May 2006 Archives

Happy Memorial Day

Except for being extremely hot, it was a lovely day in New Orleans on the Mississippi River this afternoon. We decided to visit the Aquarium of the Americas today along with everyone else in the world. You’d have thought it was a holiday. Hope you enjoyed it as much as we did in spite of the overwhelming crowd.

That’s Patsy’s sister on the right up high feeding fish and waving to the kids and her brother-in-law on the left down low doing the same. They're both volunteers. You pass through that tunnel as you enter the Aquarium of the Americas and the fish and turtles are all around you. We hadn’t been to the aquarium since the year it opened. It is truly a marvel right on the Mississippi River.

These guys and gals are the star attraction. They were made famous recently. They’re kept behind glass as you can tell.

We got to go inside because we knew two of the divers. These two turtles were rescues.

The plan was to walk from the Aquarium to the Riverwalk and get lunch but only two restaurants in the Riverwalk were open and they were wrapped up solid with people standing in line. We went somewhere else. We passed the fountain both ways and I stopped to get a picture. That’s the Cajun Queen in the background.

Happy Birthday, Mary Catherine

Today is Mary Catherine's birthday. She is 14, or is it 13? I'm pretty sure it's 14. She had a boy/girl dance party last night complete with strobe lights & a karaoke machine. Though, I don't think they used the karaoke machine. Elizabeth said the party was a hit. I have no doubt. When my sister & I were in 7th grade, we had a boy/girl party and Lizzie said she would come home from college to help us entertain our guests. She came late to the party but as soon as she arrived, she brought all the fun. I remember being very anxious, worried she wouldn't come. Our friends really responded to her and she got everyone dancing. All the boys talked about her for weeks after, my cool big sister! I can still see her getting everybody moving. Did you do that last night, Lizzie? Did Mary Catherine's friends think you were as cool as my sister & I & our friends did?

Happy Birthday Mary Catherine. Love, Nanny

Jackson had his school awards yesterday and walked away with A honor roll for each quarter (we knew that), highest average in math (my two years in geometry must have paid off!) and The Christian Action Award. We're not sure what that was exactly for but we are using it to our advantage every time he is ugly to his brother. He was so excited, "the best day of my life". Then his 7/8 year old baseball team beat what he described as "the best team" as he went 2 for 3 with a double an RBI and two runs scored! This time he only missed touching third base and home plate once each. Luckily there is only one ump and he just has to deal with my badgering him for missing bases and Chirstina very ludly saying, "Ooh he missed the base!" so the other teams parents can hear.
Phil

Memorial Day stories (very brief)

1949 -- Went to Excelsior Park with Billy Lasser.

1950 -- Duke, Dev, and Leo came over.

1957 -- Went to Clara's country home. Lovely day.

1958 -- Had worst haircut of my life at Chevy Chase.

1959 -- Had my shoes re-heeled; had Sam's heeled and soled.

1960 -- Gary is 9 years old today.

1961 -- Party at Columbia Heights (Minneapolis) for Club and their kids.

1985 -- Moschella Contracting gave estimate: $11,800. (The addition actually rounded out to around $16,000 before it was finished!)

1987 -- Barbecue at Katie's.

1988 -- Nothing doing. Bought a starfish. It died.

1989 -- Nothing doing. Sam worked.

1990 -- Saw "Search for Red October."

Now listen. I never promised exciting, did I?

Aaron didn't want to go to his awards ceremony, and who was I to complain about that? Parking is horrendous at his new school. We didn't know for days afterwards what award he got. We had an invitation mailed to us from the school so that's how we knew he was getting recognized for something. He didn't ask - didn't care. I waited in anticipation of what it could be. When he finally got the award certificate and brought it home, 3.5 or higher, he was still low-key with it. I told him I was proud of him. He barely puts forth effort. Just think of what he could do if he applied himself. (Where have I heard those words a million times before?)

Julia went to the honors breakfast so we knew that wasn't the award she was getting - as the note from school told us she was receiving one that was separate from that. It turned out the be the Good Citizen award. She is a sweet, thoughtful girl - caring about those less fortunate. This year, she took part in a program called "Stand by Me" where she went at recess, or had lunch with the inclusive children. I wouldn't doubt it if she follows in her Aunt Sue's footsteps.

