ABOUT US...
Things have been so busy for us this past year and we've been neglecting some of our friends and family so this is our way to let you know what's going on with us. Be sure to post some comments because we'd love to see how everyone is doing! Here's a little update about us:
Ryan has been working for Tri-City Fire Department for almost a year now, which means his probationary "probie" period will be over in January. Yea! He also is a real estate agent for 1st USA Realty Professionals, Inc. So, if you know anyone who is looking to buy or sell real estate, he's your man. Life has been pretty good for Ryan this past year. After 6 years of arduously testing for fire departments in the valley (and coming within a hairline of getting picked up with Gilbert Fire Department), he traveled an hour East of where he lives and tested with Tri-City Fire Department, was picked up, and told that "you're welcome to stay as long as you like". His dream of becoming a firefighter was realized. He really likes the people he works with, but is having trouble going along with administration that doesn't really have the members' best interests at heart. He can't wait to climb the ladder and start making some changes. He has had some small victories. He was able to organize and establish a local association of professional firefighters for his brothers through the IAFF (International Association of Fire Fighters). 100% of the members were for it. The members, some who have worked for the department for 10+ years, encouraged Ryan to take the role of "Union President" for their local. However, for his "probie" year he knows that it's in his best interests to keep his mouth shut and his eyes and ears open so, he had to respectfully decline (at least for this first year). In an effort to further his knowledge and better himself professionally as well as personally, Ryan will start Paramedic school in November. He is VERY excited. His scope of practice as an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) is somewhat limited and this will remove some boundaries that are holding him back.
Rebecca has been working for Gilbert Public Schools at Desert Ridge High School teaching Spanish I and II for the past school year. She LOVES it. Gilbert Public Schools is such a breath of fresh air for her coming from the Mesa Public School district that sucks the life out of you. GPS is a very focused, professional, sympathetic and dedicated district to work for. When Rebecca was hired, a funny twist of fate happened. Years ago (not as long as it sounds) when Rebecca was in high school, she first started taking Spanish classes. Her teacher, Robert "Bob" Starkey, was a great influence in her making the decision to pursue a career in education...specifically Spanish. Time went on and Becky graduated high school. A few years later she learned that her mentor would be retiring and since he believed in her so much, wanted to give her all of his educational tools, lesson plan helps and Spanish decorations/collectibles. Rebecca was overwhelmed with grattatude to say the least. Well, when she was in her interview for Desert Ridge High School, she was given a tour of the campus and the department head for foreign language was telling her about the members of their team. Bob Starkey was one of them. So, now she would get the chance to teach literally next door to her mentor and good friend. She's been flourishing at Desert Ridge and has received several letters from her students saying how she is the "best teacher they've ever had" and how they love her and don't want to leave her class.
Ethan is a little over two years old now and is growing up SO fast. He is as polite as can be with his "please", "thank you"s and "you're welcome"s. He LOVES "The Incredibles" and will be "Dash" this Halloween. Last Halloween he was Spider-Man.
He is SO excited to put the costume on. Ethan will be moving into his new firehouse themed room. He knows his dad is a firefighter and when his dad comes home from work in his uniform, Ehtan runs to him and yells, "FIRE-PAPA!" He is such a funny and cute little guy.
Declan was born on Friday 13th of October 2006 at 6:13am. It was a very quick labor & delivery. That morning Rebecca couldn't sleep and got up around 2am. Around 3am she went in and woke me up telling me that "she needs help". I noticed that she couldn't stand or talk through her contractions so I knew it was time to head to the hospital. When we got to Triage, Rebecca was dilated to 6 and about an hour later she was at 9 and then about an hour after that and twenty minutes of pushing, Declan was here. Make sure to click on the link to the right and visit his website provided by the hospital. Take a look at some pictures and make sure to sign the baby book too!
As our little family is getting bigger, our belief that 'family is the most important thing' has become our rock not made of stone. We are so amazed at Ethan and what he can do and say and learn. It sounds weird now to say "the kids" or "our kids". The plurality of our little ones is still so new and exciting. Ethan LOVES being a big brother and jumps at the chance to hold Declan. The pictures are coming, I swear! We've turned into such homebodies, but it's so fun and enjoyable to just stay home and play with and watch our kids together. We'll do our best to keep the postings coming so check back often. To all of our friends and family accross the country...we love you!
Here's a picture of Ethan and his stuffed puppy ("Moco") that we made for him at the 'Build-a-Bear Workshop'.
His future is so bright
