Random recent pictures - sorry, don't have time to write about them!

HAPPY 38TH BIRTHDAY

PATRICE!!

HOPE YOU ENJOY A GREAT DAY!

GET LOTS OF HUGS AND KISSES

FROM ALL THOSE KIDS AND JOCELYN TOO!

THANKS FOR A WONDERFUL TIME

DURING MY LATEST VISIT!!

EURO DISNEY WAS A BLAST!!

LOVE YOU LOTS, CASS

THANK YOU BOBBY!
MOM LOVES THE VIDEOS.
THEY ARE ALWAYS WELCOME.

Dad scared this out of me with his last BLOG!!

BOO!
JUST TRYING TO SCARE UP
SOMETHING.

I did forget one very important family member my brother James Ginn.
Sorry Jimmy!

Marie wanted me to let everyone know who is family!
Nathan, Brandi, Alexa, Brinley, Natalie
Bobby, Gina, Stacia, Landon, Melena, Lauren,
Jeffery
Cindi, David

Cassy, Jocelyn, Patrice, Alienoir, Guillaume, Margot, Perceval
Andy, Nina, Shanna, Drew
Marion, Bryan, Abby, Spencer, John, Grace
Chris, Julie, Emma, Abby, Grace, Liz

Lou, John, David, Christy
Ray, Kathy, Brett, Tristen, Amanda, Adam, Terriann, Joey

and any kids of kids not listed.

Any and all spelling is to be corrected. I did this off the top of my head and spelling is not my strong point. Would love input.

Love Dad

Our dear family we wish you all a

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

Wish you were all home here in California!
We miss having you close.
We are thankful to have such wonderful children
We are proud of your faith, works and service to
the church and your families.
We are excited to see our grandchildren growing
and wish we were closer so we could hold them,
watch them and play with them.
Have a great day and don't get sick eating too much food.
Love Mom and Dad

Move back to Utah Jeff---Because I told you to.

For my B day, Gina got me a little video camera that only records 30 minutes of video and has the software to do this stuff real easy(Flip Video)...Real cool and easy like a digital camera but video. You delete the video off the camera when you have downloaded it to your computer. Everyone should have one because it is so small and easy to carry around all the time. When do you ever record more than 30 minutes anyway. Most of my vids are 1 minute long just to capture and remember the moments.

Come to America Cindi---It's more fun here because Mili and Stacia are here!

aw shucks,,,, maybe next year coach Ginn,,,,,

We love you and to some degree feel your pain.
It is never easy to lose.

Dust yourself off, pick yourself up and do better next year,,,,,,

Love Mom and Dad

Well i was going to update tomorrow...But since mom and dad are being so demanding...

WOW!!!!!!!! they came out intense and focused! We played everyone of our players, we stayed fresh. we hit a shot from about 20 yards out...upper v...it was awesome!!! then we collected a ball at the top of the 18 and placed it to the far post...lastly we put in a defender in the striker position...she dominated...did three wall passes down the middle of the park and then passed it past the keeper.

We hit the crossbar once on an outside shot and we had a shot off of a volley that was amazing, but the keeper got to it. The opposition scored on us, we had a breakdown on one side ant they put one by us. It was pretty frustrating...we had 20 minutes left...a 3-1 advantage and we were playing panicked. Our defense is sturdy and it is a blast...the division 1 and division 2 schools are all over our players...so we are rather excited for them.

We play Sunday against CCBC-Cattonsville. They are from Maryland and are the #1 seed. They have two very strong players...besides that we think they are average. Kick off Sunday 2:30 pm eastern. The girls are much more composed, mature and focused than last year. We are capable of winning it all, but we are going to have to be very composed, confident and determined to put this team away.
It is exciting...tomorrow we sleep in until noon, run a training session to loosen them up and we spend the rest of the day at either a miniature golf course of a bowling alley.

When we won tonight...it was not as exciting to win the match...we have been here before. Now we need to venture to a land that we have never been to. It will be fun, but stressful! Thank you for all the support and love!!!!!!!!!!

