The Big Red Fire Truck

What do you think of our future Fire Fighters?

Cookie Monster

I think we have a cookie monster living at our house. After 2 cookies, this Cookie Monster snuck, not whole cookies, because that would be considered eating more cookies, if you eat all of it, right? So, instead he just took bites of several.

I'll give you a clue as to who our Cookie Monster is: His name starts with "C" (appropriate).

The Best Endings...

Are happy ones. Great! Now you know how this story will end. I like keeping my audience in suspense. Oh well. Better not to keep you on the edge of your seat over our crime fighting experience.

Here's how it all started. Yesterday afternoon, I noticed Andrew's bike wasn't in it's "parking spot" in the garage. Of course he didn't know where it was. He went to Nic's house to see if it was there. No luck. He ran down to the park to see if it was there. He and Nic had been playing at the park the night before. No luck. But he DID come back with his helmet. Hmmmm. Helmet, but no bike? Where bike goes, helmet goes as well. That's the rule in our house. NOT a good sign. I was a bit upset at his carelessness. Andrew has been riding a $10 garage sale bike for the past couple years. We decided to spend a bit more and get a nice bike that would last through all the boys. This "tight" bike was just purchased a couple months ago.

Lesson number one: Don't leave your bike at the park.

Lesson number two: When lesson number one is not followed, knock on every door in the neighborhood to see if anyone has said bike or knows anything about it.

I was hoping that some honest person had seen the bike at the park and taken it home waiting for the owner to retrieve it. Sometimes I live in a dream land. That's the way I prefer it. I like thinking that we're all looking out for each other. That's the way I live, and I falsely assume everyone lives that way.

Our first major breakthrough happened at the house across the street from the park. There were eye witnesses who gave me the name of the boy they saw in connection with Andrew's bike being stolen. When asked if the bike was theirs, of course they said yes. Their information was very helpful. We started driving around the neighborhood, looking for the bike. I was very touched when I saw our neighbor and his dad doing the same thing we were. Driving around the neighborhood. Looking for Andrew's bike. I didn't ask them to do that. They took that upon themselves to help us out.

I stopped at the Recreation Center and asked some kids if they knew who Russell Duty was. Lots of people knew who he was. But no one knew exactly where he lived. Feeling like we had exhausted all of our "street smart" friends, we came home and called the police. We were told that an officer would follow up with us shortly. Time seemed to stop. And while we were waiting for it to start up again, Paul looked in the phone book for this name and found two addresses in our neighborhood. Right next to Andrew's BFF Aaron. So, we called Aaron's older brother, Omar and asked him about Russell Duty. BINGO!!! Omar knew where Russell lived.

We threw the kids in the car AGAIN and rushed over to find Russell. Our sweet neighbor told us that Russell wasn't actually the one who stole the bike, but he was with the boy who stole it. We dropped by their house on the way to ask them to go with us to make an identification (don't we sound official). I could tell he was nervous. He sat in the back seat of their black very tinted suburban. I don't blame him for wanting to not be seen.

We stopped near a group of kids. I walked back to the burb to see if David (the
eye witness) recognized any of the boys, but the boy he saw take the bike wasn't there. So, I just asked the group of kids if they knew Russell Duty. Behind smirks, Russell came forward admitting he was with the kid who had stolen the bike, and would show us where he lived.

The police officer still hadn't shown up by this point. And hoping to be civil and give the kid a chance to just give back Andrew's bike, we rang the doorbell. When no one answered, I knocked, loudly, so if anyone was home, they would know we were there. I was greeted by two 16 year old gals (one of which was pregnant) with an abrupt, in your face, "Do you mind not knocking on our door so loud?" With an apology for disturbing them, and feeling a bit, ok, ALOT defensive, I casually mentioned that Danny, their brother, stole my son's bike. "Oh no he didn't! There's no bike here! You can look through the house! You can look in the garage!"

Lesson number three: When approaching the accused family, use more tact.

Lesson number four: Just be patient and wait for the police to handle the situation.

Danny wasn't home at the time, but within minutes, Danny's sister and her friend went for a walk. Hmmm. A minute later, Danny and the two gals were walking back toward home, and us together. At that point, I'm feeling a little nervous. I quickly put in a call to the police dept. asking where the assigned officer was. I let them know that the accused was walking (no bike) toward us. She assured me the officer would be there shortly.

After Officer Forbrook arrived and spoke with Danny and his sister, Danny admitted to stealing the bike, but said he later returned it after being chastened by his mom. With Russell at my side, stating he saw Danny riding the bike earlier that morning, Officer Forbrook questioned again. We still weren't getting anywhere. Russell suggested that maybe Danny had ditched the bike at his girlfriends house. And yes he knew where Nikki lived. And yes he was willing to get into our car (with his mother's permission) and show us where she lives.

