Umthun Family

Happy Birthday Artie -

2009-09-16T15:56:00.000-07:00

OK, I had to go back and pull pictures from prior posts since I still can't get into my photo album - so Artie this is your birthday and I didn't even have to put you in my pop-up reminder!

This is such a typical picture of your mom and Jo, I love it.

For some strange reason, I can remember when you were born. Your Dad was so funny, he was right there for your Mom doing everything he should until the sight of blood and WHAM he was on the floor. He was the greatest guy in the world, would do anything for anyone and he loved his family unconditionally. He was so proud of you, he was busting his buttons - he had a son!
Happy Birthday Artie, enjoy our day!

Happy Birthday Bobbie -

2009-08-23T02:16:00.001-07:00

Bobbie, you are a great addition to the family - it has been such a joy getting to know you in person and in pictures. This is a great picture of you and your beautiful wife - have a GREAT day!

Don and Bobbie, looking waaay too innocent - wonder what they are planning????

OK, let me guess. . .
I know! I know! You took an Uncle Frank pill . . .
No? Hmmmmm

Happy Birthday Virgil -

2009-08-19T17:18:00.000-07:00

This is a great picture - Virgil standing in front of the Umthun banner. Looking good!

Virgil & Rachel on their wedding anniversary - still looking good!

Virgil & Rachel playing a little golf - yup, and enjoying themselves immensely!

Virgil with his other sister, Bernie.

Surrounded by family - can't get a better birthday than that! Enjoy your day, and have a very happy birthday.

Happy Birthday my Patti -

2009-08-14T15:56:00.000-07:00

Naydia, happy birthday!

2009-08-13T16:25:00.000-07:00

Seven years old and I understand that you have lost a tooth and the tooth fairy will be visiting soon if she hasn't already shown up. How much fun!!!

Naydia and cousin, Cora enjoying the sun and sand -

Naydia and Ivan in their Easter best!

Naydia and her favorite aunt, Chris.

Mom, Connie and Naydia enjoying a day on the beach. Happy Birthday, Nadia!

The day after the big day - Jo in pictures!

2009-07-11T08:38:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Jo!!!!

Can you guess whose birthday is today??

2009-07-09T16:07:00.000-07:00

Oh JoEllen, I miss you so much! You have something special coming your way - it got shipped to me instead of going direct to you. So look forward to a box hitting your place about Monday of next week. I hope you enjoy it and give you some smiles!

Jo with her two favorite aunts - wow what an absolutely marvelous trio!

Wonder who we were talking about?

I think five years is too long - we need to get together sooner. what do you think Jo?

Jo and her girls - what a great picture!
Jo have a great day and enjoy it with your girls, and getting a little surprise a couple of days after is good too. So I guess this makes July your birthday month! Do something special every day this month because this is your time to shine!

Holy Cow, Doris! You're how old????

2009-07-01T15:44:00.000-07:00

Doris doing what she loves the most - cooking! Here she is getting some help from son-in-law, Bobby pulling the turkey out of the oven - no wait, I think they are putting it in. I am so confused because Bobby has a hot pad and Doris is holding the dish in her bare hands. Maybe she is really "superwoman".

Well, at least we know the turkey was cooked, because it looks delicious and I see a pumpkin pie in the picture as well. I know she loves to cook and bake - her specialty is her "to die" for Circle Rolls. Anyone who has ever tasted them don't need any further description.

Here is Doris showing off her award - I wonder what she uses that for? I know that she is happiest when she is cooking and baking and the family is happiest when they are eating it!

Ahh, finally a moment to relax. That baking and cooking is a lot of work you know - especially when it comes to the holidays.

Doris, your husband and children want to wish you a Happy 70th Birthday! (Don't blame me, Chris told me to do it!)
Happy Birthday Doris, enjoy your day - can't wait until you guys come back to Florida again!

Jonathan's Birthday!

2009-06-11T16:21:00.001-07:00

Jonathan, just look at you in those sun glasses and your dad's smile! What a good looking young man you are. You turn 25 today, it doesn't seem possible that your dad is old enough to have someone 25 - gosh. When you were about 6 or 7 you were up in Eagle visiting and we met your family for dinner at the local restaurant. You were so polite and gentle with your younger sister, it truly amazed me what a wonderful, sweet spirit you have.

You and Angela look like you are in a real deep conversation, Jonathan you are very special to all of us.

And speaking of sisters, here you are with your two favorite sisters. Jonathan, enjoy your day!

Mark & Doris Anniversary -

2009-06-09T16:09:00.000-07:00

Mark & Doris with all their grandchildren on their summer holiday, what fun to be able to have a week together.

A great picture of the two of them out on the farm -

The happy couple at the reunion, this is a great picture of both of them. I can remember Mark when I was a kid, he would get ready to go out with the guys and he would take one last look in the mirror before walking out door and proclaim, "What a handsome devil".

Shh, don't tell anyone, but I think this is the same couple taking a quiet moment without anyone recognizing them. But we got your number - happy anniversary!

Bernadette's Birthday!

2009-06-09T15:25:00.000-07:00

Bernadette, a pretty name for a pretty lady. Today is Bernadette's birthday and I'm sure she is probably working, I mean after all why would she want to slow down? She still has no gray hair and working more than 40 hours a week, she is like the ever ready bunny.

Bernie's family checking out Jane's head stone at the reunion.

Great picture of the back of her head, see what I mean no gray hair!! Can you believe it!!

The entire family at Christmas - can you believe all those people from just three children.
Bernadette, have an absolutely wonderful day!!

Happy Birthday Heather!

2009-06-08T16:18:00.001-07:00

Today is Heather's birthday and I want to wish her the best of everything today!! Heather has accomplished so much and she deserves to be congratulated in a big, big way. Heather graduated May 8th from college with a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) - our hats off to you and much success!

Here is Heather on a much needed rest with Connie looking over her shoulder.

Heather enjoying her favorite sport, water skiing in the wonderful lakes of Minnesota.

I really enjoy hearing all the accomplishments everyone is doing and it is fun to pass them on. At the next reunion everyone will feel comfortable since we know a little more about each of us. Heather, have a great day and we look forward to seeing you in person so we can put a hug with that congratulations!

