Championship Game....Coach Whitey having a little meeting on the mound. Spencer is an amazing pitcher and they were giving him a shoe box strike zone to throw into. After this little meeting Spence took control!!

Spencer giving Luke a little talk before he's up to bat.

Jackson getting a little coaching from "Dad" or is it Coach Behn?

Coach Whitey talking to the boys right before the Championship game. I don't know what he said but they played great ball!!!

Brock, #20, came into to pitch in the last inning. He was our closer. I love how Luke, #26, is giving him encouragement. This is how this Team is...they are so supportive of each other.

Celebrating after the BIG victory.

If you are going to be a champion, you must be willing to pay a greater price.-- Bud Wilkinson

Perfect Game Prospects

11U Open State Champions

Congratulations to all of the Boys and the Coaches!

Fun Pix From State

Are these the cutest little toes EVER! On one big toe it has PG and on the other it has #5. These are Addie's toes and her brother Nic plays with Luke. She has another older brother who plays baseball, so this little sister is a trooper.

Grandpa Chic and the Birthday Boy!

Luke and Luke!

Coach Behn and his baby boy Ty. Is this the cutest picture or what! I had to capture this picture because this isn't the image of Coach Behn. Shouldn't he be yelling???? Gotta love it!

More to come.....

11U Open State Tournament

Here is Luke getting ready to steal second.

In the tournament, so far, we are 3-0. The boys are playing great, and are really playing well defensively. Our bats could be stronger but they are not bad.

Luker behind the plate.

Luke has had one throw out, in three games, so far. He expects a throw out in every game. There were a couple VERY close calls. He has high expectations for himself behind the plate. The weather hasn't been too bad. It was perfect this morning and this afternoon was a little hot and humid. Then right before we left there was a short lived down pour.

Now we have some down time until tomorrow morning at 8:30.

Happy Birthday Connor!

Here is a shout out to Connor!! He is 15 today and it is hard to believe. This is an action shot of him. I remember the ball being hit down the first base line...he got it and slipped but still got up in time to toss it to the pitcher who covered first.

Aren't these the cutest "Happy Feet"!!!

I was actually trying to get a picture of Connor BUT he wasn't cooperating AND little did he know I would get this shot.

I Love You!

11U Open State Tournament

Emma, Brock's sister, made this poster for the team. The boys won their first game today. All the little sisters were cheering on the boys today. It was so cute.

Here is Luke, ready to steal second. The boys looked good today. They played great defense and were also hitting the ball. We haven't played in a while due to rain, so it was good to see them gel so well together.

Luke and Jackson, taking a look at their competition for Saturday morning.

It was great to see them on the field today. Looking forward to tomorrow,

Summer Fun?

Luke mowing the lawn.

Connor vacuuming....I know it is a scary thought but he is a good little house cleaner ; )

This week the boys helped out around the house, inside and out. Connor is very busy this summer with sports and conditioning. He has also become very busy with his friends...wanting to go here and there. I guess it is only the beginning, huh? Luke is busy with baseball but is still around the house more than Connor.

They have been very well behaved, so that makes it a little easier to handle. They are also getting along well together and Connor even let Luke go to the pool with him and his buddies the other day. I know it is only the beginning of summer so I am sure that will change.

Brothers don't necessarily have to say anything to each other- they can sit in a room and be together and just be completely comfortable with each other.

My Mom is Going to Love Me

When I took my Mom to see Dr. Hart, for her follow up visit, I of coarse took my camera along. So, I asked her to pose for me, and share her incision with everyone that takes a look at my blog. I even gave her a suggestion to look down at the incision because she doesn't like her picture taken.

Here is a close up. She had to get the staples taken out that day too. She wasn't too excited about this because it just made her feel kinda queasy. I am the same way.

This is what a healthy shoulder looks like.

This is what Mom's new shoulder looks like. Come to find out she had REVERSE shoulder replacement, so the cup is no longer on the inside it is on the outside. Amazing huh???

