The Stomach Flu

There are a lot of yucky things in life, but I've got to admit that the stomach flu ranks right up there with the "yuckiest." We've been dealing with this in Maria's & Eric's family this week and a bit here at our house too. It just "ain't no fun" for anyone. Here's hoping that everyone is on the mend and that "the sun will come out tomorrow" .... or Monday. We all just want it to happen soon.

Skippyjon Jones: Lost in Spice by Judy Schachner

Once again the intrepid Skippyjon has gone into his oh-so-magical closet and out into space to visit Mars that he just KNOWS is covered with spicy red chili powder. It's another Skippyjon adventure that is not be be missed. Your kids and grandkids will love going on marvelous trips with Skippyjon as his soaring imagination takes him (and you) many delightful places. Author Judy Schachner has created a character and books you will want to read again and again. Many of them also come with a CD.

"Rockslinger & His Greatest Hit"

Today the Carillon Choir at our church presented "The Rockslinger & His Greatest Hit" by Allen Pote & Tom Long. It was beautifully planned & directed by Lee Waggener with Bill Waggener helping with the recorded music. It's the story of David & Goliath with appealing songs for children & adults alike. Go to the site and click on "Our God is Great" to hear my favorite. The young people were so into the whole production. The way they sang the songs & the looks on their faces conveyed to all of us in the audience how much they liked what they were doing. Kudos to everyone!

Email & The Internet

Email has become an integral part of communication for me and for Butch. It saves time. It connects me with people I haven't seen in as long ago as 50 years or as recently as 25 minutes. It enables me to share humor with friends around the country. It keeps me informed. It brings news from others that brings joy or grief. It opens up my world each day to learn, to share information, to contact friends, and to conduct business for a variety of reasons. I love the pictures I get that acquaint me with the growing families of friends. Did I place online orders for a lot of gifts this year? Yes! Will I do that more this next year? Yes! Do groups I'm in conduct business via email? Yes! Does that help everyone who's involved? Yes! Does it free up time for other things both serious or necessary or just plain fun? Yes! Can I be right there with you in every sense of the word except physically? Yes! Keep sending those emails, friends. I LOVE EMAIL!

A Party at Bath Junkie in Claremont

Today I attended a party at Bath Junkie in Claremont and it was so much fun! A friend had won a party at a fundraiser and a group of us were invited to celebrate with her. The staff had things beautifully set up for us and it was wonderful to sample fragrances and try out products. We played a game guessing the fragrances and it gave us clues to the ones we might want to use. The conversation was fun, the tea party food was delicious, and the items we all purchased for family and friends will make ideal gifts. The store was busy while we were there. If you haven't been, you've missed a treat.

Luke's 1st Birthday Celebration

Luke Jacob Tucker was 1 year old on April 14, 2010, and today was the "Birthday Bash." Family & friends gathered to celebrate the day. The party had a football theme & guests wore football jerseys representing their favorite team. There were two football cakes made by Oma (Eric's mom) and Luke had his own cake to eat & share with Grandpa Butch. Good time, good friends, such cute kids, & a great party = a birthday to remember. Happy Birthday, Luke!

Happy Birthday, Maria!!!

Today is Maria's 34th birthday.  

What a joyous day it was 34 years ago in Lawrence when she arrived. Mark & Claire were excited, too. In those days kids couldn't visit, so they waved "hi" from under a tree in front of Lawrence Memorial. Rachel Christoffersen was born the day before Maria, and Barbara and I became good friends from the very beginning. We referred to ourselves as "the geriatric wing." It was fun to watch the girls grow up together. Maria is a beautiful, fun, loving, super wife & mom, gifted teacher, supportive & caring friend, & involved community & church member. Butch & I are so proud of her and we love her very much!