Ian

Ian is the 20 year-old college student that I started tutoring this week. I was a little nervous tutoring a young adult. My oldest students have been 6th graders. But it has been a really fun experience. I hate driving into town all the time, but at least I get to meet Mario for lunch afterwards.

Ian was born completely deaf. He didn't speak or hear until he was almost 6 years-old. At that point, he was given a cochlear implant. I can tell that the implant isn't completely effective for him because he reads my lips. So I have to be extra careful to look at him whenever I am speaking. But, I am impressed with how well he is doing. It is obvious that he has worked with a speech therapist for years. Unfortunately, he and his brother (who is also deaf) both have dyslexia. The brother is tutored with the Barton system at a private school in Phoenix and it has been very effective. So that's why Ian's mom contacted me. Ian is a student at the University of Arizona which is down here in Tucson and I am the only certified tutor in this town. If he doesn't improve, he will have to drop out of school and move back to Phoenix where he can get tutored there.

It was silly for me to worry about them affording my tutoring. Ian lives in a large home with a cleaning lady. He told me that his family has a vacation home on an island just off of Alaska. He drives a very nice truck and told me that he could pay me because he has a checkbook off his mom's account. Even though he sounds like he comes from a wealthy family, he in no way comes across as a snobby rich kid.

His mom would like him to drop down to only 1 or 2 classes next semester so he can work with me more. She also would like me to start tutoring him 1.5 -2 hours a day. Right now we have agreed 3 times per week but I know she would prefer 5 or 6. But I don't feel right giving up my volunteering on Tuesday and Thursdays at the school and I don't want to do evenings unless I can't do one of the other 3 days.

It was hard on me to leave the students behind in Monterey. I had so many that were making good process and there was no one to take my place since I was doing it free in the school. I know it will be hard to move next summer without completing the program with Ian. I just hope we can find him another tutor to take over by then.

What is Grass?

When we lived in Hawaii, I met a family at the park that had just moved in. The child was fascinated by the sand. He had never seen it before. I thought that was so odd. By time we move out of the desert next year, my kids are probably going to be fascinated by grass and everyone will think they are odd.

Here is Nathan enjoying the park in Idaho.

Idaho

Nathan has waited almost 3 years for his airplane ride alone with dad. Zach went to Connecticut with me in Jan 2009. Now Nathan is finally going. He and Mario left this morning for Boise, Idaho to visit Mario's Mom and Stepdad.

Fortunately they'll be back on Monday in time for trick-or-treating.



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Little Gasparilla Island, Florida Vacation Continued (Finally)

My sister found out about some beach houses on Little Gasparilla Island that are donated to military members who have served in Afghanistan or Iraq. A small realty company in Englewood, Florida started the program. We were lucky enough to stay in the owner's own beach home for two nights. The program allows for 3 nights, but we were only able to go for 2 because of Conference Weekend. We didn't want to miss any of the Sunday sessions. The home was donated along with the transportation by a water taxi. We couldn't believe that there was not a catch to the whole deal. In fact, they never even asked to see a military ID or anything.

We had the best couple days. It was so relaxing being out on the island that was practically deserted. I guess the busy rental season is over the summer. I have such fond memories of things like the battery running out on the golf cart and Mario having to push it back to the house while I steered (we can laugh about it now), walks on the beach at sunrise and sunset, teaching the kids how to kayak, playing legos with Nathan and Zachary, building sandcastles, and hanging out with my family. They were able to join us for one afternoon. If it weren't for church meetings, I think I could retire to an island like this. Mario and I LOVED it! It was so relaxing. Our view from the front window hasn't been this good since we lived in Hawaii Kai. In Hawaii we had a great view of the canal and then the ocean across the street. Oh how I miss those days! There's nothing like running along side the ocean.

