HAPPY 16th BIRTHDAY, ELLYN!!!!
WE LOVE YOU!
Dad & Dana and Mom & Dan
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
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
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!!
mail address. It is lisasnider@comcast.net. Please make
the change in your address books!!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Friday, September 19, 2008
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
CATS AND ACORNS
Odie was our supervisor on the fence as Dan and I bagged over 45 bushels of acorns. He looks stressed, but a glass of wine and some soothing music calmed him right down. 
.
.
Monday, September 15, 2008
MISS CHAPMAN PASSES AWAY
Remember our kindergarten teacher, Miss
Chapman? Sadly, she has passed away....
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
GIRLS' NIGHT
Darc, Mary Jo, and I had a girls' night tonight. We had cheesy fries, steak, and beer at Lone Star Steakhouse. We didn't laugh or have any fun at all.... Darcie told our waitress, HeyAshley, to shove my camera up my butt and then management came to our table. All sorts of craziness.
HISTORY LESSON FROM MIKE
All - 278 days down, 155 to go! The deployment continues to fly by and what a cultural experience it has been!! I really miss the Family more than words can express. As the transition from Coalition Force control to Iraqi Government (GoI) control continues, flexibility remains key. Since the New US Embassy Complex (NEC) opened a few weeks ago (largest US Embassy in the World), my unit was forced to relocate our living quarters from behind the Presidental Palace (previously used as the US Embassy) to Forward Operating Base (FOB) Prosperity within the International Zone. Of course FOB Prosperity doesn't have all the free emenities that the Dept of State (DOS) provided at the old Embassy (swimming pool, refigerator, TV & DVD Player, Phone, Internet); however, the housing rules on FOB Prosperity (based on rank) provide me with my own Containerized Housing Unit (CHU) which has now doubled my square footage. The real down side was that I had to go out and get the creature comforts that even at war we all look for (TV, DVD player, Internet Service, and Cable)! The real bummer will be later this week when we lose our DOS MCI Cell Phones; I've transitioned to Skype & bought a headset that seems to work pretty well. Additionally, if anyone needs to get a hold of me, I just found out that my office phone actually has a US Washington DC phone number (703-343-7609) that anyone can call me on. It's right at my desk, so if you call between 0700-2400 you should be able to get me (remember we are GMT+3 in Baghdad).
In my position, I continue to get out and see many interesting sights and experience some once in a lifetime' situations. Recently, I was able to assist in a case of a kidnapped six year old girl; she had been held forthree weeks when she was finally returned to her parents. Child abduction continues to be a problem here as individuals look to extort large sums of cash from inflentual Family members within the Iraqi Government. The good news is that child abduction is punishable by death, and hopefully the follow-up Iraqi investigation that the Iraqi General from our office is leading will roll-up all parties involved.
We have just entered one of their most religious periods, Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Islam uses a lunar calendar-that is, each month begins with the sighting of the new moon. Because the lunar calendar is about 11 days shorter than the solar calendar used elsewhere, Islamic holidays “move” each year. In 2008 Ramadan begins at sundown on Sept. 1. Being embedded in an Iraqi Headquarters, I'm trying to observe their practices (not as easy as one might think). Here is a little cultural information about Ramadan:
For more than a billion Muslims around the world-including some 8 million in North America-Ramadan is a “month of blessing” marked by prayer, fasting, and charity. This year Ramadan precedes Christmas and Hanukkah. But while in many places these holidays have become widely commercialized, Ramadan retains its focus on self-sacrifice and devotion to Allah (God).
The first day of Ramadan (fasting) in North America according to sighting, is expected to be September 02. However, according to Saudi Ummul-Qura calendar, Fiqh Council of North America, and European Council for Fatwa and Research, the first day of Ramadan is on Monday, September 01, 2008.
Ramadan concludes with a 3-day festival known as "Eid" or "Eid ul-Fitr," which literally means "the feast of the breaking/to break the fast." The holiday marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting and is a culmination of the month-long struggle towards a higher spiritual state. -
1st Ramadan (Fasting Begins) September 01, 2008 * -
Lailatul-Qadr (Night of Power) September 26, 2008 -
Eid-al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) October 01, 2008.
