Flickr: Photos from groesser

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10245563@N07/
This is the Groesser Family photo page. Older photos as Multiply is now our home.

Playground fun

7th Birthday

Entry for October 14, 2007

Found the place where we lived while in the phoenix area.

http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&q=Phoenix&om=1&layer=c&cbll=33.354334,-11...

Cool

Entry for October 03, 2007

I can't believe how incompetent our school district is.

http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/couriernews/news/585069,3_1_EL03_A1U46_S1....

Parents: U46 wasting cash on interim chief

October 3, 2007

BY ERIN CALANDRIELLO Staff Writer

ELGIN -- Some parents in Elgin School District U46 say the district should have saved itself some money by naming one of its own administrators to fill in for Superintendent Connie Neale while she is on medical leave.

Hiring retired school executive Mary Jayne Broncato last week as interim superintendent is a waste of taxpayers' money, they charge.

But according to the district, there was no U46 employee who was second in line for the superintendent's position.

"If the president of the United States falls ill, the vice president steps in for the period of time required. If a pastor at a church falls ill, the assistant pastor steps in," parent Cindy Carvey said at Monday night's school board meeting. "Please explain to me why our assistant superintendent (Lalo Ponce) did not step in when our superintendent announced she was going on disability. Isn't our assistant superintendent familiar with the district?"

Ponce is the district's assistant superintendent of administrative services, dealing with issues ranging from class size and teacher hires to school building information.

District spokesman Tony Sanders, however, said that "there never has been one second in command" in U46.

He pointed to an organizational chart that shows 10 people directly below Neale, but no one administrator serves as just an assistant superintendent.

Besides Sanders and Ponce, those "cabinet" members are Barb Bonner, the district's chief academic officer; Pat Broncato, chief legal officer, who also is Mary Jayne Broncato's son; Deb Dimke, executive director of educational programs; Tom Donausky, executive director of secondary education; Karen Fox, special projects assistant; Jeff King, executive director of operational services; John Prince, chief financial officer; and Tina Radomsky, executive director of elementary education.

Organization questioned

Carvey was joined by several other parents at the meeting who questioned that setup.

"How can this be?" Carvey asked. "What kind of company or organization functions this way?"

Neale's 10 cabinet members in 2006-07 each earned anywhere from $130,386 to $181,419, which includes their pensions, according to U46 documents. A total of $1.4 million was spent on the cabinet alone in 2006-07. However, none of them took over Neale's position.

"Instead, the taxpayers are again being burdened with the wasteful spending of $1,100 a day for a contractor, who coincidentally is related to U46's chief legal officer (Pat Broncato)," Carvey said in reference to Mary Jayne Broncato's contract costs per day.

She could accumulate $132,000 over the course of 120 days, the maximum time she can work under state law because she is a retired state superintendent.

Carvey said she's not impressed by the interim superintendent's résumé.

"I read this individual's qualifications were that she had worked with the district in the past and was familiar with the district. This individual has never been a superintendent of a district anywhere close to the size of U46," Carvey said in reference to Broncato's former position as superintendent of Joliet School District 86.

In 2006, District 86 had population of a little more than 10,000 pupils, according to district data. U46 is the second largest district in the state with more than 40,000 students.

However, after she left District 86, Broncato spent 12 years working in high-level positions within the Illinois State Board of Education, including a stint as interim state superintendent.

U46's total superintendent pay this school year could be more than $550,000: Broncato's potential $132,000 salary for 2007-08 and Neale's $263,000 salary and benefits this year.

With this in mind, Carvey asked, "With the issues that our district faces -- large class sizes, split classes and programs being cut -- why would the board take more money away from our kids by hiring a contractor?"

Entry for September 15, 2007

http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/couriernews/news/557602,3_1_EL14_A1CONNIE_...

ELGIN -- Elgin School District U46 officials are defending Superintendent Connie Neale and the employment contract they signed with her earlier this year, saying she abided by all physical examination requirements and signed the document in good faith.

Neale announced Monday that she is taking a medical leave of absence starting Sept. 21. Neale last spring negotiated the controversial contract with the district that provides her with lifetime medical benefits with no deductible for herself and her family, more than 430 days of sick leave, money for the purchase of extra disability insurance, and money for long-term care insurance should she retire.

» Click to enlarge image

Elgin School District U46 Board member Ken Kaczynski announces Supt. Connie Neale's medical leave of absence Monday afternoon.

