Old People's Prom

Since we're posting prom pictures, I thought I would share a picture of me and Tim at our recent "prom" night. Actually, we celebrated our 30th (!) anniversary with a Carribean cruise. We decided to dress up (I'm wearing one of Staci's old prom dresses) and go in style for the formal night, so here we are!!! My girls said the only thing missing is a wrist corsage and boutinniere. I never wear my hair this way, so they hardly recognized me. They say we're having a mid-life crisis and we answer, we agree, and we're loving every minute of it!

Love to all,
Cathy

P.S. What goes on the Family Blog stays on the Family Blog!

Test Your Awareness

With summer coming on and children, bicycles, motorcycles, and just people out having a good time, I thought I would share this video. Have a safe summer.

Oh Yeah...how did you do?

Another Junior-Senior Picture

Well, since Angela posted the pic. of Kelsie, I'll post one too. Especially because we also understand about all those hours spent on hair, makeup, and everything else! Mary Lee's junior-senior was a week ago, and she went with a nice boy that she knows from her job at the crepe & coffee shop. Due to the nature of our school, they have a big banquet instead of a dance, complete with a roast of the seniors for the entertainment, and then the kids usually to go various homes afterward for parties. It's kind of hard sometimes to see your little girl grow up, isn't it!

Identifying our ancestors

This is a tremendous photo of our parents siblings and spouses. I'm sure the photo is dated in the upper to late 60's. Here is my reason: Note the men who are missing. Uncles Lee, Harry, Joe, Loren and my dad, Elmer, are missing. They all passed away by the mid 60's. Uncle Harry died in 1967. Aunt Marjory died in
1972; however, she was incapacitated for several years in a nursing home--I would presume at the time of the picture. Alice may have some insight on this!

Indeed it is a photo to cherish. Amazing how much can be gleaned from it with a few known facts.

The BLOG is a blessing to Mim and me. We are basking at the variety of machinations being presented.

COULDN'T POSSIBLY BE TRUE OF KLOP WOMEN

WORDS WOMEN USE

1 - FINE: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right, and you need to shut up.

2 - FIVE MINUTES: If she is getting dressed, this means half an hour. Five Minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

3 - NOTHING: This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine (see #1).

4 - GO AHEAD: This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!

5 - LOUD SIGH: This is not actually a word but a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to #3 for the meaning of nothing.)

6 - THAT'S OK: This is one of the most dangerous statements a woman can make to a man. "That's okay" means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

7 - THANKS: A woman is thanking you - do not question or faint. Just say you're welcome.

9 - Don't worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking "what's wrong?" (for the woman's response refer to #3.)

A Busy Weekend

I'm exhausted from a very busy weekend. First, Kelsie had Prom on Saturday night. For those of you with girls who went to prom, you know that it takes about 6 hours of working on hair, nails, makeup, etc. She went with a nice boy named Eric who she knows from church. He goes to Normal Community, so they went to U-High's prom this weekend and then will go to his prom next weekend. (Ugh...that means we have to go through that whole hair and nails thing again in only a week!) We went to the Grand March, which is when all the couples parade across the stage so everyone can see their outfits. I like seeing all the girls, and the additional showing makes all the parents feel like we get a little bit more for our money! The kids went on to Destihl for dinner, then to the dance at Miller Park Pavillion, and then to a school-organized party at ISU. The girls all came back here afterwards where they giggled the rest of the night/morning. Breakfast was at 8 (waffles) and then we moved into preparing for Heater's baptism and confirmation. My mom & dad; Jason & Janice & boys, Jerry's parents; and Heater's mentor, Julie, all attended the service and then came to our house for lunch and visiting. It was such a good weekend, but it was all alot of work for me, so I decided to take Monday off, to hang out with myself!

Solved!

You won't believe what it was! So funny! You know how "Seven" fertilizer smells kind of sweet? Well, I found a bag in our bedroom that had some items I had bought for the Disney trip...lo and behold, BAZOOKA bubble gum smells an awful lot like sweet fertilizer! I took the bag out to the garage and put it in the car, and the house is losing the smell. Have to go check the car...

Dave thinks Amber and I should not chew any gum that smells that strong! I hope that is the most dangerous thing we encounter on our week-long trip!

Nothing too small?