During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual relations from sunrise to sunset, and millions of non-Muslim expatriates in the region adapt to the pace of the fasting month, during which working hours are reduced in both the public and private sectors. Ramadan also witnesses a multiplication of charitable initiatives by both government outfits such as local Red Crescent societies and wealthy individuals and private companies. Charity goes beyond national borders, with both government and private institutions distributing meals and making other donations to the needy not just at home but also in other Muslim countries. Gulf governments enjoying windfalls from high crude prices and high-profile companies are keen to be seen to be sharing some of their wealth with the less fortunate. Many sponsor free fast-breaking meals — or iftar — for the poor.
The Meaning of Ramadan: Ramadan is a special month of the year for over one billion Muslims throughout the world. It is a time for inner reflection, devotion to God, and self-control. Muslims think of it as a kind of tune-up for their spiritual lives. There are as many meanings of Ramadan as there are Muslims.
The third "pillar" or religious obligation of Islam (submission in English), fasting has many special benefits. Among these, the most important is that it is a means of learning self-control. Due to the lack of preoccupation with the satisfaction of bodily appetites during the daylight hours of fasting, a measure of ascendancy is given to one's spiritual nature, which becomes a means of coming closer to God. Ramadan is also a time of intensive worship, reading of the Quran, giving charity, purifying one's behavior, and doing good deeds. For Muslims (Submitters), Ramadan is an opportunity to gain by giving up, to prosper by going without and to grow stronger by enduring weakness.
As a secondary goal, fasting is a way of experiencing hunger and developing sympathy for the less fortunate, and learning to thankfulness and appreciation for all of God's bounties. Fasting is also beneficial to the health and provides a break in the cycle of rigid habits or overindulgence.
Ramadan (Arabic: رمضان, Ramaḍān) is a Muslim religious observance that takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, believed to be the month in which the Qur'an was revealed to Angel Gabriel which later was revealed to Prophet Muhammad. It is the Islamic month of fasting (sawm), in which participating Muslims do not eat or drink anything from dawn until sunset. Fasting is meant to teach the person patience and humility. Ramadan is a time to fast for the sake of God, and to offer even more prayer than usual. In Ramadan Muslims ask forgiveness for past sins, pray for guidance into the future, ask for help in refraint from everyday evils and try to purify themselves through self-restraint and good deeds.
Events of Ramadan Laylat al-Qadr (Arabic: لیلة القدر) (known as Shab-e Qadr in Persian), literally the "Night of Decrees" or "Night of Measures", is the anniversary of two very important dates in Islam that occurred in the month of Ramadan.[citation needed] Muslims believe that it was the night of the Laylat al-Qadr that the Quran was revealed. The exact night of the Laylat al-Qadr is only known to God. It has been told to Prophet Muhammed one night, but on his way out to deliver the news he was disturbed by two Muslims' argument and that resulted in him forgetting the exact date of the night. The date was not revealed only to encourage Muslims to pray and work hard on the last ten days and not only that night. That is why Muhammad indicated that it was on one of the last ten nights of Ramadan.
The Islamic holiday of Eid ul-Fitr (Arabic: عيد الفطر) marks the end of the fasting period of Ramadan and the first day of the following month, after another new moon has been sighted. The Eid falls after 29 or 30 days of fasting, as per the lunar sighting. Eid ul-Fitr means the Festival of Breaking the Fast; a special celebration is made. Food is donated to the poor (‘Zakat al-Fitr’), everyone puts on their best, preferably new, clothes, and communal prayers are held in the early morning, followed by feasting and visiting relatives and friends. The prayer is two rakaahs only, and it is an optional prayer as opposed to the compulsory five daily prayers. According to one current school of thought (Ankaboot), it is suggested that North American Muslims arrange their work schedule for Eid by requesting the two most likely days of Eid as Holidays or simply as days off from work. This allows for quality family time, and is akin to the Christian/North American tradition of taking Christmas and Christmas Eve off as holidays. This also allows for time off to celebrate the Eid prayer at a mosque and with family. The fast always ends after 29 or 30 days of fasting, and thus the request would be for the 29th and 30th day after the start of the fast.
Muslims are encouraged to fast six days in Shawwal, the month following Ramadan that begins after Eid ul-Fitr; these days need not be consecutive.[1] According to hadith, one who fasts the month of Ramadan and six days during Shawwal will be rewarded as though he fasted the entire year.
Take care and I will try and figure out another cultural lesson as I wind down this deployment!
Cheers,
Mike
In my position, I continue to get out and see many interesting sights and experience some once in a lifetime' situations. Recently, I was able to assist in a case of a kidnapped six year old girl; she had been held forthree weeks when she was finally returned to her parents. Child abduction continues to be a problem here as individuals look to extort large sums of cash from inflentual Family members within the Iraqi Government. The good news is that child abduction is punishable by death, and hopefully the follow-up Iraqi investigation that the Iraqi General from our office is leading will roll-up all parties involved.
