EMENDEEBOLDUC(our world and welcome to it)

Darylene’s FSU RN Pinning Ceremony August 14,2010

2010-08-15T22:08:00.001-07:00

This was a very special day for Darylene and all of us as well.The day especially moving for her Mom(Denise).We are so very proud of all she has accomplished in her life so far.She has worked so hard for this moment .She was recognized for High honors(Magna Cum Laude and as a member of Sigma Theta tau International Honors Society too.

More from Morro/Cayucos

2010-08-02T23:00:00.001-07:00

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Cayucos/Morro Bay

2010-07-30T16:38:00.001-07:00

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Napoleon in Solvang!!

2010-07-11T15:23:00.001-07:00

Back in April this year Denise,Travis and I travelled to the Danish village of Solvang,CA.It was one of the most enjoyable short trips we have made in the last few years.This is a Napoleon slice,that I suggested Denise and Travis try for the first time ever..It was a huge success with them..They loved it!!!

Happy Birthday Travis!!!

2010-07-10T21:00:00.001-07:00

Travis celebrated his 15th birthday today.Darylene baked him a cake from scratch and decorated it as well.All in all Travis had a great day,with presents Pizza,ice cream and of course cake….

Jonny Diaz "Stand For You" video

2010-01-07T11:26:00.001-08:00

Another video by Jonny Diaz..we really enjoy his music..check it out for yourselves!!!

A Baby Changes Everything

2009-12-14T15:40:00.001-08:00

This says it all...Denise found this...and we couldnt agree more!!!

Hanford west xmas 2009 016.MOV

2009-12-12T13:11:00.001-08:00

Here is part of Travis" Christmas Concert this year(2009)....I am sorry for the poor video quality(I dont have a very good camera)..But see if you can spot Trav....lol

Anna and her family(Malcolm's Grandchildren)

2009-11-25T13:06:00.000-08:00

I finally got around to scanning the pics my daughter sent me over the last year.First one is Rose and Ally,then Casey and James,then casey,Ally,James and Rose,then casey,Anna,Ally,James amd Rose and finally the whole group Simon,Anna,Casey,Rose,James and Ally.

Great pics,I love them all.......Thanks Anna!!!

2009-11-10T13:24:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

SHOUT IT OUT LOUD!!!!! Back to school night at Hanford West

2009-09-15T16:58:00.000-07:00

Here is picture of Travis and some of the choir at Back to school night! Obviously they dressed up like Kiss.At least they tried to anyway.But they did a great job singing " Shout it out Loud!!!!!! The a jam packed event center totally loved it and so did we..

A 1922 Russian/Ukrainian Baptismal

2009-09-09T10:01:00.000-07:00

Here are some scans of Denise's Grandfathers baptismal papers from Russia..It was quite a large paper so that is why we broke it into three..I was hoping that the Google translate button would work on this ,but lo and behold.....it didn't...Our next step will be to find someone that can do it for us I suppose..

2009-07-04T13:22:00.000-07:00

Time for Travis and Darylenes' Dad to make his annual visit..On this particular day we took a day trip to Pismo Beach. It really was one of our best visits to the coast....Denise and I are planning to head back for some time of our own there...

2009-06-23T09:50:00.001-07:00

I am an
Echinacea

What Flower
Are You?

Ok so Denise is a petunia.I decided to take the same test and found out I was an echinacea.First I had no idea that this was a flower.I knew it was something you took to prevent colds...Everyday we learn something new I suppose...lol

2009-06-20T10:01:00.000-07:00

We finally made it to Balch Park.We had wanted to go for some time and if you have been following our blog then you will know this.It was a very very long drive,lots of hairpin curves up and down several mountains.Once we got to the Park we enjoyed a nice picnic and watched people fishing for rainbow trout in one of the three ponds that exist.The park is much more wild than the national parks and we saw many species of animals during our visit.

I think the only drawback other than the drive is the fact that people didnt use the trash bins enough.There were bits of paper and stuff scattered along the trails...Very disappointing to see humans be so lazy and inconsiderate of nature.

2009-05-13T16:05:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics of Denise's Mothers day presents from me and the kids.She always wanted a swing on the front porch to sit and enjoy her coffee with me(I hope.lol).Needless to say that when she came home after work Sunday morning and saw the hanging flowers and the swing she was sooooooooooo happy ...A great Mothers Day for Neesy.

A Bolduc Easter

2009-04-11T16:09:00.000-07:00

We have been quite busy this Easter.Friday night we attended a wonderful event at New Hope Valley Church called "The Living Lord,s Supper". The music and performance were really quite impressive.As a family we had a great time and really enjoyed the evening.

Today Denise,Darylene and Travis wanted to dye some eggs....and so.....Voila!!!!...they did............

They had fun and now we are looking forward to tomorrow at our church.We are all in the bell choir and very involved with all aspects of tomorrows service.

I have a Spiral cut ham ready to go for the dinner at home later...So before i close we would like to wish everyone a "Happy Easter!!!"

2009-03-25T20:42:00.000-07:00

Well it certainly has been some time since we have posted anything significant from a personal standpoint. We have been very busy here in California. the kids are progressing through their schooling with Darylene just finishing her junior year at Fresno State and Travis is finishing his final year at Woodrow Wilson Junior High School. He has really become proficient in Math and all subjects overall and has become one of the top students in the school.We are very proud of him.
Denise has continued her hard work as a nurse for the elderly.It can be a very hard and stressful job at times and when she gets her vacation time we try to make the most of it by searching for places locally that we can travel to and explore. Our church participation takes up a lot of our time. I have numerous responsibilities now including:announcements,producing and running the PowerPoint,developing the weekly bulletins, working on the sound system,Denise does the banking and accounting,I lead in prayer requests,Church gardener(well i do the lawn and clean up the weeds)...so in other words it is a full week of things to do church wise. Lately I have been leading in a series of presentations of DVDs by Rob Bell called NOOMA.They are great 10 to 15 minute vids and then we follow that up in church with an open discussion on how each of us feel about the subject that Rob Bell has brought up.It really is great,as it allows each of us to say exactly how we feel deep down inside with no attacks upon us.A way we can just speak out how we really want and wish for a relationship with God.
I love it!
Our small church went through quite a rough time the past three years and now finally we are seeing very positive results with new people joining us on our spiritual journey and growth is very evident as we are allowing change to take place.

2008-08-23T11:46:00.000-07:00

A Victorian Vacation with Denise!!!!!!!

2008-08-08T19:35:00.000-07:00

2008-08-08T18:27:00.000-07:00

Here's a few pics of our recent trip back to my home town of Victoria,Bc.Once again we were inundated with a mass of green color.Where we live in California doesn't afford such as this.Our main color here in Hanford is yellow and brown....yuck!!!!........We had a great time,with realization that we probably won't be back for quite some time.We have decided that we need to see the USA and perhaps other parts of Canada as well..I hope by this time next year I will have received my dual citizenship.

2008-07-05T11:45:00.000-07:00

Take the Quiz here!

2008-07-05T11:43:00.000-07:00

I am a
Petunia

What Flower
Are You?

2008-05-19T14:34:00.000-07:00

Travis worked very very hard and received an award from school.He was an academic all star and was invited to march in the annual Homecoming day parade. We are very proud of Trav ,as he really has to work harder than most for every good grade he gets.Way to go Travis!!!!!

Great Music!!!!!!

2008-05-10T14:13:00.000-07:00

Great place Denise found the other day....We put this on and just let it run....many great artists can be heard,such as Sinatra,Bennett,Buble,Krall,big bands,cool Jazz etc...Just sit back and relax to some wonderful sounds...

