Welcome Home, Soldier... You've Been Missed

Double Trouble in the Gulf

SUPER PROUD of these guys.... Thanks, Steph for making sure we all got to see this!

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!

Damion, this pic is just for you. The blog has more than pics of grandbabies... it has you, too!! lol

Cooper & Keaton trying to get past the "stair baricade"

Connor (Jessica's 2nd) as his alter ego

Jessica's princess, Caroline, posing while the other kids play "war"

Keaton (Jessica's youngest) chillin' with Auntie Em (Lori's youngest)

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...

Caroline's homemade b-day cake!!! Go Jessica & David with your bad baking skills!

Jessica's third, Catherine.... she means business

Jessica's oldest, Caroline! (Now 8 yrs old)

Butch giving "golf lessons" to Ryan...

More lessons on the green.....

This is a snapshot of the river (outside Chicago) where Jenny's husband, Corey, was working....

Another look at Corey's office!

Corey working hard!!! :-)

Cameron and her big, bright smile!

Jenny & Corey's pride & joy... Miss Cameron

Lolli (aka Leslie) was trying to capture a shot, but Cameron wanted her eyes closed for this one!!

January... A Month of Gates, Doorways, & Beginnings

In Roman mythology, Janus (or Ianus) was the god of gates, doors, doorways, beginnings and endings. His most prominent remnants in modern culture are his namesakes: the month of JANUARY, which begins the new year. January for the Poche's was full of new beginnings and many moments of excitement..... Here are a few tidbits.

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!!!!

Happy 29th Birthday, Mimi!

You're not getting older, you're getting better. - Unknown

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....

Farewell, Soldier...See You When You Get Back!

Farewell, Daniel. We love you, support you, and will be lifting you up in prayer as we await your safe return! Don't forget, Daniel has started his own blog so that we can keep up with him.

Welcome to the Newest Poche Grandchild

This grandchild is getting her own post!!! Congratulations, Lisa on becoming a grandmother. I know this grandbaby will have the cutest clothes and best grooming!

In case you haven't heard, there is a new grandchild on the block.... her name is Maggie and she might just give all the grandchildren a run for their money.

Tiff, as a new mother, I hope you are getting plenty of rest and taking advice from other mothers you meet while taking walks, going to the park, etc. Good luck with that college fund.... does Pet Smart even have one of those, yet?

December.... So Long '08, Bring It On '09

Well, the Poche's have remained their usually "busy bodies" during the month of December. There was a gathering of the members of the clan at Caney Lake for Christmas which included great food, great fun, and of course GREAT company! Don't you wish Christmas came more frequently? I'm sure something will happen between now and next year so that we can once again come together. So, someone get married, or graduate, or have a baby, or SOMETHING!!! :-)

So, here are our family updates that occurred during December.....

Under Raymond's Roof

Kelly & Mario celebrated their one month anniversary!

Bart enjoyed Texas instead of New York this year!

Claire enjoyed some time away from Med School (in Houston)... 'tis more fun to spend time with the fam than with 45 pound pathophysiology books (I think!)

Robert's Rockin' World

Robert & Beth have crossed the Mason Dixon Line and settled north.

Here is an update from Michael & Steph's brood (Thanks, Steph):

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Only about 50 more days until Michael comes home from his second tour in Iraq. Kaley, Mari Katherine, Evan, Tink and I are doing well this time around. Kaley and Mari Katherine are enjoying their new Charter School. Both of the girls are active in gymnastics and play the violin, not sure how long the violin will last. Evan, is also very active in well…being Evan, he NEVER stops talking. Michael seems to be thriving as troop commander, but ready to be home. Michael and his troop have helped open village schools, train the Iraqi Army and provide assistance in reducing crime. Michael and some his Soldiers, about 50 of the 105 in his troop, are currently living in a two bedroom house in a village near the JSS . They gutted out the bathrooms to make room for sleeping space but do have port-a potty’s and a shower trailer nearby, although I am not sure how often they use them J. All of our troops received their own Christmas trees and ornaments for the holidays along with care packages and Banners from home. Michael and the 1st Sgt said they grilled hamburgers and hotdogs on Christmas Day for everyone. We all miss you and hope to see everyone around Easter. Love you all!

Seth & Tara are busy preparing their home for Christmas next year. In case you haven't heard, they are hosting the Poche Christmas next year!! ;-)

Richard's Southern Ruckus

We kept Jamie in Chris in our prayers in December as they worked at one of the most dangerous places during the Holiday Season... Wal-Mart & Bass Pro Shop in Baton Rouge!

All is well with David's crew... and Lenelda's family enjoyed (and survived) Christmas with the Poche's at Caney!

