HAPPY BIRTHDAY ED!

We hope you have a great day. I managed not to forget this time so things must be going well. Bryan spent all day yesterday at girl's camp. When he arrived the girls were all sporting t-shirts that said, Our Bishop Rocks! I guess its nice to know that your loved. His status was also elevated by the fact that he brought the girls a ton of treats. Our best to everyone.

HAPPY 66TH BIRTHDAY!! ED

LOVE YOU VERY MUCH AND I'M THANKFUL TO HAVE YOU AS MY BROTHER!! I'VE ENJOYED THE TIME SPENT WITH YOU LATELY DELIVERING AND BEING PART OF YOUR RECOVERY. ALSO, IT'S BEEN GREAT FUN PLAYING GAMES WITH YOU AND MARIE. IT HAS INCREASED MY 'KNOWLEDGE' AND 'EXPERIENCE' OF CARD AND BOARD GAMES, OF WHICH I AM SOOOO LACKING - THANKS SO MUCH!!

LOVE YOUR SISTER, CASSY

Hey, Marion, when you mentioned having the baby on August 8th, I checked the calendar to see what day of the week that was going to be - Wednesday - it made me think of that old nursery rhyme by Mother Goose "Monday's child is fair of face..."

Monday's child is fair of face,

Tuesday's child is full of grace;

Wednesday's child is full of woe,

Thursday's child has far to go;

Friday's child is loving and giving,

Saturday's child works hard for its living;

But the child that is born on the Sabbath day

Is bonny and blithe, and good and gay.

So, maybe you should schedule the baby's delivery on another day of the week, so your new little bundle of 'JOY' won't be full of 'WOE' - heehee!! Each of you, think back - What day of the week were you born? Try and remember, and then, see what that day tells about you?? I was born on Saturday, so I think mine fits me quite well. Ed was born on Monday, and I think he is 'fair of face,' even though he doesn't think the rhyme really means anything - What do you think?

Love you all - Till' next time!

Sassy Cassy

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!

PATRICE AND JOCELYN

You made it to 'LUCKY 13'

You are on your way to the 'magical' 50th!

So, keep up the good work, stay strong and always remember not to go to bed angry! And don't forget what wonderful medicine 'hugs, kisses and a kind word' are - they go a long way in keeping the road of life and marriage smooth!!

LOVE, MOM

I know we haven't been very good about posting news about our family, but I will try and take some pictures and get something up around the 4th. Between church, work, three kids and one on the way, there isn't much time for a lot else. I have been occupied taking care of everyone plus working on a host of projects I am trying to finish before the baby comes. Yesterday marked six weeks and counting. For the now the date will be August 8 (I am being induced) unless the baby decides to come on its own. I am not holding out for this since none of the other children thought coming early was a good idea. Anyway, projects and children are calling. We are having a bbq with friends on Wednesday so that may be a good time to pull out the camera as well. The kids are playing karaoke on the playstation behind me which is making it hard to focus. Maybe I'll have to join them for a song or two.
Have a great day everyone!

This morning Guillaume wanted a 'project' to do so I suggested baking something. We looked through the cookbook together and a recipe for doughnuts caught my eye. So here is Guillaume making his doughnuts. They turned out excellent! They were delicious and I couldn't stop eating them! He rolled them in powdered sugar but next time we'll do it in regular sugar.

The reason he needed a project is because we are DONE with our homeschooling program for the year! We sent the last things in last Friday. YEAH! The stress level has gone WAY down in our home which has made things run so much more smoothly this week. We're back to having fun together although we still read a lot and review math. I'm so proud that Guillaume has caught up to what I would consider an average first grade reading level, in French and English. And Margot is reading well too, but only in English. Guillaume has had to 'practice' much more than the girls which regards to reading.

Oops, I'm talking too much. I need to run get dinner - it's ready but probably burning!!

Jocelyn

Here are the kids with their new toys - Polly Pockets meets PlayMobil! They've had a lot of fun with them this afternoon which has been nice.

