Ross Family

A much needed update...

2009-01-31T10:09:00.000-08:00

How quickly our days, weeks, and months fill...

Nov.
Jarrett finished up football. They made the playoffs!
David's grandfather passed away on Thanksgiving day. Jarrett still misses him and talks about him consistently. We visited the USS Midway museum for a school field trip this week, and he said, "I wish great-grandpa could come back for just one day to see this."

Dec.
What a glorious time of year! I love Christmas time, especially focusing on the true gift of Christmas, Jesus Himself! We enjoyed time with the family and each other.

Jan.
Jarrett turned 8 (where does time go?), so we took a family trip to Disneyland! It was soooo much fun! Jarrett started basketball with a recreational league focused on building skills and having fun! He enjoys it, but insists he wants to play tackle football this year! And David definitely wants his boy to play football! :) David and Jarrett have gone fishing a couple of times - they sure enjoy the lake! I have been busy balancing everything - but life is good! God is good!

And tomorrow is February ... sigh.

Upcoming Events:
Ducks Unlimited Banquet Dinner - March 20
Women's Retreat :) - May
Greenwing Event (DU) - July (TBA)

Melissa

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-25T18:01:00.000-08:00

Give thanks to God. Eat lots of turkey and pie. Love your family.

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours.

VOTE!

2008-11-02T16:53:00.000-08:00

Please vote! I urge you to vote YOUR values and beliefs...not what this world says is 'right.' Most importantly, PRAY! Pray for discernment as you vote and for this nation!

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Happy Fall!

2008-10-10T07:54:00.001-07:00

I love the change of seasons. Where we live, there isn't a drastic change in weather, but each season arrives with a change in focus.

For me, Fall is a time to start preparing our hearts for the great celebration of Christmas, Christ's birth. What better to prepare us than thanksgiving?

Psalm 100:4-5

"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations."

No matter what happens in our homes, in this county, in this economy, in this world, we have the truth and promises of our faithful Father in heaven - His everlasting mercy, a living hope, an undefiled, incorruptible inheritance, a place reserved for us in Heaven for those who choose Him. I am thankful for these promises ... for I know I have a BIG God who can (and has) overcome all things ... what else REALLY matters?

What are you thankful for?

You know you are a paranoid Mom when…

2008-09-12T17:42:00.000-07:00

You didn’t let the nurses leave the hospital room with your newborn-son unless Daddy followed…

You let your son sleep in your bedroom until he was three, fearing something terrible could happen…

You took Child Development courses to become a preschool teacher so you didn’t have to send him to preschool without you…

You can’t imagine sending your son to Kindergarten FIVE DAYS A WEEK, so you home-school two days…

You go get your seven (and a half, you cannot forget the half)-year-old son a cell phone for his first “official” play-date without Mom.

I just kissed my son good-bye - leaving with his buddy to watch a high-school football game – brand new (pay as you go) cell phone in his pocket. We were both nervous and excited, but wholly trusting the Lord.

Am I paranoid? Over-protective? Some may think so. But I feel I have followed my heart’s leading, cherishing these precious childhood years – doing the best I know how in this journey called 'Motherhood.'

He is growing so fast. I know it won’t be long before he is driving to the high-school football game on his own. Redeem the time, I say again, redeem the time…

A picture from the first day of Second Grade…

Summer

2008-08-09T10:06:00.000-07:00

Summer has proven to be as fast-paced as every other season of the year! We have been keeping busy...

David has been working, and working out! (check out his 'fitness photo' on my new photography blog, link at left, woo-hoo). He has really been dedicated and has recently started playing racquetball to add some cardio. He loves it. He purchased a new racquet - who knew there was such a BIG difference? Technology - it is so far reaching! The three of us went to the gym last Sunday afternoon and played together...well, David attempted to teach us how to play. It was fun! Way better than walking a treadmill for 30 minutes!

