Merry Christmas 2009

From the mouth of babes!

I have been lazing this morning. Partly because I caught a cold, and because we are prepping for Christmas Eve. You cannot help to begin to inventory your life on days like this. Trust you know what I mean...

I was looking for something in my top dresser when I stumbled on a note that my daughter and a young girl were passing back and forth during an airline flight a number of years ago. I kept it for many reasons but let me tell you what happened first.


This is the first page of the note:

Amber: What to do anything else? The replies -IDK. I believe this means I don't know.

Amber: You're the first friend I found at the airport! The girl replies A=Me2. I am getting the impression she must have been taught to text at a young age...

Amber: Your very nice!! The girl replies - Thanks


The next page of the note continues:

Amber: Do you know Jesus? The girl replies - Yes, I go 2 Church every Sunday.

Amber: This is my favorite Bible verse. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son that whoever believes in him shall not die but have eternal life! John 3:16.

The girl replies - thats soo cool.

I love this episode in life. I love the fact that my children are not terrified nor cautious in telling the world of our savior... I love this note and will read it on occasion for encouragement in my parenting of these great kids.

Praise God for these little precious gifts.

Sean Michael or Sean Robert?

Smokes! Grumpy,bed head,smacking, cereal eating, morning person Sean Martin. Is this my brother or my son?

Seany boy weekend indulgence - Lucky Charms!

Thanksgiving 2009

It's Sunday evening and I feel compelled to record Thanksgiving 2009. This is a family blog of course and that is good reason enough to record. I believe it goes deep and beyond the normal reasons to blog and share. God's word (presented in Pastor Tim's sermon today) reminds us - give thanks in all circumstances. For this is Gods will for you in Christ Jesus. This reason, combined with some great family time, makes me want to share and give thanks...

Thank you Lord for your grace and mercy. Thank you for Jesus Christ and the delivery of the promise and your love to the world!

In every thank you below - it is thanks to God.

Thank you for the gift of marriage, family, children and parents. Thank you for the joy of children and their fun with the cousins this weekend!

Thank you God for your comfort and encouragement, especially during the times of doubt, anxiety, and life distractions. Living the dream...

Thank you for friendships.

Thank you for my great career, my employer, and the dear friendship I have received in this journey.

Thank you for my sister Donna and John for treating us all a Thanksgiving meal.

Thank you for my brother Sean and his wife Debbie for housing us last weekend and the joy we had visiting them.

Thanks to my brother Sean and Mike for punishing me on some great mtb trails on Wed evening.

Thanks to all those on the ride on Thanksgiving day: John, Scotty, Scott, Sean, Donna, and wifey. Awesome morning of riding and preppy for calorie intake!

Thanks to God for my brothers new career and the friendships he has made over the years.

Thanks to Richard, Sister Cheryl, and daughter Shawna for being with us on Thanksgiving. Praise God for their new travel experiences and visiting our nations capitol.

Thanks for all the food, resources, and bounty the Lord provided and the meal we shared at Thanksgiving. Our cups overflowed!

Thanks for the rest and relaxation and the moment to forget the craziness of life even if for a moment of rest by your hand!

Thanks for the new house for the Easter family!

Thanks for the new home for TT and Korey and their trust in you!

Thanks for my father and his wisdom in life and our friendship. Thanks to my mom for her undying love and attention to her children (even if they are grown up)...

Thank you God for your eternal encouragement, faithfulness, and love. Our prayer is to remember always, give thanks to you!

I love the way today's worship service ended - God commands our thanks because who He is and because what He has done in Jesus Christ. This is the gospel at it's core!!! I give thanks for the transforming power of this gift.

God Bless you all and hope you had a fine Thanksgiving celebration!

Grey Sharks

This is our Under 8 boys soccer team. Korey and I elected to coach and instruct this season for Seany boy's soccer team.

It has been a blast so far and lots of fun. Blessings to the players and their families.

From left to right: Coach Korey, Joseph "Joey" Bradbury, Christian "pele" lucierio, Matthew "bull dog" Ferraggario, Bryce "thunderfoot" Tencati, David "speedy" Garcia, Andrew "the defender" Pasquini, Seany "boy" Martin, and yours truly.

An American Hero - Gerald Edward Roebuck

A dear uncle to my father, and hero to our country, passed from this world yesterday. Gerald Edward Roebuck died on October 19, 2009. He is survived by many including his wife Marguerite of 64 years, two sons, and many grandkids/great grandkids.

