The BIG Day

Here is what Anabel has been working really hard on for the last two weeks. Brings back memories, huh! :)

I know the video is a little dark...the sun sets at 5:30 pm every day. She had been trying off and on all afternoon to make the "turn" and finally got it. You didn't think I was going to wait for "dawn's first daylight" to record this landmark moment, did you?!?!

THIRD IN REGIONALS!!!

ALPHA BOYS SOCCER TEAM

THIRD PLACE IN REGIONALS!!!

Our boy's soccer team wowed us by beating out the "best team in the city" (the winners of the city-wide tournament in June) and placed third in our region. This was the first time our team had played in a statewide tournament.

The students weren't able to watch the game, because it took place during regular classes. When news got back that the boys had won 3rd, the entire student body packed out the sports court to surprise the boys as they arrived back at school.

Daddy is a What?

Fresno Zoo - Furlough 2003

This is the conversation I overheard while getting ready for our Thursday evening church activities...

Alicia: Hmmm…I think I should take all my worksheets for Kid’s Club and put them in a folder or something instead of all loose in my Sunday School bag.
Anabel: Why don’t you just put them in your “piggy hole”? (say what?!)
Alicia: It’s not called a “piggy hole”, Anabel…it’s called a “cubby hole”. (well, at least someone understands Anabel...)
Anabel: How do you know?
Alicia: It’s just what Daddy says.
Anabel: What is a cubby, anyway?
Alicia: (This is priceless...) Well, I think it might be because baby bears are called cubs and cubs are very playful and maybe they like to put the little things they play with in their cages. (Hmmm. So that's why those things are called "cubby holes".)
Anabel: Well, I don’t tink dat is right. I just know he wouldn't call it dat... 'cause Daddy is a bear.

The girls petting a llama at the Fresno Zoo - Furlough 2003. 'Course, now they are much older and tons wiser than they were back then. :)

Ta-Da!

These are some pictures of Dad (Joe Stucky) and his new baby. Ok, so it isn't NEW as in "brand spankin' new", but it is new to him. I had told Mom (Jeanie Stucky) to let me know if they got matching helmets and when they weren't in their work clothes, cause I wanted to come and get some pictures. So, here they are and here it is!



For years Dad has had a motorcycle of some sort. Out in the interior it was a dirt bike because of the wretched roads and mudholes. Here in town it has been a little Honda "run around" bike to zip him off to all sorts of jobs he takes care of for church, school, home, etc. The motorcycle has always been his workhorse.

Now it is time for a little change. :)

Ken: What's got into Dad? I don't ever remember him spending money on himself.

We all think that they should get away to the beach or do a little "touring" once in a while.

Anabel: I got to ride on Grandpa's new motorcycle!



Jessica and Alicia: (thinking) Sure hope we get a turn soon!!!




















Dad: Not bad for an 11 year old bike, huh. (the previous owner was pretty meticulous)

Cool Bike Dad!

Happy Birthday, Brazil!

"Hangin' out"

It has been 185 years since Dom Pedro the First cried out "Independence or Death!" (Independência ou Morte!). Brazil won it's freedom from Portugal in a battle on the shores of the Ipiranga River, present day São Paulo, and a new country was born on September 7, 1822.

Least you think Brazil holds to traditions of other cultures, guess again. There are no fireworks here for this particular celebration...one of the American girls visiting asked me, "Why?" Well, I guess there just weren't any bombs bursting in mid air. So there you have it.

The "Christ is Life" Church spent the weekend of the 7th at a retreat. Lots of relaxing, swimming, food, laughter, good preaching and singing.

The trailer with the chairs, stove, and "swimming pool" for the little people (AKA water box)

IBCV (Christ is Life Church) 7th of September Retreat

Look, Mom, I'm on TV!

The "Band" all ready for the program (some are even smiling despite the nerves!)

Tuesday morning I got a phone call shortly after arriving home from school. "Would the school be interested in having one of it's music groups on a live show on Saturday night? The show caters to education and we hear you are doing something really different in the area of music education in Mossoró. "

WOW!!! It is true. ALFA is the only school in town that offers anything like this. What is so commonplace in some cultures, is practically non-existent in the Brazilian school setting. What a fantastic opportunity for our kids to represent ALFA in a really unique way.

Super nervous before the show, the kids played great.

I made it through the trombone solo, Mom!!!

Just a few more measures....

Ken, the program's announcer - Clauder, and Milton - music teacher at ALFA

Ken, Milton and I answered questions from the announcer about the school and music education.

Hey, guys, it's over. Now we can really smile!

The Second Round

Here is one more video that was taken at the same event as the last post.