Body Scans and Green Juice

As late 20-somethings, Kelly and I are often asking ourselves, "are we getting old?" The question is typically answered with a "no way" but just last night we had a sign. We were down in La Quinta (near Palm Desert) for the holiday week between Christmas and New Years. My dad and Mary Ann, Bob and Jean Campbell, and Kelly and I were all down enjoying some golf and relaxation. It was a nice treat from all the hussle and bussle that tends to build up around the holidays. Anyway, last night Kelly and I turned to each other and laughed. Bob, my dad, and Mary Ann were in a deep conversation regarding body scans and their importance. By no means do Kelly and I underestimate the significance of a body scan but just the fact that this was a major topic of conversation made us laugh. Of course this was only 5 hours after a deep discussion on 100% juice and how we all need our green juice. For some of our consistent readers you might ask, "are you making fun of your parents on your blog?" and the answer is sure. Fortunately for us the probability of our parents finding this on the internet much less reading it is near to nil (with the exception of Fran who wouldn't tell anyone :-). But just in case, we have added some links that might be of use for the Body Scan and Green Juice crowd. Enjoy: Body Scans

• FDA Body Scan Information
• Questionable use of Body Scanners (used for fitting clothing- wow Cornell, is that research?)

Now for the Green Juice Fans:

• Wheat Grass
• Juicing Tips

Wedding Pictures now online

Kristen and Rob Venick Wedding

Rehearsal Dinner Video

Rob and Kristen Rehearsal Dinner Video
The video shown at the rehearsal dinner. More pictures and videos to come from the wedding.

Kelly and Michael Reunite!

  It's been too long since Kelly and I have been together. 27 days to be exact and tomorrow we will be back together. Kelly flies from LAX to Berlin and I'm going to meet her there. Niether of us can wait. It's been way too long. As far as our trip to Germany, we'll spend a few days touring east and west Berlin and then drive south. After a stop in Prague we'll head to Munich where we'll meet up with my cousin Marty McFadden and his wife Anne. 

Jerry Gibson in Oxford

On Saturday, two days before Kelly and I left for Nigeria, a friend, mentor, and wise 'old fossil' visited Oxford. Jerry was in London with his wife, Normadeane, his daughter Becky and her family. To the left you can see Jerry and I walking down the path from the canel to Christ Church. We had a wonderful time. It was truly a blessing to see him before our departure.

Saying Goodbye to Norma Colamatteo

Mike's beautiful Grandma passed away this last week. We were disappointed to not be at the memorial service, but are thankful we got to hug her a few months before we left for Oxford. This matriarchwill be greatly missed by the Colamatteo family many of whom are shown here. Norma N. Colamatteo, 84, of Chicago and Pompano Beach, died April 25,2006 in McHenry, IL. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Orlando. Norma Natalie was born in Sesser, IL on August 27, 1921. She was the only child of Elsie and James Whitley. She is survived by her children, Diane, Frances Angela and Lonny Jr. She was the best grandma ever to David, Kate, Jennifer, Brian Peter, Michael James, Joey, Brian, Michael, Christopher, Liz, Orlando III and Anthony. The sweetest ''GG'' to Christopher, Natalie, Sara, Kyle, Adriana, Kelson and Tison. Norma was faithful, devoted, and loving to all her ''Sisters'', nieces, nephews and friends. All who knew her was only the richer for the experience. A mother to many, a friend to all. Please call Kraeer Funeral Home at 954-941-4111 for details regarding our celebration of her life. Published in the Chicago Tribune on 4/28/2006.

