The Big 80-90
August 7, 2008 by Ryan Elledge
Hard to believe, really, but within a two week span, my grandfather (mom’s dad) turned 80 and in less than two days now, my grandma (dad’s mom) turns 90. Last week, Rebecca, Spencer, Lil B and I traveled to Casper (plane to Denver, rental car to Casper) to celebrate the two huge milestones. Sitting here at 36 years old, I can’t imagine what it would be like to be 80 or even 90 years old. Both grandma and grandpa are in good health, though grandma suffers from arthritis which landed her in the hospital for over a week and my grandpa is in the early, but apparently progressing rapidly, stages of alzheimer’s. Grandma isn’t moving around too well, though better than I figured she would. And grandpa goes “distant” on us, but to me, he does a good job of being on top of things.
We were fortunate enough to see, and introduce Braelyn to, a large number of my family members. We saw my mom’s aunt Betty, my uncle Randay (whom I haven’t seen in I don’t know how many years), my cousins Jamie and Chris (Randy’s daughter and son), Tom and Janice (kinda like aunt/uncle, but not really), my cousin Heather and her husband Dale along with their kids Christian and Justin, my aunt and uncle Fred and Lynda (Lynda is my mom’s sister), my cousin Jason and his wife Dawne, along with Madison (daughter) and newborn Luke (one month younger than Braelyn), plus my absent cousin Josh’s daughter Karleigh (doubt I spelled that right). Also saw my dad’s cousin Mike Elledge and wife Judy, friend and baseball teammate from way back Tony Cerullo (who’s grandma Betty lives with my grandpa now). Tony’s wife, their kids, Tony’s brother Adam, and parents including Geno whom I haven’t seen in forever. Of course, my sisters Wendy and Stephanie were both there, along with their spouses (Tony and Mike) and kids (Brandon, Nate, Courtney, Keegan from the Lecher side and Ashley and Stevie from Steph’s side). Yep, mom and dad were there, of course, as well as probably a ton of people I can’t remember right now as I type this. Tried to list as many names as I could to give some shout-outs to the family who may see this. If I left you off, let me know and I will edit and add ya, since it was purely accidental. Missed seeing, only by a day, my cousin Heidi and her kids as well as her brother (thus also my cousin) Paul. They showed up to spend some time with grandma.
Whew. Lot of family. Funny thing is at any given time, nearly all of the above were over at my parents’ house! In fact, the ‘rents parked their RV (aren’t you glad you still have it, mom?) in their back yard (redneck city!) and Heather, Dale and the boys stayed in it. Had a great time visiting and relaxing with the family. Spent a lot of time listening to Mike Elledge and Fred play the guitar every night, which ultimately broke out into song and all. Also spent a tremendous amount of time playing on Fred’s Martin Backpack guitar. Small and weird to play, but I really enjoyed it. So much so that I went to Guitar Center yesterday to get me one… but they were sold out. Oh well, maybe someday soon. Christian, who is 14 years old, and I spent a lot of time on it. Thanks to him for teaching me some things (Fred, too). We learned Jason Mraz’s I’m Yours song and Dueling Banjos from the movie Deliverance. Also learned Blackbird by the Beatles (I think) but known more to me as Dave Matthews covers it frequently. Probably spent more time hammering away on the guitar with Christian than I have in months! I am definitely reenergized from a guitar perspective. Christian, who I must say is an awesome kid, has been playing less time than me but has progressed much faster. I think it’s because he spends far more time on it than I am able to, plus he works it not only in school but often with Fred. If I had someone to “jam” (I can hardly jam) with, no doubt I would spend more time on it. Once a week with lessons (less frequent now since Scott, my instructor, is out-of-town getting married and honey-mooning) just doesn’t get me where I would love to be.
Anyway, some great hilights from the trip include:
- Seeing grandpa sing some karaoke at the bowling alley
- Two trips up to the cabin… sorry grandma didn’t make it
- Seeing grandma, at almost 90, hang till past midnight on two nights!
- Seeing my oldest sister, Stephanie, really enjoying life
- Seeing both of my sisters really get along (not that they don’t often, but they really seemed to have a good time together)
- Watching my nieces fight over holding Lil’ B
- Seeing the basement at mom & dad’s prepped for Big B to move in in less than a month while he goes to Casper College (aka Harvard on the Hill)
- Seeing my nephew Nathan really coming into his own and getting the crowd roarin’ with Karaoke — quite the country singer he is!
