Jon Home Safe and Sound

Jon arrived home this evening after three weeks in Europe. I had to give him a USMC regulation hair cut tonight since he heads to Miramar tomorrow morning early for the weekend drill with his reserve unit and he hasn't had a hair cut in all of that time. It is too bad that he'll miss my birthday tomorrow, but at least he is back in the same state as us this weekend. He'll be home Sunday night for good. No call from the Census Bureau yet, so looks like he'll have some time to rest, get caught up on e-mails and dive back into the job search.

Tomorrow I will celebrate my birthday with my mom, aunt Judy and Joshua over brunch followed by Joshua's soccer game and then I'm not sure what else for the late afternoon and evening. Oh, Jon did manage to squeeze two cups and saucers of Romanian china in his one bag ($50 extra to check a bag) for my birthday present. They are beautiful. He done good. :)

All for now.

Sheryl

20th Reunion for Class of 89

Okay, anyone who knows me at all will realize that I did not graduate either from high school or college in 1989, but I did attend last night's 20th reunion for the class of 89. That was the last of my five-year high school teaching career. I taught many of these students both Algebra I and Algebra II/Trig. I also coached many of these "kids" in both volleyball and swimming. I was able to connect with six of the girls who were on my first freshman volleyball team in 1985 (see picture). I have become facebook friends with many of them, but it was great to sit and talk together. I can't believe that it has been 20 years since I last taught. In some ways it feels like a life-time ago and in other ways it just doesn't seem that long ago. How can I be old enough to have quit my first career 20 years ago? Oh, how time flies.

Sheryl

A Bit About the Weather

Not much new to report, but I did ask Jon about the weather and this is what he reported, "The weather here has been great, maybe dropping to the high 40's for a couple nights, but mostly no colder than the low 50's. Highs during the day have been in the 70's, though the norm has been in the 60's. I have not needed my coat, and though it has rained, the rain has so far occurred at night."

Looking forward to him being home next weekend, although he'll spend most of it in San Diego, since his reserve unit will have a drill weekend. :( Oh, well, the side benefit of him not having a job yet is that he can catch up on his sleep the following week and spend some time with Joshua and me.

All for now.

Sheryl

Coffee and Pizza

More from Jon:

I realized there are a couple things I have not mentioned yet about this place in general that I find interesting. I know I've mentioned the coffee, but I am still amazed at the sheer number of coffee bars here. They are everywhere, on the main drag, on side streets, in overwhelming numbers. The amazing thing is they all appear to be doing a booming business, it does not appear that there is such a thing as too much of a good thing in Romanian minds when it comes to the availability of small shots of powerful caffeine.

Only second to the cafes are the pizza shops. In fact, adjacent to practically every coffee shop is a pizza joint. Some are fast food, some are closer to restaurants, it is absolutely amazing. The appetite for pizza must be never satiated. Perhaps there is some link between the jitters of a caffeine jolt and the soothing quality of a slice of deep dish slathered-in-cheese and stuff pizza.

I'm not sure what the national dishes are "officially," but in my mind, the ingestable items of choice here are coffee and pizza.

Sheryl

A Little More from Jon

Another e-mail had this description of activity in the town where Jon is right now, "There is a festival going on locally (started yesterday), it has a name, but I can't remember it. Anyway, it's basically a moonshine festival, all the local distilleries (private/family or public/corporate) showcase their hard core stuff. It is theoretically mind-blowing, I'm not going to touch the stuff, but some folks tried it out. There are also local fairs (with little carnival rides exactly the same as the rides I've seen in the States), and what appear to be swap meets and local once-a-week markets and such. This is quite a diverse town, and you don't have to go too far to get beyond the "suburbs" into agricultural communities."

Joshua and I had an enjoyable Sunday. After church we stopped at Costco for a hot dog lunch (the best deal in town even if it is not the healthiest). We finished reading "The Silver Chair" together -- me reading while Joshua played in the fort he built in the living room Friday afternoon. Then we took a bike ride out through the "country" portion of San Juan and stopped for a frozen yogurt along the way. The weather was perfect -- California fall -- I love it.

