Delightful!

These are our borrowed jewels.

Lizzy & Fiddy-Foo

Elizabeth is the studious, artistic, quiet thing....

Trisitea is lightening in a bottle.

Glorious Boredom

Our days have been spent in a cycle of staying up much to late and in turn sleeping in far to long.

We have been busy: laying around reading and movie watching!

Some of us like to mix things up a bit, taking boredom to an art form.

Last night I laid out on the trampoline for a long time, just starring up at the star filled sky.

Yeah, its a hard life.

Okay, so maybe that was bit of an exaggeration. We are writing newspaper articles, keeping up with our blogs, cleaning, caring for pets, organizing closets & drawers, planning for the next school year etc...etc...However we really are getting some much needed boring down time.

California: the passageway for Mavericks

Farewell and hello again to you, and you ..and you and you and you. A bit like ocean waves, constantly moving in and out.

We went to the Bigg's farewell swim/potluck. Another one bites the dust, they are off to a wonderful adventure...a new life in Kansas. Although it was a happy day, there was an underlying tone of sorrow-as we knew this could very well be the last time we see them. B&R are saying, thank goodness for facebook. I agree, it makes the world a little smaller. It allows us to keep up with others as well, including the Winter's.

The same day the Biggs left for their new adventure, the Winter family arrived for a visit here. THE SAME DAY!

We had a wonderful time celebrating our friendships at their welcome back picnic at Woodward park. We also had a swim party, went to Blackbeard's, took in a movie & a pizza dinner. We managed to squeeze one last visit in before they headed back to Tennessee to send the kiddos off with a little something-something.

Want to know one universal interesting thing, that I've observed by listening to friends who have moved all over this country..leaving California? Their neighbors are so much more friendly. Why is that? Is it our faster lifestyle? Is it because we don't see a point in attaching ourselves because of the great California exodus? Is it because we have too many rules, so we are cranky? Is it because we are preoccupied with "business, and nothing personal" After all we have a country to lead!!

I have noticed that people who love California are here for the climate & money. I've noticed that those who want an engaging community life..well, they leave. Of course there are exceptions to the rule. There are also a whole lot of people who move through life in a complaining fog. They aren't happy, but it never occurs to them that they could have another job, live some place else.

I remember going to Indiana and people talking to me every where I went. At the gas station, White Castle, grocery store..everywhere I went they tried to strike a conversation. I was taken aback by the friendliness, I didn't know how to handle it. We don't do that in California for the most part. Now I will give these silly mountain folk some props, some of them are more friendly then in Fresno. However a whole lot of them are up here hiding from people..the word is not friendly!

I'm not stupid enough to think that once you leave California soil, you waltz into a world of bliss. Everyone knows we bemoan living here , but I'm really not doing the "grass is greener" thing. California bashing is kinda like a sport, but I'm sure residents of other states have their own issues they contend with, its a pick your evil kind thing..I guess. I want to be content here, really I do. It just gets frustrating when most every time we find a normal friend, they move..out of state! Oh, and about the transplants? Most I meet are freaks. They are here expressing their freakdom, that's their whole goal in life.

The man camping trip

Due to the crazy mama kitty and adolescent Dalmatian Eddy I was unable to join the family on our first camping trip this summer. However I punched out almost all I need to for next school year in the time I had alone. At this point all I need to do is get information in regards to field trips from our school group and buy a few more supplies, the bulk of which will happen with the local back to school sales.

In preparation for this trip Ricky got his bake on! First he made snicker doodles, but they all got eaten. Then he made oatmeal raisin cookies. He ended with a batch of brownies.

CJ came along on this trip. Thursday evening he was with us so he got a crazy Chitudo workout. The next morning the 3 boys packed up the 4 runner while Jeff worked. After some minor set backs they were on their way. Unfortunately self employment kept the phone ringing most of the ride over.

Their first stop was at Fort Ord Dunes

..and then it was on to the Pfieffer Big Sur St. Pk. Camp ground (it runs along the Big Sur River) They set up camp. The night ended with cocoa smores and a story circle...surprised?

This trip was intended for Billy to fulfill part of his congressional award goals. Billy pick the stop, made the reservations and was completely in charge on Saturday. We decided to add a day before and a day after to make travel a little easier. However he still had to get the spot for all three days.

Billy's plans;

Morning: wake up, make fire...

Breakfast: pancakes with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, coffee and cocoa
Clean up campsite and pack lunch for trails.(Deli sandwiches, granola bars, beef jerky and lots of water.

