Merry Christmas
&
A Happy 2014!
“Excuse Us For Living” sends from our house to yours warm wishes for the holidays!
Our family is growing with the addition of our first grandchild, James Andrew, born to our son, Andy, and daughter-in-law, Erin, June 2, 2013. Geri & I are the proud grandparents & book ends pictured above.
And it’s a treasured occasion when everyone in the family is able to attend a family gathering. This year that happened on Labor Day 2013, pictured above. Son Andy & Erin & baby James are on the right. Seated are son Tom & Sharyn & daughters Leah, seated, & Ryan, standing. And standing to the left are son Peter & his Claire. Wife Geri is standing in pink to the right. And I am standing centered with one of my usual assorted boonie hats!
Excuse us for living, but no matter how far our families may roam, may they from time to time return to that place we call home.
Phil & Geri too!
Comments always welcome!
Excuse Us for Living 
Thank you Phil & Geri for grandchild photo. as we also celebrate our first grandson year and we are proud to share some joy as well,,,
I must conclude your boonie hat is not Daniel Boone variety because it would surely have to be a coonskin. so it must therefore be from the Boondocks?
Note the change in email address for the excuse us distribution. Keep up the good work.
Rusty
Rusty von Schwedler rvonsch@ptd.net
By: Rusty von Schwedler on December 12, 2013
at 5:01 pm
Thanks, Rusty! Yes, I do recall exchanging in one of our e-mails that you “two/too” are grandparents now of a grandson as well!!! That “boonie hat” is a common term among Vietnam Vets for the large brimmed hats we wore there. Now they are very popular in all shapes, sizes, & prints for beach, summer, & sunscreen wear!!! Thought I changed that e-mail address of yours but sometimes my Optimum service messes up the change. Thanks! I’ll do it again. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you & family! Phil
By: philipfontana on December 12, 2013
at 5:12 pm
What a great photos of your family!
Looks like you have a great time.
Wishing you all a very merry Christmas with lots of love and hugz ♥
By: petitemagique on December 12, 2013
at 6:14 pm
Oh, thanks so much, Patty!!! I was hoping you would get to see everyone in my family!!! WE DO! We have so much fun together. The formula is food & vino & musica & singing & dancing & a loving family too!!! Merry Christmas to Patty & Danny filled with LOVE! Phil
By: philipfontana on December 12, 2013
at 6:27 pm
And what a lovely family it is my friend! You must be so proud! 🙂
Anyways, I know you don’t take awards, but as you may have noticed by now, I am still going to nominate you if I think it’s a award that suits you! (yes, I am a rebel!) 😉
This is a new award and I was asked to nominate bloggers who bring light into my life and the blogosphere. Well, you certainly do that so…
I nominated you for The Lighthouse Award!
Check out: http://petitemagique.wordpress.com/2013/12/13/lalala-award-time/
Of course you don’t have to accept, just know you’re appreciated!
By: petitemagique on December 13, 2013
at 9:26 am
Hey Phil & Geri…I see our sweet mutual grandson; baby James! He is such a cutie huh?
May God bless you and Geri…a blessed Merry Christmas to you and your family!
By: Marg on December 12, 2013
at 7:53 pm
Margaret!!!!! How could I pass up the opportunity to show off James Andrew for Christmas on “Excuse Us…”???!!! –plus at this busy time no one would read my serious stuff!!! HA! And to you & the “family south” have a wonderful Christmas & New Year’s as well with baby James with you & Erin & Andy & Jennie & Alan & all the boys! Phil & Geri too
By: philipfontana on December 12, 2013
at 7:58 pm
Ahh!! Super Picture! Great to see the fruits of your labor. Beautiful Americans. 3 generations. Merry Christmas. Healthy and Happy 2014! Peace& God Bless.
Mary Louise & John oxoxo
By: John Pacheco on December 13, 2013
at 7:54 am
John & Mary Louise, Thanks for the nice reply as always!!! You two will be next with the grandkids!!!
My latest idea: develop a new roof shingle that will interconnect & serve as solar panels for EVERY house!!!
Wishing all the Pachecos a very Merry Christmas & Cheer into 2014 & beyond!
Phil & Geri too!
By: philipfontana on December 13, 2013
at 11:03 am
Your family is beautiful. Each Christmas is special, but having a new member of the family brings on the opportunity for new traditions and more fun as the little ones grow. I know you will embrase every moment of the season and even better, you are diligent enough to record it on paper so that the memories remain clear for all to see and share. Merry Christmas to the Fontana clan.
By: Sue on December 13, 2013
at 8:57 am
Sue, Many thanks for the wonderful, reflective words here on Christmas & a growing family! You two are the experts on this & are miles ahead of us showing how to do it all!!! You make it look/sound easy over the years but we know what work it takes. Admiration to you! And Merry Christmas & Happy 2014 to the Carlettas & all the kids & grandkids! Phil & Geri too!
By: philipfontana on December 13, 2013
at 11:09 am
Beautiful Family!! wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year-
Robert La Bianca / Realtor & Associates BRE # 01320647HomeSmart Professionals Direct 760-567-6365Fax 760-844-7128 47060 Washington Street # 5101 La Quinta Ca 92253 robertlabianca@msn.com http://www.desertarea.listingbook.com http://www.facebook.com/#!/rlabianca1
Date: Thu, 12 Dec 2013 21:22:25 +0000 To: robertlabianca@msn.com
By: robertlabianca on December 13, 2013
at 10:32 am
Robert, Thanks, Robert!!! I know this Christmas & New Year take on newer, deeper meaning with what you have contended with this past year. But you did it! And may things look brighter & brighter with each passing week, growing stronger & stronger! Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! –to you & Wende!!!! Phil & Geri too!
By: philipfontana on December 13, 2013
at 11:13 am
petitemagique http://petitemagique.wordpress.com/2013/12/13/lalala-award-time/
Patty, Thanks so much for the nomination for The Lighthouse Award to those bringing light to you & the blogosphere!!! Humbling! And congratulations again on all your recent awards so well deserved!!! Phil
By: philipfontana on December 14, 2013
at 12:57 pm
Nominated you for The Humanitarian Award!
Check out: http://petitemagique.wordpress.com/2013/12/25/xmas-award-shower-part-1/
Of course you don’t have to accept an award, just know you’re appreciated!
Lots of love,
Patty
By: petitemagique on December 25, 2013
at 8:00 am
Patty, The Humanitarian Award!!! As with previous nominations my you, I am humbled for being singled out by you for what you perceive as my “kind words of advice.” Thanks so much for this honor! I hug you back this Christmas day! Phil
By: philipfontana on December 25, 2013
at 9:24 am