ASU Women's Basketball game- Ahado, Kumar and Sadio
Sadio's Birthday- Our house- January 2008
Ahado and the mare- Feb. 2008
Sunday, February 24, 2008
2008 fun with Sadio, Ahado and friends
ASU Women's Basketball game- Ahado, Kumar and Sadio
Sadio's Birthday- Our house- January 2008
Ahado and the mare- Feb. 2008
Been awhile...
So much for using this as the family meeting place huh? Can't say we didn't try!
Here it is almost March. Very hard to believe... the newlyweds are half-way into their first year almost!
It's Sunday night and I am doing my Sunday thing, paying bills, getting music together for tomorrow's spin class and getting ready for the week. I have two days in AZ, and then travel the rest of the week for work.
This is the first weekend in over a month I didn't work 8+ hours on Sunday. It felt SO nice to have 2 full days off from work... I realized I took my weekends and week nights for granted, now if I have a night with no work and no activity, it feels luxurious!
I have been traveling every other week for work. This week I head to WY Tuesday night, and then Friday Aaron flies into Denver to meet up with me. We received permission from Omar's case worker to take him for the day. We will pick up Aaron around 10 and then head to the children's museum for a few hours, and return him home by 5. Really looking forward to a day together.
The rest of the weekend we will be in Colorado Springs with friends.
It's the final countdown for us. By March 27 we will know whether or not Omar will be coming to live with us! If we get the nod, we will head up there March 31 to get him. If it's a no-go, I will turn my energy into planning a 3 week trip for us to Greece or Africa late spring '08. We are REALLY hoping it works out that we get him... only a few weeks and we could know... for good.
In the meantime, Aaron has started clearing out the closets and preparing his bedroom... crazy!
Over the last few months I have been spending every other Sunday with a few girls from Somalia that are came to the U.S in 2004 as refugees. Today we went to the ASU Women's Basketball game. It was such a heartwarming experience to see the girls in awe of the stadium and the tremendous talent out there on the court. It was their first time in a stadium, with the lights, cheerleaders, band, etc. It is so fulfilling for me to be in their presence... and I am blessed to have them in my life....
well, still things to do before it gets later and later.
Hope you are all well. Love B.
PS Including a few images of us with the girls- Ahado, Sadio and Kumar...
Here it is almost March. Very hard to believe... the newlyweds are half-way into their first year almost!
It's Sunday night and I am doing my Sunday thing, paying bills, getting music together for tomorrow's spin class and getting ready for the week. I have two days in AZ, and then travel the rest of the week for work.
This is the first weekend in over a month I didn't work 8+ hours on Sunday. It felt SO nice to have 2 full days off from work... I realized I took my weekends and week nights for granted, now if I have a night with no work and no activity, it feels luxurious!
I have been traveling every other week for work. This week I head to WY Tuesday night, and then Friday Aaron flies into Denver to meet up with me. We received permission from Omar's case worker to take him for the day. We will pick up Aaron around 10 and then head to the children's museum for a few hours, and return him home by 5. Really looking forward to a day together.
The rest of the weekend we will be in Colorado Springs with friends.
It's the final countdown for us. By March 27 we will know whether or not Omar will be coming to live with us! If we get the nod, we will head up there March 31 to get him. If it's a no-go, I will turn my energy into planning a 3 week trip for us to Greece or Africa late spring '08. We are REALLY hoping it works out that we get him... only a few weeks and we could know... for good.
In the meantime, Aaron has started clearing out the closets and preparing his bedroom... crazy!
Over the last few months I have been spending every other Sunday with a few girls from Somalia that are came to the U.S in 2004 as refugees. Today we went to the ASU Women's Basketball game. It was such a heartwarming experience to see the girls in awe of the stadium and the tremendous talent out there on the court. It was their first time in a stadium, with the lights, cheerleaders, band, etc. It is so fulfilling for me to be in their presence... and I am blessed to have them in my life....
well, still things to do before it gets later and later.
Hope you are all well. Love B.
PS Including a few images of us with the girls- Ahado, Sadio and Kumar...
Monday, December 31, 2007
Happy Holidays to All from Lori
Finally have a little time to just sit down and check out the blog. Looks like I'm not the only one who has been busy this last month! Time just seems to get away from all of us, especially this time of year.
