Pumpkin Carving at its' best

Take a look at the pumpkins of 2005!!!! In Orlando, Nathan chooses his pumpkin, then Aunt Roxanna carves it in his likeness....















Then on up to Hotlanta, where Tutu Kane (aka Robert) is carving the pumpkin for the annual contest at work.

Announcing the very first official....

GOAL by Kawika in the Premier League! This news just in from Kansas City, hold the press, he put the ball right over the keepers head and into the net! It was great!

Congratulations Son!

Happy Birthday to........

Robert!!! This is it folks, the BIG 50!!!!

We celebrated in a quiet sort of way at one of our favorite Italian restaurants, Scallini's. The wait staff even sang their very own version of Happy Birthday to Robert and gave him spumoni icecream with a candle!

Last week Chris took us out to Tavern on the Bridge for Robert's birthday. (another milestone - Chris paid for our dinner thanks to IBM!)

He received calls from Noe, Jessie, Michelle, Becca and Kawika! Whew!!!! Couldn't get through on the phone if I tried! ;-)

Reunited and it feels so good......

Does anyone remember this song? Well, we just have to tell it has so much meaning this week for Robert and I. After receiving Kawika's latest pictures and making plans for Thanksgiving we are just beside ourselves!

Kawika is Robert's son who lives in Kansas City. He plays Left Forward for the KC Comets, aPremier Soccer team (the elite of the elite.) He auditioned with 60 other kids for two positions and made it! Congratulations Kawika! I think soccer must be in the blood.

Can't wait to see you Kawika!!!!

Adventurous Mary -

That's what she should be nick named......

Most only dream about packing up, going to places strange (no pun intended!) and unfamiliar, but this is what Mary does every day!
(scrapbook page by Jen Strange)

My Dad and I were talking the other day about various assundry topics of which Mary was one. He said she had plans to visit South America soon, but hadn't heard from her in awhile. The next day, completely out of the blue, Mary called me! I thought she had been talking with Dad, but no - that wasn't it!

Mary is headed on her next adventure to none other than Peru and will be stopping by Atlanta! Yeah!!!! I think the last time I saw her was in 1999 or 2000 and it will be so good to see her again. I will be sure to post some pix to keep you all up to date!

Can't wait to see you Mary!

"Yup, there's work to be done.........

in the fields, ahem I mean yard!" says young Nathan as he surveys the landscape.

October is.......

Cashier Appreciation Month!!!

and it just so happens that I know one of the best there is in the home improvement industry!

My Mom, ten year veteran of said warehouse, can help you get in and out FAST! Need some advice on what tool to use, or what the latest gadget is? Come on over and see Joan. And while she is out to take your money (afterall that IS what her job is) she is very accurate! And talk about friendly, whew - she has customers who will wait in line just to have Joan check them out. When Joan Thanks you for shopping at her establishment, you know it is genuine.

Cashiers thank us every day for shopping at their store, let's take an opportunity this October to say, " Thanks for all you do!"

Thanks Mom!!!

We have wonderful news to share.....

with everyone. Noe, Robert's oldest daughter is expecting this coming spring! The look on her face in the picture to the left tells the story about how happy she and Dan are, not to mention Robert and I.

In the past year, Noe has landed her dream job (Flight Attendant with Northwest,) met her dream man and now - well this is just the beginning of a fairy tale come true!

Congratulations Noe and Dan! We love you!

(Ahem.... please let our new grandbaby know that Tutu Pink and Tutu Kane are very anxious for the special day!)

There's no place like....

home! You are looking at the very building that Chris now lives in! He and his friend Tommy, who goes to school in Chicago, have a two bedroom apartment right here in The Baxter on North Broadway. Robert and I can't wait to visit them (in the warm weather of course!)

This past weekend Chris took a trip over to Indiana, just a few short miles away, and came back loaded with all kinds of goodies from Grandma. Towels, coffee maker, hammer, nails, cleaning supplies..... all essential to beginning his future all on his own. And we can't forget that Aunt Sara let him borrow an air mattress until he can actually get a real bed.

Don't forget to visit Chris at chrislugo.com

Hello????

Last week my cell phone rang. Before I picked it up, I looked at the display which indicated that Mike is calling.

Me, "Hey Mike, how's it going?"
Nathan, "la-la-aughhhhh-da-da..."
Me, "Hey there Nathan, this is Tutu Pink, how are you Darling?"
Nathan, "la-la-da-da- hmm?"

