Go VOTE on Aug. 7th!

Yup, it's almost time to go to those voting polls. And yes, there's more than just the primaries to vote on. For Missouri, there is something on the ballot that makes it a much more pressing priority. It's a Constitutional amendment:

Official Ballot Title
Constitutional Amendment 2

[Proposed by the 96th General Assembly (First Regular Session) HJR 2]

Official Ballot Title:

Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to ensure:

• That the right of Missouri citizens to express their religious beliefs shall not be infringed;
• That school children have the right to pray and acknowledge God voluntarily in their schools; and
• That all public schools shall display the Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution.

It is estimated this proposal will result in little or no costs or savings for state and local governmental entities.

Fair Ballot Language:

A "yes" vote will amend the Missouri Constitution to provide that neither the state nor political subdivisions shall establish any official religion. The amendment further provides that a citizen's right to express their religious beliefs regardless of their religion shall not be infringed and that the right to worship includes prayer in private or public settings, on government premises, on public property, and in all public schools. The amendment also requires public schools to display the Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution.
A "no" vote will not change the current constitutional provisions protecting freedom of religion.
If passed, this measure will have no impact on taxes.

For more information, visit here: http://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/2012ballot/

Week Rundown! (07/22/12 - 07/28/12)

Sunday:


After morning services, we came home and took some naps (sure felt great!). This evening was camp night at church, and we got to hear the youth talk about their week. We then went to Braum's after church services for some ice cream!


Monday:

This evening, we ate supper and watched the second Narnia movie, "Prince Caspian". Several of the spots were a little intense, but the kids enjoyed it. Gave us good discussion with the kids before we had them go to bed.


Tuesday:

Spent the evening at home, worked on projects around the house, while the kids played.


Wednesday:

Since today was the 25th, it was Christmas In July at KWFC radio. I'm doing the noon0-3pm shift, so I got to play Christmas songs over the air! It was fun.

The excitement of Christmas was spilled over at church this evening as well. Our song director like the idea, and we sang carols during the services.


Thursday:

After coming home and eating a quick supper, Lydia dropped Mysia off the library while she took Malachi for his shots. He did pretty well, but they did hurt. They were able to make it back to the library before it closed. The kids got stickers and a card for the books they had read.


Friday:

After getting off work in the afternoon, Lydia had Mommy & Malachi day. She took him to the Discovery Center. Needless to say, he wore his mommy out!

This evening, we watched the opening ceremonies for Olympics. We had friends over for supper (grilled hamburgers), and played games. Mysia and Malachi were happy to have buddies over.


Saturday:

We got up and did housework. After afternoon naps, we attended a wedding at church. Mysia took photos with Lydia's camera.

We then spent a few hours in my parents' pool. It sure felt good in this hot heat! WE did the weekly grocery shopping before heading home to bed.



~Matt

RADIO: Southern Gospel Showdown

Some changes at work has allowed me to become a 'utility player' when it comes to the filling in on-air. Last week, I was hosting the late afternoon shift (3-6pm). This week, I've had the mid-day (noon-3pm). Next week, I'll be moving to permanent shift of hosting the evening program (7-9:30pm).

It's been fun! I've been able play some of my favorites along with the current hits. The station as a vast collection, so being able to grab some unique songs has been fun. There are old classics and remakes as well.

To liven up the show, I decided to start a feature I call the "Southern Gospel Showdown". I'll admit that the concept isn't new. I take a song that has been recorded by more than one artist and allow the listeners to pick their favorite. I then put a pole on the station's facebook page.

It's a fun feature, and I've really enjoyed being able to share these songs. I probably get more fun out of it than anyone else. But hey, if you can't have fun at your job... ;)

Yesterday was our Christmas in July, and that was fun! This afternoon, I plan doing the Southern Gospel Showdown feature... so tune in!

~Matt

Week Rundown! (07/15/12 - 07/21/12)

Sunday:

After having a good morning service, we ate a good lunch and the kids took naps. Lydia and I worked on several projects we had before we headed back to church. We took part in the birthday and anniversary fellowship following the evening services. Burgers and hot dogs were served, with some great desert! yum!


Monday:

Today, it was back to work! This evening after supper , I went grocery shopping. Other than that, it was a nice evening at home.


Tuesday:

Lydia had a migraine, so I took the chance and took the kids to my parent's house for a swim. I was looking forward to a nice cool dip. However, the pool water was warm... it reminded me of bath water. The kids didn't care though, and spent more than an hour splashing and swimming. Back at home, I had them take showers and get to bed.


