I miss

I miss you all so much. I can't beleive that we have moved after a year. I miss the old house because I spent more that half of my life in it so it is kinda sad. I love you all and wish that I could see you all again.

Mother's Day & Tim's B-day

Well, yesterday was Mother's Day. I hope that all mothers had a wonderful day.

I cheated!

They were running a project at work, where they needed to test different types of packed cargo... and if that cargo is perishable, it would only be thrown out afterwards, so it is offered to the employees. (for the past couple weeks they had been testing fruit, which meant I didn't have to buy fruit for lunch)
Well, Thursday and Friday they were testing organic items, and they used flowers! When they were done, all the flowers were up-for-grabs! I was limited by what I could bring home on the train, but I got an african violet for Mom, and then I grabbed 3 other potted plants for my sisters in the area who are mothers (Pat, Sue, and Rita). I spent Sunday, first at Mom's (where I also saw Rita), then at Pat's and finally at Sue's. They were very happy to receive the flowers (even knowing that I got them for free), and I got to spend some times with each of them, visiting.

I also got to see my brother Rick at Mom's house (2nd time in two weeks - I'm gonna overdose!). I had a nice visit with Mom before Rick and Rita got there, then had a nice conversation with all. Pat was happy to see me, and Dave had just gotten back from an Alabama trip (literally...had just gotten back an hour before I got there). I didn't want to interupt the homecoming, but they both wanted me to stay and talk...so, another good conversation, there. They were planning to go to young David's for a barbecue, so I didn't stay longer then about 1/2 hour.

I stopped at Sue's last, and had another nice visit. We reminisced over several memories, and caught up on news. She shared the fun she has babysitting her grandchildren, and I was giving the latest news on the boys. She had gotten a couple of phone calls from her children while I was there, and promised to call them back after I had left, so I ended our visit after about an hour.

In other news, Yesterday was also Tim's birthday! He turned 18!

I called him about 10:30 in the morning, hoping he was awake. He was (but still in his room), and was walking upstairs to his mom's room to turn off her alarm, since it had been ringing (on and off) for awhile. They were planning on going out to breakfast for moms day/birthday, and then going to visit her family (seveal birthdays and several moms).

I didn't stay on with him, but gave my birthday wishes and let hime get on with his day. Once again.... Happy Birthday, Tim!

Congratulations Tim!

I forgot to mention earlier. Tim called me on Saturday from his yearly school trip to the Skills USA contest, to let me know that he came in 3rd place in the contest! He has been going every year to this contest as a member of the Skills USA team for his school.

He says that he can hardly believe he won, since he had stayed up till 4:30 am talking to his friends the night before. He also didn't know the programming of the robot arm (what he did to win) very well, and had to review it before the contest.

He says that he won't be going on to the National competition with just a 3rd place, but it is still a remarkable achievement, I think.Check it out here

Cameron's Baptism

Chris and Michele's daughter Cameron was baptized on Sunday. Unfortunately, I arrived late. I was told it was at 2pm, but it really started at 1pm. (Party was set for 2pm) So, I arrived at the tail end of the ceremony. I did get a couple of shots, though.


Cameron being held by Godmother Jessica.


And going head-to-head with Grandmom Rita.


And sister Alex being held by her Uncle Mark.

I prefer these "candid" shots when they don't know I'm there, even though they can be harder to get. When they see me taking their picture, they tend to "pose". It's a bit harder to hide myself, though, because my camera is a multipurpose video/still camera. People see me coming, think they are being video'd and stop what they are doing to pose .

I did get a few more candid shots at the church before I was asked to help Dad out to the car.



Grandpop and Mike with his son Ryan


....and big sister Dannie

We all went to the party afterward. Unfortunately, the lighting was not so good there, but I did get a few shots.


Person of honor, Cameron, at the head of the head table. Mommy and Daddy to either side.









The catering was very good. Thank You, Chris and Michele, for a nice party. Food was delicious. Service was great. Even the kids loved the settings (see below). Alex was trying very hard to open her little bag of eggs (mints, i think).


I didn't stay for cake, but that looked good too.


(Adding this on 5/6 to see if it works... supposed to be slideshow of rest of photos from that day!)