Let me be Blunt.....

Very Happy flower girls

2011-10-30T12:04:00.000-05:00

Really?? who is having more fun? The girls or the bride and groom?
Shannon and Arya and their flower girls......

Our youngest got married!!

2011-10-16T12:03:00.000-05:00

shannon and arya on their wedding day in our backyard, where they had their reception........
A busy year with two of three children getting married......
all is good and life is still busy!!!
Happy Halloween to everyone!

A beautiful wedding party

2011-09-30T12:10:00.000-05:00

The little flower girls get to do it all again for Shannon's wedding in July! Plus one more flower girl!!!
Brenda-cousin, Shannon-sister,Jackie-cousin, --Rainey-BRIDE & Gregory GROOM -- Eric-brother, Dennin-cousin, Mikey-cousin.
Clara-cousin, Mina-cousin......the cousins come in all age groups!!!

Our Oldest got married!

2011-09-30T12:00:00.000-05:00

although Gregory got married in China 6/2010....He wanted (with a bit of suggestion from his mother!) to have a Catholic wedding as well.....March 26, 2011 saw two cultures and two families united in a religious ceremony......it was a lovely event......

The Bride and Groom

2011-09-30T11:11:00.000-05:00

Me and my Sister

2011-06-14T14:38:00.001-05:00

A photo from a few years ago...
I am 18 months younger than my older sister and 18 months older than my younger sister...think about that for a minute and it makes sense...really.... Here is my younger sister at my older sister's oldest son's wedding in New Mexico.

Happy couple

2011-06-14T12:49:00.004-05:00

It has been a busy year for us....two weddings...one in March and the next one in July...the oldest son and only daughter are either married or getting married. Here is one Happy Couple:

Another digital scrapbook by Smilebox

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-19T20:12:00.000-06:00

Many Memories Tree Christmas Card

Create modern Christmas photo cards at Shutterfly.

Another very happy couple

2010-11-05T12:26:00.000-05:00

This is the happily married couple but they will have a catholic wedding here in Chicago as the photo says. These photos were done during their Chinese wedding where she wore 3 different dresses for 3 different parts of the ceremony.

Goodnight!

2010-10-20T02:45:00.000-05:00

My new DIL kept saying she felt like a princess while in the USA and when we saw this sign on our foray out to a quaint little town in Wisconsin, this said it all!

Apple pies

2010-10-19T06:42:00.000-05:00

We went apple picking while the kids were home from Beijing. What an event.....our new daughter in law is amazed by all the land that is available to walk on and where we went apple picking was very nice (battery ran out on the camera....errgghh!! so no shots of THAT!). But anytime you can get a son to peel apples is a good time to make pies!

meeting the bride's family

2010-10-18T14:01:00.000-05:00

This is the bride's family...on her dad's side. We had a wonderful dinner with them--even thought they don't speak English and we don't speak Chinese.....The bride and groom speak both and were exhausted at the end of this event from doing much translating!

Meeting the wedding party

2010-10-17T13:58:00.000-05:00

The bride and groom and the best man and maid of honor meeting the groom's parents...Yes, we did "stick out" in China. Notice the guys in the back of us.....they did that all evening....I felt like a movie star must.....and we had a fabulous dinner. Chinese meals are served in the round on a lazy susan and I LOVED that....just had to be quick with the chop sticks as it came by you!!

2 Mothers

2010-10-09T23:12:00.000-05:00

Gregory, our oldest son, got married in June this summer, 2010. Aunt Olivia has been like his second mother since he moved to Beijing. They first met when Gregory was her ring bearer when Olivia married my husband's brother, Mike. She has been wonderful and Gregory has been blessed to have Uncle Mike and Aunt Olivia close to him since they live in China (really---as far from LA to Chicago but close none the less!!!). Thank you Olivia for all you have done for Gregory and for me...you are the best sister in law one could have...and YES...I KNOW we are not REALLY related as we married brothers....but in our hearts we are sisters...love you Olivia!!!

A wedding in China

2010-08-28T15:22:00.009-05:00

My niece, my 90 y/o Mother in law and me and Gregory's Aunt Olivia...his mother in China......at the occasion of his wedding in Beijing in June 2010.

2010-05-02T06:32:00.001-05:00

Shannon with her grandmother's at her engagement party.

How tall are you?

2010-03-20T12:37:00.000-05:00

Uncle Ed says that the people he works with thinks he is "freakin" tall....well...he wanted to prove that he really isn't. His older brother has that title as well as one of his nephews. This is for you Ed so you can show everyone the truth of the height thingy!

Welcome to the Family!