We have just entered one of their most religious periods, Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Islam uses a lunar calendar-that is, each month begins with the sighting of the new moon. Because the lunar calendar is about 11 days shorter than the solar calendar used elsewhere, Islamic holidays “move” each year. In 2008 Ramadan begins at sundown on Sept. 1. Being embedded in an Iraqi Headquarters, I'm trying to observe their practices (not as easy as one might think). Here is a little cultural information about Ramadan:
For more than a billion Muslims around the world-including some 8 million in North America-Ramadan is a “month of blessing” marked by prayer, fasting, and charity. This year Ramadan precedes Christmas and Hanukkah. But while in many places these holidays have become widely commercialized, Ramadan retains its focus on self-sacrifice and devotion to Allah (God).
The first day of Ramadan (fasting) in North America according to sighting, is expected to be September 02. However, according to Saudi Ummul-Qura calendar, Fiqh Council of North America, and European Council for Fatwa and Research, the first day of Ramadan is on Monday, September 01, 2008.
Ramadan concludes with a 3-day festival known as "Eid" or "Eid ul-Fitr," which literally means "the feast of the breaking/to break the fast." The holiday marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting and is a culmination of the month-long struggle towards a higher spiritual state. -
1st Ramadan (Fasting Begins) September 01, 2008 * -
Lailatul-Qadr (Night of Power) September 26, 2008 -
Eid-al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) October 01, 2008.
During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual relations from sunrise to sunset, and millions of non-Muslim expatriates in the region adapt to the pace of the fasting month, during which working hours are reduced in both the public and private sectors. Ramadan also witnesses a multiplication of charitable initiatives by both government outfits such as local Red Crescent societies and wealthy individuals and private companies. Charity goes beyond national borders, with both government and private institutions distributing meals and making other donations to the needy not just at home but also in other Muslim countries. Gulf governments enjoying windfalls from high crude prices and high-profile companies are keen to be seen to be sharing some of their wealth with the less fortunate. Many sponsor free fast-breaking meals — or iftar — for the poor.
The Meaning of Ramadan: Ramadan is a special month of the year for over one billion Muslims throughout the world. It is a time for inner reflection, devotion to God, and self-control. Muslims think of it as a kind of tune-up for their spiritual lives. There are as many meanings of Ramadan as there are Muslims.
The third "pillar" or religious obligation of Islam (submission in English), fasting has many special benefits. Among these, the most important is that it is a means of learning self-control. Due to the lack of preoccupation with the satisfaction of bodily appetites during the daylight hours of fasting, a measure of ascendancy is given to one's spiritual nature, which becomes a means of coming closer to God. Ramadan is also a time of intensive worship, reading of the Quran, giving charity, purifying one's behavior, and doing good deeds. For Muslims (Submitters), Ramadan is an opportunity to gain by giving up, to prosper by going without and to grow stronger by enduring weakness.
As a secondary goal, fasting is a way of experiencing hunger and developing sympathy for the less fortunate, and learning to thankfulness and appreciation for all of God's bounties. Fasting is also beneficial to the health and provides a break in the cycle of rigid habits or overindulgence.
Ramadan (Arabic: رمضان, Ramaḍān) is a Muslim religious observance that takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, believed to be the month in which the Qur'an was revealed to Angel Gabriel which later was revealed to Prophet Muhammad. It is the Islamic month of fasting (sawm), in which participating Muslims do not eat or drink anything from dawn until sunset. Fasting is meant to teach the person patience and humility. Ramadan is a time to fast for the sake of God, and to offer even more prayer than usual. In Ramadan Muslims ask forgiveness for past sins, pray for guidance into the future, ask for help in refraint from everyday evils and try to purify themselves through self-restraint and good deeds.
Events of Ramadan Laylat al-Qadr (Arabic: لیلة القدر) (known as Shab-e Qadr in Persian), literally the "Night of Decrees" or "Night of Measures", is the anniversary of two very important dates in Islam that occurred in the month of Ramadan.[citation needed] Muslims believe that it was the night of the Laylat al-Qadr that the Quran was revealed. The exact night of the Laylat al-Qadr is only known to God. It has been told to Prophet Muhammed one night, but on his way out to deliver the news he was disturbed by two Muslims' argument and that resulted in him forgetting the exact date of the night. The date was not revealed only to encourage Muslims to pray and work hard on the last ten days and not only that night. That is why Muhammad indicated that it was on one of the last ten nights of Ramadan.
