Dave Finishes Sub-Novice Classes

Dave has been attending classes at the Fort Wayne Obedience Training Club for the past eight weeks.  Last night was his last class in this session.  He was training in the Sub-Novice class.  The class is one of the first in the series on the road to Obedience Competition.  Dave had to do heeling on leash, sit for a period of time away from his trainer, stand for exam, return and go into a heel position.  We felt Dave was the star of the class!

Dave and his daddy did so well that Dad was asked to become a trainer and teach some classes.  They felt he did such a good job with Dave and seemed to know what he was doing, that he would make an excellent trainer.  Since he had done training for classes when we had Murphy, this is not a stretch for him. 

We are now doing a lot of practicing at home with Dave and waiting for the next time he can attend classes.  He will probably take the summer off and start again next fall.  His next class will be Novice where he will be doing some of the same things, only at a more rigorous level.  Congratulations Dave and Daddy!!!

Graham's New Teeth

We had been waiting and waiting to see what Graham had for us.  He had been a little fussy and had trouble sleeping. Sure enough, we were right.  Out popped those teeth!

Now he looks like a BIG boy with all those teeth. AND he is much happier!

Yep! At almost 9-months he has four teeth on top and two on the bottom!  What a little doll!!!

Ireland's Happy Man

Last night we again went to Hicksville, Ohio to attend our last concert series concert.  We picked up Ramona and took off for the Huber Theater in downtown Hicksville.

The entertainment this time was Cahal Dunne known as "Ireland's Happy Man".  He is a native of County Cork in Ireland and has a following of loyal admirers and friends that is unique in the rich history of Pittsburgh entertainment where he now lives.   He is a composer, pianist, comedian, story teller and television personality. His style is rich and deep, reflecting the many strands in his distinguished career.

We can't wait until next year to see what the Huber Theater Concert Series brings to the stage!

What Genre Are You Reading?

Beside my bed I have always had a stack of books.  They are books that I am currently reading, books that I plan to read, and books that I want to just look over in case I decide to read them.  Many people think that you can only read one book at a time.  But that's not me!  I could be reading all kinds of books at the same time and switch back and forth between them with ease. 

Let's think of it this way: Do you only watch one program at night and then turn off the t.v.?  What if that program is a "to be continued" show?  Do you not watch another show until that one is completely finished? What about the people who channel surf?  Or the people who watch a baseball game and golf game and a car race all at the same time, surfing from one to the other? 

That's me.  I'm a book surfer.  I like to read various genres at the same time.  Right now I am reading two and just finished another one.  Our book club is reading: Little Bee by Chris Cleave.  That is fiction.  I was a little shocked at the ending by the way! A fellow district coach recommended: Work Hard, Be Nice by Jay Matthews.  That is nonfiction. I wasn't sure if I would like it, but I can't stop reading it! The last book I am reading is one that just looked interesting and a friend said they read it and enjoyed it.  I needed a book to just enjoy and not have to think too hard, so I am also reading: The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly.  That is fiction, too.  (My friend was right.  I am really enjoying it a lot!)

So, don't be afraid to read more than one book at a time.  Don't be afraid to read more than one genre at a time.  Just don't be afraid to read and read and read!!!

HAPPY READING!

Conference Time in Indy

This week I had the chance to attend the NCTM conference in Indianapolis, IN.  That stands for National Council of Teachers of Mathematices.  We left on Wednesday night and headed to the Westin Hotel right by the Convention Center.  Since I've had the job of District Coach over all content areas, this is something that really helps me help other teachers.

We heard many great speakers and got loads of ideas to help teachers back in Fort Wayne!  We were so thankful to be able to have the chance to experience this wonderful conference!  One of the speakers was Arne Duncan the Secretary of Education.

We even got to hang out together as a team with other coaches and coordinators when we went to the Hard Rock Cafe for our Thursday night meal.  What fun to be with great people!

In Memory: Not Why Me, But What Now....

Today's blog is a memorial to a friend who lost his life on Saturday to cancer.  He had been fighting it since last fall.  His journey has been amazing.  He was only 55 years old and I have known him the whole 55 years.  His sister and I were best friends in high school, college and now, so I watching him grow up was a real joy.

