I have to agree with a friend of mine who said "Thank God there are only five days left!" She is referring to the election and the end of the endless phone calls, flyers, tv ads, etc. I have to say I am so ready for the phone to stop ringing. I hate picking it up to find a long pause and then someone's recorded message that they are calling for whatever candidate they are calling for. I have gone to hanging up before the first five words are out of their mouths. I can't stand it!!! I have also gone to recording most of my favorite tv shows on the DVR then watching them when they are done so I can fast forward thru the commercials and ads.
I have to agree with Jeanne that I would much rather vote for someone who doesn't really want the position as they would seem to be more normal. She also said she wishes we could go back to the times when politicians rode on trains or buses to campaign. AMEN!! Let's go back to that so we can all have some peaceful ad free nights to watch our favorite tv shows and listen to the radio ad free. I am also tired of all the flyers in my mail box, I hate junk mail!! If I had a fireplace it would be going 24 hours a day just burn all the political junk I get in my mail box. Boy what a savings that would be on my electric bill...LOL!!
Ok, enough ranting and back to enjoying the light at the end of the political campaign tunnel...remember only 5 more days!!
God Bless you all!! and may the best man win!!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
State Marching Competition
Monday, October 27, we were in Aurora, Colorado at Hinkley High School for the State Marching Competition with our kids. They came into the competition in 6th place and finished in 5th place. They may not have placed in the finals but we are so proud of them for moving up the one position they did.
We had a great weekend in Denver with them. It means so much that we got to go to Beth's last State competition. After they had their group photo taken, the photographer took photos of the sections and the seniors. So this year will cost a small bundle to get all the photos we want of the kids. It is nice that we took photos during the contest of their performance that won't cost us a thing. Hope you enjoy this one I have posted. They look great don't they!!
May God Bless each and everyone!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Life Stinks Part II
Well to add insult to injury and further cement my saying that Life Stinks, we were told today that our landlord is not going to renew our lease and we have 30 days to vacate our apartment. Then about an hour later, after we had gone to his office to find out why and got into a heated argument, he called to say he had a change of heart. We can now stay.
But, all of this has made us stop to think about the 18 months of trials and tribulations. We, as a family, have come to the conclusion, with Beth's input, that this is the answer from God we have been seeking and this is his plan for our lives. We are getting the message that He is done with us in Trinidad and it is time for us to move on. In our case, time to move back to Aurora, with the family until we can get on our feet. We have decided we will be moving in with my parents until we can both find a job and have some money for deposits and such.
The only details we haven't quite worked through is exactly when this will occur. We have to get Ben in school up there first, then David and James need to finish this semester at Trinidad State Junior College or they will have to pay back the grant money they have received and we need to find a place for Beth to live for the next 6 months so she can graduate from Trinidad High School. Our plan is to get Ben taken care of first, since the first quarter just ended there and here. We want to get him transferred and settled then we can concentrate on what to do next. We will also have to find a place for David and James to stay for about 4-6 weeks so they can finish the semester. Then they will transfer all their stuff to a community college in Aurora. We have spoken with friends here to see if they will take Beth and they are considering it now. We hope to have that answer in a couple of days.
For now I will be traveling the 200 miles a few more times while getting things going for Ben and then coming back here to pack the household into the storage unit until we get things up there taken care of. We will only be taking our clothes and computers to Mom's as there is no room for much else. This will help with all of David's medical issues as we will now be within 10 minutes to the VA hospital. Thinking of the wear and tear this will save and the gas...my head is spinning.
It will be hard to leave our "family" here at the most wonderful Church we have come to love. But in the long run, we should be a stronger family because of this. We truly believe this is what God has been trying to get through our thick heads for 18 months now. Thank you God for being persistent. God Bless you all!!
But, all of this has made us stop to think about the 18 months of trials and tribulations. We, as a family, have come to the conclusion, with Beth's input, that this is the answer from God we have been seeking and this is his plan for our lives. We are getting the message that He is done with us in Trinidad and it is time for us to move on. In our case, time to move back to Aurora, with the family until we can get on our feet. We have decided we will be moving in with my parents until we can both find a job and have some money for deposits and such.
The only details we haven't quite worked through is exactly when this will occur. We have to get Ben in school up there first, then David and James need to finish this semester at Trinidad State Junior College or they will have to pay back the grant money they have received and we need to find a place for Beth to live for the next 6 months so she can graduate from Trinidad High School. Our plan is to get Ben taken care of first, since the first quarter just ended there and here. We want to get him transferred and settled then we can concentrate on what to do next. We will also have to find a place for David and James to stay for about 4-6 weeks so they can finish the semester. Then they will transfer all their stuff to a community college in Aurora. We have spoken with friends here to see if they will take Beth and they are considering it now. We hope to have that answer in a couple of days.