The Islamic holiday of Eid ul-Fitr (Arabic: عيد الفطر) marks the end of the fasting period of Ramadan and the first day of the following month, after another new moon has been sighted. The Eid falls after 29 or 30 days of fasting, as per the lunar sighting. Eid ul-Fitr means the Festival of Breaking the Fast; a special celebration is made. Food is donated to the poor (‘Zakat al-Fitr’), everyone puts on their best, preferably new, clothes, and communal prayers are held in the early morning, followed by feasting and visiting relatives and friends. The prayer is two rakaahs only, and it is an optional prayer as opposed to the compulsory five daily prayers. According to one current school of thought (Ankaboot), it is suggested that North American Muslims arrange their work schedule for Eid by requesting the two most likely days of Eid as Holidays or simply as days off from work. This allows for quality family time, and is akin to the Christian/North American tradition of taking Christmas and Christmas Eve off as holidays. This also allows for time off to celebrate the Eid prayer at a mosque and with family. The fast always ends after 29 or 30 days of fasting, and thus the request would be for the 29th and 30th day after the start of the fast.
Muslims are encouraged to fast six days in Shawwal, the month following Ramadan that begins after Eid ul-Fitr; these days need not be consecutive.[1] According to hadith, one who fasts the month of Ramadan and six days during Shawwal will be rewarded as though he fasted the entire year.
Take care and I will try and figure out another cultural lesson as I wind down this deployment!
Cheers,
Mike
CROSS COUNTRY
My kids had their first cross country meet last night. It was the Prairie Invitational and Anamosa was a participant which meant my neice, Alex, was running, too. Ellyn and Alex competed against each other!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
COUSINS PLUS TWO
We had all the kids over Sunday night.
In the photo is Wesley (my son), Ryan (Ellyn's boyfriend and Wesley's best friend), Ellyn (my daughter), Alexandra (my neice) and Bryce Engelbart (my godson). Grandpa Pete was also here, but he was too old for the picture. :-)
Quite the handsome group, I say.
(As you can see from the thermometer in the background, it was hotter than snot on Sunday. Yesterday and today, too.. 91 here now. A cold front is coming through tonight... high of only 70 predicted for tomorrow.)
Monday, August 25, 2008
LUNCH WITH BRENDA
Brenda and I met for lunch today at Scooter's in Anamosa. We only stayed 3 1/2 hours this time! Here is a pic of Brenda with "The Ultimate Chick Drink". It's Jekyll (some kind of schnapps) and Sprite. It's good, but very, very sweet. After only one, Brenda started to snort, so I had to cut her off!
We were obviously being too noisy because the waitress asked us if we were getting loopy. After a single, lousy chick drink, we reverted back to ice tea and diet pepsi.
WE'RE OLD...
Deb writes:
Three Anamosa teachers were recognized recently for having 35 years of service to the Anamosa School District....
Three teachers who were OUR teachers..........
http://www.anamosa.k12.ia.us/vnews/display.v/ART/2008/08/20/48ac55f8b25c6
This is just messed up...........:-)
(Carron adds: I remember being at Odie's, the bar in Ely, about five years ago and running into Mike Reck, Dale's son. We didn't know each other, obviously, since he is at least 20 years younger than I am. We started talking and realized we were both from Anamosa. Once we realized who each other was, we began making fun of our dads. Remember how Mr. Bungum used to always push up his glasses with his thumb and middle finger and how Mr. Reck would run his fingers through his hair? The more the night wore on and the more beer we consumed, the funnier it got! By the end of the night, it was downright freakin' hilarious!)
Three Anamosa teachers were recognized recently for having 35 years of service to the Anamosa School District....
Three teachers who were OUR teachers..........
http://www.anamosa.k12.ia.us/vnews/display.v/ART/2008/08/20/48ac55f8b25c6
This is just messed up...........:-)
(Carron adds: I remember being at Odie's, the bar in Ely, about five years ago and running into Mike Reck, Dale's son. We didn't know each other, obviously, since he is at least 20 years younger than I am. We started talking and realized we were both from Anamosa. Once we realized who each other was, we began making fun of our dads. Remember how Mr. Bungum used to always push up his glasses with his thumb and middle finger and how Mr. Reck would run his fingers through his hair? The more the night wore on and the more beer we consumed, the funnier it got! By the end of the night, it was downright freakin' hilarious!)