My father often spoke of his uncle who had a profound impact on his life at a young age and I am delighted and privileged to write this brief piece of history of this man who lived a life of dedication to our country. Perhaps, we can take a moment and praise our Lord that we are blessed in the gift of men and women who are willing to sacrifice their own comforts and lives for our freedoms.

In the brief words of my father, we are sharing his service in the military:

Gerald Roebuck enlisted in the US Navy before the attack of Pearl Harbor and the start of WWII. He was assigned as a Pharmacist Mate with the newly formed Marine Raiders. He served with the 1st Marine Raider Battalion under Colonel "Red" Mike Edson which was part of the 1st Marine Division. In August 1942, this division assaulted Tulagi (Japanese HQ near Guadalcanal) and after this mission the battalion joined the division for operations against Japan on Guadalcanal. Following the battles in Guadalcanal, Gerald was awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism at bloody ridge while aiding wounded Marines, exposing himself to enemy fire. Gerald was wounded but continued evacuating and aiding Marines in the open, while completely surrounded by Japanese forces, until a second wound rendered him unable to stand. Following the battle, he was awarded the Navy Cross by Admiral "Bull" Halsey.

A photo of Marine Raiders landing on Tulagi in 1942.

Following WWII, Gerald served in almost every division of the military. He later re-enlisted in the newly formed US Air Force and retired as a Master Sargent. Following his military journey, he served the public in the Health Department in Montgomery Alabama. Gerald died at the age of 86.

Although I have very few direct memories of my fathers mothers family and her siblings, I sincerely appreciate my dads testimony and fondness of his uncle and his sincere appreciation of this family hero. I praise God for Uncle Gerald's service to our country and pray for peace and comfort to his surviving family. May God rest your soul Uncle Gerald and blessings to your family.

Contrasting Landscape

Citrus groves in the Borrego landscape. Lush meets the barren landscape...

Happy 50th Tamara!

In 1959 there were some considerable introductions to the world. The BIC pall point pen introduced in the US, Barbie was introduced world wide, Alaska entered US statehood, and many other important events seem to hit the US headlines. But these little pieces of US history simply meant nothing to our family. One of the best decades of our country was coming to an end and our family enjoyed one last piece of blessing from the 1950's. Tamara was born to the world... God really blessed us all with her and we are grateful that she is in our lives. Tamara, meaning spice and in some cases palm tree, is a very fitting name because the beautiful and tasteful ways she has impacted all our lives.

This past weekend, all the siblings and children drove to Borrego Springs to celebrate her 5oth birthday and the weekend did not dissapoint. Her husband Brad and her introduced us to their new ranch home in which they are responsible for - a very profound and old organic citrus grove tucked in the upper valleys above Borrego in the San Diego County side just above the imperial valley. The desert oasis setting was stunningly beautiful and the ranch in which they reside has been there since 1940. They gave us tours and it was a blast.

The birthday day was spent at a SPA poolside with everyone having a blast poolside watching the kids and cousins go for it in the pool. The balance of the adults spent time fellowshipping and enjoying Tamara's company in this hot desert and 100 degree plus setting.

The evening was spent getting ready for dinner and a drive into the town of Barrego. To all of our surprise, we were greeted with a WWII armed forces carrier truck and we enjoyed a music filled tour of the Barrego Springs area as family together in the back of an elevated truck body with comfortable seats. The warm breeze, music, laughter, and smiles from everyone was an amazing experience and we all seemed to enjoy the unique aspect of our evening. It was something you could not have planned from an area outside of Borrego - Big thanks to Brad for this evening. We landed at a restaurant that hosted the Hollywood elite in the 50's. The building was a modern type of architecture built in a very desolate desert setting complete with pool, suites, restaurant and bar. Christina and Vanessa (Tam's daughters) set up the pool deck with memorabilia, cheeses, wines, and other enjoyments to make the birthday celebration all the better. The evening was filled with cheer, fellowship, sharing, tons of laughter, and overall a family appreciation and celebration. In this case, Tamara was center stage.

What a great time and we are all indeed grateful for Gods hand in all of our lives and the faithfulness in keeping us all together in our life journey. We will continue to make our family fellowship an important one.

Papa and his grand kids and great grand kids...

The beautiful girls: Jenn, Debbie, Cheryl, Shawna, Donna, TT, Tamara, Diane (the mom and grandma), and Amber. Have no idea why Vanessa is not in the pic?

