Happy 41st Birthday Mike

Because Mike had been on bereavement leave following my Grandmother's passing, he did not feel that he should take a vacation day for his birthday . He went back to work today which allowed me alone time. Could it be that I will have a silent day of relaxation ? Nope, not a chance, before he left, he requested a home baked German chocolate cake. I had thought we would pick up a DQ cake but that is OK. I would bake a million cakes if he wished. I know that I don't say it near enough but Mike is such a blessing to not only the kids and me, but to so many. He always fits in the needs of everyone who asks, many times for those who don't even ask but for whom he knows have needs.Many times he is not even thanked, but yet he is not discouraged. He continues to give even though he has medical problems that cause him much pain that he doesn't even mention.

Mike , on your forty first birthday, and always, We love and cherish you !

Hope your birthday is the best ever !

No rest for the wicked

Sunday,being the day after Grandma was buried, I wanted to do nothing more than sleep in, rest and just relax. Too bad that it just happened to be the week before palm Sunday which means Passion Practice. Our parish does a dramatization of the Palm Sunday passion which I have been a part of for a few years now. I have had a few different parts through the years but have portrayed Mary Magdala for the past few. I love being a part of this wonderful experience but today just wasn't a good day. Practice only takes a couple hours which would leave me the rest of the day except that our Parish's mission also started yesterday. Mike video tapes the parish's missions and other events so after Passion practice we ordered some tacos from Taco Bell, ate and got ready to go back. At the end of Monday's mission, all were invited to gather for orderves and fellowship. Our Diocese bishop was also in attendance for the first time since he has been assigned to our area. Mike asked if I would like to stick around , to which I declined. I really just needed some quiet time, Just my family and I to relax. The calendar is full this week and next week is Holy week so there will probably not be much quiet time for awhile . I guess that sometimes that is just how it goes. For now I will just have to take a minute here and a minute there . Please understand if I do not post for a few days or then again being the "backwards" person I am I just may post more.

Yes father I agree !

As The family and I left the house to go to calling hours at the funeral home, it had started to snow. By the time we arrived ( thirty minutes from the house) snow was pouring from the sky. Two hours later as we left to get a bite to eat before the next set of calling hours, the roads were down right dangerous. Four hours and many inches of snow later, As Father Dan entered the funeral home an hour before the prayer vigil was scheduled to start.

" Due to the weather we will be starting early.Marie sure picked a good day to go to heaven didn't she !"

What I accomplished today

*Got up at five AM to get Mike off to work and the kids off to school.

* Called Aunt Donna to get the name of the floral shop that is offering our family fabulous deals.

*Called to reschedule Veterinarian appointments for dogs.

* Called Mom to see if she needed anything.

*Left house for flower shop

* Concluded floral business picking up a couple news papers on my way out

* Took a paper to Mom.

* Visited with Mom , Dad and Brother Jim for awhile.

* Came back home to return phone calls.

* Leave again to find a decent dressy outfit.

*Picked up boys and went to get dress shoes .

*Came home pulled some hot sausage out of the freezer and cooked dinner.

*Got boys ready for karate

*Picked up Mike's suite from store

( Thank you Men's Warehouse for fitting in the extensive alterations that were done in only a few hours.I am so happy that you could accommodate us, I wouldn't even mention your outrageous prices and many attempts to up sell us more that we didn't need ( BTW, Yes we did respect my Grandmother, however Mike wearing a $60 shirt with cuff links( I don't have a clue what they cost ) is not necessarily the ways that we choose to show respect )

* Now I will fall into bed. Tomorrow looks even busier !

It is with a heavy heart that I anounce the passing of my Dear Grandmother.

May the soul of (Helen) Marie Feezle
and the souls of all of the faithfully departed
rest in peace
Amen

Helen Marie McTague - Feezle

March 21, 1917 - March 5, 2008

Mother of eleven

Grandmother of twenty seven ( plus more by marriage)

Great Grandmother of forty eight ( plus some on the way and more by marriage)

Great Great grandmother to six ( I believe)

You will be sadly missed !

Financial aid

Remember all of the financial aid forms that we needed to fill for college out back in the 80's ?

Multiply that by ninety percent and you have today's requirements.

The up side ( or down side depending on how you look at it ) is that it is all done online now !

Please pray for us as we try to navigate through for Cindy.

And the silver goes to.....

Cynthia Parkhurst !
Cindy attended the Skills USA local competitions today at Stark technical college in Canton ,Ohio. She competed against many Emergency Medical technicians, and a couple other Vocational school students in the field of First Aid. First and third place went to two of the EMTs but Cindy captured second.
Congratulations also goes out to Cindy's friend, Shawna who took first place in Nurse's aid skills.
Cindy and Shawna have both advanced to the regional competition which will be held in Columbus this April. Congratulations both of you and good luck in Columbus.

Cindy in her Skills USA red blazer with her award pin