Its all about the kids

Since Stephanie is lost in Europe and unable to philosophize about life... I've decided to take a stab at it myself. As I was watching the seniors during graduation weekend I was struck by the fact that unless I have a child of my own (or invent some great lifesaving device) in the next 5 years or so, I will officially become boring in a manner of speaking... or at least far less interesting than I have been of late.

Let me explain... its all about the kids. Most of life's exciting moments revolve around those under the age of 25. A baby is born - grandma and grandpa, aunts, uncles, cousins, drive hours... days to meet the little one and we'll say nothing of the pictures and presents. Baby grows up and graduates from kindergarten - the church pew is filled with the SAME people saying "Aww!" and laughing when the kid trips over his robe on the way up the platform. Then there's artwork, VBS, little league, piano recitals, Pathfinders... the list goes on. We're now to 8th grade graduation. Then comes the joys of academy - homeshows, awards, banquets, and finally graduation. College... more of the same... (you begin to step up the boring factor if, like me, you graduate from college three times) first job... Then the motherload happens - the wedding - totally self-explanatory. Of course, everyone wants to see those they love, in love starting out on happily ever after. And then... the couple slowly becomes boring... until BINGO - little Johnny or Susie is on the way. Then forget the kids - its all about the GRANDCHILDREN!

Its not just about events either - its about conversation. As I've listened to my colleagues at work here is how their life goes. If you listen to adults talk - all they talk about is the kids. "Hey, guess what Junior did the other day, it was SOOOOO funny..." or "What do you think I should do about coaching my daughter's softball team..." or "You know, my daughter is having trouble potty training, do you have any ideas?" or the BIG ONE:
"So what's going on with your kids?"
"Well, Amanda just finished her 3rd year of college, going to be a lawyer like her dad, great potential, and we're hoping she'll marry this great pre-med student she's been dating..."
The conversation revolves around the kids because who wants to answer the question:
"So what's going on with YOU? (30-50 year old adult with nothing exciting happening and no children currently under age 30)"
"Well... I wake up, eat, go to work... come home... watch TV... talk to my wife... eat... sleep... get up and do it all over again... Oh yeah, and then go see my kids on vacation." BORING...

Too bad the kids don't realize how much power they hold until its too late. Cause if the truth were told; IT'S ALL ABOUT THEM!

Took me out to the ballgame - finally!

AT LAST we got to go to a Northwest AR Naturals baseball game. Even though it drizzled through most of the game - we had a great time and it was nice to have an evening off together.

On the way in Ryan tried to dunk the Police Captain - he missed and he's dejected.

The park is pretty impressive. It's like a major league stadium in miniature with nice box seats up above the covered walk area. The prices reflect the niceness of it too - this is only their 2nd season.

Can you spot Ryan?


Mid-inning entertainment Michael Jackson X 5 style

Misty rain

After giving up one hit in 7 innings, the Midland Rockhounds pitcher leaves with the bases loaded. (I think he walked 2 of those guys on.)

Finally the Naturals get some action when a line drive brings 2 in. Alas they still lost... something like 8-4.

Arkansas is one of the few places that would have a mascot named Strike the Sasquatch

Graduation festivities

The chairs have all been put away, the floor covering taken up, the dorms are almost empty... what a lot of work! The staff have really been working overtime this weekend. Here's Ryan with Pastor Paul Vunileva - associate pastor of the church and husband to the chaplain Kase who will be the girl's dean next year.

Since the school's usual photographer had to go to a family graduation, Mr. Rector and I were the photographers for the weekend. Most of the time I covered the wider shots while he stayed up close but here are a few snapshots of the weekend:

Juniors Brittany, Tevita, and Melissa
Tevita, or Mono as the kids call him, is from Tonga and is related to Chaplain Kase and Pastor Paul.

Jaclyn's vote for best couple: Emily Lambeth and Sam Little
They were both in varsity basketball and some of the nicest kids we've met here. Sam shot 97 out of 100 free throws in the Free-Throw-a-Thon!

Clay Burnett, former coach/asst. boy's dean, was the speaker for the weekend. He is an enrollment counselor/recruiter for PUC now.

*****

Graduation starts at 9PM on Saturday night.

Here's a few faculty waiting for graduation to begin: James (asst. boy's dean), Ryan and Mrs. McGuire (Learning Resource Center/testing). Ryan is checking his list of seniors to turn in their basketball varsity jerseys in return for their diploma.

Eager anticipation

Marching in
L to R: Charlie Barber (history, Sr class sponsor), Sam Little, Todd Mason (maintenance, Sr class sponsor), & Mike Dale (principal)

First row of seniors in place - the conference president is at the far left.

The class sings the final song from their Senior Rec program

Alumni of 2009 celebrating

Senior class of 2010 celebrating while the Principal looks on

Elizabeth Pierson
Her mom is the cafe director and if I have the facts straight her great grandfather? ran the farm? at Southern - he's who Pierson Drive is named after.

Ryan and I came to the Registrar/Secretary's aid and served punch and cake til almost midnight.

Parent's weekend

Wind ensemble spring concert led by Mr. Bizama

Our neighbor Mr. Rector (english teacher) plays the tuba.





Next, community members Rody Hosteter and Andrew Decker helped Ryan ref the Junior vs. Senior basketball championship.

Getting warmed up for the Arielaires halftime routine

Ryan and two of the guys decided to name this move enchiladas.

Nelson, Benny and Karissa (who is a Knight like us!)

Last move in the routine minus the left side elevator where Ryan is I am informed.

Seniors celebrating their basketball win and the fact that they were leaving at 4 am on their class trip. Graduation is only a week away!

Feeling green

Ryan suggested that I take a few pics of our new look - GREEN!

There is a lot in our yard that I am not responsible for but get to enjoy!

Roses


Flowers











Strawberries!


But I did plant these - little zucchini squash plants. I figured for $1 of seeds if I can get one or two zucchinis out of the whole bunch it will be worth it.

Our new neighbors would like to taste Ryan's freshly cut grass but alas - there's barbed wire in the way.

I snuck a quick shot of our newest neighbor - Sophia the baby miniature horse - out on a stroll with her family.

Homemade music at last

Ryan and I have really been enjoying our new Kawai K-3 this week.

Toby isn't sure about the dog in his reflection - he lays there and whines and yips at himself.
His play area has been significantly reduced by the introduction of this large box but sometimes he just lays on the floor and falls asleep while its played.

Note to self - wait to put the pictures on the wall until after you get the piano - no matter how much you measure and discuss it with your sister. Guess the piano will have to go closer to the front door.

Class on class basketball tourney

I was asked to take pictures tonight since the normal photographer couldn't be present so here's a few shots from the evening. The Junior/Senior championship game will be next Saturday night.

Sophomores and seniors on center court


Leah dribbling away


Coach Terry sporting a little Disney reffing paraphernalia

Coach Knight hands off the ball to Gerardo


Shelby's face is great in this one...



The freshmen (and a few 8th graders) played the juniors next.

Chaplain Kase coaches the freshmen