The Bussell Clan

The Bussell Thanksgiving

2011-11-26T19:53:00.009-05:00

Yea usn's posing in front of the tree
Chanler and Michael - they look so loving what you cant see is the bite marks he has from sittin on her and holding her down making the horse eat corn on her knee!!!

Michael and Meemee

You know us :)

Look at all of the hair Bandit has

Bryan side - Adrian, Omaw, bandit and Michael

Omaw and Barbara

Lauria loving on Bandit

Nice family pic - Bandit, Meemee, Lauria, Michael, Me and Michael

Omaw and her friend Barbara

The Bryan side - Adrian, Omaw and me oh yes and Bandit

Mommy and Bandit

Peanut Butter and Cherry Pie

The Westberry side of the family

Yummy

Mom and I

Meemee and I

Michael and Aunt Lauria

Lauria and Michael

My pretty tree

Adrian, Bandit and Me

Bandit and Mommy

Michael, Chanler and Will

Yummy pretzels

Wedding pics in South Carolina

2011-10-17T13:52:00.009-05:00

Ok so there were not banjos playing but you would have thought there were:) Michael and Billy love joking around and found the perfect photo op when they saw the feathers. Not sure if Billy is carrying Michael's child here :)

Billy was jealous so he had to get a hug too!

Michael and Shannon, his cuz :)

Well you did not think they were all going to be serious?

Michael what did you do?

The bride and groom!

Aunt Mary and her grandson Lee

Michael and Lee

The three jokers and Omaw

Pretty outside wedding!!

Beautiful cake!

Aunt Mary with son-in-law Wade

Michael and Tina

Sissy and Omaw

Melanie and her granddaughter

2, 3, Wade and Derek

Aunt Mary, shorty and the twin towers :)

I always have to share my hair with her :)

The girls

The fam

2 & 3 in the leaning position

This is trouble if I have ever seen it!

Michael and Shannon's son, Ian

Spaghetti pie at Melanie's house Friday night

Melanie and Aunt Mary cooking

Savannah Trip at Paula Deans Restaurant

2011-10-17T13:29:00.006-05:00

We took a quick trip to South Carolina for a wedding this past weekend with Omaw. We wanted to surprise her with a side trip to the Lady and Sons Restaurant. Here are a few pics we took while in Savannah.
Michael wants to make a sign with the word dung in it. Notice we were in bull street :)

Outside Lady and Sons Restaurant

Us waiting to go in :) and eat!

Walking around Savannah they had huge Breast Cancer displays, some of which Michael took advanage of.

I had my pretty hat on. You should have seen how I had to pose with my knee to get in that position.

Omaw saying I like these!

Everybody in front of Capitol.

Daddy showing Michael how to tell time on a cloudy day.

Michael could not tell what time it is.

Michael pretending to pee in the fountain.
The boys aggravating Omaw in the park.
Pretty pic in park.
Michael and Omaw
Baby on the 10 most wanted picture!

30 minute play time

2011-08-28T10:25:00.018-05:00

This was play time last night with Bandit on the bed for approximately 30 minutes! Yes, we are easily amused. First, which is actually the last one taken for the night is all that remains of the dog, his tail, as he ran out of the room. Tired of playing!
Where is Daddy, I know he is down there somewhere?

Dad you are so much fun!

Oh yea, play hide and seek under the sheets!

Yes, that is so much fun, I will try try not to bite too hard!

Hi dad, are you ready to play some more?

Ok, we can play you try to grab my nose and I will try not to bite your hand off :)

Yep, keep it up your hand is still there!

Ok, now I got your hand, haha!

Now this is the game I do not like! Dad blows up my nose and I lick him to get him to stop.

So what now Dad?

Ok, how about lets see who is quicker? Ha I am got your arm!

Ok, we can play hide and seek.

Oh, hugs are good Daddy!

I see you Daddy!

Ok Daddy I will kiss you hold still!

DAD stop biting my tongue!!!!!

I am not sure I can look at you the same way ever again!

Dad don't do it again!

Ok, ok I still love you!

But don't ever bite me again or I won't keep loving you!

Ok, playtime again :)

Maybe not the best choice!

2011-08-22T12:14:00.004-05:00

Ok here are the pics from today, yep pretty swollen! Feels better than it did last night!

