Friday, April 8, 2011

Taken for a ride?

Ever get that feeling you’ve been taken for a ride?  You know, like when the mechanic tells you a belt in the car is about to fail or your brakes are shot?  Or how about when the handyman asks for cash up front to buy the materials for your new repair project? 

Whatever the circumstances, the feeling usually occurs as the culprit’s tail lights fade into the distance or you pull out of the mechanic's service station. 

Some scammers even provide a half-hearted “professional” service that, to the untrained eye, appear to be just what was asked for. Unfortunately, this almost always happens when you can least afford it. 

Bait and switch schemes involving fraudulent and unscrupulous contractors are too common.  They happen when a contractor is being paid to use one product and switches it out with a cheaper product without approval from the owner, engineer, or architect.  It could be a brand of windows or pipes; whatever will go unnoticed.  Fortunately for the consumer, building inspectors are there to catch shoddy work or incorrect materials before the project moves too far too fast.

But what can you do if you don’t have a public official there to guard against you being taken for a ride?  What can you do to protect you, your property, your wallet, and your reputation?

Recently, an architect was overheard saying that he “knew the surveyor was a crook because he was only on the job site for 4 hours but he billed $800!” In this real-life example, the architect was right that the surveyor was a crook and that the amount billed was not in proportion to professional services rendered by a duly licensed land surveyor. The architect got exactly what he paid for. 

Professional services do not come without a price.  If you went to a doctor who spent 4 hours repairing your body or consulting you, would an $800 bill be justified?  We might like the insurance to cover it, but an $800 bill would probably be cheap. 

So what do professional land surveying services cost and why?  Like many things, professional land surveying services cost what the market will bear, sometimes more, and sometimes less. 

Some professional land surveyors offer services in a menu fashion.  For example, they offer all “lot surveys are $500” or all “deed preparations $200”.  The problem with offering services like this is that some people will cut corners to achieve their price point and make a profit, despite the harm or injury they may cause to consumers. 

As a licensed professional land surveyor, I can safely say that I have never encountered a situation where I would feel comfortable charging $500 for a "lot survey".  Let’s consider the following:

Any "lot survey" (assumed to mean a boundary survey) in California will require research at least at three government offices: the county recorder, county surveyor, and city hall.  You may also need, and I always recommend, obtaining a title report.  The research, less the title report will easily eat up one 8-hour day.

Next, the licensed professional land surveyor must review the findings of his or her research.  They must begin to reconstruct on paper how the property was created.  This reconstruction is somewhat similar to the way an architect might create a model but without any creativity.  The research materials are evidence which are all weighed and considered. 

Now the licensed professional land surveyor (or their technician) visits the site and begins the field survey.  This can last hours, days, weeks, or longer.  This phase is specifically to recover field evidence.  The evidence may include physical improvements such as fences, wall, buildings, or other features.  It will also include the search and recovery of survey monumentation.  All of the evidence is located and referenced to a singular point of origin, or datum, so that the measurements between the evidence are relevant to one another.  Another type of evidence collected is parol.  Speaking with persons who have no interest in the rights of the land being surveyed together with special knowledge of the land’s boundaries or rights thereto are sworn in, interviewed, and their oath taken.  The field survey can last hours, days, or, in some cases, even years. 

Once the evidence is collected in the field, it is weighed together with the parol and research evidence.  It may be held up and compared with certain case law.  Ultimately, the licensed professional land surveyor opines a conclusion from the evidence and reestablishes the most likely location of the land boundary.  This may take a few hours or many days to conclude depending on the breadth, depth, and magnitude of the property and the research materials.

If you wanted your boundary marked with survey monuments, the licensed professional land surveyor (or their technician) will return to the property and layout the locations of the property corners, set monuments that represent the property corners, and document any irregularities observed since their last visit to the site.  Setting monuments for small lots (less than an acre) in a suburban or urban environment usually takes a few hours.  Rural parcels may take much longer, depending on topography, neighbors, weather, etc.

