Happy Birthday Grandpa Pete

It was a fun day, and there were 30 in attendance. Our family is growing. We missed Brent and April and of course, Grandma Carmel. She was the inspiration behind these parties and we proudly carry on her legacy. It's gettting harder to have everyone at the same place, but you were there in spirit. Had to catch a shot of Aunt Jackie and all the parents. They are all octogenarians now. Thanks for the memories, all of you!!

Spring Break, Part Two

I couldn't resist a few more pictures with this great weather, so I coaxed everyone into going to my favorite place in Canton, the top of the McKinley Monument.
Can't you feel the excitement?
At least everyone agreed, I don't ask for much do I?
Back to school today, it was fun while it lasted!

"Really" fun Spring Break

This was a great week, wonderful weather and fun times. I must admit, I was hesitant about traveling this time of year because Spring Break in the Midwest usually means cold and wet. But we had a pleasant change this year and it was very relaxing.
Thanks April and roommates for housing us, it was "really" nice.

The Bachelor---NOT!!!

Well it's time for me to get on my soap box, so here goes.
My two youngest daughters have been infatuated with this show , which I've never seen, because I am usually sleeping when it's on. But tonight, I received a phone call to sub tomorrow, which woke me from my usual nap. I decide to watch the last five minutes of this drama, which about made me want to throw up. Seriously??
First of all, real people don't look like that. That is, without spending a million dollars to replace everything you were born with.
Let me give you my version of real love, which is what you probably won't find on any television show.
Real love is going with your date to her favorite restaurant, when you'd rather be watching the game. It's doing the dishes and changing the smelly diapers. Making a box of mac and cheese for dinner when your wife is at piano lessons. Letting your wife take a nap and playing checkers with the grandkids. Letting your husband watch the game when you'd rather be out on the town. Letting him pick the movie. Carnations instead of 50 dollar roses, which smell better anyway. A Valentine Date with all the kids along.
I hope that you don't pass up real love girls, when you're looking for the perfect date. Remember, Mr. Perfect doesn't exist.
And happily ever after comes when you struggle throught the challenges together.

Bowling for Dollars

It's a good thing I don't, or I'd be losing money. But today I managed to get one spare among many gutter balls. Alexandra, where are the bumpers when I need them? Thanks for encouraging me to write, since you are probably the only one reading this.
I hope this is our last snow day, we are all getting a little crazy.
But I am getting some much needed things done, like unanswered mail and I even got to the store today. It's looking good for the weekend.
And I promise not to complain when this all melts and my backyard is a slushy mess!
All in all, February is a good month, some of my favorite people were born, including Abraham Lincoln.
And to the special little gal reading this, you are one of the best!
See you at the lanes, with the bumpers next time!!

Another Auld Lang Syne

"The year is dying, in the night, Ring out wild bells and let him fly"
We sing that song every year at church the Sunday before New Years and the kids always chuckle.
This year Walt said, "NO, we won't sing it becaus Sis Geis is not the music director anymore" (It's her favorite)
But alas, we sang it anyway and big smiles flashed across our row on Sunday.
2009 is going to be a good year for me, at least I'm going to try to make it into one.
There's joy out there to be found, so I will do my best to find it.
Enjoy the festivities tonight, whatever you find yourself doing!

Feliz Navidad y Prospero Ano y Felicidad

The season was merry, the year is ending, Christmas went by so fast as usual. I always feel a little melancholy after all the festivities are over and everyone has gone home. We missed Tod and Brent and Stephanie being here this year.
As I reflect on 2008, I am thankful for many things. All my kids were together in May for Brent's wedding, that was a wonderful time. Tod is in Arizona serving his mission and loving it. He is learning so much and our family is being blessed.
I am realizing how old we are getting and the inevitable changes that come. Mom is in a nursing facility and it was sad to realize that she won't be coming home again. But she is at peace there.