Jarrett has been a busy boy. He finished up 1st grade and attended a six-week literacy program at his school. He made knew friends, and we learned more about his learning style/needs. He has enjoyed spending time with family and friends, going to the beach, swimming, and just started football again - after some persuasion! He is doing so well this year! Actually, the entire team has progressed -- maybe they will win some games this season! Raffle Tickets Anyone? $2 each ... LOL! :)

I have been busy, too. Between home, work, school, creating a new photography blog/business, preparing to teach an outdoor photography class, and a handful of photography sessions/events, I am one stretched woman! While it keeps me going (and going), all of these things are such a blessing in my life. I don't think I would change any of it. I appreciate that I have been called and equipped to minister in different ways. Redeem (make the most of) the time, Eph. 5:16.

Oh yeah, Jarrett and I spent yesterday afternoon at Boomers! We had such a good time...go-karts (6x), bumper boats (x2), ferris wheel, tea-cups (x3), swings, miniature golf, arcades, pizza, and ICEE! What a day! He came in this morning and gave me a big hug..."Thank you, Mama, for the best day ever yesterday!" The joy of motherhood...

God bless.

Seattle...

2008-06-26T17:28:00.000-07:00

Aaaahh. Makes me want to sit and sip a sweet cup of coffee! I loved my cup of java so much I had to take a picture of it. I am sure the ambiance of the morning had a lot to do with it ... but I thought I would share anyway...isn't it cute?

We had a lovely time in Seattle. David was in meetings the majority of the time, but Jarrett and I had fun! And it didn't rain! I love the 'adventure' of exploring a new place.

Our hotel was in the downtown shopping district (good thing for David I don't like to shop!) I think this shot below captures the 'feel' of downtown ... I loved the trees and the art ... lots of art everywhere. Did you know that every new building in Seattle must commit 1% of its design to art?? More details and photos to come ...

Update ...

2008-06-18T12:50:00.000-07:00

Not much to report here!

Jarrett finished up 1st grade (OMGoodness) - He is 'enjoying' a 6-week summer literacy program at his school, three 1/2 days. He is a swimming fool! He loves playing in the pool, playing with the puppy, and sleeping in! :) He is also enjoying weekly horse back riding lessons with Grammy.

I am keeping busy - working, taking photography classes, photo shoots, etc., oh, and most importantly, being a wife and mother.

We have been trying to get our house, yard, and pool cleaned-up and presentable. It is a lot of work maintaining a home.

David has been working - and continuing to work out. He is very committed to staying healthy and strong. We celebrated Father's day with both families at "Fort Pierce" - filet mingon, crab legs, yummy, yummy!

Hope you all are having a wonderful summer - it's hot out there!

Celebrate Life!

2008-05-12T09:10:00.000-07:00

It was a weekend of celebrating!

Friday Jarrett and I went to Chuck E. Cheese to celebrate Morgan's 3rd birthday (my friend's daughter)! Jarrett had a great time playing with Aiden ... it is amazing how quickly children grow up. Happy Birthday Morgan!

Saturday morning I went with my sister to her friend Katie's 'Celebration of Life' service. It was very emotional, more emotional than I expected. Katie was such a big part of my sister's life as we grew up...it is very sad to lose someone so young and full of life. She is home with Jesus now...but even in death God is using her life - at least 10 people received the gift of grace at her Celebration. He truly does work all things for good - even if we don't yet understand His 'higher ways'. My heart aches for her family's loss, especially her precious little ones. Please continue to pray for Jake, Jaydn, Brynne, Jacob, parents, family, and friends...

After the service, we went up to David's parents' home to celebrate Mother's Day with ALL the Moms! We had a great B.B.Q. and a nice time with both families. We are so blessed to have both of our mothers here with us and so close. There were a lot of plants/flowers going around! My Mom and Dad gave me tulips for Mother's day ... they smell heavenly and are beautiful (pictured here)!

After that, we went up to my parents' home to celebrate 101 years of birthdays! We combined the following birthdays: Melissa, David, and Misha!

I hope that I can continue in this state of celebrating ... never taking for granted the precious time we have here on earth, time with those we love, and most importantly, the precious gift of salvation through Christ. May His love brighten your day!

Please Pray for Katie!

2008-04-26T19:57:00.001-07:00

Katie is my sister's dear friend, and she is battling for life. Please, please pray for her.

Please visit link on the left for more information.

And remember, God works all things for good...

DISNEYLAND

2008-04-21T19:06:00.000-07:00

We finally made our much-anticipated trip to Disneyland! It was great to experience the 'magic' of it all through Jarrett's eyes (it just isn't the same as an adult...)!

