Jared's Graduation from Columbia

Jared spoke at the graduation ceremony as a representative of his class of Orthodontic students, and I am totally objective and unbiased in my claim that his speech was the best given that day. And I also completely reveled in the introduction given to Jared by his program director, Margherita Santoro.  She said:

The next student is Jared Lee. Jared graduated from UCLA and already has an impressive track record of service in the dental profession, and has served in various capacities as a student representative of the ADA.

Jared is mature beyond his years. I'm not sure if being a caring husband, with a wonderful wife, and a father of two is the origin or the consequence of his maturity and high sense of social responsibility. One of the most ethical individuals I've ever met, Jared  has been an exemplary class president and student body representative, a father-like figure for his classmates in the rare event in which they did not  behave well, always trying to put some sense into the heads of his kids.

He's a gentleman, motivated,  hardworking and he will continue to be an asset to the orthodontic profession.  The world would be better off if there were more of Jareds around.

And his plan is to [relocate] in California, closer to his family, and we wish him all the best for his future career.  My sincere thanks to you, Jared, for your substantial help in the past three years.

Congratulations.

UC San Francisco Graduation

We attended Brian's Graduation from UCSF Dental School, even Jacob who managed to escape being photographed. Brian reserved Box V for us, so we felt like VIP and had a very pleasant place for the children to relax or wiggle around. The girls were great, but it was all too much for Jacob. 

Brian also received cards and gifts from the family: a box of ties, so we had a bit of fun sharing in that pleasure with him. Grandma Dot even found a card specifically congratulating him for graduating from Dental School, and that was really cool.

Scoping out Santa Paula

     Orchards and fields flowed past us for miles on the Santa Paula Freeway (126) and became a test of our Sabbath Day, and a Fast Sunday, stamina to NOT stop at one of the many enticing fruit stands along the way.  We expected a 2-hour drive, but got there in 90 minutes (and drove home in 75 minutes).

     A camera-on-the-road just doesn't capture some scenes: a wooded ravine and babbling brook which is traced for a time by Ojai Santa Paula Road; the surround of citrus-dotted foothills and scrubby mountains topped by bright blue sky and drifting clouds which sometimes touched down to mist the hills; the pleasure of the Santa Paula Ward members who love their community and mild weather.

     Church was at 9:30 and, as Sacrament Meeting concluded, waves of mainly geriatric ward members came to our pew to greet us and ask if, by chance, we were going to move there. After Sunday School we took a quick peek into the nursery: one toddler, actually a visitor, was attended to by two substitute teachers. Usually there are 4 children in the nursery.  A family with 3 boys was just moving in and they were beyond thrilled. We felt so welcomed, doted on, and frankly needed.
     For the rest of the day, we drove around the neighborhoods and schools, took photos, visited homes for rent and for sale, and just had a really great day together. Here are a few more photos.

  

Memorial Day

Memorial Weekend 2011

While Jared and Matt were in Arizona this long weekend to paint "someone's" new house, the rest of us gathered in Del Mar and Fullerton for some traditional backyard BBQ with Great-grandma Dot, french toast breakfast with plenty of whipped cream, wearing our Flag T's, and morning play time at the park. Take a close look at Scotty near the fish in Great-grandpa Lou's garage. Yeah, that's a screwdriver between his teeth. I thought maybe I heard him say something about "Just like Daddy!".

Closing Out

Open House Prep at School

Just like putting on a party at home, we cleaned up the place and put our stuff on display,

then hoped that our guests would not check inside our desks and closets. I lure visitors into my room with trays of cookies; you're probably not surprised that this 

is an effective tactic.

Teacher Appreciation Week

      My Room Moms presented me with a gift every morning this week, culminating with a gift certificate for dinner for the whole family.  Jamba Juice, Ghirardelli chocolate, handmade soaps, a lunch buffet, roses, an autographed book, and dinner out--I enjoyed it all.  About now, it's getting difficult to "hold the reigns" on 98 rambunctious sixth graders. Just 16 days left in this school year.

It's About Grandpa

Mother's Day snuggle with Anna and Scott

     They let me get a snuggle on Mother's Day, but really it's about grandpa "Papa". They love their Papa so much that any day with him is like a holiday. Squeals of delight ring out whenever he comes home from work. He can soothe and distract them if they are upset, get them to relax into sleep even when their mom and dad are away, and take on a busy little  helper in the yard or kitchen. He is really quite amazing with the kids and I am grateful.

Luke's 1st Outing

At one week old, Luke got out of the house to go visit his doctor.

The waiting room was tiny, but it was nearly empty first thing in the morning. This was fortunate because Johanna had been working very hard to limit Luke's exposure to germs, bacteria, and people. After seeing such tight quarters, I wondered
if Johanna would continue with this pediatrician.

They were admitted to an exam room right away.

I think maybe they both enjoyed getting out into the sunshine on a beautiful Spring day; after all it was Johanna's first outing since the hospital, too.

At 1 week old, he was measured and weighed.  His weight was increasing at a rate of 1 ounce/day, which the doctor said was super for Luke's first week--the baby was strong and drinking plenty. Dr.Vandenberghe was also pleased by Johanna's affirmation 
that she intended to nurse the baby for about a year. 

By the way, Luke's 2nd Outing was also the doctor's office and his weight and size gains were consistent, so by the 2nd week he weighed 7 lbs 14 oz.

I think Johanna's doing great, and Luke has every reason 
to have that adoring look on his sweet face.