Campbell on 10th Anniversary Team

Kelly would kill me if she knew I posted this (I figure it will take her at least a few weeks to notice). That being said she was nominated to the Big XII Volleyball 10th Anniversary Team. ------ Nov. 8, 2005 Big 12 Announces Volleyball 10th Anniversary Team

DALLAS, Texas — Former Colorado setter Kelly Campbell has been named to the Big 12 Volleyball 10th Anniversary Team, the league announced today. The team was selected by a combined media panel and an on-line fan poll. To be eligible for the team, a candidate had to be an All-Big 12 First Team selection. Campbell, a native of Corona Del Mar, Calif., was a member of the All-Big 12 First Team all four years (1996-99) she played at Colorado. She was also a four-time member of the Academic All-Big 12 Team. Campbell is the Buffaloes’ career assists leader with 6,228 and owns four of the top six positions for single-season assists. Campbell was an All-American on and off the court. She was a Volleyball Magazine selection three years (1996, 1998, 99) and was a CoSIDA Academic All-American in 1999. She was named the Big 12 Player of the Week on four occasions and was named the Sports Imports/AVCA National Player of the Week on Nov. 8, 1999. Player School Position Years of All-Big 12 First Team Selection Kelly Campbell Colorado S 1996, `97, `98, `99 Greichaly Cepero Nebraska S 1999, 2000, `01, `02 Amber Holmquist Nebraska MB 2000, `01, `02 Nancy Metcalf Nebraska RS 1998, `99, `01 Demetria Sance Texas OH 1996, `97, `98 Mira Topic Texas OH 2001, `02, `03, `04 Stacy Sykora Texas A&M OH 1997, `98 http://www.cubuffs.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=600&ATCLID=211810 http://www.big12sports.com/sports/w-volley/spec-rel/110805aaa.html

Kelly in California

Wanted to let you know...although I am sure you already do - that I made it on the direct flight (LHR - LAX). Yae! I was the last one let on, but I was on and in business class no less. I only had one scare when I was asked to change seats. Thought they were going to move me back to economy. I was ready to fight for my full reclining chair and my Mimosa. However, I was just moved a few rows forward in business class to switch with a man who's audio/video was broken. No TV for me, but who needed it?! Plus they sent me home with a bottle of wine for the inconvenience. I think my seat was more comfortable than my bed in Oxford! Plus with the delicious food, wine, snacks, United socks & vanity kit, my book and reading lamp, I was set for the journey. I wanted to take a picture so I would never forget, but alas Mike has taken so many rainy golf pictures our digital camera is on the blink. But the experience is now etched in my memory. I know one day I will have to go back to economy, but I will never forget the greatest flight of my life. Kelly Mc

Uncle George Update 10/25

Here is the latest email from my Aunt concerning my Uncle. My mom has just arrived in Italy (10/26) to be a support to them both. Our family continues to wait and pray... Dear Friends and Family,Thank you so much for all of your kind emails, thoughts, and prayers regarding George's condition. Please understand that at this time it is impossible for me to respond to each one of you personally.At this time, George remains stable, but in critical condition. He has meningitis and sepsis caused by staphylococcus aureus, the origin of which is two abscesses in the lumbar region of his spine. While the antibiotics are working successfully to treat the meningitis and sepsis, the abscesses are more difficult to treat and require long-term antibiotic therapy with a small possibility of surgical intervention. We are diligently working with doctors at UCLA & UCSD in coordinating George's care and return home.My niece, Kelly McFadden, who currently resides in Oxford with her husband, arrived at a most critical time and helped me immensely with logistical details. Our children Jennifer and Greg have been with me for the last five days and have been immensely helpful in communicating with doctors as we've grappled with these diseases and their course of care. Having them here has given George hope for his recovery and has comforted me beyond words. Jennifer's command of the Italian language and aggressiveness combined with her charm has been vital to communicating with doctors and nurses to ensure George is getting the very best of care. Greg has also been vital in communicating with Valencia, his wife, who is a doctor and who is diligently monitoring George's day-by-day condition and coordinating with medical professionals in the States. She is also working with Kristen Campbell, my niece who is a nurse at UCLA, on getting George home - a top priority for us and a day we are anxiously awaiting. In regards to me, thanks to my precious children, I have moved to a hotel closer to the hospital in a safe area, with many English-speaking people around me. Jen & Greg have made sure that doctors, nurses, friends of doctors and nurses, the security guards, hotel personnel, and even the local cafe owners will ALL be watching out for me.But don't worry, I'm not alone. While the kids leave Monday, my sister Jean is coming to stay with me for a week, followed by Evelyn, Greg's sister-in-law, who is a nurse, and if necessary, Kristen from UCLA will stay out the duration until we get him home! Love and miss you. Can't wait to see you.-Jan