Hikes: #1 Mc Way Falls (a waterfall flowing over a cliff into the ocean below).
#2 Mount Manuel (a very steep, very narrow, loose graveled cliff-side trail with shoulder high weeds and poison oak.) Billy's original 2nd hike was inaccessible do to fire damage, this was his alternative.

Back at camp: Swimming the Big Sur river

Dinner: Chili Cheese Dogs & soda

Desert: Smores & Cocoa

Sunday everyone slept in. Ricky was the first one up, so he already had the fire going..yes safely. After breakfast and packing everything up they made their way to Point Lobos.

After that they went to Sand City in Monterrey. Again they had a crazy drive, this time the culprit was traffic, two hours of waiting on Pacheco pass. Then they dropped CJ off and came home. The evening was spent taking showers, shaving and staring at the TV.

After Mothers Day Comes Fathers Day

True to the setting of making the day special for the person you are recognizing , Billy and Ricky woke Jeff with a pillow fight. They pounced him from both sides as he lay slumbering!!

After that we enjoyed a lunch of pancakes made with the beloved Mrs Butterworths, Jeff's food bliss. This day fell at the end of a very busy season, so the goal was to give Jeff the gift of rest. This is why he had a lunch, not a breakfast to enjoy.

The day was very easy. We had a slow day of Net Flix numb-out. We called the Dads in our world. The day ended with a simple dinner.

However what he really wanted to do, if he wasn't so sleepy was to explore Hetch Hetchy. So on July 5th we made that Belated Fathers Day trip.

We went in through the Mariposa Grove entrance, and just after the tunnel, fire was among us. As we drove it increased..bummer! We new we wouldn't be able to leave that way, no biggy, we left through the Arch. The funny thing is the Arch is really close to the town of Mariposa, yet the other side of the park hosts the Mariposa Grove, go figure.

At any rate on the way to Hetch Htechy we found a shady campground with a day use area called Diamond O. This place boasts a lovely swim hole on the Toulmne River. This is where we ate our picnic lunch.

We drove onto the beautiful backwoods of Yosemite, HetchHetchy . We walked across the O'Shaughnessy Dam and through the tunnel on the other side. Some of the waterfalls were still flowing, so that was an unexpected treat.

As we left we landed at the Cascade swimhole/picnic area. We swam and ate our dinner here before heading home.

As often as we visit Yosemite, as much as we have seen, we continue to find new treasures.

Yay me! I'm a Mom

"Lo Children are an Heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward." Psalm 127:3

In celebration of being a Mother and having a mother the four of us spent the day doing what I like best, exploring God's creation.

We gave the Grandmothers a phone call recognizing their role in our lives, then off we went. We explored part of the Sequoia National Park.

We started our day on a trail just off the Potwisha campground. We followed the path to Marble Falls, much too early in the summer for swimming, we sat and had a mid morning snack taking in the beauty of it all. We would love to visit at a later time, in August when we camp in the park perhaps. This place is obviously a great swim hole as it had a swinging rope hanging from a tree on the opposite bank. This indicated people are able to cross the river when the water flow has subsided.
We moved our party on to view the pictographs at hospital rock. We took the trail down across the parking lot that lead down to the middle fork of the Kaweah River. This trail was lovely with the greenery, steep canyon walls, wild crazy rapids and majestic falls.

Our journey moved on to Morro Rock. This is a Giant Granite Dome. The extremely steep hike is to the summit. The views are fantastic however the 300 ft gain in about a 1/4 of a mile is intense, be prepared for it!

Our next stop was driving through the tree trunk, I think its just called Fallen Tunnel Log. We parked our car at the trail head and explored the Cresent Meadow Loop. We walked all the way so we were able to check out Tharps Cabin. This is a cabin made from a single fallen tree.

We ate our dinner on the way home as we watch the sunset.

We had a wonderful day.

Independence Day

We made a last minute decision to spend the day at Bass Lake. We were not disappointed. Yes it was crowded, and parking was a chore. Yet we did find a decent spot to park both the car and our little picnic. A little while after our arrival a Chitudo family planted themselves next to us, a nice surprise.

We had a wonderfully relaxing day of swimming, reading, sun-soaking and munching.

As we waited for the big shabang a drunk man stood at the edge of the lake and insisted on everyone's attention as he proceeded to announce his daughter and son-in-laws wedding engagment. When he didn't recieve the response he wanted he yelled into the crowd untill people responded with the love he intended to be displayed for such an occasion.

