More April News

Hi! I know I already sent an email this week, but, I forgot a few things that I needed to tell you.

First, I wanted to let everyone know that I missed an Anniversary. Happy Anniversary wishes go out to Mike and Traci Shellenberger. (Shirley's son) This will be their ninth Anniversary. Congratulations to both of you and we wish you both many more years of health and happiness.

Mom went to the hospital today and had her tests done. She has to go back to the doctor next Monday to find out the results. I will keep everyone posted when I hear from her.

Mom had a wonderful birthday. Renee made her supper (she picked the menu) and for dessert Renee made a "Crumb Cake". I haven't had any yet, but I'm sure she'll save at least one piece for me. (I can hope, right!) She loved all the cards and calls and I know she really appreciated that everyone took the time to make her day special. And for those that are a little behind. It's never to late to make that phone call. I say anyday is a good day to receive a Happy Birthday phone call.

Well, that's it for now. Hope everyone is well and having a wonderful week.

Love you all!

Cathy

April News

Hi Everyone. Lots of news so I'll try to remember it all.

First, I just wanted to let everyone know that Emily (Marsha's granddaughter, Cory's daughter) had surgery last week. She had out patient surgery and is at home recovering quite nicely. She called me over the weekend and I asked her if she was laying around, taking it easy, getting lots of attention? She said, "No", I'm running around like a wild man. Kids are truly amazing. Anyway keep Emily in your thoughts and prayers. You can call her at 303-717-7572 or maybe send her a card at 3962 S. Shawnee Way, Aurora, CO 80018. I know she would love to hear from everyone.

Eric (Shirley's husband) is still on the mend from his hip surgery. He is getting up and around, and he is enjoying being a Grandfather to little Ella.

Some info about Gramma Sunshine. She went to the doctor today. She has been having some pain in her lower back. They are going to run some blood tests and take some cat scans to see if they can find the problem. I'll let you know how she makes out. She was busy over the weekend. I got home Friday night and we went to visit my sister and brother-in-law (Kathie & Denny). Saturday we went out to dinner with Tony and one of his buddies. We had a great time and then we did some shopping. Sunday Mom and I went to lunch with Tony and Renee. Tony, Renee and I had gone to church in the morning to see Frank (Renee's youngest son) receive his First Holy Communion. He looked so darn cute. We were pretty proud of him. Today Mom and Renee went to the doctors and ran some other errands. So Mom has been pretty busy.

Oh, and the big new is she has quit smoking again. Thank you God, I have been praying so hard for that. Friday, Mom decided to walk to the hair dressers and on the way home she got out of breathe. She decided that she wasn't going to smoke anymore. Kutos to you Mom.

On to some more big news. The next time you talk to our brother Tom, or his daughter Nikki, or her husband Bill, congratulations are in order. Nikki and Bill are going to become parents and that will make our little brother Tom a Grandpa or is that Pappy. Well whatever it makes you we are sure happy for all of you.

Now on to our April Birthdays/Anniversary's.
Happy birthday wishes go out to Mike and Erin's Dad, Ron Shellenberger. Ron's birthday was April 12th. Mike and Erin tell your Dad Happy Birthday from all of us and sorry we're a little late. Next, and I hope you all remembered this one. Mom's 81st birthday is tomorrow, April 15th. Just a little tax deduction she was. Don't forget to call and wish her a Happy Birthday, I know she would love to hear from everyone. Her phone number is 814-837-7889.

Some dates that some of you might have forgotten about. On April 7th Mom and Neil would have celebrated their Anniversary. If I was at home I would look in my safe and say for sure, but since I'm not I'm going to guess at this. I was a sweet 15 years old (well maybe not so sweet) when they got married and I'm now 50. So, in my estimation this would have been their 35th Anniversary. On April 28th, Dad (Homer Casner) would have been 81 years old. It is amazing how much time has passed. I personally, miss them both very much.

Well, that's about all I have for tonight. I hope all is well for each of you.

Love you all,

Cathy

Just a short note to Eldon. I love getting your emails. Short and sweet they are, but always love to see one from you. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers and we are very proud of you. Thank you for our freedom that we enjoy each day, because of you and many others like you, we are very lucky. We pray for your safe return.

And Jerry and Tom. We haven't heard any news on the Golf Tourny. We're anxious to hear who is in the lead and any funny stories you have to tell.

