Cousins

On June 29th, Gresham had their Independence Day celebration with a parade and fireworks in the evening.  This is the day I throw a picnic at our home for whomever wants to come.  This year, Nichola and Stefanie have moved back to Wisconsin so it was a no-brainer that they along with Alyssa would be here.  Not only that, but the Robertson reunion was the next week so Zack and Zane and families were also in town.

The school is getting new playground equipment and there were a few pieces no one wanted.  One of them being the "spider".  It is set up on the south lawn just below the driveway.  I'm sure I don't know the names of all these 2nd cousins but I think they had a good day getting to know one another.

Alex and Cate were also in town so it was really just a family reunion plus Edwina and the Raddants.  I didn't get to have time with everyone, but I think all had a good time renewing and remembering.

We had to have a photo so all the cousins who were in attendance created a pose on the front steps.  Pat threw a water balloon just prior to me snapping a picture that hit Tom almost squarely in the crotch.  That got some good laughs!

In the end I really did get a better photo than this one.  It was so fun to have all these people together once again.  It made my heart smile.

What a She Saw Can Do

We had a storm with high winds come through at the end of June.  We didn't have any trees down at our house since the willow was taken out a couple years ago.  But there was a tree down on the corner of Herman Street and Lyndhurst Road.

Tom and I took the "she saw" (it's the battery operated one) and began clearing the debris.  There was quite a bit that we could just throw in the ditch but then a lot that was still attached to the tree.

When we were finished, traffic could easily go through as though there hadn't been a problem at all.  I never used the power saw prior as it is just so heavy for me.  This little Stihl is the perfect size!

We Did a Thing

Andrew graduated from NWTC in May with his degree as a Physical Therapy Assistant.  We're so proud of him for accomplishing this task.  He never really liked school outside of the socialization and athletics.  Cierra graduated with her Master's degree last summer and we never got around to giving her a party.  

Cierra wanted to throw a surprise party for Andrew and with her family coming for a visit and celebrating Eddie's birthday all in one weekend, I told her we would handle the party for Andrew.  What she didn't know was that the party was also for her.  

Invitations were printed and sent out and food was ordered.

I was with Edwina in Green Bay for her shoulder surgery all day so my children had to figure out how to set everything up and pick up the roast beef.  I got the cake from Costco on our way home.

Cierra took her family to Bay Beach and told us she would get back about 5:15.  We had everything ready when they arrived.  It was so fun seeing her face as she recognized that the party wasn't just for Andrew but also for her.  He was oblivious to what was going on.  

We had banners, food, friends and family, a bouncy house for the kids and lots of pictures.  It could not have gone any better.  I'm so proud of both of them for their wonderful accomplishments.  Cierra made a poster for Andrew and we had Sydney Wagner make a matching one for her.  I loved all of it.  

My Friend Suzanna

Suzanna and David Lau moved out of our ward more than two years ago.  I have missed her.  She is truly one of my sisters and not just in the gospel sense. 

Her mother Therese Maass passed away recently.  There was a nice funeral in Idaho Falls where she and her husband, Brian Martz, had been living.  

There was another memorial service in Stevens Point on May 18th.  Pat was asked to be a pall bearer and I was asked to give the closing prayer.  I knew I would blubber through it as much as I tried not to.

We were able to spend some time together during the meal and following.  Due to her having an amazing boss, he insisted that she be able to be here for the funeral and graveside dedication.  He knew she couldn't afford to come so made it possible.

I didn't recognize how much I missed her until I was able to hold her and hug her tight.  I knew I missed her talents at the piano each time I needed someone to play something a bit more difficult.  I had to learn it or the choir couldn't sing it.  But more than that, I missed our talks and giggles.

There are those people who come into your life that make you better.  They are people whom you love intensely and without measure.  They are family even though genetics would say otherwise.  Suzanna is one of those people!  I just plain love her and miss her more than ever since I had the opportunity to see her again.  