(MARINA MAKROPOULOS / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

» Click to enlarge image

Connie Neale

"Dr. Neale has complied with all physical examination requirements outlined in her contract," district spokesman Tony Sanders said Thursday.

"She has also provided the board of education with proper documentation from a physician regarding her need to take medical leave."

Neale's contract states that she must "submit to a comprehensive health examination by no later than Jan. 15 of each contract year. Such health examination shall include tests deemed necessary by the doctor or required by the board" of education.

This health exam for U46 superintendents is a routine process, Sanders said.

"It has been a standing practice for the superintendent to undergo a physical examination like any other employee upon being hired," said Sanders. "It is done to ensure the superintendent is able to fulfill the duties required by the position.

"Dr. Neale and past superintendents have been asked by the board to also submit to annual physical exams," Sanders continued.

"Pursuant to the contract, and state law, the reports are treated as confidential information by the board."

Illness not disclosed

Due to the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act regulations, as well as state personnel laws, the district says its cannot comment on Neale's illness, nor when it began. Neale did not say what illness prompted the decision to take medical leave when she made her announcement Monday, although she was seen last week using a walker at a district function.

Neale's latest contract included a $20,000 raise and a 10 percent tax-free bonus, pushing her total compensation to more than $400,000 next year, including use of a cell phone and car, health benefits, a contribution to the state Teachers' Retirement System, and other benefits, according to school board documents. U46 is the largest district in Illinois outside Chicago.

Many of the clauses that were modified in Neale's latest contract revolve around insurance benefits, sick leave and disability.

Her original contract with the district in 2002 stated, "The board shall provide full hospital, surgical, major medical, and dental insurance coverage for the superintendent and eligible dependent members of the superintendent's immediate family during the term of this contract."

Now the contract not only states this, but it also has added a clause stating, "The Board shall provide the Superintendent with an allowance of Four Thousand Eight Hundred and No/100 ($4,800.00) Dollars per year, paid to her in lieu of reimbursement for her long-term care insurance. Upon the Superintendent's retirement or the end of this Contract, the Board shall continue to pay the allowance for long-term care insurance to the Superintendent and also shall pay the cost of full hospital, surgical, major medical, and dental insurance coverage for the Superintendent and eligible dependent members of the Superintendent's immediate family until her death."

The 2002 contract stated, "the Superintendent has accumulated 50 days of sick leave. For each subsequent Contract year, the Superintendent shall be granted 12 days of sick leave annually, the unused number of which, when combined with any of the foregoing unused sick leave from the previous contract years, shall be accumulated without limitation."

Sick days added

The 2006-07 contract states the same benefits, except it has upped the number of sick leave days. It states, "the Superintendent has accumulated 430 days of sick leave."

In Neale's 2005-06 contract, a clause was inserted stating, "the Board shall provide the Superintendent with a payment of Four Thousand Eight Hundred and No/100 ($4,800.00) Dollars per year, to contribute towards her purchase of extra disability insurance," and the amount is "to be allocated among the Supplemental Retirement Plans as described therein."

It goes on to state, "Further, these provisions regarding extra disability insurance shall be retroactive to July 1, 2004, such that the Board will contribute the disability insurance payment for the 2004-2005 Contract year to the Supplemental Retirement Plans." This clause has remained in place since 2005-06.

Ken Kaczynski, board president, said Neale was unaware of her medical condition when she signed the changes to her original contract.

"I was not a board member when she signed her original contract" in 2002, said Kaczynski, who became a board member in 2003, "but there is no doubt in my mind the subsequent amendments she has signed while I have been on the board were signed in good faith."

I can't tell you how outrageous this is. What kind of money are we paying this woman? This is a failing school and we are giving her $$$$$!

Hot Air » Blog Archive » Blogging the Qur’an

Hot Air » Blog Archive » Blogging the Qur’an

I'm going to try and track this blog. At least keep links for my further reading.

Lousy Immigration bill

Yet another reason this is BAD legislation.

http://michellemalkin.com/archives/007705.htm

I have gone through immigration for my two children, both Guatemalans. I don't appreciate being called a racist by senators on this issue.

I can't disagree more with the president on this issue. I am not sure how his presidency will be seen in the future but I have some real problems with it.

Battlefield Earth

I just finished "Battlefield Earth" today. Let's just say that it wasn't really like the movie.

