9.26.2008
9.14.2008
Alex the fairweather fan
This morning, Alex and I (Adam) were talking about the Ohio State game last night. He told me how they lost 35-3.
Me: That's what's called a butt-kicking.
Alex: Is that why they're called the Butt-Guys?
Me: That's what's called a butt-kicking.
Alex: Is that why they're called the Butt-Guys?
9.13.2008
What a Sight!
The kids love to try to 'scare' us in these masks. Alex's new favorite thing to do is put the monkey mask on under the clown mask, so then when he removes the clown mask he again tries to surprise us. We especially like the monkey mask on Allison because it fits her face so well. Her hair blends in with it too!
Sierra's New Cage
Sierra has outgrown her first cage, and now simply loves this larger one. Her favorite thing is to sleep on her back with all four feet in the air. She was unable to do that in the smaller one.
9.09.2008
School's In!
It's been awhile since I updated! Alex started first grade on August 27th at Adrian Elementary. He has made the transition well. It is a much smaller school than Roosevelt (his one in Vancouver), and it also only has students in grades K-3 (which I really like!). Because the school, and our community, is so much smaller it has been easy to get to know people and feel connected. Some of Alex's favorite activities so far....P.E. (of course! This was also a high point at Roosevelt), Math Lab (twice a week they get to go to a computer lab with laptops for math related games and activities), and Friday Fun (the reward from his teacher if the students have a well-behaved week). Adrian is half a mile from our house, so on most days Alex rides his bike to school which has also been a highlight for him.Allison started last Wednesday at the South Euclid Co-op Preschool in the Pre-K class. She goes five mornings a week, and she has also made the transition well. The kindergartens in South Euclid are full-day (again...which I really like!) so most of the preschools have the 4-year-olds attending five days a week in order to transition them well to kindergarten the following year. She was definitely ready for a five-day-a-week experience. She loves her teacher, and is making great friends in her class. Also, with it being a co-op, the parents are very involved, and even after a week, I feel like I'm getting to know some other mothers very well.
Sierra has kept us very busy, but she is well-loved! Most people comment about how bringing a puppy home is somewhat like bringing a new baby home. I've decided its not quite like a newborn, but more like an older toddler who's into everything, and who you're trying to potty train at the same time. However, she is adjusting well. At times Adam and I think she's quite mellow, at least much more mellow than we remember Copper being as a puppy. But, I've discovered that she's just trying to rest up for her next few hours of playtime with the kids. They can all exhaust each other very quickly!
9.06.2008
My contribution to the conversation about Sarah Palin
What hasn't already been said? Can you think of another political figure (not even to mention one's family) that has endured the intensity of scrutiny and attack that Sarah Palin has stirred up? My two cents:
1. She is the 'all-in' movement from the McCain campaign. Anyone familiar with poker knows that one of the tactics is to push your whole pile of chips in and dare your opponent to match you. It takes HUGE confidence, and forces opponents to think hard about the cards they are holding. Of course, if you get caught bluffing...
2. It makes McCain interesting, and potentially wrests the "change" mantra straight away from the Obama campaign. Obama talks change but picks an entrenched insider in Biden; McCain is seen as more of the same old/same old, but picks a nobody reformer (so the storyline goes). Suddenly people want to listen to what McCain has to say.
3. Perhaps most powerfully, Sarah Palin embodies one of the greatest of American archetypal storylines; that is, that behind every great man is an even greater woman. I am surprised not to have seen this discussed before, but I think Palin has aroused the feelings she has because we have all been conditioned to know with certainty that the woman makes the man. If McCain can tap that sentiment and not seem to be overshadowed or intimidated by Palin, but rather empowered and lifted up by her presence...
This election keeps getting more interesting!
1. She is the 'all-in' movement from the McCain campaign. Anyone familiar with poker knows that one of the tactics is to push your whole pile of chips in and dare your opponent to match you. It takes HUGE confidence, and forces opponents to think hard about the cards they are holding. Of course, if you get caught bluffing...
2. It makes McCain interesting, and potentially wrests the "change" mantra straight away from the Obama campaign. Obama talks change but picks an entrenched insider in Biden; McCain is seen as more of the same old/same old, but picks a nobody reformer (so the storyline goes). Suddenly people want to listen to what McCain has to say.
3. Perhaps most powerfully, Sarah Palin embodies one of the greatest of American archetypal storylines; that is, that behind every great man is an even greater woman. I am surprised not to have seen this discussed before, but I think Palin has aroused the feelings she has because we have all been conditioned to know with certainty that the woman makes the man. If McCain can tap that sentiment and not seem to be overshadowed or intimidated by Palin, but rather empowered and lifted up by her presence...
This election keeps getting more interesting!
8.25.2008
Sierra!