The ol' ticker -

2009-05-28T16:02:00.000-07:00

Since our family has such a rich heritage of heart and cholesterol problems, I thought it was time that I became proactive. Well, kind of - after a wake up call.
I started waking up in the middle of the night not being able to breath, it felt like someone put a pillow over my face and I couldn't catch my breath. I went in for a physical and they ran the entire gambit of every possible test. They checked the veins in my legs, they did a spiral cat scan, they injected me with nuclear dye took pictures at rest, put me on a tread mill got my heart rate up to 160 and then took after pictures. The technician showed me the pictures when I got done and it was awesome - my arteries and heart muscles looked really good. I couldn't believe that I didn't have a blockage since my cholesterol was over 300.
So now that I know that my heart is good, I am on a diet to get my cholesterol down - no more ice cream!
And as far as the original problem of not being able to breath, every one thinks that it might just be stress. Probably, so I told Steve to take a nice long vacation (just kidding, kind of).

A couple of birthdays & and anniversaries!

2009-05-25T16:27:00.000-07:00

And today is Joe's birthday, lets see he is now 85 and looks like he is still going strong.

Joe and Betty at the reunion, enjoying their time visiting with everyone. I can remember how old he is by our anniversary, he turned 50 on the day we got married.

So that means that we have been married for 35 years - man is that a long time!!!!! Some days it seems like forever!

Yesterday, we were watching the Cubs play baseball and I mentioned "tomorrow is our 35th anniversary" and Steve sat there with this dumb founded look on his face and said, "I didn't realize that we got married on Memorial Day?" DUH

2009-05-25T16:06:00.000-07:00

Artie and Mary are celebrating their anniversary as well and this is a wonderful picture of their wedding with Grandma. A bunch of us drove down in an RV to the wedding and it was so much fun! I can remember driving through the night to get there, some played cards for a while and then started drifting off to sleep. Frank was driving so I sat up front and kept him company for part of the way. It was great just sitting and talking, something we don't do enough of anymore.

Artie and Mary now with part of their family, it is such a joy to get to know everyone a little better and share some emails. I hope 5 years isn't too long for our reunions, it seems like forever already that we were together. I know it is a lot of work, but it so worth getting together.

2009-05-25T15:37:00.000-07:00

Grandma's birthday was the 16th of this month, the youngest of 13 and just imagine she was born in 1901 and saw so many changes in her life time. She literally went from transportation by horses to putting a man on the moon. The technology and change was so great in her generation, can you imagine what will we see?

Kevin and Marcy were married on the 16th - the reception was in the basement of Boone Valley and it was fun. Wow, we have had some great times at weddings!

At the reception, they got a bouquet of flowers for Grandma since they married on her birthday and she was celebrating her 80th. It just seems like yesterday in so many ways and in others a life time ago. I'm sure Kevin and Marcy feel the same way.

Look who is 16 today!!!

2009-05-21T15:00:00.000-07:00

Teresa, I hope your dad, Artie, is doing something special for you today - you certainly deserve to have a great party. I hear that you are a very strong individual and determined to make a difference in this world.
Teresa is involved in making her peers and community aware of the genocide going on in Africa. She also volunteers with Mary at the Alzheimer's Center, works long and hard on the school newspaper and still makes A's and B's throughout her Sophomore year. Not too shabby, young lady!

Teresa did take time out and enjoy the Prom with her date.

Teresa also sings regularly with her parents at church, leading the Youth Retreat Team, a member of J-Walkers learning about social justice and still enjoys time with good friends. It is such a pleasure to watch our next generation grow into beautiful, strong young people. Teresa, you are a rare jewel, stay beautiful inside and out. Enjoy your summer learning to drive and I hope you find a job.

Happy Birthday Cora -

2009-05-01T16:14:00.000-07:00

Look at this most beautiful child - wow! Don you should be so proud of this little beauty - and I'm sure you are having a wonderful birthday today!!

Cora with her best friend and cousin, Nadia. How much fun to have a cousin the same age and able to share so many secrets. Matching outfits - I bet Connie and Chris remember when they and their cousins had dresses alike! Grandma was so proud of those dresses she made for you girls.

Natalia and Cora with matching bears, what fun!

Karate Kid Cora practicing her balance, next Don will having her practice "wax on - wax off" on his car.
Happy Birthday Cora and you need to thank your Aunt Chris for all these great pictures. It is such a joy to see all these special pictures from the ones who have moved far away. Don, you have a wonderful family, enjoy them!

Oh Melissa - what a joy!

2009-04-29T16:03:00.000-07:00

Melissa's birthday was this month and her mom, Mary sent me some new pictures - yahoo!!!!
Mary and Artie raised their family far from the rest of the extended family so it is great joy to be able to share some of their growing up with us.

Melissa with sister, Teresa and their beagle, Wendy. What a great picture of the girls!

What a cute picture Melissa, you would make a great scuba diver . . .

Oh my goodness, what a cute little person you were - and what a GREAT person you have become!

Wow, look at this adorable picture - you were, are absolutely beautiful! Hope you had a wonderful birthday Melissa. Mary, thanks for sharing some of Melissa's life with us, what a joy to get to know her a little better.

This Week's Birthdays!

2009-04-26T13:11:00.000-07:00

The 24th was Rhonda's Birthday and tomorrow is Angela's Birthday - so this week belongs to Virgil's family.

I'm sure you all got together at some time during this week - maybe at the lake - and had some good times together. I pray Virgil is feeling well and staying out of trouble!

Happy Birthday Rhonda and Angela!

Thank you Iowa!

2009-04-19T10:13:00.000-07:00

This is the company I work for, I am in the HR Department and we appreciate your business. There have been technicians, sales people and engineers going in and out of Iowa for the last year demonstrating this new product. Every time they go I tell them to tell Iowa "hello" for me. They don't particularly like going there in the winter, especially into Storm Lake, Ames and some of the other DOT location. I guess we get used to not having those harsh winters down here, I know I am. I don't know if I could get used to driving snow again.

Anyway, I was pleased to see the connection with Iowa again. Thanks!

This past week was dominated by Dorene's family!

2009-04-19T10:02:00.001-07:00

Melissa's birthday was the 16th, I hope you all did something wonderful for your special day.

Yesterday the 18th was Lyndy's birthday as well, Lyndy has a couple of great kids and loves them to pieces. Lyndy, hope your birthday was wonderful and full of surprises.

And Jim shared the day with Jane, the 13th of April. Maybe you and Lyndy were able to celebrate your birthdays together.

Happy birthday to you all - love ya!

Happy Birthday Jeff

2009-04-18T17:44:00.001-07:00

Today is Jeff's birthday and he is in Cedar Rapids, Iowa - had to call HyVee and have them deliver a cake to him. I mean after all, who can have a birthday and not have a cake, right?

