A Special Christmas Greeting!

ENJOY!!!!

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ALIVE & WELL.....SORT OF!

After a long absence and several major events, I am back! It has been a momentous as well as stressful few months, to say the least. As most of you know, my mom and dad have each had health issues since July. Both of them were in the hospital (at different times) in July. My mom had problems with her pacemaker and my dad had a bowel obstruction.

In August, John and I, my brother's family and my grandson, Anthony, all decided to go to Cedar Point. John and I had not been to Cedar Point in years and Anthony had never been. We had a so much fun....especially seeing how much that Anthony enjoyed it. And, yes....John and I DID ride the roller coasters! Later in the month, John and attended the wedding of Chris & Casey Blust. It was a very nice wedding and it was great to see all of our friends.

My mom had back surgery at the end of August. She then spent 3 weeks in rehab before she could come home. During this time, my dad was still experiencing problems related to his diverticulitis and spent most of August and September in the nursing home for rehab. He was in and out of the hospital about 4 times between July and September. As of last week, he had been home for about 2 1/2 weeks, but unfortunately, he had to be taken back to the hospital this past Thursday. He is doing better, but has lost a lot of weight and is pretty frail. My mom is doing fairly well...but it has been hard on her back trying to take care of my dad. Greg and I have also been taking turns going over and helping with him. And John has been a life saver because he's helped by taking mom and dad to doctor's appointments and helping us with dad.

In between all of this, John and I were able to go to Disney World for six days in September. It was very hot in Orlando at that time, but we had a good time and it was a great way to celebrate our first wedding anniversary.

Hopefully, my parents will continue to improve and we hope to get through the holidays without too much difficulty. We appreciate all of your prayers and are looking forward to getting together with everyone during the Christmas holidays. We love you all!

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MAMA K's BIG DAY!

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John and I certainly had a weekend jam-packed with activity and TONS of food. It started at 6 p.m. on Friday with A graduation open house for Brittany Wright. We were served fried chicken, mostacolli, salad...and my personal favorite....CAKE! Woo Hoo! We had a very nice time visiting with friends while honoring Brittany on her accomplishments.
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On Saturday, John and I traveled out to Armada to Kristopher and Melissa's home to join the rest of the Kilpatrick/Aune clan in celebration of Mama K's 90th birthday. All of the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as several relatives from Alabama and Georgia came together for a great day of fun, food, presents and, of course, CAKE!!!! The weather was GREAT...and the kids (big AND little) were able to enjoy being outdoors and were able to go swimming in the pond. Mama K was, most certainly, "QUEEN FOR A DAY"...and she thoroughly enjoyed EVERY MINUTE of it!

We went to church Sunday morning and the weekend was topped off by joining Sandy, Jimmy and the Georgia/Alabama group for the weekly concert at the beach. Once again, the weather fully cooperated and it was a great way to cap off a perfect weekend with friends. We are truly blessed! I hope your weekend was as good as ours. Enjoy the pictures!

SUMMER FUN!

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Welcome back! Thanks for "stopping by"! Things have been quite busy lately. Since June, we have celebrated Father's Day (as you know), 5 birthdays (Mom, Karen Greg, Shelley, & Cathy), went to a wedding, as well as trying to keep up with the everyday things that need to be done. We also spent one weekend in Port Austin at Terry's trailer. With all the activiy and lack of really HOT summer weather, it it hard to believe that Summer is half over!

Last night John & I, along with my brother, Greg, and sister-in-law, Cyndi, went to a Martina McBride concert at DTE Energy Theater. The weather was PERFECT and the concert was great! We ate popcorn and french fries and frozen lemonade and "dippin dots"....mmmm...mmmm...good! lol We had bought the tickets for my brother's birthday several months ago and, needless to say, it was money well spent. We all had an awesome time!

