Pool Pics of the Fun in My Yard

Here Kylie is showing off her ability to throw her legs in the air, while Noah is playing with the sprinkler part of the pool. Kids are so much fun to watch how they play and interact with each other.


Here Kylie is showing off her ability to throw her legs in the air, while Noah is playing with the sprinkler part of the pool. Kids are so much fun to watch how they play and interact with each other.


Kylie is such a clown and she shows it in the pool.


Noah just loves playing with Kylie. He looks forward to her coming everyday, so he has someone to play with.


Noah & Kylie were having fun in the Whale Pool I purchased from Aldi's. They love the sprinkler that the hose attaches to it's head to get them wet like it is raining.

Happy 60th Birthday, Jeri

Sunday, July 26th is my sister-in-law, Jeri's 60th birthday. Chuck and I want to send her a GREAT BIG birthday wish. She & Bruce with most of their kids & grandkids went on a vacation in Oak Island, NC. They rented a house for very little money on the beach. It pays to know someone that has a house on the beach to enjoy for a week of relaxation and fun. They really deserve to relax and have fun with the kids and grandkids. It was a shame that Rob & Kritsy couldn't join them.

This economy has put a damper on everyone's pocket, so this comes at a good time, because Bruce is layed off from his job and this will help him to refocus, to look for another job.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JERI

My Birthday Wish from Jonathan & Josslyn

I absolutely love this picture of Jonathan & Josslyn wishing me a Happy Birthday. I'm surprised Jonathan didn't want to write Nani Louise, LOL, because that is what he calls me ever since he heard my middle name was Louise. Their new sitter lives next door to them and her name is Lousie. I was telling Jamie how ironic because my middle name was Louise and Jonathan heard us talking and he has been calling me Nani Louise ever since.

Grandchildren are just so very precious, aren't they! Anyone that is a grandparent can attest to that. You enjoy your grandkids more than when you were raising your children. I would always hear that from other grandparents, when my kids were little, and now I know first-hand on how different it really is.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JACOB

Today is Jacob's 2nd Birthday, so I wanted to wish him a very BIG Happy Birthday.

Nanny-Sue and Pop-pop are sorry we can't make your party, so we hope you have lots of fun. We love you lots.

More of an Explaination on Previous Post

First, I want my readers to know that I don't condone my actions that I had a baby at 16 years of age, or that I had gotten married so young. For me, it was the right timing in my life, but it isn't the right timing in today's time. I knew that all I wanted to be was a mother and a wife like my grandmother. She is the one I looked up to for advise and child rearing. I admired my grandmother so much and I trusted her advise more than my mother's. She raised foster kids and she raised my brother and me, while my mom worked. She was a very wise woman.

I was always taking care of somebody's child from the time I was 10 years old. If it wasn't my brother it was one of my mother's friends kids. At the age of 12, I started babysitting for my neighbor while he played in a band.

In today's world there is NO excuse for getting pregnant at an early age like me, because there is FREE help out there for our teens, without us parents knowing about it. In today's times an education is very important for a good job. My kids knew how old I was because I never hid it from them. But I always told them that if they ever became parents while they were in school they were going to finish school, not like me, where I quit school. That is what I really wish I did was graduate with my classmates. I am really glad I got my diploma later in life, because it really is important to say, YES I got my DIPLOMA.

In love? It's not enough to keep a marriage strong, study finds

I came across this study on my yahoo homepage and I don't believe a word of it and I'll explain why.

OK, lets start out by me saying I am one of those statistics that should be in a study like this to prove them all wrong. I was 16 when I had my first son and the relationship that I had with the boy didn't work out, because he didn't want to grow up. He wanted to party, party, and party, instead of raising a child. So, I told him to hit the road, when my son was 2 1/2 months old. That very same day (6/17/73) I went to my friend's graduation party from high school and that is where Chuck and I started talking. You see, I met Chuck a few weeks earlier at his house in Raubsville, but he thought I was married at the time because I had a baby and all I did was talk about his father. When he saw me at his cousin's party I explained my situation about my breakup and that my EX was coming to the party. I told Chuck when he arrives I want to go for a walk. I said you may join me or you can stay here at the party. He decided to come with me on my walk and we talked and talked. Chuck was so easy to talk to it was like we knew each other for years.

