Capello Get-Together at Donna Robert Varnadore's

Donna is having a get-together at her house the Sunday after Christmas for those of you interested.

WHERE: Donna & Richard Varnadore's, Gonzales, LA
WHEN: December 27, 2009, Lunchtime
WHAT: I am still planning on the Capello Christmas get together - just something lite, I am letting all the Aunt's and Uncles know and will ask them to let their children know, and I will... spread the word however I can. If you know of some extended family that would like to come, let them know they are more than welcome.

If you want to RSVP, get directions, etc. please email Donna.

Thanks,
April

Capello Gathering at Vickie & Dwight's

Just wanted to remind everyone about the Capello get-together Vickie is hosting at their house in White Castle this Saturday, November 21. Hope you all can make it!

2010 Joseph E. Capello Jr. Family Calendar

Awhile back Heidi mentioned something about doing another family calendar like we did ten years ago for the year 2000. I'm writing the entire group (sorry to the few extended family that don't fall under the Joe E. Capello Jr. group) to see if y'all are interested in doing this for the year 2010.

Ashly headed up that project, and I remember it was really time consuming for her, she went through tons of ink cartridges, etc. But fast forward ten years & we have a lot easier options. I did an immediate family calendar last year on Shutterfly.com, and it was pretty easy. I think they run about $15 but sometimes there are discounts for bulk orders. We could all contribute, i.e., add pictures for your family's month, etc. and then whoever wants a calendar could just order it from the site to be shipped individually to you. (If we wanted to take advantage of any bulk discounts, we would need to order together.)

If a lot of you are interested, I will upload all the pictures that I scanned ten years ago for the 2000 calendar. I had all the scans saved on CDs, and I'm pretty sure I know where they are. haha These can serve as the starting point of the 2010 calendar & each family can add pictures of the new "babies", recent pics, modify, delete, etc.

Please let me know so we can get the ball rolling. I didn't want to wait to discuss at Vickie's get-together (since I won't be there! haha And b/c the sooner the better to get started. ;-))

Love,
April

Capello Get Together

Hi everyone!

I wanted to let everyone know we are planning a Capello get together at our home in White Castle. Brenda did not get to have her Bar B Que since she had surgery, so I told her we could have something here. I will be sending out invitations soon. The date will be Saturday November 21st. Pass this on to family members that are not on facebook. I hope everyone can make it!

We are trying to get an early count of how many people can come, so let me know soon, if possible.

Love,
Vickie

Update on Barry

Happy to say that Barry was released from the hospital today to continue recovery at home. Mama (Diana) said he was feeling A LOT better and coming along well! Alexandra, my 3-year-old, talked to him last night on the phone and offered to put a bandaid on his belly when she heard that it was hurting. I'm sure that will fix it all up. ;-)

Update on Barry

I talked to my mom yesterday afternoon close to 5pm, and they had just woken Barry. He was in a lot of pain. The doctor said the surgery went okay but that it was more difficult than expected. They were originally going to do the surgery laparoscopically (sp?) but had some difficulty with where everything was, so they had to go the traditional route.

He's in Room 237 at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Gonzales if you would like to visit.

Barry's Surgery

Everyone please pray for Barry Landry (Diana Capello Landry's husband, my step-dad)...he is to have colon surgery Monday, August 24, 2009 at 11:30am to remove some precancerous polyps. He should be in St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Gonzales, LA around 5 days.

I'm sure he would also appreciate some visitors if you are in the area! :-)

Love,
April

Isabella Jane Dyson - a quick update

Hi Everyone!

Isabella Jane Dyson was born on June 26th at 12:15 PM. She weighed 7 lbs. 9 oz. and was 20 1/2" long. She is health, strong and hungry every 2 to 3 hours. Attached are a few pictures of Isabella’s first few days in the hospital and at home.

We hope you have a safe and happy 4th of July weekend!

Love,

Beth, Harry, Sydney & Isabella

New Addition to the Family

Isabella Jane Dyson arrived today to proud parents Harry and Beth and big sister Sydney.

Harry reported via email that she was "7lbs 9ozs and cute as hell!"

