25 is Old.....

.......when you've known someone for half your life!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEN!

Love the Bu

We took the FJ Cruiser for her first trip to Malibu today. We used the excuse of escaping the valley's hot heat to travel to El Matador State Beach. This is where we had our first Valentines Date and where Tuck popped the big Will you... question four years later.

There is a Calm Before the Storm

It is true that I love teaching and it truly is my passion, but I can't help but enjoy the last few minutes of quiet before those 22 7 year old children bring their energy through the door. There are 180 days left in the school year, filled with mindless grading and hours upon hours of saying things like, "is that your business," "tracking fingers ready," "no. it's not time for recess, please don't ask again," "sit correctly," "1,2,3 eyes on me," "facing forward-hands behind your back," you get the idea.

the calm

amongst my smile the storm is behind me

Knowing Someone After They've Left Us

Grampa Bud Slagle passed away 8/27/08 after being in and out of the hospital since January. We flew up to SLC on Sunday with Erin and Hadyn and met mom, dad, Griff and the rest of the Slagle family and friends. As I looked at the pictures creatively placed at the funeral home during the viewing I couldn't help but smile. Bud led a beautiful life and raised a wonderful family, the pictures of him and Grandma were absolutely priceless. Then, during the funeral I finally got to know Grandpa Bud. It wasn't when Steph and her sisters shared their stories about their father, it happened when one by one his beautiful grandchildren stood up in front of friends and family. They shared their fond memories about who was the favorite grandchild, the places he had taken them, the quirky sayings made for each grandkid, and I felt their genuine tears of sorrow that celebrated the life of their grandfather. Tuck went up to represent the Cannon family and thanked his grandfather for showing him true family values that he will continue carrying on.

Thank you, we love you Grampa Bud.

Surprise! You are 60!

What a better way to celebrate my father's 60th birthay (8/29/08) with a surprise Poker Party Night at the OOII Clubhouse here in Valencia. Tuck, Brendan and I took mom and dad out to the Odyssey, which is a resturant high on a hill that looks over the San Franando Valley. He thought his night was over after the steak but to his surprise our family and friends where there at OOII waiting to toot their horns when my father walked in. He does think that he will get me back someday, but I got him good! Happy Birthday Dad!