Mom---99.99% free

Just wanted to let everyone know that we took Mom out to a place called Jack's Bay yesterday. It has an absolutely gorgeous beach..and some rocky outcroppings that we climbed onto so she wouldn't just float back to the beach. After we scattered her we threw some rose petals into the water (I'm not sure if you can quite make them out in the photo..but if you click on it, it will enlarge and you can see them clearly) and watched as they floated in and out with the crashing waves and eventually disappeared.

I kept a small pinch of her for each of us kids (I don't know what the karma is involved with that but I think she'll understand).

We decided to go out that morning and we told the kids we were going on a long drive to the beach. After telling them Shaun started talking about Nana Lyn a lot....about how much he missed her and missed talking to her on the phone. He even went looking around the house for presents to give to her. I told him he can still talk to Nana Lyn any time he wants to, but he said she can't talk back because she doesn't have a mouth. Anyway the funny part is...we never told the kids WHY we were going to the beach. Nathan thought it was a little 'spooky'... I really do believe Mom's watching over the kids.
While I was on the blog typing this up I found a comment from Mom to me and Treena that I'd never seen before...and I think she made sure I found it (crying all over again!)


Love to you all and Happy New Year,
Sandy

Christmas

Just wanted to let you know I am still alive. I finally have internet service that isn't dial up! I'm sorry I didn't call anyone on Christmas, it wasn't a great day for me. Bruce is in the Persian Gulf, Lexie was at her fathers, and well you know the rest. Love you all!

If I was green ll

Roses are red,
Violets are blue.
If I was green,
I'd go to the doctor to make I didn't have the clap!

R. Laverty
2008

We're going to Paris!

Now there's a Christmas present! Rick surprised me with tickets to Paris and reservations at a 4 star hotel for Martin Luther King weekend!

And no kids - he thinks of everything!

Hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas. We are up to our ears in wrapping paper, the kids are happy with their presents, and tech support (Joe) is busily hooking everything up.

If I was Green

If I was green

If I was green what would I be?
A leaf so beautiful hanging from a tree
Like a vegetable growing in the garden,
Like my sister Eileen she is a bean
But is she green?

Could I be a dollar bill?
Yes it is green and even referred to as green.
I would be proud as I would say every where I went
In God We Trust, and that would be what I mean.

I could be a Christmas tree, all green
Dressed in the colors of the season
On top a star proclaiming the birth of our Savior
If I were green, that would be so keen.

Green is a good color if I was a frog,
Dating Miss Piggy as sweet little hog
I’d keep on the run, and it might be fun
Dodging her advances dressed in colors
Anything but green, you know what I mean

Green is a good color as you can see,
Green is of God just like a tree.
Smells of evergreen floats in the air
It reminds me that Christmas is finally here.

Merry Christmas

Jim

Something with jocularity to off set my despair

Despair

Despair

My life is mired in pain and despair.
Hurt courses my veins
Like a thread in a silk tapestry.

I am aging though not gracefully.
I ache with each rising.
My appearance evades my youth
Like darkness does the sun.

I have not the coward ness
To make a deal with the devil,
Keep my youth and age
A picture in the attic, like Dorian Gray
Nor the resolve to take action.

Oh it is more than age and the grayness of my sky
It’s the realization that I cannot
Control my very being.
Despair is worst than a disease or drug
It is insidious the way is creeps about.

I cry for help yet no one hears
I fight the tears like that in a battle of one
One is not the loneliest number it can be two
Or three disconnected by life’s sea.
The question is where will I be?

My tapestry is painted with threads of pain
Like rivers that flow with out names.
I wonder around, trying to see
How can I fix those around and just not me?
Oh joy don’t escape me help me grab hold

I suffer in silence I suffer alone.
I suffer the pain while feelings of stone
Hinder my thoughts like the flow of a brook
Down hill they go with out a second look
I feel one day I’ll close that book.

But how, will they care if I dare?
Do they know just how I’ll go?
In pain? Am I insane?
I don’t know, I just feel the pain.

Keith andTina's Kids Merry Christmas

Oikein Rauhallista Joulua ja Onnellista Uutta Vuotta!

We wish very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2009!

Love, Tiina, Keith, Niklas & Isabella

Okay, my computer has been down (and so have I) - boy did I miss a lot of reading!!!
I had my carpal tunnel surgery on my left hand on Wednesday and as you can surmise I am now typing with it. It was a very easy surgery. I'll have my right hand done next month.
Next Tuesday, I will get the third shot in my back. The shots don't hurt that much but by the evening and the next day the site of the shot really hurts. However, and I'm crossing my fingers right now, the numbness in my leg and the pains seem to be disappearing. So the third shot may be the last and surgery may not be necessary YEAH!
I wish I had a beautiful Christmas story to relate but I don't - yet! Barry and I went to deliver little gifts to the families we home and visit teach each month, last night. It was 2 degrees out and the wind brought it down to 25 below. They say timing is everything!!! Actually, it was really kinda' fun running up to their doors in the cold wind. Donna, I envy your experiences lately!!! I don't do the running around the mall with all the crazies - it kind of ruins the Spirit for me so I've always done my shopping early. This year the computer saved me - I've been extremely sick since Lyn's funeral but I'm fine now. Anyway, the UPS guy loves me very much because I keep him employed!! Aaron and Kyle are counting the days of course, especially since Aaron turns 5 on Christmas Eve - 5 is a BIG year!! I think Mom and Dad are both prompting Kyle from Heaven, Kyle loves practical jokes and has started telling Knock knock jokes (He's 2 1/2!) He was watching a baritone sing a Christmas solo on BYU tv and now he keeps running up to me saying "Grammy, I'm gonna sing you music LA LA LA LA LA and so on. He does it in the deepest voice he can. So now I sing Deck the Halls with boughs of holly etc and he does the Fa la la la la's!!!
May God bless us all this New Year. We are a strange , happy family lol, but we are a family of faith and that is a tribute to those who raised each of us. I'm proud to be a part of this bunch. I can honestly say that I love you all very much and I appreciate the memories that we have all forged together - even when sadness draws us together. At the reunion we can tell more tales on each other - like when Michael tried to rip all my hair out when he was a baby!!!! It's okay Mike, I've never liked my hair either!!! And for those of us who can't make it, we will put together a family book!
Merry Christmas!
Debbie

surgery

Yo Yo!

I went to see my G.P today to have my B.P. checked(it was a little high but not to bad) and the Doctor checked to see if the results of the MRI I had two weeks ago was mentioned in my chart.
She was a bit put off that the surgeon hadn't bothered to call me when he got the results. I think she was not happy about having to break the news to me about the report when it was actually the surgeons responsibility.
Anyway, it looks as if I'm going to need more surgery. The rotator cuff is torn completely through and it sounds like there are metal fragments in the joint. I don't know if the metal fragments are actually screws that have broken or if they are from the saw blades used to trim my clavicle during the first surgery.
A couple of weeks ago I saw the surgeon and told him I thought something was wrong because my shoulder was starting to hurt again. He basically told me that that was not "typical" and referred me to a pain specialist to see if they could put a nerve block in to stop any discomfort and make physio easier to tolerate. I asked him if 100% of his surgeries were typical and he basically acted like I was imagining that my shoulder hurt. The anesthesiologist who I saw about the nerve block was taken aback because she said this Doctor should know that these blocks are only done on neurological damage, usually spinal injuries, and she could tell by her examination that there was definitely something wrong with my shoulder and that the problem was muscular skeletal even though this was not her field of expertise. So the anesthesiologist has referred me to a shoulder specialist. He does nothing but shoulders. After I get his opinion I'll decide what coarse of action to take.
I will be making it a point to ask the first surgeon if he considers the condition of my shoulder "typical"
Well that's all for now. Merry Christmas everybody and a Happy New Year.

It's a GIRL! Again...

Bethany and Josh are having another daughter. We are all excited, but a couple of folks are just a little afraid of living in a home with 4 females...I'm not sure who to feel more sorry for, Josh or Joshua! How many bathrooms does that house need? Thank goodness Joshua has Cousin Carson!