He, his wife and two grown children have experienced things that I have no idea about.  Through it all, their faith has grown.  They have been examples to what it means to have a relationship with the Lord.  Through it all, they have experienced the stages of grief, but never once turned their back on God.  Instead, they called out to Him and He was by their side the whole time. 

His wife kept a blog throughout the journey and that blog allowed the rest of us to be part of their journey.  She showed us the struggles, the growth they went through and the last days of grief.  By reading her blog, we all felt we were right there in the room with them.  Take a peek and read what you can, if you want to see what it means to be a part of the family of God.  http://www.notwhymebutwhatnow.blogspot.com/

I am going to add to this blog some of the things that have been posted by her over the  months.  Randy and Susan, we love you and are so proud of the way you have used your life to glorify the God you serve.  Our prayers are with you in these troubled days.

The righteous perish, and no one ponders it in his heart; devout men are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil.  Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.  Isaiah 57: 1 & 2

God has a way of orchestrating the various races we run during the course of our lives.  He trusts us to do our part in "manning the rigs."  We must trust Him to determine the result of the race.  As one engineer has said, "God provides the initial input.  We provide the output. And God provides the outcome."

Pray about everything; tell God your needs and don't forget to thank him for his answers.  If you do this you will experience God's peace...His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest.  Philippians 4:6,7

Drinking From My Saucer
I've never made a fortune and it's probably too late now, 
But I don't worry about that much, I'm happy anyhow
And as I go along life's way, I'm reaping better than I sowed. 
I'm drinking from my saucer, Cause my cup has overflowed.
Haven't got a lot of riches, and sometimes the going's tough.
But I've got loving ones around me, and that makes me rich enough.
I think God for His blessings, and the mercies He's bestowed...
Oh, remember times when things went wrong, My faith wore somewhat thin?
But all at once the dark clouds broke, and the sun peeped through again...
If God gives me strength and courage, When the way grows steep and rough,
I'll not ask for other blessings, I'm already blessed enough!
And may I never be too busy to help others bear their loads...
Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer, Cause my cup has overflowed.

Happy Birthday, Andy!

We always have a great time when we visit Andy in Arizona!

Emma and Adrian can't wait to visit and just spend time with their Dad!

Wonderful Arizona memories are made when they visit over Spring Break!

Just spending good cuddle time is wonderful!

Being a #1 Chef is his aim and passion!

We are very proud of you, Chef Andrew!

Where ever your dreams take you, we are here to support and love you!

Happy Birthday!!!!

Dave's Spring Break

Dave had some of his favorite people stay with him over Spring Break.  He decided he had to take care of them.

So, he played with them.

And, he put them to bed.

Special thanks to his best buddy, Molly!

Dave just LOVES her!!! Thanks again for everything, Molly!!!

Spring Break in Arizona

We had a great time in AZ. Wonderful weather with lots of sun.

We stopped by White Stallion Dude Ranch on our way to Tucson.

We even had a meal prepared for us by our own Chef Andrew with a tour of the kitchen afterward.

We spent lots of time in the sun by our pool.

We walked at least 4 miles every morning. This is Sun Devil statium, on one of our routes.

We also drove to Tucson and saw the University of Arizona.

The Garmans Visiting Utah

The whole family seeing the sights of Utah!

Kiann and Graham with a friendly bear!

A special treat getting to spend time with Gramdma Great!

I'm so excited to meet my Utah Family!!

I just love Uncle Brian and Aunt Colleen. Those boys are loads of fun, too.  So glad we got to stay with them in Utah!!!

BIRTHDAYS!!!!

We celebrated Lane's 13th birthday a week after his actual birthday, which is on March 12th.  At the same time, we celebrated Bamlaku's FIRST birthday, which is really on April 7th.

Lane had a basketball cake for his 13th birthday!

Both boys enjoyed their special cakes. This is Bam's cake just for HIM!!!

This is the cake we all got to eat, but it was Bam's cake!

Bam enjoyed his own special cake and really dug into it!

This is his formal outfit from his birth-country of Ethiopia.

The whole family had so much fun with the boys on their special birthdays!