout the morning while the kids watched cartoons. At 1:00 pm watched a pre-season football game between the Redskins and the Colts. Skins looked good, but pre-season has never been a particularly good measure of how the unit will respond during the regular season. During the thrid quarter Sarah took the kids over to the playground to get some energy out. I took a nap. In the evening Sarah and I headed over to a dinner party at Dennis Cavanaugh's house. The VT girls (Paige Prouty and Sarah & Elisabeth Peck) babysat the kids. Went to bed at 11:00pm.

Dinner- Pork Roast, Mashed Potatoes, Fried Vegetables with a virgin mojito and iced tea and Chocolate cake and peach pie for dessert.

August 24, 2012

Last day of Arcadia Band Camp. Woke up at 5:30 am. Did some course work before seeking out Arcadia's director at 7:15 am to see if he needed anything. Hung out at the the house to help get Jack ready for Kindergarten, then I headed out to work myself. I worked until 4:00 pm and then came home to help Sarah get the house cleaned up. We hosted the staff kids for dinner and a movie (Three Stooges Episdodes and Pee Wee's Big Adventure) at my house to celebrate the end of the summer season. I went to bed at 10:00 pm.

Dinner- Chili & baked potatoes, with all the fixins, a brownie,and a Coke Zero on the side.

August 23, 2012

Woke up at 5:00 am, and did two hours of course work. Finished writing an abstract paper on Will Mancini's book, Church Unique. Out the door at 7:15 am to start work for the day, but came back home around 8:00 am to take Jack to Kindergarten. After lunch Sarah took the kids over to the skate park. I got off work at 4:30 pm. After getting the kids in bed Sarah went over to the White's house for a "girl's night." Took a shower and then went to bed at 9:30 pm.

Dinner- White rice, Salad, Steamed Vegetables and a couple of rolls with a glass of unsweetened iced tea.

August 22, 2012

My day off. Got up at 5:00 am and did two hours of course work. Finished reading Church Unique by Will Mancini. Joe Esparza came by to collect his boys at approximately 7:00 am. Still have a runny nose. Clouds gathered until it began raining mid-morning. Sarah had gone over to the playground to meet Crystal McCaughey and her kids, but they took refuge under the band stand's roof. I called and asked if she needed me to come and get her but she said they were fine. With the house all to myself I paid bills, did some banking, and did some reading in the morning. The McCaughey's, including Brandon, came over and joined us for lunch. In the afternoon we took a ringneck snake, which was found here at Camp Maranatha up to the nature center. It is indigneous to the area, but is not commonly seen by people- beautiful olive green color with a reddish belly with a line of black dots along its abdomen, and a distinct reddish ring around its neck. The kids had named it Henry. The Nature Center created a terrarium so the snake could be put on display up there. We were thrilled that they wanted to keep it! They told the kids that they would call it Henry too (Unless it proves to be a girl and then they would call it Henrietta.). They also said the kids had special permission to come see him as often as they like. It was a win win situation. After dropping off the snake I took a nap and Sarah and the kids went over to the Fourroux's house for a while. For dinner, we had a staff party and barbecue at the playground in town. Hung out there for a while and then returned home to give the kids baths and get them to bed. Watched a little news before going to bed at 9:30pm.

Dinner- Two Hot Dogs, Sun Chips, Pasta Salad and a diet coke.

August 21, 2012

Woke up at 5:30 am. Did course work for about an hour and a half. Out the door to work at 7:00 am. Worked primarily in the office. Feeling better today- just a little bit of a runny nose but all other symptoms have gone away. Esparzas called Sarah in afternoon to advise that they had to attend to some family business that would require them to go down to San Diego overnight, and they asked if we could babysit their boys overnight. Sarah agreed. Sarah also covered Joe's shift in the kitchen for dinner. Took off from work an hour early at 3:30 pm. Wrote a short letter to Mom and Dad in the afternoon. Went to bed at 10:00 pm, but shortly thereafter, received a call from Arcadia Band Camp's director advising that there was a bad smell in cabin 20. I went down to investigate and ended up moving the campers from cabin 20 to cabin 9. Back in bed by 10:45 pm.

Dinner- Steamed Vegetables, curly coleslaw salad, and some veggie rolls with sweet and sour sauce.