Congratulations to The Dysons (family of 4)!!! :-)

Update

Things went well at the dentist. Didn't take long at all and Sherman did fine. The biggest problem is keeping pressure on the gums ( no front teeth top or bottom). He is watching tv and doing good.

Thanks for the prayers,
Dolores

update

Hi all,

Well, for the most part things are going good. The only thing not going so good is Sherman's teeth. All of the front top have come out. That is, all but the roots and a small nub. Tomorrow (Monday 22 ND) he goes to the dentist to have all of the roots and nubs taken out. I personally am not looking forward to this. He is doing pretty good. I did tell him if he did well we would go to Diary Queen and get a Blizzard. He wanted to go after church this morning. I will try to update you tomorrow afternoon but no guarantees. It will all depend on his mood (and mine). He will go back in six weeks to have an impression made and then will get a bridge to fill in the open space. I guess when we recover (Sherman and check book) from that we will do the bottom.

Mostly everything goes pretty smooth. He is not eating as well as I would like but I guess that is normal. If I cook something he wants something else. If I ask him what he wants to eat he looks to the sky for an answer and then "says" he wants cottage cheese, banana, fruit cocktail and ice cream. Yes, all in the same bowl, oh and with whipped cream on top.

Please continue to pray for us - Sherman for his peace of mind and me for sanity. May God love you all for being with us during the past year.

Love,
Dolores

hi

Hi all,

Some have been wondering how Sherman is doing so here goes. He thinks he can do everything he could do a year ago. Yes, it was almost a year ago that he had his stroke (May 30). He scared the daylights out of me today, he wanted to go outside and go on the patio so I took him there. I came back in and was still in the den, thank goodness, when I heard a crash. You got it, he had fallen out of his wheel chair onto the patio. He didn't hurt himself but my adrenalin spiked big time. Our next door neighbors son was home from college and I called him, he came over and lifted Sherman back in his chair. I don't know what I would have done had he not been home. The good Lord watches over fools and children. Not to sure which we are. The only evidence he had was a bruise under his right eye and a slight scrape on his left knee. Maybe now he won't take it upon his self to fill the sprinkler can with rain water and try to water his garden. I told him he was the rocket scientist he should have been able to figure out that wasn't going to work.

He still doesn't have his electric scooter yet and now I am not sure he needs one. Thank goodness I didn't pick the first one they told me to look at. It had 4 oversized tires, 4 wheel drive, two power sources and went 10 mph. I never would have found him.

Other than that all is as well as could be expected. He wants to go somewhere everyday. I don't. He thinks up reasons to go places. Diary Queen for a Blizzard, Wal-Mart for bananas, etc.

Please continue to pray for us. We can use all of the prayers you send up.

Thanks,
We love you,
Dolores

Joseph "Jay" J. Sylvester Obituary

September 15, 1939 - May 3, 2009

Opelousas- Funeral services for Mr. Joseph “Jay” Sylvester, age 69, will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2009, with a Mass of Christian Burial at Sibille Funeral Home of Opelousas. Father Albert Nunez will officiate the mass. Interment will follow in the Bellevue Memorial Park.

Beloved husband and father, Joseph “Jay” Sylvester departed this life on May 3, 2009, at his residence of Washington, LA, to be with the Lord.

Jay, as he was affectionately known, was a devoted husband, and a proud father and grandfather who earned the love and respect of many throughout his career as an educator in the St. Landry Parish School System. He earned his B.S. Degree from the University of Southwestern Louisiana and his Masters Degree from Louisiana State University. He began teaching science in 1962 in Leonville, LA. Later, Jay found his calling in the subject of Agriculture which he began teaching in 1974 in Lawtell, LA until his career progressed and he was appointed principal of the Washington Vocational School. After completing six years as principal, he was appointed Supervisor of Vocational Education in 1988, a position he held until he retired in 2006.

Throughout his career, Jay received numerous awards, and in 2000, he was recognized as the Outstanding Vocational Educator for the State of Louisiana by the Louisiana Association for Career and Technical Education, and cited for his involvement in the development of the Louisiana Plan for Administration of Carl Perkins Vocational Education Funds and for implementation of state-of-the-art equipment in the vocational education programs in St. Landry Parish. He retired after 44 years of exemplary service to the students and system of St. Landry Parish.

