Merry Christmas!

Just a quick note to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! My day started pretty early this morning - had to pick up my grandparents and be at my Mom's for breakfast at 9:30. We opened gifts and got ready for lunch at 1:00 p.m. I just got home (7:15 p.m.) As always, it was a fun day! Now, I am waiting for Kelly to get home so we can exchange our gifts - we usually do it in the morning before I leave, but she didn't have time to wrap my presents last night before she went to bed, so I have had to wait ALL DAY!!

Ok - well, Merry Christmas to all - I hope you all had a good day of food, family, and fun!!

White Christmas

Since it doesn't appear that we are going to have a white Christmas, I thought I would share this site with you where you can go and watch an adorable dog having fun in extremely deep snow! It is enjoyable to watch! Merry Christmas!!



http://www.dogwork.com/dogsnow/

Saddened Hearts...

I have some sad news to report today. My Aunt Jo passed away yesterday at the age of 60. She was diagnosed with liver cancer on July 14, 2008 and after 5 months and 2 days of fighting; she lost her battle. She spent the last 2 1/2 months of her life living with my Mom and together with her husband Jim; they took excellent care of her. Please keep my Mom and my Aunt's daughters, Terri, Stephanie and Chrissy, in your prayers. We're going to miss her terribly and Christmas is going to be extra hard this year, but we know she's at peace and in a better place. We love you Aunt Joey!

Aunt Jo and Baxter approximately 7-8 years ago

HOME

"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion."

--Anonymous

John Michael Montgomery sings....enjoy!

Thanksgiving and a little more...

Hello all! I'm a bit delayed in updating the blog - sorry!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. My Mom's side of the family were all together for the first time ever and it turned out to be a GREAT day. We wanted to get together for my Aunt Jo who is suffering from liver cancer. Her condition is worsening and we knew she wouldn't be here for the holidays next year;

so family from as far as Florida made the trip to Newark, Ohio.

We rented a social hall and there were a total of 23 of us there.

It was a special day for sure.
Before Thanksgiving, me, Deb and her parents went to see Reba and Kelly Clarkson in concert in Columbus. As a fan club member; I was lucky enough to win a meet and greet pass so I was able to meet Kelly and have my picture taken with her prior to the show. I've posted our photo so I hope you enjoy it! The day after Thanksgiving is the lighting of our courthouse and Deb and I always attend this with her family. We happily met up with Julie and Kim and Julie's Mom and Mike while there; so we took an updated - and cold - picture of us at the event. That's about it for now. It's time to start some serious Christmas shopping and Deb and I are putting up our tree today. I wish everyone a safe and happy Holiday season!

Kelly

Kelly & Reba - Part 2

OK - so most of you know how much we love Kelly Clarkson & Reba McEntire. So much that we went to see the SAME concert again - this time in Columbus. I promised my dad that if they came to Columbus, we would take him to see Reba and we did. I think he enjoyed the show - he and mom had probably the best seats in the house. They were in the front row of the seats so they were high enough that they could see over the people on the floor who were standing, but they had no one in front of them so they could sit down the entire show. That was good since my dad's arm is in a sling from rotator cuff surgery that he had just 7 days before the show! Nothing was keeping him from seeing his favorite redhead!!

The show was as amazing as the first time, although the audience was a little flat - I'm not sure what that was all about! Melissa Peterman (Barbara Jean from the sitcom, Reba) started the show off - she was hilarious getting us all ready for the big OSU-Michigan game with the familiar cheer, OH - IO! When she was done, the show began! I have posted 2 videos on Youtube. To see them, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xx5A5f5a1rA (Fancy) and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Bh3WFm_kIE (Up to the Mountain). They aren't the best quality, but then, I am no expert videographer either!! It is also my first time ever posting on Youtube, so that is kind of exciting!

I will let Kelly fill you in on her Meet & Greet with Miss Kelly Clarkson - lucky girl has gotten to meet her twice now. We are holding our breath that the picture turns out better this time! No doubt, it will be posted here when we get it!!

Until then, enjoy these couple of pics from the concert!!

Halloween Party 2008!!