2010-02-14T18:54:00.003-06:00

It is a very busy year for us! Greg has chosen Rainey to be his wife....wedding to be in October 2010 we hope! (Depends on how the visa works out.) We are so happy to have her in our family....I feel sure she will be overwhelmed by the amount of family Gregory has! but she sure will be loved by a lot of people!
This is their "marriage photo" for the "marriage license" they had to pick up in Beijing. I am not sure what all that means other than they will be getting married!

Happy photo!

2010-01-10T22:37:00.001-06:00

Shannon has found her soulmate.....meet Arya.....and, yes, we like him very very much.

siblings...some of them

2010-01-08T23:36:00.001-06:00

4 of the 10 brothers and sisters....Kathleen #2, Tom #3, Charley #1 and Ellen #9....at Christmas. We had a lovely time!

Newest addition to the family......

2009-12-18T08:34:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Gigi!!!..here with her Great Aunt Neva....and we all know how I feel about actually being CALLED "GREAT" Aunt Neva...I AM a great aunt...but Aunt Neva works for me......

2 Brothers and 1 cousin

2009-12-16T17:36:00.002-06:00

2 well dressed young men at the club.

The brothers (Eric and Greg) with their youngest male cousin. Grandma has 22 grandchildren --11 grandsons and 11 granddaughters...Gregory is #3 grandson, Eric is #4 and Kieran is #11.

Spongebob square pants

2009-12-12T18:01:00.001-06:00

Gives SpongeBomb Square pants a whole new dimension doesn't this?
Greg in Las Vegas in September..

Paul Bunyan

2009-11-30T10:50:00.000-06:00

You might have thought that Paul Bunyan was just a story....but....I am here to tell you that 2 of them were in my backyard chopping down the dead Austrian pine. When I asked what killed it to the daughter who is a Natural Resource Environmental Scienc resource major and got a 100% in her dendrology class....her answer..."we don't live in Austria"..
my rsponse....really?

Take me for a ride

2009-11-08T17:42:00.000-06:00

I have been gone so much lately that this is the only way this little guy seems to think he can see me. ...He LOVES the car but he is IMPOSSIBLE to drive with......

A Graduation Day

2009-09-19T18:42:00.009-05:00

The Graduate

Graduation for our second son ....and the first son is home from Beijing for the week and the daughter is home from India.....all the children in Illinois at the same time.....that is very unusual!!!

You'd think you would get used to how tall the kids are when you see them with others...not so much! The poor little guy in the back was totally obscured by Eric....These were the recipients of the Bachelor Degree....there were 30 who received their associate degree.

They were given a rose to give to the person they felt helped them the most during their schooling.

I have never seen this boy smile so large....

Always nice to have a Cake!!

See who got the rose......:)

His diploma.....
The man who spoke at graduation kept it short and sweet....the theme was network network network.....we liked his talk ....if not only for the brevity but because of his theme.

Michigania family portrait 09

2009-08-24T18:15:00.002-05:00

Getting 30 people ready for a family portrait is an heroic effort!

The final result!

Woodpeckers marks

2009-08-22T18:28:00.001-05:00

While on a nature hike, we found this tree that had been used by a woodpecker. I was amazed at the design of the holes as they work to get the insects out of the dead tree.

The Unicorn

2009-08-21T18:25:00.001-05:00

The family camp we attend in Petosky, Michigan caters to the 3 and 4 year olds and the 5 and 6 year olds. The 5 and 6 year olds sing a song that goes:
"fives and sixes are the best
the very best kids in camp.
And if you think you can mess with us
we'll show you that you can't, uh -huh!"
and they tell the kids about the unicorn. One of the horse staff, dresses up and rides the unicorn by the kids. It is amazing to see the faces of the kids.....

An organic garden

2009-08-20T06:17:00.000-05:00

This is an organic garden in Petosky, Michigan. It is on an acre and they have volunteers come and pick the produce. It was pouring the rain the day we were here but it was a lovely place to visit......

Cousins.....

2009-08-19T18:13:00.001-05:00

While we were on vacation in Petosky, Michigan with 30 family members, these 2 found that swinging in the hammock is a GREAT time....

A week later

2009-07-16T18:08:00.001-05:00

Shannon is feeling much better a week after her accident. Here she is after he stitches were removed and she is cooking dinner.

An update on the leg wound...

2009-07-12T11:04:00.000-05:00

Shannon is home from India and this is one of her favorite pictures.....she is the tall blonde!!!

I thought I would update you on her leg wound that I posted in March.....She would not take a photo of it until she got home...

Here is what it looked like...

From this to this....whew.....that is just disgusting..

..and healed thank heavens.

