Jonathan In His New Soccer Uniform

John and Jamie signed Jonathan up for soccer. He looks so cute in his soccer uniform. Hopefully, I will be able to see him play a game and kick a goalie.

I remember my granddaughter, Maree', when she was getting started in soccer. Those little kids are so cute out there on the field running and kicking the ball trying to make a goalie. They really don't keep score for the beginners, but I know the parents do in their minds, because Jamie said his team won, LOL.

Josslyn at Nine Weeks

Josslyn has changed so much since being born. Isn't she just a beautiful little girl. It makes so much more interesting when they start to hold their little toys.

She is already in tune with her older brother, Jonathan, that she won't go to bed at night if he is still awake and running around. I predict that they are going to be a siblings. I think that's nice now, but just wait, when Jonathan will complain that she is following him and won't let him alone. We will see have Jonathan will handle that, when she wants to spend all her time with him, even if he is playing with his friends.

I can't wait to see both of them running and playing as siblings do, instead of fighting like I did with my younger brother. Thank goodness we grew up to love each other, because when we were kids we couldn't stand each other, LOL.

I apologize Miss Jamie for making her older than she is, LOL. I had in the title she was nine months, but she is only nine weeks.

I Started a New Workout Program

Last week my girlfriend, Cyndee, her daughter, Tara, and I started a new workout program to get me in better shape and to be healthier. I want to get off a few pounds that I have put back on after having my WLS 7 years ago (3-7-02). It is hard to believe it was 7 years ago I changed my life to a healthier person. Now, I am concentrating more on being more healthy, than I have been. You can take it for granted just like anything else in life we take for granted, but it has been a battle to keep the weight down. Cyndee and Tara are both in shape that they don't need the exercise, like I really need it. I am very thankful they are willing to help me stay motivated to be healthy again.

Cyndee introduced me to a personal trainer and he put together a workout program for me. It was so nice of him to do this for me. He also, which I already knew, told me to eat a lot of protein. Protein makes you feel fuller longer, it also helps with toning your muscles back in to shape. He wants me to do 30 minutes of cardio a day, which it can be the treadmill or the elliptical.

So, here is to a newer me.

Our Newest Grandchild and a Wish from her Brother

Jamie was preparing her grocery list and found something her 4 year old son had added. He put an order in for a dog. My daughter-in-law, Stephanie, said she had a coupon for buy 1 get 1 free doggie, LOL. We won't tell Jonathan because he just might want 2 doggies, instead of 1 doggie. Kids say or should I say write the darnest things.


You don't have to be blood related to be a grandparent or parent. John is our foster son and we consider him one of all kids. His girlfriend, Jamie, is also a part of our family, so that makes their kids, Jonathan & Josslyn our grandkids. Here is, Josslyn Carol, at 7 weeks old. Isn't she sweet!

Folsom Prison Blues

Click on the title and hear the "Stampede Band" live at Keelersville Club in Perkasie, PA.

The players in the band are as follow.....Marc Young on piano, JR Riker lead & vocals, Lynn Rice vocals & tambourine, Chuck Jarrell on bass & vocals, and Paul Rice on drums.

If you want to see the band better, click on the picture and it gets larger.

They make an awesome band. Look for more YouTube videos.

HAPPY 36th BIRTHDAY, BILLY

Today is my oldest son's birthday, this isn't the best picture, but it is all I have at the moment. I didn't want the day to go by without me wishing him a HAPPY BIRTHDAY. My grandson, Justin, took this picture with his camera. Not bad for a 4 year old. He may take after his Uncle Billy when it comes to picture taking. Billy loves to take pictures. When he was a youngster every time his, Nanny Jarrell, had her camera he was the first to pose and smile. He was just so darn cute just waiting to have his picture taken.

We love you Billy. Love Mom & Dad

Correction for my previous post

I was just informed that my niece Tricia has changed her major to Elementary Education and Dance. She is an awesome dancer. I haven't seen her dance since she was a young child, because there was only so many tickets available. My mother was so very proud of her only granddaughter, that she would fill me in after she went to her recitals.