Well, Halloween 2008 has come and gone. Deb and I were lucky enough to have been invited to a party put on by her cousin Julie's mom. As always, the party was great and everyone had a lot of fun! Neither Deb nor I won any of the individual games, but we were on the team that won the overall contest of Halloween Password! Our team consisted of me, Deb, Julie and Kim. We took home the trophy and we plan to defend our title again at next year's party! Deb was dressed as a rocker KISS girl and I was a pudgy, not so little Devil! The other costumes ranged from a witch and mad scientist to a doctor and Joe the Plumber! Here are some pics from the evening. Deb and I also want to thank Kim for updating our blog site. And no, the picture isn't of Bailey!

Gene Simmons eat your heart out!

The Devil & The Mad Scientist (aka Kelly & Julie)

The Crew: Deb, Kim, Kelly and Julie

Even Bailey got into the act!

Baxter in his Halloween bow-tie!

Fairy Princess Vera Belle

Sunday 10/26/08: Catching Up!

Hello everyone! It's been a while since I've posted and I'm pretty sure Deb has caught you up on most everything we've been doing. I'm still in mourning that the Yankees didn't make the playoffs, so I guess I'm rooting for the Tampa Bay Rays. I like the Phillies; but they've all ready got a few titles. Let's see, me, Deb and my Mom have re-joined the gym in an effort to get fit and lose some pounds. Needless to say, it's a slow process but I guess it really is good for us! Deb is getting more and more grumpy as the weather gets colder. This is something we disagree on for sure! I like fall and winter and the more snow the better! There's a chance of flurries next week so she'll be really mad! We're going to a Halloween party next weekend and I can't wait! We're still deciding on costumes but I'm sure we'll have photos of the festivities! Deb didn't want to dress up but she was over ruled. Can you imagine going to a Halloween party and not wearing a costume? What a kill joy! I'm posting some long overdue photos from months past and yes- one of is me with Jungle Jack Hanna himself. There's also a Mama Monkey and her little baby, a precious koala bear and a baby bunny from our side yard! Enjoy!

Home sick

Well, I am at home sick today. Thanks to Kelly bringing home her cold, I have now caught it and am feeling pretty miserable. Luckily, my boss in on vacation this week so I am all caught up at work and really, could afford to take the day off.

I can't believe I haven't updated since Labor Day! Sorry about that! Let's see - since then, we have been to see the Lion King - it was AMAZING! The animals were so lifelike that at times, you forgot they were people dressed up!

We went to see NKOTB (New Kids on the Block for all of you non-fans!). It was a GREAT concert! They sang old songs and new and I have never seen a crowd that stood for the ENTIRE show - floor to ceiling - everyone was on their feet - dancing, singing - the energy in the room was electric!! It was really fun!

Next on the entertainment agenda is a Halloween Party next Saturday - the costume requirement is still being debated, so if we dress up - we will have pics!

Then - AND I CAN'T WAIT FOR THIS ONE - the return of Reba & Kelly!! Nov. 20th at Schottenstein Arena. They say it is almost the identical show that we have already seen, with a few minor changes, but I still CANNOT WAIT!! I love them both so much! Our seats aren't quite as good as last time, but my camera is better, so hopefully, GOD WILLING, I will get some good pics and maybe, a video to post!!

Until next time!! C-ya!

Oh - and don't forget to Vote - Nov. 4th - Obama/Biden~~

Labor Day Weekend

Well, another Labor Day Weekend has passed and now summer is officially over - although it doesn't feel like it with these 90 degree days!! As some of you know, Kel and I joined my family for our annual Labor Day Weekend Camping & Canoe Trip. This was Kel's first year attending the outing and we brought the dogs along. I was so impressed with the way they behaved - they didn't bark at other dogs, they got along great with their cousins, Gretel and Todd, and for the most part, they stayed with us at the campsite without being tied up. Bailey had a little problem with his hips and he hobbled around quite a bit, but if we could get him to rest, he did ok.

The canoe trip was fun, although long - it was only 9-1/2 miles, but because we haven't had any rain, the river was low and we ran into a lot of rocks which slowed us way down! It took us about 4-1/2 hours to finish and Kelly tipped our canoe! Now, she has been spreading false rumors about the reason the canoe tipped and I am here to set the record straight! We had run into rocks and so we had to get out and drag the canoe over them. She got back into the canoe and I was still standing in the river trying to straighten the boat out before I got back in. I'm not sure what happened from there - I heard her scream, turned around and watched the boat tip over and pour her into the river!! She claims I was trying to get in the boat and tipped it -which is absolutely, 100% false!! :)

In any event, the weekend was fun - we had a lot of good food and shared a bunch of family stories around the campfire. Kel says she probably won't come back because her allergies can't take it between the campfire, the straw we put down, and the other outside elements. She was a mess by Sunday and the meds just weren't cutting it! I'm hoping to talk her in to at least coming back next year for the canoe trip, but we will see!!