That night all us young people decided to go bowling and of course my EX came too. Well, my EX had no money, so I gave him what money I had, so he could bowl and eat with the rest of us. Chuck asked me my why I did that and I told him I may not want to be with him anymore, but I feel sorry for him because he has a very bad home life. When it came to us going to McDonald's to get something to eat after bowling I wan't going to eat because I gave all my money to my EX. Chuck was kind enough to make me eat by buying me a sandwhich and a drink.

Chuck and I were inseperable for the 3 months we went together, before he proposed to me at the end of August. We planned a wedding in a few weeks and were married at the end of September of '73.

A month after we were married I started not feeling well, so I went to the family doctor and had some tests run. We found out shortly there after that I was going to have another baby. Our son was born in June of '74. We were married only 9 months when we had 2 kids to raise.

At that time of our life starting out we were both smokers. When I was 25, I started having throat problems. I was hoarse by the end of the day and that went on for a few months, when Chuck made me go to the throat doctor. He turned around and told me I had to quit smoking or I wasn't going to be able to talk anymore. So, I quit smoking. Chuck still smoked and he is still smoking today.

Chuck and I have had our ups and downs when it comes to money, just like everyone else these days. During the course of our marriage he was unemployed 2 times, in 1983 and 2007. Plus, I came from a DIVORCED family. My mom and dad seperated when I was 2 1/2 years old and I was raised by my mother. My brother and I hardly ever saw my dad, until I was a teenager, then he wanted to start a relationship with us, which was way too late.

Now, if you read this study that they have done, we should have been DIVORCED a long time ago. With my life how it was before I even got married I had many strikes against me going into a marriage. I really would like to know who does these studies, and on who they do these studies on, because I don't believe any of them.

I REALLY WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT YOUR OPINION IS ON THIS STUDY AND WHAT I TOLD YOU OF MY LIFE. I can tell you that Chuck and I are very happy with our marriage and with our life. It may not have been what we would have wanted, but it is what God has chosen for our life together as one.

A BIG Thank You From Doris for the help in Finding Don

This note comes to all of you well after the wonderful news has already spread but this is the first opportunity I have had to get online.

It seems and is so small to put into words the depth of gratitude I feel for absolutely everyone who has prayed, searched, posted flyers, sent emails, sent cards, gave donations, telephoned, and everything else I can't think of to enumerate in helping bring back my husband, Don. Literally, the hundreds of people who put their lives on hold for eight days to help me is still staggering. Certainly, I will never forget what you all have done for me. I still and probably will never know all the hands and hearts involved in this massive effort to come along side of me in this situation. I still receive emails, etc. from people I do not know but always they start out with "you don't know me Doris but I'm a friend of...." and the list goes on.

Most importantly my faith with God and the outpouring of love you all have shown me is what carried me through this ordeal. Without God, without all of you, sustaining throught these days would have been unimaginable.

As you many of you already know, tonight, July 12th, from 7-9 p.m. my magnificent church, Ebenezer Bible Fellowship Church, Bethlehem is holding a special praise service in celebration of Don's return. It is open to anyone and everyone. If you are able, come rejoice with us.

Again, the word thank you does not even begin to cover the level of love and appreciation I hold in my heart for all of you. There are not enough words in existence to express or convey my feelings of love and gratitude toward all of you.

In closing, I anxiously await my opportunity when I can "pay it forward" to all of you.

In Christ's Love and In Mine,
Doris

Jelly Beans Blog

I got this off of one of Steph's posted comments. I thought this Blog is very interesting to read if you have children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Great recipes, and interesting books for kids to read. Then I found their children's clothes website, called the Jellybeans a Childrens Boutique. They are located in Wauchula, Florida, the central part of Florida. I just love their style of clothing for girls for the summer weather. They even sell clothes for toddler boys and they have interesting games too.

Check out their online store, if you can't go to Florida, bring Florida to Pennslyvania or anywhere else in the country.

The Video is Removed

I got to much flack about the video, so I removed it. I'm sorry if it offended anyone, it wasn't meant to. Never ever again, you won't have to worry.

Here is my little sweet, Jacob

We all been praying for Jacob because of his exzema. He was really scrathing at himself where he was bleeding, but he never whimpered at all. So, you never knew he was bleeding. He is just so sweet and rambunctious.