This is a test ....

This is a test. This only a test of the National Blogger Association. Had this been an actual blog, you would have been instructed where to go :-)

Happy Easter!

First I need to ask everyone to say some special prays for Gary Force (Thomasa, Cory, & Ryan's Dad). Gary is currently in the Hershey Medical Center in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. He had surgery on his heart and is awaiting a heart transplant. If you happen to be in the area I know Gary would love to have some company. He will be there for quite a while and I know it would lift his spirits to see you. Please keep Gary and his wife Cathy in your prayers.

Also, I spoke with Melissa (Cory's wife, Marsha's daughter-in-law) and they have all been sick with the flu especially little sweet Emily. Let's keep them in our prayers and hope they get better soon.

Sad news from the home of Bill & Becky (our daughter). Becky's dog Reese's died at the beginning of March. We will miss him when you come to visit and so will Stinky (our cat). We know just what you're going through. You're in our thoughts and prayers.

Just wanted to give everyone an update on Mom. She is doing pretty well. She went to the doctors this week and the good news is she put on a whole pound. She's now up to a whopping 102 lbs. Dr. Langille says she is doing ok. Mom and Renee have been busy this week cleaning my house for me and I won't get to see it or enjoy it. John is going up to visit Mom for the weekend. And Marsha and Ron are coming to visit at our house.

Jack (Les) will be home for Easter, but I am still in California. He made it home tonight from Michigan. He drove my Mustang to Michigan to his new job and now has made it home to trade it for his own truck. I'm pretty proud that little baby made it all the way across the United States with low profile tires and no 4-wheel drive. What a car and what a driver.

Marsha is planning on cooking Easter dinner for everyone. I sure wish I was there to enjoy it with them. But I do have to tell you this California job in the winter time is great! One of the girls from work invited me to her house for Easter so I will not be alone. Then I'll be going into work for a couple hours.

I spoke with Shirley this week and Eric is doing better this week recuperating from his hip replacement. We're thinking of you Eric and hope you have a speedy recovery.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter. I know the kids will love it they have extra days off. Think spring and I will be home sometime this year. I promise.

Love you All,

Cathy

Gramma Sunshine

Just checking in with everyone with the latest news that I know.

Mom (or as Jen refers to her "Gramma Sunshine") has been busy this week. Renee took her to do some shopping on Monday and they went to lunch. She had dinner at Tony and Renee's on Monday night too. Wed. she went to the beauty pallor and got beautified. I spoke with Mom today (Thursday) and she sounds good. Renee had told me Mom has been cutting down on her smoking. Mom said today she is trying to quit again. We talked about her eyesight. She is having some problems and we talked about maybe she should have her other cataract removed. We are going to talk about it when I get home from California. She has been going to the common room, but is not doing the puzzles right now because of having trouble with her sight. Other than that she sounds pretty good and is still hoping for a break in the weather, and not just for one day.

Les is getting ready to leave for Michigan. He has to be at his next job on March 17th. I was supposed to leave before him but my job is running behind so I got my start date to my next job (which will be down near Pittsburgh) changed to March 24th, so I'll be here a little bit longer. I am looking forward to going home to PA as much as I have enjoyed it here in California.

GET WELL wishes go out to Eric (Shirley's husband). He had his left hip replaced on Monday, March 3rd. Hope you are feeling better soon Eric.

MARCH BIRTHDAY'S

Sorry I'm a little late with the first one on the list. Happy belated birthday goes out to Michael (Shirley's son) I'm not positive, but I'm thinking he was 34 on March 2. (Sorry for being late Mike!) Next we have Becky (my daughter) she will be turning 32 on March 12th (Sorry we won't get to celebrate with ya Becky, but we love you and miss you!) Next we have our youngest sister (Mary) celebrating her 40 something birthday on March 19th and the very next day Michael Casner (Eldon's oldest son) will be celebrating his birthday (Happy Birthday Mike!). Last, but not least we have Christine (Tom's wife) Christine will be celebrating her birthday on March 24th. Happy Birthday Christine, hope all is well in Germany!!!

