Thanks Kim...

Thanks to Kim for an early morning call wishing me a happy birthday, and telling the news of her son Isaac's army buddy, Keith 'Matt' Maupin. Matt's remains have been identified in Iraq after years of being missing. Such a tragic end for his family.

Happy Birthday to Fr. Pat:)

Happy Birthday to Father Pat on the 30th. He's 10 years (and 1 day) older than I am, so it's easy to remember. His Mom always makes a wonderful cake for him to share with Holy Family staff. Wishing him all the best!

Happy 24th. to Elise:)

Happy Birthday to Krissy:)

A birthday wish goes out to Krissy on her 23rd birthday. I heard from Grandma that she will celebrate on Sunday. Great! Hope I can join the festivities. Love to Krissy from her Fondy folks. We just got a new computer today, so I don't know where my photos are...I'll find a nice one of Krissy when I get "on board" with this thing. Paul must think we're blind...the screen is 2 feet wide! Takes some getting used to.
Here's a cute picture of Krissy and Earl.

Happy Birthday to Gracie:)

This is certainly the month for birthdays. On March 24th., we celebrated Grace's birthday. Here's a pic of Grace and her cousin Krissy. Happy Birthday to little cousin Grace:) Today I signed up for an anxiety symposium at the Paper Valley in Appleton in June for 12 CEU's (continuing ed contact hours.) It's a 2-day, but it's an easy commute from here. The job is going very well, and I am very happy with my progress. My physical progress (of getting over this flu) is starting to look up as well. I just booked my airfare to Nashville in April to visit Elise. James is gone that weekend, but we have plans to put in some perennials and visit some civil war battlefields. I sure wish Mary Jo could coordinate a trip up from Atlanta. She loves history as I do.

A blessed Easter to all.

pampering

I'm doing a little pampering today...Grace (Elise's vocal prof) and I are going to a foot spa and an herbal make-up party. It should be fun. I also listened to my favorite Easter music this morning: Hayden's Seven Last Words of Jesus Christ. It is so beautiful and yet so hauntingly sad. Dustin is over for the weekend. Thought this photo was nice. (Used with permission given by his Mom.)

cute wedding pic

This is SO cute! Elise tells me that all the wedding photos will soon be available for viewing on Snapfish...will share them at that time:)

Vala and Vonn and namesake...

A young woman in Fond du Lac recently gave birth to a baby girl, and named her Vala. It happens that she read my weblog and liked the name. How cool is that. It means 'singled out.' There is also a Nowegian base meaning 'chosen one.' Here is a nice photo of our Vala. She is the NICEST dog.

Aliyah in the paper...

Kids at Riverside elementary school gathered to watch their 4th grade teacher, Brad Schultz, kiss two pigs as the prize for a student council fund raiser held to benefit the schools media center. Wednesday, March 19, 2008. (Aliyah is in the back with a light blue zipped hoodie.)

hump day

Not much on the docket today...just an average day. I'm working only 10-3, so should have some time to relax tonight. Elle has dance, and Paul and Eva have choir rehearsal, so Aliyah and I might do a little Easter shopping. Finally I am getting over the flu, strep and cough (of the last 5 weeks or so.) I've been actually lucky, I suppose. I haven't been sick at all since 1994. I guess I made up for it this year!

haven't heard yet

Haven't heard from friend Mary...no news is good news. Today was a good day at work. I got a lot of paperwork done, and also had a class in fire safety. On the home front, Aliyah is missing me a lot. She's been acting out in school, and she's always been very good there. I think it's because I'm absent from her life for hours at a time, when I was there before. We've had her tutored in her studies, and she's always done well, but she's slipping in math. I have to get on top of this:(

Prayers needed folks...

Friend Mary called today, and shared that she's been battling the flu, like the rest of us, for many weeks. However, unlike the rest of us, Mary's hearing has been compromised, and she's had to have some tests. Since she lost much of her hearing on one side rather quickly, the Dr's. are concerned and are checking for a tumor. She'll know the results of the tests on Tuesday. As you can imagine, she's frightened and anxious. Let's all remember Mary in our prayers. It only takes a minute to say an extra prayer. She needs our support. Thanks. Also, I haven't heard from Mary Jo in Atlanta. I hope she's O.K. after the storm there. MJ we'd love to here from you.

annual family vacation photos

Thanks to Krissy for sending them:)

Eva with spring flowers

Poor Eva's had a few hard days with the weirdo photo person out there. Here's a nice spring photo. The weather's been mild, it was 48 degrees today, and much of the ice has melted. Hooray for spring...hit me with it.

Disturbing story...