Jeff at the Black Hills during one of his many tours -

Jeff showing off his "Cubs" apparel - he is so into the Cubs so it is easy to find gifts for him.

And his favorite picture of himself when he was able to attend a game in Chicago, he had some terrific seats and came back with some great shots. Look at that face!!!!
Happy birthday Jeff!

Rhubarb -

2009-04-14T15:55:00.000-07:00

What is one of the first signs of spring?? Rhubarb!!!! I made rhubarb sauce over the week-end, remember how it just kind of makes your teeth feel like there's fuzz on them. Oh my gosh, grandma would make rhubarb sauce, rhubarb pie, rhubarb & strawberry jam. I LOVE RHUBARB!!! I think I will make a rhubarb pie this week-end. It is almost as good as Gooseberry pie - right Frank?

For some reason, Jane would just stick her nose up at rhubarb, only tried it once and never really acquired the taste for it. But that was alright - more for me.

Happy Spring everyone (at least I hope it comes to Iowa soon).

Today is Jane's Birthday -

2009-04-13T16:31:00.001-07:00

Everyone is looking at Jane, I wonder what was said?
As you can tell, I love this picture! Left to right is: Bernadette, Frank, Mary Ann holding me, Jane next to Bernie and Mark. I wonder if we all took turns riding that bike and if that was the only one they all had, or if it was new? Anyway as you can tell from who's missing - that Dorene took the picture with her trusty "Brownie".

Another Dorene photo, Jane and myself with our favorite dolls. (our only dolls) I still have mine, just waiting to be passed down.

This one is a little hard to see, but it is Jane and me sitting in front of the 'ol swimming hole'.
Grandma was always worried about Jane, she was scared that some evil people would come in power and euthanize the handicapped people. Having lived through the WW II, she had many fears - thank God that none of those came true for Jane. We know that God had His hand on Jane all along and was waiting for her when she died. Jane was not capable of sin, so when she died we know that she was perfect in every way - beautiful!

Happy Birthday Jessie -

2009-03-30T16:44:00.001-07:00

Yup Jessie, I definitely need some new pictures!!!! Please Susan, Lisa and Becky (well, Becky sent me a beautiful picture of the girls at Christmas) send me some pictures. I don't want to have to use the same pictures every year! So, send me everything you have!
Oh, and Happy Birthday Jessie!

Jeanie - have a Happy Birthday!

2009-03-30T16:42:00.001-07:00

Jeanie, hope you have a wonderful day with your family. Love that little Hannah, what a cute person. Happy Birthday, Jean!

Happy Birthday Annie!

2009-03-29T15:46:00.000-07:00

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.

Have a great day Annie - love ya!

Ronnie, this is your birthday!

2009-03-28T14:44:00.001-07:00

Ronnie, today is your birthday - have a wonderful day. Hopefully Amanda and Daniel are home to celebrate with you. Have a great one, Ronnie!

WOW!! I know, this is so bad! Artie sent this to me, Ronnie's graduation picture. Leisure suit and all, love the hair. Many a girl probably wishes their hair would look like that! Sorry, couldn't pass up the chance to post this.

But he does look pretty good now, short hair and a great smile -

It was Dorene's Birthday too!

2009-03-28T14:37:00.001-07:00

Well, it was Dorene's birthday as well, however I'm sure that she isn't celebrating her birth any more. She, Mary Ann, Jane, Jean and Grandma are probably celebrating a new birth day for her now, August 27th. when she was born into heaven. We should probably start celebrating those days as well!

Henry, Happy Birhday!

2009-03-28T14:31:00.001-07:00

Henry, I need new pictures!!!!!! Someone needs to send me some new pictures of their family! Henry and Ann have a great birthday and hope all is going well for you as well. I'm sure it has to be tough with the cost of fuel going up along with everything else. So, take care and keep in touch.

Happy Anniversary Dustin & Michelle!

2009-03-28T14:24:00.001-07:00

Dustin & Michelle, congratulations on your anniversary and what a great family you have. I'm sure you miss grandma, Cindy to be around and share special days with you! Hope everything is going well for you, enjoy your day.

Little Michael -

2009-03-28T14:15:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Michael! What a great family you have Kenny - I'm sure you had a wonderful time with little Michael. Celebrating with the whole family, Im sure.

This past week in March!

2009-03-21T07:41:00.000-07:00

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!
Hope you had a great day, Michael.

So Rachelle, you had a birthday on the 17th, born on St. Patrick's Day - double the celebration!
And how is married life for you, hope you are doing well and had an absolutely wonderful day.

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 -
Hope everyone has had a wonderful birthday and stayed out of trouble - at least reasonably so!

Happy Birthday Christopher!

2009-03-13T15:52:00.000-07:00

What a sweet smile Christopher, hope you had a great day as well. And the same goes for you and your family - please send me some new pictures! You are what a senior now? Get back to me and let me know how you spent your birthday!

Happy Birthday Jennifer -

2009-03-13T15:48:00.000-07:00

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.
Hope you had a great day Jennifer.

Happy Anniversary Jeff & Patti!

2009-03-11T16:05:00.000-07:00

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.
Aren't they a beautiful couple! Happy Anniversary to my favorite two people!

First week in March -

2009-03-07T15:37:00.000-08:00

OK, the first week in March and we have several birthdays - among them is Andrew, Joe's youngest; Andrew, one of Greg's; Bill and Jayme. So the only pictures I have are of Jayme, so that is what I will go with. In this group, you find many of Dorene's family enjoying the sun and time at the pool - you will find Jayme in the back with the purple towel.

And here is Jo with Jayme and granddaughter really enjoying the water - it was GREAT. The water was terrific and everyone had a fun.

February -

2009-03-01T05:32:00.000-08:00

This month was grandpa's birthday as well, February 27th. 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.

Happy Birthday Betty -

2009-02-27T16:28:00.000-08:00

Betty, you have been a part of the family for ever - or so it seems. Hope you have a wonderful day!

Hope you are feeling better, have a great day. Hope some of the family was able to celebrate with you!

Tomorrow is Rachel's Birthday!

2009-02-23T16:27:00.001-08:00

Rachel, let me be the first to wish you a very happy birthday! You have always been there for me for everything - especially just to talk. Thanks for being so supportive when I was in Catholic Daughters and every other hair brain idea I had.

