Sunday, May 30, 2010

MWCC BBQ

Had to get the MWCC group together this weekend and have a BBQ.  Seems to be tradition now.  This group is so much like family that I can't imagine not having any of them around and hope I never have to.  The Merwin-Olk's are moving soon so we started the day by picking up the girls and giving Paul and Lynn some time to pack.  After some morning play we headed to the pool for a short time where we met up with Sam and her Dad.  They recently moved into the Stonegate neighborhood and we couldn't be happier.  Matt did a great job entertaining the girls while I spent the time just counting heads.

After swimming we headed back to our place for some grub.  The Trautman's, Lawrence's and Merwin-Olk's joined us today and we ate and talked (and talked and talked).  It was a great Sunday.  We missed some members of the group but it is getting harder to corral us all.  Hope everyone enjoyed it as much as we did.

Another Birthday Celebration

Today was Lynn's birthday and as is tradition we celebrate our birthday's together each year.  Nothing has been as exciting as going to Hawaii together but we still enjoy eating out and gabbing.  We actually started to make plans for our 50th so now we have something to look forward to.  Hard to believe we have been friends since high school and hard to believe we are sooooo old.  Ugh!  Well, at least there are friends to grow old with, right?!  :)

Saturday, May 29, 2010

A Future Teacher????

Friday, May 28, 2010

Field Day

Keara had her field day this week.  I was able to sneak away from work for a little while and enjoy the festivities.  Fortunately they had good weather and the kids really seemed to enjoy it.  I love that the activities are so less competitive then they were in my day.  I think I would have like p.e. more had we done things like this but at least Keara gets to benefit.  She said it was a "great day!"

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Last Day of Chinese

Yesterday was the last day of Chinese for the year.  We will start back again after the summer is over.  Kailei continues to impress me with her language skills and this year she has entertained us with her dance as well.  The kids were a little shy in language class and competed with some loud music outside their classroom door but I enjoyed watching the teacher use flash cards and the kids responding so well.  I haven't been a model parent in making Kailei do her homework so I'm sure she could be even better but at least she is exposed to the language every weekend.  Her teacher, Ms. Jade, has been great with the kids and we will miss her.  Kailei's dance class is very small (3 kids) so she has had some individual attention throughout the year.  She has had a number of teachers this year for dance which is unusual but she seemed to go with the flow.  The video shows what she performed for us yesterday.

After class we headed over to our friends, the Peterson's, and celebrated with a nice lunch.  Her daughter, Catie, and Kailei were in the same class together this year and we hope will be together again next year.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

A Visit from Uncle Kevin

Kevin was in town and went fishing with Gary this past weekend.  We managed to squeeze in a visit with him at Mom and Dad's.  We enjoyed a turkey dinner and shot the breeze.  It was good to see him.  Luckily he'll be back in July and with the rest of his crew. 

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Mother's Day

The aroma of eggs and bacon surrounded me this morning.  Kailei specifically told me not to leave the bed and to my "surprise" I was soon treated to breakfast, flowers and some wonderful gifts created by the girls.

Kailei created a clock in Chinese class for me as well as a book done in her Kindergarten class.  Her observations are interesting.  They obviously made me smile. I think I have to work on my image.  :)

"My Mom's favorite food is...chili, but she doesn't like...sea food.
"She spends most of her time doing...going to the zoo."
"Mom helps our family by...buying fruit."
"The thing my Mom likes to do for fun is...exercising."
"When my Mom daydreams she thinks about...being a beautiful flower."
"If Mom could have one wish come true, she would wish for...a baby."

Keara wrote a poem for me called "My Amazing Mom".

My Mom is...
     a good cook,
     an awesome computer teacher.
     and a lot of fun.
My Mom is...
     loving and caring.
     very smart.
     and a fantastic reader.
My Mom is...
     really beautiful.
     full of love.
     and exceptionally sweet.

Mom, I love you with all my heart.  You're the best Mom in the world.  Happy Mother's Day!

---------

Who could ask for anything better on Mother's Day?  Not me. 

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Saying Goodbye

Saying goodbye is never easy.  Unfortunately our pets do not seem to have the lifespan we do.  It is however amazing the impact they have on our lives in the short time they are with us.  They love us unconditionally.  They are always happy to see us.  They are often the best listeners.  And they are warm and fuzzy and cuddly. Who could ask for more? I love animals but I do hate to say goodbye so I guess I would just ask for more time.

Maya has been with us since the beginning. Unfortunately old age hasn't been easy on her.  Years ago she lost her hearing.  Her eyesight was minimal and arthritis was bad in her neck and spine.  That said she was happy and seemed content sleeping the day away.  It has been up and down for quite some time and despite knowing her time might be coming, it still takes you by surprise.  She took a turn for the worse this weekend and we had to make that dreadful decision about her quality of life. 

It's been a sad week around here but I try to remind the girls that Maya is in dog heaven now.  I reassure them that she is waiting for us and entertaining those that are already there.  I remind them that they now have a furry angel that watches over them as well.  It will be OK and time will heal. 

We had a funeral for Maya on Tuesday.  As expected Keara organized it and while it was brief,  it seemed to start the healing process. 

Maya will be missed.  She was our first baby.  She taught us about love, loyalty, joy and friendship.  For that we are grateful.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Off to the Theatre


Keara and I enjoyed another theatre performance down in Denver.  We saw"In the Heights" and topped off the day by eating dinner at Carmines (my favorite restaurant).  The show was great.  The music and dancing were fun and I just plain enjoyed the show.  I can't wait until I retire and can usher down at the theatre.  I'll be in heaven. 

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Kailei-ism

"So I scratched, kicked and spit.  Then I went to time out.  Then I said I was sorry and saved the day."