my kids are obsessed with snowboarding. spencer got the video. dave made a path for his and down he when many times.
into the fall
Friday, January 29, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
shooting the snow
i posted my photoshoot of the gorgeous snowflocked trees. check it out.
http://diphotography.blogspot.com/
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Snow, snow and more snow!
All the kids got to cross country ski up and down the road.
Gavin found a safe place in the back of the van.
Dave and the roof!
My front door this morning.
A ton of snow everywhere, we really got dumped on. Dave shoveled off the trampolene so it wouldn't get ruined, plus the kids love playing on it! Dave has spent hours and hours shoveling, he told me his back in numb. Arden and Spencer are making snow caves in the backyard right now. Alexis just took a hot bath and is eating orange rolls in bed. I have been editing photos for far too long and everyone has interupted me a thousand time, which is why I haven't attempted this yet. So CJ here you go at your request to see our snow. Gotta go three kids crying for me and Chica won't stay off the computer keys! Love Di
Snowed in!
Cheese!
Monday was a holiday and then Tue thru Fri were snowdays and the kids didn't have school. I loved every minute of it! It made me want to homeschool! Here they are doing Pilates! I just love them. I especially loved spending time with my girl who are always gone at school and so busy with lessons etc. Love these children so much.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Posting
I can't believe I haven't posted pics from Christmas or all the birthdays we have had. I just downloaded them a couple days ago. I have been so busy with everyone and everything I haven't thought too much about blogging.
I have been thinking I need to write in my journal. I made Arden do it two days ago. Tomorrow will be another snowday maybe I will get busy and write.
Gavin is really the love of my life right now. He is my little "Marley" if you have ever seen Marley and Me you know what I am talking about. Today he dumped a huge cup of water all over the den floor. He put yogart on the treadmill and all over the table, and dumped 100 straws all over the kitchen floor. He tried to turn the oven on over and over and thought it was a game. He hit me and thought that was funny. He ripped his diaper off, I ducted taped it back on and I felt like a police officer constaining a bad guy. He sucked yogart from a straw and blew it all over the car. He screamed "Wow" as load as he could over and over again at Sam's club until we checked out. He threw a tantrum at the post office because I would let him take his Doritos in with him and I regreted it the whole time. He refuses to sit in the grocery cart!
He loves Dave more than life itself. Everytime I am holding him and we walk down the hall he sees a photo of our family and says, "Dad, ball, Dad, ball!" Its really cute. He fold his arms when we pray and if I ask him to go get his boots on he will say, "k" and run to get them and run back to me and sit in my lap and stick his feet up.
Today I sat on the couch for two minutes and thought of words that describe how I feel. These are they; blessed, surprised, happy, content, loved, needed, in love, overwelmed. Something like that.
It was a snowday. I love snowdays,it's like summer but snowy. I let my kids watch a movie after breakfast since they did two hours of chores yesterday. I hired a babysiter and went cross country skiing for and hour and a half, while my kids played the Wii. Alexis and Spencer made brownies while Gavin and I supervised. I cleaned my room for the first time since before Christmas and shined the tops of my dressers. My kids played outside in the snow and loved every minute of it. I want to take them all snowboarding. A snowmobile would be nice or a four wheeler or a hot tub. We are making Bethany's orange rolls tomorrow for Dad. And hoping its the kind of snow that will make a good snowman or sculpture. Alexis's piano teacher said she is amazing, she learned to read notes faster that most kids, that made her feel special. I love snowdays, love being with my kids, it's my favorite thing. I never thought I would love being a mom so much but here I am loving it.
PS Gavin sucks toothpast!
I have been thinking I need to write in my journal. I made Arden do it two days ago. Tomorrow will be another snowday maybe I will get busy and write.
Gavin is really the love of my life right now. He is my little "Marley" if you have ever seen Marley and Me you know what I am talking about. Today he dumped a huge cup of water all over the den floor. He put yogart on the treadmill and all over the table, and dumped 100 straws all over the kitchen floor. He tried to turn the oven on over and over and thought it was a game. He hit me and thought that was funny. He ripped his diaper off, I ducted taped it back on and I felt like a police officer constaining a bad guy. He sucked yogart from a straw and blew it all over the car. He screamed "Wow" as load as he could over and over again at Sam's club until we checked out. He threw a tantrum at the post office because I would let him take his Doritos in with him and I regreted it the whole time. He refuses to sit in the grocery cart!
