EJK Family Blog

Bruie

2012-02-12T13:11:00.002-05:00

Last night I made a birthday dinner for my friend Renae and her parents. Her choice was lasagna so I wanted a salad that wasn't just straight out of a bag. I settled on making bruie from the old Klopfenstein cookbook. Aunt Ada, I looked in the new, and I think it's in there maybe on one of the chapter dividers but didn't see it in the salad section.

I thought these Dutch people should have a good German dish. It is much better on fresh garden lettuce but that wasn't an option when the snow was blowing on February 11!

Everything was a hit. In fact, her mother had seconds on everything.

LATEST TRAVELS

2012-02-08T22:38:00.002-05:00

Arrived at Daytona Beach on Monday. It was a beautiful, sunny day.

View of the ocean from our balcony on the 11th floor - Tide's up!

Tuesday was so cloudy, cold, and windy that only this man and one bird were on the beach!

Jerry gazing up at our beautiful hotel.

Our room is the middle room on the left side of the second floor from top.

Aren't we so cute - nobody to take our picture so I did it myself!

The wind really does a job on the hair!! :(

Arrived in Jacksonville today (Wednesday).

Had a birthday dinner with Kelsie. Her 21st birthday is Saturday the 11th.

So fun to be with her and her friend Kelly. We're heading north tomorrow.

Paul Klopfenstein

2012-02-08T22:37:00.006-05:00

Paul Klopfenstein was in church tonight. It is truly remarkable how he has recovered from being so gravely ill. Here's a photo of Gary, Carlton & Paul in front of our house many years ago. I'm guessing that it was probably around 1974, shortly after we moved to Gridley. Posted by Carol

Happy Birthday Aunt Catherine!!

2012-02-07T08:23:00.002-05:00

Just saw Judy's comment that her mom is 85 today. Happy birthday to a lovely lady!!! Hope you have a wonderful day.

EVENING WITH FRIENDS

2012-02-06T20:41:00.000-05:00

We spent the weekend in Ft. Lauderdale. We went to church Sunday - really made us think of Ralph and Catherine and the times we visited them there

We went out to dinner with Emmy Steffen and her sister-in-law Doris. We went to a great Italian place called Umberto's. After dinner we went to Emmy's condo and had ice cream w/sugared strawberries, a variety of bars, nuts and candies. Great evening.

This morning we drove to Daytona Beach and are spending two nights in a lovely room on the 11th floor of a great hotel. I will take a couple pictures tomorrow to show you. We plan to arrive in Jacksonville on Wednesday.

Emma is jumping rope again!

2012-02-05T18:35:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone!
We wanted to let you know that Emma is participating in her school's Jump Rope For Heart event again this year!

We've been very busy and have fallen behind on getting the word about her involvement...she's going to be jumpingduring PE class on Feb. 13th.

BUT you can still sponsor Emma! It’s fast and easy to do on her personal Web page (just use the link below). OR, you can mail your donation (a check made out to The American Heart Association) to us -- message us if you need our address.

Thanks so much for your support -- it means so much to all of us!
Love,

Dave, Jodie and Emma

http://honor.americanheart.org/site/TR?px=1858864&pg=personal&fr_id=1684&et=0VikAnwTAxuYq2olLiUiHw&s_tafId=119325

Comments

2012-02-05T16:22:00.004-05:00

Comments are now closed except for those who are registered members of the blog. There have been some inappropriate comments I have had to delete from non-members. So only registered family members may now make comments.

Also, I would like your input as to whether this blog should be taken completely private. It would mean that you would have to log in to read it; the advantage is that it is therefore open only to registered family members to look at also. Please contact me via email if you have an opinion. This particular post is closed to public comments. Thanks for all your contributions to making this a successful vehicle for family communication. --Ann

What Are You Cooking?

2012-02-04T13:22:00.002-05:00

We've not had a lot of activity on here lately as far as posting (thanks Ada for your regular ones, and thanks EDK for yours last night) but I know lots of Klops are still reading, because I occasionally check the stats and the number of "hits" has not decreased. (Anyone can check the stats from your dashboard if you are signed in.). So I have a question for you: It's the weekend, some of you may be having a Super Bowl party tomorrow night, or doing something else, but what is the most interesting thing you are stirring up in the kitchen this weekend? And, to quote Ada from her similar post back in February 2009, just humor the old girl!!!

The Golden Ticket

2012-02-03T18:52:00.003-05:00

Rumor is that I inherited the singing talent of my Grandfather RDK. That being said, I've had the privilege of leading worship in church for about 1.5 years now (as part of the worship team) & I love it.

I've shared the microphone with this kid numerous times on Sunday morning, at a funeral and during the community Thanksgiving Service. Does this mean I could have qualified for the Golden Ticket?

http://www.americanidol.com/videos/season_11/road_to_hollywood/trevor_may/

EDK

Dad's Party

2012-02-03T08:29:00.003-05:00

I thought you might enjoy seeing a couple of pictures from Dad's birthday party last Sunday. All those who could make it had a nice time. The only negative was that Mother had a bad toothache, but fortunately after a dental visit on Monday was able to take care of the problem without it requiring more treatment. But she didn't feel very good during the party.

Right after he blew out his candles:

Dad with his new cap and his Moonpies from Mark and family. The cap says "When in doubt - Mumble!"
I think he looks pretty dapper for a ____-year-old man!

House Repaired Yet?

2012-02-02T06:41:00.004-05:00

Perry and Carol, I was wondering how the home repairs from the fire have come along. Is the project completed yet? Your experience has given me a healthy new respect for candles and what damage they can do very quickly!

GULF BEACH RESORT

2012-01-28T12:04:00.002-05:00

The screened porch and entrance to our condo.

The view from just inside the door.

Another view from just inside the door. You can also see the computer area.

Our sitting area. The TV is just inside the front door

where I was standing to take the previous pictures.

We have found a place for all our belongings, and our rule is that everything must be put away immediately. So far so good, but then it's only been a day. A few more pictures and more news on the next post.

MORE PICTURES

2012-01-28T11:56:00.000-05:00

Crossing the Sunshine Skyway Bridge - a new thrill every time we cross it.

Someone's hiding on the beach already!!

A friendly visitor.

This will probably where I'll do my reading.

We arrived in Sarasota at the Gulf Beach Resort about 2 pm yesterday. After we found a place for all our things in our small but comfortable room, we spent a little time on the beach. Later in the afternoon we went to St. Armand's Circle where we had a delicious dinner, then strolled the circle - still hoping a glass alligator will jump out at us.

There is a huge Arts Festival at the circle today, so later today we'll head back there and see what's going on and probably have some pizza.

OUR DAYS

2012-01-25T10:23:00.000-05:00

Yep! This is how we spend our days when we're NOT out on the beach or pool. It's really nice to have a clean-freak, ocd husband who spoils me!

We have two more nights here - all of a sudden the time is going by quickly. Friday we will go to Sarasota for a week. We plan to see some friends we worked with many, many years ago in Dwight. I suppose they're kinda old now also. Then to Ft. Lauderdale for several days.

The weather has been beautiful, by far the best of all the times we've come to Florida.

Cleve & Kathleen visit Mike/Ann and Lynn/Mim

2012-01-23T22:44:00.003-05:00

Last weekend, enroute to Florida, we stopped in Anderson, South Carolina for a wonderful 24 hours.

After seeing and touring the beautiful like-new ranch home of Uncle Lynn's, along with an update on the South Carolina Primary (the very next morning!), the 4 of us departed to Ann and Mike's spacious home, less than 5 minutes away. After a long day of teaching by Ann, she and Mike were still able to serve us all a fantastic and bountiful Southern-style dinner. We had a great visit and Kathleen and I then returned to a "bed-and-breakfast"...(yes, Uncle Lynn's comfortable home!). The next morning, after voting, Ann and Mike returned to her parents home where all 6 of us enjoyed a delicious breakfast, followed by an informative and interesting tour of the city of Anderson -- with native Mike narrating. We learned that the Bailes name is a longtime professional and respected mainstay in Anderson, S.C.

The photos reveal Mike's hobby of hunting deer (the 2 on the right side he shot in Alberta, Canada...the many others locally). He also does his own taxidermy!!!..... including the 10-pound+ largemouth bass he caught in a local farm pond.
For any of you traveling southeastwardly, we'd highly recommend stopping by
Uncle Lynn's & Ann's place for some great Southern Hospitality. You, and they, will love it. Thanks Uncle Lynn, Aunt Mim, cousin Ann and Mike.

Since we've been talking about aging . . . .