 

Andrew’s Graduation

Andrew finally chose a profession about 2 1/2 years ago.  He went to school to become a Physical Therapy Assistant.  He studied so hard and spent many hours at school.  On May 15th we were able to attend his graduation from NWTC in Green Bay.

There were about 700 graduates in attendance so we had to stay and listen to each one of their names being read.  It took about an hour.

To say that I'm proud of his accomplishments is an understatement.  

I knew that when he finally had something he wanted to work for, he would go out and get it done.  

There were challenges along the way.  He needed to get and 80% average each semester in each class.  He always did really well in his physical exams.  Written exams are a lot harder for him.  He doesn't test well.  In December, we all prayed that he would pass his classes because if he didn't he would have to retake the class.  Not a problem?  He would have to wait a full year to take it again.

Mid-December was the exam date and he did not get the 80% he needed.  He was crushed.  I know there were a lot of tears shed.  We had prayed and he had studied and he got a blessing.  How could this have happened?  

He was asked to meet with his two professors.  I think they recognized that he knows his stuff but doesn't test well.  They decided to let him continue in the program.  Prayer do get answered and miracles still happen.

Five weeks of clinicals in Wittenberg and another six weeks in Manitowoc.  Finally graduation day is here!

He did it!  Now to continue studying for his national board exam.

A family fast for him this Sunday with faith and prayers to boot.  He takes the exam in early July prior to the next fast Sunday.  How we love that he wants to take care of his family!

2024 Track Season

Even though I'm old and out of shape, I still love track and field!  I enjoyed competing back when I was in high school and even a year of college.  I love being able to work at those meets as the Clerk of Course.  

Now my grandchildren are enjoying the sport.  None of them are stellar as far as breaking any records or making it to state, but they seem to really love doing it.

Adam has discovered the hurdles.  He's not very fast but since not many compete in those races, he almost always places.  

Brock in middle school will find what he likes to do in time.  Right now he long jumps and runs the dashes.  He's not a fast runner, so may have to find other things that he can excel at. 

Cami has discovered triple jumping and has improved quite a bit.  She had some help from Ted who was assisting Heidi Cerveny.  She also loves throwing the discus.

She enjoys running the 4x800 and 4x400 relays as well.

This year I was able to go as the assistant coach twice.  Once to the first indoor meet and once to the final meet of the year prior to the Regional meet.  I enjoy watching the athletes compete and love cheering them on even if they have no chance of winning.  I hope to be able to continue doing this and cheering them on for years to come with many of my grandchildren.

 

Surprise!

About two months ago, while I was still watching Eddie everyday, he was building a "pillow castle."  I noticed that the edges of the frame of the couch was getting pretty frayed.   We gave them our old furniture three years ago when we returned from our mission.  It was in satisfactory condition but far from excellent.  The love seat needed to be taken to the dump before they ever moved into their new home but with nothing to  replace it, it came along.  

Andrew has been looking for a couch for their basement and hasn't found anything in his price range that he liked.  There are chairs in the basement so it is usable but I can see how a couch would be preferrable.  

Pat stopped by after seeing his mother and I made a comment about the state of the furniture.  He had been talking about replacing ours and I just didn't see the need.  On this day, I saw a need.  We went to the furniture store and they were closed.  The next day we went back and picked out our new couch and love seat.  

Erin was with us and Jacob was just getting home from work so we went home, got the truck and trailer, moved our furniture out of the livingroom and took it to Andrew and Cierra's home.  We moved their old couch into their basement and hauled the love seat away.  Erin and I stayed with Eddie while the men picked up the new pieces and took them to our home.

When Cierra came home Eddie ran and told her.  I told him, "Tell Mom 'Surprise!'"  He did.  She walked in their livingroom and couldn't believe what she saw.  She was so appreciative!  She even tried to send us some money as a thank you.  On Sunday, Pat told her he would not accept any payment and she protested saying that it was worth far more than she could give but wanted to give something.  An explanation followed telling her that we are in a place in our lives where we can help our children and that one day she would be in that same place.  Tears and hugs followed.  

How I love giving surprises!