This month was grandpa's birthday as well, February 27
th. As I have mentioned in a couple of blogs ago, I have been looking into our heritage and tracing it back. I found the manifest where grandma's
ancestors came across from
Altona, Germany on a ship named "Catharina" on December 12, 1836 into New Orleans, Louisiana. On the manifest it said that a "daughter" was born on ship, and I was looking at the ages of the family - they ranged from 68 (grandmother) to 2 years old. Can you imagine leaving everything behind, coming to a land they never saw only heard about. They held on to God's hand as they stepped from the comfort of their hometown in Germany to the unknown in a foreign land. They defied
opposition and worked tirelessly to satisfy the requirements imposed by the U.S. Immigration Department to enter the country and establish residency.
Once in the states, they had to overcome
humiliation, intense loneliness, helplessness and uncertainty. They endured ridicule due to their lack of fluency in English, but they pressed on. And they managed to gather enough money for the basics. They held on to their faith in God, one of the first things they did was set aside a portion of their land and the first church in Lee County was established.
By example, and with profound appreciation, our forefathers gave us a wonderful heritage of determination, tenacity and faith in God. They demonstrated the commitment to family and the importance of setting priorities.
And with that all said, I want to say thanks to our marvelous heritage no matter if we find out the real name behind
Umthun or not.
Annie, today is your birthday - it doesn't seem possible. I remember when your mom was pregnant with you and Oh My Gosh, she was so excited when Doc proclaimed that she finally had her girl! What a joy you were to your mom and dad, she always dressed you so cute, and your hair was adorable. You were your mom's pride and joy!
Don't ask me what you and Chris were looking at, it must have been pretty nasty from the looks on your faces. 
Michael's birthday was the 19th and this is the last picture I received on him, playing the sax in the school band. But what I want to know is - "What in the world are you doing with your foot behind your head??" I know you had to have room for your sax, but . . . wow, over your head!
So Rachelle, you had a birthday on the 17th, born on St. Patrick's Day - double the celebration!
And today is Steve's birthday, can you believe that he actually is retirement age now? I'm sure he is looking forward to it -
Jennifer, hope your birthday was great and full of fun! I'm sure that precious little Ava has grown greatly since this picture was taken and she is running circles around mom & dad. I sure could use some new pictures - send me some if you get a chance.
It has been three years already, can you believe it!!! Over Christmas when Jeff and Patti were home, we went back to the beach where they got married and took some up to date pictures. I like the names in the sand - pretty cool, right? It was a beautiful evening and the sun cooperated beautifully. 
And here is Jo with Jayme and granddaughter really enjoying the water - it was GREAT. The water was terrific and everyone had a fun.