Jarrett's face on our first ride - the Jungle Cruise! I remember this exact feeling as a little girl! :) Wonder, curiosity, fear, excitement! What fun!

Of course, he had to get a pair of mouse ears - not the traditional black one's, but the light-up chrome pair! I wanted a tiara, but we didn't get to the Mad Hatter until the very end ... next time I am starting there so I can wear it all day! It is funny - it is absolutely acceptable to be as silly as you want at Disneyland! :)

Jarrett rode his first roller-coaster, BIG THUNDER! He was a little apprehensive, but he LOVED it! He was saying, "let's do it again, let's do it again," as we were exiting!

Oh, one more thing ... a picture of the watch 'maker' sizing David's new watch - the ultra-collectible Boba Fett limited edition watch...Happy Birthday, love!

Yo, ho, yo ho ... :)

An overdue update!

2008-04-12T10:53:00.000-07:00

We have been a busy family. Nothing 'big', just life.

It has the feeling of Western Days around here...Jarrett started horseback riding lessons (see post below), Western Day dress-up at school is next Wednesday, the rodeo comes to town, and the annual parade! Yee Haa! I am feeling a little cowgirlish! :)

Thus, I posted one of my favorite pictures as my header. This is my Mom's barn door. Oh, the stories it could tell...a gateway to my childhood. Just looking at the picture brings me peace as I reflect on the joys of times past.

Horseback Riding Lessons!

2008-04-12T08:52:00.002-07:00

Grammy has blessed Jarrett with horse back riding lessons! We created a photoshow - there are so many pictures to share! Enjoy! And many thanks to Ms. Ronalynn at Harvest Ranch Ministries!

He is Risen! He is not here!

2008-03-13T15:44:00.000-07:00

May your Easter celebrations be focused on the sacrificial death of our Saviour, His triumphant victory, and our assured hope!

God Bless You!

Jarrett's Easter craft from school...precious!

And an invite...

Happy Valentines Day!

2008-02-14T16:56:00.000-08:00

For God so lo V ed the world,
That He g A ve
His On L y
Begott E n
So N
T hat whoever
Believes I n Him
Should N ot perish,
But have E verlasting life.

(sorry - the letters won't line up - but all the CAP letters spell VALENTINE)

May our lives be so filled with the love of Christ that we love one another ... not only on this special day, but each and EVERY day!

God bless you.

M

An update! Finally!

2008-02-10T19:06:00.001-08:00

I apologize for not updating the blog - in over a month! Life has been full...full of blessings, trials, change, and the day-to-day stuff.

David has been working - here, there, everywhere! We are thankful he has been working...it has been slow in San Diego. But, God has always been faithful in providing for the needs of our family. David has been quite busy working, but he was able to get one more hunting trip in before the season ended. He has been working out and is looking good! :)

Jarrett has been busy at school, and he is doing well. He started vision therapy once a week through his school. A vision screening revealed Jarrett has mild to moderate difficulties, mostly ocular motor - so they are doing basic strength exercises. She anticipates a huge improvement by June! He has expressed an interest in BMX riding/racing. We are going to visit a local track and check it out! In the meantime, he takes advantage of the jumps the neighborhood boys build near a creek by our house. A little bit of dirt in a concrete jungle! It is funny. They build. The County comes and fills all the holes and knocks down the jumps. The next day they rebuild. Repeat.

I have been busy. I accepted another job, which was unexpected, but a good thing. A lot of prayer and a big blessing! :) So I have been transitioning in/out of offices, which has meant a few more hours working. But it has all worked out. I love to watch God work...to see how He fits all the pieces of the 'puzzle' together, so perfectly! It is also an encouragement/confirmation to know I am in His will. I still struggle with change - not so much trusting Him, but being bold enough to obey. I am not a risk-taker, so it is hard for me to LEAP! But I did, and He has been faithful. He always is. Needless to say, there hasn't been much time to 'play' with photography (or much else), but I have a wedding calendared for each of the next three months! :) Bible Study is going well. I do love digging deep in His Word...it is such a blessing.

Thanks for visiting the blog. It is my hope to keep posting!

Go Chargers!

2008-01-07T08:29:00.001-08:00

Too cute not to share!