As most of you know, we went to Rochester, NY to be with Jason and Anne over Christmas. We stayed at their new home, a beautiful, older 2-story house. If I can figure out how to do it I will download some of the pics to this site. The 4 of us had time alone together but we were also included in Anne's family festivities and we had a great time. We left NY in a "food fog" after sampling all their wonderful foods and pastries!
Yesterday we had a small gathering at our house since we didn't have time before Christmas. Jason, Cyndee, Cody, Grandma Knack, and Ryan came over to open their gifts and have dinner. It was like Christmas Day all over -- wrapping paper and boxes all over the place, and I loved it!
Only one more day off and then it's back to work, at least this is a short work week.
A little bit of optimistic trivia to end this blog........as of Dec. 21, the days are starting to get longer by 30 seconds a day!!
As most of you know, we went to Rochester, NY to be with Jason and Anne over Christmas. We stayed at their new home, a beautiful, older 2-story house. If I can figure out how to do it I will download some of the pics to this site. The 4 of us had time alone together but we were also included in Anne's family festivities and we had a great time. We left NY in a "food fog" after sampling all their wonderful foods and pastries!
Yesterday we had a small gathering at our house since we didn't have time before Christmas. Jason, Cyndee, Cody, Grandma Knack, and Ryan came over to open their gifts and have dinner. It was like Christmas Day all over -- wrapping paper and boxes all over the place, and I loved it!
Only one more day off and then it's back to work, at least this is a short work week.
A little bit of optimistic trivia to end this blog........as of Dec. 21, the days are starting to get longer by 30 seconds a day!!
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Pooped (Beth)
I am in my annual holiday connendrum... early in the season I vow to keep it simple, skip the tree, put up the lights if there is time, and opt for the electronic U-tube holiday greeting vs. the traditional card in the mail because you only have to send it out the day of the holiday for it to "be there on time" with email. My theory up front is: remove the fuss that makes the holiday stressful.
It's always all good, until now... 10 days before Christmas and I begin thinking how we "should" have a tree, lights, decorations, cards, etc. We should entertain, which requires cleaning and cooking. Trying to figure out how to squeeze everything left to do and not done into one more week- while trying to maintain "low grade stress" living the rest of life. It's the annual stress struggle of the holidays. To do or not to do, that is the question...
I might try to pack too much in, in too short of time, either way, at this point I am not a happy campers with my options (hurry and catch up, or accept the state of affairs and let it go).
And then there is the missing of family. Nothing says holiday spirit like going to the post office to send all your gifts 2000 miles across the country... not that coming back to Michigan would be the solution either- then it I would be wondering why I left AZ for freeze ass Michigan, and took on the extra hassle of travelling, boarding the dogs, etc.
So maybe this is just the way its meant to be, and however it is, is what we got...
Off to listen to the holiday tunes (on soma.fm- check them out) and finish packing boxes to ship.'Tis the season.
It's always all good, until now... 10 days before Christmas and I begin thinking how we "should" have a tree, lights, decorations, cards, etc. We should entertain, which requires cleaning and cooking. Trying to figure out how to squeeze everything left to do and not done into one more week- while trying to maintain "low grade stress" living the rest of life. It's the annual stress struggle of the holidays. To do or not to do, that is the question...
I might try to pack too much in, in too short of time, either way, at this point I am not a happy campers with my options (hurry and catch up, or accept the state of affairs and let it go).
And then there is the missing of family. Nothing says holiday spirit like going to the post office to send all your gifts 2000 miles across the country... not that coming back to Michigan would be the solution either- then it I would be wondering why I left AZ for freeze ass Michigan, and took on the extra hassle of travelling, boarding the dogs, etc.
So maybe this is just the way its meant to be, and however it is, is what we got...
Off to listen to the holiday tunes (on soma.fm- check them out) and finish packing boxes to ship.'Tis the season.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Basketball??? Birthday!!!!!!! (Carolyn;Aunt Carolyn;Mom)
Thank you for the warm and amazing birthday wishes it so touched my heart I almost cried - well teared up anyway. That was so nice and the Beatles!
Well to set your basketball quest to rest I played basketball and was on the first female team to play at St. John's! Actually we won the national championship that year. If I can remember correctly I played either in 8th and 9th grade or just 9th grade. I wonder if our picture is on the wall? I was the one who could go on both sides of the court. So there you have it!!! I was always somewhat of a tomboy anyway and almost became one of the first women Firefighters in the 80's. I aced the verbal test, ran up and down a burning building with a breathing apparatus on my back, but flunked the pull ups. Curses to the upper body stregnth in some women.