On a more serious note...my mom is currently in the hospital and is scheduled for a pretty serious back operation. There was some sort of abnormality with her pacemaker on Thursday, so now the doctors are all conferring to try and figure out what the problem is. If all goes well, she will have surgery next week sometime. Of course, we are all very concerned, so any and all prayers would be appreciated!
Hope you all have a wonderful week and are able to enjoy the summer weather!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Hi All!
John and I haven't had too much going on these past couple of weeks....about the most exciting thing was the storm last weekend. It scared the daylights out of me, for sure! We were getting ready to go to Metro Beach for the first concert, when it started to thunder...well,by the time I looked out the doorwall, it was pouring rain and everything was blowing...SIDEWAYS!!! Fortunately, we came out of it OK, but a lot of people in our complex had shingles missing, trees down and garage doors bent. There were also several downed power lines and power outages a few streets over from us. Needless to say, we did NOT make it to the beach...but, thankfully, everthing is now getting back to normal...whatever THAT is! lol

So, now...that brings us to this weekend, which is Father's Day, my mom's birthday, my cousin's birthday, John's grandson's birthday! Whew! If only there were THREE paydays instead of just one!!!! Anyway...I have created a couple of father's day cards that I thought everyone might enjoy seeing...so....here they are. Hope everyone has a great FATHER'S DAY!!!!

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Grandsons, Nephews & A Brithday!

Happy Hello to everyone! What started out to be a very quiet, uneventful weekend turned out to be very busy. Saturday morning and early afternoon we just hung out at home doing a few things around the house and playing "Mario Kart" on the "Wii". Saturday evening we picked up Anthony and his half-brother, Blake and we took them to the movies to see, "Iron Man". We ate lots of popcorn and drank plenty of pop...then, of course, we had to go to "Big Boy" for dinner. We all had a pretty good time.

We started off the day on Sunday by going to church, as we always do. They had the first communion and water baptism for all of the graduates of the "Faith and Foundations" class. That is always a very special service to participate in. After church, I was STARVING...so we went to Max & Erma's for a late lunch...then we went to my brother's house for Douglas' 19th birthday. It doesn't seem possible that he is that old...especially since I am only 29!! It's funny how that happens! lol Well, we had cake, pie and ice cream and he opened presents and we played "Guitar Hero" and bowling on the "Wii" and then the adults played "Euchre"....which the girls WON ALL THREE GAMES!!! YEAH, BABY!!! So we had a very good weekend spent with the ones we love. Hope you had a great weekend also!

Memories, Laughs & Tears

Today's blog entry is tough for me to write. But that's because we all lost a very good friend and loved one last weekend. Al Aune, our dear friend, passed away very suddenly Saturday, April 26, of a massive heart attack. Al was the best of the best...not only as a friend, but as a husband, father, grandfather and as a Christian.

Steve and I first met Al in the summer of 1969. Sandy and I had gone to school together (though we weren't acquainted with each other then), and after graduation, we both started our first job at Michigan Bell Telephone on Gratiot and 11 Mile Rd. in Roseville. She and I were both 18 years old, engaged, and finding out what 'real life' was all about. One Sunday after church, Steve and I went to the Village Inn Restaurant to have lunch and Sandy and Al happened to be there too. It was one of their favorite places to go. This is where Steve & I first met Al. He was one of the friendliest people I've ever known...he never met a stranger. In fact, whenever the six of us (Al, Sandy, John & I and Jimmy & Shelley)went out, he and Jimmy would always have a contest to see who would run into more people that they knew. Of course, Al ALWAYS won! lol

As a result of that first meeting, a friendship was begun that has lasted for almost 40 years. Al stood up for Steve at our wedding in 1970, and this past September, he was the best man for John & I at our wedding in Vegas. It was a great trip and we had a lot of fun. We could always count on a lot of laughs whenever we all got together. In fact, the six of us went out to dinner just last Friday to celebrate Sandy's birthday. Afterward, everyone came back to our house for cake and ice cream. Al thoroughly enjoyed Shelley's cakes and he always asked me to scoop him his favorite..the ice cream that was all "cow slobbery". (This was the ice cream that had started to melt and get soft around the edges) I tried to always have either the "hazelnut" flavored coffee for him or at least the hazelnut creamers...AND of course....Cheetos Cheeze Puffs!

It was such a shock when we got the news on Saturday that he was gone. I have cried every day since. Al was more than a friend....he was family. I loved him and we knew that he loved us. So today, there is a void in my heart that will always be there. I feel priviledged to have known him and was so blessed to have him as a friend. I will always miss him.

Easter Fest & Spring Showers!

Woo Hoo! Spring is finally here!!! And along with Spring comes...EASTER! As you can see, we had a day of fun and games at our church "EASTER FEST"! John and I, along with my brother, Greg, and our daughter-in-law, Jessica, took the kids to enjoy all the fun activities. Lexi, Josh and Austin participated in the Easter egg hunt...they competed in all the games, such as ring toss, knocking down the cans, tossing the frog etc. As you can see from the pictures, they also enjoyed the giant obstacle course and slide (they HAD to do that one more than once!). We all had an awesome time and the kids took home a BUNCH of candy!