Have a lovely day in the Lord! :)

Wrap it up!

2008-01-04T07:53:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

The holiday season is wrapping up as quickly as it arrived. Our family had a wonderful Christmas, and we rang in the New Year...asleep! :) We look forward to 2008. It feels like a year of change ... new beginnings, new traditions ... not sure what that involves, but we are ready.

We have some sad news...we had our first 'funeral.' Our beloved hamster Mia died yesterday. The cause is mostly unknown, but our son is grieving. He is a sad, sad boy.

Some photos of our holiday celebrations ...

Tis' the Season...A Time to Reflect

2007-12-17T10:38:00.000-08:00

About 7 years ago I went to a ladies Christmas get-together where we were asked to bring our most meaningful ornament (show and tell kind of thing). I was sad, because as I looked at my tree, I had no special treasure to bring. My tree was adorned like a department store tree - beautiful, but little meaning.

Last year after Christmas I cleared out most of my 'meaningless' ornaments and carefully wrapped the rest for 11 months of storage. What an amazing gift this year to adorn my tree! Each ornament is truly special in some way. Our tree is quite eclectic with absolutely no rhyme or reason, other than a collage of beautiful memories. It makes me smile.

I am so thankful for the changes in my life over the past 7 years...from meaningless to a true purpose, discovery and refinement, blessings disguised as challenges, and times of stretching and rest. It is good to reflect, and what a strange messenger-our beautiful Christmas tree...

Please post a comment and tell me about your favorite ornament(s)...I'll post mine, too!

AAAaaaahhhhh!

2007-12-04T17:45:00.000-08:00

He lost another...seems like yesterday they were just coming in!

UPDATE: He lost the other front tooth two days later!

Old Traditions Become New...

2007-11-30T14:31:00.000-08:00

As a child, I remember receiving a package each year from my Aunt Burness...a special calendar that counted down the days of Christmas, a piece of candy attached to each day. And there was always a candy cane for the 25th!

Today was a rainy, cold day, so Jarrett and I decided to make a Christmas count down calendar...it was a yummy-fun project! We started at Michaels to pick up supplies, specifically, poster board and stickers. We narrowed down the stickers to about three packages: Santa, Nativity scene, and a decorated Christmas tree.

"Okay, which one do you choose?" I asked.
"Oh, Mama, what else would I pick, the Nativity scene."

I smiled as I put Santa and the tree back on the shelf. I just love his precious heart.

Here is a picture of our calendar. We still have to attach a candy cane...they didn't hand those out for harvest/halloween! :) Oh, and a picture of Jarrett with his new umbrella.

Please post a comment describing a treasured Christmas tradition, old or new!

New Look for the Blog...

2007-11-23T09:13:00.000-08:00

I know, it is still fall, but I am too excited to wait any longer to begin celebrating this joyous time of year.

Much love,
Melissa

An Update!

2007-11-20T10:42:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone! Here's a quick recap of the last two weeks...

11/10 We celebrated my Mom's _6th birthday! Bec made a fabulous carrot cake!
11/11 Jarrett enjoyed the last hoo-ra with his football team (at an indoor inflatable place)...he was so excited to get his first trophy!
11/15 Jarrett had a 'pumpkin pie' feast in class. I was so thankful I could go to this...working has limited the time I am able to spend in his class, and I miss it so much.
11/17 We did it! A few friends and I participated in the Walk on the Wild Side 5K at the Zoo. It was great fun...so we decided we are going to train to jog/run a 5K in the near future! And I took a few pictures afterwards!
11/18 After church we enjoyed an afternoon on the lake...it was so nice.

HAVE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Boys...

2007-11-09T09:39:00.000-08:00

Jarrett re-opened his wound (see post below)...Thankfully the doctor didn't want to re-stitch (greater risk of infection??), which saved Jarrett more trauma; however, now the recovery will take much longer and there may be more scarring.

"Mama, I forgot you told me not to run." ... I, ya, I ...

Amazing Allison...

2007-11-09T09:35:00.000-08:00

Jarrett and I went to see Allison perform in her middle school play, Sleeping Beauty. She was simply amazing. God has blessed her with a beautiful talent...

And it was so nice to see the family. I remember Aaron's first day of kindergarten, and now he is DRIVING! Where does time go??