Yea this is the view last night. So the story goes I was dancing with the girls at a breast cancer benefit when I was dancing "too low" and my patella popped out laterally straight out not rolling around but straight out.

After Fentanyl, Dilaudid and Zofran my knee cap slipped back into place. However, the ortho doc says 10-12 weeks for complete healing, but also could be less depending on how I heal :)

Here you go normal knee :)

View from top!

Should I be worried?

2011-08-17T14:12:00.003-05:00

This is the tranquil view from our station, gator included way over to the right down by the cattails.

Sarasota County is expanding Cattlemen Road from Fruitville to University Parkway. To accomplish this there are trees that need to be removed. Apparently it is easier to move them if they are in small peices. Thus the monster that just showed up on the back of a semi. Now this is the view from the front of our station.

Yep, a chipper!

Oh wow not liking the looks of this!

Atleast we know the fish will be safe :)

Two cute pics

2011-08-17T12:44:00.003-05:00

Look how cute they are. It looks like Bandit is really taking in everything Michael is telling him :)
Ok, yes I have been bad! But I did go see my Nana last night. She ate 2/3 of a chocolate frosty after she had already eaten dinner!

More pics of Bandit

2011-07-29T07:59:00.015-05:00

If we are sitting on the couch eating this is his favorite pose to beg for crumbs. Of course this is another place he loves to be kissing Daddy

Hi Mom see I am even smiling for the camera

Mom please I just woke up do u have to take a pic?

This was Bandit last night playing possum. He puts his head on the end of the bed as if to say "Can I join you?"

This of course is Michael letting Bandit on the bed. Look at his head laying on the pillow :)

Here is the kitchen pose while Mommy is cooking.... Any crumbs or leftovers for me?

Ahhhh yes scratch right there

Ohhhhh now scratch right there, I have trained you sooooo well Michael, you are a good scratcher!

No Mommy no pics now!

Ok maybe just one.

Really do you have to get the ones when I just wake up?

Fine, here is my best side enjoy the picture America!

Love these pics of Bandit!

2011-07-20T13:54:00.002-05:00

Bandit likes going outside and hanging out while on his leash connected to the oak tree with 20' of slack to explore for any avaliable lizards that may be lurking around! He loves the low window in the Living room just resting his head on the window sill looking at the squirels outside that Mommy won't let him out to get.
Look Mom there are alot of them out there, I promise I won't step on your pretty plants, please, please just give me 20 seconds :)

First full day of reality

2011-05-27T08:03:00.003-05:00

This is the happy boy on his first full day of work! Complete with the redneck ring tone on the phone. Yes, he stayed up until 11 pm finding the "perfect one". His job is at a taxidermy shop which also sells archery, guns and all of the supplies that accompany the sport! He is beyond excited to learn all he can. Not too many of us are blessed enough to do what we love. Just hope he continues to have that privledge with everything he does in life!! Have fun baby proud of you!
Sorry Gina he will be learning to make the fluffy animals look real even after they have been eaten. As for Gordon, this is partly your fault by giving him the bass to hang on his wall :)

My Baby

2011-04-21T09:08:00.005-05:00

For Omaw's Bday we went to Ybor to eat dinner. Here are the "Three Amigos"
Aunt Sissy loving on the "terd or 3rd"

Smooches from Aunt Sissy

Tina proving she has the largest bicep!

At lunch with Adrian!

Picture opportunity outside with the family the previous weekend.

Here is Michael at his district meet at ODA, preparing to do the long jump.

Then the high jump!

Such a "precious" child!

And then there is the wild child Bandit! Mommy I just saw the lizzard where did it go?

I know it is here somewhere???

Maybe if I get higher I can find it!

I know they ran over here with the squirrels

Maybe this tree?????

Strike a pose!

2011-04-17T19:00:00.003-05:00

You have to love the expression on her face, "Ok, take my picture I am posed!" Way too cute!

Gina is a Mommie!

2011-04-11T08:05:00.002-05:00

She is adorable and has already bonded with Gina!! Yea Mommie, way to go!

Almost an Aunt

2011-04-10T20:06:00.003-05:00

Gina will in just a few short hours be a mother! By 3 am, our time, she will have Mia!