Just click here,then once you are at the site click on the button that says "Listen Live"...Then hit the play button on the player....and voila,you are inundated with sweet sounds...enjoy!!!!

http://www.martiniinthemorning.com/page.php?50

Here is a great testimony we found

2008-05-10T13:44:00.000-07:00

Just click here and watch. It takes a moment to get started be patient. The writing on the screen is chinese i think, but the words spoken are in english. In the end i think it is worth watching

Denise

http://www.wretch.cc/video/ritahsia&func=single&vid=2282608&o=time_d&p=0

modern christianity

2008-04-20T15:37:00.000-07:00

The world is moving at a fast pace. New inventions, new technologies and new lifestyles persistently outdate what was previously considered as traditional and, while they point to the future, they indirectly compel us to forsake our past. It seems as though there was never a yesterday, that traditions are no longer necessary in a hectic world and that all that matters is living according to the latest trend.In this fast moving world, values seem at stake. Morality is apparently subject to the fluctuating demands of the rat race. The dominant worldview is secular: Life is short, so work hard and play hard. In this scenario, religion unfortunately becomes just another type of commodity that can be bought and used whenever it pleases and when it is not demanding.Church attendance seems to be on the decline, although the Church building is still sought after as the ideal backdrop for ceremonial events such as weddings, baptisms and funerals. Despite the fact that many claim to believe in God, few seem to understand the need to incorporate this into their daily lives. As a consequence, issues of morality are veiled in confusion and subjectivity.Like many other lifestyles, so Christianity entails some rather unpleasant and difficult choices. Either conventional Christianity is authentic and is a faith that faithfully represents its New Testament roots, or else it is a pick and choose way of life, subject to the whims of its adherents and the shifting sands of cultural interpretation.It is hard to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ when we disagree or feel that our way is easier. As a result, some Christians honour Christ lip service, while they follow or teach other acquiescent doctrines. Christianity is being continually reshaped to suit the needs of modern life, and the truth of Christ's Gospel is being systematically masqueraded under new forms of belief, practice and worship.The Gospel should be the source of faith and inspiration for the daily life of Christians. Finding an acceptable method of understanding and applying the biblical message to our contemporary culture is, however, controversial.We need to avoid the extreme of interpreting the Gospel so literally that we make the New Testament cultures, rather than its timeless principles, the norm for our lives. We must recognise that various literary styles exist in the four Gospels as well as in the Bible as a whole, and each must be interpreted appropriately. The Bible was not given to us as an object to be worshipped, with our interpretation, but rather as a guide to proper spiritual behaviour.As we use the Bible to help us to come to the knowledge and understanding of God, we also need to continuously apply some of the normative and hermeneutics of the Bible in order to shed a better light on the understanding and better evaluation of our modern culture. The literal application of every biblical text without contextualisation is a pitfall we all need to avoid. However, we also need to avoid the opposite extreme of spiritualising the Bible away.All this requires wisdom and understanding. We have to learn to discern the word of God correctly. For instance, we cannot discount the Bible's reports of the miraculous and the supernatural as unpalatable. We cannot expect to understand the Bible without allowing the book to simmer into our daily life with the consequent demands on us not only as hearers of the word but also as doers. We are certainly not at liberty to alter the essential teachings and doctrines of the Bible in a misguided attempt to fit them to a morally decadent culture.For all the talk of a secular and materialistic culture, there is still room for the spiritual. This is because the real important questions that are the flesh and bone of religion still confront us: Is there a God? Is there an afterlife? Why do evil and suffering exist at all in the world?While traditional Christianity claims fewer and fewer adherents, Christian renewal communities at the personal and small-group levels are sprouting up remarkably. Perhaps in a world that has become too chaotic and identity-consuming, modern Christians feel the need to belong to some group where one can find oneself, and be oneself, and be felt in the other.An authentic Christian life in the modern world is a truly demanding daily struggle against self Christians should not be alarmed. At the strategic centre of Christianity stands the supreme paradox of the cross, of the crucified Christ, the theology of the cross, the raison d'etre of our following of Christ, the hope and guarantee of our final victory. We as Christians believe that Jesus displayed his greatest powers in order to save us and reconcile us to God and among ourselves... through a most humiliating and annihilating death. These, however, stand in firm contradiction to the culture around us, one which subtly tends to efface and avoid subjects such as God or spirituality - bent on deriding and eroding life of its real and true significance.With the Golgotha in vision, Christians need not be surprised, but rather fortified. There can be no real life without suffering and problems. Yet these seemingly adverse conditions do not rob life of its meaning as long as this is characterised by the paradox of the cross and the subsequent resurrection.Today's world alienates us with a comfortable life, while at the same time it fails to provide us with a meaning to life. Christianity does precisely this... He is come to give us life in its fullness.

2008-02-28T19:50:00.000-08:00

A few more pics of our snow trip

2008-02-25T20:09:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we went up to the snow in the Sierra's.This particular place is at Sequoia park Giant Forest Museum.It is actually the first time Travis has ever seen first hand up close real snow.He loved it.However I had to explain to him that when it actually snows the sky isnt clear and the temperature tends to be a lot colder than this day that we went up.You might notice in one of the pics,Travis isnt wearing a coat.We just got out of the car and decided to take a quick photo-op.He quickly grabbed his coat right after this particular pic.Denise and I absolutly love it up in the mountains.Fresh,clean,crisp air....Something we miss in the San Joaquin Valley......

2008-01-27T22:02:00.000-08:00

A Great Time was held for Denise's Grandpa Curry at our Church.In fact it was a wonderful sight to see the church full for this occasion.There is a great feeling of growth and renewal being seeded at CCC.We are still small but each week we have new people coming to check us out.Great music,presentation and unburdened with tight scheduling have produced a relaxed feeling.Our Pastor has brought with him a wonderful worship team that has helped instill this refreshing new feeling here.

2008-01-06T15:37:00.000-08:00

I've never made a fortune

and it's probably too late now

But I don't worry about that much

I'm happy anyhow.

And as I go along life's way

I'm reaping better than I sow

I'm drinking from my saucer'

Cause my cup has overflowed.

Haven't got a lot of riches

and sometimes the going's tough

But I've got loving ones around me

and that makes me rich enough.

I thank God for his blessings

and the mercies He's bestowed

I'm drinking from my saucer

'cause my cup has overflowed.

O, Remember times when things went wrong

My faith wore somewhat thin

But all at once the dark clouds broke

and sun peeped through again.

So Lord, help me not to gripe

about the tough rows that I've hoed

I'm drinking from my saucer

"Cause my cup has overflowed.

If God gives me strength and courage

When the way grows steep and rough

I'll not ask for other blessings

I'm already blessed enough.

And may I never be too busy

to help others bear their loads

Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer

"Cause my cup has overflowed.

2007-12-24T13:28:00.000-08:00

Whoops...here is one with Darylene in it too..If you want to see the pictures in more detail just double click on them,they will get much larger.

christmas 2007

2007-12-24T13:19:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple of pictures from two separate events this Christmas season 2007.One is from our church with a pic of my immediate family(Denise,Darylene and Travis)plus Denise's dad.The other pic is a family gathering of Denise's mothers family.Unfortunately not all could make it to this one.Christmas is tomorrow so I am sure we will have more pics to share.See you then!!!!!!

ELP - C'est la vie

2007-11-13T22:11:00.001-08:00

This is a song I ised to sing for my wife.I meant it then and I definately mean it now....I love you Princess!!!!!

2007-10-22T18:22:00.000-07:00

Here we have a few pics of our "SOUPS ON!" luncheon this past Sunday at our church.Unfortunately many in our small congregation have come down with a variety of illnesses.They were very much missed this day. We had quite a selection of soups and stews to choose from.Fortunately the weather co-operated and it stayed"cool" and didn't get any warmer this day than 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

It was also a special day for me and Denise.While we were enjoying our meal,we were surprised with a presentation of a framed award of appreciation for all the hard work we have done over the past year.Gary and Deanna Balzer as well received one.In actual fact there are others who should be included as it really has been team work that has helped our small church struggle and stay firm in its commitment to Christ.Soon our new pastor will be here and hopefully a new path for us can be laid out in order that we might serve God in whatever way he has planned for our church here in Hanford.