Justin and his dinosaur presents

Justin was thrilled when he got dinosaurs for his birthday. He got a puppet one, he got one he can stuff himself, he got dinosaur books. He was a very happy camper.

Leanna and her American Doll

I believe Leanna was happy to get an American Doll but I don't think she was happy to get her picture taken. Just look at her face.

The Birthday Siblings

Here are the siblings, Justin turned 5 years old on June 27, 2009 and his sister turned 8 years old on June 19, 2009. Their father's birthday, my son, turned 35 years old on June 30, 2009.

Nanny-Sue and Timothy

I couldn't resists these cute pictures of Timothyon my lap. He can be so cute with those funny faces he makes.

Six food fixes that help beat belly bloat

Thought this was very interesting to help us to maintain a less bloated belly during those holiday picnics.

Leanna and her Nanny-Sue, look alikes.

This is the best I could do to compare us.
My grandmother used to give me perms because I had poker straight hair. You couldn't do anything with it and it wouldn't hold a curl in just plain curlers. I was about 5 years old.

In this picture I was about 1 year old. As you can see I enjoyed swinging and rocking, even to this day.

Here is Leanna at the age of 8. I am comparing pictures of her and I, as people keep telling me she and I look alike. The next picture is of me at the age of 9 in my grandparent's backyard.


What do you people think, Do we or Don't we look alike? That is the BIG question.

Happy Birthday, Justin

Today my oldest grandson, Justin, turns 5 years old. It is so hard to believe he is 5 all ready. Boy they sure are growing up fast.

In this picture he is helping his mom make M&M cookies. Our church (Olivet United Presbyterian Church of Easton) is selling cookie mix, cappuccino mix, herbal rice packs for the neck (you can microwave them) to help one of our young mothers, wife, and Youth Leader, of our church to help defray her medical cost from her battling brain cancer. So, naturally the good person that I am bought this cookie mix for her grandkids, because I knew their mommy would make it.

Doesn't he look so serious there stirring the mix. His father used to love to bake too, with his grandmother, when he was a young boy. Too, bad we didn't have digital cameras back then because I would be comparing the two together.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JUSTIN!

Nanny-Sue and Pop-pop love you.

Fundraiser For Nicki

I thought I would post this so I can get the word out to my readers. Maybe there is someone out there that may want to come, or may have something to donate for a worthy cause. Please help us to help Nicki. She has been a Godsend to me and our church family.

How others can Help

Well as many of you have read my medical bills are insurmountable. My friends and church family have graciously put together a fundraiser for me. It is a Potluck dinner and Chinese auction. It is a free will offering for entering and there will be many things to auction off such as Front Row Iron pigs tickets, Gift Certificate to Woodys sports bar, All types of gift baskets and more. It will be held on July 26th at 5:00pm at Olivet United Presbyterian Church 1151 Northampton St Easton, Pa 18042. Please come and join us and tell anyone you can. Anybody who may know someone willing to donate to the auction feel free to have them call me at 610-533-5781. If anyone has a place where they could hang a poster with the details email me at cnkvogel@verizon.net and I will email you a copy you can print off. THANKS SO MUCH FOR EVERYONES CONTINUED SUPPORT!!!

Patches, My Little Dog and Kylie

Patches loves the kids and as you can see she has to be where the action is. She was sleeping while Kylie and I were playing Go Fish for Letters game. Then I called her name and the next picture I awoke her.

Here Is Another Little Girl I Had Monday

I would like you to meet Kylee, she is 2 years old. Her and her parents, Nicole & Chris, go to my church. Nicole needed someone to watch her while she was at church talking with our, Pastor Bob, about Vacation Bible School. Nicole is one of the organizers for this year's theme. Nicole is the woman I placed on my Blog, called Nicki's Story, she is battling brain cancer. So far, so good, the Lord has been keeping her in his hands and keeping her safe from the cancer growing back. All prayers are welcome for Nicole.

When Kylee first came she cried because she knew her mommy wasn't staying but 5 minutes after Nicole was gone she was just fine. She loved playing with Kobe. Big Kylie, took her under her wing, like a little mommy would, and helped her to calm down.

First, Kobe sat in the highchair and ate his lunch, then I put Kylee in it and she ate her lunch. After lunch we went to the park down the road from my house. Kylee loved the sliding board and baby swings. She is one tough little girl, but you wouldn't think she is by looking at her. She is this cute & tiny little girl wrapped in this tough little body.

