Originally posted by: michealjc on 11/14/2005 5:26:20 PM

Dee...hope for the first choice also.

Snickers...you make me blush. I know that we have had some fun giving each other crap. Thats what makes this extended family so wonderful.

Hit Man Lloyd...sounds like you have some fun with your village.

Mindy...seems like I keep missing you.

Alix...seems like we never connect anymore.

Joanie...say "HI" to Charlie for me.

Originally posted by: 1sam30 on 11/14/2005 9:36:44 PM

Greetings and Blessings Family!
It's warm here in Phoenix,AZ too! I know you say it's always warm here. But it's 15-20 degrees warmer than normal! Almost hit 90 degrees the other day!
But I am lovin' it.
Things are pretty calm here. So there is nothing exciting to report.
I pray for all of you and that God will get you through!

Originally posted by: nell on 11/15/2005 1:11:29 PM

Hello all -

Haven't been on for over a week so took a while to catch up -

Nicki - I'm sorry I missed you B-Day - hope you had a nice one!

Dee hope that back gets better!

Earl - Wow building a new home - how exciting! H & I will be doing that in about 3-4 years - I'm already cutting out any rooms I find in magazines that I like! Had originally planned on starting next year but have decided to put it off for a while longer.

Either the BBC kids are very bad and must build their significant others new homes to make up for their bad behavior OR they are really nice men hmmmmmmmmmm - I'm gonna have to think on this for a while -

Lloyd - congrats on the recoginition at work (office, etc.).

Mindy - glad to read you have electricity again!

Hope this finds everyone okay -

Take good care - Nell

Originally posted by: michealjc on 11/15/2005 5:22:17 PM

nell...it has to be that we are really good to our wives.

Just the process getting to build is a chore. We took a house plan that was somewhat what we wanted. Made changes and sent them to the draftsman. When we got them back we looked at them, made more changes and sent them back. This time we felt we liked the house so we put the plans away. A couple monts ago we got out the plans to look again. We really pick the plans apart, red linning them.

A friend of mine designs houses so I showed him the plans and what we wanted. He took the plans and redesigned them for us. I like the new design but we have to move a couple of walls according to Bonnie. Good thing its taking awhile to sell this place.

By the way...we are looking for sponcers to pay for the new house .

Originally posted by: bitsy999 on 11/16/2005 12:32:10 AM

Just 'looks' at Mike and shakes her head!!!

Originally posted by: The Cast Iron Chef on 11/16/2005 7:58:06 AM

Well the Bride and I went house/builder hunting over the weekend. We found one builder that is actually building 'spec' houses (houses that the builder knows will sell). The Bride found a house they have that she fell in love with and lucky us the builder is building one as a 'spec' house. We've been talking to the builder and the realtor. If we wait to have a home built it's going to be a 5-9 month wait or we can take the 'spec' house (they're still early in the framing stage that we can still make some MINOR changes). Sam is willing to take the 'spec' home so now we're are just waiting on the bank. We ain't even moved in yet and already she has me remodeling.

She is waiting to set up her Christmas Village, she found three more houses to add to her collection and she wants to add a train into the mix too. I used to model railroad when my boys where younger, maybe I ought to get into it again with the grandsons.

Originally posted by: The Cast Iron Chef on 11/16/2005 10:25:27 AM

For those of ya that need a "pick me up" click on the link and remember to enter your first name! I need a "Pick Me Up"

Originally posted by: alix on 11/16/2005 3:01:46 PM

Hi all!

Mike, I miss you too. I have managed to connect with Dina a few times, but my stupid machine keeps booting me out! Oh well, as long as I can find you here thats what matters. Hope you get those plans finalized before you get the house sold. You should be here, things are selling like hotcakes here right now. Dunno why.

Originally posted by: michealjc on 11/17/2005 5:12:55 PM

Everything is good in the boondocks. We sold our house. We got our asking price and get to live in the house until spring. Now its back over to the builder to set the price of our new house. As you can tell already, its a costom built home.

Hope everything is good and well with everyone.

