Wow today was an awesome day for my new job. I had such a great day. First off, Adriana and I got to carpool to work. It was nice we are starting to listen to a Spanish Learning Audiobook. It was pretty cool, Adriana picked up the language pretty quick I was struggling with the words etc. Getting to work does not seem to be that big of a challenge, not alot of traffic with the fact that we can take the carpool lane. We got to the downtown area pretty fast.
At work, I was early about 15 mins, early, but it was nice. Went through my benefits; which are night a day compared to the benefits that I had at Southwest Ambulance. I was amazed, at how giving the company is with their holidays, etc.
Then after my orientation with HR, I went ahead and had some conversation with my new boss about the application we are using for the web site. Worked on some tickets, got my loaner laptop figured out and headed home to pick up the kids from daycare and from school.
Overall it was an awesome day.
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Monday, October 29, 2007
Saturday, October 27, 2007
The Weekend
Last night was the end of a good week. The kids did pretty well at school this week. Bethany did awesome on her spelling test on Friday. We are proud of her improvement in that this week.
Yesterday in my training we got to tour the 4th Ave Jail. We were all the way up in high security, on down to minimum security pods, over to where they intake them, over to where they put the 'special cases' that they need to separate for their own protection within the jail, homosexuals and crimes such as sexual assaults...We saw the underground tunnel system that connects all the court buildings to the jail so that the inmates never have to walk out on the streets and come into contact with the public...And yes, their were several inmates that we passed in the halls while we were touring everything, who were being escorted to transfer jails or to court or where ever they were going. As we toured the cells, they were obviously out and about and going about their routine, but we were on one side, they were on the other...It was pretty interesting...Oh, and, yes, in case you're wondering, we saw all the infamous pink undies and now they have pink handcuffs too-that is Sheriff Joe Arpaio's signature in there.
Today Mike has a 2hr training class for the volunteer work he does on the Phoenix FD CR van. So, he'll be gone from about 9:30-12:30. This will give me a chance to catch up on a few things around here, although Mike's contributions around here this week has minimized what I need to do...
Our new mall just about a mile away, San Tan Village, opened last night. We may check that out this weekend. Tonight the grocery store has a scavenger hunt thing that we may go to also...Mostly just hanging around the house this weekend though, playing around here.
Yesterday in my training we got to tour the 4th Ave Jail. We were all the way up in high security, on down to minimum security pods, over to where they intake them, over to where they put the 'special cases' that they need to separate for their own protection within the jail, homosexuals and crimes such as sexual assaults...We saw the underground tunnel system that connects all the court buildings to the jail so that the inmates never have to walk out on the streets and come into contact with the public...And yes, their were several inmates that we passed in the halls while we were touring everything, who were being escorted to transfer jails or to court or where ever they were going. As we toured the cells, they were obviously out and about and going about their routine, but we were on one side, they were on the other...It was pretty interesting...Oh, and, yes, in case you're wondering, we saw all the infamous pink undies and now they have pink handcuffs too-that is Sheriff Joe Arpaio's signature in there.
Today Mike has a 2hr training class for the volunteer work he does on the Phoenix FD CR van. So, he'll be gone from about 9:30-12:30. This will give me a chance to catch up on a few things around here, although Mike's contributions around here this week has minimized what I need to do...
Our new mall just about a mile away, San Tan Village, opened last night. We may check that out this weekend. Tonight the grocery store has a scavenger hunt thing that we may go to also...Mostly just hanging around the house this weekend though, playing around here.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Mommy's Week
Wow...Looks like Mike gave you an awesome overview of the craziness of our week...He has been doing a great job at holding down the fort during this transition. Next week will be even more fun when he begins his new job also...Times are a-changing...
We DID have a great weekend. The mountains covered in fall colors were beautiful! As you saw in the photos. The weather was gorgeous.
The job is awesome! I haven't officially started doing THE job, as I have been in training all week. I get my desk in my little cubical on Friday afternoon. So I don't even have a workstation as of yet...But I find all the stuff from training absolutely fascinating to learn about; how the justice system works from the time of arrest, to sentencing, and post sentencing...We have sat in on all types of hearings this week- Initial Appearance Hearings (within 24 hours of arrest), Sentence hearings, and some other ones also. Seen a ton of interesting stuff already...We will tour the jail on Friday...Fun stuff....The office staff is so fun and it is just a really positive place to work. Very welcoming and real. Although, I know that they do have their flaws and moments, I just haven't encountered them yet...And the commute isn't too bad either. Yeah, there's traffic, but when you expect it and allow time for it and just figure it into your day, it's really not so bad. It is what it is. I put on the radio or enjoy the quiet and make the best of my time. On the way home, I mostly talk to Mike about the day or whatever, so that's a nice way to pass the time as well...