It was a very fun and exuberating day on Monday. I just loved it. Thank you Tara & James, Nicole & Chris for trusting me to care for your children. I really enjoyed it.

More Pics of Brother and Sister

Kylie loves playing on the computer. She plays on Nick Jr. and I think her webkins website. I let her play on it so she doesn't get bored. She is so good.

This is one of Kobe's favorite toys I have. And it is the one he escaped from today because it was close to the sofa. What a little bugger he is.

My New Set of Kids I'm Watching This Week

This is Kobe, he is 17 months. What a cutie pie he is. He loves to climb and WOW, can he escape for from things you would never thought he could get out of. I guess I forgot what my "Tommy the Terror" was like when he was his age. Now I remember, LOL.

This is Kylie, she is 10. She is such a gem of a little girl. She is a BIG help to me with her little brother. She will make an excellent mommy some day.

This post is for John

John has an Eagles Room in his extra bedroom that displays all his Eagle things. I wanted him to see Jason's collection of Phillies and Eagles stuff. Wow, I never knew there was so many different Phillies and Eagles things to display.

Aidan, Jason, and Becky (the parents)

Jason and Becky took Aidan strawberry picking. I don't know where, but he looks like he was having fun picking them. He is just so cute with those BIG blue eyes of his. He looks just like his belated papa and his daddy, Jason. It looks like it was a beautiful day for strawberry picking.

Josslyn All By Herself

Here she is giving you rasberries. I just love this pic of her. She is only 4 months old and she is sticking her tongue out all ready.

And here she is trying to sooth her gums with her fingers. She is drooling all the time from cutting teeth. Soon her mommy and daddy will see little white dots trying to peak through those gums. She is a very happy little baby.

Jonathan and Josslyn, pics

I just had to steal some good pics that Jamie put on her Blog of Jonathan and Josslyn. She is just so adorable you just want to eat her up. Jonathan is just so tender and sweet to his baby sister. Here he is just being a good Big brother. She just has the biggest smile.

Happy Birthday, Leanna!

My Little Leanna turned 8 years old on June 19th. I can't believe she is 8 years old. I can remember going to the hospital waiting for her to be born at Sacred Heart Hospital. She was this tiny little baby girl, born to my son, Tommy and his wife, Stephanie. She is growing up too fast, only if they could stay little and so innocent.

Happy Birthday, Leanna! Nanny and pop-pop love you so much.

The 2nd week at Jamie and John's

This week was my last to watch Josslyn and Jonathan, because my girlfriend's daughter's fiance' started working and I will be watching their children or child. The reason I say 1 or 2 is because things are up in the air with Kylie, whether she is coming to my house or if she is going to a summer program with a daycare with her cousin. Her mother doesn't want her to be cooped up in the house all summer long and missing out on her summer vacation. Her cousin goes to a daycare a few days a week and the daycare takes them to Stones Crossing Pool, in Palmer Township, if it's nice out. I can't blame her mother because Kylie is 10 years old. I'm sure she wouldn't want to be with her little brother all the time, when she can be having fun with kids her own age.

Tuesday, Josslyn and I played a bit. She is such a happy little baby. She just loves to watch me and smile and smile. She loves to be bounced on my knees. After every feeding she would swing in her swing and then off to sleep for about and hour. The time went by very quickly for us.

Wednesday, was very nice. This time Jonathan didn't hybernate upstairs all day like last week. When I went to use the bathroom I stopped in his room to see what he was doing. I talked and listened to him tell me what he was doing. He was playing with his Bat Cave and Batman figure. He was showing me how he rescues batman and whoever else he was rescuing. When I started to leave he asked me if I would help him carry down some of his toys because he wanted to come downstairs. That's all it took was for me to talk with him and I was his best bud for the entire day. I asked him if he would like to go to the park and throw the ball around, but he said he would rather stay in the house. So we did. He is a very good brother to his baby sister. He comes over to her and she is all eyes for him. She laughs so hard and coos at him. It is just so nice to see how much they love each other. The time went by very quickly again.

