Tuesday, December 30, 2008

DI TURNS 46



HAPPY 46TH BIRTHDAY, DIANE!!

NEW E-MAIL FOR JON DAY

After 10 years It is time to change email. Please direct them to...
copperdog@commspeed.net

Thanks,

Jon

Friday, December 26, 2008


Here is a lovely picture of Dan and Maribeth taken at Scott's welcome home party last year.
Where is your beer, MB??
(Thanks to Brenda H. for the photo!)

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

BIG TEXAS TOY RUN

North Texas Bikers Become Santa's Helpers

Revving engines and a sea of leather-clad bikers filled downtown Fort Worth in freezing temperatures early Sunday morning for the start of the 23rd Annual Big Texas Toy Run.

Each year thousands of bikers gather toys and donations for underprivledged children. All the money gathered from the Toy Run will benefit Mental Health Mental Retardation of Tarrant County, Dallas MetroCare and other charities. The toys gathered will be distributed to children in need all over the Metroplex.

Groups of bikers gathered in downtown Fort Worth, Grapevine and Dallas, then hit the road at 1 p.m. with toys in tow. The three groups will met in Arlington, where the toys and donations will be dropped off.

Despite their tough reputations, the bikers said they have a soft spot for children in need."If we don't do it, nobody will do it," said Charles Smart, a Fort Worth biker.

Several Santa look alikes filled the crowd and bikers got into the Christmas spirit by decorating their bikes with wreaths, lights and toy reindeer.

"We decorate because we ride around during Christmas time for the children and put smiles on their faces. You can see them light up when they see us. We do it for the kids to make them a little happier," said biker Larry Smith, who participates in the Big Texas Toy Run every year.

Smith said knowing children will get presents under the Christmas is the reason he returns with more gifts every year."

It just give you a good, warm feeling in your heart," said Smith.





Sunday, December 21, 2008

ANOTHER CHANGE IN PLANS

Hi, everyone!

I got a call last night from Mike. He and his wife were waiting until the very last minute to make the decision on whether or not to make the trip to Iowa today. He called again this morning and their common sense told them to stay put and not venture out in this weather. Something about not wanting to get stuck in Nebraska or Kansas for three days....

I have had some RSVP's and a lot of "maybes" regarding Monday night, so I am more than willing to still have a little party. Heck, I've cleaned the whole house - I might as well show it off to someone..... I will leave it all up to you guys. We will be home, so if you want to come for some holiday festivities, just show on up!

I really think Mike's excuse for not coming has something to do with a 2:03 a.m. phone call I received yesterday morning..... it had something to do with partaking in adult beverages with Doug Wortman. Mike doesn't remember it, but I have it saved on my voice mail... tee hee.

Either way, have a wonderful holiday and a Happy, safe New Year!!!!

Carron and Dan

(I have two more e-mail addresses to add to your address book: Scott Ehlts - sehlts@ceciowa.com and Connie Engelbart - connie@lassoerv.com)

CHRISTMAS PHOTOS OF BRENDA AND HER FAMILY

Brenda sent some wonderful pictures of her family taken this holiday season. If I remember correctly, Brenda does all her own cards and even did her son's graduation pictures!

















Wednesday, December 17, 2008

UPDATE ON MIKE'S GATHERING

Hi, again, everyone!


Please note the date change for Mike's little gathering. I

just talked to him on the phone and he said Monday, the

22nd, would be great!! Same place, same time.


Hope to see you on Monday!

Directions to my house: I am assuming you all know how to get to Springville...... so, when you take the Springville exit off 151, go to the "T" intersection (look for Woody's gas station), take a right. At the Casey's, take a left, which is Broadway Street. Go through town, past the P.O., library, fire station, etc. We are 510 Broadway St., big white house on the right-hand side. Take a right on access road around to the back of the house. If you get lost in Springville, call me... hee hee... 319-447-7447.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

PARTY FOR MIKE HAUSER

Hi, everyone!

I just talked to Mike Hauser and he is going to be home the week of Dec. 21 - Dec. 26th. I would like to have a little party for him at our house here in Springville on Tuesday, December 23rd. I know it's the night before Christmas Eve, but time is limited and I know Mike would love to see some classmates while he is home.