Yesterday evening we made a significant purchase. We settled on 'Sierra' who came from a Boxer mother and Yellow Lab father. She is 9-weeks-old and very cute and cuddly. She has her share of playmates around here, as Alex and Allison have greatly entertained her. In fact, in one of the photos below, you can almost see how sweaty Alex is from running her around the yard dozens of times. We have a pretty full few days ahead of us, but we promise to update you more on her very soon! 
One Giant Train Table
Our living room, with hardwood floors, still is without furniture. For the past few weeks it has been serving as the world's largest train table.
8.24.2008
Orange Belt
Last week Alex tested for his orange belt at his new Taekwondo school, Asian Sun. He loves his new program, and we have to admit, this school is a little more serious than the martial arts school he was enrolled in in Vancouver. He had to present some forms to a Master in order to pass from the yellow belt to the orange belt, as well as break a board with a front kick. That's what he's doing in the first picture. He claimed he was a little nervous about the board, but he broke it with his first kick.
8.23.2008
A pleasant conversation
Last week after classes were over, Anne and the kids picked me up at Case and we went out to dinner. As we entered the restaurant, we were guided past a table where a lone old man was sitting eating his dinner. The hostess seated us in the booth next to him.
As we passed, I noticed his hat sitting on the table, which declared that he was a World War II veteran. I have talked with the kids before about war and soldiers and the nobility of those that protect us by putting themselves in danger. So, when the man was done eating and stood up to leave, I asked him about his service.
You should have seen his face come alive. He must have been well into his eighties, but as he recounted his time in the South Pacific, his eyes were vibrant and young again. He told the kids about a mission to rescue captive missionaries and school teachers on an island near the Phillipines, where intelligence gave his unit the exact time when the prison camp guards met for calisthenics every morning. Figuring the guards would have put their rifles down to exercise, his unit parachuted in and took the whole camp in a matter of minutes without a single casualty on either side.
He told us too about how he still gets together regularly with the eight other men from his unit still living. We talked about the absolutely unique camradarie of those who have seen combat together. He said that their wives were always amazed how the men could pick right up with each other even after years and years of separation. I said that maybe that was God's gift to those that put themselves at risk and made it through.
I made sure to point out to the kids that we could sit there eating pancakes and eggs because men like him put themselves in danger. I also told the kids that while I would be scared if they ever went to war, I would be so proud of their choice to do so. It saddens Anne and I that our kids will grow up in a generation that does not revere soldiers, so we do what we can to teach them that that type of sacrifice deserves our respect.
As he left, the soldier turned back around and thanked me deeply for asking him about his experiences. It is not something that I usually do, but I am glad that I did.
As we passed, I noticed his hat sitting on the table, which declared that he was a World War II veteran. I have talked with the kids before about war and soldiers and the nobility of those that protect us by putting themselves in danger. So, when the man was done eating and stood up to leave, I asked him about his service.
You should have seen his face come alive. He must have been well into his eighties, but as he recounted his time in the South Pacific, his eyes were vibrant and young again. He told the kids about a mission to rescue captive missionaries and school teachers on an island near the Phillipines, where intelligence gave his unit the exact time when the prison camp guards met for calisthenics every morning. Figuring the guards would have put their rifles down to exercise, his unit parachuted in and took the whole camp in a matter of minutes without a single casualty on either side.
He told us too about how he still gets together regularly with the eight other men from his unit still living. We talked about the absolutely unique camradarie of those who have seen combat together. He said that their wives were always amazed how the men could pick right up with each other even after years and years of separation. I said that maybe that was God's gift to those that put themselves at risk and made it through.
I made sure to point out to the kids that we could sit there eating pancakes and eggs because men like him put themselves in danger. I also told the kids that while I would be scared if they ever went to war, I would be so proud of their choice to do so. It saddens Anne and I that our kids will grow up in a generation that does not revere soldiers, so we do what we can to teach them that that type of sacrifice deserves our respect.
As he left, the soldier turned back around and thanked me deeply for asking him about his experiences. It is not something that I usually do, but I am glad that I did.
8.18.2008
How we know we're no longer in Portland.....(part 2)
...twice today, in two different locations, I heard the Ohio State fight song as a ringtone. And, its only 11:30 am.
8.16.2008
How we know we're no longer in Portland.....
...we have yet to see a car that looks like this.
A ten minute drive in the northwest would yield at least half a dozen cars that made their statements with a variety of bumper stickers. Here, in Ohio, the only bumper stickers we've seen have been for colleges/universities and various sororities and fraternities. And its been very few. Even in an election year, we've seen less than five total campaign stickers.
A ten minute drive in the northwest would yield at least half a dozen cars that made their statements with a variety of bumper stickers. Here, in Ohio, the only bumper stickers we've seen have been for colleges/universities and various sororities and fraternities. And its been very few. Even in an election year, we've seen less than five total campaign stickers.
8.11.2008
Walt Disney World
For some reason I thought I took less pictures this year. But, when I went to upload them onto the computer, I discovered I still had 199. That seems like a lot to me. We had a great trip! Enjoy!
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