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Last Tuesday night, myself and all the girls I work with gave Julie Krist (our pastor's daughter) a surprise personal bridal shower. Early on after her engagement, we had all informed her that she would HAVE to have ALL of us stand up as bridesmaids in her wedding. Soooo..being the wonderful, considerate, thoughtful people that we are, and in order to save her time and to save us money...we all went to the resale stores and bought our bridesmaid ensembles. As you can see, for a total of about $70, we were able to put together a "lavishly lovely" bridesmaid's party! Entertainment was provided by "Elvira and The Human Ipods" (a.k.a. Louise, Dawn, Karen, Stacey), who performed amazing renditions of, "My Guy" and "Goin' To The Chapel". Believe me, this performance won't soon be forgotten! lol Because we discovered that Julie has a fear of clowns...we, of course, HAD to have a cake decorated with a clown bride and also a few clown cookies!

Seriously though, Julie received some beautiful nighties, a beautiful pair of "custom made" house slippers, and also some very personal "unmentionable" items! I think I can speak for all of us when I say that we haven't laughed so much or so hard in a very long time AND....a good time was had by all!

Friends, Family, and Fun!

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I don't know about you...but our weekend was certainly a busy one! Our friend, Terry, came in from Mason, MI on Thursday and was here until Saturday night. Friday night a whole group of us went to the Woodside Bible Church in Troy for their "Comedy For A Cause" show. There were two comedians on the program, Tom Ryan (not the local guy) and Tim Hawkins. I have to say that I haven't laughed that much in ages! After the show, we all (18 of us)went to the Alibi Restaurant to eat. Saturday John, Terry and I went out to breakfast, then spent the WHOLE day (at least until 5:30 p.m.) shopping. Terry doesn't have many large stores or malls near where she lives, so when she comes here, she tries to find those things that she isn't able to find in Mason. I think we pretty well covered most of the Lakeside Mall area! lol We went to Ram's Horn for dinner, then John and I were off to my parents' house for my dad's birthday.

My brother and his family and my daughter's family joined us at my parents and we all enjoyed pineapple birthday cake, vanilla ice cream AND coconut pie! It was all very yummy! As you can see by the pictures, Jake, the new puppy, also came to wish my dad well. And nooooo...you aren't "seeing double"....there actually are TWO puppies! My mother fell in love with Jake last week, and since she has been wanting a dog, she decided to buy Jake's brother for her and my dad!! The new puppy was a hit with everyone (including Terry) and now Terry wants one too! She has put her order in for the next litter which is scheduled to arrive sometime in July. I think I should be due some kind of a "finder's fee" or something!lol The two dogs enjoyed playing together and we all enjoyed watching! The new puppy doesn't yet have a name, but I will certainly keep you informed when my mom decides on what he will be called.

So, once again, the weekend has FLOWN by....and Monday is almost here again. I'm sure this will be a busy week for everyone. I sometimes miss all the activity that comes with Easter...the buying of candy and Easter baskets, shopping for Easter outfits and coloring Easter eggs. Well, maybe I really don't miss coloring Easter eggs all THAT much! lol So, on that note, I hope you all have a blessed Easter and enjoy a wonderful time with your families!

Puppies and Family

Greetings! Yes, I'm back again after a long absence. Like you, John and I have just been trying to survive more cold, snowy days! I don't know about you, but I am SO DONE with winter! Spring can make her appearance any time now.

We have been keeping busy with all the usual winter activities....eating, working, eating, working, eating, renting movies, eating popcorn, etc., etc., etc. Needless to say, the diet has pretty much gone down the drain for the time being. And how is YOUR diet going?? lol

This past weekend we got together with my family at my mom and dad's house. We feasted on ribs & chicken followed by blueberry pie and cheesecake. We watched the movie, "Next". As you can see from this week's picture, we have a new family member. My brother and sister-in-law just got a new puppy that they named, Jake. He is very cute, very fluffy and very little. When I asked my nephew, Austin, why he got a dog, he told me that, "he prayed and asked God for a puppy, and God talked to his Sunday School teacher, Miss Barb, and told her that he wanted a dog, and (since she breeds dogs), she gave him a puppy! Now, if THAT isn't a "faith builder", I don't know what is! As expected, Jake was a big hit with the whole family...including Auntie Karen & Uncle John! And, "no", we will NOT be praying for a baby!!!!

