Welcome to the 2001 Newsletter for
the A. B. Barthle family!
front cover                   front cover
Front cover                                           Back cover
From Margie:
Happy Holidays to All:
Where does the time go? It seems only a few days ago and we were reading last years Newsletter. And now I can hardly wait to read the next one.
This year I have asked that each of our families send their own update. I think this will give a better recap to our family to each of you.
Jimmy is real busy as always. He still works with Duane and Kathleen at the store. Although we have had a dry year he has a garden. We have canned green beans in the past couple of weeks. We have plenty of mustard greens to share with family and neighbors. Also, the black-eyed peas are coming in now and have put a few in the freezer.
This is also the season to pick, bag and sell his Navel Oranges. Bret and Jake help pick and bag whenever they are free to help. However, when a big order comes in, it is a family affair to get it all done.
Since last Christmas Jimmy has built a wooden model of the PT109 to add to his collection. This was his first attempt with wood but he did a good job. It really is an asset to his collection.
In August I got a new Bernina sewing and embroidery machine. I’ve really enjoyed it and have made several things, including my suit for Rob and Casey’s Wedding. I’ve taken some sewing classes and learned a lot of the tricks of the trade. I’ve also made some things for Christmas Gifts.
This past summer we went to Lake Weir again. This is always a fun week with our family. Duane, Kathleen and family went to Hiawassee, Georgia for a mini-vacation. They took their boat and Jimmy went up for a couple days. They took a boat tour of Lake Hiawassee.
In September we went to Rob and Casey’s Wedding at St Simons Island. This was a busy and fun weekend with my brother and sisters.
The September ll tragedy has given us a greater appreciation of our faith, family and friends. We send our love and ask that God will continue to shower you with His blessings this Holiday Season and through out the rest of your life.
Love to All
Margie and Jimmy

From Steve’s Family:
Chris is officially now a TEENager (can you believe how fast time is going by?) He turned 13 on November 29th (he is as tall as Steve and still going!) He is in the 7th grade and doing very good. He is still active in the boyscouts as well as Steve. Chris is patrol leader of the dragon patrol in his troop. He is also in his second year of confirmation. He lights the candles in church (acolyte). He has a new pet, an inside cat (soon to be outside if he don't straighten up!) His name is Blaze, he looks like a siamese but isn't, it will be very interesting this year with him wanting to climb the christmas tree!!!!!!!
We still go camping occasionally and sometimes Spencer comes along. We also try to go on mini vacations during the year on our few weekends off together. We still work at the Spring Hill fire department, we have been there 17 years!!! WOW!! time really does fly!!
Mae recently had surgery on October 30th. She had a hysterectomy, she is recovering well and due to go back to work just before Christmas if everything continues going good. Lori has moved back to the area in June--to Tampa--from Kentucky. She has a new job working at the Avila Golf & Country Club. She loves it! Spencer is also doing very well in school and will be going to middle school next year. He is also in confirmation (his first year) and he also lights the candles in church. He too is getting very tall.
We hope everyone has a very merry, blessed, happy, heallthy and safe holiday season.
Our thoughts and love to all.
Steve, Mae & Chris :-)

From Renee:
Happy Holidays Everyone,
We hope everyone had a wonderful year! Clark and I are still at the same jobs. I have 10 more years till retirement with the County!!!. Clark was re-elected as General Manager of the Pasco County Fair. He is also on the Board of Directors for the Florida Federation of Fairs & Livestock Shows. He was also elected to the Board of the Directors for United Way of Pasco County. He is staying really busy!!!
Jessica is still working at the Farm Basket, plus working at Dade City Raceway on Saturday nights. She was on the Pasco High Golf team again this year. She really did good.
She enjoys playing golf alot. She is President of her 4-H Club again, this makes it her 4th year as President. She is raising a hog for the Pasco County Fair as her 4-H project this year. Since she is a senior this year, it will be her last at raising pigs. She received straight 'A's this first quarter of school, hope she continues all year. It's hard to believe that she is 18 and about to graduate. How the time flys!!!
She plans to go to Pasco Hernando Community College for now. Teaching might be in the future.
We wish everyone well and we keep you all in are prayers!
Happy Holidays & Have A Wonderful New Year!
Love always,
Clark, Renee & Jessie

Hello from Gene, Mary Beth, and Elise!:
Hope the end of 2001 finds everyone well and happy. We’re doing great, but I must admit we’re looking forward to a better 2002.
Gene is still traveling in the jewelry industry and has had a prosperous year. However, he did experience an unfortunate incident. One evening in August, he pulled up to his hotel when a car screeched up behind him, two men jumped out and robbed him at gunpoint. They relieved him of his jewelry lines, but thank the good lord Gene wasn’t harmed physically. However, he is still quite shaken up over it. He also lost his Dad in May at 70 years old due to a heart attack. Longevity runs in Gene’s family and Mr. Lambert was quite healthy and in good shape, so this was quite unexpected.
I’m still a “stay at home Mom”, but I’m never at home. Elise keeps me quite entertained. She goes to pre-school three days a week for three hours a day. She also takes tap and ballet and is also in a cheerleading class. She’s quite good and I’m not sure who enjoys it more, she or I. She’s constantly asking me to tell her stories of when I was a little girl, so she hears of a lot about you guys and believe me some stories are quite funny. We have so much fun together, as a three-year-olds mind never stops!
We took several vacations this year including Daytona Beach, Fort Lauderdale Beach, Nashville, Tennessee, several trips to Disney World and also Asheville, North Carolina. In Asheville we took part in the wedding of Andi McDowell (the movie star) and Rhett Hartzog. Rhett was in our wedding and is a long time friend of Gene’s. This was quite an experience with the paparazzi and all the celebrity doings.
Hope everyone has a great Christmas and a wonderful 2002. God Bless you all!

Lots of Love,

Mary Beth, Gene, and Elise Lambert

Hi to all from the Duane Denney family:
It sure does not seem like it's been long enough for 2001 to be history....but time flies and here we are knocking on the door of 2002. I'll try and think back and see what we've done all yearà.Here goes.....
We started off 2001 by watching the boys show hogs at not one, but two fairs. Bret showed at the Florida State Fair for the first time. He had a blast. The State Fair is much more involved than showing countyàI think that is what made it so fun. Bret had to give a speech about the pork industry, make an educational poster, participate in a skillathon, do a record book test, plus the regular show duties of raising his animal, keeping a record book and showing his hog. He enjoyed it all and placed second in his class and second in Junior Showmanship. He was so proud. Next came the Pasco County Fair, where both the boys showed. Jake was showing for his first time ever and thoroughly enjoyed it. He placed second in his class and was called back for Showmanship. Bret had to take his alternate hog because of a few problems and ended up seventh in his class and called back also for Showmanship. The boys are well on their way on their 2002 fair projects. If anyone is available we’d love to see you in Feb 2002 at the State Fair or the Pasco County Fair so the Denney boys can show their stuff!
Jake has become an avid golferà..watch out Tiger Woods. He took some lessons this summer at the Brooksville Golf and CC and then joined the Hernando Youth League golf team. He played with them twice a week and occasionally practiced with his mentor, his cousin Jessie. Jake had a great showing at the final tournament where he won a nice trophy for lowest net score for his age group..way to go Jake!
In July, we attended the Daytona Pepsi 400 as we have been for the past 5 years. We have kept the same seats, but occasionally someone around us sells their seats and we get to meet someone new. Imagine out surprise when out of a couple 100,000 seats, who sat behind us but Mike Barthle. Mike was at the race for the first time with a few friends. We were so happy to see him and really enjoyed visiting with he and his buddies. It was great to see you Mike!!
Bret and Jake are still attending St. Anthony School in San Antonio. Bret is now in 6th grade and Jake is in 4th. Shelbie turned two (can you believe it?) in September and is still at Sacred Heart Early Childhood Center. She loves it there and is learning a lot from her school also. She paints and makes crafts and loves to sing and dance with her teacher Ms. Linda. It’s great to have her in a center where we know all of the teachers so well. So far, Shelbie has had almost all of the same as Bret and Jake had when they were there. This is a great benefit to being in a small community.
Shelbie is a joy. She has an uncanny way of surprising us with her new abilities all the time. She loves to go up to Grandma and Papa's house almost everyday to visit and get herself a cookie and her favorite treats are the peppermint candies by Papa's chair. If we are there are the right time, we get to see other visitors. Shelbie gets so excited when ômy Aunt NaeNaeö drives up and runs out to meet her. She enjoys her daily rituals of riding the Gator and seeing all of her favorite people.
Duane and I are still at the Farm Basket (is this good or bad?).....and when the boys have a day off school, we have two extra employees who can wait on customers and run a cash register like the pros. Just ask one of our regular customers like Natalie Helms........Bret and Jake will be soon running the store so Mom and Dad can get a day off.
Well I think I've done enough bragging and have taken up enough time and space in the newsletterà.I hope everyone has a healthy and happy new year and when it doesn't seem to be going your way, just stop and smell the roses and realize like we do...... "It's just another day in paradise!!

