Happy Birthday Emilee! You have brought so much joy into the world by being yourself. God has a wonderful plan for your life and a very special purpose for you. It is so neat to see your talents and interests that are unique and yet see how you care and work with those around you. May you have a wonderful life and may all your dreams and wishes come true. Never Give up or sell yourself short. You Are A Treasurer! We Love you and are so proud of you. Happy Birthday.
Happy Birthday Emilee! she has reminded me of what is really important in this life. This video was taken in 2010 at her birthday party back then.
“A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove...but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.”
"I've learned that children's eyes observe more than there ears ever hear and the example we set for them determines their actions."
Example is not the main thing in influencing others, it's the only thing
Royal Family Camp is a wonderful organization devoted to letting foster kids to "just be a kid" for one week, and to build up their self esteem. This camp fills a special need and I really support it. I had the privilege to work with some of the people in this video several years ago, many are still working with this years camp, including Steve and Suzanne Russert who are camp directors. This is the 7th year our church has provided that camp locally. There are approx 500 kids in 13 different states at camp this week! In my younger years I was a counselor- but I have had to pass that torch on to younger men who can keep up. I also admire Todd McLaughlin at Apple Valley Honda who has taken on so much of the sponsorship of this yearly event through Children's Classic Golf and other donations. I made this video several years ago of our local Royal Family Camp, to a song they loved to sing called "Before I Go" Please pray for each of the workers, and each of the foster kids, all of this week!
above are some of the workers team building at a recent training session for camp
They made a video several years ago about one of these camps,
it may still be available on video or Netflex. Simply called "Camp"- (very good too)
It is nice not to see any political signs up yet- This year there is 4 positions up for election this fall in East Wenatchee. The current sign ordinance exempts politicians signs and they are working on updating the current sign ordinance. Several years ago I made this video of the signs both legal and Illegal in East Wenatchee. Since I am only posting videos I made myself this year on my blog- please allow me to repost it even though it had over 125 views from original posting.
When Eastmont Avenue was widened into an arterial street, the 4 way stop sign at 5th/Eastmont was to become a 2 way stop. But when they removed it, people still stopped n Eastmont, so they just it back up as a 4 way stop. Some claimed they were worried about cars not stopping for pedestrians, (which is required at any intersection marked or not marked)- and apparently not enough to put a crosswalk in on Eastmont Ave yet. I wrote the council with my concerns 2 years ago, and still have not heard on response back from the present mayor/or council- I am sure they are still working on it.
I recently read where the average sales tax in Washington state is 8.9%, making us the 5th highest in the nation. The good news is East Wenatchee's is still only 8.2% ; until we finish bailing out the town Toyota Center Arena- and then it should drop to 8.1% again. ( State-wide Local Range: 7.000% - 10.500%) Several years ago the City council repealed the utility tax- only to put it back on and this time include cell phones as well as electricity. I keep hearing how healthy the city is, but no talk of repealing any taxes that were needed for an emergency like utility taxes? The state just raised our gas tax by 33% and also are increasing car tabs on top of the city car tab surcharge. In fact now, the fire district wants to increase taxes if you vote yes. In 1992 the city quit paying for fire protection and let the citizens pick up the 210,000 per year, while keeping those funds themselves they had paid to fire district. Several years ago we approved a bond to pay for new fire station, that tax is still going and not been repealed, so use that for this new tax instead of saying a new bond will be for only six years. So far I have not heard any figures or seen their reserves- but there are better ways than property taxes to fund the extra funds- why not tax fireworks (the same percent the tax cigarettes) or just ban fireworks to save fire costs? It seems every year they choose an emotional issue to raise taxes on but avoid talking about waste and unnecessary basic government? (like a half million for gateway to city or sprint boat races) If the fire bond is voted down- I can assure you it is not because of lack of support for our firemen- it is where the taxes are coming from and too much waste and other taxes not addressed. It is easy to say you support raising a tax when you are exempt from paying it. (renters do not pay property taxes and the city has 138 parcels of land they pay no property tax on)
I am dedicating todays Video to all my Norwegian Friends. Ringling 5 is the group that wrote/sings "If Jesus Was A Norwegian". I actually made this video several years ago, and it has almost 35,000 hits on youtube.com. See, not all my videos are political or about my grandkids.
