Tomorrow we set sail for Prescott.
Mike has a ride-along with the department tomorrow afternoon and then we'll stay the night so he can getup for his interview in the morning.
His nerves are on edge with this one. It is a great opportunity and the department has a lot to offer. His hopes are that he can go into the interview, calm, focused, confident, and relaxed. And from there, he can effectively relate to the board who he is and why he is sitting in front of them.
We'll let you know how it goes.
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Saturday, February 28, 2009
Rock Bottom with Divalerios
Mike's Grandfather, Uncle Scott, and cousins-Jake and Justin, are in town this weekend attending some Cactus League Spring training games. They went to a Seahawks/Dodgers game yesterday and have a Seahawks game planned for today with some festivities afterwards, Fun times for sure!
They have quite full schedule while they are here, but not too full that we weren't able to squeeze into it and get to see them last night for dinner.
We all met at the Rock Bottom and had a really great dinner. It was fun to connect briefly and enjoy each others company. I forgot my camera, of course, so no pictures to share.
Matthew was especially excited to see Grandpa. He insisted on sitting next to him and giving him lots of hugs...Then he migrated over to Uncle Scott and pestered him the rest of the time :)
Good times, good times!
Okay, okay--so it's the Mariners, not the Seahawks...details, details-ugh
They have quite full schedule while they are here, but not too full that we weren't able to squeeze into it and get to see them last night for dinner.
We all met at the Rock Bottom and had a really great dinner. It was fun to connect briefly and enjoy each others company. I forgot my camera, of course, so no pictures to share.
Matthew was especially excited to see Grandpa. He insisted on sitting next to him and giving him lots of hugs...Then he migrated over to Uncle Scott and pestered him the rest of the time :)
Good times, good times!
Okay, okay--so it's the Mariners, not the Seahawks...details, details-ugh
Congratulations, Michael
Today Mike finished up his Wildland class and earned his certificate (Red Card). He over-achieved, as usual, passing his tests with 97-100%. Way to go Baby!!!
He was already contacted this weekend to work some special events with Paramedics Unlimited*, the wilderness medic organization he's been accepted to. This is so exciting for him. Can't wait for some burns here in the coming season!
*PARAMEDICS UNLIMITED IS A COMPANY THAT SPECIALIZES IN MEDICAL STANDBY, BOTH IN THE URBAN AND WILDERNESS SETTING. PARAMEDICS UNLIMITED STAFF ARE HIGHLY TRAINED INDIVIDUALS THAT WORK IN SOME TYPE OF EMERGENCY RESPONSE SYSTEM.
He was already contacted this weekend to work some special events with Paramedics Unlimited*, the wilderness medic organization he's been accepted to. This is so exciting for him. Can't wait for some burns here in the coming season!
*PARAMEDICS UNLIMITED IS A COMPANY THAT SPECIALIZES IN MEDICAL STANDBY, BOTH IN THE URBAN AND WILDERNESS SETTING. PARAMEDICS UNLIMITED STAFF ARE HIGHLY TRAINED INDIVIDUALS THAT WORK IN SOME TYPE OF EMERGENCY RESPONSE SYSTEM.
In honor of lent (and maybe the fact that I just got through watching the original Faces of Death (1978)-UGH) I am going to try to give up meat for the next 40 days. I'm not going to go all 'granola' and liberal and anal and preachy and condemning about it, just discreetly choose other options...We'll see how it goes...
And because this choice is originally for lent, the sacrifice of something meaningful to you is supposed to be countered by adding something that will bring you closer to God during this time. So maybe as I spend more time with Him, He'll give me more direction on this meat thing during these 40 days.
And because this choice is originally for lent, the sacrifice of something meaningful to you is supposed to be countered by adding something that will bring you closer to God during this time. So maybe as I spend more time with Him, He'll give me more direction on this meat thing during these 40 days.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Context is everything
So I'm at the grocery store last night, walking by the pharmacy. I overhear and see the Pharmacist finish explaining the usage of this guys medication to him and then sends him off with "Have fun!" ??? For some reason that caught my attention and ran by me as a rather odd thing to say. Makes me wonder what was in that bottle....Hmm...
Of coarse this was just two seconds of passing by and I don't know the half of it. But just funny how things out of context can sound.