As the sun went down and the jazz from Ducey's began we found the real reason we were here. Cool mountain summer evenings...so divine! Much, much better than 4th in the Valley!

We sang the National Anthem as the first fireworks went up. (among other songs)

The display was absolutely fantastic!!

The drive home was not bad at all. We skipped traffic jams by parking at an escape spot and driving home through North Fork vs Oakhurst.

.......and yes, we are crazy enough to join the thousands of fans (a testement to the spectaluar display in the sky) next year.

Party up!

Between the four of us, we have been to 8 parties over the last two months. Wow! Everyone had their own style. Crazy times in our world providing anything from swimming, go carting, movies, volleyball, air guns, John's incredible pizza, hiking etc..They have all been wonderful sporting much food and much love. We are glad all of you are in our lives. We have been thrilled to share in your birthdays, graduations and arrival of the "driving" excitement.

However, in our own house, the most exceptional celebration is that Ricky is now a teenager (yikes-that makes two in the house) and Billy is old enough to start drivers Ed/training.

My babies are growing up on me. I had a vivid example of that during this years Flatlanders celebration. As I sat in Jacki's store holding baby Shelby I watched not only my boys, but the neighborhood kids as well. Everyone is growing up...fast. I went into a bit of a daydream of yesteryear thinking about my little tots during the first Flatlanders I experienced. I remember them eagerly collecting candies tossed their way during the parade. As they grew a bit older: face painting, clowns, carnival games, fire engines and cop car exploring, hay rides, midway rides, frog jumping competitions, and even a circus one year. Now, the town celebrations have quieted down and the kids all leave so quickly. It was a ghost town by noon. B&R don't remember much from the early years and were just as happy to go hang out with other teens at the Soltero swim party. Oops, I got off the subject at hand...birthday parties

Well this year we didn't propose the annual "do you want a party or a trip" question. Ricky's birthday fell on the same day as the Santa Clara convention. Great America is across the street from this convention center. Jeff, Billy & I played our own theme music as we secretly planned an trip in celebration of Ricky's birthday at this theme park. Ricky had resigned himself to taking writing and organization classes on his birthday. We did manage to keep our little secret until just before we left. The gig was up. Not all was lost though. He was still surprised. He just got his surprise earlier. He loved his "gift". Billy loved Ricky's "gift". Heck! We all loved his "gift".

While we were in Santa Clara we were intending on going out for the traditional birthday celebratory dinner. However the boys wanted to go to the Olive Garden-out of our price range. Especially considering we just went to Great America, renewed our CHEA membership and bought curriculum. Billy, always the politician shared, "if we used this as a joint birthday dinner then the money would actually be less", we consented. We sang to both, as they received their desert.

A few days after arriving back home Billy got his "gift" ; two tickets to see Stomp in concert. He brought his brother, what a guy. Shhhh...let him think it was his idea. Billy has been waiting years to go to this show. I plotted this puppy..and no , he didn't find out until we told him! We have a tradition of having a little something for the morning of each boys birthday. So Billy opened his eyes to a happy birthday banner with two stomp tickets pinned to a corner.

My Mom and Step-dad sent the each boy money, which they used to buy tickets to the revelation tour concert starring Third Day, Brandon Heath & Revive.
Jeff's parents kicked the summer off to a good start giving each boy a new pair of swim trunks, a beach towel and river shoes. They also treated Ricky...and the rest of us to dinner at a restaurant of his choice in celebration of becoming a TEENAGER. He choose TGI Fridays.

Oh, and by the way, no one ever mentioned not being asked "the" question.

Hey, Remember Me?

This has been a flashing whirlwind of a school year. We lived through runaway dogs, a pregnant kitty, the notorious mega virus and a FLOODING of deeply terrible news from our dear ones. Then there was the assemblage of the teenage roller coaster, the curriculum folly's and body issues from martial art wounds to loosing glasses etc.. preventing school work form being done for a time.

We then jumped full swing into the end-of-school-year entourage of celebrations.

The Drama club had many extra practices in preparation of the big show as well as a sophisticated dinner. One of the club members is in the beginning stages of a career in party planning. He used his skills here to host a lovely gathering complete with decorations, a multi-course meal and drama related activities. As for the show, it was pulled off brilliantly...such talent! We were truly impressed.

Both boys moved up in the world of martial arts. Ricky passed his Jr. Black Belt test. Billy passed his official Black Belt test. So we now have three Black Belts in the house..fear us!