I wish I had a lot to say after such a long book, one that has sat on my shelf for so many years. Alas, it was quite forgettable. Too bad Mitt Romney called it his favorite book. It seems that the first was a story told in Cambellian style. Earth prevailed, all is well. The second is more a governmental creation and intrigue. (?)

The ending is more in my mind at the time. It explains why that bad guys were called Psyclos. The were originally "circus workers" whose studies surrounded the mind. This is an obvious reference to Hubbard's view of psychology. I can only point the reader to "Dyanetics" for those views.

I can't recommend the book unless you have a lot of time or have nothing else to do. The first part of the book is decent, and the second part is good only in that it answers some questions still open in the first part.

Entry for June 08, 2007

Do Senators want to enforce laws?

Michelle Malkin: Does your senator support enforcing our laws? Shamnesty on the Senate floor, Day 3, Take 2 Specter/Reid vs. Sessions; McCain/Graham suck up to Kennedy Reid once again calls on Bush to bail out shamnesty 6:23pm Reid: "No tricks."

This is one for the ages, senators not willing to enforce the laws already passed.

Some cross posts

This morning our son decided to have a tantrum over his socks. He pitched a fit and I could see that the problems building up all morning were finally being released.

I went out to put the other kids in the car. When I finished strapping them in, I turned to see my son being carried over my wife's shoulder with his shoes in her other hand. Various punishment threats were involked. The ride to church was uneventful and the service was interrupted for us by trips to the bathroom and for calming the children down. When all things settled down again, and just before the younger children were to go to the front, my son hands a scribbled red heart on a piece of paper to my wife and says "Happy Mother's Day." She fought crying for the rest of the service.

When my wife and I talked about our life the other day, I told her that our lives were indeed changed when we took in the kids. Our retirement will be very small, the cruises won't happen, our time together will be short between the last of the kids' leaving and going to meet our maker...etc.

I hope to say that it will all be worth it. All the work that goes into parenting should have some payoff, if not in this life, the next. I know that this is the party line from my church. I certainly hope it is true. I do thank God each time I have to leave home to go to work, so thankful for my time I can spend with these minions of the netherworld that confuse my life so. How and why I miss them, I'll probably never figure out. The overwhelming urge to go back home and just hold these children is sometimes so strong that it is hard to concentrate.

I think sometimes I know why God so loved the world, that he gave his only son. We are, after all, in the words of Paul, his children.

2nd Post

I have a couple of RSS google searches set up on my computer. One is for blogs and board for things LDS. I waded into that territory this week, mostly because a minister in Florida had pronounced that all Mormons are going to hell and that a vote for Romney was a vote for Satan.

Some of the most bigoted comments came from some of those postings. It doesn't do me any good to see such judgemental attitudes in Christianity. I know I haven't experienced them from the regulars here, at least not in the posts. Perhaps you do harbor those thoughts.

I get so tired from the comments on theosis..."Do they really think that they will be like God?" Well, our take on theosis might be a bit different than others, but not that much. I see comments like that as being ignorant on RCC and EOC doctrines also, the largest chunk of christianity. We just speculated a bit more on what it really means to be a "joint-heir" with Christ, as the bible teaches.

"Do they really think they will rule their own planet?"
No. Well, some do but I can't change what some believe. I will be happy to just be with Christ and my family, thank you very much.

Don't these people have lives?

Some have mentioned that LDS have some universalist ideas, in that we don't throw everyone not like us under the bus. Most people will be in some level of glory in the afterlife and even at that, only LDS have the knowledge and covenants to really qualify for Hell. While I hold strong conservative political views, it is kind of disturbing to me that my religious views are extremely liberal. Still haven't figured that out.

3rd Post

I just wanted to post some very well thought out posts from another board

A Question For Those Like Grant Palmer - Mormon Apologetics & Discussion Board

Quote:

