Here's a new public service video from Mesa Fire Department about car seat safety...
Keep in mind that even though the law here in AZ may be 5 years old restrained in a car seat, the law does not surpass the safety advantages of keeping a child in a booster until 80#/8years old. There are plenty of crash studies out there that show clearly the safety advantages of extended booster usage. In fact, it's recommended that a child be in a five point harness until 5 years old and then switching them to a belt positioning booster thereafter...
All this to say, do your research and protect these precious little lives that we've been blessed with. I'd hate to have regrets or 'what if's'...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ii4T-O3FPGY
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Monday, April 27, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Yesterday we had to go down to the dealer to sign new papers on the Tribute...*sigh*
So, are you ready to hear the story?
So...do you think that is bad news?
So...are you ready?
Turns out, it was one of those, "we need to work out a new deal for you"....
Grreeeaaat, right?
So...anyone saying "Oh no!" yet?
We weren't!!
They took another 1200.00 (8.0%) off the price of the vehicle, which reduced our monthly payment 8.0% as well!!
What car purchase transaction have you heard of where the dealer calls you back almost a week later and knocks off another 1200.00 off the purchase??? This has been too easy and we've been so blessed in this.
If you're wondering what the catch is and where they are screwing us, they're not. We already had the car for well under blue book and now it's just that much more. It has a clean report on Car Facts. Clean VIN number. Still has factory warranty...Just a crazy deal.
By the way, we got the vehicle at the Horne dealership out in Apache Junction. So, if anyone is in the market for a vehicle, we can't help but recommend these guys.
Ironically, the kids and I had watch Flywheel last weekend while Mike was out of town. Great, great movie. But it was about a used car salesman that was a dishonest crook. But then convicted, he turned his business around to an honest, upright establishment and God blessed him for it. But going into this last week, I had that "crooked used car salesman" apprehension and really didn't want to deal with 'the salesman'. But I think we were really treated right at the Horne's and we were really impressed.
So, are you ready to hear the story?
So...do you think that is bad news?
So...are you ready?
Turns out, it was one of those, "we need to work out a new deal for you"....
Grreeeaaat, right?
So...anyone saying "Oh no!" yet?
We weren't!!
They took another 1200.00 (8.0%) off the price of the vehicle, which reduced our monthly payment 8.0% as well!!
What car purchase transaction have you heard of where the dealer calls you back almost a week later and knocks off another 1200.00 off the purchase??? This has been too easy and we've been so blessed in this.
If you're wondering what the catch is and where they are screwing us, they're not. We already had the car for well under blue book and now it's just that much more. It has a clean report on Car Facts. Clean VIN number. Still has factory warranty...Just a crazy deal.
By the way, we got the vehicle at the Horne dealership out in Apache Junction. So, if anyone is in the market for a vehicle, we can't help but recommend these guys.
Ironically, the kids and I had watch Flywheel last weekend while Mike was out of town. Great, great movie. But it was about a used car salesman that was a dishonest crook. But then convicted, he turned his business around to an honest, upright establishment and God blessed him for it. But going into this last week, I had that "crooked used car salesman" apprehension and really didn't want to deal with 'the salesman'. But I think we were really treated right at the Horne's and we were really impressed.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Hardin jail tries for detainees from Gitmo
It looks like you guys are getting some detainees from Guantanamo to Montana. Crazy check out this article. Something to discuss. How close is this to Coeur d'Alene?
Bulls!
PLEASE click on the following link and read. It made me laugh.
(In case you don't know, The Pioneer Woman, Ree, is a rancher's wife in OK. They have a huge, working cattle ranch that has been in the family for generations. She homeschools her four children, the children work hard on the ranch with the other cowboys and her ten year old daughter drives a truck :). Love her blog!)
http://thepioneerwoman.com/2009/04/bulls.html
(In case you don't know, The Pioneer Woman, Ree, is a rancher's wife in OK. They have a huge, working cattle ranch that has been in the family for generations. She homeschools her four children, the children work hard on the ranch with the other cowboys and her ten year old daughter drives a truck :). Love her blog!)
http://thepioneerwoman.com/2009/04/bulls.html
Friday, April 24, 2009
Friday Game vs. Giants
SF Giants won 5-1, but it was still a great game! Kids had fun, we had fun. Good crowd around us. Lots of cheering...Finished with a GREAT fireworks show. Well worth staying for.
Another week gone by.
Big changes though on the transportation department in our home. Monday, after much contemplation and weighing in and research, we took the plunge and got a new vehicle. We ended up getting a used 2009 Mazda Tribute. It had exceptionally low miles on it, is still under factory warranty. It works well for our family. We got an awesome deal on it and were really blessed in the whole transaction.
We had a good D-backs game on Tuesday, although they lost and we left early to get home, still a fun game. The kids got on the big screen while they were in the batting cages. It was fun for them.
last night Mike and I went out to a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner with Mesa Fire Department. It was a really nice evening. We got to get dressed up (I even wore high heels *gasp*), Mike got to meet a lot of the people I work with, good dinner, good stuff. I got the Presidential Bronze Award for Volunteer Service (along with 58 other volunteers) We were applauded for all the money we were saving the city by giving our time. Nice evening!