The conversation continued in a very similar manner for about 30 seconds, then silence. I am assuming that Nathan left the room to be with Mike and Angela, chase the dog or something to that effect.

I call back later and speak to Mike who is laughing. He said that when the phone rings that Nathan runs for it, but hasn't quite figured how to answer it yet.

Wonder if Sprint offers the Baby Calling Plan?

In the doghouse at such a young age......

That's where Nathan is! Evidently our young man has great manual dexterity and can open and close the door or the kennel. Nathan is now the lucky little boy with not only one, but two doggies in his house. Chaos, also in the dog house and Havoc, new puppy. What a lucky little boy he is!

Dinner Anyone?

While on his latest quest to the Antique Store to purchase a railroad crossing light I told him I had seen, Robert came across this fantastic piece of early 60's furniture. Check out the RCA Victor stereo console on the back wall. What a find! This must have been the Cadillac of stereos, because it still sounds fantastic!

As you can tell, our dining room is near complete with the hutch and Formica table. The record stands are also authentic, complete with albums from the Beatles, Rolling Stones and many others.

So if you're ever in Hotlanta - stop by for dinner and take a step back in time with us.

Hittin' it outta the park in.....

Chicago! That's what Chris is doing as of late.

Within the last week Chris has officially moved to Chicago, interviewed and accepted a position with IBM and also secured an apartment - all this while also visiting relatives and friends in the area. Whew! I'm tired just writing about it.

The funny thing about Chris moving to Chicago is that even though it's not where he grew up, it's like going home. Both sides of the family are based in Hammond, Indiana - right outside of Chicago, so he'll never be alone on holidays. I think the only bittersweet part of this is Mike, Angela and Nathan living in Florida. Nathan is growing up so quick and both Chris and Robert & I are missing out on some really fun times with him.

A job with IBM?! That's a wonderful entry on anyone's resume. Chris will spend the next few months in training and three of those weeks are here in Atlanta.

The apartment sounds wonderful too. He and a friend will be sharing a two bedroom apartment on N. Broadway, four blocks away from Wrigley field. Hardwood floors, fireplace and lots of closet space make this one a real deal. I can't wait to see pictures, how about you?

The latest photo's are here!

Hardly seems as if one year has passed since Nathan made his grand entrance into the world.

I talked to Mike last night, and I have to tell you it always makes me so proud of how his life has turned out. One could not ask for a better Father and Husband. I look at him, Angela, who by the way is beautiful and wonderful herself, and Nathan - and think to myself....this is the all American dream, a hard working, happy family.

Nathan is not only walking, but running. Mike said that he is also talking non-stop. Momma, Daddy, Chaos (the dog), pup pup (Havoc, the new puppy), hello and the list goes on. Here's the only pitfall in all of this.... They are holding pictures hostage until Robert and I actually make it down to Florida to take our own! Yikes! Looks like we better start plannin', huh?

It's official....

Chris is on his way to get his education on Life in the Big City! This year has been, and will be a turning point in his life with graduating from college, aging out from the Cavaliers and now moving to Chicago. He and his car made it just fine (whew!), and now begins the interviews..... Many may think, will Chris be fortunate enough to find a job? But rather I think, who will be the fortunate one to have Chris work for their company? I say that 1) as a proud Mom, but in addition 2) one who has reviewed many resumes and interviewed many applicants for open positions. May I add that speaking on behalf of 2), he is a good catch for any company.

Good Luck Chris!

Basketball anyone?

Robert and I took Chris, who is in town on his way to Chicago, to Sidelines Grill for dinner this evening. After which we decided to play a friendly game of basketball. May I tell y'all that I proceeded to score higher than either of the guys? Now they will tell you that the game is not functioning correctly, but believe me when I tell you they just don't like being beat by a 'girl'!

49 points!

Will you....

read me a book?

I see you!

Nathan gets up close and personal with Tio Chris!! You want my picture? How about this? (Nathan 14 months old) Gosh I miss him so much!

The best $2.50 I ever.....

spent was on a can of green hair spray paint. Now, I know to the average person this may seem like a very strange comment, but hopefully you will agree after you read my explanation.

It all started four years ago in Madison, Wisconsin at Walmart. Sara, Mom, Marilyn and I were hunting for anything green that we could find. You see Chris was a first year rookie in the Cavaliers and we felt the need to show our support. Aha! Green hair spray paint - what a find! We purchase said hairspray and proceed to the womens restroom. It is there that we each sprayed our hair green. Young girls in the stadium approached and wanted to know where they could get their hair sprayed. So I whipped out the can of spray and must have done five girls hair.