North Port meet

2011-03-19T06:19:00.006-05:00

Michael ready to mark his starting point to run from for the long jump. This was Cece's jump that was blocked by this gentleman.
Jump #!
He is just starting his run for #2
Yes he is really in the picture :)
There he is!
Jump #3
Finally nobody in the way :) Way to go Cece!!!
High Jump #1
Way to go Jeffery!!!! You made it! Told you that you could!!
Jump #3

Michael's track meet

2011-03-18T12:49:00.004-05:00

Relay race

Get ready Jeff here comes MIchael with the baton!

He did a 25.48 sec 200 meter dash here.

Hustle Bussell was the shouts around me :)

Michael doing the high jump. I told him he got his father's behind that is why it kept hitting the bar and knocking it down :) Five foot two inch level

Five foot one inch level

Five foot level

I don't want to play

2011-03-17T13:21:00.003-05:00

I don't want to play Daddy!
Dad don't try to butter me up!

Oh what the heck, thanks Dad for playing with me. I Love You too!

Dad you have something in your eye!

2011-03-17T13:04:00.004-05:00

Dad take the silly shirt off me or else!
OK, I am bored what should we do???

I know let me clean Daddy's eyes! That sounds like fun!

Come here it won't hurt... I promise!

Almost done :)

Daddy has been busy

2011-03-17T12:34:00.003-05:00

Daddy has been busy painting the living room today..... Which looks great!! But Bandit is not too keen on the furniture being moved :)

Yes, even more Bandit pics!!

2011-02-23T11:59:00.006-05:00

Yea!! Daddy is finally home I missed you soooo much!!!!Put your face down here and I will kiss it with my loooong tongue!

No wait there's breakfast! Let me go!Yummy!

Ok Dad, you really don't think I look like a lieutenant do you?

Yea, play time with Daddy!

Look there is the camera! Wait, make sure I look good before you take the picture!

Hurry up and wake up before someone catces me on the bed with you! Come on don't you feel me kissing you?

Thank you for finally getting up, I missed you!

Updated Bandit pictures!

2011-02-23T11:49:00.002-05:00

Where is everybody? There's nobody to bond with!!
Finally a willing owner but I am not letting go! If you want to move you will have to leave your arm!!
OHHHH here's Daddy so glad to see you, wait don't blow in my face!

Yuk, go brush your teeth before I vomit!

More Christmas pics

2011-02-23T11:14:00.005-05:00

Of course not so serious picture!
Serious picture

Happy Family

Michael not letting Mommy move, as usual

Michael and grouch Forest

Michael and Omaw

Michael and serious Adrian
Michael and short Meemee

Christmas pics, finally

2011-01-09T21:08:00.006-05:00

Vet Visit

2011-01-08T12:02:00.007-05:00

Today we went to see the vet. He thought he was a Sheppard mix and was not sure what else?!? Anyhow, he told the food queen the wrong thing...... Bandit is too skinny! Good thing we have only had him for two days or I might have taken it personally :) He is also worried about heart worms but he has been treated for them and I bought his medicine today to keep him protected! Anyhow, he was not quite sure about riding in the car but enjoyed the new smells flying up his nose at 70 mph. He is soooo big that he had to stretch across to my side of the car and only took the car out of drive once!! He is now happy to be back home and out of the stimulation overload. Look at how smart he is he figured out how to hold the toy in his paws to get the peanut butter out of it :) Smart boy, everyone he came in contact with was impressed with how well behaved he is. Fortunately they did not see he and I in the parking lot when I was like a kite behind him, well maybe not that bad :)

Daddy's picture with Bandit on adoption day!!

New Bandit Slideshow

2011-01-07T13:16:00.001-05:00

Sorry about the poor quality of the pics, it is my phone :( Will try to use the camera this weekend! Please look at the new slideshow with some of the previous pics included.