Today Mike and i headed on our bikes to Paradise Bakery to do our homework for our Marriage Class we're in. The bike ride was so much more fun than the homework-ugh. Good stuff, but it wracks our brains for the answers. Bike ride was great though. Beautiful day!
Big changes though on the transportation department in our home. Monday, after much contemplation and weighing in and research, we took the plunge and got a new vehicle. We ended up getting a used 2009 Mazda Tribute. It had exceptionally low miles on it, is still under factory warranty. It works well for our family. We got an awesome deal on it and were really blessed in the whole transaction.
We had a good D-backs game on Tuesday, although they lost and we left early to get home, still a fun game. The kids got on the big screen while they were in the batting cages. It was fun for them.
last night Mike and I went out to a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner with Mesa Fire Department. It was a really nice evening. We got to get dressed up (I even wore high heels *gasp*), Mike got to meet a lot of the people I work with, good dinner, good stuff. I got the Presidential Bronze Award for Volunteer Service (along with 58 other volunteers) We were applauded for all the money we were saving the city by giving our time. Nice evening!
Today Mike and i headed on our bikes to Paradise Bakery to do our homework for our Marriage Class we're in. The bike ride was so much more fun than the homework-ugh. Good stuff, but it wracks our brains for the answers. Bike ride was great though. Beautiful day!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
This morning the kids and I piled in the car, got buckled up, and I began to pull out of the garage...thud, thud, thud..."Bethany, would you get out and see what's in the way? Am I running over something?"...Then in my next breath, I say, "Oh shoot! I bet you..." (putting it in park, getting out) "Which one is it?" I walk around the front, tires good...Rear passenger, good...Rear driver's side---Uh, completely deflated, couldn't be flatter.
With the help of our neighbor, we put on the spare. One from the last set of tires we had. Brand spankin' new tire, but not the same size. It is quite a bit bigger and chunkier than the tires we have. We load up the flat and take it to Sears to get warranty work done on it.
So, Mike got home this afternoon. We get in the car to go to class tonight and the Check Engine light turns OFF. go figure!
With the help of our neighbor, we put on the spare. One from the last set of tires we had. Brand spankin' new tire, but not the same size. It is quite a bit bigger and chunkier than the tires we have. We load up the flat and take it to Sears to get warranty work done on it.
So, Mike got home this afternoon. We get in the car to go to class tonight and the Check Engine light turns OFF. go figure!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Our trip to the ER
We just got back from spending about 4 hours in the ER at Gilbert Mercy hospital. Bethany ended up with 3 stitches in her upper inner knee, or lower inner thigh-whichever way you want to describe it.
Her and Niko were playing out back on the side yard where the dog run is. There's this little chain link shelter thing over there. Once and a while the kids will get up there and climb around on it. We will in turn yell at them to get down and remind them of the rules about that thing. Unfortunately, we don't have kids who listen 100% of the time and we're obviously not there 100% of the time to yell at them. She fell today and one of the chain links gouged her skin.
From inside, all I heard was a brief scream. Nothing traumatic and being that they were playing, nothing too abnormal. So a couple minutes later she comes in, not crying, but saying, "Mom, I scraped my leg." I didn't even see it at first because i was looking for blood and a red scrape.I asked where and how. When I looked at it, I saw a strange looking slit about an inch and a half long and about a half an inch think. It wasn't bleeding but was yellowish and cheesy looking? Just a tad of blood coming up around the little yellow cheesy ballish looking stuff. As I was trying to figure this thing out because it looked so odd, I pushed it together and closed it and thought, "Ohhh, so that's how it's supposed to go..." When I realized how much it was gaping, I knew immediately that it would need stitches...I called our Fire fighter friend down the street real quick and after talking to his wife, I headed down to the ER...
Did I call Mike right away? Uh...NO! Oops...Actually, I texted him knowing he was in class and wouldn't be able to talk right away and we needed to get this ball rolling. So on the way to the hospital, the car is wigging out again, Bethany is white as a sheet, and my phone is receiving text after text from Mike wondering what's going on. I am completely incapable of texting under the best circumstances let alone with all the factors involved here. Man, when it rains it pours...
Fast forward to Bethany going through triage. Doctor asks her, "so, what happened?" She replies, "I was disobeying...(tearing up)...not doing what I was supposed to be doing"...then Niko explains to the Doc what happened.
Fast forward to her on the ER bed getting the numbing shots when he's cleaning it out and doing the stitches. I have both boys on my lap on either knee and can't really attend to her the way I should've. She hasn't cried much this whole time, just kind of pouty. But that needle goes in and she's yelping, saying "Stop! Owie!" So Matthew yells at the doctor-loud- "STOP HURTING MY SISTER!" and he lets out an irritated growl. And then Niko follows, also with a growl and "Why are you hurting her!!" And I'm hushing all three of them...NICE!...It was over lickity split though.