Originally posted by: chiba on 11/18/2005 11:35:44 AM

Hello everyone!! I'm a new member and have to say I've enjoyed reading your posts! I love cooking and sharing recipes and getting new tips. Usually I'm living between 2 homes..one here in the Chicago burbs and 1 in SW Upper PI of Michigan in the woods. This year though, I have to stick it out here in Chicago land. On Dec, 9, 2005, I'm having total knee replacement of BOTH knees!! That will definitely curtail my cooking for a bit and my ability to jump online. (wish hubby could cook more than hotdogs!! hahahaha ) However, I look forward to getting to know many of you!! Take care and have a great holiday season!!!

Originally posted by: michealjc on 11/18/2005 4:45:00 PM

chiba...after you knee surgery I wouldn't jump on anything for awhile. Glad to see new members in here.

Where the heck is every one else?

Originally posted by: lloyd338 on 11/19/2005 5:38:01 AM

Hey Chiba, Welcome to the club, since I had minor knee surgery in the summer and it still gives me fits, I feel for you and your upcoming ordeal.
I gotta ask, Is Chiba short for 'ChiChiBangBang' I know (BGC) give her a change to know us before we start picking, Butttt it just came out.
I think I got the better of the deal of my brother members of the BBC, as the cost of the house and land will be part of a single package. And the person I am buying from is the home builder too. Annnnd what cost aint cover by the sale of our East Texas land, he will finance himself (at no interest also.) But it looks to be at least one year away, so anything could happen in a year.
Got things to do,so will chat later.

Originally posted by: Barbarian57 on 11/19/2005 10:19:08 AM

Hi everyone. Glad to see everyone is up and kicking!

Welcome Chiba! Chiba, do you have plenty of freezer space? What you could do before your surgery is cook up several meals and freeze them. Then all your husband has to do is pop them in the oven or microwave. I know that if I had to go through something like that, the women from my church would all probably volunteer to take turns fixing meals, and if they didn't I know I could ask. Maybe you could ask some friends to help out. And who knows, maybe your husband will discover that he really loves to cook! I think if my husband were left to do the cooking for a long time, we would be eating a lot of KFC, Taco Bell, Burger King, and Healthy Choice TV dinners!

Barbara

Originally posted by: sarab on 11/19/2005 2:51:30 PM

Barbara,

You're lucky you would get Taco Bell and KFC. If my dh were in charge of it, we would probably be eating a lot of frozen pizza. (Even though he does know how to cook.) But then again, he could surprise me!!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!!

Originally posted by: Nicki Thomason on 11/19/2005 8:39:40 PM

Well I guess I am not the only one who has been missing from the bb the lastweek. I've had a rather crazy week myself. I have a health concern that has been weighing rather heavily on my mind and the lupus has been giving me fits as well. Fun Fun, NOT!!!! LOL

Has anyone heard anymore about how Debbie is doing? I was thinking about her the other day. I sure hope she is doing as well as she can with all she has been through.

Dee, I hope that you don't have to have your spine fused either. I've been praying for you.

Chiba, Welcome to the bulletin board!!! It's always great to have another join us on here. i certainly hope that your knee replacement surgery goes well. I have never had a knee replaced, but my right one slips out of place from time to time and I push it back in if I can. I popped it out of the socket in high school and it has been nothing but trouble. You'll find on here that we tease and kid each other a lot, but we are also family and we care about each other a lot as well. So welcome to our loving, caring and funny family! Hope you come back on as often as you can.

Mike, sounds like you have a lot of nice plans for your home you're building. When you're done with yours you want to pay to have someone build me one too?? LOL. Good luck to you and Bonnie on your endevor.

Mindy, how are ya girl?? I have missed talking to you! We'll have to catch up sometime soon. Glad to see you still have your mastercook.

Sara, your husband sounds like one of my guy friends. His wife had broke her leg and couldn't do much. At first it was frozen pizza's canned soup or take out. But then he decided to make dinners for the both of them and wanted to show off his "culinary skills." I went over one night and saw one of his creations and it looked like something the board of health would condem. I wouldn't have let my dog eat it!!! LOL Poor guy he did try though.

I just want to say hello to everyone who I didn't mention, doesn't mean I'm not thinking of ya. Have a great weekend everyone!!

Originally posted by: michealjc on 11/20/2005 4:33:52 PM

I think the kids are glad we sold the house. They are being the recipiants of some furniture. Today we got almost everything out of the downstairs. Bonnie and I decided that the only thing we were moving was our bedroom set. Oh ya, my pots and pans.