http://s183.photobucket.com/albums/x90/mbussell2/Bandit/?albumview=slideshow

Bandit

2011-01-04T14:05:00.005-05:00

Yesterday, we went to the local Humane Society to see a few dogs we thought we were interested in. Michael, daddy, went to look at the American Bulldog mix. I went for the 3.5 year old boxer mix. Michael, son, went to see who liked him and reverse. I have to say we were all wrong. The dogs we thought we wanted did not work out and after three trips walking Bandit we were convinced he is the "one". However, the first impression was when he ran into the visiting room and ran straight to Michael, daddy. Little one and I just looked at each other like "well maybe this is the one". After 1.5 hours of looking, meeting, walking and re-walking we decided on Bandit which is a 15 month old German Shepard mix. He will come home to live with us on Tursday. Please feel free to watch the slideshow of him, sorry the pics are small, I took them with my phone.

http://s183.photobucket.com/albums/x90/mbussell2/Bandit/?albumview=slideshow

The Bussell Home

2011-01-04T13:55:00.004-05:00

On December 10, 2010 we purchased a 1958 3/2.5 home on a golf course in Sarasota. We have been vey busy trying to make it "our home". Everything is slowly coming together and we do love it and have taken great pride in enjoying our own home. Please feel free to watch the slideshow I created of the pictures of our home.

http://s183.photobucket.com/albums/x90/mbussell2/leewynn%20house/?albumview=slideshow

Bussell's looking for a house

2010-10-20T14:10:00.002-05:00

We have been in the house shopping market since September 10, 2010. Today was the home inspection with fairly good results. We are waiting on the realtors discussion to let us know where we stand. More updates later.

Pops walking with Jesus!

2010-07-30T05:39:00.003-05:00

Last Friday morning Pops passed away. It has been a difficult week for the family. Please remember them in your prayers. He was our Father, Husband, Pops, "sit head" and hero!!
His definition of six inches, heehee!

More pics of Amicola Falls

2010-07-16T18:19:00.004-05:00

So prrrrreeetttyyy, first view! Even better!

Georgia Waterfall Trip

2010-07-16T18:10:00.002-05:00

Waterfall behind cabin, no not a yurt :) Amicola Falls in Georgia

Happy Birthday to ME!!!!!!!

2010-06-04T09:21:00.006-05:00

Yes, I am finally fourty! No it really did not hurt too much to say it :) Especially when I have friends like my life partner, Gina, it makes it alot better!!! Look what she did for me!! Not only did I get the white buttercream cupcakes with buttercream frosting, both homemade to perfection! But I also have a coffee chocolate cake with fondant icing and decorations, also homemade and perfected!! It looks great, I am afraid to cut the cake :) Thank you so much Gina you are the best friend an only child could ever have :)

Look at the pretty cupcakes with the fondant decorations that match the decorations!!
Here is the princess cake for the only child, yes I am spoiled. She only spent 5-8 hours on it for me so that it was just perfect for me :)

Look there is green ribbon with pink polka dots on the cake plate holder then a doile and a foil covered cake plate plus the beautiful wonderful gorgeous color cordinated did I mention chocolate cake :)

The napkins even match :)

Yum cupcake buffet!!!!!!!!!!

Yes the table even has the narcotics drug book so we did not get side tracked and forget to sign, yes we do remember we are at work today!!!

She even bought me just what I asked for and she MADE me put the hat on!
Absolutely beautifuuuuuul!!!!!

Birthday coffee cup with the wooosah ribbon :)

Yes, something else I have been asking for that she listened!

This was the first birthday wish I received today at 1205am from my child. He woke me up and I promptly sat up in the bed because I was worried something was wrong. "What is wrong son", nothing Mom I just wanted to be the first one 2 tell you happy birthday. "Son go back to bed!!" Anyhow, when I looked at it this morning I appreciated it alot more :) Thanks son for being the first to make my day special, even if you did beat the roosters.

Big Boy

2010-05-18T08:21:00.002-05:00

Gina requested that I post the picture of the baby and her. Look how much taller he is than the refrigerator! By the way she is 5' 5" :) Yes, we look really cute on calls together, I am 5' 12".

Hagan's after Regionals Beach Party

2010-04-25T16:44:00.006-05:00

Saturday, April 24, 2010 The Hagan family was very generous to the track team and allowed us to enjoy Lido Beach with their family. We all had a very relaxing time and could not have asked for a more beautiful day! There was a great breeze and the temperature was just right. The kids played in the gulf and sat out in the sun. We were only able to participate for 2 hours so I apolojize for the limited pictures. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our track coach, Mr. Bradshaw. He is a great inspiration to the kids and so very encouraging! Thanks again for everyones help in this Spring season, we could not have done it without you!!

