Fleece Navidad

Christmas Family Funny

Kaylee was 4 and cute as a button. My wife, Kaylee and I were riding in the car and I decided I tell a real old (and very poor) joke.

Me: "Kaylee, what does a spanish sheep say at Christmas time?"

Kaylee: "I don't know."

Me: "Fleece Navidad."

She laughed and my wife merely shook her head. A few minutes went by.

Kaylee: "Dad, what does a spanish cow say?"

Me: "I don't know."

Kaylee: "Moo Navidad."

That's my girl!

Day vs Night

Marie wanted to start a Google Map listing really spectacular lights people have put up at christmas time for her newsletter (http://broomfield.macaronikid.com/).  So we drove around, but many of the house numbers were difficult to see as were the street names.

Suddenly, Alora was struck with a great idea she had to share, "We should see the lights during the day because then we can see the house numbers easy."

I waited a moment, hoping she would see the flaw in her logic.  "Your right, we would see the house numbers...but how would we see the lights?"

Blackie (warning, this post is not funny)

Blackie, at her place under the table.

October 22nd we put our eldest dog, Blackie, to sleep.  Putting a pet to sleep, especially a dog or cat,  is always a hard thing to do.  My friend, Dr. Brenda Eisenhauer of Parkside Animal Health Center, attended Blackie during this procedure.

Dr. Eisenhauer confirmed Blackie had some mass most likely in her spleen, her heart rate was doubled, and believed the mass had probably spread.

Blackie was rescued by a neighbor of my mother's.  She was in Tennessee when she came across some kids throwing pups in a river.  The pups would swim back to shore, only to be thrown in again.  Blackie was the runt of the litter.  She snuck blackie in her purse to get her back on the plane and bring her to Florida.  Her husband wouldn't let her keep Blackie.

Black dogs take poor pictures in low lighting, although
you can see the tail is wagging.

It had been a few months since we had a dog.  I agreed to "...just go take a look the pup."  We walked across the street from my mother's and found the pup on the porch.  "See," Marie said, "she won't get that big."

I looked at those paws and legs.  Even at her young age the pup had legs longer than her body and paws that covered my palm.  Suddenly Kaylee ran up, "Is this going to be our dog," she asked excitedly.

Blackie

"Yes," Marie replied.  Obviously, I had no decision making in the process.  But we took this tiny pup in, and I never regretted it.

Blackie was easily trained.  Being a Labrador/Rottweiler mix, she had a natural proclivity to please.  She quickly learned to 'sit', 'come' on command, and she practically potty trained herself.  She was highly intelligent, and just plain fun.

When we moved to Colorado, she experienced snow for the first time.  She barked at it, and stuck her paw in it.  She didn't go outside for several hours, just watching it fall and then look at us questioningly.

Blackie needed a friend to burn off her excess energy.  For that reason, we got her a companion: Cookie.  Blackie took to Cookie like she took to every dog: Its someone new to play with!  She actually taught Cookie how to sit and come, and she even potty trained her, making her go outside to do her business!

Blackie was the nicest dog I have ever met. She weighed in at over 100 lbs when fully grown (as much as 115 lbs at one time).  The kids would crawl all over her, get in her face, and play with her for hours. They would pull her tail, she would yank it away, and I swear she would put her tail back in place for the kids to grab again. I could not have asked for a gentler pet for my children to grow up with and to learn to love. She brought joy to our lives and I can only hope that we brought some joy to hers.

Dogs are often a big part of our lives, becoming family much as a child or sibling. My daughter, Kaylee, was with me at the Vets. We said our goodbyes to our daughter/sister before letting her pass over. Her favorite toy Yoda was by her side the entire time.

The last picture I took of Blackie: Yodo by her side.

Thank you, Blackie, for being a part of our life.

Hints From Google

While looking for directions on Google I typed in "home" expecting it to come back with my address. It returned with directions to the Cherry Creek Nursing Home! 

Is there something my family isn't telling me?

You're On Your Own Now!