The location of the boundary lines and any monuments set are documented by the preparation of a map, usually a Record of Survey.  A Record of Survey is a type of survey map prepared by a licensed professional land surveyor and submitted to the County Surveyor’s Office for review (sometimes for a fee) who will then file it with the County Recorder’s Office. 

As you can imagine, a “small lot survey” may take a week to begin and conclude.  Is that worth $500 or $800?  Not to the professional.

Considering the experience, education, specialized hardware and software that most licensed professional land surveyors have, a survey of a smaller magnitude such as outlined above should probably cost a minimum of $3,000.  Even $5,000 would not be an unreasonable fee considering the aforementioned time involved.   

Back to our disgruntled architect.  Although he felt like he was being ripped of because the surveyor was there for 4 hours but billed $800, the architect was not overcharged and ripped off.  In fact, the architect was certain the surveyor had done everything that any other duly licensed professional land surveyor would have done.  The reality is that the surveyor did not conduct proper research, did not weigh all of the evidence, and did not file a legally required map, the totality of which reveals that the surveyor was practicing below the standard of care required by law and expected by consumers.  Had the surveyor practiced accordingly, he would have had to bill the architect about $4,000.  The surveyor in question is in the process of having their license revoked.

Here are some things you can do if you need to employ the professional services of a civil engineer or land surveyor and protect yourself from being taken for a ride.

First, get references and CALL them.  Don’t email or send a letter because respondents, concerned about potential litigation for slanderous statements may wish to speak openly “off the record”. 

Second, contact your state’s board of registration that regulates engineers and land surveyors. In California, the Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists is the authority to contact (http://www.pels.ca.gov/ or 1-866-780-5370).  Find out if they have any “actions” or complaints pending or if their license has ever been disciplined. 

Third, ALL licensed professional engineers and land surveyors are required to have a contract (B&PC 8759).  Contracts must include the following:
  • A description of the services to be provided to the client
  • A description of any basis of compensation applicable to the contract, and the method of payment agreed upon by the parties.
  • The name, address, and license or certificate number of the licensed land surveyor or registered civil engineer, and the name and address of the client.
  • A description of the procedure that the licensed land surveyor or registered civil engineer and the client will use to accommodate additional services.
  • A description of the procedure to be used by any party to terminate the contract.

In the case of our architect, B&PC 8759 specifically states that no contract is necessary if the licensed professional engineer of land surveyor provides services to any of the following parties:
  • A land surveyor licensed under this chapter.
  • An architect licensed under Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 5500).
  • A contractor licensed under Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 7000).
  • A geologist or a geophysicist licensed under Chapter 12.5 (commencing with Section 7800).
  • A manufacturing, mining, public utility, research and development, or other industrial corporation, if the services are provided in connection with or incidental to the products, systems, or services of that corporation or its affiliates.
  • A public agency.

Clearly, the law expects certain professionals, such as architects, to understand what types of services are being provided and their associated costs when they consult with a licensed professional engineer or land surveyor. 

It is assumed that consumers by and large do not have the technical understanding of these professions and so contracts must be executed. 

In California, consumers can contact the California Land Surveyor’s Association (CLSA) at http://www.californiasurveyors.org/index.asp or (707) 578-6016.  The CLSA represents all land surveyors, whether they are employees or proprietors, whether in the public or private sector as a professional society and is NOT a union or bargaining unit. 

Consumers are also encouraged to go to http://clsaforum.californiasurveyors.org/index.php and ask questions on the message board.  Most of the commentators are licensed professional land surveyors who are more than happy to offer up advice and answer questions.  You don’t have to be in California to ask questions but you should mention that up front so you get a thorough response. 

Thursday, April 7, 2011

State Controller John Chiang Makes 2 Announcements...and we're broke!

The State Controller's Office sent me two press releases with in minutes of one another so here they are...