A day in the life of a PIC!!!

2010-04-16T13:24:00.003-05:00

Little boredom today...
We went to Michaels for icing tips

Then we went to the station and got hungry so we sat outside and got some sun :)

Allen Tisdom

2010-03-16T07:58:00.002-05:00

This is a picture of Allen and Michael in December of 2007. We went to Virginia so that the boys could meet each other. The last time they were together was when they were babies. They were only 12 hours apart in age. Carol, Allen's mother, called me yesterday to tell me that Allen had died suddenly. Please keep the family in your prayers. Carol said she would appreciate all of your prayers. Carol and myself, we were the best of friends when we were pregnant with the boys always calling each other to make sure we were doing things correct :)

Continuing the Tradition

2010-01-03T07:29:00.004-05:00

Every New Years Eve Dad and I would go out to the tomatoe fields and pick. We would then spend the afternoon sorting and washing. On New Years Eve it was always our tradition to stay up and can the tomatoes followed by eggnog at Midnight! I have not carried on the tradition since Dad has been gone, but this year I changed things :) So for you Dad I picked them, cleaned them and am freezing them this year. Thanks to my best friend Rosemary for helping and allowing me to use her kitchen.

Thanks Dad for teaching me to be responsible and VERY economical!

We have always had a garden through out my life. Yes, I was 5 here.

Mom with our jumbo Texas cucumbers in 1979.

My grandparents when I was 7. The food served and consumed at this table was the best way to show love on this side of the family :) As you can see there was alot of love!

Yesterday's progress. I went to Hunsaders farm to pick. I even got dirt on my hands which I washed in the mud puddle in the driveway :)

Pretty tomatoes on the vine.

Two buckets full!

Boiling tomatoes :)

Fruits of the labor. We actually put up 10 of these with italian and chili seasonings!

Thanks again Rosemary for helping me carry on the tradition :)

2009-11-22T19:42:00.001-05:00

2009-11-22T16:44:00.001-05:00

2009-11-22T16:27:00.001-05:00

Michael III wants you to watch it :)

2009-10-20T05:47:00.002-05:00

This is 9 minutes long but a great video. Michael III had me watch it this am. Warning: you will need klenexes :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXut0HxncvY

Cross Country Blog

2009-10-14T08:20:00.003-05:00

For those who check in to see the latest and greatest pics of our child, they are on teh Sarasota Christian Cross Country blog. Our free time is spent at the cross country meets therefore, the majority of pics are taken there. Feel free to check it out at http://www.blazerscc.blogspot.com/

2009-09-28T10:42:00.001-05:00

In memory of Aunt Myrtle

2009-09-21T08:23:00.002-05:00

My Aunt Myrtle passed away yesterday in her sleep. Please remember her family in your prayers. She was a great quilter and loving Aunt to me, she will be greatly missed. She was 93 and lived alone, well her little buddy is in the next pic :)

Full day of sports

2009-09-19T20:20:00.003-05:00

Action shot! Yes, he got fouled and made one of his free throws. Actually he only made 2 shots in the first game but 5 in the second official game with his team.

Sean is about one inch shorter than Michael but still able to jump higher than him. Look at the air beneath him!

He was quite the salty, sweaty boy by the end of the day. Perfect time to grab Meemee and share :)

Here is Michael's team!

Today we were up at 6 am to drive to Oscar Schear Park for the Cross Country Race. Michael made a goal to finish in 25 minutes. He made it in 24.28 minutes for a 5 K or 3.1 race. Very exciting that he achived that goal, however, it was with bleeding blisters too - bad Mom new shoes! At 11:30 we left the race to eat lunch and arrive at the school for practice. Only the game b/4 his did not have enough players for their team so they asked Michael to play. By the end of the day he was a tired, cramping, sore and did I say tired little boy!

2009-09-19T20:19:00.001-05:00

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2009-08-29T06:06:00.001-05:00

Dezzi's retirement

2009-08-24T07:58:00.001-05:00

We all showed up to wish Chief Dezzi farewell from Sarasota County! This is the family Fire Department pic!

I can't believe how big he is!

2009-08-11T14:31:00.002-05:00

Gina agreed to this pic, she could not believe how biggggggggggg Michael is getting.

