Monday, March 16, 2009
Can You Feel the LOVE?
(Sent in by Mimi)
The Dallas bunch has been very active. I hear Kelley & Mario have both gone academic again & are taking classes. Kelley is taking a Spanish class & guess what --- Mario is taking a remedial English class & a Math course. Congratulations are in order for Mario. I hear he is taking these classes so that he can enroll in a Para-Legal course. Good luck, I am sure the whole Clan wishes the best for him Bart has gotten to be a member of the "jet-set". It seems he is always traveling with his job. Just recently he was lucky enough to have to work in Hawaii. He no sooner got back from there before he packed his bags & took off for Florida to join some friends on a cruise to the Bahamas. He must have had enough of the balmy weather, as I hear he is now in New York --- not working either. He is playing the tourist again. And, Claire, who has always been our busy one, is headed to Honduras for Spring Break from medical school. She deserves a big pat on the back. She is not going over there to party like some students, but will be working with a group of doctors from Baylor doing clinical work. She will probably find some time to relax, but I bet she will really enjoy all the medical experience. What a good feeling it must be to know you are helping those who can't help themselves.
Robert's Rockin' World
(Sent in by Mimi)
Chicago must have been a good place to be. Raymond & Di flew up there to spend a few days with Robert & Beth in the "windy city". Guess it was a nice change of pace for all of them. I hear they did some of the "touristy" things & went to see the stage show, Chicago.
Michael is now home... safe and sound in Colorado with the love of his life and his precious kiddos!
Richard's Southern Ruckus
(Sent in by Mimi)
Don't believe there is much going on with Richard & his crew in Holden. I think this has been a quiet month for all of them. Except for the new additions....Lenelda has been very excited about the 3 new puppies that her new Maltese had. Wish I could remember all of their names, but will let her fill you in on that. Richard is still having his problems with his blood count level & they are still taking tests hoping to find the problem. He & Lenelda made a quick trip up here this weekend. Her mother was hospitalized with a stroke & they came up to spend some time with her. Poppie & I met them for lunch & enjoyed spending the time with them. Her mother is improving & will be going to re-hab for the next couple of weeks. Let's keep both Eddie Faye & Richard in our prayers.
In Lisa's Land
Tiff and Bart went to see The Killers in Dallas... Tiff would like everyone to know that Bart gets the #1 cousin award for such great seats and being such a great dancer. However, the poor girl who ended up wearing Bart's drink would probably not agree!
Keep Daniel in your prayers...and you can continue to follow his "legal adventures" through his blog that he started.
Lori's Loopy Crew
Butch has officially started golf season... Lori is ALMOST complete with the school yearbook....
Ryan is now working at Four Seasons Bowling Alley. He is manning the front desk. We all know that means he is probably socializing more than he is working!!! Emily is quickly acquiring to clients who seek her expertise on fitness and nutrition. Crystal spent a week in Nashville for new job orientation, leaving Ragan behind to man the house and the boys without her for one week. She was extremely disappointed that they were able to function without her!! ha ha Austin sent a valentine to a girl for the first time... it was a rather unsuccessful attempt to "woo" her, so he gave up. He decided he really wanted to the President of the "No Liking Girls" club at school during recess. Any further attempts of trying to win this girl over would dash any hopes of a future presidency... so he gave up for now! Jessica's kiddos are finishing up basketball just in time to start baseball and swimming. Caroline has officially scheduled her appointment to receive her insulin pump!
On Norris Lane With Lolli (aka Leslie)
(Sent in by Leslie)
Les & Leslie have been nursing a sick crew all month. Cameron had 2 different strains of flu and so generously "shared" it with Mommie and Aunt Ju-ju. She also spent a night in the hospital dehydrated. Jenny is ready for Corey to return this week and going to a Texas waterpark where Cameron will be sporting her tiny bikini! Jamie & Brian had a great time in New Orleans and are looking forward to more summer "trailer" travel. Jamie is considering the corporate world again and even has politics on the table and Brian is returning to RN school. Megan is doing great at Tech. Her recent grades were A's, 1-B and only 1-C. We are so proud of her. Maybe at the next family gathering she will risk bringing Heath to experience the Poche Clan?? Julie and Trey are spending lots of time reconnecting and even hosting game nights at our home. She's still loving the orthodontics job and has even added cleaning one of the offices (for extra pay), babysitting the bosses kids and volunteering in the church nursery - very busy young lady! Les is trying to get away to West Texas for Austin's Spring Break next week to visit the Jones. Les' work has been keeping him very, very busy. And finally, Leslie found a doctor and has her Diabetes under control - Victory!!