We saw The Da Vinci Code yesterday at the 12:45 matinee. The crowd was pretty sparse and there were no protesters. Patsy hates big crowds so that was fine by us. We both read the book recently, knew the story, and I think Ron Howard assumed that most of his audience will have read the book, also. That was probably a safe assumption on his part and also a good idea to stick to it. The film was a faithful adaptation and almost mechanical in its execution. Very few details were left out or changed. I suppose it had to be that way. About the movie (No spoilers allowed here or in the comments): Paul Bettany was perfect as Silas. Hanks was fine as Langdon although I pictured a little younger man in that role. The film missed a perfect, dramatic AHA moment and I was disappointed in that. The locations were exquisite. If you liked the book, you should like the movie. They’re both entertaining.

No idea what these are. They're on a wisteria-type vine hanging over the bars of the City Park Sculpture Garden. I have never been inside of this exhibit. I will change that stat the next time I go. Did not have enough time today. Anyone know what they are? Katie?

Our curious neighbor was booked on felony charges vs. misdemeanor based (we guess) on his prior arrest for the same thing. Thats the good news. The bad news is he is out on bond and back in the neighborhood. He moved here after the storm from Ocean Springs, MS. My brother Andre' is an attorney in Jackson, MS and is searching today for any information he can obtain on him. A trial has been set and we will be subpoeaned along with the other neighbors. The best thing to come from this is the whole neighborhood is alerted, a lot of us have added extra locks, we have or we will add lighting and we are all looking out for each other. The wife was probably called from a cell phone while he was wondering if Butch wanted to play or was serious about all the barking and growling. She obviously knows his story and how to get him out of trouble. Lucky for us we can put him on the ice chest and the ladder next door and if we're lucky she won't be able to get him out of trouble for quite a few years.
Phil

Yesterday afternoon I was babysitting Jackson and Jacob so that my sister and Phil could attend Corey's graduation in Slidell. They had only been at my house for 30 minutes when Jackson fell out of our boat and split his chin open on our driveway. I knew right away he would need stitches so I called my mother-in-law to come sit with Samuel and then called my sister. They were just passing the hospital where I was planning to take Jackson so Phil dropped her off and she waited for us to get there. Three and a half hours later he came home with 5 stitches and a big smile. He was such a trooper- and so was I! Jacob was so sweet telling him, "Jackson be brave," as we left him at the hospital. I was reminded that the last time Jackson needed stitches I was present for the accident- a mere coincidence I'm sure.

I have a few more to post, but since this one came out so big, and I have no time to resize and go through this process again, I will let this picture tell the story.

We had a great day at Katie and Kevin's house yesterday. They put out a bountiful spread; baked ham, coldcuts and sliced cheeses, grilled mackerel, potato salad, Katie's delicious hearts-of-palm salad, baked beans, cheese and crackers, chips, pickles and olives, seven-layer dip which is always a crowd pleaser. We had carrot cake, doberge cake, and two different kinds of ice cream for dessert. Everyone was satiated. We had nice weather and there were those lovely oaks that the little people loved climbing in. Under the expansive shade of that oak is a swing set that children took turns on. The grounds were lovely, blackberries are ripening, and the roses in the backyard put out their sweet aroma that one could smell an acre away.

I took home some of Katie's salad last night and that was my supper, topped off by a Ghirardelli mint patty. Ah, the rewards of being a Mom. My children bring out the best in me.

Fifty-one years ago I had a Hallmark moment when my boyfriend sent me a beautiful card, "To My Other Mother."

Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers and other mothers -- I hope you have a wonderful day.

Magna Cum Laude!!

Congratulations to Janice (aka: Punky) on your college graduation!!! Yesterday Janice graduated Magna Cum Laude from Bemidji State University with a BS in education with a Language Arts and English emphasis. In spite of the disgusting rainy weather, the day couldn’t have gone better. It was a 2 ½ hour program with at least 500 graduates (I think that’s what I heard). I went with my mom and dad; made it easier for them to attend having a helper. My mom and dad were so proud, ‘specially when they read that she was graduating with such top honors. Any college graduation/degree is a major accomplishment, but coupled with raising 5 children and working full time while attending classes is an unbelievable achievement! I’m so proud of you Punky!! Now you can get a little rest. Summer camping never sounded so good eh?! Here are some photos of the occasion. Carol

