Middle Child

Welcome to the world
baby girl!
Diane and Jerry welcomed their fifth child on this day in 1968, Lisa Ann.

Our little cutie at 3 months old.

Lisa is the middle child of nine, she is also the middle girl--a double whammy! My fun loving sister, pictured front and center in 1971 in the brown dress, had to deal with four older siblings trying to tell her what to do and in turn had four younger sibs to boss around. I think here in her formative years is where Lisa developed her outgoing nature, her ability to multi-task, and her competitive streak.
My Aunt Patsy, who has a mind for details of people and events, as a child created a newspaper of sorts with all the stories she overheard her adult family discussing. Much to my grandmother's dismay, young Aunt Patsy then distributed copies to neighbors (what else do you do with a newspaper!). Lisa has inherited this detail-oriented mind and can remember soooo many things, even from early childhood--it is scary! She could definitely give our Aunt Patsy a run for her money in the memory department and would have made a wonderful co-contributor of the newspaper.

Lisa, loyal friend, generous sister, and devoted daughter,
Happy Birthday!

One last thought, please note in the above 1981 birthday photo, how I seem to be the only one singing, Glenn has covered his mouth to prevent himself from blowing out the candles, and Renee seems bored by the event...Hmmmm?

Barber in Training

Paul David, fourth child out of nine, third boy, born on December 11, 1966--an early Christmas present for my parents.

Paul and I always seemed to get along, have fun, and occasionally get into trouble.


<<--Always smiling! Paul, three months old.

My parents didn't go out that often due to time and finances, but one time stands out in my memory. A teenage neighbor girl was babysitting us; I believe Paul and I were maybe 11 and 12 years old, but probably younger. Being some of the older children Paul and I were to help the sitter with our younger siblings, including the youngest, a baby at the time.

12th birthday

So, of course a bit of a drama occurred. Paul was chewing gum and somehow managed to get some in his hair, no big deal right? Wrong! Paul tried to get the gum out on his own by using scissors! Paul gave himself a very creative haircut--jagged and missing chunks.

Happy Birthday Paul David "Fruit Loops", Polly-wogs, Pablo, brother, friend, and partner in crime, enjoy!

Birthdays and Blessings

This is one of my favorite pictures of my dad. It conveys how I always felt: loved, comforted, and secure. I continue to feel that way. My parents have a knack for creating a loving home and making each child feel special, no matter how many years have passed.

Life changes all of us, but the most important things about my dad have remained the same, his good nature, his devotion to faith and family, his story-telling ability (even though we've heard them all before--many times), and his loving heart. Thanks Dad--Happy Birthday!

Mom celebrated her 75th birthday yesterday and I think the quote from Abraham Lincoln applies “And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.”. It is an achievement to have lived 75 years but to look back on a life well-lived, such as my mom's, is truly remarkable.

Mom's life is a testiment of generosity. She not only has physically given life to her children, but helped to give our lives direction, focus, and meaning. Mom has freely given of her time, laughter, wit, and love to her friends and family. The road of life brings many gifts and troubles along the way, my mom just seems to acknowledge the troubles and moves on, not letting them weigh her down. Thank you Mom for showing me how to add life to my years, love you so much! Happy Birthday!

Lucky Number 7

I have six brothers and two sisters, my youngest sister, Renee, is the seventh child born in the eleventh month on the eleventh day.

Peek-a-boo!

Little Renee was always happy and smiling. I think her love of being a "girlie-girl" began early when Renee would toddle and dance around in ruffled underpants, earning her the nickname "Ruffle Butt"!

1st Grade photo, please note, the ruffles continued.

Birthdays were always lovingly celebrated with gifts, homemade cakes, and singing. Today, on your special day, Renee, let us celebrate the loving, joyful, caring person that you have become. Our family is lucky to call you daughter, sister, and friend.  Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Sean!

Sean Michael is 15 years old today!

While visiting for Sean's 2nd birthday, I had been taking pictures and videos of him, well I guess Sean decided he needed time away from the "papparazzi" so as he walked by me and my camera, he put up his hand and proclaimed loudly, "No more pictures Sue!"

So, to somewhat honor his request, I've only included a few pictures of our birthday guy.

1: Christmas, 1995

2: September, 2002

3: October, 2007

Brothers

It has been quite a while since I played a game of "Telephone", one of the funniest times was with my family on Christmas day, 1985. I have no idea what the message was when I received it, but as I tried to pass it on to my brother Greg, he broke up into hysterical laughter. The rest of the family started laughing as I repeatedly tried to pass on the message. I think the message died with me, but the memory of that day and this picture still make me smile.

I have always loved Halloween, especially creating costumes! When I was older, my three youngest siblings became my personal Halloween models. Some of my creations were an Ewok, Mark from Ark (a take-off on Mork for Ork), a vampire, a mummy. The most memorable Halloween was in 1982 when I dressed my sister Renee as a bobby-soxer with a poodle skirt, my brother Glenn as a clown, and the best, my 10-year old brother Scott as a girl, including a padded bra and make-up! Now, tell me, how many little brothers would let their sister dress them up in girl's clothes!

Happy Birthday Greg and Scott!