Sarah is now officially in Kindergarten. While our other two kids are riding high that it is summer…Sarah is wondering when she gets to go back to school to her new class. She was so disappointed that she missed her graduation from pre-K. When the stomach flu hits, it has no mercy. Her teacher Mrs. Reinert made a special book for all her students summarizing their busy year. She was so excited to receive “her gift” the next day from her tearful teacher who was sad to see her go. Aside from the occasional reports that she likes to be the ring leader at recess, she was graciously awarded Christian example of her class. There are so many students who deserve that honor, so we are extra proud that she was chosen. Tim and I say it often, but Albuquerque Christian School seeks to teach our children what matters most….Jesus. If you ask her what her favorite class was…she will tell you “Bible”. She could retell a bible story with every detail. It was neat to hear! How fast they grow up.
Archive for May, 2010
Are You Smarter Than a Kindergartener?
Friday, May 28th, 2010Riding out of eighth grade in STYLE.
Friday, May 28th, 2010
Eldorado…here he comes. Today was bitter sweet for Josh (heavy on the sweet). He officially is a 9th grader!! Albuquerque Christian School has been a wonderful learning place to grow in his faith, his knowledge, and to make good friends; but it is now time to practice all what he has learned in the real world. The kids were escorted in a stretch limousine to Natures Point clubhouse in Tijeras Canyon for their end of the year party. They played games, ate a lot of food, and shared stories together for the afternoon. The mission trip really bonded this group. I know they will miss that closeness. Three of the nineteen (and two hopeful transfers) will be moving on to Eldorado High School with Josh. We are so proud of him! In his final year, he represented his school as the student council president, finished strong on the A/B honor roll, and spiritually grew into a young man. With a little education from the professionals, he even cleans up nicely. (Tuxes were the attire that the boys chose to wear to their graduation ceremony). Eighth grade graduation wasn’t the BIG one though…four years from now will be worth the invite.
Some are Silver, This One is Gold.
Friday, May 28th, 2010
“We all take different paths in life, but no matter where we go, we take a little of each other everywhere.”
This week has been one of highs and lows for Ashlea. Ashlea was awarded a position on student council never been given to a sixth grader before (what an honor), she made all “A” honor roll, and she was voted as Christian example of her class (as was Taylor). What a great start as she enters into middle school!! On a sad note though, she also said “farewell” to her best friend that has been at her side at ACS through good and bad times since kindergarten. It’s not that they will never see one another again…their paths to middle school have just changed. Ashlea will continue at Albuquerque Christian School and Taylor is going to start Madison Middle School. It was a sweet sight to see them hugging with crocodile tears running down their innocent faces, making promises for future tomorrows. Thank goodness for cell phones, e-mail, soccer, and sleep overs to make up for time that will be lost from being at different schools. You do not see genuine friendships like these two at such a young age every day. It reminds me of special friends from years past, that even time, hasn’t withered that bond. What a blessing!
Our Little Radical…
Tuesday, May 18th, 2010Some might see the title of this post as strange or that somehow we are trying to make one of our children into some type of crazy extremist. We just want you to know that we are doing nothing of the sort. This is the name of Ashlea’s Soccer Team. As most of you know, she has been playing for 7 years now and has high aspirations for her soccer future. We are very proud of her diligence, perseverance and skills. She is always talking soccer and trying to absorb all that she can as a player. Her new coach is challenging her and the other girls in ways that they have never seen or expected. When they were first connected to the new coach, they were a little behind the other teams that they used to beat on a regular basis. They all had a lot of work to do to catch up. It was a tough year of practice and game play. But with all hard work the pay off was so very rewarding. They entered a tournament this last weekend with hopes of more development in game play. Some new girls joined us as “guest players” [Side note from Nancy: These are girls on other regular opposing teams that play as guest players for our team which adds a different dynamic to the game.] Despite the obstacles, the girls did AWESOME! As a matter of fact, they WON!
