Friday, December 21, 2007

Grandkids at Rotolite Party - or - Trying to Capture Spencer

CoenAyden with her daddy Stevie
Gracie with her Uncle Karl
Cousins Gracie & Ayden


Yesterday was one of those fun pre-Christmas days when I was able to watch Spencer perform in his preschool performance (he was the best one!!) and then we had our Annual Rotolite Party.
I often have trouble catching the kids at the right moment for a good photo shot. But as you can see above, the babies at least sit still for a few moments for me. Below are 16 of the 21 shots I took trying to get Spencer. He has so many cute expressions though I had to post them all. There are a lot of benefits to digital cameras!!
I hope you all have a wonderful holiday with family & friends - Merry Christmas!!

Friday, November 16, 2007

Newest Grandchild


Grace Roslyn, new daughter of Nate & Becky.
8 pounds 9 1/2 ounces and 20 3/4 inches.
Lots of hair and beautiful big eyes -
Everyone doing well and love that she's finally here.

Sunday, October 07, 2007

To Chicago by Amtrak





Steve & I just took a few days last week to visit Chicago. We took the Amtrak there and back - but more on that later. We had a good time and did LOTS of walking. We arrived late afternoon and went out to Navy Pier where we just walked around (photo #1) and then went to Bubba Gumps for dinner. As we were walking back to our hotel ( Side note: Knickerbocker - an historical hotel. The bed was good and the people were nice but the bathroom was a total joke!!) anyway, we were walking along Michigan Avenue with hordes of people who were on their way home from work (it was already after 7pm) and we see an old friend waiting for his bus home. David E. was leaning against a building reading a book- I think we gave him quite a start. He only had a few minutes to chat before his bus came but it was good to see him.
Next day we walked down to the Wrigley Building where we caught an architectural boat tour - (photos #3 & #4). It was a beautiful day and a great tour. From there we walked on down to the Theater District to find lunch and to see Wicked - which was my main reason for coming to Chicago in the first place - (when we made these plans we didn't know it was coming back to St. Louis.) It's a great play and if you have a chance go see it. We walked all the way back to the hotel, did dinner, and then caught a taxi to the Blue Man Group - let's just say I can say I've seen it. It wasn't bad but not something I'd ever bother going to again.
Next day we caught a Gangster Tour Bus (photo #4) - this was fun and they took us through a lot of Chicago we wouldn't have seen on our own. After that we caught a taxi to the Field Museum and after seeing Sue the dinosaur and about a hundred other exhibits we were too tired to do any of the other museums and went back to the hotel for some r&r. We ended our trip that evening by going to a fun play Shear Madness. It's a little unusual but we enjoyed it.
Now about the Amtrak. It's an interesting experience. Things to Know:
1 - Don't expect to arrive anywhere on time. We were an hour late to Chicago and more than an hour late back to St. Louis.
2 - I really don't recommend it with young children unless it's a very short trip. Trying to walk on the train while it's in motion is a challenge to adults and stepping from one car to the next is actually terrifying to the little ones.
3 - The best time to use the 'facilities' is when the train is not moving. I found that the most opportune time was when the station stop was deemed a "smoke stop" - which means we would be there for at least 3-5 minutes for the smokers to get off and indulge.
4 - Food is expensive - bring your own if at all possible.
5 - St. Louis has the saddest excuse for an Amtrak station - it's called a shack and for good reason. Even these tiny little towns in Illinois had cute little stations like in Kirkwood.
6 - Chicago's Union Station is downright scary - you're underground and have to walk along these long sidewalks between tracks. Plus, being a larger station - it's run more like an airport - but no bag checks at least.
7 - Your fellow passengers are an interesting assortment but usually quite harmless. Except for the few who curl up and sleep the whole way, most people chat with each other as if you were at a fellowship of some sort. You can have the quiet Amish family sitting near you or the total opposite. As we left St. Louis in a half empty car, a drunk decided to occupy the seat across from us. When he popped open his 4th beer can within the first 40 minutes of the trip (and it was only 9AM) we moved back several seats. He didn't really bother anyone except when he'd yell out "And people wonder why I drink!" Anyway, he was the worse. Most of the time the people may be a little different from what we know but the stories you hear make the trip pass quicker. It's everything from the seasoned train traveler who can tell you how the whole operation works to the young college girl who has no clue. You find out who is going where and why, what kind of work they do or family they come from. Also, I've noticed that people tend to talk a lot louder when they are on their cell phone - I couldn't believe how the gal behind us yelled at her mom because the train was running late (what could she do about it??!!) and then she shared with all of us as she chatted with her friend about her drug/alcohol abuse since school started. But we met a lot of very nice normal people too who were equally interesting.
All in all - we had a good trip but both agreed it was great to get back home.

Saturday, September 15, 2007

Becky's Baby Shower


Saturday was Becky's Baby Shower and it was a great time. Lots of family & friends - including Ayden and a couple of pirates (Spencer & Coen). We had some yummy food and then Becky had a mountain of presents to open. Hard to believe Gracie will be here in about 2 more months. Grandkids are so much fun!! I was only able to get one picture to upload - maybe Becky will have more on her blog.

