I can't beleieve i missed the two year anniversary of this blog!
We posted out first post on July 1st, 2007...I'm sure many thought, "oh, is this blog thing going to be just another one of the Clesceri's technical experiments that last for a few weeks or months and then get forgotten about?"
Well, two years later and we've kept pretty current on the updates and posting news about our family. I don't think we've left you all hanging for more than two weeks and then we were quick to get back into the swing of things.
Ah, the seasons of change that have been written about and shared here; the birthdays, holidays, school events, interviews, highlights, trips, milestones, funnies, job changes...
So many more seasons to come. Can't wait to see what will fill the Archives here in the next year or two or three, etc. to come!
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Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Matthew Turns 6 years old!!!
I still can't believe that it's been 6 years that he sprang out (quite literally) into the world!
He has gone from easy-going, quiet, go-with-the-flow infant to strong, independent, knows-what-he-wants, outgoing boy.
He is a charmer, a flirt, makes great first impressions. He loves to have fun! He is such a smart kid (that's why he manipulates so well). He loves his God. In fact, when he has a bad attitude for example, he wont change it for me or his dad; but you tell him it will make his God's heart happy if he has a good attitude, well, then that attitude is quickly changed. He loves to make God's heart happy. I love that about Matthew. He has a lot to learn about life, but every day he matures and learns a little bit more in different areas. He is so black and white and bold about standing solid in his position, wrong or right; as his ideas and thoughts are molded for good, he will do great things in his life because of this character.
On Wednesday, Matthew turned six years old. We all crowded around his bed in Clesceri birthday-morning fashion, and serenaded him with a round of Happy Birthday...He made and had eggs with his dad for breakfast, opened some presents, and then played with them. Then we got lunch at the school and went swimming at the Mesquite Pool all afternoon. He had fun jumping off the diving board, going down the slides, swimming, and playing with his family. We came home for some down-time and then went to get Happy Meals for dinner (his choice). We opened more cards and presents there-exciting stuff. Nana, Popo, Aunt Jennifer, and Aidan came on over to the house later to celebrate with cake and ice cream. He blew out his candles atop the Storm Trooper cake he requested. And then more presents. He was so excited and happy. He forgot a lot of his manners, but maybe by next year he'll get all those technicalities down...and maybe not. But we can only try and hope, right?
All in all, he had a fantastic day! We had a fantastic day too, as we celebrated another year that we are blessed to have had this unique individual that holds a unique place in our family. Matthew is a dimension that our family would just not sparkle the same without. We love him so much.
He has gone from easy-going, quiet, go-with-the-flow infant to strong, independent, knows-what-he-wants, outgoing boy.
He is a charmer, a flirt, makes great first impressions. He loves to have fun! He is such a smart kid (that's why he manipulates so well). He loves his God. In fact, when he has a bad attitude for example, he wont change it for me or his dad; but you tell him it will make his God's heart happy if he has a good attitude, well, then that attitude is quickly changed. He loves to make God's heart happy. I love that about Matthew. He has a lot to learn about life, but every day he matures and learns a little bit more in different areas. He is so black and white and bold about standing solid in his position, wrong or right; as his ideas and thoughts are molded for good, he will do great things in his life because of this character.
On Wednesday, Matthew turned six years old. We all crowded around his bed in Clesceri birthday-morning fashion, and serenaded him with a round of Happy Birthday...He made and had eggs with his dad for breakfast, opened some presents, and then played with them. Then we got lunch at the school and went swimming at the Mesquite Pool all afternoon. He had fun jumping off the diving board, going down the slides, swimming, and playing with his family. We came home for some down-time and then went to get Happy Meals for dinner (his choice). We opened more cards and presents there-exciting stuff. Nana, Popo, Aunt Jennifer, and Aidan came on over to the house later to celebrate with cake and ice cream. He blew out his candles atop the Storm Trooper cake he requested. And then more presents. He was so excited and happy. He forgot a lot of his manners, but maybe by next year he'll get all those technicalities down...and maybe not. But we can only try and hope, right?
All in all, he had a fantastic day! We had a fantastic day too, as we celebrated another year that we are blessed to have had this unique individual that holds a unique place in our family. Matthew is a dimension that our family would just not sparkle the same without. We love him so much.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Experiment
For the past two days, Niko has been attempting to start a fire with a magnifying glass outside. He has been unsuccessful so far, but at least it keeps him occupied for 30-45 minutes at a time as he sits as still as he can, pinpointing that beam onto a piece of paper or a stick. He's got the patience and focus for this endeavor-kudos to him. We'll let you know if he's successful here soon.