Tonight was the Junior/Senior Powder Puff Touch Football Game at Collins Hill High School. Bunk was a cheerleader for the Juniors. He has been practicing for weeks. He was one of the flyers. I lectured and lectured about the possibility of serious injury from his foolishness. He is eaten up with the risk taking gene and has no fear. His head came precariously close to the ground on one throw. At half time his squad performed a wonderful routine. They won the competition over the seniors. I was not expecting the launch, however. I was video recording and Scott was taking pictures. I can be heard saying, "OH MY GOODNESS" as he was launched at least 5 yards across the field! Scott put his camera on rapid shooting but it only takes four pictures on that mode. The boys were slow in setting it up so all Scott caught was Bunk's feet in the left upper corner of the last picture. Well, he has another year to practice for being on the senior squad at the next game. Go Bunk Bunk!

OK, who's going to see The Da Vinci Code next week? I want to go on Opening Weekend. It opens on May 19. Patsy hates big crowds but I don't want anyone spilling the beans to me even though I read the book recently and know the story. The trailer is awesome. I'm looking forward to it and also looking forward to Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. That trailer is equally awesome. I loved the first Pirates. Johnny Depp was a hoot.

We had a lot of fun at Jazz Fest this year. These pictures were taken on Sunday. We saw Irma Thomas, Paul Simon, & Lionel Richie. Lionel Richie closed out the fest and he did a rockin' job! He was fabulous. He had so much energy & was having so much fun. It was supposed to end at 7pm but he played for another 30 minutes. I liked Paul Simon, but Phil did not. My sister & I were disappointed that he didn't sing "Late in the Evening" or "You can call me Al." He did sing some favorites though: Slip Sliding Away, Cecelia, Loves Me Like a Rock, Me & Julio Down by the Schoolyard, Mrs. Robinson, Bridge Over Troubled Water (duet with Irma Thomas-awesome!) We also ate some good food. All you Minesotans need to make it down for Jazz Fest. It is really a lot of fun.

In other news, baseball is in full swing in our household. Both boys are playing, which amounts to 4 nights at the ball park each week. I had about 30 minutes today when I got home to put away some clothes, throw on another load of clothes, & wrap a baby gift before having to leave to sit at the park for an hour & a half. I only have two children & luckily Phil is able to help with practice duty. By the time we get home, eat, bathe, & read books, it's well past the boys' 8pm bedtime. And I just found out I will be working summer school this year. How do you people with more than two kids juggle all of this? My house is a wreck & I haven't cooked in ages. We eat on the fly! I can't wait until June 23rd, the last day of summer school.

Have been having a little fun with this web site.
It turns out that I am 76% Dixie! Who knew?

Mom has a very selective and very kind memory about some things. On our wedding day, she dropped in unannounced while Patsy was still getting ready. My undoubtedly inherited selective memory doesn’t remember why. What I do remember about that encounter was that Patsy was having a typical bride’s wedding day. Nothing was going to her satisfaction and she is not one to suffer that sort of thing in silence. Patsy has full command of the “Deadwood” language but she hardly ever uses it. Today was different. She was using it at the top of her lungs that afternoon within earshot of Mom and I and most of the Western Hemisphere, I suspect. This would normally shock my mother. Dad had to say “goldarn” around us because of her. A couple of years ago, Mom told me she doesn’t remember this incident at all.

Happy Anniversary, Patsy
Love,
Rob
Hope the next 25 are as grand as the first

This past weekend was a very busy but fun weekend for us! Ashley went to the Junior/Senior Prom. She did not have a date, but a couple of her friends did and they all went as a group. She was on the "Class Cabinet/Prom Committee" and had to help with the planning of not only the dance and it's theme, but decorating for the Grand March as well. The Grand March was Saturday afternoon, then the dance was later that evening. She and her friends decided rather than going out to dinner they would have a progressive dinner. Pretty smart I thought, that way all the parents could get pictures and the kids didn't have to pay for dinner. They started at one of the boys' house for hors devours, then salad at another girls' house, main meal at her best friend Emily's house and dessert was at our house. They all looked so grown up dressed in their finery! Ashley had been looking forward to Prom for over a year as she toiled away on her dress. She started making it over a year ago. The original pattern was that of a Civil War ball gown. She modified it somewhat but the main design was still there. She made everything from the corsett and the hoop skirt to the petty coat and even the little roses that were tacked onto the skirt. (recessive genes I think~I know how to sew but don't like it) She worked so hard on it and I'm so happy for her that it turned out so well. She looked beautiful if I say so myself. The weather was beautiful and they all had a blast. We had 3 girls sleep over and they actually were so tired they were asleep by 2 a.m.! The next morning Ashley and Emily went "rafting" down the "crick" on blow up snow tubes. What fun, so old, yet still so young. It was quite the memorable weekend. I'm going to try to post some other pictures for you to paruse if you like. Carol

