Joey is here!

Joseph Jeffery Tichnell was born Tuesday, July 26th, 2011

 Here I am with my very first grandchild.  How precious he is!  I can't wait to watch him grow up.

 He took his first car ride today, when they brought him home from the hospital.

Tomorrow he will get to meet his new best friend, Kari.

I'm at a loss for words.  I am so proud of my daughter and son-in-law.  I wish Burt was here to see this little "Bubba", the newest member of our family.  I think this little boy would steal his heart just like he did mine.

Waiting for Joey....

I love that picture of Burt and Anna Renee.  At only a few weeks old, she knew who her Daddy was and boy, could he make her smile!

Now Anna is going to be a Mom herself.  We are anxiously waiting for little Joey to make his appearance.  This is going to be one very much-loved child.  I think we all loved him the minute we knew he was coming.

4th of July weekend

Celebrated the 4th of July quietly today with our neighbors, Terry and Linda, and their family.  We have always celebrated the holiday with them since we put our pools in years ago.  Memorial Day was our holiday, 4th of July was their's and then Labor Day was celebrated at the Fosters (Russanne and Mike).

Burt always loved the summer and it's holidays.  Any reason to get together with friends and family in the pool.  I missed him today, he was always the life of the party (at least for me he was).

Say a prayer for Russanne and Mike.  Russanne has been fighting her own battle against cancer since March and just finished up 25 days of radiation therapy.  Mike's Mom passed away this morning at the age of 93.  It's been a tough year for them.  With both of their kids getting married in the next year, they have a lot to look forward to. 

Lots of birthdays this month, and don't forget, Joey is going to make his appearance sometime this month!  I can't wait to meet my grandson.  Such is the circle of life....

Today would have been our 29th wedding anniversary

It was 29 years ago today that Burt and I went to the courthouse in Chicago and tied the knot in a short 10 minute ceremony in front of a busy judge.  I remember he introduced himself to us, mumbled a few words and then said "You may now kiss your bride".  It was a second marriage for both of us and a new beginning.

Happy Anniversary Burt!  I miss you.

Happy Birthday to me....

Cards, Pandora charms, Vera Bradley bags....... a girl could get used to this!

My family and friends spoiled me for my birthday today.  Took me out to dinner, had cake and ice cream, gave great presents, lots of wishes on Facebook..... I am blessed!  I want to send a heartfelt "Thank You" to everyone who reached out to me today, you made my day!

Happy Memorial Day

Let us not forget those who served and are serving our country.  I am proud to say my Dad (Air Force) and my son (Navy) have both served in our military along with numerous other relatives.

Here's a picture of Robert with the Rear Admiral when he graduated

from Nuclear Power School in Charleston, SC November 2001

It's been a quiet Memorial Day weekend.  We cleaned out the garage, which was hard, as that was Burt's "Man Cave" if that's what you wanna call it.  I tried sitting out there last night to watch some TV but it wasn't the same.  It felt strange sitting in "his" spot so I didn't.  Closed up the garage and went back inside.  The only reason I sat out there before was because Burt was out there.  Oh well.....

We raised over $2,000!

Here's our TEAM - BUBBA'S BRUISERS!

 28 of us plus two dogs walked the 1.75 mile Pancreatic Cancer Walk to raise money for the Lustgarten Foundation.  Every penny of the funds goes to research. 

A big THANK YOU to all who walked, those who donated money, those who bought the T-shirts/bracelets.  Your support means so much as we try to find a cure for this terrible disease.  I think Burt would have been honored to see so many friends and family there.