Happy Birthday Mallorie!

Mallorie turned two and what a precious child - I bet Cindy misses seeing her all time since they moved to the St. Louis area. Mallorie you are a treasure!

Dorene is doing better -

Well, Dorene has been moved back to Rotary Ann and is doing much better. Artie, JoEllen and girls all came home to be with her and Bernadette even went and spent a night with her in the hospital. I spoke with Dorene Monday afternoon, she was alert and knew me but she fell asleep in the middle of the conversation. So, if you call make it short; but she would love to hear from you.

Dorene in the hospital -

Dorene is in the hospital with Congestive Heart Failure - let's keep her in our prayers, she was always there for us so let's be there for her this time!

A Day to Remember -

A time to remember those who have gone on before us -
I want to describe the significance of the tomb stone: The stone is shaped like an open book, the Cross is the dominant etching with the Chalice and Host on one side with the insignia of the Knights of Columbus on the other. All a reminder of the strong faith the folks had.

Lyndie's daughter placing flowers on great-grandpa's stone (Artie)

Remember those keeping us free - many in our family have served this country with honor:
Joe, Virgil, Chuck, Artie, Darwin, Rick, Brian, Chris J. and Kurt. Thank you!

Today is a busy day!

Yup, today is Joe's 84th birthday, (Joe is in the middle) and how do I know this? Joe celebrated his 50th birthday the day Steve & I were married.

Since Pop died in 1971 and Steve & I got married in 1974, Joe being the oldest in the family; he had the honor of walking me down the isle. The music we walked to was "Let There Be Peace on Earth". One verse was "Let me walk with my brother in perfect harmony. . ." Yea, I know not many people (no one) caught the significance.

Virgil and Frank giving us a bad time before leaving after the wedding, they are both still wearing their tuxedos and really enjoying the evening. When I look at this picture, I remember how much I loved this suit - wish I still had it. But I know it wouldn't fit . . . sigh!

Would you take a look at these two, who would believe that today they have been married 27 years.
Way to go Mary & Artie, I'm sure there have been some tough times, but that just makes you stronger and your faith deeper. I know you serve your church faithfully and God has Blessed you both greatly for it. Bless you both on this your Anniversary Day!!!!

Happy Birthday Teresa -

Look at this wonderful picture of Teresa with Grandpa Artie!! When Mary sent this picture to me, I had to shed a few tears in seeing Artie looking so happy again.  He was a terrific man who loved his grandchildren to distraction.  You can see the look of love and joy on his face, what a guy! Teresa you were so cute and Grandpa thought you were wonderful.

And look at you now! What a beauty, inside and out. You are a real blessing to your family and now that we know you again, to the rest of us as well.  It was such a pleasure having you back in Iowa for the reunion and getting to know the beautiful person you have become.  Have a very happy birthday Teresa and enjoy your day with your family.

Happy Anniversary Kevin & Marcie -

Well Kevin & Marcie, you got married on grandma's 80th birthday. Let's see she was born in 1901 and you were married in 1981 which would make this anniversary number 27. WOW, you guys have been married 27 years - just seems like yesterday doesn't it? And to top it all off, you guys are grandparents as well, man life really does go fast.

Grandma's birthday -

Grandma loved to entertain in her home and here she is having some of her friends over for a meal. Seated with her is Mrs Vilmain, who had MS, but never complained about her situation. Grandma loved to make apple butter, apple pies, apple sauce, anything with apples since she had so many apple trees in her back yard. And she would take them to people who were shut in, recuperating from surgery or just plan anyone who needed some lov'n from the oven. She had two freezers in the basement loaded with frozen pies, meat, vegetables, homemade bread and rolls, everything for a meal in short notice. Many relatives would come by with no notice whatsoever and would stay overnight or longer and she was always ready. The perfect hostess and loved every minute of it!

My Mother's Day -

For my Mother's Day,Jeff and Patti gave me round trip tickets to Nashville to spend a few days with them. It has been great!!! Patti is the perfect hostess, she has been getting up early and preparing breakfast for us every day from french toast to bacon and eggs. She prepared a perfect roast with mashed potatoes, peas and hot rolls today for lunch with hot cinnamon rolls this morning. We have had a wonderful time visiting and just plain enjoying our time together! Here are some pics from today -

Patti making breakfast-

Patti & Jeff making the gravy -

Jeff setting the table -

Patti enjoying her efforts -

Jeff saying, "Oh man, am I full!"


Jeff doing clean up after an awesome meal!

Patti, I can't thank you enough - everything was so good and the table was beautiful.
You did an awesome job!!!!!

Happy birthday Ruthie -

Ruthie, have a wonderful day - enjoy your time in Japan. I'm sure your parents miss you teribly, but what a wonderful opportunity to see the country. If you look on the left side of this blog you will see Ruth's name, if you click on it you will go to her blog and see what she is doing.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY RUTHIE!!!

Do you know your Mom?

Wasn't grandma beautiful? Anyway, as I said before and I will say again, get to know your parents while you can. You never know what tomorrow will bring. Grandma loved to waltz and her favorite music was The Blue Danube I can just picture her as a young girl, so beautiful and swirling across the floor to the waltz. We need to pass down stories to the younger generation, it is so important to remember from where we come.
Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers out there!!!!

Mothers' Day

In 1957 Grandma was elected to represent the state of Iowa as "Mother of the Year" and she presented this little poem about her daughters. I have no idea where she placed in the contest, but there is a picture someplace of the entire group of women and there were a lot.
This is also the birth month of grandma - I will tell stories about her as the month goes on.
And don't forget this Sunday is Mother's Day - get something nice for your mom.

May day! May day!

Ya, I know May is Joe's month - but you know what? Joe is 21 years older than me and I really don't know any funny stories about him, but I will tell you what I have heard from the higher sources. He was in the service when I was born and with the money he received back from the government, he and Pop bought their first truck. A "corn sheller" and they went into business. The rest, as they say, is history.
Happy birthday month, Joe.