Holy Week

Good morning blogger friends. For those of us who are Christians, this is a special week...Holy Week. It began yesterday with Palm Sunday. This is the week we remember that Christ died for us to give us eternal life. It's quite different with this virus. Everyone is still sheltering in at home. Churches are closed and online church and programs have become a way of life right now. It is good to remember that Easter is NOT canceled...just the services and gatherings. It's hard but again, all of this is making us appreciate so many things we just took for granted or really didn't even try to participate in. Time to think and renew.

So I wanted to post a few things that happened over the weekend. Life goes on, but in such a different way!

My daughter Angie works in the office for a Portland OR school district. She has had to go into work as the district and teachers are trying to figure out what to do about teaching students as the schools are still closed. It's very difficult. I have sisters and a niece who are teachers. They are not trained in online teaching. All the districts are handing out Chrome Books today to students who do not have computers at home. Angie's district is handing out 700 today.

My other daughter Gina is moving forward after a break up with her boyfriend. This has been a trying time for relationships. She teaches at Clackamas Community College and has only one online class this next term. She is currently editing a book for a new author. Her part time little job at her friend's hair salon went out the window when Kelsie had to shut down her business. Gina has her sweet little dog Rico to help her get through this.

My grandson Otto, who is 6 now, is missing school and seeing us. He has been home with his mama and I think he's just bored. Maybe the sunshine will help this week.  He needs to get out and run some energy off! His birthday is in July and he's worried that his birthday will be canceled with the virus. Poor little monkey. He does well with the structure that school gives him and he has a great teacher this year. Grandma Linda and Papa Jimmy are missing Otto. We do FaceTime but he wasn't even interested in that the other day.

My dad's birthday is on April 8th. He is living in an assisted living home and is in total lockdown. He survived a heart attack the end of January, We almost lost him and he was in the hospital and then rehab for over a month. I didn't think he would see this 91st birthday, but here he is! We are trying to figure out how to celebrate or remember his day. My sister is calling Russellville today to ask if we could do a drive by...like a parade. They might have an idea or two. Who knows.

My niece Anna had emergency surgery yesterday. She has had trouble and surgery before for an ulcer. It went well, but she will be in the hospital until Friday. NO VISITORS! I feel so bad for her all alone. He hubby can't be with her. Just thankful there was room in a hospital for her. The virus numbers are low here in Oregon. I pray they stay that way.

Jimmy and I are doing fine. We are used to retired life and being together a lot. He has been getting projects done in the garage and around the house. He's getting more done than I am and that's ok. I am looking forward to sunshine this week to continue doing yard work. It was a very wet week so the grass in the beds has just taken off. We don't like to use chemicals, so that means work work work! Oh well, it's good for the old folks. I am doing a lot of wash as we are trying to use cloth towels and such in the house instead of paper products. I'm enjoying cooking and trying old favorites. As I have said, I'm a home body. I like to be home.

Yesterday, my nephew's girlfriend Jessica, set up a video meeting for any of the family that wanted to join. She scheduled it for 5 pm. It was kind of awkward and kind of fun. I have to tell you, I was surprised that everyone looked so stressed. We haven't seen each other for weeks. This virus and the unknown has taken a toll on us all. But, we are thankful for the internet and we are thankful that the virus has been held in check in Oregon and SW Washington. I am praying that that will continue. My heart just goes out to the city of New York and that state. Unreal and difficult to see the numbers climb along with the death toll.

Well, enough. I want to have a record of this so I am trying to keep going on my blog. I am going to do another post later today on a few fun things I have been doing. Take care...stay home and stay safe.

Happy 89th Birthday Papa John!

Happy Birthday dad! When you had your stroke almost 9 years ago, none of us dreamed we would still have you with us! How wonderful. I love this photo because your best friend Meryl is with you. He is a delight.

This is one half of the Wuitschick gang......

And the second half!!!! Only Angie's family and Gina were missing this year. Sigh....

And this is that rascal who picks up the tab so everyone can have a grand time. Thank you Jimmy. Thanks for sharing this family for almost 45 years....wow!

My brother John, his wife Ginger and my sister Debbie.

Niece Amanda, her dad Bill, here sister Jenny and the love of her life....Nate.

My little brother John and my little uncle Steve...they were trying to take a selfie. Those two are always up to something.

My sister Alisa, her son Patrick, Matt who is married to my niece Anne and my niece Desi. 

My nephew J, nephew Markie and his love Jessica and my niece Maria.

This is my cousin Wendy. I am the oldest cousin and she is the youngest. I love this photo. Love her too.

Singing Happy Birthday to to the birthday boy. If it pleases the Lord, we will be celebrating Papa John's 90th next April!!!!

Papa John's 88th Birthday

April will soon be gone and I wanted to be sure that I get my dad's 88th birthday party pictures posted! His birthday was April 8th. My dad is so blessed to have his siblings close by and they just are the cutest family. Steve is the baby and dad is the oldest. My "Uncle Steve" is actually two years younger that me. I think it's funny that my mom and my grandmother were pregnant at the same time. My brother John and Steve are just months apart. Uncle Steve is so good about helping his older siblings get together. He drove down from Spokane, picked up my Aunt Dee and her husband and they stayed overnight at my Uncle Ray's house. He is always so happy to do it and he makes me smile. In this photo, you see my Aunt Dee (my godmother), Uncle Steve, My dad (Papa John) and my Uncle Ray. We had 29 family members show up for dinner at the Vancouver Spaghetti Factory. My brother John and his wife Ginger had a family funeral on her side, so they were the only members who couldn't attend.