He loves Dave more than life itself. Everytime I am holding him and we walk down the hall he sees a photo of our family and says, "Dad, ball, Dad, ball!" Its really cute. He fold his arms when we pray and if I ask him to go get his boots on he will say, "k" and run to get them and run back to me and sit in my lap and stick his feet up.
Today I sat on the couch for two minutes and thought of words that describe how I feel. These are they; blessed, surprised, happy, content, loved, needed, in love, overwelmed. Something like that.
It was a snowday. I love snowdays,it's like summer but snowy. I let my kids watch a movie after breakfast since they did two hours of chores yesterday. I hired a babysiter and went cross country skiing for and hour and a half, while my kids played the Wii. Alexis and Spencer made brownies while Gavin and I supervised. I cleaned my room for the first time since before Christmas and shined the tops of my dressers. My kids played outside in the snow and loved every minute of it. I want to take them all snowboarding. A snowmobile would be nice or a four wheeler or a hot tub. We are making Bethany's orange rolls tomorrow for Dad. And hoping its the kind of snow that will make a good snowman or sculpture. Alexis's piano teacher said she is amazing, she learned to read notes faster that most kids, that made her feel special. I love snowdays, love being with my kids, it's my favorite thing. I never thought I would love being a mom so much but here I am loving it.
PS Gavin sucks toothpast!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Vote YES on FUSD Override!
Our children deserve this, without it they will loose the kind of education we had when we were their age and much more. Invest in our children, invest in the future.
I went to a meeting last night and learned a lot about the FUSD Override. Here is what I learned and some information that will help answer questions!
Ballets will be out on Feb 2, 2010
Ballets are due by March 9, 2010
WHAT IS THE OVERRIDE?On February 2, 2010, ballots will be mailed out to every registered voter in Coconino County. On that ballot will be a question: "Do you want to provide a 15% increase to the allocated Arizona State funding to be used for operations of the Flagstaff Unified School District?" This is the essential question.
WHY DO WE NEED AN OVERRIDE?The state of Arizona gives a block of money each year (currently to FUSD, approximately $56 million) to each school district for the purpose of daily operations. These operations include all mandated core education, teachers' salaries, supplies such as beakers in the science classroom, and other important staff such as school nurses.The term "override" is a bit misleading. Override sounds like the District has misused funds, or could have found ways to tighten their belt and lived within their means. However, the Arizona State budget has experienced such a severe shortfall of revenue even basic education money has been cut. Thus, the only means to fund some programs such as band and drama, and even needed personnel such as school nurses and assistant principals in larger schools, is to ask you, the Coconino County residents, to approve this Override.We at Citizens For School Success have examined the structure and fiscal practices of the Board of FUSD. We believe the Board has demonstrated a tremendous amount of fiscal responsibility. We believe more effective communication by FUSD will help the general public understand their hard work. We want to encourage FUSD to speak up more often, while we work with them to support our children's by passing this override.
WHAT IF THE OVERRIDE FAILS?Until the State of Arizona decides on the 2010 budget for education, no one knows the extent of the cuts Flagstaff schools will undergo. We do know many existing programs are already either under-funded or will not be funded under our current budget. Programs that would be considered for cutting are the non-core education programs such as chorus, band, athletics, and many other electives(music, art). Important staff positions could be cut such as school nurses, assistant principals, janitorial staff, and teachers. Classroom sizes will probably continue to increase and aids will not be available to those students who need them most.We all feel the effects of the nation-wide economic recession. It is more important than ever to make sure our children's education is properly funded. While, "children are our future" is cliche', it is up to all of us to ensure the future of our children is not slighted through substandard education. The Citizens For School Success encourage all to vote YES on the FUSD Override. When you do, be sure to sign your ballot, and mail it back as soon as possible before the March 9, 2010 deadline.