Proud Grammy Eileen

Photos with Santa

Well it's that time of year again. The time of year when Mummy desperately tries to get the kids to take a photo with Santa. Dressed in their..."oh well, I guess that's not too bad" clothes...hair combed when we left, faces wiped of most of the crumbs...but wait! Who's idea was having an ice cream on the way there? Good thing they came wrapped in napkins! Then, finally convincing Zoe to take a photo with Santa ---we arrived just in time for Santa to "need a break". Hooray. So we decided to have a snack in the in-store cafe. Waited 20 minutes in that line. Back to wait to see Santa (now there's a line)......but oh! wait! I can see him....now we're second from the front and Zoe starts to wiggle...then more violently wriggle...."I DONT WANNA SEE SANTA! NOOOO!!!!! " with a scream and a kick to get away..No matter how I tried there was no convincing her! NO WAY!! Fine...lets go....mummy gives up. We left our prime position in the line...got about 10 steps away...."But I want a Dora bike...I want to see Santa" (ah leavers remorse)..so we went back to the line this time at the END....I love that because I am a very patient waiter. This time I held onto Zoe with a death grip! HAHA! No wriggling away!! Once again we were nearing the front of the line...wriggle wriggle...(grip tightens slightly..lol) Then it was our turn!! Shaun went up and sat with the big man...Zoe took a tentative step closer...then with a loud scream ran right past him, past the camera man, past the sleigh, past the trees and out the other side to hide behind a pole. Right. So no picture of Zoe. Again this year. SIGH! But here's a lovely picture of Shaun and Santa. That's what we get every year. But maybe next year? I know I'll try..again..lol (As for Zoe...the remorse was most woefull when she saw the lollipop Shaun got from Santa! ) Merry Christmas everyone!

Christmas Overseas

This is our first Christmas here where we've been here the entire season. We were commenting tonight on how different it's been. First and foremost, with the kids being older most of their wants are electronic, and required ordering things weeks in advance instead of shopping. That meant we didn't spend a lot of time running from store to store, so we could actually enjoy the holiday season.

We've been to the Grassington festival, complete with torchlit nativity procession (and I mean real torches, not flashlights or candles!). We've also been to the German Christmas markets in Leeds, and even to an honest-to-God mall - just for the fun of it. Tomorrow we're going to a cookie exchange.

Today we went downtown - it reminded me of Christmas shopping when I was kid. People walking from shop to shop, not parking at a mall. Christmas lights are starting to catch on, so there are quite a few downtown, and more on the houses than last year.

Christmas trees are almost always in the front windows, which looks really nice when you're walking down the streets, and there is always some kind of live music downtown and in front of the bigger stores.

Some quirks to Christmas here. Lights are not the traditional red and green - blue, red and white seem to be the favorites. Also, Christmas trees are athrowback to the sixties - remember aluminum trees? And black is a very popular Christmas tree color.

Holiday shopping hours are not what they are in the states. In some cases, it means they open an hour earlier Monday-Friday, but don't stay open later, or change their weekend hours. Costumes seem to be a big gift item for the kids, and Christmas crackers (poppers) are everywhere. Every cracker has a paper crown, and a small prize.

Unfortunately, Joe can not enjoy most of it atthe moment, as he is very sick... and Julie is also sick. They are, at the moment, fighting over who is sicker. But they're in a weakened state, so the fighting isn't getting very far. So mostly, we want good health for Christmas....with electonics a very close second.

“The Throne” (a.k.a. the porcelain god)

The following is a past writing from my "Musings of a Mad Man" collection. Some what dated so do not use the email addresses in the writing. I did not correct these as I did not want to lesson the value of the original.
With that said I have re-printed this for two and only two reasons, First It's pretty cool, second is to see if anyone is reading the blog. I guess I will know by the comments I get or not. Well I guess it is three 'cause I love makin' fun of old Steve
So enjoy,
King James


“The Throne” (a.k.a. the porcelain god)
It has always been the case that a King has his throne. This is a place of deep thought, decision making and is considered by some a place of reverence.

With this in mind think of some of the decisions that have been made while possibly some of the great leaders of the world sat upon their throne and pondered the question of the day.

President Clinton “ should I meet Monica today? President Kennedy “ I wonder what Marilyn is doing today” Old Abe Lincoln “I wonder what is playing at Ford’s this evening”. You see many decisions could have been made on the Throne.

Then the times of reflection, often a time of deep sorrow or thanks. Ted Kennedy “ Boy am I thankful Mom and Dad made be take those swimming lessons” Napoleon on being short “ I am for once glad I was short, that bullet went right over my head”. Sonny Bono, “I’d rather be with Cher”.

The throne has also been known as the porcelain god. As in “I was hugging the porcelain god last night and I swore I’d never drink another drop”. “Boy it must have been something I ate”. We have all been there one time or another.

Well all this to say this is where I get most of my inspiration, mixed with occasional perspiration during a difficult defecation. Some trips to the throne are more productive than others, depending on the time and calm of the session. Nothing more disheartening than expecting a great power dump and finding out it was only meant to be a moment of flatulation other wise known as a “massive gassive”. Thus not allowing time for thought or reflection. (I am not sure if flatulation is spelled correctly but who ever writes that word down anyway, so who will know) You see that alone could have been a moment of reflection.

I was reflecting on the Kansas vs. Maryland game. It is wonderful to see those Terp make it to the final game. Last night’s game was a great game from many respects. First, college sports far exceed the quality of Pro sports. Second both teams played a great game. Third, Maryland won hands down with no excuses, pure talent. And last but certainly not least, as a result of my brother-in-laws not thinking before he speaks, he and my beautiful, but hindered, sister, will be treating King James (not to be confused with the Biblical version) and Squire Rick to a round of golf. I am told it is the custom of losers from Kansas to treat the winner to only the best of Golf Courses. Green’s fees, cart fee’s and food and drink at the ninth and 19th hole are also included.

It hurts me deeply to have to take such a treat from my sister, but hey some one has to be the looser. And after all she should have thought a little more before marrying a Kansas redneck, I mean Red hawk. Sound a little like she needed some throne time? I think so!

If anyone out there in Lavertyville would like to take advantage of Steve’s inability to pick a winner, I have attached a link to his email so you can send him a well thought out wager. SPhelps@encompserv.com or
eileen@kscable.com . I recommend some throne time before you make the wager, something Steve obviously forgot to do before picking up the phone and placing that, although not fatal, but terrible bet with the King.

Well I conclude by saying I hope all had a wonderful Easter and I pray you have a great year to come.

King James (not to be confused with the Biblical version)

Is Jesus the Reason for The Season?

Yes you read it correctly and that is the question, Is Jesus the Reason for the Season, and I have come to the conclusion that He is not the reason for the Season. Christmas Celebrates his birth. But the Reason for the Season is you and me. Yes you and Me John 3:16 tells us For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

God sent his Son for you and for me. That is why He was born so the reason is us. Can you imagine sending your child to take on the sins of the Earth? So vile so despicable that Jesus questioned His Father "Why have you forsaken me?" God for a moment had to turn His head, as He could not look upon such sin as His son took on. And He did this for you and me. AND God new this when He sent Him. He knew about the pain and suffering, the hard work, that He would be ridiculed and finally His death, a horrible death. So ask yourself was it for the Season or was it for you and me?

So When you hear Jesus is the reason for the Season take a moment to think that you are so loved that God sent Jesus for you and me.

Merry Christmas
Jim

The True Meaning Of Christmas

Click on the title. It will take you to a web site that has a beautiful story which I doubt you have seen before. I hadn't. Merry Christmas to all!!!

One year ago

It was a year ago that we were in the midst of the mourning of our loss of Mom and yet celebrating her life. A lot has happened since then both good and bad. We lost our sister Lyn and yet through that brought us closer yet as a family extending outside the circle of Lyn's siblings, but to her children as well.
Last year I wrote a short poem and emailed it to some. At that time I said I was no poet and that still stands today as I send it along again, but It does bring me much pleasure in reminiscing about our past and thinking about our future as a family.
God has brought about healing of relationships and personal and spiritual growth. This I know pleases Mom. Even out of loss can come some good. So here is to you Mom and all those lives she has touched.
Love,
Jim


In Honor of Mom


Life can be fragile and life can be long.
Sometimes it's cut short, but never too long.
My mother was a blessing and her seven children remain strong,
As she was a Christian, in that we can trust all day long.