In Lisa's Land

Damion interviewed for a position at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches.... keeping our fingers crossed and prayers lifted for him!

Here is an update on Daniel (Thanks Mimi):

Daniel just received word that he will be leaving for Iraq sometime within the next two weeks. It's not the best of news, but he is looking forward to the time that he & Michael might have together over there, before Michael leaves there to come home sometime in February. Daniel's unit is supposed to be replacing Michael's, so they will probably be working together for a short time. Here's hoping that they enjoy a Happy Poche Clan Reunion together even if it is bitter sweet. Let's wish them both a safe & speedy return home.

Tiff is well & dared to bring a "friend" to Caney... and allowed Ryan to ask him questions....enough said. If you were there, you know what I mean!

Lori's Loopy Crew

Butch is dreading the close of deer season. Jessica and David''s youngest celebrated her first birthday on New Year's Even...Happy Birthday, Keaton! Emily passed her exam from the Cooper Institute and is now a Certified Personal Trainer. Ryan is being Ryan, keeping us all entertained and constantly amazed. Crystal is busy with the blog and wishes more people would send in updates...there is no family gathering this month and she is concerned where she will get her info from for January!! (HINT HINT)

On Norris Lane With Leslie

Cameron (Jenny & Corey's daughter) is the new boss!!!!! She is cute as a bug, so if you saw her you would know why!

Lydia's Lucky Photo Club

Gracie & Gabi are still keeping Lydia's memory card full! Trey is hoping to get everything finalizedon his new home....and his personal shopper and decorator (aka Mom) is making sure it is going to be great!

Here is a brief update on Mona & Marvin (Thanks again, Mimi):

One bit of sad news. We heard from Aunt Mona that Uncle Marvin has been in the hospital for about week. This past Saturday he had to have the first joint of one of his toes removed. You know he, like a few other members of our family, has Diabetes. Hope we can offer him our prayers & wishes that he will have a speedy recovery --- & that he will now find watching his diet a little easier.

And last, but definitely not least, here are a few words from the two who are to blame for this crazy crew!! :-)

Mimi & Poppie

Poppie & I would like to thank everyone for the part they played in our having the happiest & most memorable holiday we have had in a long while. Poppie said he would also like to add that it was the easiest for him that he can recall, & he wants to give a special thank you to all that contributed to that ---- especially Lydia. She came the day before the festivities & helped with the cooking & getting everything set up. I think he knows your thoughtfulness & foresight saved him a lot of work. Our only regret is that we didn't get in on some of the emails that we hear were going back & forth. From what we hear they were a blast & obviously they were effective. Your gifts to us were so thoughtful & well chosen & appreciated. We hope that we didn't miss thanking each & every one of you. But, if we did miss anyone, please know that it was because of the sheer number of us that were here that you might have been overlooked. At last count it was between 45 & 50. How lucky we were to get that many of us together at one time--- & in this small house, too! And we can't forget those that couldn't make it that day, but came either before or after. Hope you know you were all in our thoughts--- especially Michael & his family. We were lucky enough to see almost everyone during the Christmas holidays. It was such a special time, & we hope that all of you will have happy memories of our time together. Wasn't it fun watching that old video together again? How many times have we seen it now? We will never tire of watching it & get the impression that most of our grandchildren feel the same, since it was one of you (thank you, Bart) that suggested we watch it again. As much as I enjoy watching the video, I think I enjoy watching the looks on your faces as you see yourselves & realize how uninhibited you were then & how you have grown & changed in 16 years. With no exception each of you have matured & made us so proud of you. We thank God so much for the blessing of our large family & all the happy memories you have given us. We thank you, too, for the way every one pulled together & brought food to make our get-together out here at the lake such a success. As usual, it was all delicious. You all did such a good job of taking the work-load off of us. It was almost like being a guest at our own party. We are so lucky & thank you all for being loving members of the Poche Clan.

Here are a few pics from our December updates:

Our Soldier Hard at Work in Iraq!

Cooper sporting his shades (compliments of Mimi & Poppie) on his way home from Caney Lake!

Keaton's homemade birthday cakes! How many 1-yr olds get a LaTech cake? (p.s. Where is the purple & gold...you do live in Louisiana, don't you?)

Who We Are, Where We Come From, & How We Got Here

We are large in number, yet close knit.... diverse, yet full of acceptance.... full of opinions and spunk, yet extremely tender and loving.... (we hug and kiss everybody.... well, at least some of us... those that married in to this get a free pass). We accept all and if you don't have a family where you belong, come on over. We take in stragglers and most likely will never notice an extra person is there! All are welcome, as long as they know that BRETT IS THE GOLDEN CHILD!

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.