This is a great picture of you and Virgil! I hope you will have an absolutely glorious day, you most certainly deserve it!!!

Happy Birthday Jerry -

2009-02-23T16:11:00.000-08:00

Actually yesterday was Jerry's birthday and tomorrow is Rachel's birthday, so it is appropriate to have a picture with both of them in. See all that gray hair Rachel has - Jerry put it all there!!

If you look real close, he still has a little bit of a scar on his lower lip. He was ridding his bike down Jackson in a blizzard and was in front of Vilmain's Grocery Store when he rear-ended a car and split his lip on the license plate. He always did everything at wrap speed, especially riding his bike!

I have a confession - And I need help!

2009-02-19T16:37:00.002-08:00

OK, I have been a little preoccupied this week - and it's all Kenny's fault!!!! He sent me this email asking who Afferen Umthun is and it got me working on the family tree again. I have gone through many Umthun names and have not been able to find an Afferen or what ship they came over on and actually what part of Germany they came from.

So, I am reaching out to all of you in Germany who read this blog, can you help me find out more of our ancestry. This is what I have so far:

Stephen H. Umthun (1903 - 1971) St. Paul, Iowa

Parents:
Joseph Umthun (1868 - 1930) St. Paul, Iowa
Anna Krittenbrink (1877 - 1909) St. Paul, Iowa

Maternal Grandparents:
Henry Krittenbrink (1828 - 1909 Hanover, Niedersachsen, Germany
Margaret Mertens (1832 - 1909) Hanover, Niedersachsen, Germany

Paternal Grandparents:
Henry Umthun (1826 - 1904) Hanover, Niedersachsen, Germany
Wilelmina Dierker (1837 - 1907) Hanover, Niedersachsen, Germany
Married: 8 April, 1856, West Point, Iowa USA
Children:
Henry J. Umthun (1857 - 1935)
Katherina Umthun (1858 - 1915)
Elizabeth Umthun (1859 - 1946)
Mary Umthun (1862 - 1931)
Bernard Umthun (1863 - 1931)
John Umthun (1866 - 1937)
Joseph Umthun (1868 - 1930)
Anne Umthun (1870 - 1940)
Caroline Umthun (1872 - 1952)
Margaret Umthun (1874 - 1948)
Wilhelmina Minnie Umthun (1876 - 1965)

Paternal Great Grandparents:
Afferen Umthun (?) Hanover, Germany
Elizabeth - (?) Hanover, Germany

If anyone has any information at all on any of the above people and whether or not Afferen Umthun is related in any way please email me at: umthunfamily@yahoo.com

This week in the Umthun family -

2009-02-19T16:21:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is Judy's birthday, gosh I can remember so many, many birthdays for Judy. Ohhh, that doesn't sound good, but . . . I also remember the time I took Judy and Patti with me to school for show and tell - how did we ever get that past Grandma and Betty???

And we the birthday for the Lisa's twins - shown here with their grandpa, Frank and Dad. They love to play golf and I hear they are pretty darn good too! Happy Birthday Eric and Daniel!!!!

It's never too late, Kati -

2009-02-13T15:17:00.001-08:00

How do you like this Kati?? You thought I forgot, didn't you? Well . . .
This is you at your First Holy Communion, your grandparents really thought you were the most beautiful child on the face of the earth. You were so instrumental in getting your grandfather well after his surgery. You would entertain him standing on the couch of their living room singing at the top of your lungs from Pepi Long Stockings. (And you were pretty darn cute!)

Here you are with your family, Marcy, Kevin, Jared and your own little bundle of joy. You not only have one, but you have two little bundles now.
Hope you had a wonderful day, Kati!

Internet problems!

2009-02-08T08:38:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I went to get on the computer and could not access the Internet! I kept working to see what may have been wrong and I called my computer expert - Jeff! He told me to go to one of the local coffee shops that have free Internet service to see if it was the computer or the service, I found out it was the service. He looked up the telephone number on line (gosh, I couldn't even do that!!!) and I called to report my service down.

It was all automated - gave my telephone number, the automated person looked me up and asked what the problem was. If telephone problems, press 1; if cable problems, press 2; if Internet problems, press 3. I pressed 3 and the automated person said "one moment please while I look at your service". I waited, it came back on and said that "the services was interrupted and they would 'ping' my network, allow about 60 seconds". I was automatically disconnected. I shut everything down, went and made myself some tea, came back and everything worked great.

I wonder if I talked with someone in India??? Nah, I could understand them!

Mary Ann's Birthday!

2009-02-08T08:02:00.000-08:00

A beautiful picture of Chuck and Mary Ann from their Wedding Anniversary, they both looked so well and happy.

The six of us girls together in Omaha, this was after Mom had died and Mary Ann, Dorene and I took Jane out to see Bernie and Jean - we had such a great time.

Mary Ann's entire family - and all their spouses. Now even the grandchildren have grown up and have started families, can you believe it?

The last picture I have with Dorene, Mary Ann, Bernie and myself - can you believe that both Dorene and Mary Ann are both gone as well and now its just Bernie and me! It just doesn't seem possible! Oops, don't want to end on a sad note -

Mary Ann was always the life of the party - I can remember as a young girl Mary's friends would drive by the house and honk, (this was waaay back before there was a lot of traffic in Eagle and the road in front of the house was gravel) Mary Ann would race to the door to see who it was. She always had funny stories and jokes to tell, Mom would love it when Mary would come to visit, she kept everyone in stitches. She had a great knack for remembering jokes -

Happy Anniversary Virgil & Rachel -

2009-02-05T16:39:00.000-08:00

WOW, you guys look great! Hope you are feeling as good as you did then and look as good! Good grief Virgil, I looked at the year you were married, 1955 this makes your 54th wedding anniversary. What a blessing and wonderful role model you two have made! Hope your day is filled with wonderful visits and cards from family and friends. Love you both!
Keep tooling around in that cute little cart and keep hitting those golf courses - I think it is very, very good for you. In the words of "Tony the Tiger" have a GREAT day!

Happy Birthday Connie -

2009-02-05T16:22:00.000-08:00

Connie with JoEllen at the reunion - Hope you have a wonderful day!!! Are you here in Florida yet?

Connie laughing with Becky - are you here in Florida yet??

Connie with that cute little Nadia - I bet mom doesn't have a picnic in the middle of the living room, after the lights are out like aunt Chris does!