We just had Christmas in July (almost July). To each child that attends music class for the year (the national music school), our commune gives a 20 Euro gift certificate to Cactus (Walmart-like store). So Margot and Guillaume each received 20 E and Alienor received 40 E because she does music theory and flute. Today Alienor is off in the afternoon and so we all went shopping for toys! I rarely go out with all 4 kids (I rarely go out period!) and when I do I always feel like momma duck with her ducklings. I only had one person, an older man, turn and watch us go by and luckily he didn't make any rude comments. He just stared in wonder and amazement and turned to his wife to say look at her with 4 kids! Margot, Guillaume (and Perceval) all got PlayMobil. Alienor was a little more difficult to shop for. She ended up with some Polly Pockets, a book, nail polish and a necklace. It only took us about an hour and there were no tears or temper tantrums which is a miracle. And then when we checked out, come to find out there's some sale on toys so they were 20% off!! Good deal. It came out to 63 E so I only used 3 of the 4 20 E coupons which means I have 20 E left to spend and the kids don't know about it!!! What a mean mother I am, taking money from my children! I'll probably buy some books that I want them to have, or a game for the whole family.
Anyway, they are all upstairs playing so nicely with their new toys that I have a few minutes to myself. That only happens every so often so I have to take advantage of it!
Hope you have a great day.
Jocelyn

Pretty good response from the holdouts but still waiting for a bit from Marion.
Hey Abby since your mom is too busy to share some wonderful stuff about your
Family and what you are doing this summer maybe you can step up to the plate
and fill us in on whats going on at the Norton household. If for some reason you
have trouble posting on the blog send your story to my email address and I will
post it for you.
Went to the local bone Doc and he said I was doing well but to stop putting so much pressure on my hip........no more unsupported walking ......so it can heal better.....so its back to the walker
which I really don.t like. Ed
Come on Abby im counting on you!

Here's a cute song on 'Momsense' if you havent' seen it already...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlY8STkhopc

Jocelyn

Hello everyone,

I mentioned a while ago about the new house we were building, well here it is. We still have quite a bit of work to do, but it is starting to take shape. It is 8 X 8 X 11 complete with a loft and a balcony. We are contemplating a slide off of the balcony. Otherwise the Colorado Ginns are just having a nice summer. The girls are taking swimming lessions again. I conitnue to work a lot and Brandi's photography business is seeing some more action as well. I hope you are all doing well.

Nate

Hi All! Summer's here and Drew's daycare teacher, Miss Molly was missing him soooooo much, she had to drop by the Normand's for a little 'one-on-one' time with him. Of course, she was lucky and got to visit with Shawnna and Ninha too! Isn't summer grand!! Wish I could get some of those hugs and some of that 'smoochin'!

Love you all - Till' next time!

Sassy Cassy

Hi All! Well, Ninha has a new ‘hair do’ – it’s called the ‘BALD IS BEAUTIFUL’ look! It gets easier to just shave it all off, than have big ‘chunks’ of baldness gaping out, so, she was off to Super Cuts for her ‘NEW LOOK’! I think it brings out the twinkle in her eyes and her great smile! Women who go through this experience are so courageous and confident and Ninha is 'NO EXCEPTION' - she manages it all with a HAPPY HEART and GREAT BIG SMILE!!

Love you all – Till’ next time!
Sassy Cassy

Ok! Time for me to get on my high horse and request some input from others than Cassy and me!!
We want to know how the pg sister is doing and the weather in Europe or something from the EU including Spain and how the soccer camps went in Iowa and the play house in CO. Pictures if possible
Love dad

Wow I took a few baby steps without any support today!!!!!!!!!!! And tonight with the aid of dads old cane I made it upstairs and viewed a movie!!!!!!! wow I am happy to be getting better day by day.
Love dad

HI ALL! Here are some pics of the little 'Normand Clan.' These pics were taken at the school where Ninha works. Cute, aren't they!! Drew is looking less like a toddler, and more like a 'little guy.' And Shawnna is growing into a beautiful, 'young lady.' It's great to see Ninha looking rested and happy - of course, they were taken a while ago, when she had more hair and her energy was higher, but she's doing OK! Love those 'family' pics!!

Love you all - Till' next time!