B.E.S.T. had an all family celebration at the Island Water Park. What a wonderfully fun filled day! They then combined the Youth BBQ/ Swim party with the Bible Face Off final challenge. My boys made out pretty well...for the record Billy's team came in 2nd place (Yippee!!). Ricky's team did absolutely phenomenal given what they had to work with. Ricky's team was actually the combination of two groups of kids left over because most of both original teams bailed out half way through the school year. Of the kids that remained, many were there by protest..not studying or really able to contribute much for the new team. I am so proud of Ricky for not only being part of a minority carrying the team, but also being a great sport about it all.

We have our own precious end-of-year tradition. In our little school we celebrate the hard work that went into the studies of each year. This is pretty much the only time the boys wear ties. We get dressed up, go to their restaurant of choice and they even get desert (this years choice was El Cid's). We give them a certificate of completion made with our school stationary. We also give them the badges that they've earned for the Contender's program we incorporate into our schooling. You can check the program out at keepersofthefaith.com

Billy had a wonderful time at his first High School Formal with CHEFA. He looked so grown up, so handsome in his suit and tie. He enjoyed a lovely dinner and danced his heart away. CHEFA set aside a special time for the Sr's. to talk and showcase themselves, this was a real inspiration for Billy!

Both boys enjoyed the Civil War Ball put on by BEST. Becky made the boys costumes and they tied in first place for most authentic and most creative. Jeff and I were on the Ball committee so we had to dress the part as well. We were servants. Becky made me a costume and we just stuck Jeff in black & white work clothes making it look time period by adding black suspenders.

For the first time as a family, we attended two homeschool conventions. Jeff and I usually go alone. However both CHEFA & CHEA had classes specifically geared for teens that I wanted my guys to participate in. I have to say, they weren't to keen on the idea of doing"school work" on a vacation or during summer break. In the end, they had a really great time & are looking forward to next years classes. They even exchanged cyber info with some kids they met at CHEA.

We then went into a pandemonium of summer activities. Including Billy spending the fist month of summer intensely finishing his skill requirements to prepare for a trip to the Channel Islands. There he was officially certified as a scuba diver after presenting his mad-skills. During that time Jeff, Ricky & I took turns fighting a virus. Ricky did manage to have a sleep over with Bowen and a trip to Raymond to shoot with the Jeff's. However for the most part he was laying around watching movies in his room. This virus kicked his asthma into full gear, so he was garrisoned with a humidifier. More on the other activities later.....

Of course you knew we weren't going to sit still all summer long. However all that is calming down and we are sooo ready for some peaceful lonesome time. I made a sign during the hustle and bustle to remind us, if we needed reminding. "Boredom is a Blessing and Sleep is a Gift...Breath it in" So on that note we have prepared for chill time. The hammocks are hung. The books have been selected. Netflix has been stuffed. We have secured campsites for eagerly-anticipated-relaxing-family-connecting-memory making-journeys. (Boy that's a mouthful!)We have little get aways planned both by the sea and in the mountains. We will be collecting metal badges for the boys to nail to their wooden hiking sticks from a few more spots.

For us our real summer is July. We are not owned like in June or even August. No end of school year or beginning of school year rituals or activities, we are free as birds. Yay!! for free form summer loafing, and catching a breath or two!!

This will be our last summer together, well in a way. What I mean is this is our last summer to relish in special alone time with our boys. Next summer we will be in Fresno which means easy access to friends and activities. Not to mention Billy will be driving. Jeff and I are very aware that our boys are morphing into men preparing to take flight. That's as it should be. However being aware gives us fortitude in the situation.

A recap of our week

Saturday - found me up at 4:30 to make sure everything was ready for the morning. Jeff & Billy up at 5:30 and out the door to the Fresno Mission Fest held at North West Church (The Bembe Worship Project played) I let Ricky sleep. I worked on next school years curriculum choices etc...Getting ready for next school year while finish the last leg of this school year isn't fun, but I need to be ready for the conventions. I also want a summer vacation, the jitters are starting to set in.
-Billy came home and slept, however the rest of us had a birthday party to attend for Bowen Cunnings
-Jeff & I fell asleep
-The boys had CCBC practice & J&I went on a date

Sunday -Was church and a day of rest..isn't sabbath beautiful.

Monday -New glasses ordered for Ricky (from Costco...thank you Julie for the tip) I don't really know how he gets them so scratched and bent. After all, we do buy with that in mind. I guess they just don't make with him in mind.
-Drama, the boys are really improving.
-Costume sizing with Granny
-Bembe & Aikido practice.
-I got everyone & everything packed for this weekends trip & finished my curriculum outline for next school year.

