I AM SOOOOO GLAD THAT WORKED OUT!!

As you know, the plan was for a wedding on the day of graduation!  Taylor and I had been researching and researching and she was posting and corresponding with people on Facebook that gotten married on graduation day!  With the information that we had we thought that it was doable but knew we would have to rush you guys to the Clerk's office to get it done - little did we know. . . . .

As soon as graduation was over and you had gotten some of your things from your ship we hopped in the cars and headed to the Clerk's Office.  Well, where do I start?  I guess I don't need to itemize the happenings for you because you were there but I will go through a brief run down in case people who weren't there read this blog!

After passing through security (everyone made it through succesfully except your dad who got held up because of his belt).  We got to the Clerk's office for you all to complete the paperwork.  Your dad realized he had left his phone in the car and you had forgotten your jacket so I volunteered to go back to the car to get the stuff since I made it through security without having to empty pockets, etc.  Got to the parking garage and couldn't find the car - in all the rush I didn't pay one bit of attention to where we parked or how we got in the building.  After searching for the car for a while (even honking the horn using the remote didn't work - I could hear the car but couldn't find it) I gave up and went back inside to find that your dad had gone back out to find me.  We finally found one another and went to the car to get the items - coming back in was 3 trips through security for me and 2 for your dad!  You all got your paperwork done and we headed down to the lower level - more forms to complete then we were sent to an office that was closed for lunch so we took a lunch break!  Afer lunch we headed back to accomplish our mission!!  We were sent from that office to the Judge's Office and after multiple trips from the Judge's Office back down to the office in the lower level the judge was able to marry you two! 

I am so glad that it worked out for the two of you and we welcome Taylor to our family!  I hope the two of you have many, many years of happiness!!

More Photos From Your Wedding Ceremony!

GRADUATION DAY!

Our alarms were set for times beginning at 5 am if I remember correctly.  Our plan was to leave by 6 am to head over to base for the graduation.  I'm not sure Taylor slept much at all that night (which I believe had become the norm for quite a while!)  We got ready and headed over to Graduation.  Taylor had talked to her friend, Christy who said she was there at 6 am and was second in line and she was already in and waiting for the building to be open.  Thankfully we had run our test routes the day before and knew where we were going and made really good time (I had to put that in so your dad would not think that the test routes were  a waste of time!)  By the time we got there at 6:30 am the traffic was backed up for quite some way but it didn't take us long to get through the line.  We parked in the parking garage and headed in.  We were even able to get Brandi in with us right away!  We got into the building and began to look for your divisions section.  We took our seats and the wait began.  The time moved along somewhat quickly and before you knew it the ceremony was starting.  of course I was already taking pictures and made a friends with a picture guy in the crowd who had a camera with a really big zoom lens - I knew his pictures would be good!!  He gave me his card and I told him I'd be in touch to see about trading pictures with him!  Turns out he was there for his nephew and they were from Indianapolis!!  Small world!!

Graduation was awesome and very entertaining.  I, of course moved here and there to get where I needed to be to get the best picture!  I was trying to hold open about 3 extra spots so I could have plenty of room to move to different levels of the bleachers but I made the mistake of having to go to the bathroom and while I was gone your dad let people move into the seats . . . I know I can't be selfish and had to share but I really want those extra spaces BUT in the end it all turned out great since you were so near the front and so much taller than everyone else!!

When the divisions marched out it was awesome - the way you marched all the way around the entire facility - of course when you are taking pictures you get wrapped up behind the camera so I CANNOT wait to get my hands on the dvd and be able to watch it all again!  I was a little concerned when you were on the very back but then when you all did your march and rotated around to the opposite of where you originally were I was thrilled!!  You were in the perfect spot for great photos!! 

At the end of the ceremony when the called for Liberty my heart was racing and I headed down the bleachers keeping an eye on your whereabouts so I could make sure to get pictures!  I think mission accomplished as I ended up with a couple of pretty cool ones!  It sort of reminded me of when we all would storm the football fields your Junior year!! 

Graduation was done and we were on to more excitement for the day!!

More Graduation Day Photos!

HEADING TO GRADUATION AND MEET AND GREET!

I guess let me start out with heading to Graduation . . . Taylor spent the night at our house Wednesday night so we could hit the road Thursday night.  Your dad and I were sleeping with alarm clocks set when we heard someone racing through the kitchen.  Your fiance (at the time) hopped up to go out to her car for something and was follwed by a very loud pack of labrador retrievers . . .so after that we were up and started getting ready to go! 

The trip went pretty smooth until we got right to Chicago . . . . except for the fact that we were waiting on a phone call from you and hadn't received it and were a little unnerved by that but the traffic through Chicago sort of took our minds off that (at least mine and Taylors!)  All I will say is your poor dad!!  I had already typed in my text messages to everyone announcing that we had gotten the call and you were now a solider.  Stephanie told me to delete them as that is probably why you hadn't called yet - I had jinxed it.  I didn't do as she told and you called just as we pulled in the hotel parking lot and I started sending out my text messages!! 

Your dad, Taylor and I went to a Meet and Greet that was held at one of the other Hotels.  It was sort of neat.  The neatest part (I thought anyway) was that they invited people to come up and talk about their SR.  I told your dad and Taylor that the needed to go up there.  Of course your dad wouldn't but eventually we talked Taylor into going up there . . . I swear I heard the man say that the person who got the most applause would get a shirt of something but I could have been mistaken BUT when your fiance announced that she was the crazy girl getting married tomorrow she got one heck of a lot of applause!! 