Her laughter will be missed and so will her songs,
But we rejoice in knowing she has gone home.
She asked to be with Jesus, in heaven where she belongs.
God Granted her that wish, now we must go on.

For she knew her Lord and Savior and the promise He made,
By His side she is sitting, embraced by his loving arms.
I know she had no fear and her passing so sweet.
With Her dreams on earth complete, her face we soon shall meet.

Oh time it knows no beginning and it knows no end,
As God's love is the same, and it will never end.
I trust one day I'll see Her, my Father and their son's
My family will rejoice the day we all go home.

So rejoice with me my friends, fill your hearts with song.
Give your lives to Jesus, and someday we will all re-join.

Happy Birthday

Happy Belated Birthday to Megan Loux November 28th.

Thanksgiving in NM

Greetings from Colorado!

Yes I am actually “home” for a while. I have driven over 50,000 miles in 2008 and I loved most of it. I have done work in 39 states this past year, although I have passed through a few more along the way. I also had the opportunity to visit Montreal and Toronto in Canada as well as Mexicali in Mexico. I have tent camped along the way in the warmer months and have logged over 200 nights in hotels plus quite a few nights and weekends with family and friends around the country. With all that traveling I have included a story below about yet another trip with my parents for Thanksgiving.

I do hope your Thanksgiving was a time of rejoicing with family and friends. I hope you enjoy my little story and I would love to hear what you have been up to as well. I will be sending some more news between now and Christmas. Here’s my story…


Our Thanksgiving Trip to Albuquerque, NM

We had done our homework, looking for fun things to do, a nice place to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner and of course a church for Sunday. The weather report said rain and or snow for home as well as Albuquerque area so we planned on leaving at about 8 am Thursday morning and mom was ready to walk out the door at two minutes of eight, which made dad very happy.
The trip south provided cold but pleasant weather for most of the trip. We arrived at Pueblo Harvest Cafe located in The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center about an hour early. They had room so we were seated promptly for our feast. The restaurant is a fusion of American Indian, American and Spanish foods and we ended up in the same restaurant three times in four days – yes it was that good.
Our dinner started out with a spinach salad with candied pecans, red onions, mandarin oranges and raspberry vinaigrette, as well as fresh baked bread in the kiva just outside the window. A kiva is an outdoor wood fired adobe oven. Next we sipped on a bowl of pumpkin bisque (soup that is) followed by our choice of entrée. Dad and I had turkey with all the fixin’s and mom opted for file of trout with all the fixin’s. When we were done with that, not that we finished, we had a choice of bread pudding, pumpkin pie, which mom and I had, and dad ate the chocolate decadence (chocolate cake with ice cream).
Rolling out of there we headed for the Quality Inn & Suites only a few miles away. We basically hung out for the rest of the evening including down at the pool and spa.
Next day we visited the aquarium and botanical gardens, which was awesome. Very interesting! We had a light lunch in the cafe as we watched all types of fish, turtles and sting rays swimming on all sides of us. On Saturday night we returned for the opening night of their annual Christmas Lights Show. It was a walking tour through the extensive gardens which included a story book section through tunnels, a maze and underground with the giant carrots and potatoes (even though we were still above ground). Christmas lights both animated and stationary were simply amazing. Everywhere you looked – up, down and all around there were lights. This is the best one I’ve ever seen.
We had quite a lesson in American Indian Culture this trip, very different than the east coast. We visited the museum at the Jemez Pueblo (village) visitor center and the Jemez Red Rocks - mountains. It was beautiful! We also returned to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center for shopping, the museum and watching some Indian dancing. We met a nice couple from the Santa Clara Pueblo who were Christians. They are both artists and were demonstrating pottery making and basket weaving that weekend.
We missed going on the Tram at Sandia Mountain. It is the longest aerial tramway in the world and goes up to 10,378 feet. The mountains were covered in clouds most of the weekend and the last day it was too windy. Everyone said not to miss it so we will have to return some time soon.
Sunday morning we went to Legacy Church – WOW what a blessing! Worth going to if you are in the area on a Sunday or Wednesday. After church we headed north on the Turquoise Trail through some small towns. Stopping for lunch in Santa Fe for some delicious Mexican cuisine we continued north on secondary scenic highway. It was a nice ride and as we turned onto Hwy 160 in Colorado to pick up I-25 in Walsenburg, we were met by a road block. The mountain pass was closed due to a double accident because of snow and ice. It is a long way around through other mountain passes so we waited it out along with about 40 or 50 other cars and trucks. Back on the road it was slow yet smooth. The rest of our trip was uneventful for the most part.
It was a fabulous time away. In between all the above we mostly ate and relaxed. Never rushed and on the way to the Christmas Light Show we even got to see part of a parade - that was pretty cool. There is so much to do we are already planning another trip even though there are other destinations in the works before this trip.
That’s our story and we’re sticking to it! Have an awesome December!


Jimmy BL (Mom & Dad above would be Aunt Roberta & Uncle Jim)

joe's poem

The following is a poem that Joe wrote and entered into the Showcase 2008 competition. His poem was chosen over all other 7th graders in the DoD school system world wide and published in the 2008 edition of Showcase 2008 magazine. He was also awarded a small cash prise of $50.00 but being a published author at 13 years old is much more valuable.

Lies

The world revolves around lies-
Lies of the past,
Lies of the present,
Lies of the future.

Still the lies continue.
Regardless of lives changing,
They still remain,
Hiding beneath our skin,
Easily shown with the simplest of events.

As these events arise, these lies are put
before our very eyes.

We are changed and forced to explain
These lies set before us.
What the future holds, no one knows,
But the lies are sure to follow.

Joseph Laverty GR 7
Menwith Hill EHS, England

Giving Thanks

I was in bed thinking about a book that was talked about on WOLC the other morning. I don't remember the name but it may be "14000 Things to be Thankful For". The author was a lady that for years wrote down everything she was thankful for and some time later it was published.

I got to thinking....What do I have to be thankful for and I came up with my list, albeit a short list as time and space would not allow me to list everything, just some of the more important things. I will share a few.

God has given me so much to be thankful for. First a life to live borne out of love. My wife Pam who without life would be so empty. She is a blessing to me every day. She is my Earthly Rock. I have a wonderful son, Jamie or James to some. He inspires me and gives me hope in the next generation. He is good looking, hard working with good morals and ethics and a hug I would not give up for anything. My son.

I live on The Eastern Shore of Maryland. Any day I can ride to the ocean to my east and watch the golden sun rise over the Atlantic Ocean as dolphins play in the morning air. I can travel a couple of block from my house and watch the sun set over the majestic Choptank River, The sun with all it's glory and abundant colors and warmth. Oh this is truly a blessing worth giving thanks.

My extended family which about covers the four corners on the Earth, from England to Iraq to New Zealand then Finland and all across the Good Old USA. USA another blessing, that God so choose this place for me to live. A family as diverse as one can imagine, every walk of life, professionals, military, laborers, retired, you name it we have it.

And last in my list, However first in my life, Our Almighty God, Jesus Christ. He blessed me by dying so that I might live, Oooh what a blessing, what a gift of the Father to give his son for me. Nothing can top that.

So take a moment and make a list and think about it not only on Thanksgiving Day, but every day. You will be amazed at how much we have to give thanks for. As for me I will continue to add to my list.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving.
Jim

Thanksgiving

Following is the 1863 Lincoln Presidential Proclamation - celebrated shortly after Lincoln committed his life to Christ and celebrated while America was still in the midst of its Civil War. It was this proclamation which eventually led to the establishment of our national Thanksgiving holiday.






by the President of the United States of America



The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful years and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the Source from which they come, others have been added which are of so extraordinary a nature that they can not fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever-watchful providence of Almighty God.

In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign states to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere, except in the theater of military conflict, while that theater has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union.

Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the field of peaceful industry to the national defense have not arrested the plow, the shuttle, or the ship; the ax has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than theretofore. Population has steadily increased notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege, and the battlefield, and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.

No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.

It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners, or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it, as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and union.