Lots of Love, Duane, Kathleen, Bret, Jake, and Shelbie

From Joan:
I can never think of anything to say. Nothing much new here except living alone now in this big old house. Sure gets lonesome at times--so quiet. ( Never thought I would hear myself say that.)
Got another grandchild this Sept. and will get still another next spring. Other than that--same job, same address, same old, same old. Hope you and yours are all doing well. Hope all have a wonderful Christmas and a great new year.

Love, Joan

From Lisa:
Hello to Everyone! It has been a roller coaster year. Early in January it became apparent that due to bad weather days and soaring fuel prices TWA would not survive more than a few weeks at best. It was a difficult blow because after two bankruptcies TWA was finally gaining some real ground. We were shocked when American Airlines came forward to make an offer for the whole of TWA. We were very hopeful once again. It wasn't long before we found out that the deal had alot of red tape to get through. Most airlines opposed the deal and federal regulators were concerned also, because this deal would make American substantially larger than any other airline. Finally in April it was approved and American bought TWA. Initially TWA was run as a subsidiary of American Airlines. Since everything in the airlines is based on seniority, the integration of the airline's two work groups had appeared to be quite the nightmare. That is until September 11th, and then we all realized what a real nightmare looks like. Having said that, I most certainly realize that even in the midst of this nightmare, our God is faithful, and his grace abounds. It has been displayed in many places, and in many faces, and we are very grateful. I am especially grateful that Alan was not working that day. Of course this disaster has caused many furloughs in the airline industry. Fortunately, Alan still has a job. There have been many changes however. The Boston, New York and Los Angeles bases were closed, and all TWA pilots were moved to the St. Louis base. This means that Alan commutes to St Louis now and is having to do some reserve, something he has not had to do in quite some time. On December 1st, TWA flew it's last flight. Alan is happy to receive any prayers offered for himself, as he doesn't enjoy commuting or sitting on reserve. He is also appreciative of any prayers offered for the merging of the work groups, as well as the airline industry in general.
There have been some modest changes in my life. Last spring I took a lifeguarding course and became a certified lifeguard. (Hey, Mike P. it only took me 28 years to do that!) The reason for the previous statement was because Mike and I took a junior life saving course when we were young, I believe he was 13 and I was 12. We went through the whole course and got to test day. While filling in all the personal data, the coach realized that he had goofed, we had to be 14 years of age to get our certification. What a blow! I don't think I ever got over that! Oh well, it is really behind me now! I volunteer at the local YMCA a couple of hours a week to get a free membership. I instruct 3 - 6 year olds in swimming fundamentals, and also do some guarding. I have alot of fun with the little kids.
Not much has changed with Becca this year except she added the Pep Band. She is in eighth grade now and still gets terrific grades. All A's as I recall. She has also started doing alot of babysitting for me. I don't mind paying her at all, she is a good kid. (I do mind somewhat having to pay Katie to be good for Becca.) The entire 8th grade at Becca's school went camping for 3 days at Mt. Cardigan. Becca was apprehensive at first, no bathrooms, just the holes they had dug. The kids had to cook all the meals, calculate the number of people the rivers and streams would support, as well as calculate the amount of wood any given tree would provide. There was alot of tree and plant identification as well as various other science and math projects. She really had a good time! This was the school's 27th year at Mt. Cardigan. It must be a hit!
Katie still swims and is now a Starfish. She added dance and ballet this past fall, which she loves. As I alluded to above, it is almost a sport how much Katie loves giving Rebecca a hard time. But she likes money more, so she can be bribed. She started preschool 3 days a week in September and will start kindergarten next September. And I will end with Katie's favorite joke: Where did the sheep get his hair cut?..........................................At the Baa Baa Shop!!!
Love you guys and have a great and blessed holiday!
Lisa, Alan, Becca & Katie

From Teresa:
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all our Beloved Family,
This has been a year of transitions. Firstly, Jessica and Caleb came home January 14th and settled in pretty smoothly. They resumed their schooling at home. Secondly, I left my position with the chiropractor in June to be home enough hours to take care of my responsibilities toward Jessica and Caleb. I went to college during the summer with Jessica and actually made 4.0 in the English class. (What a shock after taking my brain out of mothballs!) Jessica also made 4.0 (not a shock). Jessica is now dual enrolled at the Hillsborough Community College for her Senior year. She is making all A's. Caleb is making good grades, but would rather not have school in any form. He's taking a biology class and gets to dissect animal parts, draw/type blood, pick flowers and all kinds of "good stuff". His teacher is tough (95 is an A), but so far he's doing great with tests that score above 100% with some extra credit. They are both taking piano again this year and a class at night where they learn about the four major worldviews and their origins (quite interesting). Caleb starts a part-time job soon for a couple who owns a local restaurant (Buddy-Freddies). Both Jessica and Caleb have served at their catered events over the past year at the request of the owners, and recently, after working a bar-b-que for Johnny Byrd, Caleb was offered the position. Jessica is making some part-time income helping here and there with odd jobs which employ her creative talents. As for me, well what can I say -- sometimes I'm home long enough to get a few chores done, but hardly ever to sit and enjoy our beautiful pond from the deck. So what's new, right? I'm blessed by a wonderful Savior and gracious Lord. We wish you all a very special holiday season and pray the Lord to richly bless you and keep you!
Love,
Teresa, Jessica and Caleb

From Mike:
Hello Everyone! Happy Holidays to U!!!! Our big news this year is we had another baby girl on September 15, 2001. She weighed 7 lbs 2ozs and she was 18 1/2 inches long. Her name is Lily Hannah Barthle. She is so cute and her eye color is light. We am not sure if it will change. Jennifer likes and loves Lily so much. She doesn't want anyone to take Lily away from her.
Sandra and I are still working at the same jobs. Sandra, Jennifer & Lily will visit my mom for the holidays this year. They will go to mom's on December 16th. We will meet Melinda half way between our house and mom's and then Melinda will take Sandra and the girls the rest of the way to mom's house. On December 20 or 21st, I will go to mom's also. Then they will stay at mom's until December 29th. I think that is all for now.
Happy Holidays to Everyone!
Love,
Mike, Sandra, Jennifer & Lily

From Melinda:
Hello Everyone! Happy Holidays to you all!
Our son, Warren is 8 years old and he is in the 3rd grade and he recently made the honor roll. Of course, we are very proud of him! He still plays on two baseball leagues (winter/spring). He was selected to the all-star team last spring. His team won the championship game and his coach paid for all of the players to go watch the pro-baseball Devil Rays play against the Mets. Recently, his batting average was .210 against 10 year old pitchers, not bad. He enjoyed playing with them. He joined flag football at the Recreation Center (before/after school). He had a surgery to put tubes in both of his ears. It was his third time. He has always gotten fluid in his ears for a long time. We are hopeful this will be his last time.
Jimmy is still working at the Dental Lab, it has been 21 years now. He is a Board Member of Florida School for the Deaf Alumni Association for the next two years. I love to watch Warren playing baseball and hope he will improve his batting average. Our family and I will try to go camping next spring when the weather is the right climate.
Last August, Our close friends from Calif. came to PortOrange (near Daytona Beach) where they have a house. We spent two weekends with them. We had a blast and went to two different parks, Blue Springs and Alexandar Springs. Warren likes Alex Springs better than Kelly Park in Orlando.