Brad Kunkel ,his wife Rhonda and son Peter were with us this day.They also presented the worship and we were all overwhelmed at how wonderful they sounded.We are truly blessed to have such friends as Brad and his family.Brad has been a big part in the continuing strength of Central Community Church this past year.An amazing guy,that really is able to teach the gospel in a way that is enjoyable as well as eyeopening and very educational.

2007-10-02T14:14:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics of Darylene and her new car that she purchased last week.This particular weekend was the first weekend she was able to drive around Hanford and show it off.It is a 1999 Chevrolet Malibu.It used to be a Sacramento police undercover car.Its engine is in immaculate condition. And except for a couple of small dents the body is in great shape as well.She even got snow chains with it. Her first time driving back from Fresno State was last Friday and it happened to be right in the middle of rush hour.A tough initiation for any new driver.But she did well.

Christianity in todays world

2007-09-17T19:42:00.000-07:00

Here is an article I ran across recently that I thought would be interesting to share with others.I am not sure I agree with all of the authors points that she makes but I also feel that she brings many interesting discussion topics to the table.Check it out and see what you think!
Here it is:
Allllrighty then! Well after reading a few other articles on this thread, I must say I'm amused, slightly shocked, and a little bewildered. I have to add as well, it's difficult to take seriously the articles of people who cannot properly spell simple one-syllable English words, or of people who use profanity repeatedly to make their point. But I digress. Having said that, I don't think this thread is about how many commandments one can name or whether or not Jesus is atonement for sin. For every 100 people reading these (or any) articles, there will be 100 or more different opinions. Religion and Biblical text are too subjective, or at least have become so, to be able to say, "this is the definitive answer and any other belief or response is wrong." And having said THAT, I offer the following:
I've lived on several different sides of this multi-faceted issue. I am not some hardened sinner who, in an adult life, used Christianity and being "born again" as a cop-out for my past transgressions. I came to Christ as a young child. All of the damage done by this sinner came later, much later, in life. I have faced nearly every temptation to commit wrong-doing that exists, with the exception of wanting to murder someone (well, let me think on that one), and I've failed miserably time and again. Have I failed because my Christianity, my claim to Christ or God, is fake or flawed? No. I've failed because I am exactly what man (and woman) has been since Adam and Eve...a sinner. I'm a human being with a sin nature.
Consider this analogy of water flowing uphill. It is not in the nature of water to flow uphill. Water finds its own level and water submits to the forces of gravity. Water cannot possibly flow uphill by its own free will because water was not created with that capability. The only way to make water flow uphill is to provide it with a force that will cause the water to defy gravity and move against its nature. And even as that water is being propelled uphill at its center, all around it, the very same water is flowing right back down. This is who we are as humans and sinners. No matter how hard we try we cannot, within ourselves, perform the impossible (perfection and sinlessness) because we were born with a sin nature and the complete inability to be anything but sinners. In order to even attempt the uphill climb, we must have another force that propels us. For me, this is God and my relationship with Him. And even in the midst of His hand guiding me against the grain of my own nature, parts of me still backslide.
Today's world bombards us, Christians or not, do-gooders or not, with the temptation to be "do-badders." Let's take a slice of 1950s morality and say, for the sake of argument, that the following things are wrong and sinful: Pre-marital sex, homosexuality, drinking, drugs, adultery, pornography, lying, murdering, raping, stealing and working on Sunday. (I'm being somewhat facetious here.) Now going through that list, think of those things in relation to modern media. In Hollywood, everyone has sex before marriage, being gay is cool and gets you your own TV show on Oxygen, drinking is commonplace, drugs are what the cool people do for recreation, adultery is fine because "we're in an open marriage", pornography is two clicks away, etc., etc. I literally could go on for days. This same media-driven world gives very little play, if you will, to the do-gooders, the Christians, the upright in the world. The only time you hear about Christians is when someone in a public school is in trouble for praying at lunch or passing out salvation tracks in study hall. The only time good will to men is considered is at Christmas and maybe Easter. The only time it's cool to mention God or Jesus is if you are including them in a brief nod during an Oscar acceptance speech or after winning the Superbowl. I know I'm being minimalistic to a degree, but I also know I'm not too far off the mark. The point of all of this is, it's hard, if not impossible, to live a Christ-like life in a Christ-less age.
So in conclusion to my too-long dissertation here I say, when I'm faced with the temptation to lie, to lust, to envy, to hate, to be apathetic, to judge others, to (fill in the blanks), I know only this; no matter how much my heart may want to flood uphill, my nature can only obey to the gravity of the sin within it and I pray for God's sovereign hand to gently lead me higher. A mere thought from God was enough to part the waters of a sea, so I can trust fully that God can deal perfectly with the tiny trickle that is my humanity.
Learn more about this author, Esmerelda Q. Culpepper.

WEB 2.0 TV: Alma Records_Michael Kaeshammer COMES LOVE

2007-08-20T07:29:00.001-07:00

MOre of Victoria bc boy Michael kaeshammer....We love it!!!

Changes in delivering the message!

2007-08-01T21:13:00.000-07:00

Erwin McManus continues to deliver a message of change that I for one believe is something all churches would be wise to check out. That is, if they wish to continue to progress with the reality of our world as we know it. With these changes, there is still the opportunity to deliver Gods message to the world. Just in a new way is all. We must develop the will amongst us, to be able to accept change.Easy to say,some however tend to be unbendable(if there is such a word).

His message is that there are no formulas that will enable a church to structurally meet every person’s needs. Currently, when a new believer joins a church they are plugged into the structure where the church needs them most. They are discipled and led in ways that make them all look the same. For people outside of the church, who inherently know (and cling to the fact that) we are all unique, the sameness of the church, and the structure that they are potentially being asked to fit into doesn’t work.
Erwin underlined the idea that in order for a church to meet the needs of such a diverse group it needs to give up being so structured around what a church “needs” to look like, or the programs it “ought” to have or the formulas that it “should” use.
Another thing he said really resonated with me. It concerns a world the church has been using quite often lately. It sounds like a good word (probably in the same way the world uses the word “peace” to mean different things that Jesus would mean) but ultimately implies things that we don’t really mean to mean. The word is relevant. Erwin said that the church tries too hard to be relevant. He expounded that the word in itself implies that someone else has already arrived or done something; that anyone thereafter must link or join to. Anyone after the first has to also find ways to add on some value to the foundation already built. He said that the church (who has all of the power of Christ, and inherently the ability to do anything in God’s will) should never try to be relevant. Instead the church should be setting the curve for the culture to follow. Wouldn’t it be great if the church was doing so many great things that the culture took notice and was in hot pursuit to add on to what we were doing?
Next he moved on to the thought that we only have churches that look like ourselves. Whomever we are, we only invite people to join in our lives that look, talk, act like us. One church sought Erwin out saying of their 5,000 all-white members; they didn’t know how they could start seeing diversity. He asked them if they had any friends who were of different races. From the blank stares he apparently got, I guessed the answer was no. He offered them the idea that if they only wanted to do church, and not LIFE with people of other races, then the church they were trying to build was a fake. If they weren’t willing to allow diversity into their lives, why would their church be any different?

Thomas KinKade slideshow........enjoy!!!

2007-07-26T13:32:00.001-07:00

Thomas Kinkade - Wallpaper

Our day at Pismo Beach

2007-07-24T09:47:00.000-07:00

Last Friday,July 20th,We took a short trip to the coast for a little picnic at Pismo Beach.Usually when we go there it is kind of cold.However this time we got there early and it was already warm.By the time noon hit it was very hot.The kids went swimming in the ocean and Denise and I walked for miles on the beach.It felt good walking barefoot through the surf and sand.We are going back to the coast again soon.Only this time we will head towards Cayucos and Cambria.Thought we might like to do a little exploring in places that we have never seen before.

WEB 2.0 TV -Alma Records: Michael Kaeshammer NORA'S BOOGIE

2007-07-15T16:01:00.001-07:00

MICHAEL KAESHAMMER...a victoria BC boy....he can tickle the ivories with the best of them!!!!

