Never Forget

We can only hope that we will never experience another event like 9/11. I can't really believe its been seven years. It remains so vivid in my mind. Watching the television images, seeing the looks on my student's faces. Coming home and hugging my wife. The anger I felt. The sorrow. I wanted to join the military right away, and sometimes I wish I would have.

I hope we are a safer place today. I hope my children never have to experience feeling I and the rest of the nation felt on that dreadful day.

Watching Governor Palin's Speech

It was quite a joy to watch John McCain's running mate give the speech of her life last night! When I first heard about his choice, I wasn't quite sure what to think. But after reading up on her, I don't think he could have picked a better candidate. She is strong, well spoken, and conservative! Yes, she has a few family issues, but my goodness, what American family doesn't? Who better to be a heart beat away from the President than a woman who can relate to everyday people! During her speech, I remember thinking, "This is exactly the type of role model I want for my three daughters!" Good luck, Sarah Palin, you've got my vote!

Struggles of a New Year

I'm sure a lot of you have noticed I've not been posting very much lately. To be honest, I'm just incredibly busy. Going back to school each year has its challenges. In fact, I heard one teacher say the other day, "This is like starting a new job every year!" And, that is not too far from the truth.

So far, I have the most students I've ever had--147! I have one class that has three kids with the same name in it. I do my best to learn all their names as quickly as I can, but they all have until Tuesday of next week to switch classes. Just today I got two or three new ones. And already, I've had a student who I think is being abused, one who took refuge in my room because a group was going to beat him up, and one who came in to tell me her friend died of a drug-related heart attack. Wow, the things these kids go through! Somewhere along the line, I hope to teach them science this year!

Visiting the B17

Yesterday I took Cassidy to visit one of the last remaining strategic, long-range bombers of WWII. The B-17, nicknamed the "Flying Fortress," was instrumental in the campaign wages against the Germans and other enemies during the world. The bomber had the ability to fly high in the sky, defend itself, and gained an almost mythical reputation for its ability to bring home its crew despite heavy damage. Of course, to a five-year-old, it was just a really cool airplane.

The next picture was taken as the airplane flew over our house! The four powerful engines made a roar that was unlike anything else. I'm sure it would have been a frightening sound to hear, especially behind enemy lines in the 1940's. Below that is a close-up picture of the plane in which you can make out its name, "Sentimental Journey."

Introducing Pillownaut

To our wonderful surprise, our blog was visited recently by Pillownaut! Some of you might have noticed that in the sidebar I have a link to her blog. Pillownaut is a lady from Texas who is currently taking part in a space flight study where she has, as I understand it, 4 months of bedrest. The program tries to mimic the effects micro-gravity has on the body for extended periods of time. Scientists hope to better understand what happens so they can develop effective treatments and exercise routines. I first learned about Pillownaurt from seeing her on the news!

Now before everyone says, "Oh that must be nice to just lie around in bed for four months," I encourage you to read her blog. From what I can tell, it is no walk in the park. In fact, the effects on the body can be downright painful as your muscles and bones begin the deteriorate from lack of use.

Thanks, Pillownaut, for the comments (especially the one on the costume...it's nice to meet another fellow Trekker). And, no, we don't live in Georgia. We live in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. It's not known for much, but the Midwest is a great place to live! We'll keep reading your blog, and we hope that you visit us again soon!

Time of Decisions

This seems to be the time for difficult decisions. To begin with, I have decided to take a break from martial arts. Tae Kwon Do had become a regular routine in my life for about the past year. I worked my way up to blue belt, and met some goals. I'm stronger, and for the moment I have a large pool of techniques I can practice on my own. Taking a break will allow my body to heal (I've been battling a rough case of plantar fasciitis for over a month now), and help to keep me from getting burned out. I've learned in life that when something extra-curricular stops being fun, it usually means you need a break from it. If it is meant to be, the desire will come back.  If not, the world is full of other exciting things to do. 

The second big decision we have to make relates to school for Cassidy. Although we had decided to homeschool (and we still may), we are taking a second look at the Christian school.  We learned that someone who goes to our church sends their daughter there.  It will require an even tighter budget if we go that direction, but we really want what is best for her.

How to decide.  That is the question.  Here is a good scripture I like to read when I don't know what to do.  Maybe it will help someone else.

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Proverbs 3: 5,6

The X-Files

Few television shows of the 90's held my interest better than the X-Files. Each week I would anxiously watch Mulder and Scully investigate UFO's, the paranormal, and the unexplained. It reminded me of being a child, and always wanting to see aliens. Alright, I was a strange child. Anyways, this afternoon Amy and I had a rare chance to get away from the kids and visit a movie theater, along with our wonderful next-door neighbors Ryan and Becky.

Although I think the other X-Files movie was better, this one did have some twists. I've heard a lot of people talk about how bad the movie was, but honestly, I was just so excited to see Mulder and Scully working together again, it didn't matter to me that there were no aliens (oops, I gave that away).

Well, if you go see it, stay until the very end of the credits to watch the "goodbye." I have a feeling it was telling us there will be no more X-Files. But, then again, you never know. I'd like to believe there will be, or should I say, "I Want To Believe." Thanks for reading!

Fun Outside with the Girls

Here a few pictures of the girls outside. Callie has recently has discovered the power Dora jeep. She loves it, but she doesn't know how to steer it. Ryan tied a rope on the jeep and he stands in the middle and makes the jeep go in a circle. Callie loves it. Here is a picture of her in the jeep.

Of course, Cassidy loves having her picture taken. She rode the tricycle around on the concrete and posed for a picture.

Chloe was just sitting on my lap during all this. She loves watching her sisters play. She sometimes just giggles as she watches them.

Pictures of the Girls

We enjoyed some time outside the other day before it was so hot. Cassidy swam in the big pool, Callie swam in the little pool, and Chloe just sat in her seat watching. I thought I would snap a few picture to share with you.

Getting a Deal!

As most of you know, my wife is really big into clipping coupons and saving money. In fact, she has a blog site devoted mainly to that--Amy's Life. I on, the other hand, just hate spending money. If it were up to me, we would probably just drink water, eat those noodles in packages, and survive on the basics (well, that's a little exaggerated).

But, with all the hits she has been getting on her website, and of course, getting interviewed by Channel 3, I thought to myself, "I have to try this coupon thing!." So, for the first time, I set off on my adventure to purchase something for less. Here is what I got:

Total Price: $5.21

I had two coupons for a dollar off 32oz Power Aid. It only costs a dollar at Kroger, so those were free. I also had two coupons for 1 dollar off half gallons of tea. And, it was also a dollar, so those were also free. I needed some apple juice and rolls. Unfortunately, there was no coupon for the juice, and I didn't tell Amy I was going to get the rolls--I should have, she had a coupon and I could have saved another 60 cents!

So, for my first trip, I don't think I did too bad. That said, I would not recommend the Peach Tea.