Whoopee!!!!!!!!! They won again!!!!!!!!
Coach Ginn is wonderful

So tell us Coach Ginn "How did they do it? And when and who do they play next? And is the next game for the Championship?" Tell us, Tell us, Tell us please, We need to know!!!!!!!!!!!

Mom And Dad

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIG BROTHER BOBBY!!

Sure do miss you and your family. Hope you have a special day.

hugs and kisses,

lil sis

Knocking off number 2 in the nation was not as easy as the scoreboard says. However, we did miss a p.k. and we also had a goal called back. We have the best TEAM here at the tournament. But other teams have some pretty impressive weapons that could give us trouble. We lost our leading goal scorer and probably the best overall player in the tournament to an ACL and MCL rupture. Kim, was attacking the goal keeper 1 on 1, pushed the ball around the keeper and the keeper took her out rupturing two major ligaments. Kim has committed to a full ride scholarship at the University of Iowa and we are praying that Iowa will hold the commitment as Kim goes through rehab for the next 8 months...last night was tough...some emotions I have never felt as a coach. Mixed emotions to a win and a HUGE loss...not just for us...but Kim...she is special, great lds girl, head on straight, fun, happy and driven. I just hope she can be aninspiration to her teammates like she was a leader on the pitch.

The girls compete again tonight at 7pm eastern time. They play Laramie County out of Cheyenne, Wyoming. We have played them four times (once last year inn the tournament where we won 3-0) and have only lost to them once. We are confident, but not arrogant..the girls have shown composure and maturity so far. And everyone is in good spirits. Thanks for all of your support. Love you!

Coach Jeff
Congratulation's on your first win 2 to nil.

We hope your girls keep winning with the help of your motivational messages!!!
Keep up the good work!
Mom was following your progress period by period and got me to the computer as soon as I came in the door so I could see how good the girls were doing.

Love ya Mom and Dad

Iowa Women Kick off at 7pm Eastern time.

Here is the link to follow the score...it is updated every 15 minutes.

http://njcaasoccer.darton.edu/news.php

Bobby's picts answer:
Stacia in pink
Landon with blue blanket
Lauren on Floor in pink w/green frogs
Milena in car seat swaddled


Jeff, I can not tell you how awesome those animations of mom and dad are.....too bad dad can't print video into his family journal

Nathan family update...Work, Eat, sleep. Girls are doing well in school. Halloween was fun and warm for once. Still eating candy... Brandi has been working on editing pictures from her fundraiser in St. Louis. Thanks to mom and dad it was a fun visit, while Brandi was gone. Nate was re-elected to a second term on the Board at the kids charter school and also elected president. We are very busy looking for land to build a permanent facility for the school.

I am also getting involved in Mitt Romney's campaign here in Colorado. http://www.mittromney.com/homepage There may never be a chance like this again. Be aware that you will not get anywhere near the truth from the media. If you think he hasn't got a chance, you had better think again....enough politics for now.


Happy Birthday to Cindi (8th) and Bob (16th). Hope that you had/have wonderful days.

Love Nathan

Welcome back from San Fran Dad. Hope you had lots of fun!!! Did you get the Ghiradelli (don´t know how to spell it!) Square to buy a yummy brownie sunday?!? Or were you just in meetings the whole time??

keep smiling everyone!

Since I seem to be doing the 'birthday' thing, another BELATED BIRTHDAY WISH goes out to JIMMY GINN, whose birthday was on October 27th, I think?? (if that's not the right date, Jim, you'll have to correct me and you notice, I didn't give out your age either - heehee)!!
I hope you had a wonderful day, great weather, spending it swimming in those beeeeauuutifullll Hawaiian waters and rummaging through the local thrift shops. Ahhhhhh, the life!!
Love you brother,
Your sis, Cassy

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY GUILLAUME DUFFORT!!

You were the BIG 8 years old yesterday.

Getting ready for your big day on

Sunday, November 18th

when you get BAPTIZED!!