Mike's been doing great with helping out with dinner, too. Monday he bbq'd Pork chops that were ready when I walked in the door. Yesterday was Frozen Pizza night, because of Literacy night, so he prepared that....And then this morning I threw together a Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken Crock pot meal and so, on my way home, Mike started the fixings to go with it and wah-lah-instant dinner...He's such a big help...
So, with this working full time thing, it's really forced me to prepare ahead of time. Things run so much smoother when clothes are laid out the night before, lunches are made, snacks are put together, shoes are where they need to be...so many little things that just make everything run so much smoother and uncomplicated....
Niko told me he missed me in class today. That made me sad. However, before the end of the school year (in six months) I'll be able to switch to a flex schedule and have a day off every other week. So I'll be back to help out in the classrooms 2x's a month, soon enough....
Well, I better go spend some time with my husband. The kids are all off to bed...The nights go by so fast now...
We DID have a great weekend. The mountains covered in fall colors were beautiful! As you saw in the photos. The weather was gorgeous.
The job is awesome! I haven't officially started doing THE job, as I have been in training all week. I get my desk in my little cubical on Friday afternoon. So I don't even have a workstation as of yet...But I find all the stuff from training absolutely fascinating to learn about; how the justice system works from the time of arrest, to sentencing, and post sentencing...We have sat in on all types of hearings this week- Initial Appearance Hearings (within 24 hours of arrest), Sentence hearings, and some other ones also. Seen a ton of interesting stuff already...We will tour the jail on Friday...Fun stuff....The office staff is so fun and it is just a really positive place to work. Very welcoming and real. Although, I know that they do have their flaws and moments, I just haven't encountered them yet...And the commute isn't too bad either. Yeah, there's traffic, but when you expect it and allow time for it and just figure it into your day, it's really not so bad. It is what it is. I put on the radio or enjoy the quiet and make the best of my time. On the way home, I mostly talk to Mike about the day or whatever, so that's a nice way to pass the time as well...
Mike's been doing great with helping out with dinner, too. Monday he bbq'd Pork chops that were ready when I walked in the door. Yesterday was Frozen Pizza night, because of Literacy night, so he prepared that....And then this morning I threw together a Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken Crock pot meal and so, on my way home, Mike started the fixings to go with it and wah-lah-instant dinner...He's such a big help...
So, with this working full time thing, it's really forced me to prepare ahead of time. Things run so much smoother when clothes are laid out the night before, lunches are made, snacks are put together, shoes are where they need to be...so many little things that just make everything run so much smoother and uncomplicated....
Niko told me he missed me in class today. That made me sad. However, before the end of the school year (in six months) I'll be able to switch to a flex schedule and have a day off every other week. So I'll be back to help out in the classrooms 2x's a month, soon enough....
Well, I better go spend some time with my husband. The kids are all off to bed...The nights go by so fast now...
This week so far
Hi gang: Adriana has been really busy so I am taking over this week for the blog. Hopefully you can follow along. I do not know if you know what is going on but Adriana started a new job at the County. She is now full-time, has awesome benefits and this week and next week is orientation.
Our Sunday was nice, it was the last day of rest before Adriana started her new job. So we went to church in the morning, and then afterwards decided to go on a little Hike. So that is what we did. We went on a Hike in the Rim County called See Canyon. We did not complete the whole loop but we did go for about 2 or 3 miles. The kids had fun with the hike also, and the fall colors were sure coming out during this time. The leaves were all kinds of different colors. You can view the gallery of this hike.
Monday started the rat race of Adriana's full time job. So our typical day this week has been the following. Adriana and I get up really early, I help with what I can to get Adriana ready for the day, then I send her off, I check the Internet traffic on Microsoft Local Live, and update her on how to get to work and if there is an accident or slow downs on traffic. Then by 7am the kids would get up. I help them get ready for school, get the kids breakfast, dressed and pressed and ready to go, and then take the 2 older kids to school, make sure they got off ok, then take Matthew home and get him ready on the bus.
On Monday Matthew had school so he took the bus. I had to run around and get some errands done like, you know getting paperwork and payments made for the other 2 older kids childcare, etc etc. So I took care of all these things on Monday.
Tuesday, Matthew does not have any school so I took him to the YMCA and I worked out. It was a very good workout. Got alot accomplished and worked out for almost and hour and a half. I got to spend some quality time with Matthew that day so that was good.