Sassy Cassy

wow sure did enjoy all the emails!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! not
anyway last night Cassy nd I delivered xrays till midnight and the this morning I had an 8 am appt with mid dr. He spent an hour with me and got me set up with physical therapy and the orthopedic dr here. Said i was healing well and to put neosporin on my incision to help it heal faster ans cleaner and to watch my blood sugar as usual. The ward has people calling every day while marie is at work to check up on me and to take me places if i need it. they are being so good to me. I am getting stronger every day and trying to cut down on the pain meds but after about 18 hrs I need a pill so i can rest. I dont want to become too much of a druggy. The days are very boering and the nights are very long. cause I cat nap for an hour and the wake for 30 min throughout the night. Oh got more xrays today they look pretty much like those posted. Hard to believe I am walking on that peice of metal. Cindi called and we had a nice chat sorry we missed u Jeff we out to eat with Cassy.
love to all Dad

Hi All!! Well, Ed received a disk with X-rays of his new ‘BIONIC’ hip, but the program it came in isn’t supported by Mac, so he asked if I would see what I could do at work on my PC. It opened and I could view the X-rays, but the program wouldn’t let me manipulate them or save them, so I had to ‘jury-rig’ it and figure out a different way to get it up on the blog, but here they are – I hope this gives you an idea of what Ed has endured and what his ‘BIONIC’ hip looks like, now and forever (except in the eternities, of course, where he will be ‘PERFECT’ and have his ‘old – original’ hip bone and he will be complete again, as we all will be)!! Send an email with comments, he’d love to hear from you ALL!!! Being stuck home alone most of the day is NO FUN!!

Love you all – Till’ next time!
Sassy Cassy

Hi All! Well, as Ed knows into each life there comes a ‘little’ pain and it sometimes comes in the form of a ‘wellness check up’ at the doctors – that’s how Shawnna and Drew spent the morning today. Drew looks like he doesn’t quite know what’s going to happen, what’s that doctor going to do to me?? And Shawnna seemed to be taking it all in stride, but surprisingly, it was Shawnna who had more of a struggle with the shots and TB test, but both came through with flying colors and were given a ‘CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH.’ I’m sure both Shawnna and Drew are on the high ends of the scale for height, but OK for weight – They are growing up so fast!!

Love you all – Till’ next time!
Sassy Cassy

Hi All! It must be said - give credit where credit is due, it was Shan's idea to 'spruce' up the house for Ed and Marie's arrival home. Dear Ron washed windows, pulled weeds, trimmed bushes and swept up the back yard and still had enough 'umph' to vacuum the entire house. All the while, Shan was up to her elbows straightening and cleaning the kitchen including the floor and sorting out the 'fridge.' And then, to think to bring over dinner their first night back - They are such great people and the entire family is very lucky to have them as 'honorary' family members!!

Love you all - Till' next time!
Sassy Cassy

HI ALL! SO GOOD TO HAVE ED AND MARIE - BACK ON 'HOME TURF'. I'LL DROP BY TONIGHT TO SEE THEM BOTH AND GIVE THEM HUGS AND KISSES FROM ALL! HERE IS THE BANNER (smaller, of course) THAT I MADE AND HUNG ACROSS THE GARAGE DOOR - WAS REALLY FUN TO MAKE AND PRINT OUT ON OUR LARGE-FORMAT PLOTTER!!

Love you all - Till' next time!

Sassy Cassy

PS - Hey Marion, I sooooo glad I'm not the only one who misses those important 'Birth Dates' - heehee! Love you!

WOW, do I ever feel like a complete putz for not posting birthday greetings for Cass and Marie. Amazing, how life can just completely get away from you. This is no excuse of course and I totally apologize. I wonder if I should just go ahead and post birthday wishes for Ed on the 30th in case I botch it and forget that too. Anyway, birthday wishes to both of you wonderful young ladies. I am sure that whether a post or a phone call happens on the actual birth day that the thought is there. Love to you both.

Happy Birthday Milena Ginn and Marie Ginn (a day late but...)

I figured someone else would put it on the Blog, but I was wrong. So even though it´s a day late...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM -MARIE!!!!

Yes you are now officially a senior citizen and as I told you yesterday you can get flights cheaper now, so we all expect more visits!!! Love you mommy and even though yesterday wasn´t a very exciting birthday I hope you know we all love you very much and were thinking about you. Hugs and kisses!

