Brother

I wasn't sure if I should post this entry. I have been debating this for a few months. Part of me said no, it was too personal and should be a private thought not shared with anyone who might happen across this website. On the other hand I wanted to let anyone who came across and read this to know what a great guy my brother was. As you can see I decided to post. I want people and anyone who knew my brother to know what kind of man he was. He was special and not because he was my brother.

He was born 50 years ago on the 27th of this month. He died in 1979, on March 27th. Thirty years of passed but not a day has gone by that I don't feel that ache of missing him. We lose people throughout our lives but this was a loss that has never seemed to heal. We all have our ways to deal with our losses, but that one question that never seemed to be answered, why.

Enough of that. I know many of you may say that they have the best brother in the world. I wont argue with you on that, but the truth is, I know I had the best brother one could ever have. I have yet to meet a more gentle person who had a heart of gold. He would do anything for you. He would give the shirt off his back if you needed it. Cover for you even when he knew that what you did was wrong. Many times when I, his little brother got into a mess he was there. Sometimes a bang on the head or a kick in the butt to get me straightened out but those times were rare. Scott didn't have to kick butt or yell. He was patient and always used a logic that wise for his young age. He never held a grudge or judged anyone,. He accepted everyone regardless of who they were. He made mistakes but they were small and far between.

He may not fit in today's world. I say this for the reason that material things were not important to Scott. He really didn't collect anything, He never was out to prove that he was better then the guy next in line. The things that were important to him were simple things. Family, He loved his family, even with all of our faults. He hated when there were fights in the family and you could see the pain that it caused him. He did his best not to take sides but to be the guy in the middle. Helping solve the problem and making the right amends. He cared for his friends. The bonds that he made with some of his close friends were tight. They lasted and never faded. They knew what kind of friend he was and knew how rare his type of friendship was. He was faithful and loyal. Not just with family and friends but with his job. His boss knew he could be trusted even over his own family.

He loved cars and working on them. He didn't have a fancy one but that wasn't important to him. What was important was that he owned it. He was fascinated with Sea Horses and tried over and over to keep them as pets. He would order them from the back of a magazine. They never lasted long but he would always try again. I think of all the things in his life this was the most frustrating to him. He loved to play pool with his friends and cruise the Sonic on a Saturday night.

I could go on and on as anyone could who knew him. We all have those special memories of Scott. Some we shared with others and some that only you and he shared. I miss him and wonder what this earth would have been like with him still around. I admit it, I still get angry that he was taken. I tell my Son about him and I feel sad and depressed that he never got to know his Uncle Scott. He was special and he would have treated my children with the love and respect that only Scott could.

Its been a long time, but its seems like yesterday. Happy Birthday Scott, I miss you.

As Promised..........

the final piece played by Zach and his fellow band members! I hope you all enjoyed the performances by these young musicians. It has been a enjoyable three years for all of us involved.




Well that's all Folks!! Thanks for watching!!

Zach and his R.O.P.E.S Presentation.

Well Zach and his middle school days are behind him. Next step high school! He finished up his last week with with so many activities. He has his final band concert, a field trip, a science fair and concluding with his ropes presentation. R.O.P.E.S stands for, The Rite Of Passage Experience Showcase. Each 8th grader presents a portfolio of his middle school years. They can make a scrap book, power point or a road map. The kids then present to their fellow classmates and then again to parents, facility and other students. Zach picked the road map and did a great job with it.


The road map takes you through Zach's journey in middle school. Starting with 6th grade and ending with where he wants to be in the future. It was neat to see some of the neat things he and his classmates did. It showed Zach and his many activities, Band, Basketball, Wrestling R.O.T.C........ He was busy kid and lets not forget that he did have to study and learn a little during that time.

















The above shot is a little of his 6th grade year. To the right, Zach and what he wants and wants to do in the future.

The next few photos shows Zach presenting his road map during the open house. He was judged by his teachers and fellow students as well.


















Zach explaining his years to a teacher and a few girls.














It was neat walking around and seeing the work of the other students as well. They all did well with their presentations. I as well as the other parents were proud of our kids and so were their teachers.

Part Two: Final Concert Of The Year

I'm sure that a lot of parents were thinking the same thing Mr.C spoke of. Is this the last time some of the kids will play? Zach is still pondering that question himself. Its his decision and I'm sure he will pick the right one. What I like about this video is seeing the expressions on the students faces. Its all smiles and appreciation for the applause they so deserve.

Mr. C was a great instructor and teacher for his students. It takes a lot of patience just being a teacher. Now just think teaching so many how to play a musical instrument! and were not talking one instrument, but all of them from the Tuba to the Piccolo......and yes Zach, the Trombone!




Well again I hope you enjoyed some of the clips from Zach's school band concert. One thing I want to point out is the family support the kids have. Us "Band Parents" supported our children from the start of their careers to ......................

Oh by the way, I may have one more clip to share so stay posted!

Final Concert Of The Year

Its hard to beleive that Zach and his classmates have completed their Middle School Years. It seems just like yesterday that I was walking down the hall with him on his first day. Both of us, bright eyed and bushy-tailed, but for different reasons.


Well this was another big last for Zach. His final concert at this level. The video above shows the kids taking their place and waiting for their turn to please the Audience.



Zach and his fellow Symphonic Band members got us into the mood with this medley of Disney tunes. You could see the audience swaying and bobbing to the beat. It really is amazing for someone who has no musical talent to have watched and listened to their progress. They have come a far way since Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star in their first concert back in 2006.


I really liked this song and the title was all Zach. Well, I guess him and his fellow horn players. I hope you all enjoyed these clips. I have a few more to post this week. Zach has a presentation to give on Monday and I'll be there capturing that moment as well. Last day of school is Wednesday and each day is planned. A busy, busy week for the kid.

What A Horse!!

What a fantastic Kentucky Derby!! Mine That Bird crushes the field!

I Hope you all got a chance to see the race if not I have it right here for you to enjoy. What a incredible come from behind win. Dead last and to won by so much. This is a neat story for us out here. The horse is stabled at the Sunland Park Race track right down the road. I know you will think I'm just pulling your chain when I say I picked this horse to win but I did. It really was an easy pick. First, A New Mexico horse, Second, The name, it had bird in it so George our parakeet was pulling for it and third, check out his race number, yep my lucky 8.
Sunland Park is usually a Quarter horse race track with some thoroughbred racing and the way this horse ran the last leg of this track he looked like a Quarter horse. They actually had two horses in the Derby from Sunland Park. One more thing, he was bought for under ten thousand dollars and beat horses paid for in the millions.





Now the big question, does Mind That Bird have the stuff to be a Triple Crown winner? Wouldn't that be neat! I sure hope so and I'll will be rooting for him!!