We love you all and have a nice holiday season!
Love,
Melinda, Jimmy & Warren

 From Bonnie:
Hello All,
We had another great year this year. We had two heifers born this year. We bought another horse Shugar (Shug). Our dog (German Shepherd) had puppies and we kept two of them. We had to get rid of the two female adult dogs we had because they killed too many chickens. We lost two goats because of the coyotes and just spotted baby bobcats yesterday. We bailed our pastures this year and got 300 bails. That's more than last year. As for work at the Post Office it is the same as usual for the both of us except for the recent Anthrax scares. But it's starting to get back to normal. At my work we had a scare and it turned out to be Oxiclean from Fingerhut. Michael's work had a scare and it turned out to be soap powder. Michael has about 80 customers now with his farrier business. His goal is 100 I think. Both the kids are doing great in school. They both played t-ball this year and are both active in church. When Lisa and Alan, Becca and Katie came down they stayed with us a couple of days and we really enjoyed it. The girls rode the horse and Lisa and Alan went to the Fantasy of Flight Museum. Please come again but stay longer next time - you hear. We love you all and May God Bless you All-ways!

B and Family
Greater is HE that is in me than he that is in the world!

 From Sam:
Hello everyone,
The Lord has blessed us in many wonderful ways. To start with, We are pregnant, and expecting our baby on March 9th. Carlene is thinking about staying home, after the baby is born.( possibly doing some work on the computer at home.) She is currently Working at mid Florida credit union, which is about five minutes from home. I am still at Publix driving a forklift. Kyle changed schools this year. He is attending Bartow Elementary Academy. This is his first year riding a bus. Carlene and Kyle will be flying to Texas for Christmas, to visit her brother and his family. Most of her family in Ft. Lauderdale will also be flying out to Texas. Our church has been meeting at the Plant City Armory, for about two years. However due to the 9-11-01 incident. The Armory was put on lockdown. The Lord graciously provided a church, where we could meet which is much better than the Armory. We use to have all the church equipment stored in a tractor trailer, we would take it all out and set it up every week. Now that is a thing of the past, Thank you Lord. We are currently looking for land to build our own church. We are looking forward to seeing Lisa and her family this Christmas. May the Lord keep all of you and reveal to each of you more of Himself this year.
Love Sam, Carlene, Kyle and Baby

From Fred:
If this message makes it to the newsletter, it will be by the Grace of Dan Barthle and the determination of my sis Lisa. I have been dragging my feet. SORRY GUYS. Lots of love to all. With the world stirring into a self destructive fury, it is much more important to be thankful for our families. I am thankful for all of you. This year has brought several changes for my family. We moved from moms house into a rental house. Kenny changed schools. This year he is in the third grade and doing real well. He has yet to miss a day since he started kindergarten. We are very proud of him. Jenna started kindergarten this year and thinks she is MISS IT. (so do I) She loves school. (she doesn't get that from me) Her teacher has more than once sent a note home saying that she is a wonderful student. ( I never got one of them notes when I was in school) Kevin is at home with Mom all by himself. He holds the fort down till brother and sis get home, which soon turns into a battlefield. To stop a feud with them three, just show them a baseball and gloves will fly. This year, Janet and I will have been married for ten years as of Dec. 14. Wow, she must have really taken that "till death do us part" thing pretty serious. (Heaven knows she's threatened to kill me a couple of times) I left Publix and am now working for the City of Lakeland. I work in the water department as a pipe fitter and a water meter repairman. I really like it. (except for the digging.......which.....come to think of it, is mostly what I do) Janet is looking to start working as a data entry dude. After being a housewife for nine years, I cant say as I blame her. Bless her heart, she's been a real trooper. I love her lots. Well, I better save some stuff for next years newsletter so I'll say good bye now. We wish everyone a great new year, and we are looking forward to the reunion.

Love, Fred Barthle and family

From Mike:
It always happens. Every year, I end up putting this together well after Dan wanted it, and promise that I won’t wait so long to work on next year’s letter. The next thing you know, Dan is telling us we’re late again. Where did the time go? Did anybody see it leave the building?

We have had an incredibly busy year. Maybe that goes with having a high school senior (!) in the house. It does not feel like there is a single day that Sarah is not committed to one activity or another. After schoolwork, most of her time has been spent on field hockey. For the recent fall season, she was a co-captain of the varsity team, and was selected to the all-district team. She was also invited to participate in the National Field Hockey Festival held in West Palm Beach over Thanksgiving. Thanks to Ralph & Paula, and Tim, Debbie and Nicholas for sharing that great weekend with us.

While Sarah has a host of other activities going on right now, her main concern is selecting a winner in the Sarah Petters College Lottery contest. After visiting seven schools in eight days last spring, and then adding a couple of more finalists in the fall, the list has been narrowed to about ten. She has a few favorites, and we may know something very soon. Or we may have to wait until April to sort it out. No matter the choice, two things are certain: the school she chooses to attend will be better for it; and Nancy and I will sorely miss the hurricane of activity she brings to us every day when she goes.

Something tells me, though, that Caroline will fill the vacuum. She has continued working hard on her musical interests, taking piano and pipe organ lessons, as well as playing clarinet in the band (now in her 2nd year). In fact, she received a “I” rating at the district solo and ensemble contest last May for a clarinet solo. It is truly a delight for us to listen to her practice. Now in seventh grade, she is also successfully carrying a heavy workload of tough courses in school, including algebra!

Caroline is also taking up where Sarah left off in field hockey. She helped convince several of her friends to play field hockey in an indoor winter league this winter, and is already asking Sarah to pass on some tricks of the trade. These girls are starting a year earlier than Sarah did, and who knows? If they stick with it, they may have a chance to enjoy some of the same successes.

In any event, by the time they finish, Nancy & I could have as much as ten years of field hockey under our belt. Maybe by then we’ll understand some of the rules.

Both of the girls have also continued to develop their skills on skis. We are spending more and more time at the lake, and they are even starting to teach their friends to ski. Sound familiar?

All I know is that there is no bigger smile than the one you see on your children when you circle the boat back around to pick them up after they’ve tried something new and almost (but not quite) got it right. You all know what I’m talking about. Barthles: been there, done that.

Nancy and I are still up to the same old tricks. She’s taken on another group of three-year-olds at the preschool and is happily introducing them to the joys of learning. This is her fourth year, and her fan club of preschoolers and their parents continues to grow. As for me, I’ll be finishing my 15th year at the shipyard in June. As many of you may know, Northrop Grumman bought our company a few weeks ago. Fortunately, while many folks are leaving the company, I have been asked (and I have agreed) to stay on for at least two more years. So if you find yourself in this part of the world in the next couple of years, please stop in. We’d love to see you.

In this year of incredible tragedy and heroism, may each of you find some share of the peace and joy of this season. Love, Sarah & Caroline, Nancy & Mike.

From Bernie:
Greetings again from North Georgia.

This year, like the last, was full of happy and sad events, but, with a great family, we try to hang on. The boys are doing great, and are a constant source of amazement and joy.

The summer was much like last for the boys, picking up where they left off swiming, skating and biking all over the place. Of course, Nathaniel was still trying hard to keep up with the older boys in the neighborhood, and by the end of the summer was able to ride his bike without training wheels. He started kindergarten in the fall at the same school as Matthew, just 3 minutes from the house on foot. Nathaniel played T-ball in the spring and the fall.

Matthew started the third grade in August. He continues to be well ahead of the state standards in reading and math and was completely adsorbed by the Harry Potter books. He read all four as soon as he could get his hands on them. He continued in Cub Scouts, earning his Wolf Badge, along with many belt loops and arrow points. Matthew received his First Communion in April and played baseball in the spring.

Jennifer was the room-mom for Matthew's 2nd grade class and the team-mom for Nathaniel's T-Ball Marlins in the spring. She also volunteers at the church. As for me, I covered fires, accidents and car chases and even appeared on MSNBC in March following a chase through Atlanta. In June, the station decided to sell the helicopter and contract out for coverage. I was transferred to the assignment desk for the duration of my contract, which expires in January. I have a couple of prospects after that, but nothing definite yet.