- Seeing nephew Keegan really growing up and becoming yet another awesome kid!
- Watching nephew Stevie take to the guitar, along with karate chopping me a bit here and there
- Seeing just how grown up my niece Ashley has become — oh, and watching her and Spencer pretend not to like each other!
- Throwing down a bunch of Fat Tire with the family (sorry Christian, you just aren’t old enough yet!)
- Witnessing my dad (and I) exercise extreme patience (not kiddin’) with all of the commotion
- Witnessing my mom, as usual, being so dedicated to her family
There was so much more to the weekend, but that is a short list of the hilights. All-in-all, it was great to see the family. It was like two family reunions combined into one. Just sorry I didn’t get to see Ron, Shelli, Paul, Heidi and kids, and Josh. Maybe at 90 & 100 I guess!
Well, Rebecca is at the gym playing raquetball with Holly (Rebecca’s first time ever) then doing some running and whatnot. Braelyn is up in bed (gonna go check on her now), Hoover is laying by my desk (surprise, surprise) and Spencer is over at a friend’s house for the night (surprise, surprise…. wonder what mischief they are up to tonight). Guess I’m gonna go relax a bit and watch the boob tube and fall asleep. Just had a few moments so thought I would blog about the last weekend. I think I have about 545 pictures almost finished uploading in the gallery (Under PLACES > CASPER > AUGUST 2008). Thankfully I didn’t take so many the camera would break, but I came close!
Cya for now,
RE
**NO BO** — **GO USA**
Oh yeah, poker on Saturday night. C’mon over!
sitting here
July 17, 2008 by admin
Hey, today I think Ash and I are going to go to the mall. So Ashley has told me that they got an areopostal so i guess we are gonna go there. We have one of those in Fort. Collins. And we have an American egale there also but one of my favorite stores they do not have here but they do have it in Fort. Collins. Also I’m just sitting here waiting for grandma to get back from taking Ashley to dance this morning. Nathan is so lazy he is still in bed. Keegan is sitting by me on grandmas computer and so that leaves with me on grandpas lol. Also Brandon is up in Glendo at a church camp, he is the camp conselour. By this time my dad is at work and my mom would be getting ready for her work day. Or she could be working out but who knows what time she works today. The dogs are lying behind me probably waiting tell their mom gets home to feed them. Nate is leaving tomarrow cause he wants to see grandpa cookie and grandma hotshot, before he leaves so i guess he will do that! I think grandma just got home so se=he is gonna make us cinnamon toast. The toast that grandma makes is oh so good. Keegan is so loud he keeps on screaming at the computer that he wants a boogie or what ever it is he confuses me all the time. OH i get it he is playing mini golf on the computer how weird is that?? I dont even Know how weird he is and i heve lived with him for like 11 almost 12 years. Oh can you belive that Keegan is almost 12 i cant but that means im 13 two more years tell i get to drive, oh that will be so much fun. I still kind of dont know what kind of car i want im thinking more torwds bigger cars like a Jeep Cherokee or a truck I still dont know but oh well cause i still have three years to think about that one. But i can smell the cinnoman toast so i think Im going to go eat! Have a great day. See you all soon.
Love,
Courtney
Fathers’ Day
June 15, 2008 by admin
Where to begin, I really do not know. I guess the best place to begin this June 15, 2008 is by saying “I love you, dad.” I am so thankful I have a dad who I can say that to, and one that I know says the same back. I am one of the fortunate ones, no doubt. One that still has his father in his life. I can’t even imagine what it would be like not to. I’d like to think that my dad has taught me how to be a dad, now that I have a little one of my own. When I see Braelyn today, looking at me with those big beautiful eyes and smiling, it makes me feel great. I wish I could look into my dad’s eyes today and make him feel that way, but being twelve hours away, I guess my blog and a phone call will have to suffice. In this blog version of doing such, I want to thank my dad for all of the wonderul things he has done to help make me who I am today, and for all the love he has given to me and our entire family.
Let’s think about all the things my dad is responsible for:
First there is Stephanie, Ashley and Steven.
Then there is Wendy, Brandon, Nathan, Courtney, and Keegan.
Next there is me and Braelyn.
My Dad did pretty damn well, if I don’t say so myself.
Thanks, “The Dad” for being my Father.