Growing up I always told Kaylee the day after she turned 18 I was tossing her out of the house.  Being one of the youngest in her class, she graduated high school at the age of 17 and received notification she was accepted to The University of Texas of the Permian Basin.

It was a hectic summer getting everything organized, planning the trip, and arranging to get her moved down there.  In order to arrive by August 21st for orientation Marie, Kaylee and I would leave on the 19th.

As we were driving through New Mexico on the way to UTPB, Kaylee suddenly shot upright in the backseat and started laughing.  "OMG, Dad, you were right," she said.  It dawned on her she was on the road, leaving home...and her birthday was the day before on August 18th.

Your father never lies, Kaylee.  Happy Birthday, I love you!

First Night as a Father

When Kaylee was born I instantly went from "non-father" to "father".  Kaylee's birth was, as births go, uneventful.  She was small and cute.  Marie was tired.

That night, around 2:00 am, Kaylee was squirming and making little noises.  Marie was sleeping and I didn't want to wake her.  I picked up Kaylee, went back to my chair in the room, and placed her on my chest.  I hummed songs to her and she quieted down with my arms holding her.  After a few minutes I joined her in slumberland.  Sometime in the morning Marie came over and picked Kaylee up to nurse her.  Marie was good and quiet as I never woke up.

Of course, when consciousness did return to me I shot straight awake.  Kaylee was gone and the first thought through my mind was, "Oh Shit,  I dropped the baby!"

Terminator Origins!

T-101
It is a force of destruction with one goal: the destruction of all human life on earth.  They are the Terminators: robotic juggernauts of devastation, and they are coming for us.  To the right is the metal skeleton of the more famous of these models: The T-800.

But, and this is the ultimate question regarding Terminators, "Where did they originate?"  Well, after this weekend, it was finally discovered the very first Terminator, the soulless killing machine, was formed on the kitchen table of the Folmar Household.

Behold! In terror, the might of the T-1!

The Girls are Back in Town!

One month without the girls!  Just the Wife and I!  What did we do?  Let's see...

1) Hiked!  Lots of hiking!  Even took the little dog with us on a few occasions
2) Followed that trail that meanders down past the open space to its end!
3) White water Rafting!  Woo-hoo!  What a blast!
4) Went to the Emmy Award Ceremony in Denver.  Saw many of the people we know there and the program Marie worked on with Misty Montana, the Denver police department and others: Won!  Go Team!
5) Cleaned house!  (And cleaned again)  (And again)  (I don't think this ends here).
6) Visited the top of Mt. Evans!

But now the girls are back.  I enjoyed their time away, but I missed them.  It is good to be a family again.

Although, I need to see if I can convince grandma to take them again next year...

Kicking it at the Museum

Kaylee was 5 years old and loved horses.  They were having and horse exhibit down at the local art museum, so I decided it would be a great "dad's day".  We traveled down there and enjoyed the pictures of the art.

Suddenly something caught her attention.  "What's that," she asked.

I turned around and looked at the sculpture she was pointing too.  It consisted of a complex arrangement of used tires hanging from the ceiling, ordered in a circle, and seeming to grow from the ground.  Wanting to see if this somehow inspired here I walked over with her.

"What is it," she asked, her eyes wide as she stared at this massive construct right in front of her.

"It's a sculpture," I responded.

Suddenly her leg shot back and she gave it a hard kick.

"Don't kick the artwork," I corrected, horrified at the thought anyone, much less my child, would do such a thing.

Kaylee looked up at me.  Her hands were on her hips and her look of wonder was replaced by one of disappointment. "Their just old tires, dad."

Michelangelo she was not...

(From "Reasons I Twitch")

(NOTE: I'm copying this from my wife's "The Reasons I Twitch" blog:

When Kaylee was little (around 3, I believe) we dropped my husband off at work. I asked her if she want to give Daddy a kiss. She responded with: "No." My husband and I were both shocked and taken a little aback that she would say no to giving a kiss. As we pulled away from my husband's office, I asked Kaylee why she didn't want to give Daddy a kiss...her response:

"I'm all out of kisses and the kiss store is closed right now, so I can't go buy more."