Wednesday:

Today was a big day for Mysia. She was able to go visit the Titanic Museum in Branson with the Boys & Girls Club.

After coming home and eating, we attended the evening services at church.
Andy's after church.


Thursday:

Woke up and found Lydia's van had a flat tire, so I dropped everyone off before work. I was able to get a replacement tire and dropped her van off to her by lunch.

We met at home, grabbed a quick supper and headed out to Sagmont Christian Camp, where I youth had been spending the week. We got to tour the campgrounds and attended evening services. It was hot. Afterwards, we had ice cream and watched the fireworks before we headed home. It was past midnight before we all got to bed.


Friday:

We spent the evening at home, watching some classic television on Netfix! Lydia and I took the time and cataloged our library of books by using a free internet service called goodbooks. They even have a free app that allows you to 'scan' the barcodes with your phone, easily adding books. Needless to say, it was neat to find what we had. There are several that I need to re-read!


Saturday:

We woke up at a earlier time for Saturdays... ate breakfast, and then dropped the kids off with my parents'. They wanted to have them for the day. They had planned to go to Silver Dollar City, but found out that the extra tickets weren't eligible for the day. They ended up going to the lake and then back home to swim in the pool.

Lydia and I used this chance to spend the day together. We went to the Springfield Pregnancy Care Center to view the sample mobile unit. They're expecting to get their own next month. It was exciting to be able to tour it.

We then went and visited several book stores before going grocery shopping. After dropping off the groceries, we watched the kids swim and then headed home. After showers, we watched "The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe" before going to bed.

~Matt

Graphic Design Services

Lately, I’ve had the opportunity to do some freelance graphic design work. I enjoy it. It’s exciting. Not only am I making some extra money on the side, I’m helping others with quality design at a great price.

I’ve discovered that one of my ‘faults’ is that I’m a ‘people-pleaser”. I’ve been that way all my life. The reason I consider it a ‘fault’ is that I tend to put aside my any benefits for myself. I undercut myself. However, I have the gratification of doing a good job and making others happy. So I’m not totally dissatisfied. ;)

So how does that coincide with my graphic design capabilities? Well, I’m often told that I’m too cheap in what I charge for my services. And you know what? That’s okay...! I’m very satisfied with what I produce, and if I can keep a happy client with my services, they’ll hopefully come back to me.

I think as myself as reasonably-priced! Plus, I’m very happy when my work is used. I’m both humbled and proud that God has allowed me to use my talent in the things I love... like Southern Gospel Music. For example, I currently work at KWFC radio, doing what I love: promoting Christian music!

Thankfully, I have a great portfolio that I’ve been able to put together over the years. Besides my college degree, I have excellent professional experience and knowledge! I’m ready to go!

So this is my plug.... hire me!!! http://mattpaasch.com

~Matt

Almost Time To BUG Others!

We're gearing up for Vacation Bible School at our church. I'm excited! It's gonna be fun... July 30 through August 3rd.

Our entire church is decorated in BUG theme. There are ants, spiders, butterflies, and an amazing praying-mantis! I'm the one who got to paint the grasshopper! It's a BUG ZONE!

If you're interested... come join us in a few weeks. http://hillsidebc.com/

Week Rundown! (07/08/12 - 07/14/12)

Sunday:

This morning was pretty much the same as most other Sundays. During the afternoon, we took naps. We rushed back to church for a wedding shower, then enjoyed services as a missionary preached the message and shared a video.


Monday:

This evening went well. The kids played nicely with each other while supper was being prepared; it was a new recipe Lydia found off of Pinterest. We enjoyed a late supper, and watched a few episodes of the Dick Van Dyke Show before going to bed.


Tuesday:

After work, we came home and ate real quick before heading out to help with Vacation Bible School decorations. I was in charge of painting a 3 foot long, paper-mache grasshopper. By the time we got home, the kids were tired and ready for bed.


Wednesday:
The day was busy for Lydia and I at our places of employment. It's not a bad thing, just wears you out a bit! ha!

Once we got home, we made quick supper and then headed for church. Services were good, and we got to see the neat decorations that were put up in preparation for VBS in a few weeks.


Thursday:

Mysia got to go to "Jump Mania" as the activity for the Boy's & Girl's Club. She came back with a report of how much fun she had.