I have a VERY strong academic orientation, and I have taught a course in early Mormon history at a midwest university. I am well familiar with the basic issues and controversies. Although I sometimes claim to be an unorthodox Mormon, I strongly believe in the fundamentals of the Church. For example, I could never believe that nearly everyone on earth is going to hell because they were not Christian or did not have a chance to be baptized. Consequently, I believe in the purpose of LDS temples. I think Joseph Smith (and other prophets) have recognized that all revelation is a mixture of the human and the divine. He recognized that the Bible has significant translation & transcription problems, a fact verified by standard scholarship (Ehrman, 2005, "Misquoting Jesus"). He recognized that there was a general apostasy or splintering, a fact consistent again with modern scholarship (Ehrman, 2003, "Lost Christianities"). Regarding the Book of Mormon, the issue for me is not whether the book is a 19th century product, but whether it is scripture. To me, the book is worthless as an archeological guide. On the other hand, it is priceless as a guide for life. Most Mormons would admit, I think, that Joseph Smith's imprint is all over the Book of Mormon. At the least, the book was a mix of his language with that of the King James Bible. I do not read the Book of Mormon, D&C, or PofGP for their historical claims. I read them for their doctrinal claims. (I disregard many of the historical claims of the Bible too). Joseph Smith's first vision accounts changed between 1832 and 1838. So what. Do you tell the same story the same way? No one does. Joseph was NOT a professional historian. He told stories to build faith with all the incumbent motivations. If he did not understand his first vision experience completely, then I am sure we cannot either. Did the concept of priesthood change between 1830 and 1835? Yes. I am unsure of why this fact bothers people. Revelation and inspiration imply change. In the beginning Joseph Smith had little concept of priesthood, let alone any understanding of the difference between Aaronic and Melchizedek priesthoods. He clearly had to learn and figure things out. In Mormonism, God does not hand doctrines on a silver platter. One has to study, ponder, and pray over time, even years. The main point is that the priesthood was restored, even if we do not have all the historical details we would like have. Did Joseph Smith practice polygamy? Yes. Did he practice it well? I don't think so. But, I have no need for Joseph Smith to be perfect. My belief system does not require that. Was Joseph Smith flamboyant with a strong ego? Yes, I think so. He had to be that way to start a religion with staying power; write books of scripture; design temples and ceremonies; build cities; move peoples; publish papers; give numerous sermons; and so on and so on. No subsequent President of the LDS has accomplished more or even come close. I like Grant Palmer as a person. His book raises some good issues, but his stance is more academic than religious. Any religion can be chipped away by academic hatchets. Ultimately, acceptance of any religion boils down to faith. Faith in Christ is fundamental, and all else is nearly incidental if not completely so. Non-LDS academics (and some LDS ones) seem to think an essential element of Mormonism is revealed in the Mountain Meadow Massacre (MMM). But, the reality is that if you could read the Mormon mind, it would never be thinking about the MMM. It would be thinking, "It is the end of the month and I still haven't done my home teaching." The real dilemmas of Mormonism are more like the latter than the former. Despite the misunderstandings of the public and some academics, the Mormon people and their religion is good. Its fruits are overwhelmingly good. Yes, there are flaws, but Mormons also believe in true improvement. I hope this helps some. In any case, I appreciate getting a few thoughts off my chest.

Here's another one, and I'm sure it could be applied to other belief systems as well.

Quote:

I am not like Grant Palmer, I happen to believe in the authenticity of the claims of the LDS Church. I will offer a few free words of advice. (Just remember...advice is worth what you paid for it.) You seem like a nice and genuine person who is considering making a deep and personal spiritual committment in trade for a wonderful young woman and a loving family. It seems that you are willing to make this committment by compromising your religious beliefs. You seem willing to quite literally participate in a religion that you do not believe. A couple of words of advice. Be honest. The very last thing this young woman wants is for you to lie to her about your religious beliefs. Assuming she is a faithful LDS member, she has dreams and desires regarding the spirit and ritual of an LDS marriage. For a believing Mormon, love and shared-beliefs are the foundations that feed an LDS temple marriage. Being a Mormon is more than simply getting baptized and attending a few meetings. It is very, very hard to live a complete and authenic LDS life without believing. You will be asked to accept callings, have family prayer, give blessings, attend church, attend meetings, accept callings, go to the temple, have family home evening, pay tithing, etc. etc. etc... Can you do all that willingly and without deception for something that you do not believe? If you are a non-believer, you will have to lie in order to be married in the Temple. Because of the deep spiritual significance of the temple rites, this would mean that your marriage would be based on a deception. You will be expected to have a baptism interview. The only way to be approved for baptism would be to lie your way through it. The only way you could enter the temple would be to lie about your beliefs in the truth of the Church and your acceptance of the prophetic leadership. In the temple, you will make covenants to God and your bride that promise your complete -- emotional, temporal, and spiritual -- fidelity to your wife and the building of the Kingdom. The temple presumes genuine heartfelt belief in Mormonism. To make these covenants to God without sincere belief is lying to God himself. With no harsh judgement or intent...I sincerely and kindly suggest that if you enter into marriage and membership in this Church on the basis of deception, you will break your heart and hers. My advice is to be true to your beliefs. I'd love for you to be a believer and to have a wonderful life as a Latter Day Saint. If not, take your time and find a wonderful woman with a wonderful family with whom you share the same spiritual beliefs. When you are in love and you want something badly, it is hard to believe that an even better relationship can happen...but it can. I wish you all the best.