Since nothing is off-limits to post - I will tell you this. Our house stinks. For 2 days. It smells like Seven fertilizer, especially in the hallway and the kitchen. We have been diligently looking for something spilled, something exploded, anything it could be, but we just now gave up again and are taking a rest. I leave in a couple of days for a week at Disney with Amber, and I just hate leaving Dave with the mystery of what in the world can be making the house smell. Last time I left it was ants in the house. Seems there's always something!

EMPLOYEE Number 2--The Story of John Cook and Cook's Pest Control

This is a newly published book EMPLOYEE Number 2--THE STORY OF JOHN COOK and COOK'S PEST CONTROL. The title is the hook. To me the Employee Number 2 is a tremendous witness and it is readily apparent who Employee Number 1 is. I recommend that you all order this book for $25 (an investment--not an expense). It is well worth the money. Perhaps we are a little prejudiced since Mary and two other employees wrote the book. Mr. Cook is slowly succumbing to pancreatic cancer and the hope that the book would arrive while Mr. Cook is still with us was realized. Hardback, slick pages. first class, this book is a biography of John Cook, who with his wife, Jo, are long time Decatur friends of ours. You will want your family and children to read this biography when they reach understanding of the influence of Godly people.

Many of you will remember 1998 when we had an EJK family reunion in Decatur. The Cook company opened its conference center to us and a lovely family time was enjoyed. John and Jo made an appearance later in the program and you were privileged to meet them. Their story in written form is most interesting--from meager beginnings to success in so many areas. The story of John Cook and his family is a joy to read because of their kindly, unobtrusive demeanor.

Identifying close ancestors

Here is a photo of, at the time, some of the surviving children and spouses of the 14 children of Peter and Sophia Klopfenstein. It would be a good exercise for all us grandchildren and great-grandchildren, etc. to learn to identify these relatives by name and their spouse. I'd like to challenge Uncle Lynn or any of the "children" of these people to give an approximate date of the photo, then identify them by name, (left to right), who their spouse was, and with any short facts about them. Even I must ashamedly admit that I can only name 9 of the 11 in the picture. Remember, you can enlarge the photo on your screen by clicking on the picture.
Cleve

HIGH-TAILING

Jerry and I had to make a quick trip to Bloomington this afternoon. On the way home as we drove through the country, we were stuck behind about 4 cars with a slow-moving truck in the front. Everyone was restless but couldn't risk passing. Finally at a corner, the truck turned and the car behind it turned also and quickly passed the truck. I said to Jerry, "boy, that car really high-tailed it around the truck when they turned." I sat there for a few seconds then laughed and said "where did that phrase come from anyway?" I'm sure I haven't heard it for years, maybe not since my dad might have used it. Anyway, just to make sure, I googled it and my
usage of the term was correct. I think EJ would wonder what in the world does "google" mean??

This is really a "nonsense" post - just excuse it!

DC trip

Since there is a request for blog entries, here goes.
Last Saturday at this time fifteen teenagers and seventeen teachers, parents and others were returning from a four day trip to Washington, DC on a Christian Tours bus. The weather was perfect and before we ever got back to LCCS (Lawrence County Christian School) some were wondering if another trip was planned because they wanted to join in. We saw about as much as possible on the two days actually in DC. Lynn and I had been in DC when Ralph and Catherine gave us a great personal tour years ago. Since then several war memorials have been added as well as the Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum. There we saw an actual Concorde and the Enola Gay, the plane that dropped the atom bomb on Hiroshima. The first day Lynn and I kept up with the best of them, but the next day we realized that we were no longer young. Oh, yes, the group also had a picture made with our Representative, Bud Cramer. He's a Blue-dog Democrat, so we appreciate him most of the time because he sticks up for many of our values! I just asked Lynn what he wanted to add and this is it: "A good time was had by all!"

Heaven in the Eyes of Ethne

I posted this on my own blog, but I'll repost it here after Ann's encouragement to keep this blog going.

E--Mommy, someday Jesus is going to come get us and take us to Heaven.
Me--That's right. What do you think Heaven will be like?
E--There will be lots of yummy food there. Like popcorn! I'll get to eat popcorn all the time!
Me--Sounds yummy.
E--And I'll get to play with stickers, and there will be a big tree house in the back yard, and it'll be SO COOL!
Me--That sounds like fun!
E--And the best part is we won't have to pretend, because it's all REAL!

Oh, to have a child's faith!