The Gents: Korey, Jeff, Seany boy, Richard, Kenyon, Jeff (dad and granpa), Sean, Kevin, and Brad. John was missing and left to Taiwan on business. He was missed.

All aboard miss birthday girl!

Brad and Tamara at Dinner. Thanks to Brad, Christina, and Vanessa for putting on such a memorable evening...

Gods Finger Print

People often ask me why I have a passion for the outdoors and fishing for that matter. I can answer the question in so many ways for sure. But this picture says alot... Fishing, and the outdoors, is just a moment to reflect on the creator! Yes the creator and not the creation. I love to think that these beautiful moments don't even come close to the real Glory of the Lord and that being in His presence will be simply unimaginable beauty and pure joy.

I love fishing and the outdoors because I get a moment to give the Lord praise and enjoy what He created for our joy. There is so much more to this point so I will not try to explain but only give you a glimpse.

Welcome to the night time in the Aleutians in Alaska near Cold Harbor. The picture credit goes to my fishing pal Bob Silva. More to follow on that trip.

My Beautiful Girls!

Nana the fish slayer!

Seems we have another fish slayer in the family. This fish was in the range of 3.5# plus and 20-21 inches long... Pics as usual dont show the color of this beautiful Alper Rainbow Trout. This is the north end of Rock Creek Lake and mom caught this pig on a Thomas Bouyance brook pattern spoon.

Good job Mom!

Mammoth Base Camp - Going for it!

Sean and Amber always love to go for it in Mammoth. Traditions always have us in the climbing and bouldering at the main lodge. It is a joy to watch the kids climb and trust the teamwork with their dad on the anchor... They really did a good job.

Seany ringing the bell.

Amber taking the hard route.

The treat at the end of the day - zip line!

Jake and Penny

Meet the new family pets. Jake and Penny. Picked this brother and sister up in Santa Maria Humane Society and applied for them. Well, they are with us now...

Believe they are some unique mix of terrier. 4 months old and expected in the 20# plus range at full size. Amber and Sean have been asking solid for a year. They got their wish and doing a good job with the new responsibility.

Oh Boy!

Mammoth Trip 2009

Our Mammoth trip this year did not dissapoint. We thank our Lord for these precious times of family fellowship, adventure, traditions, and important reflection. This picture was taken at about 10,300 feet above sea level above Mosquito Flats with a small lake known as Heart Lake.

A storm was coming in, it was 5:30pm, and time to head down. From Left to Right: Sean, Debbie, Jenn, Sean, Me, Amber, Dad, and Mom. Will share more stories of the times that included all the sisters, their husbands, and family. Great time had...

Josh Roy and Family

My cousin Josh was also in town last weekend. To my delight and surprise, this young man has taken on the cycling habit as well and is on the road to great accomplishment in the criterium scene.

When he climbs on a bike, he looks like he might pull the handlebars off since he has a very built muscular build.

Josh really worked the race skillfully staying comfortably at the front and even taking one prime mid race. His final kick to the line was awesome and showed that his sprint is effective. Third place on the line in a Regional Championship criterium. This event allows him the points to hit Cat. 3 for the balance of the year and next.

This is Josh just before the start of the mens Cat. 4 criterium in SLO.

Josh at left. Fine job!

I will post the balance of his family pictures once they are downloaded. It was great to see how well his family is growing and it was a total delight to meet his wife Stacey for the second time and the two beautiful children Isaiah and Christian. Josh is currently a US Navy Diver at the Seal base in Coronado (where his brother is - Seal Team 3) and lives in Imperial Beach.

More on the families later when I can post more photos...

Meet my cousins - The Sackets

Our family had the pleasure of reuniting with my first cousin Jennifers daughter Courtney, her husband Travis, and their sweet children Carly and Kamryn.

The last time we saw courtney is nine years (+/-) in San Diego when her brother Josh got married.

They live in Tehachapi, CA and are both doing just fine. Her husband Travis is a full on hunter fisherman with one of the funniest and easy going personalities I have met in a long time. I look forward to seeing him and Courntey again.

Blessing to see how their lives are changing and growing. Look forward to seeing them more.

Their blog is http://sacketfamily.blogspot.com/

Getting Outdoors

This Independence Day weekend was filled with adventure, business, family, and enjoying outdoor time...

In addition to some fishing time on Friday, hanging with cousins, household chores, we spent some family time in the outdoors the balance of the weekend.