La Ville De Bolduc

2007-07-12T17:49:00.000-07:00

Hello again..........A short update on happenings in La Ville de Bolduc. First off,it appears that our church is ready to head into its next phase of change.Our newly selected pastor will be beginning his summer foundation series.He brings with him,a big heart,lots of prayer,and family that is richly blessed musically.I am sure the changes he has planned for us will be beneficial in helping us grow once again to be a strong voice in our community.I am also sure that there may be a few bumps along the way.But our faith in God has lead us to this point,and towards that end we shall work together in His Word.
On a different subject,I went to the eye doctor today and was happy to hear that my eyesight hasn't changed at all.I do however need a tad stronger progressive lens for reading.Old age does that to you.HAHAHA
We have had a busy week to be sure.Travis had his birthday on Tuesday and was very shocked when he received a PSP game console.It was a little pricey but he loves it.It really is quite the thing.It is completely compatible with his pc.(downloads,music,pics,movies and more)
Darylene is still busy going to college at West Hills in order to load up her prerequisites for her RN major she is striving for at Fresno State.She also will have a major in communicative disorders.Her goal is to eventually become a nurse practitioner.
Denise works as hard as always.She finally received confirmation about requested days.Although we wanted to head to Canada this summer,that unfortunately will have to be put on hold till next year.Instead we have been enjoying the local mountains and the coast.We have plans to head up towards Shaver Lake area,Tuolumne Meadows,Cambria,and Diablo Canyon.Of course our travels may lead us elsewhere as well.We love the mountains!!!!!

HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD!!!

2007-07-07T07:28:00.000-07:00

Denise found this video and thought it would fit nicely into our blog.....hope you enjoy!

FOURTH OF JULY..........DENISE IS THE FIREWORKS QUEEN!!!

2007-07-05T11:31:00.001-07:00

We just wanted to show a few pics of our fourth of July celebration.eventhough Denise had to work that evening,we had her entire immediate family over for a BBQ.She is paying for it today(next day) though.She didnt get any sleep the day before and then worked all night.She is exhausted.Good thing she is off for the next two nights.All in all we had a lot of fun.Everyone that came bought some fireworks,so our little show went on for a couple of hours.as you can see our niece Audrey had a ball with her sparklers.We did quite well considering the temps hit about 105.Today it it may get to 110 with high humidity.This kind of weather really sucks,especially if you are a west coast Canuck.

Morning at Balch Park

2007-06-18T09:37:00.001-07:00

this is another video of the same balch park in the morning....dont ask us what that noise is though.not really sure we want find out either...hahaha

Through The Redwood

2007-06-18T09:36:00.001-07:00

Denise and I found this on you tube...we are going to check this out of the way park out soon

2007-06-16T21:52:00.000-07:00

Denise and I went up to Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park this past week.Just doing some exploring.While waiting in a construction delay line up,we overheard a cyclist talking to some guys about a great park that we might check out next week.It is called Balch Park.Apparently it is off the beaten track.We will get some pics of it and share them on here.We really do enjoy the mountains.

2007-06-01T20:40:00.000-07:00

Just a short note to tell you that Denise and I had a wonderful time at Champions on Ice.I didn't actually think that I would.I tend to lean more towards hockey and curling when it comes to on ice sports.before hand we went to the cheesecake factory for a great meal etc.Darylene had bought us the tickets several months ago for our anniversary which was yesterday May31.It was also our first time in the Save Mart Center,and we were quite impressed.Overall the performances were excellent,especially when coupled with the fantastic sounds of music that they played.

We also got a big surprise when we got home.Travis and Darylene had decorated our bedroom with banners,pictures,candles,chocolates and hearts.All in all we had a fantastic evening.

Michael Bublé - Everything

2007-05-22T16:18:00.001-07:00

Finally got my Michale Buble cd and i love it i think this song called Everything is my favorite.
Denise

2007-05-22T15:22:00.000-07:00

Hey there everyone...Its me Denise.I havent written a blog in here for quite some time,so I thought that perhaps I would add a few little things that are going on in my life during the past few months.

First,I just finished a course on wound mangement and healing .I need to do this every two years ,to maintain my nursing license here in the state of California.I now know exactly the difference between arterial ulcers and venous ulcers.

Finally Michael Buble released his new cd.It has been two years since his last one.I have been trying to post his video of my favorite song on here.However for some reason it wont download.I will keep trying though,dont worry.Oh yeah,The song is called "Everything"!

Next week,Thursday in fact,Malcolm and I are going to see "Champions on Ice".My daughter Darylene bought us two tickets months ago for our anniversary,which is on May 31.I am looking forward to seeing all of my favorite skaters,although I think Malcolm would rather see a hockey game.Ha Ha Ha

My Mom called me the other day and told me that My sister Dixie that lives in Iowa,will be visiting Hanford during the first week of July.We are hoping to get together for the fourth and have some big time fireworks.Travis and I love fireworks!!!! wooooooooohooooooooooo
Later folks
Denise

2007-05-20T20:57:00.000-07:00

We thought it was time to lighten up a bit.Well actually Denise said I needed to lighten up a tad,so I thought I would add a few more from our photo catalogue.The first three are from our Yosemite trip last month.We are definately going back this summer,although I think perhaps we would like to head even farther and higher up into the sierras.We are also planning on an extended trip to Sequoia.The last pic is from our trip we took to Victoria BC Canada a couple years ago.I have so many pics from that trip and Denise can not get over how green it was there.I am very proud of my hometown.Especially when I have returned there and discovered for a city of about half a million it is so clean and safe compared to cities I have seen of similar size elsewhere..I also need to head on over to the coast here in California again.This coastline here is one of the most awesome sights you will see anywhere in the world.

2007-05-19T21:43:00.000-07:00

Importance of religion to Canadians:
The Pew Research Center has conducted a series of studies called "The Pew Global Attitudes Project." They is measuring the "impact of globalization, modernization, rapid technological and cultural change and the Sept. 11 terrorist events on the values and attitudes of more than 38,000 people in 44 countries..." A poll released on 2002-DEC-19 revealed whether people around the world consider religion to be personally important. 1
Results from the 41 countries sampled showed that the percentage of the public who consider religion important ranged from 97% in Senegal to 11% in both France and the Czech Republic . They found that the percentage was:
59% in the United States
57% in Mexico
33% in Great Britain
30% in Canada.

I come from Canada,I also am able to accept these foundings as most likely correct.Coming from Canada to the U.S. it is evident as to how much more religion plays upon every day life here in the states.

2007-04-01T18:56:00.000-07:00

We took a daytrip up to yosemite yesterday(March31,2007),It was my first time ever being there.All I can say is,these few pics do not even come close to doing justice to exactly what it was that befell me when we came out of this tunnel that went through a mountain and a vista exploded before me.ABSOLUTLY AMAZING!!!!!....We have many more pics which I will add here and there as well.The ones you see are...1-the first shot of the yosemite valley when you exit the tunnel 2-Bridalveil falls 3- Travis and me with el capitan in the background

2007-03-15T13:49:00.000-07:00

HEYYYYY...LOOK WHAT DENISE AND I WON ON POGO...ACTUALLY DENISE WON MOST OF THE BADGES NEEDED....SHE LOVES HER HOG HEAVEN SLOTS.....LOL

2007-03-04T19:12:00.000-08:00

Hello once again.I was browsing news headlines tonight and i came across this article by Neil Macdonald of the CBC.He makes some very good and interesting points,one of which I had no idea about.Canada after many years of wallowing in huge debt has righted its ship and is sailing along nicely.Canadians as Macdonald states hated the changes that had to done but sucked it up and quit whining.The facts are right are there for all to see.Canada has indeed forged its future by making financial sacrifices(without dismantling their precious universal medical system,among other government controlled departments]Anyway here it is...Macdonald explains it much more clearly than can I.