Here are some pics from the weekend!

Time to update!

Geesh - it has been so long since I have updated this, you probably all got bored and quit reading. I haven't updated, cuz I really have nothing new to report. Since our trip to NYC, it has been a pretty boring summer. That is all about to change.

This weekend, we are going on the Tech-Wear Family Camping and Canoe Trip which takes place every Labor Day weekend. This is my 4th year and Kelly's 1st. We are also taking the dogs, which ought to be a treat. Hopefully, they get along well with my brothers' dogs, Gretel and Todd, and more importantly, that Bailey doesn't catch his tail on fire!! It should be fun.

We get back from camping and next is the Fantasy Football Draft! Always a fun time - if you haven't played fantasy football, you should give it a try. It is so much fun and it makes the football season so much more exciting (especially for us Browns fans who usually don't have much to root for!)

Next in line is The Lion King - I have heard great things about this play and am really looking forward to it.

Then, we go back to our younger days and relive the late 80's early 90's when the New Kids on the Block were popular as we are going to see the Reunion Tour in Cleveland on Oct. 3rd. I can't wait! We last saw NKOTB at the Ohio State Fair in 1988 (I think) - it was pouring down rain and we stood on a folding chair which kept sinking in the mud! What memories!! I can't wait to see the concert!

Finally, we will be getting our tickets to see Kelly and Reba when they come to Columbus in November. I am taking my dear old dad who loves Reba and complains every time I go to a Reba concert and don't take him, so this is his year. I hope he enjoys it!!

Well, enough for now. I have got to go. It is night 2 of the Democratic National Convention and Hillary is speaking. Gotta go hear what she has to say!! (even though I already know I am voting for Obama!!) I still wish it was HRC, but I guess he will do. Anything is better than 4 more years of Bush - the sooner he is out of office, the better!!

Y'all take care!!

--Deb

NYC & other updates

Wow - I can't believe the month of July is over (almost). It has flown by! As you all know, we went to New York City from the 19th through the 23rd. It was a great time and very HOT!! We went to the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island (which I really don't recommend - kinda boring and not much to see - just ride the Staten Island Ferry for a free look at the statue). We also took a tour of the World Trade Center site given by a retired firefighter - that was really neat, especially the WTC Tribute Center where they have some artifacts that were recovered from the buildings. Very somber. We went to Coney Island which was new for us - we just walked around and went to the Aquarium, but it was a nice beach if we wanted to get in the ocean. We also enjoyed Nathan's Hot Dogs at the ORIGINAL Nathan's. We, of course, took in a Yankees game and they won 12-4 vs. the Minnesota Twins and a Broadway musical, "Passing Strange", which Spike Lee is making into a movie and happened to be there filming the night we were there, so that was kinda cool, although the musical was not one of our favorites! We also enjoyed a horse & buggy ride through part of Central Park which, was a little expensive for no more than you got to see, but I have always wanted to do that, so we did. We stayed at the Algonquin Hotel which is the oldest operating hotel in NYC (and it showed when the A/C didn't work in our first room and the bathroom drain didn't work in our 3rd room - yes, 3rd - another long story). The hotel was nice, overall, though, and had a lot of "charm" and history, including their house cat, "Matilda", who was always there to greet you when you came in.

We also had our first experience in China Town and what an experience it was!! It is a story better told in person, but the long and short of it is that Kelly got so nervous she got diarrhea and had to go to the bathroom at McDonald's. She left me on the sidewalk outside waiting for her for what seemed like FOREVER - but was actually probably 20 minutes. She had a little mishap following her "explosion" and dropped her cell phone in the toilet - her instincts took over and before it flushed down the drain, she grabbed it out - wet toilet paper and all!! UGH!!! Needless to say, it was so waterlogged it didn't work anyway, but they were able to save her Contact information, so it wasn't a total loss.

