Go Cart

Uncle Jerry bought the kids a go cart to have at Grandma and Pa Stallbaumer's house. It's going to be GREAT fun, but for now they're just a little bit too small for it. They can't quite reach the pedals enough to control it well and it goes fast enough that it's pretty scary. It's very safe (which I am THANKFUL for!) because it's really wide and very low to the ground. There are miles and miles for them to ride out there, so once they grow just a couple of inches and get the hang of it, they're going to have a blast. Bruce rode it and had a great time, although he is just about too big for it. Thanks, Uncle Jerry!!

Another first

We had another first at our house yesterday. Since this is our first year at "real school", we're having lots of them, but this one was a big one....Parent Teacher conferences. Bruce and I used to have them every evening at the dinner table, but this wasn't quite the same.

After having been my kids teacher all of these years, handing over the reigns to ANYONE else is a big deal to me. But, once again, God has a plan. Mr. Riley is Amanda's teacher and he is a wonderful, Godly man. He prayed with us and shared with us about their year so far. Miss Peterson is Alex's teacher and she is a lovely, patient, Grandma-like lady who is perfect for him this year. She also prayed with us about how we can all work together to best serve Mr. Alex. And Andrew has Mrs. Garcia. She is a delightful, energetic gal who is excited to have Andrew in her class - and he LOVES her too!

We are still struggling through the transition - mostly me these days, admittedly - but are taking one day at a time and looking for God's leading through it all.

Faith and Hope

Borrowed this one this morning....isn't it great?!?! Thanks, Brenda!

A picture's worth 1,000 words

If a picture really is

worth 1,ooo words, then this would should tell you how things are going for school! Andrew LOVES it!! Amanda would still rather be home, but is doing much better. And Mr. Alex is really struggling these days. Really misses Mommy and believes that school was invented as some form of torture for kids. The entire staff at school has been fabulous to help him and we're learning some really valuable life lessons through it all. God is absolutely at work and we are trying hard to "consider it pure joy".

These shirts are their chapel shirts and they all wear them on Wednesday for chapel services. They are "Calling all Characters" to become People of Purpose - lots of great lessons for all of us!

Go big red!

We live just off of 14th street and just north of Memorial Stadium, so on Saturday game days, the traffic is CRAZY! (Last week it was EXTRA crazy with returning students PLUS the State Fair PLUS a home game, but that's not the point of my story!) Anyway, when the game is over, traffic going north on 14th street is backed up for probably an hour as people try to get out of town and onto the interestate. Last year, Amanda started going up to the corner of 14th and waving our Husker flag as people drove by after the games. It turned out to be great fun and is now a bit of a tradition here, and yesterday all 3 kids took turns doing it. People will honk and whoop and holler and one guy even threw a $1 bill to Andrew yesterday! Very fun!

Bragging on my hubby!

NEWS RELEASE FROM AMERITAS: Sales Culture Associate of the Month! The Sales Culture Builders Team is pleased to announce September’s Group Sales Culture Associate of the Month . . . Bruce Bond!

Bruce, a senior actuarial analyst, has been with Ameritas since October 1999. He was selected by the Group Sales Culture Recognition Committee based on his exceptional contributions to his customers, team, department, and to the Group Division and company.

Here are a few things associates had to say about Bruce.

“Bruce is a true team member when it comes to resolving problems that arise.”

“He always has both the customer and the company in mind.”

“Bruce has always shown true professionalism in all the dealings I’ve had with him.”

“Bruce has a vision that reaches beyond his department and significantly impacts all of Group.”

“He is consulted on the majority of spreadsheets that are used for rating outside of SalesXpress.”

“His openness to share and spread his knowledge continues to propel all who are around him, and the Ameritas Group Division, to be disruptive.”

“There has NEVER been a time when I requested assistance from Bruce that I was rejected, and generally he volunteers even before I can ask for his help.”

“Bruce has an advanced understanding of our rating systems, Excel, programming and many other key elements of our company processes.”

“Bruce’s problem-solving skills, his knowledge of Ameritas methods and his selflessness make him a unique asset to his department and the company.”


As September’s award recipient, Bruce will receive an award certificate, a $50 gift card and front-door parking for the month of September! Congratulations and thank you, Bruce! The things you do each day help to create and enhance our Group Sales Culture.