we got spirit yes we do......

First football game of the season

Defense! Defense!

The boys came out strong and played well.

It was a good game although we came out defeated.

Next time boys, next time..........

--Stay strong, play hard and keep your heads held high--

cat watching

The homework is done. 

The laundry is drying

The dinner is cooking

Time to take a moment to breathe.

We're sitting on our porch watching the cat.................or is the cat watching us???

"What ever it is, I didn't do it."

life in the desert

Rain, Rain, Rain, everywhere.

We are happy to see, hear and smell the rain.

We searched for our rain galoshes.

After the rain and thunder stopped, we ran outside to jump in puddles.

But all the puddles had soaked into the ground just as fast as it came down.

There were no puddles to jump into.

It was as if it hadn't rained at all.......

sigh of relief

Hurricane Irene has been downgraded to a tropical storm before it hits NY.
Our hearts go out to those who've experience damage and those who were hit hardest from Hurricane Irene.
Below are some articles from the local paper.

            Dobbs Ferry Chief of Police: We Were Lucky  
                          (from Daily Dobbs Ferry)

DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. -- Tropical Storm Irene had been downgraded from a hurricane before it hit Dobbs Ferry, but it still left flooding and damage in the village. However, the amount of damage done was not enough to overwhelm the village.

"Everything went as well as could be expected," said Dobbs Ferry Chief of Police Betsy Gelardi. "I think we were very lucky."

Dobbs Ferry Mayor Hartley Connett sent out an email to residents to help clear up any remaining issues from the storm. Connett declared the state of emergency in Dobbs Ferry officially lifted Sunday night at 11:59 p.m. He said the highest priority of the village is to protect human life and to keep residents safe. After that the village will identify remaining problems such as clearing roads and restoring power to those who lost it in the storm. Once those are taken care of, the final cleanup and restoration process can begin.

While there are power outages in the village, Connett said it was far better off than other areas.

"Dobbs Ferry fared far better than most municipalities in Westchester and Putnam County," he said.

Connett also said the waterfront parking lot has been officially re-opened after Waterfront Park was engulfed in water Sunday.

"The waterfront parking lot passed the 'high water test' at peak tide," Connett said in the email to residents.

(http://redcross.org) (http://thedailydobbsferry.com)

surprise guests

Early morning football practice scheduled for Bam today.

While watching him practice, I had an unanticipated phone call from Cheii and Nana.

They tell me that they are in town again today. 

Yay!

They came into town with my sister, who recently moved from Alaska, back to the lower 48 to Arizona a few days ago.

(www.alaska.gov) (www.alaska.com)
(http://az.gov) (http://arizona.com)

This was in front of the restaurant: a wrought iron prickly pair
(not sure why it's in a planter pot)

After football practice we met up for lunch with Nana, Cheii, my sister and her family.
She's lived in Alaska for 5 years now.
She seems happy, well and still has that fantastic smile and unforgettable laugh.

Afterward, Nana and Cheii came to my house to spend the day with us.

It was such a nice, cool 98 degree day for a walk. So we decided to go to the flea market.

It has been years since we've been there. We mostly enjoyed the walk and each others company.

It's not often that Cheii and Nana come into town, so its been a real treat to have them back again so soon.

We do hope they will be able to come into town more often.

Also............... WELCOME BACK SIS aka AUNTIE LEPRECHAUN.

East coast family ties

Beautiful day--Beautiful Week

After school we decided to take a walk to the park and reflect on our week. 

Today the Sandia Mountains are looking lovely.

We had a fabulous week although we are concerned about the hurricane season on the East coast.

(www.nhc.noaa.gov/) (www.redcross.org)

let's get it started

Let's get it started - black eyed peas - by black-eyed-peas

Today is the pep rally for the football players and their upcoming games.

The crowd on the football field is full of prideful football players, boisterous cheerleaders, confident coaches, spirited students and supportive parents and siblings

The high school drum line was beating powerfully as cheer and excitement was in the air.