Tuesday -Chitudo

Wednesday-Absolutely nothing!!!!!

Thursday-Today...Chitudo

Woodward Park

One of the redeeming aspects of Fresno is this lovely spot. We really enjoy Woodward Park. Last month B,R & I packed up school and a picnic lunch to spend the day there. We brought the camera & field guide book in the hopes of seeing as many creatures in the bird sanctuary as possible. As spring has been hinting to leave us we made a point to get down there before the heat took over. B&R took advantage of the exercise course flexing their man-skills at every stop. We walked all over the place, part of the Lewis S. Easton trail & part of the horse trails. We spent quit a long time just meandering through the trails and along the San Joaquin River watching rabbits, squirrels, birds and turtles. A favorite spot was the Lewis S. Easton overlook, we found a shady spot to rest, pull out the binoculars and see what we saw. Of course nothing can stay that tranquil with these guys for very long. This day was full of joking. Ricky entertained us by skipping, flapping his arms all the way up a hillside to one of the little-kid play grounds. Blasting out "look mama no hands" etc.. as he climbed the play structures. Yep, he's a ham.
Earlier this month the BEST youth group had a BFO, BBQ, yard game playing event held at Woodward. They ate, played, visited and ate some more. These things never end when they are expected to, and that's okay. The sky was exceptionally blue during the day and that evening as we came to collect our children we were able to actually enjoy the stars over a Fresno sky....no really. Woodward park has a fountain in the middle of a pond that they light up at night, that was really nice as well.
We do have one more gathering to be held at this park, I pray it doesn't get too incredibly hot before that day arrives.

San Jose Museum Tour

We were rolling out the drive way at 5:40 that morning. We arrived in San Jose about 30 minutes before the fist museum on our itinerary opened, they let us in early though. We were at the Winchester Mystery House. This place was beautiful! The gardens smelled lovely and had many unique plantings. The house itself had gorgeous Tiffany glass work all through out. The wood working in this place is phenomenal. This lady was an architectual genius. However the poor thing was also wacko, confused, partially do to a severally broken heart. (new husband and baby daughter died) I'm glad we had the "mystery" of the place revealed to us. Apparently she bought this house right after they died and immediately began construction on the place. She never stopped, the tour guide showed us rooms unfinished upon Mrs. Winchesters death. I don't regret going, but I don't ever need to go to this crazy place again.
Our next stop was definitely the highlight of our day , The Tech Museum of Innovation. which is kinda funny because its the one place the kids were apprehensive about visiting. They believed this place only housed row after row of computer parts. They quickly found out this place was basically a theme park! Being that this was a tech place, everything was tech, even the entrance tickets. To the eye, they just look like a regular paper ticket, but the Tech Ticket, as they are referred to, was our "key" to all the interactive fun. There were so many things to choose from. This place is awesome! To name a few B&R created a roller coaster and then we all took the simulated ride. Ricky had to do his twice though, because the first time around the roller coaster refused to start...the screen just flashed DEADLY FORCE. We all raced toboggans & wheel chairs. We played music by hopping from chair to chair and bouncing up and down. Several machines took pictures in many different venues all of which were placed on our own website. Yes, I mean you can go home and retrieve pictures from the games you played in the museum.
The last tour of the day was the Rosicrucian Museum. This place has an awesome collection of artifacts and a replicated tomb, which was fun to walk through. The mummies showed us just how short Egyptians were. True to life gardens complete with traditional buildings and structures add the the authentic feel making this time period in history come alive. The boys played a round of Senet in the garden. (a giant version). Again, a very neat collection, my favorite being the alabaster bowls or the Rosetta Stone replica. Now its time to leave it in the dust and walk away. It served its goal in educational pursuit.
We love to watch the Food Network show "Diners, Drive ins & Dives" so the day before we left for this trip we looked to see if Guy had reviewed a place in San Jose. He did, Falafel's drive in. We went. When we arrived the place was packed, it was when we left as well. Obviously it is a local favorite. I did try their falafel sandwich with the hot sauce...very good. Jeff had a Gyros sandwich. Billy a fish sandwich and Ricky a corn dog and onion rings. Everyone like their choices. Yes the Mediterranean and American food was good. I hear their banana shakes are heaven, as are their pita chips with humus.
We ended our day at Casa de Fruita's Candy shop, come on now...sometimes chocolate is the only answer.