NEIL MACDONALD:
Washington's reluctance to pay the piper
March 3, 2007
The Atlanta Journal Constitution ran a rather pointed editorial cartoon the other day. It featured one of those "Support Our Troops" yellow ribbons you see on bumpers all over the United States.
But underneath it, the cartoonist wrote: "Offer void if injured mentally or physically, requiring quality care, therapy, recuperation and/or disability income."
In other words, all the good intentions and kind words are just ashes if the bills aren't being paid. And while Americans are a people of remarkably good intentions, they are not particularly diligent at paying bills.
Ask the grievously wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Medical Centre, the famous military hospital here in Washington. A months-long newspaper investigation recently exposed dreadful, mouldy living quarters and overloaded services. It also chronicled the desperate existences of veterans who sink into profound depressions waiting for disability allowances and proper treatment of their terrible physical and psychological wounds.
So much for the cherished American vision of a grateful nation welcoming its veterans home and sparing no expense to care for them.
The fact is, many of them were sent to war without proper armour in the first place, because top-grade armour costs money, as does first-rate post-battlefield health care. And paying these sorts of bills ultimately requires raising taxes, and that is something the American public is not prepared to tolerate, no matter what all the magnetic yellow-ribbon bumper stickers might say.
Get out the calculator
The war in Iraq costs $2 billion a week. But this hardly seems like a nation at war. The good times roll on, with no sacrifice evident anywhere, except of course in those families who have lost sons or daughters.
Mercedes sedans and Lexuses, often with a yellow ribbon on the bumper, are common in big American cities. All over the country, people are blithely remortgaging their homes to build new in-home theatres or to finance luxurious improvements (all tax deductible here).
On an individual level, Americans are racking up colossal amounts of personal debt. This is a country with a maxed-out credit card. Average monthly balance in each American household is between $9,000 and $12,000. The average load of unsecured consumer debt per U.S. household sits at about $35,000.
It is no wonder, then, that American voters send their elected representatives to Washington with a clear guiding principle: No new taxes.
In fact, President George W. Bush and the (until recently) Republican-controlled Congress went much further: They cut taxes, and pushed up spending at the same time. Not the best combination, from a fiscal standpoint.
So, unsurprisingly, the entire Iraq war is being fought essentially on borrowed money, which of course adds to the federal deficit, which of course feeds the national debt, which, as of this writing, stands at nearly $8.8 trillion dollars US, a figure with so many zeroes as to be nearly incomprehensible.
Add in the grey heads
What's more, what's coming down the road in the way of anticipated expenditures could make that bit of red ink look like chump change.
Ben Bernanke, the Federal Reserve chairman and the man who controls the central bank strings, made a game effort to explain the numbers to legislators here this week.
The big demographic bulge known as the baby boomers is getting ready to retire, he noted. Meaning they will start to collect social security, and will likely require considerably more medical attention.
Those two items represent an unfunded liability that can also be measured in the trillions, and no one has done a thing to prepare for it.
Bernanke delivered a simple lesson about the public ledger sheet. Basically, that the money has to come from somewhere.
Either taxes have to go up, and considerably, or spending has to be slashed on an unheard-of scale. Keep borrowing, and the public debt balloons so fantastically it becomes an unmanageable fiscal crisis.
"This is sort of like a snowball rolling down the hill," said Bernanke, striving for a metaphor to impress a panel of skeptical politicians. "It's already a pretty big snowball, but it's going to get a lot bigger a lot faster."
In denial
Republicans, of course, argue that their tax cuts provide such an economic stimulus that the treasury will become much richer. Bernanke doesn't buy it. Tax cuts, he told the politicians this week, "usually do not pay for themselves."
"Whatever it is, you have to pay for it," he said. "That's what I'm saying."
And, of course, the longer politicians wait, the more severe and the more disruptive the eventual reckoning will be. "I think the right time to start is about 10 years ago," said Bernanke. Not a pleasant prospect for the legislators.
"We have difficulty explaining to the American public why the deficit is such a serious matter," House Budget Committee Chairman John Spratt told the Fed chairman.
But the explanation is actually simple. If something isn't done, it means a reduction in Americans' wealth and spending power, which is a very bad thing indeed, not just for Americans, but for the rest of the world, especially America's closest trading partner, Canada.
Something can be done of course. Canada did it. In 1995, the Wall Street Journal shocked Canadians by declaring their country an honorary member of the Third World. "Bankrupt Canada?" was the headline on the editorial.
Canada's debt at the time was 68.4 per cent of its gross domestic product. Thirty-five per cent of federal revenues were drained by interest payments on the debt. The deficit that year was $30 billion.
Today, of course, Canada runs surpluses, and has for almost a decade. Its debt is now less than 30 per cent of GDP.
The Canadian government cut spending dramatically and raised Canada Pension Plan payroll taxes years ago to deal with the anticipated burden of retiring boomers. The public wasn't happy, but accepted it.
The U.S., meanwhile, is creeping towards the kinds of debt levels that would qualify it for the Third World status that the Wall Street Journal once applied to Canada. Whistling past the graveyard was one characterization Bernanke agreed with this week.
You won't see the Wall Street Journal's editorial page say that nowadays, of course. But it's all a frightening prospect, or should be.

2007-02-19T19:19:00.000-08:00

First we have a picture of my nephew Connor Churchs team after a hard fought game.His mom tells me he is having best season yet.Connor by the way will be celebrating his birthday soon in March.He will be 12.

The second picture is of his younger brother Graedon scoring a big goal in a game 7 situation.He is 10 I think..(sorry boys uncle mal is getting old).Please notice these boys classy uniforms.When I was there age our uniforms were heavy woolen things with nothing but a big yellow "E" sewn on the front.Geeez i AM old.

2007-02-15T20:54:00.001-08:00

Differing Perspectives on Death
For the entire existence of mankind, we have struggled with the question, "What happens after death?" Our answer to this dilemma has great implications for our life here on earth. Although many avoid the issue, we must sooner or later address the question. There are many competing answers to this question.
Atheists believe that at death one ceases to exist. There is no afterlife or eternal soul that continues in eternity. All there is to look forward to is our inevitable death, the future death of mankind, and the universe. It is in the face of this future that the atheist must seek to find meaning and purpose for his own existence.
The Eastern and New Age religions that hold to a pantheistic worldview teach that one goes through an endless cycle of reincarnation until the cycle is broken and the person becomes one with the divine. What form a person becomes in the next life depends on the quality of life lived in the previous life. When one unites with the divine, he ceases to exist as an individual, but becomes part of the divine life force, like a drop of water returning to the ocean.
Those who hold to the animistic or tribal religions believe that after death the human soul remains on the earth or travels to join the departed spirits of the ancestors in the underworld, also called the realm of the shadows. For eternity they wander in darkness, experiencing neither joy nor sorrow. Some of the spirits of the deceased may be called upon to aid or torment those on earth.
Islam teaches that at the end of history, God will judge the works of all men. Those whose good deeds outweigh their bad deeds will enter into paradise. The rest will be consigned to hell. The Koran teaches that in paradise men will be drinking wine and entertained by heavenly maidens and that they may take several of these maidens for their wives.
Most worldviews must accept their belief in the afterlife on untested faith, but the Christian hope is sure for two reasons; the resurrection of Christ and the testimony of God's Word. The Bible gives us the true view of what happens after death. However, many Christians have a misunderstanding of the afterlife. Some believe that they become one of the angels, others believe they go into a state of "soul sleep," while others believe they will be floating on clouds playing harps. It is up to us to examine some popular misconceptions of what lies beyond the grave and perceive what the Bible teaches.
Christians can be assured that death is not something to be feared. Instead, at death we arrive home in heaven. To live means we exist in a foreign country. Death has lost its sting and now is a victory through the resurrection of Jesus our Lord.