But now we have another issue with little Shannon.....of all things...she got hit by a car on her bike while she was back at her old University. An ambulance ride and 36 stitches in her face later.....this is what she looks like........

she is very fortunate she only had stitches...probably a broken nose as well as she has 2 black eyes and whiplash of course.....we thought we had revoked her bike privilege's 2 years ago when she had a bike accident (same place --- different circumstances) but she is 23 and can make her own decisions....but we do think she has decided that India is safer than her on her bike!
She really is better after 4 days ...she just feels like she got hit by a car...oh wait...she did!

A celebrity

2009-06-29T09:50:00.003-05:00

I took my Scholastic Bowl Varsity Team (ok just 4 of them!) to a National Convention at the Hyatt Renissance Hotel (by O'Hare airport). Out of all the peolpe that were there, my guys ran into none other than Ken Jennings(shown in photo). For those of you that aren't Jeopardy! watchers, he is the guy that holds the record for the longest winning streak on Jeopardy! (His book is quite a good read Brainiac). For the Academic crowd, this was like meeting the President! He happens to be very involved in Scholastic Bowl -or Academic Bowl or Quiz Bowl....pick a name you understand!---and he was very very nice to the kids.

Sari....

2009-06-23T23:02:00.001-05:00

I have been given a lesson on how to wear and wrap a sari. What do you think? Kinda fun. Shannon has returned from India....very Indian.........she LOVED India..... Really...it is good to have her home after 6 months.
I think I still need some practice on the Sari wrapping!

Flo

2009-06-07T21:40:00.001-05:00

I have blogged about my friend, Flo before. She is my friend's 94 year old mother. I have never met a person who only had nice things to say about everyone...even those that really have not a lot of nice in them. I consider my self fortunate that she was my bridge partner for years. She moved to an assisted living community last Sept. We celebrated her 94th birthday on May 25th. I picked her up for her grandson's graduation party yesterday and she saw family she hadn't seen in almost a year. She was surrounded by family, friends,and loved ones in a way she hadn't been for a while.
She was called home to the Lord this morning and we will all miss Grandma Flo. When you can party your last day with those you love and lay your head down and have the angels come for you....I guess that is a good day.

MIL

2009-06-02T06:25:00.000-05:00

It was my Motherinlaw's Birthday and my nephew is showing her how to use her IPod....not bad for being 89. I wish my husband was as savvy as my MIL is with technology!

Nieces

2009-05-10T21:06:00.001-05:00

I went to Dubuque, Iowa to listen to my 2 nieces play the piano in a recital like event. It was wonderful. They were wonderful and they played beautifully. Way to go girls!

We walked to their recital...this is the Mississippi in the back ground. You can go here to read about Dubuque, Iowa.

A new Car!

2009-04-26T10:13:00.001-05:00

I apolgize for not blogging more recently but we have been spending all our free time searching for a new car for son #2--his first BIG purchase on his own. The car we inherited from my mom after my dad died, has finally given it up at 200,000 miles (although for those of you that know the husband...he is not sure it is dead yet)and this was the car that he was driving. Everyone should have the experience of car shopping....especially with someone who is 6'7".....it makes car shopping a whole new ball game. The men in this family have to try on cars like most people try on shoes. Also, son #2 is not easily swayed to a car salesman point of view. In the time that it took him to think about his options (not many I might add....a '07 Hyundi Azera-too expensive, a 06 Nissam Maxima..same problem a 07 Chevy Impala and a 08 Ford Taurus)--I could have been talked into 4 other cars in a half a heart beat!!!
He finally decided on the 08 Ford as he got the best deal and it had the least amount of miles and better warranty.
This is it and he is very happy.....and I can now go back and spend my free time blogging!

Clancy and Sparty and Simon

2009-03-31T06:37:00.004-05:00

Well, someone(s) certainly enjoyed the snow.....me....not so much.

Happy birthday Kathleen!

2009-03-28T15:44:00.001-05:00

A sister of my heart....one of the nicest things I got from my husband was this sister. She has been a fabulous SIL...Happy Birthday! My sister has a cat for you if you are interested!