Of coarse this was just two seconds of passing by and I don't know the half of it. But just funny how things out of context can sound.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Fighting Forest Fires
I am taking my Wildland Class right now, and putting in for Wildland Fire jobs in the Arizona area. So I applied for the forest service, the bureau of land management, national park service and the state forest service for a part time, temporary Wildland Fire job. With my efforts of putting in applications it can not be taken lightly that this year fire season might be pretty bad!
The job is dangerous but interested in working primarily as a Type 1 Firefighter, or on a Hotshot crew; which pretty much backpack into the fire, sleep on a rock and fight fire! There is also the Type II crew, where you fight the fire, and then head to basecamp and sleep in a nice tent or bunk.
So please pray that I hear back from one of these Federal Agencies. This would be a great opportunity to make some money this season during the wildland fire season. Thank you in advance for your prayers.
The job is dangerous but interested in working primarily as a Type 1 Firefighter, or on a Hotshot crew; which pretty much backpack into the fire, sleep on a rock and fight fire! There is also the Type II crew, where you fight the fire, and then head to basecamp and sleep in a nice tent or bunk.
So please pray that I hear back from one of these Federal Agencies. This would be a great opportunity to make some money this season during the wildland fire season. Thank you in advance for your prayers.
St. Valentine - A Brief History
Saturday, February 14 is St. Valentine's Day. This day has come to mean flowers and candle light for lovebirds, crunchy little hearts and cards for gradeschoolers, and bitterness for those left behind.
However, the name behind the mushy cards and flower sales belonged to one or more legendary Christian men who were executed under Roman Emperor Claudius II (AD 268 - 270).
Claudius II is best known for his sound beating of the Goths. The majority of his reign was spent at war and fighting rebellion and opposition. His devotion to conquest led the Emperor to declare that no young men of fighting age could be married; they needed to focus on being soldiers. Yet according to tradition, a Christian priest named Valentine opposed Claudius' decree and secretly married young Roman soldiers to their brides. When this illegal activity was discovered, Valentine was killed.
http://www.khouse.org/enews_article/2009/1420/print/
However, the name behind the mushy cards and flower sales belonged to one or more legendary Christian men who were executed under Roman Emperor Claudius II (AD 268 - 270).
Claudius II is best known for his sound beating of the Goths. The majority of his reign was spent at war and fighting rebellion and opposition. His devotion to conquest led the Emperor to declare that no young men of fighting age could be married; they needed to focus on being soldiers. Yet according to tradition, a Christian priest named Valentine opposed Claudius' decree and secretly married young Roman soldiers to their brides. When this illegal activity was discovered, Valentine was killed.
http://www.khouse.org/enews_article/2009/1420/print/
On Liberty: Happy Birthday President Lincoln
Great article on President Lincoln. Enjoy...it is Presidents Day!
http://www.khouse.org/enews_article/2009/1421/print/
http://www.khouse.org/enews_article/2009/1421/print/
Possible Job Change
At Food for the Hungry I was hired on as a Web Operations Administrator and was working primarily with the content, and updating the web pages. My job as turned more from an administrative role to a developer role. This is not official yet but working towards a new job title as a Front-End Web Developer. This job description is a new neo type title because it is not a web programmer that does hard core programming, but it is not a designer who makes the graphics and aesthetics of the web pages. The title would be a developer for front end web pages. Example a (FEWD) would be working with XHTML Strict, CSS, AJAX, JavaScript and finally utilizing graphics. I will you know when I hear the job title is official.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Valentine's Day at The Clesceri's
Okay, okay, so today is also Valentine's Day.
I know that many people are bent out of shape about it just being another Hallmark Holiday-another day for commerce to make an extra buck. I LOVE this holiday though. It's one of my favorites. It is so fun to dote on the ones you love and make it special. Sure you love them every day, but if I decorated the table and planned a nice dinner every night, it would loose it's 'specialness'...
So, today, Mike had his first day of Wildland Class. Adding to his portfolio of education. This certification will expand the market for him as far as where to apply.
The fun started when Mike came home. We ALL made dinner together. We made make your own pizzas. We all got to roll out our crusts and pile on the toppings. It was a lot of fun. We exchanged cards and small gifts and lots of hugs and kisses...
Of coarse, I pulled out the fine china, as we traditionally do for our Valentine's dinner each year; decorated the table all fancy and elegant. Got to teach them how to be civilized at some point.