2007-02-04T20:58:00.000-08:00

Well it has been almost a month since our last blog.There never seems to be enough time to sit down and enter any news lately.Not too much is happening around here.Denise is working very hard although she did take a weeks worth of vacation recently and I have to say it was a most relaxing and enjoyable time for both of us.Much needed indeed.Darylene got her first semester results back from Fresno State and as per usual she received straight A's.Seems she is just continuing on from high school.We received a letter here at home from President Wealty of Fresno State congratulating here on a 4.0 grade point average.
I am still continuing my own personal diet although i did lighten up a bit during the holidays and enjoyed some good food.We purchased an exercise bike recently which both Denise and I have started using.It has been exactly one year since I started this diet and I have lost approx 110 pounds.However my doctor says I still need to lose more.I think I need to exercise more now rather than crash diet.Sensible dieting and exercising are where my priorities should lie now.Diabetes and high blood pressure are basically borderline now and if I continue to control weight and food intake then all should be well.
One other thing ,If all goes well we will probably go to Canada for vacation this year.BC and Alberta perhaps.If not then there are many other options for us.Disneyland again,but for a longer time.Universal could be included.Also we have considered touring the Grand Canyon,Arizona etc as well.We shall see.

2007-01-09T18:49:00.000-08:00

We know this a couple of weeks too late,but here we are at church just before Christmas eve service.Hope everyone had a joyous and fulfilling holiday season!

2006-12-13T20:59:00.000-08:00

Every happening, great and small, is a parable whereby God speaks to us, and the art of life is to get the message. Malcolm Muggeridge

2006-12-06T12:50:00.000-08:00

After quite some time without really updating much of anything these past few months I decided I may as well do so now.
On a personnel level healthwise I am doing much better than I was about ten months ago have lost approximately 94 pounds since February 1st.I have lost in fact twelve pant sizes. I would really like to lose about thirty more pounds. Diabetes is basically under control due to weight loss,diet,and glucophage.When I started I was hovering around 260 on my Blood sugar. My numbers are between for the most part 90 and 105.Blood pressure back then was 155/110,now averages about 120/80.I figure about another four to five months and I should reach my goal.
Other than Denise and I having horrendous sinus and chest congestions this last week we have been very busy with church activities,Christmas shopping and decorating,mailing cards and parcels etc.
We don't see Darylene much these days when she does come home on weekends she is very busy doing studies and of course her laundry.Travis continues to work hard on his school work. I have said before that it is a struggle for him but he is doing much better now by attempting more work on his own.Before he tended to wait until someone helped him first.Now he attempts it himself then if a problem arises he will come to us.Results though not always great give a better picture to the teacher of exactly where Travis stands educationally.
Denise works very hard.I cant tell you how many days she comes home totally exhausted both physically as well as mentally from her job.This past week as I have said has been exceedingly tough because of her illness.I talked her into calling in sick last night and tonight as well.The doctor recommended it for at least three to four days.So these two days plus her two days off hopefully will work out to her benefit healthwise.
I have been kept very busy at our church,especially in the month of November and last month our discipleship group handed out free hot chocolate on a cold November the 27th evening.The response from the huge crowd was overwhelming.When we first started giving it out we had a lineup almost a block long.Everyone was wonderfully thankful and generous.We did not ask for any donations or payment but still they left money in a large jar on the big table we set up.
..That is about all I can think of to say for now,other than the fact that I am saddened by the poor play of my Canucks.Right now they play a boring brand of hockey if your best player is your goalie at the moment then you probably have a boring team.All the big guns(Naslund,Sedins,Morrison etc) have done nothing so far .I have read where at least when they had Bertuzzi there always seemed to be some sort of excitement on the ice.Last night I watched a game between Montreal and Boston,that was won by Boston in OT,the game was truly exciting with lots of scoring,hitting and great saves.I hate to be one to say it but the Canucks really need to make a big blockbuster trade to shake it up!

2006-11-21T14:48:00.000-08:00

Michael Buble-Feeling Good Music Video

i just had to add this video to our blog.....this one is for you Neesy!!!.....I love you ,princess!!!!

2006-11-17T15:34:00.000-08:00

Click on this site and watch your name made in the snow.
http://www.star28. net/snow. html

Denise

2006-11-16T13:53:00.000-08:00

Today we decided to rent a rug doctor and steam clean the carpets. Things were going pretty good until Malcolm went to empty the dirty solution and he slipped on the kitchen floor. He is ok just got a small cut on the (R) posterior area of his Big toe. I was worried that he had fractured his hip or arm the way he had landed. But he was very lucky. Things have been really busy lately we are cleaning and scrubbing everything for thanksgiving dinner coming up. We have the family coming over to our house. Malcolm of course is doing the cooking. I will be his assistant... lol.... I am very happy this year I get the day before thanksgiving off and thanksgiving day off as well. We are also kept very busy with numerous church activities. I think on Saturday we will put our Christmas tree up. I know some of you are saying that's way to early. But I have always loved my Christmas decorations up early in November. If I can talk Malcolm into it maybe we will catch the early bird Christmas specials the day after thanksgiving. I know I will have a blast shopping. We have a lot to be thankful for this year. Have a Happy Thanksgiving Day!!!!!!!!

Denise

2006-10-23T16:06:00.000-07:00

Click on this to go to see Michael Buble singing moondance and while Kurt Browning interprets the song in a figure skating routine.
Denise

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgkB6kFJjf0

2006-10-22T15:50:00.000-07:00

Here is a pic of Darylene and her friend from college making cupcakes in their free time downstairs in the kitchen.

2006-10-21T14:32:00.000-07:00

Speaking of the grizzlies,here is a pic of my nephew Graedon Church participating in the pregame warm up with the team.You must remember he is only 9 the junior team is usually from 16 and up.As you can imagine this was a big thrill for him...Way to go Graedon!!!

2006-10-20T21:45:00.000-07:00

okay...in case you are all wondering,this symbol is the new one of the junior hockey team from Victoria.Much better than their old name,believe me!!For almost ten years the team was known as Victoria Salsa.......sheesh,if you think the name is bad you should have seen the crest.It was a jalapeno pepper wearing a sombrero,hockey skates and carrying a hockey stick.....how embarassing. When I went to the games when I lived in Victoria every time the home team scored they played la cuccaracha and people actually threw jalapeno peppers onto the ice.These people went to grocery store beside the arena and bought bags of peppers for each game.....Groan!!!!
At least now they look like a hockey team.Of course they have big bucks behind them now.A conglomerate of NHL players(Len Barrie,Mike Vernon,RyanSmyth and others)

2006-10-04T23:45:00.000-07:00

Yahoo! Image Detail for www.mahuffer.com/New_Folder-1/canadian_thanksgiving-1.gif

2006-10-03T21:05:00.000-07:00

“The churches that will cease to exist are not those who are doctrinally errant, but are spiritually errant. You can't get away with it anymore. You can't just talk about what the bible says, you better flesh it out or you are dead.” “That's what's exciting about the world in which we live. Only the viable church of Jesus Christ will survive, the inauthentic need not apply. I want to live in the world that if the church is not the revolution that Jesus died to establish 2000 years ago it ceases to exist. I want to live in a world where the church has no more crutches, or buffers to guard her from injury. I want a church where a culture no longer protects her. Whenever the gospel enters an environment, it prevails.” “Its not about structures, strategies, programs or patterns. If you don't rediscover the apostolic, you'll die!”

2006-10-01T14:39:00.000-07:00

I was reading in the newspaper this past week that the surgeon Dr. Monfore who performed my cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) is retiring. He is a very good surgeon and it will be a great loss for the local community. I wish the medical field could go back to the way it used to be. What i mean by this is that i wish there was a way we could spend more time with our patients and less time on paper work. Seems we spend a good majority of our time doing assessments and documentation and less and less time personally with each patient. But in this day and age of lawsuits this is what must be done i suppose.

Denise

2006-09-16T16:39:00.000-07:00

Once you get to the jesus camp movie site click on the video tab at the top so you can see the trailer and what i mean

Denise

2006-09-16T16:28:00.000-07:00

I found this site most disturbing showing children being taught basically how to hate anyone not believing in christ. Is this truly what we want to become, not me that is for sure. I find fundamentalism to be very scary we get very angry at muslim fundamentalist for doing this so i can't see why we would want to go down the same path. Do they really think that this will bring more people to christianity. I don't think so. Here is the web page you can go to I don't know when the movie will be released but it is coming soon.
Denise

http://www.jesuscampthemovie.com/

2006-09-16T15:12:00.000-07:00

Just thought we would add this little pic of Darylene and Luke in the red zone at the Fresno state Bulldog-Oregon Duck game last weekend.Unfortunately we lost 31-24. The first pic is Darylene,Mallory and Luke same game.They really look like they are having fun.Don't you think?