2012-01-20T16:42:00.001-05:00

Old folks are worth a fortune: with silver in their hair, gold in their teeth, stones in their kidneys, lead in their feet, and gas in their stomachs.

I have become a lot more social with the passing of years; some might even call me a frivolous old gal. I'm seeing five gentlemen every day.

As soon as I wake up, Will Power helps me get out of bed. Then I go see John. Then Charley Horse comes along, and when he is here he takes a lot of time and attention. When he leaves, Arthur Ritis shows up and stays the rest of the day. (He doesn't like to stay in one place very long, so he takes me from joint to joint.) After such a busy day, I'm really tired and glad to go to bed - with Ben Gay. What a life!

P.S. The preacher came to call the other day. He said that at my age, I should be thinking abou the hereafter. I told him I do - all the time. No matter where I am - in the den, upstairs, in the kitchen or down in the basement - I ask myself, "Now, what am I here after?"

SENIORS ON THE BEACH

2012-01-20T10:52:00.003-05:00

I'll bet this SENIOR BEAUTY gets all the OLD MEN'S attention

as she struts along the beach!!

Places I've Been and Haven't Been

2012-01-19T10:04:00.003-05:00

Some of you have seen this and Lynn suggested I send it to everyone here. Hope you enjoy it and let us know which places you've been to.

Places I've Been and Haven't Been

I have been in many places, but I've never been in Cahoots.
Apparently, you can't go alone. You have to be in Cahoots
with someone.

I've also never been in Cognito. I hear no one recognizes
you there.

I have, however, been in Sane. They don't have an airport;
you have to be driven there. I have made several trips
there, thanks to my friends, family, and work.

I would like to go to Conclusions, but you have to jump, and
I'm not too much on physical activity anymore.

I have also been in Doubt. That is a sad place to go, and I
try not to visit there too often.

I've been in Flexible, but only when it was very important
to stand firm.

Sometimes I'm in Capable, and I go there more often as I'm
getting older.

One of my favorite places to be is in Suspense! It really
gets the adrenalin flowing and pumps up the old heart! At my
age I need all the stimuli I can get!

I may have been in Continent, but I don't remember what
country I was in. It's an age thing.

Grandma Time

2012-01-19T01:34:00.004-05:00

I spent a couple days with the Endress children while their parents were gone. We had a good time even though little Heidi was sick with the flu. Here she is with her big sister, Sarah.

Andrew and Laura love to play games. Probe and Scrabble were our favorites. I also enjoyed being their school teacher on Monday and Tuesday. They realized that most other school children had the day off on Monday, but they were good sports and got their work done earlier than usual. I regret that I didn't get any good pictures of Matthew and Julia.

Today Elizabeth called and asked if I am sick. Two or three more of the children caught Heidi's flu. She said it is going around and I am sure exposed!
Posted by Carol

HELLO FROM J & A

2012-01-16T14:53:00.002-05:00

We're having a nice time in Florida. The weekend was rather chilly, but today it is warm and sunny and is supposed to continue to get warmer and be in the 80's by the weekend.

Here are a few pictures of our "indoor" activity from last week - began the project on Monday night and completed it this morning.

We got off to a good start - this is about two days into the puzzle.

By Sunday evening, we were almost done, but just got tired about 11 pm.

The finished puzzle this morning - CATS, CATS, CATS, everywhere CATS!!

In addition to this puzzle, our activities last week included lunch with a couple of Jerry's HS teachers, a birthday dinner of roast pork, baked potato, salad, and cherry pie a-la-mode, and lunch with George and Hilde on Friday. On Saturday we went north to Tarpon Springs to an outdoor arts/crafts show on the historic boardwalk. Jerry watched some of the entertainment while I went into the shops along the boardwalk. Nothing appealed to me - I think I may have finally outgrown the impulsive tourist shopping I've always enjoyed. Unless, of course, that mini-green alligator jumps out at me sometime!

We went to Sarasota to church on Sunday. Heard two good sermons and saw a few people that we know. Then we went out to Lido Beach, west of Sarasota, and found a little motel/resort and reserved a room there for a week after we leave here. It's quaint, old, clean, right on the waterfront, and inexpensive. Perfect.

Jerry's back on the beach today, and I went grocery shopping and did laundry this morning.

Surprise!

2012-01-13T09:55:00.003-05:00

This is what you may find in your bathroom sink when you are remodeling your kitchen. I put these hard-boiled eggs in to cool, and a couple of hours later was startled when I walked by the bathroom sink and there they were. The project was going well until I found out I can't find kitchen faucets I really like...so the sink won't be hooked up again until I get busy and make a decision.

Follow-up on ANOTHER OLD PICTURE

2012-01-12T09:06:00.002-05:00

Thank you for the good response to this oldie photo; however, I'm sorry that I do not know the location. I was hopeful that someone would recognize it.

RAINY DAY

2012-01-11T15:34:00.000-05:00

Today was a chilly, cloudy, rainy day, so we decided to go the Flea Market, browse a bit, have a hotdog, listen to music, etc. It was mildly sprinkling when we left, but as we got about 4-5 blocks away, the deluge began. We could barely see where were going. Gulf Blvd - our main drag - is a two lane narrow highway with a bike track and a walking path on both sides and condo's along the west side and restaurants and/or more condo's on the east side. The puddles on my side of the car were splashing water as we drove through them.

After all that driving through the water, when we got to the Flea Market, it was closed - I assume due to the rain. So we went to the Tyrone Mall instead. Ate at the Food Court's Chick-Filet (don't think that's spelled right), then Jerry patiently let me browse some stores. Think I need to go back by myself sometime :)! Great mall.

He's on the beach now, rain stopped but it's still a little cloudy with some sun popping through. I need to get at the jigsaw puzzle we're working on. As you can see, our life is quite stressful right now!!

An Opportunity

2012-01-11T10:44:00.003-05:00

Earlier this school year one day Dad had to stop by my classroom for something. I had the seniors in there that period, and he ended up staying and talking with them for about fifteen minutes just sharing things with them.

They loved it and asked that he come back, so I cleared it with the principal, and ever since then he's come about once every couple of weeks and just talked with them for about fifteen minutes at a time. They come talk to him when they see him at various school functions such as the Christmas program, and always want to know how he is doing and when he can come back to class.

Yesterday the seniors voted for Dad to be their graduation speaker this May. :-)

Two Questions

2012-01-09T21:40:00.006-05:00

It's not too late after Christmas to consider the following questions. I always enjoy reading what people have to say for these two topics - most folks' answers not only cause the reader to learn much about them, but also are really good stories!!!

So, with that as a preamble:

1. What is one of the best gifts you've ever received; and

2. What is one of the best gifts you've ever given?

(Not necessarily limited to Christmas gifts; just overall in your life.)

RANDOM PICTURES FROM FLORIDA

2012-01-07T19:54:00.000-05:00

Kelsie and Grandpa watching sunset from our patio.

Angela, Kelsie, and Nathan cuddling before going to bed.

Grandma and Kelsie having dinner at the Salt Rock Grill.

Jerry, Ada, Vic and Jean - they have sold their house and are moving

leaving next week. We will miss them if we come back next year as we always

have one or two lunches with them.

Grandpa, Kelsie, Grandma. Kelsie is going to Jacksonville tomorrow.

The Photo

2012-01-06T13:25:00.002-05:00

Recheck the photo of Perry, Aunt Mary, Mother, Carlton and Alice!

It is amazing the "stuff" a person encounters when getting into a closet. The photo was such a surprise that I couldn't pass up the idea of not putting it on the blog. And you all have responded quite well. NEXT--can anyone identify the location?

Another Old Picture

2012-01-05T18:30:00.003-05:00

Here's another family remembrance that I thought you'd enjoy viewing. The photos of yesterday indeed bring fond memories.

TOO COLD IN FLORIDA

2012-01-04T17:01:00.000-05:00

Angela and family on the boardwalk following the delicious dinner at Scully's.

(ignore the uninvited guest behind Heater)

Nathan is deciding which game to play next.


Grandma, Kelsie, Jerry, and Heater playing a heated game of Skipbo.

OK - something strange is going on again, but I'm going to post this anyway and see what it does on the Blog.

The Wetzels flew out of Largo this morning around 10 am and I think are driving from Chicago to B'ton as I write this. Kelsie will be with us until Sunday when she will go back to Jacksonville. She and I went shopping today to get some material to make covers for the pillows on the sofa in her apartment. We're looking forward to three days with her.

Happy New Year to all.

2012-01-01T19:49:00.002-05:00

Hello Family and Happy New Year!

