Prep Work

Look at that smile!  This is a picture of confidence and bravery as we sat in the waiting room of the Pediatrician's office on Friday.  This big, bad 5 year old was anxious to get a clean bill of health for Kindergarten.  Mommy was equally as anxious to get the visit over since she knew that the infamous "shots" would come before we left the office....oh boy!  I always wonder how Jim has managed to skip out on every single appointment where we encounter the needle. 

Up first were the basics; 41.8 pounds (60th percentile), 43 inches tall (50th percentile), perfect sight, perfect hearing, and a strong ticker.  All proof that we have the perfect 5 year old; at least that's what we think.  I laughed when we returned to the examination room to change into the gown.  He was asked to remove all his clothing except his undies and put on the firetruck gown we were given.  As I pulled off little man's shorts I found nothing underneath....oh boy!  Apparently he had an accident at school with what he called his "special part" when using the bathroom and decided to go commando for the remainder of the day.  We both laughed as we put the gown on him.  He was quick to make sure the doctor knew he was missing his unmentionables as she entered the room.

He knew all his numbers, colors, and drew a rather detailed picture of himself for Dr. Lagunda.  In short, he proved that he was a model 5 year old seeking acceptance into our public schooling system!  Approved!!

Then......the inevitable and disappointing end to the visit....the NEEDLE!!  I've always hated the Kinder visit as this age has proven to be the most difficult for shots.  They know what's coming and they still cry and scream in preparation which simply breaks my heart.  A TB test, a finger prick, and a shot in each leg yielded a special visit to Yogurtland after our visit.  We have one return trip tomorrow to have his TB test read and then he is off to Kindergarten in August!  They grow up way too quick!

Go Diamondbacks!

                                           

It was back to Baseball this Spring.  Joshua joined the Bakersfield Southwest Baseball League as a Diamondback in the Mustang B division.  After 12 games his team is ranked #4 of 14 and is improving their skills every week.  We have two games per week and each is 2 hours long which has created quite a commitment from the entire family but we are all enjoying the season.

Joshua normally plays 1st base but has recently picked up 3rd and pitcher (which is his favorite!)  He has made new friends and learned new skills this year; both of which he will carry with him long after the season is over. 

Matthew will be the next baseball star in the family.  He is passionate about his baseball gear and insists on wearing it to every game and practice.  He is an expert ball shagger and loves to cheer his big brother on.  He loves to visit the cages and even has a great batting average in the 30-35MPH cages even though he looks like a shrimp with a bat - hahaha!



Out With the Old

After 15 years, over 200,000 road miles, and relocation to Bakersfield, I am no longer working for the largest Communication company in the world.  In Mid February I left my position as an Area Retail Sales Manager to seek a new opportunity.  I've known for several years that the company I began work for in 1998 was evolving into a sales culture that I did not want to be a part of.  As an employee, a customer, and a shareholder, I no longer supported the direction I was being forced into.  As a sacrificial lamb of sorts I parted ways with AT&T in mid February.

For the past three months I have relished in being a mom and wife; something that I have never been able to do.  The older boys picked up riding the bus to and from school and my little man was reduced to only three days per week at preschool.  I've enjoyed special outtings, homework, baseball, classroom help, and most of all, one on one time with the four most important men in my life.  During this time (well actually I began the process in early January) I sought out a great opportunity with State Farm.  After an initial assessment, several hours of online coursework, a competency interview, the preparation of a 15 page business plan, and two presentations with area leaders and the Vice President of Agencies I was HIRED!!

On May 7, I will officially begin training as an Agency Intern for State Farm.  I am excited about the opportunity to run my very own business and to hire a team of people who will provide remarkable products and services to our local area.  As I move into the next chapter of my life I am thankful for all that God has provided me and my family; a great husband, three wonderful little boys, the best mom and sister a woman could ask for, an enormous support system of friends and family and, most importantly, a strong heart and mind to carry us into the future. 

Science Fair 2012

4th Grade is the beginning of projects and lengthy assignments for students at Old River Elementary. For two months the annual Science Fair rules and regulations have been hanging on our fridge waiting for a great idea from the Riggio Family. As the holiday passed, Joshua and I feverishly got to work on what was sure to be a relatively basic, but interesting, science fair project.

After searching the internet, we decided to test candle burn times to determine whether or not color and/or scent impacted the length of time it takes candles to burn all of the wax out. I ventured out to our local Wal-Mart to pick up all the "goods" and $55 later we were ready to go.