Viking Dodge

I finally joined the ranks of millions of others and bought a minivan. My wife was just as adamant as I was in not getting one, but the children have reached that stage where they pester each other to the point where we needed to separate them.

I'm going to really miss my GEO Metro. I loved that little car. Going to miss the MPG too. I'm going from 45 mpg to around 20.

We bought the vehicle from Viking Dodge in Crystal Lake. They had a "No Dicker Sticker". The base price was 19800 or so with the "No Dicker Sticker" of 14091. I tried some other dealerships and they couldn't match the price. So late Monday night, we got our finances in order and went to buy a car.

Everything went shiney until we got down to the numbers, where the rubber meets the road. The price that they gave me was the "No Dicker" price plus the transportation charge. Since that part was included in the original price, I argued that that should be included in the "No Dicker" price. After some arguement and my wife stating that "Take the 700 out or we are leaving", we got the price. It actually was quite a bit less but they didn't hand me the other receipt so I'm not sure what else they took off. Needless to say I'm not sure they were being too honest on the first pass. It pays to know your math. We left with a base model Dodge Caravan for 15,400. It doesn't have any extras but since the kids will more than likely destroy the van, no reason to get a lot of extras.

Entry for May 05, 2007

The joys of parenthood.

"Daddy, where is you?"

"I'm downstairs, and you say 'Where are you?'"

"I'm upstairs."

"No, you say 'Where are you?'"

"Where am I?"

I quit and went back to typing.

Salt Lake Tribune - BYU changes honor code text about gay students

BYU changes honor code text about gay students

Salt Lake Tribune - BYU changes honor code text about gay students

I'm not so much commenting about the post but the info about Nick Literski. Wow. This guy was one of the first LDS posters that I found on the net and now he's withdrawn from the church and announced that he's gay.

Sometimes I just don't get life.

Truth About Muhammed

http://www.amazon.com/Truth-About-Muhammad-Intolerant-Religion/dp/1596980281/...

I read the book and have a general "hmmm" about it. It reinforced more about what I already knew about the man, or what is assumed that he did. I don't find him a fellow I would like to follow. A little too militaristic. I don't believe Islam is a religion of peace and this just verified it.

http://thereligionofpeace.com

vs

http://religionofpeace.com

Entry for January 26, 2007

Yesterday my wife and I visited the BAPS mandir located in Bartlett, IL. It was a beautiful building. http://www.baps.org/globalnetwork/america/chicago.htm. I was concerned about dress and such, as I didn't want to be disrespectful.

As we were waiting for a friend from work, who was to show us around, 3 school busses appeared and out came children aplenty. So much for a reverent time, right. Well, I could have just stared at the outside of the building for hours. The main entrance was all wood carving and it was very nice. Inside, the foyer was also wood and had many, many intricate decorations. The rug below was displaying several beautiful peacocks. There was a soft mantra playing in the background. Once the kids went away on their tour, we took off our shoes and went into the temple proper. My guild explained that this particular sect represented many of the business caste and was quite involved with building this beautiful buildings. I had also read that on their website.

Inside the temple was beautiful. Carved marble everywhere. I really can't describe it very well. It was smaller than I expected but just as some of the photos depicted. http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/couriernews/lifestyles/focus/temple/32193,...

The deities were mostly covered. Ganesh, Shiva and his consort were visible, as well as a few of their leaders, whom it appears they believe are divine. After some more discussion we went to the small store located in the back of the main building and obtained some sweets that were suggested to us. We also bought a few books to familiarize myself to their beliefs, as their website isn't very instructive.

Up the road is a Jain temple, but it is under construction so I haven't been able to see what it offers. There is also another religion that took over an old Lowes theater that I need to visit sometime.

I really like learning about these other religions. They are so interesting.