Controller Releases March Cash Update
SACRAMENTO – State Controller John Chiang today released his monthly report covering California’s cash balance, receipts and disbursements in March. Total receipts for the month were $370 million lower (-5.8 percent) than estimates found in the Governor’s proposed 2011-12 State Budget.
“The State’s cash position actually worsened by $370 million in March, despite very strong income tax collections,” said Chiang. “California’s economic recovery is clearly underway but is threatened by a budget gridlock that could halt job-producing public works projects, further erode the State’s credit ratings, and delay billions of dollars in payments.”
Sales taxes were up $9.7 million (0.5 percent) in March, and personal income taxes came in $1.2 billion above (144.7 percent) estimates. The drop in revenues was caused by corporate taxes, which were down $387.6 million (-19.7 percent), and the cancelled sale and lease-back of State properties that was slated to generate $1.2 billion in March.
The State faced a $19 billion cash deficit on March 31. That deficit was covered by $9 billion of internal borrowing – short term loans from special funds – and $10 billion of external borrowing.
March 2011’s financial statement and the summary analysis can found on the Controller’s Web site at www.sco.ca.gov. The site also includes an April Tax Tracker, which lists the daily amount of personal income tax collected. The Governor’s proposed 2011-12 State Budget expects more than $6.8 billion of income tax collections in the month of April alone.
###


Controller Co-Hosts Annual Financial Literacy Fair
SACRAMENTO – Controller John Chiang and Assembly Member Mike Eng today co-hosted a Financial Literacy Fair at the State Capitol, bringing together credit counselors, banks, financial services, and education, consumer protection and community-based organizations to tackle the challenge of enhancing financial skills for California families.
“All Californians deserve direct access to basic financial information that helps them make wise investments with their money, establish college funds for their children and save for their own retirement,” Chiang said. “Whether it is educating a college freshman about credit card debt, or a low-income worker about the dangers of predatory loans, empowering California families with good financial information will strengthen our communities and our State.”
The Controller is co-sponsoring with the New America Foundation legislation authored by Assembly Member Eng that will encourage the State to partner with businesses and non-profit organizations and share in developing information that can help California consumers make sound fiscal choices. The bill, AB 597 also will create an advisory committee focused on improving financial literacy throughout California.
“A well-informed and financially literate consumer can save thousands of dollars, avoid abnormal fees and charges and build up savings for retirement,” said Assembly Member Mike Eng (D-Monterey Park). “AB 597 makes financial literacy a priority in California by establishing a fund for the sole purpose of empowering our citizens to make informed choices and make them less susceptible to scams and predators.”
Almost 20 exhibitors  participated by providing information about wise investments, financial planning, consumer protection, credit counseling and ways to better manage money, save on taxes and enhance money skills.
Joining the Controller and Eng at the press conference and fair were Maria Sotero of the New America Foundation, and Assembly Member Alyson Huber (D-El Dorado Hills).

Is No News Good News?

Based on the headlines from the Orange County Register, it appears Fullerton is no longer being covered unless the story fits into real estate, grocery shopping, arts/culture, special deals (like free ice cream or glasses), or other touchy-feel-good category

As President Obama says in nearly EVERY speech he gives, "Let me be clear".  News comes in all shapes and sizes and the aforementioned topics deserve a spot somewhere in our local paper.  However, when 90%+ of our paper is acompilation of stories that lack substantive content, you are missing the News. 

Here are this week's headlines (Saturday 4/2-today) in the Register:
What's on sale? Your grocery deals this week
Hillcrest Park plan moves ahead
Girls Inc. leader is honored for service
Angels ticket and train for $7 roundtrip
Mayor emphasizes business in State of City
O.C. teams prep for Science Olympiad finals
3 weekend dining ideas
Only a handful might be considered substantive.  The rest are ok for fillers and the back page human interest columns but where's the real news?  Serious crimes occur daily in Fullerton and there is rarely a mention unless someone dies.  The Fullerton Police blotter is a partial list and even it paints a clearer picture of Fullerton than does the current reporting from the OC Register. 