MARCH ANNIVERSARY'S

I don't know the dates of a lot of anniversaries, but here are a couple I happen to remember. Happy Anniversary wishes go out to Shirley and Eric on March 16th. I'm not sure how many years it's been, but congratulations. Next, Happy Anniversary wishes go out to Nikki and Bill Salisbury (Nikki is Tom's oldest daughter). Nikki and Bill will be married 1year on March 17th. Best wishes to you both and HAPPY FIRST ANNIVERSARY!!!!! Remember this time last year we were knee deep in snow at the Poconos having a GREAT TIME.

Don't forget let me know about birthdays I've missed and anything else you want me to share.

Hope everyone is well.

Love,

Cathy

I Don't Have To If I Don't Want To

Well, it's been a while so I have lots of news to catch up on. This is what I know.

First, I want to say that Mom is doing ok. She's been a little down because Renee has gone back to work. She has had a busy week this week. Renee took Mom for a couple doctor appointments and to get some blood work done. Mom stopped taking her pain pills because she thought they were causing her to have some problems. We'll know more once the tests come back. Sometimes Mom gets a little confused about things. Renee tries very hard to keep her on the straight and narrow. Mom and Renee went to lunch at least 2 times this week, that I know of. Mom has been working on puzzles at the community room in her apartment building. She is getting along quite nicely in her new apartment. One nice thing about the apartment is she does get to see people everyday. She hasn't been going to the Senior Center lately. I asked her why and she said, because I don't have to if I don't won't too. Oh Yea, she can be quite feisty when she wants to be. She knows a lot of the people in the apartment building because she met them at the Senior Center. Give Mom a call, I know she would love to hear from each of you. Her phone number is 814-837-7889.

So, on to more family news!!!! Babies and Babies. We've got new babies in the family. First came little Ella (She is Eric and Shirley's new Granddaughter.) Eric's daughter Katie had a beautiful little girl on Dec. 27th. Word from sister Shirley is that Ella is growing in leaps and bounds and Eric is a very proud Grandpa.

Next we have little Olivia Morrison (Ron and Marsha's new Granddaughter.) Ron's daughter Ronda had a beautiful little girl on Jan 24th. Word from sister Marsha is that she has her Dad's dark hair and her Mom's cute little nose.

We do have another baby on the way, but he/she has not arrived just yet. Thomasa (Marsha's daughter) is home waiting for her new baby to make his/her way into the world. I'll let you know when the blessed event happens.

Other news. Renee is back to work and doing well. (A big THANK YOU to Renee and Tony for all they do for Mom.) Tony had the tip of his finger crushed at work and was off for a few days. He is back to work now. He said his finger is healing and it's not hurting to bad. Mike (Shirley's son) has been sick so hopefully he will be feeling better soon. Eric (Shirley's husband) is going to be having some surgery in March. We'll be thinking of you Eric and hope all goes well. Les was off sick for about a week. He had the flu and borderline pnenomia. He is back to work, but still not up to par.

BIRTHDAYS! A few I missed and a few that are coming up. Here we go..... Ron (Marsha's husband) celebrated his birthday on Feb. 15, sorry I missed it Ron, hope you had a happy one. Perry (Marsha's Son-in-Law) is celebrating his birthday today. Happy Birthday to you, Perry. Thomasa (Marsha's daughter) will be celebrating her birthday on Feb 23rd. You're in our thoughts and prayers Thomasa. We hope you have that baby soon. Nicholas (Tom's Step-son) is celebrating his birthday on Feb. 24th. We'll be thinking of you Nick and we all hope you have a wonderful birthday!!!!!!!! Bill (Our Son-In-Law) is celebrating his birthday on the 25th of Feb. We hope you have a wonderful birthday Bill!!!! Don't forget to let me know if I missed someones birthday. Just let me know and I'll get it out there for you.

That's all for now. I hope everyone else is doing well.

Love,

Cathy

In The News: Bill and Nikki

Several soldiers from Bill's (Tom's son-in-law) unit were honored for their service. The presentation was covered by WGAL.

Local Soldiers Honored For Service

POSTED: 12:02 pm EST February 2, 2008
UPDATED: 12:19 pm EST February 2, 2008

LEBANON COUNTY, Pa. -- Army National Guard members were honored for their service Friday night at Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County.

Members of the 328th Brigade Support Battalion received certificates, pins, and medals for their service.

Organizers handed out the awards to 10 soldiers during the freedom salute ceremony.

All the soldiers were deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan within the last few years.

Some of the soldiers were with different units within that time, but most have families they left behind.