Well to set your basketball quest to rest I played basketball and was on the first female team to play at St. John's! Actually we won the national championship that year. If I can remember correctly I played either in 8th and 9th grade or just 9th grade. I wonder if our picture is on the wall? I was the one who could go on both sides of the court. So there you have it!!! I was always somewhat of a tomboy anyway and almost became one of the first women Firefighters in the 80's. I aced the verbal test, ran up and down a burning building with a breathing apparatus on my back, but flunked the pull ups. Curses to the upper body stregnth in some women.
Happy Birthday Aunt Carolyn! (The Gortat Family!)
Click on play; 32 seconds, with sound.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Hmm, a Gorat basketball player? (Aaron)
Well mom, I am no genealogy expert, but no Gortat I have ever known can play basketball worth a lick! Now, Jeff might be able to hoop it up a bit, but that's only because of his "Woody genes"; nothing Gortat about his stunning stature!
By the way, where are Jeff and Liz - haven't seen the Liz-meister, Mistress of Communication, poke her little blog head in for a while and I don't think Jeff has even accepted the invite!
But I digress...back to my main point. That is, I do not believe someone with any natural basketball talent could be a Gortat. I know Grandpa was a sports-minded type fellow, but I think he was more on the football side of things. You know, what Gortats are really known for, brute force.
Now probably some of Tom's kids (I think I asked for their emails to include them in on this thing, but ahem I have yet to receive them)...anyway, I think maybe his daughters played basketball, but my guess is there is a giantess somewhere in Carol's family tree. But, that's just a guess.
Really, the best evidence in support of my theory is Jason, Aaron and Ryan. Famous for four hour games of P-I-G (because no one could make a shot in the first place that someone had to miss), these boys have to be the worst of the worst when it comes to trying to hit the broad side of the barn with a basketball.
So, at this point mom, partially out of lack of time and no real skill in genealogy, but mainly out of incredulity that it is even possible a basketball-playing Gortat could be related to me, I am going to pass.
Now, if you wanted me to research my relations to say a world-record-holder-in-couch-napping Gortat, well, then we could talk.
Love you Mom! =)
By the way, where are Jeff and Liz - haven't seen the Liz-meister, Mistress of Communication, poke her little blog head in for a while and I don't think Jeff has even accepted the invite!
But I digress...back to my main point. That is, I do not believe someone with any natural basketball talent could be a Gortat. I know Grandpa was a sports-minded type fellow, but I think he was more on the football side of things. You know, what Gortats are really known for, brute force.
Now probably some of Tom's kids (I think I asked for their emails to include them in on this thing, but ahem I have yet to receive them)...anyway, I think maybe his daughters played basketball, but my guess is there is a giantess somewhere in Carol's family tree. But, that's just a guess.
Really, the best evidence in support of my theory is Jason, Aaron and Ryan. Famous for four hour games of P-I-G (because no one could make a shot in the first place that someone had to miss), these boys have to be the worst of the worst when it comes to trying to hit the broad side of the barn with a basketball.
So, at this point mom, partially out of lack of time and no real skill in genealogy, but mainly out of incredulity that it is even possible a basketball-playing Gortat could be related to me, I am going to pass.
Now, if you wanted me to research my relations to say a world-record-holder-in-couch-napping Gortat, well, then we could talk.
Love you Mom! =)
Sunday, December 2, 2007
(Mom/Lori)An Assignment for Aaron
Since Aaron named this blog after the "Gortat's", I have a quest for him (or for anyone else who is interested). The Orlando Magic basketball team recently signed on a new player from Poland who is 7 ft tall and guess what his name is---Marin Gortat!!! I tried doing some research on him but either ran out of time or leads. I would love to find out if he is related to our family, I'm thinking cousin perhaps? I do know that my grandparents who were both from Warsaw did have some family. My grandpa's name was Anthony and grandma's first name was Mary. So for all those "doubting thomases" out there who always thought Gortat was a shortened name and should have an "zki" after it...........here's your proof!!!
And a great big congratulations to Beth on the new position! There was never any doubt in my mind that it would not be offered to you.
Yesterday, Dec. 1, we had our first significant snowfall, even if it was only about an inch. And true to form, like every other year, I was outside, in the snow and wind, putting up Christmas decorations!!!
Hope everyone is having a wonderful day. Love to all.
