A Blog About My Brother~

Me & my bro, June 1981

Me and my brother have always been pretty tight. Even though he is 7.5 years older (haha), I'm mature and he's not, so it's always been like we were closer in age.

When I was away at college, my Dad used to pay my brother money to come and stay with me for a weekend. You know, to "keep an eye on me". Who the hell was supposed to keep an eye on my brother, I have no idea. But seriously, my Dad would give my brother cold, hard cash to spend a weekend at Ohio State with me and my five hot roomies. Sucks to be him I know.

When we were growing up, my bro was so overprotective of me. Sometimes it worked in my favor and sometimes it didn't. If a guy wanted to date me, he'd have to go through my brother first. If a guy ever broke my heart, my brother would break their bones.

Now don't get me wrong, my relationship with my brother hasn't always been full of sunshine and flowers. We've had fights like all siblings do. And he's beat the crap out of me a few times while growing up. But it's all good because he helped me become the tough chick that I am today.

Anyway, the point of this post is that his old ass turned 40 over the weekend. It's hard to believe he's "officially" over the hill. The good news is that he doesn't look a day over 38 and doesn't act a day over 25, so truly age is just a number. Happy birthday brother :)

Me and my bro, June 2009

Back to Reality~

We made it home from vacation in one piece.  We spent 3 days in Daytona, 3 days at Disney, and then another 3 back in Daytona.  Did I mention we drove?  15 hours in a car sucks no matter what, but add in a 4 and 5-year-old and who knows what will happen.  But amazingly, the kids were great.  

Disney was a blast.  Denny met the Power Rangers and Grace met the Princesses.  So it is true that dreams really do come true at Disney.  

Daytona was great too.  We stayed with Bob's dad who has a beautiful home with a beautiful pool. We spent our days swimming in the pool and at the beach, and the nights we played cards and drank lots of beer.

Now that we are back home and I have my Mac back, I will try to get back to blogging more regularly.  

Here's some pics from the trip.  I'll put a lot more on my FB page.

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER~

Papa Joe, Uncle Timmy, Nana and G&D

Aunt Patty & D man

I am well aware that Thanksgiving was a week ago and I am just now getting to my Turkey day post.  I could just skip it, but it was so wonderful that I need to share at least a few pictures.

Grace and Denny were rock stars this year.  When I say that they helped Bob and I prepare the food, I mean it.  They really did help out with almost all of the dishes this year.  And I will take full advantage of this age where they want to help out.   Because I know in a few years, they will want nothing to do with helping, or with me for that matter.

Unfortunately I didn't get any pictures of some of our other guests, including Grandpa Keeler, Aunt Beckie and Uncle Pete.   They arrived later into the evening, and by that time I was knee deep into a bottle of Pinot.  I was less concerned about taking pictures and more concerned about blaring music and bowling on the wii.

Hope you all had a good one.  Now the countdown to Christmas begins!

ELFIN' AROUND

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

CINDERELLA DREAMS~

I don't have much time to write, but I wanted to share a picture.  

This past Friday, Grandma Debbie came over and took Grace to a Cinderella play.  

Through the blizzard they went, the Princesses in their gorgeous ball gowns.

 So here they are, looking as beautiful as ever...

Grace had the best time.  Thanks Nana for making a memory with our little princess!

LIFE IS A BLUR~

Denny and Dad

I swear to you that since last Wednesday, life has been a blur.  That explains why I haven't posted for awhile.  Bob's Dad has been in town from Florida, so we have been enjoying his company.  And if you are at all interested, here's what we have been up to...

I had a ladies night mid-week in remembrance of Mike.  We got together for drinks and shared some stories, laughter and tears.  We all drank way to much but had a blast, so it was all worth it even the next day.

The following day we had an open house at Grace's school.  Grace had such a good time showing off her classroom and friends to all the family.  I am so proud of my little girl.

Friday we went a Lake Erie Monsters game.  It was $1 hot dog night and we all bet on how many dogs Denny would consume.  We placed 10 in front of him and I think he ended up eating three.  

Denny not sure what to do w/ all the dogs

Saturday was Beckie's birthday and Pete planned a dinner at Shintos.  You can never go wrong at Shintos.  The hibachi part and the sushi are always amazing.  

Me, Bob and the kids @ Shintos

Pete & Beck @ Shintos

Now this week is filled with lots more. Today I am making chili for tonight's Browns party.  Later this week Grace and Nana are going to see a Cinderella play and G is super excited.  