So, here's the deal -

When: Monday, December 22, 2008

Time: 5:00 p.m. until whenever

Where: 510 Broadway Street, Springville, IA

I will provide the basics, but feel free to bring a bottle of wine or a beverage of your choice. A munchie/hors d'oeuvre would be fine, too!

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE RSVP (danandcarron@yahoo.com) so I have an idea how many people might be coming! I hope we can fill the house!!!

Hope to see you on the 23rd! Come for an hour, come for all night!

Carron and Dan
(When sending out the class-wide e-mail, I received a few messages saying some addresses are "undeliverable." If your e-mail address has changed, please let me know...)

PROUD TO BE A HAWKEYE!


And you say you are proud of being a Hawkeye!
This car was parked at the Xavier's restaurant in Cedar Rapids one night last summer when I took this picture.
Scott P.
(Hatcher, is that your car?)

HOLIDAY GREETINGS FROM BRIAN AND DORTHE


Brian, Dorthe, and the boys sent holiday greetings!
What an awesome picture!

Monday, December 8, 2008

MY BRAIN AGE WAS 28! WHAT IS YOURS?

This is fun, but it will drive you nuts. The site instructions are in Japanese, so read below!

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW AND THEN FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Touch 'start'

2. Wait for 3, 2, 1.

3. Memorize the number's position on the screen, and then click the circle from the smallest number to the biggest number.

4. At the end of game, the computer will tell you the age of your brain.

5. Leave a comment with your brain age.

Good luck!

http://flashfabrica.com/f_learning/brain/brain.html

Saturday, December 6, 2008

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

Brett wrote to say that he spent all weekend putting up his Christmas lights. If you need help at your house, give him a call!


Friday, December 5, 2008

THIS IS HILARIOUS (AND TRUE)

WHEN WE GIRLS DRINK TOO MUCH............

1. WE HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA WHERE OUR PURSE IS.

2. WE BELIEVE THAT DANCING WITH OUR ARMS OVERHEAD AND WIGGLING OUR BUTT WHILE YELLING "WOO-HOO!" IS TRULY THE SEXIEST DANCE MOVE AROUND.

3. WE'VE SUDDENLY DECIDED THAT WE WANT TO KICK SOMEONE'S BUTT AND HONESTLY BELIEVE WE COULD DO IT TOO.

4. IN OUR LAST TRIP TO PEE, WE REALIZE THAT WE NOW LOOK MORE LIKE A HOMELESS HOOKER THAN THE GODDESS WE WERE JUST FOUR HOURS AGO.

5. WE DROP OUR 3:00 A.M. TACO ON THE FLOOR (WHICH WE'RE EATING EVEN THOUGH WE ARE NOT AT ALL HUNGRY), PICK IT UP AND CARRY ON EATING IT.

6.WE START CRYING AND TELLING EVERYONE WE SEE THAT WE LOVE THEM SOOOOO MUCH.

7. WE GET EXTREMELY EXCITED AND JUMP UP AND DOWN EVERY TIME A NEW SONG PLAYS BECAUSE "OH MY GOD! I LOVE THIS SONG!"

8. WE'VE FOUND A DEEPER/SPIRITUAL SIDE TO THE GEEK SITTING NEXT TO US.

9. THE MAN WE'RE FLIRTING WITH USED TO BE OUR 5TH GRADE TEACHER.

10. THE URGE TO TAKE OFF ARTICLES OF CLOTHING, STAND ON A TABLE AND SING OR DANCE BECOMES STRANGELY OVERWHELMING TO US.

11. OUR EYES JUST DON'T SEEM TO WANT TO STAY OPEN ONTHEIR OWN SO WE KEEP THEM HALF CLOSED AND THINK IT LOOKS EXOTICALLY SEXY.

12. WE'VE SUDDENLY TAKEN UP SMOKING AND BECOME REALLY GOOD AT IT.

13. WE YELL AT THE BARTENDER, WHO WE BELIEVE CHEATED US BY GIVING US JUST LEMONADE, BUT THAT'S JUST BECAUSE WE CAN NO LONGER TASTE THE GIN.