Lydia's Lucky Photo Club
No new news sent in this month, but "no news is good news".... but even so, Lydia, drop us a snapshot or two so we can all see how those girls are growing!! (You can even put James or Trey in a picture if you so choose!!! lol)
Last, but not least.....Words from the Matriarch herself.....
That leaves Poppie & I. We have been taking advantage of the cold dreary weather - staying inside & playing either Rummy-Kube or Hand & Foot. There is a simple way that we make the choice to see which one we play. Poppie is really the one to make this big decision. He does it simply by choosing to play a different game than the one which he lost last. If he is winning, we play a lot of that game. If not, we change games frequently. Betty & Woody came out & spent the weekend with us recently & we still play a lot of cards together whenever we can. We like to think that it keeps us on our toes by giving us the chance to use our brains a bit. We haven't been sitting on the deck as much as we like since the weather has been so cold & windy. But, the encouraging part is the bushes & trees are beginning to sprout. So we know with Spring coming, we will be able to enjoy having our coffee outside again. It will be so nice when all of the dreary brown landscape will once again be green & pretty. We did go out on the boat a few evenings ago. The weather was in the high 70's, so we just couldn't resist it. We took Bobby & Brett with us & even though it was still slightly cold, we were all happy to be on the lake again. Good thing we did it then, because with typical Louisiana weather, we have been using the pellet stove non-stop since then. Know you have all heard us tell you about Bobby & his problem with Cancer. He is doing well right now & spending his time trying to tie up the loose ends around here. He will be leaving late next week to go to Hammond with David & his wife. And then will be starting his treatments at Oshners in New Orleans on March 17. In case any of you would like to let him know you are thinking about him, his address is 502 Colby Jean Road, Chatham, LA, 71226. I know he would appreciate it. I'm not sure who will miss him more after he leaves --- if it will be Brett or us.
Well, guess there is not much more for me to expound on. After Michael's homecoming, it seems everything else takes second place. So will bid you adieu until next time.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Monday, February 9, 2009
Snapshots of January (And a Few Late Entries From December)
Mimi, Poppie, & the kids.... Mario is standing in for Robert!
Gabi (Megan's youngest)....Lydia got a cool new Photo Editing program & she can do all sorts of color shading tricks. I hope she has enough pictures to practice on!!! :-)
Raymond & Jenny... lookin' good... compliments of Mimi & Poppie
Lisa & Lori
Lisa & Lori enjoying some camera time!!!
Gracie enjoying cookies & sprinkles... oh the simple things in life!
Jessica's princess, Caroline, posing while the other kids play "war"
Catherine (Jessica's 3rd) and her alter ego.... a ninja
Lori's wild grandkids after celebrating Austin & Caroline's b-day!
Jessica's youngest, Keaton, looking for a place to call her own! (Good luck with that!)
The effects of Target on a 1 yr old.....(This is Jessica's youngest, Keaton)
Keaton again...
Saturday, February 7, 2009
January... A Month of Gates, Doorways, & Beginnings
Under Raymond's Roof
Kelly & Mario celebrated their two month anniversary!
Bart is still enjoying Texas instead of New York this year... we think!
Claire returned to Med School in Houston.... hang in there, Claire! Keep your eyes on the prize - that degree!
Robert's Rockin' World
Here is an update from Michael & Steph's brood (Thanks, Steph):
Hello to All,
We are still awaiting Michael's return, he is expected to be here around the 14th. Michael mentioned to me today in an email that he was going to receive his Bronze Star today and meet up with Daniel...That actually was the entire e-mail. I hope the two of them get a chance to get together. Okay so the things that happened in this last month... Kaley has started receiving phone calls from friends, Mari Katherine continues to ask me why Mommy's and Daddy sleep together (advice is always welcome in this area from you who are experienced) AND Evan mooned me. I think this is just the beginning! I am not sure I am ready for next month. It seems that my house is shrinking more and more everyday, maybe we will move to a rent house sometime before the summer. We are still planning to come to Monroe the first two weeks of April to visit everyone and take some time to vacation. I hope everyone is doing well!