“This ceremony is to thank not only the soldiers for the sacrifice they've made but also the families because the families make just as big a sacrifice,” said wife of 1st Lt. William Salisbury, Nikki Salisbury.

Lt. Salisbury chose to recognize his family at the event to give a salute to the heroes at home.

The soldiers who were honored provided support to combat troops during operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

In the News: Bill and Nikki

Nikki and Bill (Tom's oldest daughter and son-in-law) were in the York Daily Record.

Relying on each other: A young, married couple will grow together from afar as he serves in Iraq.

January 21, 2008
Section: MAIN
Page: 01, 05
JOSEPH MALDONADO For the Daily Record/Sunday News


PIC: SUBMITTED Bill and Nikki Salisbury hurried to marry before his redeployment to Iraq, which has since been delayed. Nikki Salisbury said the last time Bill Salisbury was in Iraq, she e-mailed him every day.

Perhaps it wasn't love at first strike, that Thanksgiving Day in 2005.

But as Bill and Nikki Salisbury got to know each other between frames of bowling, it was clear something was there.

"He asked me out at the end of the evening," Nikki recalled. "We started hanging out, talking, and pretty soon, we were engaged."

Most of the talking in 2006 was long distance. Just three weeks after meeting, Bill, who serves full-time in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, was deployed to Iraq.

The couple had known each other less than two weeks when the orders came down. While her lieutenant husband is hesitant to say exactly what he did in Iraq for security reasons, he did say it was in the field of logistics and supply.

Since high school, Bill Salisbury, 25, has known he wanted to serve his country, he said. He was in the ROTC program at Shippensburg University until he graduated in 2004. His degree is in history. Nikki Salisbury, who works as a human resources specialist in Emigsville, said she is learning how to be an Army wife.

"The best part about it is when people are talking about how proud they are to support the troops," she said. "And I get this warm feeling because my husband is one of them."

The couple, who live in Conewago Township, agree that being apart during the early part of their relationship was difficult. Nikki said she e-mailed her then-boyfriend every day, sometimes many times a day.

"I told him everything that was going on," she said. "Everything."

He came home in September 2006 and proposed a month later.

Originally, the couple was supposed to have been married this month. But soon after setting the date, Bill learned he would be returning to Iraq.

"He was supposed to have left last month," said Nikki, 26.

So instead of waiting, the couple moved the date up and was married in March 2007. While the Salisburys have done their best to make the most of their time together, Bill is to return to Iraq later this year.

"It's never easy," Nikki said. "But at least this time, I will have a better idea of what to expect."

As a military wife, Nikki said, she also has access to helpful resources, including support groups.

"I have met some amazing people who have been married and military for 25 years," she said. "The strength of some of these families is incredible."

Now that he has a family of his own, Bill said, it has changed his leadership style.

"I'm definitely more understanding now," he said. "You don't truly realize the responsibility people feel toward their families while they are serving until you have a family of your own.

In time, the couple hopes to grow their family with children. But with so much of their early relationship divided by war, they say they will spend quality time just getting to know each other when Bill returns from Iraq in 2009.

And as he prepares to return to a war zone, he said the most important support he will receive will be from his new bride.

"It makes a difference being married," Bill said. "There is so much more to look forward to when it comes to thinking about coming home."


PIC: SUBMITTED Bill Salisbury is a lieutenant in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. He and his wife, Nikki, got married last March, and he will soon return to Iraq.

Checking In

Just a quick email to let everyone know how Mom's Dr. appointment went. She was to see her cancer Dr. on Thursday, Jan. 10.

Her red blood count is good at 12.4, her H&H is 38 (that is good). Her x-ray showed that her lung mass has grown from a 2.5 cm to 5 cm. Her weight is down to 106 lbs.

They want her to put on a few pounds. Talked to her about not smoking. She has been cutting down, so that is good. No med changes and her next appointment is in two months.

She is slowing down a little, but all considered I think she is doing ok.

I'll email again soon.

Have a great day.

Cathy

Alex's Deer

Just wanted to show everyone Alex's 2 point buck he shoot this year while hunting with his Dad in West Virginia. (Alex is Mary's son) He is 11 years old. I am so proud of him. You can email him at mary.sine@yahoo.com. I know he would love to hear from everyone.

Love,
Cathy