An Inspiring Story

I read this article on MSNBC today. Simply amazing. This man has been blessed with a wonderful family who were unwilling to give up hope. I can't even begin to imagine the pain and difficulties this man went through during all this. Well, just read it:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34109227/ns/health-more_health_news/?GT1=43001

Stone Family Update

I left a little early to meet up with Juliet this morning.  It was rainy, but pretty mild, so it wasn't bad.  I ran from here and on the trail up to Mama Stortini's parking lot where I always meet Juliet in the mornings.  We had a good 6 mile run and then I ran back home, so I got close to 10 miles in this morning.  I felt pretty good.  I'm glad Juliet runs with me because it makes the miles go by a lot faster than running by myself. 

We had parent teacher conferences last night and they went good.  We found out a couple of interesting things.  Cody is VERY shy.  He was hiding behind us while we talked to his teachers (he has one teacher who he goes to for extra help), and they said that is how he is in class every day.  He must get that from his daddy, I was also extremely shy in early grade school.  But he is doing well with his numbers and letters, he just needs to come out of his shell a bit.  Dallas is doing extraordinary in school.  His teacher was beaming talking about how wonderful it is to have him in class and how she is privileged to be his teacher.  She says he cracks jokes at appropriate times, and that he understands sarcasm already unlike most kids his age I guess.  She said he is a natural leader and has lots of friends and that people are drawn to him.  She also recommended us having him tested to enter a school program for "highly capable learners".  She also said it is totally up to us if we want to keep him in his regular school classes, but she did leave us a pamphlet.  We are thinking we will let him take the test to see if he even qualifies or not, and then make our decision from there as a family.  I would like to see him excel in school, but at the same time I would like him to feel like a normal kid with normal friends.

Things have been going good for us and we are looking forward to spending time with family at the holidays.  Also a great time to dust off some good Christmas songs.

Veteran's Day at Point Defiance Zoo

First off happy Veterans Day to all those who have served our country.  I am thankful for those who have risked their lives and to those who paid the ultimate price to secure our freedom.  Like the old saying says, "Freedom ain't free."  Although our country seems to be headed down hill quickly, this is still sacred ground we all walk upon, truly the promised land.

We had a fun day today.  We took the kids to Point Defiance Zoo in Tacoma and had a fun time looking at the marine life and all the other animals.  My favorite was the tiger.  They are such amazing creatures.  So be

autiful to look at.  The tiger was pacing back and forth in front of the door to his cage.  He must have been waiting for someone to come and feed him.  He looked like he was ready to tear apart any member of his audience for a meal.  I will post some pictures.  It was a perfect day to go to the zoo.  Nice and sunny and perfect temperature.  

We took the boys to McDonalds afterwards.  They had fun at the play land and Dallas was something to behold.  He ate a double cheesburger, an additional cheeseburger, fries, finished off Brandon's burger, and topped it off with an apple pie.  Oh, and washed it all down with 2 small sprites.  That boy must be growing like crazy!  Heck, I don't think I ate that much as a teenager.

I ran 6 miles with Juliet this morning.  She hasn't been feeling well lately, but we got it in nonetheless.