Who can argue with THAT??

Another Teenager Milestone

On the day she turned 13, Alora asked her excitedly mom, "Are we going to go anywhere today?"

Marie: "Why"

Alora: "Cause I want to sit in the front seat of the car!"

Raising the Stakes...

Arionna: "Dad, what is for dinner?"
Me: "Twice-baked potato"

Following Day:
Me: "Arionna, what do you want for lunch?"
Arionna (after a pause): "Thrice-nuked Mac & Cheese."

Break in the Updates

For the month of Junew we are taking a break from posting updates, will return in July.

Alora Turns 13

On Alora's 13th birthday (party was the following Friday  she turned to my wife and asked, "When you watch Amazing Race tonight, can I go in the basement and watch a PG-13 movie?"

Marie: "Which movie?"

Alora: "It doesn't matter, so long as it is PG-13."

(edit: turns out it was Harry Potter 4)

Culinary Skills

For Mother's Day 2013, I cooked crepes.  Marie lifted her plate of crepes and said to me, "Very good. And look, their not burnt!"

Marie caught my sideways glance at the object in the corner.

"Don't worry," she said, "I won't look in the garbage can."

Laughing

After the previous incident, we all laughed at Alora.  Then came Best Day/Worst Day.  Marie started and asked Alora.  Alora was then told to pick someone to ask.  "Dad, what is the...wait," she paused. "You laughed at me so I'm not going to ask you!"

After a second she responded, "Wait a minute, I can't pick any of you!  You all laughed at me!"

Happy Mother's Day 2013

Happy Mother's Day to all the Great Mothers out there.  However, the three closest to my heart are here:

The Mother-In-Law: Vivian

My mother: Lou

And the stunning beauty who is my wife:
Marie

Little Witch...

Alora had several missing homework assignments in math.  She didn't have math class the next day and we asked if the class "Magically vanished like at Hogwart's".

"Yes," She said.  "And that makes Mrs. ***** a witch."  After a second she paused.  "Wait, I didn't mean it that way..."  We laughed.

Birthday Special

The night before my last birthday there were three cards on the table for me in their envelopes.  Arionna came downstairs and examined the envelopes.  After flipping one over which had my "To:Chance", she complained, "Mom, you didn't specialize his card!"

Marie replied, "It has his name on it."

Grabbing a pencil Arionna asked, "How is he supposed to know who it is from?"  After a moment of scribbling she uttered the following phrase, "Oops, this isn't from Alora...".

Her Birthday

Almost a decade ago, for Christmas, I spent hours at home working late at night creating a calendar in HTML.  I used it to embed pictures of the family members, record birthdays, anniversaries and many other events.  Every month featured pictures of the family at the top.  It took hours.  I kept this secret from everyone, printing them at night, hiding the calendar pages at my work, and assembling them during my lunch hour.  I started months before hand and they were a great success.

Ever since then my wife has made the calendars.  Well, the next year on April 23th my wife turned to me, pointed to the calendar which had her birthday clearly marked and said, "You never wished me a Happy Birthday!"

I put my arms around my wife and whispered in her ear, "Love, April 23rd is the day I graduated from Riddle, your birthday is on the 26th."

"Oops," she replied.

So, be it the 23rd or the 26th (its the 26th), I want to wish my wife a wonderful Happy Birthday.

Adult in the Family

Marie, Arionna and I were in the kitchen.

"Mom," Arionna said, "can you make me a taco?"

"No, I've got to go pick up cookies in a few minutes from the girl scout booth.  Besides, I'm not the only adult in the room.  There is one standing right next to me?"

Arionna looks around.  I wait for her to ask me to make her a taco as she disappears around the corner of the kitchen.  Moments later she comes back with my mother-in-law in tow.

Yep, not only am I expendable, I'm no longer considered an Adult!

P.A.C.

Marie works as a teacher at a private school, so things are a bit different than in the public school.  The following exchange took place in our kitchen.