14. WE THINK WE ARE IN BED, BUT OUR PILLOW FEELS STRANGELY LIKE THE KITCHEN FLOOR.

15. WE START EVERY CONVERSATION WITH A BOOMING, "DON'T TAKE THIS THE WRONG WAY BUT..."

16. WE FAIL TO NOTICE THAT THE TOILET LID IS DOWN WHEN WE SIT ON IT.

17. OUR HUGS BEGIN TO RESEMBLE WRESTLING TAKE-DOWN MOVES.

18. WE TAKE OUR SHOES OFF BECAUSE WE BELIEVE IT'S THEIR FAULT THAT WE'RE HAVING PROBLEMS WALKING STRAIGHT.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

I'M STILL HERE

No, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. Just a few big events happening in my life that I am dealing with at the moment. I'll be up and running again soon.

Would be nice to have some pics to post, though!!!!! Hint, hint.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

KATHY COX TIMM

(This was also in Sunday's Gazette. In some good ways and some bad ways, it was a big day for Anamosa. It's hard to believe that Kathy has been gone almost a year. I saw her brother, Rob, the night we met Lisa Harms at Tyler and Downing and I saw Dave a week ago Sunday. Such an awesome family. Rest in peace, Kathy!!)


In Memory Of Kathy Cox Timm

11/23/63 - 12/8/07

Happy Birthday to our dear Kathy.

Words cannot express how much we miss you. —

Love,

Your family

WAY TO GO, CARLENE AND GARY!!


Happy Anniversary, Gary and Carlene (Pinney) Vavricek
25 years!!
11-26-08
(I was in Carlene and Gary's wedding 25 years ago and Carlene was in my first two weddings. I promised her I would never ask her to do it again!!)
Do you all have a funny story from Mr. Pinney's class? Remember how he used to give us hints on our state capitals tests? Such as, "Juneau the capital of Alaska?" Or "My aunt Helen is from this town in Montana." Or "The girls like all the BOYS from this capital in Idaho." Jean Reiter always got them all right. I hate her. I used to cheat off her because she sat right in front of me. Tee hee.

HOLY COW! 60 YEARS!

(Dean's folks celebrate their 60th anniversary today! Congratulations to Wesley and Ellyn's grandma and grandpa. I can't imagine living 60 years let alone being married that long!!! This is a recreation of the announcement that was in this past Sunday's Gazette.)
ANAMOSA, IA— Lavern and Marian Rickels will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. The former Marian Stoll and Lavern Rickels were married Nov. 25, 1948 at Sacred Heart Church in Monticello, IA.
The couple’s children are David and (Debra) Rickels, Cedar Rapids; Daniel and (Lynette) Rickels, Anamosa; (Jerry) and Diane Casper, Anamosa; Dean Rickels, Fairfax, IA; Dennis Rickels (deceased)(Elizabeth Rickels Ster), Center Point.
They have 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Cards may be sent to:
9461 215th Ave.,
Anamosa IA 52205.

GO AWAY!



Odie has total control of the heated garage and he was soooo not digging Lute and Lefse invading his turf, so he jumped onto my car and up on the open garage door to get the hell away from the two pests!!

Monday, November 24, 2008

#4


Was the professor a little hottie or what?? How did he ever make those radio batteries last all those years on that island??
Now........... without Googling the bastard or cheating...... does anyone know the Professor's name on the show and in real life???






I will be really impressed if someone guesses this one.




Then again, I didn't think anyone would get Peter Frampton either. But, Lisa (Harms) got it in no time - signed, sealed, delivered!




(Sorry, but I'm married to a mailman - it's our song.)

1,000th POST

Today's last post marked the 1,000th entry since the
blog started in September, 2006!!
Our newest - and most frequent - visitor is
from the Keystone AEA in Manchester and Iowa Telecom
in Strawberry Point. Do we have a classmate who
lives up there that we don't know about? If so, let us
know who you are so we can welcome you aboard!!!