Another first ...

2007-11-01T09:39:00.001-07:00

Well, Jarrett made it 6 years before needing stitches. Given his personality and hunger for pushing the limits, I am surprised he made it this far! :)

On Monday Jarrett and I were in the garage sorting our recyclables, and he wanted to crush cans in the bench vise. Somehow...(he is not willing to give an account of the event)...the vise fell off the tool bench and landed just above his knee. It took a big chunk of his leg as the vise fell to the ground, which thankfully missed his foot!

I scooped him up, gave him a towel, and we were off to the doctor. Doctor S. concluded Jarrett needed stitches and did it right there in the office. Daddy arrived just as I was getting 'overwhelmed'...in case you don't know, I don't handle blood, doctors, or hospitals well, at all!

Jarrett was such a brave, strong boy. While he is still really sore and favors his leg as he walks, the swelling is going down and appears to be healing well.

6 years and 6 stitches! All boy! :)

Crazy week...

2007-10-28T18:03:00.001-07:00

It has been a crazy week to say the least.

We were in the midst of 'Firestorm 2007'. Thankfully, no one we know/love was directly effected by the fires-there were a few evacuations, but no losses! Praise the Lord.

School was out all week due to poor air quality and shifting winds/flames.

By Friday, the wonderful community response teams had the fires mostly under control. We enjoyed the beach on both Friday and Saturday night. We had 'the lowest tides in months', so David was eager to go detecting. His friend, Chuck, met us on Saturday night and brought his Coinmaster detector for Jarrett to use...he was thrilled - and even found some treasure, $0.12! David found a some treasure, too. Of course, I took some photos! :)

Things appear to be returning to normal ... and now we are getting ready for the holidays! YEAH!

Life

2007-10-04T20:24:00.000-07:00

I am amazed how life 'fills' with so many things.

I have learned (the hard way) not to over commit, so I am not rushing through life ... but I am still involved in so much. They are all good things, but I need to remember to maintain a proper balance of 'doing' and resting. While I am not overwhelmed with all I (we) do, I also need to schedule down time.

So, rather than spend 1/2 hour listing out our recent adventures, I will title it 'LIFE' and go snuggle with my boys for awhile ... and rest.

God bless you, always.

Lights ... Camera ... Action ...

2007-09-23T16:58:00.000-07:00

Jarrett and I set-up a 'photo studio' in our living room - great practice with natural light and my new lens! Enjoy!

Software ...

2007-09-23T07:39:00.001-07:00

Can anyone recommend a good software program to create DVD/slideshows with still images and digital video clips?

I was looking at Adobe Photoshop Essentials, but there is also Adobe Photoshop Essentials Premiere - from what I can tell, Essentials is only for still images and Premiere incorporates images and video ... but I am not sure. Are there any other software options???

Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks!

Week in Review...

2007-09-23T07:10:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! We had a great week ... here's the short (and long) of it! :)

Monday - Jarrett stayed the night at Grandma and Papa's house. I went to one of my favorite stores and purchased a 'portrait' lens! Yippee! When we both got home we finished up our homeschool work! Daddy worked. Since he is working at the beach, each day after work he goes out 'treasuring hunting' with his metal detector. Jarrett and I are always excited to see what he brings home!

Tuesday - school, work, and football!

Wednesday - Jarrett had hotlunch at school today. Each Wednesday a Jr. High class offers hotlunch to raise funds for their D.C. trip. They usually do pizza, corndogs, and sometimes homemade spaghetti and garlic bread! Jarrett loves hot lunch days...so does Mom! I had my first 'newborn' photo session today! It was such a nice time. And (most) of the pictures came out amazing. Babies are too cute! Into the evening, the 'boys' went to football and mom went to Women's Bible Study! I am so excited for this year.

Thursday - school, work, and football!

Friday - Jarrett spent the day with his Grammy so I could work for a few hours. They had a blast - driving the go-cart, caring for the chickens, and playing with Great-Grandpa's new kitten, Kit.

Saturday - FOOTBALL! Jarrett had a football game on Saturday...in the RAIN! The clouds held their load for most of the game, but I don't think the boys minded much. The 'fans' in the bleachers weren't too thrilled, but we all stuck it out huddled under an EZ-UP! And the boys had a good game and actually put some points on the board! We headed to Roundtable for a team celebration!