Meanwhile three ambos have brought in patients. They have one on a gurney and pulls her by our little area. The staff with this lady is quickly asking the doc working on Bethany about x-rays. Quick question, "She says that only her knee hurts. Should we do just the knee or the whole femur?" So NIKO answers, casually, without a missing a beat, "Do the whole femur" Doctor says, "Yeah, go ahead-" stops himself and chuckles, the staff person laughs...They get refocused quickly and I of coarse, tell Niko in his ear that that was totally out of line. that lady strapped to that bed is scared and not feeling well and doesn't need a little boy answering BIG questions about her. He understood. Luckily, the lady seemed unfazed by it and had good communication with the doctors after that. UGH!
Other than that, they did very well during the visit.
By the way, that yellow cheesy looking stuff was the fat and tissue of her inner thigh-*hack, hack*
It's a bit irritating for us parents to see how disobedience and disregard for rules turned out the way it did today. Why don't kids understand that the majority of rules are in place to ensure their safety and happiness? I don't think we ever caused our parents this much grief, did we?*smirk, smirk*
Her and Niko were playing out back on the side yard where the dog run is. There's this little chain link shelter thing over there. Once and a while the kids will get up there and climb around on it. We will in turn yell at them to get down and remind them of the rules about that thing. Unfortunately, we don't have kids who listen 100% of the time and we're obviously not there 100% of the time to yell at them. She fell today and one of the chain links gouged her skin.
From inside, all I heard was a brief scream. Nothing traumatic and being that they were playing, nothing too abnormal. So a couple minutes later she comes in, not crying, but saying, "Mom, I scraped my leg." I didn't even see it at first because i was looking for blood and a red scrape.I asked where and how. When I looked at it, I saw a strange looking slit about an inch and a half long and about a half an inch think. It wasn't bleeding but was yellowish and cheesy looking? Just a tad of blood coming up around the little yellow cheesy ballish looking stuff. As I was trying to figure this thing out because it looked so odd, I pushed it together and closed it and thought, "Ohhh, so that's how it's supposed to go..." When I realized how much it was gaping, I knew immediately that it would need stitches...I called our Fire fighter friend down the street real quick and after talking to his wife, I headed down to the ER...
Did I call Mike right away? Uh...NO! Oops...Actually, I texted him knowing he was in class and wouldn't be able to talk right away and we needed to get this ball rolling. So on the way to the hospital, the car is wigging out again, Bethany is white as a sheet, and my phone is receiving text after text from Mike wondering what's going on. I am completely incapable of texting under the best circumstances let alone with all the factors involved here. Man, when it rains it pours...
Fast forward to Bethany going through triage. Doctor asks her, "so, what happened?" She replies, "I was disobeying...(tearing up)...not doing what I was supposed to be doing"...then Niko explains to the Doc what happened.
Fast forward to her on the ER bed getting the numbing shots when he's cleaning it out and doing the stitches. I have both boys on my lap on either knee and can't really attend to her the way I should've. She hasn't cried much this whole time, just kind of pouty. But that needle goes in and she's yelping, saying "Stop! Owie!" So Matthew yells at the doctor-loud- "STOP HURTING MY SISTER!" and he lets out an irritated growl. And then Niko follows, also with a growl and "Why are you hurting her!!" And I'm hushing all three of them...NICE!...It was over lickity split though.
Meanwhile three ambos have brought in patients. They have one on a gurney and pulls her by our little area. The staff with this lady is quickly asking the doc working on Bethany about x-rays. Quick question, "She says that only her knee hurts. Should we do just the knee or the whole femur?" So NIKO answers, casually, without a missing a beat, "Do the whole femur" Doctor says, "Yeah, go ahead-" stops himself and chuckles, the staff person laughs...They get refocused quickly and I of coarse, tell Niko in his ear that that was totally out of line. that lady strapped to that bed is scared and not feeling well and doesn't need a little boy answering BIG questions about her. He understood. Luckily, the lady seemed unfazed by it and had good communication with the doctors after that. UGH!
Other than that, they did very well during the visit.
By the way, that yellow cheesy looking stuff was the fat and tissue of her inner thigh-*hack, hack*
It's a bit irritating for us parents to see how disobedience and disregard for rules turned out the way it did today. Why don't kids understand that the majority of rules are in place to ensure their safety and happiness? I don't think we ever caused our parents this much grief, did we?*smirk, smirk*
Bear Parade
Over the past few weeks Niko's class has been researching and studying habitats of bears and whales. To wrap up the unit, all three 2nd grade classes were assigned to design a float for their teddy bear to march in a Bear Parade. It was up to each child what they made. There were a lot of creative ideas. Some went with a true to life habitat, and some went princess parade pageant...
Niko decided to go with the more natural habitat float. He drew a picture of what he wanted to make. It had geysers and trees and mountains and caves...When we started brainstorming about how we were going to make it, we scaled it back and decided to go with the cave idea. We formed the terrain and then paper mached it. Then we spray painted it and put a lake on it and some bushes. Niko did a really good job.