MORE SAD NEWS....

It was brought to my attention this morning that Jon Day's father passed away on Saturday, November 22, 2008. You can click here to read his obituary in the Cedar Rapids Gazette.

You can send Jon an e-mail at this address: Copperdog@n-connect.net

Our deepest sympathies to Jon and his family.

HAPPY LATE BIRTHDAY, SCOTT!


Scott's birthday was on Saturday, November 22 and I totally spaced it off AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I hope it was a good one, Scott!

Friday, November 21, 2008

#3

Back in the 1970's...


Who is this star all grown up??

Thursday, November 20, 2008

JEL COMMERCIAL

Have you guys seen that commercial on TV that has brought national attention to Springville? You can click on this link to see it. Once you get through the introduction, click on the "JEL" tab on the right-hand side and then on the "Springville" video.

The picture on the homepage (after the intro) is of "Main Street" which is really Broadway Street in downtown Springville. I live right up the street on the right-hand side!!!

The gyst of the commercial is to pick towns with a population of approximately 1,200 people because statistics show that 1,200 people die every day from smoking.

#2

Here she is today...



How about this one?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!


Happy 68th birthday, Dad!!

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

CAN YOU GUESS? #1



Anyone know who this famous celebrity is?



Here she is now...




Tuesday, November 18, 2008

BENEFIT PICS



I stole some pics from my brother that were taken at Jeff's benefit on Sunday. Do you recognize all the 1980 class members?

As you can see from Lisa's message below, Jeff and Ruthie have a website through the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. It provides daily updates on Jeff's progress and allows you to leave a comment for Jeff and Ruthie.

The website is http://www.carepages.com/carepages/TEAMJEFFA. Check it out and leave some encouraging words!!

JEFF A. WEBPAGE

Hello, all.

Ruthie has asked me to forward Jeff's new "care page" address to everyone I have an address for, so here you go! She will update the page regularly so that we can all keep up with Jeff as he progresses through his treatment. Let's make this an active site for them and continue to show our support!

To everyone who was able to attend the benefit on Sunday or who was able to help in any way: THANK YOU! The full extent of how much it meant to Jeff, Ruthie, and the family....No words are big enough. Please pass on the care page address to anyone who might like to visit.

Have a good one,
Lisa

CAREPAGE FOR TEAM JEFFA http://www.carepages.com/carepages/TEAMJEFFA

Monday, November 17, 2008

MIKEY THE COLONEL!!!

Carron --

I cannot begin to tell you how hectic it's been since my redeployment. I was only back a week and had to spend last week in DC on business and can't wait for some things to slow down.

I received some unexpected & outstanding news last week......I was just selected for promotion to Colonel! That's right, Colonel! Since it came a year earlier than anticipated, it was totally unexpected and extremely humbling since only one or two folks get selected each year out of the hundreds competing. Obviously the stars were aligned correctly or some weird astrological/voodoo thing happened!

Looks like we will be back in Iowa from 20 Dec - 2/3 Jan! More to follow and I promise to give you a call.

Cheers,
Mike

JEFF'S FUNDRAISER














We went to Jeff A.'s fundraiser yesterday. The place was packed for five hours straight!

I talked to Jeff A. for quite some time and he is in such good spirits. He put it so well - he is an "optomistic realist" and said 5% of people with pancreatic cancer survive with no side effects so he might as well be one of that 5%, right? Let's keep saying our prayers for Jeff and his family.

Lisa did such a wonderful job of organizing everything. (The final tally hasn't been tabulated, but it was a biggie!) She and Brad even showed up wearing the exact same shirts!

The limestone bench was donated by Mike Deutmeyer and my mom had the highest bid!! Mike Coons was highest bidder on one of the footballs my dad had autographed by Kirk Ferentz.

I ran into a bunch of classmates and even more from the class of '80. Below is a photo of Dave and crazy Mike.














HAWKS WIN!

We went to the Iowa-Purdue game this past Saturday. Not sure either team deserved to win, but sure glad we did!! It was a nail-biter there at the end!






EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENTS

I got me a couple early Christmas presents Friday night!! Have you ever seen anything cuter? We named them Lutefisk and Lefse (you Norwegians out there know what that means.) Lute is the yellow male and Lefse is the black female. They are brother and sister - 7 weeks old.

Monday, November 10, 2008

OUR BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER


Here is a picture of my daughter, Ellyn, and her daddy, Dean, at Homecoming this past September. I know it's late in coming, but at least it's not a picture of me!!!!!! And, besides, it was sent to me by a "classmate."

Sunday, November 9, 2008

MRS. DIERKS

While reading about Shellie's father passing away, I noticed on the Goettsch website that Mrs. Dierks passed away on October 15th.
Was she like the best teacher ever or what? Who of you out there had her??
You can click here to read her obit on the Goettsch site.

SAD NEWS

I just read in the Sunday Gazette that Shellie Heims' father passed away this past Thursday. You can read his obituary by clicking on this link.

You can send Shellie an e-mail at this address:
esch724003@aol.com

Our sympathies and condolensces to Shellie and her family.

Friday, November 7, 2008

"TEAM JEFF A" SHIRTS

Hello.

We are ordering "Team Jeff A" shirts to wear to the benefit or to purchase even if you are unable to attend that day. The shirts will be white with purple print; purple is the color designated to those fighting pancreatic cancer. They are $10 each.

As of now, Jeff isn't aware of the shirts, and we'd like to keep it quiet until the benefit day in order to surprise him.

If you are interested in ordering a shirt(s), please contact Deb Zumbach at her home e-mail address, which is azumbach@soli.inav.net. We'll also have shirts available for purchase and/or order the day of the benefit.

As always, please feel free to forward this e-mail to whomever you see fit. Hope to see you Sunday the 16th at Wapsi Country Club (note the location change).

Lisa Williams

Thursday, November 6, 2008

MESSAGE FROM BRENDA

Hi Carron,

It's been a while since I was able to catch up on the Anamosa 81 site. I used to read it almost every day!!

You have certainly given all of us a wonderful way to keep in touch and connected through these past couple of years! Outstanding, Amazing, Faithful, True, Caring and Giving, Generous, are just a few of the words to describe someone as Special as YOU for all of the time, effort, organization, phone calls, online-time, (and all of the rest of the things that I am forgetting).

You are an Inspirational Gift, a Motivator, and a Friend with no end, to me and to all of our Anamosa Class of '81! Because of you, memories and reminiscing, seeing and being, and finding and knowing, that no matter how much time passes, our classmates, are still so very accepting of each and every individual one of us, no matter how "crazy" we are, and just as much (or more) a part of our lives as they were way back in 1981.

You, my girl, have been such a Blessing, in more ways than you could ever imagine, to more people than I'm sure you'll ever realize. I, for one, am so grateful for your never-ending energy and enthusiasm. It's been so much fun! I wish I had something more to give you than just a "THANK YOU"! Be sure to keep in touch, as you enjoy your newly married life.

Love ya,
Brenda

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

FUNDRAISER FOR JEFF AHRENDSEN

Hello. I'm contacting you today with both sadness and hope. Recently, Jeff Ahrendsen has been diagnosed with Stage II pancreatic cancer. He has been doctoring and has not been able to work since September 11.

He has a long, but hopeful road ahead of him. He is slated to soon begin radiation and chemo to reduce the size of a tumor which has attached itself to a major artery. After this course, his doctors will determine if they can, at that point, go in and remove that tumor.

Jeff will be seeing doctors at the University of Iowa and probably also out of state. He will have travel expenses to cover above and beyond his regular living expenses. He, Ruthie, and the kids need our help, support, prayers, and love.

Please attend the benefit for Jeff:
Sunday, November 16,
12:00 - 4:00
Wapsi Country Club

Food will be available, so please come for lunch or an early supper. A goodwill donation will be accepted for your plate. In addition, a raffle and/or silent auction will be held to benefit the family.

Tickets are 6 for $5.00; these will be available at the door. Several items will be up for the winning.

Please consider helping this family; these people would be first in line to help any of us!