It was a great evening of celebrating each other.
(my pretty flowers)
(Niko's Place-setting)
(Matthew's place-setting)
(Bethany's place-setting)
(And of coarse, My Love's place-setting)
(Workspace for make your own pizzas)
(Matthew building his pizza)
(Niko's turn)
(And Bethany's turn)
(Cooking them up)
(Dinner is served)
I know that many people are bent out of shape about it just being another Hallmark Holiday-another day for commerce to make an extra buck. I LOVE this holiday though. It's one of my favorites. It is so fun to dote on the ones you love and make it special. Sure you love them every day, but if I decorated the table and planned a nice dinner every night, it would loose it's 'specialness'...
So, today, Mike had his first day of Wildland Class. Adding to his portfolio of education. This certification will expand the market for him as far as where to apply.
The fun started when Mike came home. We ALL made dinner together. We made make your own pizzas. We all got to roll out our crusts and pile on the toppings. It was a lot of fun. We exchanged cards and small gifts and lots of hugs and kisses...
Of coarse, I pulled out the fine china, as we traditionally do for our Valentine's dinner each year; decorated the table all fancy and elegant. Got to teach them how to be civilized at some point.
It was a great evening of celebrating each other.
(my pretty flowers)
(Niko's Place-setting)
(Matthew's place-setting)
(Bethany's place-setting)
(And of coarse, My Love's place-setting)
(Workspace for make your own pizzas)
(Matthew building his pizza)
(Niko's turn)
(And Bethany's turn)
(Cooking them up)
(Dinner is served)Saturday, February 14, 2009
Arizona Statehood Day-February 14th
Arizona was the 48th and last of the contiguous states admitted to the Union on February 14, 1912.We love our state and all that it has to offer. The God-carved terrain is breathtaking and beauty you can find nowhere else. we have thoroughly enjoyed discovering and exploring this state over the past 8.5 years.
Of coarse, February 14th is also Oregon Statehood day, but I'll leave that to Grandma and Grandpa Renwick and Uncle Brad to talk about.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Bethany's Winter Concert
After a crazy day, we got the treat of sitting down to listen to Bethany play her violin in her winter concert. She was able to play with the high school orchestra this time around. It was a big deal for her to play alongside these guys. Gave her something to aspire to. Popo and Nana came to watch and listen with us.We celebrated afterwards with a ice cream from Mickey D's...
The day from you know where...
Thursday was originally supposed to be an over-booked, crazy day to begin with. We were all leaving by 6:00 am to get me to Mesa for my shift, Bethany back by 6:45 to go to orchestra, then the boys ready and off to school. It was a half day for the kids for parent-teacher conferences. So before Matthew got out at 10, Mike had to run into Phoenix to run the bread to the food bank. Then after picking up Matthew, he'd have to come get me back in Mesa, then from there, get the other two from school at 1:00, have Matthew's conference right at 1:15, come home and get Bethany ready for her orchestra concert and catch up a bit at home. Get to Niko's conference at 4:00, then Bethany to the Concert Hall by 4:30. come home feed the family, get ready to go to the concert by 6:30.
So, that was the way this crazy-busy day was supposed to go. Crazy, but it would flow, if there were no glitches...
Well, we got me to Mesa, Bethany back home and off to orchestra, boys ready for school, they go out to the car and the garage is filled with water coming from the car. Ugh!!
Mike drives Niko to school, keeps Matthew with him and goes to the shop to find out what's going on...An hour and a half and $450.00 later, we had a new water pump and he was off to Phoenix to get the bread done. Mike was at the station waiting for me when I was supposed to get off at noon, but low and behold, we got a call about 11:40 for a flat tire. It was a VW and they didn't have the lug nut attachment with them to get the tire off to change it for them. Go figure. So, they had to call for a tow, and not just any tow, but through the dealer warranty, which tends to take longer than normal. The car was in the suicide lane, so we had to stay with it to divert traffic until the tow came. Gratefully, my supervisor sent the crew that was on the next shift over in a separate truck to relieve us. I still didn't get back until just after 12:30, but it was enough time to get to the school.
After that, everything pretty much went to schedule. Just a big headache of a morning.
So, that was the way this crazy-busy day was supposed to go. Crazy, but it would flow, if there were no glitches...