We stayed a short time longer and then headed back to our hotel.  You know me, Mrs. Organization, I had already told your dad that we needed to run test routes to figure out where we were headed, how long it would take, etc.  At first he said no but then when I threatened that Taylor and I would go on our own he broke down and took us!!   Before we left, when we were still home trying to figure out if the marriage thing was going to work and if we would have time, etc. I told Taylor we would just get there on Thursday and keep driving to the courthouse to see how quickly we could get there!! 

More Pictures from Navy Meet and Greet

AND THEN THINGS GOT A LITTLE CRAZY . . .

Thought I'd better get this blog caught up since you are now out of graduated from bootcamp and I need to give you the link so you can see what has been going on! 

Back to 4th of July weekend!!  Not a lot went on that weekend - at this point things have gotten CRAZY at work and I've been very busy!!  Taylor was gone to Indy for a week then to Florida so we didn't see very much of you and honestly I can't remember at this point (sorry that is a 41 year old mind for you) what happened in between my last post and 4th of July - I did look back at my calendar and there were just a few things on there but they were things that wouldn't be of any interest to you so we fast forward to 4th of July weekend! 

Again, not alot went on that weekend.  I mostly worked around the house.  I knew that the next week would be a short one for me since we would be leaving out to head up for your graduation.  So, I was trying wrap things up at home and at work and that is what consumed the largest part of my time! 

But, on Sunday, July 3, there were a few get togethers.  Your dad was on evenings and had to work.  Sarah and Wes were having a few people over so I went to their house and Taylor joined me after a get together she went to with her mom.  We left Sarah's and ran to the Sanford's to watch fireworks with them at dark.  It had been rainy most of the late part of the day so we were not sure if they would be doing the fireworks or not but Mary texted me and said they were "on" so we hopped in the car and headed over there.  As usual, it was a good show!  I think we told you over the weekend that it was cute when we walked up with all the spectators lined up in their chairs to watch - you know a get together with the Sanfords is ALWAYS a crowd!!  As we watched the fire works we would get small things dropping on us from the sky but then bigger pieces of debris began to fall - Taylor looked behind us and everyone except for us and Grandpa Bill had moved further back in the yard - I believe her comment was something along the lines that we were the only silly ones still sitting up there or we didn't get the memo or something along those lines (again, sorry the 41 year old mind isn't as good as it once was!). 

We went back to Sarah's for a short bit - and then headed home.  Monday I went to work for a while to get a jump start on things - as I mentioned it was a very short week! 

Not a very eventful post and sorry, no pictures!

Time To Catch Up For The Last Week!!!

Well, let me think back . . . on Monday Mom, Sam and Sue came out - we were working on a "project" for the cake for Tony's 30th Birthday Party coming up on Saturday.  Well our project didn't quite work out how we wanted it to! 

So I'm sitting her discussing your dad and we can't remember what we did Tuesday so it must have been uneventful!  Wednesday we mowed the yard.  Thursday we went out to eat at Outback with Doug, Tessa and Dave.  Tessa's birthday was on Tuesday so we went to eat on Thursday to celebrate that!  Tess and I were up for a movie but Doug was tired and your Dad was tired (he had a rough set of midnights - worked over like everyone of them but one!) so we didn't make it for the movie. 

Friday I had taken the day off to work in the yard.  We got the mowing, weed eating and all the weeding of the flower beds done (which was quite an undertaking!).  We decided to treat ourselves to The Feedmill for supper. 

Saturday your dad started day shift.  We had Tony's birthday party in Oakland City.  I had worked on the cake through out the week and spent some of Saturday morning finishing it up.  It was a beer cooler cake - the project we had worked on earlier in the week was the "ice" for the cooler.  It ended up working out ok - I made rock candy for it (which is what we had done on Monday) but I went about it a little different way.  

The party was fun.  Sam and Tony had smoked a bunch of chicken, pork and ribs - it was all yummy!!  We played cornhole for a while - this is only about the 5th time I had played but I didn't do too bad - your dad on the other hand has been on fire here lately when he plays - he is really pretty good! 

This morning started off early - a rumble of thunder at about 4:30 am woke your dad - not long after that your Grandpa Wagner was calling (I guess just to check on us).  Your dad was on the phone with him for quite a while and closer to 5:00 am my dad called to make sure we had storms headed our way.  I think they were just calling early to get their Happy Father's Day Wishes early!! 

Your dad worked again today and I worked at home cleaning, organizing and washing my car and cleaning it out inside - it had been a while since I cleaned it and it really needed it.  Your dad got home changed and headed right out - the boys had texted him about playing ball.  While he was gone I hit the elliptical and then started grilling supper.  Now we are sitting here relaxing a little - your dad is writing you a letter and I'm catching up this blog, uploading pics for my letter this week, etc. and that is pretty much all that happened this week!  

A funny thing I should add I guess Evie has found a softball that she is carrying around when she is outside.  We came in today for me to check my phone and I took it away from her at the door as she came in the house - I put it in a tote that is on the bench by the back door.  When we went back out she hopped right up there and got it - she is so silly!  

Well, I guess that is about it for now!  Time is moving right along here - I hope it is there too!!    

More Pictures from Tony's 30th Birthday Party!

Well That Wore Me Out!!!