Steph
Richard's Southern Ruckus
David & Joey visited Caney with their girls... making sure to pitch in and help Mimi & Poppie with some things around the camp (see Mimi's note below for all the fun details).
In Lisa's Land
Daniel made it off to Iraq & he has started his own blog so you can follow him through this life-changing time. http://danielcummins.com/
Damion attended Austin's 10th birthday party at Laser Tag in Baton Rouge. He will be fine never attending one of those again!!! lol... Just kidding! Damion has been able to talk to Daniel through Facebook chat & Lisa is loving this technology. Daniel's first request was Tony's Chachere & Louisiana Hot Sauce... of course, his mom has already shipped it over!
Tiff is still babying & pampering Maggie... isn't Maggie lucky to have such an awesome mom?
Lori's Loopy Crew
Butch has finally accepted that deer season is over, but now looks forward to golf season. He has even begun to give lessons! (See pictures below.) Lori has been busy finalizing the school yearbook... an undertaking she may or may not be regretting in future years to come. Emily has been acquiring many new clients to train at the gym and Ryan has started working with a job coach for employment. Crystal's oldest (Austin) celebrated his 10th birthday at Laser Tag. She is forever indebted to Mimi, Poppie, & Damion for joining them there!!! Jessica's oldest (Caroline) celebrated her 8th birthday. She also met with her physician to discuss getting an insulin pump.... exciting news for her.
On Norris Lane With Lolli (aka Leslie)
Here is an update from Leslie on her crew:
Les & Leslie (aka Lolli & Pops) are so enjoying this new role as grandparents - yes, we are suckers for Cameron! Her small vocabulary has expanded to whispering "pop-pop-pop" and she sparkles at his sight. We are still working on a major bathroom project and have an unending list of to-dos that are overwhelming - part of the charm of living in our childhood home. Jamie & Brian are making big plans for Mardi Gras in N.O. in their "new" travel trailer. Shelby is growing up fast and quite a beautiful young lady. Her latest project is coming up with a costume for Buster (their Bassett Hound) to be in the Barkus & Meoux Mardi Gras Parade in 2 weeks, she is so excited. Jamie is chairing a committee to build an animal shelter and getting lots of public exposure on the TV and newspaper. Jenny & Corey are becoming floor monitors - Cameron is scooting around everywhere and putting everything she find in her mouth - just like her Mom - who ate 2 pennies in her first year, twice requiring surgery! Corey's tow boat has spent lots of time stuck in the icy waters of North America - providing some very interesting video opportunities. Megan is back in school at Tech and thrilled! It's been a long time coming and we're proud of her for getting back into it. Julie is experiencing a perk of working for an orthodontist - she's in braces for the 3rd time but this time they are clear and free!! She's certainly enjoying the single life and has been very, very busy. Austin is going to be joining the workforce in Oklahoma - we're hoping he lands a job doing something he enjoys.
Lydia's Lucky Photo Club
Lydia helped to orchestrate a very special birthday for Mimi this year... recreating Mimi & Poppie's first date! There will be a special blog posted just for that, so stay tuned!
Here is an update from Lydia on the Maxwell household:
Megan is taking a much needed break! She's only taking one night class this semester. Having two little ones, going to school, plus work has proven to be quite tiring! But, she's hanging in there!
Trey is still in the process of buying his house. It has been quite difficult trying to get all the paper work done in the time he is home from offshore. His efficient lawyer has the ball rolling, though, so hopefully he will be in the house before long. His mom had a picture to post of him signing some of the papers with their neighbor's son, but apparently Trey got a hold of the camera and deleted them before his mom could post them! Though they definitely need the room, Honey is not looking forward to redoing his room for Gracie!
"The Girls" are growing! Gabi has actually caught up with her big sister -- they weigh the same now! They have followed in their mother's footsteps (who had 5 sets of tubes) and have had continuous ear problems. The ENT has actually scheduled a duel surgery and will put tubes in BOTH of their ears at the same time. What fun that will be!! But hopefully it will be a halt to the WEEKLY doctor visits!
James and Lydia did something very unexpected. They attended the concert of the 1950's group "The Platters." Everyone was up dancing in the aisles and even James got up and danced! Not really! We would all fall out if that ever happened!