Thursday, was my last day to spend with Josslyn and to enjoy her. I got to watch her roll over on the floor where I had her laying with her colorful play mat. It is this cloth mat that has 2 crisscross tubular things that go from one corner to the other corner. They have eyelets in the tubes to hang her plastic rings from so she can grab and play with them. It is a really neat thing for little people. I wish I had something like that when my boys were little. Back then you put them in the playpen and put mobiles on top so they can watch and try to grab at them moving. I layed her down on her back and the next thing I saw she was on her stomach. I put her back on her back and again she rolled onto her stomach. Yeah! It won't be long until she will be pulling herself up on those knees and taking off. I gave Josslyn this little Angel doll that says the children's prayer "Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep" well she just loves that angel. She watches it and listens to it pray. She smiles so BIG it is just so awesome to watch her. She was very playful today. We went out on the front porch to watch the traffic go by their house. I had her wrapped in her blanket so she wouldn't get chilled. She loves being outside, not like her brother who hates going outside. He is a homebody. After we went inside I layed her down on her play mat and she fell asleep. So, I picked her up and put her in her swing, because I knew she wouldn't stay asleep long on the floor, because she likes movement. She was still asleep went mommy and Jonathan came home. Mommy layed Jonathan on the sofa and he went back asleep from the trip home from daycare.

I will miss them so much. Thank you Jamie and John for giving me this opportunity to watch them for thes past 2 weeks. I really enjoyed my time with them. Hopefully, I will be of some assistance again for you to care for them. I really will miss them.

My Week at John and Jamie's House

Well, should say my three days at their house. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday I watched Josslyn while John started his new job and Jamie was working.

Tuesday, Josslyn and I went for a nice 30 minute walk around Nazareth. It was such a beautiful day to enjoy our walk. By the time we got home she was fast asleep in the stroller. After our walk and while she was sleeping I played my pogo games. I'm glad John setup a guest account for me, because it made the time go fast. When she awoke it was time for a feeding and a changing. She is just a pleasent little baby. She laughs and smiles all the time. We played for a bit. Then off to sleep she goes.

Wednesday, Jonathan was home with us and you never knew he was there because he hibernated upstairs in their bedroom watching his movies and building his legos. He would come downstairs when he was hungry and then back up he would go. He gave me a new name....he calls me Nani-Louise. When he found out my middle name is Louise the same name as Michele's mom, who lives next door. That is all he calls me. He says Nani-Louise come see this or get me this, whatever he wants it is Nani-Louise. So, I told him that will be his special name for me. He was thrilled to death.

Thursday, John, Jamie went to work and Jonathan went to play school, while Josslyn and I had fun, again. Someone gave me a traveling swing and the cushion was put on backwards, so mommy and daddy couldn't see her in it before they left for work. The reason I brought it was because my arm was getting so tired of moving the stroller back and forth because Josslyn likes movement and it helped her to go to sleep. I fixed the cushion and put her in the swing and she slept for about an hour and a half. When she awoke we went for another walk before the rain came. This time I went hunting for a playground near their home. Found a ballfield that I know Jonathan will like, but not one with swings or slide. We walked for 30 minutes again, but this time Josslyn stayed awake for the whole walk. When we got back it was her feeding time. We played for a bit on the floor with her musical toys. She just loves to look around and smile. After that I put her in the swing and not long she was off to sleep again because of the movement. Jamie said she is like her mom, Carol. I am the same way too. I love to rock and swing on the swings.

It was just an adorable three days. I didn't even mind that I had to get up at 5:30 AM to be at their house by 7:00 AM.

Here is a picture of Josslyn in her swing. I took it with my cell phone

Nicki's Story

I posted a link of my friend, Nicole's cancer fight (it is at the right side of my blog, titled Nicki's Story). If you would like to read and know all about my young friend Nicole and her battle with brain cancer, please open and set up an account. Every time you go to CaringBridge.org you will have to type your email address and password in to follow her postings.

She is a 27 year old woman, married to a wonderful man named, Chris. Together they have this beautiful little blonde haired, blue eyed girl named Kylee. She is just so darn cute.

Nicki was diagnosed with brain cancer last year, after under going brain surgery to remove this tumor. To know this young woman is just utterly amazing. In her 27 years of life she is so smart and wise beyond her years.

Nicki goes to my church. Nicki, her husband Chris, and Kim Ward are in charge of our Youth Group. She is just awesome with the kids. Nicki also helps out with the Children's Choir and her little Kylee sits on her mommy's lap just watching and trying to sing along. Kylee is only 2 years old and wants to be a part of what our little kids do, when her mommy is working with them.