August 20, 2012

Woke up at 5:30 am. Did school work for an hour and a half before the house came alive. Jack's first day of kindergarten. He wasn't nervous at all as many of his classmates are the same as pre-school, and the room he's in is right down the hall from his old pre-school room. We arranged for a couple of the staff girls (Paige Prouty and Sarah Peck) to be excused from the kitchen to babysit Bowden, Lucy and Miles so Sarah and I could both take Jack over for his first day. Dropped him off without incident. I'm still feeling a little sick but mostly just a runny nose, otherwise fine. Worked a full day. Started work at 7:00 am and left the office at approximately 4:30 pm. Spent a good chunk of the day cleaning up the camp's basketball/volleyball court which was still covered in mud/sand from last week's thunderstorm. The ditch in the State Park next door overflowed and flooded the court, which made a real mess. Jack reported that he enjoyed his first day of Kindergarten and that Ms. Adler was "really nice." Went to bed at 10:00pm.

Dinner- A big bowl of broccoli, a bread stick and some unsweetened iced tea.

Jack's official given name is "John," but we have always called him Jack. It is always confusing to Jack and to Sarah and I when we find him listed as John. Sometimes I'll get mail from the state addressed to John Tate and I only associate that name with my brother of the same name. It is a tad disorienting. Sarah and I are opposed to the practice of giving nicknames as a child's proper given name so we named him John, but in our minds he has only ever been Jack.

Jack with Ms. Adler- 1st day of Kindergarten.

August 19, 2012

Feeling better today though still a tad congested with a runny nose. Woke up at 6:30 am and was only able to get in a half hour of school work before other demands drew me away. Throughout the morning Nanny busied herself in the kitchen making spaghetti sauce. After church, Dennis Cavanaugh came over for a late lunch. It was fun catching up with him although I kept getting interrupted by the arriving campers. Worked for about an hour as Arcadia Band Camp arrived. Nanny left for home in the late afternoon, but before leaving she took the kids down to Strawberry Creek to play in the stream. With all of the rain we have been having it was flowing pretty well. After Dennis and Nanny left, the house felt pretty empty. I went to bed at 9:30 pm.

Dinner- Spaghetti with Nanny's homemade spaghtetti sauce, fried green beans, salad and glass of iced tea.

August 18, 2012

Still sick, but feeling some better- fever gone, more energy and coughing less. Coughs are more productive as well, but now I have some head congestion and a runny nose. Nanny arrived mid-morning and stayed the night. She plans on leaving tomorrow. She filled us in on her recent missions trip to France and the start of her school year. Everyone excited to see Nanny again. Worked throughout the day, mostly cleaning up after the various thunderstorms that have swept through, but also took care of soem office work and a dump run. Mud a couple inches thick on the pool deck and volleyball court which washed over the wall from the neighboring state park. Worked until five pm, and then went home for the day. Threatened rain in the afternoon but it failed to materialize. Nanny took everyone out to dinner. After dinner, Paige Prouty, Sarah Peck and Elisabeth Peck came over and hung out for a bit. Watched the third and final installment of Hatfields & McCoys before going to bed at 11:00 pm.

Dinner- Chinese Food (sizzling rice soup, shrimp fried rice, chicken chow-mein, Tangerine beef, and fried wontons) at the Hidden Village restaurant with a Diet Coke on the side.

August 17, 2012

Still sick today with the same symptoms- low fever, dry cough and little energy. Sarah set up the fantasy football league online in the morning and e-mailed invitations to join to a few people. Caught two mice in the mouse trap- one in the morning and a second one in the late evening. Haven't had any problems with mice in a long time. Worked until just before dinner time. Rained hard in the afternoon. Made a cup of tea and sat on the porch while it rained. After dinner we loaded up the kids in the van and drove over to the coffee shop for a round of steamers. Watched second installment of Hatfields & McCoys with Sarah before bed. Turned in at 11:00pm.

Dinner- Homemade chicken vegetable soup.

August 16, 2012

Not feeling good all day- low grade fever, dry cough and little energy. Texted back and forth with Mom about work going on at the lake house. Mailed a check from the lake account for two new screen doors on the front porch. Worked in the morning and early afternoon, but left work early so Sarah and I could take the kids down to the theater in Temecula to watch "Brave." On the way there we drove through heavy rain, but found lots of sunshine in Temecula- 106 degrees when we got out of the car. After the movie we ate at California Pizza Kitchen before turning the van toward home. In the evening, after the kids went to bed, Sarah and I watched episode #1 of the Hatfields and McCoys mini-series starring Bill Paxton and Kevin Costner. We decided to make a date out of watching installment #2 tomorrow night at 9pm. Went to bed at 11:00 pm.

Dinner- California Pizza Kitchen's Jumbalaya with an unsweetened iced tea on the side.