Today Wednesday, Matthew had school but I had to take him and the other 2 into school late because they missed the bus this morning. After getting both of them in, I went to the YMCA and did my Aqua Aerobics class. Got a good workout. Kind of tired today for some reason, went grocery shopping (just picked up a few items) and then went home. By the time I went home Matthew was on his way home on the bus.
Throughout the day I have been working out, doing some workouts, stretches etc while I have been watching TV. Mostly been running around during the day. But most of the time keeping pretty busy.
Tuesday evening was the kids Literacy Night, they had a good time with that. The kids dressed up as their favorite characters from Literacy Night. Bethany was Molly from the American Girl Collection, and Niko was a Ninja from Night of the Ninja's which is a Magic Treehouse book. It was neat each classroom had an activity, that was related to reading etc. I got to spend some one on one time with Bethany walking around with her to the classes. Adriana got to spend some time with the boys. You can see the from Literacy night gallery here.
When the kids get home from school, I start working with them on homework. I have not really had an opportunity to help them with their homework so it has been fun to do this. With Niko I work with his reading, he reads only a couple of pages a day but he is doing a really good job. I worked with him also on his spelling and writing. Bethany I have been working with her on her Math and her Spelling tests also. Our kids are pretty smart. It is amazing to watch them learn and grow. It has been a time that I really look forward to is working with them on their homework.
After the hustle and bustle of the day Adriana has to fight traffic on the way home. It is crazy, and again I get on the computer and let her know what is going on with traffic. By the time she gets home I have dinner pretty much done, the house clean, and the laundry mostly done. I guess you can call me Mr. Mom right now for this week.
Tonight I do not think we have anything going so I am going to veg. That is for sure what I am going to do.
I will post again on Thursday and let you know how this day is going. Till then I have to go.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Friday Finale
Ahh...so it's Friday...
Weather-wise, it was a gorgeous day today. Maintaining the average of this week, the high was 91 and the low was 59...sunny and beautiful...
The kids had a good week back at school. Bethany was one of two third graders that got to share their 'Continent Reports' to the combined third grade classes today. So she presented all the interesting things she had found out about South America. (Note these Photos of the Day)
Matthew is excited about his 'homework' this weekend. It's just fliers for the parents to look at regarding school stuff, but he insists that it is his homework and is writing all types of pictures on them...
Tomorrow we have a b-day party to go to, but other than that, our weekend will be spent relaxing and playing together before our routine changes dramatically on Monday when I start work full-time.
Weather-wise, it was a gorgeous day today. Maintaining the average of this week, the high was 91 and the low was 59...sunny and beautiful...
The kids had a good week back at school. Bethany was one of two third graders that got to share their 'Continent Reports' to the combined third grade classes today. So she presented all the interesting things she had found out about South America. (Note these Photos of the Day)
Matthew is excited about his 'homework' this weekend. It's just fliers for the parents to look at regarding school stuff, but he insists that it is his homework and is writing all types of pictures on them...
Tomorrow we have a b-day party to go to, but other than that, our weekend will be spent relaxing and playing together before our routine changes dramatically on Monday when I start work full-time.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Wednesday- Mike's going to hawaii
Mike was pretty much up ALL night last night, so basically for the entire 20 hours-ugh...
I helped in Niko's class for the last time in a while this morning. It was fun, as always. Hopefully I'll be able to resume before the end of the year if I'm able to get on a flex day with my work schedule...
The afternoon was spent figuring out child care and transportation and all. I think we have it all ironed out....at least for the moment, who knows how it will change in the next week-haha...
So, it's Wednesday and it looks as if Mike will be using his ticket to go to Maui with us all in January. He never got his call from Phoenix. It was made really clear how political this whole hiring process is, this time around. This next year, he will have the freedom, financially, to be more involved with his volunteer shifts and being active with the Union as well. He needs to get his face and name and reputation out there for the department to see. With Southwest, he interacts with other departments all the time (Gilbert, Chandler, etc) but Phoenix has their own ambos and rarely does he run into them and work with them on scene or whatever. The volunteering stuff will allow him to build and cultivate a more solid reputation and relationship within the Phoenix Fire Department. He's got a lot to offer, and a lot to still learn. He'll be an awesome FF, he just needs to show them that he will be.
I helped in Niko's class for the last time in a while this morning. It was fun, as always. Hopefully I'll be able to resume before the end of the year if I'm able to get on a flex day with my work schedule...