These little guys are Mom's new friends, inside her right shoulder. Aren't they cute?

Recovery is going well, and Mom is a die hard when it comes to listening to her Physical Therapist. If he says 3 times a day then it's 3 times a day. Her motto is "no pain, no gain!"

Thank you Mom for being such a great guest on my blog ; )

Last day of Elementary School

Luke's 5th Grade Class

It seems like only yesterday that Luke started at Pierce in Kindergarten.

Luke, Renee & Parker

This is on a 1st Grade Field Trip. Luke looks like such a little boy. This had to be one of the best years EVER because Luke had the BEST Teacher, Ms. Keopke. I miss her. She works out in D.C. now.

Next year we will have one in Middle School and one in High School.

8th Grade Graduation

"A teacher takes a hand, opens a mind, and touches a heart."
Author: Unknown

Mrs. Hess giving Connor his 8th Grade Certificate.

Mrs. Hess retires this year, which is very sad. She is an excellent Teacher and was also apart of Student Leadership. She encouraged Connor to become apart of Student Leadership, this year, because she said he has great leadership qualities. Connor respected her and appreciated her and I know she will be missed.

Connor and some of his buddies....they are ALL so handsome. aren't they???

""Go confidently in the directions of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined.""
Author: Henry David Thoreau

The last time Jack and Connor will walk down this hallway.

"Teachers open the door, but you must enter by yourself."
Author: Chinese Proverb

Is it a Duck??

I was sitting in the recliner watching the news, last night, and I saw this thing land on the neighbors roof. From afar it looked like a duck. So, go get my trusty camera.....

It is...it is...it's a duck.

You have to understand, the neighbors house is big or should I say tall. I don't know if that is the correct terminology for a house but it's tall. So, why would this duck all of a sudden, all by himself, land there.

It was so funny because he sat in this position like he owned the house for at least an hour. He did not move. I watched the local news and the world news while he was on duck watch. I thought "do you think he is afraid to fly away?", "Is he lost?", "Does he know Jeff and Lisa are gone and he is watching the house?"

Then all of a sudden, he moved, took a few steps and he was gone. Maybe he needed to get the courage up to fly away. Maybe his little legs got tired and he thought this is not too comfortable of a perch and he wanted to find some cushy grass to snuggle up in for the evening.

"Every path has its puddle. ~"
Author: English Proverb

5th Grade Celebration

Luke's 5th Grade Celebration was today. They had to make these boards to show what they did through their years at Pierce. Of coarse Luke thought it was dumb but I guess that is a boy for you.

Luke and some of his buddies. They were supposed to dress up today but again Luke didn't want to. He said "Mom that is not who I am. I went through all of 5th grade wearing clothes like this." So, I went with him because it is true he is a sweat pants gym short kind of boy. I am sure that will change as the years go on.

They had this slide show going showing what all the kids favorite things were about Pierce.

So, a few more days left of 5th grade. I am not really bothered about this like I thought I would be. I am excited for Luke to go to Middle School and be challenged academically, make more friends, and continue to grow and mature.

"Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere."
Author: Chinese Proverb

Why ??

I opened up the newspaper, one day this week, and a headline jumped out at me. "Burlington Student Charged With Reportedly Punching Principal". It seems like everyday you read about some awful act that a student did. I don't condone their behavior but why is it we don't read more about what Teachers and Administrators are doing to Students, in General or Special Education Classes.

Don't get me wrong, I have the utmost respect for Teachers and Administration in our schools. My children's Teachers would let you know that by the volunteering I have done for them in the past.

I know it is hard to believe but abuse is happening in our schools. Every time I tell my story, I get a story back on how abuse has been covered up or turned the other way, against the student or the whistle blower is transferred or given something to keep them quiet or let go, like me.

We are employees, at will, and can be treated like garbage. The system isn't working and before the School District will take responsibility for their actions, they would rather get rid of the whistle blower. By doing this they condone the behavior and are telling their Staff to keep quiet, do no report or you are gone.

"Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me..." Mark 9:37

Happy Birthday Grandma

Missing Grandma

I can close my eyes and see her;

smiling as sweet as could be.

I remember how she'd greet me:

"Nice to see you again, Amy'!"

I somehow thought she'd live forever;

now I wish I had visited her more.

We shouldn't take things for granted;

not knowing what the future has stored!

Regrets can't make up for lost moments;

so live every day like your last.

Make time for loved ones more often'

before their lifetime has past!

Little things as you age are important;

like a visit, a photo or a call.

If I could just hug my Grandma again...

I'd never let her go at all!!!

The Big Red house on Main St.

The smell of Carmel corn

I can hear her play the piano and sing me a little song

snuggled up in the silk quilt

ready to fall asleep

Voices from the Kitchen

as I awaken in the morning

aromas of coffee and fried rolls

I head to the kitchen

"Good morning Amy,

what can I get you?"

"Always and Forever is a Grandmothers love"
Author: Kathy

My Redeemer Lives...

READ THIS BRIEF STORY BEFORE WATCHING THE SHORT VIDEO: A son asked his father, 'Dad, will you take part in a marathon with me?' The father who, despite having a heart condition, says 'Yes'. They went on to complete the marathon together. Father and son went on to join other marathons, the father always saying 'Yes' to his son's request of going through the race together. One day, the son asked his father, 'Dad, let's join the Ironman together.' To which, his father said 'Yes' too. For those who don't know, Ironman is the toughest triathlon ever. The race encompasses three endurance events of a 2.4 mile (3.86kilometer) ocean swim, followed by a 112 mile (180.2 kilometer) bike ride, and ending with a 26.2 mile (42.195 kilometer) marathon along the coast of the Big Island, Hawaii. Father and son went on to complete the race together. View this race at..... http://www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=8cf08faca5dd9ea45513%20

This is an incredible video about the relationship between Father and Son...and God's relationship with us.

Thank you to my cousin, Clare, for sharing this with me.

Did I do what was right....

This is my hand wrapped in Keaton's hand. He loves his hands rubbed.

This is the first time in my life, other than being a Mom, that I have loved nurturing, encouraging, and engaging with children. When I got the job at Kennedy High School, in the Severe and Profound Room, I was elated. Everyday I made a difference to these kids and have grown to hold them dear to my heart.

In April, after obvserving verbal and physical abuse, since day one of my employment. Reporting it to the Teacher and Administration and investigation was ordered. Since April 23, I have been threatened, given the silent treatment by Staff in my room and all over the school, from Staff who shouldn't even know what is going on. I have been called into the Office, to be cited for using my cell phone during work hours, in which I never had and had proof of that via reports from Verizon. Told that I didn't call, my supervisor, to let him know I would be leaving for a Physical Therapy Apt. and I was given his card at a meeting he had with all of us. Guess what, I wasn't at that meeting because I was doing my job and had Allie in class.

From the very beginning this was NEVER about me. I thought I was a mandatory reporter. Aren't you supposed to report abuse? These poor kids are non-verbal and can't speak for themselves. I tried for 8 months to get someone's attention. If this happened in a General Education Class, it would not be tolerated and I can guarantee you parents would be notified. The Teacher, in the classroom, would not be working there any longer.

Well, to put all of your minds at ease about our School District. I am the only one who lost there job. The Teacher, who I and others witnessed her abuse, is still employed, in the same classroom along with the other 4 Para-Professionals. I was warned from the beginning to keep my mouth shut and don't go to Administration on anything. So, who is the voice for these children now......

I battle everyday with this because I know the parents weren't even notified. They got rid of me so they could just sweep it under the rug. I have talked with other Para-Professionals, at other schools, and they say "Amy, we or I just turn my head to it, because I need this need this job."

I am not saying all programs are like this BUT it is happening more than you know out there.

So, what is next.....