Lydia Stars In A Magazine!!!

Lydia's fame moves up from being splattered on billboards across Broome County to starring in a trade magazine. Association for Convenience and Petroleum Retailing puts out a monthly magazine called NACS Magazine to discuss the going ons within the Petroleum retail industry. This national trade organization ran an article on the Mighty Marts Local Business Model associated to their charitable activities. And sure enough, little Lydia starred front and center in the January 2009 magaizne. Check out the article below:

In a tough economic climate, Manley’s still makes charitable contributions a priority.
BY HOWARD RIELL

Pulling the Sled With The Four Wheeler...

You know when you call to check on your daughter when the grandparents are baby sitting for you. There are things you just aren't prepared to hear. "Oh, Bill is outside pulling Lydia around in her sled....with the four wheeler." This is one of those statements.

I have the utmost of confidence in Gramma and Grampa, and I know he was going slow and being cautious. However, it is still a shock when you hear something like that. Above is a picture of Gramma and Lydia, and of course the sled Grampa was pulling Lydie around in. This blog entry would have been even better if I had a photo of Grampa, Lydia, the sled and of course the four wheeler. After I thought about it for a while, it sure sounds like fun being pulled around on the four wheeler in a sled. Why haven't I ever tried that?

Grammie Sue 2009 Winter Visit

In the heart of the coldest part of winter, Grammie Sue came to visit little Lydia. Leaving her tropical paradise in Florida, to brave the weather for the sole purpose of spoiling her grand daughter. Lot of fun with the family, and lots of great food for the visit. Too bad the weather never rose above 10 degrees while she was here...we north easterners felt horrible for her ;-) Above you will see Auntie Pam and Grammie during dinner, and below, Grammie and Uncle Jack entertained Little Lydia.

Below, little Lydia plays with some new toys that Grammie gave her...her favorite cartoon characters from Wow-Wow Wubsie! Both stuffed animals and rubber action figures. Grammie Sue recieved gifts from Lydia each day as well. It wa sa great visist and great to spend time with my momma. Notice in the photo below, you can see a little of Grammie Sue's genetic influence.

Grammie Sue is back in Florida now...all warm and spoiled, and we miss her.

Sled Riding With Auntie Pam and Uncle Jack!

After eating a wonderful breakfast cooked by Uncle Jack (in honor of Grammie Sue). The kids all went outside to play. YEAH!!!! Lets go sleigh riding. It was the first day above 20 degrees in over week and a half, and we really wanted to get out of the house. Below is a great shot of Auntie Pam and Lydia ripping down the hill. Now that is good for laughs isn't it?

Princess Lydia would never be expected to walk up the hill herself, and below is Daddy pulling her up the hill. I guess there may some other motives here in play. I figure I am starting to set a standard for the future men in her life. Just trying to set the bar pretty high :-) I know wishful thinking right?

However, one thing I can say, when Lydia asks for something she gets it. "Snow Angel Uncle Jack!" And Uncle Jack just plopped in the middle of the frozen pond to make one. Lydia only has to ask, and the masses flock to her feet :-)

Now you have to go check out the gallery for the other shots here. Have you ever wanted to see Uncle Jack's belly? Well, it is easy enough....just check out the gallery, and you can see his belly in action as he makes the snow angel. The 2009 In Review Gallery is Here, and has been started!

Remembering My Brother

We walked thousands of miles together, in our very different shoes.
Teaching me so much: wrestling, fishing, baseball, football, and hockey.
Watching Saturday cartoons, sorting through millions of sports cards together
The best sleigh riding trails known to mankind…
Shooting the bb gun was a blast (except when you shot the windows)…
Summer Days at Beaver Lake...
Defending me when I could not defend myself…
Playing pool in the basement, even if I could never win…
You let me pal along, even when I wasn’t wanted…
Driving me to school each day, showing me the finer points of music…
Super Bowls and family outings…
The talks we had when I would drive you places…
Race night at thunder mountain was always fun too…
Always time to share a smoke together…
Boating and Fishing on the Chenango…
Looking up to you in all the things you did not fear…
Caring so much, I wished there was more I could do to help…
Always with a bounce in your step, always a smile on your face…
We weren’t the closest of brothers; our passions were so different,
But each and every moment we shared, I hold dear to my heart.
I love and miss you so much my brother…