The afternoon was spent figuring out child care and transportation and all. I think we have it all ironed out....at least for the moment, who knows how it will change in the next week-haha...
So, it's Wednesday and it looks as if Mike will be using his ticket to go to Maui with us all in January. He never got his call from Phoenix. It was made really clear how political this whole hiring process is, this time around. This next year, he will have the freedom, financially, to be more involved with his volunteer shifts and being active with the Union as well. He needs to get his face and name and reputation out there for the department to see. With Southwest, he interacts with other departments all the time (Gilbert, Chandler, etc) but Phoenix has their own ambos and rarely does he run into them and work with them on scene or whatever. The volunteering stuff will allow him to build and cultivate a more solid reputation and relationship within the Phoenix Fire Department. He's got a lot to offer, and a lot to still learn. He'll be an awesome FF, he just needs to show them that he will be.
Tuesday
Mike started on his new ride today that he'll be working a total of 4 times. So far they haven[t had a break since he got there at 10 am....It's going to be a LONG shift...
Matthew and I went out shopping today. Used a gift card I had and got some pants for work. While we were at the mall, we HAD to visit the $5000 puppies. Matthew loved that.
When the kids got home today, we sewed up and filled 20 bean bags for Niko's class. Our neighbor friend, Anaheim, came over for the first time since 'the incident' and ended up helping us too. She's doing well. They got another dog already. It's good to see that things are on the mend and all...Still feel bad about the whole thing though.
Kids had Karate and Cheer tonight. The boys earned stripe on their belts.
Matthew and I went out shopping today. Used a gift card I had and got some pants for work. While we were at the mall, we HAD to visit the $5000 puppies. Matthew loved that.
When the kids got home today, we sewed up and filled 20 bean bags for Niko's class. Our neighbor friend, Anaheim, came over for the first time since 'the incident' and ended up helping us too. She's doing well. They got another dog already. It's good to see that things are on the mend and all...Still feel bad about the whole thing though.
Kids had Karate and Cheer tonight. The boys earned stripe on their belts.
Monday
It was back to the grind today...Mike accepted his offer from Food for the Hungry. Now we're working on start dates and schedules...Phone calls from Phoenix are to be made today and tomorrow...So we're waiting....and waiting....
He was off to work an overtime shift at noon today and he'll get off at ten.
It was pretty much back to the good ol' schedule today. I finally finished this transcribing CD I've been working on since eternity began! over 150 hours invested in that one CD-insanity! But, ahh, relieved it's done...
He was off to work an overtime shift at noon today and he'll get off at ten.
It was pretty much back to the good ol' schedule today. I finally finished this transcribing CD I've been working on since eternity began! over 150 hours invested in that one CD-insanity! But, ahh, relieved it's done...
Sunday
We all slept in this morning...can you guess why? :)
The last day of Fall Break 2007...
After we got our butts in gear, we headed out, with a picnic in hand, to the Superstitions for a hike. The kids all did so well. On the way back down, every one of them had a turn at falling and skinning up their knees (not the photo of all the war wounds) Mike's heel got blistered up pretty bad, too. But even with all that considered, there were minimal tears and everyone was in good spirits...We had our picnic and then went straight from there to the YMCA to go swimming...
Then we came home and got ready for the week ahead...
Picture Album here...the first ten photos are NOT from today, nor are they taken by us or our camera ;)
The last day of Fall Break 2007...
After we got our butts in gear, we headed out, with a picnic in hand, to the Superstitions for a hike. The kids all did so well. On the way back down, every one of them had a turn at falling and skinning up their knees (not the photo of all the war wounds) Mike's heel got blistered up pretty bad, too. But even with all that considered, there were minimal tears and everyone was in good spirits...We had our picnic and then went straight from there to the YMCA to go swimming...
Then we came home and got ready for the week ahead...
Picture Album here...the first ten photos are NOT from today, nor are they taken by us or our camera ;)
Saturday
We had a yummy breakfast this morning! yumm-yumm...eggs, sausage, doughnuts, fruit, yogurt, mmmmm.....
Had a nice morning...Sad to see Pam and Lorey off, though. It was a great visit, though, with tons of great memories and times for all...
This afternoon was Mike's Stepsister's baby shower. She's getting close, just about 4 weeks away or less...It was nice to see everyone together celebrating this little one's arrival. And I just can never help from feeling joyful at the sight of a beautiful and precious baby belly...We got to visit with Mike's family that was out from California, too...
Here's a link with some of the photos from this week with our visitors...Just click here...
Had a nice morning...Sad to see Pam and Lorey off, though. It was a great visit, though, with tons of great memories and times for all...
