Cherries!

Sam and I picked the cherries in the backyard today, She has been bugging me to do this for weeks. As you can see our small tree produced quite a few cherries this year. Sam happily took home a couple of full baggies, and tested a few too. Not all of the cherries were quite ready but there was no stopping Sam!

Friday Lunch at Salty's

The girls and I took Susan out for a belated Birthday lunch today. What a gorgeous day to sit outside and enjoy Redondo Beach. I need to take Richard down there this summer for fish and chips. It's a little expensive but worth it.

Congratulations Tiffany, Earl & Becca!

Contratulations 2006 Graduates! (mouse over to stop picture)

Congratulations! Tiffany and Earl Class of 2006

Congratulations Tiffany and Earl!

Decatur High School Class of 2006!

Both are planning on attending Shoreline CC in the fall.

- Best Wishes for a bright future!

"I am unwritten, can't read my mind, I'm undefined

I'm just beginning, the pen's in my hand, ending unplanned

Staring at the blank page before you

Open up the dirty window

Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find

Reaching for something in the distance

So close you can almost taste it

Release your inhibitions Feel the rain on your skin

No one else can feel it for you

Only you can let it in

No one else, no one else

Can speak the words on your lips

Drench yourself in words unspoken

Live your life with arms wide open

Today is where your book begins

The rest is still unwritten"

-Natasha Bedingfield

The Martineau-Pittman's Blog

Ben and Shelli have a new blog; http://www.martineau-pittman.blogspot.com/ to share their Wedding and Honeymoon pics. - Congrats! We love you! Mum

Congratulations Ben & Shelli! Just Married 5/28/06

I am sharing just a few pictures of the pictures taken. The rest I can print out or email. Let me know if you would like to be included in receiving pictures.

Ties that Bind

Hey! Guess what Ben and I did yesterday? Oh nothing... Just met the President of Ireland!!!










Here is a poor picture of Ben shaking Mary McAleese's hand and thanking her for visiting Missoula.












Here is my professor Traolach O'Riordian, speaking in the Irish language, welcoming the President.

Overall, the event was great fun. It made me very proud to have studied under Traolach, at the UM, as well as proud of being a citizen of Montana. Montana and Ireland have wonderful cultural connects and I'm looking forward to watching the Irish Studies program here develop and grow. Apparently this will be the only Irish Studies program west of the Mississipi (the only other being at Notre Dame).

Caught! Handy Richard

Proof Richard can be handy!

Robbery on Mothers Day!

Those dirty bastards! I am mad at myself too. I spent approximately $115 on items to create a Martini Basket for the NWAHU Auction benefiting ChildHaven. After a day of orgainizing the Auction baskets, etc.. Saturday, I left my basket contents the trunk of my car. (OK... thats the part I am mad at myself for.) Everything was in my trunk and I always lock my doors, however it has been warm lately and I left my windows down about an inch, inch and 1/2 maybe. Tiffany thinks that may have been how the robber got in, I don't know. What I do know, stolen are;
1 large basket $3.00
1 bottle of Greys Vodka $35.00
1 bottle of Vermouth $3.25
1 pkg of rim sugar and 5 bottles of mixer $16.31
1 jar Harry and davids onions $5.95
1 jar Harry and Davids cocktail olives $5.95
1 tea towel with a martini glass and recipe design $2.15
2 bar equipment, strainer, stirring spoon $10.86
1 Mikasa silver cocktail skewers & holder $16.31
1 Ultimate Martini book & magnet- Borders $11.64
1 jigger $4.30
-Also stolen; My car registration and envelope of sales papers.
My gas door is bent slightly too.
Genn had CD's in the car, I don't know if any were stolen, she is in California so I'll have to wait for her to get home. They did not steal the box containing the martini glasses and shaker, or the gift certs, tickets etc... contained in the Auction binders - THANK YOU JESUS! - If that had been stolen too.. I think I would have had a nervous breakdown. I don't know why items were left behind but.... thank you, thank you, thank you!
I've learned my lesson.... no more leaving things in the car. Again - Dirty Bastards, on Mother's Day no less, and for a fundraiser!

