I'm Thankful For... FOOD!

Now doesn't that look like a good Thanksgiving meal? On Thursday, we went to the wife's aunt's for dinner. Very good food. Michelle's aunt can cook! I really loved it. The stuffing was great. I could drone on and on about it. The rest of the day was spent in front of the TV in their family room. My niece (on Michelle's side) was a unlimited source of energy. When I first met her, she didn't care for me. I was taking her playfriend (Michelle) away from her. Now she can't get enough of me. She's so cute! She'll come and try to sneak up on me. I'll turn around and look at her and she'll run off screaming in laughter (not terror, you yo-yos) She's just so adorable!

One of these days, she will spend the night here at our home. ugh. That much energy for one weekend, I'm gonna need a week's vacation! Well, anyway, that's all that's going on. The last picture is an after pisture with the one at the top. Yum, yum. One thing, I forgot something last time. I won't this time. Catch you on the flipside. (forgot to say that)
Next Time: The Evils Of Smoking. (Look, It's SuperStogieMan!)

Yes, Eric, Mom Makes Stove-top Stuffing, Not Real!

The headline is false. Mom makes REAL stuffing. I just love to pick on my brother. That can only mean one thing... Thanksgiving! Ahhh, the smell of turkey in the oven. Smashed potatoes. Mom's (okay) stuffing. Creamated corn. Store bought pumpkin and shoefly pie. (If you don't know what shoefly pie is, well you're missing out on a taste of heaven) Thanksgiving usually has us going to mom's on thursday. Since being married we now have to split the family get-togethers. This year mom's dinner was Sunday afternoon. It always goes like this.. We stuff ourselves to the point we can't eat dessert. (except pop, he was looking forward to pumpkin pie and vanilla ice cream) After dinner, I go to the computer room and play computer games. Mom and Frank (her hubby) get out a board game to play with the wifey and my neice Carrie. Pop starts conversations with Eric (my brother) and his wife Becky. Then, a half hour later, Dad's talking to Frank with Mom listening in, the wife and Carrie are back with me, and Eric and Becky are passed out on the couch. All is right with the world. (Even better, now that I got this digital camera. My sleeping brother has a BIG target on him!) These moments make me feel thankful I've got a loving family. And I quote "Life's been good to me, so far!" On Thursday, we go to the wife's aunt's house for dinner. Woo-Hoo! I get to stuff myself all over again! Oh, wait, the wife's dad will be there and for a 135 lbs. Rambo (private joke) he can pack it in. Here we go! It's on!

UPDATE: Wednesday night church went ten times better this week. The two really disruptive kids were asked to leave. Honestly, it made the class a lot nicer. I think it will get better. I just need to get to church at 6 to make sure they don't go tearing through the church. Don't worry guys! I need more pictures before can post them.

Meanwhile, I leave you with a victim from Sunday. Her cooking is good. Her company is better. BUT, GEE, CAN SHE SNORE!!!!!!!

Next Time: Thanksgiving With the Myers!

Weds. Night Disaster!

Bad news, boys and girls. Wednesday Night Church Youth Group was a disaster. Now we teach the 6th thru 8th graders. There are four teachers: the Pastor, a lady who helped last year, the wife and me. The Pastor had to substitute for the senior high class teacher and the other lady was absent. Later, I described it as a baptism of fire. The kindergarden to 5th graders acted with more respect and self-control than these kids. I was going to post some of their pictures this week, but I felt they didn't deserve it. There was about four kids who wanted to learn and they were quiet. The others, well, they ruined it for everyone else. Two boys wouldn't talk like humans. Every time we would talk to them, they would respond with stupid animal noises. If that's what our children are growing up into, I"m scared. But most of all, I MUST NOT GET DISCOURAGED. I know they can be good kids. I'm not giving up. My late uncle was a youth leader (i think that's what my Dad said once) and I know he would want me to push on. My brother preached not once but twice for his church. I saw the second time and it knocked me off my feet! He was one of those bad kids at Weds. Night Youth Group and now look at him. I'm trying to strengthen myself for Wednesday. I can do it. YEAH!!! Alright. That's out of my system. Here's some updated cat pictures. Catch you on the flipside! Next Time: Thanksgiving at My Mom's! Or Yes, Eric! Mom Made Stovetop Stuffing Not Real Stuffing!

I'm Not Sick Of The Swarrs!!!

I'm sick. I got the worst sore the worst sore throat, running nose and my body is weak. My wife will take care of me, I hope. She is the greatest friend I got. I love her. Now, there is one family that comes to close second. (without the nursing back to health) They are the Swarrs, and they are the best.
Fred and Val Swarr the best parents (next to mine) anyone could want. Very laid back, almost boheimian, they have kept me from getting their two boys into serious trouble. Val is the only outside my parents who could ground me for three months. After high school graduation. Fred is very softspoken and a extremely talented artist. To quote Val: " I love them. LOVE THEM!"

Gabriel Beau Swarr. The Man. The Legend. Words can't describe him. I've got so many stories about him. He was my best man at our wedding. I met Gabe in seventh grade. He would shake my desk in class. The rest is history. He was the first to get me over my head in comics. He got me out of my puny state of Pennsylvania and to the magical land of California, twice. I would never go there for any other reason. I'll be taking the wife to this place of depravity for his wedding. Karla, his fiance, is just as cool as he is. Only, she is not as over the top as Gabe is. I can't go into everything wonderful and mystical concerning Gabe, (there's is too much) but I know he is the best friend I am so glad to of met.

Gabe's brother is Zach. Man of a thousand talents. Former radio DJ. Former Marine reservist (with time served in the Middle East. Proud of you bub!) Master of Transformer lore and pro-wrestling enthusaist he is a true jack of all trades. Right now, home improvement guru is his forte. With as much stuff as he dabs in, its no wonder his wife Maribeth is a saint. And just like Gabe, Zach has so many GOOD stories over the years that is can't get into. He is a great friend and a brother nutball. Of course, the next generation of Swarr is the next best hope for sanity.

Declan is that next generation. Smart as a whip, adorable, and bouncy, he is the perfect little man. Women love him. He is going be a heartbreaker. Declan may act cute and cuddly, but he knows it. The wife and I can't get enough of him.

So that's the Swarrs. I hope they like my little tribute to my adoptive family. They have been there for me in many ways. I love them very much. Now if I can get over this cold I can go over to see them and not worry about getting them sick. Catch you on the flipside! Next Time: Wednesday Night Church Update!

Happy All Saints Day!

You can get more with a kind word and a 2 x 4 than just a kind word alone.