My sister Debbie and my brother-in-law Bill.

Uncle Steve, nephews J and Patrick.

My daughter Angie, and my niece Anna with her hubby Matt.

My sister Alisa, my brother-in-law Marcos and my niece Desi.

I was sorry the lighting was bad on this photo...my nieces Maria, Amanda and Jenny.

My niece Jenny and my daughter Gina.

My son-in-law Chris and my grandson Otto ( couldn't catch him).

My nephew Markie and his girlfriend Jessica.

My great niece Bella and great nephew Peyton.

My niece Desi's hubby Don and his kids!

Some of the gang.

My Jimmy.

Jimmy and Linda with Uncle Ray and Papa John.                                                                              

The balloon guy with my sister Debbie and niece Amanda.

Aunt Dee and her big brother John.

All my dad's grandchildren. Anna, Angie, Amanda, Markie, Maria, J, Jenny, Desi Gina and Patrick.

Decorating Papa's Apartment

Last Saturday, some of our family went over to my dad's to decorate his apartment for Christmas. Angie and Otto brought Papa a box of candy and Otto couldn't wait to give it to Papa!

Oh yes, look at that smile and the candy in his little hand! He wanted Papa to have one too and picked one out for him.

Papa and his great grandson having a chocolate treat. I am not sure which one was enjoying it more!

My sister Alisa and her son Markie took the tree out into the hall and put it together. Such a big help to me.

Gina was enjoying the fun and was taking a walk down memory lane. Lots of memories for the kids.

Otto found some little cars from the village to play with for awhile. He LOVES cars.

Angie is always so good at displaying the village scene on top of his TV. That's her job.

Sisters decorating the tree.

Markie and Papa were remembering some of the old ornaments before they went onto the tree.

Otto really got into the decorating. He told us..."I like decorating!" It's interesting how much little ones grow up and change in one year.

My girls....so much joy in my life. Now I have a sweet grandson to throw in the mix. JOY JOY JOY!

Yep, he was having fun. He was pretty proud of his accomplishments.

Then he discovered he could hang them on the garland around the bottom of the tree! So funny.

So the next generation has taken it's place in the circle of life. It's a special time and I love all those smiles. 

Sunday Thoughts

A bit more wisdom from Mother Teresa for Sunday Thoughts. I was thinking about the daily things we all do at home this morning. This little sentence just convicted me. How different would our homes and our world be if we put love into everything we do? It's not always a popular thought today. I know I don't always have a cheerful heart when I am cleaning up or doing those everyday chores that are never ending.

We welcome a new month tomorrow-the month of Valentines and love, so I a going to work on my attitude this week. I hope you have a good one. 

Loss

This week has been a week of sadness and saying good bye for my family and  for my friend's families. My friend Lynda calls it a SEASON OF LIFE and so it is. My Uncle Bill passed away on Monday. He was the baby in my mom's family and the last living sibling. I guess that it just sparked so many memories of growing up! He was the fun uncle who was only 11 years my senior. He took my brother and sister and me for ice cream, to the store, for a ride in his cool convertible car and even took us to the drive in movie with his date! Thank you Uncle Bill for being a good uncle. You will be missed.

My dear blogger friend Stephanie at The Enchanting Rose lost her beloved grandfather yesterday morning. I am thankful that she was able to travel to Arizona to see her grandfather before he passed away. She so loved him and I know it will be very hard for her to be without him in her life.

Our sister in law Julie lost her mother two weeks ago and then lost her brother to heart disease shortly after. That's a lot to handle for her family.

So as I write this post tonight, I am praying for all these families who are very sad tonight. May God bring you peace and comfort as you work though your grief. Let your friends and loved ones comfort you...be kind to yourself. 

My Jimmy's Big Birthday Celebrations

Yesterday was my Jimmy's 70th birthday! Even as I write this, it is hard to believe the man I met when he was just 25, is celebrating such a milestone birthday. He didn't want a big party or anything super special. Jim is a funny guy and everyone loves him but he really is a very private person.  When the girls asked him what he wanted, he said he wanted to have a date with each one of them when they had time. He wants to go out to lunch and go to an estate sale with them. How sweet is that? Jim has always been such a good dad and he does love his girls...me included.

Angie and Chris invited us over last Saturday and took us out to dinner with the grandchildren for Chinese. It was yummy and the kids were fun.

I think I'll frame the fortune from my Chinese cookie! I wouldn't trade this one with anyone.

We went over to the Wirth house for presents and cake. Ava delighted in giving Jimmy 70 spankings!

We were going to go to the beach on Tuesday for Jimmy's brithday, but the weather had been so wet and rainy and the roads weren't in the best condition, so Jim wanted to stay in town. So we had a change of plans. Jim wanted to have lunch at the German Market. It's so fun to go there. We always go at Christmas time but missed our visit in December. It smells heavenly when you walk through the door.

We also made a trip over to Bearverton. Jim has always wanted to go to the Dutch market, so we did!.Anything for the birthday boy.

Then we made a stop at two of the Stars Antique shops in Sellwood. It was fun to look at the items and the displays. I was hoping he would find a treasure, but he didn't. I gave him money for shopping.

Today, grandpa got to have another fun day with Otto. Otto's daddy had dental surgery on Monday, so we brought Otto over to our house. Grandpa loves to take Otto for a walk at least once a day. Here they are....ready to take off.

Yep...Otto is the best birthday present ever! He's such a good little guy and so much fun. We just love him so much.

I  hope you had a wonderful birthday my Jimmy. I hope you enjoy your 70th Bucket List that you are working on. Here's to a wonderful year filled with LOVE and MEMORIES!