In testimony wherof I have herunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

[Signed]
A. Lincoln

Falling apart rather quickly

Hi everyone - I have a request. I seem to be falling apart and I could use some extra prayers - nothing dangerous so don't worry. I need to have carpal tunnel surgery on each of my hands. My doctor called today and told me I have a bulging disk and degenerative disk disease in two places in my spine. My ortho specialist said, after he told me I needed to have the carpal tunnel taken care of, that the pain in my shoulder may be due to my rotator cuff (sound familiar) so I'll need an MRI after we get the other things taken care of. AND- yes there is more - I had bronchitis that lasted four weeks (with antibiotics), a stomach virus that lasted 10 days, I had a good day and a half and now I have a cold. So you see I'm falling apart (aparently, my warantee has expired :) ) and I could just use a few extra prayers, because frankly, I'm kind of tired! I haven't even gotten my Thanksgiving turkey yet!
And on that note, Have a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving everyone. I still have tons to be grateful for - especially having all of this occur BEFORE the holidays. I want to play like a child on Christmas and with all of this behind me I am going to! After all the body may be 53, but the brain is still only 7! I love you all!
Debbie

Jamie in The Marx Brothers "Cocoanuts"

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Happy Birthday Christopher Lee!!!!!

Sunday November 16th is Christopher Lee Laverty's Birthday. Christopher turned 18 and is the son of Keith and Carole Laverty. Happy Birthday Christopher!!

John and Amy Hipps Wedding and reception dinner

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Trivia....40 years ago 1968

US GDP (1998 dollars): $910.6 billion
Federal spending: $178.13 billion
Federal debt: $368.7 billion
Median Household Income
(current dollars): $7,743
Consumer Price Index: 34.8
Unemployment: 3.8%
Cost of a first-class stamp: $0.05 ($0.06 as of 1/7/68)

Events
60 Minutes airs on CBS, beginning its reign as the longest-running prime-time newsmagazine.
The motion picture rating system debuts with G, PG, R and X.
The rock musical Hair opens on Broadway.
Movies
2001: A Space Odyssey, Romeo and Juliet, Funny Girl, The Lion in Winter, Oliver!
Books
William H. Gass, In the Heart of the Heart of the Country
Gore Vidal, Myra Breckenridge

Happy Birthday Hugh

Sorry for the belated Birthday wish Hugh, but happy Birthday November 6th.

When I was your age I was tilling the lower 400 acres. Behind a mule pulled plow. I had 15 kids to feed and no time to rest. I had blisters on my hands so big we would drain them at night for drinking water for the children. Oh those were the days. Glad it is better for you youngsters.......

Well, I think on that note, I'll jump in my Ferrari and ride to the house and jump on my tricked out Yamaha Raider and cruise down to Starbucks for a Latte.....Oops they closed down Starbucks. I guess Mickey D's will have to.

Musings of a Mad Man

The ring

I reached for the ring and grabbed on
The brass ring of success was finally in my hands.
I can have what I want, buy what I need.
Now I've got the brass ring, what is next for me?

My neighbor has that silver ring now I need one too.
He has what he wants, can buy what he needs
He goes more places and likes what he sees.
Now I have it too so what is left for me?

My friend has gold and I have it too now.
He has what he wants, can buy what he needs
He goes more places and likes what he sees.
Now I have it too so what is left for me?

Now I have what I want, can buy what I need.
But a hole still exists what is out there for me?
There must be more something I can reach
A hole still exists what do I need?

So many are reaching and so few grab on.
For what do they need, they have all earthly things.
Yes there is a ring more precious than gold,
So many reach up but do not grab on.
It can’t be worth much, you see it is free,
What’s worth having in life can this be?

The Ring of salvation this ring is for free,
No cost to you, nor cost to me.
More precious than Gold and yet it is free.

So reach for our Lord and tightly grab on,
The road often hard and sometimes so long,
The cost is free yet more precious than gold,
It fills all the holes that are left in my soul.

The gift is for free this Ring so bold,
God gives it away, for you to grab hold.
More precious a gift there can not be.
He has it out there for you and for me.

Gettin' Married

Well with everything going on in the last few months i forgot to mention I am getting married on Nov. 15th at 11:00 a.m. It is not going to be very big. It is at the Clerk of the peace in Georgetown, De. Amy and I have known each other for 6 years now and I figure I better marry her or she has this stick she hits me with, and come to find out I am not as hard headed as I thought lol. I know everyone lives far away and it is not much notice but ya'll are invited. Well I will talk to ya'll later...John Hipps Jr.

Lyn's Journey

I spoke with John Allen last week. He told me he scattered Lyn's ashes on Lake Afton on her birthday, October 15th. Afton is a small lake just outside of Wichita. Steve and I will sometimes venture out there when we need to see a bit of water. I'm sure it meant a lot to Lyn for John to go out, by himself and send her off. I find myself thinking of Lyn often. I'm sometimes happy, sometimes sad, sometimes angry. Most of the time I like to remember her like I described at her service...enjoying some exotic food with a devilish little grin when I'd say "yuck!" Then I remember her and I'm smiling. I hope this continued send off for Lyn brings a little more healing to all of us.

1st joke

Q.What has big lips and runs a country.



A. Barrack obama (rymes with osama, bin laden that is).

kwanza

I guess now we will start having a day off around Christmas to celebrate Kwanza.

Happy Halloween Everyone

BOOO From all of us in NewZealand!!! Well...here are my babies in the paper (page 3 not bad!) Halloween is nearly a 'non-event' here in New Zealand. They consider it an "American Holiday".....but they often have a pic of some kids celebrating the holiday anyway. Since I AM American..we do celebrate it. Just like I promised we were all witches in honor of Mom. Anyway...we were the ONLY ones dressed up at our playcentre (Richmond Playcentre..thus the "witchmond wascals")...so an obvious choice for the reporter! (yay) Shaun really hammed it up for the camera...Zoe was a little more reluctant. She was still really cross because mummy wouldn't let her have any lollies at 8:45 a.m. ( I am a mean and horrible mummy you know!).

Here's wishing you all a very Happy and safe Halloween! Lots of love from down under! xoxo

Kuyava

Uncle George called today and told me that on August 19th his son-in-law was murdered. This is Stacy's husband. She has two young children at home. You can read an article at this link. http://sagharborexpress.sagharborpublishing.com/shexpress/tag/suffolk-county-district-attorneys-office/
Stacy is Uncle George's daughter. George is the brother of our mom, Eileen C. Laverty. Unfortunately I do not much about Georges girls, so this is all I can tell you.
Love,
Jim

lyn

Donna and I drove to the west coast city of Blackpool on Sunday. We released Lyns ashed into the surf of the Atlantic Ocean and watched as the waves slowly took them out to see. It was actually quite moving and as if Lyns journey was underway traveling by Sea around the world. I wish everyone could have been there.

Rick

Bryan & Shelly's Big Day!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Your Vote Counts

Greetings to all! The video on this site is worth watching. It only takes 4 minutes. Pass it along. It came from the American Family Association. http://www.valuevotersusa.com/

I am traveling on business as usual, currently in California. The weather is much warmer here than up north, although I have had some nice weather in Washington and Oregon.

Have a wonderful day!

Jimmy BL (Colorado)

Happy Birthday Ryan

A Birthday greeting from the Eastern Shore of the Great state of Maryland. I am sure the new bride will fix you a great dinner now that you are as old as she. Enjoy!!!!

Here, it's already tomorrow...

So after singing a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday to You Nana Lyn" the kids were itching to blow out the candles on the cake we decorated today for her.
We didn't go to the beach to scatter her ashes yet, partly because I'm not quite ready to let her go yet, and partly because we spent over an hour waiting in the doctor's waiting room to see him today because Zoe couldn't poo. (this sounds quite funny...but Zoe is NOT a silent sufferer! She's a screamer! ) Anyway you'll all be relieved to know that everything came out all right in the end...phew! (and now I know how to give an enema..all by myself!).

Johnny's web Page

Check out Johnny's (Hipps)web page. Get to know him and Amy a little better. Besides it's a cool web page! Look at the bottom Right under Links then click on his link.

Donna takes a tumble

Donna tripped and fell while she was out walking Angel the day before yesterday. She fell pretty hard on her right shoulder. She has a lot of pain and can't raise her arm. So..... if it's not any better tomorrow I think she will have to have it x-rayed. It's probably nothing more than a torn rotator cuff so at least it's not out of the ordinary.