One of the coaches echoed this statement:

TEAM WORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK

(Sounds inspirational to me)

It was a good time for players, students, coaches and families to get to know one another.
There was plenty of hotdogs, sub sandwiches, popcorn, cotton candy and snow cone for all who attended. The parents of football players were asked to bring a side dish. So plenty of otherwise "healthier" fare was available as well. Bam and my girls enjoyed all the excitement surrounding the event.
At nights end we all left with plenty of spirit and pride.

Everyone was awaiting the football players to take the stage for introductions

Yay cheerleaders

Hurray for the  coaches

Go Team! Go Bam!!

practice time

DAILY FOOTBALL PRACTICE

Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one.

This wheeled container is pretty nifty otherwise known as "the waterboy" it's a mobile water cooler.

This tree is where I manage schedules, activities, play dates, edit blogs and return phone calls, while waiting for football practice to end. 

I only wish it was a wifi hotspot.........

a mile for a smile

Bam and his dog take a short moment for themselves before starting on homework.

Sir Kyle, the bichon frise, favorite place to nap is on Bam's shoulders. 

(www.akc.org/breeds/bichon_frise/)

Our little bichon is a great dog and he has a perfect match with Bam's personality.

Sir Kyle always looks forward to having fun, running and playing with Bam.

Sir Kyle will sit there at the window all day long waiting for Bam to return home from school and practice.

If I try to play with him he just doesn't have the motivation.

But when Bam comes home; Sir Kyle is excited, wagging his tail, smiling, following Bam everywhere, and doing tricks for him at every turn.

Bam and his dog relax for a moment after running the mile: "Smile, Mom"

victorious scrimmage

Today is the first exhibition football game being held in Rio Rancho. (www.ci.rio-rancho.nm.us)

The rain clouds moved in but only the smell of rain filled the air.

Great scrimmage game---Strong team---Excellent effort---Amazing determination

Go Team Go!! Yay Bam!!

The sunshine is resisting the rain clouds from taking the scrimmage game.

fluffy puffy clouds

Sunny Sunday at home

Day dreaming and cloud watching with my girls is the best way to spend a Sunday afternoon

Princess Fifi, Sweetheart, Cookie and I are watching the clouds drift by as we await Bam's return from camping. We're having a great sunny Sunday at home day dreaming aloud our most wonderful thoughts. 

--Have a happy day--

"......me, a name, I call myself"

Today Bam is going camping in Santa Rosa with a few of his buddies.

(www.santarosanm.org) (www.srnm.org)

Sleeping bag and duffle full of camping goodies

They have plans for camping, swimming and hiking amist the red mesas, lakes and mineral springs that Santa Rosa is known for.

Always perfectly prepared for EVERYTHING

While Bam left for camping, Fifi, Sweetheart, Cookie, and I had planned a trip to Santa Fe to visit the annual Indian market. (www.swaia.org/Indian_Market/Indian_Market_2011_FAQs/index.html) (www.swaia.org)
But then we had a change of plan, when we found out that Cheii and Nana came into town for a visit.
We decided to lunch with them instead of running around Santa Fe in the hot, hot sun.
Sorry Santa Fe but Nana and Cheii come first!!
--------------------
We had a beautiful lunch with a wonderful garden/apple salad
homemade pizza with cheese and fresh green chile
side of super juicy fresh sliced sweet pineapples
and of course, Nana's warm, freshly made tortillas with a smear of butter.

Nana and Sweetheart's loving hands are what make the tortillas taste so fabulous

"Dough Re Mi Fa So La Ti Dough"

Do-Re-Mi

alarm clock shock

It's Friday

What an exciting and exhausting week we've had!

We're trying to get used to getting up very early, getting dressed (washed and brushed), remembering backpacks, lunches or lunch money. Plus all the items they'll need for their elementary, middle and high school lives, their extra curricular activities and breakfast, all before we head out the door. 