I would LOVE to hear your Resolution(s) if you made one.

Here are mine:

1. I will embrace joy in all it's forms...no whining, wishing or "what if"

2. I will continue to grow a healthy lifestyle which includes allowing my body to rest when it's tired!

Love to all,

Jodie

LCK Family Christmas

2011-12-31T11:51:00.001-05:00

Here are a few more pictures from the LCK family Christmas on 12/26/11.

This is just proof the Klopfenstein men can and do help in the kitchen. Mark is making mashed potatoes and Dad is working on the turkey some way. I actually took the picture for future documentation and evidence.

This is the adult table or as was described "more adult than others" since Andrew was seated there. We missed Mike who had to work that day.

This is the "kids" table although few qualify technically. Maybe "the next gen" table???

This is waiting for the opening of the gifts. To my left is Mark's children (John Michael, Lauren, Jeffrey, and Lindsey), Mary Lee and Haley. Not sure where Andrew was and Joey/Mary's other girls had to work that day.

Well they weren't IPads but Mom certainly her had her share of gifts to open.

This is Jeffrey and me as we both got several Alabama Crimson Tide gifts.

HELLO FROM INDIAN ROCKS BEACH

2011-12-30T13:29:00.000-05:00

We arrived in Indian, Rocks Beach on Tuesday, and have just been too busy to get a post in here! Actually, the format has changed and it took me several frustrating tries until I could figure it out and in fact might actually be easier. This pictures is dinner last night at one of our favorite restaurants, Scully's, located on the Boardwalk at John's Pass a few miles south of here.

It has been sunny and warm and we've been walking the beach, sitting on our balcony, eating, playing Crazy 6's and Uno - that Nathan's a good little card player, but we don't let him win all the time! He's learning to take losing like a man.

Dad and an iPad

2011-12-27T12:43:00.004-05:00

The LCK family celebrated Christmas on Monday night, 12/26, when Mary, Joey, and Haley were able to get here. Mark's family and Rhoda came on up from Atlanta on Christmas night. The talk of that evening was iPads, since Mark brought his along and Mike had given me one for Christmas. Dad was very interested in all the talk, and one could almost see the wheels moving in his mind that when all this was over with, he was going to go get himself an iPad.

What he did not know, but the rest of us did, was that Mark was going to give him one when we opened presents Monday night.

I wish you all could have seen the expression on Dad's face when he opened up that package. It was priceless.

Once he opened that present, he was useless as far as observing others' presents for the rest of the night. He had no idea what other people were opening around him. He was in iPad glory. It was fun to watch. :-)

Owner's comments on The Fire

2011-12-26T14:32:00.003-05:00

Turn up volume for full effect. Again, "it was quite a day!"

In Honor of Aunt Alice

2011-12-26T12:30:00.003-05:00

Once again, Happy Birthday, Aunt Alice! Here's a great picture of the Klop's two Alice's -- taken Saturday at DAP (Day At Perry's), but actually taken at Jerry and Ada's house after the fire.

People with birthdays close to Christmas sometimes get shortchanged....

Happy Birthday

2011-12-26T08:48:00.002-05:00

Happy birthday Aunt Alice! Hope you have a wonderful day today.

Mary and Joseph

2011-12-25T15:31:00.001-05:00

Marry Christmas from from the Knoblochs' in Olney IL.

It's hard to believe how much the world has changed in just my 39 years, so I can't imagine all the changes you older folks (men of course, cause there is no such thing as an old woman) have witnessed. I sometimes wonder if our kids or the little ones at church grasp how amazing the Birthday account of Christ really is. It is all so distant to us now days. Why did they have to travel Bethlehem for the census? Couldn't they just log-on to the government page, lie about reading the terms and conditions, and fill out a form? Why wasn't there room in the inn? Didn't they make reservations on priceline or hotels.com? Why didn't Joseph call the Maury Show to confirm that the Holy Spirit was "Indeed the Father" and shut those doubters up? When the Angel told him to travel home by another way because the King wanted to kill Jesus, why couldn't they check it out on www.snopes.com? Maybe they wouldn't have had to flee to Egypt. Even if they did, why didn't they use their GPS and cell phones to keep tabs on Cesar? Wouldn't that have been easier?

The reality of it is that Joseph and Mary were rebels in their time. They pushed the envelope by speaking the truth, that Mary had become pregnant by the Holy Spirit. Joseph chose not to put her to death, to put her away, to take the blame. Rather, he had faith and trusted God, and lived his life, with all the turmoil, stress and tragedy with an unshakable faith in God. We look back and know the plan. I don't believe Joseph and Mary had all the details.

With all the technology that we have at our fingertips, we are exposed to so much information & data that makes it hard to accept the simple, simple message of Christmas and more importantly of Easter. The History Channel (or the producers behind their shows) have spent millions trying plant that seed of doubt in our minds that the Christmas and Easter Stories are not entirely real.

Jesus said that if we have faith as a mustard seed, we could move a mountain.

"You don't have enough faith," Jesus told them. "I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible." Matthew 17:20 NLT

What seeds have been planted in our minds lately? Is it the simplicity of the Christmas and Easter Stories or the distractions of our daily lives that keep us from experiencing the very presence of God like Mary & Joseph did?

So, what mountains have I moved lately? What mountains have you moved lately?

Christmas at Perry's 12-24-2011

2011-12-24T20:41:00.004-05:00

Wow! A day never to be forgotten by those in attendance at Uncle Perry's homestead today. The traditional Christmas meal was well under way with gracious hosting by Perry and Carol and with Maria helping, etc. The traditional generous helpings of turkey, potatos and all the trimmings were served. The kitchen, too, was packed with Perry II, Joan, Brandon's family, Preston, Casey Knobloch's family, etc. etc. The usual great time was being experienced by all. The dining room group was moments away from Aunt Alice's Heavenly Hash dessert when suddenly A FIRE BROKE OUT IN THE CLOSED BATHROOM behind the kitchen...(unofficially, a burning candle above the toilet ignited towels above it and then the wall also started burning.) The smoke alarm sounded but amidst the noise & fun, there was no mad rush to check things out. When the smell and appearance of smoke started to emit from below the bathroom door Casey, and a few others, rushed to open the bathroom door to literally see flames shooting from the toilet area. Those in the kitchen and dining room also reported seeing the flames and/or a distinct orange "glow" when the door was opened. Fortunately, Casey (Chief of Gridley Fire Dept.) was present and took charge..."FIRE! Evacuate and call 9-1-1 !!" Joan and Preston contacted the Fire Dept., while all of us, including children, quickly evacuated to the front yard. Casey, Uncle Jerry, and Brandon quickly fought the flames with water. Four(4)Gridley fire trucks (and the ambulance and Police Squad car) arrived within 6 minutes. Fortunately, despite cool temperatures, the day was sunny and mild as we(many without coats)waited outside for a progress report. Neighbors started gathering also. Firemen chopped holes in the surrounding bathroom drywall, checking the scorched studs, etc. and finally determined the fire to be "out". Stunned, yet thankful there was nobody injured and the damage repairable, we migrated to Aunt Ada and Uncle Jerry's home where an appropriate prayer of "thanksgiving" was offered by Uncle Jerry. We then all enjoyed the Heavenly Hash (which had been safely kept in Uncle Keith's car the whole time). Carol remained back at Perry's to clean up and to assure the fire did not re-ignite. Attached are a few photos depicting this memorable experience. It is indescribable as to "how bad it could have been" and we all went home thankful in so many ways. Chief of Gridley Fire Dept.(Casey) was quoted as saying: "In about 1 more minute, the fire would have been up the wall and perhaps out of control at that moment"
You might want to enlarge the photos for the full effect!

RDK family Christmas at Gloria's

2011-12-24T18:58:00.002-05:00

Gloria continued her tradition of hosting the full Ralph K. family Christmas at her Normal home on Dec. 17th. A very crowded household of 42 Klops gathered for great food, great fellowship, and much fun -- including a surprise visit from Santa Claus (Gloria, herself) in full uniform. A special large gift box was made by Gloria for Grandma K's -- the box was a scale-model duplicate of the RDK home in LaGrange Park on Beach Street from the 1950's and included a slot where all could put some cash for Grandma K's Christmas gift for 2011. A great time was had by all.

Happy Holidays

2011-12-23T11:07:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays to all from the Scroggins family!