More Pictures From Taylor's Birthday Celebration #2

We decided we wanted to take Taylor out on Friday night to celebrate her birthday.  A Friday night is easier for people than a Monday when they have to work.   When Taylor and I would out at BW3's on Tuesday I told her the places we were thinking about starting out for dinner on Friday (Cheeseburger in Paradise, Bar Louie or Old Chicago).  We were leaning toward Cheeseburger in Paradise and when she said she had never been there the decision was made!  I put together an agenda for the evening.  The agenda included our dinner plans and then a list of what our options were.  The plan was to head downtown.  This weekend was Shrinerfest and there were a couple of beerstubes going on.  There were a lot of options - Stoney's, Fast Eddy's, RiRah's - they all  had live entertainment - put all the information for each location on the agenda, cover charge info, if there was entertainment, what it was, when it started, etc. 

A friend of mine from Posey County Angie Fore was going to go with us - I picked Angie up then we went to pick Taylor up from her mom's house.  From there we went to Sarah's house - we all piled in her Honda and headed to Cheeseburger in Paradise.  The guys joined us for dinner, your dad was not able to go since he had to go in to work early - I was very sad.  The original plans were girls only but then I decided to have the boys go to eat with us thinking your dad would be able to go - no luck. . . .So in attendance were:  Me, Taylor, Angie Fore, Dave, Doug and Tessa, Sarah and Wes, Gary and Deb, Blair, Heather and Josh Perry and Kelly.  I hope I didn't forget anyone!  We had a nice dinner at Cheeseburger - I was the DD so I did not drink but the others had drinks that looked yummy!  After dinner was done we took a few pics out front of the restaurant and then once again piled in Sarah's Honda to head downtown. 

We decided that we would hit the beerstubes first - there were two of them.  The cover charge was $5 to get into both of them.  We went to the one by the Casino first - The McFly's were playing there.  They were not bad but the beerstube was pretty dead - lots of people but only about 4 of them were dancing - the others were all just sitting.  So once the beer pitchers were empty we decided to head down the street to the second beerstube.  The band there was The Pitts (they were not the pitts- that was their name!)  They were not too bad but again, when we first got there people were dancing but then the dance area cleared out.  So, once the beer was gone we decided to head to Stoney's. 

We got to Stoney's and Taylor had been saying that her beer was wearing off and that she wasn't feeling anything - well we couldn't have that so we started buying her shots - a few that I can remember are Green Apple, Kamaksi, and Liquid Cocaine, I also got her a Sex on the Beach.  We ran into Stephanie and Dewayne - they hung out with us for a long time and bought Taylor a bunch of shots too - I'm not sure what all they got her but they got quite a few.  We were on and off the dance floor - things were really hopping there!  Eventually a trip to the bathroom was needed and Taylor threw up a little in the trash can. . . she then felt better.  At this point Tessa was getting ready to leave - she had an early morning of shopping so Doug came to pick her up.  We hurried up and got Taylor to get on the bull - that was quite interesting - she had had enough to drink that she needed help getting up on the bull and then she wasn't up there long!!  She got thrown off and Sarah made her get back on it again. . .second ride was about the same length of time. 

After the bull it was back to the dance floor and drinking.  Another bathroom trip was needed this time Taylor was standing in the doorway to one of the stalls - I started hearing her screaming and someone had closed the door on her fingers - as we ran cold water over her fingers I was afraid her fingers were broken but they seemed to be ok and Sarah made the girl that did it apologize to Taylor - she even gave Taylor a hug and a kiss on the cheek.  How in the heck are you going to close someone's hand in the bathroom door??????

So more dancing, more drinking and one last trip to the bathroom before we left.  I went to pull the car around because we were parked way out in the parking lot and I didn't know about getting her all that way.  Well I was able to get closer but not up next to the building.  I called Sarah and she said they were still in the bathroom - I parked the car and headed back in.  Sarah and Kelly left to go smoke - Deb stayed with me.  We kept looking under the bathroom door because it was taking Taylor forever - one time when we looked she was turned around backwards so apparently she was throwing up again.  I told Deb to go ahead out with the others and we would meet them out there.  Taylor finally opened the bathroom door - there was vomit all around the toilet and she said "I didn't do that - it was there . . ." I got her out of the bathroom and we met up with the other girls on the patio.  A fight broke out between two guys and Sarah, Taylor and Kelly were all on the side of the fence that it happened on - I was afraid one of them was going to get pulled into the fight.  It was bad - the one guy was kicking and hitting the other guy that was down on the ground - there was blood everywhere.  I kept yelling for security and they eventually got out there - I showed them the guy that did it and they took off after him but I don't think they took of quick enough because they didn't get him.  After that I loaded everyone in the car and we headed home.  We dropped Sarah at her house and then Taylor and I headed back here- I didn't want to drop her at her mom's house in the shape she was.  We got here about 3 am and then stayed up and talked until about 5 am.  She stayed here and then I took her home to her mom's the next day.

After I dropped her off I ran a few errands and then headed home - I was exhausted - your dad was in bed sleeping so I laid down with him.  He got up about 6 - he had to go to work early again.  I pretty much snoozed off and on all night and then stayed in bed when your dad got home this morning until about 1.  I got up to get ready to go to a graduation party for Kaylee (Kari's Daughter) and Jaelan.  I think I'm caught up on my sleep but am ready for bed shortly - unfortunately the weekend is over and it is back to work tomorrow. 

Oh yeah - by the way - I was slumped down in one of the living room chairs watching tv last night - I looked up and Daisey was standing in the living room and she had gone potty on the floor - busted- I knew it was her - she is getting old and I think she is loosing her mind!!!   

