Riverbanks Zoo

Tara and her BEST friend Samantha

Here is the perfect picture of Tara and Andre. These two monkeys were so funny and making so much noise. The one was slapping the other on the head so much like Tara does to poor Andre.

The Fontana clan and Tara. They all look so sweet BUT we know better right Mari lol.

Thanks Mari for taking us to the zoo we had a lot of fun. Tara DID NOT want to leave when it was time to get Andre off of the bus. In the car she was crying and screaming and finally she calmed down and said she was sorry. She said sorry to make sure we can go back to the zoo. lol It was too funny how she said it.

So much to share too little time ( I need to post more often)

I love this picture. There wasn't anywhere to sit so she squatted. It has to be in her blood just like all the Chinese do in China.

All the pictures above are from Peachtree Rock. The kids had a ball. Tara asked before we left if there were animals in there and when I told her yes, she wasn't too sure if she wanted to go. But afterwards she is sure she wants to go back with Daddy, Mommy and Andre.

This picture should be the last one of the pool but as usual I have no idea how to get it in order lol.

Got to love this face lol. Andre was put in the pool after the wall went up to help with the sand and he couldn't get out. So he begged to get out while acting a little crazy. Yes he did eventually get out even though I thought it was a great play pen for preteens lol.

In the beginning.

These are all from the pool raising, sound kinda Amish doesn't it lol. We were very blessed to all who helped put our pool up. We decided to buy a used pool so Gerry had to take it down and dig to level it and put it up. So I want to thank Don for helping with taking it down, digging and setting it up. Cyndi and Mari for digging o my I thought that would never be done. Chris, Greg, Don, Mark and Paul for giving up their Saturday help put it up. I can't wait to get in there and enjoy it. Yes you will be invited probably not all at once though lol.

Andre and Tara took swimming lessons in April. Even though it was VERY cold in the beginning they did eventually get to swim. Andre is totally done with lessons they said he could join a swim team it he wanted cause he learned so fast. But poor little Tara, she enjoyed it but I'm thinking she might end up with that float on the rest of her life lol. She would not get her bangs wet at all. She would tell on Jackson if he splashed her in the face. Way too much like a girl not wanting to get her face and hair wet lol.

Andre brought his mask home from school so he had to make one for Tara too. She can't be forgotten you know.

Sal's b-day party

OK, I have to say I still don't know how to upload pictures in the right order. Here is Tara running all over the play ground at Sal's birhtday party.

Now the next picture was later that night this is the picture that is out of order. I don't feel like deleting it cause it takes too long to upload the pictures so bare with me, lol.

This is Tara's very first official sleep over with HER friend Samantha. These two little girls are something else when they are together. Samantha loves to baby Tara and let me tell you Tara eats every bit of it up, lol. When it was time for Samantha to go home all Tara could ask was is she coming back is she sleeping over again. They FINALLY fell asleep about 11:36. They had fun and enjoyed each other and our very own girls night together.

Rotten and Rottener!!!!!!!!! LOL

Rough week

Well, it's been a while since I've blogged. I had my surgery on my hand and ended up with depression really bad. I kind a withdrew from everything and everyone. Not sure if it was the surgery and not being able to do anything with the only hand I can do stuff with (my right hand the only one I can write with) or if it was the nasty way too cold weather we had this winter. I think it was both. God is good and the weather has finally turned around to be warm and sunny so I think that has helped. I love having the house open to let in the fresh air. The kids can go outside and play. The only down fall to that is a bath every night lol. And dirty foot prints on my wonderful white floor. (I really HATE that floor)

My mom has had problems and needs your prayers. There is so much going on with her and it is so hard to explain it all. Just talked to her today and she is sick to her stomach which has been a long time problem for her and no one seems to know what to do for her. She is very tired and weak all the time. Please pray for her health and healing so she can see some light at the end of the tunnel.

This winter has taken it's toll on everyone this year. I just found out that my grandparents are very sick. They will be getting results to some x-rays they had taken yesterday, please pray that it isn't anything bad. They are both coughing a lot and they are up in years. Also, my Aunt Roda went to the hospital the same day and she is very sick also. Please pray for all those who are sick, it has been rough this year on everyone.

I have to praise God for His faithfulness and His grace. God is so good to us it is unbelievable even though we may not see it at times. He has been here for us this year and we feel really blessed. This past week Gerry received news that there will be more lay offs, for the third time this year. He was worried he maybe one to go but found out he still has a job for now. Only God knows if there will be any more lay offs but we will be praying there won't be. I feel so sorry for Gerry, see he is in a position where he is the one to walk the people up to HR to tell them they won't have a job. He HATE'S doing this. If it was up to him he would find a job for each of them. He didn't sleep well and is starting to come down with a cold. So, needless to say today they started telling the people. Please pray for them all no one wants to see anyone out of work. Lift everyone who is out of work up in prayer and that things start to turn around for this country.