Connie with Ivan, what a joy to have two wonderful children that keep you on your toes - but I'm sure Aunt Chris might put a few little ideas in their heads.
Have a wonderful day Connie!!!!!

Look whose birthday is the 2nd!

2009-02-01T14:36:00.000-08:00

Well, Chris this is your day and what are you going to do with it???? I know your folks are down here, so are you going to celebrate BIG or small today?

I bet you miss that precious Nadia, wish she could be here to celebrate with you!

Yep, this is Chris with her hair down - and still going strong! She was instrumental in making that Reunion week-end one of the best of all times.

All the people involved in making the reunion happen - thanks Chris for all your hard work and hope you have an absolutely wonderful day!!!!!

A Fabulous Day -

2009-01-25T12:55:00.000-08:00

A friend had tickets to see the stage play "Mamma Mia" so we spent the day yesterday driving to Fort Lauderdale, taking in the sites and seeing a great play. If you haven't seen the Movie, you have to see it. It is a great "chick flick" with a lot of happy songs!

I took some pictures before the play, we had orchestra seats, there were a lot of Mother/Daughter combinations. It was a fun filled day!
While we were walking around the Art's Museum, there is a canal going by and this "little" boat came by, can you imagine?

Happy Birthday Ivan -

2009-01-21T14:05:00.000-08:00

Ivan, are you still taking your mom and dad for a ride? Hope school is going good for you and that you don't miss grandma and grandpa very much - or maybe you will be coming down to Aunt Chris's for a visit. WOW, talk to mom about that!

A Frank Story from Artie in AZ:

2009-01-17T09:50:00.000-08:00

I remember when Frank had his Honda minibike. He looked like a monkey on a tricycle. MaryAnn told the story of him coming home from church on a Saturday night in his new suit. When they got home his buddies were waiting with their bikes to go for a ride. Without even changing clothes, he was on his bike and gone. Of course the suit was destroyed by the time he got home with that silly *‘shit eatin’ grin on his face. Mary was livid, but what good does that do?

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY FRANK!

2009-01-08T15:31:00.000-08:00

Look who has a birthday today - yup, you guessed it - our favorite brother, uncle, father, husband, friend - Frank!!!! I'm sure everyone has a story to tell on him, would love to hear some of them.

Frank enjoying himself with Jim - always the life of the party.

Wonder who is telling the biggest tale?

Back in the day, the small town cop would walk through the ally and check to make sure all the doors were locked for the business people. Frank and Mark would lay in wait, take the cop car and hide it from them. Little dickens anyway!
Happy Birthday, Frank!!!

Happy Birthday Mary -

2009-01-02T05:14:00.001-08:00

Don't look at me, where do you think I got this picture?

Mary on her most important, beautiful day!

A young Mary -

An even younger Mary - look at that cute face. No wonder your kids are so adorable.

Mary, you have found a very special place in our family - hope you have a wonderful day and enjoy it with your family. From your extended family, Happy Birthday!

Happy New Year & Happy Birthday Chris!

2009-01-02T04:47:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Chris, hope your day was wonderful and full of joy. Was everyone home for the holidays?
From all of us to you: Happy Birthday!

Merry Christmas!!

2008-12-24T04:20:00.000-08:00

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the yard,
not a cousin was ready not even Gregory Bernard.

The sodas were flowing and the laughs were contagious,
Uncle Frank was still quite outrageous.

Chris sat begging for the laughs to subside,
because she was getting a stitch in her side.

While Lisa was enjoying a new status with her "cat eyeglasses",
Steve was getting ready to join the masses.

When off to the side Angela heard such a clatter,
Ann said "What in the world is the matter?"

When what to our wondering eyes should appear,
but Bill with all of his camera gear.

He yelled at the top of his lungs,
get your attention.

Up Artie, up Cathy, up Ronnie & Monica;
Up Susan, up Kurt, up Diane and Kenny.

It's time to smile,
it's time to line up tight
and say:
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Happy Birthday Don!

2008-12-20T02:20:00.001-08:00

Don, you have an absolutely beautiful family - I hope you and Heather will make it to the next reunion. We had such a great time, but we missed you.
Have a wonderful day!

Bill, come on down - it's your birthday!

2008-12-20T02:16:00.001-08:00

Bill was the official photographer for the reunion and did an absolutely GREAT job - THANK YOU Bill!
Hope you, Becky and family have a great day together -

Happy Birthday Chuckie -

2008-12-20T02:05:00.001-08:00

Can you believe it, I finally have a picture of Chuckie - thanks Ann!
Oh, Chuck - first I want to thank you immensely for being there for your mom after your dad died. I know she depended on you a lot for many things, so THANK YOU!
And of course, I have a story - -
Chuck, you were just a little tyke and you fell out of the swing set and broke your arm. Your mom was so worried about you but she also had three other smaller boys at home, so you stayed at Grandma's house the first night after you had the cast put on. I tucked you into bed and elevated your arm on a pillow; you were so sweet and never complained or cried about your break. The very next day, Rick proceeded to show Grandma how you fell out of the swing and broke his arm.

Happy Birthday Pam!

2008-12-20T01:55:00.000-08:00

Wow, the three amigos - Pam is on the right (and looking great!) Actually there were four born the same year, Cindy on the left, JoEllen in the middle, Pam and Chuckie (not pictured). What a deal to have that many cousins in the same grade and growing up together. Needless to say, there were some great times and also some not so great times.
Pam, I will never forget the time your house was struck by lightening - the bolt came through the bathroom, bounced through the kitchen and went out the living room. Thank God no one was in the path of harm, but for many years Betty had three little bumps (Judy, Pam & Jackie) attached to her leg every time there was a rumble of thunder. I'm sure you have outgrown the fear of lightening by now (maybe).
Happy Birthday Pam!!!

Happy Anniversary Jerry & Chris -

2008-12-16T15:44:00.000-08:00

Holy Cow!! You guys have been married 30 years already - where in the world has the time gone!

Hope you have a wonderful day together, and all your family is home to celebrate with you!

Happy Birthday Eric -

2008-12-14T05:39:00.000-08:00

Eric, we hope you have a wonderful day.

Enjoy your day with your beautiful family, it is a pleasure having you in our family!

2008-12-12T17:28:00.001-08:00

Well, this has been quite a week - we had some cut backs in our company which make me feel terrible. I am in Human Resources and have to help with all the paperwork (thank God I don't have to sit in on the final interview) but I know these people so well. Just before Christmas and many have young families or have illness in their families. I know that we can't let our emotions play a role and we have to do what is right for the company, but . . . I just wanted to die for these people who lost their jobs this week.
So this morning I'm at work and walk through the lobby and this is what I see out of the floor to ceiling windows . . .