Employed

I haven't made a dime working since I was a few months pregnant with Eric in 1997. But today that has changed. I now officially have a part time job tutoring 3 hours a week. Mario asks what I am going to spend my money on. He thinks I should spend it on whatever I want, like a new purse. I don't want to waste MY money on a purse. Then I realized that I have no problems spending Mario's hard earned money on a new purse, but I don't think I can buy one with my own hard earned money. That's probably not really fair to Mario and it really makes no sense since we have always shared our money anyway. He laughs when I say this, but I think I out-earned him while we were both in college. I think I will still put mine into savings so when we eventually buy our retirement home, I will feel like I contributed even if it is only such a small percentage compared to Mario. Or maybe I will increase the kids' mission funds. Either is a better option than the new purse.

Maybe Mario will get me the new purse for Christmas.

Shrek the Musical

I took Nate and Zach to see Shrek on Broadway. It was very cute. We really enjoyed it. It did have some potty humor that I made the boys promise not to repeat at school. I'm sure they've already broken their promise! There was no photography allowed in the music hall, so the only picture with Shrek is the fake Shrek in a car outside the hall.

Zach loves making me look like a bad mom. He told his teacher the next day that he didn't go to bed until 11 pm. He gave no explanation. So I assured her that his normal bedtime is normally between 7 & 8. Although tonight maybe it should be 6 since he tried to make me look like an irresponsible parent!

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Barton Tutoring

Well, I think I got my first, paid tutoring job. I was forced out of retirement (ha) by a desperate college student's mother. At first I told her I wasn't taking any students, but then I felt bad and agreed to tutor him since it will be during the day when my kids are in school. I meet with the student tomorrow to give him a screening to make sure he is ready for the Barton system.

I discovered the Barton tutoring in Monterey and I tutored about 9 students at the local elementary school. I tutored and volunteered so many hours that I got burnt out. So when we moved here, I took a break. I never planned on a two and a half year break, but it just happened. Most of the calls I got for tutoring were an hour away. Plus I get so busy with my own kids, that I didn't want to take my evenings away from them. Then Mario deployed, blah, blah, blah. I have many excuses. But now I have waited so long that I have to watch all the videos again and organize all my materials.

Can you tell how excited I am about it, I am blogging instead of prepping. Not a good sign! I am actually really excited about getting back into it, but I have become lazy. I like my days by myself at home. Now I will have to drive into town during the days because I don't want a college age guy coming to my house when I am alone. If he passes the screening, his mother would like him tutored as many days a week as I am willing. That presents a problem because I volunteer at the school at least 2 mornings a week. Do I give that up to make a few bucks tutoring? Not really worth the money. But when I look at it from this poor college guy's viewpoint, I think I owe it to him to give him as much tutoring as I can before I move next summer. But of course, my family will always come first.

My brother, Billy, always comments that he has no managerial skills. I have no business skills. When I told the mom my rate , I automatically responded with "I can give you a small discount since you want him tutored several times a week." She didn't even ask for a discount, but I felt so bad charging so much, that I offered her a discount. I think maybe I should put Mario in charge of handling my business affairs. I am just way too nice (if I say so myself.) Mario laughs at me and thinks I better not even cash the first check because I will probably feel so bad and give it back to the mom. He knows I would rather do it for free. But it is my time and my gas. I am charging the going rate for a certified tutor, so I shouldn't feel bad. But I do.

Back to School

Nathan, Zach, and Erin went back to school today. I would be lying if I said I was sad about it. Deep down I am celebrating my "alone" time again. I asked the boys today what I should do today and Nathan told me to "Take a nap like you always do." I think maybe I will try to workout (I'm starting a cold) and then curl up in bed with my kindle. What a great day!


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Toy Story 3 On Ice

I admit I am not a huge fan of Disney movies or any animated movies for that matter. But I loved all the Toy Story movies. So when Toy Story 3 On Ice came to Tucson, I decided to take whichever kids wanted to go. Eric didn't want to go but he would have enjoyed it. Mario stayed back with Eric.

We really enjoyed it. The Barbie and Ken scenes were by far my favorite. Those scenes in the movie were funny and they were equally as funny on ice. The toy soldiers and aliens were pretty cool too.