WTG, Tricia.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BUTCH

This is my brother, Ed, which I call him Butch, but to all his friends and wife, he is Ed. Today Butch turned the "BIG 50" and I would like for you to meet him, his wife Carol, and his children Tricia and Brent. This picture was taken quite awhile ago at the Candlelite Inn on Thanksgiving Day. I believe the timeline is around 1995.

Brent is going to be a police officer and Tricia is going to school to be a dental hygienist. We are all very proud of them.

So "HAPPY 50th BIRTHDAY, Butchie"

Love your sis,
Sue

My Pirate Name.....Take the quiz to find out your secret pirate name

My pirate name is:

Iron Bess Flint

A pirate's life isn't easy; it takes a tough person. That's okay with you, though, since you a tough person. Like the rock flint, you're hard and sharp. But, also like flint, you're easily chipped, and sparky. Arr!

Get your own pirate name from piratequiz.com.
part of the fidius.org network

Stampede Video

Here is a video of the band my hubby, Chuck is in. They are called the Stampede band. I hope you all enjoy. The members from left to right are, JR-lead vocals & lead guitar, Lynn-vocals & tambourine, Paul-drums, Chuck-bass & vocals, and Marc-piano.

Happy Birthday, Patches

I'm such a bad mommy, because I forgot it was Patches' birthday yesterday. So, I'm wishing my baby a Happy Birthday, now. She was two years old yesterday. Can't believe she was two all ready.

The Happy and Proud Big Brother

Can you see the joy and the excitement in Jonathan's face as he lays beside his baby sister, Josslyn.

I can't wait to go see them, so I can take a few pics of my own.

Josslyn Carol on her way home

Here is our little Josslyn Carol on her way home from the hospital. Mommy and her are doing well. Isn't she just a cutie! I just love little babies.

Our New Little Granddaughter, Josslyn

Our foster son, John and his girlfriend, Jamie had a little girl this morning. They named her Josslyn, what a pretty name. She weighed 8.4 lbs. I don't know how long she is, but when I find out I'll let you all know. Well, I found out through Michele's Blog that Josslyn is 19 1/2 inches long. Nice length for a little girl. Visit Michele's Blog (on the side bar is the link) to see more cute pics of her.
ISN'T SHE BEAUTIFUL! All our grandchildren are beautiful, but there is nothing like a baby. My daughter-in-law Stephanie, would attest to that, because she loves babies. Actually, who doesn't love a baby.

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone

Well, it started early for me. It is 12:43 AM on the beginning of Valentine's Day and I made my hubby breakfast. Four scrambled eggs and 2 slices of toast. I bought him 3 packs of cigarettes because no sense in getting him something he doesn't need, when money is tight. Also, I couldn't just buy 1 pack if I wanted to use my debit card. For dinner I'll be making him a steak dinner, his favorite meal. So, I believe I gave him everything he wanted for Valentine's Day. I will have to let you all know what he does for me.

Hopefully, I will get some comments on what their lover, friend, hubby, and children has done for them on this special day. Kids can be so loving on Valentine's Day for their mommy.


HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JAMIE I hope you have a truly wonderful day. Come on little baby we can't wait for you to be born. I was hoping it would be a nice present for your mommy to be born on her birthday.

The Month of February

Things to look forward to in the month of February. The birth of a new grandchild on Feb. 14th. We don't know if it is a girl or boy, but we all hoping and praying for a healthy baby.

Jamie's birthday on the very same day, as her baby is to be born. Happy Birthday, Jamie!

Valentine's Day is Feb. 14th, so let's wish all the lovebirds a Very Happy Valentine's Day


We have President George Washington (22nd) and President Abraham Lincoln's (12th) Birthdays to look forward to going to President's Sales.

And last, we have Ash Wednesday to celebrate the beginning of Lent. Which is Feb. 25th.


Here is the meaning of what Lent is all about:

Ash Wednesday is the first day of the season of Lent. Ash Wednesday is one of the principal holy days for the Western Church. Most commonly observed by Catholics, Anglicans, Episcopalians, and Lutherans, Ash Wednesday falls on the seventh Wednesday before Easter (usually around February 9). Ash Wednesday begins a season of fasting and repentance (commonly known as Lent) in preparation for the Easter celebration.