Have a great week!

Cabin Fever

Welcome back to our blog. It has been awhile since we have made a post, so I hope to bring you up to date on the events of the last couple of weeks (not that anything very exciting has been happening!)

As you can see from this week's pictures, we have certainly had more than enough snow! I do have to say, though, that the snow has been quite beautiful...but all the cloudy days are a little depressing and can sometimes bring on a case of cabin fever. And, as you can see from the other pictures, cabin fever can bring on the "heebie jeebies"....causing our faces to make all kinds of weird contortions! Even, Austin, my nephew was affected! But, not to worry, as all you ladies know, nothing helps cabin fever more than going shopping and buying a new top or a new pair of shoes! Oh Yeah! So, once again, all is well!

Besides shopping and making faces, we also participated in a Euchre tournament with my brother's Euchre group (I won $15 for 5th place!Woo Hoo!), we had dinner with Hal & Linda at Cathy's house, we went to the movies and saw, "Michael Clayton" (two thumbs up!) and we have been fantasizing about a trip to somewhere warm and sunny. Believe me, it hasn't helped that we have friends who are in Florida and Hawaii that keep calling and sending pictures on the camera phone to let us know how warm it is where they are! lol Well, that's OK...John and I will be glad to return the favor when we take our next "dream" vacation! So, take care, and maybe we'll do something a little more exciting for the next blog entry.

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BIRTHDAYS, FUN AT WORK & A NIGHT OUT...

No.....we did NOT fall off the face of the earth! We are still here, working, living life and having fun. During our absence, I was enjoying life at the office with Dawn & Stacey, my co-workers. They are great pals and a lot of fun to work with!'

During the course of the month we celebrated Alexis'(John's granddaugher) and Beth's (my daughter) birthdays. For Lexie, we all went out to dinner at Big Boy's, then came back to our house for cake, ice cream and presents. She liked the jeans and top that we got for her, but she REALLY loved the Hannah Montana doll! For Beth's birthday, I had her and her family over for spaghetti dinner (her favorite) and, once again...cake, ice cream and presents. Beth especially loved the 2nd season Muppets DVD that we got for her. Since she loves family pictures, we also gave her a family photo album. After all the celebrating, we all enjoyed playing "Caranium Pop 5"...a great game that I would highly recommend!

This past Friday night we got together with Sandy & Al and Jimmy & Shelley and went to Mac Ray's where we enjoyed a wonderful dinner followed by the "Rat Pack" show. It was a live show by two guys who sang all of the old songs of the Rat Pack as well as some rock & roll and country songs. The entertainment was great and Shelley's special brownie mousse parfait was a wonderful finish to a delicious dinner. Saturday night John and I went to the movies with Sandy and Al to see "The Bucket List". It was a very good movie, though a little more sad than I had anticipated.

So, that's it for this week. Hope you enjoy the pictures and we look forward to the next time!

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HOLIDAZE AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Finally....holidays are over and we have once again settled back into somewhat of a routine. Our holidays were all good. There was lots of food, presents, lots of food, family, lots of food, friends, and lots of FOOD! I swore that I would never need to eat again until Easter....but, of course, that resolution was short-lived! Thus, the reason for resolution #2....BEGIN THE DIET! So far, I have lost ONE WHOLE POUND! Woo Hoo! Don't laugh....just how is YOUR diet going??

Seriously, it was great to be able to spend time with so many of our family and friends through the holidays. You all helped to make them special. I apologize for not having any pictures posted. It's not that we didn't take any...we took zillions...but we had them put on a cd and haven't been able to find it!(Guess that means I should clean house!) So between that and the fact that I left our camera at my friend's (Terry) house, I guess it means that all you have is just a boring blog to read for this week. But I guess that's OK since it has been kind of a "slow news week" anyway! lol

So, I hope all of you have a good rest of the week and that you have great success with those diets! And remember, John and I would love to hear from you and to know if you read the blog or not....so, if you DO visit our blog, and you don't find it too boring, please leave us your comments by clicking on the "comments" link at the end of each entry. It is just another way that helps us feel like we're keeping in touch with everyone. So Happy New Year! We love you!