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Play Ball! North American League (OC Flyers) Tryout Announced

Below is announcement I received from the North American League, the parent organization of the OC Flyers.  The Flyers have been in local news lately as they attempt to negotiate a deal to revamp Duane Winter's Field across from City Hall and turn it into a professional baseball venue. 

I love baseball and I would like to love the Flyers again.  But the team justifiably raised prices as Cal State Fullerton continued to jack up the lease on Goodwin Field.  Then Cal State Fullerton charges fans to park in the parking lot next to the stadium.  If I was comfortable paying $10 to park, $5 for a beer, and $3 for a hot dog, I just might go see the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim instead of the OC Flyers.

If the OC Flyers want to fill, keep costs LOW.  Anyways, here is the message...

=========================

All-Independent Baseball League Tryouts Announced for the Los Angeles Area on May 1st, 2011.

Hosted by the North American League - formed through the merger of the Northern League, Golden League, and United League.

Three of the premier independent professional baseball leagues formed the national North American League and the expanded league is now searching for players. They announced today an all independent leagues open tryout for free agents and aspiring professional ball players that will include other independent leagues as well. The North American League with 12 teams in the west, mid-west, Canada, and Hawaii will host the tryouts that will take place at historic Jackie Robinson Field adjacent to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA.

In addition to the North American League, whose teams employ over 400 professional baseball players collectively, all independent teams in the U.S. have been provided permission to attend as well as draft and sign players. Also, the Japanese independent leagues, the Mexican minor leagues, and European leagues have received credentials to participate and area scouts from all MLB teams and the Major League Scouting Bureaus have also been provided credentials as well.

The tryouts will be held on May 1st, 2011 with players offered contracts at the conclusion of the day. Major league teams that have requested participation by their scouting organizations are able to sign players at any time during the two days.

Tryout Info:

Where: Jackie Robinson Stadium (next to the Rose Bowl in Brookside Park)

360 N. Arroyo Blvd

Pasadena, CA.

When: May 1st

Start: Check in at 8:00 A.M.

Cost: Pre-Register - $149

Day of Tryout Registration - $199



Players should bring all gear that will be necessary for them to tryout.

Assemblyman Chris Norby's Notes

First LegisLunch Friday

This Friday, my staff and I will hold the first monthly LegisLunch meeting. In a casual setting over lunch, these sessions will provide the public a chance to meet with my staff and me to share issues or concerns.
Time: April 8 (Friday), 12:00-1:00.  Place: Sizzler, 1401 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton
These LegisLunches (yes, it's a new word-my spell check is underlining it in red as I type) will be held the 2nd Friday of every month at the Sizzler, right across the street from my district office. All are welcome-the concerned, the curious, the agitated or the just plain friendly!
 
 

No Budget Deal Yet

As of this week, Governor Brown appears to have missed the deadline for a June election on new tax extensions he's sought as part of his budget plan. He may try to seek a simple majority vote for such a measure, or wait for a November election and qualify all of his measures by signature gathering.
Five Republican Senators had been in talks with the Governor over compromises necessary for a comprehensive package which could have included a vote on some tax extensions along with a long list of concurrent reforms. At the top of the list were pension reform and a state spending cap. Unfortunately, some demands were distractions that actually added to state budget woes, such as preserving state subsidies for redevelopment agencies and county fairs.
On the Assembly side, there were casual working groups discussing reforms and counter-proposals, but nothing has reached the level of support of our leadership. Many of my colleagues have gone in opposition to all of Brown's proposals, including his spending cuts. The Republican Assembly Caucus' apparent determination to preserve redevelopment agencies creates an additional $1.7 billion budget hole. 
A rebounding economy and rising employment could give the Governor a little breathing room, but structural reforms must be a part of any revenue package.
 