Uncle George Update

I just spent a week in Rome helping my aunt. It was a rough week of uncertainty and emotions. I felt so blessed to be so close to be able to be in Rome within 24 hours of hearing my Uncle was in the hospital. Our days were spent receiving updates from doctors, helping my Uncle receive water and eat, and praying. Aunt Fanny and I made the goal to just get through each day. As of now, my Uncle remains day to day. He is in critical condition as the doctors (who are very good) use antibiotics to fight his infections. (Please see email below my cousin Valencia sent out regarding his condition.) Thank you thank you to all of you who prayed for myself and my family. We ask that you continue to do so, as my uncle remains in the hospital. --Kelly Hi everyone, We heard some updated news this morning on George. The results of the cultures are now back and he has staphylococcus aureus growing from his blood causing sepsis and from his cerebrospinal fluid causing meningitis. He does not have pneumococcal meningitis, that was a preliminary result. He is receiving the appropriate treatment of 3 antibiotics until they know which antibiotic will work against the staph aureus. He does not have any other complications at this point and his blood pressure and breathing are stable. He is no longer confused, but is in a lot of pain that the doctors are working on. The hospital he is in is a good one (Ospedale Spallanzoni) – it is private and university based, so they have the latest in treatment and technology. But he is in serious condition and we do not know yet about his prognosis. Continue to pray for George’s speedy recovery, that his body fights off his infections, that no complications arise, and that Jan continues to stay strong.

Uncle George in hospital

We got very bad news regarding Kelly's Uncle George last week. He and his wife (Jan) were traveling through Italy and he got really sick. Kelly's cousin Jen sent us this e-mail: Dated 13 October, 2005 Please take a moment today to pray for my Dad. He has been hospitalized in Rome, Italy (there on vacation) for a severe case of the flu and back pain. He hasn't eaten for over four days and is in terrible shape -- apparently now he is in such agonizing pain with the arthritis in his wrists that he can hardly speak. The American embassy is going to send an American doctor to see him soon -- my mother is alone there and it has been very difficult to communicate with the people and she cannot convince the doctors to let him get up and walk around -- which is of great concern, lest he get a blood clot since he has been without his heart medication for a few days. After we found out he wasn't recovering quickly, Kelly flew down to Rome. She left on Saturday the 15th and is just coming home today. She's been down with Jan and George. George is doing better but it's going to be a process for recovery. Jen and Greg (Jan and George's kids) just got to Rome yesterday so Kelly will come home tonight. Keep the family in your prayers. It's been an emotionally tough time for everyone since there are so many unknowns. Thanks, Michael

Kelly in Wonderland

I will not steal Alice's story from Oxford. No tea parties with the Mad Hatter, no Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dumb, no Cheshire cat, but the adventure I will have. Unmistakably Oxford is a place of adventures and imagination. I can't leave my door without getting caught up in the majesty of the looming spires, the green of the country paths, or the rich history of the cobblestone paths and Colleges. Each turn, each pathway leads to a new surprise. It is no surprise that Lewis Carroll considered this place a "wonderland." For that is what Oxford is. For if "wonderland" is to be defined as "a place where wonderful things happen or exist," then I say that defines Oxford perfectly. Oxford is truly a place of marvelous things. As I venture out into the city or take a run along the River Thames, I am overwhelmed with my own blessings. I leave you with good cheer and a promise of more to come from Kelly's Adventures in Wonderland. --Kelly

