Family Fun | Childhood Myths

A Lovely Day

May 13, 2013 By Diane and Chad Leave a Comment

I had a delightful day yesterday with my favorite people in the whole world…these guys:

We had brunch where these two will be married this summer:

C and S:

with S’s Mom and Dad:

and her brother and sister (missing one brother)

S and L:

L’s Mom (missing her brother):

This beautiful day included brunch, flowers, wine and very special gifts that only my boys would know that I would LOVE…a weather station to replace a broken one and a very simple bottle of soap with a smell that I love…They always impress me with their caring, loving ways:))

Happy Parenting!

D and C

Filed Under: angels, brothers, families, family fun, family photos, flowers, giving thanks, joyful, joyful holidays, love, parenting, photos, receiving gifts, smile, thank yous

Sunday Mornin’

March 3, 2013 By Diane and Chad 1 Comment

Whew! I had an issue with my computer….couldn’t access my own website!!! Arghhh, that was a wee bit frustrating! So Thursdays Joyfulness just went directly to FaceBook instead…and even then, not until Saturday.

Today, talk of Bob Seger:)))) We went to his concert in Toledo! Have you been to that arena??? Wow! We usually go to the Palace and have seats where the performers look like ants. This particular place is small and lovely. We were on the floor 16 rows from the stage, with wide aisles between every 10 seats. …And the seats not on the floor-only about 20 rows total! It is so impressive!

2 Seger beauties at "The Bar" before the concert

getting ready!

this is how far from the stage we were...

just waiting...see how small the venue is!!!

Friday night was the 2nd of at least 20 performances by the amazing Bob Seger and his equally awesome band! His voice was the best I’ve heard, mellow and smooth, singing most of his classics and a few new tunes.

Seger singing:)

Thanks to my 4 sweeties for a most exceptional birthday present…just spending time with you is always my favorite thing to do, but throw in a little Bob Seger…wonderful!!!

my birthday gift

Have a delightful Sunday…enjoy your family:))

Happy Parenting!

D and C

Filed Under: appreciation, beauty, birthdays, families, family fun, family photos, giving thanks, having fun, joyful, love, photos, smile

Wine Tasting

February 24, 2013 By Diane and Chad Leave a Comment

The boys, girls, and I went to a wine tasting in Romeo last night! It was a Christmas gift from my sweet-peas:) I didn’t realize there was a winery in the small town of Romeo, but sure enough…they have been there for about 5 years. It was great fun!! We learned just enough, drank just enough, and bought just enough to make it a perfect evening. Then we headed down the street for a little dinner.

Another lovely evening spent with my favorite folks…love them so much!!

Aren’t they adorable??

It is such a blessing when your adult kids like to spend time with you!!! I am so lucky!

Happy Parenting!

D and C

Filed Under: brothers, family, family fun, family photos, fun, having fun, love, parenting, photos, smile

Joyful Thursdays #54

February 7, 2013 By Diane and Chad Leave a Comment

What brings you joy, makes you happy, gives you peace? Here are some photos, quotes, and thoughts that make me joyful.

Joyful Thursdays #54

Here are three things that make me happy and bring me joy:

1) Carl has had his surgery…so far all is looking good…more info as days go on, but we are all ecstatic about where we are right now…

2) having dinner with darling Marie:)) We rarely get together, so when we do…we have a 4 1/2 hour dinner!! Thanks, M…love talking to you!

3) my birthday…out to dinner with my favorite people, my guys and my girls:))) They are all so wonderful…happy, kind, compassionate, ethical – all wrapped up in lovely, sweet, and giving!!! We had dinner at a favorite spot ( and the server was a great Monfort mom…thanks, Linda!). So you get to put up with photos…as usual:)))

just to show you 'Joyful Thursday'...ha, ha:))

Yesterday was a really good day for me! Best wishes for you to have a really good day today!

Happy Parenting!

D and C

Filed Under: birthdays, brothers, families, family fun, family photos, giving thanks, happiness, Happiness Tuesdays, having fun, joyful, joyful Thursdays, kindness, laugh, love, photos, smile

A Torch Lake Baby

February 3, 2013 By Diane and Chad 1 Comment

A changing of the guard:) From the Torch Lake adults to the Torch Lake ‘kids’…and now on to the Torch Lake babies!!

mama Amy as a baby

baby Amy with new 'Gramma' Margaret

and with 'Grampa' Roger

TINY Amy with part of the TLG

…and Amy and Dan 2 weeks ago…

Amy, one week ago, organizing ‘stuff’…

And yesterday…..mama Amy and Tracy with sweet little Maggie Anne…

Welcome, Maggie Anne….we know you will bring joy to the world!!!