Happy Birthday Mom

Hi Everyone. Wednesday the 15th is Mom's birthday, and I just thought I'd let everyone in on what we're up to to celebrate her life......... The kids and I are going to bake a cake that afternoon and decorate it together and have a 'birthday party' for Nana Lyn. Then we're off to the beach to scatter her ashes once Nathan gets home from work. I'm hoping for a sunny day...will let everyone know how it goes.
The kids have been really great. Whenever Zoe picks up that i've got somethings she doesn't recognize on, she says "Mum, who gave you that?". I tell her "Nana Lyn did." And then she or Shaun says, "Because she doesn't need it in Heaven, eh mum?"
The kids and I talk about her everyday, about how she went to live with the angels because God needed her.

Anyway...I was sent this poem, and I think Mom would've really loved it, and thought I'd share it with you..hope you love it too.


Do not weep for me for I have not gone.
I am the wind that shakes the mighty Oak.
I am the gentle rain that falls upon your face.
I am the spring flower that pushes through the dark earth.
I am the laughter of the mountain stream.
Do not weep for me for I have not gone.
I am the memory that dwells in the heart of those that knew me.
I am the shadow that dances on the edge of your vision.
I am the wild goose that flies south at the Autumn's call
And I shall return at Summer rising.
I am the stag on the wild hill's way.
I am just around the corner.
Therefore the wise weep not
But rejoice at the transformation of my Being.

Poll

Please take the survey below the clocks and be honest!
Thanks,
Jim in MD

Happy Birthday Becky Phelps!!!!!!!

Another Year older but still as sweet as always!

Happy Birthday Jamie!!

Happy Birthday Dude.
23 and still lookin' good!
Love,
Pops

The pictures are wonderful to see! The music it was set to is so comforting and beautiful. Thanks Jim W, you did a fantastic job!

And Debbie, the poem, well, I have a hard time to put words to the feelings it invokes ~ but it is expressed in such a way everyone relates to. Thank you my precious, beautiful neice.

Much love to each one of you in the family as a whole ~ so glad to see each one of you again through the video.

KaliKat aka mom, auntee, wife

I figured it out

Hey everybody, its me the long lost John Jr. I figured out how to sign in with this, I am very excited about this, it is giving me a chance to keep in touch with family and that is something I have not done, and is something I have really missed. I have been a little jealous of Amy and Her family cause the are so close with each other and that is something I wish I had. Well Believe it or not this is a big step for me cause I am not really one who keeps in touch, so here it is. I will be checking this on the weekends when I get home, well I have to go now, I have to so some of the things on my "Honey do list" talk to ya'll a little later. Love ya guys. John

A time of Fellowship

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Whole Once More

I weep for myself.
You have gone into a paradise
That I cannot comprehend.

But I weep
Knowing that a portion
Of who we are has left us.

And I am resentful
I don't welcome the change -
I want all things to be
As they once were.

Each whole has a part -
And I cannot accept
That parts are missing.

But, there is a new whole
Being assembled in paradise.
A true return to things
As they once were.

Do hearts yearn there
For the parts to become
Whole once more?

I weep
Because the time is not yet.

When I depart
There will be weeping
And others will feel the empty place.

And so it goes
Until the cycle is completed.
Rejoicing and weeping -
Then rejoicing once more!

A family forever
In the presence of God!


I was having a difficult day yesterday and shed a lot of tears again over Lyn's leaving us. This poem just seemed to pour into my heart and I decided to write it down. I have SO much faith and I couldn't understand why it still hurt so much. "Those who love deeply, grieve deeply." was the thought that came so purely into my mind in answer. I hope the poem touches everyone and I leave it here in tribute not only to Lyn, but also to all our family members who have returned to our Heavenly Father.
Debbie

OK, Think I'm in ~ so who is KaliKat? Sorry if it's silly folks, but I spent half an hour trying to create a sign-on name so Kali is my cat!
So otherwise, I'm Mom, Auntee, Nan Roberta.

Happy Bithday Donna Laverty September 19th.

Happy Birthday,

It seems September is the month for Laverty Birthdays, and just think you married in to this. Have a very happy Birthday.

Jim

Happy Birthday Joe September 15th.

Happy Birthday to my favorite brother's favorite son.
Love Uncle Jim and Aunt Pam

Be in Prayer for our family

We have some very sad news. My sister Lyn passed away this morning at 3:00 am from a fatal heart attack. I do not have any details but I will advise all as I know more. Please be in prayer for Lyn's husband John and her four children, Sandy, John, Michael and Treena.
Pray for our family and let them feel the love and comfort of Jesus Christ during this time o grieving.
God Bless,
Jim

Alien blood

Okay - so - Eileen, how come you were a blue baby with AB+ and I wasn't? See I KNEW I was adopted! Switched at birth maybe, abducted??? All right Lyn, what do you have to say about this?
I'm on a half dose now and doing better - I can think a little more clearly but the pain in my shoulder is back - oh no did I say shoulder???? I'm spitting on the ground three times now - is that Jewish or Italian? Rick, are you doing better now?? Let us know!! Love to all, Deb

Help - I'm cooking!

I am having some friends over for dinner and I have a request - I'm making ribeye steaks and I want to top them with lump crab cakes. I'm looking for a recipe for a light sauce to pour over them. Got any ideas? I know many of you are excellent cooks and there are also the New England and Bay influences.
Thanks!
Deb

In Mom's honor

I have decided to become the official martyr of the family. I had my shoulder operated on Tuesday and yes, the doctor officially declared my shoulder as being that of a 65 to 70 year old man. I don't know the medical terminology but basically I had a birth defect in my clavicle that involved a piece of bone that was hook shaped at the end and pointed downward. Every time I moved my arm, the bone would bang against the top of my shoulder until it eventually tore a large hole across the top of my rotator cuff. I had a secondary tear inside the cuff and the tendon at the top of my massive bicep muscle was shredded to the point that it resembled the frayed end of a rope. They attempted to do an inter scapula block which basically numbs the area they are going to operated on which greatly reduces pain and the need for pain medication. This is done by inserting a needle about 1 inch deep into the neck and attaching electrodes which they then use to manipulate the muscles to the area of the surgery. When they get the right spot, they inject the drugs to block the nerves. Due to my history I opted to do the procedure even though you are fully awake at the time. It wasn't as bad as I had feared and would recommend that if you are going to have surgery you opt to have this done. Unfortunately in my case it did not work. Instead of it numbing my shoulder, it numbed the back of my head. They then needed to have the anesthesiologist start my I.V. line because my veins are so bad they couldn't find one.
As it was he had to find a vein(even examining my legs for a site) and had to stick me twice using lidocaine to numb the area because he had to go so deep.
Now on to the surgery. The damage was so severe that when they inserted the scope it became immediately apparent that the repair was not able to be done laproscopically. So they made a 4 inch incision running from the back of my shoulder over the top to the front. They made a second 4 inch incision from the top of my shoulder down my bicep. That's a total of 8 inches plus a hole for the scope. The benefit of the open incision is that they were able to do a much more thorough job. It was supposed to be about a 1 hour procedure but it turned out the be three hours. Now it's on to physical therapy. So what's new with everyone else?

Laverty Family Sporting Clay event from years past

Hey guys, check out the link under links. Some of you might remember this. I am not positive but I think this was around the weekend of Mom's 70th Birthday. Let me know if it is different.
Thanks,
Jim

Happy Birthday Jason!!!! Sept 9th.

Happy Birthday Jason Loux, Bethany and Josh's son. Now for those who may be far removed Bethany is Eileen's daughter. So Jason is Eileen's grandson.