Saturday, September 01, 2007

Stevie's Very Belated Birthday

Stevie celebrated his real birthday 2 weeks ago with several family and friends - but he wanted to wait for his 'official' celebration until I was well enough from my surgery to join them. Of course, it's always hard to get everybody together so we were minus Becky & Nate. We had a good visit and we even got a few pictures of the cousins together - in a few months we'll have to update those to include the Kelley cousin. But of course, even though I've tried many times in the last 24 hours, I can't get pictures to upload again - sorry - but anyway -----
Happy Very Belated Birthday Stevie - I love you!

Monday, August 06, 2007

These Brothers See Eye to Eye

This is a picture Jenny & Karl shared with me - I love the expressions on their faces. I believe these brothers already have a sincere love for each other that will last their whole life through. They make each other laugh and then you can't help but laugh too. I've watched this same love between my own three children and felt it with my own siblings.
The following quote really has nothing to do with this picture but when I saw they way they looked at each other it reminded me of this quote which I had read in Tending Roses written by Lisa Wingate.
It reminds me of what 'brotherly love' is all about whether you're related or not:
"What we cannot change we must endure without bitterness. Sometimes we must try to view the actions of those around us with forgiveness. We must realize that they are going on the only road they can see. Sometimes we cannot raise our chins and see eye to eye, so we must bow our heads and have faith in one another.


Saturday, July 28, 2007

New Granddaughter

Ayden Elizabeth
born to Stevie & Jessie
7 pounds 10 ounces
20 1/4 inches
Everyone is doing well!
Still can't get pictures to upload but check out Jenny & Becky's blog in the near future.

Friday, July 27, 2007

Jen's Birthday

My blog or my computer is acting up again and I can't get a picture to upload but......
It has been brought to my attention that my eldest didn't get her birthday on my blog. Actually I don't really have a blog anymore but since I will probably be posting new granddaughter information and hopefully pics in the next day or so - I figure I should give Jenny her due. Happy belated birthday Jen - sorry it's so late! Love you!!!!

Wednesday, June 06, 2007

Still a Kid at 58!


Ok - I know this is way way late - but it's the first time in weeks that I was able to upload pics - So - Happy Birthday/Father's Day Steve!

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Karl's Birthday

We celebrated Karl's 33rd Birthday last night with dinner at the new restaurant in Crestwood and then came back to our house for apple pie, brownies, & strawberries - weird combination but that's what the birthday boy wanted. Karl's grandparents were not able to join us but the rest of us were there to enjoy his birthday - hope you had a great birthday Karl!
I don't know if it's Blogger (which has it problems now and then) or Charter.net (which has become so slow and undependable this week that I'm reconsidering dial-up AOL again) - but I've tried off and on all day and cannot get a picture to upload - sorry about that.

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Becky's Birthday


Becky is another year older and we celebrated last night with dinner at J.Bucks and presents & fondue at home. Also - congrats to Nate for receiving his MBA degree (I think those are the right letters?) Yeah KELLEYS!!

Saturday, May 12, 2007

Jessie's Baby Shower


We had a fun baby shower for Jessie and she got all kinds of adorable outfits and a lot of the useful 'baby' stuff she will need in a few more months.
Thanks Sarah & Heidi for hosting the shower - you did a great job!
And thanks family & friends for sharing the fun time with us.










Saturday, March 24, 2007

Bye-bye

A little over a year ago I started this blog mainly to share a few stories and family history to my kids and anyone else who was interested. I think I've said most of what I can share in a public format and honestly - I've gotten a little tired of my own ramblings. I want to thank all who have 'tuned in' - hope you learned something of interest or at least got a chuckle now and then. I'm not planning on posting any longer but I'm not sure how to actually close down the account yet either. Anyway, for future family updates check out Jen, Becky, or Uncle Ed's blogs - if I keep this at all it will just be very random and probably just a picture now and then. It's been fun - now do something constructive with the free 5 minutes I've given you where you don't have to check this blog anymore :))

A few old pics



Tuesday, March 06, 2007

What's Happening



I guess I'm getting old - I'm not use to so much going on at once. Of course the latest big news is that Coen Jesse was born to Jen & Karl and big brother Spencer. He's a doll - actually, he looks just like Spencer at that age. Poor Spencer hasn't had a chance to 'bond' with his brother yet because the big brother has been so sick with a cold, ear & eye infections, and fever. But we're hoping that he's starting to feel better. Jen & Coen stay tucked away in their bedroom while Karl tries to make Spencer feel better.
Becky & Nate were gone this weekend on a ski trip - looks like they had a great time - but I'm just glad they're home safe & sound. Monday is Nate's birthday - Happy Birthday Nate!!
Stevie & Jessie are doing some work on their house - they are trying to get their basement finished. We just got our "Parent's Album" from their wedding - the pictures came out great. So much going on it's hard to believe that they are still newly weds.
Steve & I are still sleeping in the guest room waiting on our new bedroom furniture. The mattress & box springs is suppose to come today so I guess that's something. At least the weather has been nice the last few days - I'm hoping we're done with winter for awhile.
And one more birthday wish before I close - Happy 39th Birthday Big Brother Joe!!!:)

