Summer Skating Fun!

I took the kids skating tonight with some friends Justin and Jessica. We went to my childhood Skateland in Chandler and it was a blast! I don't skate any better than I did when I was in Junior High, but it's thrilling to see how Cole and Aria improve each time they go and the pride on their faces as they realize it too.

I must say though, the best part for me is when the kids circle around and grab my hand. (Chills) As we skate side-by-side, I can't help but flash a big cheesy grin. I look over at my sweet, beautiful child and take a mental picture.

I wish for every day to be this full of love and happiness.

 So precious! I didn't even ask them to do this.... I'm just glad I had my camera ready to capture it!

PS- I have some more great pictures to share but haven't figured out how to post them in portrait. Hmmm...

Honoring a great teacher, mentor and friend

This weekend I had the privilege of singing in a choir conducted by Bart Evans who, until this coming school year, was the principal choir director at Dobson High School for the past 30 years. It was an amazing experience to say the least- singing in a group of over 200 people from the class of 1981 (that's the year I turned one) to 2011.... each one of us impacted in some way by this man's teaching ability. He was my teacher throughout high school at Dobson, until I graduated in 1998.

 Below is a picture of Mr. Evans with my best friend Amanda who has followed in his foot steps and become a choir teacher herself. And she is only one of many who have gone on to make music a part of their career because of this incredible man.

It was an emotional night. We were so happy to see him and be lead in song by him one last time; to be reunited with old friends who share the common bond of love for music and our old teacher, and yet sad to sing our last notes together at his hand.

Bitter sweet.

Thank you, Mr. Evans. We will forever pay it forward.

Father's Day 2011

This Father's Day was not the greatest... in fact it was probably the worst one yet. I won't go into details, but let's just say that Father's Day isn't the same without your Daddy there with you. There were some nice times however- at the end of the day, the kids stood up said the thing they each love most about their daddies. It was special to hear what they had to say. I just wish my dad would have been able to hear me say what I love most about him.

 

Celebrating the bro-in-laws

Tonight we went to the casino to play in a poker tourni to celebrate Jim and Charlie's birthdays. We all wiped out after the first couple of hours except for Jim and Jo-Lynn (who placed 4th I was impressed to find out!). It was fun and even though we left at a quarter to one in the morning, it all seemed to end too soon!

Ok... here we go! A day in the life of Norman!

Feeling inspired and decided it's time for a little on-line journaling/posting of all things Norman!