Sheryl

A Beautiful Place to be Working

Jon had some time to write last night, so he sent a beautiful description of the town where he currently is.

"I'll tell you a little more about my surroundings, etc. I've been getting up to run every morning, and generally hit the trail just before the sun comes up. This morning I crossed the bridge over a fairly wide placid river with a wide concrete promenade on one bank, lined the whole way with planters. The sunrise was spectacular, lighting the eastern sky with an incredible fiery glow. The river, placid at this point, acted as a reflecting pool, and the sunrise, the glowing sky, the river line, and buildings were all reflected in the river. At that moment , a large flock of birds took flight from the far river bank and wheeled through the sky--it was intensely beautiful, mysteriously peaceful, awe inspiring, and also somewhat personal (that God had prepared this moment for His pleasure and I got to sit in...). Well, I ran east following the river, and turned around to head back to the hotel. Facing west, the slightly past full moon was just off the horizon-line of the buildings in the town center. One church steeple in particular was almost silhouetted by the moon, and at the top of the steeple was an orthodox cross. Due to the back-lighting of the moon, I expected the cross to appear black; but the sun, just coming clear of the horizon behind me, lit the face of the cross with a mother-of-pearly luminescent glow. The effect was astonishing, and as I was still running along the bank of the river, it was all reflected... Truly a very visually stimulating morning, and all before the city was awake.

Of course, I should fill you in on the early morning hours prior to my run. The roosters started crowing at about 0330, not just one, but several. I don't know what happened to their body clocks, I'm sure their not suffering from jet lag like I am... Then the dogs started barking at about 0430. According to the 101 Dalmatians, the twilight bark takes place in the evening, but I can tell you that the dogs here conduct their gossip in the predawn. The city is littered with parks, the fall colors are coming in beautifully, and the smell of freshly fallen leaves (yesterday this was particularly pronounced, as it had rained during the night) permeates the air. The city is in a river valley, with gently rising ridges and peaceful valleys that seem to follow the course of the river (vice running at right angles to the river). The town is an incredible eclectic mix of buildings that were built hundreds of years ago and modern structures of steel and glass--and everything in between. The main element of sustainment here is coffee, served very strong, thick, and in small cups, generally less than 6 ounces--though there seems to be no limit to the number of cups one might drink... Being a life-time coffee lover, though having recently given it up, I just had to have a cup. It was truly good coffee, and I regret not being able to truly drown myself in it..." In case you are wondering, his blood pressure has been too high, so his doctor has told him to give up coffee. It has been about a month-long process so far, but his has noticed a drop in his blood pressure when he is not drinking lots of coffee every day. He has a portable blood pressure machine that he uses to keep track of his pressure each night.

All for now.

Sheryl

Family Birthday Party

Had a great time today at Emma and Eli's birthday party. Steve and Sandi hosted all of us at their home. Sandi's sister Jamie and family were in town and David & Leslie and family came, along with all of us So Cal Frances. The four boys (Evan, Joshua, Eli and Henry) had a great time playing Legos and building a huge fort in the living room. It was a beautiful afternoon in Escondido.

Sheryl

Jon at Final Destination

Just heard from Jon that he has reached his final destination. He wrote, "I just wanted you to know that I'm at my final destination. The first impressions of the town are: the trams (very loud, they run all night at (it seems like) ten minute intervals past the hotel; and the bells, there must be hundreds of churches with bells throughout the city (OK, the city is not big enough for hundreds of bells, but you get the idea) that all chime on the hour, etc., and though each individual bell is of course indistinguishable, the cacophony is a delight..."

I was able to talk to Jon briefly while he was in Germany preparing for this exercise. He had dinner with good friends of ours, which was very cool. That's about all for now.

Sheryl

Jon safely in Germany

I finally received an e-mail from Jon this morning letting me know in a short note that he arrived safely in Germany. He and the members of his team are meeting there for a few days to prepare for the exercise which will be in another country.

I'll try to post updates as I get them, although there probably won't be a lot of exciting news that he can pass on. All for now.