CROWN FINANCIAL BIBLE STUDY

First of all, thanks, Ann, for encouraging people to post. We love serious posts, nonsense posts, and anything in-between! So . . . LET'S GO KLOPS . . . give us some good reading!

Some of you know that Jerry and I have gotten involved in the Crown Biblical Financial Study as coordinators for our church family in Gridley. It has become a very rewarding experience. The basic purpose of the Study is to help us become better stewards of everything God has given us - possessions, money, etc. We have been leading two groups in order to train them to become future leaders - or facilitator's. Since we have never actually participated in one of these studies, this has been quite challenging and we have been learning along with them. The groups meet once a week for 10 weeks, so it is quite a commitment. And since we have two groups, that's 2 nights a week, plus Wednesday night church!

Another purpose of the Study is to help the participants with their personal finances. Group discussion is "theoretical" but each couple (or single person) has a practical application workbook with exercises to help them manage their finances - and we as leaders would help them find the proper resources for help if they find themselves in trouble or just need help in general.

Another real plus is the bonding that comes within the members of the group. I think some of this is due to the prayer requests that are made each week. It has been amazing to see how God is working in all our lives and answering prayers. This experience has been a faith-strengthening one and is causing us to have a different attitude about many things -- for example I can no longer just go to the mall and spend money without feeling guilt (hmmm - is that good or bad)!

We would recommend this program to anyone who has the opportunity to take it. We are now beginning the process of presenting the program to the rest of the congregation and hope to have it ready to go in mid-June.

Well, it's sunny, cool, and windy in Gridley today - but much better than the dark clouds and rain we had yesterday.

Blog is doing well

The readership of this blog is steadily increasing. We've gone up about 10 hits per day each month since starting in January. The hits are mostly from Illinois but are also from all over the country. 26 family members have joined (Jamie is the most recent) and one invitation is out waiting for response.

Some have mentioned that the more people that post, the more fun the blog is to read. So don't be shy--please post and comment. Even small things are interesting. Think how interesting the blog would be if every member contributed at least once a week.

Also, up to 10 people can receive email notification whenever comments are made. Three of these slots are filled, but if you would like to receive these notices, let me know. Also, if you have another blog you'd like to have linked on the sidebar, let me know that also.

I'm wondering how all the families with new babies are doing? How are wedding plans coming along for the Stevigs and for Perry II and fiance? How is Uncle Perry's leg healing?

Hope you all have a great weekend and hope your weather is as lovely as ours is here today.

Calling Any Gardeners

Do any of you garden and raise rhubarb? My friend and I have a garden and are trying to grow rhubarb. Before I moved here she put in a plant and picked from it the first year. It produces lots of stalks but they are very spindly and green. My first year I put in two more plants and made sure they did not get picked the first year. This is the fourth year for these plants and while the stalks are much thicker they grow to only 3 or 4 inches. They are red at the base but get green about a third of the way up.

Does anyone know what we should do to get nice rhubarb stalks?

By the way, we are eating asparagus tonight from the garden for the first time.

Viva Las Vegas!

A couple weeks ago, I had a business trip in Las Vegas. Since I was going to have some "down" time, Heather came with me. We had a blast! The pic to the left was taken at the Shark Reef exhibit in our hotel, Mandalay Bay, which is tropically themed. We loved their man-made beach! Some other highlights were the "O" Cirque, Wayne Brady, Spago, watching the NCAA tourney from Paris, the fountains at Bellagio, and lunch at the House of Blues. We did not gamble at all, but watched it a little. That seems very boring to me -- with all there is to see and do out there, I don't know why anyonen would want to hole up in one of those casinos! I had never been to Vegas before, and it was not what I expected. It was actually very clean and safe. Of course, we never left the strip, so I'm sure there's alot of rif-raff the further away you get. Plus, we were never out late either. I found it all quite fascinating and hope to go back some day! Oh, and the business meeting was good too! :)

DINNER WITH THE AMISH

Yesterday I spent the day with my friends from Meadows. We went on a bus trip to the little town of Arthur IL and had a chicken dinner in the home of an Amish family. It was very interesting. They had a large older home that was very open, airy, and non-cluttered. I have never seen such shiny polished hardwood floors. The meal was very good and the lady was very gracious but not very talkative. Although she did ask us where we were from, and she would shyly answer questions if asked.

There were only a few plaques hanging on the walls -- interestingly, one was the "Rules for Today" - Do nothing you would not like to be doing when Jesus comes; Say nothing . . . and Go to no place . . ." I just had to tell her that I had learned those rules as we had them in our house when I was growing up. She smiled and said someone had given the plaque to her.

