Two Things

I'm totally bummed that my favorite broadcaster - John Madden - has officially retired. At least he knew what he was talking about. (Unlike the other yahoos that call football. Bunch of morons if you ask me.)

My hats off to John and his wonderful career.

It was great while it lasted but Sunday nights will never be the same. (Who's going to explain things so that I understand?)

Next --

My cousin Shana sent me this great video. I've watched it three times now and it cracks me up. Literally tears coming down the face, laughing. Its a little long but worth every minute.

Enjoy.

Http://videos.komando.Com/2008/06/04/mans-surprising-laugh/

Easter 2009

Easter was a little different for me this year. Usually I head up to the Farm by myself (the drive is very peaceful and I get to listen to anything I want on the radio!) on Saturday and come home on Sunday. The hubby and kids usually go to his side of the family because they have other things going on during the weekend and can't leave town.

This year Anthony needed my car (which the hubby will not let me take on a road trip anymore due to its age) for the weekend because his truck broke down. That meant that if I used the hubby's truck he wouldn't have a vehicle. And no, I couldn't get a ride from someone else.

So, I stayed in town for the first time in years.

But, I got to spend some time with Timothy on Saturday and I was able to be with my kids, husband and Emma on Easter. All was good.

I even went to Church! I'm in the process of trying to figure out if I want to be a member of the church of my youth (which is also only a block and a half away) so I've decided to attend some services. What better time than Easter to begin again?

Even more surprising than me heading off to Mass was Amanda going to church! More power to her if it's something that she wants to pursue. I can see Emma enjoying Sunday School when she gets a little older.

Emma wore a pretty pink dress on Easter Sunday that a friend of mine at work gave her. She had on matching pink socks, a pink hat and also had a little pink purse to go with the dress. Because it is Minnesota and the weather was a little cool, Amanda put on a cute jean jacket that I purchased for Emma a few weeks ago.

Ya, ya. I know. A jean jacket over a pretty pink dress? But it worked. And she was only wearing it from the car to the house so it was all good. She looked cute! And of course my batteries died so I only got a few pictures of her later that night. After a long day she was not very cooperative but at least I got a few.

All in all it was a good Easter. The only thing missing for me was the Ham Gravy that I didn't get to eat because I wasn't at the farm. Ham gravy is yummy and a tradition for me. You might think I'm joking but this is serious stuff for me. I look forward to Easter because of the ham gravy.

I have my priorities.

Food.

Ham gravy in particular.

One Easter the aunts tried to sneak some Au Gratin potatoes past me --- but they failed. I hid "the box" in the cupboard, went down to the cellar and grabbed some potatoes and quickly started peeling them. To late now!! Not sure how happy they were with me but we had ham gravy that year and every year since.

So the moral of the story is:

"Some times you have to give up a little ham gravy to be with those you love."

The End of March Madness

I am SO happy that March is over........ At least that was my first thought when I wrote April 1 today.

March was a long month and it started out badly for me. I found out that my very good friend Chris passed away right after midnight on March 1. Of course then there was the funeral service, which was very difficult for me. Its hard to say good-bye to a friend that you've known almost your entire life. Especially when he is taken away at such a young age - 46.

We saw a lot of friends at the funeral - some that we hadn't seen in many years. It almost made me want to go down to Pig's Eye (our favorite hang-out in High School) and party. But, instead we went to the Cro after the service. Of course everyone is a little older and a little wiser so no body stayed real long.

One thing about the funeral that will stay with me forever was the last song -- "Amazing Grace" and it would be whistled by Chris. I spent an hour and a half preparing myself for this final song. What I didn't prepare myself for was Chris talking before he whistled the song. Basically he said he was ok and happy. Believe me when I say that there weren't many dry eyes in the church at this point in the service. Hearing his voice was heartbreaking but also wonderful.

It was a difficult time but then I remembered what happened after the service. The hubby and I went outside to the parking lot and we noticed that there was a bald eagle flying very low just above the church. He just kept flying circles around the church for the longest time. It totally amazes me that the eagle was right there at the exact time that the service ended. It was very calming for me and makes me think that Chris will always be watching over us. He will be in our hearts, minds and a part of our lives forever.

But of course the selfish me would rather have him here.

Right after Chris' funeral I found out that my niece's grandma passed away. She was 58. Two funerals in just over a week. Not fun.

