UVMC.....always been good to me.

As my time runs short here in Ohio I have had to come to terms with the fact that I will soon be leaving my current employer. Upper Valley Medical Center has provided me one of the greatest employment experiences ever, second only to the Navy. I originally started out as a PCC (a glorified nursing assistant), then I did some time as a Mental Health Tech on the in-patient Mental Health Unit and finally landed one of the coolest jobs ever as a Community Support Specialist (a case manger for clients diagnosed with sever mental health disorders). I have really enjoyed working as a case manager and working with my fellow comrades at the Mental Heath Center in UVMC.

As you can tell from my desk I really felt relaxed and at home, UVMC is certainly one of those things I will miss when we leave Ohio.

Toughing It Through Her Shots

Molly faced one of her most feared steps in growing up with both eyes open. In preparation for kindergarten Molly was required to receive 3 shots and was of course not looking forward to it. So to ease into this most horrific event I first took Molly out for donuts. Over donuts we discussed why shots were important and came to an agreement. Molly agreed that if she would not fight the nurse and get her shots without resistance than she could pick out a toy from Walmart.

How pleased I was as I held Molly's hand as she bravely received her shots. She did not so much as cry, she held my hand real tight and her eyes got teary but she toughed it out. The nurse remarked that she did better than any kid she ever had given shots to. My Molly the Brave.... certainly earned her reward.

Molly chose a little dalmation puppy at Walmart and was happy again.....and was now all ready for kindergarten.

Small World Award Picnic

As Molly's days at Headstart became numbered the end of year picnic suddenly was upon us. Last year this picnic was more of a summer break send off, this year however it was a last hurrah. The picnic served as one of the last times these kids could play together and enjoy the guidance of their wonderful teachers.

The picnic was great, full of food and fun, and the kids smiles were overwhelming. Even Neleha got caught up in the fun and found her place amongst the rest.


The kids performed many humorous songs and skits. Their joy was overflowing as they stood together one last time as a class and as a group of friends.


I must admit, there are few things in this world that I enjoy more than to see Molly smile and to hear her sweet laugh. Nothing compares to watching your children grow, learn, and enjoy this wonderful life on earth.

Molly received her graduation awards and we received a binder full of Molly's work that she has done this year. A binder that we will certainly cherish.

With Headstart behind her Molly now is looking forward to Kindergarten. Time keeps on moving on.......our girls keep on growing..... and life is ahead of us.

Neleha & Oscar...Friends Forever

Due to our upcoming relocation to Springfield we had to make some tough choices about our creature comforts. Our pets are unfortunately not welcomed in the apartment buildings that we have been looking at in Missouri and so new homes were needed for them. Our bunnies found freedom in a local farmers field, after all that's were one of them came from, our hope is that Steve will teach Thumper the ropes of the wild. Anyway, we were most concerned with our cat Oscar. Oscar is the only cat that I have ever enjoyed the company of. He has also become Neleha's best friend. They taunt each other daily. So we found great comfort when Kristy's parents agreed to watch over Oscar at their place. This photo was Oscar's drive from Fairborn to Sidney. Oscar has actually spent some time in Sidney during our past vacations and he has always enjoyed the freedom he found there. I am sure that he will enjoy his new home.

Small World 2006