Please Pray for John Hickel

John is fighting colon cancer.

Again, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them".

(Matthew 18:18-20)

O Lord, holy Father, creator of the universe, author of its laws, you can bring the dead back to life, and heal those who are sick. We pray for our sick brother that he may feel your hand upon him, renewing his body and refreshing his soul. Show to him the affection in which you hold all your creatures.

- Dimma, a seventh century Irish monk

Most Holy Apostle, St. Jude Thaddeus, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the name of the traitor who delivered your beloved Master into the hands of his enemies has caused you to be forgotten by many. But the Church honors you, and I invoke you as the special advocate of those who are in trouble and almost without hope. Help me to realize that through our faith we triumph over life's difficulties by the power of Jesus who loved us and gave his life for us. Come to the Hickel family's assistance that they may receive the consolation and succor of heaven in all of their needs, trials, and sufferings, particularly John Hickel, please heal him of Cancer, restore his health, that they may praise God with you and all the saints forever.

St. Jude, apostle of the Word of God, pray for us. St. Jude, follower of the Son of God, pray for us. St. Jude, preacher of the love of God, pray for us.St. Jude, intercessor before God, pray for us. St. Jude, friend of all in need, pray for us. St. Jude, pray for us, and for all who invoke your aid.

Afternoon Easter Egg Hunting - Image Post

Kaidra, Sam & Genn
Uncle Bob

Grammy & Grandpa

Barbara, Tiffany and Earl


Ayla had a fever and was not feeling well. Below:The spectators; giving advise from the sidelines.

Easter Morning - Image Post

Happy Easter, Genn!

Happy Easter! Tiffany and Earl

Headline News: Tiffany Martineau turns 18!

Tiffany and Earl - Very cute!
Yummy! Benihana's --- Dad says hurry up and take the picture, he needs to get back to his dinner!

Happy 18th Birthday Tiffany!
Love Mum :-) & Daddio

P.S. Please note: When you are old, tipping your head way back in pictures does not hide a double chin! - It just makes you look like an idiot.

Shelli's Honeymoon

As you all ((hopefully)) know Shelli and Ben are getting married on May 28th, 2006. It will be a very small ceremony with just our immediate families because we're going to PARIS!! YAY! We will be staying at the Hotel Minerve in Paris, La Residence in Lyon, and Quality Hotel Hyde Park in London. YAY! Yes I am bragging because we are so excited!!

New Baby!

Rick and Carol welcomed Alex Devlin Martineau to the Martineau clan on February 1st 2006. Little Alex is adorable and Grandpa Martineau is very proud!

Cherry Blossom

Sorry this is not the best picture.

Mom always says Grammy used to call me "Cherry Blossom" because she was confused by Cherie (my middle name). This Christmas one of my friends got me this asian style tea set with cherry blossoms. My friend didn't know about the nickname until after I unwrapped the gift and told him the story. Cute huh? I'm going to copy Mom and start collecting tea sets/pots they are so fun.. I already have 3.

Image Post

12-17-05: Genn's 16th B-Day cake (the third one). My favorite quote from this day: "Dad ate my cake can you get me another one? ... Since you're getting me another cake can I eat this one?"

12-17-05: Ben, Laura (aka Clara), and Shelli after the Nutcraker.

12-18-05: Shelli and Ben's Goddaughter, Lily, being lulled to sleep by her Grammy, DeAnn.

12-24-05: Shelli and Ben's stockings and Christmas Tree (notice the presents are under the tree - it was the largest we could afford and find by the time we got home)

Just a Reminder

Shelli and Ben will be in Federal Way Dec 15th (very late) until Dec 19th. We are spending the 17th at Laura's nutcracker performance and the 18th at Lily's baptism. Ben and I would like to go to The Chronicles of Narnia with both families on one of the days we are home (the 16th?) so make room in your calenders. To extended family and friends: Please call and make plans to see us while we are in town!