Fast forward to Orlando in 2003 and Denver in 2004 - the scene replays itself again and again....... With the season coming again, I proceed to find green hair spray paint once more. $2.50? What a bargain! This year's story is even better than the previous three combined.....

After watching the Cavies practice one final time before the last day of competition, Robert and I stop at Wendy's to get a quick bite to eat and to change into our 'Cavies Baseball jerseys'. I also take the opportunity to use the mirror in the bathroom to spray my hair. Imagine the suprise when I walk out with green hair! Yes, that is always a priceless moment. For some reason, people automatically assume that once one passes a certain age they do not do anything out of the ordinary. I try to talk Robert into spraying his beard and moutache to no avail......

We missed the Pre-Finals Get Together, but do arrive in the parking lot just in time to catch Mom, Sara and Ken before they leave. As we are talking to them, a car stops and the gentleman driver asks where he can purchase some green hair spray paint. Imagine my delight to find another adult that would like to paint their hair green!!! Yes, Alan Boyer, proud father of a Cavalier had his daughter paint a stripe of green in his hair and beard. He then talked her into it as well. Yeah!!!

Robert and I eat, then proceed to the parking lot at Gillette stadium all the while I am trying to talk him into painting his beard and moustache. He is resistant, but finally must have gotten tired of my insistence. (Nice way of saying that I wouldn't shut up until he did - ya know, "It's the last time ever that you will have to show your support for Chris, blah, blah.....;-0) Yesss...... I get to paint his beard and moustache.

It is funny how Robert really was the one who attracted most of the attention with his beard. This may be because people assume that women do crazy things, but it is more unusual for a man? Not sure why, but everyone kept telling him how much they like his green paint.

So, we're sitting in our seats in the Cavaliers Block, waiting for the show to begin. a large group of young adults from Japan are sitting next to us as well as in the row below us. They, like many others, are very interested in the green hair thing. They even wanted their pix with us..... OK, now the wheels are turning. We offered the remainder of our green hairspray paint as a gesture of friendship..... They proceeded to paint C-A-V-A-L-I-E-R-S, one letter on the top of each head. The pictures are pricesless. The only thing that would've made it better is if the Cavaliers were on the field when the pix was taken. (credit for photo goes to Alan, Photoshop to take out a couple of extraneous item goes to Robert and finally my camera Nikon D70 for being so awesome!)

One fellow fan even asked me if these were our kids..... Well no, but we would be happy to claim them any day - What fabulous people!

And all of these shennanigans are made possible by The Cavaliers! What a privilege to have been associated with them for the past four years. I know that Chris will continue for years to come. Who knows..... maybe one day he will paint his hair green.

Welcome to a very special baby.....

Silas Edward, born on August 19 to Corwyn and Lori. Silas doesn't know yet, but perhaps the whole town of Marietta is in love with him.

Corwyn is the son of Keith, owner of Crystal's on the Square, a hole in the wall bar with an atmosphere reminiscent of Cheers. Live music, good fun and friends. Corwyn and Lori were with child, when Lori was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. Even with her life at risk, they put their child first. Lori would carry him until he was able to survive on his own then pursue her own fight for her life.

Silas arrived, a healthy 5 lbs 8 oz, with a clean bill of health. Grandpa Keith proudly wore his button on his sleeve last night and was showing everyone his miracle grandchild. Silas is nothing short of perfect. He is gorgeous, with an olive complexion and lots of black hair. He even rivals my very own children in this category.

Another major issue, in addition to all of her health issues, Lori lost her medical insurance as of yesterday. Another wonderful person also named Lori began to arrange an Benefit, held on August 20th, to celebrate Silas's life and raise money to help Lori fight for hers.

All of the bands who played last night donated all of their earnings and tips to Lori. Local shop owner of Alchemy, Laura, donated handmade jewelry and a couple of neoprene wine and beer carriers to auction off, with all proceeds going to Lori of course! I walked away with a gorgeous handmade necklace and a wine holder for Robert. (He says it may actually hold coke and crown if necessary!) Robert said that when I went in to bid, he knew that I wouldn't be beat out at the auction. Well he was right! A worthy cause and jewelry?

The necklace is special in it's very own rights. It is the first piece of jewelry that one of our good friends Michael ever made, and also contains pearls from one of her Grandmothers bracelets. I actually feel very priveleged to have won the the auction.

Keep our dear Lori in your thoughts and prayers as she continues her fight, but know that she, Corwyn and Keith have a beautiful gift from above to provide endless inspiration.