The Origins of Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday's origins are tied to its history and the time of year during which it occurs. It follows the season of Epiphany, which culminates with Shrove Tuesday, which is also known as Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday). The solemn proceedings that occur on Ash Wednesday bring the focus back to the sacrifice of Christ and the mission of the Church. The observance most likely comes from the biblical Day of Atonement. In Leviticus 16, the Lord establishes an annual day of repentance for the Israelites as a lasting ordinance for all their generations. Since the blood of Jesus represents atonement, the heart of Ash Wednesday is a humbling of oneself through fasting and prayer.

On this day, Christians come before a priest to receive the sign of the cross, marked in ashes on their foreheads. Over the next month, they are encouraged to fast, pray, and seek repentance for their sins. Reflection upon one's life during the previous year receives extra attention, and a greater commitment to God and the Church is offered.

This ceremony originated around the eighth century and extends back to the custom during biblical times of people humbling themselves with sackcloth and ashes. The prophet Daniel speaks of seeking the Lord for the release of his people from Babylonian exile with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes (Daniel 9:3). Jonah 3:6 states: "When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust."

These are all the things that I am looking forward to in February.

How do you like Chuck's beard, long or close to the face?

Our friend, Jim, from the Crazy Heart Band posted a comment on Stampede's website that Chuck needed to trim his beard. Here is a picture of Chuck with his beard trimmed. Check out his birthday picture below this picture and tell Chuck how you like his beard, long or trimmed?

Thanks Jim! I too, don't like his beard long. I like it close to the face.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHUCK!

Today, January 28th my wonderful husband was born, so I would like to wish him a very "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" Isn't he a handsome dude in his cowboy hat?

Stampede Band at the Almond Tree Manor for New Years Eve 2009

We really enjoyed the evening at the Almond Tree Manor in Alpha, NJ. It wasn't a large crowd, but they crowd that was there sure enjoyed the music and food. We look forward to playing there again for some kind of function, i.e. weddings or private parties.

Dessert Table

Here is the dessert table from two different views, one with flash and one without flash. Look at all the fresh fruit and the yummy chocolate fountain to dip the fresh fruits in. Doesn't everything look so delicious?

We had a small crowd, but they were a very responsive crowd. The food was awesome. I had the best whiskey flank steak I ever tasted. It was to die for! There was chicken in a creamy sauce, salmon and lobster in a creamy sauce, filet mignon, and ham. Plus, cut up potatoes that were so yummy, with different veggies, some mixed with pasta and some not. The desserts were scrumptious. All different kinds from cream pies to yummy cakes, with even a chocolate fountain for dipping your fresh fruits in.

Our Gala for New Years Eve

I had to take the band's setup before the evening started.

Our Babies

Patches is just so darn cute, that I love taking pictures of her with her teeth sticking out.

Dutchess is so cute, also, that she always has different looks to her. I just had to take these close-ups of the two of them.

Every time Chuck wants to lay back and take a nap, our Dutchess wants to bother him. I really love to see her interrupt him doing his favorite thing, because she is so darn funny. I really believe if she was small like, Patches, she would lie on his lap, like she does at times. If you look closely, Dutchess, has a stuffed animal in her mouth. She always has to have something in her mouth, when she interrupts Chuck. When we come home or get up from sleeping, the first thing Dutchess does is grab something and run around with it in her mouth. She even takes it with her when she goes out to relieve herself. Sometimes she forgets to bring it back in with her.

Sassy and Chuck are enjoying the heat from the portable heaters. Chuck hates to be cold and always has the heater blowing on him. I, too, think Sassy hates being cold, because she is always laying on something that is warm, i.e. Chucks Macintosh tower under his desk, on the heat register in the kitchen, or a nice warm lap. Sassy has become very attached to Chuck. He calls her, Nanny, like he did with our, Taffy and Misty, they were our older cats that just loved mothering the other younger cats.