Jay was well known not only in the education field, but also in the equine industry as a breeder and owner of Thoroughbred race horses. Other hobbies included hunting and fishing with family and friends.

Jay will be missed tremendously by his wife of 50 years, Helen, his children and their spouses, Ted Sylvester of Swords, Nick and Emily Sylvester of Opelousas, Suzanne and Jason Christie of Opelousas, Sharon and Abhay Misra of Austin, TX , Dr. Richard and Angie Sylvester of Lafayette, Dr. Ronald and Amanda Sylvester of Lafayette, Michael and Stacey Sylvester of Pierre Part, La, and Mary Beth and Harry Dyson of Shreveport and his grandchildren, Amanda, Jordan, Megan, Emily, Elliot, Jay, Maya, Seth, Alyssa, Blake, Hunter, Trent, Cole, Sydney and Isabella.

He was preceded in death by his father Sidney Sylvester, mother Lou Anna D. Sylvester and brother Jimmie Sylvester.

Pallbearers will be Brent Fontenot, Armand Castille, Robert Lanclos, Steve Vidrine, Micky Guidry, Jimmy Prados, Jimmy Sibille, and Iggie Castille. Honorary pallbearers will be Jack Johnson, Pete Sturgis, Larry Lanclos, and Darrell Smith.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2009, from 3 p.m.-9p.m. in the Sibille Funeral Home. On Wednesday, visitation will continue from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m.

A rosary reciting will be held on the evening of Tuesday, May 5th at 7p.m. in the funeral home.

Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.sibillefuneralhomes.com.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sibille Funeral Home of Opelousas.

Link to Obituary

Joseph Grover "J. Grover" LeBlanc Obituary

A resident of Donaldsonville, he passed away at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 28, 2009, in Baton Rouge. He was 82 and a native of White Castle. He was a retired employee with the USDA with 25 years of service, a property manager of Elan Folse and a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War. Visiting at Ourso Funeral Home, Donaldsonville, on Wednesday, April 29, from 5 p.m. To 9 p.m. Visiting resumes at the funeral home on Thursday from 8 a.m. To 10:45 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Ascension of our Lord Catholic Church, Donaldsonville, on Thursday at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Phil Spano, celebrant. Entombment in the church mausoleum. Survived by his wife, Wayne Boudreaux LeBlanc, of Donaldsonville; a daughter and son-in-law, Cherie and Frank A. Sotile Jr., of Donaldsonville; two grandsons, Frank A. III and Alex Sotile, of Donaldsonville; a sister, Wilma L. LeBlanc, of Plaquemine; and by numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Grover Sr. And Adele Folse LeBlanc; two brothers, Clifford and Leonard LeBlanc; three sisters, Lucille LeBlanc, Marie L. Bahuriak and Elsie L. Amedee. He was a member and past district governor of the White Castle Lions Club and was president of LeBlanc and Co.

Link to Obituary

Hi Everyone

Well the computer is back from the computer hospital so I guess it is time for a "Sherman Update". He is doing really good. Actually gaining some weight. His color is also improving - probally because he goes outside and tries to play Frisbee with Katie. We got his power chair ordered today so look out he may be on your porch one day. he is really looking forward to having that.

We still have therapist and aides and nurses coming to the house but not as often as before. He is able to help me help him and is really doing a lot for himself. He still wants to go with me every time I go anywhere and of course he doesn't want to wait in the car. We try to do all of our errands in D'ville once a week and sometimes that means me helping him in and out of the car up to 10 times. I told him that was not working out to good so now he will wait in the car if I run in to get dog food or something like that.

We do make it to Church on Sunday morning and he really enjoys that and everyone enjoys seeing him. I think it is the attention he is getting because there is always a really big grin on his face. One of the ladies in the choir told me Sunday that it is so sad to sit in the choir and watch him try to sing. (he was a member of the choir) That is still the most frustrating part of the stroke - not being able to make your feelings known. We have ordered a computer for him that he can type and then it will speak for him. He has been using my laptop to type on and to practice but this one will actually say the words. I am looking forward to that one.

