Every Student Succeeding

Nancy was honored last night at the annual ACSA (Association of California School Administrators) Banquet. She received a very prestigious award known as "Every Student Succeeding." Students are nominated by their school principal for achieving great things despite the challenges they face. Nancy was one of five chosen in our large county and she was acknowledged as the scholarship winner for our region. It is quite a big deal and tonight she was recognized and celebrated among elementary and secondary principals, superintendents, and other educators. Such a special night for Nancy and we couldn't be more proud of her. Congratulations!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Leprechaun Poop?

This whole St. Patrick's Day thing is a new experience for me. I really only knew it as a religious holiday, but never really practiced the different spirited traditions:

Friend: Where's your St. Patrick's Day spirit?
Me: I don't know. What is that?
Friend: What? You don't know St. Patrick's Day? Where's your green? I get to pinch you!
Me: (WTH!) Ouch! Do I look Irish to you?

The rest of my childhood included the celebration of this holiday not just in church, but also in school and NEVER forgetting to wear green. And then adulthood came and it typically meant gathering with friends for a frosty beverage or two. But now that my children have learned they do have a little bit of Irish in them, it is a celebrated holiday in our household. Unfortunately, I knew NOTHING about this holiday other than the obvious stuff. I have researched on Google, Wikipedia, Food Network, and have come to trust some of my fabulous Irish Facebook friends. Thank you, fabulous Irish Facebook friends....you have taught me well.

So, now we are waist deep in this holiday, even though Tim thinks I'm crazy because Sophie and Noah have as much Irish as Tim's big toe. Nonetheless, I am learning. Leprechaun trap has been made (thanks for your help, Nancy), green breakfast is in process, and green lunch is packed:

Green celery with ranch, grapes, green jell-o, green Gatorade, and green cookies for a treat....oh, and her turkey and cheese roll-ups that have maintained their natural color.

I will not be trashing the trap and laying leprechaun poop everywhere (sorry, not that advanced). But we shall celebrate this wonderful feast day and learn a little more about the many cultures that make up our family. It's been a fun process learning and seeing the excitement in my kids' faces certainly makes it all worth it!

Out like a light!

One second the kid is talking non-stop trying to get my attention to help him on the computer....the next second he is conked out on Mommy's chair. So cute!

Softball Here She Comes!

I can't believe it's softball season already! We have had spurts of sunshine and have taken full advantage. Sophie is loving softball and so excited to hit the field with her teammates! I'm just as excited to cheer her on! Go Dolphins!

Phobias

Given my background in therapy, I have consulted with colleagues and am seriously debating whether or not I should submit some potential phobias to add to the list in the DSM-IV. I mean, Tim is a walking phenomenon of phobias and seems to fascinate me on a daily basis. I am still in the process of collecting important data, but I'll share the little bit I have so far:

Drawerphobia: This is known as a fear of closing drawers completely. This act should occur fairly frequently to be considered an actual phobia. Tim is sincerely fearful of closing a drawer ALL THE WAY. His underwear drawer, t-shirt drawer, junk drawer must always protrude even the slightest bit. It's almost like he's afraid his boxers can't breathe in there. But then again, maybe he thinks he actually does close his drawers because I'm an enabler and shut them for him every morning.

Clean-dishes-phobia: This is the fear of actually emptying a dishwasher. I worry often because Tim seems to have absolutely no problem loading the dishwasher and heck, I think he actually ENJOYS running the dishwasher. But emptying it? He shakes at the thought of it. His fear seems genuine because I can count on one hand the number of times I've seen him actually empty the dishwasher. I know this because he seems to announce when he has emptied it.....like he's waiting for some sort of badge of courage.

Wheelophobia: Tim seems to have a serious fear about having more than one hand actually touching the steering wheel while driving. Driving over the summit, Berkeley hills, and any other winding road will be driven with one hand.....when observing, it's almost like he believes he will be electrocuted if both hands are ever caught on the steering wheel at the same time. 10 and 2 are NOT in his vocabulary. It's usually 5 OR 7, but NEVER both.

These are a few examples of the types of phobias I am considering submitting. After consulting with other spouses (all wives....coincidence?), they seem to observe the very same phobias in their husbands. Quite fascinating, no? I'll let you know what I find....stay tuned.

A Thousand Words

I'm not quite sure why, but this picture seems to symbolize the fact that my daughter is growing up way too fast. Who knew a towel turban could create so much heartache for me! Next thing you know, she'll be putting on make-up, wanting to highlight her hair, begging us for a car.......all of these crazy thoughts enter my head just from looking at this picture. No need to validate the fact that I'm nuts....I'm fully aware!

Happy Birthday Mama!

We wish we could be there with you to celebrate your birthday! Hope it's a great one and we can't wait to see you this weekend.....HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMA! We love you!

Official

There's no doubt we have been functioning as a family of five for some time now, but I am so glad to announce that the courts have officially recognized us as a family of five!! Donna moved out last month as she is in college and hoping to gain her independence, so there was no need to go through the courts since she is an adult. We adore her and continue to keep in touch with her regularly. She will always be a part of our family.

But since Nancy is still a minor, we knew we wanted to make sure she was protected and cared for so the long process began with the courts. Finally, after several months, the judge gave her stamp of approval! We celebrated last night with a nice dinner and now I get to move forward and do even more paperwork with insurance, physicians, etc. It really is never-ending.......but gosh, it feels so good. We are feeling blessed beyond belief.

Updates

I think I would be a better blogger if I had 3-day weekends every week. For once, I am able to sit down and actually relax...we decided not to go out of town this weekend because of the crazy weather in Reno and I am feeling glad we laid low. My thoughts and updates in a nutshell:

• Nancy is learning to drive and I get to teach her...in my minivan...I understand this became my life.....but really? She's doing a good job so far and I have kept my cool.....relatively.
• Sophie started softball already...just in time for us to receive 5 inches of rain in less than a week. 
• Sophie's teacher sent out an email with ADDITIONAL optional worksheets to work on because some parents asked for more homework....who in the heck ARE these parents? What if I emailed and asked for LESS? Would she take away a few stacks? Whoever these parents are....I hate them.
• Noah was frustrated the other day and said, "Crap!" Unfortunately, I think I am the only one in the family that actually says that, so it's pretty clear who he got it from.....CRAP! 
• Tim's renovation at work is underway. So, thankfully, our schedule is now busier...because that is what we need in our lives!