CHEFA's Sqaure Dance

B&R both went to the CHEFA square dance. I like the themed dance idea. I think it makes participation easier when everyone is dancing the same, wearing the cowboy gear etc.. They can focus on having fun and not worry about all that other stuff. The boys were unsure about attending but ended up having a really good time. They had lots of food and lots of light hearted fun. They danced most of the night. The caller did sneak in a few crazy songs, like the chicken dance. Neither boy had sweaty palm syndrome, a jittery stomach or painful rejections. Neither sat on the side lines watching. Just a good clean positive experience. Billy had no problem asking girls to dance. Ricky had no problem dancing, but he never got a chance to ask a girl to dance. Three of his (female) friends were so nervous about not being asked to dance that they kept going up to him and saying things like, "do you know this dance, okay then come dance with me." He didn't really care. However Billy had his mind set on asking a particular someone to dance. It was a memorable occasion to get together with their friends and I'm glad they had the opportunity.

The Millerton Lake State Park Area

We have visited Millerton lake a few times this month.
The first trip we took was to North Fine Gold. If you are in the park you can only get there by boat, however, there is one more option, that we know of. There is a crazy back country dirt road with an-almost-not-there sign a few miles outside of the park. Yep, we took the road less traveled. The weather was wonderful the day we went. Vibrant wild flowers against fresh green hillsides & a lovely blue sky. The cool creek water & multitude of colored pebbles were a special treat. We had a picnic lunch, climbed boulders, wadded the stream...Ricky swam. We were greeted by a herd of cattle munching away on open farm land & an old timer gold panning. Yes, they still do that in California.
The following weekend we went to South Fine Gold. This time we had to pay, as we did enter the park. We were on a geocaching mission. Jeff as our leader had us march up Pincushion Mountain (no not on a trail) He had the GPS system & that was that. We followed him straight up the side of the untamed mountain. Unfortunately we ran into a steep area heavily saturated in poison oak, with lose boulders to boot. We brought the doggies & since there was no way of explaining to them the need to stay clear of certain greenery we had an issue. I decided to stop at a convenient boulder overlooking the glistening lake water, with the dogs and let the guys go on. Billy was in the lead with Ricky & then Jeff behind because Jeff was scared the kids may lose their footing in this particular area. Billy took a few steps and that's exactly what happened. A fairly good sized boulder went tumbling right down the mountain side and Billy just managed to grab hold of the boulder ahead of him. After a few fearful moments (on J's part) they moved on. I knew they found the cache because I could hear the echoing of Jeff's yelp!!! YAHOOO!!! We then hiked down to the lake where Ricky took a dive & we had our snack.

Cyclonic!

Wow! March has been a whirlwind!

We enjoyed many feasts! Dinner at the Crumpton's, birthday celebrations at the Shugert's, taco/games day here with the Orazem girls, Chitudo Black Belt Club dinner at Alfonso's. Of course we can't leave out the Saint Patrick's day celebration at Ron & Ceci's complete with singing & instrument playing. Or the next day eating sushi in Japan Town with Eva & Omar.

B&R kept us busy with Youth Funky Games Night, Bible Face Off, Laser Quest (yes again), running around River Park spending their gift cards, finishing the snowboarding season at both Badger Pass & Sierra Summit & the ever exploding Bembe gigs.

Jeff & I did manage to see Miss Bethany this month as well (thank you Eric). It was overwhelming to see her in her current state, but I am grateful that the opportunity arose.

The three Shugert kids were our house guests for about a week.

Jeff's business is going very well, he's been busy this month. He's been busier than ever, but more organized than ever. VCC has hired its 1st employee

All four of us have been writing for the local Homeschool Newspaper. Jeff was interviewed in regards to IT/self employment. B&R & I fulfilled our regular columns for the paper, as well as the homeschool blog & yearbook student interest / family pages. I guess it's about time I write here....I'm know, sorry about that!

We have been working at lightening speed in our educational endeavors.

Billy has begun the processes of setting goals for the Congressional Award program. Jenny is overseeing Billy's progress & I am doing the same for CJ. Don't be insulted, no family member is allowed to confirm or guide his progress. Billy also attended the Original Design Purity Conference.

As a family we walked the Fresno Right to Life, Walk for Life....very humbling experience. We had a blast at the Rock & Worship Road Show (more on that later).

I know this is a hasty way to get you all up to speed on our happenings, but April is harassing me, so I decided I better jump in & conquer March.