Fatticus the cat

2009-03-21T08:39:00.003-05:00

Fatticus is my older sister's cat. There is a history here with this cat as apparently it hates everyone and everyone hates it.I am not sure why but the following is a letter....written in jest for those that don't have a sense of humor.....by my older sister.
"Fatticus is a wonderful cat. You will never need an alarm clock again (I sure hope your get up time is 3am) -- a serious energy saver. Loves to be petted as long as you don't hit the sweet spot on his stomach and he will bite the hell out of you. Loves Schnauzers -really all little dogs are his love....(hehehehe.) Eats like a dog. (a big ass dog) Has a unique way of letting you know he's hungry-- OH-- I guess that's his non-stop high pitched meow. You only need to empty the cat litter once a day if you have dogs (they tend to carry the "refuse" around the house as a "gift"). He has a pedigree believe it or not but is just not appreciated by the men in the family. He is looking forward to being moved to a much drier climate
So how's this for making someone want Fatticus??? Not everyone has the opportunity you have to have a perfectly good used cat that is more or less house trained, comes with litter box, bed, brush, shampoo (oh yeah you should try giving him a bath it's worth a mastercard moment), pillow, toys, one bag of food, litter and 100 dollars to buy the rest of his monthly food. With work and discipline you might even get him trained to go outside to the restroom however, cleaning that off the rock in the backyard will be dicey. Now for the best part, don't ever leave the bathroom door open while you are using the facilities because he expects to be picked up while you are sitting there.

I feel this will be the breaking point for you and your loved ones. How could
you not want a fabulous 23 pound loving "gentle" cat like this? There aren't many opportunities to find a real Maine Coon. Don't let this fall from your grasp. It's an exciting time in your life and I'm sure this addition to your family will make the transition mucheasier.
PICTURE ENCLOSED

Always thinking of you all!!!!"

--
Your loving mother, sister, daughter, sisterinlaw, wife, friend, co worker etc....

I

Where oh where has my little dog gone?

2009-03-18T13:31:00.000-05:00

Sparty was very very interested in the 50 lb empty bag of dog food......

A sad story

2009-03-09T22:41:00.002-05:00

I was at the vet today for Clancy. While we were there, there was a gentleman sitting on the bench waiting with his little Yorkshire terrier who is 9. There were tears on his face and the dog was curled up in his jacket. I assumed they were there for something awful, like putting the dog to sleep. Well, if you know me, you know I can't stand not knowing and so I asked. Turns out, the gentleman has had to move into an apartment that will not allow dogs (I was afraid to ask why what with the tough economic times people are suffering) and he was turning his 9 year old dog over to a rescue and he was waiting for them to come and get him. Truly, if I did not already have 4 dogs, I would've taken her home with me. I was so sad for both of them.
Sigh.....what a way to end a day.

A traveling man

2009-03-03T14:30:00.003-06:00

AN Airport photo.....waiting for the plane home from Las Vegas......

Parenting...not for the faint of heart

2009-02-14T18:50:00.007-06:00

If you are squeamish, you might not want to look at the pictures I am going to post.
Shannon is traveling with a friend and they decided to stop in Chiang Mai, Thailand and do a Thai massage class for a few weeks. Shannon called the other evening and we had a conversation that went something like this.....

Shannon.."all is good now....but I had a hole in my leg. I can tell you now because it is all better. I have been to the hospital and been on 2 courses of antibiotics and the hole in my leg is only a scab now."
Me..."WHAT!!!?"

Shannon: "Really, mom, that is why I didn't call sooner...I didn't want you to worry. It really is all better now. I will send you a newer picture than these."

Me..."WHAT?!!!"

Shannon..."Really I am fine...don't worry. I have moved out the hovel I was staying in so I am in a clean place now and it is finally almost healed."

Me..."what-were-you-on, how-long-were-you-on-it,how-did-this-happen, when-do-you-see-the doctor again, why-didn't-you-call sooner.what do you mean you moved OUT OF A HOVEL!!!!?"

Shannon.."this is why I didn't tell you sooner. You are such a worrier...really, all is good. I will send you a newer picture next week when I can upload photos again.
Love you and talk to you soon.
OH and by the way...I am going to India in 2 weeks. Why don't you come over for spring break?"

I ask you...you look at the photos and tell me if I overreacted.......

Twins

2009-02-05T06:37:00.001-06:00

Meet Taylor and Caitlyn.....my goddaughter's twins, born on Dec. 31. My goddaughter is also a twin. They are very very tiny but very healthy....I thought it was cute how they sleep with their heads off to the side.....probably how they were in the womb....

Trophies

2009-02-01T08:49:00.002-06:00

I am a coach for Scholastic Bowl(Academic Team) at the school where I work. I have done this for 7 years. This year, the Varsity is what I like to call "my dream team"...it is the first team I tried out as Freshman and picked and turned out....I may not ever qualify to play the game....... but I DO know how to pick the people that can. True, I am the Frosh/Soph coach but they start with me and then move up to Varsity when they are Juniors. Yesterday was my birthday and we had games all day.

My kids(Varsity and Frosh/Soph) got me a birthday cake with our emblem on it(the photo aboe is the back of my shirt)....and me without my camera. It only occurred to me later that I could've used my cell phone camera....duh.The good news is that Varsity and Frosh/Soph are currently in First place in our league (consisting of 10 schools) and Frosh/Soph went undefeated yesterday......a very satisfying day....even if I did turn the speed limit (55 for those of you that are thinking some OTHER speed limit!!)