Nikki and her father, Alfonso didn't know anything about the bike. It wasn't in the garage. Officer Forbrook was peeking over their wall when the mom showed up. After being briefed as to what was going on, she welcomed us into her back yard to look for the bike. And after finding out more details (that our eye witness/accomplice was with us), she put a call into Danny and his mother. Speaking spanish, she explained that even though Danny had taken something that didn't belong to him, that he needed to do the right thing and return it to it's owner. He agreed to take her to where he had ditched the bike and return it (with the knowledge that we would no longer press charges). Danny accompanied MaryBelle, Nikki, Alfonso, and Andrew's bike and offered the requested apology, explaining that he didn't know what he had done was wrong. Right. That's why the stickers had been taken off. That's why he was bragging at school about taking the bike. That's why he ditched it. Because he didn't know it was wrong. That's fine. I'm happy to give him that loop hole to sneak out of. As long as he returned the bike. Which he did. And it was in one piece. Which it was. It was only missing some stickers.

We profusely thanked Alfonso and MaryBelle for their assistance in getting the bike returned to us. With bad, there is always good. Danny is only 10 years old. His 16 year old sister is pregnant. His dad works in California and only occasionally comes home. His mother must be overwhelmed. Danny has had a pretty rough start. In my ideal dream land, Danny will have learned a valuable lesson about what is right. Danny is just one person. With the negative act of that one person, neighbors, who previously didn't know one another, came together to help each other out. We witnessed the good of humanity right along with the bad. But there were far more good people involved than bad. We were in awe.

As I pondered my prayer last night, the thought came to me: "pray for those who despitefully use you." And that I did.

Tonight as were were finishing up dinner, there was a knock on the door. There stood Officer Forbrook. Initially, my heart sank. Was something wrong? Had something more happened? No. In his free time, he printed up some vinyl stickers for Andrew to put back on his bike. Two Eastern (the make of his bike) and two scorpions. Like I said before, we witnessed some very good acts from some very good people.

This is Detective Boley signing out.

(Just for fun, if you looked up the city of Surprise's police dept, there's a crime link. This is what is listed for our "crime".)

Theft/Larceny

Case Number: 10036317

Date: 3/24/2010 4:45 PM

Location: 14700 BLOCK N 173 DR

Description: Theft, Property, Bicycle

Peter

It's amazing how one incident, one person, can so profoundly effect SO many lives. It was Peter's 6th Birthday yesterday. We sang to him in Primary. I couldn't help but think how easily things could be different.

Paul was in Ben's Gospel Essentials class. Ben mentioned how one individual changed his life when he thought to pray in a critical moment. No need to mention who that individual was. He knew who he was. He was once again brought to tears over the remembrance of that lifeless little body.
Laying on our pool deck.
Eyes rolled in the back of his head.
Blue face.
Not breathing.
And then Paul administered a powerful, profound, very short blessing.
Calling on the powers of Heaven to help breath come back into this lifeless body. And then a miracle happened.
Peter breathed.
It was very shallow and raspy at first. But he breathed!
The fire trucks, ambulances, emergency response units and many police men/women showed up and continued offering support to Peter. But Paul, Nikki and I witnessed this miracle first hand.
Before the paramedics arrived.
Before any other CPR was administered.
A true Miracle.
Brought about by a servant of God.
Humbly calling upon His power.

Testimonies have been strengthened.

Before this experience, Paul thought it would be cool to help save someone. Not now. Now this grown, not very emotional man is brought to tears at the remembrance of that terrifying afternoon. Almost 1 year ago.

Happy 6th Birthday, Peter!

Down by the Shore

I keep asking myself if we lived in Oceanside, or San Diego, near the beach, would we appreciate it like we do when we visit? I'm not sure what the answer to that question is. I would like to say that we would never take the beach for granted. That we would always appreciate the beauty, the smell, the serenity of the ocean. But I'm not sure if that would be reality. It's good to have balance. It's good to have bliss and non-bliss. Work and vacation. School and play. These contrasts help us appreciate the other. Right? Well, that's what I keep telling myself. That way, I can function at home. I can do the laundry. Clean the toilets. Make the school lunches. Help Barik with his homework. And know that sometime in the future, we will experience the opposites of those tasks.

Spring Break was heavenly! The weather was the best it's ever been in our visits to Oceanside. The sun greeted us every morning, and the fuscia, magenta, and tangerine skies kissed us all goodnight. This trip was a little different than previous trips to Southern California. No trips to Lego Land. No trips to Sea World. And we still haven't taken the kids to Disneyland, so why start now. No. This trip was just a trip to the beach. Five days and Four nights of trips to the beach. We rented a condo 20 steps from the sand.