This is Chuck favorite pass-time. My mom's cat, Sassy, loves to lay on his lap when he is sleeping and I couldn't resist taking a picture. Sassy, is finally, after 2 years, since my mom's death has come around, to enjoy her new home with us. She is around 10-12 years old now. My mom got her after, my grandfather, passed away in 1997 from the SPCA. She loves laying in the upstairs wardrobe that I keep the towels in, but she lays on the bottom on a blanket that's in there.

Dutchess is looking at her and probably thinking, what are you doing on my daddy's lap. Dutchess loves to chase the cats around the downstairs part of the house, if I didn't have the steps blocked off, she probably would run all through the house after them.

Here is Patches on the back of the sofa. She is just some amazing dog. She is the first dog I have ever seen climb the sofa and lay on top of it. She just thinks she can do anything she wants, and most of the time she does. Patches will be 2 on March 3rd, Cody will be 12 on May 13th, and Dutchess will be 2 on May 22nd. Doesn't Cody remind you of Marley, in the movie, Marley & Me. Cody is such a good doggie. If, any of you see the movie, our Dutchess is Marley. I call her our doggie from hell. She gets into so much trouble when left alone, that is why she is created, when we leave the house, or go to bed.

I really recommend you see the movie, if you are considering a dog for a pet, because they are so cute and they can be a handful to raise. Marley got kicked out of dog obedience classes and our Cody was the same way, when he was in obedience classes. Our first Dutchess, was a Golden Retriever, and she passed her classes with flying colors, but Cody was another story.

My little Miss Queeny

This is our little miss queeny of the house. Have you ever seen a dog jump on a chair and then climb up on a desk? Well, Patches does it all the time if Chuck's desk chair is pushed right up to the desk. I have to turn it around so she doesn't get up on the desk, because she loves to play with things on his desk, as you can see in these pictures.

HAPPY NEW YEAR....2009

Happy New Year everyone!  Let us all hope for a better 2009, may all our dreams of a better year, be upon us.

Has anyone made any New Year's resolutions?  I haven't thought about it, yet.

My Real Hubby

This is my real husband!!

John and Jamie's little boy

This is Jonathan, he is my foster son, John & Jamie's little boy. He is 4 years old now, boy is he growing up. As you can see he is waiting for Santa with a plate of cookies and milk. That cookie sure looks good. Santa is going to love the cookie that Jonathan made for him.

Merry Christmas to All

I wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. May the love of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ shine his grace upon you.
My saviour is born, oh glorious night.

It looks like more snow is on its way

Tonight into tomorrow morning we are expecting more snow. So my little grandkids and all other kids can build a snowman like this one.


When I was a child I loved playing in the snow and building a snowman. So all you little kids at heart, enjoy the snow that is on its way. Let it snow, Let it snow, for we all will be dreaming of a "White Christmas, this year!

Leroy, The Redneck Reindeer

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you all like this little video. I know the kids will like it.
Just click on the title to watch and listen.
Enjoy!

Now My Firing Is Making Philadelphia News

I really wished I would have talked to that reporter, Stacie Weaver, to give her my side of the story, but I was too afraid to be on camera. Now, I regret it this morning as I am writing this posting.

Yes, I feel it was very wrong for Wilson Borough Council to fire me for not letting me explain the truth behind all this bull. I don't really care what they think of me, after, all this was made public. All I care about is the well being of our school children. The Wilson Borough Council ought to worry about the corners being covered, now that they are very short on crossing guards. If a child gets hit by a car and there was no guard on the corner where it happened, oh boy, huge lawsuit. I hope, it doesn't happen, because that will be on their heads.

I didn't do that job for 27 years, if I didn't like the kids. Who in their right mind would work with 2 artificial knees in all kinds of weather and jeopardize injuring themselves, if they didn't like their job.