Hopefully the computer will stay fixed for a long while and I can keep you posted. Please continue to pray for our sanity. lol

Love,
Dolores

Buddy LeBlanc

There will be a wake for Buddy tomorrow Wed. from 8:30 to 11:00 am at the Ourso Funeral Home in Donaldsonville followed by a Mass on Thur at 11:00 am with his funeral to follow afterwards in the Catholic Cemetery.

[From Jerry & Gail Sales]

Buddy LeBlanc

Just a quick note to let all of you know Harold Tridico called earlier today saying Buddy died this morning about 8:30 am. Funeral services are pending. We will let you know details later when we know something.

[From Jerry & Gail Sales]

Buddy LeBlanc

Dear April,

Just a quick note to let you know that Harold Tridico called and Wayne LeBlanc (Jerry’s cousin) called them and her husband Buddy has had a stroke or heart failure and is in hospital in Baton Rouge. Harold said it didn’t look too good.

Would you please make sure that your mama knows about it down there and she can pass the word if they haven’t already been told.

Wayne is Aline Capello’s (Joe’s sister) daughter…..in case you didn’t get the connection.


I will let you know if we hear anything further.


Jerry has that sinus/allergy stuff again and is on medication again and not feeling well. We have had a bad time getting him over some of this lately.

I am sure it is due partly to his heart medication and blood thinner and other stuff he must now take all the time.

Take care.

Love, Gail and Jerry

hi

It has come to my attention that I haven't sent anything out in a while. I have kinda had my hands full trying to adjust to Sherman's wants and needs. Plus the fact we have help here a lot during the day. The other reason is my PC continues to act squirrley.

We are doing really good. He is adjusting to the fact that I won't come "right now" he sometimes has to wait until I finish doing whatever it is that I am doing. Other than that all is well.

I'll send more when I get the PC fixed.

Love,
Dolores

Please continue to pray for both of us. I sometimes feel I need it more than he does right now.

hi

Hi all,

Well I did it. I got Sherman home this past Friday. Don't even ask why it has taken me so long to let everyone know. Talk about adjustments. What can he do by himself, what will I let him do by himself? I went to pick him up at 1 PM knowing home health would be here at 3 PM for his evaluation. We had to go say by to almost everyone at the Health Center, yes there were tears and smiles all around. We had to promise to come back and visit soon.

We kinda coasted on Saturday. He wanted to go somewhere or do something but I was already worn out. We did get up Sunday morning, get him dressed and fed ( I just got dressed) and off to Church we went. Didn't make it to Sunday School and may not for a while but he really enjoyed seeing everyone and being seen. More smiles and tears. The Choir had a special and one of the ladies said he was sitting there smiling and singing with us. After we got home and had lunch I took a very short nap (maybe a whole 15 min.) and he wanted to go outside. I told him he could go on the drive way or the front porch. He wanted to go to the patio. Can anyone say 2 YO. :)

The girls and their spouses came over Sunder afternoon so I could go to Choir practice and he enjoyed their visit. Yes, he got to go to the patio. This morning we went to his PCP for him to see what meds were going to be dropped and so he (the doctor) could play catch up. Last Feb. when Sherman was in for his yearly check up he weighed 189#, he now weighs 131#. Believe it or not he is gaining, slow but sure. His spirits are great and yes we do argue because he thinks he can do things that I know he can't.

Please pray that we will get everything organized soon and the Health Service we selected will do all I expect them to do. He is suppose to get an electric wheel chair so don't be surprised if he shows up on your door step. Just visit with him then turn him around and tell him it is time for him to go home. :)

You all have been so supportive and wonderful during trying this time. I PRAY he will be able to stay here and I will be able to take care of him. I know in my heart he is doing better. Thank you all,

Love,
Dolores

What's YOUR News?!

Just wanted to remind everyone that you are all free to post something to this blog to let us know what is going on with your part of the Capello family or just to say "Hi!"...anything.

If you need any help doing so, shoot me an email!

Sherman Update

Hi all,

Here we go again. Yesterday Sherman and I had a meeting with the Social Worker at Red Oak and the therapist and several other people. The gist of the meeting was that Sherman has reached a stopping point in his progress as far as therapy goes. Speech stopped several weeks ago, PT will stop at the end of this week and OT will stop on March 6. It was their opinion that Sherman needed to stay at the Rehab Center as a permanent resident. They don't feel it would be safe for him to come home - safe for neither him or me. When I left yesterday Sherman was very upset as you can imagine. I told him to pray about it and I would pray about it and we would see what answer we got. When I went back today we talked about what it would be like if he did come home and what would be expected of him and of me. We both got the same answer from our prayer and it was for him to come home. I did tell him if he misbehaved I would put him on the patio and he would have to stay there :). He is in good spirits and said he would sleep good tonight. He is so looking forward to March 6.