Happy Birthday Lisa!!!!! September 8th

Yes it is Birthday time again. Year after year this happens, which is good 'cause it beets the alternative. And for those of you who did not recognize the blond with Bryan, in the picture, it is Lisa, Debby's Daughter which makes her Bryan's sister.
Happy Birthday Lisa

Happy Anniversary

Happy Anniversary to Keith and Tiina! (Sept. 2)

Happy Birthday Niklas

Yes Happy Birthday all the way to Finland. Niklas is the son of Tiina and Keith Laverty

More memories

I guess I'm in a nostalgic mood lately - Jim do you remember taking apart the model train when you were a kid? Well, my grandsons, Aaron and Kyle, got busy taking apart every small train, truck and car they own that had screws in them, yesterday!!! I encouraged them to try to put them back together but they just looked at me like I had just left the tower of Babel - you know, speaking in an unknown tongue!!! We now have a plastic container of motorized vehicle parts - Barry is in for a surprise when he gets home - they'll probably ask Papa to put them together just so they can take them apart again.
I just sat, watched, and delighted in their determination and sense of discovery - I LOVE being a grandma!!! Deb

Head Acres

Hi guys! I was reading the blog and I started thinking about Dad (Clif Laverty). Do you all remember the HA he carved into the blue stone that was set in the brick of the fireplace? It stood for Head Acres - it took me years to realize the joke and the double meaning Dad intended - Head Acres - Head Achers (7 kids) and the initials that spelled "HA!" I spent this evening cleaning out Mom's clothing and crying my eyes out. Sorry to bring you all down. For some reason it was hardest of all to clean out her shoes - but Dad must be here with me because as I write this I can here him groaning " Eileen, stop picking your feet!" The thought made me laugh! Thanks Dad, I needed that!! Deb

Who is this crazed man in the picture?

Can anyone guess who this wild man is? And what he is doing? Well if you know comment. Cause we will be doing some more of this in Branson. If you are interested let me know so we can start putting something together.

PS If you know who he is...then who is the blond?

It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This!!

Kristen and JR welcomed Carson Taylor Bryant into the world at 9:49 8/21/08. He registered in at 8lbs, 1oz and 201/2 inches. He's quite cute in his cap, however, it covers a massive head of hair! In the back, it actually comes close to touching his shoulders!! I'm so excited that Joshua (6 mos) will have a male cousin to grow up with. What I'm not exited about is the thought of these two boys at 17! It was such a joy to see this little one come into the world. Being Grammie Eileen is such a wonderful thing...especially when you are totally hot and have no gray hair! Being Grandpa Steve is pretty cool too, even if you look the part!

Guess who had a baby?

Well I am not going to tell. I will leave that to those with bragging rights.
So since I have so much time on my hands and I do enjoy writing so much I thought I'd tell you the story of the Missing Meat.

The Missing Meat

I was working in my shop two weeks ago making a floating shelf for a friend of Pam and mine. A floating shelf seems to have nothing supporting it on the wall from which It hangs, Thus "floating shelf". Now to complete this project You have to cut five pieces of wood and each corner is connected by a 45 degree angle at total of twelve 45 degree cuts.

Now for those familiar with the art of using a table saw, mine is a right hand tilting arbour with a 10 inch blade and a 3 horse power motor. Since I had to make these cuts I had to put my fence on the opposite side of the blade than I usually work from. Almost like working left handed on a right had saw, but not quite.

As everyone know you use your safety equipment and one of the items is made to push the wood between the fence and the blade so as to not cut your hand off. Well I had a kick back and the push stick, as it is called, slipped and allowed my thumb to run by the blade. Now it depends on your definition of run by. What this means in my case is that the blade being set at a 45 degree angle sliced of the end of my thumb sending it to places unknown to this day, thus "The Missing Meat". The good news was at that angle it missed my thumb nail only removing a slice of meat. Not enough to make a sandwich, but enough to hurt and bleed like heck.

So the way it ended up there was not meat to stitch and it had to heal on its own keeping it clean and wrapped and some antibiotic gel. Oh yah a shot in the buttocks the next day from Susan my doctor.

Pam was not home at the time so I called where she was and asked our friend to tell her to come home as I cut the end of my thumb off. As you can imagine she made it home in a flash. The one question that stand out in my mind was when Pam asked where is the missing meat?

So family and friends I can't use my tools until my thumb heals. You can't imagine how often you use your thumbs in a day. Even to button my pants hurts. It makes me wonder .....If God made man to rule over the animals of the world, why did he give monkeys four thumbs and us only two? HUUUUUUMMMMM

The good news is I only use two fingers to type.

Have a blessed and safe day,
Jim

The Other Laverty's

Hey All, Well you all may be ahead of me on this, but better to post this early while I think of it then wait. I read some posts concerning other Laverty's with whom I am not familiar, and it made me think of some we may have not included yet. What about Uncle Harvey and his kids? I have some contact information for his kids. Also, I know Pop was in some contact with some cousins in Kentucky, (another 'James' if you can believe that!) and I may have contact details around here somewhere. Just a thought, your comments are welcome! If you don't know how to comment, ask Bean, she already had her epiphany! :-)

Haven't had an 'epiphany' yet!

Well greetings to all once again. As I am between schools and apparently have soooo much time, tho I still don't seem to be able to get too many important things done. Perhaps I should take my Franklin Covey Dayplanner and smack myself over my thick Laverty skull with it! Anyhow, I have sent some letters out and you all must be wondering which blog I have been reading. Well, I am rereading as time permits and apparently have been getting my stories mixed up. I haven't had the 'epiphany' yet that 'Little Eileen' has had with this blog thing, too much reading to catch up on I guess, so thanks for the little hint! Oh! Glad to know I am not the only Laverty who uses profanity Eileen.... :-) ! Also, I hope your comment to Deb on the 'New York cousins' wasn't too harsh, at least I'm in the game.
I think this whole thing is way cool, and have been psyched about it since it's inception (even tho I didn't tell any of you), and just can't wait for it to start! I make a motion that we make a few more 'scheduled' events together if we will all be there for a week; I will give more imputs as I become more updated.
Okay, some Finnish history and a personal note: Mikael Agricola is considered the father of the Finnish written language. He wrote the "ABC", and translated the "New Testament" back in 155...something making it the first penning of the Finnish language. I can tell you that even after studying other languages, Finnish is, uh, well not easy I can say. So my personal note is that if Mikael was still alive....I would kill him! What the heck was he thinking?!!!!!

To all, have a great day!

If bigger were better Miss America would weigh 400lbs.

Well Bigger ain't necessarily better, but louder is. My new exhaust system for the 2008 Yamaha Raider is on it's way. Been waiting since March. Pam thinks I'm in my mid-life crisis. I hope she is right that gives me a few more years than I counted on. Jamie just shakes his head. She may believe this as I have gotten a Tattoo on my upper arm. Look at the horse to the left. Now imagine him with purple mountains Majesty in the back ground and a western sunset, green cactus in the foreground with desert sand and now you have a mind's eye of the tattoo.

The Bike, The Tattoo all I need now is a gold tooth and a dew rag and I'll be set. I'd send you all pictures but my Photographer Annie is on a shoot for Sports Illustrated in Australia so we will have to wait until she returns.

Brian and Shelly..........

The News is out... Brian and Shelly are getting Married!!!!!!!!! The Blessed event is October 19th. 2008.

As you all know the Laverty blood flows through Brian's veins. Yes another women will know the bliss of joining the clan. Does she know how lucky she is, can she even comprehend the incomprehensible bliss she will come to know? Oh this lucky lady........And Brian unselfishly allowing Shelly to enter his world, a world of Lavertyisms and quirkiness, how proud I am to call him my nephew!!!

Congrats to both.

Pictures

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Some pictures of where we have been and where we are.

Don't Forget My Birthday !!!!

Birthdays??????????????

Would everyone please do a comment on this message and include your birthday, that of your Spouse, Children & Grandchildren. I would like to put them on my calendar so I can send out birthday wishes. I have some, but I am afraid not all and I don't want to leave anyone out.
This will be one more way for the family to keep in touch and know what is going on. As our family grows cousins and second cousins may not know each other and this is an opportunity to get to know each other. And maybe plan future Family Reunions.

Happy Birthday Bethany!!!!!!!!

Finally!