On Saturday, I woke and picked up Tim Theule for a quick ride at Lopez. It was a great time together and perfect weather for a pedal in the mountains. Quickly following, the family drove to SLO to enjoy a hike to Bishops peak for a kid and parent trek to the top. It was a beautiful walk and the kids did fantastic. We bolted home to prepare a taco meal for some out of town cousins who were in town for a weekend of camping at Lopez and participating in the bike race. More on that later.

The family on the trek downward...

On Sunday, I woke early to watch Josh Roy (my first cousin Jennifer's son) race the crit downtown. I returned mid morning to pack and get in the truck for a mountain drive over High Mountain Road. The trip was a real treat and the kids were filled with experiences in the outdoors including sighting wildlife, mountain landscapes, and the High Mountain Look Out Station. As a kid I was fascinated with visiting distant mountain top Look Out stations and always understood the reasons for these facilities. It clearly appears that the fire look out operations have now been replaced with closures or other uses. In this case, the High Mountain location has replaced fire watch with scientific Condor watching and reserve staff. It was different, but also and exciting experience for the kids. I recall certain life safety devices such as chairs with glass insulators for lightning protection. Well, they are still equipped. We had a great visit and some Cal Poly students gave us the tour of the surroundings at High Mountain.

Family shot of all of us at High Mountain Look Out Station. We are standing in front of a life sized painting of an adult Condor. They have massive wing spans!

The look out is equipped with needs for on site residence which included important chairs fitted with glass insulated feet in case of a lightning strike. There is risk with being at the top of the mountain... I recall these same chairs over 30 years ago in the high Sierra Nevada!

My beautiful wife with a beautiful backdrop. High Mountain sits approximately 3190 feet above seal level directly north of Lopez Lake. Note lake in the background adjacent to Jenn's face. The pass in the mountain silhouette is the dam opening at Lopez. Very cool panoramic from this location and very worth the visit...

Showed the kids teamwork in hiking/trekking, compass declination and triangulation, recoginzing different geology/geography and much more than video games and sitting behind the boob tube will ever do!

Very thankful for these special times with the family.

Early Soccer Training

I ponied up and joined the soccer coaching for under 8 boys for AYSO. Trying to get back in the rythym of the sport in general. It is coming back... My guinea pigs...

Halibut Season in Full Swing

TJ, Dad, and yours truly hit Port San Luis this morning for a Hali run. Started slowly since the bait boat was empty. We employed a sabiki rig and caught the bait (sardines) ourselves and saved the money to boot.

Three fish on the boat and this really decent 29" fish caught shallow near the breakwater.

Blessed times...

Sean and Dad - MDO

Sean visited for the past several days on his day off. Nice time and he road a lot! In this time frame, he and Dad took a pedal to Montana De Oro for a nice 12 mile loop. Not to bad for Dad since the terrain is no cake walk.

Great time with Sean and looking forward to more time together...

Our Amber....

I was looking for new photos to post when I ran across this video. There is not really much to say...except that I love this kid!

Amber starting to sing at a very young age and her desires and passions have not changed.

Enjoy...

Summer Fishing

Santa Margarita - Spent some time fishing with the boys this past Friday evening. Seany Boy, Papa, Korey, and I arrived Santa Margarita just before 6 pm for a late evening hang out and fishing. Had some great fellowship together, good food, and some real fun. Fishing was slow but it did not interupt the fun. Off the lake at 9pm that evening. Fun to end in the dark with running lights.

PSL - Jenn, Sean, Amber, and I spent a few hours after church cruising the kelp lines in Shell Beach looking for halibut opportunity. There was no live bait available so we simply dropped frozen anchovies. Three copper rockfish hook ups and several halibut like stikes. Just some more time and we will have some flatties for dinner! Jenn was picking up the bug. Regardless of the fishing, just fun times on the water and family time...

Seany Boy landed a hefty crappie. Look at the bend in his rod...!

Nice catch and barely lipped... Nice job Sean.

A local copper - these are great to eat.

More times to be had. Praise God!

12 Years and Rolling

Today, June 21, 2009, Jenn and I celebrate our 12 years of marriage and Gods amazing gift.

With the help of my parents, Jenn and I made a trip to Santa Barbara for the weekend for two nights at the Oceana. I cannot believe it has been two years since we have been away from the kids overnight. The next trip will not take so long...!

We spent two days riding our MTB's and sampling culinary enjoyments. We spent much time simply lazing at the pool and enjoying each others company.

