Dancing in the Rain

After all these years by Journey

2012-02-08T10:51:00.000-08:00

2012-02-08T10:44:00.000-08:00

It is the true season of Love when we know that we alone can love, that no one could ever have loved before us and that no one will ever Love in the same way after us."
-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

2011-12-28T12:00:00.000-08:00

"Sometimes I fall asleep at the end of the day

And I forget to thank you, I'm ashamed to say

But as I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord

My soul to keep; I know you can hear me here on earth

Thank you for giving me more than I deserve

The Blessings...."

2011-12-15T08:30:00.001-08:00

2011-11-22T08:35:00.000-08:00

2011-08-24T06:22:00.000-07:00

New York City - July 2011

"Every person on the streets of New York is a type. The city is one big theater where everyone is on display." -Jerry Rubin

The thing I can't tell is whether cab drivers yield to each other out of fear or respect.
- New York Policeman

"As for New York City, it is a place apart. There is not its match in any other country in the world." - Pearl S. Buck

"They say life's what happens when you're busy making other plans. But sometimes in New York, life is what happens when you're waiting for a table." - Sarah Jessica Parker

"There are certainly numberless women of fashion who consider it perfectly natural to go miles down Fifth Avenue, or Madison Avenue, yet for whom a voyage of half a dozen blocks to east or west would be an adventure, almost a dangerous impairment of good breeding. " - Jules Romains

"It is ridiculous to set a detective story in New York City. New York City is itself a detective story." - Agatha Christie

"New York is the biggest collection of villages in the world." - Alistair Cooke

2011-08-15T07:42:00.001-07:00

And my wee child enters her junior year of high school!

Here's to wishing you, Iggy, the best year to date!

I love you MORE!!!!

August 15, 2011

MCHS

2011-06-22T08:49:00.000-07:00

OK - So when I purchased my bedroom set, I did not get end tables. When I was ready to purchase the end tables, they were out of stock and nowhere to be found. :(

The other day, as I was browsing the local thrift store (something I LOVE to do), I found this end table outside - the shop was about to close and the clerk said I could have it for $15; I walked away unsure if I wanted to "tackle" the project and he said "OK, how about $10?"

SOLD!

I am most pleased with the outcome!!!

2011-06-09T09:04:00.000-07:00

Today my son graduates from high school in Florida;

Fifty years ago, my Father graduated from high school in Nebraska:

In 1961:
The Beach Boys formed their band.
The average cost of a new house was $12,500.
Average annual income: $5,315.
A gallon of gas cost 27 cents.
Average Cost of a new car: $2,850.
A pound of bacon cost 67 cents.
A dozen eggs cost 30 cents.
The PGA eliminated its whites-only only rule.

1961:

2011:

Beatles 1961:

2011:

Families 1961:

2011:

Computers 1961:

2011:

2011-05-25T06:24:00.000-07:00

Where DOES the time go?

Christopher Dale Paul

Class of 2011

2011-04-26T05:44:00.000-07:00

Me and my "baby" bunny:

This Easter Bunny NEVER forgets holiday treats:

Yummy Brie:

Carmen and her ever present shadow:

Mom:

Westin, Eastin and Dan:

Sure missed Heidi spending the day with us:

Carmen and Chris with the GrandParentals:

Oh, the battle of getting a "non drama" photo with this guy:

The Family:

Easter says you can put truth in a grave, but it won't stay there."

-Clarence W. Hall

2011-04-06T07:47:00.000-07:00

Carmen’s Big Day

Today is special Can’t you tell?

I took my test And it went well

I’ve waited so long for this day to come

I’m ready to drive; to have some fun Rather unwillingly, Mom gave me the keys

Told me to be careful; “Oh Please!!”

I adjusted my seat, the mirrors and the wheel

Changed the radio station to more of my appeal

Here we go! Look at me!

I can soar, I can fly, I am free

Don’t I look cool? Wish my friends could see

Let’s take a ride; let’s go see Heidi Hold on, little girl - How soon you forget

I’m your voice of reasoning; You’re not grown up yet

Stop messing with the radio - Carmen, LISTEN TO ME

If you don’t stop the back talk - You will be sorry!