Today on the way to VBS
We're driving to VBS with the radio on this morning. From the back seat I hear from Niko, "Bethany, the people at church are lip singing"-very matter of factly. I butt in, "Oh, really? Why would you say that?" Niko-, "Because they sound just like the people on the radio."
Saturday, July 18, 2009
This Past Week
So you heard about the Reptile Guy on Tuesday. Well, now for the rest of the week.
Going back to last Friday night, we celebrated 'Nana's' birthday with her that evening. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CAROL!! She celebrated with us with an ice cream cake and spending time with everyone. It was fun to see Aiden...and of course, Jennifer and Carol's parents. The kids got to see Nana and Popo's new house. So now they know where they're at and aren't so sad about them moving. We had gone by their old house a few weeks ago and with all the boxes and all, they all were sad for the change. For kids who cry when we sell our vehicles and get all stressed out, this wasn't too surprising. But Matthew put a new perspective on it when he was off pouting and said that he was sad because now he doesn't know where to find Popo. We wont know where they live...We assured them that we knew where the new house was and that they would know soon too. We drove by the new house that night, but on Friday, they were able to actually check it out...And I must say that they are pretty excited to get into that new pool. But they are all more at ease now.
This week I had my Connector shift on Monday. It felt like I hadn't been there forever and I had only missed one week. Pretty crazy. But it was good to be back. The kids and I rushed to lunch afterwards and then to see Wallee at the Library. Fun afternoon. The crowds are waining away from the movies as the summer comes to a close. We're not complaining. The kids sat right up front and didn't have to fight for floor space.
Tuesday, of course, was the Reptile Guy back at the library. That night, Mike and I had our first training get-together with the couple that is coaching us for the marriage class we're becoming leaders in. It's a long process of molding and coaching and studying and learning. We are so excited. Part of the preparation is going through this study on Joshua. So, Tuesday night was the first night we met to do that.
Wednesday we went to the movies at Harkins on a summer family movie thing. So that was fun to go to an actual movie theater. We also did more swimming this week and Bethany finished up her diving class. It was another fun, summer week.
Today Mike is at training for the Mesa Fire Connectors. Hopefully his back holds up. Kids and I are hanging out around the house. I have a ton of work to do and a busy week ahead.
One quick share though...I guess that the constant wear of flip-flops in this dessert heat are doing a number on my feet. Last night we got into bed and I ran my foot over Mike's ankle and he says, "Are you wearing shoes to bed?"
That gave us a good 15 minutes of laughing and thought it was worth sharing.
Going back to last Friday night, we celebrated 'Nana's' birthday with her that evening. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CAROL!! She celebrated with us with an ice cream cake and spending time with everyone. It was fun to see Aiden...and of course, Jennifer and Carol's parents. The kids got to see Nana and Popo's new house. So now they know where they're at and aren't so sad about them moving. We had gone by their old house a few weeks ago and with all the boxes and all, they all were sad for the change. For kids who cry when we sell our vehicles and get all stressed out, this wasn't too surprising. But Matthew put a new perspective on it when he was off pouting and said that he was sad because now he doesn't know where to find Popo. We wont know where they live...We assured them that we knew where the new house was and that they would know soon too. We drove by the new house that night, but on Friday, they were able to actually check it out...And I must say that they are pretty excited to get into that new pool. But they are all more at ease now.
This week I had my Connector shift on Monday. It felt like I hadn't been there forever and I had only missed one week. Pretty crazy. But it was good to be back. The kids and I rushed to lunch afterwards and then to see Wallee at the Library. Fun afternoon. The crowds are waining away from the movies as the summer comes to a close. We're not complaining. The kids sat right up front and didn't have to fight for floor space.
Tuesday, of course, was the Reptile Guy back at the library. That night, Mike and I had our first training get-together with the couple that is coaching us for the marriage class we're becoming leaders in. It's a long process of molding and coaching and studying and learning. We are so excited. Part of the preparation is going through this study on Joshua. So, Tuesday night was the first night we met to do that.
Wednesday we went to the movies at Harkins on a summer family movie thing. So that was fun to go to an actual movie theater. We also did more swimming this week and Bethany finished up her diving class. It was another fun, summer week.
Today Mike is at training for the Mesa Fire Connectors. Hopefully his back holds up. Kids and I are hanging out around the house. I have a ton of work to do and a busy week ahead.
One quick share though...I guess that the constant wear of flip-flops in this dessert heat are doing a number on my feet. Last night we got into bed and I ran my foot over Mike's ankle and he says, "Are you wearing shoes to bed?"
