Blessed

God has a plan for us all and we are definitley not in charge. Recent weeks have not been so kind to the Valtier's and those close to them. Another test? Were we not showing enough apprectiation and feeling blessed for what we have? Not sure, but if this was the case, it worked. Our eyes are open. Our ears are listening. Our hearts are full of love.

A personal loss for some dear friends of ours came with such shock and a great feeling of sadness. The loss of a baby, and testicular cancer plaugued St. George's sister school in Chino, St. Margaret Mary's. The loss of my grandfather, whom I regret not being closer to. A train crash that just as easily could have been a train Annie was on. Although all of these directly affected us in some way or another, God seemed to leave us alone.

The power of prayer. Our love and devotion to our Mother Mary. We firmly believe our faith guided us and pulled us through this difficult time. It didn't come without guilt though. Annie and I can't help but feel guilty for how our pregnancy has turned out thus far. At the same time, we've realized how blessed we are and simply need to embrace it. We are not in charge. God has a plan for us all and right now this is where we are supposed to be.

This past Saturday Annie and I were given a gift that truly opened our eyes. Our
3D/4D ultrasound was amazing! Joy and love filled our hearts when we got our first opportunity to see our little boy. "Ziggy" is truly a gift from God and is our beautiful baby boy. Annie's nose? My lips? You decide.

No name yet, but for now we're just enjoying pictures and video of our baby "Ziggy"

Read more...

Master of the Universe

I received word late Sunday evening (9/7/08) that I passed my comprehensive exam and I now officially have my masters in Educational Counseling! Words can’t describe the feeling. This blog entry won’t do it justice, but I’ll try.

I’ve been lucky enough these past three years to be given all the love and support from my wife, my family, and my friends, that I would ever need. It goes without saying that I would not be here today with a Masters degree if it weren’t for these wonderful people in my life.

Although everyone played a role in my achievement, my biggest gratitude goes out to my wife. Annie has been there for me through thick and thin. Our Catholic faith is strong and I truly believe God worked through her to help me achieve my goal. It wasn’t ceive my degree just as I’m ready to receive my baby boy. I’m hopeful that a better life lies ahead for the Valtier’s #3. I can’t say when it will happen but I do know it’s in the cards. We’ve waited our turn for our big break. Our time is here.

Life without school will be new and exciting, but I’ve learned to never rule out furthering my education. Six years ago I didn’t think I would get out of Mt. SAC. I was on academic probation twice in my five year career there and I was sure I would get kicked out or drop out. Luckily I passed and moved on to CSUSB. Finally school meant something to me and I received my Bachelors in two years. I was certain I was done and getting my Masters was last on my list. A year later I found myself applying for grad school and this would begin a long three year program. Dropping out when times got tough was on my mind quite a few times. Being a first year grad student, getting married that year, and being a first year teacher was no easy task, but Annie pushed and cheered me on.

Ti-na-na would not let me drop out and she practically dragged me across the stage to receive my degree. My friendship with Tina has grown tremendously these past three years and she will forever be in my thoughts. A great friend indeed!
I will miss school in a weird way, but I’m done for now. I’m exhausted and for once I want to enjoy just being a husband and soon-to-be daddy! Annie deserves my love and time more than anyone else for the sacrafices she had to go through while I was in school.



More relieved it’s over than anything else, The counselor in me just wants to move on and now be a source of inspiration for my past, current, and future students in my counseling profession.

Bye bye!

Read more...

The summer is over...back to work

I long for the first days of summer when I would wake up to drive Annie to the train station and then come back home and go back to sleep. Wake up again between 10-11. Eat, shower, and then play on the internet until Annie calls me to tell me she's on her way home.

Midway through the summer I was given an opportunity to complete my filedwork at Sequoia middle school in Fontana. Although I hated having to get up again at 5am I was very appreciative to be working at a school with such an awesome program and reputation. At the same time, with the help from Ti-na-na, I kicked my studying for the comps into high gear.

Fieldwork ended just in time for my back to school meetings at St. George. It was also around this time I wondered where my summer break went. Plans to visit old friends went nowhere. Still, I had the big comp exam staring in my face.

To take my mind off things, Annie and I took off to San Diego to see Spring Awakening! Amazing show! I can't stop listening to the cast recording. Best part of our mini trip was spending down time with my best friend. We have fun together.


Back to work. Enjoyed seeing the St. George family. Comp Exam day came and drained the hell out of me. Didn't feel as confident as I wanted to feel coming out of that exhausting 4 hour test but I do believe I passed. Said results won't come back for two weeks. One week has come and gone. The wait continues.

School started and I'm looking most forward to teaching and not juggling school at the same time. More time for my students. More time for Annie. More time for our baby. Class is great. Good kids. Fun. Off to a great start.

I miss the olympics though!

Read more...