EARTHQUAKE!!!

What is all that shaking going on at 1:00 a.m.????? This is would a good mother would think/say/or a least react to during an EARTHQUAKE!!! A 5.3 at that...not this mom. Yep...I slept through an earthquake. I do faintly remember hearing the lamp and mirror shaking, but that is it. Jeff was in the other room...he has this dry cough that starts at night...keeps him up coughing on and off all night...so I gave him the boot to the other room. Ian awoke me and asked what was happening. He must have been confused also because he then just said he wanted to tell me that he loved me and I was beautiful. I do remember laying in bed thinking what just happened here, but quickly went back to sleep. The next morning I heard about it on the radio. I was like...that is what this was...that is why Ian was up...ok...makes sense now. I called Jeff and he did wake up, but went back to bed right away also.
I would love to be able to say that I secured the house and my family to make sure they were safe, but no...I slept. I figure pretty much anyone could back in and take whatever they wanted without me waking up. Anyway, I will be ready for the next one. They said there hasn't been one here in 25 years, if that is the case I have a while more. I do assume that Jeff will not be in England in 25 years...if he doesn't get back home by than he will retire!!

A day at the clinic....

Ian went in to surprise his grandpa Eddie before we returned from England. He put his doctor attire on to surprise his grandpa at the hospital. He wore this for Halloween in 2006...yes it was big than. He ended up getting about as much candy and treats that day as he did on Halloween. Everyone loved him. He wore it up to the cancer ward to visit Uncle Louis on our last day. Uncle Louis enjoyed it so much.

We really can't believe he is gone...it really just didn't seem like time to say good-bye to him. We realized that since we have been here my Aunt Bea, Jeff's Aunt Emily, sito, and Uncle Louis have all passed away. Each of them meant alot to us and are certainly missed. I was sad this week and I finally realized that I think I am sad about losing those people. I just wish Ian would have had time with them. He most likely will not remember much about them....only pictures. Anyway, I am over the sadness and realize that I have met alot of new people on our move. I have met a few friends that I will keep in touch with for the rest of my life. I am sure it will not be on a weekly basis like now, but it will be forever. That is a gift for God inself...I sometimes forget just how blessed I am......

One big happy family...

I finally have a picture of our dog Bo to post. He is a swissmountain dog. He was given to us by someone that couldn't take care of him due to his size. He weighs about 120-130 pounds, but he is a BIG baby. He is sooo good with Ian. We didn't let the German Shephards around Ian like this, but Bo is just a fun loving dog. We do miss King, but Bo go all the attention this time. He loves to come inside and visit with us. He got his hair and nails done while we were home so he smell so great. Ian calls him Bo-Bo and loves for him to get on our bed. I think this dog will be inside most of the time when we return home. My parents let him in everyday for about 7 hours. He really just likes to be where people are so he is not alone. He is very protective of us, but just a great dog to have around....he will sure miss my parents. We heard the lady got a black lab after him and now wants to know if we want that one....no is the answer. We are finally down to one dog, on rodent, and one fish. We are downsizing!!! Well, at least until we actually live in the US....

Keeping up the tradition...go Bradley

I took this picture of my dad and Amanda just before they went into see the Bradley game. My dad has been going for so many years...I can't even remember. I used to go with him before I went to college and when I was home on my breaks. My mom went after that and now the last 4 years he and Amanda go to the games together. Grant will have his turn next and than Ian. We are planning on buying season tickets also so that we can take him and pick him up. My dad wouldn't think of missing a game. He is a true fan...WIN OR LOSE...HE LOVES THE BRAVES!!

The other picture is Ian with Amanda. He loves Amanda and Grant. He says they are his favorite cousins...they are his only cousins at this time, so I don't argue the comment. We just love being home with our family. This summer is going to be great with the new pool and my sisters house.

Grandmas 90th birthday!!

I didn't post this picture before because I just received it from my niece. We took pictures at the very end of this wild bash...Jeff, Rob, and Grant are missing. The weather was horrible that night, but we had it just because it worked for everyone. It just seems like yesterday she only turned 80!!! I can't believe time has flown by so fast. She is still holding on physically, but mentally she is so gone. She always at least did remember who I was, but she doesn't anymore. We can get here long term memory going at times, but other times she doesn't respond to much at all. She had a good time on that night and we had a nice time as well. Everyone loves a party....right???

I can see clearly now.....

My dad has his cataracts removed today. He had the right eye done one month ago and did the left today. He came home in those HUGE black eyeglasses...nice look. It just seems like yesterday that my grandma got that done and had those glasses on, but I guess it has been awhile. I think that means that I am next!!

Ian made cookies with my mom tonight. They taste great...they look good. He wanted to make pumpkins, bunnies, and dogs. My mom had heart cookies in mind, but he had his own plan. He has been having so much fun with Bo. I have taken lots of pictures to post. Bo is soooo big. He now weighs 138!!! He is such a cuddle bug. He was in bed with us tonight. He would love to sleep with us, but he will have to wait until we move back. He is so wonderful with Ian. Ian lays on him, kisses him, plays with his ears, and other annoying things, but Bo just loves him. Ian calls him Bo-Bo.

I can't believe we return to England on Saturday morning...very early. This trip has been such a gift for us. We have had a great time and enjoyed our family so much. Being sick had its good points...we stayed home and just hung out and relaxed.

I am taking my dad to the doctor early in the morning and than up to the hospital to spend some time with Uncle Louis.

Unexpected visit.....

We are currently back in Peoria until Friday the 15th of February. Jeff had work here so Ian and I decided to come a make a "surprise" visit to our family. Ian and I both have been sick the entire time we have been here, but we are on the mend. I haven't done much due to all of my coughing and sneezing. We were happy to be home because we were able to celebrate my grandmas 90th birthday!! I can't believe that she is still going, but it looks like we will be celebrating next year. It was great to come home and also get to see Jeff's uncle Louis. He is ill and in the hospital. He is currently in the ICU at Methodist. It was nice for Jeff to be able to spend sometime with him and his family. Ian and I have visited him, but that has been the only real visiting that we have done. I made sure Ian didn't cough, touch, or sneeze on or around Uncle Louis.

Last Friday night Jeff and I had planned to go out to dinner with friends, but he was sick. I went by myself, while he stayed home and took care of Ian. We went to a buffet type restaurant...you order off menu as much as you want...at a set price. It is VERY good. As you can see we ordered alot of food. That was only one course. I posted this picture because this are some of the ladies that I am friends with in England. Jenny, Becki, Holli, and Corrina...missing are Amy and Stacey. We do a book club together and try to do dinner once in awhile....girls only!! On this night the husbands did go, but Jeff of course had the "man flu"....aka...common cold.

Dinner out with friends