And a great big congratulations to Beth on the new position! There was never any doubt in my mind that it would not be offered to you.
Yesterday, Dec. 1, we had our first significant snowfall, even if it was only about an inch. And true to form, like every other year, I was outside, in the snow and wind, putting up Christmas decorations!!!
Hope everyone is having a wonderful day. Love to all.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
What a trip! (Beth)
Joe/Jen- Just had the chance to go through all your photos. What a trip!! I love that you added the captions, which left me with a question. I read a lot of "our favorite..." wine bar, coffee shop, etc. Was there really 1 you loved or you loved them all? Looks like you had great weather, great sights, great food and great shopping. Ahhh... where to next for you two?
It's great to hear from everyone on the blog. Anne, you are hilarious! I look forward to reading your posts. And Lori - way to respond to Aaron's request for what you are thankful for, it makes him happy;)
Well, it's officially December 1. How can that be? I am envious that some you have 90% of your shopping done (did you get it done in Italy? love the boots by the way). We have barely even thought about it. Sigh...
As you may have read in Aaron's blog yesterday, my prediction about the job came true... it was partly sunny ( I got the job) with 30% chance of rain (we got 30% of the years rainfall yesterday alone! A whole INCH!). I had a meeting with the Sr. VP at 1:30 yesterday and received the promotion... Very excited and appreciative of this opportunity, and a bit overwhelmed about stepping into such a big role. Off to grocery shop- having people over tonight for lasagna...
Hope this finds you well. B
It's great to hear from everyone on the blog. Anne, you are hilarious! I look forward to reading your posts. And Lori - way to respond to Aaron's request for what you are thankful for, it makes him happy;)
Well, it's officially December 1. How can that be? I am envious that some you have 90% of your shopping done (did you get it done in Italy? love the boots by the way). We have barely even thought about it. Sigh...
As you may have read in Aaron's blog yesterday, my prediction about the job came true... it was partly sunny ( I got the job) with 30% chance of rain (we got 30% of the years rainfall yesterday alone! A whole INCH!). I had a meeting with the Sr. VP at 1:30 yesterday and received the promotion... Very excited and appreciative of this opportunity, and a bit overwhelmed about stepping into such a big role. Off to grocery shop- having people over tonight for lasagna...
Hope this finds you well. B
Friday, November 30, 2007
Congratulations are in order (Aaron)
Beth just called to say she got the promotion at work. She doesn't know all the details yet, but basically she will be leading a group of 5 - 7 Organizational Development consultants throughout the entire Banner Health health care facility network.
She is very excited and has already spent time visioning for how she will lead her new team. I am confident she will be successful. Beth has a wonderful ability to manage strategic change in a way which empowers others to their full potential. I am continually impressed by Beth's passion for helping individuals and teams succeed. She will be a wonderful manager and leader.
Congratulations Beth! I am excited for you and know you will be both happy and successful in your new role!
She is very excited and has already spent time visioning for how she will lead her new team. I am confident she will be successful. Beth has a wonderful ability to manage strategic change in a way which empowers others to their full potential. I am continually impressed by Beth's passion for helping individuals and teams succeed. She will be a wonderful manager and leader.
Congratulations Beth! I am excited for you and know you will be both happy and successful in your new role!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
My First Blog!
Wahoo! Thanks To Aaron, I am now an official blogger. Jennifer and I are just hanging out watching the football game. That's all she ever wants to do! No more football! This is our place in Midtown (I just wanted to see if I could add an image) We are about 90% through with our Christmas shopping already which is a record by far. Well, I am off to the kitchen for one more cookie. Since Italy, I can't stop eating desert!........and it shows!
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
(Lori/Mom) I'm thankful for.....
...my wonderful family
...children who help me muddle through the new world of technology
...a car window that finally rolls up and down!!!
...my wonderful pets that never get mad or ask questions, just give unending love
...everyday
Time to leave work and go to physical therapy (in a nice 95 degree pool). Just being in the pool after working all day is therapy in itself!
Hope everyone is having a wonderful day.
...children who help me muddle through the new world of technology
...a car window that finally rolls up and down!!!
...my wonderful pets that never get mad or ask questions, just give unending love
...everyday
Time to leave work and go to physical therapy (in a nice 95 degree pool). Just being in the pool after working all day is therapy in itself!
