Exclusively to Nancy
March 31, 2008 | Reunion 2008 | Comments [2]
Nancy, before it’s over with, I will probably make somebody very irate with me. Right now, the most important thing in the entire world to me is the last week of July. Our family has never had a reunion, or anything akin to it. I am nagging everyone in groups, pairs, and individually, because I firmly believe that we will have the best time of our lives if we exert an extreme effort toward this. I know that you and Bill are on overload right now with school, BASEBALL, homework, housework, work, work, work, etc.; but it won’t take but a few minutes to make a selection at DESOTO, and reserve a log cabin, chalet, motel, or cabin. In your case, I would say a log cabin, although they may be gone already. It’s urgent to do it right away, if we are all to be together at this wonderful place. I have nagged Bill. Now I nag you. Please, for my sake, do this thing. Your mother left this earth, and you really didn’t expect it. The thing is, we don’t know when any of us might leave it. I want a chance for my family to have this one great time together. With much love……..Elaine
PS No one is safe. You’re all going to get phone calls, letters, E-mails, exclusivelys on the websites, and many urgings from me until all of you have responded.
DEATHS
March 31, 2008 | Items of Interest | Comments [6]
Luis’ Nephew, Raphael, died Friday from complications from a fall off of a bicycle. It was unexpected. He was 44 years old.
Luis doesn’t plan to go to Puerto Rico. The funeral is today, so there was no time to make plans, and it would have cost at least $500.00 for a roundtrip plane fare.
Raphael was about four years old when we got married. Luis doesn’t remember if he was married at present, but he once was, and had a daughter that died.
Luis’ family has had a lot of sadness in the past several years. First with Carmen, (his sister’s) sudden death, and then his sister, Judy, became ill with cancer, and died. Luis went to both funerals, and he visited Judy in Gainesville, Florida when she came here for treatment, but it was too late. Then Masin (Luis’ older brother’s daughter) died suddenly of an anuerism (she was only 38) about three years ago. Luis also attended her funeral.
I remember Enid’s age, because she and Brenda were only nine months apart. They were both just little babies when Luis and I made our first trip together to Puerto Rico.
Then we went 10 years later, and the girls wanted to play with each other, but they couldn’t do more than smile, because they couldn’t speak their languages. They just walked around, until they were bored.
Enid was a real knock-down gorgeous fantastic Spanish beauty, and then I knew where Brenda got her good looks. Straight off that island!!
But the family has dealt with a lot of death, and the thing is, they were all too young. Carmen was only 65, Judy was 60, Raphael 44 and Enid 38. Just too, too sad.
We have much to be grateful for in our family, and we need to take advantage of the opportunity that we have on the last week in July. Let’s all get together, and show each other a tremendous amount of love. Because we really don’t know when we might be together again.
Luis got his genealogy together, and I was honored to be the proxy for Carmen, Judy, and Enid in the Temple for all three. At the same time, I’m sure I had some of my family names, or he had others ready for him to take through at the same time.
song on tim
March 31, 2008 | Uncategorized | Comments [6]
does not matter buddy how long ago it was. I don’t remember alot of things in the past, but sometimes things just stick to you and you always remember them. You have to remember yourself, you are a very dear and sweet person, you have touched alot of lives in your time here on earth. Whether you or other individuals know it, everyday in their lives their actions do touch other people (bad or good) Hasn’t there been things in your past that you just don’t forget? all I know is that song, though I don’t remember the words to it, touch me at that young of an age. I always will remember you singing it and I cried everytime. if you can, try to remember it, I would love to hear you sing it again.
Exculsively to Bill
March 30, 2008 | Items of Interest | Comments [7]
Number One: Thanks for all of the great photos of the beginning of the baseball season.
I’m sure we’ll be getting more of these as the season progresses, and a blow by blow description of every play made, or I should say a hit- by- catch report in every game. I will enjoy those, as much as I did Buddy’s great year of football with Adam-Michael. I knew I had all of these kids and grandkids (even borrowed ones..thank you, Nancy) for something.