This afternoon was Mike's Stepsister's baby shower. She's getting close, just about 4 weeks away or less...It was nice to see everyone together celebrating this little one's arrival. And I just can never help from feeling joyful at the sight of a beautiful and precious baby belly...We got to visit with Mike's family that was out from California, too...
Here's a link with some of the photos from this week with our visitors...Just click here...
Friday
Today, after such a busy day yesterday, we attempted to relax a bit. We all headed to the YMCA for Water Aerobics at 9:00. Bethany and Matthew went swimming while we did our class and Niko played in the childwatch and Papa got it all on film...
So, we got home packed up some food, ran by and got some 'El Taquito' burritos and tacos and headed to the park. We spent three hours relaxing, feeding the ducks, riding the train, playing on the playground, throwing the Frisbee, climbing trees, and enjoying the beautiful weather and day...
Mike BBQed dinner later and then the gals went out to the store for a bit. Then it was kids bedtime and the grown ups then played an entire game of Phase 10. Needless to say, it was a late night, but SO much fun. Good times, good times
Phone call for Phoenix are being made sometime next week, by the way. And Mike got a job offer from Food For the Hungry today. The income will definitely help our financial situation, no matter when Mike gets an offer from a department. They are a very family friendly workplace too and are open to telecommuting. There are people who work with their babies alongside their desks there. Very flexible company that values family...We're considering it, more on the side of accepting the offer than not. Stay tuned...
So, we got home packed up some food, ran by and got some 'El Taquito' burritos and tacos and headed to the park. We spent three hours relaxing, feeding the ducks, riding the train, playing on the playground, throwing the Frisbee, climbing trees, and enjoying the beautiful weather and day...
Mike BBQed dinner later and then the gals went out to the store for a bit. Then it was kids bedtime and the grown ups then played an entire game of Phase 10. Needless to say, it was a late night, but SO much fun. Good times, good times
Phone call for Phoenix are being made sometime next week, by the way. And Mike got a job offer from Food For the Hungry today. The income will definitely help our financial situation, no matter when Mike gets an offer from a department. They are a very family friendly workplace too and are open to telecommuting. There are people who work with their babies alongside their desks there. Very flexible company that values family...We're considering it, more on the side of accepting the offer than not. Stay tuned...
Thursday
Mike's mom and Stepdad got in safe and sound last night and of coarse we stayed up visiting for a while :)...
At dinner, Matthew made everyone say what their favorite part of the day was...Here's what we all had to chose from-
This morning we relaxed out front while the kids road their bikes up and down the street (what Niko refers to "bike-training")...And then we took a walk over to the dog park (without the dog) and the kids played for a while and the big kids played Frisbee...
Then came Papa's "favorite part"....we went to McDonald's for lunch. It was a treat for everyone, considering it's not a place any of us frequent. AND the kids all got Happy Meals and they were happy...
Then we headed over to Bass Pro Shop and browsed the boats and other attractions. Fun stuff- I think that was Niko's "favorite part"
Then we headed to the hotel from there to go swimming. This was Matthew's "favorite part". It was a lot of fun and relaxing, going back and forth from the pool to the hot tub.
Then we came home and had dinner and hung out and relaxed after such a BUSY day!!!
At dinner, Matthew made everyone say what their favorite part of the day was...Here's what we all had to chose from-
This morning we relaxed out front while the kids road their bikes up and down the street (what Niko refers to "bike-training")...And then we took a walk over to the dog park (without the dog) and the kids played for a while and the big kids played Frisbee...
Then came Papa's "favorite part"....we went to McDonald's for lunch. It was a treat for everyone, considering it's not a place any of us frequent. AND the kids all got Happy Meals and they were happy...
Then we headed over to Bass Pro Shop and browsed the boats and other attractions. Fun stuff- I think that was Niko's "favorite part"
Then we headed to the hotel from there to go swimming. This was Matthew's "favorite part". It was a lot of fun and relaxing, going back and forth from the pool to the hot tub.
Then we came home and had dinner and hung out and relaxed after such a BUSY day!!!
Fall Break is Half Over and just getting started
So Wednesday is the hump day of our Fall Break. We went swimming today and got the housework caught up before Nana and Papa come in tonight for a visit from Idaho.
Mike had another interview with Food For the Hungry this morning, as well. Seems like it may be a good "in the meantime" job, whether he starts a fire academy in January or next year or 5 years from now. So, we'll see what all happens with everything
Mike had another interview with Food For the Hungry this morning, as well. Seems like it may be a good "in the meantime" job, whether he starts a fire academy in January or next year or 5 years from now. So, we'll see what all happens with everything
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Phoenix Interview Day
Tuesday, October 9th, 2007...Good day...