And last, but definitely not least, here are a few words from the two who are to blame for this crazy crew!! :-) Mimi sends in her updates , but I refuse to change the words or anything about it..... no need to mess with the words of the Matriarch! :-)
Mimi & Poppie
I'll just tell you this one, but I'm sure you have already heard that Daniel did finally make it to Iraq. He had quite a few days in Kuwait before he was finally sent to Iraq. Now comes the struggle to see if he can see Michael before he leaves for home. They made contact through email, & are supposed to try & get together in a couple of days. Let's hope they have a short reunion over there & get to give each other some good ole Poche bear hugs before Michael leaves for the states. But, of course, still high on Stephanie's & our priority list is for Michael to get home just as soon as he can.
We have another celebrity in our family. Jamie Chelette was interviewed by Channel 3, a Shreveport television station. She was recently selected as the spokesperson in DeSoto Parish in their efforts to get an Animal Shelter in their area. She has done a lot of leg work gathering information that she & her committee presented to the Police Juror. As a result they are voting to appropriate $700,000 to the project. Go. Jamie!! Who knows where all of this publicity & accomplishments will lead her. We may have a politician in our mist some day. We are proud of you!!
David & Joey, & Madison & Chloe came out & spent a long weekend with us. It was so nice to see all of them for such an extended visit. Poppie especially enjoyed all the help that David gave him while he was here. He took care of quite a few jobs & repairs & he & Joey even put all the Christmas decorations back up in the attic for us. That is a big ordeal for both of us, so we really appreciated that. It wasn't all work, we did take time to go a movie, & saw Bedtime Stories, & the girls got to ride the new carousel at the mall. It was fun. Hope they come back again soon.
For those of you who weren't here for my 78th birthday party, you missed spending a fun time with a lot of loving family. It was a day I will long remember.
Due to the great response of pics from your families during January, there will be a post dedicated just to the pics from the past month!! Thanks for the response and keeping your loved ones posted on the comings and goings of you & yours. Hope you all have a month filled with love, laughter, and no regrets!
So, Poche clan, keep on keepin' until next month!!!!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Happy 29th Birthday, Mimi!
Haven't we all noticed this is so true about Mimi? Each year she just seems to get wiser, funnier, and more amazing! She has a great partner in this life who helps her achieve this, but today is HER birthday, so we will brag on and celebrate her today!
Mimi, we love you and cherish you... you are truly irreplaceable. Thank you for your ever-consistent involvement in our lives and the special was you have of making us all feel so loved and special!
So Mimi, check out the comments listed below so you can see our individual reasons we all love you so....
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Farewell, Soldier...See You When You Get Back!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Welcome to the Newest Poche Grandchild
Thursday, January 8, 2009
December.... So Long '08, Bring It On '09
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Who We Are, Where We Come From, & How We Got Here
We are composed of teachers, secretaries, stay-at-home moms, college students, nurses, doctors, lawyers, soldiers, computer gurus, musicians, corporate-level employees, valedictorians, managers, tugboat and oil-rig workers, personal fitness trainers, those with PhD's, graphic designers, ministry leaders, federal officers, physical therapists, grad students... and that is just the grandchildren! (Mimi & Poppie are so proud!)
Once you meet a Poche, you NEVER forget them. And, if you have ever attended a Poche family gathering, you REALLY never forget them.... (and if for some reason you do, you seem to never be able to forget Mimi's cooking)
Some may wonder how this wonderfully made family came to be.... well, it all started with a very young Mimi & Poppie. Here is her account. It is priceless....
As for our meeting, it was actually the first day of school in September, 1946, at St. Anthony"s High in Beaumont, Texas. I was the new girl in town, who had just transferred in from Providence Academy in Alexandria. It was an "all girls' school". Needless to say, I was delighted to finally be going to a co-educational school. Anyway, it so happened that one of the captains on the football team asked me for a date. Poppie heard about it, & his first words to me as we were leaving class, were, "You're doing okay for yourself, Kid". (Isn't that tender --- & so memorable) Actually, Poppie had already met Uncle Buddy during football practice, but he & I had never met before that day. As luck would have it, Poppie & I had our first date, on October 26, 1946 --- we went to see "Two Years Before the Mast". If you ask him, he can tell you what I was wearing.