Welcome to the Family!

Cruz Anthony Monjure

It is with great pride and pleasure that I present the newest member of our family . . . Cruz Anthony Monjure! Baby Cruz entered into our world at St. Joseph's Women's Hospital in Tampa, Florida, on August 7, weighing in at 7 lbs. 12 oz. As you can imagine, like his cousin Nathan before him, he is a beautiful baby boy!

Proud parents, John & April

Baby Cruz with his mother and four lovely sisters:
Layna, Olivia, Jillian, and Hailey

Cruz with his Nana (my Aunt Sharon)

Bubby holding Cruz

My sister Carla was privileged to be present in the delivery room, and she has some amazing pictures on her blog. You can read Carla's post here.

Mama and Aunt Mary Lou with Layna in the hospital lobby.

Daddy, Uncle Olan, and Uncle Layne (Cruz's grandaddy)

Rhonda and Carla take care of business.

Bubby with Baby Cruz

Uncle Howie with two of his boys.

I started teasing Nathan that I had a new favorite boy, but he didn't fall for it. I guess I have plenty of love to go around.

As I walked toward the elevators, I passed this portrait of Dr. Rorebeck, the founder of St. Joseph's Women's Hospital. And no, I wasn't just snapping pictures to fluff up my blog. There was a reason I took the picture.

Curtis Gantt Rorebeck M. D.

Almost fifty years ago, on October 3, 1958, Dr. Rorebeck brought me into the world.

Mothers Day Brunch

Daddy & Mama

For Mothers Day, April, Doyle, and I took our mothers to brunch at the Ramada Red Rose Ballroom in Plant City. We were sad Carla, Todd, and Nathan couldn't be there!

Aunt Mary Lou & Uncle Olan

John & April

Layna & Hailey

April & Aunt Sharon

Doyle & Aunt Mary Lou

Mama & Me

Sunday Dinner

It was a big eating weekend! Layna's birthday Friday, Kelsey's birthday on Saturday, and on Sunday Mama cooked dinner to thank Jerry for painting her wheel covers and to thank John for the many times he has helped them with their car. Jerry made it, but John had to work, so April willingly took his place. The menu included tater-baked chicken, chicken & dumplings, potato salad, Fordhook limas, sweet potato casserole, and Mama's delicious oil & vinegar salad. For dessert Mama tried out Holli's layered chocolate caramel ice cream sandwich recipe.

Thanks, Mama!

Christmas Eve at April & John's House

Yes, I know I haven't posted in over a month. Things happen, but I'm back now. Forgive me!

We spent Christmas Eve at April & John's house. John fried turkeys, baked hams, and barbecued ribs. The ladies provided the sides and desserts. Love those mustard greens and pecan pie!

Gayle, Mark, Todd, Daddy, Carla, and part of April

Uncle Layne, Aunt Sharon, and Mama

April's daughter, Layna

Carla & Nathan

After Christmas Eve dinner, we gathered in the living room and sang carols. Thanks John & April for bringing us all together at your house.

You can read more about the evening on Carla's blog here.

Mr. Blount's Classroom Goes Online

Just a note for my readers to check out my newest blog, Mr. Blount's Classroom. It's something I've been trying to work out since school started, and I finally got it up and running. It probably won't interest most of you, but I'm sure inquiring minds like April will want to have regular updates on what's happening at school. This site will be kept positive and informative. Sorry, no politics here! You can find that at Eyes Wide Open.

Sherry & April

Okay, Sherry, since you mentioned in your comment that you remember when you first met April, I thought I would provide a picture from my archives to document the memory. This is Sherry Bethune and April Noble at the Pleasant Grove 4th of July Picnic, 1980. April, you'll have to provide the story of your injury that day . . . .

Happy Birthday, April and Hailey!

She's my first cousin (our mothers are sisters) and my second cousin (our fathers are first cousins), but she's more like a sister to me. She's a confidante, defender, fashion icon, spiritual advisor, comedienne, and best friend all rolled into one. She's wise, intuitive, and knock-down gorgeous. There's no one like her in the world. She loves me deeply, and I don't know what I would do without her. My regular readers know who she is, and today is her special day.

Let's make it all about you today, April! You know I love you, girl!


April's daughter, Hailey, celebrates her birthday on Saturday. Happy birthday, Pussycat!





Okay, I confess, beauty runs in our family . . . .