GO Browns!!

THE PERFECT FALL WEEKEND~

Pumpkin picking & pumpkin carving.
Late night pumpkin seed snacking.
Warm apple cider & kettle corn.

Tree houses and hay rides.

Raking leaves then jumping into the colorful piles.

How did you spend your weekend?

FALLING INTO THE SKY~

Last weekend we went to the drive in with the kids and this was the sky that we enjoyed on the way there.  I couldn't get over it's beauty although this picture isn't even close to capturing it.

It has been brought to my attention that Denny has been dominating my blog posts.  Am I playing favorites here?  Of course not.  D man has been very "bloggable" lately but I promise the next post will include lots of Gracie.

Hope everyone has an awesome weekend and please take my poll to the left!

FRIDAY FUN~

Bob and I bought a Macbook last week as an early anniversary and joint birthday gift to ourselves and each other. I am still getting to know my lovely Macbook which is the likely reason for so many blog posts this week.

 One of the fun features is called photo booth.  Every time I use it I can't help but think of Nina and her love of photo booths.

I can't believe it is Friday already.  Weeks rarely go by fast anymore, but this one did and for that I am a happy mama.   Saturday we are going to be kid free thanks to Gamma Debbie and Papa Joe.   

One of my BFF's, Stacia, is having her birthday party Saturday at her Mom's new house.  Pool volleyball, cornhole, more food than you can stand and flowing cocktails!  Bob and I are in serious need of a day like that and a little break from our little lovelies.  

BACK TO BASICS~

Already August, and I am not going to let the rest of Summer slip on by.

Over the weekend, we took the kids on a boat ride with Pirate Willie. We went to the Browns training camp, which has become a tradition for us. We have been building rockets and shooting them up high into the sky.

We are finding all the carnivals and riding rides until our heads are spinning.

Although there is much more to write, I just wanted to post a quickie blog and some pictures to let you all know I am still here. Slacking a bit on blogging, but here none the less.

HEAVY HEARTS~

It's weird to write when there has been so much going on.
More than anything, we are all still mourning the deaths of Sam and Marco.
We have been consumed with so much sadness and overwhelming emotions. There was such an out pouring of support from the community and beyond. These two kids were loved by so many and will be missed forever.

If you would like to leave a message for the family, the link below will take you to Sam's guest book.
http://obits.cleveland.com/Cleveland/DeathNotices.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=113959672

In between all the sadness, we had a wedding for two of our best friends, Judi and Scott. We went to an Indians game with Pete and Becki. We spent some time with Eric and Danni. This was all within a week. So as our hearts were heavy, we try to get back to normal.

In the next few days I will post some pictures from the wedding and family time.

LOSS~

Samantha & Mom

This past Sunday afternoon, Bob's little cousin Samantha died in a car accident. She was 18-years-old and just graduated from high school. Her boyfriend also passed away in the accident.

They were driving home from a family picnic when another car going in the opposite direction smashed into them. Samantha was getting ready to start college to become a nurse. You can see from the picture what a beautiful girl she was.

I always wonder if things like this are appropriate to post on my blog, and I usually do post because I believe in the power of prayer. It goes without saying that Samantha's parents and
siblings need your thoughts and prayers, as does the rest of the family.

I wonder why and how something so tragic can happen to 2 sweet kids who were just starting their lives.

Soakin' Up the Summer Goodness~

The babes went fishing today for the first time, and both of them caught a little love. The picture below is of Grace's catch, but she wouldn't hold it up for a picture, so Uncle Pete did the honors.
Denny was a tad more friendly with his fish. Although he would not touch it, he got much closer.
So far, Summer has been treating us well. The kids are really into everything we have been doing. They are at such great ages now that outings are enjoyable for everyone, rather than the years before when it seemed like more work than anything.
Cheers to everyone~

GLORY DAYS~

Here are my babies wearing Bob's high school letter man jacket. I took a bunch of shots and framed them for him for Dad's day.

Speaking of Dads, today Bob's Dad is coming in town from Florida. And, it is Tim's birthday. So today we are going to cook out and enjoy some family time.

On the home front, Bob and I have been re-doing our living room. We ripped the carpet out, cleaned up the original hard wood floors, and moved some things around. The days and nights are so busy, I feel like everything is one big blur.

Did I mention my Sister (in-law) is getting married next weekend?