Emch Christmas

2011-12-21T01:17:00.002-05:00

Timon, Anna, Alice and Jesse

Jesse

Emch children and friends

We're eagerly anticipating their arrival in Gridley Friday night! They plan to be with us Saturday for the Klopfenstein Christmas dinner. The Endress family plan to come on Tuesday for our supper and gift exchange. Endress's and Emch's will probably stay until Thursday morning. The cousins are so excited to be together! Merry Christmas! Carol

2011-12-20T13:10:00.000-05:00

I didn't do a lot of decorating this year although I did put out this ceramic tree that our great aunts on Mom's side of our family. I haven't unpacked it for several years and many of the lights had fallen out so I had to unpack to the very bottom of the box to get them all. At the very bottom was a small piece of paper "For Mary K." Oops, I guess I'll be returning it to its rightful owner. And Mary, thanks for loaning it to me this year!

Dad's Little Adventure

2011-12-18T21:35:00.003-05:00

Saturday morning at 3:00 a.m. our phone rang - Dad was having chest pain and could we please take him to the hospital. There they did an EKG which had some abnormalities, and his pulse was very erratic, so they did further testing (echocardiogram and stress test) and kept him there overnight, until this afternoon. So he was there about 36 hours total. Bottom line: Not a heart attack and not a problem caused by cholesterol or blood clots, but rather an electrical problem which can be controlled with medicine. He and Mom got home around 2:00. We are very thankful that it did not turn out to be a major problem.

UPDATE

2011-12-17T08:24:00.002-05:00

This update was posted on Facebook this morning, and I thought some of you might be interested.

UPDATE ON MARGUERITE - SHE WILL BE IN THE HOSPITAL UNTIL TUESDAY WHEN THE PLASTIC SURGEON DOES SOME REPAIR ON HER LIP - SHE GOT HER PROTHIESIS (TEETH) TODAY AND WAS ABLE TO EAT A LITTLE SOUP WITH CRACKERS - SHE TALKS BETTER TOO - SHE IS PRETTY WEAK AND PHYSICAL THERAPY IS WORKING WITH HER - SHE AND VICKI WILL PROBABLY GO TO THE APARTMENT ON WED. SHE TOLD ME TODAY HOW SHE FEELS THE PRAYERS AND LOVE FROM EVERYONE - THANK YOU

We have a couple more Christmas and/or birthday celebrations to complete before we head South. The frustration level is building - I'll bet most of you moms & grandmas, can relate to that?!?!?! But as the music I hear right now on the Today show says - "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" - and that pretty well wipes out the frustrations.

2011-12-14T08:55:00.005-05:00

Sending peace and love to you all during this lovely season.

(Not sure why it is so small on screen...click on it and you will get the full screen shot!)

Dave, Jodie and Emma

Saturday at Jason's house

2011-12-11T14:45:00.003-05:00

Can you believe our grandchildren are growing up so fast? We were all at Jason and Janice's house on Saturday and had a great time together.

Grandpa with his sons.

These beautiful women just happened to be having a conversation in the kitchen when I made them strike a pose for me.

I love this picture of Jerry and Angela.
I think all our children and grandchildren are represented in these pictures.

ANOTHER QUILT

2011-12-09T08:13:00.003-05:00

This is my latest project, another quilted wall-hanging for Maralon Stalter. She does the embroidery and I put it together. Just got this in the frames at Sunrise Manor on Tuesday. I'm about halfway through making the matching queen-size quilt that goes with it (four squares across and 5 squares down). I hope to have it completed before next Wednesday. It will require a LOT of quilting stitches, so I hope it will keep them busy until March!

Woke up to a "dusting" of snow on the ground. Pretty cool. Also noted on facebook that Brandon and Ranee Witzig had a fire in their garage attic last night, but luckily they were able to get out and get the firemen there in time to contain damage only to garage. Going to do a drive-by soon to see how bad it was. Small-town snooper, you know?

Plan to make some Heavenly Hash and Caramels today. Yummy, yummy, yummy!! Am I making you all jealous?

Christmases Past

2011-12-07T07:31:00.001-05:00

The new Christmas header is one of the pictures from Judy. Here's the one that had been up there. Will happily take any more old Christmas photos from any family members!

Uncle Keith

2011-12-07T07:23:00.009-05:00

I consider Uncle Keith the star of this picture, as I don't think we've seen him before in any of the Christmas pics...and baby Larry Jay on his lap. It's David and Cathy in front of Dad and Cleve on the piano bench.

This is in the LaGrange Park home. I wonder what we are eating. Our hands are in the bowls, but the bowls look pretty empty and there's no popcorn on the floor. I can't imagine what it could be.

And this one is especially for Cleve. Three boys in that little bed.

A Few Pictures

2011-12-06T17:45:00.008-05:00

Here is Mom and Dad in 1955, which would make it after Stan was born, I think. Wow, Mom has quite a figure for having 5 children...and she's not apparently pregnant here. (Notice I didn't say "apparently not pregnant" but instead "not apparently pregnant." There is a difference!)

Here is the family decked out for some occasion. Stan is the baby. Cleve has quite a hat on, doesn't he!

And this last one is a picture on a Christmas day. I have a new doll, the three boys have new cowboy outfits, and I see a new pair of ice skates in the corner by Gloria.

I also have a Christmas picture at Grandma's that I had never seen before. I'll post it soon, assuming everyone enjoys them.

It's That Time of Year

2011-12-05T16:58:00.002-05:00

We're heading to program #3 tonight. I counted from my calendar and we have 13 different programs/plays to go to this year. That's right! 13! Plus a couple of other parties thrown in. It's a busy time of year when you have 16 grandchildren.

A Pilgrim's Journey

2011-12-04T15:20:00.003-05:00

A Pilgrim's Journey is the new autobiography by Perry Klopfenstein. The 417 page book is for sale at Klopfenstein's for $20. Net proceeds will be donated to the Apostolic Christian Home for the Handicapped in Morton, IL.

"Piggy Paste"

2011-12-03T11:21:00.005-05:00

Got a question for you Illinois folks.

This past week I was looking around in our local Walgreens while waiting for some pictures to be developed, and I saw a product that caught my eye first of all because of the PRICE. It was "Dr. Paul's Piggy Paste," a cream to put on toes/toenails to make them look better. And it was $29.99 for a small tube! Then, thinking that this must be some incredible product, I read further that it was developed by Dr. Paul Kinsinger and used in his Washington, IL, practice, with wonderful results. It has all kinds of testimonials for how great it works. And the ingredients are vinegar and thymol. Don't know about the cost of thymol (or even what it is), but that price for a tube containing vinegar seems a little steep.

Now, I am not asking the state of your toes, but have you ever heard of Dr. Paul Kinsinger and his Piggy Paste, from Washington, IL?!!! Or is this a nice $29.99 scam?!!

cousin Paul

2011-11-29T14:43:00.000-05:00

Was wondering what the latest is on Paul K.?

Cathy

P.S. Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas to all!

COUSIN MARGUERITE ZUPANZIC

2011-11-29T09:38:00.002-05:00

This will be of interest to my siblings and some of the older nieces and nephews who remember Aunt Florence and some of her family. You may remember that Marguerite had bad jaw cancer many years ago (maybe 15 yrs or so). She had major reconstruction done on one side of her face and has had problems chewing/eating since then. We spend some time with her when we are in Florida and also communicate with her on facebook.

I am copying a couple facebook posts from Charlene with new information about "Maggie" - always Marguerite to me. (Hope this works)

I am asking for prayer for my sister Maggie - she is at the MD Anderson Cancer center in Houston, Tx - tomorrow they are doing a biopsy to detrmine if she will need chemo and then Tuesday she is scheduled for extensive surgery and restoration in her mouth - she will be in Texas for a couple of months for radiation therapy - this is putting a strain on her children - today after attending church they were waiting for the shuttle to pick them up and a lady looked at Susan and said do I know you - I swear ann angel put that woman there - she was a woman from Largo, Fl. that befriended Sue many years ago and they lost contact and now live in Houston - Her mother also (a friend of Marguerite's also lives there - so now they have a support of angels sent to them and will be with Sue the day of surgery - God is so good - Pray - Pray - Pray!!!

Just got a call from Mag and she said the biopsy was negative - so hopefully if all goes well tomorrow with surgery, she won't need chemo and will only have radiation - on the other hand, her daughter Sue got up this morning with stomach flu -- hopefully it will be gone tomorrow - she is wearing a mask now while tending her mother - God Bless them both!!!

I will send an update if Char posts any news. I might even call Char sometime and perhaps she will have an address to which we could send a card to Marguerite. She must be in her late 80's, right? She's still quite spunky.