Well finally I (we) are onboard with the "Laverty Family Blog" and all that is concerned with the family reunion! So you now you can all start crashing me with mail like 'finally!', or 'it's about time!'. I won't make excuses {'cause King James doesn't want to hear them :-) }, and I will keep this short {Amazing in itself!}. Just wanted to say hi to all of you with whom I have not had much contact. So to Debbie I say that you have to answer my email and respond to my pictures you asked me to send. I put this in here since I know you will be at least reading this! (I'm such a stinker!). Anyway, greetings from beautiful and still relatively warm Kotka, Finland! Keith, Tiina, Niklas & Isabella

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to Aunt Roberta and Jimmy B. Laverty

Hannah Update

I talked briefly with Hannah today. She sounded so good I couldn't believe it. She's the same old Hannah...giving everyone attitude. The last time I talked to her she was making cookies. I guess you can do that in Iraq. Another soldier told her the PA wanted chocolate. Hannah's response was, "We don't have chocolate. Tell him to get over it, we're in Iraq." Today her Sgt. said something to the effect of talking to me while we were on the phone and Hannah said no because he'd end up hitting on me. He said he wouldn't hit on her mom. She said, "Trust me, you would." I think she has an ancient picture of me over there that she shows everyone. It still made me feel good though. She is going to be coming home for 2 weeks R&R in either September or October. Then she'll go back over for the rest of her deployment. I can't wait to see her on US soil! She's currently working at India gate working with the locals and interpreters. On the 15th she changes duty and will be traveling with the higher ranking soldiers for the next 90 days. She tells me this will keep her "dang safe". My thing is, if it's so safe, why do they need a medic!! I'm pretty proud of that kid. I know it doesn't show. Just wanted to let you know what's up on the other side of the world. Oh, it was 116 degrees today, ugh.

Willey Nelson

Last night Pam and Jamie took me to a Willey Nelson Concert. Now I like old Willey, not everyone does, but even if you don't care for Willey he was fabulous. Most older artists start to loose their abilities to perform as they get older, but they just don't know enough to give up. Not Willey he sang and played as good as he ever did. He played non stop for an hour and forty five minutes. Old songs and new songs. His songs and some others. There was a bass player, his sister on piano, a harmonica player and two percussionists (with no complete drum set between them) and Willey on Guitar. He was the only Guitar other than the bass player and he made that old beet up guitar of his talk. He did all of his own leads and rhythms all night long. No canned back up or anything.
If you ever get the chance you owe it to your self to see/hear him. He is better on the stage than on TV. I am telling you he gets better with age. Thank you Pam and Jamie!
Just and Update on the old world of music.
Jim

Poor Rick, and poor Eileen

Well, Rick, I know you'll do fine. If that's what the doc sed, he wouldna wanted to see mine. In any event, take care. I'm sure you'll do well. I got to level 3 PT on August 5th and also they will evaluate the left shoulder for surgery. We can be cripe together...lol Love to all the family.

Been- hullo- I live less than ten miles away. Why did I have to find out on the blog that you are/were hurting??????? Hope you feel better soon!

an except from "Musings of a mad man"

Just for fun I thought I would release some of my famous writings for your reading pleasure.
Jim


The Lavertyville Chronicles
By King James 1st Edition


“The Throne” (a.k.a. the porcelain god)

(pretend you see a toilet here Could not copy the original)


It has always been the case that a King has his throne. This is a place of deep thought, decision making and is considered by some a place of reverence.

With this in mind think of some of the decisions that have been made while possibly some of the great leaders of the world sat upon their throne and pondered the question of the day.

President Clinton “ should I meet Monica today? President Kennedy “ I wonder what Marilyn is doing today” Old Abe Lincoln “I wonder what is playing at Ford’s this evening”. You see many decisions could have been made on the Throne.

Then the times of reflection, often a time of deep sorrow or thanks. Ted Kennedy “ Boy am I thankful Mom and Dad made me take those swimming lessons” Napoleon on being short “ I am for once glad I was short, that bullet went right over my head”. Sonny Bono, “I’d rather be with Cher”.

The throne has also been known as the porcelain god. As in “I was hugging the porcelain god last night and I swore I’d never drink another drop”. “Boy it must have been something I ate”. We have all been there one time or another.

Well all this to say this is where I get most of my inspiration, mixed with occasional perspiration during a difficult defecation. Some trips to the throne are more productive than others, depending on the time and calm of the session. Nothing more disheartening than expecting a great power dump and finding out it was only meant to be a moment of flatulation other wise known as a “massive gassive”. Thus not allowing time for thought or reflection. (I am not sure if flatulation is spelled correctly but who ever writes that word down anyway, so who will know) You see that alone could have been a moment of reflection.

I was reflecting on the Kansas vs. Maryland game. It is wonderful to see those Terp make it to the final game. Last night’s game was a great game from many respects. First, college sports far exceed the quality of Pro sports. Second both teams played a great game. Third, Maryland won hands down with no excuses, pure talent. And last but certainly not least, as a result of my brother-in-laws not thinking before he speaks, he and my beautiful, but hindered, sister, will be treating King James (not to be confused with the Biblical version) and Squire Rick to a round of golf. I am told it is the custom of losers from Kansas to treat the winner to only the best of Golf Courses. Green’s fees, cart fee’s and food and drink at the ninth and 19th hole are also included.

It hurts me deeply to have to take such a treat from my sister, but hey some one has to be the looser. And after all she should have thought a little more before marrying a Kansan redneck, I mean Red hawk. Sounds a little like she needed some throne time? I think so!

If anyone out there in Lavertyville would like to take advantage of Steve’s inability to pick a winner, I have attached a link to his email so you can send him a well thought out wager. sphelps@freedomassoc.com or
eileen4@cox.net . I recommend some throne time before you make the wager, something Steve obviously forgot to do before picking up the phone and placing that, although not fatal, but terrible bet with the King.

Well I conclude by saying I hope all had a wonderful Easter and I pray you have a great year to come.

King James (not to be confused with the Biblical version)

surgery

Hi all,

The heat has me a little worn out. I mean everyday it's the same old thing 65 sometimes even 68 degrees. Yesterday I actually had to open a window.
Oh well.
I spoke to the doctor today and my MRI showed that the tendon near the top of my arm just under the rotator cuff has torn away from the bone and I will need to have surgery. I have to wait 10 days and then call to make an appointment with one of the new Orthopedic surgeons comming in to the hospital at Lakenheath England. The entire orthopedic department is rotating out and new personnel is comming in. The captain I spoke with today thinks they should be able to get me into the O.R. by the end of August . He said quite frankly he had never seen anyone with my injury who was able to function on a day to day basis without losing control of their bodily functions. But that is one of the things taht makes me so masculine.
I'll keep you posted.
Rick

crazy glue??

Sooooooo, Eileen, what do they do with those muscles? I mean do they ever re-attach and how did you detach them in the first place? Crazy glue anyone!!!???? I am getting so jealous of all of these family vacations. All I ever see is baby butts and dog hair! - and I'm married to the pilot!!! If anyone ever asks, Netjets doesn't give a flying flip about the families of the pilots we get NO and I mean NO benefits!!!!! Barry flew Seinfeld this past week. He really didn't tell me anymore because I guess I am just not that interested anymore.
Now Rick you have a bad shoulder too? It sounds like our internal organs will go on forever - our bones and muscles will just give out - excuse me, but isn't it supposed to be the other way around? I KNEW we were aliens!!!!
Rick I love the medal you sent. It will definitely remind me of Mom. I'm sure she was at the vatican with you! I felt her really close as I looked at the medal - like she was looking over my shoulder and smiling. I am going to have it attached to a bracelet so that I can see it as I wear it.
Aaron just got back from spending a week in NC with his Aunt Lara. She took him to the ocean so his is now an official Laverty/Kuyava, ocean-loving one of us!!!!

I'm still here

Hey Everyone,

Sorry I've been absent for awhile. Life has been a little crazy. We took a few days for vacation. We just went to a local lake. Weather in KS is not always as blissful as that of Colorado or Branson. We were only able to boat 1/2 day out of four due to rain and wind. White caps on a lake do not make for great skiing. We ended up coming home Saturday night instead of Sunday because I wasn't feeling well. Monday morning Steve took me to the emergency room with what I thought was severe abdominal pain. After two days in the hospital and much, much dope, they decided my stomache is fine. The good news is my stomache, liver, kidneys, etc. are all in great shape. The muscles on the outside of my ribs have "come loose" from the ribs. Each rib has a nerve that runs from the muscle around the rib, with each move I pull on those nerves. Now I know why people say a broken rib is such a horrible experience. I went back to work on Thursday and of-course had lots and lots to catch up on. Today we had the auction out at Steve's parents house as they prepare to downsize to a patio home. It's 100 degrees out and very humid. I'm still in quite a bit of pain and just plain exhausted. In a couple of hours all the kids are coming over for Madelyn's (my grand-daughter) 5th birthday party. I've told Bethany to prepare the girls that Grammy Eileen won't be up to her usual horse play in the pool. We'll see how well they listen to that! Bottom line is that life is busy just like for all of you, and that's why I haven't been in touch. I'll get more involved in family life again once it doesn't hurt to breathe!

