Memorial Day Weekend

Life is crammed packed right now, but here are some great shots from Memorial Day Weekend. The kids are really starting to grow into the next phase of life. Karly the pre-teen who is really taking everything in and learning a lot right now about people and relationships. Kyle who is ever so much like his dad and wanting to do, help and learn what his mentors model.

The weekend itself was a great reprieve from the stressors Spring always brings. Good for everyone to slow down a bit and for some good quality time together.

I Don't Get It?

WHY? I don't get it! Why don't people step up? Why are so many content to watch the scramble without helping? Many willing to help an hour, on their terms but so few willing to help carry the load or do the least desirable job because it's the greatest need. Do people not see that if everyone does their part, no one is overwhelmed? That a team can score more points, raise more funds, ward off an enemy, help more people, defeat disease, bring freedom of people and voice to democracy......

Is it that people don't believe in themselves? Perhaps no confidence or belief in the contribution they can make. Do we get so focused on what we think we cannot do that we don't even try to find out what we can? "Argue for your limitations, and sure enough they're yours." --Richard Bach?

I rarely blog to vent...but today I am disappointed with people and some of them friends. I wish they could see their potential as I do. I wish they could see the needs and do what they can -not what they want. Do I realize that life has challenges, yes. Are there season of life that one should say "no"....YES. But perhaps the "no's" wouldn't hit so hard if there were more people to say yes in the first place. I'd love to study this subject further. Why is there a 20% rule? What is it that compels some and not others? We need all types of people, so I do not mean to pass judgement. I just find it really interesting.

Perhaps I wouldn't take this so hard if I didn't have a piece of myself that wanted to say "no" myself. But then the "why" kicked in and I said yes.

Hooping it UP!

It's a fundraiser and exercise all wrapped up in one! This week, Kyle took it to the hoop in the Staff vs. Students basketball game. The principal along with seven other teachers took on eight 3rd-5th graders and the results were a great mix of fun. Lots of laughter, some skills, some team work and a cheering crowd with mixed emotions. Students loyal to their teachers, but throwing in a hoot for their siblings and pals as well. No telling who really won, but I can assure you-it was a winning event for all.

As for Kyle's ankle, if you are wondering.....he favored it a little as he tread up and down the court, but he said that it didn't bother him at all. Typical male. He also said, "I'd play that everyday if we could".

Ah, the science fair....

The very words "science fair project" quicken the heart rate of any parent. Why? They are never as easy as we wish they would be and they seem to carry on and on and on. Nonetheless, Karly worked quite independently on her project until the last week or so when mom and dad had to step in with a little helps. Karly studied the accuracy of eye witness accounts and how the are effected by gender, location to subject and time of report. She learned a great deal about what works and what doesn't work when interviewing witnesses and as always she smiled her way through.

As for Mama, she's glad to see this story board walked out the door today! COMPLETED it is!

Drafted

Well I've tried to avoid it all year. I'm not a fundraiser. I am pressed for time. I am too passionate about volunteerism in our schools and the lack there of by many to see the needs--I'll put my foot in my mouth, it's a given. I've never managed a budget this large. You name it, I've thought, murmured or spoken it. Nonetheless, I've been drafted.

Drafted where? PTC president. UGH!!! A month ago, I said don't even ask, I'll say NO, NO, NO. I can still think of a dozen reasons to say no like: the economy stinks (who wants to raise $$), I cannot put in the time presidents before have, I don't know anything about business licenses and contracts, I am too sensitive to handle the mean complaining parents who expect and give nothing.....etc. What I'm hearing? Things are changing. LIfe and families are changing. Moms are going back to work, the economy is likely going to trump past funding goals. Things are changing --we need a balanced person who can d help seek a new rhythm. Shoot, it's taken me near 35 years to find some balance. Feeling a bit inadequate here!

Leading people is one thing. Organizing event another. And, this is a whole new creature with many arms left for potential entanglement. So many dynamics that are not my favorite to navigate. But a good team of gals are likely to return if I take the lead.....hmm......UGH!

Lots of thinking to do here!

Gold Country

California State history is in 4th grade full swing and could not be completed without a trip to Coloma. With a perfect 80 degree day, students were able to pan for gold, thanks to lessons from Rattlesnake Randy, and self-guide themselves through the area. The state museum, a hike to the John Marshall monument, Sutter's Mill, replica housing and so much more took these kids back to the glory days of "Eureka". Karly also loved the fact that gold was discovered on Kent's birthday, January 24th. She made up a song to tell the story. Karly found a few tiny pieces of gold and lots of garnet as she was panning. She also enjoyed the hike, which was challenging to say the least and the ice cream promised on the other side! We had a great group of girls who moved throughout the day together!

We both decided this was the best field trip yet! Even with the crazy twist and turns of the drive there--it was worth it!

Spring Break 09

Sorry this is a little late to get on here! Another fabulous job by Kent!