Well, we got me to Mesa, Bethany back home and off to orchestra, boys ready for school, they go out to the car and the garage is filled with water coming from the car. Ugh!!
Mike drives Niko to school, keeps Matthew with him and goes to the shop to find out what's going on...An hour and a half and $450.00 later, we had a new water pump and he was off to Phoenix to get the bread done. Mike was at the station waiting for me when I was supposed to get off at noon, but low and behold, we got a call about 11:40 for a flat tire. It was a VW and they didn't have the lug nut attachment with them to get the tire off to change it for them. Go figure. So, they had to call for a tow, and not just any tow, but through the dealer warranty, which tends to take longer than normal. The car was in the suicide lane, so we had to stay with it to divert traffic until the tow came. Gratefully, my supervisor sent the crew that was on the next shift over in a separate truck to relieve us. I still didn't get back until just after 12:30, but it was enough time to get to the school.
After that, everything pretty much went to schedule. Just a big headache of a morning.
Contract Work
There is so much this week that is happening I can not possibly get it all in. Ridiculous for sure! Anyways this week I have been doing contract work for the ERLC or (Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission) and the Resonate Group on their web stuff. A friend of mine who I work with at Food for the Hungry thought that my talent was pretty good so he referred me to his friend who lives back east in TN. After some time talking to him on MSN Instant Messenger I got some work to prove myself.
The team is an elite set of workers spread out all over the U.S. providing web services to ministries and firms alike as a virtual company. Both the ERLC and the Resonate Group are run by the same person, and I have done work for both groups. Recently I was asked to help out with a project that has already deployed. I am sharing the link with you now.
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
http://www.sbts.edu/
I was brought in to help troubleshoot the differences between browsers. Internet Explorer 6 & 7, Firefox differences etc. This was a daunting task considering that things that are fixed for one still have to reform well in the other browser. To make a long story short, the job got done and I am excited to be working with and continue to be working with the Resonate Group as a Front-End Web Developer, more on this in another post.
The team is an elite set of workers spread out all over the U.S. providing web services to ministries and firms alike as a virtual company. Both the ERLC and the Resonate Group are run by the same person, and I have done work for both groups. Recently I was asked to help out with a project that has already deployed. I am sharing the link with you now.
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
http://www.sbts.edu/
I was brought in to help troubleshoot the differences between browsers. Internet Explorer 6 & 7, Firefox differences etc. This was a daunting task considering that things that are fixed for one still have to reform well in the other browser. To make a long story short, the job got done and I am excited to be working with and continue to be working with the Resonate Group as a Front-End Web Developer, more on this in another post.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
First part of the week
This week started relatively well. The kids got off to a good start this week. I had a great shift with the Connectors on Monday. We were able to help out a few citizens and got some "honey-do's" done around the stations...Mike had a great day with work.
Tuesday, Mike got a correspondence to do a rush job from one of his contract people. So we had a late night with him getting that done. Tuesday I also developed some sort of sinus thing that I haven't been able to shake. The kids and i checked out this really fun park in chandler across the street from the bus stop that Mike comes in and out of. They had a blast playing on the farm themed playground and the Jurassic area digging for bones. Definitely will be going back there.
The cloud lifted off of our local Superstition Mountain on Tuesday and showed off all the beautiful white that's been falling up there over the weekend. It was so pretty, while it lasted. The other mountains around all have snow, but the Superstitions are too low for it to stay very long.
Wednesday was spent playing catch up from Tuesday night. Mike was beat and I ended up picking him up from work at noon. He was able to get in a nap before Royal Rangers. While they were there, Bethany and Matthew and I went to the library. Because they don't get to play on the computer at home, they look forward to the short time they have to play some games on the computer there. Matthew played a couple games from lego.com and Bethany played some everythinggirl.com. It gave me a chance to organize my coupons for the week.
Tuesday, Mike got a correspondence to do a rush job from one of his contract people. So we had a late night with him getting that done. Tuesday I also developed some sort of sinus thing that I haven't been able to shake. The kids and i checked out this really fun park in chandler across the street from the bus stop that Mike comes in and out of. They had a blast playing on the farm themed playground and the Jurassic area digging for bones. Definitely will be going back there.
The cloud lifted off of our local Superstition Mountain on Tuesday and showed off all the beautiful white that's been falling up there over the weekend. It was so pretty, while it lasted. The other mountains around all have snow, but the Superstitions are too low for it to stay very long.
