Free Gas Card

As I entered Costco today my attention was drawn to a sign giving away a free gas card, all you had to do was sign up for an American Express card. This seemed like a good offer until a verified the amount of the gas card. You see I originally read the sign to be for a $50 gas card, but alas it was only $5. You think that Costco and American express could offer something more than 1.75 gallons of gas....sheesh.

Doooooooooooooooooooooooooonnnnnnnnnnnnnnneeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Well after 18 months working towards my teaching certification I completed my last task today at 4:51pm.

I guess not it's time to really begin looking for a teaching job.

11 Years

In some ways it doesn't seem that Jen and I have been married for 11 years, but in other ways I wonder, "Is that all?" We had a pretty low key day, mainly just kicking around the day, taking it easy in preparation for Jen's big surgery on Monday. To get the house in order Jen cleaned the kitchen while I did the laundry.

Dinner was at home, I made steaks and potatoes. Jen made a great chocolate cream pie. Other than that not much else happened.

Eleven years ago was an interesting day--fun and surprising. Surprising in that when we went back for pictures prior to the reception, Jen's mom had the dress and didn't get back until shortly before the reception. So by the time pictures were done all the guests had arrived and gave us a standing ovation upon entrance. Fun...well you understand why.

The past 11 years have been enjoyable, and have gone by rather quickly. I am reminded daily as to why I married Jen...mainly by people telling me how lucky I am. It is hard to put into words my feelings and thoughts on the 11 years, so rather then try and fail, I'll simply say...Love you more.

Broken

Three weeks or so ago, Jen was playing softball when a bad hop smacked into her right hand, and apparently jamming her pinkie and ring finger. A couple days later when she went to the doctor they suspected that one of her tendons broke free, but because of her pregnancy could not x-ray her hand. They recommended that she go see a hand specialist in 10 days, when the baby was more developed, and they would be able to perform an x-ray.

Well she went to the doctor today and she didn't pop a tendon...she broke the bottom bone in her pinkie diagonally along the length. As a result she will need surgery to have 3 screws put in. She can't have general anesthesia, so will have to have her entire hand numbed with a wrist or hand block. The surgery is planned for the 12th (next Monday).

Fun.

Pinewood Derby

Pinewood derby was today. Jen has made it very clear that I am only there to assist Ky with his car--he is to do as much as he can. So this last week Ky designed his car, and then I cut out and did the rough sanding. Ky then primed and did the final sanding of the car, and then we began laying down the base red coats. Once the coats were dry, Ky hand painted the rest of the designs while I focused on the wheels and axles. I sanded the wheels smooth and removed any barbs on the axle. I also did Dad's trick of using finger paint where the wheel may rub against the car so that the graphite would stick.

At race time, Ky one the first race, pretty dominantly. I noticed several turn and mouth "Fast car" to their wives. Hmm. Then he won the second, and then his final race (3/3). Wow!!! Wasn't expecting that. They then did a race off of the 5 fastest cars. Won the first, and second. The third pitted the three fastest cars, Ky's and his 2 best friends--Ky won. His night record was (6/6), and took first place by 5/100ths of a second. The Berrett pinewood tradition did well tonight.

Last Day of School

The last day of school has come and gone--it is officially summer. With the final day, also comes the final grades for the year. Both Ky, Taylor, and Ryan have done a great job this year.

Of the 3 times Ky has gotten grades he has gotten all "A"s with a couple "A-"s. Taylor does not get letter grades, but has "Mastered" every subject he was taught. Ryan can now read rather well for a 4 year-old.