Christmas Decoration

2011-11-27T12:32:00.001-05:00

With everyone starting to decorate for Christmas I thought I'd share a picture of this decoration that Grandma K. made. I don't remember when I got it or if Grandma gave it to me or Mom, but I'm glad I have it. For several years it was the only "tree" I put up in my Christmas decorating.Once I remember studying it for quite awhile to try to determine the order in which she sewed on the circles.

So Who Can Identify Them All?

2011-11-25T16:44:00.002-05:00

Who can identify all the people in the header picture? I can't. . . Thanks to Judy for the pic!
If the background is too bright - let me know. I can change it.

Happy Day After Thanksgiving

2011-11-25T09:28:00.004-05:00

I hope all of you had a blessed day yesterday.

Mike had to work, which was a disappointment; however, he's not had to work on Thanksgiving for about four years, so it was about his turn again. Andrew, Mary Lee, and I went to Mike's brother's house in Spartanburg as usual for dinner with their family. We had our annual skeet shooting tournament. Mary Lee was one of the best - got four out of four! And her mother unfortunately did NOT get a picture! Here are Andrew and his cousin Christopher (one month younger than Andrew, first-year medical student at Univ. of South Carolina) double shooting.
And Mary Lee with cousin Elizabeth, sitting on the golf cart waiting their turn.

MY NOT-SO-FUN DAY YESTERDAY

2011-11-23T10:31:00.002-05:00

For years I have been fighting basil cell carcinoma on various places on my body including shoulder, leg, arm and most recently on my ear. This ear lesion has been surgically removed and chemically removed 3-4 times and still continues to return. Recently it has become very red and sometimes bloody. Last week the dermatologist I've been going to for several years biopsied it and sent me to a specialist in Oakbrook to remove the cancer with a special Mohs process.

Mohs Mocrographic Surgery is a state-of-the-art treatment for skin cancer in which the physician serves as surgeon, pathologist and reconstructive surgeon. It gives the highest potential cure rate - 99% - for skin cancer. If you are interested in more details you can go to www.mohscollege.org.

It was quite a deal. He used a local anesthetic, then began cutting away the tissue which he took to the lab to analyze. Came back about 45 minutes later and said he didn't get it all so he'd have to do more. Again 45 minutes or so, he came back and said he had to get more. I was getting a little tired by that time. Anyway, third time was good and they went on to the next step.

He took a strip of skin from the backside of the same ear and stitched up that wound. That piece of skin was put in some kind of solution while the nurse practioner prepared the top of my ear for the skin graft. She was also the one who actually attached it to the ear. Several times through these processes, the nurse injected more "numbing juice" in my ear. I really never felt any pain although was very aware of activity going on - some pressure and some ugly grinding/scratching noises.

The final step was to bandage the two areas - behind the ear, and the top of the ear. Two separate areas with different type of bandages. I will go back to my Dr. in Bloomington next week to remove the bandages and take out the stitches. They warned me it will look "awful" at first but not to be alarmed because within a few weeks it will be beautiful!!

There were three participants in this surgery. A nurse prepped me, administered the anesthetic, and explained what would be going on, generally kept tabs on me during all the waiting time, and applied the bandages when it was all over. The doctor did the "cutting" and analyzing. He was a very friendly man whose mother had spent her last years in the Meadows Nursing home so he actually knew where Gridley was. The third person was a Physician's Assistant and she applied/stitched the graft to the ear.

It is mildly uncomfortable today. Now I'm taking an antibiotic pill as a precaution, and tylenol for pain. The tylenol works for several hours before the light throbbing begins. One thing I'm not supposed to do is let the bandages get wet or the graft will fall apart!! So guess my hair will be pretty gross by next week!

Jerry was with me in the little room for the entire 5 hours. Janice came after taking the kids to school and was able to stay until we left. So . . . if it all works as it's supposed to, I should be all better in several weeks. They were tempted to take a picture of me in my helpless situation, but actually decided on their own that that might not be very nice! Sorry if this was way TMI. I'll let you know in a couple weeks how it's doing.

What To Do??

2011-11-23T08:21:00.002-05:00

Once again it is bell-ringer season. Every door, going in and coming out, I hear the bell and see the ringer, some standing quietly, but some giving it their all. We have some really good ones at the local Walmart, including one who can really sing! But it is bothersome to me. I don't have change ready when I'm walking in and I forget to be ready when I'm walking out. I can either look the other way, or politely say Merry Christmas, but either way, I feel bad about it, but it's more because of that guilty, peer pressure type of feeling than anything else. I could fill my pockets with change every time I go out, but is it necessary? What if I put in one large bill to cover it for the season...wouldn't I still feel guilty walking past the poor soul standing there in the cold ringing the bell?

How do you handle it?

I Missed It Completely

2011-11-20T14:40:00.005-05:00

Dad has had a couple of health issues and this week was referred to a specialist - turned out it was the same doctor who treated Mary Lee as a baby when she had several kidney/urinary infections in a row. I really liked him as he took such good care of her and made it clear that even though he was a specialist I was to call him any time I thought she might be getting another infection.

So one time when she had a high fever and seemed to have the same symptoms, I made an appointment and took her in. The doctor came in with a puzzled look on his face, said there was no urinary tract infection, and he wasn't sure what was wrong, but he would check her over. He even looked down her throat. He then turned to me with a smile on his face and said "I bet this is the only time that you will ever take your daughter to a urologist for strep throat."

FLASHBACK

2011-11-18T08:34:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I was browsing through one of the many catalogs that are arriving every day in the mail. Suddenly I saw a picture of a shoe bag that hangs on the inside of a closet door. Whoosh! Huge flashback of my Aunt Ada's little bedroom closet, with a similar shoe storage bag on the inside of the door. I used to sleep in that bedroom as a young girl, and look and look at all of Aunt Ada's high heeled shoes. She had quite a collection of colorful, spiked heel shoes, that fascinated me. Well, I confess I didn't just look at them, I pulled them out and held them and put them on and walked around the room in them, always hoping no one, especially Ada, would come in and catch me. She was afraid I would scuff them, or break the heels.

I also remember a couple of formals she had. Once I was going to a dance in La Grange, and Grandma mailed one of Ada's dresses to me to wear to the dance. I remember worrying and worrying that it wouldn't arrive in time. When it did come, I think I realized it wasn't quite the right thing for my dance, but I had to wear it anyway and I remember dancing with one of the cutest guys there. I remember being a little puzzled about that, wondering if he liked that dress, or just why he had asked me to dance. HA! I'm sure some 8th grade boy didn't even notice the dress I was wearing!

Oh, it was fun remembering.

FIRST RUNNER-UP MISS LAKE COUNTY

2011-11-14T10:17:00.002-05:00

As you may recall, Grace was chosen as Jr. Miss Vernon Hills last summer. Saturday night she was in the Miss Lake County pageant representing the city of Vernon Hills. She looked beautiful, was very poised, gave a great prepared speech, and had a quick response to an impromptu question. And, of course, was very graceful as she walked across the stage several times. Is that enough bragging from a Grandma.

I was able to go backstage for a couple minutes with Michelle

and we had this picture taken with Grace.

I took this picture from our seat about 2/3 back in the

auditorium. Here the girls are in their "daywear".

Here is Grace in the evening wear competition.

The pageant lasted about 3 1/2 hours with one break. It was a loooong time, but very enjoyable. I might that add that Drake and Owen were playing scrabble on their Iphone - figure that one out!! I'm lucky if I can get a call to go through from my simpe cell phone!!

Paul Klopfenstein

2011-11-13T17:47:00.003-05:00

We had a brief prayer request in church this afternoon for Paul. He was is in a hospital in Branson MO following a serious surgery.

Just a few minutes ago, I called Patti to see what was the matter. She said that he had bad abdominal pain and checked in about 11 pm last night and they did emergency surgery to repair a ruptured bowel. She said they did a colostomy and that he has pneumonia. She was pretty distraught, understandably, and was packing to leave in an hour. I did not press her for more details as she needed to get ready to leave.

Joan Klopfenstein is driving her down there and Carolyn is going along. Mike Mangold from Eureka is a friend of Paul's and left earlier today to be with him. Joan works for Mike at the Mangold car dealership.

I thought many of you would be interested in this news and want to offer prayers for him. If I hear any more, I will let you know. Also, maybe Perry and Carol have more information, or will get more information once Joan and Patti get there. If so, they can share with us.

More Birthday Weekend Pics

2011-11-09T21:51:00.000-05:00

Here are a few more pictures from the big birthday party weekend.

Great Aunt Rhoda meeting Emma. I told Lindsay that I always thought I was a pretty good aunt but now I'm definitely a great aunt.