The second week in March was a bad one. The senior building I work at ended up being closed down due to the Norovirus. We had to tell the residents to stay in their apartments and we closed all common/public areas of the building. We had a lot of residents and staff sick from this airborne virus, which is very difficult to stop. We went on like that for a week and a half.

Of course I got it.

And at the worst time possible!!

Friday, March 13th was my grandson's first birthday. Yes, I missed his birthday. I had to be quarantined for 72 hours, which means that I stayed down in the basement on the couch and didn't go near other people or grandchildren. The good news is that the Hubby stepped up and took lots of pictures of Timothy's birthday party.

I know what you're thinking......he won't remember that grandma wasn't there. But I'll remember!!!

There were other smaller things to go on in the month of March that made me think "Really? Are you kidding me?"

For example, the dog learning how to open the refrigerator and then eating the leftovers. Or, I've been without my mom and dad for 2 1/2 months. Or, the fact that now I have masking tape on my fridge to prevent any unauthorized opening. Or, putting up with crabby seniors because they can't play bingo or wash their underwear. Or, the dog learning how to open the cupboard and dragging the trash out. Or, the fact that my hubby has lost 30 pounds but I get the flu and gain 8. (how the hell does that work!!). etc......

BUT, then I remember some good things that happened during the month.

My mom and dad came home from Alabama

I HAVE a grandson (who, by the way, is the sweetest thing ever!! - see picture below)
I have a dog that is usually good more often then he is bad.
None of my seniors died from the virus.
I have a dog that is obviously pretty damn smart if you ask me. (I'm thinking about the possibilities like "Kobi, get me a beer!" or Letterman stupid pet tricks or just Hollywood in general.)
I get to see my children and grandchildren all the time.
My husband loves me - no matter what my weight is or if I have the flu.
I have a granddaughter that brings me joy every day. (see picture below)
I am blessed to have Chris as my friend.

I was reviewing the month of March in my head on Monday morning when someone on the radio said that "every day is a gift." I guess if anything I've learned that many times over in the month of March.

I guess maybe it wasn't such a horrible month.

Just one that I will remember.

Explanation to previous post.

For those confused - yes, Amanda is already married. They will celebrate their 5th wedding anniversary this March. In August they are planning to renew their vows in front of family and friends. This is why a wedding gown is needed. Sorry for the confusion. Sometimes I forget that people don't know what's going on in my head.

Three Birthdays and a Wedding (dress)

On Sunday (2/22) I spent the afternoon helping my daughter look for a wedding dress and celebrating my brother and his twins birthdays.

Finding a wedding dress was not successful, but she did figure out what kind of style she would like. She also found out that wedding dresses are very expensive and we are going to be looking around A LOT before purchasing. While trying on one of the dresses, the helper-lady also put a beautiful veil on her head. Along with a princess tierra. She truly did look like a princess and then I told her that I would make her veil for her after she picks out a dress. Her response was, "Gee mom, you don't have to do that. I'll just buy one." - and I said, "look at the price of that piece of fabric on your head." - Yup, she has now decided that it would be ok for mom to make it for her.


After "window" shopping, we picked up Emma and Grandpa and headed over to my brother's place for pizza, birthday cake and Boston Cream Pie. The twins were in fine form - Aidan had us laughing over everything. He is quite the character. They turned Three in January but they were told Sunday was their birthday and they were thrilled.


Aidan's favorite present was a robot but he was also thrilled about the dinasour birthday card that someone gave him. Also, he decided to share. When he was opening his first gift he gave the first piece of tissue paper to uncle Jeff. He's sooo sweet!!

Nadia loves horses so her favorite was My Little Pony figurines. It doesn't take much to make them happy.

I can't believe they are already three!!! It seems like just a few months ago that they were so tiny they fit right in the palm of my hand. Oh, how time flies..........

Happy Birthday kids! and you too Mikey!

It's only cheese!

I love the Amazing Race because of the the travel. I love to learn about other cultures and seeing other places. Last night on the season premier the contestants had a road block - a task that relates to the country they are in which was Switzerland - that required them to carry a 50 pound piece of cheese down a very slippery hill. The scene made me laugh so hard I was crying. Here is a shortened version of the scene. Have a good laugh on me and don't forget the cheese.

http://www.cbs.com/primetime/amazing_race/video/video.php?cid=1008384465&pid=g1QoZAyq3SSLycCKIOed4YPXzPU7DMyT&play=true&cc=39

Three month update (the short version)

Timothy's Baptism

October 25th, 2008

Halloween and Dad/Grandpa's Birthday

October 31, 2008

Breakfast with Santa
December 2008

Emma wasn't feeling very well this day and being asked to sit on Santa's lap was a little more than she could handle. Maybe next year.......