Wednesday was spent playing catch up from Tuesday night. Mike was beat and I ended up picking him up from work at noon. He was able to get in a nap before Royal Rangers. While they were there, Bethany and Matthew and I went to the library. Because they don't get to play on the computer at home, they look forward to the short time they have to play some games on the computer there. Matthew played a couple games from lego.com and Bethany played some everythinggirl.com. It gave me a chance to organize my coupons for the week.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
The Pinewood Derby
Niko was so excited for this. He and Mike worked hard on their cars over the past few weeks. This was the first derby they had done. Nana and Popo came to watch. Mike missed the racing because of his interview, but ended up coming later and then we had to leave early because he was going to help someone move.
Over the past few weeks, Niko has been looking at photos from past derby's, sizing up his car with previous cars. He had his heart set on a trophy. When we walked into the building, his eyes admired the table of shinny blue trophies. I kept telling him that he had done a great job and that not everyone would be getting a trophy. He earned his patch and that was great and good enough. It would just be an extra thing if he won a trophy. He so had his heart set on it, that I didn't want him to be too disappointed if he didn't bring one home. So, on with the races...
They each raced their cars four times. Niko's car kept coming in third...It was fun to cheer them on. There were so many different creative designs and fun ideas. Everyone really did a great job with their cars.
Niko came up to me after coming in third on the third race with a smile and said, "Mom, I got third...But, hey, you want to know what? God just told me to wait. I just heard the word, 'Wait'" Oh really, I said...And then he was off to watch the other cars. The last race his car was in, he came 2nd out of three. The overall results were displayed on the screen and he was far from the top. But he was happy and proud of his car still.
Mike ended up coming and shortly after we had to leave before the whole thing was over. Niko said we couldn't leave yet because he hadn't got his trophy. I had to explain to him yet again, with his head hanging low, that his car wasn't fast enough for a trophy, but we can improve our design next year and get it going faster. He did a great job and put good work into it. He thought his patch was pretty cool and he had a lot of fun and he was proud of his car and he was mostly satisfied overall after yet another pep-talk to reassure him.
So, we went to lunch and on with our day...
A couple hours later, one of the commanders gave Mike a call saying that Niko had earned a trophy. And not just any trophy, but a huge trophy, First Place in Design! Mike and I were so frustrated that we didn't stay and let Niko enjoy his moment. He was right all along and he just knew it. Heck, God even reassured his little heart to not give up hope. So all of his hard work and patience in making that car paid off. Mike helped him manipulate some of the gluing on of parts, but for the most part, Niko did the entire thing himself-sanding, decorating, etc...He's proud of his car and his trophy!
Over the past few weeks, Niko has been looking at photos from past derby's, sizing up his car with previous cars. He had his heart set on a trophy. When we walked into the building, his eyes admired the table of shinny blue trophies. I kept telling him that he had done a great job and that not everyone would be getting a trophy. He earned his patch and that was great and good enough. It would just be an extra thing if he won a trophy. He so had his heart set on it, that I didn't want him to be too disappointed if he didn't bring one home. So, on with the races...
They each raced their cars four times. Niko's car kept coming in third...It was fun to cheer them on. There were so many different creative designs and fun ideas. Everyone really did a great job with their cars.
Niko came up to me after coming in third on the third race with a smile and said, "Mom, I got third...But, hey, you want to know what? God just told me to wait. I just heard the word, 'Wait'" Oh really, I said...And then he was off to watch the other cars. The last race his car was in, he came 2nd out of three. The overall results were displayed on the screen and he was far from the top. But he was happy and proud of his car still.
Mike ended up coming and shortly after we had to leave before the whole thing was over. Niko said we couldn't leave yet because he hadn't got his trophy. I had to explain to him yet again, with his head hanging low, that his car wasn't fast enough for a trophy, but we can improve our design next year and get it going faster. He did a great job and put good work into it. He thought his patch was pretty cool and he had a lot of fun and he was proud of his car and he was mostly satisfied overall after yet another pep-talk to reassure him.
So, we went to lunch and on with our day...
