She's Having A Baby

Between Karen, Shannon and I someone had to buckle on the no baby stance. Thankfully for the baby, it was Shannon. Not only will Shannon be a fabulous mom, but with not one, but two awesome Aunt Karen's - this Kid is destined for greatness.

Shannon and Danny drove down from Bean Town to celebrate the pending arrival. Even though she made out with the baby gifts, Shannon's not one to like an event in her honor. But she was a trooper and even participated in some baby shower games.

This picture cracks me up 'cause Shannon looks so cute, but you can see a little bit of terror in her eyes. I wonder if it's the shower or the thought of all the lost sleep she is going to have.

I wish there was a way to get this blanket without having to have the kid. It was so cute, so soft. That kid is gonna love it.

Me and my girls - unless of course the peanut will be a boy.

Karen and her sister made the invitations - they were based on the baby room decor. They used the theme for the invites for this beautiful cake.

Almost too pretty to eat.

Shannon's sisters helped throw the shin-dig. Joye (left), Jamie (right) and Joye's oldest girl - Maddie.

As far as showers go, I had a good time. The games were cute and both Karen and I won a game. No, they were not rigged - I told you we are awesome.

The other reason I enjoyed myself is I got some quality time with Maddie. She is So Precious. And the face of an angel. Even with a few missing teeth.

Love this kid. But don't go getting any ideas thinking - Shannon changed her mind, maybe Karen will too. Uh, No. If ever I have any doubt, I will just go to Toys R Us. I almost had a panic attack trying to get some items for Shannon and Danny. Luckily a nice woman helped me out, I was so desperate to get out of there I probably bought way too much. I know I spent too much. It is unreal how much baby crap costs. And Shannon was only asking for the necessities. God forbid you want to buy anything fun, you have to take out a loan, or sell a kidney. And I am saving mine for when Tim needs a new one.

Lots more pictures of the festivities below. Enjoy.

Tour of the Universe

I have been keeping an mental countdown to the new Depeche Mode album - Sounds of The Universe will be released April 21. What a nice birthday gift from the boys to me.

Greg has been keeping an eye out on all the goodies that make their way to the Internet.

Including this leaked track Fragile Tension

This clip of them performing Wrong at the Echo awards in Germany


The official video for Wrong. The video itself is wrong - I am not a fan of masks and they are only in the video for one scene. Even with my issues, it's still a good and memorable video.


And last but certainly not least - the upcoming tour was announced!!!
I told Greg I will try to keep it in check and only go to 4-5 shows.

Mike & Chris - make sure you are free on Tue, July 28th!
Ransom, Liz, and my Amanda are taking a road trip to AC
Hopefully Kath can change some plans so we can visit her in Seattle and see the boys
Tampa with my girl Christy and then over to see the nieces.

SOOO Excited. Plus, based on the first two songs and what I have read - this is going to be an excellent album - or rather Deluxe Box Set!!!

Fri, July 24th Toronto, ON Molson Amphitheater
Sat, July 25th Montréal, PQ Bell Centre
Tue, July 28th Washington DC, Nissan Pavilion
Fri, July 31st Boston, MA Comcast (Great Woods)
Sat, Aug 1st Atlantic Cty,NJ Borgata
Mon, Aug 3rd New York, NY Madison Square Garden
Mon, Aug 10th Seattle, WA Key Arena
Wed, Aug 12th San Fran, CA Shoreline Amphitheater
Fri, Aug 14th San Diego, CA Cricket Wireless Amphit
Sun, Aug 16th LA, CA Hollywood Bowl
Mon, Aug 17th LA, CA Hollywood Bowl
Thu, Aug 20th Snta Bbra, CA County Bowl
Sat, Aug 22nd Las Vegas, NV Pearl Concert Theater
Sun, Aug 23rd Phoenix, AZ US Air
Tue, Aug 25th SLC, UT E Center
Thu, Aug 27th Denver, CO Red Rocks
Sat, Aug 29th Dallas, TX Superpages
Sun, Aug 30th Houston, TX Woodlands Pavilion
Tue, Sept 1st Atlanta, GA Lakewood Amphitheater
Fri, Sept 4th Tampa, FL Ford Amphitheater
Sat, Sept 5th Ft. Ldrdle, FL Bank Atlantic

Grave Dig-her

 

FEED ME!!!!!

Since I am in South Carolina this weekend Greg gets to experience a smig of what I get every morning - a hungry Benny Boy who wants to be Fed. Greg only got the evil eye.

I get that and much, much more. Whiskers in the nose, a paw to the face, racking his paws through my hair. Sounds annoying, I know, yet I miss him lots, so much so I had trouble sleeping last night.

Then I realized - I am at a hotel - that means I am able to rent movies that are still in theaters - that means I get to watch TWILIGHT again. Woo Hoo.

Pic of the Day-Boating with my girls

 

Happy Birthday Jadyn

Jadyn turns double digits today!! Happy 10th birthday JadyJade.

We celebrated yesterday with a few games of laser tag. Having never played before I was very surprised at how tiring it was. Of course the objective is to be all stealth and sneak around rather than my version of running around like a goof ball and nearly crashing into the walkways. I am also pretty shocked at how sore I am this morning. I better start making some attempt at exercise.

Here's a shot of the group that played. For my first time 5th place was pretty good. Especially since my stategery was to rapid fire in all directions. Greg decided to watch the coats but was still full of comments at how I should have played and how much better his score would have been. Next time he is playing and we will see who the winner will be!