And I'm so excited because I get to be there too!

To be able to enjoy that special day with you

and all your family!!

I am so proud of you and love you so much!

Love, Grandma Cass

(See you Friday! XOXOXOXXO)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DREW NORMAND the 4th!!!

How does it feel to be 3?? Wheeeeee!!

It was fun singing Happy Birthday to you!

I'm glad you had a good day and enjoyed all your presents!

I miss you so much!

Love, Hugs and Kisses

Grandma TaTa

I say its
Milena
Landon
Lauren
Stacia
sorry for any misspellings
hope everyone is doing well
Jocelyn

Too funny!!!! Thanks for the great laugh Jeff!

Cindi....WRONG DAD......Wrong------one hint(blue is for?) Anyone else want to try to guess who is who????


What a hoot watching Ed and Marie on DANCING WITH THE STARS!!!

The Ed and Marie we never new existed. We found them on video :)
Click each era for your entertainment.

How Mom Caught Dad's Eye
Dating in the 60's
Newlywed in the 70's

I say:
Stacia
Landon
Lauren
Milena

But I don´t care...I LOVE THEM ALL!!!!
aunt cindi

My guess from top down
Stacia
Melana
Lauren
Landon
Thanks for the pictures
Grand pa Ginn

Milena in pink

Landon in Blue

Lauren in pink with green frogs and Stacia in Yellow

Can you guess Who is who? All are Bobby's kids....one hint-----3 girls and 1 boy

Lauren coming home, Lauren with Aunt Lu and Lauren with her cousin Cammree Zoll(6mths old) Lauren is 5.1 lbs now (3 weeks old) wish you could all come visit her.

Lauren Elizabeth Ginn home with her bro and sisters.

Thanks to you all.

I´ve had a nice birthday. David made me a WONDERFUL lunch (he´s off work this week and he spent all morning preparing lunch for me). Then in the afternoon I´ve been sick so I didn´t go to work!! Yipee for me!

Not to be a snob or anything but I just thought I´d clear some things up:

The last last last name is Gómez not Gonzales.
I was born in the year 1978.
And I have only lived in Spain for 4 years and 2 months.

Oh, and Jeff....I LOVE your idea for Davids gift to me!!

I love and miss you all.
keep smiling
me

Feliz Cumpleanuos Hermana!

Tu es hermosa!

Love you A.C.

Tell David that for your birthday he needs to GET YOU PREGNANT...dad needs some boys!

HAPPY B DAY LIL SIS


MISS YOU



LOVE BOBBY AND OUR FAM

LAUREN IS HOME DOING WELL---PICS SOON

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
CYNTHIA MARIE GINN RODRIGUEZ GOMEZ
29 YEARS OLD
BORN 11-8-78
HAS BECOME A REAL SPAINARD
AFTER FOUR YEARS TWO MONTHS IN SPAIN.

Well Mr. Studely
You really look cool in those classes.
Thanks for sharing. Heard that Lauren came home on Tuesday.
How is she doing? A few at home pictures will be neat to see.
Soon we hope.
Love Mom nd Dad

Just wanted to post a few pics of me from my recent business trip to Hawaii.

Some fun but mostly meetings!

I commonly check the local newspaper and particularly do a search for the word soccer to keep up with any developments in the community. I found this article and I posted it on my soccer club blog site. You will see the one word "soccer" in the article, but i read the article and thought it was a great for any parent to read and ponder.
Love you all!

A recent article in THE DAILY NONPAREIL

Black: Make learning a lifelong process
Dennis Friend, Staff Writer



The classroom is not the only place a child learns. Parents can be instrumental in instilling a love of knowledge in their children that will last throughout their lives.

"The parent is the child's first teacher," said Dave Black, school improvement specialist for the Lewis Central Community School District. "The family attitude about learning is very important. We can make a difference in their attitudes."

Black said a good learning environment starts with parental attitudes, good communication between parents and children and a belief that learning is not something that starts and ends in a classroom.