Hope everything is going good for everyone.

Originally posted by: Nicki Thomason on 11/21/2005 12:35:21 AM

Mike, you're moving and your not taking your couch?? I guess you'll get a new one to sit on and use the laptop. Will you still be in the boondocks though?? LOL

Well I am trying to get stuff organized for my trip. My sister and I are heading to Nebraska early Wednesday morning to spend Thanksgiving with my parents. It's only a little over six hours and the directions there are very easy to follow. We decided to leave on Wednesday, I figured the traffic wouldn't be as bad as Thursday and we would miss half of the Thanksgiving day driving. We'll have blankets and stuff in the car and I bought bottled water and food that isn't perishable that we could eat if we got stranded. I am not sure what the weather is going to be like that day. I guess it snows quite a bit up there. I'll check out the weather channel.

Has anyone heard from Joanie? She hasn't been on for the longest time! I hope she's doing ok.
There are quite a few people that haven't been on for awhile.

Hope ya all have a great week and I'll post more soon.

Originally posted by: michealjc on 11/21/2005 4:12:42 PM

Nicki...what can I say, I have given the couch away. It hasn't left yet but will be going. Don't worry about getting lost in Nebraska, there is only one road going East-West and a couple going North-South. Not only that, its so flat you can see from boarder to boarder.

Lloyd...how are things going for you?

Earl...how is the house going?

Originally posted by: dd11 on 11/21/2005 8:01:46 PM

Okay, Mike,

I will send the pie via the supersonic bird in my garage.

Nicki,

Please have a safe trip.

Originally posted by: Dina on 11/23/2005 4:13:23 PM

I just dropped in to wish all of my family a Happy Thanksgiving! I'm hoping everyone enjoys great company with family and friends, great food and many more blessings. I will go back and read up on posts to catch up.

Hugs to you all,
Dina

Originally posted by: The Cast Iron Chef on 11/21/2005 8:45:59 PM

Mike, Right now we're just waiting on the bank for the preqail. Hopefully we'll hear something by Wednesday or Friday.

Originally posted by: lloyd338 on 11/23/2005 8:21:40 PM

Want to wish all of my cooking family happy holidays. I wanted to use my new CAST IRON 18" ROASTER for a turkey this year, butttttt everybody wanted to go somewhere else. And I couldn't see cooking a turkey for just Tommie and me. Soooooo we are going somewhere else too. Annnnd we are going to be away for 4 days, wow.

Originally posted by: HRM on 11/23/2005 8:35:09 PM

Lloyd,

I can see cooking a turkey just for the two of you, but when you added in being away 4 days I can understand why you won't...just not enough time to decide on and put away the afterlife.

Originally posted by: alix on 11/24/2005 12:32:29 PM

Well you must all be enjoying your turkey dinner about now. And I understand this is a big shopping day for y'all too. I hope everyone is well and happy today. I have cleaned my house to within an inch of my life, and tomorrow I am going to tackle some of the stupid jobs I have been putting off. (Like cleaning out storage closets...ICK) For now though, I am sitting with a cup of coffee and reading up on some of the posts I've missed in the last while. Things are settling down nicely for me now and I am able to find much more time to get on here and visit with all of you again. Boy do I miss this place when I can't be here.

I am noticing that Joanie is still MIA, could whoever has her number give her a jingle and find out if she is OK? I know I am not the only one worried about her.

Margie, how are you doing? I haven't seen much from you on here lately, and how is Debbie doing? I haven't seen an update for a while and I am thinking of her.

Mindy, I'm glad to see you posting, and that your posts are pretty chipper. I think of you often and say a little prayer for your continued strength.

Mike, I'm missing you lots. Even when you look like you are online you aren't darn it! I will be looking for you more to bug you soon. So make sure the butt groove on your couch in the boondocks is comfy, because I will be wanting to catch up soon.

Dina, sorry we keep missing each other, we'll connect soon I am sure.

The rest of you, hugs and hellos from up here and I look forward to reading about whats up with all of you soon.

Originally posted by: Margielikestocook on 11/24/2005 3:46:35 PM

Happy Thanksgiving Family!