Smart Car

2009-01-30T06:22:00.002-06:00

You can see a different shot of this car here. I love the license plate on this......

The Taj M'hal

2009-01-27T08:13:00.001-06:00

Shannon and my MIL at the Taj Mahl .......(they are in the lower left.)

Clancy and Sparty

2009-01-25T10:31:00.001-06:00

Just trying to give you an idea about how small Sparty is or how big Clancy is....the gray box on the side of Clancy's neck is his electric collar....we have an electric fence and all the dogs have a collar....it works amazingly well....it is also called an invisible fence since the cable is underground. Works on a signal...the dogs hear a beep if they get too close to the fence and then, if they ignore the beep and keep going...they get a small electric "zap"...they are all excellent about not testing their boundaries. The "zap" is not hurtful...it is like a static electricity charge.

Presidents

2009-01-20T00:30:00.002-06:00

This was sent to me and I think in honor of today, as Barack Obama becomes our 44th president, that it is very appropriate.

VERY INTERESTING HOW THIS IS DONE.... A SEAMLESS TRANSITION
FROM ONE PIC TO ANOTHER...... Turn up the volume. Forty four presidents, backed by Ravel's Bolero.

http://www.flixxy.com/presidents-morphing.htm

Something to ponder .

2009-01-18T18:12:00.002-06:00

When good people have a falling out, only one of them may be at fault at first; but if the strife continues long, usually both become guilty.
-- Thomas Fuller

Happy Birthday Mom!

2009-01-16T12:04:00.001-06:00

If your are 75 today that means I will be 55 in 2 weeks....yikes! that used to seem old but now....not so much! Hope you have a great day! I really had no other picture of you......go figure....

A few dog shots

2009-01-07T18:43:00.005-06:00

I haven't posted my dogs for awhile...the little one is Sparty and the tall one is Simon.

Clancy and Simon.....

Sparty, Simon and Clancy.....

Simon, Sparty and Clancy on the "dog" couch....

Tessie, the 14 year old chocolate lab tolerating Sparty...

A Barbie Doll house

2009-01-04T21:54:00.009-06:00

19 years ago....literally, my husband built this Barbie doll house for our daughter...
Doll houses were very popular then but they were little Victorian houses with tiny itty bitty pieces. My husband decided that since she loved Barbie's, a Barbie house would be a good thing. I can not tell you how many hours were spent in front of this playing with Barbie and all her "stuff". It has been residing with my neighbor across the street and her girls have now also outgrown it. Most all of the furniture Santa brought our daughter has survived all of these years and many hours of play. It now has a new home with my 3 nieces. I put it in the back of my suburban -a very difficult thing....the dimensions on this are 52" height, 50" width, and 28" deep.
I can only assume there will be many more hours of play and enjoyment for them!

Off to Singapore

2009-01-03T19:12:00.000-06:00

This is what the daughter looked like as she was leaving for Singapore. She is traveling with my 88 year old Motherinlaw. They spent Christmas with one of my husband's brothers and the oldest son flew down from Beijing to celebrate Christmas as well......

Happy New Year and Welcome Babies!

2009-01-01T10:05:00.003-06:00

What better way to welcome a new year but with the birth of not one but TWO Babies! My goddaughter(who herself is a TWIN!) delivered 2 healthy twin girls New Year's Eve....Congratulations to the new family!

Christmas

2008-12-29T16:41:00.000-06:00

Christmas morning at our house.....

ABC Wednesday "W"

2008-12-23T14:51:00.001-06:00

It is ABC Wednesday and W is for Wedding dress. Visit more ABC Wednersday at Mrs. Nesbitt's.

A Tuba Boy from Beijing

2008-12-20T09:58:00.000-06:00

Bin is my Korean foreign exchange daughter's friend. He had a senior tuba recital this week and Kathleen and I went down to listen to him....he was awesome....I had my doubts about a tuba concert but he was really quite good.

The kids

2008-12-16T06:56:00.001-06:00

I would say that this picture captures what my kids are like......

Cousins

2008-12-08T06:58:00.000-06:00

These are the first cousins.....Jackie and Shannon,,,,,,SeaKyung is my Korean foreign exchange daughter and Christine is the daughter of a very good friend......Jeff, you are a hoot....

Who's related to whom?

2008-12-02T06:30:00.000-06:00

Can you tell from this photo who is related and who is not? I will share tomorrow the correct answer!(s)

Cleaning Cranberries

2008-11-29T06:42:00.000-06:00

Eric and Mikey went over to their great aunt's house and wonder of wonders....cranberries needed to be cleaned off the ceiling..no, they didn't ask how, they just cleaned it up....helps to be very tall.....