–The Son
Fathers’ Day
June 15, 2008 by admin
Where to begin, I really do not know. I guess the best place to begin this June 15, 2008 is by saying “I love you, dad.” I am so thankful I have a dad who I can say that to, and one that I know says the same back. I am one of the fortunate ones, no doubt. One that still has his father in his life. I can’t even imagine what it would be like not to. I’d like to think that my dad has taught me how to be a dad, now that I have a little one of my own. When I see Braelyn today, looking at me with those big beautiful eyes and smiling, it makes me feel great. I wish I could look into my dad’s eyes today and make him feel that way, but being twelve hours away, I guess my blog and a phone call will have to suffice. In this blog version of doing such, I want to thank my dad for all of the wonderul things he has done to help make me who I am today, and for all the love he has given to me and our entire family.
Let’s think about all the things my dad is responsible for:
First there is Stephanie, Ashley and Steven.
Then there is Wendy, Brandon, Nathan, Courtney, and Keegan.
Next there is me and Braelyn.
My Dad did pretty damn well, if I don’t say so myself.
Thanks, “The Dad” for being my Father.
–The Son
Emotions Running High
May 21, 2008 by admin
Graduation day is quickly approaching for Mr. Brandon. He is a special person, raised (so far) by 2 special parents. I hardly seems possible that it was almost 19 years ago in September that we wandered around the birthing center waiting for his appearance. There had been no ultra sound, so only God knew that baby was to be a boy. We were all so thrilled. He warmed the hearts of everyone who saw him. My mom (grandma cookie) came to check out what was going on and was unable to leave the room before the doctor came in and the baby was born. She talked about that often.
This little one waited one day to be born so he and I did not have to share our birthday.. Thanks B. Although I really would not have minded. He has been an awesome big brother to Nathan, Courtney, and Keegan. He has been an outstanding camp councelor. A special nephew and cousin. Beloved grandson. He has been a workhorse in student council at his school. A swing manager at his job at only 18.
Life holds an uncertain future for each of us, but Brandon will make the best of his life. We all know that. We are all so excited to be there on Saturday. And you will get to meet the newest family member.
Congratulations to Brandon, to Tony and Wendy. God bless you all
In California
May 6, 2008 by admin
Good evening, As I write this, it is not quite as late here in not so sunny California as it is in Wyoming where I usually write from. We have been out here for a few days. Met the new Moore baby.. Luke Rieland .. the other day at the Rock’s birthday party. They are all doing well. Justin and Christian are both liking the new school they are going to this year. Madison, Luke, Karlie, and Joshie were all at the birthday party for Heather and Dale.
Graduation announcements from Brandon started arriving in the mail this week. Hard for me to believe that B will be out of high school in a few weeks. OMG now I am getting old. Next year Nathan and Abbie will graduate. Time goes so quickly. I have really noticed that since I am no longer working.
Steve will be up here tomorrow. The trade show/conference will be over so he will drive to LA tomorrow sometime mid day. I think we are going to go to Catalina Island on Friday. I hope it warms up here some. We have not been to that island before and I am looking forward to going there. Then it will be a return to Casper. Back to the weight watchers….lol.
Good night all… from the Moore house in Cypress, California…. just checking in..
Ryan is Old; Nate is Good!
February 22, 2008 by admin
So, my body feels old. I have been here at Keystone skiing (yesterday) and snow boarding (today). My body hurts. Didn’t fall once skiing, despite it having been four years since I last went skiing. Today on the snow board, much different story. I was definitely “one with the mountain” but not in the way I would have preferred. Thankfully after my last snow boarding experience (4 years ago — my first boarding) I learned that it is cool to wear a helmet! My head feels much better today than it did 4 years back. My thighs… not so much. My legs get so tired that I don’t use proper mechanics and end up fighting it all the way down. Tomorrow, we’ll see if I can do a bit better.
Speaking of doing a bit better… my nephew Nathan is wrestling at the 5A State Tournament in Denver, Co. He came in as a four seed. Yesterday, he knocked off a #1 seed. Today, he knocked off a #2 seed. Tonight, he is in the semi-finals at 135 pounds and wrestles the #1 seed from his region. They have met only once this year, and Nate wasn’t on the winning side. Paybacks are hell. I really want him to win… if he does, he is in the ‘Ship! And, if he’s in the ‘ship, I will be there! The Championship matches begin tomorrow night at 6pm. Plenty of time for me to board a bit, hurt myself more, and head to Denver to watch Nate go for a title. Hope so!
Braelyn just did a liquid sounding, um, #2. Thankfully Rebecca is holding her so it’s her turn to change the diaper. Finally. Rebecca has really been a slacker when it comes to changing diapers.