Our days went something like this:
Wake up.
Eat breakfast.
The boys LOVED the little individual boxes of cereal I brought.
Take a walk--either along the beach to the pier.


or around the beautiful gardens and koi ponds encompassing the condos.
Eventually we would make our way to the pool. Andrew spent the most time in the pool. It was a little too chilly for Paul and I, which in turn meant, Coop and Drake weren't getting in either. But the hot tub was enjoyed by all. No shivering in the hot tub.
Then it was lunch/nap time. After getting Drake and Cooper down for naps, Andrew and Barik played X-Box while I laid out on the back porch, reading. I honestly don't know what Paul was doing. I was too focused on my tan to worry about him. Rough life. I know.
After naps and before dinner, we spent relaxing on the beach. Andrew was a natural out in the ocean waves!

Barik loved the waves and the sand. Cooper spent just a bit of time in the ocean, but mostly became "sand man" as he rolled in the sand covering himself from head to toe in that heavenly, gritty warmth. And Drake was not a fan at all of that water that kept chasing him. Instead, he preferred playing in the sand
and throwing rocks at his brothers. Too bad he has such good aim. After baths, dinner and tucking in of kids, Paul and I buried ourselves in the sofa and surfed channels.

Paul's parents were able to join us the last bit of our trip. It was great to spend a little time with them. It was especially nice for the boys to reconnect with Grandma and Grandpa.

Here are a few pictures I took of the boys across from the pier. What handsome young men they all are!




Until next time, Good bye ocean. Good bye pool. Good bye waterfall. Good bye koi pond. Good bye hot tub. Good bye beautiful flowers. Good bye sand. Good bye crazy lady on the beach. Good bye morning runs along the water front. Good bye pier. Good bye seagulls. Good bye condo. Good bye $1 sodas. Good bye waves. Good bye brine smell. Good bye king sized bed. Good bye air mattress. Good bye jetted tub. Good bye little cereal boxes. Good bye sand crab. Good bye beach toys. Good bye Oceanside. We love you and will miss you. But you will always be in our hearts.

The Wheels on the Bus

Go Round, and Round, and Round, and Round, and Round...All through the town.


Andrew came home from school about a month ago and asked me if I could go on the 3rd grade Rock/Mineral field trip. "Can Dad stay home from work so you can go with me?" How could I say "no" to that?! I'm not sure how much longer he'll allow me to be seen with me in public, let alone WANT me to go on a field trip with him.

The "A Team", Andrew, his BFF Aaron, and Ambrosio were my three dates. It was quite comical to sit on a school bus again. When was the last time you sat on a yellow school bus? Honestly, I don't remember the last time I had that honor. As a kid, I always envied the kids who got to take the school bus. I was one of the "unfortunate" ones who walked to school everyday. The trip to the Museum was filled with games like "slap 21" where the kids give either 1 or 2 slaps until the loser gets the 21st slap. There was a technique that Andrew picked up on quite early, making his momma secretively very proud. Ambrosio played "I spy" my himself. And every other sentence he used began with "Andrew's mom..."

Andrew loved being with his friends and I could tell that he loved that I was there with him. He even held my hand a few times on our little outing.

The wheels on the bus ride home was a little more quiet. Ambrosio must have met his quota for used words in a day because his mouth wasn't moving quite as rapidly on the ride home.

My childhood dream of riding a school bus was laid to rest as the kid behind me repeatedly hit me on the head with an empty water bottle. I wasn't sure how to deal with this. He thought this was a great game. I wanted to turn around and slap him, but had a feeling that wouldn't be quite appropriate. So instead I tried to be a "cool mom" and play it up. But he didn't stop. After several attempts at capturing his water bottle, I finally succeeded. But don't worry, that didn't deter this young man. He was very resourceful and started using his God-given hand to slap the back of my head. What do I do with this? I can't take his hand away. Deep breath. No longer do I want to be the "cool mom". I just want to keep my cool. So sternly asked him to stop touching me. When he did it again, I turned, looked him in the eye, reminded him of my "nice" asking before and told him that I trust that he wouldn't do it again. Having just lost the "cool mom" prize was a prize in itself. Peace at last. And would you be surprised if I told you that soon after, that young man fell asleep on the bus? Whew.

That comical story aside, I had a great time spending time with my oldest "baby". I am thrilled beyond words that at 8 1/2, he still wants me to go on outings with him. I hope these days aren't numbered, but reality tells me that they are. I remember all too well being young and mortified at the thought of being seen in public with my parents. I hope he retains this sweet, innocence. I love my boy!