A WORD ABOUT THE RECENT CAPITOL IMPROVEMENTS We have all seen the improvements and construction at the Flagstaff school facilities. New football fields, upgraded and safe electrical repairs, and many high tech supplies to the classrooms have been added over the past couple of years. ALL of these improvements have been paid for by the 2006 Voter Approved Bonds. None of the bond money can be used for general maintenance and operation of the day to day needs for education. The way we fund education in Arizona means we have separate and non-transferable money sources for facilities and education. There is a common - yet very false - notion the money used for building a new football field should instead be used to pay for more teachers or other educational programs. However, it is illegal to use the bond money for educational operations. The passing of the bonds in 2006 affirmed Flagstaff voters really do support our education system. It is now time to continue to show our support for our children's future by passing this override.
WHAT ABOUT SCHOOL CLOSURES AND REDISTRICTING IN FUSD Many of us are concerned about the proposed closing of schools and redistricting in FUSD. However, the focus of Citizens for School Success is the passing of the budget override. These two issues must be kept separate.
Information Sources:
Political Action Committee (PAC), Steering Committee and Supporter Information, and how to donate to the PAC
CitizensforSchoolSuccess.com
To request signs, other campaign materials, or have your name added to the CFSS website as a supporter:
http://citizensforschoolsuccess.com/info@citizensforschoolsuccess.com
Facebook
2009 Budget Override Forum
FUSD Fiscal Year 2010/11 Budget Outlook
http://www.fusd1.org/fusd1/cwp/view.asp?A=3&Q=288837
FUSD Governing Board (keep checking back for added information)
http://www.fusd1.org/19271065144137967/site/default.asp
FUSD Superintendent’s Corner
http://www.fusd1.org/19271065144154483/site/default.asp
Myths v. Facts
#1 - Myth:
FUSD is top-heavy in administrative expenses.
Fact:
The State Auditor General conducted a district audit beginning in 2006. A Report of that audit was finalized in 2008. The report stated that FUSD’s school level administrative expenditures were higher than other districts. This could be said for the following reasons:
· Most of the districts that FUSD was compared to are smaller (apples to oranges).
· Flagstaff has underutilized schools. As each of those schools needs to have school level administrators, FUSD’s school level administrator to student ratio was higher than other districts (this will be changed by school closures).
· Some non-classroom employees such as nurses, librarians, and information technology specialists were coded as “administrative personnel” and still are.
· In consideration of our public school population, Flagstaff receives Title I funding (Improving The Academic Achievement Of The Disadvantaged). This funding is separate from M&O money, but still appears to be administrative, so even though we have it because we need it, it adds to administrative numbers.
Therefore, the district has never been “top heavy” in the sense that people have assumed. Also, administrative costs have been cut since then and in when checked again 2008 by the same agency, admin costs were below the state and national average.
#2 – Myth:
The district needs money because they have mismanaged their budget.
Fact:
Thee is no indication the Disctrict has mishandled money. The district needs money for the following reasons:
Employee insurance costs are increasing
AZ State Retirement System costs are increasing
Utilities funding ($1.4M) has been cut from the budget
Decreased enrollment (loss of per student funding)
Loss of override funds (previous override phasing out)
The state is predicting cuts of 6%, 9%, or 15% from the 2011 operating budget
#3 - Myth:
A no vote for the override will send a message to the FUSD Board Members and Administration that I am unhappy with the way the district is being run.
Fact:
An email, telephone and letter writing campaign and an effort to attend FUSD Board meetings will send that message. A no vote will place Flagstaff’s public school system and local economy in jeopardy. ********************************************************************************************GENERAL INFO: (from the Coconino County Elections website)
On March 9, 2010, Flagstaff Unified School District #1 will conduct an override election to exceed its revenue control limit by 15 percent. If this override passes, it will be in effect for seven years.
Voters will be asked to vote on the following issue:
· To adopt a General Maintenance and Operation Budget which exceeds the revenue control limit specified by statute by fifteen percent for fiscal years 2010-2011 through 2014-2015 with the amount of the proposed increase in fiscal years 2015-2016 and 2016-2017, reduced to ten percent and five percent, respectively. The 2010-2011 budget override authority represents an extension and increase of the existing budget override authority, which has phased down by one-third in the current fiscal year (2009-2010), and will phase down by an additional one-third for fiscal year 2010-2011 if the voters do not approve the override.
The Coconino County Superintendent of Schools office will prepare an informational pamphlet for the election. The pamphlet will be mailed to households with qualified electors who reside within the school district. Arguments “For” and “Against” this special budget override are being requested for inclusion in the Informational Report, which will be reviewed by the School Superintendent to ensure all statements are factual. Any inaccurate statements will be corrected. Any portion of the written arguments identified as statements of the author’s opinion will not be reviewed and corrected.