Number Two: Thank you for your compliments to Jason and his performance. Of course, I don’t have to tell you that seeing it “live” was much better than on video. He is a very talented young man. It would have been so wonderful if only he could have received some kind of “voice training” (my mind fails me as usual. I can’t think what to call it). Anyway, he didn’t. What you hear is raw talent. He and Sister Lee sang in Sacrament last Sunday. Do you remember when Brother Hartman Rector was coming often to our First Birmingham Ward to talk to us, and he always sang the song about the “Rivers Crawl to Find Him” . Anyway, they sang that, and it was absolutely beautiful. Of course, Jason had never heard it before, and it was difficult for him, but Sister Lee grew up with it, and she carried it, and it turned out so well. I heard remarks around me, like, “I have never heard that done so well”. I wanted to tell them that Jason was MY son-in-law, but I had done enough bragging through the years, and I’ve knocked it off, now.
In case you are feeling that your mother is not remembering you and your talents, you have no idea how I swell at what you have accomplished, Bill. I haven’t forgotten how surprised I am at how well you sing, now. Singing with a choir is a good way to develop a voice. And singing with Nancy has helped. I haven’t had the pleasure of hearing you and Nancy sing together, and I want you and she to sing something in the talent show at our reunion.
Number three: MOST IMPORTANT: HAVE YOU RESERVED A MOTEL, NEW LOG CABIN, QUAINT OLD CABIN, OR CHALET for the reunion. Sorry to badger you, but I must. If everyone is to be together in the one place at DeSoto, we have to be quick. See the number Brenda gives under “Reunion Undate” by Brenda. Be sure, as she states to say it is for the Pagan/Polhemus reunion. LET US KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE DONE.
Number four: I’m pretty sure I sent an invitation to Hillary and Seay, but I didn’t know Leah’s or Julia’s address, and so I didn’t send them one, but will do so, immediately upon receiving addresses. They need to be brought up-to-date on everything. Are you keeping them informed? Should Brenda do it? I know she’s going to have Hillary do her hair soon, and she’ll talk to her. Brenda won’t let anybody but Hillary touch her hair.
Number Five: Brenda is so excited about the possibility of a Band Concert by you and Buddy and Seay. If that happens, your Dad and Sarah Ann will need an invitation for at least that evening for dinner and show. It’s funny how our families criss-cross.
BASEBALL SEASON IS HERE! (Katy National Little League Opening Day)
March 30, 2008 | Kid Brag | Comments [1]
Well, it has begun. For the next seven or eight weeks, we’ll be spending more than half our evenings “hanging out” at the ballpark, watching the Rookie 7 Giants (Ethan) and PeeWee 8 Dodgers (Isaiah) battling it out for Little League Baseball supremacy.
Yesterday was “Opening Day,” full of festivity, flag-waving, and lots of boring speeches (from the kids’ perspective). Only Ethan’s team, the Giants, coached by our Ward Bishopric’s First Counselor (and assisted by the PREVIOUS First Counselor), on which THREE of the nine players are “Mormons.” Isaiah’s Dodgers will have their first game on Monday against the Bulls (Little League has now begun using minor league team name and unis in addition to the majors, as I think MLB now charges an exhorbitant amount for licensing, so now you have the uniforms of teams like the Durham Bulls, Toledo Mudhens, Corpus Christi Hooks, Batavia Muckdogs, Carolina Mudcats, Lake Elsinore (CA) Storm, and the Salem-Keizer (OR) Volcanoes. It’s pretty colorful!)
CLICK HERE TO VIEW A GALLERY OF PHOTOS
Oh, and Ethan went 1-for-3 with a double and an RBI. He also had a putout at third base.
(Astros open at the Padres tomorrow!!!!)
Reunion Details
March 30, 2008 | Reunion 2008 | Comments [8]
Please give an account if you have reserved a motel, lodge, or chalet and for how many days. Do it as soon as possible. Remember to ask for Carol when you call. See number to call under Brenda’s “Reunion Details”.
Now, other news. From the Thornton Family. Young Patrick has been called as Bishop of the new Ward that has been formed in the Tampa area. His Bishop kept trying to give him a calling as a Seminary teacher, and he kept telling his Bishop that he wasn’t supposed to accept that calling, that there was another calling for him, he just didn’t know what it was. And then when the calling for Bishop of the new ward came…the mystery was solved.