You could help in any of several ways:

Cards and donations may be sent directly to Jeff at the address at the end of this e-mail, and I would also be happy to collect them and get them to the family.

Donations for the raffle and/or silent auction will be welcomed. Please call me (Lisa Williams) at 462-3020 to make arrangements for pick up.

Also needed are donations of paper plates, plastic silverware, napkins, and plastic cups.

Desserts and salads are needed for the meal.

If you would like to make something, please contact Lois Terrell at 462-3356. It would be nice if she had a count by the Wednesday before the benefit.

Attend the benefit. Come, visit with the family, and offer your support. Jeff, Ruthie, Dakota, Kenner, and Dalton need us.

One more thing: please forward this e-mail! I have limited e-mail addresses, but it would be great if everyone in Anamosa and surrounding areas received this!

We all know how hard both Ruthie and Jeff would work on a benefit cause for one of us, so if we all work as hard for them, this benefit will be a great success!

Hope to see you on Sunday the 16th! Jeff's address is below...

Thanks,
Lisa Heitland Williams

Jeff's address:

Jeff Ahrendsen
PO Box 443
Morley, IA 52312
I just wanted to tell you what last night meant to me. I have never been so moved in all my life. I watched TV from sun-up to sun-up! I could not go to sleep.

Then, this morning on TV, I saw MLK, Jr., giving his "I Have A Dream" speech and, again, I was moved to tears. I am a white and lower-middle-class and I was brought to tears.

For me, this is a historic day because, never in my lifetime, did I ever think I would see an African-American in the White House. Sad, but true. I always thought and hoped we had come further than that, but never believed it until last night. This is all about making the unbelievable come true more than about policy or politics.

I don't care if you're black, white, gay, straight, Democrat, Republican, rich or poor. I just hope you all love America and being an American. I know there are lots of us who were not so proud to be an American the past eight years. I know there are lots of us who do not want endorse Obama now or admit to being an American because of his being elected. All I hope is that we can all come together.

Please afford me the opportunity to expound a little on MLK's speech. I sincerely hope that the children I know will not be judged on who they sleep with, where they go to church, the size of their wallet, who they vote for, the color of their skin, or the news channel they watch! I want my children, and myself, to be judged on how they treat other people (and by the content of their character - which is in direct correlation to how they treat other people.)

I am, obviously, a Democrat. I just hope that EVERYONE will give their perspective, either in a comment or an e-mail to you, and share how they feel because I know you will share all points of view. I know you're frustrated with the blogsite, but it CAN be a way for all of us to come together. And, we are just a small little group of people from little ol' Anamosa, Iowa.

Monday, November 3, 2008

MESSAGE FROM MARIBETH

You have done a great job and I will miss hearing from you, I check in on the site at least 4-5 times a week, It's just become part of my day, I guess, and I will send pics of the Moores!!

Big news, Kevin has enlisted in the United States Army, he leaves December 30th. I have been pretty brave but as the months have passed I'm getting a little weepy, this is my baby boy. We are very proud of him but will miss him deeply, he's ready to go, he would leave now but he's going to finish this semester.

Call me sometime and we'll get together!!

So who do you think it'll it be? I'm sure hoping for the big O, can't take another 4 years like the last!!

Friday, October 31, 2008

BREAK

I am taking a break from the blogsite. It appears that no one is interested in sending me any photos or stories of their families or lives and I'm sure you are all dreadfully sick and tired of hearing about and seeing pictures of my silly life and family, so I am going away for awhile.

If anyone does want to send me something, feel free, and I will post it. Until that happens, I'm giving it a rest.

I wish you all a wonderful holiday season!

Take care.

Carron

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

BLONDE CORN MAZE



Karla B. sent me this. Not quite sure what she's trying to imply...



:-/

Sunday, October 26, 2008

DRINKS WITH LISA

Lisa was in town for a visit, so we met up last night for a fine glass of wine at Tyler and Downing in Anamosa. She couldn't stay long because she had an early morning and a long drive home today, but it was great to see her!!!!

Friday, October 24, 2008

ELECTION FRAUD

I'm not accusing or anything, but in our highly scientific, no-margin-of-error poll, I think Brett voted 12 times and my husband voted twice....