Arguments are to be 200 words or less and must be typed or printed, and signed by the author. The arguments should include the author’s name, address, telephone number, a signature, and whether or not the name can be printed in the information pamphlet.
Arguments must be received by 4:00 p.m., December 29, 2009, in the Coconino County Superintendent of Schools office, Ponderosa High School, 2384 N Steves Blvd., Flagstaff, AZ, 86004. Faxes will be accepted at (928)679-8077; however, the original must be mailed to Coconino County Superintendent of Schools, 110 East Cherry Avenue, Flagstaff, AZ, 86001.
For more information, please call the office of the Coconino County School Superintendent at (928) 679-8070.
I went to a meeting last night and learned a lot about the FUSD Override. Here is what I learned and some information that will help answer questions!
Ballets will be out on Feb 2, 2010
Ballets are due by March 9, 2010
WHAT IS THE OVERRIDE?On February 2, 2010, ballots will be mailed out to every registered voter in Coconino County. On that ballot will be a question: "Do you want to provide a 15% increase to the allocated Arizona State funding to be used for operations of the Flagstaff Unified School District?" This is the essential question.
WHY DO WE NEED AN OVERRIDE?The state of Arizona gives a block of money each year (currently to FUSD, approximately $56 million) to each school district for the purpose of daily operations. These operations include all mandated core education, teachers' salaries, supplies such as beakers in the science classroom, and other important staff such as school nurses.The term "override" is a bit misleading. Override sounds like the District has misused funds, or could have found ways to tighten their belt and lived within their means. However, the Arizona State budget has experienced such a severe shortfall of revenue even basic education money has been cut. Thus, the only means to fund some programs such as band and drama, and even needed personnel such as school nurses and assistant principals in larger schools, is to ask you, the Coconino County residents, to approve this Override.We at Citizens For School Success have examined the structure and fiscal practices of the Board of FUSD. We believe the Board has demonstrated a tremendous amount of fiscal responsibility. We believe more effective communication by FUSD will help the general public understand their hard work. We want to encourage FUSD to speak up more often, while we work with them to support our children's by passing this override.
WHAT IF THE OVERRIDE FAILS?Until the State of Arizona decides on the 2010 budget for education, no one knows the extent of the cuts Flagstaff schools will undergo. We do know many existing programs are already either under-funded or will not be funded under our current budget. Programs that would be considered for cutting are the non-core education programs such as chorus, band, athletics, and many other electives(music, art). Important staff positions could be cut such as school nurses, assistant principals, janitorial staff, and teachers. Classroom sizes will probably continue to increase and aids will not be available to those students who need them most.We all feel the effects of the nation-wide economic recession. It is more important than ever to make sure our children's education is properly funded. While, "children are our future" is cliche', it is up to all of us to ensure the future of our children is not slighted through substandard education. The Citizens For School Success encourage all to vote YES on the FUSD Override. When you do, be sure to sign your ballot, and mail it back as soon as possible before the March 9, 2010 deadline.
A WORD ABOUT THE RECENT CAPITOL IMPROVEMENTS We have all seen the improvements and construction at the Flagstaff school facilities. New football fields, upgraded and safe electrical repairs, and many high tech supplies to the classrooms have been added over the past couple of years. ALL of these improvements have been paid for by the 2006 Voter Approved Bonds. None of the bond money can be used for general maintenance and operation of the day to day needs for education. The way we fund education in Arizona means we have separate and non-transferable money sources for facilities and education. There is a common - yet very false - notion the money used for building a new football field should instead be used to pay for more teachers or other educational programs. However, it is illegal to use the bond money for educational operations. The passing of the bonds in 2006 affirmed Flagstaff voters really do support our education system. It is now time to continue to show our support for our children's future by passing this override.
WHAT ABOUT SCHOOL CLOSURES AND REDISTRICTING IN FUSD Many of us are concerned about the proposed closing of schools and redistricting in FUSD. However, the focus of Citizens for School Success is the passing of the budget override. These two issues must be kept separate.