Hope everyone is having a wonderful day.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Thankful (Aaron)
Here is your assignment - in bullet format share with your fellow Gortatzkis at least five things you are thankful for!
- My Sunday morning bike ride at South Mountain park with Beth.
- The ability to share thoughts, ideas and feelings with friends and family around the country through the use of technology.
- The complete and healthy use of all my major body parts.
- Dreams...I love dreams.
- My brothers.
Peace homies and homettes - love you all!
Outstanding Business (Aaron)
First off, you may want to put your name in parentheses (like above) in the title of your post, so people know who is posting. I was all like, "Who is Babcock-Stiner?" It could be Jason or Ann or some rare woodpecker variety.
Second, I need everyone's birthdays (see list to the right). Carolyn, I got your's posted - coming up soon, woo hoo! I though Liz mentioned something about having them ALL! But I haven't seen them yet...
Third, can someone send me Tom and Carole's email addresses? Then they can send me their kid's email addresses. Oh, and Lauren's. And Joe's! I still don't have Joe's! And after I put up that handsome picture of his.
Of those invited, Jeff, Jennifer and Jason all have not responded - see something in common there? Hmmm....oh wait, Ryan hasn't either - darnit - that throws off my theory!
Liz, oh keeper of everything, can you email me Jennifer and Jeff's emails to make sure I am sending them to the right place? And Joe's!
Oh yeah, if you want me to post pictures of your pets on the right hand side, email me the pics... aastiner@yahoo.com.
Finally if you need instructions they are here: (click here for instructions on how to post and here for more). Everyone can see what everyone else is talking about. We can post pictures (click here for instructions). And links to things we are interested in (see instructions here).
Now post people, post!
Second, I need everyone's birthdays (see list to the right). Carolyn, I got your's posted - coming up soon, woo hoo! I though Liz mentioned something about having them ALL! But I haven't seen them yet...
Third, can someone send me Tom and Carole's email addresses? Then they can send me their kid's email addresses. Oh, and Lauren's. And Joe's! I still don't have Joe's! And after I put up that handsome picture of his.
Of those invited, Jeff, Jennifer and Jason all have not responded - see something in common there? Hmmm....oh wait, Ryan hasn't either - darnit - that throws off my theory!
Liz, oh keeper of everything, can you email me Jennifer and Jeff's emails to make sure I am sending them to the right place? And Joe's!
Oh yeah, if you want me to post pictures of your pets on the right hand side, email me the pics... aastiner@yahoo.com.
Finally if you need instructions they are here: (click here for instructions on how to post and here for more). Everyone can see what everyone else is talking about. We can post pictures (click here for instructions). And links to things we are interested in (see instructions here).
Now post people, post!
A Word From the Babcock-Stiner With Time on Her Hands
I'm certain many of the comments about non-participation apply to the Babcock-Stiners, so here's a voyeuristic look into the mundane details of our lives.
Flesh and Purple: Not Just for Michigan Homes
First of all, I'd like to say RIP to Liz's flesh and purple house. It will sooth your soul to know that the Babcock-Stiners have memorialized this color combination in their own house. Our creamsicle-orange (now faded to flesh) house has a purple door. Luckily, our shutters escaped this royal hue and are a house-flipping neutral cream.
A Tale of Two Thanksgivings
Our two Thanksgivings were especially yummy this year (my sister hosts her dinner early because John works on the holiday). John's mother made a pumpkin cheesecake that I'm still dreaming about.
A Long Weekend in the Life Of...
Jason spent the balance of the long weekend working on various school papers, leaving me to entertain myself. I engaged in minor recreational cleaning, made spinach-artichoke dip, cookies, and an almond tort, did some laundry, tried to figure out annuities, got punchy with my sister and my BFF, decided on a mid-term investment strategy for the B-S Family Portfolio, trolled Best Buy for a parking spot, and engaged in several conversations regarding Governor Spitzer's end-of-year-one accomplishments. I also continued my personal tradition of napping like a kindergartener (20 minutes every day, sleep optional).
And She's Off!
I've got to run now...spending the afternoon with some local farmers to educate them as to why they should care about providing safe, sanitary, and affordable housing for their migrant farmworkers and their families. It's hard to convince farmers to develop quality housing when immigration raids at gunpoint are occurring at said housing (and churches and schools, but I'll editorialize internally from this point forward).
Enjoy your week!