Sean and Debbie joined us on Sunday morning to grind some miles in the foothills and ridges over SB. We met in Summerland, had some breakfast, and headed up the hills for a 3 hours plus ride. We really appreciated their company on the last morning of the trip.

Just below Camino Cielo - Ridge directly above summerland at approximately 3500 feet above sea level. 12 years of fantastic companionship!

Our late afternoon decompression... We lounged here for nearly 3-4 hours on Friday and Saturday. 75 degrees and several naps at waterside.

So thankful for Gods wonderful gift of marriage and looking forward to more journey together.

Thanks to our family and friends for their support over the years.

Our New Neighbor

Meet the new birth of Rita the Donkey. Meet Marshmallo!

2009 Western States Police and Fire Games - Day 1 Crit

My brother Sean and cousin Mike Easter competed in law enforcement and fireman athletic games this year. Both of them raced in the criterium this afternoon. Both Sean and Mike did very well and they, in addition to today's event, are competing the ultimate cyclist category for 5 days of racing for an overall placing.

Sean's lead group just before the run up...

Sean cornering hard with big effort... Sean was animated and rode strong and tactically brilliant. Just some times you don't win... Awesome riding!

Sean threw his bike to pick up one place. He got blocked on the run up but otherwise had a great sprint. My sister Donna's fist in the air!

Sean with a silver on the podium!

My father medaled in these same events 25 years ago when he participated for the Los Angeles Police Revolver and Athletic Club. Back then, they did well. The LAPD guys got shelled in the first half of the race...

Mike riding on the wheel of the guy about to be humbled with his original thoughts! The other rider (Mike Hand) had a laugh at the start line teasing Easter that they would not have to worry about the guy with the big guns on the climb. Oops - this was one of those times that looks were not deceiving.

Mike stomping on the gas! Heading to lap the main group 2x... A different class of cyclist for sure.

Great podium finish with the Gold!

It was a blast to spend the day with the family and friends on the course. The Martin and Easter family definitely came ready to have fun with kids everywhere... Thanks to the wife and friends for their support. More to follow with other upcoming events. Bless these two guys are they move forward this week.

Connecting

Learning more and more how to connect with my children. This past couple of weeks have been particularly enjoyable with Sean and we are exploring and learning things together. Trusting in the Lord for the tools to be effective in all this...

Face painted like a tiger, and ready to scramble left field...

Ready to throw casts with no care if something bites... OK, I understand he loves it. Future fish slayer! Either way, he loves to harrass the fish and who cares if you catch anything...!

Central Coast Adventure Challenge 2009

Fellowship, sweat, fear, tears, and joy...

Much to follow on this great adventure race that took place last weekend. But enjoy some early photos and check back later. 5th place all male division.

Two registered, one cohesive team! Korey, Jeff, Rudy, and Mike.

Jeff in element ready for the heat 100 degrees!

Approaching the final leg... Missing a real part of it...

More to follow on this great adventure.

Fitness - An Important Life Style

Amber received her second Presidential Fitness Award. Sean also received his first. Do you remember when most grade school children made this a priority? I do!

I am glad to be part of a family that believes in the fitness routine. Not in an idolistic way, but in a way that honors our creator and God. Congats Amber and Sean and looking forward to carrying on this important life tradition.

Fishing Tales - Crowley Lake, CA

In a few days, I will be blogging likely the best fishing trip I can recall.

I wanted to share (hopefully not boast) a really nice land that occurred on the last day of the trip. I landed this beautiful Rainbow Trout at Crowley lake mid morning. This fine catch is a Kamloop strain of Rainbow Trout that are charateristic of having almost a salmon look and feature.

Although I believe the picture does not do it justice, I believe the fish was in the 20-22 inch range and likely weighed in exceeding 3-3.25 pounds! I was so excited with the catch that we only took one picture and did not have the benefit of really measuring nor weighing the fish. The fish breached at least twice, ran my drag several times out at least 50 yards, and was difficult to net gently. I was using 4 pound test with 5x 3 pound test leader and a size 12 hook with nightcrawler (sorry I also used flies, artificials, and spoon lures). I only have one photo since I was urgently trying to release the fish safely back into the wild so someone else could enjoy it.

In retrospect, this would have been a good one for eating and should have kept it. Next season, someone will have a whopper of a fish.

So grateful that the good Lord created these wonderful times and opportunities. More to share later.