I feel like I'm there!

Jim, the pics were great. Thanks for sharing with us. I know you miss everyone at home but you are so fortunate to have this opportunity. Take care.

Pictures

I'm gonna try this link to some pictures I've taken here in Italy. It's a facebook link, but I'm pretty sure you don't have to be a member to see them.

There's not a whole lot to report on, except that I drove through Naples the other day to return my rental car and pick up a leased one, and I'm glad that both myself and my car made it out in one piece. The traffic in that city is absolutely insane. I plan to move into a leased apartment unit soon also, right on the beach. Should make for an interesting summer, it supposedly gets pretty crowded.

Indy visit

Terri, Todd, and boys,we had a wonderful time at your house. I think Reese wants to move in. She loved all the yard toys. When I picked her up from school yesterday she wanted to know if we were going to Aunt Terri's to see Cole. Maybe we can plan a weekend when school is out to visit again. Hopefully the next time we visit I won't have such vivid dreams although Terri I'm not so sure Todd may have been talking in his sleep and I heard him. After all, you can't confirm totally since you were upstairs. Thanks again.

We did it!!

Just to let those who didn't know, we did complete the mini marathon. It helped me a lot having Jeff find me and walk with me that last half a mile or so. I was hurting pretty bad by then. Next time I will take the training more seriously. I was good up to mile 10, then I just lost it. Heather caught up with Mike at mile 12 and had a time of 1:56, Mike 2:02, Barbie 2:58 and I came in at 3:11. Next time we also need to get there earlier for potty breaks so we can start on time. But then if Barbie and Heather hadn't gotten trapped in E-Ons (?) parking area it could have made a difference. I'm not sure how Chip did in the relay, and the I'm having problems getting to the results page...so let us know how you did Chip. We also need to make better plans for meeting afterwards so we don't waste an hour walking in circles. (or Mike needs to find a way to carry a cell phone while running)

Terri and Todd, thanks for putting up with us Saturday night and Sunday morning. I know we weren't too lively. We now know not to trust Mike at Scrabble. John almost caught Terri by using all his tiles, but she held on to the lead by 1. Cam didn't have a shot cause all he ever drew were vowels. Unless they make e-i-e-i-o a word.

I need to decide what race I'm going to do next so I don't let what little training I do have go to waste and have to start with not being able to go a mile again.

Beth, I think your family is the only one I didn't get to see while I was up there. Anything going on at the Nolan household...or in Indy, or Cincy or Italy?

We're Coming

Terri, as far as I know we of course are coming for the mass and will stay overnight if there is room and leave Sunday morning as Mark & Jeannie came home this week end and they are having a get-to-gather when we get back. Paul would have loved to play golf, maybe we can get up there later in the summer so they can play a round. We are picking up Debbie and Heather at the airport around 2:oo this afternoon. Decided at the last minute to fly. They are planning on going up with Barbie and will be there for the night. Don't know what time they will be leaving Sunday, but their plane is suppose to leave around 4:00. Cheryl and Jeff, & Reese I think are going to leave later Saturday as he wants to cheer the runners on. Wasn't sure what time they were leaving, but they of course are planning on staying overnight too. And I know Mike was also planning on staying. Beth, and Sherry I don't know exactly what they are planning. Sherry was taking Eryn to the airport first and then heading up. Don't know anything about the grandkids except for Reese. You might know all of this, but just thought I'd let you know what I knew.
Will watch for Cam also, will probably be sitting in the back of church. I hope this all sounds sensible.

Sleepover info

i can't wait to see everyone - and Wyatt is so excited, literally counting down the days.  I wanted to point out that when you get close to our neighborhood (Brookside) the road looks closed - but it is open to our entrance, you just go around the barricade. Didn't want anyone freaking out. 

 I hope Eryn & Mike have a great trip - and all of you runner/walkers have a great race. 

