Off to TEXAS!

You know everything is bigger in Texas...I know the state takes a while to cross. :) Anyways, Lauren had a wedding to attend here at home, so I flew over to help her drive one their vehicles home. They will be home for the summer so off I went. Just flew over, had dinner at one of their favorite Mexican restaurants and the next morning she showed me around her hygiene school and by 11 am, we were on our way home! 15 hours later (2 am) we pulled up to our house Friday morning. We probably could've cut out an hour, but I like to make a lot of little stops if you know what I mean. :) Heres a picture of ONE of our many stops, I am sure Lauren was the one that had to go at this spot! Hee, hee....

Taylor's Prom w/date Grayson!

I know I am late in updating my blog, but I thought I'd try with Taylor's Prom! She went with her friend, Grayson. I don't remember the details, but I know they had a great time!! Here are some pictures that I took, plus if you go to my Facebook, she has some there...here goes. Taylor and Bailey, good buddies; Dad pinning on Grayson's boutinere, somewhat of a tradition at our house!; and then the cute couple themselves!!

Happy Birthday Shawneen!!

Yes, today is the day my first born was born! All 8 lbs, "something" ounces. :) Remember, Bean, your mother is getting older. She was my "Michellen tire" baby. Just like I was, hee, hee! Anyways, she turned 28 today. Man, my kids are getting old on me. I just wanted the world to know that I love her dearly, and appreciate her words of wisdom when I need them and her continued growth with her own little family. Its wonderful to watch her raise her own children and take care of her husband! She is expecting her 3rd child and it is going to be a boy... I know,weird huh?! We are all looking forward to the new little critter to join herd and I've already got it from Shawneen's younger sisters, that they are not changing the baby's diapers! What a hoot, thats going to have to change. Anyways, sweetie, we love you lots!! tu mom and dad

Happy Birthday Mom and Chris!

Today would have been my mom's 77th birthday! She has been gone from me for 10 years now. It didn't seem that long ago. Mother's day is my hardest day still. You'd think after all this time, feelings would ease. I've lost my mother-in-law too and my kids miss her also. I wish my younger kids would have gotten to know my mom better. The thing I miss the most is hearing my mom call my name. You should have heard her call me, sometimes the tone could scare me to death other times it would be softer and I'd wonder wrong. I also miss her playing the piano. She played by ear, so all her hymns would be played with different feeling to them. She was very good I thought. Today I didn't go to the cemetary, but I went to visit my aunt Lois, one her sister-in-laws, and I took my aunt Eva with me. My cousin Carolyn got us all lunch and it was a very pleasant afternoon. My aunt Eva and my mom were very close. I hope I did okay today. I love you mom.
And on a lighter note, today is my sister-inlaws birthday! I always remember Chris's birthday because it goes along with my mom's. My mom was very instrumental in setting my brother, Pete, up with Chris! They have the best story of their dating! I will let her blog about it and hope she tells about the movies and popcorn one. Its my favorite! Love you Chris :)

And the WINNER is...

Of course we have a winner, but it wasn't without a struggle! :) When you have more kids we had to be creative. Lets face it, we didn't have the biggest backyard and the kids like to think they know where the best egg will be. But dad fooled them again! It was awesome, he had it hidden in an old orange that had fallen off the tree and was a little open because the bugs had gotten to it. One of the eggs had fallen in the pool too. Marshall fished that one out. ( I know, no swimming on Sunday) We made a decision on the spot that next year we are going to do this on a Saturday. And the lucky winner this year was BENJAMIN!! ... Then the next step, is everyone counts their loot and we see who got the most! I can't remember who got the most, but thats okay, everyone did fine. Ready for next year, oh and Jamie did share with her friend!

More Easter...

Boy, I gotta get better at my picture taking! My grandbabies are the ones in the cute Easter dresses. Okay, in these photos the kids are still searching and us adults are relaxing and dad is guiding the kids to some more eggs with his eyes. We had Dana's in-laws visiting, Neil and Ginny, who we hope will someday settle here for the winter...hint, hint guys!! And then we had Grampi and Lorraine, and Ben's Grandma Pat! The only ones not here were Lauren and Phill... missed you guys! Oh, and Jamie invited her friend Thatcher to be partners with her. Of course, I had to make sure Jamie knew to share her winnings with Thatcher! Here goes with the pics....

After Easter Pictures!

Well, I am not very current on my updates so thought I'd try today one week later. For my family, I love to have a big Easter dinner followed by our Easter egg hunt! I also make a big basket for the family to have all their Easter treats in one place. Learned this idea from Jim's sister Peggy, cuts down on pressure for individual baskets...yea! Anyways, we like to put money in our eggs and have a "special" egg for the kids to try for. We also have the older ones tie themselves to each other so its a little bit harder. Of course, their dad weak and lets them untie each other only after a few minutes and they are off...each on their own. Of course, we give the babies first dibs on the lawn then let the older ones take over. It is pretty funny to watch!! So heres some pictures and I'll try to add a comment in some if I can. :)