Working on the desk, I was able to see the horrific events of September 11th unfold. We went into overdrive trying to cover the local effect, from Army mobilizations, CDC alerts and airport security to the critical shortage of flags in the stores.

From Tim’s Family:
What an exciting and blessed year 2001 has been for us. As most of you know, God gave us our most precious blessing on August 12th: Nicholas James Petters. We absolutely love being parents. Our schedules have been turned upside down, our living room has been turned into a playroom, and eating a “hot meal” is done is shifts, but we wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. We were very excited about becoming parents, but we never understood the amazing impact Nicholas would have on our lives. His smile melts us, his eyes instantly brighten our days, and his giggle just thrills our hearts. We are truly blessed - every moment with him is such an incredible privilege!!!

Prior to Nicholas’ arrival, friends from Orlando came in July to help us celebrate our birthdays. After Nicholas was born, we had a visit from Debbie’s parents and Tim’s sister and niece and nephew. It was good to see everyone and show off Nicholas.

The rest of our year has been very busy as well. After overcoming some unexpected hurdles with our original builder, the construction of our new home has finally begun and are we really looking forward to moving in to our new home this Spring.

Tim is still with Verizon and his work schedule keeps him very busy. For the time being, I am staying at home with Nicholas and really enjoying being a Mom. Nicholas attended his first Bucs game in September. He tailgated like a trooper, but the game was a little long for his liking. We spent Thanksgiving Day with Debbie’s family and Nicholas helped his cousin Alex celebrate his first birthday. Following Thanksgiving, we spent a few days in Palm Beach with Tim’s family watching Sarah play field hockey. It was nice to visit with everyone.

CiCi and J.J. are doing well. J.J. is getting up there in years and doesn’t pay much attention to Nicholas, but CiCi really enjoys being around him. She lays at his feet no matter what room he is in and Nicholas loves pulling at her fur. We think they are going to grow to be good friends. (It’s hard to believe CiCi weighs less than what Nicholas weighed when he was born.)

We thank each of you for all of your support and love throughout the year. We are so blessed and thankful to have you in our lives. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers and remember our door is always open - we’d love to see you.

Tim, Debbie and Nicholas
(CiCi and J.J. too!!)

From Susie:
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
It has certainly been a busy year for the Davidson's! We started the year with the kids playing court hockey, the fastest kid-sport I know. Michael scored three goals every game and would then help his teammates score. It was awesome watching his leadership skills on the court. (Okay, you all know I am a proud mom!) Jennifer held her own with the boys out there and had lots of fun playing. Then, right into baseball and softball season. I was fortunate enough to be able to coach Jennifer again this year and both have improved significantly. We went to Brian's for his promotion and it was a great trip, although we were only able to stay a few hours. In July we took a long vacation beginning at Fontana Village, NC. What a great place, we highly recommend it to everyone needing a break. We spent 4 days there doing everything from horse-back riding to swimming, archery, hiking, putt-putt (37 rounds) and dancing. We had a cabin with no phones or TV, it was just plain AWESOME! We then went to Virginia, where I had a week of TDY to attend, and were able to spend several great days visiting with Mike and Nancy. Even got Jennifer up on skis. Will let Mike tell you how nervous a mom I was, at least until I realized the last time I had done any skiing was when I was her age... I was a wimp, though, and wouldn't let Michael try. He did get on the tube behind the boat and provided many laughs, to include calling his Uncle Mike's driving skills "wimpy"! Then we came back here for two weeks before we headed to Florida for a week. What a great trip! Thanks, Aunt Monica, for having a super lake party the weekend we were there! It was great to see everyone! Even better to be able to meet Nicholas Petters!! Returned here for school and soccer season. I coached again this year and had a blast. A couple of weeks into the season 9-11 happened... To say this date changed our lives is an understatement. I have been working the Crisis Action Team here since then and expect to be for a while to come. The kids have been great about my busy work schedule to include many weekend duty days. I try to keep their schedule as normal as possible, even taking lunch breaks at 5 in the evening to go coach the team, and am fortunate to be making it all work somehow. Am sure it is partially due to all the wonderful support and prayers you have all been offering! We really live in a great country! I was promoted to LTC in November and the kids were able to pin me which made the ceremony great. Thanks to Brian for bringing his family down for the ceremony, it was great seeing them! In the middle of all this, I started seeing the most wonderful man! Joey has brought so very much happiness into our lives and we spend as much time as possible together. We are looking forward to you all meeting him in July at the reunion. The kids are playing basketball right now, although I am not coaching this sport, I have been able to see most of their games, only missing a quarter or so. We are looking forward to the new year and the new opportunities it will bring. Can't wait to meet Carrie! Jennifer was beginning to believe all Petters' babies had to be boys... We wish you all the very best in everything.

MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR! MAY ALL YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE!

From Dean:
Greetings to all from the North Coast of the US

This year was a very memorable year for us. In early May, Anne’s grandmother passed away. Grandma was a very special person and a great friend and we are all better for having known her. She will be dearly missed, especially this holiday season.

Earlier in the year we found out that Anne was expecting our second child. Then in May, Anne, Tony and I traveled down to Florida for a short vacation. We had the opportunity to meet up with Dad, Tim & Debbie, and as circumstances had it, Mike and also Aunt Connie. We all discovered that the best way to get what you want in a restaurant is to have pregnant women talking to the hostess. After 5 days of fun and sun on the beach, we headed back home.

This year was a milestone year for Tony. He started pre-school on September 11th and I will always have very mixed emotions about that day. He goes to school half days, twice a week and is enjoying it tremendously. He has several new friends and looks forward to going every Monday and Tuesday.

Then on November 8th, Caroline Anne came into our family. Weighing 8 lbs., 3 oz., Carrie is a pure bundle of joy! Tony has taken a special liking to his baby sister and is helping us every chance he gets. Needless to say, our lives have been very hectic since then.

We wish everyone a joyous Christmas season and may 2002 be all that you hope it to be. We especially pray for all of our extended family now engaged in halting terrorism. May the good Lord keep you all safe and sound. The sacrifice you are making for us is truly appreciated!

Dean, Anne, Tony and Carrie

From Brian & Vicki:
As we enter this joyous season, let us offer our best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Dear Family and Friends,
This year has meant another move with the USAF. In June, we moved from Tennessee to Dayton, OH, an hour from Cincinnati and Columbus. Before we moved, Brian’s dad, Susie and Aunt Connie visited us in May when Brian pinned on Major. We visited Susie on Nov. 2 to celebrate with her on her promotion to Lt. Colonel. Brian and Bernie were able to go to the Peach Bowl on January 1st to watch LSU beat up on Georgia Tech as well.
Brian was scheduled to fly to Tampa to see Dad when the events of Sept. 11 happened. We continue to pray for the deceased and their loved ones left behind, and hope the perpetrators will soon be brought to justice. He hopes to see Dad in February.John (4th grade) and Ben (3rd grade) are flourishing in school. They memorized two patriotic poems, recorded them and sent them to Uncle Jim, Aunt Sharon, Camille and Mitchell in Belgium. John is experimenting with disguises, and is immersed in Star Trek (I wonder where he gets THAT from?), Calvin and Hobbes and Red Skelton. Ben wants to be a falconer, and we are looking into what he can do to further that dream. Both are in Cub Scouts again.
Leo is building Lego contraptions way beyond his tender four years, and wanting more. Henry is getting into everything (more like pulling everything out) and has to be constantly watched. His hair has remained curly, unlike the others.Vicki is finding time to sing in the choir this move, and loving it. We attend a beautiful old church with the choir loft in the back, and the resonance is amazing. She’s also catching up on her sewing, now that she has a working, reliable machine. She recovered the sofa, and sewed the boy’s Halloween costumes. Only a few projects left!
Brian is keeping busy at the 88th Mission Support Squadron, as Military Personnel Flight Commander. He has been on several TDY’s already to further his training, and is busy studying for Air Command and Staff College by correspondence. He is still running (for FUN!) and playing basketball and swimming. He has eagerly followed our beloved LSU Tigers from afar, and even got to go to the Kentucky game with Vicki’s dad and John and Ben.
We have already had the pleasure of teaching an NFP class to eight couples, and look forward to teaching twice next year.

