And We Say Goodbye to 2006...

Wow! Where did this year go? It was a busy one--my first working straight through the summer at the same job. Of course I promptly left that job July 31st, but I did start the new one right away. Lucy improved from the tough start to the year with her diagnosis of Celiac Disease. Now a few months into a gluten free diet, she is thriving. Kerry and I also prepare to bring another daughter into this world. As a matter of fact, she is even putting clothes out even as I type. And of course my Hurricanes won the Cup this year. Pretty good year overall.

So what will 2007 bring? A healthy baby girl, Myra. Possibly a new job? A repeat for the Canes? Time will tell.

Lucy and Her Stroller

Thanks Ms. Jennifer! Lucy loves her stroller for her 3 baybeeeees!

A Very Raleigh Christmas...

Did you know they give prizes away in fruit snacks? Seems so. I opened a new pack of Sunkist fruit snacks, and low and behold, there was an Ernie (of Sesame Street fame) action figure. What a great Christmas surprise! (thanks Mom and Dad!)
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Can you believe it's Christmas Eve, 2006? It took so long getting here, and now, as I type this, it's 3:30! We have had a fun day. Went to our church's Children's service today. Lucy loved it! All kinds of kids, plus she LOVED her purple dress. She is so funny! To make the day perfect, we stopped at Sheetz for lunch! That made our day! Heehee!!
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Afterward, I went for my longest run in months--a 4 miler out to Durant and back. Nice to start getting back into it. I plan to complete the 6 mile loop down around Falls Lake Dam (the Dam Run! Ha!) next week sometime. It helps that we're all feeling somewhat better, although I still go to the doctor on Tuesday. Gotta get over this crud!

Ho...Ho...Ho...Who Do You Know!!!

Hmmm...an interesting question from the past looks like it 'may' affect the beginning of our 2007 in a most positive way. And no, it's not our bundle of joy due January 24th (Miss Myra). Look here soon for some more clues!

Speaking of Myra--she is doing very well. Very busy, but very good. We think she'll be early too. We're excited, but also excited to spend one last Christmas with Lucy. And speaking of Christmas, this will mark the first year we stay in Raleigh. While missing our family, we are very excited of staying here and doing the things we usually do not get to do since we're traveling all over the countryside!

NCETC 2006

Another year at NCETC. I finally attended a concurrent session by Tammy Worcester. It was a session on using PowerPoint for a number of different uses. Lots of neat ideas that I will now implement back at WG. This year I'm working more with AIG students, and always looking for new activities to engage them. In the traditional classroom, a teacher cannot always focus on their AIG students, so as a TF, I can pull the students and work with them after collaborating with their teachers. A TF can be such a resource. Not only do I head up a successful grant writing program, but I troubleshoot the school's equipment, oversee technology purchases, and work with AIG and remedial students. Definitely a position every school should have.

ncetc06

A New Animal in the Fisher Price Farm!

 

A Festive November...

We recently went to Durant Nature Park to enjoy the fall weather. Lucy loves to stroll through the woods, picking up leaves (and not letting them go!), and visiting her duckie friends!










Lucy also likes to visit the grocery store to 'drive' the cart. Here she is with her "Bay-beeee," looking for bargains!

Two Years Old!

Do you believe Lucy B turns two today? Kerry and I can't! How time flies. It really only feels like yesterday that we rushed to the hospital on the rainy day in October. We survived the delivery (wasn't that tough for me, except when Kerry complained about my breath!), survived those early days and sleepness nights, and now we're getting ready to do it all again in a couple months!
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My folks are down for the birthday, Kerry's folks and sister will come up tomorrow, and we should have a nice little celebration. Thanks to all of you who remembered Lucy in all your thoughtful ways. She appreciates it, and we do too!!
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Kerry and Myra are doing well. K is a little tired at times, but is doing awesome giving attention to Lucy, keeping up with the house, and keeping up with her husband. I am doing well also. The job is going well, as I continue to learn more about technology integration. I continue to help students develop webpages, so that's pretty neat.

And the Banner Red (or white) Waves!

Tonight we hoisted the Stanley Cup banner!

And dropped the puck on the 06-07 season.
And I got to see all 4 trophies! 

Some Stanley Cup and Dolly-Jagr Love

Lucy, showing Dolly-Jagr some love. Is that 2 minutes for squishing?

 

My Three Girls!

It's official. We have another girl on the way. Kerry and I went to the ultrasound last week, and it was pretty definite! I liked this ultrasound better, as they printed us a lot more pictures out.