Just popped in for a minute to say hi. My roaster is not working right & the Turkey is not done yet. We were supposed to eat at 3 & it's 5:45! We finally put it in the oven. It's on its way now but 9 people are chomping at the bit here. Thank God we had "horse d-uvers" to munch on.

Hope you're all having a great day.

Love to all,

Margie

Originally posted by: michealjc on 11/24/2005 4:11:56 PM

Hope everyone is having a good Turkey Day. It was a bit different for us this year. We couldn't get the family together this year so I wasn't sure what we were going to do. Then we invited to spend the night with the Native Americans so we excepted. They surved us a great turkey dinner buffet today. The best part, it was all FREE.

Originally posted by: Nicki Thomason on 11/27/2005 8:57:53 PM

Hey guys,
I got back from Nebraska tonight and I am a bit tired from the drive!!! There is absolutley nothing to see on the roads between here and there!! My visit with my parents was eventful as usual. I left there early enough to avoid all of the snow that they were going to get. I'll post more about the trip later on.
Hope ya all had a good Thanksgiving.

Originally posted by: The Cast Iron Chef on 11/27/2005 9:06:58 PM

This year we where invited to the daughters house for Thanksgiving dinner and I thought yeehaw I don't have to cook!! Well on Tuesday my lil girl asked me what I needed to smoke two turkeys for T-day. So I did two birds- one just over 13 pounds and the other just shy of 13. Think I'll be on vaction come X-mas time so I won't be around to cook.

Originally posted by: dd11 on 11/28/2005 5:22:41 AM

Gee, Earl if you were a lousy cook, no one would ask for help. Congradulations on being a master chef.

How is everyone doing in your family? I hope besides the cooking, you enjoy yourself on this holiday.

Originally posted by: dd11 on 11/28/2005 5:23:44 AM

Nicki,

I am so glad you returned home safely. It seems like a little bit of winter was everywhere this Thanksgiving.

Originally posted by: The Cast Iron Chef on 11/28/2005 5:51:57 AM

Dee, Even when I deliberatly set out to BURN dinner the family compliments me!! "Hey, look!! Da cooked Cajun tonite!!" I just can't win.

Thursday was kind of hard for us, especially with the things that Aaron used to help us with or do for us while fixing Thanksgiving Dinner.
Christmas is not going to be much easier as we used to combine Chistmas with his birthday which is on the 29th. This year we are going to donate money to the "Shop with a Cop" and the Marine Corp. "Toys for Teens" in Aaron's memory.

Originally posted by: lloyd338 on 11/28/2005 7:59:31 AM

Earl, I know it is hard to have a holiday without one who has passed on, and I wish I could say it will get better, but it don't. But it will get where it don't hurt as much and you will always think of the good things that happen this time of year with them. And then think of the memories you are making with your GKs now and they will always remember those good times. And I truely believe as long as we remember a person, they are never gone,but will always live in our heart and never get old, but will remain the same as we remeber them.

Originally posted by: lloyd338 on 11/28/2005 8:35:14 AM

Mike, I must tell you what I saw this weekend, annnnnd I don't blame you if you don't believe me, (I won't believe it either if I hadn't see it with my own eyes) As we were checking the fence line (we are replacing all of the old fence) I came on to a old Cedar about 8 to 10" in diameter which had a deer scrape about 7' (SEVEN FEET) off of the ground. And the scrape was fresh also. I have seen them 4 or 5 feet high but never that high, he must be a very big boy. Kathy said there was one going thru that was a 10 pointer, but they didn't want him shot, because he was good breeding stock. (I just would love to see him, myself) The county we were in is overstock with deer so they are having a special season for them this year and have raised the limit up to 5 (2 bucks and 3 does) this year.
In some areas it is a real mess, and they have placed a $1,000 fine on anyone caught feeding the deers. Deers are beautiful but they have no place on the highway.

Originally posted by: Nicki Thomason on 11/28/2005 9:30:50 AM

Earl,
When I read your post it reminded me of something I saw the other day at Halmark. I don't remember how the whole letter went, but I do remember this part and it made me think of my grandmother who has been gone for 20 years now.
I may jumble this up a bit but I remember the last line. It is written as if it is from someone who has passed on and they talk about how we shouldn't shed a tear, because they're spending their Christmas with Jesus this year. I miss my grandma so much around the holidays but when I read that it made me feel better because I know that is what she is doing.