"Tomorrow we have the PAC meeting, so I'll be a little late for dinner,"  Marie said.

"What is the PAC," Arionna asked.

"It's like the Parent Teacher Association at Aspen Creek," Marie replied.

"No, what does it mean,"  Arionna asked.  Before Marie could reply Arionna blurted out, "I got it!  Parent's Are Crazy!"

All Full

Marie runs various events as part of Macaroni Kid Broomfield/Arvada/Westminster.  One of them was a "Baby Brunch".  Arionna (9) was in the kitchen with Marie and the following exchange took place:

Arionna: "Will your pregnant friend make it to the Baby Brunch?"
Marie: "No, I'm all full."
Arionna: "But I don't want you to be a awful...get it...All full--awful."

The pun force is strong in this one.

I'll take care of you...

When she was 6 years old, Kaylee was in Girl Scouts.  At one time the Scouts visited the local nursing home.  On the way back from picking her up she told me all about the visit.

"Those poor people," she said, "no one comes to visit them.  Dad, I promise, when your old you can live with me and I'll take care of you."

"Two things," I replied. "First, can I get that notarized?  Second, what about mom?"

Beads

When Kaylee was four my brother-in-law and his two kids, Anthony and Ryan, came to stay with us while he looked for a job.  It was a challenge with all of us in the house, but we managed.  Anthony is a little older than Kaylee, and Ryan is a year younger.  They were playing when suddenly Anthony burst from the room sobbing and repeating over and over, "I didn't mean to do it!  I didn't mean to do it!", as if he had killed someone.  A moment later he was followed by Kaylee.

Anthony ran straight to his father's room, continuing to repeat "I didn't mean to do it!  I didn't mean to do it!"  Tears streamed down his face.

"What did you do," Bryan demanded.

After a minute of questioning and Bryan getting frustrated Anthony took a deep breath and said, "I stuck a bead up my nose."

I had to cover my mouth to keep from laughing.  To avoid being seen I decided to take out the garbage.  Kaylee followed me.

"I told him not to do it," Kaylee said as she followed me through the garage and to the side of the house.  "He said, 'I bet I can stick this bead up my nose' and I said 'No, beads don't go in your nose', but he didn't listen to me.  I was like 'Don't do it, it won't come out', but he did anyways and then it got stuck and I was like 'I told you it would get stuck, but did you listen to me?  No!'

The more she went on, the harder I laughed.  Just goes to show, she has a good head on her shoulders.

On the Menu

My ladies, Marie included, and went to the zoo one time.  After the zoo it was dinner time and Marie asked, "Where does everyone want to go?"

It was silent until Alora spoke up, "The Old Spaghetti Factory!"

"Sounds good," I said and we drove to Ye Olde Spaghetti Factory.

We were in the booth for a few minutes with our menus when Alora suddenly started crying.  "What's wrong," Marie asked.

"I don't want spaghetti," Alora said.

"Well, why did you say the Olde Spaghetti Factory then?"

Alora took a deep breath before replying, "I forgot what they had!"

M.S.D.S. Mark III Ends “Ambush Leopard’s” Reign of Terror

(Warning Graphic Photo Ahead – not for the faint of heart)

Today I’m proud to report the capture of Arionna, a.k.a the Ambush Leopard. Renown for her snowball ambush tactics preceded by a distinctive “Rebel holler”, she is single handedly the greatest threat to Dad’s peace in the Greater Denver Metro Area.

To counter this threat, I developed the Mass Snow Delivery System Mark III (M.S.D.S.). Although it lacks accuracy, it makes up for it by blanketing a wide area in snowy powder. It has a mediocre range, lacking the accuracy and distance of a well packed “snow grenade”, but it can maintain a rate of fire higher than any non-prepared snow ball position.

Mass Snow Delivery System Mark III

Before hunting the Ambush Leopard, I made sure to outfit myself in my 100% Recycled Bovine Hide Snow Resistant Jacket and Snow Repelling Varmint Furred Head Gear. So equipped, I staked out the Ambush Leopard’s primary hunting ground, a snow covered driveway. I proceeded to go about performing what activities have successfully attracted the Ambush Leopard’s attentions in the past, namely, clearing snow from the driveway.