Sheryl

Soccer season

I don't think I've posted any soccer pictures yet this year. I was amazed that my very slow camera caught this shot while Joshua was warming up for the game this morning. The team had a hard earned 2-1 win over a very fast, tough team. That puts us at 3-0 for the season. Joshua and all of the boys are improving each game -- playing better as a team, playing their positions, improving their skills. It is very fun to watch.

Jon got off okay and should be well on his way to Europe.

Sheryl

Jon off to Europe

Jon has not gotten a full-time permanent job yet, but the Marine Corps has provided work via his Reserve Unit. He spent the past two weeks in San Diego and this weekend he leaves for a three week NATO exercise in Europe. It is hard to have him gone so much, but it isn't as bad as a year in Iraq and the income is good, so we are grateful.

When Jon gets home in mid October, we hope there will be a job waiting for him with the US Census Bureau. Thanks for keeping us all in your prayers.

Sheryl

First Day of School

Joshua had a good first day of school. Jon and I walked with him the 20 minute-walk to school. Then Jon was able to pick him up after school since Jon is currently between work projects. They had a fun afternoon, then off to soccer practice and I got to sit with Joshua this evening while he did his homework -- yep, about two pages of writing plus 30 minutes of reading. Lots of work for 4th graders.

Here are pictures of him with his two teachers: Mrs. Porter for English and Sr. Martinez for Spanish.

Tomorrow Jon leaves for two weeks of Marine Corps duty down in San Diego. We may see him one weekend, but probably not both. That means that Joshua will take a van to the Boys & Girls Club after school tomorrow. Hopefully he will get all of his homework done there before I pick him up around 4:15. Then we can have the evening to play instead of sitting at the table doing homework right up till bedtime. :)

All for now.

Sheryl

France Family Labor Day Party

Had a great time with the France Clan today at Brett & Stacey's home. I think we had 35 family members in attendance ranging in age from a few weeks to many, many, many years (you know who you are). :) We had representatives from 7 of the 9 families descended from Milton and Reka Mae. And I have to say, my favorite attendee this year was Cindy France, arriving for the first time in the 20+ year history of this event. Of course, Micah was a close 2nd with Sean, Estee and Natalie tied for 3rd with there adorableness. Since this is my blog, my nephew gets the star treatment. You can go to my facebook page to see the other adorable children.

The weather was perfect -- not too hot and not humid at all. The food, as always, was delicious and plentiful, a great combination when it comes to food. The company was enjoyable and the pool was refreshing whether you chose to enter it willingly or with help from the rowdy members of the family (you know who you are).

A big thanks to Brett and Stacey for hosting all of us once again. See you all next year, if not sooner.

Sheryl

A great afternoon at the beach

We are so fortunate to be so close to the beach. We spent three hours in the water this afternoon. I got this great video of Jon and Joshua enjoying the waves together.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b204Fg1SvOE

Happy Labor Day everyone.

Sheryl

Job possibility and school starting

Well, Jon had to turn down a job offer yesterday. The bad news is that the Census Bureau finally called to offer him a part-time job in the middle of September but he already has a USMC job scheduled. The USMC job is full-time and pays much more plus he has committed to it, so he told the CB caller that he wasn't free then, but would be available after October 17. The good news is that the caller said she would make a note and Jon's name would be at the top of the list for job opportunities that come available after October 17. That is great news. Our current scheduled income will cover our 2009 scheduled expenses, so any work he gets with the CB will be a help toward next year's expenses. We don't expect a CB job to last past April 2010.

I continue to enjoy my work at San Clemente Presbyterian Church. It is great to chat on the phone or in person with the many members and guests who come to the office each day. I took Wednesday off this week to enjoy one final day of summer vacation before Joshua goes back to school. Jon is between projects this week so he has been home and the three of us enjoyed a warm, but beautiful afternoon and evening at the San Diego Zoo. Yes, the guys carried their USMC umbrellas around the zoo all afternoon and even on the top of the doubledecker tour bus.