Cheryl I don't think we'll need the aero bed - but if you want to throw it in feel free, might need it - might not,  I honestly don't have a headcount on who is staying!  Todd wanted to tell anyone who wants to golf to  bring their clubs and you all could do the par 3 sun. morning if you want. Bring a swimsuit for Reese if you think she might want to swim  - other than that you don't need anything.  I'm gonna be home tomorrow cooking and stuff (which reminds me - I can't find my "slushy" recipe - Sherry I'll need a copy of yours) so call/e-mail if you have any last minute questions. Oh, yeah - anyone heading to the Mass keep a lookout for Cam near the end of it.  He'll be walking over from the baseball field from his 9:00 game.  Todd, Wyatt and I will be in the front row (don't know how we got that spot!) Which Wyatt says means he'll be the last one to receive Communion - I told him they save the best for last! See y'all Sat.

Vacation

Well Mike and I are leaving for Mexico on Saturday, so we won't be heading up to Indy. We are cruising out of San Diego, I've never been to California so I'm pretty excited. Were going to check out the zoo while were in San Diego. Then were going to go ziplining in Cabo, Kayaking in Mazaltan, and relaxing in Puerto Vallarta. Let's pray Mike won't come back all blistered up. We won't be making it to any Derby functions since we don't get back til the 4th.

I hope everyone has a safe trip up north! Love you guys!

Peter Pan

Mike, do you know if there are still tickets available for Peter Pan? I talked with Sherry and she said she thought Reese would really like it so Jeff said to call you to see if you knew. I though you said Chase was going to get your tickets. Thanks.

Derby Day Lunch

Hi all, just wanted to know if anyone would be going to lunch on Derby Day. If yes, I wanted to see if anyone would be interested in going to Incrediable Daves. They have food along with blow up slides, games, bungie jump, dodge cars, WII and bowling. I took Reese there before and she really enjoyed it. The food isn't bad either.

If you all have plans for Saturday, maybe you might be interested in going on Sunday. If any one is interested please let me know. I think it might be something Reese would enjoy for her birthday. I don't know if I can take a cake in or not but will find out ahead of time. If you all are busy or not interested I understand. Just let me know. Thanks.

Terri's Sleep Over

Terri, do we need to bring our aero bed for the sleep over? It's always packed with sheets so it won't be any problem just let me know. We are looking forward to it.

OF COURSE YOU ALL CAN

Of course you all can do it with time to spare. Just keep big brother in sight(I guess he will lead the way for you) and you will do alright. We will see you all up at Terri's. Do you still know the way. Paul did a Map Quest for the church, and of course we have the GPS to follow. Good luck to all and have a great time while doing it.

We can do it Deb.....I think!

We will be close to the end, but so what if they close the course, we just keep going and we will know that we finished it and then we will just have to do it next year. According to the marathonguide.com race predictor with our 10k times I should finish the race in 2:57:43 and you should finish it in 3:09:02. According to my 10mile results I should finish the race in 3:01:44. So, they added 4 minutes to my time so Barbie's prediction is you should finish it in 3:13:02. Almost 2 whole minutes to spare. I can't believe we would be the worst one's out there.

1st Communion Mass - May 7, 1972

I am assuming that this was Terri's. I was cleaning my computer/craft room and found the handout. No kids names on it though. But the First Reading was "The Giving Tree" and I thought Terri did that. If so, do you want the handout? Otherwise, it will go back into my box of papers and photos that aren't organized yet. (which is almost all of my photos and papers).

Sold Out

Looks like we may be a little bit crowded for the mini-marathon. Just went to the website and saw it was sold out at 12,000 runners. The race starts at 7:30am and has a 15min pace time-limit before they start opening the streets on us. That gives us 3hrs 15 min + the 1/10 of a mile. I'm sure most of us will finish in a lot less time...but I will probably be just in front of the cars. I hope they don't start counting until the last person crosses the start line.

Terri, I just talked with Heather and we are still planning on staying the night even though we won't have the kids. Sounds like no one will have to be sleeping on the hardwoods like the guys had to at my house. (Next time we'll make sure we have an air mattress that will hold air, plus we now have Heather and Robs house to spill over into)

Can't wait to see everyone this weekend. Sounds like a busy time between Peter Pan, the race and Terri's.