Yes, I know you can do this

And I’m quite proud of you

It’s me I’m concerned about

And how fast the time flew

April 1, 2011

2010-09-28T05:41:00.000-07:00

Create a digital slideshow

2010-08-30T13:19:00.000-07:00

Girlfriends are much cheaper than therapists

and a whole lot more fun!!

A girlfriend knows your deep, dark secrets;

but likes you anyway!!

Girlfriends are not farther away than the phone;

even if it's 4 in the morning!!

A good girlfriend is hard to find,

impossible to replace

and never forgotten!!

2010-08-23T10:39:00.000-07:00

First day of school

August 23, 2010

Martin County High School

Stuart, Florida

Christopher

(Senior)

Carmen

(Sophomore)

2010-08-20T08:24:00.000-07:00

All summer I have watched Chris dedicate himself to exhausting workouts in preparation for his senior year of football, I am (more than ever) convinced that these guys deserve every bit of praise and glory they receive on Friday evenings. I'm so proud of you, Chris!!!

Kenny Chesney - The Boys of Fall (Official Music Video). Watch more top selected videos about: Kenny Chesney

2010-07-24T17:31:00.000-07:00

Thank you, Mom!

I know how often I took you for granted

when I was growing up.

I always assumed you'd be there

when I needed you.....

.....and you always were.

But I never really thought about what that meant

until I got older and began to realize

how often your time and energy were devoted to me.

So now, for all the times I didn't say it before,

THANK YOU, MOM......I love you very much!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!!!

2010-06-18T07:50:00.000-07:00

We may not shower him with praise

Nor mention his name in song

And sometimes it seems that we forget

The joy he spreads as he goes along

But it doesn't mean that we don't know

The wonderful role that he has had

And way down deep in every heart

There's a place that is just for Dad...

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY, DAD!

I love you so very much!!

2010-06-06T17:50:00.000-07:00

Congratulations, Westin! We are all so very proud of you!!!!!

2010-04-22T06:59:00.000-07:00

Cruisin'

April 16, 2010

Majesty of the Seas

Celebrating Angie's 40th

MORE than an awesome time!!

2010-03-14T14:56:00.000-07:00

Carmen Rae

March 15, 1995

AS I WATCH YOU GROW

Kay Theese

Do you know how much you mean to me?

As you grow into what you will be.

You came from within, from just beneath my heart

It's there you'll always be though your own life will now start.

You're growing so fast it sends me awhirl,

With misty eyes I ask, "Where's my little girl?"

I know sometimes to you I seem harsh and so unfair,

But one day you will see, I taught you well because I care.

The next few years will so quickly fly,

With laughter and joy, mixed with a few tears to cry.

As you begin your growth to womanhood, this fact you must know,

You'll always be my source of pride, no matter where you go.

You must stand up tall and proud, within you feel no fear,

For all your dreams and goals, sit before you very near.

With God's love in your heart and the world by its tail,

You'll always be my winner and victory will prevail.

For you this poem was written, with help from above

To tell you in a rhythm of your Mother's heartfelt LOVE!!

Happy Birthday, Carmen!!

I LOVE YOU!!!

2010-02-18T09:36:00.000-08:00

"......children a reward from Him."

A few evenings ago, I had a very busy day at work and several errands to do after work making me later than usual getting home. When I arrived home, my kitchen was clean, dishes washed and dinner waiting! Those are the days I am so proud to be a Mum!!! I have always counted my children as my most precious gifts! I love you three SOOO much!!

This was posted on "Cramen's" Facebook - when I read it, I could have cried (if I wasn't at work):

2010-01-08T20:08:00.001-08:00

"It Has Finally Arrived"

Martin County Letter Jacket

2009-12-22T20:09:00.000-08:00

Carmen's Early Christmas Gift!

The New "Queen" of our Castle!!

2009-12-09T19:13:00.000-08:00

Volleyball/Football Banquet

Needless to say, this Mother is EXTREMELY proud of her children!!!

2009-12-05T16:18:00.001-08:00

Waterblasting Technologies, Inc. Grand Opening

On Wednesday, December 2, 2009 we celebrated the Grand Opening of our new, International Facilities in Stuart, Florida

The Ribbon Cutting:

Teammates:

Me and My Beautiful Girl:

Brent Crane & Jose Cancio:

One of the scrumptious layouts:

Attorney Robert Goldman & James Crocker:

The Company Gear as an Ice Sculpture:

Me and My Handsome Date:

Drink Tickets? I'm all set!!

