Saturday, January 31, 2009

Jim is.....

a student at Cuesta College again. Whoo Hoo! This semester he's studying Electonics Fundamentals. His teacher as basically already given him an A. He's reading, I mean really reading his first text book and enjoying it. Strange, I know.

Also, he's one year older as of the 23rd. We celebrated a bit lazily. I made eggs, biscuits, sausage and gravy for breakfast - then off to work. Jim had his normal day with the kiddos. On my lunch break he got a call from the post office to pick up a package. He got a new iPod from his Dad and Melinda. Everyone was excited about that.
In the evening we had tri-tip tacos I had cooked in the crock pot and then ice cream sundaes.

Happy Birthday Babe, love you!

He's a master homemaker. While our strengths are not the same, we compliment eachother so well - we manage to keep this house going no matter who is at home and who is out working. He is becoming quite the cook, he follows recipes (where I do not) and it is always lovely to come home to the house smelling great and dinner on the table. Where I was horrible at timing dinner, we usually ate at seven, he's got it done when I get home at bit after six. I really don't know how he does it.

He's a master homeschooling parent. Jim loves going to Evan day with Fletch, and I know Evan appreciates sharing the experience with a dad. He does at least 95% of the homeschooling work, and he digs it! They do all sorts of science experiments, today they set up one to make a rubber egg. They work on math, reading, writing, and social studies in all sorts of interesting ways.
When we first embarked on this homeschooling journey, Jim was on board - but still skeptical. He wasn't convinced as I was that Fletcher could teach himself everything he needs to know, if we were there to seek out the resources and help him. Now, he's excited every day to watch Fletcher's mind expand, and to share in Fletcher's love of learning new things.

He's a wonderful husband. Every day.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Six Years Later

Happy Birthday to my boy! I love you Fletcher - oops, I mean Long.


My sister(and boss) worked things out at the last minute so I could have the day off. We started with homemade cinnamon rolls at the six year old's request. Then he opened all his presents early:
A sewing machine from Grandma Paffy and Granny


A sewing kit, binoculars, and pan flute from Jim and I
And a mama and baby panda bear from Maggy


Next he watched The Clone Wars with Dad.

In the afternoon we headed to SLO for our appointment with his teacher, then over to Tom's Toys to spend his gift certificate from Gamma and Grandpa. He bought a nerf crossbow, a microphone for Maggy and some spy gear - I can't even begin to explain what that is! We missed a visit from Grandma Sue and Aunt Harvest, but they left cards on the doorstep - Long was very happy with the cash inside!

Dinner was McDonalds (yuck - but what are you gonna do?)
Then choclate cake and vanilla ice cream.

It was a lovely day.

The reason I'm not posting any pictures from today is a long and boring story - I'll have to get you one later. We'll be celebrating again with a huge party on Chinese New Year!

Thursday, January 01, 2009

A Great Start to the New Year...


We spent the first day of the new year enjoying every moment! In the morning Fletch headed off to Morro Bay with Grandmere then to Los Osos to the skate park. Meanwhile, Jim, Maggy and I had a late breakfast in front of the t.v. watching Burn After Reading. What a strange and intriguing movie - and not even remotely appropriate for Maggy.

As soon as Fletch returned we all headed over to Atascadero Lake where Jim and Fletch spent an hour fishing while Maggy and I walked around the lake. What a beautiful day in a beautiful setting.






I was reminded of our fortune while reading Katie's new year's post. Yes, there are so many many problems in this world. Yes, money is tight. Yes, Jim hasn't worked for many months. Yes, I'm now working, not at home where I long to be. Yes, we could wallow in all this. We choose not to. I choose not to. We are so very lucky.
I am so very very lucky.
Every day I wake to this family I cherish. Smiles, laughter, kisses, new joys, familiar and comfortable joys.
Every day we are fortunate.


From Us.....


To You!