Leah Thornton….youngest daughter of the tribe. She was on the verge of marrying an older man (Leah is 25), and he wasn’t a member of the church. Joyce Thornon, her mother (her mother and my long time friend) was frantic. She was praying, fasting, keeping Leah’s name in the temple. And I won’t give all the details, but a young man got baptized into the Birmingham First Ward, and Leah met him, because her sister, Sarah met him first, and thought that Leah should definitely meet him. Or maybe it was Sarah’s husband, RJ, that met him….however it turned out. Anyway. Leah is going to marry this young man, probably in the Birmingham or Orlando temple. (I think???). He hasn’t been a member a year yet, so they will marry civilly first. Leah is insisting that they get married right away. She is going by the latest directions by the apostles that it is better now for young people to go ahead and marry civilly in such cases, rather than temping fate. It is much better. She is 25 and he is 29. Joyce and Pat finally agree to that, so Leah will probably get married very soon.
Lisa….Thornton’s oldest daughter. She has repented. Put on her garments again, and has returned to the temple. Lisa is married to the second husband, who is not a member of the church. Talmadge, her first husband, was a member of the church, but he left it, and he also left Lisa and the children, and married someone else. It has taken Lisa years to recover from the heartbreak of all of that, but she kept the children active, and now her oldest daughter is going to be married in the South Carolina Temple the last of April.
That again, is due to the faithfulness, and the prayers and fasting of one of the most spiritual and finest women I have ever known…my friend, Joyce Thornton.
Joyce Thornton, herself…..I have never known a more benevolent and charitable person in my life. Her ears and eyes are always open and ready to help. I have had the pleasure of being her companion visiting teacher, and she really kept us going.
We never missed a single month. We did more than our 100%. We ran the gamut and did 120%. We were always mindful of the needs of our sisters.
I will never forget how Joyce called for a visit with Roberta Thomason, and she didn’t get an answer. She called the next day, and didn’t get an answer. She called me, and she said, “This is not like Roberta, she’s always at home. I haven’t been able to get hold of Tad, either.” (You will remember that Tad was her only son) She called the third day and couldn’t get hold of Roberta. Then she got Tad, and told him of her concern. He told her not to worry. I wasn’t concerned either. I told her not to worry. Nope. Not Joyce’s style!! She went over to Roberta’s house, and knocked on the front door. No answer. She knocked on the back door. No answer. She tried to peek in windows. Finally, she somehow broke into the front door, and went it, called for Roberta. Everything was dark and smelled funny. She went into Roberta’s bedroom, and found her dead in the bed. It looked like she was having an attack, and there was an expression of fear on her face. She must have then made it to the bed and fell back on it.
If not for Joyce, and her concern for her fellowman…..how long would this lonely widow have remained alone in her home and deceased, as evidently not a whole lot of people kept up with her.
Well, there I go writing a lot again.
It’s Sunday afternoon….10 minutes until five o’clock. Jordan, the cat, Teyla, and Carmen are all in Carmen’s bed. Luis is reading the paper, and I think I’ll go rest.
Reunion Details
March 29, 2008 | Ad-MOM-ishments | No Comments
Read Brenda’s “Reunion Details” again. She gives you important information. Most important is for you to SNAP TO IT!
Bill….Yes…Tony has been notified. Dad talked to him, and it sounds like he wants to come and bring Chelsea.
Tony - I hope you are reading all of this, and getting the details. All of your family that wants to come, should come. There is no reason for anyone to stay away. What about Lauren and Andy? You would probably have to to put them up in a Lodge with you…but you best hurry and rent one. They only have a few.
Amber should come if she has the time.
Updates and so on.
March 29, 2008 | Uncategorized | Comments [2]
Ok well YES! as Nana has written I wasn’t lieing I actually went to flordia.. U nfortunately Nana and Palpal couldn’t make it.. But thas ok because lost hehehehe… the only choir to not get anything.
Anywhooooooo… My choir teacher had been on “Personal leave” we all no she was not! in fact she resigned so she is never coming back… It was either that or getting fired.
