NSB and BHM

I had a great weekend in New Smyrna Beach. The weather was so nice and the beach was magnificent. Grandma Mary and I always have a great time together. On Friday, Mike's brother, John, took us sailing. We got to sail on the Atlantic Ocean. It was just his second time taking his boat on the ocean. The weather was cloudy, but warm. I sat on the front of the boat and just took in God's creation and felt blessed for this experience.

On Saturday night, Mary hosted a "Porch Party." She invited four couples that she's gotten to know and that I see every winter when I visit. It was a very nice time on her screened in porch. It rained Saturday until about 1:30, then it turned sunny. I spent 2.5 hours on the beach. On Sunday morning, we got up and went to church at 8am. She goes to an Episcopal Church . It reminds me of my Catholic upbringing on some levels. It feels very comfortable. I also really like Father Jim. He always speaks to my heart and I walk away with a great lesson. We spent all afternoon Sunday and Monday on the beach. I left NSB at 5:30pm on Monday. I also got in a couple walks on the beach.

Mike and Kaitlyn are off tonight to a Black History Month event. It is a dressy occasion. I told Kait that she looks like one of the Academy Awards Presenters (Keri Russell). The rest of us could have gone, but Tim's been sick and it would be such a late night for Julia... and I'm tired from travelling last weekend. It actually feels good to be home. I'm such a homebody. I love to travel, but I love being HOME.

It's been so nice having Kaitlyn home. Just wish the week wasn't going so fast. Nick comes Friday with Michael. We will have a fun weekend. Nick will be home all next week. Kait and Michael will leave on Sunday after church. I know....I need to focus on enjoying my time with Kait while she is home.

Karen

Out of My Mind on a Sunday Night

This is Mike blogging and here are some random thoughts on this Sunday evening:

I had to hang up on Karen tonight. As many of you know, she is in Florida visiting my mom. As if it wasn't enough to go sailing on the Atlantic ocean and spend two days soaking up the sun while the rest of us are facing snow, gray skies and cold temps, she had to mention while on the phone that she had just spotted dolphins. That was it, I hung up.

Kaitlyn came home on Saturday. It is great to see her. We have been low key while she has been home. We went to church and spent alot of time at home.

Nick and Kaitlyn's boyfriend Michael are coming next weekend. That will be fun. Michael will be spending a few days and then taking Kaitlyn back to Ann Arbor. Nick is on Spring Break and will be home the following week. Fun, fun, fun.

I find the current political situation fascinating. I still like all three (McCain, Clinton and Obama), but I have to admit that Obama is really pulling me in. He has that special charisma, like a John or Bobby Kennedy, that pulls you right in. Obama is going to be speaking at University of Cincinnati tomorrow (Monday). I wish I wasn't so busy at work, otherwise I would love to go. I saw Jimmy Carter speak in Flint, Michigan the night before his victory in the 1976 presidential election. That was cool.

Speaking of cool, I got an e-mail this week from my all-time favorite singer, Burton Cummings (former lead singer of the Guess Who who had several top 10 hits including American Woman, These Eyes, No Time, Undone, Share the Land). I go to his my space page and respond to his blogs. I went to my e-mail one day and there was an e-mail from Burton thanking me for my enthusiasm on his board. I love the internet age. Here I am communicating with a former rock star.

I'm watching the Oscars, but I'm not into it like I have been in past years. I have not seen any of the movies up for awards, so it's hard to get excited.

It has been my pleasure to serve on the planning committee for the Mercy Health System Black History Month Special Event. The event is Wednesday and it will be a fun night. We'll have over 400 people there. Our featured speaker is Herman Boone - who is the coach who wrote the book Remember the Titans that became the famous movie starring Denzel Washington.

Karen and I are enjoying our new wellness life. Karen has gone crazy and is a real "health nut". It seems that everyday she comes up with some new health treat whether it's cod liver oil, coconut oil, flax meal - there's always something new. She is also exercising 6 days per week and I'm doing 5 days. Karen has lost more than 17 pounds and I have lost 15 pounds. We both feel healthy and great.

Julia and Tim are doing great. They are super kids and they make me laugh each and every day.

Here's a joke for the week: What goes clip-clop, clip-clop, clip-clop, BANG, clip-clop, clip-clop, clip-clop. Answer: An Amish drive by shooting.

Well, that's about all that's in my mind tonight. I hope all of you have a super week.

Love,

Mike (Dad)

Happy Birthday, Kelsey Kersten

This is my niece, Kelsey. She is the daughter of my sister, Kelly. She is the little sister of Haley. Kelsey is an awesome young lady. She is kind, funny, loving, caring and beautiful.

Happy 11th Birthday Kelsey Kersten!

Happy Birthday Mike

Today is my wonderful husband's birthday! I just want everyone to know how blessed I am to have married my best friend and true love. He is a great husband, awesome father and just a great person. I love you, Mike, and hope you have a fantastic birthday! Mike at the Hard Rock Cafe in Moscow next to a guitar of his favorite group, The Guess Who

Mike and Kaitlyn

with Nick

with Tim





Enjoying Russian Tea on the train to Ivanovo














The moment Mike met his new daughter, Julia!

Happy Birthday, Michael!

from the weekend

Julia with Emily

Julia and Aunt Linda

We had a fun weekend. My cousin, Kathy, and her daughter, Emily, were in Cincinnati. Emily dances hip-hop and was in a national competition. She is a very talented dancer! Julia and I watched her on Saturday. Then, Linda and Tom stopped by on their way to Gulf Shores, Alabama. They are on a week's vacation exploring the Gulf of Mexico coast.

Happy Valentine's Day

Daddy-Daughter Dance

Happy Valentine's Day to all our friends and family. Mike and Julia went to the dance on February 1. I remember when Kaitlyn was too old to attend the dance and Mike was so bummed about this. He was disappointed that at last year's dance he would be already in Cincinnati working. Nick stepped up and went as Julia's date. (thanks, Nick)

Mike enjoys spending one on one time with each of our kids. Julia has been really warming up to her daddy lately and it is so cool to see. Mike just adores her and I can tell Julia adores him. I've recently been telling her that "I can tell how much you love Daddy." She playfully just smiles.

Love to all our family and friends!

Karen

Black and White Soiree

Twirling in our dresses!

Me

Michael and I

My roommates: Vanessa, Sarah, Jessica, Kendra, and I

On Friday night, my roommates and I hosted a party we called a Black and White Soiree. All guests were required to wear black and white. Wine, cheese & crackers were served. It was a great time!