Cousins

2008-11-28T18:40:00.000-06:00

Jackie and Shannon.....enjoying Thanksgiving....

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T18:11:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving dinner for 25 family and friends. Hope yours was as nice as ours!

A pair of Spaniels....Sparty and Emma

2008-11-26T15:14:00.000-06:00

Sparty is a King Charles Cavalier and Emma is an English Springer Spaniel....very cute don't you think?

Sparty

2008-11-24T09:32:00.000-06:00

A picture of Sparty......he is up to 11 pounds and is 5 months old.

A daughter to New Zealand

2008-11-22T11:47:00.000-06:00

A daughter getting ready to leave for her trip to New Zealand.....I had no idea where New Zealand was when I was her age........oh well.....times change!!!!

Returning to Beijing

2008-11-21T11:46:00.000-06:00

A son getting ready to return to Beijing.......

still a wedding

2008-11-18T00:20:00.000-06:00

My older sister, by 17 months , and I with our husbands in the background...I am amazed at how old we are getting and looking.....where does the time go? I still feel 20........sheesh....

Brothers and Sisters

2008-11-14T09:57:00.000-06:00

The bride and her 4 sisters and the groom and his 2 brothers.......

1997 to 2008

2008-11-12T00:29:00.000-06:00

Eric, Greg, Stephen,Tommy,Michal, Jeffrey, Shannon and Andy 1997 July

Eric, Greg, Stephen, Jeffrey, Shannon, Michal, Teddy Tommy..

Well, some things never change !I think if Andy had been here...he would go in front of Jeffrey but I am not sure! Nov. 2008

The Bride and Groom

2008-11-11T10:23:00.001-06:00

We drove 777 miles one way to enjoy the nuptials of this lovely couple.....
Congrats to the Happy Couple.

Sparty and Tessie

2008-11-01T18:25:00.001-05:00

Sparty adores Tessie...to the point that he follows her everywhere....even in for her afternoon nap!

Happy Birthday, Charley and Shannon!

2008-10-31T18:38:00.000-05:00

This was taken at Niagra Falls this summer. Happy Birthday to the both of you!

Happy Birthday Shannon and Tommy!

2008-10-25T15:44:00.006-05:00

Happy Birthday dear Shannon, Happy Birthday to you!!
Happy Birthday, Tommy!

The oldest grandson (in the middle) and the only granddaughter, share the same birthday.....and today is it......hope both of your birthdays are fabulous in the part of the world you currently are!!!!

Love Mom and Aunt Nene

We really need to do a current picture at the up coming wedding......this one is a hoot!
Tommy, where do you think you are in the line up now? lol

Water and Girls

2008-10-24T17:47:00.002-05:00

These are my 2 Russian visitors who are now back in Ufa, Russia.....I hope they had as much fun here as I enjoyed their company.....this is Lake Michigan....I know...looks like an ocean! but it is the closest we get to an ocean here in the midwest!!!

Happy Birthday Jeffrey!

2008-10-23T15:36:00.000-05:00

You and Shannon were goofing around on the way to a serious function...Happy Birthday to one of my most favorite nephews!!
Love Aunt NENE

A Costa Rican photograph

2008-10-13T10:15:00.003-05:00

This is for my blogger friends that have inquired......bet you have never been in an almond tree have you? I know I certainly haven't!
Apparently, Shannon loves to sleep in the trees and wake to the sound of howler monkeys........

Football Games

2008-10-12T08:45:00.006-05:00

This is the University of Illinois football game. I was down yesterday for their Homecoming game. It is tradition to tailgate but THIS is definitely a fan like I have never seen.
Who would want a van with Tailgate written all over it and in ORANGE? Let me assure
you, not me....but these were SERIOUS tailgater's....they had a grill and flags...and just so much stuff.I couldn't get beyond the VAN!

When my Russian visitors were here, I took them to the high school football game where I take/sell tickets. They were amazed when I told them that this is what happens all over America, every weekend, at every University, College, high school, Junior High school, little leagues.....in every town EVERYWHERE....they could not wrap their mind around that.....Amazing what we take for granted.......

Salad?

2008-10-07T06:44:00.000-05:00

I bet not many of you get a chance to eat a lovely potatoe salad with your name on it do you?

Butterfly

2008-10-06T13:59:00.004-05:00

A follow-up to my police story.....
We went to court on Wednesday. Elina's comment "This is a scary looking government building" on the way in...sorta set the tone!
But it all worked out-no thanks to all the lawyers in my husband's family , I might add....... the case was dismissed. I got chastised for letting her drive in America without her license on her(let's recheck those facts, folks!). I just smiled and got the heck out of there...
So all's well that ends well.
I certainly am glad nothing else came of that.....