We met Joshua's 4th grade teachers yesterday at the Meet & Greet at his school. He will have two teachers this year -- one who teaches entirely in English (Ms. Porter) and one who teaches entirely in Spanish (Sr. Martinez). The students will only be allowed to speak the appropriate language in each classroom. The entire curriculum will be divided up (odd chapters in one class and even in the other) so that every subject will be taught (and hopefully learned) in both languages. We are all excited about this creative way for Joshua to continue to learn in both English and Spanish.

Since I do not start my job until 9:00 am, I will be able to take Joshua to school each morning and will even be able to participate in the once-a-week Mom's In Touch Prayer group at our school. In the afternoons Joshua will ride the free van to the Boys & Girls Club, where he has been for about four weeks this summer. There he will do his homework and then have a little free time before I pick him up at 4:30. Wish I could pick him up after school, but hopefully he'll have all of his homework done when I do pick him up, so we can have fun the rest of the evening.

Well, I think that is a full update on the Moran family.

Sheryl

New hair cut for Joshua

After not having his hair cut for 1 year, 2 months and 2 weeks, Joshua finally went under the scissors. It was his decision after a few soccer practices where his hair was bugging him too much. His new cut is quite handsome, but it is taking a while for all of us to get used to it. Joshua has enjoyed having it short on our visits to the swimming pool. So here is the old and the new look side by side.

Sheryl

Jon's Brithday

I'm a little late in reporting, but Jon is still celebrating his birthday tonight, so that's my excuse.

Jon didn't work on his actual birthday and instead stayed home with Joshua, whom he hadn't seen for the previous week and a half due to Jon's drill weekend followed by Joshua's week at camp. They had fun doing errands and hanging out at home. That evening the three us enjoyed dinner at Sarducci's a beautiful restaurant at the train depot in downtown San Juan (Uncle Pat and Aunt Sharon Moran will know where we were).

Tonight I managed to surprise Jon with a game night birthday party for him and five other guys who he used to play board games with. The guys started arriving at 5:00 pm, right after Joshua and I had gotten Jon up from his afternoon nap (he had a late night last night at a Marine Corps function). He was completely surprised and after chatting for a while, the guys started in on a game that has been going for nearly 4 hours. These guys are all friends from our old church, Trinity Presbyterian in Santa Ana. I was able to see these guys at a pool party two weeks ago, but Jon missed it due to his drill. This was a great way for him to reconnect with good friends while enjoying a great game.

Joshua and I picked up the pizza for the guys and then headed out to see "G-Force," which we both enjoyed. It has been a great night.

One happy birthday wish to my dear husband, the Jarhed!!!

Sheryl

Joshua having fun at camp

I just got this photo off the Indian Village web site. Looks like Joshua is having fun playing basketball. Its always good to see pictures of your child having fun at camp. He's the long-haired boy in the light green shirt. :)

Sheryl

Joshua off to camp

Joshua left for Indian Village at Forest Home Christian Camp yesterday. He'll be gone for a week and will get to sleep in a tepee while he's there. Should be a lot of fun.

Jon was gone for a long weekend with his USMC Reserve Unit, so we are looking forward to having some date nights this week. I am also going to get a girls' night out Tuesday to see "Julie & Julia" when Jon has an association board meeting. Should be a fun week for all of us.

Jon is putting in a couple weeks of work with the USMC this week and then he'll have a couple weeks off. There might be some USMC projects and short trips that he may be able to do in September and October, but we'll see. Still no job offer, but he has had such a busy summer with family visiting and then working that he hasn't been able to focus on the job hunt, which is a full-time job in and of itself. We are trusting the Lord to provide.

Thanks to those of you who are praying for us.

Sheryl

Final camping trip

Jon, Joshua, Flynn, Mary and Mercy camped at the beach for two days with 20 or so of our friends from school and church. I spent the evenings with the gang after I got off work, but enjoyed wonderful sleep in my own bed. Here are a few pictures of the fun.

Flynn, Mary and Mercy will be flying out of Orange County in a few hours (1:15 pm California time) headed for Dallas and then a couple hour drive home. I think they had a good time, although they were so busy, it might take a while to process the trip. We enjoyed having them here and look forward to seeing them again, along with the rest of the Moran/Baker clan in Nashville this December to celebrate Grandpa Baker's 100th birthday.

Sheryl