"We're modeling appropriate behavior for our kids, you see," Black said. For instance, at the Black home, "We sit and read as a family every night. We all do crossword puzzles before supper. We engage our minds."

The idea is to demonstrate that learning is a crucial part of an active life. He suggested reading books and magazines, talking to children about things that interest them or you and engaging them in everyday experiences that drive home a message about education.

"We're remodeling at our house right now," Black said. "We're putting in light fixtures, and you have to use math and do measurements. How do you decide where to cut a hole or where to install a light? Involve the kids in the conversation. These conversations can make math real."

He cites landscaping a yard or starting a garden as additional examples that can be used to draw students into real-life learning experiences. If a child is involved in discussions about how tall a plant may grow or when a flower blooms, "you are engaging with kids in positive talk about solving real problems. They will get interested."

Black draws another example from his own life. He has a son who is a Marine in Iraq and another son at home. The resulting conversations teach everything from geography and politics to social studies and government.

The key word is "conversation," said Black, meaning there will be two-way communication, as opposed to one-way lectures or monologues. Parents can talk about learning something interesting, then ask about what the child learned in school. A parent might also ask what a child is interested in or ask how they feel about something.

"The learning process doesn't stop when they graduate from high school," Black said. "It's a lifelong journey. And kids learn a great deal from us when we articulate our feelings."

Other tips to turn learning into a lifelong process include keeping books in the house, turning off the TV once in a while and having children keep a journal or diary. He recommended word games and logic problems. He also suggested letting them help with grocery lists and having them write thank you notes because "it helps their writing and spelling and builds confidence and social skills."

Black warns about pushing too far or too hard, because "it's possible to de-motivate a child by going to extremes. That's true in school or soccer."

Internal motivation is the most powerful, he said, and the ideal is to teach a child over time to take responsibility for his or her own learning. Asking questions and providing learning opportunities and resources will helps, because "you want to help them find the relevance. It's about more than just pleasing a teacher. Otherwise, when school ends, they no longer worry about pleasing the teacher, and learning stops."

It's also important to remember that everyone makes mistakes, mispronounces a word or messes up once in a while, Black said, and expecting perfection does not help. There's also the prospect of scaring a child away from appropriate risk-taking behavior simply because they are afraid to fail.

"Kids need to learn to go for it," Black said. "They should not be afraid of taking a risk, or they won't ever swing the bat for fear of striking out. Fear of failure can diminish the chance of success later in life. It we don't have anyone taking a risk, we won't have new knowledge later on."

"The world wants you to be literate, to solve problems, to make good decisions. When you graduate, you don't have to get an 'A' anymore, but you have to be accountable," Black said.

"And you have to be willing to do the right thing when no one is looking."

©SW Iowa News 2007

CONGRATULATIONS JEFF
We all need pep talks at the right time
and
it looks like you picked the right time!!!

You have it in you become a great coach and teacher!
Win or Lose you are a teacher of youth.

Coach Wooden
was asked after one of his teams won the
National Basketball Championship
if this was his greatest team
and he said "Oh! I won't know that for several years!"

Love Ya
Mom and Dad

Lady Reivers return to the national tournament!!!!!!!

The women won their semi-final match with little resistance yesterday. They beat Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa 3-0 yesterday. Today the girls warmed up a little poorly and they played that way for a while. The opposition, Illinois Central CC, came out wanting it more than our girls. I was frustrated as possible as we were not playing well at all. We brought them in at half time...we made some adjustments and then let them get some touches on the ball. two minutes left in half time I pulled them all back in and pepped them up...I don't do that very often, but something was not right with these girls. Long story short, they played hard and battled for the next 45 minutes and dominated play. However, the girls could not find the back of the net for the life of them. FINALLY with 46.1 seconds on the clock we redirected a corner kick placed on the far past towards the near post side netting and got the result we needed to head back to Georgia. Click the link to go to the national tournament web site http://njcaasoccer.darton.edu/index.php

Lauren Elizabeth Ginn 2 weeks 1 day old--- we hope to bring her home soon.

Happy Halloween!!!!!!

