Hi Everyone!

[Marilyn]

So sorry that I haven't been on here. I do check FB as many of you know. We have just been so very busy.

Since Nov. 1st, we've planned Karen's wedding which was on Dec 22nd, as most of you know. Then I got a cold the week after and another cold, the week after that. Much of January was trying to get well, trying to help Melissa and Garrett with the remodel of the mobile home that most of you know about. It looks soooo nice. Melissa has posted some on FB for those of you who are on there, and are her friends. I'll have to snatch some of the pics and post here.

February, more helping with the mobile home, and trying to keep up with everything else. We all helped to lay the laminate flooring. I 'bout killed myself one weekend. The kids went on a retreat and Rex and I worked on the trailer. I laid the laminate flooring in the kitchen, by myself, which was the hardest room, lots of intricate cuts. My knees and legs were so tired and sore from getting up and down. Rex, Melissa and I (mostly Rex and me) installed tile and glass block backsplash in the kitchen. The tile is a grey/tan, with shades of blue glass block. Turned out really pretty.

Melissa and Garrett finally moved in last weekend, so whew, now most of that is done.

Karen and Carlton are doing well in California. He deploys to Afghanistan on March 25thish (they can't tell the exact date for security reasons). They will be here next Saturday for a week for pre-deployment leave. We can't wait to see them. It all seems so unreal. The quick wedding to a guy we barely knew, then off to California. They seem very happy and we are thrilled for them, but, with such short notice and again, we barely knew him. These children of ours (yours and ours) are so very precious. We ache for them, hoping all will be well.

I'm on FB more than here because more of my family are there, and it helps me keep connected to our girls. Even Rex has a FB account now, because he felt left out.

Also, Rex got after me for being on the computer so much. I have gotten lots more done since not being on here so much. It is easy to get on check FB and back off, and since he knows I'm communicating with our girls, he approves of it more than here.

I'll try to be on here more. There were over 400 new posts, so I know I missed a lot and can never catch up. Do care for you all and consider you my dear friends.

Gayle, thank you for starting this thread. I'll really try to check in more often. So glad you are all still here and busy with life!!!

[judy]

Hi Marilyn! it is so good to see you here!

You have surely been busy! It must be hard with both girls doing so many things!

Is Karen coming back when Carlton is deployed?

[gja1000]

Hi Guys!
Sorry I haven't posted much at all this week - SUCH a busy week. It has just been one thing after another all day and night!!!

I'm packing to go to the lake with Gary, but this time I'll stay till next Tuesday when he and I will come home to pick up his sister at the airport. She's flying in from Kansas City and will stay with his/her aunt and uncle at the lake. We'll all come home on the 21st, just in time to start back up with school and be really busy AGAIN! Grrrr!!!

Anyway, I will be able to check 4WT but not post much, if anything, as the telephone network down there is extreeeeeemly slow and it takes forever just to get onto 4WT, let alone post! I'll be thinking of all of you though.

Lindsay, I haven't posted about your potential new house, but it is absolutely gorgeous and I would jump on it if you all can afford it. Such a beautiful house, it looks like the dream home I never had and never will. So, if you get it, I can live in it vicariously! LOL!

Diana, I know you are so thrilled with baby Dean - I remember well what it is like to hold a new grandbaby! He is just adorable.

Janet, I'm not sure if I wished you happy birthday - and I don't think I wished Judy one either, so HAPPY BIRTHDAY to both of you.

This is the fourth weekend in a row that I've been gone, and next weekend will be the 5th. I get absolutely nothing done when I am gone over the weekend. I'll be glad to be home for a while later this month.

Miss you all!

[judy]

Have fun Gayle! It sounds pretty hectic, but fun!

[paula1961]

Gayle, you are one busy gal! Have a great time at the lake. Take some pics if ya can, I bet it is sooo pretty there.
We miss you too!!!! Hope you get time to post when you get back from the lake.

Marilyn, I would love to see pics of your daughters home. I just love seeing others peoples taste in decorating. The differnent colors we choose and so on. I bet it looks great.