Not Much Happening...

Well..... not much going on right now. Doldrums of winter? The weather here is depressing. Cold, sleet, snow, gray. Sometimes I wonder why anyone would want to live here. Then summer comes and you appreciate why. That's really all I can complain about, the weather. Life is good otherwise. The kids are all doing well. Amber is busy planning her wedding, searching for the perfect (affordable) dress and venue. I am going to visit her this weekend to help with that search. Hopefully we will have good news to report on the next blog. Tyler called from Hawaii this weekend. He had taken a "hop" over to Kauai with some friends for the weekend. They jumped off cliffs and body surfed in the waves! What a life!! He also reports that school is going well. Scott's on "spring break" this week. Some break, no sun in his future or warm temps. He'll probably spend the week on his computer or just laying around, resting up for the next semester! Zoe sleeps alot. It's hard to even get out for walks some days. We did manage a walk on Saturday but by the time we got back my thighs were frozen and she had sludge hanging from the fur on her stomach, but we did walk! Wait, what happened to "life is good". It sounds like I"m complaining but I think it's mostly the weather. Maybe I have that SADD, seasonal disorder thing! Someone who grew up in warm, sunny climates for the first 35 years of her life probably shouldn't be transplanted to Michigan. I don't think I will ever adjust to the gray. Cold is one thing, you can warm up, but gray, well there's just no cure for that other than sunshine!! This is what we got!!

This is what I want!!

Politics in Michigan?

I rarely weigh in on politics but I have to say that I think The Dixie Chicks spoke for many people who are from Texas and other parts of the U.S. Hindsight is 20/20 but at least more people are seeing clearly now. I congratulate the Dixie Chicks on winning Album of the Year and Song of the Year at the Grammys. After all, one of our best and most important freedoms in the United States of America is that of free speech. I pray for peace.

Music Video:NOT READY TO MAKE NICE (by Dixie Chicks)

Music Video Code provided by VideoCodeZone.Com

Sights of San Diego

Birch Aquarium in La Jolla

Here's the Ring!!

Wow, look at this beauty!! Here's a picture of the engagement ring. Amber absolutely loves it!!

Big and Exciting News Flash!!!

I just wanted you to be among the first to know, Amber and Andrew Porter became engaged last night, February 13! They called us with the happy news and we are so happy for them! No firm date has been decided yet but we were told it will be sometime later this year! Her ring is absolutely gorgeous! She sent a close up and even though I'm sure the picture doesn't do it justice, it's still beautiful!! Exciting times for the Mitchell's and we can't wait to welcome Andrew into our family!!

We loved this picture too and just goes to show what a great couple these two will be since they share a great sense of humor!!

Sad News for The Mitchell Family

Howard's father, Howard Sr., passed away on Saturday, February 10. He had been in the hospital for a week or so and due to several medical problems, his kidneys began to fail. He felt the needed dialysis would be too much for his heart and opted not to take the dialysis. His prognosis wasn't good but we weren't sure how much time he would have left. Howard had just spoken to him the night before. Many members of the family will be together later this week for a service of some type, yet to be determined. We just arrived home last night at midnight and Howard was back on a plane today flying to Florida. Howard Sr. was 81 years old and is survived by his wife, Catherine, two brothers, a sister, 10 children and many grandchildren.