I had stayed home from work as a vacation day and got some projects done. I also took my car into the shop and got my air conditioning fixed. Yay!

For supper, we had chicken-veggie bars, and enjoyed a peaceful evening at home.


Friday:

I took the day off from work and kept the kids home with me. We played, did some housework and watched a movie before lunch. Lydia came home and we all took naps. We got ready to go to the pool, but it started raining. I let the kids play in the rain and then in the sprinkler once the rain had stopped. We had hamburgers for supper and Abigail came over and visited us for a bit.


Saturday:

We got up and ate breakfast while watching some cartoons. I had planned to mow the lawn before breakfast,but it was thundering. I ended up mowing before lunch instead.

After lunch, we dropped the kids off with Abigail and we headed to Branson for a date. We had the privilege of seeing "Joseph" at the Sight & Sound Theater. The show was great, and we really liked their adaptation of the story. We enjoyed dinner together before picking the kids up for home.


~Matt

The 2012 "Twitter War"

Back on Monday, Old Spice made a comment on twitter about the salsa you get at Mexican restaurants. Taco Bell replied...

Both have very creative marketing teams, so it was neat to see some interaction on a social media site. Both did very well, and I'm disappointed that it ended so soon. However, it sure brought both attention on the internet and news outlet. That's beneficial for both companies.

After seeing this exchange, it makes me wonder if it wouldn't be a bad idea for two companies with creative minds to get together and do some cross-advertising by the way of social media. If done right, both could profit from the attention.

~Matt



Here's a screen grab of the short-lived "twitter war":

I Love Reading

Growing up, I loved to read. My parents, especially my mom, encouraged reading. She’d make up stories, and as I grew older she introduced me into the Laura Ingalls Wilder books. I also remember my dad starting me with the Sugar Creek Gang! Wow! Both got me interested in history, adventure, and mystery.

I had tons of books, and enjoyed going to the library. As a pre-teen, I picked up many books as well. Hardy Boys mystery books were my favorite, and I read through all of them! I’m not kidding!

During those years, my parents then found a few “Illustrated Classics”... These were ‘simple’ abridged versions of classic literature that included a few illustrated pictures along the way. Thanks to these books, I had to read the real things later. That started my obsession!

Acquaintances often thought I was odd (go figure, not a big surprise) that I’d enjoy books they were ‘made’ to read in school. Moby Dick, Robinson Crusoe, Ben-Hur, Invisible Man, Count of Monte Cristo... are books I read hundreds of times. My book collection grew. One of my favorites: “The Complete Sherlock Holmes”.

Things got interesting when I started dating Lydia! She had me read a few relationship books. I was in “love”, so I did. They weren’t too bad. Once married, she also introduced me into some of the literature that she enjoys. I’ll admit... there is a few that are pretty good, like Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”.

Thanks to my Nook Color, and the Amazon book app, I’m able to read many of my favorites anytime! I’ve found that a lot of the “classic literature” is free. Talk about a happy guy! Lydia has also encouraged me to read other books as well, and since we share the Amazon account, we’re able to share books as well. We’ve also picked up books on relationships for couples and children. They’re great things to read. However, I still like my adventure and mystery books!

Now if only I can find more time!!!

~Matt

Week Rundown! (07/01/12 - 07/07/12)

Yes... this is late! But better now or never! :)


Sunday:

A busy day... everything was in anticipation for the evening services. We had outdoor singing, dinner on the grounds, and fireworks! Yay!


Monday:

After returning home, we soon left for Hong Kong Inn to celebrate Grandma Taylor's birthday. We ate and visited before heading to my parents' house. Their pool was yuck, but the kids got to play outside and swing. We visited for a bit, ate ice cream, then left for the store. We needed food for the week, so we did a quick grocery run before heading home.


Tuesday:

Mysia had a doctors appointment. A great report! She's almost completely healed from her tonsillectomy!!!


Wednesday:

We started the Independence Day right... we slept in! I made pancakes for breakfast. We let the kids finger-paint while we sorted out the boxes of books and paperwork that was stored in the garage.

After naps we went swimming at my parents' house. We ate a quick supper at Arby's before heading over to OTC to watch the downtown fireworks. It was a neat show. However, after it was done, everyone headed to their cars, and the entire parking lot was in gridlock for almost 40 minutes! We just sat and waited until it cleared out before we even tried to leave.