Grandma McFadden

On the way to England Kelly and I took a long hour lay over so we could swing by my grandmother's in LaGrange. She has been very tired and sick lately and she's been in and out of the hospital. My dad suggested we try to see her if at all possible. We did and it was great to see her. Unfortunately I got an e-mail soon after we arrived to England announcing she had passed away. Kelly and I feel very blessed we were able to visit her one last time. She lived a great life ... filled with many great years. Her funeral is Saturday. This is an excerpt of an e-mail my dad sent to my brother and me on Sept 14th: I am very glad that you stopped to see Grandma. Unfortunately, she passed away about an hour ago. Yesterday, she got to see you and Kelly, then I think Katie was there. Joan Marie was also there yesterday and called me around 7:30. She said mom was very tired and still wasn't eating very much. She had a couple bites of a Wendy's Frostie. I am not sure I ever told you that Dad also wanted those Frosties at the end. Mom was hesitant to give them to him because of his diabetes and I said, heck mom he is dying. Give him the Frosties! Anyway, late this afternoon I called to check on her and Uncle Ed answered. He said she was not doing well and hadn't eaten all day. They wanted to get her to turn over from lying on her right side to laying on her back or her left side so she wouldn't get bed sores. She wouldn't do that. Ed said she was somewhat out of it and they were trying to decide what to do. Should they take her back to the hospital, call hospice or whatever. Apparently, they decided to put her back on the antibiotics and then check with the hospital in the morning. They had to go to Walgreen's to get the medicine and she didn't want to take it. I don't know if she ever took it. In the meantime, Katie showed up, and then Uncle Pat and Joan Therese. After talking for a short while, Ed and Katie left and a few minutes later the caretaker went in to mom's room to check on her. She called Pat and Joan in because something was wrong. She had died. It was so soon after Ed & Katie left, they were still in the parking lot. So at least you got to see her at the end. Joe, I am sorry that you didn't get to see her in the past few years, but age had been taking its toll. At least she died peacefully and at home. My grandma was a very special lady. She raised a great family ... and a big one indeed. The notice was completely filled just with the list of family survived:

Joan Marie McFadden

Joan Marie McFadden, nee Mulcahy, of LaGrange Park and Grand Beach, MI, died peacefully at home on Wednesday evening, September 14, 2005, beloved wife of the late Edward P. McFadden, Sr.; loving mother of Edward (Fidelis), Roger (Diane), Patrick (Joan), Michael (Mary Ann) and Joan (James) Marcellus; cherished grandmother of Edward (Jenny), William (Kathleen), Kathleen (Kevin) Larmon and Martin McFadden, Bridget, Maureen, Patrick and Michael McFadden, Michael (Kelly), Joseph and Brian McFadden and Elizabeth, Christopher and Anne Marcellus; devoted great-grandmother of Lily Larmon, Margaret McFadden, Emmett Larmon, Liam McFadden, Edward McFadden IV and Matthew McFadden; devoted sister of Mary Helen (the late Dr. Edmund) Donoghue, Therese (the late Clarence) Usher and the late Roger Mulcahy; fond sister-in-law of Honey Mulcahy and Henrietta McFadden; preceded in death by her parents, Roger and Johanna Mulcahy. Family and friends will meet at Christ the King Church, 9235 S. Hamilton Ave. on Saturday morning for visitation 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials to Sisters of Charity, B.V.M., 1100 Carmel Dr., P.O. Box 858, Dubuque, IA 52004-0858 appreciated. Information: Heeney-Laughlin Funeral Directors, 708-636-5500. Published in the Chicago Tribune from 9/16/2005 - 9/17/2005.

Cheerio Party

Last night we had going away party at the local Lawn Bowling place. It was a blast. So many came in costumes (British theme). I've loaded a few picts so you can get the feel. Kelly and I came as Alice in Wonderland and the Madhatter. It was a great way to say goodbye to our California friends and family. We should have more picts on the website soon.

Miracles In Motion Retreat

We just finished the MIM retreat this weekend. It's the annual retreat where many of the families that live at the motel come up to a mountian getaway. Kelly and a number of volunteers organize the event and it was a blast. There was around 90 people that came up in our group to Forest Home (near Big Bear in California). I think the greatest aspect of this retreat is the "family" feel. Moms, dads, kids, kids with kids, teens, grandparents are there -- everyone in the family shows up. There are volunteer families and people who work at Mariners Church ... it's a giant melting pot of people with so many needs. My highlight was connecting with the high school guys & girls. We played basketball outside and many of them who are normally very reserved and seem very sad, broke out of their shell. It was great to see them having fun and screwing around. A glimpse of joy. That night 2 of the guys and 2 of the girls made the decision to follow Christ. It was powerful to see these 16 year olds tear up and ask for forgiveness and make a decision to change their life. I hope to come to another MIM retreat in the future. -Mike