Check out my Slide Show!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Out of all the holidays we have in the US and they don´t celebrate here, I think that Halloween is the one I miss the most. I can´t wait for the pictures of all the scary monsters and pretty princesses in the family!

Hugs and kisses and trick or treat!

Funny story of the day...



Yesterday was our Stake Conference and there are two things that are very important about stake conference:



1. That I look my best. Since everyone in the Church has know David his whole life I always feel like I´m getting "checked out" to see why he married the American girl!



2. The most important thing is that I have no responsibilities. I just get to sit back and relax and enjoy the "show".



So, as for looking my best...I did my best (at least the best I could do with 20 extra pounds). As for number two, it got totally RUINED!!! I hadn´t been in the building more than 30 seconds when the 2nd counselor of the Stake Presidency came up to me to ask me if I would...............TRANSLATE...............for the wife of the mission president!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! For those of you that don´t know there are two things I hate doing in public...and speaking isn´t one of them. I HATE playing the piano and I HATE TRANSLATING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So I half sarcasticly, half seriously said "NO". He laughed and tried to smooth things over with, "Don´t worry you dominate both languages."

Needless to say I didn´t get to enjoy any of the conference, not even Davids singing (he was in the choir). I was nervous and sick-feeling the whole time. When the time came I got up on stage (good thing I tried to acheive number 1) and translated the best I could. There was only once when I actually stopped because I couldn´t think of the word. The only good that came out of this terrible experience is that I´m pretty sure they won´t be asking me to translate again. I´m just not a fast enough thinker! When I finished and sat back in me seat I still couldn´t enjoy the rest of the meeting because I was going back over what I had said in my head and thinking of better ways to say it!!! David was kind and told me I did a great job...I know better!

So after that fun filled experience I am going to die my hair black so they can´t pick me out in a crowd!!! The end.



Now for some more fun!!! Since last years "Ginn Gift Giving" was such a success (or not) I´ve decided to Post the names now... two months in advance. This way MAYBE they´ll arrive on time...or not SO late! Also, after many comments I´ve decided that this year we will see how the gifts for each COUPLE works. Just so you know I did pick the names out of a hat!!!



FROM - TO

Ed and Marie - Jeff and Jessie or is it Whitney or is it....

Nathan and Brandi - David and Cindi

Bobby and Gina - Ed and Marie

Jeff and... - Nathan and Brandi

David and Cindi - Bobby and Gina

Also, maybe it would be a good idea to give some ideas of what we want. I´ll start...Nathan and Brandi, I would love to have a new house paid for in full either in the U.S. or in Spain...or anywhere else for that matter!! Also a job for David in the U.S. that makes a good $200,000 a year wouldn´t be bad!! Or just a full family reunion... in SPAIN all trips paid for. That would be lovely! What? Am I asking too much?!?!?

Love you all and hope all is well. Hugs and kisses for everyone.
keep smiling

Iowa Western Womens Soccer Region XI Champions for the third time in four seasons of existence. The women won the semi final match 14-0 and the championship 3-0. The men lost in the semi's in a battle 1-0. I will post pictures when I get them...of the team and their region championship plaque. The women host the division tournament and are two games away from returning to nationals. the womens record is 19-1-1 this year, have scored over 130 goals and allowed 5.

lo all,
It is Sat the 27th of Oct, 2007. Home alone. Did a bank deposit and had a pedicure. Sorry I missed your call Cindi I had just left to go to the bank. Anyway, Here is a picture taken on Thursday when the sky was so full of smoke and ash that you could hardly breath. The sun was blood red earlier but only a beige gray when I took this photo, Hard to tell how bad it was in this photo but at least I tried. Oh, and for your information the apples are pretty but they don't taste very good. Love Ya Dad

This is the first picture of Jessie and I. Not sure hwhy I am not smiling but oh well...you didn't want to see a picture of me anyway...you all just wanted to see a picture of Jessie.

