Simply Life

This is an older picture of my grandmother's brothers & sisters. You can click on the photo to make it bigger.
The person highighted is my Great-Uncle Jerome. We just found out today, after church, that he passed away in his sleep last night.
He lived in Vermont for most of his life. However, he wasn't in Vermont when he died. He had gone on a road trip with Larry his nephew. They drove from Vermont to New Hampshire in a camper to see family.
Apparently, he was fine last night. But, this morning he didn't wake up.
He was only 68 years old. To me, that is young. I can't believe he is gone. It seems like craziness when someone you love dies, and someone else in worse condition & older age is still with us. Uncle Jerome was very active! He loved to ski (something even I haven't done!) and other outdoor things.
He owned the property that "housed" the annual family reunion; an event which I remember as a very small child. I wonder what will happen to the beautiful, wooded, mountain top site. I think back upon it with such fondness.
I have been reminded, through sad circumstances, that life is short.
Live it while you have it!

Who knew this cute little baby
would grow into this cute little boy?
And now, he is growing out of a little boy, and into a big boy!
He is four whole years old today!
Absolutely insane!
Isn't my nephew a cutie pie?!

I had to laugh the other day. (May 6th)
You have never seen a magic trick until you've seen one by a kiddo I'll call CW.
He got on the bus and said, "You've gotta see this magic trick!"
"Okay, let's see it." we replied.
He showed Betty 3 ordinary pennies. CW told Betty to turn away. Then, he laid the pennies on the surface, and had her look.
"Ta Da!" he proudly announced.
"See, there's only three pennies..." and he pulled another three from his pocket.
He was so pleased with himself.
"Wow!" Betty said
"That's something." I said sounding impressed.
The enthusiasm in our voices echoed the pride in his eyes.
Ok, so there was a hint of a giggle in our voices, but kids are so funny!

Went over to my Marty & Shelly's house last night (brother-in-law and sister-in-law)
We ate pizza and played chicken foot. It's a fun dominoes game. I hadn't played it before.

Tom played horsey with all four of the kiddos! It was adorable. Of course, I took some pictures before the batteries ran out on my digital camera. I swear I almost cried.
Shelly told me a story about Lance. They were at the pool the other day, when a couple of teenage girls came up and started talking to him.
They said, "You're cute. How old are you?"
He looked to the left and right and replied, "20."
Then, they asked Shelly if they could play basketball with him.
Let me state the fact that Lance is almost 5.
Five.
He's growing up too fast. :0)
Here is a picture of the twins. It's hard to believe they are almost five years old. April 20th is their birthday!

11. I'm an only child
12. Love to scrapbook
13. Am very fickle about styles of music - listen to many!
14. I get embarrassed very easily
15. My husband has two families, a "foster" family, and a biological family - both are just as important to us
16. When I was young I moved about 8 times in only a few years
17. Was in spelling bees when I was younger
18. Waited until I was married to "do it"
19. Became a Christian when I was 18
20. Love blogging

1. I used to pretend I was a rock singer in front of millions of people
2. I am extremely shy when I first meet someone
3. I believe it's easier to sing in front of strangers than my own family
4. Food textures can actually make me gag
5. I've been writing song lyrics and poetry since I was 10
6. I have a serious "star struck" issue
7. I've held 8 jobs within 10 years, the 8th has lasted me 4 of those years.
8. Started to learn how to read music when I was in 8th Grade
9. Been happily married for 8 years
10. We're wanting to do foster care & adopt children