 

Drought Over

The Governor made it official-what we've known for well over a year through casual observance has been confirmed.
The Drought is Over.
Heavy rainfall and record Sierra snowpack finally ended the water crisis. State and local water officials should rejoice at the news, but like many in government, they often use crises as a wedge for more funding. The public is not likely to support vast new projects during wet years. That's why the Legislature pulled the pork-laden $11 billion water bond off last November's ballot. Too much rain!
California hasn't built a dam since 1979, although the Metropolitan Water District's Diamond Valley reservoir near Hemet has doubled Southern California water storage. Population pressures affect water demand unevenly, as 70% of state water is used by agriculture. An acre of homes uses less water that an acre of strawberries or cotton.
State water officials are still calling for conservation, although our water systems now have more runoff than they can store. Conservation now will simply assure that more runoff reaches the ocean, where it will eventually evaporate into rain and snow which we'll use all over again. Nature's perfect recycling machine!
Water cannot literally be wasted, like oil, coal or other natural resources. Water is not used up, burned up or destroyed when used-it is simply borrowed, then returned. The actual H2O molecules are indestructible, and the amount of earth's water has been unchanged for billions of years. What does change is how nature seasonally distributes it, and this season has been good.

Quail Found Dead in Fullerton

On Monday my family observed a covey of quail in my back yard near Rolling Hills Dr. and State College Boulevard. 

The covey was first discovered by my 5-year old who was scared by the unusual call they make but could not see them.  After getting me we found one quail who was calling out.  A short while later we heard others respond from a few yards over.  Pretty soon there were two visible with at least one more just out of sight. 

The covey moved easterly down the backyards.  More than an hour later we could still hear them calling. 

Unfortunately, this quail was found dead around 7a.m. in the 1800 block of Rolling Hills Dr.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Congratulations Tom Sebourn!


Tom with his niece, 2008 file photo

[My big brother...]Tom Sebourn Blog is the 2011 Humboldt Blogger’s Tournament Champion!  Congratulations to Tom, and let’s hope the party in Trinidad tonight does not involve setting cars on fire and rolling them. (http://tapperass.wordpress.com/2011/04/05/2011-humboldt-bloggers-tournament-tom-is-terrific-he-wins-the-crown-tad-falls-short/)

Tom inspired me to blog, if for no other reason than to challenge some of his liberal views.  Seriously though, Tom is well read and knows a great deal about what he is talking about.  Tom and I have some lively debates when I head North or he heads South, and it turns out we both want pretty much the same thing: better economy, less poverty, less government intrusion into our personal lives, no corporate welfare, responsible leadership at all levels of government, and to have a peaceful existence.  How we achieve these goals is at the center of our debates.

Congratulations Tom!  You certainly deserve the recognition for your hard work trying to get people to think about our communities. 

Sad news from a friend

I received sad news today.  My friends, Pete and Diane Lewis, lost their adult son, Peter Jr., yesterday to cancer. 
Here is the message I received:
APRIL4,2011
PETER SPENT THE LAST THREE DAYS FEELING WORSE THAN HE HAS EVER FELT OVER THE PAST 18 MONTHS. AS HE WAS PREPARING TO LEAVE FOR THE EMERGENCY ROOM THIS MORNING AROUND 10:30 HE COLLAPSED WITH CARDIAC ARREST. THE PARAMEDICS DID EVERYTHING THEY COULD FOR HIM. THE ER DOCTORS DID ALL THEY COULD ALSO BUT BY EARLY THIS AFTERNOON WE KNEW HE COULD NOT SURVIVE. 
PETER WAS BORN IN SAN DIEGO,CALIFORNIA 12-19-60. DOD 4-4-11 AT 8:20 PM.
HE WAS A WONDERFUL SON,A GREAT HUSBAND AND FATHER.
NO FURTHER INFORMATION AT THIS TIME.
HE LEAVES HIS WIFE MARIANNE, SON WESLEY AND DAUGHTER ALISON.
PETE [EMORY] AND DIANE LEWIS


Please send your heartfelt prayers their way. 