Barb's Blurb or Merten's Mumble

Terri, I will more than likely stay. The only reason I've been hesitent is because I've been so busy and have to see if anything I've been neglecting rears it's ugly head. I doubt that Anna will be able to make it, more on her later. And I haven't talked to John about it yet.

Happy Birthday and Anniversary to everyone!

Sorry Laura about 4 finals. My one class decided to take the final a week early since we finished the scheduled work early. I did not vote to take it early. Silly college kids, all they have to do is study. After working a 60 hour week I was a little worried since I did no studying, but it wasn't a comprehensive final and the work was on simple xbar and r charts. Now, i'm waiting on my grade.

I just realized I signed up for 2 classes in the fall and we are supposed to go live with this project at work in February. I was thinking at the time that the classes would be simple enough (project management and a programming class). However, now that I think about it they will both require a lot of homework. I better rethink that one.

Anna has her move date for her job to go to Bowling Green. She starts there on May 12th. She will work in Clarksville as needed as backup for vacations. She is keeping her assistant manager position so she has insurance, paid tuition and a steady income. Yeah!

got to go meet everyone for lunch. john is giving me dirty looks.

EARTHQUAKE?!

I never thought I'd be writing a post asking if y'all are ok after an EARTHQUAKE!? But, is everyone ok???

Happy Anniversary

Happy Anniversary Jeff and Cheryl tomorrow. Hope I got that right.Not sure exactly how many, but congratulations from both of us.

It's long- but read it!

Okay, the comments for Murphs blog crack me up - Eryn may be talking about this in therapy. Anyway, congrats to Chris on the award  and  Happy birthday to everyone!  Cheryl, I'm so glad you all might stay over (yes, plenty of room) and so bummed that Rob & kids won't make it - the boys (and us) were excited to have them. Anyone who can stay - please do! We can make plans according to who all ends up staying, but there's lots to do - and just hanging out will be fun. (Hope the weather's nice!) Lots of options -we can cram in as much as we want or do as little as you like.  Could do "grown-up" dinner at the club (child-care play room on premises for little ones! Thought Heather & Rob might like that - but now maybe just Reese & Cole if we do that?) I won free dinner for four from there so thought we could use that towards our group if we go there. Or there's always pizza at the house -  or leftovers!  There's access to golf and indoor swimming so bring suits or whatever if you think you'd like to do that.  (They do deliver margaritas pool side - makes watching the little ones swim even more delightful! And there is a lifeguard.) And of course there's the Childrens Museum - I hear it's not very crowded on Sundays and opens at 10:00 - Reese & kids at heart might enjoy that before you have to head back. There's a great outdoor mall 5 minutes from here - there's the Monon trail to walk - Broad Ripple area - Carmel Arts & Design District - I could go on and on. (Actually that's all I can think of right now - but you get the idea.) Hopefully I've made this enticing enough to get you all to come stay - if not now then sometime. We've got 6 bedrooms, 2 pull out sofas and lots of floor space - so come on up! Short of driving your butts up here myself I don't think I could make this offer much better. So keep it in mind for the 26th and any time you want a little (free!) get away - we'd love to see y'all, this includes the "younger generation" too. Okay, I'm done now. Watch e-mail for "e-vite" for First Communion - I'm too lazy (and too late) to do the real ones! Love y'all.

Happy,happy birthday

Happy birthday tomorrow to Charly and to Eryn for her 21st.And although I sent a card, I mailed it to Laura at her Mom's so she probably hasn't gotten it yet, so another Happy birthday to Laura. Hope everyone enjoys and enjoyed their special day. Luv to all

Oh, Poop!

