Family Pictures

I had a great weekend- being home and catching up on things. I worked in my garden- planting new plants, worked on some craft stuff, read a lot, and then I started scanning pictures... I have a gazillion pictures that are not digital. Some day I will have all these pictures organized, One of my fears is that I will die before the pictures are organized and my kids won't know what to do with them all! I keep finding pictures that I want to share... I know they get annoyed when I send them a pictures to share (that they have already seen many times!). Now to further the situation I want to share them with all my friends and family that take the time to read this site... The older I get the more important my genealogy becomes. The church is big on genealogy and I have known that for years and years. Maybe now that my kids are grown I have more time to think about it. In any event- if it weren't for our ancestors we would not be here!! I Iove these pictures that follow! So indulge me......



My grandfather on my mom's side- Miles Maxwell, during World War I


My grandparents, Miles and Evelyn Maxwell, right after they were married around 1915.


My dad, John Jr., as a baby with his dad, John, 1925


My parents with my dad's mom, Sophia, about 1946


My dad as a young Navy Ensign in his 20's


My mom, Jane, in her late 20's


Me when I was 3!

Memorial Day Weekend

Three days can really fly by fast when I am having fun and not thinking of work! I stayed close to home Friday night- just enjoying quiet time and getting ready for the weekend. On Saturday morning however, I was up and running early.... not literally but figuratively! I left the house pretty early, and stopped off at Lynn's house to see her new baby kittens. See my previous blog to know what I am talking about. They are sooooooo cute!!!

This is London looking at me down the tunnel!


Lynn holding Venice!

Then off to Pleasanton I went to spend the weekend with Brooke and her family. Right after I got there - Chris and MJ came over too. It was great to visit with them.... McKenzie and MJ finally warmed up to each other and had fun in the back yard, He just turned 2 and is such a funny little guy!! It is a great thing for me to share being a grandparent with my friends that are grandparents too. We can relate on a whole new level! I didn't get any pictures while they were there- just got caught up in the moment and forgot!

Saturday night Brooke and Evan went out and I stayed with the girls. I love just hanging out with them- even if it gets a little crazy at times. Sunday we went to church and then over to Kathy and Dan's for dinner. They had their 3 grandchildren there- and as usual it was controlled chaos!!! Today, being Memorial Day, we started out with a holiday breakfast at Pleasanton Second Ward! Brooke and Evan are on the Activities Committee so they had to be there early to set up. I came a little later with the girls to a great breakfast of eggs, pancakes and bacon. The weather was perfect and we ate outside where all the tables were set up.

Getting ready was pretty funny with McKenzie-- she is in this phase of not wanting to be "pretty" but wanting to be "Cool". How in the world does a 3 year old know what it is to be cool??????? But actually she does a pretty good job of being cool, as far as 3 year olds go!! And Brynn is so funny! She makes a funny little sound when she is hungry. She is very vocal and expressive! And her giggle is to die for... She does a great job doing her "tricks"- waving bye bye, answering the phone by putting her hand up to her ear when you say"hello?", gives kisses and hugs upon request, and squeals with delight whenever McKenzie comes into her line of sight!

And I digress--- after a nap we all went off to the mall- along with a gazillion other people! After a couple of hours I finally had to head for the Capital City. The last few hours of my 3 day break I was able to talk to Ian and his family. Reagan has 2 weeks of 1st grade left and is really excited for summer. Jenna had her ballet recital last week, and told me about their friends that came over for a barbeque today. I miss them sooooo much!!!! A few more family and friends phone calls was a perfect way to end my weekend!


McKenzie being "Cool" at the church breakfast.


Here she is looking pretty but I didn't tell her that!!!!


Brynn loves he blankie!



A minute and 22 seconds in the life of Brynn!

A Kitten Shower!

Today we had a Kitten Shower for Lynn at work! You know- wedding shower, baby shower??? So we had a kitten shower! Lynn lost her beloved 17 year old cat, Winky, about a month ago. It was really tough for her, needless to say..... So she decided not to wait long to get a new little Meow- but this time she decided on TWO! She found two precious little kittens, a male and a female, from a rescue group. She will actually be able to bring them home this weekend. So, because we care about Lynn and we are excited for her to have these new little kitties- we decided to have a surprise shower for her! Yep, a full blown shower- balloons, refreshments, presents, and even party favors! I know- maybe a little cheesy... and don't worry-- she is not a weird Cat Lady!! Besides- we needed some fun at work. We are all working way too hard right now so this was a fun break. I love surprises- at least for other people!


We even made her wear a "Hello Kitty" Necklace for the party!


Watching her open her gifts!

Lake Tahoe!

Brooke, Evan, McKenzie and Brynn in front of the condo in Tahoe.

So.... I slowly came back from the depths of "The Dark World of the Flu". I am still dealing with the after effects- terrible cough and headache. But compared to how I felt I am doing so much better! In fact I was up to a weekend away with Brooke, Evan and the girls! We went to Tahoe for 2 nights and 3 days- it was FABULOUS!! My sister, Susie, and her husband were generous enough to offer their condo in Tahoe for the weekend. It was so fun! The town was really quiet- no more skiing and summer isn't here yet- so it is is their down time. The pool was still closed- and it was too cool to think about it anyhow. But we managed to get in a great competition of miniature golf, a great dinner out, some long walks, great ice cream treats, and best of all some fun family together time. We even made friends with the local blue jays and got them to eat our treats out on the balcony deck- with us sitting 2 feet away inside the sliding glass doors! McKenzie loved that! I feel so fortunate to live where I can get to the mountains and beautiful Lake Tahoe within 2 hours. Thanks to Susie and Pete for the wonderful place to stay!

Sick, Sick , Sick.....

With all the hype the media is giving the swine flu I feel like that is why I got sick. It isn't the swine flu- or H1N1- but it's just the good old fashioned flu. So much for flu shots, huh????? I will think twice about getting one next year- when this years' didn't do me any good! I am at least feeling well enough now to be able to sit at the computer and catch up with emails, blogging, etc. I got sick a week ago today with the chills and aches. It went along all week like that, feeling crummy and pushing myself through the day. Then I would go home and collapse at night. Come Friday however, I could not make it through the day at work. I left early and went home to bed. And there I stayed for 3 days! Actually I drug myself to Kaiser flu clinic on Sat. for an hour. They didn't even do anything for me other than to say I don't have the H1N1 and that I need to drink fluids and rest. No Kidding!!! So I slept and watched TV. I tried reading but my eyes were burning too much. Mostly I slept. After too many episodes of House Hunters, Color Splash, Curb Appeal, Rachel Ray, Paula Dean, Bobby Flay I was able to find a great concert on PBS with Ingrid Michaelson. But for the most part I could not make it through an entire show. I just dozed off and on. At this point I do not want to look at another bowl of chicken soup or applesauce!! I went to work today- and my co-workers were mad at me for bring the cooties back to them! I left early again.... but tonight Marcia brought me clam chowder and bread. It was just what I wanted! Marcia had pneumonia 6 weeks ago so she can relate to how I am feeling. I am so fortunate to have friends to check in on me. Thanks Marsh! So here is to a better week......