We then went to a Miller's Dry Goods store that had much more than dry goods, Beachy's Food Store where I bought some sweet rolls for Jerry, then to some of the shops on mainstreet. It was a fun day. I used to take the group there when I worked at Meadows, but we had never had dinner in a home so that was nice.

New Porch

Last fall we replaced the small, aging, rotten, shadeless deck behind our house with a screened-in porch. The job has been finished in the last couple of weeks with the acquisition of some furniture (not shown in the top picture). Does anyone want to come enjoy a glass of tea and some peach pie this summer?
p.s. I just realized that Jamie has signed up for the blog. Welcome!

Big bargain for the value minded

Have you read about or seen Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed, a documentary film that came out last Thursday? Ben Stein, a Jew and not a Christian, made the film because of the muzzle that is put on any opposition to evolution in academia and otherwise. The film exposes the blatant censorship by hardcore evolutionists. Answers in Genesis (www.Answersbookstore.com) is offering a packet of two books, two DVDs, a special issue of Answers magazine, a $5.00 coupon for the Expelled DVD when it comes out, and more for $19.99 (a $64.00 value). For those of you with interest in creationism this is a tremendous bargain and we heartily recommend it. No, we get NO cut on the proceeds!
Mim

Yeah!

Well, it was easy! (I always think the young folks must be shaking their heads at us older ones, still so enthralled and amazed at what we can figure out on our computers. As the older than us would say, "Bear with us!"

Cute video...first attempt!

This is my first attempt at trying to put a video on...just chose one I think is special. Hope it works!

You started it , Ada.....

For Ada, Ann, Maria, and all you other female Klops who no doubt agree with Ada, here are some absolute truths concerning men and women:

1. A man will pay $2 for a $1 item he needs.
A woman will pay $1 for a $2 item she doesn't need because it's on sale.
2. A woman worries about the future until she gets a husband.
A man never worries about the future until he gets a wife.
3. A successful man is one who makes more money than his wife can spend.
A successful woman is one who can find such a man.
4. A woman marries a man expecting he will change, but he doesn't.
A man marries a woman expecting that she won't change, but she does.
5. Men wake up as good-looking as they went to bed.
Women somehow deteriorate during the night.
6. Any married man should forget his mistakes. There's no use in two people remembering the same thing.
7. A woman has the last word in any argument.
Anything a man says after that is the beginning of a new argument.
Lovingly,
Cleve

SATURDAY WORK TEAM

I just want to inform you all that our little "work team of two" completed a successful project today. We've had a problem with our kitchen sink leaking into the cupboard underneath for about a month. The first problem we discovered was a small hole in the garbage disposal - so Jerry replaced that. Unfortunately, several days later we discovered there was still more leakage which, upon investigation, we learned was a hole in the hose to the spray thing - which I never use anyway.

So000, Jerry went to Menard's (yes, he is a reinstated customer at Menard's, but that's another story) and got a new faucet. We began the job about 10 am. We have been a good team at these types of projects for over 42 years so I just thought I'd let you - especially the younger couples - know how to complete it successfully without any squables!

First -- let your MAN do the job. Your job is to stay as far away as possible, yet within hearing distance.

Second -- when you hear your name called, jump up and get there as quickly as possible to get the proper tool, hold something tightly, or any other little chore he needs you to do. And be prepared to do this quietly several times throughout the process.

Third -- never even THINK about saying "it would be easier to hire a plumber" (or other appropriate technician). Just keep thinking that the money you're saving will buy you something you really NEED!

Fourth -- when the job is completed successfully, as ours was today, let him know how brilliant he is and he will love you forever.

Like I said, I learned these easy rules years ago -- and while some of you modern wives might think this won't work, trust me, it does! Of course, if you are not "do-it-yourselfers" disregard this information.

Now it's time for a nap!

Ada

Illinois earthquake felt by Klops

I'd like to hear some Klopfenstein 4/18 Earthquake stories. I was awakened from a deep sleep at 4:38 a.m. this morning from my house and bed shaking. It continued for 15-20 seconds longer. Unable to sleep, I checked CNN an hour later and it was pretty big news. Did any of you feel it as it happened...felt in at least 7 states.
Cleve

The Yellowed Picture

I'm starting this as a new thread since there are so many comments under Aunt Ada's post with the pictures. In the yellowed picture in the middle does anyone else think Ada looks a lot like Mary as a little girl and even Elizabeth?