We used to sing a verse of this song as a child; Jesus Loves the Little Children, All the Children of the World, Indian, Irish, Dutch and Jew, even the little Norwegians too, Jesus loves the little children of the World! I don't think most people know where all their ancestors came from- I don't. Does it really matter? I do know my mom was a Norwegian, so when I heard this song, I had to put some photos to it and post it on my blog. It is meant to lighten up your day and bring a smile to your face- if it does not, you are too stressed! This one is for my Norwegian Friends- you are special! Below are some of my favorite Norwegian jokes.
Ole, Lars and Sven had been going to the Sons of Norway hall meeting as long as there had been a hall. And every month, wouldn't ya know it, they didn't win a prize in the monthly drawing. That is until the last meeting. Sven was the first one of the three to get his name drawn. won two pounds of spaghetti sauce, four boxes of noodles, and three pounds of swedish meatballs. Ole had his name drawn next. He got himself round trip tickets to Duluth, a nights stay at the Dew Drop Inn and a pair of tickets to see the Inger triplets Polka Ensemble. Ole thought that he had died and gone to heaven. Lars was the last one to have his name drawn, he won a toilet brush. At the next monthly meeting, they sat down together to check out how they had fared for the past month. Sven said "Vell, I had dat pasghetti for tree days. It was so good dat Olga didn't have to cook new for them dere tree days." Ole said "Lena was so happy ven I brought home dem tickets. The trip up to Dulute was nice, we got ta ride da Greyhound, and you know--dey got a built in outhouse on dat dere bus. And da Inger Triplets? If I didn't know better, I'd swear dey vas sisters." Then Ole turned to Lars, and asked him how his prize worked out. Lars looks at them both and says "Dat dere toilet brush was nice, but I tink I'll go back to using paper."
Lena passed away and Ole called 911. The 911 operator told Ole that she would send someone out right away. "Where do you live?" asked the operator. Ole replied, "At the end of Eucalyptus Drive." "Can you spell that for me?" the operator asked. There was a long pause and finally Ole said, "How 'bout if I drag her over to Oak Street and you pick her up der?"
Lars: "Ole, stand in fronna my car and tell me if da turn signals are vorking". Ole: "Ya, No, Ya, No, Ya, No, Ya, No...."
Lars was staggering home after a night in the tavern. A Lutheran minister saw him and offered to help him get home safely. As they approached the house, Lars asked the minister to step inside for a moment. He explained, "I vant Lena to see who I have been out vith."
Ole died. So Lena went to the local paper to put a notice in the obituaries. The gentleman at the counter, after offering his condolences, asked Lena what she would like to say about Ole. Lena replied, "You yust put 'Ole died'." The gentleman, somewhat perplexed, said, "That's it? Just 'Ole died?' Surely, there must be something more you'd like to say about Ole. If its money you're concerned about, the first five words are free. We must say something more." So Lena pondered for a few minutes and finally said, "O.K. You put 'Ole died. Boat for sale.' "
Ole says to the doctor at Mayo Clinic: "I got a problem. I have a big bowel movement at 6 in da morning every day." Doctor: "That sounds perfectly normal. Why are you so worried about it?" Ole: "Yah, but I don't vake up until 7."
Ole, Lena, and little Ole went to the big City for the first time. They were walking down the street and looking in the windows of the big buildings. Little Ole spotted something that caught his eye and ran into a building. Big Ole and Lena followed him. There they all stood in front of a shiny metal door that was cut into a wall of black marble. A chubby, elderly, gray haired lady walked up and pushed a button on the wall next to the door. The door opened and she walked into the little room behind the shiny door. The door closed and the numbers above the door counted up and then down again. The shiny doors opened and a beautiful, well built, young lady walked out. Little Ole said, "What kind of machine is dat, Pa?" Big Ole replied, "I don't know little Ole, but push dat button and shove your Ma in der."
Ole's neighbor Sven had a boy, Sven Junior, who came home one day and asked, "Papa, I have da biggest feet in da third grade. Is dat becoss I'm Norvegian?" "No," said Sven, "It's because you're NINETEEN."
Happy Birthday to Cody - I made this video of Cody several years ago. This is an old song of the 60's I found called, Since I Met You. I should make a new video, but Cody no longer likes to pose for photos. Cody is so special, such a big and tender heart, so loving and kind- God has a special purpose for his life and I am thankful to be part of it. Happy Birthday Cody.