The Lobby Tree:

Jackie "O" - The Bestest of Friends!!

James with Andy Clark

(customer and great friend from North Carolina)

Team Members:

2009-10-18T17:55:00.000-07:00

I looked at you today and saw the same beautiful eyes that looked at me with love when you were a baby.

I looked at you today and saw the same beautiful mouth that made me cry when you first smiled at me when you were a baby.

It was not long ago that I held you in my arms long after you fell asleep and I just kept rocking you all night long.

I looked at you today and saw my beautiful daughter, no longer a baby, but a beautiful person with a full range of emotions and feelings and ideas and goals.

Every day is exciting as I continue to watch you grow, And I want you to always know, that in good and bad times I will love you, and that no matter what you do or how you think or what you say, you can depend on my support, guidance, friendship and love every minute of every day. I love being your mother.

Happy 20th, my Darling Heidi!!

2009-10-11T08:05:00.000-07:00

"Going to the chapel

And we're gonna get married"

Eric and Karen's day - October 10, 2009

2009-09-16T16:54:00.000-07:00

Martin County High School JV Volleyball

2009-09-07T07:22:00.000-07:00

Martin County Friday Night Football!!There is just no way to even describe the feeling of seeing my son out on that field!!!

I am SOOOOO proud of you, Chris!!

2009-09-01T12:07:00.000-07:00

I am so proud of my "little" brother!!

Pedersen honored by national sports management association: IU News Room: Indiana University
Source: newsinfo.iu.edu
Paul M. Pedersen, associate professor of sport management in Indiana University Bloomington's School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, has been named a 2009 Research Fellow of the North American Society for Sport Management.

2009-08-25T17:44:00.000-07:00

School days, school days

Dear old golden rule days

Readin' and 'ritin' and 'rithmetic

Taught to the tune of the hickory stick

You were my queen in calico

I was your bashful barefoot beau

And you wrote on my slate, "I love you, Joe"

When we were a couple of kids

2009-07-21T05:35:00.000-07:00

I remember the first time I held each and every one of you, little toes, little hands and your little noses. I said to myself, how am I going to get each one of you through? Will I get through?

I remember each and every one of you being sick for that first time, me just holding you through the night, just to get you through.

I remember each and everyone getting on that school bus for the very first time, a smile and wave to me saying you were on your way. You were still at the age that if you were hurt with boo boos or hurt feelings, you knew I would be home for you and I would get you through.

I remember each and every one of you growing more and more each year. Suddenly my being there was not all what was needed and all of you began your independence, I said to myself at that time how am I going to get through? My love for each of you prevailed, my strength became enormous, as I knew my love and guidance would get us all through.

You, all of my children are growing up and making your own choices now, me hoping you will hit that V and take a right. I’m not needed anymore as you used to want me to be, but I am there with my heart but adolescent age, does not let you see. I know what you are going through, I remember me there so clear. Friends, peer pressure, insecurities, unknown results of your choices and the feeling of being invincible. Your life is now, your choices you own, whether they are good or bad. I know my words can only be guidance, my love for you I will show with each and every day, but the choices that you making right now will take you on your own life’s way. I pray that you all take my love that I used to get us through, to grow and complete yourselves, to see the rest of your way through.

© Julie Buchholz

2009-07-12T18:34:00.000-07:00

Happy 17th Birthday to my AWESOME son!!!

I love you so much, Chris!!!

2009-07-01T18:57:00.000-07:00

Family!

How can we go 12, 15, 25 years without seeing family

and as soon as we meet again.....we still feel the bond?

Last weekend we were in Orlando visiting Universal Studios. When we planned this trip, I had no idea that Uncle Roy and Aunt Helen (from California) would be in Orlando attending the Nazarene General Assembly.
What a TREAT to be able to visit with them for a few minutes - made my weekend!!! They were so kind and sweet and it was a pleasure for Carmen to finally meet them! We were able to visit with their son, Kent and finally meet his wife, Heather and two daughters!!