Sentimental Toys

I am not the overly sentimental type. But Mario is. He has toys and a blanket from childhood. He saved the last two pacifiers the twins ever used. He would still have the toy lawn mower that Eric used when we lived in Cocoa Beach if I hadn't sold it at a yard sale without his knowledge. Oops. Mario has such fond memories of Eric walking up and down the sidewalk with his lawn mower as Mario mowed our lawn.

Now that we know we will be moving at the end of the school year, I am starting to have the kids clean out their toys. The boys are almost 8 and have outgrown a lot of their toys, puzzles, and books. So yesterday they got a huge garbage bag and started throwing toys in it to be sold at the next yard sale. I found myself getting a little sad (sentimental) at some of the toys they were throwing in the bag. Many are from Eric that had been handed down to each child. There were a few things I just couldn't part with. One was this Millennium Falcon (I had to google to find the name of it-I know nothing about Star Wars.)

Eric got this for Christmas when he was six. Mario and I had decided to get him some walkie talkies that year. We thought he would have so much fun using them with his friends in the neighborhood. But Christmas morning, he could care less about the walkie talkies, he was so excited about this Star Wars toy. Mario and I had found it for 75% off at the NEX. We almost didn't buy it, but decided to at the last minute since it was only $10. Wow, was I glad we did. He loved it along with every other boy that came to my house for the next several years.

I had to save it from the garbage bag. I also had to save a Chevron car, Brio train tracks, a moose puzzle, and a car track. We had bought that car track for Eric when he broke his leg at 18 months. We needed something to entertain him on the floor for hours. He loved it. I put all the toys aside and decided to ask Mario to box them up so we can save them for our grandchildren.

I started thinking about what else should go in this "sentimental" box. I think Erin's little blue elephant stuffed animal that she got as a baby and her American Girl Dolls will go in. She has them all boxed up in her closet now. Makes me sad to think she has outgrown them. For Nathan it will be all his Legos and of course his beloved Pooh bears. Unfortunately I got rid of the original because it was so nasty from him taking it EVERYWHERE when he was a toddler. For Zachary, all his stuffed animal dogs will need to go in the box. He is very attached to them. I think his camera will have to go in the box also.

North Port, Florida Vacation Days 4-6

On Friday, we needed to leave Orlando early to get down to Englewood for Max's third birthday. I was afraid the kids would be disappointed to leave Disney early, but when I told them we were going to Max's birthday at the beach, they were all excited. After living in the desert for 2 1/2 years, the beach sounded even better than Disney World!

We stopped at the outlet mall on the way down and picked up some new luggage. Then we stopped by Billy and Kristen's home to drop off all our stuff. They were very generous to let us stay with them 3 nights. They were great hosts. I have always tried to avoid bringing my twins to their house because my brother has two sweet girls and I didn't want to subject them to my crazy boys. But since they have the largest home, we decided to take them up on their offer to let us stay there. They were kind to give us the entire upstairs. Kristen had gone shopping for groceries but Billy didn't think she had enough, so he got up early Saturday and bought lots more. He must have heard rumors about how much teenage boys eat. I wish I had t-shirts made up for them that said "I survived the Perez boys for the weekend."

After dropping off our stuff, we headed out to Englewood Beach for the party. Englewood was probably my favorite beach growing up. I spent many days there with family and friends. So it was nice to go back. It has been several years since the entire family has been together, so we were able to get a family photo that evening before Charlie had to take off early the next morning.

On Saturday, Billy was able to get 2 boats from his boat club and we went boating. The kids had a lot of fun tubing, swimming, and playing in the sand.

We got back to Billy's in time to watch the Saturday afternoon conference and have a nice dinner. On Sunday, we watched both sessions of conference and Billy made us a nice Peruvian chicken and rice dish. He and Kristen really went overboard making us comfortable and feel welcome. It was nice for the cousins to have so much playtime together. Erin played with Gabriella, Nathan with Justin, Zachary with Gina, and Eric enjoyed hanging out with Max. No matter how hard he tried, Eric couldn't get Max to say Eric is his favorite cousin. I think Max just likes teasing Eric. My mom took the kids for a walk.

