Tim's Big Day

Last night we attended Tim's Grand Opening of his new facility. It is finally complete and now the next phase of construction begins in a matter of days on the golf course. We arrived before 5pm and members started rolling in shortly after, walked around, and checked out the beautiful new place. I could tell Tim was a bit nervous, partly because he couldn't sit still but mostly because he told me he felt like throwing up!

After about an hour, the members gathered and Tim gave an incredible speech and introduced the kids and me to the membership. He is such a natural and so charismatic. No one would ever know he was nervous the way he spoke with such ease, cracked some very funny jokes, and kept the members engaged. In all honesty, I had all intentions of taking pictures during his speech, but I was too interested in what he had to say that I forgot! Needless to say, I was beaming with pride and admiration, and completely enjoying his moment. Seeing him in his element and witnessing the passion he has for what he does was such a great reminder of how lucky we are. Lucky that we have both found our calling; lucky that we both love what we do for a living and truly enjoy our careers. Sure, some days are good and some are bad, but last night was a great example and reminder for Tim that hard work can and does pay off. Congratulations Tim! What a great night!

 Members are beginning to arrive and check out the shop.

 Champagne, beer, and appetizers on hand.

 Speech time!

 Tim's office.....finally!

 Nancy and Sophie taking a rest.

Noah is ready for a real tractor!

Working it Out

Sophie and Noah are 6 and 4, which also means they argue CONSTANTLY. They love each other to death, but they can go from best friends playing happily together to WWIII in 2.5 seconds. Lately, when one of them comes to me and tattles, I typically start asking them questions like, "Really? S/He did that? What do you think I should tell her/him? (wait for response)....Hmmm. Well, that sounds pretty good. Why don't YOU tell her/him that?" And then they do....and then they get along for two more seconds and start fighting again. That's when I usually tell them to "Work it out." I really want them to quit bugging me about their petty arguments learn to express their feelings and develop some conflict resolution skills, but this recent conversation didn't work out so well:

Sophie and Noah are taking a bath and start arguing. They go back and forth for what seems like forever and finally Noah seeks some help.

Noah: DADDY! Sophie keeps bothering me and (fill in the blank with whatever annoying thing most kids do) 


Daddy: Okay, thanks Noah.


Sophie (to Noah): (smirking) How'd that work out for you, Noah?

Noah: (silent, but definitely ready to do something that would end with him in the corner)


Don't worry, though. I'm sure they were hugging and singing Kumbaya within moments after this interaction. Gotta love it.

Spring Break 2011

We had a great week off as a family and, naturally, it went by faster than ever! We spent most of the week in Reno hanging out, enjoying the snow, and I especially enjoyed quite a bit of retail therapy! I'm definitely not looking forward to returning to work tomorrow since it is typically one of the busiest times of the school year for me. But, I'm taking deep breaths and doing my best to have a positive attitude....it's not working. Let's just say the countdown has begun!!! Here's a few pics from our heavenly week:

We were home for a couple of days before leaving for our Reno trip. I made sure to keep the kids busy with crafts and friends!

 Sophie, with her bunny ears, and her good friend, Gracie.

 Taking a quick break from our drive to Tahoe. Took a few pictures with a view of the lake in the background.

 Noah smiling after dodging one of many snowballs thrown at him!

 Sophie getting ready to attack Daddy with a snowball!

Auntie Michelle and kids taking a quick breather so I could take a picture! Meanwhile, Daddy was busy making more snowballs!

Opening Day At-Bat

Okay, okay.....I know she's batting from the right side. We're working on it!

Opening Day 2011

The rain finally decided to take a break and we were able to get Sophie's first softball game in! She did fantastic and was excited to play with her friends again. This year, it's a little more exciting since the girls are no longer hitting off a tee, but are now hitting live pitching (from the coaches). Sophie did great and had two good hits! Go Dolphins!

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!