This is a most disturbing story. Eva recently played the lead in UW's production of 'Roommate.' She was pictured in the local paper with opposite lead, Matt. We got a phone call yesterday from the FDL police. It seems someone took the photo, scanned and photo shopped it into an extremely graphic porno shot. They then made stickers, and stuck them over the originals, and delivered them to 177 homes in North Fond du Lac. There sure are a lot of sickos out there. The police were really great about handling the situation. They asked if Eva had enemies, etc. They also apologized and seemed equally upset. The search is on. They don't know if it's a random act or purposefully directed toward Eva and/or Matt. Eva's really been much more careful and looking over her shoulder.

Happy Birthday to Mary!

This is surely the month of birthdays! Happy Birthday goes out to friend Mary in Manitowoc, who is 40-something today. I first met Mary in a sandbox when I was 3. Memory vaguely recalls an incident of sand throwing?...none the less, after a rocky start we became good friends for 40+ years. Best wishes to Mary:)

off to school

I'm off to school with Elle this morning to design the 'student of the month' calender. After that, I'm headed to the office for some paperwork, and out to the group home to train new staff from 10-5. The ice is finally melting now, making Maple Avenue more tolerable. Today will be mild. Hooray for spring. It's almost here!

dumb animals

Dumb animals...NOT. I had to share a Henry/puppy story. While we were puppy sitting, I made Paul a fruit cocktail cake. (Kathy will remember the wonderful recipe of Hilde's.) Anyway, the recipe calls for just shy of 2 cans of fruit cocktail, so I always give the rest to Henry. He was on the countertop island, eating the fruit from his bowl, and along came the puppy. Henry took a bite of each piece, carefully cleaned off the good juices, and dropped the leftovers over the edge to the waiting puppy, who quickly ate it up. (Jo said she'd eat anything.) After the second or third time, he said to the puppy, "want some?" Incredible. That's one smart bird. Experts say they are as intelligent as a 5-year-old child. I'm convinced.

Happy 50th. to Paul :)

Photo was taken 25 years ago, and is one of our favorites. We celebrated last night with a cookout and went to lunch today at a local favorite, the Backyard Grill. Congratulations also to Ron and Amy, church co-workers, on the birth of their 3rd. daughter, Eva. Isn't that nice? The family might remember Ron playing the lead opposite our Eva in the Music Man last summer. They had just found out they were expecting another girl. I said to Eva back then, "wouldn't it be nice if they named her Eva?" (they have 2 other 'E' names already.) She laughed and said, "I don't think so Mom."
A warm welcome to little Eva!

watching the puppy

a couple more puppy pics

Little Ivy

Here she is!

Happy Birthday to Koko:)

Happy 52nd. Birthday to Koko, shown here at Elle's 13th. birthday 'taco' party. Busy weekend here. My autistic client is here for respite this weekend, and Eva's play is in full swing with performances this afternoon, tonight and tomorrow. Paul is busy playing for solo and ensemble at the Lutheran High School, and Elle is doing hair and make-up for Eva's show. "Dustin" and I are looking forward to a day of babysitting JoJo's puppy. Jo and the family are headed to Rockford for Tim's brother's birthday. The puppy is too little to stay alone, and will stay overnight. Maybe Jo has a photo of Ivy...she is adorable...an American Eskimo. Will post one if I can get one. Hope all is well with the cyber folks:)

still sick

I'm still sick after 17 days...I'm doing all the basics...going to work and church, but this flu is a killer. I have been coughing for 14 of the 17 days, but it's letting up enough to go on with the normal routine. It was nice to see Trina on Saturday. Her husband Phil died after complications of a heart attack he had in December. They had been married 24 years. He was in his 50's. I feel on the mend now, but just need some time to get to 100 percent.

Eva's play...

Happy Birthday to Andy!

A very Happy Birthday to nephew Andy (Krissy and Gretchie's little bro) on his 21st. I remember he tried to give Eva a hug good-bye when she was 1 and he was 2. She toppled over...he was a big kid...a big kid with an enormous heart. We love you Andy. Have a great day! xxooxxoo

Happy March 1st!

Welcome back to all the extended family who made the annual trip to St. John this year. What a nice break from this long winter. I think I see Krissy and Jeannine on the beach:) Lots going on here. I'm headed up to Manty to attend a friend's husband's funeral, and picking up Grandma on the way. Afterward, Jo and Tim have an art show at the high school...should be fun. After mass on Sunday, I'm heading back up to Jo Jo's to visit. Tyler and Maddie are stopping by (for a haircut and help on a resume) and Elle and I made some treats to bring along. Last night Elle went to Oshkosh to see the Wizard performed by the highschool kids. She enjoyed it and I guess got some ideas for the middle school production. One of the teachers is loaning his little terrier for the part of Toto.