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.