The Bells - Jadyn, Aaron and Joc

Team Red was the best team.

Goofing around with my big gun.

Jadyn had a lot of fun with her friends - thanks for inviting us old folks to play too.

What a cute young lady. We love ya Jadyn.
Slide show of more photos.

Catching up with

Sooo behind in posting. Soo lazy lately. Here's some photos from the New Years trip to Philly to see the Mummers Parade. Greg posted some photos of his NYE trip to Fla. It was a bummer ringing in the new year without my honey, butt I know he enjoys his time with the girls and the Mummers is a tough sell if you haven't grown up with it.

The day started out at Suzanne's with a visit from Jack and Maria's fam. We were not lucky enough to have Tyler come too - but he's got his license now so maybe he will be visiting down south sometime.

A boy and his mother.

Group shot with the official Mummers parade marshals.

The Fam Damily in front of City Hall. It doesn't come across just how cold it was - it took me a week to fully warm up my core.

Lots, lots, lots more pictures in the slideshow.

Old New Years Pix

I don't know why Greg insists on posting such small slideshows. Luckily I have figured out how to change the html version. Now you can actually see how much fun he had with the girls. Even with that update - there's still a few photos that deserve to be highlighted.

My sense of coordination prevents me from looking at a skateboard let alone attempting to ride one with two dogs. Although they are super cute dogs with some pretty good training - still. I was impressed. And slightly concerned Greg has a death wish.

So close to ringing in the new year before exhaustion hit.

Not just a good shot of G with Emma-bo-bemma - butt also shows Greg's awesome new jacket Mom got him for Christmas. Not the easiest man in the world to buy gifts for.

Saturday, Saturday, Saturday

Feld Entertainment expanded last year and acquired Motor Sports - so now we tour with Super Cross, Hot Rods and MONSTER JAM. I twisted Greg's arm to go by inviting Johnny Boy Law with his awesome two kids - JP and Dale. I love the crap outta these two boogers but they can drive a sane person crazy - so you can imagine how I was by the end of the day.

Greg tried to claim he had better ways to spend his day - but he sure does look like he is enjoying himself.

Plus he took lots of photos.

We both liked the preshow of Super Cross

But I was still kinda tired - Long Day.

Lots more pictures.

Sunday! Sunday!! Sunday!!!

Karen White Fissell

Here's a couple before pictures. Did better first time out than I usually do. Maybe I am finally getting a hang of this boarding thing - did Much better with the ever so tricky getting Off the lift. Had a bit of a comical spill gettin On the lift - but I blame Ryan for that one.

I would just like to mention I am mostly wearing my nephews hand-me-downs that they have GROWN out of. I am not complaining. Saves me a buck or two.

Of course I forgot something - I'm Karen, that's what I do. At least it was only my insulated socks that I forgot. I did remember my toe socks and they did a good job of keeping the tootsies snuggley warm.

It wasn't as cold as it was yesterday, even though it was snowing quite a bit. A few trips down the diamond slopes and no matter what the weather, we were sweating enough to come back and dry off.

Gonna take a break for lunch, see if I did any major damage to my finger - yeah, of course I jacked it just a bit. Again, I'm Karen.

Bring It On

I know I am a bit behind on posting - need to post some pictures from the Mummers parade, spending time with the family in Philly, Greg's got some pictures to post of his time with the girls. So much to share, yet cannot find the time.

In the mean time - here's a little somethin, somethin my girl Karen Ransom sent this morning.


She sure knows what I like! I am trying not to get too excited about the S word - but its looking good!

Thanks Dad.

Introducing

The newest member of the Beck Family - Mom's new puppy - Godiva.

Isn't she the cutest? She is a 10 week Yorkipoo and is so sweet. She just cuddles into you when you hold her. Mom is smitten - one look and she was hooked. We are so happy Mom's finally found the perfect dog for her - now we get to spoil her rotten - and then go home :)

Here is a slideshow of more pictures.

It's Christmas Time

Just a few of the many pictures of Chrismas Eve and Christmas day with lots of family and friends.
A couple of very strong nephews

Me, Jadyn & Turtle the cat - all grown up. Jadyn's hair looked great - she chopped off a Lot of hair for Locks of Love - Again.

Greg & Jadyn (Shady taking to higher ground to stay away from the visiting dog)

John, Greg & Randy - friends since Little Leage.

They have been friends since Logan's age - Randy's oldest on the right. Great shot of the group of men - young and old.

As promised - lots more pics.

Happy Holidays

Part of the fun of the season is all the photos in the Christmas Cards. Here's a few scans of the pics so far.

We are still waiting on a few pictures (hint, hint Eagney's, Suz, and Jack) so there will be updates to this post as they come in.

Starting off with my extended niece and nephew on the Ransom side - Sammy & DJ

These two beautiful shots of the twiny, twin, twins Dale & JP


The Sullivan's (well the man in the pope hat isn't a Sullivan) - Joey, Mary, Sean & Kevin

More Twins - there must be something in the water (That I am Not drinking) Matthew & Natalie

School picture of a handsome young Blodgett - Logan

Gregory may not let many into the inner sanctum, but once you are a friend of Greg's you are a friend for life. Here's pictures of Cindy Libby's cute kids Kayla & Ryan

And the Bish Girls - Tammy, Emily & Kelsey it's been so much fun watching these young ladies grow up over the years.

Luckily there are other people out there who have enough love and fun to consider pets as family - here is my favorite Cavalier King Charles - Leo. MOM - See how cute a King Charles is - hint, hint!