Joan Ambu Archives – Page 52 of 95 – Strength Of The Small

Back to School (1st Grade)

By JM PerezAugust 12, 20132 min read531 views

Summer Vacation is officially over for the students at Cottonwood Elementary as they returned to school early this morning for another year of learning and brain challenging activities. My Son has been looking forward to this day and he was so happy to reconnect with some of his friends from Kindergarten.

Back to School

The school was packed and there was a very long line of parents who personally wanted to take their kids in the premises and meet their teachers. After giving specific instructions to my Son (his Teacher’s name, his classroom number and where to go for help), he proceeded through the gate while I went through the office. After signing in as a Visitor to personally turn in the items on his supply list, I found him sitting in his classroom and coloring at his desk. The students are being seated alphabetically by last names. He was very happy to find out that two of his best friends from Kindergarten are in his class too.

While going through his folders last night, I found his Passport to Reading (filled with six stickers) along with an unused Pizza Hut® Book It!® Reading Program Certificate. These two items put a smile on my face. After picking him up from school, we drove by Pizza Hut® and he placed an order of his favorite Pan Cheese Pizza and received a sticker. What a great way to celebrate back to school.

*Book It!® Reading Program Certificate.*

I wish him as well as others a great 2013-2014 school year. I hope he has a wonderful time and acquires more knowledge while making a difference the best way he knows how.

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By JM Perez

Movies Leisure Music Family Gratitude

Benise On My Mind

By JM PerezAugust 11, 20131 min read600 views

Here we are, the night before the first day of school. It’s almost hard to believe that the holidays are over and that my Son will be back to school again in just a few hours. He is excited and I am happy for him. We had a blast visiting places and doing the things we enjoy the most over the past few weeks without worrying about perfections and deadlines. Yesterday I asked my kids what they would like to do today and they said they wanted to go running around in the backyard. What about movies? I asked. “Well, maybe we could see Turbo,” my Son replied.

This morning we went to the movies and watched Turbo. We treasure movies on demand, though once in a while we enjoy going to the movies when it’s less crowded as it was the case today. We spent some time at the Park before returning home and allowing them to run around in the backyard.

I listened to Benise all afternoon. I love his Music and find it soothing. Nights Of Fire! does the trick all the time.

The house is quiet. We said our prayers a couple of hours ago and the kids are sound asleep.

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By JM Perez

Vintage Home Decor

Vintage Chippendale Pulls

By JM PerezAugust 8, 20131 min read918 views

While driving around the city this morning we decided to make a stop at the Estate Liquidators. It’s always a delight visiting this little shop, especially the outdoor space where we’ve found beautiful pieces in the past. Our visit wasn’t any different from the previous ones as we’ve never left the shop empty handed. As I was admiring a multi-level wrought iron plant holder, I saw a set of gorgeous vintage drawers with Chippendale Pulls from the 1940’s out of the corner of my eye and I knew they were coming home with me. The Pulls are made from brass, they are charming, unique, a little rusty and show age worn patina.

1940's Vintage Chippendale Pulls. — *1920’s-1940’s Vintage Chippendale Pull with cast iron bail.*

I bought the drawers for the pulls, so when I removed them and saw the imprints they left into the wood I promised myself to restore the drawers and possibly used them as planters. From the shape (rounded front) and size of the wood (all original), the pieces appear to have come from a small desk or vanity. Once the pieces are put together, I might use it as a tray or to hold my indoor plant

Drawer Planter. — *Rounded front Drawer Planter with synthetic plants.*

I have so much to do this coming weekend and restoring a few gorgeous vintage drawers is one of the many projects on my list. Most likely going to the movies with the family.

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By JM Perez

Flowers Shrubs & Trees Gardening High Desert

Collecting Gladiolus Seeds

By JM PerezAugust 5, 20131 min read2.6K views

A few more Glads are blooming in my garden this morning and they are utterly charming. I have more coming on though I am not sure they will bloom at the same time.

Gladiolus 'White Prosperity'. — *Gladiolus ‘White Prosperity’.*

Gladiolus 'Early Bird'. — *Gladiolus ‘Early Bird’.*

Gladiolus 'Fiorentina'. — *Gladiolus ‘Fiorentina’.*

Gladiolus 'Yellow'. — *Gladiolus ‘Yellow’.*

Gladiolus 'Super Star'. — *Gladiolus ‘Super Star’.*

For the first time in two years, I decided to collect Gladiolus seeds. As the seed pods matured and turned brown, I cut the dry tall stalks, cracked open the seed pods and collected the seeds which I put in a plastic bag and placed in a cool area. I don’t know if the seeds are viable or if they will germinate; I will find out next Spring.

Gladiolus Seed Pod & Seeds. — *Gladiolus Seed Pods & Seeds (‘Super Star’).*

I will be sharing more pictures as soon as the other Glads bloom.

It’s a beautiful day. Happy Gardening!

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By JM Perez

Birds Nature High Desert

Baby Birds & Sun Set

By EPEngineerAugust 3, 20131 min read458 views

Late on Tuesday afternoon I found one of three baby birds on the ground in the backyard. My first thought was that the baby bird has fallen out of its nest; however, given the amount of feathers and noticing that both parents were keeping an eye from a close distance (probably teaching the baby to fly on its own). I came to the conclusion that the baby bird was simply attempting to fly. As soon as I gently picked it up to place it back into the cozy nest, the baby bird jumped back on the ground flapping its wings and hopping around. At that point I decided to leave it alone and allow Nature to follow its course.

As the evening got windier I decided to check up on the baby bird and realized that all three young birds fad fallen off the nest. I carefully picked them up, one at a time, and placed all three back on the nest and left them there. Came next morning, and all three baby birds were gone.

*Baby Birds attempting to fly on their own.*

This evening we enjoyed a beautiful sunset while having an awesome time outdoors. Come to think about it, it might be the third or fourth sunset I have seen since the start of the year.