This is a yard decoration that we saw out in Long Grove- a very quaint shopping area that has taken Victorian homes and made them into shops.

How time Flies

2008-09-26T00:39:00.001-05:00

It has been brought to my attention that I have been neglecting this blog! so let me see if I can "share some love"!

First let me say that my BIl continues to improve after his open heart surgery. He is home and walking and eating well and it will be a week today that he became a member of the "mended hearts club"....not by his choice I might add. Thanks for all of your good wishes to him.

Second, I have been very busy with 2 Russian girls that Shannon met at camp. They came over on a program called "Camp America" and the incentive to come to Camp America was to see America-when your job at camp was done- and learn English. Let me be the first to tell you that the only way these girls would have learned English was if all the girls from the Eastern Block spoke it because that is all that were working in the camp kitchen! They worked very very hard for their 10 week contract and then they had 8 weeks to see America. Let's just say that by the time they reached Chicago from Michigan they realized that the money they had made would not take them much further than Chicago. I was more than happy to let them stay in Shannon's room(as she is still in Costa Rica) and have been delighted that it has worked out that they have been our guests. One of them left for Russia yesterday and the other one will leave next week.
This is not the first time I have had visitors from other parts of the world. I have had Jean Baptiste from France, 4 girls from Germany at various times, Alejandra from Columbia, my Korean girl that spent 2 years with me and is currently attending her
3rd year in college in Chicago. She spends Christmas and holidays with me....I almost feel sorry for her..having an American mom and a Korean mom....if you ask me who is more intense it will amaze most of you that it is NOT me!!
So having 2 Russian girls stay for a few weeks...no problem. I have enjoyed having them here. They are wonderful and very helpful. They have always been worried about imposing on my hospitality but they have been fabulous guests. They have cleaned, cooked some of their favorite dishes for me, worked on my weeds(because you know how much time I find for that!!!), taken care of my 3 dogs and been just wonderful. They have been downtown to see the sights of Chicago...the Sears Tower, Navy Pier, Grant Park, the Magnificent Mile, some museums. We have been shopping. They have discovered "sales" and LOVE them. They plan to have an American party when they both get back to Russia and they will serve their favorite foods.....rRice Crispy treats and chocolate chip cookies! But I think their time here has been well spent. Their English has improved and they have celebrated Thanksgiving dinner with us. They have been to Lake Michigan..and fallen in!
I learn so much from having people from different cultures stay with us. My MIL has been very kind to them as well....she took them down to the farm and showed them corn and soybeans.....unfortunately, she also showed them the inside of a police station. How? Well, she let one of them drive home from the farm (she has a current and valid drivers license in Russia...it just happens to be IN Russia and not on her!)and there was a minor(very very minor) fender bender but technically she was "driving without a license" as well as the "accident" so he made her get in the back of the police car and he drove her to the station to "book" her...let me just tell you that this was not an experience the girls were looking for. I am guessing that this is NOT a good thing in Russia. My comment to the police officer (when I finally got there) was "You couldn't handle this a bit differently? you do know that in Russia when the police come for you, you are never seen again or you become the next Russian gymnast don't you?" --and this was after the little girl had fainted(scared out of her mind) and she is laying in the floor of the police station waiting for 911 to respond. oh yeah...fun times. I am just lucky they decided to not put ME in jail!!.....our court date is next week, we have a copy of her Driver's license so all will be well....
But I can't help wondering-- how will all this translate when they get home?

Sparty playing with Clancy and Simon

2008-08-26T21:59:00.000-05:00

Sparty wanted so much to play with the big dogs...he has no idea that he is a little dog....but he sure is cute.....

Sparty

2008-08-23T09:27:00.007-05:00

This is Sparty, my niece's new King Charles Cavalier puppy, who we are watching for the weekend.

Sparty meeting Tessie....who was not impressed...

Sparty...drinking out of a 1 cup measuring cup.....

Clancy and Simon trying to decide what in the world it is.....

In the shade of the old apple...er.... maple tree

2008-08-11T23:13:00.002-05:00

My little Russian vistors and German vistor as well....Can you tell who is from where? We had a very international house this weekend.....2 girls from Russia via Shannon and Michigania and 1 girl from Berlin who visited at Michigania (as well as my niece who speaks German and English!)......we are having a wonderful visit with all our English idioms!!! Klara....we miss you !!!

Camp Michigania

2008-08-05T21:20:00.001-05:00

Here is the crowd that vacationed at Camp Michigania this year.....a lovely time was had by all.....

A Daughter traveling

2008-07-17T21:07:00.001-05:00

The daughter off to her travels in Costa Rica for 6 months.....with all she needs on her back and front......