Taylor is in Indy most of this week so we probably won't see her for a while.  I don't think there is too much going on this week but the weekend has a few things that I'll be able to write about!! 

Well, guess I'd better turn in!! 

What, No Pictures????

First of all when I was getting off work Tuesday, Taylor had posted on Facebook that she was hungry for BW3s - she was looking for someone to go with her.  I had a hair appointment but I messaged her and told her I would go with her when I was done if she didn't get a better offer while I was having my hair done!  I messaged her when I got done and she was still looking for someone to go so I went to her apartment and picked her up (I had to be the DD for the 21 year old in case she decided she wanted a beer with her wings!)  I had not been there is a long time - it was yummy!  Your poor dad was at work again but I did bring home wings for him to have for a snack when he got off from work! 

Wednesday was our Frick Powell Otters Night. I was very worried about it - it was so hot during the day on Wednesday - I just knew we were all going to be miserable.  And, I was a little disappointed because it ended up falling on the same night that we have our Beer Night with our Sabic Friends.  Of course, I wanted to do both and I thought we had both worked out until I found out that the game started at 6:35 instead of 7:00.  So we had to skip out on Beer Night - we have to make it next month - we have missed the last two months and I am really starting to miss them! 

We had invited Bobby and Amanda along and they planned to join us.  I was chatting with Taylor and I knew her plans were to go to Silver Bell to meet Heath and Tela but those plans weren't until later so she decided to join us at the Otters Game for a while!  This was the day that we all got letters from you so we brought our letters to the game and we were all reading them!  Well all the family members, not all the Frick Powell people!!  So the plan was for everyone to meet at the ballfield at 6 pm. and we would figure out the rest there.   We stayed until about 9.  My personal goal was to leave by 8:30 but I went over to your Dad and Taylor after a little socializing and she was in the middle of a beer so we had to stay a little while longer. 

We finally got out of there right at 9 pm - I drove Taylor's car with her in it and your Dad drove our car - we were headed to the Silver Bell.  We ended up going some very curvy road off Highway 65 - the road that Taylor said she used to come out on when she would have to pick you up.  At one point your dad went over the white line of the right real quick - I said "Good Grief Taylor, how many beers did he have?"  She said he had had a few.  We made it safely to the Silver Bell - I asked your dad about the swerve (which is not uncommon for him to do) and he said he was just messing with us.  We were having a time of it ourselves - that road is very curvy - I was sober and was still have difficulty! 

We got to the Silver Bell - darts were over and there were not many people there but that did not stop us from staying until Midnight!  Taylor drank with Tela and they all played darts - yes I know, drunk girls throwing darts - it was sort of scary but no one ended up stabbed with a dart!  It was a nice evening!

We left there and headed home - Taylor was going to stay at our house.  We wanted to get her car out so if she decided she needed to leave before someone could take her she could head on out!  She ended up spending most of the day at the house - and luckily she was still out when you called so your dad got to talk to you!  You made their day - they were both so excited.  Taylor had already said it was like Christmas the day before and then getting a phone call the next day - she was on cloud nine.  She had told me a few days earlier that she had a dream that she was at our house and that she was upstairs and her phone was downstairs.  She said she heard it ring and ran down to get it.  She said she missed the call and it had been you.  She said she even checked her phone when she woke up to see if she had actually missed your call!  I told her tonight that it was so strange - she dreamt that she was at our house when you called and she actually was.  I told her that if she had had any dreams recently about winning lottery numbers that she may want to go buy a ticket! 

So to explain the heading of this post - no pictures from dinner at BW3s that wouldn't be too unusual, most people don't just take their camera to dinner BUT I forgot to take it to the Otters Game and didn't have it for the Silver Bell - I was so sad . . . so sorry, I will have to make up for it tomorrow night when we take Taylor out to celebrate her birthday - I will take bunches! 

First Birthday Celebration Down!

We all met up at Hacienda to start the evening.  Taylor had been there since 5:30 - she first had dinner with her dad, Marcia and her grandma.  We were all meeting at 7.  We had dinner, Taylor had a few drinks, we had cake, and Taylor opened her cards.  We then headed over to Show Mes.  Taylor started out with a big blue fishbowl of something.  She was going to get a Long Island Ice Tea for her fishbowl but that is what your dad wanted to buy for her (he was at work so I had to buy it for her from him).  So, she ended up with the blue drink.  Heath and Charlie each bought her a drink - one was a dirty school girl (or something close to that) and the other one I've forgotten!  Sarah and I got her a blow job shot, Telea got her a shot too but again I am drawing a blank on that one too.  She did pretty well with all of it and seemed to have a great time!  She and her friend danced a bit too!  I think Taylor would have liked to have gone more places but it was a Monday night and you know how that goes. . . so the party will pick up from there!  I know there are a lot of plans for the week! 

Today when I was getting off work she was looking for someone to go to BW3s with her so I offered to go!  I hadn't been in a while and it sounded yummy!  We saw Scott, Jenny and the kids!  We chatted about our plans for Friday - a bunch of us are taking her out Friday and talked about tomorrow - she is coming to the Otters Game with us for the office then we are going to head to the Silver Bell to hang out with Heath and Telea!  We talked about how you have only been gone 3 week but it seems much longer than that! 

Lots of stuff going on here and I'm trying to make note of every single thing so you don't miss out on anything!!

More Pictures from Taylor's First 21st Birthday Celebration!