It was a complete rainbow reaching from the ground to ground - the colors were so vibrant and beautiful! I couldn't believe the beauty and of course we all know that a rainbow is God's way saying that there is hope! (click on the picture and you can see it full size and full color)

Which reminds me of when I was flying home for the reunion last fall, the leg from Dallas to Des Moines was a smaller plane and I was looking out of the window down at the ground and I saw a complete rainbow from the top! It was the most amazing sight I had ever seen, I would have loved to have gotten a picture of it but was too busy looking at it!

Happy Birthday Hannah!

2008-12-08T16:14:00.000-08:00

Hey there Hannah, hope you have a wonderful day! Tell Grandma Bernie to buy you something special for a very special girl. What a cute face!!

Birthdays - Birthdays - Birthdays!

2008-12-01T15:31:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Steve! Hope you and Angela have a great day together along with your brother-in-law, Steve and the rest of the clan.

And the other Steve - happy birthday! These are great pictures of Steve during the reunion, he is looking good and loves showing off that beautiful granddaughter of his.

I remember when Steve was about 6 or 7 and he was sitting on the back step with grandpa laughing and telling him about how dumb the kids were in school. "Grandpa, they didn't even know what a "dolly" on a trailer is!" Can you imagine! Grandpa loved to tell that story to everyone, how great and smart his wonderful grandchild was.

Mary Ann, it's your day as well! Yup, we recognize you behind that sun glasses!

Mary Ann, you were always there for the folks. I think Grandma always had a soft spot in her heart for you since you came from "down home" in West Point. And you being a nurse helped her immensely when she was dealing with grandpa's cancer. Thank you for being there for them when they needed you most!

Joe & Betty's Anniversary - AND Jean & Bill's Anniversary!

2008-11-27T14:12:00.000-08:00

Jean and Bill got married one year to the day before Joe and Betty, Bill looked so handsome and Jean was so beautiful. Bill's brother Earl was best man and he was in uniform at the time - wow, what a great day.
The following year Joe and Betty married with Joe in his uniform and Virgil was best man, with sleeves a little too short. I love that picture - they all looked so young (of course they were? Duh)

Happy Birthday Jarrod-

2008-11-24T16:07:00.000-08:00

Jarrod, I do have your family picture, however I can't find it (go figure). sigh!

Anyway, Jarrod I am going to tell a story on you - Jeff is 6 months older than you and you would come to Eagle for the summer to stay with your grandparents, Chuck and Mary Ann. The great big garden they planted every year was right across the street from our house. It was spring time and the strawberries were ripe, you and Jeff got into the patch and enjoyed a couple of ton. And you know what happens when you eat too many strawberries! You didn't quit make it to the bathroom in time, so your grandma felt sorry for you and didn't kill the two of you!

Have a great day Jarrod!!!

Sand Sculptures -

2008-11-23T16:33:00.000-08:00

A friend and I went to the beach for the annual Sand Sculpture contest, these are some of the winners - can you believe it?Don't know who won, but it sure was fun to see how creative they were -

I know it's Thanksgiving time, but it sure was fun to go to the beach again.

This was done by a Cub Scout troop - they had a ball doing it!! I love the weather this time of year down here, I can probably pretend that this is snow - but it's a whole lot easier to get around in. Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Happy Birthday Michael -

2008-11-22T06:03:00.001-08:00

Michael, it's your birthday today! (Michael is in the middle of the twins with his grandpa, Frank in the back) I'm sure you will have a fun filled day with all your cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents. Enjoy!

Yesterday the 21st was Joe's birthday-

2008-11-22T05:51:00.000-08:00

Sooo, yesterday was Joe's birthday and again, I don't have a single picture of him. Come on you guys I need some pictures of Chuck, Kevin, Brian, Rick and Joe - anyone???
Anyway, Joe you have two beautiful children and a great wife who is pretty, nice and puts up with you. (Just kidding) Anyway, I hope you had a wonderful day, full of surprises and fun!
Happy Birthday Joe!

Grandma and Grandpa's Anniversary -

2008-11-13T16:16:00.000-08:00

Isn't this a great picture! Do you know that Grandma's sister, Mayme made all the dresses for this wedding - the detail is phenomenal. Weren't they a great looking couple, very attractive, both of them.

Yesterday was Brian's Birthday -

2008-11-13T15:50:00.000-08:00

Sorry Brian, I know yesterday was your birthday and I missed it! And as you can guess, I don't have a single picture of Brian - man! Does anyone have any pictures??

Happy Veterans Day!

2008-11-11T15:32:00.000-08:00

Happy Anniversary Diane and Chuck -

2008-11-11T15:23:00.001-08:00

Chuck & Diane it was so great to see you both again, can't wait for the next reunion. I will always remember you and your Dad, Bill playing duets on the guitar, hope you still play. Have a great day!

This is too funny!

2008-11-10T15:48:00.001-08:00

This is probably the last storm of the season, and the meteorologists could not decide exactly where the storm is headed. Your guess is as good as any! I love it - all over the map!

Happy Birthday Tina -

2008-11-10T15:43:00.000-08:00

Tina, I don't have a picture of you - some of your precious children. I'm sure your mom, Pam is doing something special with you today - so have a great day!!

Just in Case . . .

2008-11-09T15:12:00.000-08:00

Just in case you want to know . . . there are only 45 days to Christmas! Better get busy - I want . . .

Becky & Bill, Happy Anniversary -

2008-11-07T16:16:00.000-08:00

Bill, thanks for all your hard work in taking pictures during our reunion. And of ourse, we have no pictures of you and Becky together - everyone had such a good time!

Becky talking with Jerry - I still get so astounded at the good time every one had. Every picture was filled with laughter and great conversation. Anyway, happy anniversary Becky and Bill!

Happy Birthday Louis!

2008-11-04T15:27:00.000-08:00

I will never forget your grandma, Mary Ann telling about the time you and your two cousins climbed up on top of the garage, she just about had a heart attack until you got down all safe and sound.
You tell that mom of yours, Ann to do something really cool with you today. Have a great day!

Happy Birthday Cindy!!!

