Back to PGCPS Plus Mari + Dad Attend Pienza Show

Well, life after vacation has been going great. We returned home last Sunday 8/17 around 2 PM and hosted the best singles care group in Covenant Life Church. It was great to see everyone after two weeks of non Spitzberg Care Group.
And then on Monday it was back to PGCPS. I will be teaching at three schools again this year (2 are the same from last year and the third is a Spanish Immersion School called Cesar Chavez). I'm looking forward to working with the students. I have plans to take the kids to a nursing home in October, our Black History Month Concert in February, and hopefully we will compete at Bush Gardens in May.
I put together my first bulletin board on Thursday. Here it is ... it's a little bit boring but I hope to put some pizaz on it ASAP.

Tonight, Mari came to the Gaylord along w/ my Dad, Virginia, Paul Carton and his daughter Isabel. It was great to see them. Here are some pics from tonight.

Just a note about the video ... it is obviously not editted, I put it up so you can get an idea of what the show is like.

West Virginia Photo Recap

Well, Mari and I survived our 6 day vacation in West Virginia. We went White Water Rafting, participated in a ropes course, stayed at a Bed and Breakfast, and ate a lot of food. It was great. I hope to do a post with a written description of our vacation, but for now, here are some pictures.

Update of Sorts

Well, Camp Arena is complete and the summer is almost over. I was thinking lately what did I learn about this summer or what stands out, and I think the theme of contentment rises above other areas or events. See, ever since I started playing at the National Harbor, I have been happier in general. But what was that happiness based on ... is it my circumstances or God? I think for the months of May and June I was happier because I was working w/ great drummers and playing drums more than I have in a long time. During this time, through helpful reminders from Mari and my good friend Lew, God showed me that happiness or joy needs to be based on the gospel and not my circumstances. It is still a process, but I think God has helped me see, as John Butler has said, "I am to be fully satisfied in every circumstance with Jesus Christ."
Now, summer is over and I'm about to go on vacation with the woman I love. I can't believe God has given me such a great wife. We are going white water rafting in West Virginia this week and than to a Bed + Breakfast. After having long days over the last seven weeks, this vacation is going to be great because I get to be w/ Mari non-stop 24/7.
No pictures in this post, just words ... I do want to say how cool it was that Mari came to Camp Arena on Wednesda. I think she had a great time.
Well, that's all I have ... if you're reading this, thanks for taking the time. I hope to post a summer wrap up w/ pictures next week some time.

Weekend Update

This weekend a bunch of people came to see the show @ the National Harbor. My incredible wife took the metro down to meet my Mom, Amy and Adam on Friday. Mari told me I make a funny face that is a little scary ... it's great to have a wife to help me. Below is a picture of the 5 of us when we went to the July 3 dress rehearsal.

And then on Sunday, two of my students (James and Jonathon Linn) came with their parents (Jim and Marianne) and their two cousins. I had James and Jonathon come up and play a solo on the buckets ... I think they did great. Below is a picture of the young drummers and myself at my wedding.

Also on Sunday, the coolest counselor at Camp Arena Stage attended with her fiance. I think they liked it.

Check out the picture of this bird:
Mari had the urge to show me this picture because she's been seeing them at our house. I guess it's good we all have our own special interests. Thanks Babe for showing me the picture!