After 3 test runs and some spilled wax we determined that colored wax takes longer to burn. Fancy that! Sunday night Josh and I put together his project board and prepared to haul it to his classroom for what we hoped was a passing grade. Not only did the board yield an A, it was chosen for the Science Fair on Friday, January 20. Jim and I entered the cafeteria on Friday to find what appeared to be 100 Science Fair projects with representation from 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. As I walked around and sampled the displays, I quickly found that Josh had one of the better looking ones. Some were handwritten, small, and appeared to have less than "scientific" subjects.

Imagine my surprise when Joshua called Friday afternoon to inform me that not only did his project place, he received 3rd place for his efforts!! Way to go Josh! I'm looking forward to another effort next year as we work for the blue ribbon!

A New Beginning

As I sit here and think about where I am today I am filled with a myriad of emotion. Although I feel like we have finally found our "home" I am still floodened with questions on what the future holds. We have been blessed with so many things in the past three months; a new home, new friends, the closeness of family, and the sense of belonging. I know that this year will bring with it more adjusting but I have faith in the path that we have chosen and cannot wait to start our future in Bakersfield. Thank you to all who have helped us get here.

2012 - A Fresh Start to a New Year

I can't believe it's 2012. After a rough year filled with heart ache, change, and adjusting, this lady is ready to start fresh in a new year. My prayer is that 2012 is a year full of blessings, fun memories, and happy times for our family.

My Heart Weeps

...for my three precious furry babies. It has been a year of loss for the Riggio family.

On March 13, 1997, Sydney arrived in this world and was destined to be adopted by a great family. At six weeks old, I welcomed my little fur ball into my heart and will never let her go. I still remember her being tossed around by Leo, his big kitty brother, and how the two of them absolutely adored each other. Sydney was was my saving grace. In one of the lowest times of my life, she kept me going. I always say I owe my life to her and I truly believe she knew I needed her when the times were rough. It was just her, me and Leo for so long. Although I do not miss the puppy phase, which included ripped carpet, pee puddles in the house, and shredded door jambs, I remember every stage of her life fondly. Man did I love that girl! On February 10, I held Sydney for the last time as she drifted off to heaven.

15 years ago I adopted my precious Leo (short for Leonard) when he wandered into my grandparents yard and would not go away. He was my first fur baby and the apple of my eye. Leo was a spunky kitty who loved to find new hiding places and cherished every moment with his mommy. He was unlike any other cat I had ever met; more a human than an animal. I still remember how he hated other cats and was terrified to be outside. He found comfort in cuddling on my pillow each night and absolutely adored our boys. On April 20, I said good-bye to my beloved kitty. I always said he would live forever, but in my heart I knew that wasn't to be.

And last, but certainly not least.....Angie. One the most strong willed critters I've ever known. Angie came into my life when I least expected it. Angie was originally Jim's dog but if you ask her she would probably say she belonged to me. Jim and I had been dating a few weeks when Angie came to live with me; the summer of 1998. I wouldn't have had it any other way. She was a welcome addition for Sydney and Leo and they all got along like brothers and sisters would. Angie was the dominant one of the bunch. She took pride in bossing everyone around and putting them in their place. I still remember how Angie would open packages and pretty much destroy anything if you simply told her to "get it." For the several years that Jim and I lived apart, Angie and Sydney would travel with me between Bakersfield and Atascadero. I vividly remember how Angie always had to have the front seat and if I didn't roll the window down, how she would always blow snot all over my dash while sniffing in the air from the vent. She loved cows and would gladly cross a pasture to get to one. Of course she would run right back when she realized just how big they were. On May 10, exactly three months after losing Sydney, Angie joined her fur-siblings in heaven.

Oh how my heart aches for my girls and my Leo kitty. Those two ladies were the love of my life. They were my kids before I had kids. And Leo....he was my soul. He understood me and knew exactly what I needed. I have peace in knowing that they are all together again but am angry that they all left me so quickly. My life will be forever blessed by these three creatures of God; my babies; my companions; my friends.


"To have loved and then said farewell, is better than to have never loved at all.
For all of the times that you have stooped and touched my head, fed me my favorite treat and returned the love that I so unconditionally gave to you.
For the care that you gave to me so unselfishly.
For all of these things I am grateful and thankful.

I ask that you not grieve for the loss, but rejoice in the fact that we lived, loved and touched each others lives. My life was fuller because you were there, not as a master/owner, but as my FRIEND.

Today I am as I was in my youth. The grass is always green, butterflies flit among the flowers and the Sun shines gently down upon all of God's creatures.
I can run, jump, play and do all of the things that I did in my youth. There is no sickness, no aching joints and no regrets and no aging.

We await the arrival of our lifelong companions and know that togetherness is forever.
You live in our hearts as we do in yours. Companions such as you are so rare and unique.
Don't hold the love that you have within yourself. Give it to another like me and then I will live forever. For love never really dies, and you are loved and missed as surely as we are. "

Your Pets In Heaven