Friends decorated Mary's house with signs and her husband shared his walking stick with her.

I made the Morton Pumpkin Festival pancakes.

Guests who would have won the "Guests from the Farthest Distance Prize" if there had been one:

Great Grandma, GrandMom, and Great Grandpa. Wow!!!

The Big 5-0

2011-11-09T19:56:00.003-05:00

I had lots of surprises over the weekend - Joey and the girls surprised me with a party for my 50th birthday. Rhoda showed up on Friday night - and Aunt Ada and Uncle Jerry came as well! I already knew that Dad & Mom were coming. I was able to see a lot of people I hadn't seen in a very long time. Thanks to those who came and made the day special! And thanks to my husband for lots of work and effort to make it happen.

Overall, I think I was pretty psyched for this milestone. At my 40th Joey had a "hill" cake made for me. There was a path going up to the top and on it was written "Come on up; the view is fine." Well, the view is still fine . . . although Jaimie asked how it feels to be coming down the hill. : )

How about the family . . . any other milestone birthdays coming up?

(Photo: Our little granddaughter was dressed in her "grandma" shirt.)

. . .And We Don't Drive Model Ts Anymore Either

2011-11-03T17:56:00.003-04:00

Ever since I can remember being able to read which would mean our first year in Decatur, every day except rare occasions I have held the newspaper in my hand to read it. As kids we would race to the yard to be the first to get the newspaper and by far one of the best times of the week for me is when I first get up on Saturday morning. I put on the coffee, step out the front door, pick up the paper and then read it.

I have a set order to read a paper. Typically I'm a section A to the end kind of reader, but the GR Press puts the comics at the back of section B so here on weekdays my order is A, C, B. Yes, that's one of my quirks. And don't start me on people who read the paper before I do and don't put the sections back together very nicely. OK, that's my second newspaper quirk.

Every time I've moved (pause for all the groans and comments people are saying or thinking about the number of times I've moved!), about the first thing I would do after finding a place to live was to order the newspaper.

Yesterday the GR Press announced that they are doing away with home delivery on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday!!! I am devastated. It is not the same to hold a laptop and read "the paper". I like the feel of the newspaper and the Press on-line doesn't include features that I like such as the advice columns or comics. The Sunday paper lists many sporting events for Saturday as TBA and the Saturday morning paper announces the teams who are playing.

I'm pretty sure I'm not getting dressed to go out and buy a newspaper on Saturday mornings.

I realize this is a sign of the times and many people don't subscribe to the newspaper anymore, but this is a serious change to my weekends and weekday life, and I don't like it.

I think of the Klopfenstein family as a newspaper readers. I always thought it was interesting to hear people talk about the Pantagraph--what a funny name for a newspaper I always thought as a kid.

So, who still subscribes to a newspaper or do you read your news on-line, or are you not a news reader?

HALTING GROCERY SHOPPING

2011-10-29T11:07:00.003-04:00

All my cupboards, pantry and refrigerator are "bursting" with food. So I decided not to go buy any more food until we eat what is here. So . . . all week I have gone to the cupboard, found something, and made it! We've actually had some really good meals.

Minute steaks one night, macaroni w/breadcrumbs on top, fruit cocktail/marshmallow salad and butterscotch pudding. Made too much macaroni so last night when Nathan was here, I heated it up with cheesewhiz and it was about the best macaroni and cheese I've every had. Gonna remember that one. Also had baked apples and chicken with that meal. Another meal was bbq'd pork cutlets, green beans, cole slaw and toasted buns - and butterscotch pudding.

We've had no bread all week BUT there were 3 packages of hamburger buns in the freezer and we are using them as our bread. As usual when he's at our house, this morning Nathan wanted cinnamon toast for breakfast. I said "we have no bread, but are using buns instead." He said he didn't want that and I said "tough" - it's the same as bread, just round instead of square." He ate it all gone.

I have some sandwich meats and eggs on hand so I think I can go another two or three weeks - it's kind of a fun challenge. And we're actually eating better then usual and I haven't had a complaint yet! I did have to go get some milk and orange juice - but walked right past everything else. OH, and I stole a couple apples and bananas from Angela's house yesterday when we picked up Nathan. Sorry Ang.

Grandpa has Nathan at the park now - and I better get busy here. Trying to think of something fun to with him today.

FALL FOLIAGE TOUR OF GRIDLEY

2011-10-29T10:34:00.001-04:00

Sixth Street at "Tanton's" corner.

Woodford Street "Mrs. Heiserodt's" house on right.

4th Street looking west toward school

Corner of Sixth and Center looking West.

Sixth Street looking East toward AC Church.
As I was driving around Gridley yesterday I noticed some beautiful treescapes. I thought to myself, "Why do we think we have to drive all around the country to see the Fall Color?" So I took a few pictures through my windshield in Gridley - just think of the gas money I saved by being happy right here!! Hope you enjoy them and can recognize the locations from my descriptions.

Evergreen Lunch

2011-10-28T13:02:00.004-04:00

Ada, Alice, and Carolyn came to Evergreen Place and had lunch with Mom. The food was good and fellowship was enjoyable for all. Thank you, ladies, for making a nice afternoon for Mom.

MINONK FIRE

2011-10-26T15:24:00.002-04:00

We heard early this morning about a fire that was burning 6 businesses in downtown Minonk. When Jerry got home from getting Nathan to the bus, we headed up there to see what was going on. These were old original buildings in Minonk and will probably all have to be razed. In this bottom picture, the building to the left of the burned out space is our dentist's office. Jerry has an appointment there next week - we heard that it did not burn but was damaged heavily with water and smoke. Lot of people watching and taking pictures. Just so sad to see those burned out buildings and knowing most of the people who had businesses in them.

Gridley From the Air

2011-10-26T14:55:00.003-04:00

Mark coincidentally was on the same flight to Detroit as my folks and I were on Monday afternoon, which was an unexpected treat. As we were leaving the terminal to board the plane in Peoria, on a whim he asked the gate attendant if there was any way that the four of us could sit together. (A rare possibility on flights these days.) Surprisingly, she said "The entire row six is empty and your family can sit there." Really nice!

Anyway, I was looking out the left window seat - when I realized we were flying right over El Paso/Gridley/Chenoa. Dad leaned over and looked with me, confirmed that that was correct, and we identified many familiar landmarks. Sorry we couldn't wave, Ada!

Nice Though Brief Reunion

2011-10-25T19:38:00.004-04:00

It was very nice to see several of you this weekend, and yesterday at Aunt Marian's funeral, even though the occasion was sad. Thank you for coming. Here are a couple of pictures snapped at the dinner - if for some reason you didn't know you were being "snapped," please forgive me!

Monday Morning at Walmart

2011-10-24T11:53:00.004-04:00

It's not a good thing when you hear, "Get him! Get him! He's under here! He ran under here!" Soon there was screaming and running and laughing going on around the rack of fresh baked goods. I saw them catch the little critter, but I didn't think it was nearly as funny as they did!

At checkout they directed me to the register of the one-armed new employee. Kudos to Walmart and to the hard-working woman for doing the right thing. We had a pleasant conversation, but let me just say I'm glad I wasn't in a hurry.

I wish I could have gotten a picture of the little kid I encountered when I was leaving the store. He must have been 4 years old, tall and skinny. He had on mismatched pajamas (it was 10:45 am), one green camouflage clog and one yellow Spongebob clog, and a big grin, as his parents were yelling, "Get back here! Stop right now!" As far as I could see, he was still running.

It's still my most-frequented store.

Photo Book

2011-10-22T19:46:00.001-04:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

Create your own custom photo books at Shutterfly.com.

Phoebe Turns 1 Today

2011-10-18T17:54:00.003-04:00

I hate to post this right on top of the video I just posted, but it is Phoebe's birthday and I couldn't resist sharing. This is Jake and Malissa's little girl.

Judy's Try

2011-10-18T17:48:00.002-04:00

I tried to upload this video a couple of months ago, but didn't because it was sideways. I could have paid a little money to download some Quicktime software, but I decided that next time I would just know to turn my phone sideways!

You can see Mom in the back row a little to right of center. Also if you watch til the end, you can participate in the guessing game of who you know in the audience. Post your guesses now!

no video on Catherine's update??

2011-10-18T00:28:00.002-04:00

Sorry, the video must have been too long....it didn't show up on the post on my computer. Maybe I'll try again soon. Maybe the bad luck is just an extension of the Cub's bad luck...I should have picked another song!

update on Catherine K.

