"Taking Chance"

I watched this movie last night.

Reason No. 1 - I'm the mother of a Marine.

Reason No. 2 - I love Kevin Bacon.

All I can say is, if you have access to cable and have HBO - don't miss this movie.

It will make you PROUD!

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I Learned a Valuable Lesson....

Do you see the SIX adorable faces sitting with Grandma and Grandpa at the top of this page? Those faces would belong to Grace, Anna, A.J., Jack, Benjamin and Nolan - our grandchildren. I love them all dearly. I can easily handle several of them at one time. On Saturday night, Bob and I attempted to watch all six of them while their parents celebrated Valentine's Day at the Blue Chip. Now, let me start off by saying that none of them were bad. It's just taking care of six of them - ages 4 months to 7 years. Now, I know what you're thinking - Bob and I raised seven. Yeah, but not 7 under the age of 7.

Grace had an ear infection and was on medication. Add to this the fact that she is a "drama queen" and you can just about imagine. She wanted Grandma's total attention - snuggle and watch cartoons. Well, that's impossible when you've a four-month old who is in need of a bottle and a diaper change, and two 3-year olds chasing each other through the house like they were on a track at the Indy 500, and a 7-year old who wanted someone to play SORRY with him, and an 18 month old who just wanted to be held.

We survived - but we've vowed to take them on in lower doses next time around.

Back to the Books....

Last weekend when my sister-in-law was here, I scrapbooked. I didn't work on wedding invitations, or response cards, or reception cards. I scrapbooked. I completed layouts for my family books. I didn't let that stack of invitations sway my need to work on those family layouts. As a result of my determination (and Arlette's influence), I completed FIVE pages - TWO of which I'm going to share with you here.

It's tough when a diehard CARDINAL fan marries a diehard CUBS fan.

Talented Friends....

I have a friend who is an extremely talented photographer. She started a business last fall and our family jumped at the chance to have her photograph the "babies". Yesterday, she did another photo shoot with Colleen's kids. Jenny, I'm thinking the Knight, Urbanski, Van Fleit families will keep your business "healthy" for years to come.

Here's a sampling of what Jenny Hoke has provided us with over the past four months.....

Benjamin Van Fleit: 3 years old

A. J. Van Fleit - 4 months old



Katie and Santiago's Engagement Shoot:



Anna Knight - 14 months old (taken in November)



...and family photos from November:

What a Weekend!!!

It just couldn't have been any better. I have lots of stories and photos to share, but suffice it to say that it was "perfect".

My little brother Frank and sister-in-law Arlette flew in on Friday morning, bringing lots of sunshine and warm weather with them from Florida. This morning, Kevin and I took them back to the airport for their flight home. After saying our "goodbyes", Kevin and I went upstairs to the viewing deck, where about 30 people were waiting. Coincidently, Air Force One and President Obama were arriving in South Bend this morning. Frank and Arlette boarded their plane and waited. At first they were told they would take off before Air Force one landed and they would miss it by five minutes. Just a few minutes later, the announcement was made that all air traffic had ceased. The Allegiant flight sat on the tarmack and Air Force One thundered onto the runway.

Arlette called me from her cell phone to tell me that her seat was on the "right" side and she was able to see it. In fact, she was snapping away and people across the aisle were passing her their email addresses so she could share her photos. Air Force One taxied down the runway, turned and parked right behind the Allegiant Flight.

Kevin and I watched as the motorcade departed the airport and then we went to pick up Colleen, Benjamin and little A.J. and did some shopping and out to lunch. That is still my brother's flight sitting and waiting (lower right hand corner of photo).

On the way home, we thought that MAYBE we could stop back near the airport and watch the plane take off. We found a place to park and we waited. Before long, the motorcade approached and within 10 minutes, Air Force started moving toward us. Kevin jumped out of the car to hold Benjamin and I grabbed my camera. I think this sight may have been even more impressive than this morning.

It went past us, turned and the engines were revving up. Kevin and Benjamin had the perfect view!!!

.....and just like that, it's off.

The Things I Do For Others.....

I have this friend (Mary Lou) and she has a daughter (Melissa), who just so happens to be friends with my daughter (Chrissie).

Melissa is Chrissie's Maid of Honor at her wedding in August.

Over the weekend, Melissa became ENGAGED to Ryan.

Melissa is "bummed" because her mother doesn't BLOG and Mrs. Knight has not taken the time to "announce" it on her BLOG.

So, here you go Melissa.

Drumroll please.......

MELISSA AND RYAN ARE ENGAGED AND ARE GETTING MARRIED IN JUNE OF 2010.