Of course she is 5' 5 and one-half" while he is 6' 3" :)

Nana smiled :)

2009-07-31T07:54:00.002-05:00

We visited Nana and fed her last night. She was happy to see us! She is doing well.

I think she smiled bigger with III than me, that's ok, she smiled!

We also visited Aunt Mary, she was thrilled!

Here is the storm we drove through to get to Arcadia.

Here is the result of all of the rain! That is about 8" deep!

Brief view of my weekend

2009-07-20T11:31:00.001-05:00

We went to the Ocala truck show this weekend! Or lack there of. I was not invited for the Sunday event, way too much excitement on Saturday. My big brothers wouldn't let me go!

2009-07-20T11:29:00.001-05:00

Michael's Promotion to Lieutenant

2009-07-16T12:26:00.006-05:00

Hey Michael you need to come in here! Wow, why are all of the white shirts here? "I did not do it, honest!"

Mike, sorry we have a problem, you can not be promoted until the new chief comes in.

That's fine Chief, can I have a glass of tea? Sure Mike not a problem.

So why is Chief Suarez here?

Hi Mike, how are you?

I am great Chief and you?

You can not have your uniform now but maybe this will do until later, your badge. Gee thanks Chief, yes that will be great!

Ok Mike, enough, congratulations you can be a lieutenant. Thanks chief!

Thank you too Chief Suarez!

And again at a different angle.

The family pic

And thank you too Chief Jane!

Chief Dezzi so glad to see you too!

Congratulations honey hope you enjoy your new blanket!

Omaw Bussell

2009-07-07T04:55:00.003-05:00

Please continue to pray for Omaw as she was nauseated all day yesterday, which means no pain meds which = no pain relief. For those of you who may not know she had a total knee replacement last Monday, June 29, 2009. Her thigh is also swollen. Yes, they called the doctor which said it is ok if there are no sore spots, that is to be expected. She is progressing well and the PT guy is happy with her progress. Doctors visit on Wednesday. Stay tuned for an update.

2009-07-07T04:46:00.002-05:00

We went to Turtle Beach the afternoon of the Fourth. The boys played football, way too close to the people so I sent them down to the water.

I motioned for them to come back closer, while they were in the water. They listened :)
No, not all the way up here, just not so far out in the water! Now go get back in the water, "ok Mom".
Michael and James "catching a wave".

The wave "catching" Michael.

Chief Gorski's Retirement

2009-07-01T08:56:00.006-05:00

Prepaing for Chief Gorski! Debbie and Patty! Two cuties :)

Waiting for Chief Gorski's appearance.
Taking a pic of you!!!!!!!!!!
Mr. Steve keeping us in line or atleast trying!

Chief Gorski addressing his employees!

Chief Gorski being driven home in E11, his last truck he rode on as a line guy!

This set of pictures are from the Sarasota Herald Tribune.
Chief Gorski leaving on E11.
Very tearful event for all involved.

Battalion Chief Flynn presenting the retirement flag.

Too much emotion for one to bear. We all have a great deal of respect for our Chief.

Preparing the flag to be hung.

Uniformed employees at attention.

Fishing with Darwin

2009-06-28T16:09:00.010-05:00

Week at Siesta

2009-06-28T15:45:00.007-05:00

Family pic on beach

2009-06-26T10:14:00.004-05:00

Here is the family at Siesta Beach, aren't we cute? If you are on facebook look at Michael's pictures there are more :0

Catch up

2009-06-10T08:52:00.003-05:00

Following are four new posts I finally took time to share, sorry for the delay!

Mitchell's cookie weekend

2009-06-10T08:46:00.003-05:00

The "official" greeter named Fred :) He is really friendly but quite intimidating!
The cookie ladies!
The stirrer in more than more than one way :)
Look how cute they are!

Collard plants that are one year old

2009-06-10T08:40:00.003-05:00

Here are the collard plants with the huge tomatoe plant that Mom keeps fertilizing.

This is the bounty from the cropping of our four foot tall collard plants :)

Passion fruit vine blooming, these smell sooooooooooo good :)

More deer pics for Gina

2009-06-10T08:36:00.003-05:00

Last night when we were leaving I saw the twins and had to take a picture of them.