My kids will know right away who wrote this post... Laura's birthday came and went - we did wish her a happy birthday and offered to go to Bloomington for a birthday meal, but I wish I had blogged her a birthday greeting, so that's why "Oh, Poop!" She was able to celebrate another year of getting older (which is better than the alternative) with her "Butler Buddies" in Indy. Which, I'm sure, was more fun than Mom and Dad could have provided... I'm thinking now might be a tough time to get past - heading into Finals, needing to find a summer job and a new roommate - so wanted to send a "Hang In There!" At least her taxes are done and bills are paid, and she's found herself a great guy to love and love her, so Cheerio! and "Full Speed Ahead" (!!?? I don't know why I said that...) But anyway, this Blog's For You! (Budweiser commercial??) and Happy Birthday! (Again) With love from Moom

words from the Murphs

Not much going on around here lately, Eryn painted the front bathroom last weekend. Now have to find new curtains to go with the new color. We are getting ready to paint the back bathroom and middle room. Kitchen is last.
Going to Indy this afternoon to drop David off with Todd and the boys they are going to a Pacers game. We will head back up sometime tomorrow to pick him up.
Chris is receiving the Governors award on May 8th at the Capital in Frankfort Ky for the work he's done on the Habitat for Humanity.
I fell and brusied my left foot so I thought I would join mom and Terri in the foot club.

Eryn, Mike and their friends are going camping tonight,so nobody call us. we have no kids tonight.

Have a great Thunder

bouncing in from Indy

Hey everyone, 

been a while since I've posted. Not much to say though.  Planned to get out invites for Wyatt's first communion - but may not happen, will probably just do an "e-vite" if anything.  If not - it's on Saturday, April 26.  Mass is at 10:00 - party will be whenever the "runners" can get here.  Do you all have any idea when you might make it up?  We'd love for anyone to stay the night who would like to - let me know.  

Oh, yeah - the "bouncing"  is cause we got our trampoline set up (I set it up! - along with fixing seats around the sandbox, mulching and other odd projects. Been a project heavy spring break so far - but now it's rainy, so will have to stay indoors!) The boys have been loving the trampoline though - tons of fun! Todd has always been very against one, they always say it's a sure trip to the ER - but I figure with 4 boys we're heading there anyway, so might as well have fun! Plus, Santa brought it, so it can't be returned! You all gotta come visit and bounce (safety enclosure is in place!)

UPDATE

Paul's Mom, Mary is now at the Southern Indiana Rehab on Blackiston Mill Rd. She has been in there one week now. Her hip surgery has not caused her any problems at all, but she has been having problems with gas and constipation more than anything. We were there this morning for a family consultation whereas they believe that she has received all the therapy that they can give her and suggest that she will need 24 hour supervision yet and so they are going to try to get her into Ventcor in Corydon which is I guess a nursing home. She is looking forward to that as she believes that she will be able to play cards with her friends when they visit. As to Duck, talked with her yesterday and she is going to try to come next Thursday to play tripoli here at home (my turn). She is still having some problems with getting around but doing better. She did have a rough time with the back surgery tho. If interested, my little toe is still ailing. One I cracked or rather I guess broke in Florida. Still keeping it taped up which helps. Sorry Mel, to hear that Joe has had trouble with his teeth. I never thought about a dog having that kind of problems. Hope Jeff is doing alright. Congrats again on getting your award tomorrow. Wish we could be there. Will be thinking of you. Hope everyone else is doing o.k.

For Those Who Need Mending...

Wanted to add my sympathies to those who are needing special care at this time. Paul's Mom has been in Rehab (an update, Mom?). Aunt Duck has seemed to have a rough time with a fall and injury to her back, but at home and healing, hopefully. Heather and Rob's friend, Natalie, surely can use some prayers.

I'm sure Mel will take good care of Joe (I didn't know you had a dog!)

The quote from my daily calendar yesterday was "The best things in life aren't things" - I liked that one! One coming up later this week (yes, I look ahead sometimes) is "If you don't start, you won't arrive". Just thought I'd share those random thoughts....

Nike Ball Cap??

Kept meaning to check who might have left their ball cap here at Easter. Navy blue, Nike... No baseball glove, though. Hope the Metzgers have been able to find that.

Alan and I are on vacation this week...Staying put, but staying busy. We've been working outside in the glorious weather the last few days. Among other things, Alan pulled out some bushes, trimmed a tree, filled in some cracks in driveway and front porch.... I've been "fluffing" mulch (and "supervised" the trimming!) Seems like lots still to do. Ahh! The joys of home ownership!

