Rock Star!

Zach's guitar lessons are already paying off. Only 3 lessons and here is what he can do.
(click on the collage at the bottom to see the larger pictures)

Remodel Pics

The bathroom remodel and new kitchen floor projects are done...finally! We are happy with the way they turned out. In case you don't recall, you can scroll down for the past pictures. What a difference a floor makes! (You can click on the collage to view the pics closer)

Snow Day

You probably heard about the snow storm that hit us today. We finished with somewhere around 7 inches from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. All schools were closed, the Base closed, and even UNO closed. Too bad Zach, Wolf, and I already had the day off. Bellevue Schools had winter break so I took vacation time to be off. If you click on the collage below, you can see some of the fun the boys were having making snow angels, throwing snowballs, etc.

Boys Brought Home Good News!

We are very proud of Zach and Wolf for being selected as High-Ability Learners (HAL) at their schools. Wolf was selected for all-around subjects, and Zach was selected for history. For those not familiar with Nebraska Education programs, the following Legislative Bill defines HAL. Very similar to the Challenge programs we had growing up.

LB 647, which was adopted by the Nebraska Legislature in 1994, has the following requirements: For school year 1997-98 and each school year thereafter, each school district or ESU . . . shall identify learners with high-ability and contingent upon available local, state, or federal funding, provide programs or services that will address the educational needs of identified students at levels appropriate for the abilities of those students.

LB 647 contains the following definition of a learner with high ability: Learner with high ability shall mean a student who gives evidence of high performance capability in such areas of intellectual, creative, or artistic capacity or in specific academic fields and who require services or activities not ordinarily provided by the school in order to develop those capabilities fully (LB647, adopted 1994).

Wolf's Music Program

Wolf had a music program tonight at his school, LeMay Elementary. We arrived early and he showed us his classroom, including his new class beetles.

The songs they sang included:

• Mairi's Wedding
• Funwa Alafia
• Napping House
• Icka Backa Soda Cracker
• Sweets of May
  

Dad and Wolf reading together in the classroom before the program.













One of the new class beetles...eeewww!









Jayson and Wolf. Wolf played the glockenspiel and the recorder in the program.









Wolf









Wolf's girlfriend Sierra













Mairi's Wedding - Wolf's favorite song of the night


Funwa Alafia (I Have Nothing Up My Sleeve)



Wolf dancing to Sweets of May with his Mom

Adam & Stefani's Baby Shower

The weather was so great today...it reached 60 degrees! Zach finished his intro guitar lessons today and then Jayson and I took him to lunch.

I took the new camera to my cousin's baby shower this afternoon and had some fun. Plus, Jayson was sweet enough to buy me my Valentine's Day presents early...a new camera bag, UV filters, and a camera strap.

Here are a few of my favorite pics from today:




Niece Brigid Flynn (6 weeks)










Niece McKenna Flynn











Niece Madalyn Flynn

Tubing!

On January 10, we went snow tubing at Mt. Crescent in Iowa. We had an inch or two of fresh snow the night before and it was sunny. Watch our short video of the first time down the hill.



Click on the pictures below for larger images.




We had a blast and then went out to eat. At the restaurant, we all wanted to place our frozen toes closest to the fireplace.

The Bathroom Remodel

So, here are some photos to give you an idea of how far we have come. Of course, the first day we forgot to take pictures as the contractors arrived early. We have some mid-day shots however to show the "gutting" process. It was off the to the hotel for us as we had no shower to use. (Click on the pictures for a larger view)


By the end of day 2, it was looking better already! The window was gone and the tub was in, although not usable as a shower just yet.
The fan was installed by day 3 and so was the shower curtain.

By Day 3 we also had a light bar over the empty spot where the sink and vanity go.
The second week we had paint! This is the first coat and shows one of our choices for the shower curtain.

The cabinet had to be custom made for the bathroom due to our register return being outside the bathroom. It is not quite done yet, but looking good!

The mirror and one of the bulbs burned out on the new light.

The bathroom is so close to being done. We can't wait.

This is the kitchen floor before the new stuff. Boy I am going to miss it ;-)
As my brother said today, it is interesting the things we do when we get ready to sell our houses rather than do them and enjoy it while we live there.

Kaylee on the trampoline!

Kaylee and MJ are spending the day and night with us. I am showing Kaylee our blog.

Reading Suggestions

With the season as busy as it is, it is important to get some time for relaxation in as well to help manage the stress. Here are two great, short books for the holiday season.

I started Dashing Through the Snow this weekend and am quite into it already. It is part of a series but I haven't read any of the others in the series yet. It has a great lighthearted mystery plot surrounding a holiday lottery winning.

I finished Engaging Father Christmas over my trip to Virginia a couple weeks ago. It is lighthearted and adorable; puts you in the mood for the season and has a cute romantic plot.

Our local library had both. Enjoy!

District Swimming

Earlier this week Zach had his last swim meet of the season. He placed 5th in the district championship in the breaststroke! He also placed 22nd in the district in the freestyle. What a season!



Well, it has been a busy week here...but when isn't it busy? We just finished a game of Life with the electronic game-keeper. The boys absolutely love it! We played a trial game last night and they were begging all day to play again. After the trial game last night we all watched White Christmas.



I spent most of yesterday with my Mom. What a nice chance to talk and spend time together. My Dad's birthday was Wednesday and most of the kids were out there.

We have two Christmas parties tonight and then more shopping and wrapping to complete before the big day is here. I also need to get started on Christmas cards. Normally I have these done by now and this year I haven't even started yet... where did 2008 go?

Well, this is a new experiment. Sister-in-law Misty has been blogging and I finally had some time to check it out and it looks like a great way to let everyone know what is going on in the Lucas world.

Tonight I just finished teaching the last class of the semester. Finals are next week and I am READY!

Zach and Wolf were with us this weekend and we celebrated their birthdays with a party at Coco Key Water Resort.

Ooops! Jayson just called and he is already nearly home. Time to get myself home too. See, this is why I am glad I have a blog and not an email to keep up with everyone. More later...