I know I am all over the place, but my mind is going a mile a minute.

I just wanted to check in with all my bloggie buds and share these adorable pics of G&D~

MELT MY HEART~

Grace had her first dance recital on Sunday. Dude, can I just tell you all how sweet it was. My heart is still warm and fuzzy. I cried when she performed and I cried when she came out at the end for her curtain call. It was her first time on stage and I am so proud of her. There were 500 people watching and she did it. I know I would have froze up, but my girl did her thing. It was priceless and I wish you all could have been there to see it.

Once the show was over, I went backstage and gave Grace a bouquet of flowers. Then we all took her out to dinner where she was beaming from ear to ear. The pictures posted of her on stage are from her dress rehearsal on Saturday. We weren't aloud to take video or photos on the day of the actual show. The other pics are from Sunday.

I have to give props to Denny, also, who sat for two hours, the entire length of the show. That's pretty impressive too!

Grace & my Mom, after the show

Doggie Style

We made our first trip to the dog park this weekend and it was dogalicious. We had such a good time and I am sure Archie did also. It was a Sunday afternoon, 60 degrees and there were about 30 dogs running around.

Our enormous puppy was a hit. Everyone was loving on him and asking us a million questions. Archie was a rock star I must say and he did so amazing with all the dogs. If any dog gave him any shit, he just walked away. Bob and I sat on a bench with G&D and watched all the action. Surprisingly, Arch didn't even try to get his hump on. We were so proud. I know I usually bitch and complain about the dog, but I do love the big fluff ball.

~HAPPY BIRTHDAY NANA~

We want to wish Debbie, a.k.a. Nana, a happy birthday! We love you and had so much fun bowling with you and Joe on Sunday.

Enjoy your day today and have a blast at the home opener. Go Tribe!

Today is shaping up to be a better day already, although we are still missing Dad & Precious like crazy. Precious is Dad's dog, pictured above. Grace loves this dog more than she loves our dog Archie. It's no secret, Grace says it everyday since she laid eyes on Precious 10 days ago.

So far today, I slept in until 9am! Denny is a little under the weather with a cough and sore throat (passed on with love from Grace who just got over the same thing.) When he isn't 100%, he likes to sleep in, and mama likes to sleep in, so I make out from his sufferings.

However, before you assume I am a lazy, bad mom, let me tell you how last night went.


Bob and I went up to bed around 10pm and watched TV until midnight. Then the games began. As soon as I turned off the TV and closed my eyes for a good nights sleep, things got goofy.


The dog began breathing so hard it was impossible to fall asleep.


Then Archie was barking to be let outside.


Then Archie would not come back inside.


Then Grace wakes up and wants to know why Archie keeps waking her up.


Then Denny has a coughing attack and needs more ice water to cool his throat.


Archie starts panting again, I look at the clock and it's 3:30am.


Bob was the one who was taking care of the majority of this crap. I think I only got out of bed to get Archie back in the house & put G back to bed once. So although I got to sleep in, he didn't and is probably having a miserable day toady as I am sitting here refreshed, on my 3rd cup of coffee.

Anyway, the sun is actually out and it's 45 degrees. That is most likely what is making me smile right now. That and the goofy dance that Denny is doing while I type this.

BYE BYE BUNNY

I have never had post-holiday blues when it comes to Easter. This year I have them. I think a lot of it has to do with Dad going back to Florida. He headed back early Monday morning. We are going to miss him so darn much and I really wish he lived closer. Moving to Florida is always an option as long as we get the whole family on board. We talk about it all the time so you never know.

My Mom w/ G&D

It's "officially" Spring, but you wouldn't know it around here. There is still snow on the ground, it's cold and gray. I'm pretty sure it is supposed to snow again some time this week. I am trying to keep busy and pass the days until the sun comes back out and we all feel better.

We hope everyone had a great Easter!

The Keeler's

LOVE, LOVE ME DO

Oh, the beauty and innocence of young love. Grace and her husband/Prince spent a romantic afternoon together at Chunk E Cheese.
This was the first time that Bob's Dad has seen Grace and Joey together. Dad noticed how smitten Grace was with Joey and asked, "is there something I should know." Then we filled him in on Grace's "obsession" with Joey and how the two of them actually married last year.
We all had fun watching and playing with the kids. And if I may brag for just a sec, I hit my all time high score in skeet ball...350,000 points. I dare you to try to beat that.