Yesterday, everyone brought their floats to school and paraded in front of every class Pre-school through Sixth grade, although some of the Middle School students came out also to cheer them on. It was so much fun for the whole school. After the parade, we all had breakfast together.
Niko decided to go with the more natural habitat float. He drew a picture of what he wanted to make. It had geysers and trees and mountains and caves...When we started brainstorming about how we were going to make it, we scaled it back and decided to go with the cave idea. We formed the terrain and then paper mached it. Then we spray painted it and put a lake on it and some bushes. Niko did a really good job.
Yesterday, everyone brought their floats to school and paraded in front of every class Pre-school through Sixth grade, although some of the Middle School students came out also to cheer them on. It was so much fun for the whole school. After the parade, we all had breakfast together.
Friday, April 17, 2009
National Registry Recert. Class
Mike is away up in Prescott this weekend taking a class at the hospital up there to get re certified for his National Registry for EMT. This will enable him to be available for out-of-state wildland fires.
He ended up taking the shuttle from the Phoenix airport to Prescott last night. That way we didn't have to rent a car. Pretty good deal and saved a boat load of money...Helps a lot considering the issues we've been having with the Durango. The ride wasn't too bad. He's staying with my mom while he's there. He has a busy couple days ahead of him with his nose in the books.
He ended up taking the shuttle from the Phoenix airport to Prescott last night. That way we didn't have to rent a car. Pretty good deal and saved a boat load of money...Helps a lot considering the issues we've been having with the Durango. The ride wasn't too bad. He's staying with my mom while he's there. He has a busy couple days ahead of him with his nose in the books.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
More on the Durango
Listen to this irony and small-world-ness...
Our mechanic doesn't do computer stuff or trannys. So, we were left to take the Durango in. In the meantime though, we were asking around and making phone calls for referrals from people who know people who could work on that type of stuff. We were going back and forth in email with a buddy of ours who gave us the name of the guy he uses. He works full time for a garage, but does stuff at home on his off-time. So, we called and left a message with him. This was Monday when we were figuring things out.
So, i took it into Aamco with the coupon where they can check it for free if the Check Engine light comes on. We found out what the problem was, but were waiting until the 15th to get it done.
The contact guy calls back yesterday and talks to Mike. Mike explains to him what the issue is, what needs to be done, and how we already got it diagnosed and all. Here's the kicker...the guy already knew what the problem was and what needed to be done because HE was the guy who looked at the Durango at Aamco...He's going to be able to do it at a fraction of the price. Cool stuff here!
Our mechanic doesn't do computer stuff or trannys. So, we were left to take the Durango in. In the meantime though, we were asking around and making phone calls for referrals from people who know people who could work on that type of stuff. We were going back and forth in email with a buddy of ours who gave us the name of the guy he uses. He works full time for a garage, but does stuff at home on his off-time. So, we called and left a message with him. This was Monday when we were figuring things out.
So, i took it into Aamco with the coupon where they can check it for free if the Check Engine light comes on. We found out what the problem was, but were waiting until the 15th to get it done.
The contact guy calls back yesterday and talks to Mike. Mike explains to him what the issue is, what needs to be done, and how we already got it diagnosed and all. Here's the kicker...the guy already knew what the problem was and what needed to be done because HE was the guy who looked at the Durango at Aamco...He's going to be able to do it at a fraction of the price. Cool stuff here!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
The new wave of communication devices right from your computer!
In a few weeks Adriana and I are looking at maybe getting rid of our home telephone number. For one reason no one calls us on it, we hardly use it, and plus we have our cell phones. But with that being said something that is even more cost effective than a cell phone is to make telephone calls via Skype!
You have heard me talk about Skype and send some emails about Skype. For some reason there has not been a lot of movement with Skype. The next waves of internet viruses are coming and they will damage your computer, and your friend’s computers making it costly to own a computer.
What to do? Well here is a suggestion. Use SKYPE. Adriana and I are using Skype and it is great. It is a Instant Messenger services sure, but with a voice, and camera it can also be used as a communication device like a telephone. This system was developed for business uses. At Food for the Hungry it is one of our primary tools we use to communicate with workers offsite and out of the country. You can even dial with Skype Credits an outside line, or a friend’s home phone number. It is FREE to talk Skype to Skype.
Here again is our Skype information….do a Google search for Skype.
Mike: michael.clesceri
Adriana: adrianaclesceri
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Monday, April 13, 2009
Check Engine
The dreaded 'Check Engine' light popped on this morning at 630 as I was headed out the door.
The tranny was shifting around and so i drove a circle of the neighborhood. We shifted it into 2nd and then back into drive a couple times and it seemed to function better. I went ahead and headed to my shift and it drove fine. Then later in the afternoon, took it in to see what the problem was, as the Check Engine light was still on.
Throughout the day, though we weighed our options, trying to figure out what to do and bracing ourselves for the worst. Stressful day.