That gave us a good 15 minutes of laughing and thought it was worth sharing.
Reptile Man at the Library
Last Tuesday, we headed down to the library to see the Reptile Guy. Matthew and I have seen him and his friends before. He's entertaining, educational, and has a ton of really cool things to see and touch.
Blue Tongued Lizard
This guy looks like a snake, but is a legless lizard (And, MY GOODNESS, I think I see my future anyone else see theirs....)
This is Tito the Iguana from Haiti
He looks like a dinosaur
This guy is an albino snake. He was so pretty...and big. He eats a pig every month.
4th of July Photos- FINALLY!
There was a period of about 45 minutes that I had given Matthew the camera to take pictures so that he could focus on a 'job' instead of making himself sick on junk food and pestering his brother and sister. So he went to town and took his job seriously.
So, needless to say, we had sooo many pictures to sift through of dogs, little junior Rodeo Princesses, the sky, and pieces of trash on the ground. I will definitely share a couple of his favs, just for fun.
But finally, we present to you The 4th of July with the Clesceri's (minus one)
John McCain came by and shook every one's hand
Keith and Aunt Lee
thumbs up for Matthew
this kid on the left is FAR to excited!!
The morning weather forecast...clear skys
Kristi and her Hubby (They're ranchers in CA)
Lunchtime at The Palace
Outside of the Library on the walk back to the car
Weather forecast for early afternoon-T-storms with a chance of flooding
Rain falling horizontally
So, needless to say, we had sooo many pictures to sift through of dogs, little junior Rodeo Princesses, the sky, and pieces of trash on the ground. I will definitely share a couple of his favs, just for fun.
But finally, we present to you The 4th of July with the Clesceri's (minus one)
The parade getting started
Police/Fire Color Guard
John McCain came by and shook every one's hand
Keith and Aunt Lee
thumbs up for Matthew
this kid on the left is FAR to excited!!
The morning weather forecast...clear skys
Kristi and her Hubby (They're ranchers in CA)
Lunchtime at The Palace
Outside of the Library on the walk back to the car
Weather forecast for early afternoon-T-storms with a chance of flooding
Rain falling horizontally
Diving Class Video and Photos
Bethany's first day of class, I brought my camera. So the photos and video are from her first day. She has improved so much over the past two weeks. so much, in fact, that she has promoted up to the intermediate class that she will begin on Monday. She will be perfecting her form and learning tucks and such. I'll be sure to remember the camera next week.
Friday, July 10, 2009
After a week of adjustments, rehab, and massage, Mike's back is doing a bit better, but still pretty sore. Someday, he'll get going again.
Bethany started Dive Lessons this week and will finish them next week. She has been having a blast.
This week, the kids also had a blast at the Vineyard's Vacation Bible School. They look forward to it each year. It's the same place that they do their Royal Rangers and Rainbows, so they know a lot of the kids there and the teachers and they always have a crazy, fun week planned for the kids every year. And this year was no different. It also gave Mike and I four date nights in a row! Woo-hoo...We got coffee the first night, had dinner with Mike's dad and step-mom on Tuesday, Coffee with some friend's on Wednesday, and then we had a date on Thursday. Nice week.
The kids and I also went this week to a puppet show at the library. It was packed! but it was a fun show and the kids loved it.
Bethany started Dive Lessons this week and will finish them next week. She has been having a blast.
This week, the kids also had a blast at the Vineyard's Vacation Bible School. They look forward to it each year. It's the same place that they do their Royal Rangers and Rainbows, so they know a lot of the kids there and the teachers and they always have a crazy, fun week planned for the kids every year. And this year was no different. It also gave Mike and I four date nights in a row! Woo-hoo...We got coffee the first night, had dinner with Mike's dad and step-mom on Tuesday, Coffee with some friend's on Wednesday, and then we had a date on Thursday. Nice week.
The kids and I also went this week to a puppet show at the library. It was packed! but it was a fun show and the kids loved it.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
The 4th of July
Well a whole heap of fun has happened since the last post of the pool...
That was the Wednesday before the 4th of July weekend...
The plan was to go up to Prescott for the weekend, meet up with my Aunt Lee from CA and enjoy the weekend up there-Friday night to Sunday. That was the plan...I've said it before and I'll say it again, 'Planning' things is overrated, really...at least in our family it is. Planning things is like stamping it with a 'not-going-to-happen' stamp...Seriously...Whenever we plan something, it never happens the way we plan, no joke.