Me and the M.S.D.S Mark III waiting for the "Ambush Leopard" 

I didn't have long to wait. Shortly after beginning snow clearing operations, I spotted the Ambush Leopard’s distinctive camouflage outfit lurking behind a tree. Out of range, I turned my back on her, luring her to make her strike. Seemingly distracted, I counted to three. The Ambush Leopard had taken the bait and was preparing to strike. Just as her distinctive “Hoop and Holler” yell was made, a sound which will continue to haunt my dreams, I tightened my grip and let loose with a full battery of the M.S.D.S. Mark III. The following photo speaks to the success of the mission:

"Ambush Leopard' -  Reign of Terror finished by the M.S.D.S Mark III

At long last, the terror of the Ambush Leopard is ended. After interrogating the captive, I have determined there may be a greater conspiracy than that of a lone snow terrorist at work here. An evil mastermind, possibly the legendary Kaylee, a.k.a “Ice Shard”, could be coordinating these attacks. I’ll keep you posted on any developments as I find them.

Trains, Trains, look...There's Trains

We were sitting in the booth at Ye Olde Spaghetti Factory in Denver when Arionna started getting upset.  "I want to sit in the train", she said.

"Well," Marie said, "we can't because the tables in there only seat four and there are five of us."

"Hmmph," Arionna grunted.

"What type of trains were they?" Alora asked.

"Cable cars, sweetie," I replied.  "People used to ride them around like buses way back when."

"Oh.  Wow, they look really nice," Alora said.  "Was that it's wheel?"

"Yes, those were it's wheels"

A minute passed before Kaylee suddenly jerked upright and started pointing excitedly .  "Look, there's a train in the building!  Wonder if we can eat in there?"

Teenagers, oblivious till the end...

Facebook's Gender Inequalities

Facebook's suggestions I get Marie for Valentines: Imported Swiss Chocolates
Facebook's suggestions Marie get me for Valentines: Flower Gummies

Yea, that's an even trade...

Cookie War Crimes Tribunal

Kaylee was around three years old when we had a dad's day.  We went to the museum and visited the zoo.

"Kaylee, you hungry?" I asked.  Although dinner was about an hour away I was starved.

"Yea," she replied.

"Would you like a cookie," I asked.

"Yes!" Kaylee yelled with enthusiasm from the back seat.

"OK," I said and pulled into a little store.  We got out and I bought us each a cookie and some milk.

"Normally, we don't eat cookies before dinner, but today is a special dad's day," I said.

"Yeah!" she yelled, then she began to twist her little face into that conspiratorial only a 3 year old can pull off, "But we won't tell mom."

"That's right, we won't. Because I didn't buy mom one."

We ate our cookies, drank our milk, and headed down the street.  We stopped at McDonald's a while later and had dinner.  Then we continued on with our day, visiting the mall and doing some shopping, making sure to visit the pet store to see the animals.  We had a great day.

The next morning I wake up and there is Kaylee standing in front of Marie with tears forming in her eyes.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"...And then," Kaylee cried.  "...AND THEN DAD MADE ME EAT THE COOKIE BEFORE DINNER!"

"He made you eat the cookie?" Marie asked, trying to contain her smile.

"Yes, he forced me to eat the cookie," she said, as if it were the most horrible crime possible.

Yep, we had managed to successfully raise our own little thought-police.

Knows Her Worth

At our house we have a tradition I started years ago: Best Day/Worst Day.  While sitting at the table for dinner we each take turns asking someon else at the table who has not been asked "what is the best thing to happen to you today?"  They respond and then are asked "What is the worst thing to happen to you today?"

It was my turn to start and I turned to my wife, "My Dearest Love, what is the best thing to happen to you today?"

Without hesitation Alora chirped in, "Well, the best thing that happened to me today is..."