At the end of the day, as we sit here now, we will need to replace a computer sensor that has gone out (160.00 fix) not too bad and not the 1000-2000.00 worse case scenario we were bracing for...
However, we have gotten the wheels turning into keeping our eyes open for a second vehicle. Having one vehicle works extreemly well for our family. It's not a huge inconvenience ever. But...if Mike had needed to go to work today and the car wouldn't start at all, or we had to go into Phoenix, we'd be up a creek without a paddle...
The tranny was shifting around and so i drove a circle of the neighborhood. We shifted it into 2nd and then back into drive a couple times and it seemed to function better. I went ahead and headed to my shift and it drove fine. Then later in the afternoon, took it in to see what the problem was, as the Check Engine light was still on.
Throughout the day, though we weighed our options, trying to figure out what to do and bracing ourselves for the worst. Stressful day.
At the end of the day, as we sit here now, we will need to replace a computer sensor that has gone out (160.00 fix) not too bad and not the 1000-2000.00 worse case scenario we were bracing for...
However, we have gotten the wheels turning into keeping our eyes open for a second vehicle. Having one vehicle works extreemly well for our family. It's not a huge inconvenience ever. But...if Mike had needed to go to work today and the car wouldn't start at all, or we had to go into Phoenix, we'd be up a creek without a paddle...
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Click HERE for more wishesSaturday, April 11, 2009
D-backs v. Dodgers
Last night was an awesome, fantastic game! We smeared the Dodgers, 9-4. It wasn't looking too good through the first couple innings and then they woke up and got going. It was a great crowd too. A ton of Dodger fans, which added to the rival-type fun that goes with that.
The boys went up and checked out "The Sandlot" area. Matthew played on the playground for a while and Niko tried out the batting cages. They joined the Kids Club, so they'll be earning points now for every game they go to and getting prizes throughout the season.
The post-game fireworks were cancelled due to the approaching storm, but we still stayed until the end of the game because it was so darned exciting...
Got some good photos of Jackson hitting a home run!
Batting cage
Matthew at playground
The boys went up and checked out "The Sandlot" area. Matthew played on the playground for a while and Niko tried out the batting cages. They joined the Kids Club, so they'll be earning points now for every game they go to and getting prizes throughout the season.
The post-game fireworks were cancelled due to the approaching storm, but we still stayed until the end of the game because it was so darned exciting...
Got some good photos of Jackson hitting a home run!
Niko with 'Baxter'
Batting cage
Matthew at playground
Byrnes batting
Jackson blasting it, increasing the score!!
Jackson blasting it, increasing the score!!
Good Friday
Yesterday morning, we headed up to Canaan in the Desert. We have been going there on Good Friday for the past several years. The kids have off school and it puts our minds in the right places for this season. It is a prayer garden maintained by Lutheran nuns.
We walked one of the trails that takes you through the Stations of the Cross. It's great to see the kids understand more and more each year and in greater depth. As a family, we read scripture, prayed, and meditated on the sacrifices that Jesus made for us and the suffering He took on behalf of us because of His love for each of us.
We walked one of the trails that takes you through the Stations of the Cross. It's great to see the kids understand more and more each year and in greater depth. As a family, we read scripture, prayed, and meditated on the sacrifices that Jesus made for us and the suffering He took on behalf of us because of His love for each of us.
Getting Caught Up On Photos...
Last Friday, we went to the Expo game. It was our first game, before the Opener. We parked up at Mike's work and took the Light Rail to the stadium. The kids had a fun time on the train.
While walking into the stadium, we walked by these mounted officers. We were amazed at how huge these horses were. The guy officers horse had to have been at least 18-20 hands high. I remember Action being 17 hands high, and this guy was taller than that...Monstrous!! Kids wanted me to take a picture of them with the horse.
At our seats, watching the game. They look enthused, huh? They got into it, though, later....
*******************
Niko took this picture of E212 when we did the Water Safety Awareness Walk the other day. They had it pulled out of the bay and were doing their check off.
While walking into the stadium, we walked by these mounted officers. We were amazed at how huge these horses were. The guy officers horse had to have been at least 18-20 hands high. I remember Action being 17 hands high, and this guy was taller than that...Monstrous!! Kids wanted me to take a picture of them with the horse.
At our seats, watching the game. They look enthused, huh? They got into it, though, later....
*******************Niko took this picture of E212 when we did the Water Safety Awareness Walk the other day. They had it pulled out of the bay and were doing their check off.
Bethany's 10th B-day
Didn't get a chance to post about Bethhany's 10th birthday last week. We were waiting to get the photos off the camera and jsut did that today. It was a hectic week also, but she had a great time.
We had the family over for dinner on March 31st for pizza and cake and celebrating. She got some really fun books and clothes and gift cards. Mike made her a Raspberry White Chocolate Cheesecake. It was yummy, mmmm...