I have to add that going through all of this he has admitted to praying more and trusting God for the results. What a blessing that a lone is. Looking at where he came from to where he is now. See we don't talk about searching for God's wisdom but now know he is and it is wonderful.

It is funny cause I started to get comfortable again and I ended up going out with friends this past weekend. I spent money that I really didn't need to spend. Even though I had a wonderful time with the girls I never would have spent the money if I knew this was going to happen.
And needless to say that very same day I signed the kids up for swimming at 3:30; Gerry got the news at 4:30 talk about guilt O my I felt terrible even though he gave permission to do it. Gerry is so sweet and tries hard not to show his emotions. God has blessed me with the husband I have cause I'm not too sure anyone else could deal with me lol. I have to thank God for him.

Gerry please always know God is ALWAYS there for you and we are always there for you too. As long as we have God and each other things will be fine. I LOVE YOU !!!!!

Long time no blog, lol Merry Christmas!

The Salyers clan

Aunt Debbie and Darby

Nana and Tara

Andre, Grandma and Cody

Grandma and me (Billie)

Well, I am still a live but just haven't been blogging for a while. It has been crazy here. The last blog was when my Grandparents stopped by on their way to Florida. Well, when they left my parents came down a few days later, stayed one night and we all headed to Florida for Grandma's 80th surprise birthday party. The party was wonderful everyone was there and we had great food. But the best part was Grandma had all her kids there to celebrate with her. I know even my Uncle who passed away was there with us. I think that is the best gift we could have given her all of us being there. Gerry, Tara and I headed back to SC after one full night in Florida cause the next day I had to go in for my per opt test for my hand surgery. I hated to leave but was thankful to be able to see everyone. Andre stayed with my parents for a few extra days. Yes the first for him and I think he loved it. He had a lot of fun playing and riding around on the 15 acres.

On November 20th I had surgery on my hand. Mom & Dad was here in time to help take care of the kids for us. They stayed only a few days cause dad had to get back to work. So this pretty much should bring you up to date now. My hand seems to be doing pretty good now but I'm still in a hard cast. I can't wait to get it off in January.

The kids both had birthday's this month. Tara turned 4 on the 6th and Andre turned 10 on the 19th. Still hard to believe how fast time flies. They are coming into their own and want things the way they want them. I will ask for prayer though Andre has started the per teen attitude already so any prayers would help him stay a live till he turns 11, lol. I will post pictures of the kids birthday's later on.

I also wanted to wish you all a wonderful, healthy Merry Christmas. Lets take this time to remember the reason we celebrate Christmas, Jesus. He is our wonderful saviour who loves us no matter what. He is the great I Am, always there for us even when we may not want Him to be. What unconditional love He gives, I am in awe of Him. How can he love a sinner like me. I do know I love Him and want to say Happy Birthday Jesus without you I can't do anything. He is my rock.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

Four days with Great Grandma and Great Grandpa

Tara had to wear her princess dress to dance.

Andre and Great Grandma

Great Grandpa, Andre Great Grandma

O my, what a three some lol. Grandpa is so proud of his car the first thing he usually does when he gets here is wash it. Thank God cause it gets Gerry out there to ours too. And of course little Miss Prissy had to get her hands and clothes wet too lol. She had so much fun helping Grandpa and Daddy. In case you can't tell by her smile.

Ooooooooo money want to be friends give me money lol

Grandma and Grandpa made it here November 5th thank God they didn't run into any snow or rain. They usually do on their way through the mountains. See, they come to visit twice a year once on their way to Florida for the winter and than again in April on their way back to Erie for the summer. I love each and every visit we have. I am very close to my grandparents and they love me unconditionally no matter what my faults are. I am thankful we had some beautiful days here, in the 70's and low 80's. I think Grandpa loves it when Gerry is around, it keeps him busy. Friday they were out all day and went to lunch and they even spent some time washing and waxing the cars, all of them even Don came over to do his and Allie's. Thank you Grandpa it really never gets done until you come around lol. I was also able to take Grandma to see Tara at her dance class. Now let me tell you this IF she sees me anywhere around she stops dancing all together. But she was so happy Great Grandma was there she danced while she was watching. There of course was a point I not Grandma had to leave so she would do what Miss Pam told her to do. What a little stinker I have lol. I love you Grandma and Grandpa and enjoy all our visits! I am sad to say they left Sunday November 9th bright and early. They are now in Florida for the winter. We will see you soon though.