While he was home for his birthday party I wanted him to try to see if he could get in the Trail Blazer so before he left we rolled him to the door and before I was ready to assist he had grabbed the bar over the door and pulled himself into the car. All I had to do was put his right leg in and buckle his seat belt. He just grinned at that.

Please pray that we have made the correct decision for both him and me. We feel it is the right one. Thank all of you that sent cards for his birthday. He enjoyed opening them and even giggled at a few. He really did enjoy himself and enjoyed seeing everyone. Thank you all.

Love and good wishes,
Dolores

Sherman's Birthday Party

This is a photo from Sherman Capello's birthday party today. Jerry Sales and Shirley Gibbs are standing and Sherman is seated. They are all first cousins.

It was a very nice party. They brought Sherman from the nursing home to the house for the party.


This is a nice photo of Dolores and Sherman at the beginning of the party.
He may get to come home full time soon.

Love, Gail and Jerry Lee

Update

Well, I finally did it and we both survived. I borrowed Tara's car and by myself took Sherman to not one but two doctors today. The first doctor went to is a new one. It was recommended that I talk to him and he examine Sherman to see if Botox injections might help his right arm. After trying to move the arm and putting Sherman in a lot of pain it was determined that the injections would probally help. I did not know but Botox is a muscle releasers. We go back on Monday to get the injections. The will probally last for up to six months and during that time the "tired" muscles will have a chance to recover. Then we went back to the doctor that did the kidney surgery and he has dismissed Sherman for a year. Then he will go in and he will have another look at the stones in the left kidney. I did ask it the pecan was a native or hybrid and he said native. :) Of course if either of the stones move then we will have to take action.

I have definitely decided that I am going to get rid of the Trail Blazer and get a van that is equipped to lift the wheel chair in so I don't have to. That was not a fun thing to do. If nothing else I will learn by experience. As of right now all is good. I will let you know how the injections work.

Please continue to pray for both of us,
thanks,
Dolores

Sherman's update

once again I am neglectful in keeping you posted on Sherman's progress. Last Friday the Rehab Department had let me know that Sherman was going to be named "Star of Rehab". This is a weekly honor they give to one of the hard workers. He has really earned it.

There was a couple days last week when he wasn't feeling to good - some kind of stomach bug. He is on the road again. This Sunday they are having a Super Bowl party at the Center. He is all set for that. I try to give him something to look forward to so we are planning a Birthday party for him on Feb. 21 @ 2 PM. I marked it on his calendar so he can count the days. They are also going to have a Valentine Party at the Center. They have already put decorated Valentine bags on everyone's door so you can drop Valentines in. I guess with all of his friends I'll have to buy two boxes of cards. They are always doing something to keep interest up. I guess for Easter they will have an Easter Egg hunt. That will be something to see.

I am going to try to send a picture of Sherman with his gold star.

Please continue the prayers and thoughts,
Love,
Dolores

Sherman

I have been getting flack because I haven't sent out an update. The reason I haven't is because not much is happening. Sherman is working steadily to improve. The surgery set him back some but we are gaining ground again. He has started asking me when he is going to "get out". I keep telling him it depends on him. He still has no strength on his right side and he is trying to speak but if you aren't there everyday to listen and know what he is saying you can't understand. The sounds he makes sound like huffing sounds.

Please continue to pray for his improvement. He is being well taken care of at the health and rehab but I know he wants to be here. Sheryl is going to be picking him up tomorrow (Saturday) and he will spend part of the day here at home. Next month I am going to try to plan a surprise party for him to come home to for his birthday. We may try to bring him home on the 22nd (Sunday) but I am not sure yet. I have to get with my party planners. :)

Thank all of you for your concerns, well wishes and prayers. Your strength has helped me to be strong enough to deal with day to day things.

Love and blessings to all,
Dolores