2008-11-03T15:14:00.000-08:00

Cindy, JoEllen and Pam - all the same age and looking good! The friendships of cousins remain forever, almost as good as sisters.
Cindy and Chris going over last minute ideas at the reunion. Cindy was an invaluable asset to the reunion. She took care of printing and mailing out all the newsletters. Thanks Cindy!

And this great picture of Grandma Cindy. Cindy has always been the rock, I can remember the time we were in Houston with Patty when she had brain surgery. She was the strong one through the entire time Patty was so sick. Cindy, you are special! Have a great day!

Two Birthdays today - Greg and Amanda

2008-11-02T05:49:00.001-08:00

The only good picture I have of Amanda is here with her immediate cousins. Amanda, you have been a source of joy for your grandmother, Dorene and your dad, Ronnie. Have a fun filled day!

Yup, its Greg's birthday, ornery little dickens anyway. I am so glad he enjoys life so much, I think he takes a little after his uncle Frank - don't ever grow out of that enjoyment! Have a wonderful day, Greg.

Happy Birthday Trish -

2008-10-31T01:56:00.000-07:00

Trish, my condolences - only you could put with Greg for so long and what a joy it is I'm sure. One thing for sure, with that house full of boys I'm sure you never have a moment to yourself. So my wish for you today is that you will have some quality time to yourself and that Greg will take you someplace special for your special day.

Have a great day and know that we all appreciate you and love you! Happy Birthday!

Happy Anniversary Rick & Michelle -

2008-10-27T15:54:00.000-07:00

Ya, I don't have a single picture of Rick & Michelle! Sure wish I did, and to tell you the truth, I don't even have any good stories to tell on them! Now is that just pathetic or what?
Rick and Michelle, Mary & Chuck really enjoyed you two and loved it when you would come home and be with them. Thanks!

Happy Anniversary Kurt & Jean

2008-10-26T08:54:00.000-07:00

Well, Kurt today you and Jean are celebrating your 17th wedding anniversary, can you believe it?
Hope you guys have a wonderful day!

Happy Anniversary Frank & Mary Ann -

2008-10-24T15:52:00.000-07:00

Well, Frank and Mary Ann are celebrating their 49th Anniversary today - I can remember when they got married. I was at school in Wisconsin and Frank drove from Eagle to pick me up and then we drove to West Point. A heck of a long way for Frank to drive but I was in the wedding. I can still remember the dress I wore, it was gunmetal blue and absolutely the most gorgeous dress I had ever seen. I loved the cut and the color of the dress, they were so cool. Mary Ann comes from a large family as well and the wedding taking place in Grandma and Grandpa's home town the wedding was huge!
I hope they do something fun for their anniversary - like run the "ding wams" on the mighty Mississippi.

Happy Birthday Paula -

2008-10-24T15:43:00.000-07:00

Well, today is Paula's birthday and I don't have a single picture of her or her family, I sure wish I did. Paula is so sweet and has two adorable boys, Mary Ann and Chuck thought she was perfect for Joey.
Paula hope you have very happy day - enjoy it!

I know - the last blog was pathetic . . .

2008-10-22T17:07:00.000-07:00

Well, for some reason I have been thinking of Virgil a lot and how robust he always was - here is a picture of him when he was in the service. When Grandpa had his stroke, Virgil got called back and I can remember going to pick him up.
Back in the 50's Grandma had a new fang dangled washing machine that rotated back and forth, then you took a stick, pulled the clothes out and ran them through the wringer. My job was to be in the basement and run the clothes through the wringer. I was probably about 10 or so and I managed to run my hand through the wringer with the clothes. There I stood, screaming at the top of my lungs that my hand was stuck! Virgil came flying down the steps with a crow bar and popped the wringer open to free my hand. Nothing was damaged, except a cheap ring I got from the "cracker jack" box. It was some time later when I was using the same machine, that I noticed a lever on the side - pulled it and voila, it popped open the wringer. DUH!
(Incidentally, voila sounds phonetically like whala hence the improper spelling, often used by morons in an attempt to sound more intelligent than they actually are.)

No birthdays for a while so I'll fill in?

2008-10-19T15:02:00.000-07:00

We go a couple of days without a birthday and I'm getting lonesome for you guys so I went for a walk today and took some pictures. The weather has finally cooled down and I have "Spring Fever" in the fall. I washed windows and cleaned the lanai and basically got ready for being outside again. So. . . I went for a walk and enjoyed all the fruit of the beautiful flowers we have blooming all year around here. I can remember growing some of these flowers up north and was exited when they grew up to about 3' or 4'. The picture below is an umbrella plant and I am standing on the third floor, they grow humongous here!
A split leaf philodendron -
A Bromiliad outside our complex -

A yellow something - not sure what it is, but it looks pretty!

And of course the ever present bougainvillea - Grandma loved flowers and always had plenty around the house and yard. And that love spilled over on Mary Ann, Dorene, Bernadette and the rest of the family. I love this time of year down here - but I do miss seeing everyone!

Happy Anniversary Kenny & Rhonda -

2008-10-14T16:27:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary Ken & Rhonda - what a great looking family and what a blessing you are to your mom and dad.

Becky, happy birthday -

2008-10-12T07:28:00.001-07:00

Becky here with Jerry discussing something really important - maybe.

This is a great picture of Becky and her daughter - have a great day!

Happy Birthday Landon!

2008-10-12T07:03:00.000-07:00

Landon completely zonked after a long day of hard playing!

Landon with Grandma, JoEllen again completely wore out from playing with all his cousins! He does everything at warp speed, so when he crashes, he crashes!

It's Marks Birthday - so look out, you'r getting it now!

2008-10-10T16:39:00.000-07:00

I love this picture of little Mark - that calf is so pathetic looking, but Mark looks so happy.

Mark showing off his beard for the town's bicentennial - I'm really glad is over and I bet Doris is too. Mark just needs a flat black hat and he would make a great Amish man - oops.

Mark sitting on the beach in Florida with his favorite drink - right, who am I kidding!

Mark, Nadia and Ivan on the golf course having a great day - they are so cute!

Mark talking with Cathy -
Mark was always the farmer in the family, I can remember him working on a plot of land in West Bend, driving back and forth daily. He loved to work the land and make things grow, he is a true 'gentleman farmer'.

2008-10-10T16:01:00.000-07:00

Mark, Doris and grandchildren, wow what a great looking bunch of kids - you too Doris! Oh, alright you look good Mark -

You are now looking at the two youngest members of the family - and as Mark would say, "wow, look at these two good looking people!" I can remember when we were young, Mark would get ready to go out and he would look in the mirror and act like he was going to comb his hair, stop and remark, "can't improve on perfection".