Thursday:

For supper we had bean and rice burritos, and enjoyed some TV before heading to bed. It was just too hot to do much....!


Friday:

Lydia picked up the kids after work and headed to the used book store to return books. With the credit, her and the kids were able to pick up some more!

I spent most of the day at work gearing up for the concert. It was promising to be a good one. Sure enough, we had over 1,500 in attendance! The Tribute Quartet and Talleys did a wonderful job. I was able to meet some of the listeners, which made the night more fun!


Saturday:

Got up and worked on a few house chores. Sam and I set up the sound system at a local hotel for a wedding we were going to DJ.

For the afternoon, I took the kids outside before it got too hot. They played with a few of the outside toys and swung. Once lunchtime came, we headed inside and then I put them down for naps.

I went and did some grocery shopping. Rain came through the area with strong winds... unfortunately, it just wasn't much of a downpour. Lydia and the kids played games on the Nintendo Wii while I attended the wedding this evening. It turned out well, and it was neat to be a part of a ceremony by providing the music.

~Matt

"Draw Something" Art of the Week!

As I have posted before, one of my favorite games is "Draw Something". It's addicting, and fun at the same time! As you might guess, this game is perfect for me. I love to draw. It's a challenge to do this with your finger on a small screen (my iPhone), and be able to make it easy for my opponent to guess. If you want to play, I'm ready!

Here are some examples of my art from the past week:

Beating the heat

Ahhh.... as you can imagine, with summer starting, life has been busy. Although, it's not too hectic! We've been focusing on making sure that this summer is more relaxed after having such a busy school year. We're determined to do more 'fun' things as a family, and just enjoy the summer. So far... it's been pretty good!

If you read my weekly posts on what goes on, hopefully you'll see that we're not too busy to enjoy each day. lol. However, I've been spending more time doing other things than sitting down and putting any thoughts together for this blog... oops!

Lately, with the heat, we just don't want to venture out too much. Plus, it just doesn't want to motivate a person to do anything. But we did get a chance to beat the heat by swimming occasionally at my parents' house. That water just feels too good!

I'm also thankful for air-conditioning! I guess we're spoiled, but it's awesome not to sweat.

I hope everyone is staying cool!!!

Week Rundown! (06/24/12 - 06/30/12)

Sunday:

Malachi went with me to the Men's Prayer Breakfast at church this morning before I ran the church van route. He was sleepy, but made it.

Since the kids were worn out from staying up late the night before, they took great naps. They behaved pretty well during the evening service. Before bed, we had Jello jigglers and garden grown cucumbers.


Monday:

Mysia has been feeling better, and we were back to our regular, hectic schedule. She went back to the Boys & Girls Club since Lydia and I went to work. The report was that she did well.

For the evening, the we had supper and then I left for quartet practice. Lydia did laundry and the kids played until bedtime.


Tuesday:

Since the weather had been hot, I was looking forward to going to the pool. So, after supper, we headed over to my parents' house. The kids and I played in their pool while Lydia watched a romance movie with my mom and sister (I wasn't interested). Mysia really got water moving and Malachi was riding the waves. As it got dark, we ate some cake and jello at Grandma's and visited as well before heading home.


Wednesday:

A pretty typical Wednesday. Services were good, and I ran the media.


Thursday:

The day went by fast. We met at home, ate a quick lunch, and then headed out for visit to the YMCA. The kids got to play on the inflatables they had set up in one of the gyms. The rest of the evening was nice at home.


Friday:

Another hot day. Lydia and I only worked a half day, so we picked up the kids and enjoyed the afternoon at home. After an early supper, I headed out with the quartet to Laquey, MO. We sang to about 30 people, and had a great time.

Lydia and the kids went to a birthday party at the bowling lanes. The kids had a fun time. After they returned home, they went to bed.


Saturday:

Lydia went to the gun range to take part in the church's ladies meeting. They decided to take some gun safety, since most of their husbands own guns. This was Lydia's first time, and she was even able to make the bulls-eye on her third shot! The temperature was hot, but the ladies had a blast! ;)

I stayed home with the kids. They watched cartoons during breakfast, we picked up rooms, and played a bit. We went outside and played in the sprinkler until Lydia came home.

I once again headed out with the quartet for another singing event... this time, in Fairplay, MO. Once set up, we sang to sixteen folks. They loved our songs. This has made the third time we've been to their church. After some refreshments, including home-made ice cream, we headed back home.


~Matt