TimFreeland.com

I was telling the story today and they thought it was good enough to blog on.  And if you ever read this Dr Gosen, there is no dis-respect meant as you were great to us & and an exceptional doctor.  But, your name begs the question about whether your parents meant to do this, or decided that you name would pre-destine you to be an ob/gyn. 

Dr. Gosen is pronounced "Goes-in" and Dick is short for Richard.  And if you want to get slang with it, you throw the "B" in there and it is all the more funny.  I think you catch my drift.  You just can't make this up!

Dr. Richard Gosen is an MD at Fairview.

It has been 976 days since Rylie first stepped through the doors of the new Northfield Montessori facility in 2005.  At age 3 Rylie joined the "Discovery I" classroom where she moved to "Discovery II" and finally into the "Montessori" room.  Last week, she left for the last time after completing the Kindergarten program. I would personally like to thank all the teachers for their hard work over the years.  It's a job that not many could do and I don't think teachers are rewarded enough in our society.

This step in Rylie's life is truly a fork in the road for me and her.  See, Rylie's mom Melissa lives in Farmington and after much debate, it was decided that Rylie would attend public school in that system at this time.  I really wanted Rylie to attend school and grow up in the same community that I did.  However, she will still split equal time between Northfield and Farmington by dividing up vacations, weekends and holidays between the two families. 

Congrats to Rylie for making it on the cover of our latest special section.  I took the photo that they put on the cover and on page 7, featuring D.D. Davidson (aka Grandpa Dave).  Dave volunteers at the Northfield Montessori helping the kids learn to read.  Thanks to everyone.

What do they use to catch the Ether bunny?  The Ethernet.  ha ha ha ha. 

Ok.  Next subject.  Where in the world did the concept of an Easter bunny come from?  And what do eggs have to do with salvation through Jesus.  I've been to oh....33 Easter services in my life.  I do recall a few Pastors discussing this topic in great detail.  It's not an easy one with kids, because we have to skirt the whole tooth-fairy, Santa tales while emphasizing the truths of Christian believes.  It's difficult for many adults to grasp the Christian resurrection and eternal salvation let alone kids doing so.

Regardless...a good time was had by all.

My daughter Rylie is five and a half years old.  I recall picking her up from the nursery when she was a new born and getting anxious as I did so.  I always got so exited to see Rylie again, after being at work all day.  Well, it still happens.  I get so exited as I drive to pick her up from the Northfield Montessori every day.  I'm always exited to give her a hug again.

Rylie has always run to me when I pick up.  When she was smaller she would run and jump and I would pick her up and throw her...as you might see in the movies.  It's awesome.  She has always made a scene that catches the interest of the other kids.  It's gotten to the point where they all tell Rylie when I'm walking in the door so they can see what she does.  Recently, she's had a fist full of drawn pictures for me, all of what have "I love you Dad" written on them.  I've collected them all.  I need a bigger box to keep them all.  I decided to run my camera last week as I picked up.  Here's a sample of the experience. 

What did I just call her? This week at the Northfield Montessori, my daughter Rylie has been named "Star of the Week" (S.O.W).

I recall in 2nd grade the teacher choose a pupil each Friday as the star student of that week. They would get a card with some candy affixed and was allowed to be the first at doing something. I also recall being one of the last to receive this honor later in the school year. I figure every kid had to "win" once and I must have been one of those "this kids turn" winners.

Well, this is Rylie's 2nd time as Star of the Week. So, she must be doing something right.

This honor includes:

• Being first in all lines.
• Bringing either a game, movie or book of choice each day to share.
• Bring in treats on Friday for everyone.
• Wearing a custom made star necklace around their neck all week.
• Bringing in photos of the family and a brief profile for the wall.
• And of course, ton's of gushing and pampering.

Congratulations Rylie. Take a bow!