Today we mourn the loss of Barb Newman who passed away suddenly July 17, 2009.

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Kowalczyk, Giroux and Newman families.

Awe!!!

Tomorrow, July 9, 2009, we need to return our VW Beetle to the dealer. The one year lease is up. When we first got it, we put Aryana in the trunk and took her picture, so here she is one year later! This time she didn't want to sit!!!

I think Collin is a Natural!

This is for you Debbie! You really need to get on facebook!

We were playing with some of our new photo props today! The kids seemed to enjoy it!

Heather and I were commenting on how much Aryana looks like Aunt Michelle! This was all done in fun!!! Love you Michelle!!!

*****************************************************************************************

Aryana appears to be really happy to see Frank!

This card made me "Laugh Out Loud"!!! Love you Michelle!!!

My sisters and I had a nice visit with Mom on her Day!!! Love you Mom!!!

The Tulips were beautiful when we went to the 2009 Holland Tulip Festival!

Aryana was playing in my flower pots and got her hands dirty. So she runs over to Grandpa Bruce for a quick clean-up!!!

While crocheting the mane for the stick horses, we realized the hair looked amazingly like Kristina's baby doll "Dondie"! So of course, another photo opp!!! Collin is looking quite professional!! And Frank as always likes to play along!!!

So Beautiful!

We had an awesome pool party for Barron's 5th birthday!!!

Kayla, Blake and Barron obviously enjoyed the Easter Egg Hunt they had at Aunt Courtney's house this year!

Aryana must have found out we are planning a trip to the Holland Tulip Festival. I guess she wants to go!!!

Aryana picks up a book to read before bed!!!

Kristina and I made a paper cut-out of Optimus Prime for Collin! It is only about 5 inches tall and very delicate!!! Good times!!!

Yesterday, Kristina, Collin and Nathan colored Easter eggs. Kristina didn't realize that the kids shouldn't put their hands in the dye ... it took her forever to get the dye off their hands!!! She did take some cute pictures though!!!

Today we took Collin to Home Depot for the Kids Workshop. He made a birdhouse! More pictures are posted on MySpace and Facebook!

Auntie Debbie made Aryana a bracelet with her name one it. Aryana loves it!!! She is really into all the "Bling" of being a girl!!!

Blake and Barron love playing with Frank!

Me and my Sisters!!!

Here's another cute site for making magazine covers: http://www.magmypic.com/

With all the new improvements on my computer, it is hard to find time to make blog postings. I'm sure I will do better when the weather warms up and I can get more outside pictures!!!

Aryana had fun playing with the Oobi eyes that Aunt Michelle bought for me long ago. She really liked that she could hook it around her finger and still put it in her mouth!!!

While Mike is in London, I asked Debbie how she communicates with him. She said she uses "Skype" which is a free video call service! I already had a webcam to talk to Michelle in Kansas but wasn't happen with the connection I had. Well, I love Skype! I have talked to Mike in London and Ireland and Debbie in Highland and tonight, Michelle in Kansas! You really need to put a light over you to get the best reception. So, if anyone wants to join, add me to your list and we can talk! The only problem, is you get called even when you don't look good!!! Maybe Karen and Kathy can get a webcam, because you can also use instant messages???

Karen sent these pictures she took of her visit with Mom and Dad in Pinellas Park, Florida! It sure looks like they are having a good time - basking in the sunshine and eating strawberries!

Check out these "Fun Photos"! I was searching the internet for some "fun photo editing" programs and I found 5 that are absolutely incredible!!! They are all free and easy to use and the results are amazing. I have been spending too much time playing now that I am "retired"!!! Life is good! Here are the links:

http://www.loonapix.com/

http://funphotobox.com/

http://www.dumpr.net/

http://www.photofunia.com/

http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/

Have Fun!!!

Another "Just for Fun" Picture!!!

A "Fun" picture of Brandon!!!

Happy Fourth Birthday, Collin and Jaden!!! While we were in Kansas we had a small birthday party for the boys. As you can see - it was a BIG HIT!!! Love you boys!!

Happy 5oth Birthday "Uncle Mike"!!!

The Martin kids in Kansas! Today I saw this photo effect on line and they were charging over $55.00 per 8 x 10. I thought it looked pretty cool! Hope you enjoy. P.S. I already miss Brandon, Jaden and Jessa!

Happy Mardi Gras!

When we took our daily walks in Kansas, the boys would pick up tree nuts and flower pods and explore them! We never did find out what these were???

After a 16 hour drive to Kansas the kids were so excited to be together with their "cousins"! The trip was great and it was great to see Michelle, Bryan and the kids!

Today while I was packing my suitcase to go to Kansas, I went into the kitchen to get something. When I looked back, Frank was making himself cozy in my suitcase! He just cracks me up. I don't have the heart to tell him he has to stay home with Bruce!!!

Kristina cut the boys hair in preparation for our trip to Kansas. She was so fast! I was amazed at how the kids wiggled around and the many faces they made!!! It was so fun to watch!

Collin and Nathan enjoyed running around at Grandma and Papa's today!

Congratulation's Kelli and Jim!!!

Happy 2nd Birthday Nathan - 02/01/2009!!!

Have you been "Obamicon.me'ed" yet???

~~~

The kids had a big history lesson today. Collin and Nathan both know who the new President is. Aryana is just having fun walking and riding on her airplane. Best Wishes to President Obama!

Here is Aryana's official 1 year picture! Happy Birthday Sweetheart!

The kids fell asleep in the car after a fun day at Great-Grandma's and Papa's house!

Happy First Birthday Aryana!

Bruce and I spent New Years Eve with Collin and we had a "Rock-in New Year's Party". We watched the movie "Buddy" with no snacks due to recovering from the flu. Collin tried his best to make it 12:00 to see the ball drop, but only made it minutes past 11:29! Maybe next year, little buddy! It was a fun night! Happy New Year to Everyone!!!