This is one of the many birds we are blessed to see from our trailer :)

Meemee's new guitar

2009-06-10T07:54:00.006-05:00

Mom's guitar that Dad bought for her was stolen. While we were in the Grand Canyon our neighbor, Ken called to say he found one at a garage sale. We told him to buy it and when we returned home took it to have it re-strung. For Mother's Day we gave it to her. You can hardly tell the difference between her original and this one. She loves it and even says it plays easier than the old one.
Michael making Meemee strain to kiss him.

View from the driveway

2009-06-05T07:56:00.003-05:00

This is actually the view from our driveway at work, yep, that's a baby gator! Here are the fleeing baby deer in the front pasture this morning.

They are cute with their little spots.

This was on the way out of our complex. They are twins that the mommy was hiding.

Lauria and Michael came to visit

2009-06-02T12:41:00.002-05:00

Free throw shot, he made 5 baskets during the game and many re-bounds, of course! Yes, they won!

Surprise guests at the game... Lauria and Michael

Pics at the house

2009-05-26T15:41:00.000-05:00

2009-05-26T13:53:00.001-05:00

2009-05-25T07:06:00.001-05:00

2009-05-25T07:00:00.001-05:00

2009-05-15T13:05:00.001-05:00

Please pray for Uncle James

2009-05-10T06:05:00.003-05:00

Good morning,
We went up to see Uncle James last night. The treatments are working, some. He wanted the diprovan drip to be discontinued, for a while. He was very coherent when we went to see him. He is able to write notes and answer all questions. He is still a little confused as to where he is. The doctors want to put in a trachestomy in because this is not a short term problem and they realize they can not leave him on the tube. The only son arrived yesterday and as a family they will be discussing the procedure tomorrow. Please continue to pray for the situation as he is awake and very alert. I will be going back up after church and will hopefully have more news then. By the way he is the one on the left in the picture as you can see he is very funny and VERY loved!

2009-04-29T08:40:00.001-05:00

Tease from Sedona

2009-04-29T00:18:00.003-05:00

Sorry way tooooooo tired to post alot if pics so here is a tease for the night. By the way it is 1020 pm here, 012o in FL. Talk to you tomorrow. By the way we are going to the Skywalk tomorrow.

2009-04-28T11:07:00.001-05:00

2009-04-28T10:23:00.001-05:00

2009-04-27T10:48:00.001-05:00

Horseshoe Bend at Sunrise

2009-04-27T09:05:00.005-05:00

Michael still too close to the edge!
Me in a "just fine" spot!
Progressional pictures of the bend as the sun rose.

Yea, I just walked away from this site, I had a high pulse rate just knowing he was taking pictures with firefighter blood flowing through his veins, which pushes him to the edge, literally!

I do not even want to know how close they werre to the edge to take these!
Our "little one"
The 3/4 mile trek back at 7000 feet above sea level. Yes, we were out of breath!

Glen Canon Dam

2009-04-27T08:53:00.002-05:00

Pic of us while we were still on the Lake Powell tour.
This is a pic of Page from The Dam overlook.
Lighting trick of the dam and sagebrush from the overlook.
Very good pic of the dam with the lights illuminating it. Be aware that this was while the wind was blowing so HARD at 20-30 MPH while it wasa in the 40s. Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

Lake Powell Boat tour

2009-04-26T08:57:00.003-05:00

Shown below are pictures of our Lake Powell boat tour yesterday. Today we have already taken pictures of Horeshoe bend b/4 sunrise, it was balmy, NOT! But very pretty. More of those pics later today.

2009-04-26T08:55:00.001-05:00

2009-04-26T06:44:00.001-05:00

Lake Powell and Glen Canyon Dam

2009-04-26T00:20:00.005-05:00

First, check out the video of our trip to Page on the wrong road!!! It is quite hillarious for my children, not me. I still hyperventilate when I watch it!

This is Lake Powell which is where we took a tour of this afternoon. Mom, Omaw and Pops we do not have phone service up here. We will call tomorrow when we drive back to Williams. We are all doing well and enjoying our vacation!
If you can not tell it was VERY windy today up to 50 MPH winds and 50 degrees, quite chilly!!! This is Lake Powell in the background.