Faithful fans a.k.a. family! (Back row: Papa, Grammy, Aunt Gwen, Grandma. Front row: Uncle Misha and Auntie Becca)

The downpour...thankfully it passed quickly!

What Position Do You Play?

2007-09-15T17:29:00.000-07:00

"Team Captain" at coin toss...

"Center" ... where is my Mom? (He is always looking for me on the sideline)!

"Offensive Line - Tackle" ... gotta love his 'game face'!

Daddy helped with player playcounts.

Mom was the photographer, water girl, and cheerleader! :)

And the reality of defeat... Visitors (us) 0 - Home 25.

Week in Review...

2007-09-10T18:12:00.000-07:00

I started work on Thursday. I am working VERY part-time for my former employer at the law office, billing/bookkeeping. Jarrett said, "Mama, I am not sure I like you working." I told him I would only be working when he is at school - he still isn't too sure!

Jarrett had a great first week of school. On Friday I realized how much work they do each day...my goodness...they are busy!

Friday night we celebrated Auntie Becca's 30th birthday! It was a fun time for all. Here's a link to the photoshow! http://www.photoshow.com/watch/Ib6mz5jc

Saturday Jarrett played his first regular season game! If you ask him, he'll say, "We got 3; the other team got 800."

Jarrett blocking ...

One of Jarrett's faithful fans!

We headed up to Alpine for the remainder of the day and enjoyed a BBQ with the family!

Sunday we went to church and enjoyed the Charger game! A busy weekend, but it was good.

May your week be blessed!

Football, Labor Day, First Day of School, etc...

2007-09-04T11:24:00.000-07:00

We have been busy.

Jarrett has been playing a lot of football. His team has played a few scrimmages, a preseason game, and next Saturday is the first regular season game!

We went to the river for Labor Day weekend. Our whole family needed the break! We did a lot fishing, hunting, and floating! It was good. HOT, but good!

Jarrett headed off for 1st grade this morning! He was a little nervous, but he did GREAT! I love his school...it is such a blessing to feel so at peace leaving him there.

UPDATE: Jarrett had a GREAT first day! One of the monitors/aides from last year followed the class to 1st grade, and she said he did so good. She told him how proud she was of him on his progress over the summer with reading and letter formation. I am so proud of him!

Hangin' Duck Boxes

2007-08-20T10:36:00.000-07:00

Kristen and Jarrett hanging up the DU Greenwing wood duck boxes at Lake Cuyamaca! It was neat to see the kids participate in a conservation project from beginning to end.

What a fun day! Thank you Steve, Cyndi, Kristen, and Jarrett!

Summer fun!

2007-08-18T13:22:00.001-07:00

We went to the beach with our friends on Wednesday! The boys had a great time boogie boarding! They were having so much fun, I am almost convinced to try it next time! And I think we found our new hangout ... notice the water ... there is no one else in the shot - at NOON! There were others in the water - it was a lucky shot ... but truly, the beach was not overcrowded.

Thank you Laura, Aiden, and Morgan for a lovely day at the beach!

NFL Preseaon starts NOW ...

2007-08-12T17:07:00.001-07:00

Go Chargers!

In Loving Memory...

2007-07-30T14:57:00.000-07:00

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?!?

2007-07-25T09:19:00.000-07:00

What fun! We are really enjoying this new "season" for our family. It seems like yesterday we were bringing home a baby for the first time, now our boy is playing football! It is crazy...and wonderful...and scary! We are so blessed - in so many different ways.

Praise the LORD! From the rising of the sun to its going down, the LORD'S name is to be praised. Psalm 113:1,3

Update!

2007-07-20T17:21:00.000-07:00

Yikes! Sorry for the lack of updates...

We are all doing GREAT!

Last week Jarrett had Art Camp at school. It was nice for him to spend some time at school and learn some new techniques.

We had a fun water play day at Church on Saturday - water slides, pools, BBQ, and a family Bluegrass Band to play worship music!

Earlier this week we went to Boomers! That was a fun-filled day...minature golf, bumper boats, go-karts, video games, and ice cream!