Radicals, the Muller’s are so very proud of you! Ashlea your on your way girl! Or should I say Mia…
Is it Summer Yet?
Monday, May 17th, 2010
Wow! We knew that New Mexico weather was bad, but we didn’t know that it would be this bad and this bad for so long. The winds have been around 40 to 50 mph, with some heat then some cold along with those winds. Makes for an interesting morning on trying to figure out what your gonna wear for the day. The only thing that we have is that the Summer break for us is just around the bend. It can’t come fast enough though. We can’t get ahead of ourselves, because we still have so much to do for the remaining School days. For Nancy, this is by far her busiest time of the year. She has so many Public School kids that need their [AWESOME!] OT to bring their year to a close. This requires a great deal of paperwork, more than usual. It’s the time of the year that Nancy doesn’t like what she does for a living and those that know her, know that she LOVES what she does. Josh is graduating from 8th grade this year, so we are fighting that “Cruise Control” mode. He is really excited to say the least. All the 8th grade kids have decided to dress up for the graduation. Josh and Dad get to rent his very first tuxedo. Blue vest and blue tie, really sweet looking. Also matches the School colors. Ashlea and Sarah just want to know when is the first time that they get to jump into a pool. Uncle Ed is going to get us a room at the Casino down the way, so it feels like we are on a vacation. Again, Summer can’t come fast enough! Warm weather, loving family and pool side. It sounds like a good Summer. Come on SUMMER! HURRY!
All Good Things must come to an End
Monday, May 3rd, 2010
Unlike years past, where about this time we are usually finished biting our nails and are looking for flights and hotels [for 5] to Washington, D.C..we are now twiddling our thumbs, thinking what should we do with our time? Although it will be a big savings to our pocketbook, it has taken a big pep out of our step. Josh has dealt with defeat in a very Godly manner. He sent e mails to the gentlemen who helped him with his interviews and they shared these kind words with him:
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Dear Josh,
I am so sorry that you did not make it to the national competition. Your website is so much improved and certainly more than “eye candy.” Yes, it was a broad and difficult topic to cover in 1200 words, but I think that you did an excellent job. I especially liked the way that you used your interviews not only to create connective tissue, but also to make the case for the impact that maps have had and continue to have. I honestly think that judges had little understanding of cartography; they just didn’t get it.
I am proud of what you produced and you should be too. I am happy that I could play a small part in its creation. Keep up the good work, and I hope that you do not lose your interest in maps.
Sincerely,
Dennis Reinhartz
Emeritus Professor of History
The University of Texas at Arlington
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Joshua – thanks for the note. I’m so sorry you weren’t able to advance to the Nationals. Indeed, cartography is a complex topic, and what you have done is worthy of pride. I’m pleased to have been able to help you, but disappointed that I couldn’t help you discover the formula to distill all of that complexity into 1199 words!
My best wishes to you in your bright future… Hopefully in the fields of cartography and geography. I’d be honored to continue to guide you towards that goal.
Alan
President of the Cartography and Geographic Information Society
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His kind teacher had this to say:
Dear Josh,
I’m so proud of you and the young man of God you are. You know how to shine in victory and in defeat. God loves that. I don’t understand the judges’ decision, but I trust in God, as I know you do. Not going to Nationals this year in no way lessens the “impact” you’ve had on our NHD program at ACS, and the “change” you have helped bring about in the website category as you have been involved from the first year of inclusion as a project category. You are admired and respected for your work ethic, your character, and your leadership. I will forever refer to you as my first student who went to Nationals in the website category (and in 6th grade, no less). Josh, I am extremely and totally proud of you. May God reveal to you what He wants you to see because of this experience. May you know His peace.
Much love and blessings,
Mrs. McKenzie
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With all that said, God has us right where we are supposed to be, doing what we are supposed to do. We are very proud of Josh and his accomplishments. This by far was his best site ever. Who knows…maybe next year…It’s Ashlea’s turn.