In the evenings we're washing, drying and setting out the clothes and hair accessories. Dinner, nightly bathes, finding shoes, sweaters and packing mid day and after school snacks in their backpacks.

Plus we must keep our commitment of nightly homework, daily football practice, volunteer time, family time and somewhere squeezing in dog walks and playtime.

Whew..........

reminiscing

Today, the teacher asked the students what they did over summer vacation. 

 My children are always more than happy to share their summer adventures with the class, the teachers and their friends.

We miss New York City, Dobbs Ferry and most of all--GRANDMA-GREAT

--Good day for our heart and soul--

the NM skies frame it well...

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood

Sunflower dancing every so slightly from side to side

It's easy to see how Vincent Van Gogh was inspired to paint the first series of sunflowers.
The sunflower is simple and has an understated beauty.
We took this picture on our way to the playground.
Simply beautiful.....

1st day of school

On the eve of first day of school

Every year we review school rules and what is expected.

I offer up my observations, comments, suggestions and advice for a great year.

Then I asked my children if they have any for each other.

(elementary / middle / high school)

This is what they said:

Don't judge a teacher or class on the first day.

 Most likely, later, it will turn out to be your best class and your most favorite teacher

Its great to receive a compliment, but its even better to give one.

If you smell something strange in middle and high school: it's just a MIXTURE of axe body spray, perfume and pimple cream.

Don't jump down stairs with your hands in your pocket.

When teachers are mad, they don't blink.

If the teacher comes into the classroom and announces they're in a bad mood--Don't ask to go to the bathroom!!

---------------------------------------------------------------

Today is the first day of school

The children woke bright and early, well rested, prepared and ready to get back in the classroom.

They have breakfast in there belly and smiles on their faces

We begin our morning routine with our daily route to the various schools.

As I drop them off at school, I give them a kiss, I always leave them with these parting words:

Have a great day

Do your absolute best

Represent yourself well

Be a friend and make a friend

Make good choices

Mommy loves you more than you'll ever know......I love you.

♥♥♥♥

Then I give them more kisses in their hand and tell them to store those kisses in their pockets for later.

If I forget to kiss their little hands they always remind me.

"Bye Mommy, I'll miss you"

"Au Revoir Shi-ma, I love you" 

"Mom, we love you and miss you more; every minute we're gone" 

Sweetheart and Cookie head to school hand in hand........ *tears, sniffle*

I have a lump in my throat with great big tears in my eyes.

 I miss my children as they head off to school to learn and grow.

We're now officially back to the daily routine of drop off and pick up. 

All the while missing them and looking forward to seeing them at days end.

Below is a funny parody video that makes us laugh.........

(Parody of Rihanna and Eminem : "Love the way you lie")

what is that??

The athletic adventure

Today we made our way to the sports store to purchase some "football player equipment".

Cleats come in an assortment of varieties: WHO KNEW? I didn't.

Did you know there are cleats for baseball, cleats for football, cleats for soccer, cleats for golf.........whew!

One would assume that since they are all played on grass they would be the same? 

NO

Did you know that there are different football cleats made specifically for playing on fake turf and for real turf?

NO

Did you know that football cleats are also divided down to a science depending on what position you play on the football team!

I NEVER KNEW THIS........til now

What a selection!!

Do you know what this is??

There was a mind blowing assortment and wide selection of mouth guards for every sport, for every mouth: for youths, for adults, some with helmet attachments, some without, some for braces and for those without.

Huh??

This??

or that...

CHOICES   CHOICES   CHOICES

What an fun day trekking through sports stores looking for the right equipment, the right fit, the right size and the right style at the right prices.
Now on to practice.......