We spent the week thinking about names. We already had one from the last time, but wanted to research names a little more. We ended up deciding on Myra Jean. Good, unique name. Lucy is cute--when asked where Myra is, she points to Mommy's belly. She did say "M-ra" pretty good, but got over that and just began to mumble again. Oh well!

Ahhhhh...

Besides being with my family, another perfect moment in my life! 

Some of My Racing Competition...

Glen Wesley and Ray Whitney approaching the stage. No competition for me, though, as neither ran! (-: 

Lord Stanley...Lord Stanley...

Instead of brandy, we were drinking Gatorade out of the Cup today at the Stanley Cup 5K. 

Stanley Cup 5K

Only Pete Friesen, strength and conditioning coach for the Carolina Hurricanes, would choose to spend his day with the Stanley Cup working out. Thankfully for the people of Raleigh, he decided to share the day with runners, for the 1st (and hopefully more to come) Stanley Cup 5K this morning.

Being the great runner I am (chuckle, chuckle), I decided to run it, and met Jenn, Robin, and Ashley there as well. More players participated then were scheduled (and I use participate loosely--most wore sandals and I presume just stayed to fill out autographs!) It was a good time and even better cause.

Afterward, I got my hands on the Cup, so I was happy with that!

Busy Like No Other...

Phew! Just when I think things cannot get busier, they do. Between the new job, new baby on the way, the piece of junk Ford, and home repairs---we never stop these days!

Things are well though. The new job provides some challenges, but that's what I wanted. I think I was spoiled at the old school with all the technology, so now I can help all these ready and willing teachers develop lessons with what exists. The staff really promotes a high energy ethic too--of course 25% are first year teachers, so that makes me one of the most experienced on staff, but it's all good!

Lucy is doing well. The girl is smart! Or is that S-M-R-T? Only Homer knows for sure! She figures things out so quickly, that Mommy and I are even amazed. I cannot wait for the cooler weather to be outside more with her--she loves the playground, walks, and just being outside. I took her for a run this afternoon, and we had such an awesome time! I am such a Dad!

Speaking of running--I will get back into the races as I run the STANLEY CUP 5K on Sunday. How cool is that? I can just envision myself, running the last mile, Stanley Cup raised above my head. I am definitely ready to get my hand on it again! (-:

Kerry and the new baby both continue to grow! Heehee! I'll post some pictures soon. Mommy is a little tired, what with energy girl running around, but I try to give her time to rest as much as possible. Of course she uses that time to clean or cook, but what can you do! (-:

Hopefully I can update more often...check back soon!

So Do You Think Lucy Likes Trains??

 

Bonnie's 50th Surprise Party

Happy Birthday, Nana!

Tim, striking a pose!

Coloring Buddies!

They're heeeeere!

made with picasa

Fun at Idlewild Park!

Riding the train!












Our little piggie! 

A Shortie For Now...

A full update coming later. Just wanted to tell everyone we're home from our PA trip and ready to begin at the new school tomorrow. Had a great trip, went to my childhood park with Lucy (which was very special!), had Mom's surprise 50th party, and we even went to the NC Museum of Science with Graysen before the trip.

An Awesome Feeling...

The hat says, Dad's Lil' Flutterbug. Enough said! (-: 

Who Says Gluten Free Dining Can't Be Delicious?

Certainly not Lucy! A few months into the GF diet, and the girl is back! Now that Mommy is doing an incredible job of preparing food, like freezing a bunch of GF pizza crusts and 'bunny noodles' (thank you Anne's!), Lucy seems to be returning to her old self. She eats non-stop, has an endless amount of energy, and wants to be outside all the time. Unfortunately we're plumb stuck in the middle of a NC heatwave. We do the best we can! (-: It is definitely great to see her energy and playfulness return. We'll continue to update you--please also leave us comments! 

Our Little Beach Bum

Lucy and Kerry visited Wrightsville Beach today to catch up with an old friend. As you can see, our little 'moviestar' loves wearing sunglasses and loves the beach!

She also loves playing outside. This lasted until Mommy and Daddy were eaten alive by the mosquitoes.

  

And every fun day ends the same way--being washed up in the sink! (-:

My new school, Pearson GT Elementary

 


Still has some work, but we're primed for a August completion date. 

Lucy--The Next Bob Ross?

 

The girl loves to paint--that's for sure! Didn't get those skills from her Daddy! She so far seems to like abstract art. We'll keep you posted. But for now, keep painting those 'happy little trees!' 

Let's Go Canes!

My Video from Game 5 of the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals!

Even More From the Zoo...

A Bunch of Monkeys!














Panda Cub getting himself in trouble!