Again, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Love, Brian, Vicki, John, Ben, Leo and Henry Petters

Season’s Greetings from Connie & Thom:
Another year has passed where does the time go. There really hasn’t been a lot going on at our house. I spent most of the year working out of the house, then in August, the cabling company I was working with merged with a company in Orlando, and we opened an office in the Lutz area, north of Tampa. We are getting busy with work these days.

We had breakfast at my house for Easter, and all the grandchildren had an egg hunt in my yard, it took nearly three months till the last egg was found. ( They were plastic eggs) Everyone had a lot of fun.

In June my High School Class hosted the “Reunion of the Decades”, for Pasco High School, it was a lot of work, also a lot of fun, working with classmates. Our theme was Memories. We had a good turn out of nearly 400 people throughout the years, if I am not mistaken we had someone from each of the years from 1933 to 1971.

Then in September, there was Rob and Casey’s Wedding, in Georgia. It was beautiful ceremony, and a great weekend. Welcome to the family Casey, Rob you did well.

I spent some of my time this year crocheting, some quilting and reading.

Thom spent the better part of the year on the road, by this time of the year he has driven through 46 of the 48 continental states. The two states he has left to drive through is North Dakota, and Nevada. He has been driving four years and starting his fifth year. He gets home about every three weeks for a few days.

We want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Love,
Connie and Thom

From Marie:
Well here we are at another year end and they just seem to past faster each year. Well not to much happening around here. Chris and Tiffany doing great in school and Chris making the Honor Roll, and Tiffany being student of the week three times since last year and on Oct 8 she was student of the week and has received a letter from the House of Representatives Ken Littlefield Congratulations her on her being student of the week and that He and Governor Bush are proud of her. That letter is and has gone into the baby book.
Well other news that everyone has been looking forward to (Mom) Joseph and I were married on Aug 13 at the clerk of court. and we wanted to do it on the 11th but it was a Sat. and the clerk was not open on sat. And the 11th of Aug marked our fourth year together and the start of the 5th. It really is great and he is the best. The kids really love him as much as I do.
Well then we have had some bad things this year also. As you all know I work for Publix and have for a year, Well june 11th was not a good day for me as i was putting away some items on the self i felt like i was going to pass out and next thing I knew her were paramedic's and the store manager. and I on the floor and wanting to get up and not allowed to. well to say the lest i was taken to Tampa General Hospital and found out i busted my head open and had stitches in my head and now still having very bad headaches they have run test to see if could find out why i passed out but nothing seems to turn up and doc says it may have been a one time thing. and they say will heads from 6 to 8 months and here we are still with them and taking meds to try to make them less painful.
And then also our other bad thing that happened hurt all of us around the world happen on sept 11. Which hurt us all and made the world stop and take notice that some things happen in this world that are bad and we can try to stop it and stand together and be strong for all. and pray that nothing like this happens again that hurts and takes so many people out of our life's.
We should all be happy to have our friends and family and the love of one another.
Well this is long and should say have a Great New Year and Hug are babies and family tight and be glad we are family.
Love and happy Holidays to all
Marie & Joseph, Chris and Tiffany

Happy Holidays To All from the Joe Carr Family!!
This year has been quite interesting & challenging! The year started off fairly uneventful. Joe went to Hawaii for three weeks in January & February for his 2-week annual tour. He had a great time. The trip gave him the opportunity to go the NFL Pro Bowl (those who know him well know that he's a sports fanatic). He was able to get a lot of great autographs. I'm not sure if he'll do another one of those trips (just to long to be away from the family). We just keep praying he won't get called up for duty due the events of September. He starting doing some woodworking. He built himself a nice shelving unit for the garage as well as a new workbench. We also had an addition to our family. We decided it was time for a family pet. So while the girls where away at their grandpa's we made a trip to the Animal Shelter and got the cutest little dog. She's part Shiba Inu/Chow. She has very little chow in her though (just the purple tongue). We named her Foxy (thanks to Uncle Thom) because she resembles a fox. So poor Joe has 5 females to deal with now.
The girls are growing like weeds! Amy turned 12 this year and entered the 7th grade at Weightman Middle School. She participates in the marching band and the year book club. Amy took part in a Safe Sitter course put on by East Pasco Medical Center. She's so excited about be able to baby-sit the only problem is there no young children around us. She had braces put on this fall. Amy has to wear them for two years. So just prior to starting high school she will have them removed.
Nichole turned 9 this year and entered the 3rd grade at Quail Hollow Elementary. She was so excited not be part of the primary classes this year. She's now an "intermediate student" it's a big deal in elementary school. You get to do more cool stuff! What they don't realize is the school gets just a little bit harder. She adapting well to the changes though. She recently got news that her brother will be moving back to Florida (about a hour away from us) in December. So she's really excited about that.
Little Miss Baylee or "Boo" (as we call her) turned 3 in April. We moved her to a new Child Care facility in April. Right across the street from our house (how convenient)! The lady who runs it use to be a cheerleading coach for PAL in Land O Lakes and her husband was a coach. She also offers Pre-school so Baylee has a two-year head start for Kindergarten. You can already see the difference in the way she talks.
As for me, well not much has changed. I'm still with the same company (going on 14 years). I'm still trying to research the family. I update the website whenever I see information on our family in the newspaper. Just don't have a lot of time anymore with the girls growing (needing help with homework) and all the other projects I attempt to do. I'm trying my hand at quilting (I'm half way through my first quilt). Well I guess that's it the Carr Family. We hope everyone is well! God Bless Everyone! Can't wait to see everyone in July!
Lots of hugs & kisses,
Joe, Amy, Amy, Nichole, Baylee & Foxy Carr

From Jerry's family:
Hello to all, we hope everyone has had a wonderful year. Not much has changed for Kelly and myself. We are still living in the same house and working at the same jobs. Jessica is in the 2nd grade and on the jogging club at school. Noah started kindergarten and is on a soccer team, both love school and the sports that they do. We are still enjoying camping and hope to do a lot this upcoming year. We wish everyone a wonderful year.

God Bless, Jerry, Kelly, Jessica & Noah

From Kathy:
Hello all;
Well, It's been a very trying year for the nation. It has made everyone take a step back and think about what is really important. I am so grateful to be a part of this amazing family and hold you all very close in my heart. I hope everyone's doing well. Kelly's business is doing well. They are very busy putting lighting up for schools and little league fields throughout Hillsborough county. Kelly went fishing in Alaska this summer and he just got back from hunting in Texas. Justin is in 7th grade this year and is making the principal's honor roll. We are very proud of him. He got braces just before school started and is adjusting to them. Hunter is in first grade this year and received "Citizen Of the Month" the first month of school again this year. His teacher said she wished she had a class of kids just like him. He really enjoys school. His favorite subjects are science and art. He also played baseball this fall. Sierra is growing very quickly. She will be 3yrs old in January. She just started ballet and tap classes and really enjoys them. Sierra has been in a couple beauty pagaents this year and was crowned "Baby Miss Flapjack" in Sept and first runner up in another pagaent. She was in all the local neighborhood papers. I recently celebrated 15 yrs of employment at Aetna Insurance. Time seems to go by very quickly. It's hard to believe another year has passed. Well, I hope you are all doing well and please know that you are all in our hearts.
Kelly, Kathy, Justin, Hunter and Sierra Himes