Hi all,
Just a short note ...... It is so nice to be sitting in front of my own computer!!!!!!!
We got home at 2 pm today. We drove from Lehi to Mesquite Sunday and then home today.
Took a nap and then Ron and Shan brought over dinner and we played 2 hands of idiot. They went home and Marie went next door to get the mail that Stan had picked up for us. We s[ent the next 3 hours going through the mail and checking email.
A BIG THANK YOU TO CASSY FOR BUYING NEW THROW RRUGS FOR OUR BATHROOMS AND KITHCHEN. AND BEST OF ALL THEY CLEANED AND VACUMED AND THE HOUSE WAS SO NICE TO COME HOME TO. AND CASSY MADE A BIG SIGN WELCOMING US HOME!
You are such a wonderful sister Cassy I love you with all my heart!!
Champy
Thanks to the rest of you for your calls, thoughts and prayers....... I am healing well

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA TATA
WE LOVE YOU
DREW IV, SHAWNNA AND NINHA

HI ALL! Here are some final pictures from Nauvoo - pictures taken with some of the 'dancers' and 'pioneers'. It was wonderful to know and see there is a 'Christus' there too, not just in SLC. I'm sure everyone's testimony grows after visiting these very 'spiritual' places in Church History! And the Normand's were no exception - they drove home on a 'higher spiritual road' and have wonderful memories of their 'Nauvoo' adventure!

Love you all - Till' next time!!

Sassy Cassy

HI ALL!! WHEN I GOT HOME TONIGHT, HAD A MESSAGE ON THE MACHINE, ED AND MARIE MADE IT SAFELY TO MESQUITE, A 5 HOUR DRIVE WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS!! MARIE WAS GETTING A MOTEL ROOM, ED WAS WAITING IN THE CAR. THEY EXPECT TO BE HOME SOMETIME EARLY AFTERNOON TOMORROW - EAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love you all - Till' next time!
Sassy Cassy

HI ALL! Here is Ninha, Shawnna and Drew experiencing and enjoying the 'Women's Garden' in Nauvoo. I'm not sure Drew knows what to make of all of them - are they real or not?? And such a great pic of Shawnna, going along in line with one of the young girls. I have seen some of these same statues at other places, maybe you have seen them too? But would be nice to have them all in one place, to be able to go from one to another and to have more of an understanding of the hardships they endured and to 'feel' of their spirits! I'm glad Ninha and the kids were able to get away and to experience a special part of The Church history and to make special spiritual memories to last a life time!

Love you all - Till' next time!

Sassy Cassy

HI ALL! Here is more of the 'Nauvoo' adventure. Ninha and the kids saw a number of plays during the day. The first musical they we saw was called 'LOVE HOPES AND RIVER BOATS.' It tells the story of the pioneers and about Joseph Smith and about the people who lived by Mississippi River. The top picture is the part of the musical when the people found out that the Prophet and his brother were killed. It was really good - everyone cried, and Ninha did too!!

Love you all - Till' next time!

Sassy Cassy

HI ALL! Well, here is more of the Normand 'Nauvoo' adventure! These pictures are taken on the shore of the Mississippi River. They put a show on with all the full-time and couple missionaries - It's called 'SUNSET AT MISSISSIPPI RIVER.' Ninha and the kids are having an awesome time. More pictures to come.

Love you all - Till' next time!
Sassy Cassy

HI ALL! ALMOST FORGOT, BUT HERE'S A 'HAPPY FATHER'S DAY' TO ALL OF THE WONDERFUL FATHERS IN OUR FAMILY - ESPECIALLY THE YOUNG FATHERS WHO HAVE THE 'HONOR' OF BEING GREAT EXAMPLES TO THEIR YOUNG CHILDREN, SO THE CHILDREN STAY CLOSE TO THE LORD AND LIVE THE GOSPEL. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!!

Love you all - Till' next time!
Sassy Cassy

Hi All! Well, this is a RED LETTER DAY!! I've heard this is the day that Ed and Marie begin their 'trek' home to So Cal!! The physical therapy guys have signed off on Ed's report card, and have given him the 'GO AHEAD' to travel homeward. Those of us, here in SJC are so excited and happy to know they both will be 'HOME' soon! The last I heard their plan was to travel as far as Mesquite today, stay over and make the last of the leg home tomorrow. This is a big adventure for both of them, so please keep them in your thoughts and prayers, and know they will be 'HOME' soon! We'll keep you posted, and if you know something I don't, please post it!

Love you all - Till' next time!
Sassy Cassy

Hi All! Well, school is out and vacation time is here and what better way to enjoy it but a 'road trip.' Ninha and the kids are taking advantage of 'things-to-see' in and around the Chicago area now that vacation time is here, so this weekend they were off to visit 'Nauvoo.' I know many of you have had this wonderful opportunity, and wa so glad that Ninha and a group of ladies from Church were able to pack up the kids and drive down to this great area. The first pic is Ninha and the kids, and then, they are enjoying a wagon ride around the town, which included a view of the beautiful Nauvoo temple! What a wonderful experience for them all! More to come later!!!!!