This was the first year that Nadia decided to cooperate. We were thrilled to finally get a picture with her and Santa. We didn't even care that she wouldn't smile.

Of course Aidan, the adventurer, didn't have a problem sitting with Santa. He even told Santa that he wanted a Big Truck for Christmas. Santa then asked what color should the truck be and Aidan answered Blue! Of course..

Timothy's first Breakfast with Santa. He wasn't sure what to think about the big guy but he wasn't scared. More curious than anything.

Tony loves to go to Breakfast with Santa. Both my kids do. It is a tradition that we have had since they were very young. And now they are carrying on the tradition with their kids. It's always a fun day.

The hubby's family got together and we took pictures at Gerten's so that we could put them into a big frame for his mom. A special Christmas present that was way over due.

Tony, the honey and Timothy. Gotta love the hat. Except that it is covering that wonderful deep red hair.

Still at Gerten's. Amanda and Tony always take a great picture and Emma was cooperating for the moment. She has a wonderful smile.


The Westwood Ridge Staff Christmas party.

December 17, 2008

Also my boss' last day. She retired and I'm in mourning. I decided she needed a great night to send her off so I talked to co-workers into doing the Blues Brothers routine.

It was a hit.

We also played Family Fued and everyone had a great time. It was a month in the planning and took up a lot of my time (the whole month of November) but was worth it.

Christmas 2008

The hubby and I did three family parties in three days. We put a few miles on. First we went to the farm on Christmas Eve and then was at his sister's house by noon on Christmas Day. The day after Christmas we went to my mom and dad's as a Christmas/Farewell party because they were leaving for Alabama the next day.

Emma had a great Christmas - she's at a very fun age.

Timothy wasn't sure what to think about a the fuss but he had fun. He's found his voice now so every once in awhile he would make his presence known.

Em didn't have any problems opening her presents - well the wrapping paper part. Why do they have to have these toys secured to the boxes like they do? It's like Fort Knox!!!





After the party at my mom and dad's I went home that night, put on my sweats, grabbed my book and sat down to relax. I was exhausted. Then I got a phone call from my best buddy R. He was calling to tell me that a friend from Kansas was in town and they were all down at the local bar 2 1/2 blocks away. This friend was in our wedding and we hadn't seen him for a very long time. Yup, I got my butt up, got dressed and headed down the way to see my buddies. It was great and I really treasure these times. Now more than ever. Thanks for the phone call Rog.

I guess it didn't matter how tired I was because the next morning I got up and went to breakfast with my dad's family. I probably wouldn't have because I was beat but I knew my cousin was in town and I only get to see her once a year.

At breakfast she informed me there was going to be a cousins party that night. Now I should have gone home and hit the bed to prepare but I didn't. The party didn't even start until 9:00.

But, I went. And a good thing too!!

The one cousin that I have always been closest too asked me to use her hubby's Viking ticket the next morning - if he was still sick. Of course I said yes. And then she told me that we would be leaving around 7:15. This was at 10:45 pm she's telling me this.

Yup - home I went and she called the next morning and gave me 13 minutes to get ready. I didn't prepare very well for the 13 degrees outside for talegating for 3 1/2 hours and I froze my butt off. But we had a great time, the Vikes beat the Giants and clinched the North Division Championship. Isn't that a great picture? It was flashing on the big board and I just kept clicking the camera until I got one that looked good. It only took me three times.

Various pictures of the grand kids in January.

And I can't forget Kobi and Daisy.

They're best buds!

SUPERBOWL SUNDAY

FEBRUARY 1, 2009



Gramps and Timothy watching the game.

Emma stole Uncle Tony's hat but he was too interested in the game to care!!

We got a bunch of wings from BW3's and the grandkids favorite part was digging into Grandma's Bleu Cheese Dressing!

Timothy like the taste so much he stole the lid and licked it all off. Once it was done Grandma had to replenish it. I think I made some points with him on that deal.