2009-06-26T10:42:00.000-07:00

Carmen Rae Paul

David Anderson Middle School

8th Grade Graduation

June 5, 2009

Gotta hold on easy as I let you go

Gonna tell you how much I love you though you think you already know

I remember I thought you looked like an angel wrapped in pink so soft and warm

You’ve had me wrapped around your finger since the day you were born

Beautiful baby from the outside in

Chase your dreams but always know the road that'll lead you home again

Go on take on this whole world but to me you know you will always be

My little girl

When you were in trouble that crooked little smile would melt my heart of stone

Now look at you I’ve turned around and you’ve almost grown

Sometimes your asleep I whisper I love you in the moonlight at your door

As I walk away I hear you say “mommy love you more”

Beautiful baby from the outside in

Chase your dreams but always know the road that'll lead you home again

Go on take on this whole world but to me you know you will always be

My little girl

Someday some boy will come and ask me for your hand

But I won’t say yes to him unless I know

He’s the half that makes you wholeHe has a poets soul

And the heart of a man’s man

I know he’ll say that he’s in love, but between you and me

He won’t be good enough

Beautiful baby from the outside in

Chase your dreams but always know the road that'll lead you home again

Go on take on this whole world but to me you know you will always be

My little girl

Carmen's 8th Grade Field Trip

2009-06-22T09:35:00.001-07:00

Carmen Rae

2009-06-01T06:47:00.000-07:00

2009-05-28T11:25:00.000-07:00

Time for a change..............

.....and oh does it feel good!!

2009-05-25T08:10:00.000-07:00

Martin County High School

Spring Football

2009-05-12T16:53:00.000-07:00

2009-04-23T13:53:00.000-07:00

2009-04-05T17:59:00.000-07:00

Hog Jam 2009

2009-03-15T15:57:00.000-07:00

March 15, 1995

Carmen Rae

Happy Birthday to the most precious 14 year old!!!!

2009-02-02T08:05:00.000-08:00

Kingsley, Michigan

What a sweet time being with Steve, Shell, Patrick and Miranda! As I sit here in Grand Rapids waiting for my plane to depart, I really feel like I am leaving a part of me back in Kingsley. The visit, memories, sites, fun..........was all I expected and more! It was just lovely!
Their home is absolutely BEAUTIFUL and so warm and welcoming. Thanks to Patrick for giving up his room for me and how sweet to just be across from Miranda (Manda). I am so proud to have been blessed with them as my niece and nephew!! Steve and Shell were so welcoming and wouldn't let me do ANYTHING - HOW NICE!!!

I had the time of my life.......now I head back to Florida to my own precious family (whom I could never live without). I don't think I will ever be the same - it was all just lovely: birthday dinner, shopping, downtown Traverse City, peeking in on Manda's class and seeing her get frustrated over her jacket, watching Patrick play an awesome game of basketball, watching his cool coach (Steve), heart to heart chats with Shell, worship Sunday morning, tubing.......Thank you! Thank you!!

2009-01-22T04:19:00.000-08:00

Carmen's (Cramen) Update:

Tuesday we made our way to Boca for Carmen's five month check-up. Not at all like most of our previous trips south as Carmen was goofy and very chatty - relaxed and excited!

Her only question (really my question) was "Can she now ride the four wheeler?" (This is a big deal to Carmen when she goes to Uncle Dan's) The PA said she would check with Dr. Jofe but she thought it might be ok but................when Dr. Jofe walked in, his first statement was "NO FOUR WHEELERS!" He did add a clause "unless you want to have this surgery again". He actually thought his PA was joking when she asked him. So.......July cannot come soon enough for Cramen--------released to ride the four wheeler.

Her report was superb! Everything is beautiful!! From August curvature of 70 degrees to a 15 degree curve? We are ECSTATIC!!! Instead of nervous and tears, our office visits have now turned in to texting sessions. :)

2009-01-09T09:54:00.000-08:00

~~Heidi's New Love~~

Last night we took a little road trip to......

meet Heidi's latest "love"!

We were all impressed and fell "in love"....

is that even possible?

2008-12-31T11:59:00.000-08:00

Peeking in..............

2008-12-19T07:33:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays from our home to yours!!!!!!!!!!

2008-12-17T11:50:00.000-08:00

Waterblasting Holiday Party!!

Curt and Wanda

James, Theresa, Carol, Curt and Skip

Donna and Michael

Carla, Phil and the wee one

Curtis and Donna

Lynette and Charlee

NEVER tell James he can't do something!

ChrisP

Lynette and Charlee