(www.big5sportinggoods.com) (www.sportsauthority.com)

GO TEAM........

laughter fills his room

"Yesterday's the past, tomorrow's the future, but today is a gift. That's why it's called the present."Bil Keane

Today we attended an orientation at our church for updates on the requirements for the confirmation program. This two year program involves volunteering, classes, retreats, mission work, fundraiser and other service opportunities for ongoing faith formation before Confirmation is received. (we're in our second year)

Later in the day, Bam's friend; Pond, came over for a visit after a long summer of being half a world away. He just arrived back into the country after vacationing with his family abroad. Bam and Pond had a great time telling funny stories and jokes as they reminisce before their first days of high school start.

busy day for a SUNDAY..........

leave a message at the tone......

We're having a great Saturday!
 We're relaxing before we have to face the reality of the mad dash for back to school day on Tuesday. Today is the perfect day to be at home with the AC on full blast.
Ultimate perfection
Havin' a wonderful lazy day...........

take a lofty view

Freshman orientation day for Bam at his new school.

The school is very nice, great annual yearly progress report, sports and academics rank very high plus the graduation and college ratings are spectacular for New Mexico.

Bam, Fifi, Sweetheart, Cookie and I attended a welcome assembly for parents and students.

Later our student was taken on a tour of the school, then onto a spirit assembly.

Mean while, the girls and I were briefed at a meeting on discipline, attendance, grading, etc......

I think they did a great job getting the students motivated and easing their transition and fears of being the new kids on the block. 

Go my son, get an education.......

I think I have more concern about a new school than Bam does. He seems so cool and calm always telling me, "Mom, don't worry about me. I'll make you proud." Kindly celebrate a moment with me as my son begins a new path, high school, with a song I love singing to him since he was a lil' guy.

Lyrics included below.........

Go, my son, go and climb the ladder.
Go, my son, go and earn your feather.
Go, my son, make your people proud of you.
Work, my son, get an education.
Work, my son, learn a good vocation 
and climb, my son. 
Go and take a lofty view.
From on the ladder of an education,
You can see to help your Indian Nation,
And reach, my son, and lift your people up with you.

Go, my son, go and climb the ladder.
Go, my son, go and earn your feather.
Go, my son, make your people proud of you.
Work, my son, get an education.
Work, my son, learn a good vocation 
and climb, my son. 
Go and take a lofty view.
From on the ladder of an education,
You can see to help your Indian Nation, 
And reach, my son, and lift your people up with you.

utopia island

The day has finally come for Bam and Fifi to visit the "best pediatrician in the universe" for their well child check up for back to school.

Distraught Parrot? Flying Dolphins?? It's all in the Utopia examination room!

Bam and Princess have both checked out perfectly healthy and well. Bam is elated that this is not an immunization year for him. Although I cannot say the same for Princess Fifi.

Fifi ended up getting not one, but TWO immunization shots today! With great melodramatics,

Princess dabs a faux tear from her eye. All is well with a kiss from Mommy, a printed band-aid from Sweetheart and a sticker from Cookie.

"ouchy"

Whereas Bam is excited to be able to finally practice football with the guys. He also was able to pick up his football gear today. Yay!!

Patience pays off.............NOW Practice Practice Practice

when I grow up I want to be just like you

Last day of filling out pages and pages of documents, agreements and rules.

 This is the final process for registration before fall session begins.

 Princess Fifi's school made everything easy for a returning student. I'm proud to report she's got all honors and advanced placement classes for the upcoming school year......Yay Fi!!

She is looking forward to beginning the school year. She is more than confident she'll do well. I am so proud of her and all her goals she continually sets for herself.

 She's ready to make a hugh outcome on history, just like her Grandma-Great did.
She says she wants to strive to make the world a better place for woman and children of all nations.
Princess Fifi comes from a long line of strong woman like Grandma-Great and Nana.
(www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mildred_Persinger) (www.hollins.edu/library/speccol/persinger.shtml) (www.worldywca.org/YWCA-News/World-YWCA-and-Member-Associations-News/World-YWCA-honours-Mildred-Persinger-at-World-Service-Council-Event)

I know Princess Fifi has the genes, intellect and inspiration to make it BIG one day.
--Shalom--

"World Peace"

-----------Translation of a Native American Prayer for Peace---------
Let us know peace.
For as long as the moon shall rise,
For as long as the rivers shall flow,
For as long as the sun will shine,
For as long as the grass shall grow,
Let us know peace.
O Great Spirit of our Ancestors, I raise my pipe to you, to your messengers the four winds, and to Mother Earth who provides for your children. Give us the wisdom to teach our children to love, to respect, and to be kind to each other so that they may grow with peace in mind. Let us learn to share all the good things that you provide for us on this Earth.

où est mon inscription?