Remember to cherish each moment you have today. Don't let those moments slip away. We have so much to be thankful for-count your blessings and cherish each moment you have- you will never have that moment again. Someone wrote a poem called Just for this morning;
Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying. Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear,and smile and say how perfect it is. Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play
Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together. Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles... Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by. Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned. Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them. Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.. Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you. Just! for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry. Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars. Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows. Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given. I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore. And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day..............
We took a camping trip on this date July 11th -13th, 2014.- Dawn let us join her at the Concrete KOA campground. Cody and Caitlyn joined us while their parents went to Emilee's soccer tournament in Puyallup. The kids made full use of the swimming pool and we even stopped at a roadside church for a short Sunday Service on the way home. North Cascade Hiway was so pretty- no fires yet either, (they started the Monday after we got home) and we enjoyed it coming and going to get there. Cody bet me 2.00 that I could not take any photos of his face or at least with his eyes open- still waiting for the money as I do not bet and he needs to learn gambling never pays off. Meanwhile, we are trying to decide on a 4 day trip to either Banff park or Olympic Park for our first camping trip of this year.
"Come Go with Me" is a song written by C. E. Quick , an original member (bass vocalist) of the American doo-wop vocal group The Del-Vikings. The song was originally recorded by The Del-Vikings in 1956 and was released on Fee Bee Records. Norman Wright was the lead vocalist on this song. When the group signed with Dot Records in 1957, the song became a hit, peaking at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart[2] and becoming the group's highest-charting song. The song was later featured in the films American Graffiti (1973), Diner (1982), Stand by Me (1986) and Joe Versus the Volcano (1990).
In 1964 the Beach Boys wrote/sang a song called "Fun, Fun, Fun". Their dad did not like the song and tried to stop them from recording it. In June 1988, Gary Norton opened Silverwood Park on his land in Idaho. Today, Silverwood is the largest theme and water park in the American Northwest on 413-acre and boasting more than 65 rides, slides, shows and attractions. It's hard to break the habit of going to Silverwood Park each summer. We used to go with our kids, then with all the grandkids; now its harder to join them, with them getting older, busier, and some living across the mountains. I more and more enjoy staying in a motel now instead of camping but still enjoy going with grandkids. In 2009, I made this video when we went to Silverwood and stayed at the Quality Inn in downtown Spokane. They have always treated us well and helps break up the trip for their 11am opening. Sometimes the best memories are not on video, but stored in our minds. We are hoping to go in August, with or without grandkids to have some Fun, Fun, Fun- maybe we will see you there?
The alternative to a vacation is to stay home and tip every third person you see.
Those that say you can't take it with you never saw a car packed for a vacation trip..
A vacation is like love - anticipated with pleasure, experienced with discomfort, and remembered with nostalgia
These photos were taken in 88 or 89- we first visited Silverwood in 1988- that is 27 years ago!
Silverwood Facts
1986
Norton outbids Disney and others for a narrow gauge locomotive for use at the Aerodrome.[4]
1988 Walter Deptula, with skills and background operating visitor attractions in Hawaii is hired by Gary Norton as first General Manager to assure the park's opening on schedule
Silverwood opens to the public with the 3 ft (914 mm) narrow gauge Silverwood Central Railway, Main Street shops (including a movie theater), and Country Carnival, which includes a small assortment of carnival rides. The opening is a huge success.
1990
Roaring Creek Log Flume
1991
Corkscrew (relocated from Knott's Berry Farm)
1993
Thunder Canyon
1996
Timber Terror (originally named Grizzly).
1999
Tremors
2003
Boulder Beach Water Park opens including Elkhorn Creek lazy river, Wave Pool, Rumble Falls tube slides, and Polliwog Park children's area
2004
Boulder Beach expansion including Velocity Peak speed slides
2005
Trabant and new Sky Diver
2006
Panic Plunge
2007
Boulder Beach expansion including second Wave Pool, Avalanche Mountain, and Toddler Springs children's area
2008
Aftershock (relocated from Six Flags Great America)
2009
Scarywood debut
2011
Boulder Beach expansion including Ricochet Rapids; theme park addition of Frog Hopper and Butterflyer
Someone said, "if you want a friend while in office- better get yourself a dog". It's been years since I have been on council- I know you can't please everyone and I have been disagreed with while on council many times. It's sad the hatred and "accusations of Hate" if you do not agree with someone's views. This song came out in 1961 by Barbara George who used to sing in the church choir as a child. Barbara George cut the self-penned "I Know (You Don't Love Me No More)", a vibrant, up-tempo number inspired by the traditional hymn "Just a Closer Walk with Thee". The photos added are from the almost 23 years on city council.
