Happy Father's Day to everyone! and Happy Birthday to Cass and Marie! Hope everyone has a wonderful day and/or a very happy birthday.

The game against Italy on Saturday wasn't much better than their first last week against the Chezchs. I'm hoping they can pull it off, mainly for the popularity and future of soccer (futbol) in this close-minded country! I did notice that the team did a much better job of defending their goal, especially the goal keeper himself. This was much better than the game last week. It's a shame with the elbows to the head in World Cup history with the Americans. We will never forget Leandro throwing a horrible elbow in 94 crushing the skull of one of the Americans. We have disowned him as a Brazilian player.

Brazil has shown the world again what a strong team it is in this World Cup. I believe and have seen in the past how the team starts slow in the first round and progressivly gets faster and stronger. I love the fact that they put in their bench warmers at the end of the game to get the game back up to speed against the slower, tired defending team. It was an exciting game against the Australian Socceroos.

All we have to do now is hope that Italy can win in their next game this week, and the USA wins their next game also. This will lock them in for the next round of play. We'll see!

In other news, Andy gave a talk today on Fathers Day. I gave many examples of Uncle Ed being a big father figure in my younger years. Thank you for all of your support and help in my life. I appreciate everything. We miss being around and sharing the kids with you. We hope you have a good week.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM AND CASSY (and Ron)!!

HAPPY FATHERS DAY DADDY (and all the rest of you daddys)!! I hope you all have a wonderful day! hugs!!

If anyone sees this and has Bobby´s new number or Jeffs number please write them on the blogg. I´m sitting here watching the US and can´t get a hold of anyone!! Love you all.

This is something that Brandi has on her web page and I thought it was good. Enjoy.

Woman over 40

Here is apiece written by Andy Rooney - CBS 60 Minutes.

As I grow in age, I value women who are over 40 most of all. Here arejust a few reasons why.

A woman over 40 will not lay next to you in bed and ask, "What are youthinking?" She doesn't care what you think.

If a woman over 40 doesn't want to watch the game, she doesn't sitaround whining about it. She does something she wants to do. And, it'susually something more interesting.

A woman over 40 knows herself well enough to be assured in who she is,what she is, what she wants and from whom. Few women past the age of 40give a damn what you might think about her or what she's doing.

Women over 40 are dignified. They seldom have a screaming match with you at the opera or in the middle of an expensive restaurant. Ofcourse, if you deserve it, they won't hesitate to shoot you, if theythink they can get away with it.

Older women are generous with praise, often undeserved. They know whatit's like to be unappreciated.

A woman over 40 has the self-assurance to introduce you to her womenfriends. A younger woman with a man will often ignore even her bestfriend because she doesn't trust the guy with other women.Women over 40 couldn't care less if you're attracted to her friendsbecause she knows her friends won't betray her.

Women get psychic as they age. You never have to confess your sins to awoman over 40. They already know.

A woman over 40 looks good wearing bright red lipstick. This is not true of younger women or drag queens.

Once you get past a wrinkle or two, a woman over 40 is far sexier than her younger counterpart.

Older women are forthright and honest. They'll tell you right off ifyou are a jerk if you are acting like one! You don't ever have to wonder where you stand with her.

Yes, we praise women over 40 for a multitude of reasons. Unfortunately,it's not reciprocal. For every stunning, smart, well-coiffed hot woman of 40+, there is a bald, paunchy relic in yellow pants making a fool of himself with some 18-year-old waitress. Ladies, I apologize.For all those men who say, "Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free." Here's an update for you. Nowadays 80% of women are against marriage, why? Because women realize it's not worth buying an entire Pig, just to get a little sausage.

This is the ad for our second year of try outs. Things here are awesome. Camp...well last year we had 120 kids in ALL of our camps, this year we split the camps up in to two weeks and this first week we have 180 kids and have nearly 120 signed up for next weeks camps. The development of soccer in this community is blossoming rapidly. It is fun to be such a huge part of so many children's lives. I really am enjoying my experience with this community...mind you it no easy task...for you parents that have kids that are athletes, may I recommend a book to purchase and read. RAISING YOUNG ATHLETES, the ripken way BY: Cal Ripken Jr.