Dance Recital and Decorating a 21st Birthday Cake!

Lexie and Libby had their dance recital on Sunday.  They did a really good job!  It is hard to believe how big they are getting!  After the recital we ate at the pizza place in Wadesville.  I had not yet had their pizza - it was pretty good!  Then it was home to decorate a birthday cake for Miss Taylor!  Her first birthday celebration is tomorrow night!  There was a bit of panic when she realized her id was expiring but upon doing some research on the BMV website it was discovered tat it does not expire until midnight on your birthday so she was set!  Her mom requested party penguins on her cake so I am making my first penguins!  So far they are turning out pretty good! 

IT'S BEEN A GOOD DAY!!

First, let me think back and make sure that nothing has happened since I last posted that I need to mention.  Hmmmm nothing I can think of that would interest you so I will skip to today!!  Yesterday your Grandpa was trying to get ahold of us.  Your dad finally talked to him and he said that Tina was going to be out around noon today to visit and he wanted us to come over to his house.  Turns out that Emily (Tina's daughter that she gave up for adoption) was in town with her parents and boyfriend.  The plan was to meet up at your Grandpa's house for a quick visit then head, where else, but to The Feed Mill!! 

We got to your Grandpa's house and visited for just a short bit, took a few pictures (I didn't take any as I had left my camera in the car), then we headed to The Feed Mill. 

We had a nice dinner, Grandma Wagner joined us too.  I took a few pics before our food arrived and then when we were leaving I took a few more pictures outside. 

Emily is a very sweet young girl.  I didn't get to talk with her much as Jessica was along and they were chatting it up which I am sure is what I would do if I was getting to spend time with my sister for the first time ever!!  Your dad and I did get to sit by her parents Marcy and Steve (we believe Steve is his name, terrible that we can't remember but none of the grandparent could remember either!)  They live in Maryland and are super nice!  I emailed the pictures to Marcy.  She responded and thanked me for the pictures and said if we ever come to Maryland we are more than welcome to stay with them.  So, I guess we need to add Maryland to our list of places to visit!!

I did use the Elliptical for the first time last night.  I texted your dad who was at work and told him that he could just collect my axx from the bonus run when he got home from work at 1 am.  Turned out it wasn't too bad, although I did have a sauna experience while I was using it!!  I went back out there tonight and used it again.  Both nights I've worked to a mile, actually just a little over a mile.  I figure I will start out slow and work my way up.  I had a nice, short visit with the dogs.  I sat in the chairs in the picnic area while they ran around the yard and ate peaches.  We took a stroll on around the yard at which time they decided a swim was in order.  So after that it was back to the big pen so I am spending the evening in the house by myself.  I don't really blame them because I was thinking today as I was inside working on reports for an E'ville Iron meeting tomorrow that it was a very good thing that we did not have a pool yet or the chances would be very good that I would not be inside getting done what I needed to get done but would be out in the pool!! 

I guess that is about it for today - tomorrow is jam packed full of stuff so I will have a bunch to write about tomorrow night!  I am getting ready to start baking Taylor's birthday cake and then back to my reports! 

More Pictures of Meeting Emily
https://picasaweb.google.com/103136111258548219210/MeetingEmilyJune42011?authkey=Gv1sRgCJfUhL-Mr7CQSA#

New Landscaping!

Was Sunday Really My Last Post?????

I cannot believe how quickly this week is going.  Let me think back about what has happened this week since it has been several days since I have posted. 

Monday was Memorial Day, we had sort of a "lazy" morning.  We left the house about 11:30 to head to Poseyville to put flowers on Grandpa Wagner's grave - after that we were headed to McCutchanville for a Memorial Day get together when your dad realized we had put the flag out so we went back home, put the flag out and then headed to McCutchanville.  On the way to McCutchanville we stopped off at the cemetary in Evansville and put flowers on Your Grandma Baker, Grandpa Sanford, Jeff, my Grandmother and my Uncle Eddies graves.    It was a nice day - it was pretty warm but there was a breeze so it wasn't too bad.  Taylor joined us about 3 pm.  We stayed for another couple of hours and then left to head to Lowes to get some plants.  We had gotten the landscape bed put in in front of the garage ready for planting on Saturday so now we needed some plants to put in it!  We got home around 7:30 pm and began to put down landscape plastic and plant plants.  We had purchased two trees at Lowes the day before (a dogwood and a flowering cherry).  Your dad planted the dogwood on Saturday but the flowering cherry still needed to be planted.  we decided it would be planted off the corner of the back garage so we went ahead and began to prepare that landscape bed as well. 

On Tuesday your dad and Grandpa went and got mulch for the new beds.  He also purchased some knock out roses and a blackberry bush!  We got everything planted and mulched - if we keep up with this progress you will not recognize the yard when you make a trip home! 

Tonight (actually last night at his point) Taylor came out to hang out with me while I worked on some baking.  Well the plan was to work on the baking but we instead ended up looking through bunches of pictures and watching some of the football highlight videos!  Then we talked and talked about this and that!  We even studied the Quick Drink Recipe Chart from off the refrigerator in the garage to be prepared for her big birthday outings this coming week!!  It was a nice visit!  I even sent her home with some pictures of you!  She said she doesn't have many and I had a lot so I shared some of them!!  I was trying to find the cd of your radio interview but wasn't able to find it tonight - I am fairly sure it is on my computer at work.  I wanted to give her a copy so she would have your voice - although it would be a younger Josh voice!!  I will get it to her - being able to hear you may help - that was my "plan" with the pictures and football videos - I thought and thought about it - I didn't want to make her sad I wanted to try to help her not miss you so much if that is possible at all!!  She even got to see you with a pretty much shaved head from your football videos!