Branson Resort

I thought I would share with everyone where I will be staying and hopefully a few others from my immediate family. It's like pulling teeth to get a commitment, but that's ok. I have made my reservation just the same. If you would like to take a look at the place, here is the link: http://www.trendwest.com/resorts/br/ If the place Eileen has reserved fills up and I still have room, I am willing to share the three bedrooms (up to eight people) with whoever would like.

Jimmy BL

Summertime in Colorado

Greetings from Jimmy in Colorado! Wishing everyone a wonderful and fun filled summer 2008. It's just over a year until the fam reunion, but I am looking forward to it. In fact, I am going to spend a week in Missouri this August, although not in Branson.

If anyone is interested in spending some time in Colorado, please contact me and you are welcome to stay with me. Even if you think you don't know me I probably know and remember you - just ask your mom or dad hahaha. Colorado is really beautiful with many things to do. I live in Colorado Springs.

I will be traveling over the next month in CO, WY, AZ, NM and El Paso, TX on business. I always enjoy myself and will be camping on the weekends even though it is technically work. Why not enjoy yourself while working is my motto! I love it.

Last note, Christian is getting married on July 26th. He is Roberta's son - 20 years old. His brides name is Brittney.

That's all for now! Enjoy your summer!

Happy Birthday Hannah! July 18th.

You may be a big bad soldier, but you will always be a kid to me!!! and a cute one at that! Happy Birthday.
Uncle,
Jim

Happy Anniversary Rick and Donna July 14th.

Any body out there?

Hey how about making a comment so we know you are there.
Thanks,
Jim

Pictures Of Italy

The move is here

As many of you know I am moving to Delaware this weekend. Bruce is going out to sea for 7 months in September and we have decided that it is best that Lxie and I move closer to family and friends.

Belated Father's Day

I hope everyone has a spouse as wonderful as the one I have (your sister ). Hope everyone appreciates their father whether they are here or up above Eileen and I are spending a lot of time with my folks as they move from their home of 37 years to a wheelchair accessible patio home. This is quite an experience. My dad is pretty old school and has raised me with a pretty stern hand as was customary for his generation. Now I'm in a position to do things for him that he never would have done for me or requested of me. It's a big pain in the neck a lot of the time, and pretty rewarding a lot of the time. All I know is that by the time we get to Branson, I'll be in major need of a vacation. It's interesting the things life throws at us...I guess the fun is in figuring out what we're going to do with it.

A Wonderful Sunday

Greetings all, We've had a great Sunday... got up, read the paper, went to church...Pastor Mike preached a great sermon...did errands, the whole shopping bit, went by the folks new construction on their new home, picked up groceries and then finally made it home. Hit the pool with several of the kids. Decided that hot dogs are almost as good as steak when you have to decide between that and buying gas so you can get to work the next day. The only thing better is sitting on the porch of a Branson home on a bluff on Table Rock Lake marveling at nature and asking yourself how any of this could have come to be. I so long for that day.

Just for Fun

Check out the two new links "Light Bulbs" and "Down on the Farm". Now these are funny ...I don't care who you are these are funny.
Every once in a while you have kick up the old feet, sit back and say HUUUUUM or just laugh to yourself!!!!
Have a great one,
Love,
Jim, or as I like to refer to myself "King James" (not to be confused with the biblical one)

Now this is more like it - the Laverty family humor!! Oh Jim, I didn't mean the food poisoning, that's the Laverty family curse - you know that busy "other end"!! Glad you are okay now.
Actually a kuei is from Taoism. They were evil or troublesome spirits associated with dark and gloomy spots. No place for them here lol. Okay now it's someone else's turn to make us all think.
We were in O'Fallon, IL this weekend for our 2nd granddaughter's baptism. I had almost forgotten how much I love St. Louis! It is just so pretty there. It was a wonderful experience. Aaron came with us and got to play with his cousins from OK. Lara and Al came up from NC to be there. It was a mini-reunion for us and it just makes me look forward even more to our reunion in 09.
I feel like a cow in high grass - udderly tickled!
Okay Rick, that's the best I can do - your turn!
Love to everyone!
Deb

This set of Laverty's vacation did not go so well!

Pam and I just got back from Gatlinburg TN. We took the motorcycle with us (on a trailer) with plans to ride the mountains. We did ride the Tail of the Dragon in Tennessee and North Carolina. A noted trail rated best motor cycle ride in America. 318 curves in 11 miles. Now this is up and down mountain roads. It was white knuckle all the way. Riding down hill at one point at a 45 degree downward hill with a 180 degree turn into a 45 degree downward slope. The roads were separated by 4 feet which made for a real tight turn.

We did the usual tourist things, like Dolly Wood and some shows. The best of which was the Circus de China. Out standing if you get a chance to see it in Branson do it you will be pleased. We found a apple winery, bakery, restaurant facility ...Most Excellent. We also found about the best pottery manufacturing place I've ever been to. Met the owner and the some of the other employees and got to see them do their art. Now one of my three best things...God, Donuts and pottery.

The trip ended up with a five and one half hour stay in the emergency room. I came down with food poisoning and a temperature and had to have two bottles of I.V. fluids, medication to stop the vomiting and potassium. Then antibiotics for the urinary tract infection I did not know I had. We got back to the resort Friday morning at 12:30 a.m. and had to leave at 10:00 a.m. to drive ten hours home, pulling the trailer. Pam said it was my get even for having to spend the same amount of time in an Urgent Care center in Alaska when she tore her ACL in her knee. Oh well....

But we are back and were blessed to be able to do as much as we did. God saw to it we got home safely so all is good. I hope Branson proves to be a better vacation next year. Actually I know it will since you all will be there.

Gotta run,

Love,

Jim and Pam

Happy Birthday Sandypants!

It seems only yesterday you were a little girl and uncle Rick was trapping you beneath the upside down playpen. And I giving your mom a book on child rearing. I think the title was "How to house break your new puppy" by the Hartz Dog Food people. You can imagine those two tricks went over well. And now here you are a mother yourself.
Do you have a playpen or a good book on raising children?
Happy Birthday!
Love,
Aunt Pam and Uncle Jim

Keep the kuei out of this please

Hey, everyone. We all have different beliefs and even though the only ones that are correct are mine, please keep the kuei out of our blog!
Love and kisses to all,
Debbie

Relay for Life

I have to brag about my amazing little girl! Lexie walked 3 miles in 100 degree weather in memory of Mommom this weekend! The Relay for Life was held at Redwing Park this weekend in Virginia Beach. The track was 1 mile long and Lexie completed 3 full laps! Although you may not be able to tell by the picture there were candles lit in the bags in memory of Mommom and Poppop.

Love you all!

I'm concerned

Did anyone get my e-mail sent about 3 weeks ago letting you know that due to job loss and surgery with a 6 month recovery time followed by another surgery, with the same recovery time, it is unlikely we will be able to attend. In fact, I shared that we could not attend, but haven't heard from any one. Even if I have a job by then - and if I don't we are in mega trouble - I won't have vacation built up. Since then, John has had to see a cardiologist, and has an appt with a surgeon for an unrelated problem in 2 weeks. His heart, thank the gods and goddesses is healthy. But, things are really snowballing on us right now. I just do not know what to do. And my unemployment hinges on exactly how my surgeon writes my return to work letter - their form, not the letter he gave me! I'd give up but I'm too darn stubborn.

On another note - I'm happy Hannah is well. Bruce will be doing another cruise soon - Persian Gulf again, I don't know. Treena will be moving to Delaware while he's gone and until they have a new duty station. That's all the news I have. Namaste all!

Vacation

Pam and I will be on vacation in Gatlinburg TN from June 6th though June 13th. We are bringing the motorcycle and plan to drive the "Tail of the Dragon". You can look that up on the Internet if you wish. It is supposed to be the motorcyclists dream ride. We will see.
Love to all,
Jim and Pam

What the .....

OK you got my attention!!!!! I had hoped what Eileen has said would become the norm. I think this is a great way to keep every one up to date with what is going on in our lives. From the day to day to the extraordinary. Those with our DNA seem to always have something going on so lets keep sharing
Hurrah Bean great Idea!!!