Homework

During summer my kids get booklets to practice their academic skills.  Arionna was working on a Timeline assignment where major events in her life occurred.  This was such items as "when I learned to ride a bike", "when I learned to walk", etc.  She asked, "Dad, could you help me fill this out?"

We spent the next 20 minutes filling out the chart and talking about her timeline.  What it was like when she lost her first tooth.  Who her favorite teacher was in First Grade.  Really good bonding time.

At end of the day Arionna hands the book over to Marie, "Here Mom, I did the timeline!  Oh, and Dad helped, so if its wrong it is his fault."

10,000 Year Kiss

Arionna was eight and it was bed time.  Arionna wanted her mother to give her a hug so she went upstairs and gave her a hug and kiss.

"I want a longer kiss," Arionna said.

"How long," Marie asked.

"10,000 years," she replied.  "Until you're a skeleton and so am I."

Both cute and creepy.

The Munchkins

Kaylee

Our  eldest child.  At the time of this writing she is 17 and a Senior in High School.  She has Dysgraphia, a writing disorter, but is very smart.  Kaylee devours books and aims to be a Mechanical Engineer.  Her Math skills are very good.  Kaylee is the "least girly" of the girls.

Kaylee has traits of both her mother and father.  Her mindset and thinking are that of her mother.  Her humor and fashion sense (much to our dismay) is that of her father.  Kaylee is a lovable person, but does not like public displays of affection.  For that matter, she doesn't care too much for private displays of affection.

Kaylee loves puzzles and can spend hours in her room piecing together puzzles.  Kaylee tried several sports until she fell in love with Ultimate Frisbee.  Kaylee volunteers at a Rescue Horse Ranch where she takes care of the horses and works with disabled children.  Kaylee's sense of "Right and Wrong" is incredibly strong.

Alora

Alora is a sweet and lovely child of 11 (for a few more days at least.  This was written in April of 2012).  Don't let the pretty exterior fool you, however.  This child is tough as nails.  To date she has broken her clavicle (collar bone), right arm, and left arm.  In all cases she whimpered, but didn't cry.  This girl is tough.  Despite her physical toughness, Alora may be the most emotionally soft of the three girls.

Unlike Kaylee, Alora has great fashion sense.  When she wears something which doesn't match, its because she wants to and will tell you so, otherwise she creates outfits which fashion designers would kill.  Alora is outspoken and unafraid to speak her mind.  She is the most "academic" of the three children, pulling in mostly A's with a few B's.  She is in higher level of math classes and regularly on Honor Roll.  She plays the viola, is in the "Battle of the Books" club, attends math club, and volunteers at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science (Space Odyssey).

One vivid image I have of Alora was seeing her outside one day in helmet, kneepads, elbow pads, and a pink dress rollerblading at high speed down the sidewalk.  Yes, that is Alora!

Arionna

Arionna is more the "classic beauty" of the group.  She is just a good looking little lady.  Part of this may be my interpretation, however, as Arionna looks the most like her mother of the three.  Arionna currently is 8, making an 8.5 year difference between our first and our last.

After our experiences with Kaylee's Dysgraphia, it was easier for us to identify Arionna's issues.  We had Arionna tested, and she came back diagnosed with Dyslexia, which makes reading and writing a struggle for her.  Do not make the mistake of thinking Arionna isn't smart, however.  At the same time she tested positive with reading issues, Arionna tested at the college level in mathematics.  Arionna figured out multiplication and division on her own, has a grasp of basic algebra, and her knowledge of science is very impressive.

Arionna also volunteers at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science (Space Odyssey) with Alora and Chance.  Whereas Alora is physically tough, Arionna may be the most mentally strong-willed of the three children, Arionna is often frustrated.  Her dyslexia frustrates her as she tries to read so hard, but just can't do it properly and becomes angry.

Arionna is not afraid to speak in public, something I encourage.  She enjoys riding bikes, hiking, and hugs.