A couple hours later, one of the commanders gave Mike a call saying that Niko had earned a trophy. And not just any trophy, but a huge trophy, First Place in Design! Mike and I were so frustrated that we didn't stay and let Niko enjoy his moment. He was right all along and he just knew it. Heck, God even reassured his little heart to not give up hope. So all of his hard work and patience in making that car paid off. Mike helped him manipulate some of the gluing on of parts, but for the most part, Niko did the entire thing himself-sanding, decorating, etc...He's proud of his car and his trophy!
Monday, February 9, 2009
The Weekend
On Friday, Mike had a Phoenix Fire CR shift. Boy, do they keep him busy over there.
While he was busy with that, I was busy getting Bethany ready to go with Grandma up to Prescott for the weekend. Also, getting things ready for Mike's interview on Saturday morning. Ended up being a pretty busy day.
After getting Bethany off to grandma's right after school, the boys and I headed to Costco for dinner and then we went downtown for a special night at the Children's Museum in Phoenix. It was crazy busy, as it was the Free First Friday nights where you get in free from 6-10. The boys had fun though and before we knew it it was time to pick up Mike from the station.
Saturday was crazy busy too. Mike had his interview in the morning and I took the boys to the pinewood derby to get Niko going on that. I will post separate on that excitement!
Bethany came home Sunday morning and had a great time with Grandma. It was beginning to snow up there as they left for home. And it was raining when she got here. That afternoon we went to a b-day party for one of Niko's friends up the street. After that, we were all pretty much exhausted.
While he was busy with that, I was busy getting Bethany ready to go with Grandma up to Prescott for the weekend. Also, getting things ready for Mike's interview on Saturday morning. Ended up being a pretty busy day.
After getting Bethany off to grandma's right after school, the boys and I headed to Costco for dinner and then we went downtown for a special night at the Children's Museum in Phoenix. It was crazy busy, as it was the Free First Friday nights where you get in free from 6-10. The boys had fun though and before we knew it it was time to pick up Mike from the station.
Saturday was crazy busy too. Mike had his interview in the morning and I took the boys to the pinewood derby to get Niko going on that. I will post separate on that excitement!
Bethany came home Sunday morning and had a great time with Grandma. It was beginning to snow up there as they left for home. And it was raining when she got here. That afternoon we went to a b-day party for one of Niko's friends up the street. After that, we were all pretty much exhausted.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009
So we're just waaay behind here again, aren't we? I've just got to get with it.
Needless to say, I have been kept very busy with work/volunteering and kids with this new year. And when I'm not doing those things, I'm catching up around the house, that seems like it's endless laundry and piles of mail and pile to sweep up on the floors and trying to get our out of control weeds, well...under control ('tis the season). Ugh! Life!...
So here's an update.
Bethany has a violin concert this Thursday (the 12th). She has been working hard and practicing a ton. So I'm sure there will be video to post next week. She is doing better in class as far as getting her work in and keeping her mouth shut. Her grades have improved and she's back on the honor roll....She is just such a good kid. She knows what she needs to do for the most part and does it. Self-motivated and independent. She is looking forward to spending this weekend with my mom in Prescott.
Niko has been having a lot of fun in Royal Rangers the past few weeks making his pinewood derby car. It's just about done and ready for the races this Saturday. He is very excited and him and the other boys were all comparing cars this week and they are all pretty confident that each of them will be the winner-don't know how that will quite work...We got word this Monday that his long-term sub in class has reached her max number of days for subbing in one year, so abruptly, they have hired a new teacher that has already started in the classroom this week. It kind of happened quick and without much warning, just as Niko was getting into a routine and calming down and on track. So now he gets to adjust, YET AGAIN. Ugh. At least he's a half a year more mature than when the school year started and the class is smaller now too.
Matthew has been plugging away at T-ball. He is having a lot of fun with it. A couple kids from his class are playing with him so that adds to the fun...School has been going well for him too. He is catching up with letter recognition and writing. Still not reading, but that will come soon enough. that's why he's repeating next year. Behaviourally, he'll have a good 7-8 days straight, where he'll be an angel and then have one horrible day and then go another 7-8 days. It's like he stores it up and then lets it all out in one morning. But he's trying...All the boys in his class were involved in a huge playground brawl the other day-kicking, pushing, hitting, inappropriate language, the works. His teacher said that there was a huge dust cloud in the sand where they were all going at it. It was quite the ordeal. Not one girl was involved and not one boy wasn't involved. It started as playing/wrestling and escalated fast. So all the boys had to tell their moms about it at parent pick-up and we got a letter from them too. So now the rest of the week, all the boys are on playground clean-up during recess-no playing.
