This week in Arvada

Another one down & about 18 until summer break - woohoo! Been a decent week here, Jackie competed in her first spelling bee and got out in the first round - Sackcloth was the word and she spelled it Satcloth. Didn't quite here the pronunciation I guess. But we were proud (only 18 out of around 250 qualified to compete - via test) so not too shabby. The disappoint was gone in a matter of minutes as she found out that she got a lead in the school musical. Spelling shmelling, no one ever made it to Hollywood for being a good speller. Life then, marches on here in suburbia (actually my students call east Arvada "ghetto Arvada" as they live in west Arvada & mainly new housing developments.) It gives me pleasure to know that someday they'll get beat up or in trouble and mother and father will not be able to bail them out! (not all of them of course) Anyhow on that somewhat unprofessional note, I bid you farewell for now.

The Day Has Come

I finally got to change my earrings today. It didn't hurt as much as I thought it would. Now I can wear all my new earrings. Jax

It's finally here - TSH/MLK Jr. Celebration

The anticipation is over, the weekend of the year has arrived!! Unfortunately mom was able to locate some Lutfisk (spelling? - like anyone cares about the spelling) but I suppose it wouldn't be Thelma Swanson Haulman day without some sort of foul-smelling, lye soaked fish. Got a few more action shots and a "you have to look good, to ski good" photo from the trip. Thought I'd post for the beach bums to see. See some of you tomorrow & the rest be warned that the fish will be opened around 3pm MSTime so close your windows until the smell passes! Chao

Jackie "Picaboo" Schrader

Well ski adventure #2 was a success in that she is willing to even miss school (and risk the perfect attendance mark she always shoots for) to go back soon!! Didn't think she would ever want to ski again, halfway down the first run but then a little encouragement and help from dad plus remembering her instructor's advice from lessons last year she took off. 11 runs later we had to explain that the lifts were closing that is why she couldn't do another one. Plus Ma & Pa were wiped out! She has mastered the wedge and is ready for some more lessons and/or advice - uncle Pat & Mike. So to explain the ski & swim to those of you down under that seemed confused on my last email - We went to Glenwood Springs stayed in town, skied at Sunlight (about 20 minutes out of town) then went to the Hot Springs pool to soothe our muscles. I've included a picture off of a web site of the pool because it was around 25 degrees and I was not about to get out and take a damn picture. Plus there was so much steam, it wouldn't of come out very good. The ski pictures are from the video camera so they are not as clear, should have more from the disposable camera next week. So now we are back in Arvada where the temp is currently 64 degrees. Life is good.