Please read her story and if your eyes aren't opened to what our Lord Jesus can do for us, then nothing will open your eyes.

It Was a Sad Night Here at our House Last Night

I had gotten an email from Sherry Masteller, who is my Longaberger Lady, and a daughter to one of our very close friends, that her step-dad, Jimmy Silverthorn, passed away on Saturday in his barn, in Elysburg, PA.

Jimmy was the lead singer and leader of the Free Country Band that, my hubby Chuck, played in, back in 1983-1993. He called Chuck one night and asked him if he can play bass guitar and Chuck said no I never tried it. Well, Jimmy said you have one week to learn because he needed a bass player. So, Chuck bought his first bass guitar from his friend, Lucky Kay, for $50.00. That was the start of his career in playing bass guitar. Jimmy also, got Chuck to start singing in his band and told him he would go far sounding like Willie Nelson. And that started his talent off on the right note.

It was Chuck, Jimmy, Nola, who is Jimmy's wife, and me for ten years traveling around to yard sales, and going to his dad's sawmill in Milford, NJ to look at the antique tractors. Jimmy loved his antique tractors and Nola just loved antiques. They made a wonderful couple, until God called him home on Saturday. Nola was out doing what she loved to do, yard saling with a friend and Jimmy was tinkering in his new barn he built to house his antique tractors. She found him something for his barn and she called him on the cell phone and he said yes hun, which he always called her, said he would love to go see what she found him. She told him I'm taking so and so home and I'll be right home. He said ok, and they said their I love you's and hung up. A short time later her cell phone rang and she saw it was Jimmy, but it wasn't, it was a young man who helped him around the farm doing the heavy lifting calling her. When she pick up the phone all she heard was someone screaming Nola Nola. The young man told her he found Jimmy dead in the barn. Jimmy was 59 years old and died from a massive heart attack.

Chuck has a picture on his desk of the guys that were in the Free Country Band and the only ones left now are Chuck and Lucky Kay. We don't know what happened to the drummer, Buddy, he is somewhere around.

We just saw Lucky Kay and his wife, Jeanie, on Saturday at Don-Laines Campground in the Poconos at his daughter's wedding reception. They came in from IL. for two days. We were all reminiscing about the good ole days playing together and having fun. Lucky Kay is 69 years old and Chuck is 57 years old. It is just so hard for me to believe that we are all reaching our senior citizen days.

Please don't take life for granted as we all sometimes do, because you just never know when God calls us home to heaven. Please make the time for family and friends and treasure their time here while they are with us.

The Baptism of Josslyn Carol

Today was a very beautiful Mother's Day. I started my day off at a very beautiful church in the country to see my granddaughter Josslyn Carol being baptized. She has two very special people to be her Godparents and they are, John's best-friend Jay, and Jamie's best-friend/co-worker, Michele. This little girl is very blessed to have these two people in her life. Congrats to all, parents and Godparents.

Happy Mother's Day to All You Moms and Grandmas

Today Moms are very special and I like to wish you all a very Happy Mother's Day.

We grandmas are the rock of the family.

Moms give the best hugs when their kids need one.

My Beautiful Granddaughter, Leanna

I want you to meet my beautiful granddaughter, Leanna Rose Jaylee. This is her school picture for this year. She is in second grade. Boy, it is hard to believe that she is going to third grade, already. Man the time flies.

She is involved in Brownies. She loves to dance and sing and act like a little princess. But she is a little tomboy wrapped in a little girls body. She is so much like her Nanny-Sue, when she was a little girl.

Update on My Workout

Wow! I'm already down a size in my jeans, YIPPEE!! My workout consists of 30 minutes on the treadmill before I start my toning up. Those shoulder presses are a KILLER. My easiest part of working out is the leg extensions and anything else that consists with working out my legs. My legs are pretty strong from dancing all those years. Plus, with having new knees helps too. I have very weak arms, due to the arthritis, but I have to work them to tone that UGLY flab.

I never thought I would enjoy exercising again, but I do. It must be the age, LOL!

My goal is to be able to ride my brand new mountain bike I have in the basement for 4 years, that only has 10 miles on it. When I got it I had to have hand surgery, then the following year the other hand had surgery. So, I should be getting stronger to be able to grip the brakes. I love bike riding. Now to find a friend to enjoy biking again with.

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