From Barbara:
Dan and I are about the same as last year. Dan does some woodworking and some traveling. In the springtime he went down to Palm Springs for four days before traveling down to Southern California for a week or two then back to Ridgecrest.
In the middle of July Dan, Briana, Evan and I left in the motor home to visit Laurie, J.R. and Nicholas in Middletown NY. We made it up to Albany so that Brian, Evan and Nicholas were able to meet their Great Grandmother (my Mom) and my Aunt Mary. It took us a week to get to New York, but we had fun along the way, even though it was hard on the teenager of the group. We made several stops including Flagstaff, AZ, Albequerque, NM, Oklahoma City, St Louis, MO, a small town near Columbus OH., another small town near Cleveland OH.
We stayed a little over a week in Middletown and made it down to the big city. All of us hopped on a bus tour and had a great time. Rebecca and Travis met us near the Amish Market, had the best “New York Pizza” lunch and went with us for the rest of the tour. It was really nice visiting with both of them and luckily we all went up to the World Trade Center. We are very thankful we were able to visit the WTC while we could. If we only knew what was in store! Evan had a rough time with September 11th. He just doesn’t understand why anyone would do that!! Does any of us really understand?? I was a somewhat disappointed in our bus tour because I’ve always wanted to go to the Empire State Building, but the tour wasn’t scheduled to go there. The World Trade Center was awesome to say the least and I’m glad it worked out the way it did.
After New York we headed south, stopping at Hershey Pa., which was Evan’s favorite place, full of chocolate!! We visited Gettysburg Va., Lynchburg Va., South Carolina, then to Atlanta to visit Cinda and Ben. Thank you again Cinda and Ben for your warm hospitality, it was wonderful seeing both of you. All good things come to an end and Briana, Evan and I flew back to California. I wish we had more time to visit Florida but it looks good for all of us to make it to the reunion in 2002.
Dan went on to Florida to visit family. He was thrilled to be able to go to Rob's graduation a USF. He also got to do some bass fishing. He was not able to stay very long, his renters were moving out at the end of August, so he needed to get back to California and get it rented again, which he did the first of Dec.
I read this recently and I thought it was a beautiful thought to share with all of you. “May God hold you in the palm of His hand and the Angels watch over you!”

Dan and I want to wish all of you a “Very Merry Christmas” and a “Blessed New Year”
With Love
Dan and Barbara

From Lauie:
MERRY CHIRSTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
We made it through another year. When JR & I arrived in New York last December we were greeted with the biggest snowstorm to hit this area in years. Twenty-four inches fell in one weekend. While Nick was living it up in sunny Florida. The apartment that we originally moved into was so small; we could not stay in it. We were able to get on a waiting list for a two-story duplex in a very nice apartment complex. So we moved into it in February. Much nicer, we have a huge living/dining/family room downstairs, and two bedrooms and a den upstairs. We will eventually buy a home but for now we are comfortable here.
JR’s job is going well. He has not had to travel too much this year. He has been very busy this year converting all of Mediacom’s cable modem subscribers to @home. Just to find out recently @home is bankrupt. Now he will have to convert all of Mediacom’s cable modem subscribers again. If that’s not job security, I don’t know what is…hopefully the new company will be around for a while.
I was not employed for the first few months we were here. I wanted to make sure we were settled, and Nick’s schedule was on track before starting to work. I started working at the end of April for a competitor of Mediacom’s, Time Warner Cable. I am working as a traffic and billing coordinator for the advertising sales team. I schedule commercials to air on twenty-four cable channels in eight different cable systems. After they air I make sure the bills get printed. I am enjoying this job; it is a lot less stressful then dispatching.
Nick started school a day late because his flight to New York was rescheduled twice because of the big snowstorm. He made it though the school year and is now in the 5th Grade. We wanted to get him used to the schedule before he started any sports. This summer he attended a day basketball camp and summer school. He is now in a basketball program one night a week at the local (15 miles away) high school. We just got our first snow, three to four inches. Nick’s friend Steven has a sled, so they went to a small hill here in the apartment complex to ride down.
This summer we had a few visitors: Dad, Mom, Evan and Brianna drove out from California in the motor home for a week in the middle/end of July. It was so good to see them. We took a tour of New York City. We were able to see the Statue of Liberty, Battery Park, The World Trade Center, Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s and Time Square. We all ate lunch with Travis and Rebecca in a little pizza place right across from The World Trade Center, then we all went up to the top. We feel very fortunate to have been able to see such a wonderful site. It was just amazing what you could see off in the distance. After my parents left we had a couple of days off and JR’s parents (Glenn & Shirley) came to visit for two weeks. JR took them to see the Statue of Liberty (Nick’s second trip). Then we all went to a Broadway showing of The River Dance. It is amazing how fast their feet move. JR’s parents ventured on their own to New York to visit an old college buddy of Glenn’s. Family is so important and we are thankful for the time we were able to spend with them.
In October we took another trip to New York City. Uncle Jack and Aunt Melda flew up to see Rebecca and Travis. So we hopped on a train and met them. This trip we saw Grand Central Train Station, took a bus to the Metropolitan Museum, walked into a very small portion of Central Park, and went up into the Belvedere Castle. Wow! There is so much to see & do in New York City; you could spend months there and not see all of it. It is always a blessing when you can do new things with family.
We are really enjoying New York. Last weekend we signed up for a tour of the nine wineries on the Shawangunk Trail; amazingly enough we were only able to find eight wineries in just one day, we were lucky to find our apartment. We are looking forward to our 1st year anniversary. We are heading to the City again, this time we are going to see the Tree & FAO Schwartz.
We are thankful for the many blessings and freedoms we Americans have.
May joy and happiness come to you now and always;
God bless you in the new year.

From Danny’s Family:
Danny returned back to work for EER as a contractor on the Naval base doing computer support. Danny has also been working really hard at making our yards look beautiful. Allison was laid off in late September from OAO Corporation as a Helpdesk operator aboard the Naval base due to the downsizing of personnel that support the NMCI effort. She is currently looking for work. Our family was fortunate to have Danny's daughter Briana move in with us in July from Idaho. Briana is 14 and is a freshman in high school and doing well. Kyle, the stepson of Danny, is 13 and is in 7th grade and made honor roll for the first time, so we a are very proud of his progress in private school. Lindsey, stepdaughter of Danny's, is 11 and is in 5th grade. She is moving towards being musically inclined. Evan is 8, and is in the 2nd grade. Evan resides with his mother, Amy and stepfather Wayne in Lake Elsinore near San Diego California. We get to see him often. Danny and Allison hope to join everyone for the next family reunion in Florida. We miss you all wish all of you health and happiness and a Merry Christmas.

From Cinda:
Greetings all!
Well, another year nearly completed. Where does the time go! I'm writing this on December 10th, and to this point, we've had a very nice fall season in the Atlanta area. Warm and sunny. Very much in need of rain, though. (Approximately 12 inches below normal this year, the fourth year of drought for Georgia and Florida.).
A little hard to sum up this year. So many changes in our way of life in America. Ben and I have so far maintained our positions at Delta Technology. We certainly don't take anything for granted on-going. God provides, and we will trust Him, whatever comes our way. We've been in our new house a year now, and we're finally getting our bearings in this new part of town.
In February, Ben did some kitchen remodeling, that I have really loved. Gave a little facelift to one wall, then added an island and an eating counter.Had wonderful visits from Ralph and Paula and also from Dan, Barbara, Brianna and Evan.
In July, I did my third annual Miami inner city mission trip. We did the week-long daycamp for kids first through sixth grades, hosted Sunday lunch and a movie night for residents of a recovery center run by the Brothers of the Good Shepherd, and hosted a bingo night for residents of one of Mother Theresa's aids hospices there. I always come home exhausted, but glad I went.
We (and everyone else there) managed to surprise Monica real good at her and Herman's birthday party in early September, and helped celebrate Rob and Casey's marriage in late September.
Ben's daughter, Rebecca, is still enjoying her child photography business/hobby. The city of Jackson, GA, where she lives, asked her to do the Santa photos at their annual Christmas parade last week.
His daughter, Alexa, is doing her internships prior to completing her training as an optometrist. She will graduate in May of next year. She is in New York/Connecticut area now for a few months, and just competed a rotation in Melbourne, Australia. At the end of her training there, she was joined by her husband, Chris, and his parents for a fabulous three week tour of the down-under. We had a lot of fun keeping their little Boston Terrier, Cleo, while they were out of the country.
I've worked on one quilt for most of the year, and not sure I'll get it finished before we see 2002. Ben has been very busy with other projects this year, but does now have another one underway. I don't totally understand it, but it is so therapeutic to have a project that doesn't require a computer!
Here's hoping that you all have a wonderful holiday season and a happy 2002.
Love, Cinda and Ben

From Melda:

Dear Family,
What a year! We're certainly counting our blessings. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of 9/11 and our appreciation to all those who protect us daily. We've had many "family events" this year, but the most significant seem to be that Rebecca and Travis moved to Manhattan, Rob graduated from USF in August and got married in September, and Mrs. Higgins moved from her home of 47 years to an apartment in a retirement complex.
Rob and Casey are a great couple and we are very happy to have her in our family. She comes to us from Arkansas (Jonesboro). She played college basketball at and graduated from the University of Kansas . . . already you can see that she and Rob have a lot in common. Her brother, Matt, is a junior at St. Leo University and plays basketball for the Lions.
Jack and I went to New York in October. Rebecca and Travis have a beautiful apartment on the West Side. Couldn't really imagine what New York was like until we saw it for ourselves–the cabs, the buses, the subway, the tall buildings everywhere, etc., etc. We had a great trip and saw a lot of sites including Ground Zero. Laurie, J.R. and Nicholas came into the City and we met them at Grand Central Station and spent a few hours together. It was great seeing them. New York is truly an exciting city and we can't wait to go back.
Rob and Casey will be going to Arkansas for Christmas and Rebecca and Travis will be coming to Florida. We're looking forward to 2002 and wish you all good health, happiness and prosperity.