Awwww so sweet!
The boys!

My baby!

Daddy like the other view too!

Trip to Page, AZ

2009-04-26T00:13:00.003-05:00

Page, AZ

2009-04-25T16:54:00.004-05:00

We were not able to go on the smooth water tour today because the winds were in excess of 25 miles an hour. We opted to go to Glen Canyon and Lake Powell. This is Michael standing at the edge of the Lake. We will also be going on the Lake Powell boat tour at 4 pm. That is a boat not a raft hopfully it won't be too rough. Lake Powell
Michael at Glen Canyon Dam

View of Lake Powell on one side of the dam
This is the view we had this morning driving from Flagstaff to Page on HWY 89. Note this was b/4 the unpaved road. Yes, I have video of that screaming 20 mile trek. Hopefully we can upload it later. I was never so glad to see asphalt again!!!!!!!!

Daddy after the 20 mile screaming trek.
Flower for Mom :)

The Grand Beautiful Breathtaking Canyon

2009-04-24T22:23:00.006-05:00

We rode the train to get to the Grand Canyon today!
Fight out by the cowboys in the corral b/4 the trip.

Train engine

A couple of the cowboys

Family pic at the Hoppi Point

Yes, it is beautiful but it is also 4 miles to the bottom, those are white knuckles!

Boys at the trail depot.

I do not care who you are this is breath taking beauty! This is definitely God's country!

Grand Canon - First Morning

2009-04-24T09:31:00.003-05:00

Here are Mom and baby on the plane from Tampa to Charlotte

The boys did not seem too impressed that we were flying to Charlotte. When we got off the plane in Charlotte I told them that this was only the first leg of the trip. We still had to fly to Phoenix to go to the Grand Canon! They were both alot happier. Too bad we did not know jsut how long it was going to take to get there! yes, we missed our flight, but it waas for a reason because we also has to sit one the tarmac waiting for 2 mechanics to check the landing gear. Then the pilot had to change because of the number of hours he had worked. Anyhow two and one-half hours later we were off the ground.

View from the road leaving the airport in Phoenix at 9 pm EST.

The boys needed a new wardrobe :)

Yes, Cummins!

This is the traing we will be riding on today to the Grand Canon.

View looking up Route 66 from our motel.
Diner props at the restaurant across the street.
This one is for Mom - Betty Boop!
Crown Vic - you tell me what year?

Ok I am officially nauseated!

2009-04-23T06:40:00.005-05:00

We are at the Tampa Airport, barfffffffff! I do not fly but as you can see from the picture I have a friend :) So for all of you that want to know we are going to Nort Carolina! We are flying into Charlotte! Only 2 months and 400 hours worth of planning into this trip, pray I will make it through the flight.

Picture of the FIRST thing I did not want to do.....
drive over the Skyway Bridge to get here. Dad looks good even at 6 am
Flash wayyyyyy toooooooo bright for III at 6am.
Here is their tour book and my FRIEND "Xanax"!
Boys in the parking garage, our gentle giant.

We are off on our adventure!

2009-04-23T04:13:00.002-05:00

And no they still do not know where they are going nor am I going to tell you, yet :)

2009-04-12T06:59:00.001-05:00

Omaw Birthday

2009-04-05T19:34:00.001-05:00

Arcadia visit

2009-03-30T04:34:00.001-05:00

We have come a long way!

2009-03-26T11:33:00.008-05:00

Current picture take January, 2009.

3/22/07, Michael was 11 here with alot of the same kids, do any look familiar?

This pic was taken on December 08, 2007. Michael was 9 here on Feb. 5, 2005.

Christmas day 2004, Michael was 9.

This was from November, 2004 age 9 and age 33

Melody and Chris' Shower

2009-03-26T09:10:00.003-05:00

This is the beginning stage of Melody and Chris' ABC baby quilt. It will have the baby's name, DOB, weight and length when it is finished. Look closely at the diaper cake behind me, isn't it pretty!, no I did not make it :) Love the first expressions when they saw it!

The rat at the station!

2009-03-02T18:21:00.001-05:00

FPL

2009-02-26T18:11:00.001-05:00

Brush Fire in the Country!

2009-02-22T18:35:00.001-05:00

No transport!

2009-02-22T17:47:00.001-05:00