tales from a far-land

It is that time of year again -- summer.  Summer in Arizona is synonymous with swimming and we want our kids to be excellent swimmers.  So, we enrolled Madilyn and Aiden in swimming lessons yet again this year. As you many recall, swimming lessons were not that productive for Madi last year.  In fact, she cried the entire time.  All I can say is what a difference a year makes. Tonight we took Madi and Aiden to the City of Phoenix Cactus Pool for their first swimming lessons of the summer.  Both kids were enrolled in the same swimming class.  We thought that if they took the class together, their would be less tears.  They were pretty excited to get into the pool and take their lessons. When it came time to go with Bennett, their instructor/coach, Madi and Aiden both followed him to the other side of the pool and willingly climbed in the pool.  Their lesson lasted about a half hour and both kids did pretty well.   Madi participated hap...

Thinking back throughout the years, I am not sure if my dad would agree, but I feel this Father's Day is a very special one for my dad.  For this year, he celebrates not only being a father, a grandfather, but also retirement.  My dad has worked hard creating a wonderful life for me, my sister and my mom for the past 30 plus years in the employee benefits arena. Throughout my childhood and adulthood my dad has held so many roles -- my hero, my teacher, my sports coach, my advocate, my editor, my chauffeur, my cheerleader, my contractor/carpenter, an instigator, my benefactor, my ally, my co-star, my pinochle partner, my kids "Papa" and so much more. However, seven years ago, my dad also became my co-worker. Even though we had worked together in the same industry for eight years prior, becoming his co-worker was one of the most amazing moments in my life.  It enabled me the opportunity to see my dad on a daily basis and learn even more about him, so much more than when yo...

Today we said goodbye to an old friend.  Fifteen years ago, I received a call one afternoon while at work at CIGNA.  It was Dad and Bill Mason, my father's best friend.  Bill's daughter purchased a purebred Beagle puppy and could no longer keep it in her apartment. Knowing I was looking for a playmate for Teddie Bear, they instantly thought of me. Without hesitation and sight unseen, I became the new owner of Pooh Bear. Pooh Bear was a great dog; a challenge at times, but always adorable.  She was pure Beagle -- single focused on food, easily distracted, but amazing with other dogs and kids.  Pooh Bear was definitely my wild child. Her life was full of some crazy escapades, including: Visiting a couple of late night emergency rooms as she may have eaten something that she shouldn't. Opening/eating an entire carton of hot cocoa packets, with some assistance from Teddie, and powdering/vandalizing the entire house making it nearly impossible to clean.   ...

Last Friday was Career Day at Anderson Preparatory Academy.  The kids were really lucky to have a cool guest speaker.  Our good friend, neighbor and fellow APA parent, Paul Horton from Channel 5 CBS visited the kids at preschool and taught them all about the weather.  The segment on Channel 5 CBS is called the Weather Road Show.  All of the kids really enjoyed the visit.  They were able to tour the CBS "Live" truck. The students in Madilyn's classroom were given the opportunity to be "Junior Reporters".  And the best part of Paul's visit was the kids were highlighted on the news during Paul's show yesterday.  Madi even received a shout-out from Paul.  What a fun day for everyone involved! The Students of APA  Madi was a little nervous as a "Junior Reporter"  Waving from the back of the "Live" Truck Paul teaching the kids about weather Click on the link below to see the spotlight that was aired on Channel 5 CBS yes...