Getting ready to head to the top of the mountain to eat at a fondue restaurant. Should be good.
Signing off from Keystone, where it has been beautiful, no wind, good snow, and more snow due tonight. Almost makes me not think about the HC and keeping her out of the White House. Looks like Obama is making a hard run at being the Dem nomination. Better him than her, but he is such a good speaker, people may vote for him just so they can wash away the blunders from Bush. Long way to go. McCain is our man, I guess. As long as he stays in his wife’s pants and no one elses, he’ll be the nom.
Peace, ya’ll.
–RE
Nate makes State and other headlines
February 17, 2008 by admin
Congrats to Nathan on qualifying for the Colorado State Wrestling Tournament. He’ll be in the Pepsi Center next weekend trying to take the top prize at 135!
Here are some links to articles in the Ft. Collins Coloradoan newspaper with references to Nate:
- SaberCats have three wrestlers in Semi-Finals
- SaberCats 7th in Regionals
- 4A/5A Wrestling Regionals Begin
Congrats to Tate!
February 16, 2008 by admin
My nephew Nathan, who is a junior in high school, qualified today for the Colorado State Wrestling Tournament next weekend at the Pepsi Center in Denver. Best of luck (and skill!) to him. Also, to his pops, who I hope can stick around long enough to watch Nate to the end!
Has It Really Been a Week?
February 2, 2008 by admin
I guess it has. Last entry by me was a Saturday Nooner Update. I love Saturday nooners. I love them so much I just can’t wait until noon today.
On my right monitor right now I am listening to Grave Digger (a DMB song) — well, it’s actually a video. But it’s not Dave… it’s Willie Nelson. It is a very weird video; a very weird version of Dave’s song. Click Here if you want to check it out for yourself.
Rebecca is on her way upstairs to clean the baby. Baby had a major… underscore… MAJOR… blowout last night. She slept well; but she shat better. The diaper could not contain it. Her back… her foot… her clothes… Rebecca… she got it all. I felt it was definitely more important for me to be in here doing a Saturday morning update than to clean that mess. Hey, if I was cleaning that mess, someone else would have to come clean the mess I made while doing so.
Some guy should be getting here any minute to fix our outdoor patio fan. It is hanging from our 16 foot covered patio… by the wires which power it. Been that way since like Tuesday … some of the wind The Dad keeps talking about in Wyoming made its way out here to the OP. Guy was supposed to be here yesterday but an emergency not involving a swinging blade hanging by its power cords occured. Oh well, today it shall be fixed.
We’re going skiing in late February, Baby Braelyn and all. I called my sister Wendy in Ft. Collins to let her know so they could see the baby if they wanted to… Ft. Collins isn’t too far from where we will be. Unfortunately, it is the same weekend that Nathan (a junior in high school) will be wrestling at State, should he qualify. He should qualify. I think his record at 130 or 135 pounds is like 26-2, Wendy said. He should go… and he should kick some butt. Anyway, since the Lechers aren’t hitting the cruise in March, I hope we get a chance to see them in February. I know Miss Courtney seems pretty excited to meet her newest cousin, and I know Miss Braelyn will sure enjoy meeting all of the Lechers. As long as they shower her with gifts!
Guitar lesson today at 3:30… should have Daughter by Loudon Wainwright III pretty well wrapped up this week.
Speaking (earlier) of Miss Braelyn, we are going to be taking quite a few pictures of the lil one this weekend to try and get that perfect picture for her birth announcements. Rebecca wants to get them ordered this week.
Well, Reb is upstairs pumping (sorry) so I best go get somewhat presentable for the fix-it man. Hope he brought a TALL ladder….
I’ll get all political on you next time. Lot happed this past week. Vice President candidate John Edwards dropped out and endorsed, well, both candidates… he wants into the VP mansion and he doesn’t care with whom! Rudy, Rudy, Rudy dropped out and hit the trail with John McCain. That’s probably who I will have to settle for support-wise. I like McCain. He’s just, well, so old… and a career politician. He doesn’t have some of the bad characteristics of a career politician, though. So, he’d probably be a-ok. And I think Rudy sees that if he sucks up enough, maybe he can be the VEEP… then with how old McCain is, he may become the POTUS by default! Hmmm, interesting strategery (nice Bush-ism) there Rudy.
Oh, I said politics next time. For now, keep the HC out of the WH!
–RElledge
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