This morning was spent just doing piddly things around the house, me working, the kids playing games and such...
This afternoon at 1:30 Mike had his second interview with Phoenix FD. He feels he did very well, but well be hearing by the end of the week just HOW well he did ;)
When he got home, we worked with Niko more with his bike (see photos) and he's pretty much got it own to a T now....
Now we're about to eat dinner and get on with our evening.
This morning was spent just doing piddly things around the house, me working, the kids playing games and such...
This afternoon at 1:30 Mike had his second interview with Phoenix FD. He feels he did very well, but well be hearing by the end of the week just HOW well he did ;)
When he got home, we worked with Niko more with his bike (see photos) and he's pretty much got it own to a T now....
Now we're about to eat dinner and get on with our evening.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Today started out a beautiful morning, great weather, again
We went to meet a lady that will most likely be watching Matthew on Tuesday and Fridays. She has two girls of her own and watch two other girls. So Matthew will be the only boy in the house :)...They have a huge backyard with great areas to play and the house is set up really great with a playroom and all. Everything was extremely clean and well-kept and seemed peaceful. (Our concern is how Matthew is going to disrupt that-hehe)
This afternoon Mike tried to take the kids swimming, but they switched the open swim hours without telling us-ugh. So they all had to come all the way back home.
So, Mike and I worked on his interviews this afternoon and now we're BBQ'ing dinner. And Mike just burned his finger, "It's all black and charred", he says...(No worries, i saw it, he'll get over it ;)...But still painful, nonetheless
Tomorrow is the HUGE day! Mike has his second interview with Phoenix Fire. We should know by the end of the week if he'll be starting the January academy. They are hiring 50-60 guys, the grant or whatever just passed a couple weeks ago, so now he has a 1 in 2 chance! Pretty encouraging...so, we'll update as soon as we hear.
Now to go tend to Mike and dinner...
We went to meet a lady that will most likely be watching Matthew on Tuesday and Fridays. She has two girls of her own and watch two other girls. So Matthew will be the only boy in the house :)...They have a huge backyard with great areas to play and the house is set up really great with a playroom and all. Everything was extremely clean and well-kept and seemed peaceful. (Our concern is how Matthew is going to disrupt that-hehe)
This afternoon Mike tried to take the kids swimming, but they switched the open swim hours without telling us-ugh. So they all had to come all the way back home.
So, Mike and I worked on his interviews this afternoon and now we're BBQ'ing dinner. And Mike just burned his finger, "It's all black and charred", he says...(No worries, i saw it, he'll get over it ;)...But still painful, nonetheless
Tomorrow is the HUGE day! Mike has his second interview with Phoenix Fire. We should know by the end of the week if he'll be starting the January academy. They are hiring 50-60 guys, the grant or whatever just passed a couple weeks ago, so now he has a 1 in 2 chance! Pretty encouraging...so, we'll update as soon as we hear.
Now to go tend to Mike and dinner...
Saturday 6th
Today was the first day of Mike's vacation. He'll be off for the next week, as well.
The mornings have been cooling off greatly. We've been in the 50's and 60's- SOOO nice...
Mike fixed the garbage disposal with Matthew this morning...
And then Mike and the kids washed the vehicles and everything seemed to be honky dory with life. Then our day turned horrible...
Bethany and her friend, Anaheim, down the street have been taking him for a walk the past few weeks. It has been the both of them to tend to the one dog. It has been going well. So, today Mike was out washing the truck with the kids. I was in working. Bethany comes in, getting the leash, "Anaheim and I are going to take Yogi and her dog for a walk"...Her friend has a chiawahwah. Knowing how Yogi reacts with cats, something in me said, no...I say, "not sure that's a good idea" As she's going out the door. I follow out the door not a minute later and Bethany is running after Yogi down the street, trying to grab his leash. Meanwhile, Niko runs down the street to help his sister grab the dog. So they're a good distance down there (about 200-300 yrds?) and Bethany finally grabs the leash just as her friend is catching up to them with her little dog. Yogi spots her dog and immediately charges it and then we have Discovery Channel right before our eyes! The next few seconds so much happened...Mike takes off down the street, the neighbors on that end of the street come rushing out of their houses, probably because they hear the three kids SCREAMING hysterically as our dog has the little dog in his mouth thrashing it around like it's nothing. Somehow the dogs separate as I am running down the street too. My concern was to get the kids out of there so they didn't have to see what was left of the dog. So I'm yelling for the kids to come here, Bethany somehow has our dog now by the leash and I tell her to get him home and lock him in the back yard (mind you he is totally compliant now and stupid dog is wagging his freaking tail and all happy-stupid looking) I escort the hysterical children back to the house and get Anaheim home so she can get her parents...Anyhow...Mike ended up taking the dad and the dog to the vet and 400 bucks later the dog is put down because the spine is completely severed...AHHHHH-how does this stuff happen?!!