LLoyd, I would like to see that big ol buck too. Geez that would be a sight.

Sara, wasn't the OU game great on Saturday!!!!! They really kicked OSU's butt!!!!! GO SOONERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Take care everyone, talk to ya later.

Originally posted by: michealjc on 11/28/2005 12:43:15 PM

Lloyd...it must be that tirty (not misspelled) point buck.

Earl... the first of each holiday is the worst. You never forget the times you had with them and thats a good thing. Just remember, they are spending there holidays with there other family, looking down on you and remembering the good times they had with you.

Snickers...glad your road trip was uneventful.

Originally posted by: sarab on 11/28/2005 11:40:07 PM

Earl,

Just remember, Families are Forever! Who knows, maybe he has had a chance to meet my dad. Take care and give your loved ones hugs and warm wishes for Christmas. (It does get easier.) And remember that the Lord loves you.

Originally posted by: The Cast Iron Chef on 11/28/2005 9:35:27 PM

Lloyd, Nicki and Mike, Thanks for the gentle reminder of who Aaron is with. Oh how I rejoice that my son can celebrate the time of our Savior's birth in His presence and to be lifted up in His glory! How glad I am that my son is a Child of God and that he is waiting with his grandparents our eventual return to our Father's embrace.

God bless you all for lifting me up out of my sorrow.

Originally posted by: dd11 on 11/29/2005 2:59:18 AM

Earl,

I didn't mean to be insensitive about having a goood time on Thanksgiving concerning Aaron. I did not forget. Although I know what you mean about the loss of loved ones, we have had so many deaths,8,in our two families in the past 15 months. I have stopped counting because the number just keeps increasing. It helps us to know that they are in a warm and loving place with God.

I am sure that Aaron smiled down on your family throughout the day.

Originally posted by: nell on 11/29/2005 8:33:59 AM

Earl -

I've lost several family members in the last few years and lost my dad 8 years ago. I know that he is with me - just as I am sure your son is with you. I talk to dad often - and while I am glad that he is in a place that I pray to be in one day I do miss him - always will but I find solice in knowing that he is at home, happy, pain free and he checks in on me - all of us kids - and is waiting for the rest of his family to come home.

My guess is Aaron probably helped with Thanksgiving dinner - and had a big grin when he saw that everyone enjoyed the food and time with family!

Hope this finds everyone well -

Take good care -

Nell

Originally posted by: sage19 on 11/30/2005 6:20:14 AM

Earl and ALL,
I can't always find words when I feel the depth of the pain . So though I may be silent, in those times... I offer prayers.
Bless You ALL,
Sage

Originally posted by: bitsy999 on 11/30/2005 9:03:47 PM

Just a HEADS UP!

Mike has started a We Are Family 18

(except he used Roman Numerals to confuse us simple folks!)

Originally posted by: The Cast Iron Chef on 12/1/2005 5:37:40 AM

Way to go Mike!! (With the Roman Numerals)

Bitsy-When I saw the heading "We Are Family XIIX" for the life of me I couldn't understand why the numbers seemed to be wandering all over my screen. I finally figured it out-they were "roaming" numerals!

Have a happy

Originally posted by: 1sam30 on 12/2/2005 9:07:55 AM

Greetings and Blesings my Dear Family!
First and foremost I offer up prayers of strength and peace for all of you during this Holiday Season. I have read many of the post and could not imagine how you feel after loosing loved ones. But there is Hope in the Lord! And you always have the CCA Family.

I have been in Los Angeles since Thanksgiving with family and friends. And doing Pampered Chef Shows. Biz is great. I will be on the road again in 2 weeks to New Mexico and El Paso. To do Pampered Chef Shows and most importantly to pick up my Alexis!
She will spend Christmas with me!!!!
Can you tell I am excited!
She is 4 now and I miss her so.

Be Blessed my Family and Pray for eachother.

Originally posted by: Margielikestocook on 12/3/2005 5:37:09 PM

Mike has started a new thread since this one is full. Look for the roman numeral XIIX.

Margie