Our Week

Mon.-I took a nutrition class lead by Mrs Dori Lim. B&R took one in the next room over for the teens. Jeff & I went to yet another homeschool meeting. Billy had Bembe practice (he has had more gigs this month do to Black history month)

Tues.-The guys all went snowboarding & then to Chitudo. Me? I cleaned, graded, filed & did my own exercise.

Wed.-A heavy duty turbo charged day of school work to make up for yesterday.

Thurs.--Another full speed school day & Chitudo

Fri.-B&R went to dance lessons (well the instructor never showed so they just sat around & talked), Laser Quest & Colorado Grill. The poor restaurant had 4 million teenagers all at once to deal with. Dori drove them from Dance to Laser Quest & they just walked across the parking lot to Colorado grill. So Jeff & I were able to relax and have a leasurly date.

Sat.-B&R played baseball at Chefa's Sport Sat. Jeff & I grabbed a Starbucks & sat and talked for the next few hours. We had a picnic lunch with the Lim's & then B, R, A & A went rock climbing. Us old people walked across the street & sat at Starbucks (and yes that makes two trips that day) for the next several hours & had some great conversation. Ricky had computer work he needed to do at the church, but Billy didn't go to music practice. He hurt his thumb & can't drum right now.

Sun.-(today) We are getting ready to go to church . This afternoon will be full of yard care & work at Papa's mountain.

Friendship Widens Our World

Sometimes in friendships you take the time to do activities you may otherwise not pursue.
For example my Jacki loves skating. She is even on a roller derby league. She has instilled the love of skating in the hearts of her family as well as mine. We have been roller staking and ice skating over the last few months together, just like we have for years. We are brewing another trip soon as well.
Austin & Aubrey have joined the Yosemite Fitness Rock Climbing League. Jet & Dori use this to remain in shape themselves (like preparing for their trip to Everest) Rock Climbing is a huge part of their lives & they share that with us. This weekend, like several other times over the years the Vincents & the Lims tackled walls together.
Moving up to the foothills has put us contact with people who are showing us off-the-beaten-path areas we may not have ever known about.
Thank you all for enriching our lives.

The CHEFA Fine Arts Faire

CHEFA ( Christian Home Educators of the Fresno Area) puts on a great show every year. This is an opportunity for children of all ages to showcase their talents. There are two aspects to this project, performance & displayed arts.
Billy & Ricky are in the CHEFA Drama class. For the last few months they have been learning to mime. Their instructor split the class in half for the Fine Arts Faire. The girls performed a serious song while the guys song was real goofy. Earlier in the year they had homework assignments to create a mime to their own chosen song. Billy apparently did a wonderful job because his teacher asked him to preform this solo at the Faire. He mimed "colored people" by DC Talk.
As for the display section Billy & Ricky entered two photographs a piece. Ricky's 1st picture was of snow being rushed onto our window by a heavy wind with the trees in the yard beyond that. His 2nd picture was a misty-foggy sky with naked tree branches & the shadow of a sparrow. Both pictures look black & white, however it is just nature's coloring at that moment. Billy's 1st picture is of a spectacular winter sunset of red, orange & yellow against the naked black -looking branches. His second photo is interesting. The top half looks like a black and white photo of the mountain side & trees. While the bottom half looks like green grass & a field of yellow flowers. Again, just God's handy work, no trick photography. We had these blown up to 8 by 10's & framed. Look for them the next time you visit our home.
One special aspect of the Fine Arts Faire every year is the involvement of Jeff & Becky (Jeff's parents). Of course I have always done things in my own little school with my boys in preparation of this event, but so have they. Becky oversaw & photographed a Biblical herb garden that B&R planted tended & dried. Then they baggied & labeled the herbs. I helped the boys finish the project by overseeing recipes made for each herb, taking photos of that & placing it all together in a book. Becky also oversaw the tracing, stuffing & sewing of all the internal organs of a human body. These were then velcroed to a cardboard cut out of Ricky. As the boys have grown older she has been replaced by Jeff Sr. The guys have turned their attention to woodworking & the beginnings of metal working. He has helped in making a catapult, swords, shields & battle axes.
This year he was on duty overseeing Ricky make true Boomerangs. One is wooden & the other is fiberglass. Billy, being in high school, needed a more impressive project. So Jeff oversaw him make a bar dip, push-up/pull-up system.
I am grateful for CHEFA & the Grandparents for the hard work & opportunities they give my boys.

Thank you!!!