Another niece

2008-07-14T14:03:00.002-05:00

This is a one of my many nieces (ok....to be fair I have only a great nephew....truly they are my husband's nieces and nephews but I love 'em like they were mine!) who broke her knuckle playing basketball. She was delighted to be asked to pass out the programs for the bride, her cousin. Doesn't she look sweet? or at least busy!!!!

Some more Wedding pictures

2008-07-09T21:56:00.005-05:00

The bride and her parents.....

The Bride and Groom on the altar....

Yours truly at the piano with the opera singers(my nephew)....the song?
One Hand, One Heart from West Side Story...

The Wedding Party....

ABC Wednesday Y is for Yoda

2008-07-09T07:35:00.005-05:00

Today is ABC Wednesday. I wasn't sure I was going to come up with anything for "Y" as I have already done Yellow and Yeast...and my brain was having trouble thinking of more Y's! But....while walking through one of my sons' rooms, I saw this. What I like about this is the depiction of time from my point of view. There was a time that my boys lived for Star Wars. We even had an R2D2 toy chest....which was way more fun to play with when there were no toys in it I might add.......Looking at his book shelf, I see the love of his youth and how he grew up. Notice the shot glasses? and the vase from his trip to Berlin...also on the shelf was a souvenir from Australia and the Berlin wall.....and other items from college and his travels to China...where he currently lives. How time flies.
Please stop over at Mrs. Nesbitt's place to look at all the creative "Y" choices!

The bride and groom

2008-07-08T21:19:00.004-05:00

It was the bride and groom's first dance as a married couple. I just love how this turned out.....it reminds me of a very vintage, romantic time. Her dress was made from her mother and grandmother's wedding dress by her new sisterinlaw who is a designer in Montreal(where we were for the wedding).....Congratulations Laura and Alexis!We really enjoyed your special day!

A Sad Day

2008-06-21T22:48:00.003-05:00

This will come as a BIG surprise to my nephews in Virginia but the LE BARON is no more...I know I know..... you thought the tominator would be the first to go but No...It bit the dust today when Uncle Charley slid into a mini van and the air bag deployed and the left headlight is gone and the hood is bent and the list is endless. The good news...no one was hurt..no tickets were given so not even really his fault but Uncle Charley has NEVER been in an accident before....he was pretty surprised...and still feels shocked...so ...goodbye to the Le Baron...it has moved on to the car resting place ( isn't that called a junk yard?) ..now....if only I can unload the '88 suburban.......*SIGH*

My Opera Singing Nephew

2008-06-14T10:05:00.001-05:00

Last week, we (#2 son, niece from HongKong, MIL) drove to Cincinnati to hear my nephew's Master recital...part of his receiving his Masters degree in Music.....this is a photo of him and his piano player. I wish I knew how to video and put it in my blog because I have been to some wonderful performance's this year with just people I know! Dan sang beautifully and we all enjoyed it immensely! He is such a great nephew.....and talented....even if I am his aunt!! My husband and I have been truly blessed with nieces and nephews -on both sides-!!! We are very fortunate.

Happy 32nd Anniversary!

2008-06-12T09:52:00.001-05:00

It's a sign of our love and devotion that we have stayed married for 32 years!....or we are just too damn stubborn to give up....but then...why give up on a good thing?
Actually, I was one of the lucky ones and was able to marry the love of my life.
Happy Anniversary to my hubby!(We haven't changed much have we?!!
But when someone said you don't marry his family............
let me be the first to assure you that you would be wrong!

ABC Wednesday T is for Teddy

2008-06-04T00:01:00.000-05:00

Teddy, my great nephew, just turned one. My sister, his grandmother, made this flag for him. His mommy took him out to see it and doesn't it look like he loves it? Stop by Mrs. Nesbitt's place to see other participants today.

Another Wedding Shower

2008-06-03T15:27:00.004-05:00

We have been blessed with many nieces and nephews. Another niece-who is also a god daughter- is getting married this summer in Montreal. She and her fiance were the recipients of a surprise wedding shower at the club (not mine!). A very small but lovely affair. Here they are opening their presents. .....and-- I got to see every single one of them. (Placemats, candle holder, very nice cutting board, lovely,very sharp knives, pizza slicer, garlic press-with the admonishment to not use your fingers as the blade is very sharp!!!-waterford crystal, waffle iron.... just to name a few)...not sure what the protocol really is but it certainly was lovely watching them open their gifts.

ABC Wednesday S is for Santa's

2008-05-27T17:03:00.000-05:00

I have decided to stick with the Santa theme for ABC Wednesday. Drop over to Mrs. Nesbitt's place to see what others have come up with.