LOVE generously, PRAISE loudly, LIVE fully....

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Halloween





We went Trick or Treatn' with Denise, Shar, and the kids. Pj and Jordan went off by themselves with some friends. Paul worked so there was no one at home to hand out candy to the little goblins. It was a pretty quick night, short and sweet. Noah was Spidy! I tried to convince him to take off his mask, I told him he'd get more candy if people could see his face! The boys were their usual Monster mask and Freddy Yuk!

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Jordan's 12!






Jordan decided to have some buddies come over to hang out, eat pizza and play video games for his birthday. They ate Ice Cream Sundays while Paul and I took over the big screen and forced them to watch a movie with us in surround sound. They watched it, but couldn't wait for us to fall asleep so they could have the run of the house.

A few days earlier we had family over to celebrate Jordans birthday after one of his football games. Everyone came to his game and then came back to the house for some nachos.


Saturday, September 29, 2007

California Firefighter Memorial

Every year there is a California memorial honoring the fallen. The sacrifice of hundreds of California firefighters is remembered on the brushed limestone walls of the California Firefighters Memorial at the State Capitol in Sacramento. This beautiful tribute, depicts both the heroism of the profession and the anguish felt when a firefighter falls in the line of duty.




The Memorial Wall, list the names of nearly 1000 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice as California firefighters. Names are listed chronologically, and include the name of the department in which the firefighter served.





We attended the Memorial in September 2007 to honor both Matt and Scott. Below is a video clip I took of the pipes and drums, a memorial tradition to honor the fallen.

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Junior Olympics







This was the first year the boys started running track. They enjoyed it for the most part. It takes a lot of self discipline and motivation. Unlike team sports, it is considered an individual sport, holding the athlete totally responsible for their own outcome. It builds character :)

Jordan runs the 800m , 4x8 and throws the javelin. Pj runs the 400m, 800m and long jumps.

The boys qualified for the Junior Olympics held in L.A. They each ran in the 4x8 and Jordans team took 7th place in the nation. Jordan also took 6th in the nation on his javelin event.

Saturday, July 21, 2007

2 in 2 out







Two go in, and two come out... together, the firefighter motto. We lost two of our brother firefighters on July 21, 2007 to a house fire in San Pablo. Matt Burton and Scott Desmond. Matt was Pauls engineer for 5 years at Station 81. They worked 24 hr shifts together. They ate together, cooked together, spent holidays together and fought fires together. Matt left behind his wife, and 2 children. Our hearts ache over the loss of Matt. Not a day goes by that we don't think about Matt, we still cry for him, and continue to pray for his family.


CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Pj graduates 8th grade







Time sure fly‘s. I can’t believe that I was just snuggling with him as a new born, and now I’m preparing him for manhood. P.J. has graduated from 8th grade, and has just begun High school. Now it begins… New friends, girls, girls calling the house, challenging choices, after school sports, going to the movies (without us!), shaving, and hormones! I have so enjoyed his elementary years. Driving him to school, volunteering in his class, meeting him at school for lunch on occasion, and meeting his friends. It amazes me how much we have learned from our boys, and how much they have taught us about being parents. Simply being available. It’s in this, that memorable things happen….. When Paul and I had P.J., we decided that we were going to do more than just love our children , but we would show them our love by involving ourselves in their hearts, minds, and souls. Simply show interest in them. I am so grateful, that although we had P.J fairly young, 21 and 23, we were able to learn, by the grace of God, what it meant to have a family. Self sacrifice, obligation, and commitment. We are blessed to have had the opportunity for the most part, to be a constant presence.

Click here for more pics

Sunday, June 10, 2007

Noahs Swimming Lessons






Noah just loves the water. We signed him up for lessons, and had to do the dreaded getting into the cold water, in a BATHING SUIT! Yuk. He did great with the mommy and me lessons, but not too well with the tadpoles, which is when he's by himself. Lots and lots of tears :(

Sunday, June 3, 2007

PJ's 8th grade Great America Trip





I chaperoned for Pj's 8th grade trip to Great America. I had a great time. Paul was supposed to come with me, but lost his wallet the day before, so I had to go by myself. I never imagined that one could have so much fun at an amusement park alone. I hung out with another mom, and we ate at every bend of the park while shopping. Pj was off with his friends of course, but did manage to meet me at the Loggers Run for one ride.

Pj and Zach on the Extreme Sky Flyer


Monday, May 28, 2007

Memorial Day on the Delta






We made last minute plans to take the boat out for Memorial Day. We went out with the Jones'. We had some good boarding water! I'm so glad we decided to take it out, little did we know it was our last outing on the boat :(

Pj Boarding

Jordan Boarding

Me Boarding

Friday, May 18, 2007

Noah's track season





The track season just wouldn't be the same if Noah Bear didn't have a chance to run, and he takes his running very serious.