I mailed off two letters to you today - one from me and a second one from your dad.  I know Taylor is anxiously awaiting a letter from you! 

As always, I hope everything is going great and that the days are flying by for you!

More Memorial Day Pics!

 

Busy, Busy, Busy!!

So it is Memorial Day Weekend and we have bunches of stuff going on . . . last night I went to my sister, Katelyn's graduation at Mt. Vernon.  After the graduation I met your dad in town to get a birthday present for a birthday party today. 

This morning we took Daisey to the vet for a follow-up and to get her shots.  She did really good!  She got to go to Rural King with us, got a cheeseburger from McDonalds and got to go to Lowes!  She had a little "accident" in Rural King - I told her she was going to get all dogs banned from going there! 

We had a First Birthday Party for Doug and Tessa's Niece, Daphne.  She loved all her presents - she would squeal every time she opened one.  Doug and Tessa were going to be camping in Alan and Karen's yard so we told them we would be back later.  Mom and the Fifers were camping and we were going to visit them at the campground for dinner.  Our original plan was to take Daisey along to the campground but her outing from the morning had worn her out so we decided we would take Belle with us.  Your dad could not get Belle to come out of the pen so Evie got her chance!  She did really good and had fun.  She got worn out too because she slept in the back of the car on the way home from New Harmony!  We visited, had dinner, the boys played cornhole and then we walked over to a little concert they were having in the park.  We left about 10 pm and I texted the Donners to see if they were still up or if they were asleep and they said they were up sitting by the fire and to come on over!  Then they texted and asked us to bring Bud Lite - at 10 pm in Wadesville we were not sure where we would get a case of bud light - we ended up getting it at DT's so they were set for the night and the next day!  We sat by the fire with them for a couple of hours and then headed home. 

This morning we got up to get the paddle boat ready for the Sengs to borrow.  Logan's graduation party is today and they asked to borrow the paddle boat.  We got it cleaned up and working and drove it over to them.  We came back home and started doing a little yard work (with this being such a busy weekend it is apparent that we are not going to get all the things done that we had hoped to accomplish!  But we did manage to get a tree planted (your dad did that on his own while I was getting ready to go Sarah and Wes' for a get together) and before that we finished up the flowerbed (at least got the stones stacked, filled with dirt, now ready for plants!) 

I then headed to Sarah and Wes' for a get together - your dad was going to play ball with the guys and then come in later.  A few days ago, I had messaged Taylor about coming to Sarah's and she joined us there.  It was a great get together!  Electric Lemonade of course, cornhole (Taylor and I played as a team - I didn't do great but she did really good - she said it was her first time to play and she did great!).  We discussed her 21st Birthday - I think Tessa, Sarah and I and some of the girls are going to take her out!   We talked a little about that and have set a tentative date!  Once your dad got in he and Travis (a friend of Blair's) were corn hole partners - they were playing great and beating everyone!!  I think they won every game but one!!  We followed Taylor home to make sure she made it ok.  We are now home and I'm catching up on this - I didn't want too many days to pass or I wouldn't remember what I needed to write!!  But now it is very late and we have another busy day ahead of us so I guess I'd better call it a night!!   I took quite a few pictures yesterday and today - I will post some of those  tomorrow night!! 

We are counting down the days and can't wait to see you!!  I hope everything is going great for you!! 

Storms Last Night!

I'm sitting here at my desk at work eating my Spaghettios (rainy outside - it was a stay inside and eat spaghettios at my desk kind of day!)  Busy, busy here - my day is going fast, unfortunately too fast for all that I need to get accomplished today!! 

I was just scanning Facebook and saw that the sun room on the back of Scott and Jenny's house got pretty much blown off during those storms last night.  Although there is damage around Evansville and adjoining areas I haven't heard anything about anyone being hurt, thank goodness!  We have had some crazy weather here lately.   I think the forecast is clear for the next few days. 

And I forgot to mention in my post last night (early this morning) that Taylor showed us a picture of Heath's ankle - apparently he sprained it at the end of playing basketball last week - it looked really bad in the picture.  It didn't look as though he would be playing this week - I hope it has gotten better. 

I'll wrap up this post with some pictures of Scott and Jenny's sun room.  I'm not sure I will post tonight - not much on the agenda, just some more baking for your dad for work for another person retiring.  Your dad is tired - he went in at 4 am this morning so he is hoping for an uneventful evening at the house!  I bet he will probably take the opportunity to drop you a line! 

Wow, where has this week gone??

I don't know where this week has gone, I've gotten a little behind on my posting . . . I hope your week has gone by quickly too.  Since I haven't posted since Sunday and since I am old I will have to try to remember what has happened this week so far!! 

Monday started out very sad, we had the memorial service for Rhoda, it was standing room only, I knew it would be, she was loved by so many people.  I hope the sad Mondays don't keep up, this has been two in a row now and I'd rather not continue on that way!  You leaving last Monday and then Rhoda's Memorial Service this Monday.  

