Our Work:
The youngest, Fiona, is now two. She is a devoted acolyte of her older siblings, and trying to figure out how to verbalize all these profound thoughts that flow through her mind (guck = truck, guggle = snuggle, 'tay = okay, eat = eat, doos = shoes, gocks = socks, oo-oo-ah-ah = monkey, mao mao = cat, and her favorites: Dehdeh = Derek, E-dah = Elinor, Daydie = Katie). Elinor, at 5 1/2, enjoys playing learning activities on the computer and is very excited about doing her schoolwork (at home). Fiona watches and learns what she can alongside Elinor. While Derek, at 8 1/2, is less enthusiastic about doing his (home) schoolwork, he is nonetheless slowly gaining bits and pieces of maturity. Derek just started Cub Scouts this year and has been getting to know some new friends through that. Katie has finally started college at the local community college. Mike is finishing up what he can at the local community college before he transfers to a 4-year school. Mike has been approved to begin working as a referee for volleyball games. I (Ruth) am still blessed with continued employment as an energy engineer where I have been for 3 1/2 years now.
The youngest, Fiona, is now two. She is a devoted acolyte of her older siblings, and trying to figure out how to verbalize all these profound thoughts that flow through her mind (guck = truck, guggle = snuggle, 'tay = okay, eat = eat, doos = shoes, gocks = socks, oo-oo-ah-ah = monkey, mao mao = cat, and her favorites: Dehdeh = Derek, E-dah = Elinor, Daydie = Katie). Elinor, at 5 1/2, enjoys playing learning activities on the computer and is very excited about doing her schoolwork (at home). Fiona watches and learns what she can alongside Elinor. While Derek, at 8 1/2, is less enthusiastic about doing his (home) schoolwork, he is nonetheless slowly gaining bits and pieces of maturity. Derek just started Cub Scouts this year and has been getting to know some new friends through that. Katie has finally started college at the local community college. Mike is finishing up what he can at the local community college before he transfers to a 4-year school. Mike has been approved to begin working as a referee for volleyball games. I (Ruth) am still blessed with continued employment as an energy engineer where I have been for 3 1/2 years now.
Our Home:
Mike has become quite the handyman since we moved at the end of October 2015. I can't believe it's been almost a year in our new house! Katie and Derek each have their own rooms, and Elinor and Fiona share a room with a bunk bed. We now have ample closet space, work space, a highly functional basement, a dishwasher, a yard to play in, a grill, and a garage. One of my investments this spring was a snowblower and we can't wait to use it in the next few months. We've renovated the upstairs bathroom, updated much of the electricals, and now we're in the process of running a new power line to the garage and nearing completion of a completely new back porch. There is still much work to be done on our home; we've been really enjoying the process of home improvement so far!
Our Ride:
We also purchased a used VW Routan and are bringing it back into good working order (so far replaced tires, flushed and filled fluids, and replaced power steering line, then there will be some less critical repairs to do)! The van is a lot of fun, comfortable and very roomy. It even has a DVD system and audio input! The best part is that there is room for storage even if all 7 seats are filled. It's also great for tailgating. Derek and Elinor enjoy riding a bike. Elinor has recently mastered riding a bike with pedals and is now confident enough to go down hills and use the brakes. Fiona has a bus ride-on toy she can use but still prefers when someone else pushes or holds her; her legs aren't long enough for a tricycle or bike yet.
Our Faith:
We've tied into a local church since we moved to Newington 3 1/2 years ago, CCPC in West Hartford. The people are wonderful, and we have been going through some major changes as of late. The Senior Pastor gave his notice, so we are searching for a new pastor. Now we are in the process of holding things together, trying to rediscover what it means to be a community and family of God when many of our members have moved on due to whatever circumstances. The church has started a children's music program before church Sunday mornings. Mike and I have both been playing in the orchestra (Mike on bass guitar and I on trombone). Everyone in the church pitches in and participates, and it is wonderful to see so many people giving of / sharing what talents they have instead of simply "feeding" or "consuming" which is really the temptation in our society.
Music:
In addition to singing with the children's choir, the kids have started general music lessons again, primarily with piano and being introduced to different instruments as well. I look forward to seeing where their interests take them as they all very much enjoy music (there is much humming and whistling and plinking of keys in our house when the kids are in a good mood). I continue to play euphonium with the Harmonious Brass Choir and trombone (and occasionally bells) with the Farmington Valley Band. The last concert at the performing arts center in Simsbury we had a full 5 bones in the section, it sounded very good to have more than one on each part!