Cheesecake
Presents
On the following Saturday, April 4th, we had her party. She hasn't had one since she turned 5, so it was a real treat for her. We had it at Brunswick Bowling ally. They give you a 'Birthday Hero' that coordinates the whole thing and keeps it moving. They dance, make balloon creatures-they're kind of like a clown...They also have the parties during Cosmic Bowling where they put on the fun lights and music. It was pretty wild, but very fun.
Bethany's Party Hero
The group
Happy Birthday to you....
The cupcakes (horses in pasture)
Thursday, April 9, 2009
This morning, Mike and I dropped the kids off at school and then hopped on our bikes and headed down to the bakery for a cup of coffee. We spent a couple hours doing our marriage class homework. It was a beautiful morning and, again, we had great discussion and it was a nice morning. The time flew by! From there, we rode over to B&N and the Easter Bunny did some shopping. Bargain Books are great!
Tour and Seats
This afternoon we headed downtown to get our tour of Chase Field and then adjust our seating for our tickets for the season.
The tour was pretty fun. It was cool to be in a semi-empty stadium. There were a couple high schools having a game there, so we were unable to go out on the field. But they took us down in the dugout and they showed us all the innards of the stadium. Typically there are players going about their business during the tour, but because of the high school game, they had all left for the day already.
We ended the tour by confirming our seating assignments for the season. So we got all that settled and are very happy about our seating. Good view of the field with no obstructions. We're in the family section (The Sandlot) and have easy access to the family restrooms, batting cages, kids club stuff, and such...
Tomorrow is our first official game that we will go to as a family. Fun times!
The tour was pretty fun. It was cool to be in a semi-empty stadium. There were a couple high schools having a game there, so we were unable to go out on the field. But they took us down in the dugout and they showed us all the innards of the stadium. Typically there are players going about their business during the tour, but because of the high school game, they had all left for the day already.
We ended the tour by confirming our seating assignments for the season. So we got all that settled and are very happy about our seating. Good view of the field with no obstructions. We're in the family section (The Sandlot) and have easy access to the family restrooms, batting cages, kids club stuff, and such...
Tomorrow is our first official game that we will go to as a family. Fun times!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Motivation
So I briefly mentioned in Twitter about the guy at the gym. Mike's going to laugh that I'm blogging about it too now and still going on about it. But boy, this guy twircked me. Here's the whole story-
I was 20 minutes into my workout on the elliptical. I usually do 30 min and then 30 minutes on the bike. It breaks it up so I don't get too bored and keeps me sweating and working hard.
So I had about 10 minutes to go and in walks this couple. I was on the elliptical on the end right next to this other machine that I don't even know what it's called-some sort of climbing thing. So the gal gets her stuff all set up on that one and the two of them are looking at my dashboard thingy and whispering among themselves-kind of rude, what business is it of theirs?
She hops on her machine and he stands in front of mine and folds his arms and stares at me! I'm thinking to myself, "I hope you don't expect me to just hop off because YOU walked in. C'mon, buddy. there are two open ones next to me. I'm almost done and I'm not going to just stop and lose my momentum."I continue to watch CNN and plug along.
2 min later he's sighing, shifting his weight, getting all agitated and his wife keeps looking at my dashboard from beside me. Now I think, "Nice one, Buddy. How long will it take you to give up and get on one of the available ones next to me? How about I go another 30 minutes, dude?" And I did. He paced and sighed and fidgeted for 20 more minutes! before he finally got on one of the other ones.
It was absolutely ridiculous. I wasn't going to let him bully me off my machine. And thanks to him, I burned twice the calories I would have.
If working out side by side with your wife is so important, try coming at 1:00 in the afternoon when no one is here, not at 5:30, at peak time...Argh, his 'tude twirked me.
I was 20 minutes into my workout on the elliptical. I usually do 30 min and then 30 minutes on the bike. It breaks it up so I don't get too bored and keeps me sweating and working hard.
So I had about 10 minutes to go and in walks this couple. I was on the elliptical on the end right next to this other machine that I don't even know what it's called-some sort of climbing thing. So the gal gets her stuff all set up on that one and the two of them are looking at my dashboard thingy and whispering among themselves-kind of rude, what business is it of theirs?
She hops on her machine and he stands in front of mine and folds his arms and stares at me! I'm thinking to myself, "I hope you don't expect me to just hop off because YOU walked in. C'mon, buddy. there are two open ones next to me. I'm almost done and I'm not going to just stop and lose my momentum."I continue to watch CNN and plug along.
2 min later he's sighing, shifting his weight, getting all agitated and his wife keeps looking at my dashboard from beside me. Now I think, "Nice one, Buddy. How long will it take you to give up and get on one of the available ones next to me? How about I go another 30 minutes, dude?" And I did. He paced and sighed and fidgeted for 20 more minutes! before he finally got on one of the other ones.
It was absolutely ridiculous. I wasn't going to let him bully me off my machine. And thanks to him, I burned twice the calories I would have.
If working out side by side with your wife is so important, try coming at 1:00 in the afternoon when no one is here, not at 5:30, at peak time...Argh, his 'tude twirked me.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Opening Game
The game the other night was a blast. Mike went to the Opening Game with his dad yesterday. It was a close, high-scoring game; the best kind to watch...