2006-09-13T20:22:00.000-07:00

I am presently reading a little book called"The Barbarian Way"by Erwin McManus.As I have just opened it only an hour or so ago I should most likely finish it before the evening is out.It is actually a thought provoking,insightful book that delves into" the giving of ones heart to the only One who can make you fully alive.To unleash the untamed faith within.To be consumed by the presence of a passionate and compassionate God.To go where He sends you,no matter what the cost".This is what McManus calls The Barbarian Way.
I went online and looked up a review on said book.There seems to a true divide on the author especially along the lines of age and even perhaps religious upbringing.Which brings me to prbably the main reason why I was turned off by the church years ago.It is sad when I read the absolute written in stone statements of some church leaders.In some of these reviews these critics have actually ripped Mcmanus apart for saying Christianity needs to change its approach to todays needs.How can one look around this world we live in and not see that the old steadfast laws of the church have actually driven millions away.

Here is an example;
It needs to be said, however, that all these things are already quite plainly spoken in the Bible. It has always been the fashion of the laid-back believer to get most of his spiritual sustenance from a popular “Christian” book, and these days of “cutting-edge” authors make that route all the easier and the more tempting. The fact is—and it is barely mentioned these days—as Christians we don’t need any other book to tell us of spiritual living. The Scriptures are complete in themselves, a living Word from the Living One.
“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (1Timothy 3:16-17). There is no book on the shelf that has the power to transform the life of everyone who takes its words to heart—except one. The Bible alone is God-breathed, living and active (Hebrews 4:12), and containing all that is necessary for anyone who wishes to be translated from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. No other book ever written can do that. While some other books can be good in their own way, helping to explain things certain aspects of the faith more clearly, the God of the Bible recognizes no addition to its pages. That addition, unfortunately, is what many books about the Bible have a tendency to do, and the net result is to render biblically illiterate the majority of their reading audience.

I mean ,come on,Lighten up for goodness sakes.This is the exact reason I cannot accept some of the old church"doctrine".Not to question,raise doubts?...to me as I just read in Rob Bells book,it is my God given right and yes purpose, to ask and question.
When I read young authors such as Rob Bell and Erwin McManus it gives some hope that perhaps the christian church as we know it is hopefully not stagnate and is willing to grow.I believe just as I must change,learn and grow then the church as well should be able to do the same.Of course there must be "the core belief",without which the basis of our worship would be lost.As I am at the very early stages of my coming over to Christ,even though my advanced age physically denies this,I am not foolish enough to delve deeper without sounding silly.But to deny objectivity and disallow new thoughts and inquiries seems almost communistic to me.I mean even politicians and politics change eventually.

2006-09-01T12:27:00.000-07:00

I can hardly wait for Diana Krall's new cd to come out this month it is called from this moment on. And also there is another cd coming out this month called duet's an american classic it features Michael Buble, Tony Bennet and many others. I have listened to the sample music of Diana Krall's new cd it sounds very jazzy. All is well with us. Darylene goes to her first college football game tonight. I sure do miss having her here around the house. Travis is having fun this year in the 6th grade. Well gotta go...... Phone is ringing

Denise

2006-08-23T06:55:00.000-07:00

here are a couple of lighter pics of the dinner last night.Perhaps you can see Darylene better in these.She is in the back row in the middle.

2006-08-23T06:38:00.000-07:00

And today is Darylene's 18th birthday .Yesterday however was the day she moved into her dorm at Fresno State.Quite a busy and emotional day,especially for Denise and Darylene. Later that night after she moved in we went to the presidents scholars dinner.We had a wonderful time.The meal was very good.We had filet of salmon.However the weather at the dinner was HOT...over 100 degrees.Luke was very helpful for us all day long.He made the whole transition much easier for Darylene

2006-08-21T08:30:00.000-07:00

I just received these pics of my sister Lisa,Her husband Rick and my two nephews Connor and Graedon.As you can see they got there pictures taken at Bear Mountain Resort in Victoria with the Stanley Cup.The man in the other picture is Ray Whitney,a member of the cup winning Carolina Hurricanes.The boys got their hockey sweaters autographed by him.I can bet they were pretty excited about this.I know I would be.Denise however, not truly understanding the Canadian fixation on hockey doesnt see the big deal about it.But she does think that for the boys it must be a real cool thing and she is happy for them.Personally I am jealous.Way to go boys!!!

2006-08-16T10:10:00.000-07:00

Well here it is,only six days to go and Darylene will be off to Fresno State.Just about all her financing is in place and she has most everything she needs for her dorm.We will be celebrating her 18th birthday here at home on Sunday the 20th,even though her actual birthday is the 23rd. Of course she will be in Fresno then.As I think I have said before the 22nd will be a very busy day for both her and for us.First we have to go to Fresno before noon to pick up her laptop,then after 12 noon we are able to move her stuff into her dorm.Then after that is done we will drive back to Hanford to get ready for our smittcamp college dinner with the president of Fresno State at 5:30 pm.So we will have to drive back and forth to Fresno twice in one day.
Travis meanwhile will start school the day before Darylene leaves.The day we will be busy with her,he will be staying with Aunt Doris.This will be his final year of elementary school.Next year he will be in Junior high school.Hard to believe.
Denise continues to work very hard at her job.She is looking forward to having 3 weeks vacation next year.We still arent quite sure when that will be or even what we will be doing.
We have even discussed moving elsewhere.Whether it is just around town,somewhere else in the state or even elsewhere.Who knows??? We sure dont!
Denise also is reading a book that she says is very interesting.It is called "Velvet Elvis".Yes I know that name sounds odd,but in actual fact it is a book that makes you think and ask many questions towards god .It does help clarify things.At least for us it does.Our pastor recommended it.He also recommended a book called "the barbarian way"by Irwin McManus.It is book following his journey from an atheist to a follower of Jesus.I am looking forward to that one.We will order it from Amazon.

2006-08-04T01:55:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone.........Denise here,,,,i just found this cool sight where you are the actual surgeon doing knee surgery.If you want to try it out just click on this web site.....http://www.freewebarcade.com/game/virtual-knee-surgery/

Just follow the directions,it is quite easy and fun.

2006-08-02T16:10:00.000-07:00

ummmmmmmmm...here are the two pics that were missing from the previous post.The top one is James and the next one is Anna,Jimmy,Casey and Allison at Allison's christening .

2006-08-02T09:24:00.000-07:00

Here are some great pictures of my grandchildren and Annas husband Jimmy.Pictures from top to bottom are:Rose(5),Casey(almost 7),Allison,(1),James(About eight weeks) and a picture of Jimmy and Anna at Rose's christening.They all live in Ste michel-des-sainte,Quebec.I talk to them at least twice a week .The kids are growing so fast.Rose speaks almost fluent quebecois and I am sure casey will soon as well.Rose wants to be a cowgirl.She loves anything pink or purple.

2006-07-31T21:17:00.000-07:00

I have spent the past two days thinking about our church and what will become of it. In order to ease my mind I decided to look through my old photo albums. I found many,many pictures of people I remember from 10,20 and even 30 years ago . Then I came across this one. This is a photo of my capping as a nurse with my grandma. This is very special to me because it was my grandma that encouraged me to become a nurse. She had been in nursing for over fifty years. She also taught nursing as well at the nursing school. I can still remember her and grandpa taking me to church as a little girl.