Do you think any of the others look like people in "my" generation?

--Rhoda

Jon and kate

I'm getting quite curious about this Jon and Kate show. I checked our tv guide and see that it's on most of the evening tonight on TLC. I'll try an episode or two.

Have any of you read the book "90 Minutes in Heaven" by Don Piper? I'm about half done with it and it's very interesting. It's about a man who was killed in a car crash, went to heaven and came back after 90 minutes. Sounds a little far-fetched and I was scepticle, but my friend Vicki Schlipf gave it to me to read and it is believable.

Ada

Old Photos

I love seeing these old photos. I've noticed that a lot of them are damaged, faded, yellowed, etc. In my design classes we are learning how to correct all of this. If anyone has a special photo they would like me to try to fix, I'd love to give it a shot. Just let me know.

Last night I was channel surfing for a few minutes before going to bed and came across Jon and Kate Plus 8. Based on the positive reviews of the show I’d read on this site I settled on it. While overall it was good, I think viewers should warn a newbie to the show to only watch one or at the most two shows in succession. Last night there were several episodes on in a row. The first was cute with the parents taking each child on a special day—one of the twins was roller skating and then out to lunch with the parents.

I probably should have stopped there, but the next episode was the parents taking the other twin, Maddie ???, to get her ears pierced and out to Red Robin. That little girl could get on one’s nerves very quickly, but it was cute to see her enjoy lunch with just her parents.

By this time I was in bed and trying to go to sleep. The next episode was on the plane flying to Utah. It was a nightmare waiting to happen. No wonder I was awake during the night! I wish you loyal viewers would have warned me of how frayed my nerves would be after watching it!

Anyway, I enjoyed it and will watch again in limited doses thanks to the recommendations from family.

--Rhoda

THE WAY WE WERE #2

Here are a few more pictures. Same questions: who, what, and where. That's all for today. Enjoy.

Ada

THE WAY WE WERE

Here are some pictures I found in the scrapbook our kids made for us for our 25th anniversary. I enjoyed looking through the scrapbook - got a little lump in my throat!

Can you identify the people in the pictures, give location/event, and approximate date? I have a
few more coming. Aren't you proud of me for scanning these old pictures and getting them into the blog. I will try again to see if I can get the print in the right place!

Picture of Mother

I have never seen the picture of Mother out on the back patio.
She looks very relaxed, don't you think? We used to have a
bushel basket full of clothes to be ironed. As Ada said they
were all dampened and rolled up. Oh, I did not like to start
on that big pile of clothes. Dad's shirts were the hardest.
He wore a shirt and tie to the grain office every day. I don't
ever remember seeing him in a sport shirt.
Mother would hang all the clothes outside (no dryers) and in
the winter a lot of the clothes would be frozen when she brought
them in the house.
Were those the "good old days"?

Statement of the Week

I'm not sure if the rest of you got a good chuckle out of this sentence, but I think Cleve should be given the EJK Family Blog Statement of the Week with this:

"She no doubt slept well all night long, not needing any computer games, eating peanuts, swallowing alcohol-induced Nyquil, reading books to get tired, or watching dwarfs on TV. "

Back to the "Homeplace"

Here is a photo of "Grandma Klopfenstein" (to us nieces and nephews and "Mother" to the 4 surviving children). She's on the back porch instead of the front porch in this picture, likely taking a quick and deserving break from the long list of chores she did from sun-up to sun-down. Being widowed at a rather young age, I recall her being an early riser who worked extremely hard. She was a master cook who could cook up a swell meal in a matter of minutes. And, I remember she washed and even starched her family's laundry, by hand, in the basment middle room. Gardening (where Perry's basketball slab now stands) and all the work that went with it was just a way of life for her. She didn't have the Walmart right down the road. And, I don't recall her complaining about work. She no doubt slept well all night long, not needing any computer games, eating peanuts, swallowing alcohol-induced Nyquil, reading books to get tired, or watching dwarfs on TV.
Times have changed!!!

Cleve

New Driver

Today was a big day in our family - our last daughter got her driver's license! Admittedly when the first two began driving on their own it was a big help, but now I've learned that once they start driving I rarely see them! Since she's the last, it's been hard on me to know I won't get to take her very many places any more. Plus, it's a reminder that I only have 2 more years with her before she's off on her own. She's very sweet, fun and easy to be around; such a joy and I'm so thankful.

p.s. We gratefully accept any prayers for her safety!