Mark the 'pool man' and Doris telling him how to do it right. The perfect couple.

Mark and Doris enjoying a day with Minni Mouse and the rest of the Disney crew. It helps having a daughter who lives in the back yard of Disney World!
Have a very happy birthday Mark - enjoy your day!!!!

2008-10-09T15:15:00.000-07:00

Patty, Jane and I used to do everything together - from playing in the mud puddles to robbing the cookie jar. I've been thinking of Patty and Jane most of the day and then Connie sends me this email - needless to say - I lost it. Sat and cried for a little while, because Patty and I used to talk about the very things that were in this email. So I am going to share this email and see what you all think -

God Lives Under The Bed -
I envy Kevin. My brother Kevin thinks God lives under his bed. At least that's what I heard him say one night. He was praying out loud in his dark bedroom, and I stopped to listen, 'Are you there God?' he said. 'Where are you? Oh, I see. Under the bed . . .'
I giggled softly and tiptoed off to my own room. Kevin's unique perspectives are often a source of amusement. But that night something else lingered long after the humor. I realized for the first time the very different world Kevin lives in.
He was born 30 years ago, mentally disabled as a result of difficulties during labor. Apart from his size (he's 6 foot 2), there are few ways in which he is an adult. He reasons and communicates with the capabilities of a 7-year-old, and he always will. He will probably always believe that God lives under his bed, that Santa Claus is the one who fills the space under our tree every Christmas and that airplanes stay up in the sky because angels carry them.
I remember wondering if Kevin realizes he is different. Is he ever dissatisfied with his monotonous life? Up before dawn each day, off to work at a workshop for the disabled, home to walk our cocker spaniel, return to eat his favorite macaroni-and-cheese for dinner, and later to bed. The only variation in the entire scheme is laundry, when he hovers excitedly over the washing machine like a mother with her newborn child.
He does not seem dissatisfied.
He lopes out to the bus every morning at 7:05, eager for a day of simple work.
He wrings his hands excitedly while the water boils on the stove before dinner, and he stays up late twice a week to gather our dirty laundry for his next day's laundry chores.
And Saturdays-oh, the bliss of Saturdays!
That's the day my Dad takes Kevin to the airport to have a soft drink, watch the planes land, and speculate loudly on the destination of each passenger inside. 'That one's going' to Chi-car-go!' Kevin shouts as he claps his hands. His anticipation is so great he can hardly sleep on Friday nights. And so goes his world of daily rituals and weekend field trips.
He doesn't know what it means to be discontent.
His life is simple.
He will never know the entanglements of wealth of power, and he does not care what brand of clothing he wears or what kind of food he eats. His needs have always been met, and he never worries that one day they may not be.
His hands are diligent. Kevin is never so happy as when he is working. When he unloads the dishwasher or vacuums the carpet, his heart is completely in it. He does not shrink from a job when it is begun, and he does not leave a job until it is finished. But when his tasks are done, Kevin knows how to relax.
He is not obsessed with his work or the work of others. His heart is pure.
He still believes everyone tells the truth, promises must be kept, and when you are wrong, you apologize instead of argue. Free from pride and unconcerned with appearances, Kevin is not afraid to cry when he is hurt, angry or sorry. He is always transparent, always sincere. And he trusts God. Not confined by intellectual reasoning, when he comes to Christ, he comes as a child. Kevin seems to know God - to really be friends with Him in a way that is difficult for an 'educated' person to grasp. God seems like his closest companion.
In my moments of doubt and frustrations with my Christianity I envy the security Kevin has in his simple faith. It is then that I am most willing to admit that he has some divine knowledge that rises above my mortal questions.
It is then I realize that perhaps he is not the one with the handicap. I am My obligations, my fear, my pride, my circumstances - they all become disabilities when I do not trust them to God's care Who knows if Kevin comprehends things I can never learn? After all, he has spent his whole life in that kind of innocence, praying after dark and soaking up the goodness and love of God.
And one day, when the mysteries of heaven are opened, and we are all amazed at how close God really is to our hearts, I'll realize that God heard the simple prayers of a boy who believed that God lived under his bed. Kevin won't be surprised at all!

Today was Patty's Birthday -

2008-10-09T15:08:00.001-07:00

Today would have been Patty's birthday, it doesn't seem possible she has been gone 10 years already. In some ways it seems forever and in others, I expect to see or hear from her momentarily. Patty always had a wicked sense of humor, loved life to the fullest and had a positive attitude about everything. Patty, I know you don't need to celebrate birthdays any more, but we miss you!

Virgil celebrating his 78th -

2008-10-08T16:59:00.000-07:00

This is a great picture I just received as well from Rachel, Kenny's family came by to celebrate his 78th with him. Looking good!

Dorene's Lily

2008-10-08T16:49:00.000-07:00

I received a letter from Rachel today and she included this picture of the Easter Lily that Dorene received for her birthday. It finished blooming and Dorene was going to through it out, but she asked Rachel if she wanted to take it home. As you can see, Rachel took it and it went through the cycle of blooming again this fall. It has two full blooms and 3 buds ready to bloom for a total of five! When I looked at it, my first thought was the two full blooms were Dorene and Artie and the three buds were JoEllen, Artie and Ronnie. Nice!

Happy Birthday little Josey!

2008-10-05T11:57:00.000-07:00

Wow, look how grown up Josey is already - I feel like we have missed so much with Don and Heather living so far away. What a precious and beautiful young lady, hope we get the privilege of getting to know you soon. Have a great day pretty lady!

Monica, Happy birthday -

2008-10-04T12:32:00.001-07:00

Monica with Connie, what a great picture!
Monica, you turned seven years old when Pope John Paul came to Des Moines at the invitation of Bishop Dingman (our cousin) on October 4th. (I won't put the year in to protect the innocent). I met your mom, you and Kurt in Des Moines the night before and we stayed in your folks camper. The next morning, it was still dark and we were at Living History Farms waiting for the Pope to come in the helicopter. It was so awesome to see the lines of cars coming in - Chris came with his school, carrying his school flag. Bernie was trying to decide if she should let you make your First Holy Communion during this auspicious occasion. I don't think she did, but that would have been terrific. Looking out over the grounds, people were everywhere and the crowds were so respectful - when the end of the day came, there wasn't a spec of junk left on the ground.
You share an historic day - have a great one!