May 1996

1 – Stephen brought me flowers today. In the morning one of the boys asked what day it was and I said “May 1^st – oh, it’s May Day.” I was remembering the May baskets I would give as a child. Stephen thought I was giving him a hint. It was the farthest thing from my mind. Anyway, he came home in the middle of the day with a boquet of daisies. Hint or not, it was still nice to get flowers.

2 – Naomi got her hair cut today.

5 – My speakout soap box piece was published today. Naomi is totally embarrassed. That’s because I used her name in it. She didn’t mind the article itself – she just would have preferred to remain anonymous.

6 – After Moppets today there was a luncheon for all the workers.

8 – I started work today.

11 – Today was the Mother-Daughter tea.

13 – Tonight they had an ice cream social at Boltz for all the Core Knowledge kids. Naomi enjoyed herself except for the scavenger hunt. Mike Walz just went alphabetically through the list to assign groups. She got “stuck” with to “idiotic” boys. I didn’t go with her to the social because I spoke at the school board meeting. I gave a speech about Bran flakes & Cocoa Puffs. The school board members did NOT like it. Cindy Lopez was “outraged” that I would call PSD education sugar coated fluff.

18 – Stephen and the boys went on a hike with the Scouts today. When they got home Stephen was absolutely exhausted. I don’t know how he will make it at Philmont. I took Elizabeth Murphy & Naomi down to Red Rocks for a Girl Scout Sing. The car got vapor lock right where 76 joins 70. I had to cross the freeway and call my Dad. Of course, I didn’t know it was vapor lock and wouldn’t have know what to do any way. Then on the way home a semi tried to run me off the road. I ended up on the shoulder. I tried to honk at him but I couldn’t find the horn on that car. I much prefer my Colt!

19 – Peter sang with his school choir at graduation today. He and I left right after church so we would have time to eat and get ready.

21 – I took Michael to the orthodontist today. He was concerned that he would end up having to take finals since he was missing a class during the last week of school. I cleared that all cleared with Randy Yaussi. At the orthodontist it turned out the Michael has not been wearing his retainers. He has lost a lot of his correction. Now he has to wear the retainers all the time. Dr. Ebert adjusted them so the help bring his teeth back in line.

22 – Naomi got her clarinet today. We left for Boomer’s Music as soon as I got home from work. Steve McNeil’s wife worked there and helped us with all the details since I know absolutely nothing about the clarinet. Naomi is disappointed though because they asked her not to even try to put it together until the first day of class.

23 – Today was the last day of school for the boys. Michael only had to go in for a speech and was going to ride the city bus home but since it started to rain he decided to come home when I picked up Peter. I took Peter over to the podiatrist where he was fit for orthotics. I hope they will really help. This evening Peter went out to Beau Jo’s with his friends to celebrate their summer freedom. Afterwards they went to a friend’s house. He was out till 10:00.

24 – We went down to Mom & Dad’s today. Stephen came home at 1:00 and we planned to leave by 3:00 but then we found out that Mom & Dad were going out to dinner. We decided to take a nap instead and then Stephen & the boys tried to get to Greeley & the Scout shop before it closed at 5:00. (They missed by moments!) We didn’t leave here until 7:30. Stephen let Peter drive almost all the way down. I would not have chosen a rainy night to be the first time he drove through Denver but he did all right until he got on the Morrison Rd exit.

25 – Today was Westin’s BD party. He was so excited. Every thing had a western theme down to the cake which was a cowboy boot. It’s a good thing Mom didn’t plan the meal to be outside since it is still raining. After watching Westin’s new movie “The Aristocats” we came home. Only 3 of us came home though. We left Michael and Peter there so they can go with Mom and Dad down to Texas for Doug’s graduation & Eagle ceremony.

28 – Naomi had her first clarinet lesson today. She was thrilled. She learned how to put it together, how to clean it, and how to play 4 notes. All afternoon she kept practicing those 4 notes.

30 – After only 3 days of lessons Naomi is playing “Ode to Joy.” Granted, it is only the first part and it is simplified so there ae no eighth notes. Still, it is very recognizable and she is doing a very good job with it.