Final Day of Basketball

With much coercion from Dad and fellow team mates, Barik decided to play during his final basketball game. Some of the previous games were a little too physical for my tender-hearted little Bear. He was upset and disturbed that he got scratched, so decided to throw in the towel. Thank goodness he reconsidered his decision. (that's our #1 going for a basket--check all those defenders!)
Even though most of the game I saw him strolling up and down the court, blowing bubbles, Paul assured me he was playing great offense AND defense (often at the same time). He is very talented!


With a great team, great coaches, and great friends, we (at least Paul and I) consider this season of basketball to be a success.

Ahoy, Matees!

It's so great to have one day a year to really focus on each child and help him feel extra special! March 5 was Barik's day! The day started with the traditional presents and "B" pancake breakfast. Later, I took a Jack-in-the-Box lunch to Bear at school. I had a babysitter come to sit with Coop and Drake, so it was some great one-on-one (plus 100 other kindergartners) lunch. After school, the party time began! The invitations had been sent, and amazingly ALL of Bear's little friends were able to come!

Aye.....ye be invited fer some birthday spirits at Captn Barik's Buccaneer Bash
Chart yer course fer some swashbuckling fun, grub and kiddie spirits.
Wave yer flag if ye be attendin or hav yer mum send message by yer phone.
Sees ye there.....aarrgghh!
Mums can pick up yer buccaneers by sunset (6:30)

Pirate Garb Optional (leave yer weapons on yer ship)

With 17 kids running around the house, there was definitely more fun to be had than I anticipated. 17 kids! Did I mention that most of these kids were 5 and 6? Yeah. What was I thinking? I'll tell you what I was thinking...How do you decide which friend to invite and which to not invite (thus risking hurt feelings). In fact, Barik wanted to invite MORE friends! This little dude is just so friendly.

Amidst the yelling, jumping on the couch, pizza making, tracking chocolate cake through the house, trampoline bouncing (all 17 kids plus Paul), rock throwing in the pool, pinata breaking, child trampling to get to the pinata candy, present opening, tears shedding, "AAARRRRRRRGGGGG" shouting, a great time was had by all! (I think...) Most importantly, all children who walked through our door, were able to walk back out the door (of their own accord).

Even if most of the kids didn't appreciate this delicious, beautiful, chocolate, chocolate, chocolate, chocolate (did I mention it was chocolate?) cake, Barik thought it was the best! And really, that's all the matters on HIS birthday!

I sure love my little Bear. He's convinced (because one of Andrew's friends told him) that he's only 5/6 right now. He's not really 6 yet. What?! I keep trying to convince him that as of March 5, he was officially 6 years old. It's taken me several days to convince him. And now that I think of it, it was really Andrew who finally convinced him. Barik wouldn't believe me. But he would believe Andrew. I guess that puts me in my place. He sure looks up to his older brother. Barik is a peacemaker. About a year ago when we had run out of ideas for how to teach Cooper to stop hitting Barik, we told Barik to just hit him back. After a couple painful attempts at hitting Cooper back, he simply told us that he loves Cooper and won't hit him anymore, even if Cooper hits him first. He has learned how to make himself burp and shows us this new-found talent often. He's matured a lot in the past year--he's now trying and even enjoying a lot of the food I make. He's always the first to volunteer to say prayers, and often repeats the same phrase 2-3 times (I guess he really wants to have a good day at school). He's always up for a snuggle! He loves to play with my hair and scratch my back (to prolong story time). His hazel eyes, freckled cheeks, and big smile will always melt my heart. I love my Bear!

Birthday Wishes

As Barik's 6th birthday is approaching, he has been talking quite a bit about his birthday wishes. Without prompting, though, he mentioned that he can't wait to be 6 because then he doesn't have to go to basketball, school, or church anymore.

I think he might be a tad disappointed to wake up Saturday morning to a Basketball game, Sunday morning to Church, and Monday morning to School (yet again). What mean parents we are:)

The other night, with prompting from Andrew, I asked Bear what he would like for his birthday. He rattled off: a watch, a shirt, shorts, undies, socks. He's so practical!

Student of the Month

In all his excellence, Andrew is the student of the month. How do you become student of the month, you might ask (I did), well, it has everything to do with discipline while at school. So far this year, Andrew has earned all greens (good behavior) with several purples (exceptional behavior). So, students achieving this high caliber of discipline are honored and "rewarded" (among other things) with a lunch with the principal. I don't know about you, but when I was growing up, we tried with all our might to avoid the principal. I guess a few things have changed since I was a kid. What a fantastic student Andrew is! We are so proud of how he handles himself! He's the type of kid who gets up before anyone else is awake, gets dressed, makes his bed, does his homework, practices his guitar, eats breakfast, all so he can play video games. He was literally in tears the other morning after sleeping in until 7:05. He was so upset at the idea of not having enough time to get all of his "stuff" done before school. He lives by the motto "we do what we have to so we can do what we want to."