Jarrett signed up to play flag football! He is soooo excited, and so are we! Looking at his schedule...we are going to live, eat, and breathe football for three months! But it should be a lot of fun! :)

David is installing his amp and subwoofers into the Jeep...it was, of course, a small project that turned huge! It is amazing how that works! We tend to under estimate the projects we take on...live and learn, right?

I am beginning to train for a 5K, which come to find out is 3.1 miles - that is realistic! My friend Laura was interested in training for a 5K, so I agreed to come alongside and train with her...since then, we have about 4 or 5 others who would like to join us! Right now we are focusing on walking...hopefully we will work up to a jog! See our 'outdoor ladies' blog - link to the right!

Hope everyone has a GREAT weekend...

Until next time,

Melissa

Shooting Range...

2007-07-10T19:31:00.000-07:00

This weekend we went to the shooting range, and Jarrett shot a .22 for the first time...he did REALLY good! It was an indoor range, so the pictures aren't the greatest (no tripod). David shot trap outside. It was a good time for all!

Del Mar Fair...

2007-07-04T11:21:00.000-07:00

Jarrett and I went to the fair on Tuesday. It was a nice (LONG) day - we enjoyed a break from the inland heat! We watched the Monster Truck "races" and Freestyle Moto X - ohhh my goodness...those Moto X guys were CRAZY! They should have announced before the show..."don't try this at home kids..." Jarrett was in awe of the back flips!

Update!

2007-06-29T07:13:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of updates...we have been busy!

As many of you know, we had the Greenwing Picnic on Saturday! It was a HUGE success! A lot of work, but well worth it...we received great feedback which encourages us to keep going! I have updated the Greenwing blog (link to the right) - if interested, please check it out! :)

We received Jarrett's final report card on Monday...he did AWESOME! He improved in ALL areas. In the beginning they only gave E,G,S,N marks for work habits and social traits...but he actually received letter grades this trimester as follows:

English A+
Word Building A+
Math A+
Art A+
Science A+
Social Studies A-

WE ARE SO PROUD OF OUR BOY! :) We are keeping his mind working over the summer, too...workbooks, an educational PC game, "field trips", etc. Today Jarrett and I are meeting a group from his school for their "book club." They read two books a month and then meet for discussion and craft/activity! He is very excited to see his friends from school.

I finished up my photography class... :( I am skipping the next session of classes, but hope to keep practicing and enroll in a course next time!

Our washing machine broke...so we had to purchase a new one...it is SOOOOO cool! It almost makes doing laundry fun/exciting (for awhile anyways)!

David is ... working ... and he caught a bit of a cold - nothing worse than working in the heat with a cold, yuck!

HAVE A BLESSED DAY!

We made it!

2007-06-22T11:47:00.000-07:00

My friend, Cyndi, and I actually made this wood duck box - all by ourselves! I told Cyndi, "I didn't know playing in the garage was so much fun!" We are so proud of our accomplishment! And we can't wait for "Wanda" to come hatch her ducklings in "our" box! (We are such girls, we already named the hen!)

We have 9 more to build at the Greenwing Picnic on Saturday - hope to see you all there!

Mia!

2007-06-16T18:36:00.000-07:00

Meet the newest member of the Ross Family...Mia!

Jarrett has been wanting a hamster for months. We decided he earned one for doing so well in Kindergarten. We were going to name the hamster "Hammie", but we got a girl, so I said we have to name her "Hammia" - thus, Mia!

Graduation Day!

2007-06-13T16:43:00.001-07:00

Today Jarrett graduated from Kindergarten! His first grade teacher, who is also a photographer, took the children's picture in a cap/gown...too cute!

Today I realized again just how blessed we are that the Lord has provided us the opportunity to send our son to a faith-based school. The teachers, administration, parents, and students are amazing...we are so blessed...

I will praise the name of God with a song, And will magnify Him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30

Weekend at the Bahia

2007-06-11T15:59:00.000-07:00

CJ had their annual meeting in San Diego this year, so we enjoyed a mini-vacation in our "backyard"! Friday night we enjoyed a Polynesian luau. Saturday morning we had breakfast as a group, and met up with Daddy in the afternoon. Papa and Grandma picked Jarrett up, so we could have the evening to enjoy the dinner cruise the company hosted. It was a nice time!