We had our 5 tickets to the game that we got with our season ticket package, but we were unable to use them. We asked literally hundreds of people. Matthew and I resorted to going door to door down our street, begging people to take the darn things. Everyone wanted to go, but was unable...Finally, about an hour and a half before game time, someone from the Connectors responded and said he could use all five of them. We felt better that at least someone was able to enjoy them without the seats having to just sit empty...
We had our 5 tickets to the game that we got with our season ticket package, but we were unable to use them. We asked literally hundreds of people. Matthew and I resorted to going door to door down our street, begging people to take the darn things. Everyone wanted to go, but was unable...Finally, about an hour and a half before game time, someone from the Connectors responded and said he could use all five of them. We felt better that at least someone was able to enjoy them without the seats having to just sit empty...
Monday, April 6, 2009
Matthew was playing Candyland with his teddy bear today. It was pretty cute. I was working so was unable to play with him.
He had them taking turns and everything was peaceful. And then he came up to me and gave me one of the pink cards with the lollipop on it and said that Teddy can't have it because he's cheating...Okay?...So I found myself helping the two of them, Matthew and the Teddy bear, come to a compromise over how to play and reviewing the rules of the game.
Imaginations!
Overhearing him playing with his knights earlier, he had them "peeing on scorpians" so they wouldn't have to use their swords to kill them.
He had them taking turns and everything was peaceful. And then he came up to me and gave me one of the pink cards with the lollipop on it and said that Teddy can't have it because he's cheating...Okay?...So I found myself helping the two of them, Matthew and the Teddy bear, come to a compromise over how to play and reviewing the rules of the game.
Imaginations!
Overhearing him playing with his knights earlier, he had them "peeing on scorpians" so they wouldn't have to use their swords to kill them.
Water Safety Awareness
Saturday morning we had a great time during the Water Safety Awareness Walk with the Fire Department. Bethany, Niko, and I went through a neighborhood in Mesa and hung information about drowning prevention on all the doors. It was quite a task. The neighbors were all very pleasant and thankful for what we were doing and hopefully some of the information passed out can prevent even one drowning this season...
We've just had a 3 year old drown last week in a gated pool. it is so important to keep that eye-to-eye contact even with children that know how to swim. It literally only takes a second.
Here are two informational videos that the Mesa Fire Department has made. Please take the less than 3 minutes to watch it! This is real, it CAN happen to you. Please have a safe summer!
We've just had a 3 year old drown last week in a gated pool. it is so important to keep that eye-to-eye contact even with children that know how to swim. It literally only takes a second.
Here are two informational videos that the Mesa Fire Department has made. Please take the less than 3 minutes to watch it! This is real, it CAN happen to you. Please have a safe summer!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Recap
What a fun week we've had.
Sunday night, Mike and I started our marriage Bible study. It will last for the next 12 weeks and we'll be going through a workbook with 4 other couples. We've had a lot of fun with our homework this week.
I had my shift on Monday morning with the Connectors. It was a good, fun shift. This time it was someone else's opportunity to have an 'off' day. I was riding third person that day (we usually run with two people) but I had checked off the trucks in the morning. Part of that includes checking all the flashing lights, the light bar and all, which requires you to turn on all the lights. i have a good system and pattern that i do while I'm checking off the trucks, since I do it at least once a week. I usually start the truck, turn on the lights, sign onto the MCT (computer), put us in service, and check the transmission fluid level while the truck is on. those three things need to be done while the truck is running. Well, I turned off the truck with the lights still on, which shut everything down, even though the switches were still on...With all that said, we all got into the truck about an hour later to run an errand and we were nonchalantly driving down the street. The person driving started to notice cars pulling over and she looked around to see if there were sirens that she wasn't seeing, if she needed to be pulling over as well. It wasn't until we had driven a couple miles that we realized that our lights were all on. This is a HUGE no-no. We do NOT drive code three-lights and sirens. We only have yellow/white/orange lights-no blues. Blues are for code three driving. The blue lights are the ones you have to pull over for. Yellow/white/orange means you need to take caution...We were all so embarrassed over our mistake. Even though it was technically my fault, the summation of the lesson learned is to make sure all your switches are in proper placement before pulling out of the bay...Ugh! But we all, including our supervisor, had a laugh over it and the 'funny' of everyone pulling over and getting out of our way....
Whew-that was a long story
So Tuesday was Bethany's B-day. The kids have State testing this week, so she went to school in the morning for her testing. we took her out at lunch and took her to her favorite place to eat-Sweet Tomatoes. She was in heaven...We had a nice family get-together in the evening. She was able to talk to a lot of people and received many well wishes via phone, email, cards, and messages. She loved them all. Can't believe she's 10 now! Only 8 years until she can vote, kind of sad it's gone by so fast already.