2011-10-18T00:10:00.002-04:00

Mom (Catherine) continues to dwell at Evergreen Place in Normal and is doing quite well. Judy does a great job of looking after her needs, over and above the good staff at the Assisted Living quarters. Mom enjoys the activities there but is also content to stay in her nice small "apartment" a good part of the day. She's decided to give up her driver's license since there are plenty of us kids to take her on her various appointments and trips to the grocery store, etc. Mom enjoys participating in the facility's BELL BAND - which puts on a 40-minute "concert" a few times per year. Here's a short video to prove it. So sit back and enjoy "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" and try to envision the Cubs in the World Series instead of the Cardinals. Nice job, Mom !!!!

Angel Trumpets

2011-10-15T13:17:00.004-04:00

Even with the drought conditions, Dad has worked really hard on his yard this summer and fall to keep it nice. He's kept this angel trumpet plant watered daily, and now they are reaping the reward!

Here's a little broader version including the front porch, with some volunteer vinca in the front.

Rhoda planted some nice flowers in this bed last spring, but they have been pretty well overtaken by volunteer vinca! The angel trumpet from the above pictures is at the very left of this photo.

Nathan's answers

2011-10-13T19:01:00.002-04:00

I didn't get the questions quite right, but today in the car I asked Nathan the questions from Rhoda's post.

How old are you when you're really old? Answer: In your 20's and 30's

How old do you have to be to be really tall? Answer: 44

Pounding Stone

2011-10-10T21:43:00.001-04:00

OK, I admit this isn't the most flattering picture from the trip, but we toured a granite quarry in Aswan. In ancient times they used basalt stone to chisel away at the quarry. Our leader picked up the basalt and started pounding the red granite. I piped up, "Wait a minute. Klopfenstein literally means pounding stone!" We had to take a few minutes to take several pictures of me pounding the granite. I was told to grimace as if I was working hard, but after this picture all I could do was laugh.

CLASS OF 1961

2011-10-09T19:43:00.005-04:00

This weekend was a huge milestone in my life -- my 50th class reunion. Hard to believe that it has been 50 years since I graduated from good old Gridley High! Where did the time go - I can't possible be that old!!

On Friday we had dinner at Judy Baker Lampert's house. They live along the Mackinaw River across the road from Comlara Park. Beautiful setting in the timber beside a small pond. They also have a large shed where they served BBQ Beef, cheesy potatoes, salad, and pumpkin pie. Delicious.

In case you don't recognize these old people, it is Jerry and me. Where'd that white hair come from anyway?!? My classmate, Robert Cargill, contacted everyone earlier and got information and pictures to make the booklet in front of me on the table. It was fun to read later that night.

This is Hilde Martin Weisser and her husband George. She was my very best friend in high school, and we are still good friends although don't see each other often. They will be in Florida in January and we are looking forward to spending time with them there. Also in the picture is Kenny and Betty Downen Landrus.
Saturday night we were the honored class at the Gridley High School Alumni Banquet. I will identify everyone in the group picture for those of you who might remember some of these people.

BR: Orlan Miller, Jack Hoobler, Joann Freed Hoover, Robert Cargill, Judy Husemann Peifer, Brent Rutherford, Roger Stuckey, Pete Hany. FR: Linda Stoller Mardis, Kathy Quinn Van Hecke, Judy Baker Lampert, Ada Klopfenstein Christensen, Elverta (Kay) Meyer Berry, Betty Downen Landrus

Now really - I ask you - who is the youngest looking woman in the picture?

We've been busy the last couple weeks, but I'll try to get some more historical pictures posted this week.

2011-10-08T16:03:00.000-04:00

Through the years Dad has liked to play a game with children by asking them two questions: How old would you be if you were really big? and How old would you be if you were really tall? I think through the years he's had some interesting answers and some of the children even realized their size had nothing to do with their height. I'm guessing he's asked some of your children those questions at various times.

I was reminded of his questions today while looking at a wall hanging at a store that said, "How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are?"

Welcome to the World!

2011-10-05T13:16:00.001-04:00

Thankful to announce the safe arrival of little Emma Lynne, born yesterday at 2:35 p.m. She weighed 8.3 pounds and is 20" long. So beautiful and sweet! Mother Lindsay and baby are both doing great.

Project Complete

2011-10-04T09:15:00.006-04:00

The before.
We ordered this furniture out of a book and I never was happy with it. So finally I got ambitious and decided to get brave.

The experimenting went on for several days.

Finished project. Newly painted furniture and new carpet. And I like it, which is a good thing.

Family sayings:

2011-10-02T15:50:00.002-04:00

This isn't quite what NogBlog asked for re family sayings, but it is similar.

For years and years when Lynn was asked what he wanted at a gifting time, the answer was always SOLAC. Anyone in the LCK family knows that SOLAC is an achronym for "Spirit of love and cooperation." Mark's response as a boy was, "But, dad, we'd rather give you a present."

2011-10-02T09:58:00.000-04:00

Good morning everyone,

We wanted to give you the (hopefully) final update on our crash situation!

We were disappointed to find out the driver wasn’t ticketed for anything more than “following too closely.” She was only following closely for 1 second before she plowed into Jodie!

Oddly, police statement said that she saw Jodie stopping at the intersection but she thought the light was yellow so she was planning to proceed through the intersection. Maybe she had those “GoGo Gadget” feet that would carry her car over Jodie’s? The other drivers who were hit did report damage but neither were sent for medical care.

Jodie is doing very well. Her bruising is fading and she has been able to be “out and about” for the last few days. Her headaches have stopped and she is monitoring her shoulder and ribs as they heal. She is hoping to resume teaching her Nia classes on the 11th. We are so thankful that she has come away from the accident without serious injury.

We’ve spent the last few days searching for a car. We knew that we would continue to buy Volvo but they are hard to find! We don’t like paying for a new car and have had our eye on the 2008 XC70’s since they changed the body style. So, after searching through hours of online “deals,” calling over a dozen dealerships between IL, IN, OH & KY, we finally found one yesterday in Chicago. Dealing with salesmen has been exhausting but at Howard Orloff Volvo (where we bought the car), we were in and out within 30 minutes. They were outstanding as far as giving us what we wanted and we are thrilled that tomorrow will be our last trip north to pick up the car.

So, we’re hoping that tomorrow will be the end to this saga! We are anxious to get back to life as usual and again, we thank you all for your prayers and concern.

Middle East Trip

2011-10-01T14:24:00.000-04:00

Many of you know that I recently spent 15 days on a trip to Israel, Jordan and Egypt. It was a totally amazing trip and it's taking awhile to process all we did and learned. I've gone through only about 1/3 of the pictures so will share some today and more later. FYI, on October 15 my friend Renae and I will be doing a trip recap at 6:30 p.m. (EDT) for friends and her family in this area. I'm planning on setting up a 30-45 webcast of the presentation. If you'd be interested in "attending" on-line let me know and I'll put you on the meeting invite list with directions to connect.

I think seeing this was made me truly realize I was in the Holy Land. This is the Western or Wailing Wall where Jews go to pray. Throughout the week they stuff written prays in the cracks. This wall is the closest they can get to the actual location of the temple as The Dome of Rock, controlled by Muslims, is now on that site. On Friday evening we visited this area again as it was the beginning of Shebat or the Sabbath. Thousands of people were in this area. There were rows and rows of people facing the wall, praying, chanting, jumping up and down, etc. When finished rather than turning around to walk away the people walk backwards until a certain point as they don't want to turn their backs to God.

This is me overlooking the Jerusalem Old City and the Dome of the Rock in the background. We are at the Mt. Of Olives and then walked into Jerusalem. It was an interesting walk knowing that Jesus had done this same (or at least similar) walk on the night of his trial and then crucifixion. While it was a steep walk we were reminded it wasn't gravity that made him go down the Mt. of Olives to the cross but His love for us.

Some of you may recognize these people. Steve and Myra Ringger and Shari Fiecter from Bluffton, IN were on this trip as well. Getting to know them was a real highlight of the trip for me. I'm sure you will be surprised that Dad looked into his geneaology file and found that Steve and I are third cousins through Grandma K's line. Also, before we left on the trip Shari had contacted me and we realized that we are related to Uncle Joe and Aunt Setta the same way, but I'm on Uncle Joe's side and she was a Kaehr on Aunt Setta's side.

This is the pool of Siloam where Jesus sent the the blind man. Jesus had put mud on his eyes and sent him there to wash off the mud to regain his sight. What the story doesn't explain is that the pool was 600 meters away from where Jesus put the mud on his eyes. After a teaching here we walked the 600 meters back up to the temple area to get a feel for how far he had to walk with his eyes covered.