Information Sources:
Political Action Committee (PAC), Steering Committee and Supporter Information, and how to donate to the PAC
CitizensforSchoolSuccess.com
To request signs, other campaign materials, or have your name added to the CFSS website as a supporter:
http://citizensforschoolsuccess.com/info@citizensforschoolsuccess.com
2009 Budget Override Forum
FUSD Fiscal Year 2010/11 Budget Outlook
http://www.fusd1.org/fusd1/cwp/view.asp?A=3&Q=288837
FUSD Governing Board (keep checking back for added information)
http://www.fusd1.org/19271065144137967/site/default.asp
FUSD Superintendent’s Corner
http://www.fusd1.org/19271065144154483/site/default.asp
Myths v. Facts
#1 - Myth:
FUSD is top-heavy in administrative expenses.
Fact:
The State Auditor General conducted a district audit beginning in 2006. A Report of that audit was finalized in 2008. The report stated that FUSD’s school level administrative expenditures were higher than other districts. This could be said for the following reasons:
· Most of the districts that FUSD was compared to are smaller (apples to oranges).
· Flagstaff has underutilized schools. As each of those schools needs to have school level administrators, FUSD’s school level administrator to student ratio was higher than other districts (this will be changed by school closures).
· Some non-classroom employees such as nurses, librarians, and information technology specialists were coded as “administrative personnel” and still are.
· In consideration of our public school population, Flagstaff receives Title I funding (Improving The Academic Achievement Of The Disadvantaged). This funding is separate from M&O money, but still appears to be administrative, so even though we have it because we need it, it adds to administrative numbers.
Therefore, the district has never been “top heavy” in the sense that people have assumed. Also, administrative costs have been cut since then and in when checked again 2008 by the same agency, admin costs were below the state and national average.
#2 – Myth:
The district needs money because they have mismanaged their budget.
Fact:
Thee is no indication the Disctrict has mishandled money. The district needs money for the following reasons:
Employee insurance costs are increasing
AZ State Retirement System costs are increasing
Utilities funding ($1.4M) has been cut from the budget
Decreased enrollment (loss of per student funding)
Loss of override funds (previous override phasing out)
The state is predicting cuts of 6%, 9%, or 15% from the 2011 operating budget
#3 - Myth:
A no vote for the override will send a message to the FUSD Board Members and Administration that I am unhappy with the way the district is being run.
Fact:
An email, telephone and letter writing campaign and an effort to attend FUSD Board meetings will send that message. A no vote will place Flagstaff’s public school system and local economy in jeopardy. ********************************************************************************************GENERAL INFO: (from the Coconino County Elections website)
On March 9, 2010, Flagstaff Unified School District #1 will conduct an override election to exceed its revenue control limit by 15 percent. If this override passes, it will be in effect for seven years.
Voters will be asked to vote on the following issue:
· To adopt a General Maintenance and Operation Budget which exceeds the revenue control limit specified by statute by fifteen percent for fiscal years 2010-2011 through 2014-2015 with the amount of the proposed increase in fiscal years 2015-2016 and 2016-2017, reduced to ten percent and five percent, respectively. The 2010-2011 budget override authority represents an extension and increase of the existing budget override authority, which has phased down by one-third in the current fiscal year (2009-2010), and will phase down by an additional one-third for fiscal year 2010-2011 if the voters do not approve the override.
The Coconino County Superintendent of Schools office will prepare an informational pamphlet for the election. The pamphlet will be mailed to households with qualified electors who reside within the school district. Arguments “For” and “Against” this special budget override are being requested for inclusion in the Informational Report, which will be reviewed by the School Superintendent to ensure all statements are factual. Any inaccurate statements will be corrected. Any portion of the written arguments identified as statements of the author’s opinion will not be reviewed and corrected.
Arguments are to be 200 words or less and must be typed or printed, and signed by the author. The arguments should include the author’s name, address, telephone number, a signature, and whether or not the name can be printed in the information pamphlet.
Arguments must be received by 4:00 p.m., December 29, 2009, in the Coconino County Superintendent of Schools office, Ponderosa High School, 2384 N Steves Blvd., Flagstaff, AZ, 86004. Faxes will be accepted at (928)679-8077; however, the original must be mailed to Coconino County Superintendent of Schools, 110 East Cherry Avenue, Flagstaff, AZ, 86001.
For more information, please call the office of the Coconino County School Superintendent at (928) 679-8070.
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