Registration day for Bam at his new school.

Tons of documents, agreements and rules to fill out and sign.

Although today we seem to have a slight mishap or simple misplacement of our registration. The advanced registration we filled out earlier seems to have gone astray. We were helped by some of the best mom volunteers and administration staff around to help locate. They were all very helpful, patient and super polite towards us. At last, with smiling faces all around, the advanced registration forms have been located in the office. Bam was given his schedule and he receive his choice elective.
"Oui, je sais parler francais"

Completely relieved to know that
 I don't have to fill out every thing again.......

sunshine makes 'em delicious but rain makes 'em scrumptious

We are in desperate need of some rain. So far we've had 7/10th of an inch of rain this year. 

Little rain lends its way to a small harvest........

Probably our last harvest

This year the children's potted garden produced

 8 green chile peppers

5 zucchini

4 odd shaped gourds

buckets of cherry tomatoes

12 green bell peppers

3 roma tomatoes

many sprigs of spearmint (from grandma-greats)

Every year the children and I plant our veggie garden in containers. We prefer this method because sometime the ground gets very hot and dry in the summer. Since we're gone during the driest and hottest portion of summer this method seems to work for us. The plants seem to stay moist longer in the containers.

Today we've picked the last of the veggies on our plants. I think this might be the last harvest for the bigger veggies but the tomatoes go well into early winter. Our spearmint will give us more "tea" for a while in the window once it becomes cold. The children enjoy gardening and eating what they grow. They love the great feeling they get when they contribute to the meals too. Nana has a garden too, except hers is a very large garden with corn, squash, zucchini, beans and melons. We look forward to the veggies that Nana will share with us........ 

skates embark the imagination

oh, the places you'll go........

Imagine if these skates were magical?

"Look Mommy, we're eagles flying high above the tree tops in Yellowstone."

"I'm a squirrel carefully walking along a tree branch over Niagara Falls"

"Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!" Dr.Seuss 
We're having a great Sunday using our imagination............

コミック and Hatch chile

While on our way to the local comic book store to pursue the collection of classics, mangas and trading cards; our noses were immediately lifted to the aroma of roasting Hatch green chile. 

Oh how we love this smell.........

The amazing aroma always means that 'autumn is just around the corner'.

This is a fantastic fragrance to savor whether you're a chile eater or not.

(www.hatchchilefest.com) (www.zianet.com/focus/places/HATCH.HTM)

(www.hatch-chile.com) (www.hatchnmgreenchile.com) (www.newmexicoconnection.com)

Beautiful chile ristra

40 # is a lot of chile--most grocery stores will roast less for free

We now have a huge craving for a roasted Hatch green chile wrapped in a homemade tortilla with a schmear of cream cheese and a tall glass of ice cold watermelon agua fresca.
Mmmmmm..........

a test of patience

Football is like life, it requires perseverance, self-denial, hard work, sacrifice, dedication and respect for authority. quote by Vince Lombardi. 

I remember seeing this quote many times when we've had the opportunities to attend Super Bowl XLII and Super Bowl XLV. 

                                                    

                                                    

This quote has come to my mind as my son tells me he is interested in joining football this year. 
I'm proud of his decision. 
He is committed to attending practice daily, teamwork, respect for the game and the coaches and has the physically and academic self-descipline needed to succeed. 
We're awaiting our visit with the pediatrician for well check and physical. 
So in the mean time Bam has to wait.........

Genius is eternal patience my son