-Anne and Jason (in abstentia)
Flesh and Purple: Not Just for Michigan Homes
First of all, I'd like to say RIP to Liz's flesh and purple house. It will sooth your soul to know that the Babcock-Stiners have memorialized this color combination in their own house. Our creamsicle-orange (now faded to flesh) house has a purple door. Luckily, our shutters escaped this royal hue and are a house-flipping neutral cream.
A Tale of Two Thanksgivings
Our two Thanksgivings were especially yummy this year (my sister hosts her dinner early because John works on the holiday). John's mother made a pumpkin cheesecake that I'm still dreaming about.
A Long Weekend in the Life Of...
Jason spent the balance of the long weekend working on various school papers, leaving me to entertain myself. I engaged in minor recreational cleaning, made spinach-artichoke dip, cookies, and an almond tort, did some laundry, tried to figure out annuities, got punchy with my sister and my BFF, decided on a mid-term investment strategy for the B-S Family Portfolio, trolled Best Buy for a parking spot, and engaged in several conversations regarding Governor Spitzer's end-of-year-one accomplishments. I also continued my personal tradition of napping like a kindergartener (20 minutes every day, sleep optional).
And She's Off!
I've got to run now...spending the afternoon with some local farmers to educate them as to why they should care about providing safe, sanitary, and affordable housing for their migrant farmworkers and their families. It's hard to convince farmers to develop quality housing when immigration raids at gunpoint are occurring at said housing (and churches and schools, but I'll editorialize internally from this point forward).
Enjoy your week!
-Anne and Jason (in abstentia)
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving...Where is everyone?
Happy Thanksgiving! Hoping this post finds everyone happy and thankful!
We are enjoying a beautiful 80 degree Thanksgiving Day. Aaron and I just returned from the dog park, where we spent most of the time watching Max to ensure he didn't go into a large puddle he had his eye on.
Now we are home with plans to get ready in a few hours and make two stops.... one at friends Suson and Jeremy (MSU grads!) for drinks and then off to our friends Christie and Brandon's for dinner.
Interviews for the job are over and a decision will be made next week;) It's nice to have a few days to relax and not be preparing for it. I was one of 2 finalists for the second round of interviews and feel like my chances of getting the position are partly sunny with 30% chance of rain.
Happy Thanksgiving to you all!
Love Beth
We are enjoying a beautiful 80 degree Thanksgiving Day. Aaron and I just returned from the dog park, where we spent most of the time watching Max to ensure he didn't go into a large puddle he had his eye on.
Now we are home with plans to get ready in a few hours and make two stops.... one at friends Suson and Jeremy (MSU grads!) for drinks and then off to our friends Christie and Brandon's for dinner.
Interviews for the job are over and a decision will be made next week;) It's nice to have a few days to relax and not be preparing for it. I was one of 2 finalists for the second round of interviews and feel like my chances of getting the position are partly sunny with 30% chance of rain.
Happy Thanksgiving to you all!
Love Beth
Monday, November 12, 2007
Nov. 12
Well, this is so weird how I can post on this blog from home but not from work. Must be some kind of firewall or something set up on my work computer.
Not a whole lot of newsy stuff to write about. Both of us are recuperating from a rough week having to deal with his mother's husband passing and working out all the funeral details. This was a week of a lot of "firsts" for me.
On a brighter note, Thanksgiving is less than 2 weeks away and the "Gortatzki" clan has a lot to be thankful for this year!
So on that note I will close this short blog, and wish everyone a great week!
Lori
Not a whole lot of newsy stuff to write about. Both of us are recuperating from a rough week having to deal with his mother's husband passing and working out all the funeral details. This was a week of a lot of "firsts" for me.
On a brighter note, Thanksgiving is less than 2 weeks away and the "Gortatzki" clan has a lot to be thankful for this year!
So on that note I will close this short blog, and wish everyone a great week!
Lori
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Hola la familia...
Quick post to say hi! Are Jennifer and Joe back from the honeymoon yet? Hope to see a post from them soon;)
I got back on the bike this morning;) I haven't ridden my roadbike in several months as I decided to take off the summer (too hot) and then traveled every weekend this fall up until last weekend... so today was the first day back on it.
I like to ride with a group that leaves out of a local park. There are typically about 90 riders that take off together for a 35 mile ride around the city. Since I haven't been going consistently, and I am still relatively new to the sport, I don't know a lot of the other riders, but I am committed to going every Saturday so I can get to know them... finding some people to chat with and ride with make the rides so much more enjoyable.