Saturday, August 23, 2008
MESSAGE FROM JEAN
Hi!It's so great to hear from you! We're doing good, nothing terribly exciting to report from here, we're just enjoying the summer! Congrats on your upcoming wedding. That's awesome! Are you getting married over Thanksgiving? I know we are planning a visit in the next few months, just not sure yet when that will be. I would love to have a celebration toast with you and Dan. I'll let you know when we will be in town.
I did talk with Lisa Toner this week, she always has exciting things going on in her household! I get online occasionally and read the Anamosa paper and I check out the class website, it's fun to catch up with the local happenings!
I am looking forward to the DNC being in town next week, lots going on around the city! I'll be sure to report any celebrity sightings!
Thanks for checking in! Congrats and let's stay in touch!
I did talk with Lisa Toner this week, she always has exciting things going on in her household! I get online occasionally and read the Anamosa paper and I check out the class website, it's fun to catch up with the local happenings!
I am looking forward to the DNC being in town next week, lots going on around the city! I'll be sure to report any celebrity sightings!
Thanks for checking in! Congrats and let's stay in touch!
Jean
THE VOICE OF THE HAWKS
Do you all remember listening to the Hawks on the radio as kids and hearing Jim Zabel, Ron Gonder, and Bob Brooks? We saw Bob at the Lighthouse Restaurant last night. Bob and me... we're tight.
We heard and recognized his legendary voice in the lounge before we actually saw him!!
Friday, August 22, 2008
CLASS GATHERING??
Brett is coming home the weekend of October 11th. Would be fun to have another class gathering!! Anyone up for it? Leave a comment and let me know!!
P.S./Due to family scheduling conflicts (brother in Denmark, daughter in college, etc.) Dan and I moved our wedding day to Saturday, November 29th. Since Brett had made plans to attend our wedding, he just kept his plans intact and is coming the Oct. 11 weekend anyway!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
P.S.S./Because of too many unwanted e-mails, calls, and text messages, it was necessary to change my phone number and e-mail address yet AGAIN! If you need either one of these, please leave a comment, with your name, and I will get back to you ~ maybe. :-)
P.S./Due to family scheduling conflicts (brother in Denmark, daughter in college, etc.) Dan and I moved our wedding day to Saturday, November 29th. Since Brett had made plans to attend our wedding, he just kept his plans intact and is coming the Oct. 11 weekend anyway!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
P.S.S./Because of too many unwanted e-mails, calls, and text messages, it was necessary to change my phone number and e-mail address yet AGAIN! If you need either one of these, please leave a comment, with your name, and I will get back to you ~ maybe. :-)
ARE THEY CUTE OR WHAT?
Sharon sent some photos of her darling children, Rachel and Charlie!! Is Rachel a mini Sharon or what?
Thursday, August 21, 2008
OUR LITTLE MIKEY AT HARVARD? WHODA THUNK IT?
Dear Carron -- Things here are going very well.
I found out on 5 August that I was selected to attend one of the Senior Service Colleges (Army War College) starting next summer (2009). It was a goal that I was not quite sure I would achieve; however, now that it has happened I have to figure out where I will go to school.
In the next few weeks, I have to decide where I would like to attend SSC (many options) or apply for a graduate fellowship at a number of different colleges. At the moment, I plan to apply for a graduate fellowship with the JFK School of Government at Harvard University in Boston (keep your fingers crossed).
So, how are things going for you? I hope all is well.
Cheers,
Mike
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
JIM'S SON GETS MARRIED
Click on this link to see the wedding announcement of Victor May, the son of Jim and Kris (Campbell) May!
Good grief, does he look like his dad or what?????????????????????
Good grief, does he look like his dad or what?????????????????????
TRIP TO MINNESOTA
Dan and I got the hell out of Dodge this past weekend. We headed north to Minnesota where we stayed in a bed and breakfast that used to be the Fillmore County Jail. They have a room that still has the original bars on the cell doors!! I didn't want to stay in that room, though, because it seemed too familiar and I started to have flashbacks! :-/
We saw the most gorgeous scenery, ate the best food, and I got to reminisce a lot by visiting some cousins, my grandma's and uncle's gravesite, my grandma's old house, and the local grocery story where Grandma would take us every day for M & M's when we visited her!