It is awesome, I highly recommend it as it deals with how to cope with young athletes, their coaches, their victories, their defeats etc...all in all , it is an impressive book for parents!

Pray for USA on Saturday....Spain, looked great for the 30 minutes I got to watch...I had camp...But we got DVR Yesterday so I will watch it this evening, Brazil was fun, but not as productive as I expected them to be...Croatia was a lot of fun to watch as well. Spain is the team to beat based off of first match observance. I have heard about their beautiful goal, but not seen it yet...Saudi Arabia, had a sick side volley today... the saudis I believe might be the Cinderella's this WC.

Love y'all!

GO ESPAÑA!!!!!!!!!

I´d just like to point out that Spain won 4-0.

To let you all know, I was rooting for USA, I was hoping they would at least show up to the game and give it their best, but nope! Oh, well like Jeff says maybe in 2010. Just remember, you can always root for Spain! love you all. keep smiling.

As if Drew really needs to be stretched some more. He's not tall enough already?!!
Shawnna looks like a natural - I can see her doing well in gymnastics.
Missed the game last night but Patrice said they are quite the dream team - best ever Brazilian team. They should go far, and/or take home the cup.
Our life is on hold for the next few weeks (World Cup) and Patrice has taken to working on his laptop in front of the tv. Like he says, he's patriotic for one month, once every four years! But I'll have you know, he was rooting for the USA and disappointed that they lost. We decided if they win, I'll dig out my big flag (hope I have it) and hang it out front. I hope I have the chance to!
Have a great day!

Jocelyn

In other news, Shawnna started her class at the community gymnastics course today. They have her doing cartwheels, roundoffs, balance beams, rings, uneven bars, and the pommel horse. Even though there are only 5 kids in her class, and they are in between 5 and 6 years, she is the best one in her class. We'll see how she does in the next few months. She really has a talent for it, so we hope that she will continue to push herself to learn more and more as she grows and gains more experience. As you can see, even little Drew IV wanted to get in on the action.

It didn't happen the way I had imagined it would, but BRAZIL did win their opening game against Croatia!!!! We are all excited here as Brazil has begun its journey to bringing home the World Cup once again. The Croatian team did a tremendous job in holding the dream team of Brazil's squad to only one goal. Even though I wanted to see some extraordinary action from the south american wonders, we are extremely pleased with the results. We were very happy to see Robinho get to run up and down the pitch for his first time in the World Cup. After they took out the slow-reacting Ronaldo, Robinho did his job in re-animating his teammates and getting them to get off their behinds and do what they do best. We'll look forward to Sunday and see if they can get their act together to show the world some of that true style that they are known for. 5 time world champions!!! We think a sixth star would look really nice on the badge that the Brazilian players wear so proudly on their jersey!!!!

I was nearly in tears...the USA embarrased me. I can inly hope that they recover and show some signs of the underdog attitude that got us here against Italy. They must win the next two matches...remember The chzchs' are considered to be the second best team in the world. I have no excuses, the USA just didn't play well...I was not happy with where some of the players were placed on the pitch as well as the formation and style of play...It was dissapointing to see us try to play european soccer, when we play american soccer so well.

2010...thats all I have to say.

YEAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TEAM USA
LOSES THE FIRST TIME OUT 3 NIL.
I WILL BE SO GLAD WHEN THE HUMILIATION IS OVER!!!
I HOPE IT IS SOON. A QUICK DEATH IS THE BEST FOR THE USA
WHEN IT COMES TO SOCCER.
THANKS FOR ALL THE PICS FROM EVERYONE.
LOVE DAD