Monday night was Girl's Night Out with my E'ville Iron girlfriends.  I got an email from Karen Monday morning saying that she would not be able to make it to our get together because her husband, Bill, was in the hospital.  If you will recall from Sunday's post I had gone to KartWorld with E'ville Iron.  Bill had a go-kart crash which apparently compressed some of his vertabrae.  They waited most of the day for the doctor to come in, the two options were surgery or some injection but turns out I found out that they decided to try to let it heal on its own with a brace.  I hope that it works and it heals quickly as he is in pain.  We went ahead with Girl's Night Out and had a nice evening - we always do!  It is so nice to have a group of friends as great as I have to get together with and spend time with! 

Your dad worked over on Monday so I beat him home.  When I got home I discovered that your letter had come.  I patiently waited for your dad to get home - I did not open it and I did not let anyone know it had come.  When your dad got here he opened it and then shared the info with Taylor and your mom.  We have also made copies of it and given them both a copy. 

Tuesday brought lawn mowing - your dad mowed all the areas I can't mow then I mowed the rest while he used the weed eater.  We finished up the evening with pizza for supper and I decorated a cake and some cupcakes for lady that your dad works with that is retiring. 

Wednesday night (now last night at the time I am finally sitting down to catch this up) brought Amanda and Taylor coming out for dinner.  Bobby had to work and wasn't able to join us but I did send him a plate because Amanda said he hated it that he wasn't able to come along.  There was threat of storms tonight but the girls decided to go ahead and come out anyway.  We had salmon patties and crab cakes - neither of the girls had had crab cakes before, I'm not sure they liked them but they did try them.  We started watching the movie Unstoppable while we ate.  Part way through the movie the weather started getting bad so we moved from the bonus room down to the living room.  It wasn't long and we lost power.  I called Vectren and got a message that they had evacuated their building . . .what the heck??  We had quite a bit of rain and some wind but all in all it wasn't too bad in Wadesville.  I have read on Facebook about damage in places so not all areas were so lucky.  Your dad had rearranged the back garage when the girls got here so we could get their cars in so they did not get hailed on.  I laughed and told them that we had gotten their cars in to keep them from getting hailed on and now I hoped the garage didn't get blown down on their cars!  I said I could just imagine that conversation with Dora - I could hear her asking . . .how many cars did you have in that garage??  The power was off for a bit but then came back on - it was on for about one-half hour then went back off.  It wasn't long and it came back on and stayed.  When it did come back on we turned the movie back on to finish it up - it was another good movie that you may want to catch when you have a chance.  While the lights were off we killed time smelling Scentsy Scents!  It was a nice evening - in fact, Taylor just left not long ago - we were busy chatting about this and that and watching some crazy things on the Jay Leno Show and whatever the show is that comes on after that.  I'm just waiting for her to let me know that she has made it home then I will head to bed!  Your dad has been in bed for a while now as he has to go in early. 

Hope you are doing great!  Taylor said she mailed a letter off to you today.  Your dad plans to write one soon - I bet he will work on it tonight while I decorate another cake that he got me into doing for him for work!!  I will get one off to you soon too but you know mine will be typed, not written!! 

Just heard from Taylor - she is home safely (although they are without power . . .) so I am turning in for the night! 

Sunday, May 22 - It Was A Busy One!

I went up yesterday and picked up the Angel and Bench for Mom for Mother's Day.  Today I drove it in.  It was a lot of fun the two of us unloading it!  It does look great in her back yard!

Most of today was spent with E'ville Iron - we had a Golf & Go Kart Activity today at Kart World & Adventureland Golf.  I took a bunch of pictures!  Everyone was having a great time!  Yesterday and today ended up being beautiful days!  Our activity was followed by pizza at Kipplees.  Your dad was going to come in for pizza after he got off work but he texted Charlie and they were going to be playing ball.  Their original plan was to play at 3 but your dad didn't get off work until 4:20 so they moved the plans to 5 pm.  Your dad said "he is feeling very old this evening!" 

I went to Silver Bell and sat with my dad while he ate - your dad was going to join us but he didn't get away from the school until late.  He said there were 10 guys there to play - I told him that was good wasn't it and he said no he wanted a break so a couple more would have been great! 

I've got a cake in the oven now -- a retirement cake for a lady your dad works with - I haven't baked in a while so this could be interesting . . . .

Your mom texted earlier today about your mailing address and Taylor had something about it on Facebook - I think from what they said last week it should maybe come this week - I know they are anxious to get it! 

Friday, May 20 and Saturday, May 21

Your phone, clothes, etc. arrived yesterday, your dad said everything survived the trip home! 

Yesterday was a sad day - I got a call from Garland at a little past 5 that Rhoda, our bookkeeper at work passed away.  I am pretty sure that you had probably met her before.  She had been battling breast cancer for many years.  She was a very nice lady that will be missed by a bunch of people!  I had just gotten an email earlier in the day asking if I would make a cake for a team participating in the Vanderburgh County Relay for Life.  Of course, I agreed!  I told them that although I wasn't baking except for family and close friends I would be happy to help them out!  I also offered to make them some cupcakes so they can sell them out of their campsite to help raise money for their team!  I'm glad to be able to help in a small way (although I'm brainstorming about how to be able to help in a much bigger way next year!)  You know me . . . .

Yesterday I came home after work and your dad and I headed to town for dinner and a concert at Stoney's with Bob & Sherry, Bill & Karen and Virgil & Sharon.  The dinner was good (as always), the concert was ok, but the visiting with friends was great!  I did not ride the bull this time - I was thinking about it but I had on flip flops and I wasn't sure that would work well!! 