Douglas Spring Hike

I'm still working on downloading all my Florida pictures. So I will continue with vacation pictures as soon as I finish.

Today, Eric went back to school. The rest of the family enjoyed a hike. I almost cried "a happy cry" that I made it the entire 6 miles. The first 3 miles were climbing uphill. After all my injuries, 6 miles was a great accomplishment. We hiked to a dried up waterfall. It was kind of anticlimatic at the top. But still worth it. This was the boys longest hike of their lives ( unless hiking Disney counts). They did great with no complaining.

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Disney

We just returned from 10 days in Florida. The kids had to practically drag me and Mario onto the plane to come back to Arizona. The kids grow very attached to each place we live while Mario and I always keep our focus on our favorite place, Florida. Well, Hawaii wasn't bad, but who can afford to retire there? We left when it was almost 100 degrees here in Tucson and we returned to the 60's. Apparently we came home the right day because friends tell us it was 96 degrees yesterday.

It will have to take separate entries in my blog to put all my vacation pictures. So today I will start with our four days at Disney World. Even with the half price military discount, Disney was still expensive. But we had a great time with my parents, Charlie, Melissa and her kids. We did discover that my twins have missed out on some classic Disney movies like Pinocchio. They had no idea who several of the characters were at Disney. They didn't even know Lion King until a couple weeks ago. I figured out why. We had all the Disney movies on VHS up until the boys were born. We switched over to DVD, and got rid of all the VHS. I didn't occur to me that they had never seen these movies since I never bought or rented them on DVD.

We started out by visiting Hollywood Studios (I know it as MGM). Mario, Eric, Erin, and Zachary enjoyed all the big, scary rides like Tower of Terror. Nathan and I enjoyed the less adventurous stuff. The highlight of his day was getting his picture taken with Winnie the Pooh. Everyone attended the car stunt show, Indiana Jones stunt show, and Beauty and the Beast. I loved the shows. That evening, Melissa and I took Nathan and her boys to downtown Disney to visit the Lego store. The rest of the clan spent a couple hours at Epcot. Apparently they weren't too interested in the "educational" park because they didn't want to go back another day.

The next day we went to Magic Kingdom. Nathan kept true to his word and headed straight for the Winnie the Pooh ride. The rest of the family headed to Space Mountain. Nathan eventually became brave (with a little bribery...like a new Pooh Bear to replace his worn out one) and tried Space Mountain and LOVED it. It was fun to be able to go with Melissa, Justin, and Max. Unfortunately the lines got long in the afternoon. Since they had only one day, Zachary, Grandma and I left in the early evening and headed to MGM so Melissa and her kids could see the cool shows too. By the end of the day, I had such bad blisters on my ankle that I had to walk barefoot. Apparently we were so busy that day, that we didn't get hardly any pictures.

Day 3 we went to Animal Kingdom. That may have been my favorite. It was very hot but the park had a lot of shade. It had a roller coaster that everyone tried to get Nathan to go on. But he wouldn't budge. We went on a water ride similar to the Conga at Busch Gardens. We didn't tell Nathan about the drop, but he actually loved it and went again with us. We got soaked but it was a lot of fun. The lines for the rides were very short. That always makes for an enjoyable visit to a theme park. I made my family pose with Mickey Mouse. This may be the picture on our Christmas card this year.

We had to choose one park to repeat on Day 4. I didn't really care for Magic Kingdom, and Mario and Nathan were the only 2 that wanted to go back there. So we went with the majority and went to MGM. There we tried the Toy Story ride that is so popular that you can barely get fast passes for it. When the park opened at 9 am, I think about 90% of the people ran to that ride. It was a carnival style ride and we loved it. Zachary bought Nathan some Winnie the Pooh lollipops and you can see how excited Nathan was when Zach gave them to him.