Monday, April 4, 2011

CTA Attempts to Link MLK with Teachers' Employment

I received an email (see below) from the California Teachers Association (CTA) over the weekend and thought it odd that the teachers' union is trying to bring Dr. Martin King, Jr. into their fight to save teaching jobs.  Haven't we reached the breaking point on taxes AND spending? 
**********

No matter where you are, there is an April 4th We Are One event near you!

On April 3, 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. traveled to Memphis to support AFSCME union sanitation workers. The next day, he was assassinated.

Carrying forward in the indomitable spirit demonstrated by Dr. King, working women and men across this nation will rally in their cities and towns to continue that march toward economic fairness, justice and equality.

Please show that spirit this Monday. Join your fellow educators in We Are One mobilizations across California.

19,000 pink slips have already hit teachers, counselors, librarians and school nurses and the budget breakdown in Sacramento means it could get much, much worse.

But it's about more than that. It always is.

It's about the future of public education. It’s about making our colleges and universities affordable. It's about the future Dr. King dreamed of...and that we're still working toward.

Our state's very future is at stake. Our families, our communities and our students can't afford for any of us to sit this day out.
***********

Greg Sebourn

The Beauty of a Storm

The Beauty of a Storm
Orange County, Ca.

My Grandma - A Eulogy

LET'S TALK ABOUT 1914 FOR A MOMENT.



FOR STARTERS, GRANDMA WAS BORN TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1914 IN HER FAMILY'S ATWOOD RANCH HOUSE.



IT IS WORTH NOTING THOSE ALSO BORN IN 1914:

JACK LALANNE

JOE DIMAGGIO

DANNY THOMAS



AND WHO DIED IN 1914:

JOHN MUIR, THE FAMOUS NATURALIST FOR WHICH NUMEROUS ROADS, PARKS, HOTELS, AND NATURE RESERVES ARE NAMED.



IT IS ALSO WORTH NOTING THAT IN 1914 WOODROW WILSON SIGNS MOTHER'S DAY PROCLAMATION AND BABE RUTH MAKES HIS MAJOR LEAGUE DEBUT WITH THE RED SOX. MOTHER'S DAY AND BASEBALL- TWO OF MY FAVORITES!! (PERHAPS HER NICKNAME "BABE" CAME FROM BABE RUTH???)



GRANDMA WAS BORN INTO A PERIOD OF TIME FILLED WITH TURMOIL. IN JUNE OF 1914 ARCHDUKE FRANZS FERDINAND WAS ASSASSINATED. WITHIN ONE MONTH WORLD WAR I RAGED ACROSS EUROPE. TWO DAYS AFTER HER BIRTH HOWEVER, GERMAN AND BRITISH TROOPS INTERRUPTED WWI TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS. (PERHAPS THEY PAUSE KNOWING THAT A GREAT WOMAN WAS BORNE) WORLD WAR I CONTINUED UNTIL THE TREATY OF VERSAILLES IN 1919.



ALTHOUGH SHE WAS ONLY 5 YEARS OLD, SHE SAW THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS CREATED AND THE 19TH AMENDMENT WAS APPROVED BY THE U.S. CONGRESS GUARANTEEING THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN TO VOTE.



SHE LIVED THROUGH MANY NOTABLE EVENTS. LIKE THE 1933 LONG BEACH EARTHQUAKE OR WHEN ATWOOD FLOODED ALONG WITH MOST OF ORANGE COUNTY IN 1938 AND THE FLOOD-WATERS CLAIMED MORE THAN 50 PEOPLE, 43 OF WHICH WERE FROM ATWOOD! ALL OF THIS DURING A TIME THAT WE READ ABOUT IN SCHOOL AND KNOWN AS "THE GREAT DEPRESSION". SOMEWHERE IN ALL OF THAT SHE FOUND THE LOVE OF HER LIFE, GRANDPA LEO, GRADUATED HIGH SCHOOL, GOT MARRIED, AND HAD KIDS!