So, on with the story...Please reference this post...and then this one...and then add to that the fact that we went on Thursday to the pool again and Mike perfected his dives even more so...Now, try to deduct a conclusion of why we didn't go to Prescott. Mike's back was pretty sore after all that springing on the diving board, but he went in Friday morning to the Chiropractor for an adjustment and was doing better.
We stopped in Surprise to visit and have dinner with some awesome friends on the way up to Prescott on Friday afternoon. Great time with them. Kids had a blast playing with their boys, swimming, running around...Rich time getting to know them better...Well, Mike's back started spasming again-a lot. So instead of heading up to Prescott, we headed back home...
Rough night. I cannot even describe adequately how much pain Mike was in. I don't' even know if 'pain' is the right word. He broke down and took some muscle relaxers in the early morning and at least could stand for a few seconds. Because he was going to be in bed pretty much all day, and by the time morning came, he could move around a bit out of necessity, i loaded up the kids and headed up to Prescott just to meet my aunt for the parade and then head back home.
We had a great morning. The parade was fun and we got to spend some nice time with my aunt and her beau and friends. The kids got to shake John McCain's hand as he walked by, tons of firetrucks and traditional parade entries...We had lunch at The Palace and then were back on the road coming home in a torrential downpour. The Thunderstorm rolled in just as we got to the car, so it was literally raining sheets of water.
When we got home, Mike had been pretty much sleeping all day and had survived. Glad to be home though to help him. The kids did the little hands-on things to celebrate that night-the little glow worms and popper things. They were able to see fireworks from our house that were nearby.
It was a different type of 4th this year, but it was still fun for four of us. Poor Mike will have to make up for it next year.
I will post photos when i get them off the camera. So check back.
That was the Wednesday before the 4th of July weekend...
The plan was to go up to Prescott for the weekend, meet up with my Aunt Lee from CA and enjoy the weekend up there-Friday night to Sunday. That was the plan...I've said it before and I'll say it again, 'Planning' things is overrated, really...at least in our family it is. Planning things is like stamping it with a 'not-going-to-happen' stamp...Seriously...Whenever we plan something, it never happens the way we plan, no joke.
So, on with the story...Please reference this post...and then this one...and then add to that the fact that we went on Thursday to the pool again and Mike perfected his dives even more so...Now, try to deduct a conclusion of why we didn't go to Prescott. Mike's back was pretty sore after all that springing on the diving board, but he went in Friday morning to the Chiropractor for an adjustment and was doing better.
We stopped in Surprise to visit and have dinner with some awesome friends on the way up to Prescott on Friday afternoon. Great time with them. Kids had a blast playing with their boys, swimming, running around...Rich time getting to know them better...Well, Mike's back started spasming again-a lot. So instead of heading up to Prescott, we headed back home...
Rough night. I cannot even describe adequately how much pain Mike was in. I don't' even know if 'pain' is the right word. He broke down and took some muscle relaxers in the early morning and at least could stand for a few seconds. Because he was going to be in bed pretty much all day, and by the time morning came, he could move around a bit out of necessity, i loaded up the kids and headed up to Prescott just to meet my aunt for the parade and then head back home.
We had a great morning. The parade was fun and we got to spend some nice time with my aunt and her beau and friends. The kids got to shake John McCain's hand as he walked by, tons of firetrucks and traditional parade entries...We had lunch at The Palace and then were back on the road coming home in a torrential downpour. The Thunderstorm rolled in just as we got to the car, so it was literally raining sheets of water.
When we got home, Mike had been pretty much sleeping all day and had survived. Glad to be home though to help him. The kids did the little hands-on things to celebrate that night-the little glow worms and popper things. They were able to see fireworks from our house that were nearby.
It was a different type of 4th this year, but it was still fun for four of us. Poor Mike will have to make up for it next year.
I will post photos when i get them off the camera. So check back.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Mesquite Pool Afternoon
The kids were pretty excited this afternoon when Mike decided to head to the Mesquite Pool to go swimming. This time i remembered our camera and took a couple photos of everyone.
baby slide-still fun though 
Cooling off under the mushroom
Daddy ripping down the big water slide
Niko coming out of the tube
Mike again
Bethany diving...
And on the slide
Here comes Trouble...
baby slide-still fun though
Cooling off under the mushroom
Daddy ripping down the big water slide
Niko coming out of the tube
Mike again
Bethany diving...
And on the slide
Here comes Trouble...
AKA Matthew
Fun day. I even went down the slide a couple times. No pictures of me though-thank goodness...
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