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The last few weeks have been extremely busy and filled with unexpected twists.

Last weekend started early for me. I took off a Friday and Bill and I went to Estes Park for the "Annual Becker Family Weekend." It was a lot of fun. We played games, spent time together, went to the National Park, went hiking, shopping and much more. Pictures will follow in a later blog!!

This last week was also a short week for me. Friday, started Fall Break at my school. We had a "Professional Day" which was fairly short and then followed by food. Always a good thing.

This last weekend, Bill and I were back up in Estes Park with his family. We did much of the same, only without the nephew and nieces running around.

On Monday, we had a girls night at my friend Breann's house. It was a lot of fun as well. We ate a lot of food, hung out and played games. (See a theme... food, games... food, games...). Kristi also had Selcan, one of my co-workers, put her shawl on her. Pictures are below. Good times!





Today, was my first full day at home. It was uneventful... followed by an "emotionally" trying afternoon. One of our friends passed this weekend - unexpectedly and by his own choosing - and his family is dealing with the fallout. The kids were in Bill and my wedding and it has been rough. The funeral will be on Thursday.

Hopefully the week will have more ups than downs. I'll keep ya posted! :)
Until then, pictures of Estes will follow soon!

Week in Review

Last night, my brother's band, Able Archer, had their CD release party at the Larimer Lounge. It was a lot of fun and nice to see some family members!


Ronin has now taught his brother to jump the fence as well! So, pretty soon we will be building a higher fence! He looks so innocent!


We celebrated my nephew's birthday party - he turned 7! Good times!

The following are pictures of my co-workers! We had a free homeroom morning at school on Oct. 1. The kids played... and so did the teachers!

A Few Highlights

Wow, it's been a while!!

In the last 4 weeks... here are a few highlights...

* School started in full swing!
* My 6th graders were a pleasure to meet.
* My 6th graders drove me crazy.
* My 6th graders made me want to change career paths.
* My 6th graders are liveable.
* My parents returned from their trip to Canada.
* Bill and I cleaned the house from top to bottom.
* Ronin learned that cookies do taste good... about 2 dozen worth.
* Ronin learned to jump the fence to get out and back in.
* Ronin learned that he will be going to obedience school.
* I had my first observation from the principal and Dean of Academics - and did really well.
* Kristi got a job!!!!
* I saw Frank - right before he heads back out of the country to Italy.
* Rebecca and I decided to organize a dinner and silent auction.
* I have some awesome friends who are hooking me up with things!
* I learned I am going to have a new "sister" in the family! :)
* And I found out that I do have some pretty amazing family members and friends! Of course, I knew that already, but sometimes it helps to be reminded!

It's been a while... but more blogs will follow.

Whirlwind

It’s been one of those weeks.

School starts next week and my classroom is almost ready. This year, my classroom is smaller, shared by a somewhat-questionable-“soundproof”-divider and shared with a Sunday School class on the weekends. While the building was finally bought by the school, the church gets to share the building with us for the next two years. A two year time, which I am sure will be filled with as much drama as the last year was. Bottom Line: Practice what you preach, bi*%^#s!

We have a new principal this year too. He seems to know what he is doing, so that is always a plus. We also have quite a few new staff members.

Bill and I also looked at houses this week. Not saying that we are going to move anytime in the future… but I always like to look and keep my options open. I really like the house I live in now, but I don’t feel like it is truly mine… and no matter how much we try to make it ours – it will ALWAYS be the boy’s house. So, maybe someday, that will change.

On a lighter and happier note, I have really been enjoying watching the Olympics lately! The opening ceremonies were amazing and the events have been just as enjoyable ever since. I have continued to be amazed by Michael Phelps. I think this is the first year I have really looked forward to watching the Olympics every night!

GO USA!

Journey to the Center of the Cornfield

Last week, we took a journey… now, yes, we did travel by car, but nevertheless it was a long journey. What made it longer was that we ended in a small South Dakotan farm town where cell reception is iffy at best, the big story is still about the grain elevator that exploded 20 years ago and you can stay in the “hotel” that is located on top of a chiropractor clinic for $30 a night.

In Marion, a small town which barely makes it on most maps, there is not a whole lot to keep you occupied. You could walk around… in cornfields, but the risk of looking as if you just took a shower is very probable (especially for those of us who are not used to muggy weather). Walking through the town is probably not as fun as it sounds either, since it will only take you about 20 minutes. There is however, a small part of Marion that for a moment at least, looks as if you are not in a small little farm town.

Here is a small park, tucked behind the veterinarian clinic and the “Corner Café,” behind the pool and around the corner. There is a rather large pond by the park and a less than sturdy hanging bridge which you can cross… and on the other side…? A cornfield. So, yes, we did walk through the cornfield as well.


To amuse ourselves... we found a big stick and decided to see how deep the water in the "Marion Pond," really is. Suprisingly, it is almost 6' deep.


Bill and Riley, as we were about to enter the cornfield! I felt a flashback of "Field of Dreams" coming on.


Tess in the cornfield.

Even in such a small town, there are many churches in the surrounding area. My grandparents roots are Mennonite – which at its strictest are probably one step above the Amish. My grandparents belonged to a church; my grandma still does, called EMB (the M for Mennonite and the other letters I am unsure of). My grandpa passed away about three years now and while we were there we went to visit his grave. Members of EMB are buried in this cemetery and most of them are also somehow related to my family. Yeah, a little creepy and cool all at once.


My grandpa's gravestone.


More relatives...