Seriously, though, no matter who you support, just be sure to get out and vote! (Dan and I might as well stay home because our votes are just going to cancel each other out anyway. I think I'll call his boss and ask if Dan can work late that day....just until, say, 9:00 p.m., or so?? hehe.)

ANOTHER GIRLS' NIGHT


Darcie, Mary Jo, and I had another girls' night last night. This time it was Mary Jo's turn to decide on the restaurant and God bless her for choosing Carlos O'Kelly's!!


I have no new pictures to share because both gals threatened me with bodily harm if I brought my "bleeping" camera. So, just to get even with them, I will post the same pic from our last girls' night out. Bahahahaha!

Thursday, October 23, 2008

MESSAGE FROM SCOTT PETERSEN

I had 3 email addresses. Now I only have one. Please contact me at fairlane@mchsi.com. If you used one of the others I had, it will no longer work.

Scott

Friday, October 17, 2008

MIKE IS ON AMERICAN SOIL!!

Carron --

About 20 minutes ago I landed in Dallas!! I fly down to Killeen in about 45 minutes; however, I'm going to try and give Brett a call to check-in.

How's it going? Feels great to be in the states. I just ordered a beer!!!!!!!

I'll write more later.

Talk to you soon.

Ciao,

Mike

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

OUR BABY IS SWEET 16!!



HAPPY 16th BIRTHDAY, ELLYN!!!!
WE LOVE YOU!
Dad & Dana and Mom & Dan

Monday, October 13, 2008

MIKE IS COMING HOME!!

Dear family and friends,

I'm sending this quick note to let you all know that in less than 24 hours I will begin my journey back to Colorado Springs! I was selected a few weeks ago by the next 4ID Deputy, Commanding General to work the personnel transition in support of the 4ID Headquarters and 1-4BCT movement from Fort Hood, Texas, to Fort Carson, Colorado, this coming spring. By being selected, it has shortened my deployment from 15 to 11 months. While this is outstanding news, it is bitter sweet because I was really starting to get comfortable after spending the past 11 months building a team and learning my job. I really appreciate all of your thoughts, prayers, and boxes full of goodies during the past year; it all helped get me through both the good and bad times.

While I know that the US is about to make some important decisions over the next month, I can assure you first-hand, that we are making progress in Iraq, and if God wills it, the Iraqi people will be able to provide their own security and maintain a stable government in the upcoming year. The support that we receive from not only folks back home, but also from across the entire world is phenomenal! We are the best equipped, trained, and prepared military in the world because of this support.

Thanks again for everything that you did to make this deployment not only comfortable, but also for the love and care that you showed our family during the past year as well. Rhonda, Liz, & Susie have worked very hard while I've been gone and I can't wait to get back and see them in the next couple weeks!

Cheers,

Mike

Saturday, October 11, 2008

ODIE AND THE LEAVES

It's beautiful here in Iowa with the leaves all changing colors. Here is a tree right outside our house and Odie enjoying the cool fall weather.

Friday, October 10, 2008

SWINGING WITH MOMMA


We had some family over to our home this past Monday and I went swinging with my 83-year-old mother-in-law!!! She almost kicked my butt.
Last night, we had a gathering with the whole family at Dan's brother's house. Here's a pic of Dan and his six siblings, plus Momma.

Sunday, October 5, 2008

DEB CAME TO TOWN


Deb was in town this weekend. We met up at Tucker's in Anamosa for pizza and beverages!! We also ran into Maribeth!!! She had that same ol' beer in her hand!

Friday, October 3, 2008

HOMECOMING PICS FROM BRENDA


Brenda sent pics of Homecoming week in
Monticello along with some photos of her
beautiful flowers. Click here to see them all!

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

NEW E-MAIL ADDRESS

Lisa Harms wrote to inform me that she has a new e-

mail address. It is lisasnider@comcast.net. Please make

the change in your address books!!

Thursday, September 25, 2008

BRENDA'S SON, NICK


Click here to see more photos of Brenda's son, Nick, with his cool motorcycle.