So now we are faced with a dog that crossed a line, killing another dog, our neighbor's dog at that. We don't feel safe around him. And frankly, we can't afford for him to cross a line like that again, whether it be with another animal or a human. He's already snapped at Matthew before. So this week we get to say goodbye to him, too...It's just all so disheartening and horrible.
I am most angry that the kids had to see such an awful thing and that Anaheim had to see her dog killed like that.
Anyhow, that really put a somber mood on our week.
The mornings have been cooling off greatly. We've been in the 50's and 60's- SOOO nice...
Mike fixed the garbage disposal with Matthew this morning...
And then Mike and the kids washed the vehicles and everything seemed to be honky dory with life. Then our day turned horrible...
Bethany and her friend, Anaheim, down the street have been taking him for a walk the past few weeks. It has been the both of them to tend to the one dog. It has been going well. So, today Mike was out washing the truck with the kids. I was in working. Bethany comes in, getting the leash, "Anaheim and I are going to take Yogi and her dog for a walk"...Her friend has a chiawahwah. Knowing how Yogi reacts with cats, something in me said, no...I say, "not sure that's a good idea" As she's going out the door. I follow out the door not a minute later and Bethany is running after Yogi down the street, trying to grab his leash. Meanwhile, Niko runs down the street to help his sister grab the dog. So they're a good distance down there (about 200-300 yrds?) and Bethany finally grabs the leash just as her friend is catching up to them with her little dog. Yogi spots her dog and immediately charges it and then we have Discovery Channel right before our eyes! The next few seconds so much happened...Mike takes off down the street, the neighbors on that end of the street come rushing out of their houses, probably because they hear the three kids SCREAMING hysterically as our dog has the little dog in his mouth thrashing it around like it's nothing. Somehow the dogs separate as I am running down the street too. My concern was to get the kids out of there so they didn't have to see what was left of the dog. So I'm yelling for the kids to come here, Bethany somehow has our dog now by the leash and I tell her to get him home and lock him in the back yard (mind you he is totally compliant now and stupid dog is wagging his freaking tail and all happy-stupid looking) I escort the hysterical children back to the house and get Anaheim home so she can get her parents...Anyhow...Mike ended up taking the dad and the dog to the vet and 400 bucks later the dog is put down because the spine is completely severed...AHHHHH-how does this stuff happen?!!
So now we are faced with a dog that crossed a line, killing another dog, our neighbor's dog at that. We don't feel safe around him. And frankly, we can't afford for him to cross a line like that again, whether it be with another animal or a human. He's already snapped at Matthew before. So this week we get to say goodbye to him, too...It's just all so disheartening and horrible.
I am most angry that the kids had to see such an awful thing and that Anaheim had to see her dog killed like that.
Anyhow, that really put a somber mood on our week.
Wed the 3rd...and the rest of the week
Last week was pretty busy, pretty busy...On Wednesday, i heard back from the job I interviewed for on the 1st. I was offered the position and the manager requested I take until the end of the week to discuss it wit family, think about it and come to a decision. So, Mike and i got busy figuring out how all this was going to work with our family. Everything fell into place nearly perfectly. Mike got on the phone with work and it just so happened that there was an opening on an ambulance right up the street for Tuesdays and Fridays only, 10 am to 6 am. This shift will allow the kids to only need after school care those two afternoons a week. And Matthew will only need care on those two days as well. That was the primary concern and I don't think it could have worked out better. Mike will be able to fill in my spot helping in the kids classrooms on Wednesday mornings and still be involved that way. For this huge change in our family life, this will make the transition a bit easier. With that major concern figured out, on Thursday afternoon, i accepted the job. I will be starting on October 22nd.
The kids know about it, and like with most things in their life, they take it all in graceful stride. Thankful we have adaptable kids, although we know there will still be some transition issues. but they are excited about the changes thus far.