THEN THERE WAS WORLD WAR II. FROM PEARL HARBOR TO HIROSHIMA, GRANDMA WAS RAISING MY UNCLE BOB AND MOM ARLINE. WITH AIR-RAID SIRENS AND BLACKOUTS SHE WAS A WIFE AND MOTHER. WHAT A TIME TO RAISE CHILDREN! I BET GRANDMA'S PARENTS WERE ABEL TO TELL HER A THING OR TWO ABOUT RAISING KIDS IN WARTIME.



GRANDMA WAS THERE WHEN THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA HELD THEIR 3RD ANNUAL NATIONAL JAMBOREE IN 1953. SHE SAW AIRBASES OPEN IN '42 AND CLOSE IN '99. SHE WATCHED WALTER KNOTT START UP HIS BERRY FARM AND WALT DISNEY TURN ORANGE GROVES AND STRAWBERRY PATCHES INTO DISNEYLAND!



SHE SAW THE HORSE AND CARRIAGE FADE AWAY INTO HISTORY AND SPACE TRAVEL EXPLODE BEFORE HER WITH THE FIRST LUNAR LANDING. JUST IMAGINE HOW MUCH TECHNOLOGY HAS CHANGED OVER THE LAST 100 YEARS. FROM TUBE RECTIFIERS TO SUPERCONDUCTORS; FROM TRANS-ATLANTIC TELEGRAPH CABLES TO SATELLITE TV.



SHE SAW MORE IN HER 93 YEARS THAN MOST OF US WILL EVER READ ABOUT, LET ALONE LIVE THROUGH!



OF THOSE 93 YEARS IT IS MY HONOR TO HAVE BEEN HER GRANDSON FOR 35 OF THEM. SHE WAS MY MOTHER WHEN MOM HAD TO WORK. SHE WIPED MY NOSE AND PUT FOOD IN MY MOUTH. SHE LET ME PLAY WITH GRANDPA EVEN THOUGH SHE NEEDED HIM TO TAKE HER TO THE STORE. SHE WAS MY GRANDMA AND I WILL MISS HER IMMENSELY.



JUST LOOK AROUND THIS ROOM; SHE DID THIS. SHE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR BRINGING SO MANY GOOD PEOPLE INTO THIS WORLD AND TOGETHER TODAY. THIS IS HER LEGACY.



A Dedication To My Loving Wife, Stacey. Thank you for all you do for me!

Brad Paisley - I Thought I Loved You Then


I remember trying not to stare the night that I first met you
You had me mesmerized
3 weeks later in the front porch light taking 45 min to kiss you goodnight
I hadn’t told you yet but I thought I loved you then

Chorus
Now you’re my whole life now you’re my whole world
I just can’t believe the way I feel about you girl
Like a river meets the sea
Stronger than it’s ever been
We’ve come so far since that day
And I thought I loved you then.

I remember taking you back to right where I first met you
You were so surprised
There were people around
But I didn’t care I got down on one knee right there
And once again I thought I loved you then

Chorus
Now you’re my whole life now you’re my whole world
I just can’t believe the way I feel about you girl
Like a river meets the sea
Stronger than it’s ever been
We’ve come so far since that day
And I thought I loved you then.

I can just see you with a baby on the way
I can just see you when your hair is turning gray
What I can’t see is how I’m ever gonna love you more
But I’ve said that before.

Now you’re my whole life now you’re my whole world
I just can’t believe the way I feel about you girl
Well look back some day at this moment that we’re in
And I'll look at you and say I thought I loved you then
And I thought I loved you then...