Melda and Jack

From Rebecca:
Hope this letter finds everyone doing well. The past year sure has flown by. Travis and I made a lot of changes in 2001 and we're hoping that we can relax a little in 2002. In February, we went back to Hawaii for a vacation and to make some big decisions. While we were there, I received a job offer from Banc of America Securities in New York City. We discussed our options, made the list of pros and cons and in the end resorted to the trusty method of flipping a coin. Most of you know by now that the coin landed tails which meant we were going to go for it and move to New York (We flipped 2 out of 3 and then we had to have a "do over" which then became 3 out of 5...) . Needless to say, 2 weeks later I moved to the big city and started my new job. Travis stayed behind in Orlando tying up some loose ends, joined me in May and got a job with Salomon Smith Barney.

All in all, New York is full of amazing and interesting experiences and we're trying to take advantage of all there is to see and do here. Living in the city sure is different from living in Florida!

We had such a fun time when Uncle Dan, Aunt Barbara, Laurie, JR, Nick, Evan and Brianna came to visit NYC at the end of July. We spent a day with them tagging along on a tour and seeing all the great sites including a visit to the top of the World Trade Center. Looking back on that day, I could never have imagined that just over a month later, the towers would be gone. I'm so glad that we had the chance to see it and with such a special group. Travis and I count our blessings that we made it through the events of September 11th and the subsequent days safely. We'll never forget the tragedy that happened that day and the impact it made to our lives.

We enjoyed seeing those of you that were able to make it to Rob and Casey's wedding at the end of September. It was a very nice occasion.

My parents came to visit in October for a weekend. We had a great time showing them around our new city and Laurie, JR and Nick were able to catch up with all of us for a day to see more of the sights.

We hope to see all of you soon and hope that everyone has a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Love, Rebecca and Travis

From Rob:
"On September 22nd, 2001, in St. Simon's Island, Georgia, I made life's biggest transition. No I am not talking about going from the single life to marriage. I am talking about the monumental day in every Barthle's life, where you go from being written about in the Barthle Family Newsletter, to the one doing the writing. While I fully understand the magnitude of this responsibility, we are going to have to hold my beautiful wife Casey partly accountable as well.
In all seriousness, this year has been a very big one in my life, or should I say "our life". Casey Pruitt(now Higgins) and I met nearly a year ago and our relationship rapidly developed. Casey was on an internship with ESPN which allowed us to work together for about six months. We quickly fell in love and I asked(she will tell you "begged") her to be my bride in early March. She immediately said "yes." (Don't blame her, she is only human.) We set the date of September 22nd and we decided on St. Simon's Island in Georgia as the spot for our big day. (Casey is from Arkansas and this location was the most accessible for all involved.) Our families worked diligently together for the months leading up to the wedding and we pulled off the most beautiful wedding I have ever seen. (I guess I am biased.) We truly appreciate everyone that helped with the wedding along with the effort it took to get to this destination. We are forever grateful for everyone's support with our wedding. We would like to take the time to thank our parents for their never-ending work, support, and time (not just with our wedding, but also with our everyday lives). Their love has given us a solid foundation for which to build a family.(someday down the road...not anytime soon...I hope that line didn't make anyone worry...no need to worry here folks...no family anytime soon!)
As Casey and I approach our three month anniversary, we have been very busy with work. I have reached one of my busier times of year as I continue my work as Assistant Director of Facilities and Event Management at USF Athletics. (Try to fit that on a business card.) Casey and I are about to break ground on our first house. The builders say that it should be done by the beginning of May. We are very excited about moving in and being able to spend next Christmas in our new home.
Well, it is time to bring our first inclusion in the Barthle Newsletter to a close. We hope all is well with everyone. We wish you the happiest of holidays and a Happy New Year!"

Love,

Casey and Rob Higgins

From Monice:
Seasons greetings to all!

When the year started, Joe was working for Care Ride in St. Petersburg. Although the work wasn't as exciting as working at the Volunteer Fire Department, he didn't mind it. He did find out pretty quickly what it is like to drive in heavy traffic all day long. He learned to listen to traffic reports and to keep an alternate route in mind in case he met with a delay. He found he missed small town life, and moved back home in May.

Over the summer, he decided to try surfing, and apparently took to it like a duck to water. He loves it! He took a couple of long weekends and went up the coast of Florida from Cape Canaveral to Daytona stopping at each beach along the way. (Of course Mom was concerned about all the shark attacks in the news, but he got safely through the water, and had a wonderful time. In September, he started working for Americare, which is an ambulance company in Hillsborough County. His main station is in Brandon, although he has also run shifts from Mango and Gibsonton. He is an EMT and usually drives the ambulance, so he has had to learn his way around Brandon and Tampa. His normal shift is on 24 hours, off 48 hours, but sometimes he will volunteer for an extra shift (overtime). He wants to go to fire college in Ocala, and Paramedic school somewhere, but for now he is adjusting to the long shifts. We are very proud of all that Joe has accomplished.

Bill is still very active. He was able to wrestle after he returned to school last January (he had been out of commission due to a knee injury). He did very well considering he had missed a good part of the season. He stayed injury free in football this year, so he was able to start wrestling when the season started. He has won most of his matches so far, placing first in the Land O'Lakes Invitational (10 schools) and fourth in the Wesley Chapel Invitational (16 schools) in the 125 pound weight class.

Bill's varsity football team were district and conference champions with a perfect 10 and 0 season! What a thrill!! It's something we'll all remember for a long time.

Bill has been interested in agriculture science since 7th grade, and wanted to take ag classes at Wesley Chapel. It seems ag teachers are hard to come by, so the principal worked out a way for Bill to go to Pasco High for first, second and third period for agriculture, then fourth, fifth and sixth at Wesley Chapel, for Anatomy and Physiology, English Honors and American History Honors. He is consistent in maintaining his honor roll status.

Bill made a retreat at St. Leo in preparation for Confirmation, then during the summer, Bill went to a week-long retreat at St. Leo so he could be a peer minister. He has worked several retreats and loves the interaction with others. He is also a lector at Sacred Heart Church.

With all of his activities, we finally gave up and got a truck for him to drive. He's driving a black Ford Ranger with a Pittsburgh Penguins license plate on the front. He has become quite a hockey fan!!!

Herman is doing well. We started off the year running some tests and ultimately found he had a basal cell skin cancer (NOT life threatening), and goes back for checkups at Moffitt about every 3 months. He just had a recurrence, which they also removed, and we are glad they are keeping an eye on his skin.

After the September 11th tragedy, Herman wasn't sure whether to go to Colorado in October or not. He decided to go. He goes with a group of 12-15 other men, and a couple of days after they got there, 9 or 10 of the other men got sick. They ended up coming home a day earlier than they had planned. Although he didn't have as good a time as he usually does, it was good just to get away from it all.

I believe it was in May that I received an email from Mandi that said something like, "You'll never believe what just happened. Our house just got hit." My first thought (living in Central Florida) was lightning, then burglars. No, she said. Truck! A truck pulling a trailer was pulling out of the pasture across the road when the driver passed out. The truck plowed into the back of Mandi and Billy's house, causing damage to the foundation, kitchen floor, back porch, and more. Every room in the house had to be repainted from the plaster that was knocked off the walls. Billy was home when it happened (he was working nights, and was just getting ready to leave), but was in the front of the house, so he wasn't hurt. We are so thankful that nobody got hurt. It took 7 months for the repairs to finished, but they are finished now, and Mandi says everything looks great.