Today has been sort of laid back, I've cleaned a little, done some laundry, planted some flowers in the planter box on the mailbox and have worked on some stuff for E'ville Iron.  The only time I have left the house was to run up to the concrete store.  Mom has put in a memory garden in her back yard in memory of Grandmother.  For mother's day we got her a concrete bench that says "In Memory Of Mom" and we got an angel to sit on it - it is really nice!  Once we get it in her garden tomorrow (if she and I can get it out of th car!!!) I will take a picture and put it in tomorrow's post! 

Your dad had to work over today but should be here any time.  Belle just walked over to me - I guess they need to go out!!  Headed out with them until your dad gets here!

 

Thursday, May 19 - He's A Little Frustrated!

Your dad and I have been in town running errands.  He went to see a movie earlier while I had a board meeting, we are finally home!  My Mom got your dad a fishing game for his birthday for the Wii - he is in our bedroom trying to figure out how to play it . . .I sense frustration - there are some not so nice words coming from in there!! 

Taylor got her Kendall today - she was a little frustrated over that deal - UPS kept leaving her notes saying they had tried to deliver, she said she basically had to call and yell at them - they located it and then held it for her at the station and she went and picked it up.  I told her it reminded me of a certain phone conversation I had with a certain store after which phone call your dad called me an ugly name . . .I guess we girls have to do what we have to do to get stuff done!!  If I recall my phone call got our lawn mower replaced!  : )

Not far from one week being down - I hope the time is going fast for you!!

Wednesday, May 18 - Guests for Dinner!

Tonight we had guests for dinner, Amanda, Bobby and Taylor.  It was a very nice evening.  Your dad cooked - he had also mowed the yard today - it looks great!   He was a busy guy today.  While we were eating we watched the movie "The Next Three Days".  Your Dad and I had already watched it but thought our guests may enjoy it so we watched it again!  I think they did like it.  I liked it a lot and didn't have a problem at all watching it again!  I may even add it to my "to buy list." 

Scanning Facebook I see that Jenny posted that Kayla got MVP for her North Posey Bball team - yeah Kayla! 

I guess that is about it for tonight - I hope they weren't too hard on you your first full day there!! 

Tuesday, May 17 - Not A Lot Going On Here!

Today was sort of uneventful.  I did message Taylor earlier today to check on her - she seems to be doing ok!  I'm sure she is counting down the days!!  Her Facebook post this evening said she was working on writing a letter to her boyfriend!  My communication with you is best typed - I probably won't be "writing" any letters as I want you to be able to read what I "write"!! 

Your dad just got a message on his phone - Taylor is coming out tomorrow night for dinner (Bobby and Amanda too).  I won't tell you what we are having - it might make you mad!!  She told me today she needed to get the parking sticker from your car so we decided to invite her for dinner! 

I hope you are getting settled in ok!  Hopefully I will have more exciting stuff to post tomorrow night!! 

Tuesday, May 17 - He's There!

Josh's mom just called to let us know that he had called and he is there! 

Monday, May 16 - Up and Running!

The blog is up and running!!  I've never done a blog before - so far it doesn't seem too hard!  I do have a post out of order and can't figure out how to change that yet but it is started and from now on the posts should be in the right order!!  Oooops and I may have a photo album link problem but I think I know how to fix that!! : )   Working on it now!!

Sunday, May 15 - Photo Shoot!

One of my favorite things to do!!  I welcome any opportunity to get my camera out!  Even though the rain kept us mostly in the house and on the front porch I still think we got some good shots!  They were apparently good enough : )  since you used one for your Facebook Profile Pic!!! 

Monday, May 16 - Other Stuff!

Tonight we went up to North Posey to watch Kayla Jean play softball.  It was cold!!  The final score was 13 - 8 (Vikings loose to Mt. Vernon - Boooooo) but it was fun to watch!  Jacob was keeping score on the scoreboard - he did pretty good but at times would miss something and Jenny would have to yell to him to fix the scoreboard!  I forgot my camera tonight so we will have to go to another one of Kayla's games to take pictures!

We are at home now - we just ate and are now watching House! 

Monday, May 16 - Leaving Town!

This is the morning you left.  It was hard but I realized that you were leaving to pursue a very good opportunity and I tried not to be too sad.  I know it will be hard for everyone not being able to see you or talk to you but hopefully the time that we will not have any contact with you will go fast!  I noticed Taylor already had a countdown on Facebook right after you left!! 

Your dad did his best to provide what he called "comic relief" for your mom,Taylor, Brandi and Me.  He did a pretty good job having all of us laughing most of the time.  Although there were tears I think everyone realizes that this move is a great step for your future! 

I have already searched and found the website for your training center -  http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/

I looked at it quickly but will look at it more closely then share it with others! 

Sunday, May 15 - Playing Basketball With The Boys!

Watching you all play basketball on Sunday was great!  I'm glad that you all were able to work it out to be able to get together to play!  It is cute watching the little guys sit on the sidelines watching the big guys play, waiting for a break in between games so they can have a few minutes on the floor! 

More Basketball Pictures on Facebook!

Saturday, May 14 - Josh's Farewell Party!

Saturday, May 14, was your party!  So many people showed up to celebrate with you!!  We had a great time and hope that you did too!!  The cars lined up in the driveway and down the road should tell you how many people love you and wanted to see you before you left.  And just think, you said "No Party" to begin with!!  Thank you for agreeing to let us have it (although I don't think you had a lot of choice!)  It was a great day and I hope you will remember it for a long time! 

More Party Pictures!