That Old Box Thing

Mysia (11) was taking part in a special class project on Wednesday. They were discovering how moving parts work in electronics. With my permission, she brought in my old portable CD player that stopped working for them to disassemble.

After picking her up from school, I had asked how it went. She told me that her classmates loved it. She then added that there were a few other things they got to take apart. In fact, there was one that was really cool.

“You know dad, that old box thing that plays movies from a black square cartridge….? I can’t remember what it’s called.”

I replied, “You mean a VCR.”

She exclaimed, "Yeah!!! That’s it!”

Boy, now doesn’t that make me feel old….

~Matt

What a Summer!

Yes, it's been a while since I've posted an update! So much has been happening, I've failed to schedule time to post.

First, I'll start off by saying that we had a wonderful summer. It went by very quickly. I made sure we took advantage of the canned good admittance to the public pools each week. It was so refreshing to swim after a long day at work.

The kids also enjoyed attending Boys & Girls Club while Lydia and I were at work during the day. They were able to participate in many of the field trips as well.

Of course, some of the highlights took place right before school started. For example, we spent one event at the 1984 Arcade. Several hours of retro gaming, introducing them to some great classics. The funniest thing was that the kids and I were ready to go toward the end of our stay, and has to pry Lydia away from her game! Ha.

It's a whole new schedule for us this school year though. Mysia has started middle school! Yikes. She likes it too. She was excited with the fact that she has her own locker and is more responsible with a class schedule that keeps her moving to different rooms throughout the day. There are a few programs she had begun to participate in as well, like orchestra and school newspaper.

Malachi is now in 3rd grade, and just came home as a responsible student owner of a school issued Chromebook for homework. This has made us a bit nervous , but it's been good so far. He's doing well in his classed, and we getting good reports.

Lydia is going well with her job, enjoying accounting. She's been able to take the time needed to be home when the kids get out of school. 

I'm still enjoying my work in radio. I keep busy with all that's going on. Like always, I'm making new friends with listeners and artists. And much to my family's distain, been able to grow my classic southern gospel vinyl collection. Yay!

I'm sure I'll think of other things to share later! 

~Matt

Smart Kid!

So we’re watching the special of the Memorial Day Concert on PBS and General Colin Powell comes on to bring a speech. Lydia mentioned that he would’ve been an awesome candidate for President.

Sarcastically, I replied, “Naw, a President with military experience! A General? We couldn’t have that…”

From the other room, Malachi piped up, “Hey, Dwight E. Eisenhower was!”

Smart kid! :)

Like Father, Like Son

I'll admit it... I was reckless and dangerous as a boy. Always getting scrapes and bruises, never really thinking about what I was doing. So I shouldn't really surprise me that Malachi is so much boy. HA!

I great example unfolded yesterday. When I arrived a the Boys & Girls Club to pick both kids up for the evening, there was a paper to sign. Sure enough, Malachi had received an injury. It read:

5:00pm. While walking back to the Art Room, Malachi bumped into a pillar, hit his head and back.No visible bump is felt, but head (middle) sore and back. 

He was walking backwards in line, making sure no one was cutting in, but obviously not observing that the concrete pillar was nearby. He was fine, and he told me that it's not usual for him to run into those pillars occasionally. "It's normal Dad..." he explained.

Yup.... that's my boy!

~Matt

October 2015 Highlights

Things are going well at the Paasch household. School has been in full swing for both Mysia and Malachi, and both Lydia and I have been busy with our jobs! We’ve had a wonderful and exciting month as well.

Malachi had a few more soccer games, and did very well. It was a great opportunity for him to learn teamwork and get some of that energy out. He learned a few things along the way and it taught him some more responsibility. We hope he’ll do it again next year.

Malachi has also started piano lessons. We’ve talked about it for several years, and the chance finally became available. I now sit in the van for an hour while both kids learn how to properly make noise…

Mysia now has a music stand and book for her school violin. She is learning responsibility in having to take her instrument to school twice a week, and the extra practice. Mysia is also part of her school's PRIDE choir.

Lydia I attended parent/teacher conferences this month and learned that both kids are doing extremely well and excelling at school! Mysia is a leader in her class, and compassionate and helpful to her classmates. Her teacher said she’s polite and respectful, and that she can trust her with any task given. Malachi, as hyper as he is, had an fantastic report too. Besides being on top as well, he communicates with others and gets tasks done.

With that in mind, Mysia will be starting middle school next year! We’ve had several programs interested in her due to high educational scores (she’s smart). We’ve attended several meetings and are looking into what would better suit her when she starts 5th grade. It’s exciting!

We attended several activities this year! Two important events were the Pregnancy Care Center’s Walk 4 Life and the MEND balloon release. Both were very meaningful, and we enjoyed being a part!

We’re looking forward to the fall season, and what the next month brings us. Life is an adventure!

~Matt