So I have been bad, but I promise I tried to put something up here the other day and they were having technical difficulties. Not much to report from New Jersey. The last day of school is a week from today which means lots of things going on between now and then (parties, plays etc.). I am still tinkering in the yard. I am hesitant to put down my mulch because once I do it means no more moving stuff around. My butterfly bushes are blooming like crazy, but there are no butterflies in sight. What I have seen are these enormous bees. Genius that I am I didn't give a ton of thought to the fact that the plants attracting the butterflies would probably be just as tasty for the bees. They don't seem to bother us if we don't bother them so for now I guess we're fine. We are having our first BBQ of the season on Saturday and are hoping not to be rained out by Alberto. You gotta love hurricane season. I'm just rambling so I will stop writing and put up a few of our latest pictures. Just random stuff.
One more thing. The picture of Spencer is just him in a nutshell, a nut. He asked me in the morning to wear the cowboy boots and I told him he could when he got home from school. Within five minutes of arriving home they were on his feet and along with the rest of this getup. The monkey is a nice touch, don't you think?

OT: Sales Pitch!
I'm just looking to fulfill my 'minimum quarterly sales' quota by the end of June and wanted to know if anyone needs, or WANTS!, anything from Stampin' Up! The list is out of the stamp sets that are going to be retired shortly. Check out www.stampinup.com to take a look. The catalog is even online now. Let me know if I can order anything for you.
Thanks for the free advertising!
Jocelyn

Hi everyone, We have had a busy month. Brandi and I poured a cement edge around our new grass. Brandi planted some veggies in the garden. Brandi painted and put up the trellace under the porch. Uncle Jeff cam to visit and took a nap with Natalie. We celbrated the girls birthdays because we wanted to have the party outside, for which we needed nice weather and grass. Mostly so we could have a waterballoon fight. Also I am posting some pictures of the girls. Just thought everyone might like an update. We are all doing great. Just enjoying our 90+ degree Springtime weather.....Enjoy the pictures.

Nathan

The last concert in our Pacific Symphony series was last night June the 9th.
It was a wonderful show with show songs from brodway. We invited Cassy and she invited Nancy.
You will note that they are building a new hall right across the street. We have seats in that hall
for the opening series in the fall. It is supposed to be magnificent. Enjoy the pictures we hope to see some from the rest of the family soon. Hint hint!



I am still trying to figure out how this thing works as far as getting things in the right order so if it is a puzzle just do your best to figure it out. Love Dad
ps on a bit of a sad note Elmer Christiansen died last week

Memorioal Day Weekend

I spent Memorial Day Weekend in Denver with my 13 year old girls team. The elevation and the dry heat was new to them. They played well, except for the match that Nate, Alexa, Brinley and Aunt Barb showed up to. I was pleased with the results and really enjoy my group of girls. They are fun and passionate abotu the game. They work very hard!

Anyway, we were done with the tournameent on Sunday night, so Monday I spent the afternoon in Nates backyard playing soccer with Alexa and Brinley as well as took a nap with Natalie. Brandi took pictures of us napping and I am hoping that they will show up on the blog shortly.

Nate and Brandi wee awesome, there home is filled with the spirit as well as optomism and joy. As i was playing soccer, they were working in the yard, and developing a lovely cement divider around the egse of the grass where the flowers and bushes take over. It is a well manicured lawn and backyard.

The WORLD CUP began today, Germany just beat Costa Rica 4-2, it was a fun match, three goals by the 18th minute :) Six total. It was a great opener. The U.S.A Plays Monday at 12 Eastern on ESPN2, Brazil plays their first match Tuesday at 3pm Eastern on ESPN2, Spain plays their first match Wednesday at 9am Eastern on ESPN2.

Enjoy!

USA will have a tough time, unlike powerhouses Brazil and Spain that received cup cakes for opposition in their group play and will both find themselves deep in to the tournament...USA will have to earn rights to the second round.

Camps begin next week, we will have nearly 200 campers...that is a lot! and then in 2 weeks we have try outs for CBFC (www.cbsoccer.com). So my June is brutal.

The home I was looking at buying fell through so I will wait until next summer to dive in to that fun stuff.

I plan on Visiting Andy's family July 8, 9 and 10th as well as August 5,6 and 7th (the MLS All Star game is on the 5th. !EL FUTBOL ES VIDA!

Love ya!

ok lazy dazy's
Its time for pictures this weekend. Some from everybody go go go gooooooo
pictures yeaaaaaa!