Happy Parenting!!!!!!!

D and C

Filed Under: appreciation, beauty, birthdays, children, families, family, family fun, family photos, giving thanks, joyful, love, memories, parenting, photos, smile

A TLG Christmas

December 23, 2012 By Diane and Chad Leave a Comment

Another beautiful TLG Christmas…delicious meal, great presents, but most of all…wonderful friends!!!

Every year, as many of us as possible get together and have FUN!!! 9 of the 12 possible adults, 8 of the possible 15 “kids”…..

a signature cocktail...

a yummy pork roast

many tasty side dishes...

great folks...

more lovelies...

I love these people sooo much…those who attended and those who couldn’t… Our Torch Lake Group:))

One of our continuing traditions since the kids were babies! More traditions coming soon!

Happy Parenting!

D and C

Filed Under: angels, appreciation, Christmas, Christmas memories, cooking, families, family fun, family photos, fun, giving presents, giving thanks, having fun, holiday gratitude, holidays, joyful, joyful holidays, joyful season, love, parenting, photos, special friend, traditions

Joyful Thursdays #47

December 13, 2012 By Diane and Chad Leave a Comment

What brings you joy, makes you happy, gives you peace? Here are some photos, quotes, and thoughts that make me joyful.

Joyful Thursdays #47

Here are three things that make me happy and bring me joy:

1) some of my all-time favorite pics:

Love them!

2) a ‘just cuz’ dinner out with the guys and girls

3) my beautiful Mother’s Day orchid that lasted until September and then slowly dropped every single bloom and turned into sticks….is growing again!!! WooHoo…never throw out a ‘dead’ plant works for me:)))

Find the beauty, joy, and happiness around you during this special time of year!!

Happy Parenting!

D and C

Filed Under: beauty, brothers, carpe diem, children, families, family fun, family photos, flowers, giving thanks, happiness, Happiness Tuesdays, inspiration, joyful, joyful season, joyful Thursdays, memories, parenting, photos, smile

City Lights

December 2, 2012 By Diane and Chad Leave a Comment

Friday night in Rochester with friends…first dinner, then the gorgeous holiday lights came on! Wow! Rochester really knows how to throw a party…it is beautiful:))) We walked up and down the city streets and through the Kris Kringle market. What a lovely start to the season!

all the stores on Main Street participate

making sure I show a Scott streetlight...with smiling buddies!

we ate here and watched as the great lights were turned on

up close

to show the dichotomy...semi in the front, horse and carriage in the back:)

at the Kris Kringle Market

beautiful!

in a store window:)))

beautiful evening

Many families enjoyed walking around the streets checking out the lights. Main Street has just recently been reopened after a long reconstruction. What a great way to get everyone back in the swing of things! Enjoy the holidays:)

Happy Parenting!

D and C

Filed Under: appreciation, beauty, being involved, carpe diem, Christmas, families, family fun, holiday gratitude, holidays, involve, joyful, joyful holidays, joyful season, parenting, photos, smile

Yum!

November 25, 2012 By Diane and Chad Leave a Comment

I said I would share with you photos of Thanksgiving if I could remember…so here are a few…with thanks to L for reminding me to take them:)))))

this half is prettier...

this half has been ravaged...

some of our favorites:)

a toasting 'little beer'

and a toast to all for a year filled with giving thanks….

the folks that I give thanks for...wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!!

Enjoy your last day of the Thanksgiving weekend with peace, joy, and love! Share those thoughts with your youngin’s and allow them the joy of giving to others!!

Happy Parenting!

D and C

Filed Under: angels, beliefs, carpe diem, families, family fun, giving thanks, goals, holiday gratitude, holidays, intentions, kindness, laugh, love, methods, parenting, photos, traditions

Joyful Thursdays #44

November 22, 2012 By Diane and Chad Leave a Comment

What brings you joy, makes you happy, gives you peace? Here are some photos, quotes, and thoughts that make me joyful.

Joyful Thursdays #44

Here are three things that make me happy and bring me joy:

For this Thanksgiving Day, 2012….

1) family, near and far

2) wonderful friends…

(and many others!!!)

3) a Thanksgiving dinner….My favorite meal of the year!! I love all of it! I’m preparing it for the guys and their girls and will be sure to share some photos soon…if my brain allows me to remember to do that!!!

Enjoy a peaceful, joyful, and grateful Thanksgiving Day!!

Happy Parenting!

D and C

Filed Under: beauty, brothers, families, family fun, family photos, giving thanks, happiness, Happiness Tuesdays, holiday gratitude, holidays, joyful, joyful holidays, joyful season, joyful Thursdays, love, memories, parenting, photos, thank yous, traditions