Love you all - Till' next time!

Sassy Cassy

I missed the Saturday night karaoke jam to take a quick roadtrip down to St. George with Mom and visit my former Merrie Miss teacher Helen Weech. She's doing well. She said that the rest home where she lives offers so many activities and tries to keep you so active that you forget you're dying. How's that for a sense of humor! Sister Weech was also long time visiting teaching companions with Gramma - which is kind of how I have kept in contact with her all these years. I appreciate her continuing testimony. I feel like I don't really have anyone really old in my family who has shared their testimony with me. Sister Weech has kind of filled in that gap for me. It's also interesting to talk to someone outside of your family who knew you when you were little. We had a really nice visit and I was happy to take the opportunity to get down to St. George to see her because I know I won't be back there anytime soon.

Jocelyn

Hi All! So, not to be out done by Shawnna, here is Drew just out from his Daycare with 'sucker-in-mouth' and a 'fake tattoo' of an American Star on his forearm - like the old sea captain - Grandpa DiDi! (Really though, Big Andrew doesn't like tattoos, so I guess it would have to be like ME - heehee!) Check out those 'baby blues' Such a mischievous twinkle to them, they sooooo remind me of Grandpa Ginn!! Well, with summer vacation on the way, I am sure there will be lots more pics of all the grandkids, so be checking the blog to see the latest!!!

Love you all - Till' next time!

Sassy Cassy

Hi All!! Well, summer time is upon us, and along with summer comes 'SUMMER CAMPS' for the kids, and Shawnna's no exception. Here she is at summer camp at the school where Ninha teaches. She is such a pretty girl, tall and thin!! They had a Father's Day BBQ at the school and all the 'DADS' were there. Fun for everyone!!

Love you all - Till' next time!

Sassy Cassy

HI ALL!! THANKS MARION FOR SETTING ME STRAIGHT ABOUT JIMMIE'S EMAIL ADDRESS. I REMEMBER THAT HE ADDED THOSE NUMBERS TOO, BUT I MUST HAVE BEEN SOOOOOOO EXCITED THAT HE HAS AN EMAIL ADDRESS, THAT THE NUMBERS TOTALLY LEFT MY MIND - HEEHEE! OR OF COURSE, IT COULD HAVE BEEN THAT THE 'SENIOR MOMENT' I HAD WAS LONGER THAN JUST A 'MOMENT' AND REALLY TOOK HOLD OF MY BRAIN. GOOD OF YOU TO CORRECT ME - IT'S IMPORTANT TO GET THE ADDRESS RIGHT. I'VE WONDERED ALL DAY WHY HE DIDN'T RESPOND TO THE EMAIL I SENT HIM YESTERDAY - GOSH, AND IT DIDN'T COME BACK TO ME, I WONDER IF THERE'S A 'JIM GINN' OUT THERE AT YAHOO.COM AND RIGHT NOW HE IS READING MY EMAIL - HEEHEE!! GUESS I'LL NEVER KNOW, BUT I WILL UPDATE MY EMAIL ADDRESS FOR JIM AND SEND HIM ANOTHER ONE!! - AGAIN THANKS FOR NUDGE. LOVE YOU!

Love you all - Till' next time.
Sassy Cassy

Cass - Thanks for putting the info up about Jim. Acutally, his email address is jimginn96813@yahoo.com.

Hi All! Yesterday, I had a great telephone visit with my brother, Jim in Hawaii and he is finally getting with the 'EMAIL' program and has a valid email address. He would appreciate it if all of you would email a 'HELLO' so he can input all your email addresses in his files. He has the 'FAMILY BLOG' as his home page and he checks it out every day, he really enjoys seeing everyone, knowing how you all are doing, so make sure to send him a note and he'll email you back a 'HELLO - TOO'!!

OH, GOSH, I ALMOST POSTED THIS WITHOUT PUTTING IN HIS EMAIL ADDRESS. WAS TRULY HAVING A SENIOR MOMENT - HEEHEE!

HIS ADDRESS IS: jimginn@yahoo.com

Love you all - till' next time!
Sassy Cassy