Another Klop malady?

I'm only bringing up my sleeping again because I have another issue I'm wondering about. Last night I stayed in bed all night! Only woke up a couple of times, but went back to sleep and slept late this morning...now my back hurts! That is common...too long in the bed and it takes me a couple of hours in the morning to stand up straight...is this a Klopfenstein thing? I know most of us in our family have back issues, but maybe it's the genes from the other side of the family...just curious!

Another Welcome

Jason and Janice have just joined--glad to have y'all too. Hope to hear from you soon. That makes four family members in two days.

I spoke too soon about sleeping. Here it is spring break, and after Mike woke up at 5:00 a.m. getting ready to go to work, I never could get back to sleep. Serves me right for being a little smug yesterday about my own sleeping--

Thought you might like to see what my southern hunter got on Monday. It weighed 19 pounds and had two beards. He was a happy man!

Yea Team!!! Judy hits a record!!!

Leave it to Judy and her nocturnal roamings!!! Her contribution has brought on a record SEVEN responses. This is not necessarily a request for more of her dreams; however, her dreams do have that air of excitement as dreams do until awakening.

Three More New Members

As of today, Maria, Staci, and Jodie have all joined the blog. Glad to have you on board!

And many congratulations, Perry II, on your engagement. She looks like a beautiful girl and the two of you look very happy.

And I am writing this in the middle of the day as I plan to be sound asleep in the middle of tonight!

New family member!

As most of you know, we had an exciting weekend with the engagement of Perry Jr! His bride's name is Joan Craig...she's from Congerville, IL. We were already planning to come to IL for Easter with my side of the family so we got to be there for the big announcement. God's timing is always perfect! Thought you might enjoy a picture of the happy couple. She seems to be a real sweetheart!

More on sleepless nights

Judy,
When we lived in Chenoa about forty-five years ago, a group of ladies from the Gridley AC church volunteered to do this and that for residents at Fairview Haven. I had the joy of learning to know a delightful blind lady who was then one hundred years of age. She would have me write letters for her and just plain converse. I remember vividly her telling me that sometimes when she couldn't sleep she would not fret--just think pleasant thoughts and say, "Lord, let me sleep whenever you are ready." Her words impressed me enough that I still recall them.

Of course, the situation for her and current non-sleeping K's . differs greatly. She did not have a multitude of tasks awaiting her for the next morning. But isn't her attitude inspiring?

Hello again...

It's 5:15. Regardless of what the post says. I watched 1 1/2 episodes of Jon and Kate, Plus 8, and did fall asleep about 3:45. Woke up at 4:19...but stayed quiet and did fall back to sleep to a very vivid dream. We were in Peoria at some conference downtown. Very fancy place. Lots of people we knew. I had two friends in labor and I thought they should be looking for their husbands to take them to the hospital. But suddenly I was on the street in a very suspect neighborhood buying a newspaper out of a machine, when all the coins started pouring out into my hands. I couldn't possilby hold it all, it just kept pouring. There was a man in a booth nearby, but he just nodded his approval. I kept hollering for Dave, who was sitting in the car close by to come and help, but he just watched to see what I would do, I guess. There were scary people around I thought would rob me, but it seemed like everyone was excited for me and wanted me to get away with the loot. The coins soon became bills and I had hundreds of dollars in my hands and pockets. So we were getting ready to drive away, and we both said to the crowd, "We fully expect to be arrested." Before we got out of the intersection, sure enough, a little grey car backed up and blocked our way and out came the police. Busted! And voila...here I am awake again!

So now should I stay here and hope I get back to sleep only to be awakened when Dave comes out at 6, or go to bed and hope I fall to sleep after he gets up. (I'm still on the couch using my laptop.) Now I really could get up and start my day, but I'm too tired. So my nights go....just thought I'd share since many of you know that I am a terrible sleeper. AND I want to know if any of you suffer also and have any great ideas on remedies....

Oh yeah, my laboring girls stopped contracting after we walked around looking for their husbands...

Hmmmmm...

I just viewed my last post and the time said 3:45 AM. It is actually 3:04 AM right now. So what's the deal with that? Check your time on your next posting and see if it is accurate. Not really a big deal, but I do hope to be back to sleep by 3:45 this morning...