Herman, Joe, Bill and I made a trip to see Mandi, Billy and Lane in July. It was wonderful to see them and see where they live. The second day we were there, a truck drove by, and the man driving it saw me holding Lane. He immediately pulled in to the driveway, backed out onto the road and sat in front of Mandi and Billy's house watching me until Billy told him it was okay for me to be holding Lane, that I am his Grandmother. It was GREAT to know how much they watch out for them!! While we were there, we all got to meet Billy's Mother (Sandy - I had met her when Lane was born), his sister, Kim, and baby Ashlynn, and other sister, Jenn, husband Robby and baby Karson. Billy's family is a very close and wonderful family.

In September we made a quick trip to South Carolina for Rob and Casey's wedding. It was beautiful and we enjoyed meeting Casey's family. Herman and I would love to go back to St. Simon's sometime when we could spend a little more time. What a gorgeous place!

One highlight of the year for me (other than all the wonderful things going on with Herman, Joe, Bill and the rest of the kids and grandkids) was my 50th birthday! When I got to work the day before my birthday, I found my office walls covered in black plastic, with black balloons everywhere. Pictures of my children and some of me years ago were blown up and taped to the walls. It was a hoot!!! The next day Shelley and I had planned to go to breakfast together, and it seems everyone was busy, so I was totally shocked and overwhelmed to find my family had all gathered to celebrate my big day, including Cinda and Ben, and even Mandi, Billy and Lane! I couldn't believe everything that was done so that I could have a GREAT day! I will cherish that day for the rest of my life! Thank you again to each and every one of you!
Have a blessed holiday season and prosperous New Year. Love,
Herman, Monica, Joe and Bill

From Shelly:
Greetings to everyone!

December 29th, Shelley, DJ and Luke were blessed with a new family member: Hunter Austin Oliver was born early, weighing 6 pounds 5 ounces. (Luke made the connection that Hunter is like his dad, -- DJ is 6 feet 5 inches). He has grown very quickly, and is a big, happy boy. He just started daycare at Sacred Heart in early December after being on the waiting list for quite a while.

Luke is growing like a weed. He is in the 3rd grade at San Antonio Elementary. He was thrilled to have his adoption final. He became Luke Ryan Oliver in June.

DJ has had a tough year. When the company he was working for suffered from cutbacks, he lost his job. Although he had another job for a little while, that job didn't work out either. He has been getting his resume out, and we are praying for a job opening.

Shelley went to work at University Community Hospital. She is had to work nights, but we're also praying a day shift opens up. She loves the hospital and loves the people she works with. She is learning everyday.

May the blessings of the season be with you now and throughout the coming year!
Love,
Shelley, DJ, Luke and Hunter

From Natalie:
Greetings!!!

What a year!!!! Well let's see where to start. Tyler got to play T-ball this year and had a blast. He was kind of confused at first but once he got it he was good. He made lots of new friends and can't wait for the season to start again. He turned 6 in September and started school this year. I cried, he was fine. The first day of school I walked him to class and thought I would have time to adjust to the change. Until the second day of school, I parked the car and he asked what I was doing. I told him I was walking him in. He said with an "oh mother please voice," "NO! you just drop me off at the covered sidewalk so I can walk with my friends." I backed the car up and dropped him off. I cried that day too. He got a four wheeler this year and LOVES to ride. Mom refuses to watch him ride on something that goes that fast.

Dylan has grown like a weed! He had a hard time adjusting to Tyler being gone during the day, but soon realized that he had mom all to himself. Now he gets frustrated when I have to help Tyler with his homework and can't put 100% attention to him. He turned 2 on 12/3 and we had a great get together. We took him on the 4th to get his first hair cut. His bouncy red curls which came down to his shoulders are all gone. He looks like such a little man now. He is definitely alot different than Tyler was. He has to be entertained ALL the time. I guess it's his red hair. In November he started having seizures. He had the first one with me standing there watching and I about had a heart attack. We had to call 911 and take him to the emergency room. He has something they called "Cryer's Syndrome". That's where he gets so upset and his body basically shuts down. They said if we can stop the crying before he gets that far than he should out grow it. But if not than he could have a seizure every time he cries.

Chris is still working for CF Industries. We got kind of worried after all that happened in September. They do alot of over seas trading. But God was watching and made things work out. Well Chris got a new Truck in February. We got him a "98 Dodge Ram Ext. Cab 4X4. It is nice to have more room than the Toyota. However, he misses only having to fill it up once a week. He is supposed to go hunting up in N. Florida or Alabama at the end of the year if all works out.

As for me I traded in the 2000 Voyager for a 2001 Grand Caravan. LOTS MORE ROOM!!

It was nice when we went to the time share in Daytona this year to get to leave all the seats in it and still fit all of our junk. Joe and his friend met us over there and stayed for the day. It was nice to see him having so much fun. I actually got to go down to two of Bill's football games this year. We went to the Wesley Chapel VS. Pasco game and had a great time. What a great team. We put our house on the market in July. After about 3 months of fighting with the agent and thinking about how much I REALLY love our house we took it off the market. Now we are going to just build on 2 more bedrooms, a bath and a screened in room (like Aunt Margies). I can't wait to have more room. Well our cocker spaniel (Toby) got killed last weekend. We are all very upset. It feels strange not having him around. So Chris and I went and bought a miniature poodle named Freddy. He is four months old and chocolate brown. HE IS SO CUTE!! Well I guess that's all from our house. Hope everyone has a great, SAFE, holiday.

God Bless!!!
Natalie, Chris, Tyler, Dylan and Freddy

From Mandi:
Happy Hellos from North Carolina.

This years run down: (Here it is short and sweet) We finally closed on our house on January 9th. Mandi was laid off due to downsizing on January 12th. Mandi started working for Aon Consulting on January 30th. (Aon is the worlds 2nd largest insurance company. Mandi's main responsibility is Financial Management and Control for the Communication Practice.) July- Mom, Herman and the boys came up for a visit. (I really enjoyed the visit. I really wanted mom to see where I was living, so she wouldn't worry...as much!) Sept. 1- Billy, Mandi and Lane all went to FL for Mom's 50th B-day Party. Mandi and Lane participated in a 5-mile walk for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's, Walk for a Cure. (Thank you to all who helped by supporting us.) Mandi started tutoring at an elementary school (where the children need a little more one-on-one help) one day a week, during my lunch hour, through a program called VIP Corporate America. Billy was laid off on October 1st, due to 9/11. Nov. 18th Lane turned 2 years old. (Tell me again where the time goes) Billy was called back to work Nov. 19th (Thank you lord.) Mandi participated in a Habitat for Humanity Women's Build. We are currently refinancing our home, before the lower rates go back up. YIPEE!!

We love and miss all of you.
Mandi, Billy and Lane

From Ralph:
Greetings to All,

We hope everyone is doing well this Holiday Season!
This year started pretty normal. The big event of the spring was when Paula's parents, George and Margie Tubbs, became Catholic at the Easter Vigil Mass here in Saint Joe. Thank you for all your prayers and encouragement during their journey of faith.
In late September we attended Rob and Casey's wedding in St. Simons Island, Georgia. We had a great time and had a lot of fun meeting and spending time with Casey's family.
During Thanksgiving weekend we traveled to West Palm Beach where Sarah Petters was playing in the USA Field Hockey Festival (seven games in three days!) We learned you can't sit still while you watch Sarah play, you must jump up and down and give encouragement (okay so you speak loudly to the refs a little too!) It was great fun spending time with Mike, Nancy, Sarah and Caroline as well as Tim, Debbie, and Nicholas. We also got to meet Nancy's parents and her sister Beth. (Nancy, you have such a warm and loving family!) It was a fun and fast weekend, when can we do it again?
Paula is still taking our friend Debbie Altman to cancer treatments. As these things go, there are good days and bad days. Debbie's attitude and spirit is remarkable.
That's about it for this year, and we look forward to the family reunion in July 2002.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Love, Ralph and Paula


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