Husband and Wife

Chance

Me, the author of this blog and the teller of tales.  I would like to say I'm a great father, but I am human and so I'm probably as good as I'm going to get.  I have a Bachelors of Science in Aeronautical Engineering and Minor in Mathematics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and a Masters in Business Administration from Florida Atlantic University.  I hold a CISM (Certified Information Security Manager).  I'm a member of the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) and Information Systems Audit and Control Authority (ISACA).

I've never worked a day in Aeronautical Engineering in my life, despite that being one of my greatest desires since I was 10 years old and saw the Blue Angels flying A-4 Skyhawks.  Instead, I have been a Software Developer, Project Manager, Disaster Recovery Specialist, Director of (Software) Engineering, Director of Professional Services, Director of Technical Sales, and Computer Security Expert.  I stylize myself as an "IT Hero" as I have used my skills to maintain operations during Natural Disasters, led Crash teams to resolve complex problems, and turn around failing business units.

Currently, I own my own business in computer and software consulting company: MITH Enterprises.  My specialty is keeping information from "exfiltrating out of the organization".  I have assisted amazing organizations, worked with great people and traveled to incredible locales.  My longest voyage was to Australia where I picked up my favorite hat: an Akubra!  My clients have included governments from as small as cities to as large as nations, and businesses ranging in size from small start ups to Fortune 100 companies.  If you want an IT Hero on your side, contact me!

I volunteer at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science with my youngest two children.  In the past I volunteered at the Boca Raton Fire Department's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) as a Team Leader.  I, along with other students from FAU, volunteered business consulting for the Brain Injury Association of Florida (BIAF).

For fun, I take courses from Stanford University, Princeton University, and the University of Michigan.  Some of the Certifications I've earned from these prestigious schools include Game Theory Mathematics and Cryptography.  To truly relax, I play board games on Monday nights with the Denver Gamers.

I like to think I'm funny...fortunately I have children to tell me otherwise.

Marie

The amazing woman who changed my life and whom I don't deserve.  My wife, the love of my life, and the mother of our three children.  We met at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University when I was in my last year and she was in her second.  She was trying for Electrical Engineering, but after a bad experience with Calculus, decided she to switch to teaching.  She took classes at the Yavapai Community College while I finished off my Bachelors.

We ended up in Florida, married, and had Kaylee.  Marie went to school at Florida Atlantic University and holds a Masters in Curriculum & Instruction and a Bachelors in English, but her specialized program permits her to hold teaching certificates for grades 1st-12th without additional coursework.

Marie publishes MacaroniKid-Broomfield and co-publishes MacaroniKid-Arvada/Westminster with her partner, Cara.  The Broomfield site quadrupled in subscribers in just 8 months under her leadership, while the Arvada/Westminster site is relatively new and starting from scratch.

Marie was a weekly regular on Denver's KWGN Channel 2 Daybreak News from October 2011 to March 2012 promoting MacaroniKid and free things to do around town.  When that ended she became part of the Denver Channel 9 Morning News Crew, again promoting MacaroniKid but this time with a monthly craft segment.  Here she is with our youngest two at Channel 9: http://www.9news.com/shows/mornings/261024/229/An-easy-Easter-craft-to-make-with-your-kids

She holds the Technology Teacher position at Broomfield Academy.  Her toughest non-paying job is keeping her husband in line...

Marie's family has a history of volunteer work, and she carries on the tradition.  In Florida, she volunteered with the Boca Raton Police Department's "Citizens On Patrol" and the Boca Raton Fire Department's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).  Throughout her "life as mom" she has donated time to her children's schools as an assistant, teacher's aide, and special programs.  She is a certified car seat technician.  Recently, she performed dry ice experiments for the second grader's at Arionna's school.  She is an advocate for children with learning disabilities, particularly Dyslexia and Dysgraphia.

Marie is active on many social media forums such as "May Moms", "Colorado Moms" and others.  For fun, she and the family go hiking, go to the zoo/museum, or perform experiments in the local parking lots using various household items: such as "mentos/soda powered rocket cars" <-- we gotta do this again in the summer when it's warmer.

Told you she was amazing!