THAT was the big news of last week, although there was also big news with the kids too. They finished out the quarter and we had parent/teacher conferences on Thursday morning. Bethany is doing well academically, but socially is struggling...Gosh, where have we heard that before?...Not in the area of making friends and whatnot, just keeping her mouth shut and focusing in on her work. Her teacher said that she's even been stopped in the grocery store by substitute teachers and been told, My gosh, that Bethany talks a lot...(I guess all the reports in this blog can't be great, but they are truthful). The teacher said if she could get that under wraps, she would have straight A's across the board. She is such a smart and bright little girl, with so much to share. She is an excellent writer with a great imagination. She also got mentioned in the school newsletter 3 different times for displaying different character traits around campus- respect, fairness, and helpfulness
Niko's teacher had good things to say too. He is a wizard at math. Very quick and process that all very well. His reading is improving as well as his writing. They have been writing in their journals and I got to peak at what he's been writing about- mostly dinosaurs, ninjas, and MOMMY! :) ...His teacher said he is a very sweet boy and doesn't give her much trouble for the most part.
So they had half days at school on Thursday and Friday and now they are out for a week for Fall Break.
The kids know about it, and like with most things in their life, they take it all in graceful stride. Thankful we have adaptable kids, although we know there will still be some transition issues. but they are excited about the changes thus far.
THAT was the big news of last week, although there was also big news with the kids too. They finished out the quarter and we had parent/teacher conferences on Thursday morning. Bethany is doing well academically, but socially is struggling...Gosh, where have we heard that before?...Not in the area of making friends and whatnot, just keeping her mouth shut and focusing in on her work. Her teacher said that she's even been stopped in the grocery store by substitute teachers and been told, My gosh, that Bethany talks a lot...(I guess all the reports in this blog can't be great, but they are truthful). The teacher said if she could get that under wraps, she would have straight A's across the board. She is such a smart and bright little girl, with so much to share. She is an excellent writer with a great imagination. She also got mentioned in the school newsletter 3 different times for displaying different character traits around campus- respect, fairness, and helpfulness
Niko's teacher had good things to say too. He is a wizard at math. Very quick and process that all very well. His reading is improving as well as his writing. They have been writing in their journals and I got to peak at what he's been writing about- mostly dinosaurs, ninjas, and MOMMY! :) ...His teacher said he is a very sweet boy and doesn't give her much trouble for the most part.
So they had half days at school on Thursday and Friday and now they are out for a week for Fall Break.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Well, another insanely busy week, hence the lack of posts...I have been consumed by a particular recording for work and not really available for a whole lot of anything else...Mike and I are still doing our running though. Mike has actually been running 2 times a day. He's a stud for sure....
This weekend we went swimming a couple times at the YMCA. We had a birthday party on Sunday that we went to. Mike took a written test for the City of Mesa's fire department. Mike received his letter for Phoenix ( I can't remember if I've posted that here or not yet) His second interview is scheduled for October 9th in the afternoon. So that's next week! He'll find out if he'll be going to the January academy or not by the end of that week. Fun, fun...
I had an interview on Monday morning downtown for a full time position with the county. My supervisor sat in on the interview and said later that I did very well and that the hiring supervisor "really liked me" So we'll see. I went to another meeting downtown this morning with the other transcriptionist and there was talk of trying to have full-time available for what I do now, from home. that would be an awesome opportunity too. Although, changes like that with the county could take years to go through and be implemented...Anyhow....
The kids have been having a good week at school, although it's only Tuesday. We have Parent/Teacher conferences on Thursday and Friday this week and then we're off next week for Fall Break.
Bethany turned in her first big report today. It was on South America. She had fun doing it and put it together well. (note the Photo of the Day)
This weekend we went swimming a couple times at the YMCA. We had a birthday party on Sunday that we went to. Mike took a written test for the City of Mesa's fire department. Mike received his letter for Phoenix ( I can't remember if I've posted that here or not yet) His second interview is scheduled for October 9th in the afternoon. So that's next week! He'll find out if he'll be going to the January academy or not by the end of that week. Fun, fun...
I had an interview on Monday morning downtown for a full time position with the county. My supervisor sat in on the interview and said later that I did very well and that the hiring supervisor "really liked me" So we'll see. I went to another meeting downtown this morning with the other transcriptionist and there was talk of trying to have full-time available for what I do now, from home. that would be an awesome opportunity too. Although, changes like that with the county could take years to go through and be implemented...Anyhow....
The kids have been having a good week at school, although it's only Tuesday. We have Parent/Teacher conferences on Thursday and Friday this week and then we're off next week for Fall Break.
Bethany turned in her first big report today. It was on South America. She had fun doing it and put it together well. (note the Photo of the Day)
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