Congratulations Tommy!

Tommy was awarded his band letter tonight and was honored with the Woody Herman Jazz Award for outstanding contributions to the Jazz Ensemble. Congratulations Tommy!!!!



Tommy with his student teacher Mr. Nebolski and his band Director Dr. Anderson.

Easter

Zach, Elizabeth, Taylor and John.

Ashley, John, Tommy, Nick, Nicole and Bryan

Ashley with grandchild #5 on the way! She has a tummy this time!

In Memory of Penny

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... Author unknown...

Nicole has finished with her college education!

My oldest daughter, Nicole, has finished her degree in Elementary Education. She is now officially a teacher! As soon as she receives her teaching certificate from the state, she can begin substitute teaching while she searches for permanent employment. Congratulations Nicole!

A turning of the page....

I fear that I will never see this sight again. Tommy has informed us that he would rather pursue track this spring instead of baseball and he isn't sure about summer ball. While I respect his decision, it is a bit of a life changer for us. We have spent the past 13 summers at ball parks, first with the girls and then the guys. I cannot imagine a summer without the traveling, the smelly uniforms and bat bags or most importantly, the popcorn at Moeller Field. I still miss watching the girls play fast pitch softball. Of course, they both play on a women's slow pitch league in the summer, but it is not quite the same. Well life is about change isn't it? We must embrace the new and make the best of it. Did I mention I really do not like track meets during Nebraska's cold and windy springs?! But we will cheer Tommy on and wish him the greatest of success!

I wonder....

What do the people up North do when it snows, ices and blows like this? I assume they have this weather all of the time. Do they close down their schools? Does life come to a stop? Do they go to school half way through the summer to make up for snow days? Don't get me wrong, I am thankful that my co-workers that live out of town do not have to try to get in to school. I was just wondering how the rest of the nation handles it.

I want to see this......

The past two mornings have started out at 15 below zero. That's crazy! Overnight, our boiler decided to stop working and when I got up this morning our kitchen was 48 degrees. Brrrrr. My trusty hubby tinkered with the boiler and it started putting out heat again, but for good measure we had a repairman come out just to be sure it doesn't happen again. Apparrently, sawdust from sanding your floors can mess with your thermostat. Who knew?

We are expecting more snow tomorrow and possible blizzard conditions again. I personally have no use for snow after Christmas. A white Christmas is lovely, but it is now January so the snow can melt and go away and not return until next December. This is the view that I wish I was looking at out my back windows..


What is that? Is that Arizona calling us back? I will remember why I love Nebraska in the spring, but for now Arizona seem very appealing :)