This all happened because fo and accident and a misunderstanding, no My choir teacher didn’t do anything… Ummm Media attentive wise. So no affair or anything like that. But now I am freaking out because she was the only one who could truly teach me the music ….rawr.
I have no clue if I can make it to the Reunion if its going to be in July, because of some prior plans I had, had… But LUCKILY! they are not full plans.
My pictures from the trip to Orlando should be up soon, or maybe never if My friend Madison ever decides what to do… Oh well I still love her… I miss you guyz! Ans yes I spelled it wrong on purpose!! And thanks nana for the compliments in your post…
-Alaina (Allie Aka Lainey beth
He’s My Daddy!!
March 29, 2008 | Funny | No Comments
Jason’s little nephew, Nathanial, came to Jordan’s party. He’s five years old. He loves Jason, and went over and climbed up in his lap. He needs a lot of love, evidentally, because his mother left the family a year ago. (That part is not funny)
Anyway, they were sitting on the back porch, and I walked into the den, because Teyla was rolling on the floor, kicking and screaming, “He’s my daddy! He’s my daddy!”
I asked her what was the matter, and she told me that she wasn’t talking to me, and Luis went in to see, and she told him that she wasn’t talking to him, either. She continued to roll and cry, “he’s my daddy!”
Finally, I think it was Luis that went out to get Jason. Jason came in and picked Teyla up. He reassured her that he was her daddy, but that Nathanial was her cousin, and that he was Nathanial’s uncle, and that he loved him. He explained that it was okay to love more than one person. He said, “I’ll always be your daddy, Teyla.”
Finally, she seemed okay, and she went on off to play.
Jordan’s Birthday Party
March 29, 2008 | Uncategorized | Comments [3]
What a Day! Hectic is a mild word for it. Luis left early to work in Orlando at the “Bishop’s Storehouse.”. I didn’t get up until 9:30, but hit the floor running (although I can’t), and we all worked to make the party a success, and it was a big one. There were just enough children here, so that it wasn’t such a “big blast” that you couldn’t hear yourself think., but there were enough so that the games were a lot of fun. I counted fourteen kids, including Jordan and Teyla, so that made it twelve guests. She got gifts, money, card money gifts, etc., and Jason got her an I-Pod (used one) and everybody is gone now at 7:30, except one little girl, who is Jordan’s best friend, etc. (interruption, phone call…another girl friend who lives close to the house that Carmen owned called to say that she was sitting on her bicycle next to Max Carmen’s old cat…who refused to come and live with us, when Carmen moved. He stayed next to Carmen’s house, and roamed around from one person to the next…Hannah said he looked pretty beat up, and Jason is going to investigate, and that’s all.)
Anyway…THE PARTY WAS A SUCCESS
Okay, this is what I did…
March 28, 2008 | Uncategorized | Comments [4]
I realized the “New Log Cabins”have two bedrooms and the sofa pulls out for 2 more. That is six. No charge for children under 12. That is $115 . I was concerned for Ben , thinking this might be too much money for him unless someone split it with him. If he wants (and he certainly doesn’t have to). I reserved this for Sun-Fri.. I thought possibly Casey and I could take one bedroom , they could take the other and the kids could have the sofa. That would only cost him $57.00 per night. They told me the only ones that have been reserved are three chalets by beth, brenda and Mom. but they only hold 4. I have a motel reserved for Friday night. Of course I can change the reservation if this doesnt seem good, I just wanted to get somethng reserved in case. Like I said , he certainly doesn’t have to take this, but it can be available for those coming in and out, (Such as Tony, Seay, Hillary , Chris, Buddy etc.) I just wanted to make sure we have room. Bill may decide on a “New Log Cabin” I don’t know , just because it holds 6. It cost nothing to reserve just to let those who haven’t reserved know this. I know Beth and Brenda are going up to check this place out. I don’t have the same off days they do, so I will probably drive up on a weekday in a month or so and post pictures to give y’all the layout.