Hamzah with a partial cast after stepping on a pencil

Yea, that's the pencil sticking up through his shoe - the tip is gone 'cause it went into his foot!

Boys will be boys! Hamzah was at school, waiting for me to come from my St. Paul student teaching postion when he decided that he was bored and thought, I'll brake a pencil with my shoe! Only problem was, the pencil went right through the bottom of his nearly new shoes and into his foot. Off to the emergency ward. They numbed him up, dug around and decided to send him home. Hamzah kept complaining about the pain on the top of his foot and so they decided to take an xray to make sure nothing was broken. Lo and behold they found a huge piece of graphite way up in his foot. They put him in a partial cast and told us to seee a ortho specialist. We did and she scheduled Hamzah for surgery. She thought Hamzah was great and took his picture and a picture of his shoe and thanked him for the best story - none of her colleagues could beat this story. (As his mother, I was finding it hard to be proud!) As it turned out, two days before surgery and while I was in Chicago, the piece of graphite made its way out of his foot. Over the next week, three pieces of wood also made their way out.
The kids at school have decided to use him in their science fair next year - they want to fgure out how the pencil went straight through the shoe and how the body expels foreign matter.
Other happenings - Hyder battled Diverticulitis, Asiyah had a hairline fracture to her hand, evryone has had pink eye in our house. On the bright side; Omar is one class away from gratuating from high school and Janice graduates from college on the 12th. Today my girls are participating in the MS walk - I was to go with them but I have an infected toe and can't wear shoes.
Never a dull moment - but I'm glad I'm done with school to enjoy these moments!

Stephen and Kellie received their Master of Arts in Teaching last night. Stephen's is in Secondary Education and Kellie's is in Educational Leadership. It was the first time that a separate ceremony was held for advanced degrees. The first Master's Degree was given at this school in 1959 and the recipient was there last night to receive a hood. She was in her eighties. Her Master's Degree was in Education. She got a standing ovation and it was very special. SInce the ceremony only had 275 graduates, it went really fast. The entire thing was over in one hour and ten minutes. No one complained about that!

Before the ceremony, we ate at Lieu's which is a Chinese restaurant that Stephen used to work at. He's become very good friends with the family. They've made him special things whenever we've eaten there. He was even invited to their family's Chinese New Year's Dinner. This time they made us these pretty rose looking appetizers. I didn't try one becuase it had red beans inside but Scott said you couldn't tell because they were sweet. They also sent out a huge platter of ketchup shrimp which is not on the menu. It was really good. It reminded me a little of a shrimp po-boy. Also, Bob who is the son and Stephen's friend, made origami dragons for each place setting and origami roses in the center.

After the ceremony we went to Stephen and Kellie's house on the lake and had strawberry shortcake. Geraldine made her famous Nonnie cake and Stephen and Kellie prepared the strawberries and whipped cream. We are very proud of both of them for their accomplishments!

On another note - there was a preview in our paper today (Atlanta Journal Constitution) about a 22 part series that is to begin tomorrow called Through Hell and High Water - Inside two hospitals (Tulane and Charity) in New Orleans: The Untold drama of terror and courage, hope and despair. The writer is Jane O. Hansen and you could follow it online, if interested, here.

Happy Birthday, Nicole

Happy Birthday to my baby! Ashley says that retelling the birth story is gross so I'll only say that it went fast but not as fast as these last 15 years have gone. She had some friends over for a sleepover on Friday and they enjoyed pizza and fruit pizza for dessert. They actually were asleep by midnight! Tonight we had Tortelini and Strawberry Shortcake~YUM! Next on the agenda is getting the all important Driver's Permit!! Next Week, look out drivers of Hennepin County! Carol