12 Years and counting...

2007-06-04T09:56:00.001-07:00

This weekend David and I celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary. Thank you for being a part of our lives and supporting and encouraging us on this life-long journey...

Happy Memorial Day!

2007-05-28T19:17:00.000-07:00

We are so thankful for all of our blessings; First, we thank the Lord, and secondly, all those who have so bravely pursued the freedoms we cherish, as a country and as individuals. And we pray for the troops who bravely serve today.

We had a lovely weekend. Sunday we enjoyed Cuyamaca State Park, visiting Green Valley Falls, Lake Cuyamaca, and Julian. And Monday, a relaxing BBQ with family.

Memorial Photoshow!

2007-05-28T19:16:00.000-07:00

Swap Meet Find!

2007-05-27T10:46:00.000-07:00

Saturday we went to the swap meet to look for "treasures." I unsuccessfully searched for a camera lens, Jarrett wanted a metal detector, and David had no specific treasure in mind...but he found one...a sander for his workshop! While Jarrett did not find his detector, we did find a pair of shoes - new in the box! :) "ALL" the junior high kids wear Converse high tops, so Jarrett has been wanting a pair...however, I was not going to pay $40+ for them...we found these knock-offs for $10! He LOVES them...and they are so cute on him! :)

Summer!

2007-05-23T13:50:00.001-07:00

Summer is on it's way! My snack was so yummy I had to take a picture of it! Not really, it was a good subject for me to practice my photography...nonetheless...it screams SUMMER! We have already started a list of "things to do this summer," so we will be busy having F-U-N! I cannot believe Jarrett "graduates" from Kindergarten in two weeks...where has time gone?

Thought for the day: "I will praise the Lord with my whole heart!" Psalm 111:1a

Happy Mother's Day!

2007-05-14T11:05:00.001-07:00

Weekend Update!

2007-05-14T11:02:00.000-07:00

We had a busy weekend! Friday afternoon we went to Morgan's 2nd birthday party, and the kids had a blast at Partytown! Friday evening Jarrett had a performance for a Mother's Day Tea. He was not excited about getting up on stage, but he did GREAT - and he looked so handsome! We did our mother's day shopping on Saturday and had a nice BBQ at home. Sunday we went to church and then we were off to visit the Moms! First stop, Lake Jennings to see Grammy, then up to Alpine to see Grandma! The Nipper Family joined us at Grandma and Papa's house, and it is was a lot of fun. The kids enjoyed the spa, rode their dirt bike/quad (the dads played a little too), and we had a yummy BBQ. It was a great day!

Lizard Fishing!

2007-05-05T18:58:00.000-07:00

Today David showed Jarrett how to "fish" for lizards! They were very successful! No animals were harmed in their adventures! :)

For Sale... SOLD

2007-04-29T17:50:00.000-07:00

We are selling our jetboat. If you know of anyone in the market, please have them go to: rtoys4sale.blogspot.com. (You can click on the link to the right for shortcut). Thanks so much!

SOLD!

Lakeside Western Days Parade!

2007-04-28T13:17:00.000-07:00

Today was the Lakeside Western Days Parade. We joined in on the fun and participated in Jarrett's school float. It was a great time and nice to be a little "light" in the community. The younger children enjoyed singing "Jesus Loves Me" as the older kids told the crowd, "Jesus loves you." The children also blew bubbles the entire route of the parade, which was fun for the spectators! Daddy met us at the end of the route, and we enjoyed a nice lunch together. A great day.

Western Days!

2007-04-25T10:24:00.000-07:00

This weekend is the 43rd Annual Lakeside Rodeo (Yeeha!), and Jarrett's school will have a float in the morning parade. The children were asked to wear their western wear to school today for a "contest" to see who gets to ride on the float. Since his teacher is the director, all the kindergartners get to ride! The second picture is in remembrance of Grandpa Pierce - he always had his cowboy hat on! :) When he died, Jarrett asked Papa if he could keep Great-Grandpa's hat...gone, but not forgotten.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

2007-04-21T18:31:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrated David's 36th birthday at one of his favorite hang-outs, Lake Jennings. While the fish were not hungry, we had a great time. It is such a blessing to have family so close!