Aikido

Jeff & Ricky have been taking Aikido together, but for separate reasons.
Jeff is endeavoring to sharpen his skills consequently bringing these new traits to his Chitudo instruction & of course personal knowledge. It's good for the teacher to continue renewing knowledge & understanding.
It was actually kinda of funny when his students found out he was taking classes from another school, they freaked out! They were very protective their school/art. They asked Jeff if his Chitudo instructors knew what he was doing (like he was sneaking around) Jeff explained that they encouraged him to pursue this, so all ended well.
Ricky has different gifts & struggles as God has graced. He is taking Aikido to learn to walk light, establish consciousness of every minute bodily movement. These skills, quite frankly, will help him tremendously in every area of his life.
Jeff began taking these classes first. This Dojo only hosts adult classes. Jeff asked if they would be willing to let Ricky join in the class he was taking. They agreed to a trial bases, if Ricky could behave (not interrupt) & keep up (not need extra instructional time) he could stay.....he passed.

"I believe that school makes complete fools of our young men, 

because they see & hear nothing of ordinary life 
there"-Petronius

To be finished in the year 2025

I am writing a book about Homeschooling. It will be ready for you to read years after B&R have graduated from our little school, when time & I get along a little better. I have lots of ideas, but no time to really dedicate to the project. I do write but not with any regularity. I have a folder I dump thoughts/writings into, which I will compile at a later time. Many of you (My friends & Family) have made every effort to push me in this direction, insuring me I have lots to share with others....& that I shouldn't harbor that knowledge. So Look forward to reading my book sometime before you die!

Broomball

Have you ever experienced this or ever even heard of it? Basically you are playing hockey with broom looking thingys on ice wearing tennis shoes. B&R played earlier this month with CHEFA, This activity started at 10:00 p.m. & we got home around 1:ish. I don't know why, but this is the time the Ice skating rink has always chosen. Billy's friends chose to be the green team. Ricky relented to the girls on his team & so he was on the pink team. Being the ham that he is, he embraced it. He tied the pink piece of fabric around his head like a babies head band & swung his hips around while out on the rink. His team didn't win, but he didn't care anyway. Actually I don't really know whose team won to tell you the truth.

"Education is what remains after I have forgotten what I had learned in school"- Einstein

Okay, so about the coffee woes

I have a little problem with breaking carafes. So a few years back Jeff bought me a coffee maker with a metal carafe. Unfortunately as I was taking it out of the box I dropped it. Yes, I broke it. Well, a chip fell off the plastic rim & a big dent was created on the side of it. I decided not to replace it assuming I would just repeat the offense. I was content with my silly looking carafe. Eventually the coffee maker its self stopped working (not my doing) We needed to replace it, but couldn't afford the price tag of a metal carafe. Of course glass was not happening!
Becky lent us her old-time percolator, which stopped working soon after we received custody. It had a faulty wire that had been tweaked a few times. Her percolator lived a long and purposeful life. Yet it came to my kitchen to die!
The next product came straight out of our garage. Yep, we used our camp coffee percolator. The all-metal campfire one. We used this for a while. Sometimes we did have chewy coffee. Especially the lucky one who was blessed with the last cup. It was hard to ignore its hoaky appearance, although it was a conversation starter.
Ron & Ceci gave us a thermal metal carafe coffee maker for Christmas. We have enjoyed it very much.....thanks bunches.

Why do I have cats?

I am allergic to cats, yes its true. I can't cuddle up with my feline friends. I shut my door at night so they won't sneak in bed with me. I vacuum my furniture regularly (which they also scratch). They are the reason I can't have indoor plants. It is common for cats to try & use the soil for a liter box and that is bad, but my cat does worse. Kansas plucks each leaf or pedal right off the plant/flower. No, he doesn't eat the plants. They are toys in his eyes, well everything is really.
They are destructive! I left a ceramic sugar bowl out on my counter one night. I woke up the next morning to sugar all over the counter & cat scratches in it...not like litter scratches...but like they were batting at it. The ceramic dish was spared somehow. But fear not, they got into the dish drainer & knocked a platter onto the aggregate flooring. Millions of tiny fragments flew in every direction. I was barefoot. It was still dark. Yet I didn't step on even the tiniest of pieces. I made it to the light, but when I turned it on, I just wanted to turn it off & go back to bed.
No, this is not uncommon. Why do I have cats? I guess because even though they do things like scoop the acorns out of a bowl on the coffee table. They are cute and oh so funny! They make me laugh and I need to laugh. there you have it!