Pictures of Delanies wedding:

More pictures of Lauren

Here are the first pictures of Lauren Elizabeth Ginn. I am posting them at Bobby's request. She looks healthy but is not a real good eater yet so lets keep her in our prayers. Lots of Love Grandpa Ginn

Just a note to let everyone know that as of Tuesday night we are not in harms way. The cabin in Big Bear is not in any danger as of this time and niether is the condo in Del Mar. The news reporters are doing their best to get accurate information out but with fires raging from Ventura county to the Mexican border it is very difficult. The winds are calming down a little so that gives the firemen some hope. It will still probably be a week to ten days before all the fires are put out. I will be fine here while mom is in Utah. I'm not an invalid guys!!! Someone has to be here to get the important papers out if the worst should occur. Keep us in your prayers and all of those that have or will lose their homes.
Jeff I never could tell my right from my left so is it the blue Jacket tall one or the green jacket short one? They both look kinda blond to me?

FINALLY!!!!

Thank you Jeffery Jon for the picture. Now we at least have a face to go with the stories!

Hope all is well with everyone. Hope the fires stay away from the house and dad is ok without mom around!! Mom have fun with the kids and give them all hugs from Aunt Cindi!

Hugs all around.
keep smiling

Well Jessie found a picture she was o.k. with me posting on the blog. She is the blonde on the right.

Hi all,
Finally returned the TWUK to the Mannings yesterday. Moms new car is a 2004 Nissan Altima SE V6 and it is only about 4 inches shorter than the Infinity. Mom wanted a smaller car but they don't make small cars that are comfortable unless you go way up in price and want a 2 door coup.

Mom didn't want her picture taken so she took mine if front of the new car. Hope to see some pictures of Lauren soon and Cindi at the temple in Madrid and any other offering anyone has to post. Would love to see an updated picture of Grace Norton.

Yipee!! Everytime I get a chance to call Bobby it´s at a time when he´d be sleeping!!! I can´t wait for pictures of little Lauren. I´ve thought about it, and since Bobby and Gina are so used to the whole process and their kids seem to really want to come down to earth...fast....they should have about 6 more?!?!?! What do you all think? Give Gina a hug for me, she´s amazing!

Sorry dad, no pictures of the temple trip yet. Love you all and MISS you all.
keep smiling

A new LEG in the famliy! Impressive!
Lauren
Elizabeth
Ginn

Congrats Gina and Bobby! Wish I could be around to help!

Things are well here in the mid-west. Soccer has two matches left before the post season begins and Jessie and I are having fun. She is having to learn new things...like no r rated movies and stuff like that.

Love and miss you all!

Talked with Bob this morning and he indicated that Elizabeth would be Laurens middle name. Ginas mother is Elizabeth. Also, I find it interesting that this is bobby and ginas 3rd girl and Natalie our 3rd girl also shares Elizabeth as a middle name.

As is normal in the case of Bobby and Gina Ginn ! A baby girl weighing 4 lbs 1 Ounce was deliver without incident at 10AM October 16, 2007. She is in the neonatal intensive care unit only to help her lungs but Bobby reported that she is breathing on her own so that is a positive. All of their children have gone through this drill so we expect all will go well. She will probably be in the hospital about a week. Gina's due date was November the 29th so the baby came about 6 weeks early.
Oh by the way her name is Lauren Ginn. We haven't been told what the middle name is going to be yet.

Congratulations Bobby and Gina
and
Welcome to the Ginn family
LAUREN!!!

Sunday was Conference. Monday Brandi was home. Nathan went to work and Brandi and Natalie and us'ins went to Natalies soccer activity. At her age they just dribble the ball and do some basic drills. Natalie really loves it and tries so very hard and does well for her age.

Well that's all for now will post pics of the new car when we get it. Love to have some pics of your trip to the temple with the youth and coments about the irreverence of the youth--third world or not - Cindi. and some comments and pics of your tournement week Bob - and some pics of Jessica Jeff with maybe some soccer comeents thrown in for good measure. And anybody else that wants JUST FEEL FREE TO JUMP IN
Love Dad