Wilson Borough claim to be equal opportunity employers, YEAH RIGHT THEY ARE. Here is what happened to me. I was a meter-maid and a crossing guard for the boro, when I was having my knee problems. I fell on the job and tore my menisci, which developed into major problems later. I was told by Dr. Reid that I had to use a cane for assistance while walking around Easton Hospital writing tickets. Well, I was called in for using my cane, so I walked with a lot of pain. Then, it got to be very hard for me to continue to walk like that, so I started using my car and driving around to write tickets. Well, I got called in again for doing that. They said I wasn't covered on their insurance to do that. That is when I made a decision to resign as a longtime meter-maid of almost 12 years. I tried to continue being a crossing guard at that time, but it was getting harder and harder for me to continue doing that. Dr. Reid told me that all the walking and standing on the concrete wasn't good for my knees and it would kill me. That is when I made the decision to resign as a school guard. I really missed not working with the kids.

I had my first knee replacement in October of 2002. After is was healed and I could walk and stand with no more pain, I decided to apply to be a school crossing guard again. I was hired back in 2003. Well, shortly after being hired back, I was informed by another orthopedic doctor, Dr. Iallegio (he did both knees), that I had to have the other knee replaced. I waited until school was out and had it done. I was able to go back to work after the summer was over. So, I only missed one year from being a crossing guard. If I didn't do my job well enough I don't think I would have been hired back. DO YOU?

I want my readers to know........

I was coming home from getting gas in New Jersey, and as I was driving on Washington St, when I saw the young boy that this article is all about. I stopped my car and and rolled my window down to call the young boy over to my car. I apologized to him and he said to me, it was ok and he was not upset with me. He also said to me for me to not worry about it.

That made me feel kinda good inside. To think, that I may have caused him some internal damage from my remark that was BLOWN out of proportion.

Now, if we adults can learn from this that would be great.

I have created a lot of controversy in The Express-Times

I have written a letter to Action Express to see if the person in charge could help me get my job back that I have loved so much and had so much passion for. I didn't hear anything from them for almost a month. Last week a reporter called me and told me my letter was passed to him. He said that his editor thought it would make a good article and that my voice should be heard. I was nervous and excited all in one package. My husband was totally against the whole thing. So, after his disapproval over the article I tried my hardest to get it squashed, but the reporter said to me, it needs to be heard.

Well, let me tell you something to all my readers that I am in no way prejudice and that I see all God's children were created equal. God made us different skin colors, he made us with different talents, he made us with different intelligence, he made us with different ethnic backgrounds. But, he made us all equal and to love one another. That's what I have been always taught, since I was a young child.

After reading some of the comments that have been posted after the article in yesterdays paper, you would have thought I was this horrible person. To them that don't know me, you are all wrong. I would give you my last penny if you needed it, even if I needed more. I have done that so many times in my life and I would not take that part of me back. I have help anyone that has ever needed help, whether it is money, friendship, or anything else. Your comments that have been written will not change how I feel about all the people that I have come in to contact with. Like the one person wrote, STICKS AND STONES WILL HURRT MY BONES, BUT NAMES WILL NEVER HURT ME. I have been called many names most of my life and I have let them roll off my broad shoulders.

I have done that job to the best of my ability and beyond. Here are some of the things I have done to assist a child; Years ago when Shull School on Southside Easton was a school for bad kids, I took a middle school child over their after one of my crossing shifts because he missed his bus. That child was of different color, but he was a child that always showed respect because I showed him the same respect. Yes, he was sometimes a bad ass, but he wasn't to me. Just the week prior to me losing my job I took a family of 3 to the Wilson Elementary School so they wouldn't miss their bus to the Avona School, with the mother's permission, of course. The next day she brought me a little gift, I told her no I didn't want her to do that. Her remark to me was; In my country where I am from that is what we do to show our appreciation to someone that does a nice thing. After taking this beautiful gift, I asked her where she was from and she told me Mexico. Why can't we all be like this person to everyone we come in to contact with, the world would be a better place.

My girlfriend, said to me that she can't believe that I am this upset over losing a $5,000 a year job. I told her that this job might not have paid a lot of money, but I loved the kids. Yes, not all the kids are nice kids, but they are all kids whom will grow up to be, hopefully, wonderful adults. And when they look back, I hope I made a good impression in their life, in some way or another. That is the reward in crossing, teaching, or driving a bus with school kids.