For now I will be traveling the 200 miles a few more times while getting things going for Ben and then coming back here to pack the household into the storage unit until we get things up there taken care of. We will only be taking our clothes and computers to Mom's as there is no room for much else. This will help with all of David's medical issues as we will now be within 10 minutes to the VA hospital. Thinking of the wear and tear this will save and the gas...my head is spinning.
It will be hard to leave our "family" here at the most wonderful Church we have come to love. But in the long run, we should be a stronger family because of this. We truly believe this is what God has been trying to get through our thick heads for 18 months now. Thank you God for being persistent. God Bless you all!!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Life Stinks Right Now
I started this blog to keep you all posted on things going on around here. I have tried to keep them light and enjoyable, not to serious. However that can't always be the case. Things around here seem to be going downhill fast. It has been 18 months since David lost his job. Eighteen months of fighting to survive each day on the meager income from my part-time job and his VA disability. Praying each day we can make it through and so far so good, I guess you could say. Without the help of our family and our Church family, we wouldn't be.
Thank God for all of our family and our friends. There have been months I have really thought we would lose our apartment, utilities or not have enough food to survive. Most of those times it has come down to the last possible moment to keep us a float. It is during those times my prayers have been just about hourly, but in most cases they are daily that we will have the strength to endure.
Now is another of those times when it seems like the light at the end of the tunnel is fading fast. We have been trying to locate an attorney to help us with the case against the State of Colorado for wrongful termination, we have had no luck. Now it seems we must concede that we don't have a case and give into to the State attorneys and settle for a change in his file. They have offered to remove all the harmful information such as the corrective actions and instead of showing he was terminated, they will say he voluntarily resigned. This will help when looking for another job but it does not help the financial situation. We countered their settlement offer with one that included these changes and asked for a monetary settlement as well. As of today they have not responded and we are expected to answer their pre-hearing articles by tomorrow. We really need an attorney to help us with the answers but since there is not one available to help us, David is going to call them tomorrow and tell them he wants the settlement they originally offered and call it quits.
Once again, the government wins!! They have the power and the money to fight until there is no more fight in the little person. Like I said before "Life stinks right now!" As the old saying goes, you can't fight city hall and win. We found out the hard way. I just hope we don't have to say this about the fight we have going with the Veteran's Administration. I hope and pray we will prevail in that one.
I guess I have rambled enough for now. I feel some better, not crying as much as I was. But things will not totally be back to a more normal state until one or two of several things happen....David gets a job, the VA comes through with his disability increase or we win the lottery (which won't happen cause we don't have the money to play)! Thanks for letting me vent, I hope I haven't upset anyone too much. May God Bless each and everyone of you!
Thank God for all of our family and our friends. There have been months I have really thought we would lose our apartment, utilities or not have enough food to survive. Most of those times it has come down to the last possible moment to keep us a float. It is during those times my prayers have been just about hourly, but in most cases they are daily that we will have the strength to endure.
Now is another of those times when it seems like the light at the end of the tunnel is fading fast. We have been trying to locate an attorney to help us with the case against the State of Colorado for wrongful termination, we have had no luck. Now it seems we must concede that we don't have a case and give into to the State attorneys and settle for a change in his file. They have offered to remove all the harmful information such as the corrective actions and instead of showing he was terminated, they will say he voluntarily resigned. This will help when looking for another job but it does not help the financial situation. We countered their settlement offer with one that included these changes and asked for a monetary settlement as well. As of today they have not responded and we are expected to answer their pre-hearing articles by tomorrow. We really need an attorney to help us with the answers but since there is not one available to help us, David is going to call them tomorrow and tell them he wants the settlement they originally offered and call it quits.
Once again, the government wins!! They have the power and the money to fight until there is no more fight in the little person. Like I said before "Life stinks right now!" As the old saying goes, you can't fight city hall and win. We found out the hard way. I just hope we don't have to say this about the fight we have going with the Veteran's Administration. I hope and pray we will prevail in that one.
I guess I have rambled enough for now. I feel some better, not crying as much as I was. But things will not totally be back to a more normal state until one or two of several things happen....David gets a job, the VA comes through with his disability increase or we win the lottery (which won't happen cause we don't have the money to play)! Thanks for letting me vent, I hope I haven't upset anyone too much. May God Bless each and everyone of you!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Southern Colorado Regionals 2008 (Update)
Trinidad High School Band qualified for State in 6th place. They have a lot of work to do. They will compete on October 27th at 10:30 am in the semi-finals. If they make the top four then they will compete in the finals sometime that evening. Work hard THS and take State!!
