Dodger Days

We have lived in southern CA for 3 1/2 years, and yet we had not been to a Dodger game. Gary and I promised the boys that we would go to a game this summer. There was a group from our church going on Friday night, so we joined them at Dodger stadium. The player to the left is Gary's "new favorite" player.




Brooke had a great time and actually lasted the entire game! Her favorite part was.... "Let's go Dodgers"......clap, clap, clap, clap, clap.

When we first got to the game, Wesley said, "I can see it better on the TV at home." Gary told him we came for the atmosphere. Wesley did enjoy the atmosphere, particularly the beach balls.


Andrew made a game out of seeing what a doofus he could be. When the wave came around (8-10 times), he refused to stand up and just put his coat over his head. Then when it was passed, he would stand up and wave. He liked to sit with his hat entirely over his head (he didn't think we knew he could see through it).

It was a good evening! Let me explain the suspense: The Dodgers were down 2-1 and it was the bottom of the ninth inning, and..............it started pouring rain. We stood there, uncovered, in the pouring rain for one hit. When they called a postponement, we all ran to the covered parts of the stadium. Eventually, we left. The kids were disappointed that we did not get to see the whole game. I was disappointed that we did not get to see the fireworks. Nevertheless, it was a fun evening, and how many times a year do you find yourself with your family and some friends standing out in the pouring rain and actually laughing?? :)

Graduation at Ventura College

Well, the end of the school year is here for me. I love what I do, but I also look forward to summer break. I will be teaching night courses at summer school, later in June, but for now, I am on summer vacation. It was a memorable time yesterday at the graduation ceremony on our campus. This was the first time that I have been involved in graduation ceremonies, particularly since receiving my master's degree. I was not use to the master's regalia, but I did like it. Yeah, light blue for the mathematics field. The top picture above is most of the full-time math instructors at VC. We are a crazy crew, and we work together extremely well. I love the group that I work with and the students whose lives we touch, nearly every day. Here's to you, class of 2008..... and here's to a good summer break!

My Handsome Andrew

Andrew's pictures were taken at JcPenny Portrait Studios the other day. One of my favorite things to get is the "Smiles by Wire" so that I can download and save all of his images. It was interesting that one of my former students was the photographer.

For those who don't know Andrew really well, let me explain. Andrew is little in size yet huge in heart. He wants to be independent, but likes to still have his mom close. He is not too highly motivated but super smart. He looks more like a Rehfeldt/Sturgill than a Beard. He would give up his last piece of candy for just about anybody. He is sensitive and wants to please. He loves basketball and army guys. What a mix!!! I love you, Drew!

Some things you don't see everyday

I have to start by saying that we serve an amazing and powerful God! I have been so reminded of that today. First, when Wesley was sick with a cold in January, the doctor heard an irregular heartbeat. An EKG was done and verified the irregularity. After the cold was gone, the doctor wanted to re-test to see if it was still there. It was still irregular. Today, the whole family went to a pediatric cardiologist in Thousand Oaks, CA. Wesley (and mom) was somewhat nervous about the appointment. Thanks for those who prayed! The specialist said that his heart is in great shape. (The doctor also said that he will grow to be a rather tall boy. How can he tell that from an ultrasound of his heart, I do not know). Their is an irregular heartbeat, and so they put the pictured chords on Wesley. He has to wear it for 24 hours and do his usual schedule. It continually monitors his heartbeats. The doctor will then be able to have a more accurate picture of what Wesley's heart is doing over a longer period of time. The doctor said that if there is a problem, it would probably be something like anemia or a thyroid issue. Thank the Lord that we were made aware of the issue, and can be alerted to it. Thank the Lord also for good health insurance :)
(Yes, Wesley can wear a shirt. He is just choosing not to here. He wanted to show off his "stickers.")


Once we pulled out of the doctor's office, we were at a stop light behind one car. Right before our eyes, and including the car in front of us was a 4 car collision. We pulled to the side of the road immediately after and Gary went to help the people who were involved. He had quite a difficult time getting one lady's door open. Thankfully, no one was injured. The police held us for about a half an hour to be "witnesses" and verify the story of the individuals involved (all of whom were quite shaken up). The kids were amazed! They watched the whole thing happen and kept saying, "This is so cool." "Here comes the ambulance and the fire truck." I felt kind of bad that they actually enjoyed the whole tragedy so thoroughly. I kept reminding them of how we have to be careful when we are driving and how God is in control of even our cars. It was a good and dramatic lesson. When all of this was said and done, we took the kids to a large indoor playground. It was fun! I think I needed to burn off some energy, as well!

"The Red Carpet" Musical

Andrew and Wesley joined the 1st - 3rd graders of Ventura Missionary School on Thursday evening to present "The Red Carpet" Musical. Wesley enjoyed singing and playing the recorders. Andrew, however, was experiencing stage fright. He sang, but he would not do any of the motions. I asked him after the performance, and he said that he was nervous. The students had to dress up in their "finest" for the red carpet walk. The boys have never worn a tie in their life, and so they were pretty excited about wearing one of Dad's ties. When we got home, Wesley said, "I just want to untuck my shirt and take off this tie." (Welcome to manhood, Wesley) :)