On April first, our church started Rooms of Prayer for the month. The idea is that each of our homes symbolically represent a different room of the church. we are a family all sharing the same roof, and each of our homes are rooms under that roof. So, we filled the month of April, every day, someone different has signed up to open their home in the evening for anybody to come over to receive an encouraging word, share life, and pray together. Our goal is to visit as many people this month as we can. We too have a day that our home will be open. So, Wednesday, we visiting the first home. we were encouraged, learned more about the person who was hosting by spending time talking with her, the kids had an opportunity to share what was on their minds and included in the time as well. It was great and we're excited to to do it more.
Today we jumped in and got our season tickets for the Diamond Backs. We have been planning to do it for a while and were able to commit to it today. We got fairly good seats and are excited about being able to do this as a family throughout the next several months. As season ticket holders, we got an additional 5 tickets to opening game, 5 tickets to the per-game tonight, and next Thursday we get a tour of the stadium, including the field and dugout. We are very excited!
This week we also were able to get my plane ticket to get to my sister's graduation in May in San Jose. We're so proud of her. It's a relief to have that off our to-do list before the date gets any closer. It should be some fun family time, as all my brothers and sisters should be there.
So, tonight, we're off to the game. We'll take photos.
This weekend is jammed packed-
Tomorrow morning we have a Drowning Awareness Walk with Mesa Fire that Bethany and Niko are doing with me. And then after that we have Bethany's birthday party at the bowling ally. Only two things, but it seems like that is enough to fill our day and give a reason to chill out on Sunday...maybe the house will get cleaned sometime in the next century. That would be good.
Sunday night, Mike and I started our marriage Bible study. It will last for the next 12 weeks and we'll be going through a workbook with 4 other couples. We've had a lot of fun with our homework this week.
I had my shift on Monday morning with the Connectors. It was a good, fun shift. This time it was someone else's opportunity to have an 'off' day. I was riding third person that day (we usually run with two people) but I had checked off the trucks in the morning. Part of that includes checking all the flashing lights, the light bar and all, which requires you to turn on all the lights. i have a good system and pattern that i do while I'm checking off the trucks, since I do it at least once a week. I usually start the truck, turn on the lights, sign onto the MCT (computer), put us in service, and check the transmission fluid level while the truck is on. those three things need to be done while the truck is running. Well, I turned off the truck with the lights still on, which shut everything down, even though the switches were still on...With all that said, we all got into the truck about an hour later to run an errand and we were nonchalantly driving down the street. The person driving started to notice cars pulling over and she looked around to see if there were sirens that she wasn't seeing, if she needed to be pulling over as well. It wasn't until we had driven a couple miles that we realized that our lights were all on. This is a HUGE no-no. We do NOT drive code three-lights and sirens. We only have yellow/white/orange lights-no blues. Blues are for code three driving. The blue lights are the ones you have to pull over for. Yellow/white/orange means you need to take caution...We were all so embarrassed over our mistake. Even though it was technically my fault, the summation of the lesson learned is to make sure all your switches are in proper placement before pulling out of the bay...Ugh! But we all, including our supervisor, had a laugh over it and the 'funny' of everyone pulling over and getting out of our way....
Whew-that was a long story
So Tuesday was Bethany's B-day. The kids have State testing this week, so she went to school in the morning for her testing. we took her out at lunch and took her to her favorite place to eat-Sweet Tomatoes. She was in heaven...We had a nice family get-together in the evening. She was able to talk to a lot of people and received many well wishes via phone, email, cards, and messages. She loved them all. Can't believe she's 10 now! Only 8 years until she can vote, kind of sad it's gone by so fast already.
On April first, our church started Rooms of Prayer for the month. The idea is that each of our homes symbolically represent a different room of the church. we are a family all sharing the same roof, and each of our homes are rooms under that roof. So, we filled the month of April, every day, someone different has signed up to open their home in the evening for anybody to come over to receive an encouraging word, share life, and pray together. Our goal is to visit as many people this month as we can. We too have a day that our home will be open. So, Wednesday, we visiting the first home. we were encouraged, learned more about the person who was hosting by spending time talking with her, the kids had an opportunity to share what was on their minds and included in the time as well. It was great and we're excited to to do it more.
Today we jumped in and got our season tickets for the Diamond Backs. We have been planning to do it for a while and were able to commit to it today. We got fairly good seats and are excited about being able to do this as a family throughout the next several months. As season ticket holders, we got an additional 5 tickets to opening game, 5 tickets to the per-game tonight, and next Thursday we get a tour of the stadium, including the field and dugout. We are very excited!
This week we also were able to get my plane ticket to get to my sister's graduation in May in San Jose. We're so proud of her. It's a relief to have that off our to-do list before the date gets any closer. It should be some fun family time, as all my brothers and sisters should be there.
So, tonight, we're off to the game. We'll take photos.
This weekend is jammed packed-
Tomorrow morning we have a Drowning Awareness Walk with Mesa Fire that Bethany and Niko are doing with me. And then after that we have Bethany's birthday party at the bowling ally. Only two things, but it seems like that is enough to fill our day and give a reason to chill out on Sunday...maybe the house will get cleaned sometime in the next century. That would be good.
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