Anyway - after a long flight delay - and spending 7 hours at the airport, we had a safe flight home and spent the next few days recuperating.

The weekend was spent with Julie & Kim who took us to Carraba's for some Italian dinner (Kim just wanted to hear the cell phone story firsthand!) and on Sunday, a cookout for Kelly's aunt's 60th birthday. Her aunt was recently diagnosed with Liver Cancer and is scheduled for a long and complicated surgery on August 22nd, so all of your prayers for her recovery would be appreciated! They have certainly had their share of bad luck this year!

Well, I am going to go for now. Here are a few of the pics from NYC - Enjoy! Until next time...

Deb

Kel's Birthday Week

Well, July 6th was Kelly's birthday and what an eventful week! It all started July 2nd, which as indicated in my last blog, was Mallori's birthday. We all celebrated at the Geller Park Independence Day extravaganza with fireworks and family. It was a fun evening.

The next night, Kel stayed home after a long day's work, but I joined my family on Buckeye Lake for the BEST fireworks in Licking County. A mini version of Red, White and Boom! There is nothing quite like watching fireworks from a boat! I guess my brothers are good for something!!

The next day, July 4th, we, again, joined my family for a cookout at my Mom & Dad's house. I, know, lots of family time, huh??

July 5th - we celebrated Kel's birthday for the first time at Mongolian BBQ where Kim & Julie joined us. We caught up and had a good dinner.

July 6th - finally Kel's birthday had arrived - and we went to the Old Bag O' Nails Pub in Gahanna. The food was terrific (service not so much as we had 3 glasses of iced tea spilled on us at the start!) We took some photos out back on the balcony and Kel and I ventured down to the water where we saw a mother and her baby ducks swimming along! So cute!! Unfortunately, when I got home, I received the sad news that my Grandma Libby had passed away. She had been ill for quite some time and I am glad she is in a better place now!

Jump forward to this weekend where we started with the Jazz & Ribs Festival in Downtown Newark. The proceeds benefit the Licking County Humane Society, so this is an event we try not to miss each year. As usual, we enjoyed some good food and music and we left just in time before the rains came!!

Today, the final day of Kel's birthday week, her father treated us to The Spaghetti Warehouse - one of our favorite restaurants! It was sooooo good!

Now, I am catching up the blog and going to go to bed! Busy week coming up as we have quite a bit to do before leaving for NYC on Saturday. I can't believe it is finally time, but we only have a few days to go! I can't wait!!

Until next time - peace out!

--Deb

Happy Birthday Mallori!!

Today is my niece, Mallori's 13th birthday! Finally, an official teenager - she has been acting like one for years now! LOL!!! Here is a picture of her with her Dad taken on Memorial Day. Happy Birthday, Mal - We love you!!

Deb

Fly Away

I finally got a good picture of the baby bird - thank goodness because they flew away the very next day!! Here he is poking his head out of the birdhouse waiting for Momma to bring him some food! Isn't he sooo cute??

This morning, our neighbor called to tell us that we had a baby deer sleeping in our backyard at 8:00 a.m. Obviously, we weren't awake to see it, but from now on, we are going to keep an eye out for it! That would be so exciting since we have never had deer here before!

Not much else going on around here. Back to work tomorrow, but at least it is a short, holiday week! It will go fast, too, since we have fireworks to attend Wednesday (Heath) and Thursday (Buckeye Lake) night. I love fireworks, but Kel isn't a big fan. She does enjoy the ones at Buckeye Lake, though. My brothers take us out on their boats so we can watch from the water. They break right above you, at least it seems like it. I absolutely LOVE them!

Everyone have a safe holiday and take care! Until next time....

--Deb

Sunday, June 22nd

Hello all. I've got some sad news to report today. On Friday, June 20th, I lost my step-brother Greg Ryan. He was only 31 years old and he unfortunately ended his own life. Please keep his mother (my step-mother Lorrie) and his siblings Kristin and Joe in your prayers. Although we'll miss him greatly; I hope he is at peace. On a bit of a brighter note, I've included some new pictures of the pets and a few of the wildlife in our backyard. There's no toads but a couple sparrows at a feeder. We currently have some baby birds in a birdhouse and I've been trying to close enough for a photo. I'll try to zoom in and if you look real close at the bottom hole, you may be able to see one of the babies with it's mouth open. We'll talk again soon! Kelly