This is me at the top of Mt. Arbel. It was a rather strenuous hike and others were very helpful and encouraging. The leader said this is the highest point around the Sea of Galilee where the rabbis (and Jesus he believes) would come to pray because you always go up to God. While getting up was challenging, going down was even more so. It was one of the scariest things I think I've ever done, but George the leader had me go right beside him. He guided each of my steps, and I realized that being next to him helped me complete the hardest part down. I was reminded of the need to stay close to God for the steps of my daily life.

Heiniger update

2011-09-30T20:29:00.001-04:00

This drawing pretty much sums it up:

(Ethne reading in the middle, Catie on the left asking if she can read, too, and me on the right with a twin in each arm, yelling.)

Old Pic

2011-09-28T16:02:00.002-04:00

I was looking through some old pictures last night, looking for some for a presentation I have to make later this week, and came across this. On the back, in Carol's handwriting, is "Ann K. & Perry II, 4 yrs. 12/31/81" He is a little cutie!

Update on the Allensons

2011-09-26T18:32:00.002-04:00

Hi there all,
Jodie is still sore today and some bruises are beginning to show. She is trying to rest as much as possible and I am glad that I could take a few days off to be around for her.

Thank you all for your posts, prayers and concern. It is really heartening to know so many of you care about us and to read your words of comfort.

I met with the adjuster at the tow yard where our car was deposited after the crash. She explained what goes into repairing the car and what is considered if the car is to be a total loss. As it turned out the car was a total loss -- she stopped adding the numbers when she came to a damage total of $13,600. She hadn't made it to the rear interior since the wagon hatch couldn't be opened to view it so we assume that the actual total was well above that!

We will definitely be shopping for another Volvo!

We'll keep you updated!

Jodie update

2011-09-25T14:37:00.001-04:00

Hopefully Dave and Jodie won't mind me posting this for them. Dave posted this on her facebook page today and thought those who didn't follow facebook would like to know the status.

Jodie is doing much better today -- her headache has finally passed. She has a lot of bruising and is still a little shaky but overall, thankfully in one piece with all her bones intact! We thank you for the prayers, suppers and extremely tasty treats that you’ve been delivering.

In case you don’t know, Jodie was in a 4-car crash on Friday morning. She was stopped at a light in Clay Terrace when a minivan plowed into her. The driver “just wasn’t paying attention” and hit her at a high rate of speed with no last minute braking. Jodie’s front end then crashed into a car ahead of her and that car in turn crashed into the one ahead of it - coming to rest in the intersection.

The driver’s mini-van was smoking and leaking a little fluid but our car and Jodie took the brunt of the impact. I’ll be meeting with the adjuster tomorrow and expect that the Volvo is totaled - the wagon portion (directly behind the front seats) of the car has creased and is now about 6 inches off the road. The car performed well - the drivers seat dislodged and despite the force, none of the windows were broken! We are already searching for a replacement and are hoping to find a model identical to the one that we had.

Needless to say, we are thankful for so many reasons: that Emma was not in the car, the Jodie wasn’t seriously hurt, that no one was in the crosswalk, that I was in Indy and was able to see Jodie before she was taken to the hospital...and that everyone’s insurance was up-to-date!

2011-09-25T14:32:00.003-04:00

Hello family,

We wanted to let you know that Jodie was in a 4-car crash on Friday morning. She was stopped at a light at a local outdoor shopping center when a minivan plowed into her. The driver “just wasn’t paying attention” and hit her at a high rate of speed with no last minute braking. Jodie’s front end then crashed into a car ahead of her and that car in turn crashed into the one ahead of it - coming to rest in the intersection.

The driver’s mini-van was smoking and leaking a little fluid but our car and Jodie took the brunt of the impact. Jodie is doing much better today -- she had a terrible neck/headache which has finally passed. She has a lot of bruising and is still a little shaky, but thankfully, she is in one piece with all her bones intact!

I’ll be meeting with the adjuster tomorrow and expect that the Volvo is totaled - the wagon portion (directly behind the front seats) of the car has creased and is now about 6 inches off the road. The car performed well - the drivers seat dislodged and despite the force, none of the windows were broken! We are already searching for a replacement and are hoping to find a model identical to the one that we had.

Needless to say, we are thankful for so many reasons: that Emma was not in the car, the Jodie wasn’t seriously hurt, that no one was in the crosswalk, that I was in Indy and was able to see Jodie before she was taken to the hospital...and that everyone’s insurance was up-to-date!

However we are most thankful for our family here in IN -- Kara (and Aaron and the boys, too!) has been wonderful as always. She has delivered delicious dinners two nights in a row and cheerfully took Emma for the majority of the day yesterday. Emma loves being with them and considered it to be a real treat to spend time with them without us! We feel privileged to have them so close and to be sharing our time and children with one another.

We'll keep you updated...

With love to you all,

Dave, Jodie and Emma

p.s. here are a few recent pics!

Prayers requested.

2011-09-24T16:36:00.003-04:00

If you are connected to any of our FB pages, you may be aware that Eric's family is mourning the loss of this young man. He was Adrian's boyfriend in Alabama, and remained good friends since they moved to Illinois. They call him a "second son," and they immediately left for Alabama when they heard he had suffered a brain aneurysm and stroke. He has passed away. By his testimony, they believe he is with the Lord, but his family, and Eric's, will miss him deeply.

YEAAA!! JERRY'S A GENIUS

2011-09-23T11:55:00.003-04:00

I actually did have "the book" and Jerry got the problem fixed. He gets ALL the glory and credit and I totally acknowledge that he's smarter than a 5th grader and also smarter than ME! (although I am also smarter than a fifth grader!)

These should be fairly east to decide who, what and where.

PROBLEM

2011-09-22T21:32:00.002-04:00

I decided tonight to delete a few unnecessary and/or blurry pictures from my camera. Don't know what button I hit, but obviously the wrong one as a skinny line started moving and it said "removing all internal memory" or something like that. I quickly shut it off. Went back and everything is gone. I first thought, Oh well - I have all the pics on the computer anyway. But those are just recent family pictures - not the ones I've been posting the blog.

So I thought I'll just start all over and got the next three pictures out to take a picture of them - and the camera says Internal Memory is Full and won't take a picture. Soooooo - maybe one of you tech people can help me out here, but in the meantime - no more pictures from me. SORRY!!

Jerry said to "get the book out" - I have no book of instructions and probably wouldn't understand them if I did. There is a disk in the camera - but I don't know what to do with that either.

Now you know that I'm not only crazy, but also ignorant - well at least technologically speaking only.

THE CRAZY THINGS WE'VE DONE

2011-09-21T16:36:00.003-04:00

These are some pictures from a "murder/mystery" we had a long time ago in Minonk. The boxed game came with detailed instructions for each "character" as well as new details throughout the evening. We each had a booklet and every 20 min or so, we had to read the next section in which we each had different things to bring up in the conversation.

We sent the invitations to these people complete with their character and asked them to dress somewhat appropriately. Jerry was the "brainy"/math/science guy, I was the class prim/proper girl, others were a football player, cheerleader, class rebel etc. It just happened to be a 5th reunion of the Class of '54 and this group of people had gotten together for dinner at Maltie's Cafe, and just as they were about ready to order from the menu, the radio (a tape was in the box) interrupted with an announcement that a classmate had been murdered on the way to the reunion. We spent the evening trying to figure out who killed him, each of us had a booklet with "clues". We all had a fun time and laughed a lot. I have no remembrance of how it actually ended, but we DID solve the mystery.

As you can see, we went all out in making our kitchen into Maltie's Cafe and had a good dinner included. A tape of 50's rock-n-roll music was included in the box. So now you know, we're the crazy ones in the family. Also, this occurred on the night of the bombing of the first Iraq War - Desert Storm - and we did take a moment for silent thoughts/prayers for our soldiers there.

SOMETHING SPECIAL

2011-09-20T14:26:00.002-04:00

Well, these did not turn out in the order I expected them to, so we'll just have to deal with it! The first and third pictures are related - both taken at a special event. What is the event?

The middle picture is another one of the trip Mother and I took to Colorado Springs - and it appears that we are either checking in or out of a motel. There is something very special about this although it is very difficult to see clearly. The original pic is somewhat blurry, and this "copy" is even more so. If you're really sharp, you might be able to figure it out.

SEE IF YOU CAN IDENTIFY WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE

2011-09-18T16:51:00.002-04:00

Sorry the last picture is sideways - you'll just have to tilt your head to view it. I think the Who will be easy, but the What, When, and Where may be a little more challenging.