T-Shirts for Reunion
March 27, 2008 | Reunion 2008 | Comments [9]
Lainie thinks T-Shirts would be a good idea. I do, too. I saw Ruth and Buck McLure’s Reunion photographs of their children and grand-children in their t-shirts, and they were just precious.
I also like Lainie’s idea about getting two colors, in case we want to divide up and play a soft-ball game (in which Lainie wants to beat Ben).
She wants someone to design them.
They will cost $5.00 each. That’s easy to do, for each of us to send her $5.00 now for each of our family members, so that she can get that done right away.
What think you???
I personally love the idea.
MOM
SOUNDS GREAT! (I can make it for 2 days)
March 27, 2008 | Uncategorized | Comments [2]
Keep making the truely lovely Reunion plans. It all sounds so exciting. DeSoto IS gorgeous. I am hoping to make it to the Reunion sometime that final weekend. It only looks like I work for a big corporation since I’ve been at Regions for over 2 years but, being a contractor has it’s downfalls. I have no sick days, vacations or days off… just layoffs when they happen:)
Oak Mountain is just down the road from where I work in Riverchase. Having the reunion in my backyard was just wishful thinking. I had planned to leave work each day and join the festivities and host a few things from home. I have no great distances to travel like Ben, Bill, Carmen, Tony, Maria, Mom&Dad… so this is NOT a complaint in any fashion. DeSoto IS so much better than Oak Mountain that you would all be fools not to jump on it. (Example: I got great weekend accomodations for me and the kids last year at Lakepoint State Park near Eufaula because the State Parks away from the Metro areas are just less expensive and much more breath taking). You won’t be sorry you decided to go there. I promise that I will be able to see everyone.
reunion details
March 27, 2008 | Uncategorized | Comments [9]
ok, just called Desoto again, made my reservation. When you call ,tell them that you are calling for the pagan/polhemus rerunion and she (Carol) said she would try to put everybody as close together as possible, rather you reserve a chalet, cabin or one of the lodge hotel rooms. ph# 800.568.8840. hurry and make your reservations so they won’t run out of room, the quicker the better. mom and dad, is somebody going to call tony and let him know? OK FAMILY, SNAP TO IT!!
TO MARIA AND LAINIE-REUNION 2008
March 26, 2008 | Reunion 2008 | Comments [13]
Look at just a short sketch that I worked out for Dad and Me and Maria and Lainie and Casey Anne.
For seven whole days….In one of those beautiful Chalets (I have my heart set on)
They have a double bed…..for two
A loft with twin beds….for two more
Rent a rollaway for $6.00 (for seven days) for one person($6.00 more)
SO….$115.00 for 7 days = $805.00
MARIA 200.00
LAINIE 200.00
DAD AND ME 405.00
EXTRA 84.00 (for the rollaway and extra person)
Maria Pay $26.00
Lainie Pay $26.00
Dad and Me pay $26.00
On Our Credit Card……………$431.00
On Maria’s Card………………….. 226.00
On Lainie’s Card…………………..226.00
Where are we going to find luxuray such as this for seven days? This is simply an example. No one is nailed to the wall. Dad told me to stop worrying. I’m not worrying. I’m just excited. Meanwhile, Brenda, just tell me what to do to get one of those absolutely lovely chalets reserved for dad and me, and then we’ll figure who will stay with us and pick up part of the tab.
OH, THIS TIME IS GOING TO PASS SO SLOWLY.
BRENDA…DESOTO IS FABULOUS!
March 26, 2008 | Uncategorized | Comments [3]
It has everything and much, much more than we could ever possibly ask for. I LOVED the fact that it has the wonderful restuarant right there on the grounds. The menus sound wonderful, and the prices very reasonable. Of course, that doesn’t discount good old McDonald’s, which I’m sure is around somewhere for breakfast and lunch. I just love this, and I want to stay in a chalet! Well, maybe not. A motel room is good. Just so I’m around my terrific family for a week of fun and frolic. I can hardly wait. Yes, Brenda. Let us know when to fork over our cards, or how to do it. just maybe rent on our own, making sure we do it together, and soon.