Congrates to Anna. We were just talking about school at Easter. Not much going on here either, just lots of work and school keeping me busy. Trying to finish up my last few projects for the end of the semester. I recieve my award this Thur. Hooray!! Been also getting ready for READY FOR SCHOOL night for our parent (just hope more parents show up this year).

Oh and I had to take my poor Joe (my dog) to get his teeth cleaned today. I was so nervous because they were putting him under. I know its silly but he is my baby and he has never been put to sleep before. Anyway they ended up pulling some teeth, one had an infection and was deteriorating a bone. He is doing good though but a little sore and swollen.

Love to all!!

Cat got your tongue?

Seems like everyones gotten quiet. Not that I have anything to say either. Yep absolutely nothing is happening. Still training for the mini but not doing as much as I should. John said he may start racing with us next year. I told him he could do the Bernheim race in October. Anna's been accepted back to WKU. NOw she just needs to get her job transferred. Hopefully it will all work out okay. Other than that, just working, going to school, and working.

Prayer Request

Please keep our friend Natalie is your prayers today. She found out she has breast cancer about 2 weeks ago. Today she having a double masectomy. Please also continue to pray for her healing as she undergoes chemo. She has two little girls - Maddie is 6 (she is 6 weeks younger than Haley) and Katie is 2. Also, today is her 33rd birthday.

Thank you!

Checking In From Cincy

I have read that a post from me is apparently in high demand. Other than the fact that I am posting, this will likely be uninteresting. I'll figure out the posting pictures for my next blog. Actually, I'll probably wait until the summer as I take more pictures when it is warmer.

So life in Cincinnati hasn't changed much since I last talked to anyone. My job at National City is going well. Hopefully I'll still be able to say that in several months. It was just announced today that our board of directors are making strategic analysis, or something like that. This was released today and was released on the wire so this isn't anything confidential. There is lots of speculation, but nobody really has any clue. Considering they made this type of announcement, most of my co-workers are expecting some sort of resolution within the month as to not keep uncertainty for too long. I believe our earnings report is on April 22nd, so stay tuned.

No other major changes, except in the weather. Starting to feel pretty nice outside, although Debbie is trying to rub it in that it is already 74 degrees down south and up north we are busting out the shorts for high 50's. I will be partaking in several Reds games this week. I'm lucky enough to be able to use the National City Suite this Thursday for the Reds day game and also got free tickets through work for Sunday's day game as well.

Oh yeah, you might find this amusing, but to pass the time, I joined a dodge ball league with my friends. Turns out I'm not too shabby but looking forward to the end - my arm hurts after each game. Playoffs (yes playoffs) start this week and we got a bye so that's always good. We have a chance at the championship but I won't be disappointed if we go out early. I have to make sure my arm is ready for sand volleyball - not the sand volleyball like Charly and Ryan play, but more recreational.

Glad to hear everyone is doing well. Sorry that my update is rather boring. I'm sorry that I missed Easter as it sounds like it was a great time. Rachel and I are still doing well with one of us making the weekend trip to Columbus or Cincinnati. I look forward to seeing everybody at the next opportunity. Everyone take care and I'll do my best to blog more.

Heat!!

How do you run in it? I managed to get in 5 miles today but made the mistake of starting at 2:30. It had been rainy most of the morning so I thought it would be cool, but by the time I got ready to run it was 74 and partly sunny. My hands were swelling within the first 1/2 mile. I took a drink or two every time I passed my house (which was 5 times but not evenly spaced). It didn't help that someone was burning something and it was smokey. I know I've been bad about drinking water throughout the day and drinking way too many dt. cokes. Those 5 miles were harder than the 9 I ran on Sunday (53 and overcast with a slight breeze...perfect for running). I think I may rework my mornings so I can run before I start work. Any ideas on how to prevent the swelling would be appreciated.

Oh yeah, it sure would be nice to see some other Easter/Charly & Ryan party pictures. Someone needs to find a nice (and secure) place for us to upload and share. I use Costco and Snapfish, but am willing to go anywhere if it means I can see some of the pictures you all take up home. :) Maybe we could even get some Italy, Cincinnati and Indianapolis pictures to.