Southern Minnesota is big Amish country, so we made sure to stop at every store and shop to get homemade pies, jam, bread, salsa, and steak sauce. We came back home along the Mississippi where the scenery is breathtaking! I can't wait to go back in the fall when the leaves are changing colors.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
KENNY'S GETTING MARRIED!!
I know it's small..... Hauser sent me this announcement that I am guessing was in the Gazette. It gets bigger if you click on it.
Congratulations, Kenny!!!
Congratulations, Kenny!!!
Monday, August 4, 2008
NEWS FROM BRIAN Z.
Hello, Carron,
We just returned from vacation in Germany. Wife & kids were there 6 weeks, and I went for 2 weeks. We stayed with Dorthe's folks there.
We had some excitement there--Lukas had an accident. He slid down a bank and his leg got impaled by a jagged peice of metal in the ground, and he ended up being flown via helicopter to the ER. He was basically OK in the end with "just" stitches. Other than that it was nice.
I attached a couple snapshots.
Take care.
Brian
We just returned from vacation in Germany. Wife & kids were there 6 weeks, and I went for 2 weeks. We stayed with Dorthe's folks there.
We had some excitement there--Lukas had an accident. He slid down a bank and his leg got impaled by a jagged peice of metal in the ground, and he ended up being flown via helicopter to the ER. He was basically OK in the end with "just" stitches. Other than that it was nice.
I attached a couple snapshots.
Take care.
Brian
Help MADD keep our children safe
Brenda requested that I pass along this information from MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving.) Click on this link for their official website and for more information. It's good stuff to share with your kids!!!
MARCH OF DIMES BIKERS FOR BABIES
Darcie wanted me to post the information for the MARCH OF DIMES POKER RUN on Saturday, August 16, 2008. She had a big flyer, but it was too big to scan, so I will just type out the information here.
The route is as follows:
Meet at Metro Harley Davidson in Cedar Rapids. Registration is from 9-11 a.m. with a $20 per person registration fee.
2nd stop: Dumas's Bar & Grill in Marion
3rd stop: Scooter's Bar & Grill in Anamosa
4th stop: Fifth Gear Bar & Grill in Cedar Rapids
5th stop: Jersey's Pub & Grub in Cedar Rapids
Sunday, August 3, 2008
TOM AND DONELLE
Tom e-mailed me last week saying he and Donelle were going to be in town for a few days. Dan and I met up with him at Wapsi Park down by Horse Thief Cave for a couple hours of laughs and conversation. Donelle is the sweetest thing ever and it was great to see Tom! 
I missed seeing Tina, but someone had to stay home making a living while Tom was off being a bum!!!
I missed seeing Tina, but someone had to stay home making a living while Tom was off being a bum!!!Friday, August 1, 2008
HERE'S THE SCOOP...
If you all have been following the comments under Shona's picture below, you will see that someone is obviously curious as to a rumor he/she may have heard. Let me put the rumors to rest......
Dan proposed to me at the Boston concert a couple weeks ago and we are getting married on October 11th.
No, I'm not pregnant!!
It's a case of meeting and falling in love with your perfect match and soulmate in life. Besides, we ain't getting any younger!
My dress has been purchased, the lodge has been rented, the bridal party has been chosen, and our families are happy for us! I can't wait to "strut" down that aisle! :-) (Inside joke - I really don't even know what "strut" means or how to do it.)
So, there's the scoop, Mr./Mrs. Anonymous! Happy now??
Dan proposed to me at the Boston concert a couple weeks ago and we are getting married on October 11th.
No, I'm not pregnant!!
It's a case of meeting and falling in love with your perfect match and soulmate in life. Besides, we ain't getting any younger!
My dress has been purchased, the lodge has been rented, the bridal party has been chosen, and our families are happy for us! I can't wait to "strut" down that aisle! :-) (Inside joke - I really don't even know what "strut" means or how to do it.)
So, there's the scoop, Mr./Mrs. Anonymous! Happy now??
Thursday, July 31, 2008
ALEX IS A RAIDER!
Alex is an official Anamosan now. She will be living with Randy and Lisa Williams beginning Friday morning. Here she is in her Hawk bedroom. Also pictured are the cousins, along with Bryce Engelbart, who we made an honorary cousin since he and Alex will be "brother and sister" for a year.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
SHONA!!
Darc and I were having a girls' day in Anamosa and look who we ran into!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's Shona!!!
(The schmuck who took the pic obviously had one too many beers. Sorry for the blurriness.)
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