reunion update
March 26, 2008 | Uncategorized | Comments [13]
ok, this is one I found that is very nice, we could all be together, it has chalets, cabins both are air conditioned, full kitchens, etc. it has a olympic size swimming pool, fishing, trails, picnic area (pavillions) we could rent for picnics, nice playground for the kids and it is so pretty, it is called desota resort state park in fort payne, al, about 1 hour away from birmingham, I am sure you all know about fort payne, (home of the group alabama) anyway, I called this morning, the nice country lady said she has enough 8 cabins and chalets available for sunday the 27th through check out on saturday, she has 11 available if we all leave on thursday, but I think we are all leaving on saturday or friday (whenever) but there is also, at the lodge area a hotel if anybody wants smaller and its cheaper, these cabins and chalets are not all that expensive. go to alapark.com, click on state directory on top left and on right go to #9 Desoto state park, it gives you pictures of everything. Let me know if this suffices with everybody, if not I will keep looking, I believe this is everything we are looking for, space for picnics, games, gatherings, swimming, etc, and we can all be together. I know its not in birmingham, mom, but its not that far away from it, there are also things to do in town if anybody wants to. if this is it, I am going to call them back and tell them that we are going to start reserving it. Feed me your comments after you see the site.
reunion
March 25, 2008 | Uncategorized | Comments [4]
ok, all this sounds really nice, but I really wanted to find a place that we all could stay together, have a banquet room, resturant, swimming pool, volleyball, fishing, golf, etc, etc, etc. I wanted all of us to be able stay in the same place. I know Oak mountain is nice, but all of us cannot stay there, so if you will give me a little time, I am going to try to find a place to suit all of us, I have looked up a few things and I think I might have come up with an idea, so if you are ok with it, I want to keep looking, is that ok with everybody? of course, if will be here, I will make sure of it. I will make it soon to, but let me know if ok, I won’t waste my time if everybody is set on Oak mountain.
Ben you did a great draft..here is my revision…
March 25, 2008 | Uncategorized | Comments [5]
Sunday: Arrive..settle in at cabins..(Mom, Dad , Uncle Alex and his wife) 2) Ben and Julie and their family3) Bill and his family . these people came the farthest and should have the cabins. trust me this place is heaven on earth. Dinner - Hotdogs on the outside grill at cabins for whoever are there and want to attend.
Mon. : Beach/rented Pavillion lunch
(. Everyone gets their T-Shirts (If I have to pay for them myself, I will. ) Hang out and eat and swim and hike and ride paddle boats all day. (Beth, Lainie, Brenda and Buddy provide food). (If some of us aren’t paying for Motels we can afford this). Monday night, hang out at Cabins for whoever wants to , some at Holiday Inn pools who want to..dinner (get it yourself :) )
Tues. - Breakfast at Cabins at 9:00 for who wants, meet there, and Horseback riding , Golf, hiking, Fishing, you pick - Dinner - Beths
Wed. Check out of Cabins at 11:00 and into Holiday Inn. BBQ at Buddy’s at lunch . Softball or Volley ball in back yard (KILLER BACKYARD) Dinner whoever wants to and wherever they want to. people wear their t-shirts (two colors for different teams( maybe) and we will take pictures of whole group which will be priceless. Maybe a concert at Ampitheatre behind Holiday Inn.
Thurs. - Free Day for all. .swimming at Holiday Inn, Ice Skating for whoever wants , visiting with whoever we want. Make plans on the spot
Friday: Lunch - Slide show in conference room at lunch followed by “My favorite Memories” presented by Pagan/Polhemus kids , plus anyone else who would like to say something. Maybe talent show as well.
Friday Night - Banquet at Pelham Civic Center - Catered by “Culinary Cooking School, semi- formal dress, lots of pictures and movies taken.
Sat- Pack up and leave
click on the picture, cabin area…like heaven
March 25, 2008 | Uncategorized | No Comments
This would be like what it would be like in heaven if we all had houses next to each other. Definately BEAUTIFUL, I think Mom’s Family (maybe even Alex and his wife) with Mom and Dad . BEn and Julie’s family in the second cabin and Bill’s family in the third. Don’t forget everyone gets that $600 from Uncle Sam this summer. Its for the reunion 