Thanks a bunch!

Thanks to Amy for the great cupcakes! We've been enjoying them very much...even had 1 for breakfast. Also thanks for all the birthday wishes from Gretch and the family, and also my great co-workers:) This morning we're going to walk the dog, and later today, we're heading out to the State Park to walk the trails. High today expected to be 80. Bring it on!

Happy Birthday to Father Pat

Today is the anniversary of Father Pat's birth! Let's all wish him the best day ever. Wonder if his Mom is making that scrumptious cake again? I know all the staff at Holy Family always enjoy it. Weather in Nashville today is 62 and sunny...great day to be alive:)

Happy Birthday to Elise:)

Today we wish Elise a Happy Birthday on her 26th. Heading to Nashville tomorrow to celebrate! Just getting a few things done at work so I can take the week off.

Busy Sunday for the Thelens

Paul was busy of course, with Palm Sunday services. Eva and Elle had a practice this morning for the contemporary choir, getting ready for Easter. I made popcorn after supper tonight, while we watched a Charles Boyer movie. It was a 1952 movie where he played a father in Ottowa helping his son along to manhood. Very good movie. Hey, he is totally great as an actor and as a person. Married once to his Sweetheart, he was also a good father, although he had some tragedies late in life.

Little Darling...

First photo is baby Tanner with Grandma S, the second is Daddy Justin with baby, and the third is a close up of baby sucking his thumb:)

Happy Birthday to Niece Kristen AND baby Tanner:)

Wow! What a great day! We celebrate with first time Momma Kristen on her 25th. birthday, and welcome her son Tanner born this afternoon. So neat. We couldn't be happier for Krissy and Justin. Congrats also to first time Grandma Jill. Baby's just 7 pounds...nice little bundle. Photo was taken at less than 1 hour old. What a great day!

Happy Birthday to Grace:)

Today we celebrate with Grace as she turns 5:)

Happy Birthday to Robin...

Today we celebrate with foster sister Robin on her big 50th! I've seen on Facebook the many tributes to Robin. I join them, along with the Manitowoc folks tonight. Photo is from many years ago...2 cute chicks. Happy Birthday to Robin:)

Congrats to Elise!

Congratulations to Elise tonight. Her women's choir just took first place at regionals in Chattanooga! Way to go!

Busy weekend

Paul is busy with the middle schoolers district solo and ensemble, and Elle and friends are helping with the setting up and taking down of same. Eva bought a beautiful gown for her senior recital today at Ediths, and paid for all but 40 dollars herself:) Lots of expenses coming her way lately, so I didn't mind helping out. I worked a short day today, and then bought groceries for supper...Chicken Marsala. Paul, Elle and I plan a long walk later. Eva's working tonight doing the music for a Jesuit retreat in Oshkosh. Essie the girl cat and Henry hang out together on the piano:)

Little leprechaun...

Long walk in Rienzi...

Today Steve, Jon, Liyah, Eva, Elle, Henry and I went for a long walk at Rienzi Cemetery, rich in history. The management there is starting a walking group in April,(to include pets) and asked me to bring Henry to start off the group. Neat. That's something Id like to do.

Happy Birthday to Mary xxooxxoo

Today we celebrate with Mary, my BFF since I was 3. She has remained the greatest gal, and has a daughter who is a friend to my daughters too:) When I last chatted, she was drinking a mango margarita and waiting for her wonderful hubby to grill supper! Lucky girl...and lucky me to have my Mary. 50 years and still young at heart:)

Looks like such a big girl!

I swiped this from James' facebook. So cute.

Happy Birthday to Paul...

The birthday month continues in full force. Today we wish Paul a happy 52nd. He bought donuts for work, and they were all gone by 10:00. For supper we're having some favorites...catfish with citrus marinade and a spinach salad with raspberries, nuts and vinagrette. That is supper at 8PM when all the choirs and classes are done:) A special hello and kudos today to co-worker Barb, who has some nice changes going on in her life:) And thanks also for the loan of baby things during Belle's recent stay.

Elle and Drumstick hang out.

today's pics

A few extra baptism photos from Paul's camera...

Happy Birthday to lovely sister Jill:)

Oh my goodness, it can't be that you're 50 already:) That must make me 46(?) You're so youthful. Happy Birthday and lots of love from the Fondy Thelens! To quote an Andy Griffith episode, 'You sure are well preserved." xxooxxoo

Aliyah here for the weekend:)

Aliyah and I made a scrumptious strawberry banana jello cake today. Thanks to friend Barb for the recipe. Elle is in Oshkosh at district solo and ensemble for jazz band, so we're planning a little surprise for her later. She heads up again tomorrow for vocals and ensembles. Sunday morning after mass, we plan on visiting the family a little, and then enjoy the outdoors (and the great predicted weather) with a barbecue. Thanks to co-worker Patti for the early birthday gift...a real treat.

Thanks to Elise for the cute pics.

glowing baby...cute

Funny...

Ok. My lovely sister will never live this down. She forgot her tickets to see Eric Clapton. Some quick thinking and scanning got her into the concert:) She said that Eric was looking at her throughout the concert. I totally LOVE it. Totally Koko.

Happy 23rd. to nephew Andrew:)

I had to tastefully crop this photo, but it's a favorite! (From August of 1988...Eau Claire)