Today I met up with a guy named Matt from Greece. We had a good chat for the last 10 miles of the ride, and stopped at Einstein Bagels for a coffee break... It's the connecting with others that makes the exercise part FUN!
I find when I do ride I am in a really good mood the rest of the day. I have started the morning with a beautiful sunrise, blue skies and some exercise. Just good for the soul.
As for the rest of the weekend, it's work around the house, and seeing some friends. Tonight Aaron is going to a ballet in Scottsdale. Our friends get season tickets and Aaron and I select a few shows we are interested in. The ballet is one he signed up for, but I wasn't interested in... so he is off to the show with our friends.
Tomorrow will be work on my resume and prep for the interview for the new job. It should be posted this week, which means I will apply and interviews will occur in the next two weeks (I am NERVOUS!!!) and excited...
In other noteworthy news, Omar turned 4 on Thursday. I had called him and he told me about his new spiderman motorcycle and the red popsicle he has for his birthday treat;) I so hope that this time next year he is in our home, and his name is listed among the Gortat birthdays on this blog.
That is all for now! Hope you are well AND that we hear from you on this blog SOON!
Beth
Quick post to say hi! Are Jennifer and Joe back from the honeymoon yet? Hope to see a post from them soon;)
I got back on the bike this morning;) I haven't ridden my roadbike in several months as I decided to take off the summer (too hot) and then traveled every weekend this fall up until last weekend... so today was the first day back on it.
I like to ride with a group that leaves out of a local park. There are typically about 90 riders that take off together for a 35 mile ride around the city. Since I haven't been going consistently, and I am still relatively new to the sport, I don't know a lot of the other riders, but I am committed to going every Saturday so I can get to know them... finding some people to chat with and ride with make the rides so much more enjoyable.
Today I met up with a guy named Matt from Greece. We had a good chat for the last 10 miles of the ride, and stopped at Einstein Bagels for a coffee break... It's the connecting with others that makes the exercise part FUN!
I find when I do ride I am in a really good mood the rest of the day. I have started the morning with a beautiful sunrise, blue skies and some exercise. Just good for the soul.
As for the rest of the weekend, it's work around the house, and seeing some friends. Tonight Aaron is going to a ballet in Scottsdale. Our friends get season tickets and Aaron and I select a few shows we are interested in. The ballet is one he signed up for, but I wasn't interested in... so he is off to the show with our friends.
Tomorrow will be work on my resume and prep for the interview for the new job. It should be posted this week, which means I will apply and interviews will occur in the next two weeks (I am NERVOUS!!!) and excited...
In other noteworthy news, Omar turned 4 on Thursday. I had called him and he told me about his new spiderman motorcycle and the red popsicle he has for his birthday treat;) I so hope that this time next year he is in our home, and his name is listed among the Gortat birthdays on this blog.
That is all for now! Hope you are well AND that we hear from you on this blog SOON!
Beth
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
An email from our caseworker
In regards to Omar from our caseworker:
Sorry, I am a bit cynical today.
As I told Beth at least it's a good sign for us that it isn't going well with the birth parents.
UPDATE!
Well, we just got another email from Omar's foster mom that Omar is acting out after his visits with his parents so the foster parents are trying to get the visits stopped. She is really rooting for us.
And, despite my cyniscism, when you see pictures like this, it makes the waiting worth it!
Hi Beth,I spoke with Omar's caseworker again today and she said that theSo, it seems to be saying they will give this new plan to reunite Omar with his parents a chance until February, that it doesn't seem like it is going well for his parents and that we would be a wonderful choice for Omar if it doesn't work, AND, keep sitting on your thumbs until something concrete happens (or keep holding out your heart for a child without any certainty you will get him).
reunification plan would go until February. It began in August, thus it would
come to an end then. However, she said things are not looking that good for the
birth family. She knows that you are going to be approved soon and she is aware
that you would be an excellent placement. Even when you are approved and have a
license, you would have to wait during this period of reunification. I would
still not get discouraged about this, though. Have a nice day.
Sorry, I am a bit cynical today.
As I told Beth at least it's a good sign for us that it isn't going well with the birth parents.
UPDATE!
Well, we just got another email from Omar's foster mom that Omar is acting out after his visits with his parents so the foster parents are trying to get the visits stopped. She is really rooting for us.
And, despite my cyniscism, when you see pictures like this, it makes the waiting worth it!
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