Joe's a Licensed Driver!!!!

For us, that seems like a big deal.  For Joe, well, he's never been in a hurry to drive or have a license or a car...  I think his music takes up all of his head time. That and his favorite computer games and Animae (sp?) cartoons he likes to watch.

Anyhow, it was quite the challenge to get his license now that he is 18. If he had gone the day before his birthday he would have only had to have his permit and Birth Cert.  But noooo, since 9-11 you have to show 5 different ID's.  Now what kind of kid has that kind of IDs available. Rick took his entire folder containing transcripts, a work stub from his job, his school ID (which didn't count), his permit (which didn't count because it didn't have a picture, a birth cert.... on and on.

They finally settled on suitable proof that my son was indeed a US Citizen and not a terrorist. And he passed the drive. Yeah!!!

Did he want to drive himself to band tonight? No. Go figure.

Some Cards Just Hit the Nail on the Head

I love this card.  Angie sent it to Joe for his birthday.  It even looks like Rick when he was a little boy.  As for that Fine Line...  sometimes it seems dotted.  Trying to enjoy this year fully but every once in a while I feel a panic attack just below the surface.  So many decisions, watching Joe grow up and into his manly form. Enjoying accomplishments...  That's enough for now.

I'm Hooked

I became a member of PaperBackSwap for free. I listed ten books to begin with and got a request for one of my books right away!  This is how it works.  You list books for swapping, you pay for the sending  and are rewarded with a point (to purchase books with). For joining you get 2 points and if you refer someone to join, hint hint, you also get points. So if you give it a try, why don't you tell them I sent you. My real full name.  In the meantime I have been going through my bookshelves and adding more books to my list, and today I am sending book 2 &3 out to happy prospects. I am also awaiting my first choice. It's a great deal. Oh, they have sister clubs of CD andDVD swaps. I haven't done that yet. Just think of it as Spring Cleaning a little early!

Happy Birthday Joe!

It is a wonderful thing to witness your children growing up to be fine adults.  Joe stands on the precipice of his future and somehow this birthday seems to be the springboard to opportunity.  Joe you are such a great guy. Your humor is sooooo funny, your appetite is never ending, and your thoughtfulness runs deep.
One of the things I love most about you is the beautiful music you make.  Whatever directions you choose in your future I know that music will be there because God has made you with music running in your veins.  Have a tremendously Happy Birthday!!!

Lynden Performance

In Early November Joe went to an Honors Band intensive one day workshop, culminating with an evening performance. Rick filmed this, and it is long but it gives a great feel for what happened that day. The many opportunities Joe gets to participate in have helped him along his road to being a better musician. Lizz Hanks, his high school band teacher was the organizer for this event. I hope you enjoy it.

Cubbies back on track

Miss Pam and Cubbie Bear were teaching the story to the Cubbies and they were all pretty well behaved.  They are adorable 3 and 4 year olds that have a small attention span, but Miss Pam is good at keeping the story short and sweet for them. 

When the kids were getting picked up Spike showed up and he was all too familiar with humans.  Christopher is reaching with Terry holding him steady.  I don't like to encourage too much of this since deer ticks are not good.  Still it is a beautiful sight to see these creatures up close.

Yeah !! Our December Arrivals

PARENTS, what a wonderful new job description.  Congratulations to Kelly and Ryan. Welcome Joselyn Kay!
Big Sister is Adrian's new job for little sister Natalie Jean. Congrats to Dustin and Sammy.
Kathy just has that Grandmother Knack of getting her hands on the babies first!

We are so blessed to have these new babies in our world.