2006-07-30T20:55:00.000-07:00

After almost four years of dealing with government bureaucracy both here in the states as well as Canada,I have finally received my green card. Woohooooooo!I'm good now till 2016.I am thinking that in a few years I will apply for citizenship. However unless I can get dual citizenship I wont do it.
We received news today that our pastor would be leaving our church as of Oct.31. Needless to say this came as great shock to most of us. After much discussion in our home we realized that we all move along in this life and that the pastor is doing this both for our church as well as advancing his career. I have to say on a personnel level I will miss him and his family as they were my only connection down here in Hanford to anything Canadian. Darylene was quite upset but also saw that eventually we must all go through some changes in our lives, some painful,some not. Besides I told her that in this day and age it isn't like you couldn't keep contact with the pastor. I told that I was certainly going to and I can only hope the best for him and his family in the future.They are a wonderful group of people that have had a profound impact on me and my family.So once again"GOOD LUCK LLOYD,KATHY,LUKE,JONATHON AND ANDREW!!!" from Malcolm,Denise,Darylene and Travis.

2006-07-23T07:06:00.000-07:00

We recently went to Disneyland with the kids for a couple of days.We had a great time with my sister Lisa,her husband Rick,and there two boys Connor(11) and Graedon(9).We have lots more pictures which I am sure we will eventually add more to this site.Travis had the time of his life and was sad when we had to leave.A trip for a longer stay is definately in the works for either next year or the year after.

2006-07-11T06:33:00.000-07:00

Well it has been awhile since I (Denise) wrote my last blog. Last Thursday, our family helped my Uncle Ed and Aunt Sue from Nevada move into their new home. We enjoyed it actually because I got to see my cousin Michael and his kids whom i have not seen for some time since christmas.

Then just a few days ago, Malcolm's sister from Canada talked us into going to Disneyland for a couple of days next week. Travis and I are very excited about this. I am grateful to my work for giving me and extra day off to do this. We are going to stay in the same hotel as my sister in law and her family. Travis has never been to Disneyland which is one of the main reasons we decided to go. Me on the other hand can hardly wait to go on the Peter Pan ride. Malcolm makes fun of me for this. Darylene however is going to get to go to Disneyland three times in total this year. Am I ever Jealous i really love Disneyland.

Travis had a great day yesterday on his birthday. He got many presents which he loves. Travis has grown this summer quite a bit. Soon I will be the short one in the family.

Denise

2006-06-24T11:40:00.000-07:00

And here is a pic of me and my brother in the background taking a pic as well. The two fingers over my head belong to Chad my brother in law. Real funny guy ha ha ha......

2006-06-24T11:38:00.000-07:00

and another pic of the bbq

2006-06-24T11:36:00.000-07:00

More pics from the bbq

2006-06-24T11:21:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday we got to attend the Sportman's Club family BBQ. This is a pic of Darylene with my father. We had a very nice time, for lunch they served Raven's turkey or roast, salad, potato salad, and great tasting chili. Oh yeah and lots of hot dogs for Audrey. Travis won a 35mm camera.

2006-06-19T07:05:00.000-07:00

Darylene has finally graduated from High School. Now she will be off to College in a couple of months. We sure are proud of her.

2006-06-01T20:25:00.000-07:00

I asked God to take away my pride and God said, "No."He said it was not for Him to take it away, but for me to give it up.
I asked God to heal my disease and God said, No."He said, "Your spirit is whole, your body is only temporary.Through your afflictions you will learn to help others who also suffer."
I asked God to grant me patience and God said, "No."He said that patience is a by-product of tribulation.It isn't granted, it's earned.
I asked God to give me happiness and God said, "No."He said that He gives blessings, happiness is up to me.
I asked God to spare me pain and God said, "No."He said, "Suffering draws you apart from worldly caresand brings you closer to me."
I asked God to make my spirit grow and God said, "No."He said that I must grow on my own,but He will prune me to make me fruitful.
I asked God if He loved me and God said, "Yes."He said, "I gave my only Son who died for you.You will be in heaven someday because you believe."
I asked God to help me love others as much as He loves me and God said,"Ah...Finally you understand..."

2006-06-01T19:37:00.000-07:00

a final update on Darylene's scholarships.We went to scholarship night on May 30th and to our pleasant surprise Darylene has received schoalrships totaling 42,900 dollars.It breaks down like this:
Smittcamp college(Fresno)-28,000
Thomsen family-10,000
central valley hospital auxiliary-1000
Hanford Lions club-1000
csf Hanford-200
Hanford high guidance-200
West Hills presidents scholarship-2500
Now the Smittcamp scholarship is divided at about 7000 each year for four years.The Thomsen scholarship is divided at 2500 for four years.And unfortunately now that Darylene is going to Fresno state she no longer qualifies for the West hills scholarship.But it is great that they considered her for it anyway.All in all quite an amazing achievement for her.

2006-05-18T19:52:00.000-07:00

Well here we are,nearing the end of May and Darylene is finally finding out that all her work in school is paying off.Not only has she received the fantastic Smittcamp honors scholarship that pays for her tuition,dorm fees,a laptop and first choice of all the colleges events but now in the past week she has been told she has received a 2500 dollar award from the Thomsen Scholarship Fund and a 1000 dollar award from the local Lions club.These amounts will pay for her food and books for the year.Truly amazing!
As for myself?? Well as of two weeks ago that polyp is gone and the biopsy was benign.After doing my bloodwork last week the dr.wants me to some more tomorrow as he is a bit concerned about some thing.Oh yeah,when I went to the hospital I was weighed and it seems I had lost about 53 pounds.I figure as of today I have probably lost about 60 pounds altogether.Getting closer.About forty or fifty to go.

We have a very busy few weeks coming up with grad and stuff.The kids dad and his wife are coming for that week of grad.Darylene has an overnight trip to Disneyland on the 25th and a concert performance on the 26th and 27th.Our anniversary is on the 31st.Somewhere in the middle of all this we have to do some housecleaning.Now if only the temps don't stay at 101 like they did today.Whewwwwwwwww!

2006-05-05T14:34:00.000-07:00

Okay........Well finally finally finished my last colonoscopy and all went well.The first sample came back "very benign".All looks good and I dont need another one done for five years.
My blood sugar seems to be better too.It hovers between 110 and 130 most days.My blood pressure is very much under control now at around 117/72 most days.
And finally after dieting for about three months I have lost about 53 pounds according to the scales at the hospital.I figure to lose about fifty more.This should take between three to five more months.
We went on tuesday with Darylene to Fresno state to register etc.It looks like she is really going to busy for the next four years.We just have to wait a bit more to see how much finacial aid will cover of the 2940 dollars needed for meals.The financial aid officer at FSU said it looks like it will cover between 2500 and 2600 dollars of it.If so she will be in good shape for her first year.

2006-04-28T11:09:00.000-07:00

The Lord has answered our prayers this week on two issues. The first one is Malcolm's biopsy came back and the results are benign meaning there is no cancer. And the second one is Darylene got a scholarship for honors college. We are very excited and proud of her. It has been all she has talked about since junior high.

2006-04-24T21:20:00.000-07:00

Okay...it has been awhile since the last blog.Just a little note to all that the senior prom has finally come and gone.We got some good pics of Darylene and Bradley.All went well and they had a wonderful time on saturday evening.They went to Fresno first for dinner before the prom.Now we just have grad to through,then voila!!!That will just leave Travis.....Of course darylene will be going to junior college for a couple of years,then hopefully on to Fresno State.She wants very much to be an audiologist/patholigist.

2006-04-14T09:04:00.000-07:00

I am glad the kids have been out of school this week for spring break. I am looking forward to Easter Sunday. Hopefully the weather will be nice and sunny. Malcolm and I are going to look around for some flowers to plant. And hopefully we will be able to find a water fountain that I have always wanted. This year we decided not to cook ham for easter dinner this is a first for us. We decided to have something different this year due to Malcolm's sodium reduced diet. Malcolm has been losing wt. I would say about an average of 40 lbs. so far. Malcolm and I were walking before all this bad weather came. Hopefully soon we will have nicer weather and can start walking again. I must walk more than 10 miles a night at work but it is not good enough because it is not a constant steady pace walk to burn calories. Darylene yesterday got her learners permit to drive... And now the fun part begins. It is hard to believe she is this old already.

Denise