Southern Colorado Regionals 2008
Yesterday, the Trinidad High School Mighty Miner Band participated in the Southern Regional Marching Competition. They came home with 1st Place in Division 2A and it appears on their way to State on October 27th. Their participation in State is dependent on the outcome of the other regional competitions, only eight bands from the entire State will compete in Class 2A. State is being held in Aurora at my Alma Mater, Hinkley High School at the Aurora Public Schools Stadium. I can't wait should be a great show and will give me time to see my parents if they attend the competition. So Good Luck Miners on to State!! We are proud of you!!Friday, October 10, 2008
High School Dramas
You know I remember quite a few dramas occurring during my high school years, but I must be either forgetful or just getting very old, cause I don't remember them being as bad as the ones I see at Trinidad High.
The dramas that unfold every day are getting so outrageous. I won't go into specifics, if you only knew, I think you would just throw your hands in the air and scream, like I want too.
I swear these kids today are 10 times worse than anyone of us were at their age. I have heard it said many times, "times are a changing and things are going to Hell in a hand basket", well ain't that the truth!!!!!
I keep telling myself, as I so often heard growing up, this is just a phase. But you know, I don't think that is the case with this generation! I think this is something they will never outgrow. They feel this strong urge to beat the crap out of everyone, to talk smack all the time, and to steal each other's boyfriends and girlfriends. I remember so many times these things happening to me or people I knew but they blew over in just a day or two. Today, you are lucky if you can get them to forget about these things for even one day, cause let me tell you they would rather let them fester for months.
Case in point, (with no names), I know of a fight that occurred in January that keeps being brought up by one individual even though the other has let it drop. The one who is keeping it alive, just can't seem to move on, in fact this person keeps elaborating about it making it bigger than it really was. Why???
Sorry for ranting but tonight's game at THS just proved my point and cause me to have the need to vent. I see teacher's trying every day to teach these kids to let things go and to learn to get along with others and be a team. I see the best teachers getting the shaft for trying so hard, and it is just so frustrating. They are the ones doing the right thing and yet they are the ones who may be terminated for trying so hard. Why???
We can't let good teachers leave or get fired. We have to keep trying to get through to these kids. Don't give up, Scream louder if you have too!! Pray out loud, Shout to the Lord!!! Let him guide you and make sure you pray for the kids!! I know I will be!!
God Bless you all!!
The dramas that unfold every day are getting so outrageous. I won't go into specifics, if you only knew, I think you would just throw your hands in the air and scream, like I want too.
I swear these kids today are 10 times worse than anyone of us were at their age. I have heard it said many times, "times are a changing and things are going to Hell in a hand basket", well ain't that the truth!!!!!
I keep telling myself, as I so often heard growing up, this is just a phase. But you know, I don't think that is the case with this generation! I think this is something they will never outgrow. They feel this strong urge to beat the crap out of everyone, to talk smack all the time, and to steal each other's boyfriends and girlfriends. I remember so many times these things happening to me or people I knew but they blew over in just a day or two. Today, you are lucky if you can get them to forget about these things for even one day, cause let me tell you they would rather let them fester for months.
Case in point, (with no names), I know of a fight that occurred in January that keeps being brought up by one individual even though the other has let it drop. The one who is keeping it alive, just can't seem to move on, in fact this person keeps elaborating about it making it bigger than it really was. Why???
Sorry for ranting but tonight's game at THS just proved my point and cause me to have the need to vent. I see teacher's trying every day to teach these kids to let things go and to learn to get along with others and be a team. I see the best teachers getting the shaft for trying so hard, and it is just so frustrating. They are the ones doing the right thing and yet they are the ones who may be terminated for trying so hard. Why???
We can't let good teachers leave or get fired. We have to keep trying to get through to these kids. Don't give up, Scream louder if you have too!! Pray out loud, Shout to the Lord!!! Let him guide you and make sure you pray for the kids!! I know I will be!!
God Bless you all!!
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Homecoming 2008
My handsome sons and beautiful daughter.
Elizabeth and Derek
James & Justina, Ben & Julie, Beth & Derek (top photo)
Ben & Julie with James & Justina (bottom photo)
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This was the best part of Homecoming for all. Friday night the football team lost to Ellicott 34 to 7. We have all been talking about the game and it seems the entire school just fell apart. The Cheerleaders weren't together and just wanted to stand around talking, the football team lost to a team they have never lost too, and the band made so many mistakes that they are in for a severe butt chewing on Monday. Poor Ben admitted that the moment he stepped on the field he could only remember his first two moves. He had to rely on the kids around him to help him get thru the performance. There were two flag girls who messed up so badly they ran into each other them had a disagreement over who's prop was on the yardline they were at. Then they thought it was funny and were laughing about it on the field. What a night, at least it didn't rain so we didn't have a two hour delay like last year.
I was in tears while watching and helping Beth to dress. This is her last homecoming. She was saying "Please don't cry Mom you will make me cry and that will ruin my makeup" But what do you expect when your child is growing up so fast.
Hope you all enjoy the photos, I have all of them posted on my myspace page if you want to look...you don't have to be a member just to look at my photos. The link is www.myspace.com/butterflygalkristi take a look when you have time.
God Bless you all!!
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