Last weekend, we all went out to CA to visit Mike's Grandpa DiValerio. We stayed with his uncle and aunt up the street from his grandfather. it was a quick trip, but so worth it to spend the day with his grandfather-playing football, visiting, climbing trees. The trip out and back wasn't too bad. The kids do great in the car, so that's always a plus.
The weekend before, Mike headed out to Hemet, CA with his dad to see his other grandfather and go to the mass for his grandmother. It has been 3 years since Nana has passed away. She sure is unbelievably missed. We miss her advice and her opinions and how she used to set us straight. That influence and wisdom always helped us grow and prioritize and learn. She was a beautiful lady.
Mike has an interview for Florence Fire this weekend, a reserve position. Lake Havasue has dropped their testing process for the time being. Should be interesting to see what happens with Phoenix here in the next few months.
Today, Mike is off with his boss doing a 'web-services retreat'...They are going to a shooting range and then to a rock climbing gym after they go to lunch. Working hard there, team building...
So, that's it in a nutshell.
Needless to say, I have been kept very busy with work/volunteering and kids with this new year. And when I'm not doing those things, I'm catching up around the house, that seems like it's endless laundry and piles of mail and pile to sweep up on the floors and trying to get our out of control weeds, well...under control ('tis the season). Ugh! Life!...
So here's an update.
Bethany has a violin concert this Thursday (the 12th). She has been working hard and practicing a ton. So I'm sure there will be video to post next week. She is doing better in class as far as getting her work in and keeping her mouth shut. Her grades have improved and she's back on the honor roll....She is just such a good kid. She knows what she needs to do for the most part and does it. Self-motivated and independent. She is looking forward to spending this weekend with my mom in Prescott.
Niko has been having a lot of fun in Royal Rangers the past few weeks making his pinewood derby car. It's just about done and ready for the races this Saturday. He is very excited and him and the other boys were all comparing cars this week and they are all pretty confident that each of them will be the winner-don't know how that will quite work...We got word this Monday that his long-term sub in class has reached her max number of days for subbing in one year, so abruptly, they have hired a new teacher that has already started in the classroom this week. It kind of happened quick and without much warning, just as Niko was getting into a routine and calming down and on track. So now he gets to adjust, YET AGAIN. Ugh. At least he's a half a year more mature than when the school year started and the class is smaller now too.
Matthew has been plugging away at T-ball. He is having a lot of fun with it. A couple kids from his class are playing with him so that adds to the fun...School has been going well for him too. He is catching up with letter recognition and writing. Still not reading, but that will come soon enough. that's why he's repeating next year. Behaviourally, he'll have a good 7-8 days straight, where he'll be an angel and then have one horrible day and then go another 7-8 days. It's like he stores it up and then lets it all out in one morning. But he's trying...All the boys in his class were involved in a huge playground brawl the other day-kicking, pushing, hitting, inappropriate language, the works. His teacher said that there was a huge dust cloud in the sand where they were all going at it. It was quite the ordeal. Not one girl was involved and not one boy wasn't involved. It started as playing/wrestling and escalated fast. So all the boys had to tell their moms about it at parent pick-up and we got a letter from them too. So now the rest of the week, all the boys are on playground clean-up during recess-no playing.
Last weekend, we all went out to CA to visit Mike's Grandpa DiValerio. We stayed with his uncle and aunt up the street from his grandfather. it was a quick trip, but so worth it to spend the day with his grandfather-playing football, visiting, climbing trees. The trip out and back wasn't too bad. The kids do great in the car, so that's always a plus.
The weekend before, Mike headed out to Hemet, CA with his dad to see his other grandfather and go to the mass for his grandmother. It has been 3 years since Nana has passed away. She sure is unbelievably missed. We miss her advice and her opinions and how she used to set us straight. That influence and wisdom always helped us grow and prioritize and learn. She was a beautiful lady.
Mike has an interview for Florence Fire this weekend, a reserve position. Lake Havasue has dropped their testing process for the time being. Should be interesting to see what happens with Phoenix here in the next few months.
Today, Mike is off with his boss doing a 'web-services retreat'...They are going to a shooting range and then to a rock climbing gym after they go to lunch. Working hard there, team building...
So, that's it in a nutshell.
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