Rivercats!

You'd think after going to the games as often as we do it would be boring, I say no way. Last night was by far the most interesting baseball game I have ever been at! Some highlights were that we got to see several home runs! We were entertained by many fans, one in particular taunted the other team's third baseman, number 26. It was like he was Carlos Mencino doing a comedy act. He was trying to get his goat and it was genuinely hilarious. Also, I caught another ball.:) One for Emmy this time. We got to see a shortstop fly straight up into the air going for ball that was way over his head. I thought he would do better in the high jump or dunking in basketball lol. One player, a designated hitter, busted his bat. It flew in between first and second base, with pieces grazing several players. We did have one of our team get to steal first base in all of that commotion though.:) Also, one player bunted, the catcher grabs it and nails the at bat player right in the back on his way to first lol, oops.. We had four different pitchers on our team. The"closer"choked and we lost our 4 to 1 lead. We did however get a new pitcher, (a reliever I think, Brian was teaching me all the names for stuff) who was a side arm. Weirdest way to pitch, but was very cool. It was a great time even though we ended up losing the game 6 to 4. We stayed all nine innings and went to In n Out after with the kids. It was a memorable game and a great time!

Perspective~

I learned earlier in my life that all pain does go away eventually. Recently, I have learned that unpleasantness does too! We've all heard the saying; Life is full of peaks and valleys. One day can be filled with mishaps, annoyances, stresses, and various burdens. The same day however can be full of pleasant weather, kind words, memories of happy times, or gratefulness to be alive and well. If I chose to focus on the negative it would be depressing. Even someone with an "Ideal" life could find reasons to complain. Instead of wallowing over the messes, the broken objects, the bruises, the headaches, or heartaches, I say there is too much to be happy about~~ I have a wonderful marriage, four beautiful really good children, and so much comfort, support, and love in my life. Everyday I take a hectic morning, afternoon, or evening, and try to find some peace and happiness. Its possible! I am so grateful to Brian. He really helps me and our children to be happy. This week I am forgetting the flood for the second time on our new laminate, the garage that can never be straight, and the screaming from Spencer that no one could ever ignore, and I'm enjoying the beautiful backyard, the time to myself I have while Celia is at preschool, the choices and opportunities I am blessed with, and the amazing way others in public are kind and courteous to me! Now I'm off to go play Volleyball. :)

Celia can Read!

Celia loves to read books and it seems she has began to memorize or recognize things she sees often. She has been saying "Celia.. C L I A." She hasn't figured out there is an E in her name, but we praise her quite a bit for her vocalizing. We have been drawing pictures for her on paper when trying to distract her in church or other places we like her to stay quiet. Now she tells us what to write and then can find any name or thing we write when asked with full accuracy. So far she can read Celia, Emelie, Emmy, Mama, Daddy, Joseph, Spencer, Dora, Boots, Backpack, and Rah Rah. It is really fun and we all enjoy adding new words to her visual vocabulary.:)

Spencer & I

Spencer, sitting on my lap. He loves to watch the other kiddos and be around the family.~

Finished Duties

Emmy was holding up her bag, showing off how many weeds she had picked, then smiled. It was over and Celia was being very entertaining! Now she could go to her friend's twelveth Birthday Party!

Fun Pulling Weeds!~

All ready for the last concert of the Year~

Four Children, Four Schools~

I'm so happy to live in the area we do to have the district with so many great schools! Emelie is at Antelope Crossings Middle School. She has all GATE(gifted and talented education) classes there. There is a group of teachers that really stretch the kids and teach them so many aspects of learning. They teach them to be organized, to be great presenters, and welcome creativity and different perspectives in all their curriculum. Emmy's Band teacher Mrs. Slaubaugh was named Teacher of the Year for the school district and Emelie tells me they had a sub before a concert who let the kids conduct; It didn't go so well she said hehe. She and I agreed conductors make a difference. Emelie is learning so much about music. I'm really happy about it. They also have a fantastic physical education program there that has won awards. They are teaching Emelie to dance, play team sports, foster endurance, and even flexibility.:)

Spencer goes to Quail Glen Elementary. Placer county office of education had a new wing added to the school for the ASD(Autism Spectrum Disorder) Classroom. They have a separate occupational therapy room which Spencer loves. His teacher is so great. Spencer has a lot of exercise opportunities at his school. Every morning he rides his modified bike around the school campus. Then runs besides his classmates as they take turns riding the bike. Spencer takes several walks around campus to organize himself through physical exertion, he sits better after and is able to do well in his centers. His favorite part of school is buying lunch and going through the cafeteria line to gather all his food and eat it in the lunchroom with his peers.:) He will be attended Junior High this August at Creekview Ranch Middle School. I believe he will have a great transition and the teacher I met there seems to have the capability for order and structure that Spencer needs so much.

Antelope Meadows Elementary School is where Joseph attends. He is in second grade and enjoys school very much. He is pretty social though. Joseph had some marked delays in reading this year. I am happy to report though that with a little bit of encouragement, prayers, an after school computer program and some during school time help, he has caught up to his grade level and is making fantastic growth. He is such a happy boy that is so excited about everything he encounters. He loved Lexia after school, a computer program teaching reading and all sorts of academia. Joseph has excelled in math though and has earned a few outstanding achievements in math and trustworthiness this year.

Celia Jean our little one even goes to school! After an Early intervention plan of Occupational therapy , Speech therapy and a Mommy & Me preschool class once a week, Celia turned three and was eligible for full time preschool at Dry Creek Elementary Special Day Class. She receives Speech therapy there and Occupational therapy which is embedded in the classroom schedule. They have music time and even yoga. Celia knows the warrior stance very well.:) I was pleased to hear she has made a little friend there. According to her teacher and my friend Vicky who works in Celia's class, they are two peas in a pod and Celia has helped this other little girl to grow and use more language. They are both girlie girls that like pretty dresses and play house together.~

Spencer, Joseph, and Celia will be attending Quail Glen Elementary for extended school year, in different classes of course. Hooray for school! I love it, they love it, and it has benefited all my children's growth.