Friday, February 23, 2007

Mama 2007


When I realized that today was February 23 and my mother's birthdate - I went back to my 2006 blog about Mama last February. Rereading that and some of the comments reminded me of a few more things about Mama - some of them are kinda silly - but they were Mama.
*Mama cleaned house everyday except Sunday, but even on Sunday she cleaned the bathroom. * She had a strict schedule for laundry. Monday, Wednesday, & Friday was wash day - and I remember the old wringer washer and hanging everything out on the clothes line. Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday was ironing day.
*I remember when she would sometimes take us (Jimmy & I) on the bus down to Cherokee Street to do some shopping and she always let us browse the 5&10 (dime store) if we were good.
*Jimmy said she never drove but actually she did once - to my house. She was going to babysit Jennifer while I went to racquetball but when she got to the house she was a nervous wreck and we ended up taking her to the doctor - and she never drove again.
*She didn't have much patience for tears - she would tell me to hush up that crying or she'd give me something to cry about.
*Although she had worked the cotton fields in Tennessee, she never worked here in St. Louis except for once she decided to get a job at the Alligator factory a block away. She lasted 3 days and decided the extra money wasn't worth it.
*I remember Saturday mornings after the housework was done (we were expected to clean our rooms every Saturday morning) and we would be doing the ironing or finally just resting, we would put on her records of Johnny Mathias, Tennessee Ernie Ford, or Floyd Cramer.
*I remember her coming to visit me once after I was married with all three kids and after about 30 minutes she told daddy, "Well Jim, we better get going so Ann can vacuum." - I knew that was a hint but I've never adopted her housecleaning routines.
*Mama liked to quilt, sew, and embroidery - but no matter how hard I tried to learn any of it, she always ended up finishing up whatever I would start.
*And in honor of her birthday - she never wanted anything much for her birthday and I think it was because growing up they didn't get many gifts. She told me that Uncle Carl had once given her a ring for her birthday and it was really special to her because presents were so rare. She always felt bad because she had lost it one day on the lake.
Have you remembered anything else you'd like to share?

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Need a Laugh??



Growing up with my older brother I quickly learned that life is just a whole lot easier if you can just laugh at yourself. These last two pictures are awful - the red dress one is my absolute worse - although I'm sure Uncle Ed has some of me that are just as bad. (You don't need to post them though Uncle Ed)
The first picture is my 8th grade graduation picture - I'm probably pretty easy to pick out.
I hated grade school. There were 2 or 3 girls whose goal was to make life miserable for the rest of us by causing fights or telling lies - they just loved to stir up conflict. Finally around 6th grade we realized they were actually the minority but I still couldn't wait to be out of there. Once I got to high school I only kept in touch with 3 of the girls and 2 of the guys - and even those were weak ties. I have no idea where any of them are now. The teacher though was Mrs. Flowers - my favorite all time teacher, a friend of my mom's and a member of our church. She passed on a year or so ago but every time I saw her she still called me Miss Ann.
Enough melancholy - I can actually look at that picture now and remember some of the special personalities of those kids and a lot of the goofy things we all did - and if nothing else, our hairdos are worth a chuckle!

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

Spencer's 3rd Birthday

Aunt Becky and the Birthday Boy.
Mommy helping with the presents.
Daddy showing Spencer his new bike while GG & Aunt Jessie look on.
Uncle Stevie giving batting instructions.
Uncle Nate wants to ride Spencer's bike??
The Birthday Boy
3 Candles this year!
Look at all these presents!
Uncle Stevie giving bike riding instructions.
Waiting for the "Birthday Song" to end.

We celebrated Spencer's 3rd Birthday tonight. His mommy & daddy bought him a 2 wheeler bike and he had "The Little Engine That Could" party theme. Nana, Popo, Aunt Becky, Uncle Nate, Uncle Stevie, Aunt Jessie, & GG (Millie) were all there to help him celebrate. We all had a good time watching him get all excited. Can't believe he's 3 already!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY SPENCER - I LOVE YOU!!!!

Friday, February 02, 2007

Happy Birthday Jessie



Jessie turns 25 on Saturday! She very graciously let us celebrate her birthday last night because there were so many conflicts on Saturday - including her going to Decatur to celebrate with her family. Jessie continues to suffer from "morning sickness" all day long so she opted for a pizza and apple pie celebration at our house. The Reijgers, Kelleys, and Millie were all there to celebrate with us. For those who don't already know - Stevie & Jessie are expecting their first child on Stevie's birthday - August 17. We love you Jessie - hope you have a wonderful "sick-free" birthday!!!