PaPa's Birthday Party

Brunch at Cracker Barrel and some shopping,

phone calls from kids and grandkids,

cards, a Shaitsu Massaging Cushion,

beans and hot dogs, apple pie,

Janelle and the baby,

“the boys” singing happy birthday,

and Toni!!!

Janelle gave us this picture today from last fall when we all had on our WYO Cowboy jackets and hats.

Birthday Card

Dayton gave me this card for my birthday!

To Gering Again

Because of the bad weather early this week we went to see mom on Friday instead of Monday.

Early this week mom moved to a new room. She was doing fine but somewhat confused thinking that she had been moved to another building and not to just another (more secure) wing.

After lunch at Runza, we did some shopping at Herberger’s for some spring clothes for mom. Next was a trip to have her hair done then back to her room for Toni to “do a few things” for her.

We also drove around for a bit so mom could see some of the aftermath of yesterday’s storm including Brad and Roxie’s home.

Bracket Update

I suppose it is only fair to report that Toni won all her picks this weekend and that ALL of her picks for the Sweet Sixteen made it!

She has taken this all in stride and has hardly had an air of smugness.

Scottsbluff Trek

We made a trip to the Awana Olympics in Scottsbluff, NE today with Janelle and our three grandsons. The Cheyenne Team played hard and were great sports. It was wonderful to see the coaches in action and the support of the parents.

After, we went to see mom and then took a trek to the top of Scotts Bluff Monument. Toni took down this inscription from the plaque that overlooks the Oregon Trail. “1853 Near Scotts Bluff, ‘The landmarks indicated our progress and helped to break the monotony – like the milestones along the journey of life, there was one less to pass.’ - Phoebe G. Judson.”


On the way back we stop at Meriden and caught the flags doing their regular thing in Wyoming! Jon had a "day off" from training and was in Philadelphia seeing the Liberty Bell and Consitutional Hall.

March Misery

Toni does the bracketts for MM. Toni was 13 of 15 on her picks for “March Madness” but yesterday she dropped to 21 of 33! She came home to watch Ohio State lose in double overtime and Florida State lose in single overtime. Since I am not a “bracket” guy I thought I should post this in case any of you have this weakness and would feel compelled to offer Toni some encouragement.

Awana Verse

This is one of the “pictographs” that Janelle uses to teach her boys their Awana verses. This is Colossians 1:3, We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, (NIV).

Newest Grandchild

We watched Danny Wednesday morning while Janelle was at the doctor's getting a baby picture! The caption on the ultrasound picture reads "Baby possibly sucking thumb." The baby is do in May.

Mika Sewing with Nana

Richard Crocker
From HTC Touch Phone

Kearney Update

Malaki had a tonsillectomy this morning in Kearney. Because of his history with seizures and because his oxygen level was low before surgery he will be staying over night with his parents.

Benji and I walked to Cottonmill Park and Mika and Toni joined us for a picnic lunch ... after they had gone bought an Easter dress for Mika. On our walk Benji and I walked part of the way in a dry irrigation canal and found about a dozen golf balls as we passed a golf course. We also encountered the fabled lush forests and beaches of mid-Nebraska.

Richard Crocker
From HTC Touch Phone

Kai is doing well

Richard Crocker
From HTC Touch Phone

New Journey, Again

I awoke this morning thinking of Jon and Janelle, and the boys getting in a cold car. It is "daylight savings dark" outside, 2 degrees with light snow. I thought and prayed for them knowing they have a long family drive to Denver…the start of a longer journey for them. I like to check BBC online in the mornings and saw this map and was reminded that I have an keen interest in this piece of real-estate ... once again.

Paul sent his brother (in-law) this paraphrase from the Message on Ephesians 6:13-19. They are good words for all of us! “Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.”

Pre-birthday Party

Tonight Jon and Janelle had a “pre-birthday party” with a few presents and cake for the boys since Jon will be in Iraq during their birthdays this year.

Toni brought some homemade chicken noodle soup and Janelle made a chocolate frosted yellow cake. Jon leaves tomorrow for Fort Dix.

Nancy Sent us this Picture

Mom is 75

Mom celebrated her 75th birthday today. We had lunch with her and her sister Katherine and cousin Nancy. After, we went to Heritage Estates and had cake (from the Gering Bakery!) with some friends from her neighborhood. Toni then open and read some 50 cards that Ida Lou received this week.



Psalm 90:10, The length of our days is seventy years — or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away ... (12) Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom ... (14) Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days ... NIV

Papa Stories: 3. Many Places

My dad liked to remind me that he was a Korean War veteran with an honorable discharge. Have you seen the American flag in my office? It was given to me by the United States for my Dad’s service to his country. While he was in the Army Air Force we lived in Illinois, Florida, New York and Texas. After his discharged we would live in numerous places in Massachusetts and Maine. By the time I was twelve and my parents had divorced we would settle in and around Brunswick, Maine.

Our family roots are deep in the coastal area of Bath and Brunswick. At least four generations of our family have worked at the Bath Iron Works located on the Kennebec River in Bath, Maine. This extensive shipyard includes a plant a few miles south in East Brunswick. It is here “behind the Harding Plant” where I have my first significant memories of growing up in Maine. It was this formerly rural two square mile area between Old Route One and present day Route One that housed my universe. It was a place with many magical adventures and where a few things that were not so fun, happened. Today Route One cuts across my memories.

Between this four-lane freeway there is still a small pond depression that we used to skate on, about a half mile before you cross the New Meadows River. On one side of the pond driving in one direction and on the other side of the pond driving in the other direction, are the two places where I lived “behind the Harding Plant.” One home was newer but both were primitive by today’s standards.

What would you like to hear about now: blueberries, pancakes, pine groves, neighbors, bicycles, dogs, bullets, coats, hornets or adventures at the reservoir? Do you have memories of the when you were younger?

Early Easter Dinner

Benji and Dayton give Nana the “stare” when she came in to take their picture while they were watching a DVD.

We had a nice family gathering as a send off for Jonathan on Monday. He is leaving next week to get ready for a tour in Iraq through this fall. All the immediate family and cousins were here; Brad and Roxie brought Grandma from Nebraska; and Richard’s Aunt Laura from Fort Collins made for a nice family time. Toni cooked her traditional “Easter” meal that included prime rib.

Hair!

Toni’s first “real” hair cut in 13 months!

Mika's Newest Skill

Nana bought Mika, our oldest grandchild and only granddaughter so far, her first sewing machine and is teaching her how to sew. This is her first project!