ANOTHER WORD TO THE CHURCH by Lonnie Sr Arnold
As Christians react to the ruling of the Supreme Court regarding same-sex marriage, I want to point out that the primary problem is not a left-leaning Supreme Court. The primary problem is not a Democrat President. The primary problem is not a poll-driven Congress. The primary problem is the Church. Remember this, the Supreme Court can only make rulings. The President can only issue Executive Orders, and the Congress/Senate can only legislate laws. While these things are influential in the life of our nation, they do not compare to the power of the resurrected Jesus that resides in the Church. Only the Church has the life-transforming gospel, preached in the power of the Holy Spirit, with twenty-one centuries of countless circumstance-defying testimonies of people who were irresistibly drawn to Christ in faith and repentance, because of the power of the Cross. As Christians, if we are looking to find our comfort, hope, and sense of security in getting a Conservative/Republican President, a change in the line-up on the Supreme Court or Congress, we commit a great sin. It is the sin of idolatry. The Office of the Presidency, the Supreme Court, or the Congress can easily become our golden calf. God made the gold, but sinful hearts make calves and put their hope in them. “It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.” (Psalm 118:8-9) “Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish.” (Psalm 146:3-4) “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help from the LORD.” (Isaiah 31:1) What are signs we trusting in the political process over the Lord? 1. We are spending more time finding hope in the news of the right person possibly being elected, rather than finding our hope in the word and promises of God. 2. We have become more politically active than spiritually active. 3. We think of our future in 4-year increments, rather than a focus on the Second Coming of Christ. 4. We are spending more time worrying and ranting, rather than repenting of your own sins. 5. We are emotionally fearful, frustrated, or angry, so that we lack a gospel-centered desire to connect with people in the LGBT community. I am not saying Christians should abandon politics. We should be involved in politics as a part of our Christian responsibility to our country. But we must not look to the political process as the primary solution to the problems in our society. The same-sex marriage issue has a political component to it, but at its root, it is a spiritual problem that only the Church is equipped to address. Let’s be the Church.
There are many reasons for our lamentation, from fear that religious liberties will be taken away to worries about social ostracism and cultural marginalization. But of all the things that grieve us, perhaps what’s been most difficult is seeing some of our friends, some of our family members, and some of the folks we’ve sat next to in church giving their hearty “Amen” to a practice we still think is a sin and a decision we think is bad for our country. It’s one thing for the whole nation to throw a party we can’t in good conscience attend. It’s quite another to look around for friendly faces to remind us we’re not alone and then find that they are out there jamming on the dance floor. We thought the rainbow was God’s sign - Kevin DeYoung
When your WALK with God is limited to a philosophy you agree with and a prayer you prayed, it inspires debates like, "is it once saved always saved?" Nobody in the Bible, ever received Christ by praying a prayer. It's extra-biblical (not anti-biblical). But if you are a follower of Jesus than questions like this are irrelevant because the word became flesh in you. Words often change meanings though the years. I remember when a hard drive was a rough road and gay meant happy. The word "Christian" has also changed meaning. It used to mean, a holy person, who is following Jesus, and managing their temptations towards integrity. It described a person who was carrying their cross, dying to live, and believes the Bible. Now the word "Christian" means someone who prayed a prayer, they agree with portions of the Bible; they live like hell, and claim to know heaven. "Christian" is no longer synonymous with godliness, righteousness, morality, honestly, or power. We hang out with sinners, become just like them, so we don't offend them, so we can win them. Now they call convictions judgments and exchanged a backbone for a wishbone! I have decided not to confuse people with the title of Christian. From now on I am a Believer...a follower of Jesus. Jesus never made Christians, He only made disciples, who followed. #kvm
In 1957 the Three D's sang a song called "Little Billy Boy". I added a few photos of my grandson "Billy" to it- I hope you enjoy it and it brings a smile to your face. Spending time with him is such good therapy- he keeps me busy and wears me out- he is a good kid! He is at the age where he does not mind his picture taken or used and his mom is an excellent photographer. This is my 190'th video posted on Vimeo.com/youtube.com and 57th video posted under grandkids on my blog