When we traveled to Marion, we usually try to plan it so that all the other family members can travel to my grandma’s place. We have relatives in South Dakota, Kansas, Minnesota and we of course, are from Colorado. It is nice to see everyone. And the car ride is of course, bonding. Bill and I traveled there with my parents, my brother (Mike), his girlfriend (Tess/a) and Riley, our niece. Although, this year I think we made the drive in record time.


Tess


My bro's head to the right, to the left you will see my cousin 'Niah with his new mohawk... and his brother Kahler.

At any rate, it is quite an experience! And now, I must prepare to go back to the grind of school (meetings start Monday – ALL day)! Let’s just hope that all the psycho-mom’s who wear their pajamas at school have once and for all moved to Texas…

Famous Couples

Being a little bit of a history nerd, I thought to “commemorate” my second wedding anniversary with Bill, I would take a look at famous couples throughout history. However, as I started thinking about it, I realized that what makes these couples famous is one thing…tragedy!!


Take for example, Cleopatra and Marc Antony.
She was a young, not very attractive queen of Egypt. He was an already married man with a wife back in Rome. Cleo saw him as an adventure… a way to make a name for herself and her empire. Who would have thought that these two cheaters would have been betrayed themselves and their lives end in death?


Romeo and Juliet… do I really have to say more?


Henry II and Diane de Poitiers…
Now these two are one of my favorite couples, even if she was his mistress. They had a love so deep and affectionate that most couples should be put to shame. She was almost twice his age but their affair lasted until Henry’s tragic death, which was supposable predicted by his wife’s astronomer, Nostradamus. Although, not good spousal skills when you give the castle your wife asks for to your mistress…


King Henry VIII…
This man had almost as many wives as the number after his name. Not really known for being a famous couple to any one wife… but he is buried now with his favorite one: Jane. Why? Because she gave him a son; then died.


Barbie and Ken
More innuendo and mystery clouds this couple than a modern-day Hollywood couple. Who knew that plastic parts would cause so much of a ruckus.


Needless to say… I’m glad we’re not a famous couple!
Happy Anniversary, sweetie!

Death, Thongs and Food

Yesterday was one of those “let’s-pack-in-as-much-things-to-do-as-possible” days. However, it was also one of the best days I have had in a long time.

My story begins, well, before I was even born…


This picture is of my husband and two of his best friends: Oner and Onder…and wait, it gets better… Oner and Onder are Turkish Twins. Anyway, all three of these remarkable men, almost didn’t make it to where they are today.

Oner and Onder were both born in Turkey in the late 1970s. Their mom was only six months pregnant when she gave birth to these two boys. Now, Turkey, was not the most “medically advanced” at this time… and the boys were sent home in a shoebox… to die. However, like most mothers, one does not want to give up on their children. They were kept in a dark room for many months, where they were served tea with eyedroppers and their bones and organs could fully develop. The then, 5 oz. boys, defied medical science and went on to wear thongs. And thongs, is what brought us all together yesterday. You see, Oner and Onder are body builders. If you have ever been to a body building competition, you will see men and women with bulging muscles, tanned bodies and… THONGS! But, who would have thought that these two “diagnosed death” boys would have reached these goals in life. And of course, what celebration is complete without food!

My husband, Bill, was actually a premature baby who died several times when he was born. His first few hours of life were touch and go and life was uncertain. In fact, doctors also told his parents that he might have severe mental problems and never function as a “normal” child or adult. However, again defying medical science, Bill never suffered any after affects of his birth. He has achieved many goals in life and is one of the smartest people I know - even if I am biased!

Yesterday was also a time of reminiscing. The boys had a friend who brought them all together; Jeremy. Tragically, Jeremy was killed in a car accident shortly after high school. Yet, his friendship brought them all together and is comfort to his family. Sharing stories with his sisters and parents always brings a smile to my face and laughter to the table.

It’s amazing where life takes you.


Here are Oner and Onder eating and eating and eating. Onder has gained 29 pounds in less than a week and Onder 15 pounds! :) In all fairness, most of the weight is probably from actually being able to drink water now!


Onder and Kathryn at dinner with the Schutt's (Jeremy's family).


Two of Jeremy's younger sisters, Kim and Brittany. While in Turkey, Kim's dad was offered a leather shop and 5 camels for his daughter's hand in marriage! Kim was offered a husband, never having to work again, a house to live in and a car to drive!


It took Onder about 5 tries to even take the photo... and then it came out blurry! Oh well.

Risks?

Webster’s defines “risk” as “possibility of loss or injury” (by the way that was for you, Nicole).

Generally, I am not what you would call a “risk-taker.” I prefer the more “safe” route. I rarely stay out late; I always make sure someone has set the alarm system before bed. I tuck my trusty dog beside me and finally am able to start to fall asleep.

Have I ever really done anything “risky?”

Looking back at my life, I decided to make my “Top 10 List of Risky-Risks” I have taken (not in order of importance). And if they don’t sound too risky, please don’t tell me… I can’t risk the criticism.

10. Making the decision of what to be as a child… and then sticking to it!

9. Riding with the training wheels off.

8. Joining Journalism after an entire “career” of sports.

7. Choosing a college.

6. Moving away from home – and never permanently moving back.

5. Dating after a broken heart.

4. Getting married! (Bill’s not sure why I think this is a risk, but c’mon, anyone who is married or in a long-term relationship knows what I am talking about)!

3. Deciding you can handle ONE MORE pet…

2. Deciding to have children.

1. Deciding not to tell people you got another puppy… wait? Did I just tell?