Up at Night??

Here I am at 2:45 wide awake. I tried Melatonin the last two nights, but like everything else, it didn't work. I don't have much trouble falling asleep initially, but in an hour or two I'm awake...and as I'm waking up I feel like I need to remember to be doing something, there's a distinct conversation going on with myself, and there's always a hymn (with words) playing in the background.) Always. It's exhausting. So sometimes I try to pray, but that just riles me up all the more. I don't want to get up and work, YUK! I just want to sleep like the rest of the world. So I end up on the couch every night, watching something I have taped on my DVR. That usually will put me to sleep the fastest, sometimes pretty quickly, but tonight I've already watched two episodes of Little People, Big World and I'm still wide awake. Even with the melatonin, the great sleep aid. (By the way, the Mom on Little People is really a pretty good Mom, but her house is a MESS! I enjoy watching their show.) So I'm wondering, is it a Klopfenstein thing to be an insomniac? Are there more of you out there? What do you do to try to get back to sleep?

Bridal Shower

Here is a picture of Erin and her family at her bridal shower Saturday. Thought you "out-of-staters" and those who couldn't come might enjoy these. Erin is very much "in love" which is wonderful since she is getting married soon and is looking forward to her wedding in July. She got a lot of nice gifts to help her set up her housekeeping. Unfortunately, Thomas wasn't able to come with her so we'll have to meet him later.

Now that I've got this picture thing figured out, you may be sorry!

Ada

Cooper Lee Klopfenstein

Finally some pictures! Cooper is a cutie. He is doing well after returning to the hospital for two days due to a high bilirubin level and jaundice and spent that time under special lights. He responded good and came home today. Caleb and Carter are very excited about their little brother. Kathleen returned home today after spending the week at their house helping out. She had the privilege of being there when Aaron called to tell the boys about the birth. Caleb was on the phone and repeated to Carter "his name is Cooper Lee." Carter said "Is he coming today?" Caleb then said, "No Carter, he's already here!" Caleb then got dressed in record time, complete with pants on backwards, ready to go see the new brother.

Grandpa Cleve

Worldwide Klopfenstein Reunion

Good to hear of the family interest in the reunion June 20 and 21. Registrations have been coming in and early response is from CA, OR, AZ, CO, OK, IL, IN, AL, DE, TN, MI, WI and NY. Meeting extended family members for the first time should be a wonderful experience. There was an earlier email about a 92 year old Klopfenstein from FL that plans to attend. The air is heating up--enjoy the coffee!

Easily Amused...and Amazed...

Today I needed to find the recipe for some little cheesecakes. I looked in a few of my recipe books but I didn't even know what category to look in. Suddenly I thought, ONLINE! I went to the computer and googled "cherry pie filling individual cheesecakes." I hit "enter" and up came Did you mean: "cherry pie filling individual cheesecakes?" Yes, I did! So I chuckled and clicked, and within 2 seconds I had the recipe...hit "print" and there you go, I was all set! If you can keep the internet in its proper place (which I admit I struggle with, spending way too much time online) it is a wonderful tool!

PS Regarding the eating contests....I'm pretty sure I could beat anybody here on eating sweet corn. It's downright shameful!

Reunion Planning?

Wondering if we can get an update on THE REUNION...who's all planning to come, anyone going early/staying on, etc? We registered, but have no plans yet. Does anyone have their logistics in order yet?

New KLOP!

Cooper Lee Klopfenstein

• 7 lbs, 14 oz
• 21.5"
• Full head of hair!

It's been an amazing day. Kara and I sped off to the hospital @ 11:45 PM and Cooper was born at 1:15 AM. Thankfully, everyone is healthy and happy. Caleb and Carter visited the hospital and had a fantastic time taking pictures w/ Cooper and showing him off to everyone who would listen.

I had to think of Grandpa K. One life ends, another begins.


Praise God for the miracle of life!


I'll try to post a photo in the near future but would not be surprised if my dad beats me to it.


...Cheers!

More new members--and a question

Eric and Retta have now joined--Welcome aboard! Still three open invitations out.

Family members who haven't joined yet--There are now only eighty spots left, so you'd better get moving! (Only a hundred people can be contributors to a single blog.)

My daughter just walked in from a "hot dog eating contest" with her friends at a local famous hot dog place. She ate ten. Does she get this talent from the Klopfensteins or from her dad's side of the family?